Chapter Fifteen

Alpha and Omega

The Captain had received new orders from Starfleet. Before heading to Aliston 12 to pick up the two scientist they were to divert for an emergency. A shipment of medical supplies had to be picked up from a stranded shipping vessel at Starbase 18. The supplies were needed for Presno AE for an out break of a deadly disease from Ciprion that was spreading through the outer edges of the Galaxy.

As Ensign Chekov plotted the new course a call came in from the USS Franklin.

Lt. Uhura spoke to the Captain, "Sir, Captain Johnson from the USS Franklin is on frequency 22B."

"Put it on visual, Lieutenant."

"Aye, sir."

"Jim, this is Matt, how have you been?"

Not particularly liking Captain Johnson, Kirk was brief, "Good, Matt, what's up?"

"I have a request I need your help on."

"Yes?"

"I need three of your top fly boys to come aboard and train some new pilots for the next three weeks. They are green and we have a personality conflict with our instructors. I was hoping some fresh blood would help out."

Kirk paused, "Just for three weeks?"

"Yes."

"We're on an emergency pick up at Starbase 18."

"We're in the same area. I can meet you in 18 hours. I can make arrangements to meet you at the end of the three weeks."

Kirk glanced at his first officer who only raised his eyebrow.

"Alright, Matt, I'll see you in eighteen hours. I'll have the navigator send you our coordinates. Let's make this fast."

"Thanks, Jim."

"Kirk, out."

The Captain looked at Spock, "Send them, Ensigns Kirk, SJ and Cooley."

"Yes, Captain."

"Lt. Uhura, contact Aliston 12 and tell the scientist we will be delayed again."

"Aye, Captain."

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Lt. Commander Sedgwick called down from the upper level rail of the flight deck, "Kirk, SJ and Cooley, report to my office."

The three ensigns dropped their tools and SJ said to Kirk, "What did you do this time, Lucas?"

"It's not me, Mick, what have you been up to?"

"Nothing that I can admit to such young ears."

They lined up in the Lt. Commander's office and waited for him to speak. "Gentlemen, you have new orders from the Captain. In eighteen hours you need to be packed and ready with your flight gear to be temporarily transferred to the USS Franklin for a period of three weeks."

They looked at each other and Lucas spoke, "For what, sir?"

"They need you to train some green pilots they have received. Why they want you knuckle heads is beyond me, but you had better not embarrass the Enterprise or the Captain. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir," they answered.

"Dismissed, and you're done for the day so you'll be ready."

As they left the Lt. Commander said, "Kirk, I know you're a newly wed and all, but it's for a short time."

"Yes, sir." Kirk wondered how he would tell Joanna.

Mick looked at his moping friend, "Aw, come on, ole chap, it'll go by fast."

SJ was in his own misery knowing he'd be leaving Anastasia for the first time, too.

They stopped in their lockers and collected all of their flight gear and put them in the duffle bags. SJ and Mick went to their decks to pack and prepare for the three week tenure. Lucas stopped off in sick bay to find Joanna.

He set his duffle down in a spare room and saw Anastasia. He didn't want to tell her the news. "Where's Jo?"

"In the observation deck taking a break. Why are you here in the middle of the shift?"

He couldn't tell her what he knew so he smiled and said, "Because I miss my wife?"

She laughed and said, "Yea, right."

He did find her alone in the observation deck. She was standing near the windows watching the stars.

As he got closer she smiled and said, "What are you up to?"

"How'd you know I was here?"

"Your reflection. Coming to say you're sorry for leaving toothpaste in the sink?"

He turned her and kissed her. "Let's sit down."

"Lucas, you're up to something."

His blue eyes stared deep into her brown ones. "I have new orders."

Her stomach jumped, "Yes?"

"I have a temporary assignment."

He kept looking at her and rubbing her arms. "Yes?"

"I have to go help train some pilots on the USS Franklin."

"How long?"

"Just three weeks."

She looked down and said, "It could be worse, it could have been months."

He nodded. "I want to take you with me."

"I know, but you can't. That'd be silly for three weeks. We'll be okay, won't we?"

"I'll be miserable."

She laughed at his blue eyes, "Sure you will, you'll be so busy flying around space you won't remember me."

"Jo, I'm serious."

"Well, we've been apart a lot longer than that. When do you leave?"

"In about seventeen hours."

She looked down and said, "I'll be off duty in five. We can have dinner, and say good bye."

"You can't say anything to Anastasia. I think SJ wants to tell her."

She nodded. When she looked up at his bright blue eyes she saw confidence and excitement. "This will be good for you, but promise me you'll be careful. Who else has to go?"

"SJ, Mick and I."

"Mick? Oh gosh, you guys better behave yourselves. Honestly, Lucas, the Three Stooges would have been better picks for the job."

"What do you know about the Three Stooges?"

"We girls have seen your stupid shows you guys have been watching. Some old black and white comedy goofs."

"Well, the Three Stooges weren't pilots."

She laughed and said, "The Captain will flog you himself if you embarrass him."

"I know, we've been properly warned already. Come home as soon as you're off."

"I will," she said, he briefly kissed her and left.

On his way out he grabbed his gear and saw SJ coming into sick bay.

"How'd it go, Lucas?"

"Okay. I didn't say anything to Anastasia."

"Good."

SJ found Anastasia talking with one of the doctors in the small lab. He cleared his throat at the door. She looked up and he motioned for her to come to the door.

She finished her conversation with the doctor and walked up to SJ smiling. "Wow, two handsome ensigns within ten minutes." She paused and said, "Is something, up?"

He found it difficult to look at her. He cleared his throat and said, "Can we talk somewhere?"

She led him to a small conference room and shut the door. He turned to face her and took her hands in his. "I have new orders."

"Yes?"

"I have to leave for training."

"Where and for how long?"

"To the USS Franklin for just three weeks. Lucas, Mick and I have to help train some new pilots. Then they'll deliver us back."

"Well, three weeks shouldn't be too long. I mean I'll have to fight off all the men while you're gone." She brought herself closer to him and kissed him and place her arms around his neck.

SJ forgot where he was and let himself be led into her warm arms and passionate kisses. He rubbed her back and felt himself falling deeper into a pool.

Anastasia jumped, and he heard someone clear their throat. He pulled away and saw Dr. McCoy standing in the doorway. He stepped into the room and the door slid shut.

He crossed his arms and with a deadly aim of his deep blue eyes he growled one group of words, "This is not a hotel."

"No, sir," they both said.

SJ stammered and said, "I have been given new orders sir and I'll be leaving in a few hours."

"Then take it elsewhere."

"Yes, sir."

"Leave."

SJ and Anastasia left the room. SJ asked, "I'll see you after your shift?"

"You bet, fly boy."

It was a quiet dinner between Lucas and Jenna. All of his things were packed and ready at the door.

Lucas said, "We have one more thing to do before we settle in for the night."

Joanna looked up at him as he took her hand and led her out of their cabin. Two decks down they entered the chapel. It was quiet and peaceful.

They knelt next to each other and quietly prayed. Lucas looked up at the cross and said out loud, "Dear God, return us safely together. Help our love to remain strong. If it is your will, never separate us again. Amen."

Joanna knew how torn Lucas was in leaving her. Her eyes teared up and she said to him, "We'll be fine, Lucas. I am so proud of you and I want you to be proud of me."

He gently wiped her tear away and said, "No more tears?"

She nodded and said firmly, "No more tears."

In another cabin the minds and bodies of another couple met for the last time for several weeks. SJ always felt safe with Anastasia and he wanted to protect her and love her for all of his days.

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At 0600 hours the three pilots met in the Transporter Room. They stacked their gear on the pods and waited for final orders.

Captain Kirk with sleepy eyes came in with Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy.

"Well gentlemen, I don't have to give you a lecture on behavior do, I?"

"No sir," all three said.

Dr. McCoy handed each one a copy of their medical records on discs. "Keep these with your gear and don't give them up unless you end up in sick bay." They each had one disc except for Lucas he had two. "Please, Kirk, stay out of sick bay."

Lucas smiled and said, "Yes sir, I will try."

The three senior officers shook each of their hands. Mr. Spock gave SJ the Vulcan split finger greeting and said, "Live long and prosper."

SJ replied, "You, too, sir," and he met his father's eyes with respect.

Kirk said, "Alright, Scotty, energize."

"Energizing."

The three pilots appeared on the USS Franklin and were met by Captain Johnson. At first he looked startled but caught himself. "Youngsters," he thought to himself.

Lucas spoke, "Captain, I am Ensign Lucas Kirk, this is Ensign Spock and Ensign Michael Cooley."

He shook hands and asked, "The captain's and first officer's sons?"

"Yes sir, we are."

"Which one of you is the senior officer of the group?"

Kirk raised his hand.

The captain said, "Follow me gentlemen, I'll take you to your quarters and then to the flight deck."

Their quarters were nothing more than a long narrow closet like room with three bunks and three clothing cabinets, a washroom and small table with chairs.

The Captain said, "It's a little tight in here, but we are much smaller than the Enterprise. The mess hall is down the corridor to your right. Bring your flight gear and we'll continue on."

"Yes, sir," they replied.

They rode the turbo lift down to the bottom deck. The noise and smells of planes welcomed them as they entered. He stopped at the senior officer's office to introduce them.

"Lieutenant Porter this is Ensign Lucas Kirk, Ensign Spock, and Ensign Michael Cooley, our new pilot trainers."

They reached out to shake his hand and he reluctantly shook theirs.

Johnson said, "Lt. Porter will supervise your training, but he has stepped aside as the instructor. I am hoping that you can influence these new pilots with discipline and your knowledge."

Lucas said, "We will try, sir."

"Lt. Porter, show them to the locker room and have them meet their students."

"Aye, sir."

The Captain left and the air became frigid around the Lieutenant. The three eyed each other and Kirk shivered as a joke.

"I saw that, Kirk. If you think you'll get special treatment because your daddy is a big shot captain of the Enterprise, you're sorely mistaken."

"I don't, sir."

"Follow me."

They were shown to three old lockers and put their gear up. The lieutenant led them to the flight deck and he called up the twelve new pilots.

He quickly introduced them and said to the ensigns, "Good luck," and walked away.

Ensign Kirk stood stunned at the lieutenant's treatment of the airmen. He said, "Well, now, let's break up into three groups. When was the last time you practiced in the simulators?"

One answered, "A month ago, sir."

Kirk cleared his throat and stepped back out of ear shot with the other two Ensigns. "I don't know what went on here, but let's start with seeing how they handle the simulators." They agreed and took their groups to the room with the simulators.

The rest of the day the three Ensigns tested their skill level and were surprised that they handled them as well as they did.

Ensign Kirk said to the group, "You did fine today. You just need a little fine tuning and then we'll try out the spacecraft. You're dismissed for the day."

"Yes sir," they responded.

Lucas, S J and Mick gathered around the readings from the simulators.

"What do you think, guys?"

SJ spoke, "I think if I had to learn under Lt. Porter, I'd be lagging behind, too."

Mick said, "It's like me old grandmother use to say, 'too much vinegar spoils the dough,'".

Lucas chuckled, "And that means, what?"

"Lt. Porter is a sour puss who spoiled the whole batch of airmen with his attitude. I don't think it will take three weeks to get these gentlemen in top shape."

Lucas replied, "I don't either. That's good, I want to get out of here as fast as we can."

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To be safe the Ensigns had the pilots practice one more day in the simulators. The pilots assembled next to their space ships and the three Ensigns questioned them on the mechanics of the engine, air supply, oxygen ratio to fuel ratio to how many screws and bolts were needed to attach their seats to the floor.

Ensign Kirk said, "Be sure oil and fuel is topped off because tomorrow we do space drills."

A group of happy pilots checked and rechecked all fuel, oil and hydraulic pumps until Kirk had to tell them to leave.

After the pilots left Lt. Porter appeared on the deck. "Well, Ensigns, you think the airmen are ready for flight trials tomorrow?"

Kirk turned from the spread sheets they were looking at and said, "Yes, sir, we believe they are ready for the next step. Sir, how many hours of space flight did you get out of them?"

"You don't need to question my teaching technique Ensign, may I remind you I have a few more years of experience in this than you do."

"I meant no disrespect, sir, I just wanted to know how much experience they had."

"Enough," he turned and walked away.

Mick mumbled to himself, "Enough of us or enough experience?"

Kirk turned around and said, "What a pompous ass."

Even SJ smiled at that one, "He did not look too happy with us."

Kirk said, "Forget him. Have we covered everything with the pilots?"

Mick said, "I think they just need more air time to build up their confidence."

SJ commented, "This is backwards. They've graduated from the academy, but they are being treated like beginning students. I say we push them to the max tomorrow."

Kirk said, "I agree."

Mick said, "Can we eat, I'm starved."

"You're always, starved," Kirk and SJ responded together.

The three showered in the locker room to get the smell of fuel and dirt off of them. Kirk was shining his helmet and told the other two to go on without him, he'd follow shortly. He walked the flight deck and rechecked tires, fuel lines and general readiness of all the space crafts. He was confident they had not missed anything. He heard a commotion behind him when a strong hand grabbed his shoulder, spun him around and punched him in the face.

His next visual was of SJ and Mick leaning over him. Mick said, "For heaven's sake, Kirk, if'n ye didn't want to join us for dinner, just say so."

SJ said, "Are you hurt, Lucas?" They sat him up and the room spun slightly.

His jaw hurt and his eye was swollen shut from hitting the hard floor.

"Will ye look at that, SJ, one of his baby blues is swollen shut. Tsk, tsk, tsk, Joanna would not be happy."

SJ said, "Shut up, Mick and help me." They stood Lucas up and looked around for other crewmen. "It's probably on a security camera somewhere."

"No, no don't bother. We've just a little over two weeks left. I have a feeling it's best to keep it to ourselves."

"From now on, we stay as a group," SJ said.

Kirk nodded and they brought him some food. A restless night of sleep left Kirk tired and sore by morning.

Looking in the mirror, Kirk said, "Obviously I can't fly today, so you two are out in the field and I will call the drills."

When they entered the flight deck all twelve were suited up and in formation. They looked at Kirk's face and knew not to say a word.

Kirk said, "Ensign Spock and Cooley will be in flight with you today and I will call the drills. Alright gentlemen, board your planes and begin pre-flight checks. Take a deep breath and relax. You're going to do fine. Go."

Kirk grinned as all the pilots hopped in their spaceships and began to prepare for take off. In a short minute they signaled ready.

Kirk retreated to the radar room and gave orders for the bay doors to open. Each plane jetted out and they began maneuvers. The morning hours flew by. Lt. Porter was no where to be seen and that made Kirk happy.

Kirk waited for the first pilot to radio that he was low on fuel and he called in all the birds. "Airmen return to big bird. Well done, gentlemen."

SJ and Mick were as pumped up at the pilots. After post-flight check, refueling and oiling he called all the pilots together as a group.

"Well done, everyone. We need to tighten up our turns a little and leave just a little more space in front of each other. This will all get better with practice. Tomorrow we'll review the video of your flight patterns and we'll point out some improvements. Dismissed."

"Aye, sirs," they responded.

SJ and Mick watched with Kirk as they all left. SJ said, "I was happy with today, overall. I don't know why the Captain said they needed work?"

Kirk rubbed his sore chin and said, "There's only one reason, and I hope the Captain has the sense to know what's going on on his flight deck."

Mick said, "Let's eat gentlemen, I heard there were some pretty ladies wanting to spend some time with us."

SJ said, "Mick, we're both taken, calm yourself."

"Oh, young Spock, have ye an announcement to make, have ye?" Mick teased and flipped his hand at SJ's face.

SJ blushed and pushed back Mick's hand, "You're a crazy Irishman, too."

Kirk chuckled, "Come on guys, let's clean up and eat. I'm bushed, and remember, stick together, that means you, Mick. No teaming up with a woman while we're here."

"Ah, now lad, what a waste of a prime example of a fine man."

The following week was used for practice and study. The three ensigns were more than pleased with the new pilots and gave them the green light to form their own squadron and run their own flight patterns with the aid of the ensigns calling out drills.

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The Enterprise had loaded all of the medical supplies from the floundering craft and sped off to Presno AE at top speed. The planet had run completely out of the antidote and the doctors and nurses were exhausted.

After four days of travel, when the Enterprise arrived the ruling governor almost broke down in tears with relief. "Captain, please unload the medicine as quick as you can."

"It's being beamed down now as we speak, Governor. I can send some reinforcements to help your medical officers."

"We would appreciate it, sir."

"As soon as they are inoculated we'll be there to help."

"Thank you, Captain."

"Kirk, out."

"Lt. Uhura, have Dr. McCoy assign a medical team to go down and help. No one is to go without an inoculation."

"Yes, Captain."

Spock kept an eye on the shuttles going back and forth to the planet. Important supplies and people were beamed downward first. The day passed without incident and the Captain went to sick bay to see his new wife.

Dr. McKenzie was on duty in sick bay. "Captain, can I help you?"

"Yes, is McCoy with the landing party?"

"Yes, sir and so is Mrs. Kirk. She volunteered with many of the other nurses and doctors."

Outwardly he smiled, but inwardly he worried she'd succumb to the disease that was running rampant on the planet. He went to his quarters and noticed how quiet it was without Miriam.

After three days the medical teams arrived back exhausted and ready for sleep. Kirk waited until McCoy rested before he spoke with him. Miriam was dead to the world in their quarters. He checked on her periodically and smiled at how tiny she was. Always feeling protective of her, he covered her with a light blanket and left a note on the night stand.

He returned after a short shift on the Bridge. As he felt Miriam's forehead, fear racked his body. She was burning up with a fever.

"Miriam?" he shook her and could not arouse her. He picked up his wife and ran with her to sick bay.

"Bones," he yelled.

"What's wrong, Jim?" he said running from his office.

"Miriam is burning up."

"Put her on the bio-bed."

McCoy ran his scanner over her and looked at his Captain, "She's come down with the Ciprion bacterial influenza. But that's impossible, she was immunized before we left. I did it myself."

He called for Christine to assist in getting her in a gown and started the iv's and fluids. Shortly after, he allowed the Captain to come in the room.

"Jim, we'll do what we can, but she is critical."

An empty look crossed the Captain's face, as if he knew the answer before he entered the room.

"We have to inoculate everyone on board. I'll start with you."

As the Captain stayed by Miriam's side, the medical teams inoculated the entire crew by the end of the day. Kirk bathed her body to try to cool the fever.

Days passed as Miriam slowly became weaker. The Captain felt someone at his shoulder and looked up. "Spock."

"Yes, Jim. Can I relieve you for a short time so you can get some rest?"

"No, I can't leave her."

Spock pulled up a chair and remained the quiet sentry. Groups of people gathered at the door to show their last respects. The Captain was only aware of fluids and small meals being brought to him. Spock and McCoy never left his side.

During her last night, the Captain laid in the bed with her and held her until her last breath past.

Spock held a crying Christine as they stood at the far end of the room. McCoy, beaten and saddened left to retreat to his office. Dr. Joanna remained to serve where she was needed.

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The following morning a message was sent to the USS Franklin.

"Captain Johnson, a message from the Enterprise is on frequency 7."

"My private channel?"

"Yes, sir."

"I'll take it in my quarters."

"Captain Johnson, here."

"Sir, this is Commander Spock. I'm afraid I have some bad news. The Captain's wife has passed away during the night. "

"I'm sorry, Mr. Spock, what happened?"

"She contracted the Ciprion bacteria while helping the medical team on Presno AE."

"Please forward my condolences, Commander."

"I will, sir. We would like to meet you and pick up our three pilots, one is the Captain's son."

"Yes, Commander. We were going to contact you today. They are finished with their training ahead of schedule. We've been making our way to your sector. Give your coordinates to our navigator and we will make haste to meet you."

"Thank you, sir. Captain, one more thing, could you bring the Ensigns to your quarters. I'd like to inform Lucas myself."

"Yes, hold please, I will have them here in five minutes."

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Lt. Porter hollered down to the three ensigns as they were finishing a meeting with their students. He pointed up to his office.

As the three climbed the 25 steps to his office Mick said, "I wonder what we've done now?"

They were met at the lieutenants door. "The Captain wants to see you three in his office."

"Yes, sir," they replied.

Halfway down the stairs, SJ said, "What an annoying man, he could have told us that from above."

Lucas chuckled out loud. "He's just testing our ability to keep our mouth's shut. We've done well these past two weeks."

Lucas buzzed the Captain's door. "Come in."

"Gentlemen you have a message from Commander Spock. Please have a seat around the monitor. Lucas, up front please."

Ensign Kirk knew this was serious and he could feel butterflies in his stomach.

"Ensigns Kirk, Spock and Cooley here, sir."

Spock replied, "Gentlemen, I have some bad news to report to you. Lucas, Miriam has passed away during the night," he paused.

"What, Mr. Spock? What…"

"She contracted the Ciprion bacteria, even though she was immunized. There was nothing that Dr. McCoy could do. Our labs did their best to help her."

Ensign Kirk whispered, "Dad…."

"Yes, Lucas, I understand. We have arranged to meet your ship and bring you three home. It will take 36 hours and 12 minutes. Be ready to be beamed aboard."

SJ answered, "Yes, sir. We'll be ready."

Spock said, "Lucas, I grieve with thee."

"Uh, yes, thank you, Mr. Spock. Please tell my Dad, we'll be there as soon as we can."

Spock nodded and said, "Commander Spock, out."

The three sat numb letting the information seep in. SJ stood and said to the Captain, "Sir, may we go to our quarters?"

"Yes. I'm sorry, Ensign Kirk."

The three stood and Kirk said, "Thank you, sir. I would like to work on our report. Your pilots are very qualified and ready for combat."

"Thank you, Ensigns."

Kirk said, "We'll meet with them later, sir. I have…."

"Understood, Ensign."

Back in their quarters the ensigns tried working on their final report. Lucas could not concentrate and went to his bunk. Mick and SJ did the best they could.

Kirk woke from a short nap and said, "Guys, let's call a meeting. I'd like you two to run it. My concentration is not the best."

SJ suggested, "Let's wait until tomorrow morning. Mick and I will go back and finish up the day. We'll tell them we'll be leaving tomorrow and pack up our flight gear."

Lucas nodded, "I think I'll go for a walk. Thanks, guys."

After he left even Mick had no remark to make.

The next day as they met the twelve pilots, SJ and Mick gave them the best compliment of the day, "We would be proud to serve next to you in battle. Keep practicing and don't give up."

Ensign Kirk stepped forward and said, "It has been a pleasure to train and serve with you. Starfleet must have a good reason for training us for fighter jets, and they will have a great crew with you leading. Good luck, gentlemen."

The three ensigns shook their hands. They left and gave a final report to the Captain and waited in the Transporter Room for the final order.

Captain Johnson met them as they heard from Mr. Scott on the Enterprise.

"Thank you, gentlemen for your help. I will write my report and send it to your Captain."

"Thank you, sir," they responded.

Captain Johnson gave the order to 'energize' and the three ensigns returned home.

Kirk stepped down from the platform and was met by Dr. McCoy. He looked tired and his eyes were drawn and weary.

"Boys, welcome home." He looked at Lucas and turned his face to the side, "Walk into a wall, Ensign?"

"As a matter of fact, yes, sir."

Dr. McCoy paused, his voice broke as he said, "I'm so sorry, Lucas."

"I know, sir. Mr. Spock said you did all you could,"

McCoy gave each one an immunization.

"Your father is in his quarters."

"Thank you."

SJ said, "We'll take care of your gear."

Lucas dropped his two duffle bags and ran from the room. His throat tightened as he ran. The turbo lift was too fast, he paused outside the Captains door before buzzing to collect himself.

"Come," he heard.

Lucas was not prepared to see the way his father looked. Mr. Spock discreetly left the room. Lucas sat next to his father on the couch.

"Dad."

He looked up at his son, and nodded. "I can't believe it, Lucas. Gone so quickly."

"I'm so sorry, can I do anything for you?"

"No, I'm just so tired."

Lucas stood up from the couch so he could stretch out and covered him with a blanket and went to his outer office. Mr. Spock was working at his father's desk.

Spock stood up and said, "Is there anything you need?."

"Yes, sir." He felt ill and knew he was falling. He awoke in sick bay with Joanna at his side.

"Hello, fly boy." She kissed him gently, her eye held onto small tears..

"What happened? Dad?" he went to sit up and she pushed him back.

"Dad and Mr. Spock are with him. You're just tired and you were given the shot and had a small reaction."

"I have to go to him, Jo."

"Not now."

"Tell me how it happened."

Joanna pulled up a chair and explained the events. "She was so brave and she never stopped. No one knew she was sick until it was too late."

"She had the injection, why did she get sick?"

"One in a million are not covered by the inoculation."

"And she was the one."

Joanna nodded. "I'm going to bring you something to eat and see if it stays down. If you're better, we'll go see your dad."

She helped him sit up and watched his reaction. "I'll be right back."

Warm soup, bread and a coffee were devoured within a few minutes.

"How are you feeling?"

"Good, I want to go now."

They buzzed the Captains door and someone said, "Come."

Spock and Christine were in the outer office. Christine said, "How are you feeling, Lucas?"

"Much better, ma'am. How's Dad?"

Spock said, "He's sitting with Dr. McCoy."

"Can we go in?"

Spock nodded, yes.

The Captain was sitting at his table by the window. It was one of Miriam's favorite places. "Feeling better, Lucas?" his father asked.

"Yes, Dad."

"You two can sit."

Dr. McCoy kissed his daughter and said, "I'll let you visit with him. See you later, Jim."

"Thanks, Bones."

Lucas fidgeted. The Captain smiled and reached over and placed his hand on his son's.

"It's okay, I'm alright for now. Thank you, Lucas. I needed you at that moment."

"Dad, what can we do for you?"

Kirk looked down and said, "Just be patient with me. I have a long process to go through."

Lucas nodded. Joanna got up and hugged her father in-law, "Dad's, I love you and we're here for you."

"Joanna, you should take your husband back to your quarters. You have a lot to catch up on. Lucas, you can fill me in about your stay on the Franklin, later, and maybe we'll talk about that eye of yours."

Kirk stood and Lucas hugged his father. They embraced much longer than they normally did. "I'm right here, Dad, right here."

"Thanks, you two. I'll walk you out and scare off the rest of the crew. They need some rest, too."

Spock and Christine stood as their Captain came in the outer-office.

The Captain looked at an exhausted Spock and gave Christine an order, "Christine, you will take Mr. Spock to your quarters and get him to sleep or medidate. Spock, that is an order. I'll be fine for now."

"Jim, I…"

"No, Spock, that's an order," he said softer.

Lucas left with Joanna. Spock stood in front of his friend. The deep respect they had for each other was in their eyes. "I'm right next door, Jim."

"I know."

A long night went on for everyone.

Two days later Mrs. Miriam Kirk's body was sent into space with the proper burial of a dedicated nurse, friend and wife. The Captain didn't know what life was going to be like tomorrow. All he could worry about was today.