Chapter 6:

Starbase 6

The Enterprise and the Stargazer make it to Starbase 6 in Federation space. Sulu tapped the comm button: "Captain Picard, Captain Kirk, to the Bridge, please. Starbase 6 on approach."

Picard answered, "Acknowledged. We're on our way." On board the Stargazer, Picard approached the Bridge. "Open hailing frequencies, Mr. Spock." "Hailing frequencies, aye." Spock pushed a button, (Uhura monitored from the Enterprise), "Channel is open, Captain."

"This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the U.S.S. Stargazer, requesting permission to dock at Starbase 6."

"U.S.S. Stargazer, this is Starbase Control, please engage impulse and thrusters only and prepare for tractor beam." Picard replied, "Acknowledged, Control. Ensign, all stop." "Answering all stop, Captain," MacDuff answered. Picard issued new orders: "Now, engage thrusters and slow to 1/8 impulse and decrease as we get closer. When the tractor beam tugs, let go of controls." "Aye, sir. Console systems read ready."

A PA system chimed sounded ship-wide: "Attention crew of the Stargazer, this is the Captain! Prepare for docking at Starbase 6. All crew members report to stations, all senior staff to the Bridge."

The ensigns and lieutenants reported to respective duty stations and Spock and Scotty made their way to the Bridge.

"Captain, Starbase 6 has control of the ship." "Acknowledged, Conn. Disengage your console and wait."

Stargazer Arriving

Enterprise Arriving

Starbase 6 PA systems announced the return of both ships and crewmen applauded on the ground floor, looking toward the docking bay.

Picard, Kirk, and their crews disembarked and met Norah Satie. "Captain Picard, welcome to Starbase 6. "Admiral Satie, I believe you know the gallant crew of the Enterprise."

Satie nodded toward them and quickly returned her gaze to Picard, "You are to be debriefed immediately, pending an investigation into the supposed "loss" of the Stargazer.

Picard countered, "Well, as you can see, Admiral, the Stargazer was not lost, not entirely." "The ship may have returned, but where is the crew?"
Captain Picard was at a loss for words, Spock interjected, "Admiral, the Enterprise crew responded to only one distress call: Picard's. We regret that we did not conduct a further search for the crew, if any other survived."

Norah raised her voice, "Your regret is not an excuse! An investigation into the remaining crews and the escape pods is commencing as we speak."

Norah composed herself, "Captain Kirk and Spock and all members of the Enterprise crew are to be decommissioned and dismissed from further service to the Federation as per Starfleet Command, effective immediately. You're dismissed, Captain Kirk."

Kirk and Spock turned to walk back to the ship, "Admiral, if I may." Picard turned to Kirk, "Thank you, Jim." James T. Kirk took Picard's hand. "Good luck, Captain." Picard turned to Spock and held up a hand, splitting his fingers: Live long and prosper, Mr. Spock." Spock returned the Vulcan salute: "Peace and long life, Captain Picard." The two aging captains turned back to the Enterprise.

Captain turned back to Admiral Satie.

"Captain Picard, you are hereby being temporarily detained for questioning in regards to the last mission of the USS Stargazer. Please return to the Stargazer when it is complete and set a course for Earth. A temporary crew will be assigned to your ship to make it safely to Earth. You are to be detained upon arrival and you will remain at Starfleet Headquarters pending a review from the Board of Inquiry. Are we understood?" Captain Picard stood at attention and answered: "Yes, Sir!