The next morning, Jim was feeling even better. Bones had given him another dose of the serum. "When can I get out of this bed?" Jim asked.

"When I say so," Bones replied in his usual manner. "When I know you're not going to keel over from some unknown side-effect of this plant or planet." He was scanning Jim. "So far, everything looks back to normal, and we know your mouth is back to normal."

"Thank you, Bones."

"I guess you're welcome. I've got another question to ask: why were you riding a horse?"

Jim scowled. "What?"

"You had been riding this big horse…and I'm talking about bigger than normal. It tried to attack us and was protecting you when we found you."

Jim thought about that. "Like I said, all of it is like a blur," he said. "I just can't remember everything that happened."

"Well, I wonder what happened to that animal after we left. Ajah was the one who made the horse come after him so we could stun him. I'm glad you had a talk with him last night."

"Where is he this morning?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen him."

Ajah was on the holodeck. He had gotten the holo-novel stick from Spock that had Lieutenant Stow's version of his novel on it. He intended to find more information this time. He hoped perhaps there was something on it that would tell him where Lieutenant Stow was now. Maybe Stow did not have time to go back and get everything and did not expect to have to leave this holo-novel to be found. He supposed Lieutenant Brand did not have time to grab everything either.

Just as Ajah was about to activate the holo-novel, Solan walked in. "Hey," he said. "I want to help you."

"I'm not sure I need any help," Ajah replied.

"Well, two pairs of eyes are better than one, right?"

"Maybe."

"Why don't we start over there at the village and see what's happening there rather than focusing on what Jim was doing?" Solan asked. "We're not going to learn anything from that, I don't think."

"We might. I want to know what happened to Admiral Kirk when he was crossing this desert," Ajah replied. "But we'll go to the village too." He inserted the holo-novel stick and the desert on Garresant appeared around them. "Computer, we don't want to be seen by the characters." The computer beeped. Ajah looked at Solan. "Okay, now we can watch without being part of the story."

They walked until they found Jim again. "Can't we turn off the heat?" Solan asked.

"No," Ajah replied. "Otherwise, it wouldn't be like it was."

As they watched Jim struggle across the desert, they wondered if they would find anything by watching this, but then they heard the sound Jim had heard while he was in that desert. They looked behind them. "What was that?" Solan asked. "I never heard anything make any sounds while we were on that planet."

"Neither did I," Ajah replied. "You think maybe it was something to drive the admiral?"

"Has to be, or something was just brought there for that purpose."

Ajah frowned. "Why don't we wait to see what it is?" he asked.

"If it's following him, all we have to do is wait when he stops."

"This must be how they drove him to the forest where the bird people live."

"This is getting worse all the time," Solan said.

They finally came to the place where Jim fell asleep among the boulders. They climbed up onto the rocks to watch and wait to see what happened. Soon, they heard the sound again and they could see someone coming across the desert with an animal on a leash. "Look at that," Solan said as he pointed.

"I see it," Ajah replied.

The animal was definitely a cat-like creature, and it was tracking Jim. Solan and Ajah saw Jim wake up and hear the creature and they could see his fear. He got out of the rock formation and ran. They followed him and he went into a cave. "Why is he going in there?" Solan asked.

They went on in and went through the same opening in the back of the cave. "How did he know that was there?" Solan asked.

"He took a chance," Ajah answered. "He knew that animal would track him in there and wouldn't be able to get through there."

"I've got another question: How did Stow know what Jim would do?"

Ajah frowned. "It is puzzling. You think he did some of this after he got off the planet?"

"He may have until he realized we were looking for him," Solan said.

"Or, this computerized holodeck could analyze what he might have done, especially if he put in a lot of information about Admiral Kirk."

"Enough for it to know what he would do?" Solan asked.

"It's a theory. I mean, there's no way to know for sure, but somehow, he got enough information into this for it to look like that planet."

"Right."

Solan climbed up onto a rocky outcropping. "Let's wait and see who's following him with that animal," he said.

Ajah climbed up beside him. "Maybe it's our suspect."

"If it is, that will be proof enough to relinquish any doubts as to his guilt."

"I agree. What did he make this for? So he can watch it and gloat or laugh?"

"Maybe we're dealing with a sick minded person here."

"I'll say. Kidnapping someone is a sign of a problem."

They were silent while they waited for the pursuer. After what seemed like a very long time, the pursuer came around the side of the rocky outcropping, and they could clearly see the cat creature which was quite large, but it had a leash, and the one who was holding the leash was none other than Lieutenant Stow. "Well, that proves it," Solan said. "Computer, stop program."

The program froze, and Solan and Ajah climbed down. "So, he was driving the Admiral to that village," Ajah said. "How did he know he would end up there?"

"If he had thought he was going another way, he would most likely have herded him."

"I can't believe this. It still doesn't explain why."

"Only Lieutenant Stow can explain that, but Doctor McCoy had a theory about that."

"Yeah, I heard it," Ajah said. "You think that is really the reason, and even if it is, it doesn't explain why he chose Admiral Kirk."

"I know. Are we done here now?"

"I don't think I want to see anymore. We should let Spock know what we found out."

"Computer, end program."

The desert disappeared, and they were left in the holodeck. Solan shook his head. "It's hard to believe this room can create stuff like that," he declared.

"I agree," Ajah replied.

They went to the Bridge where Spock sat in the captain's chair. "Captain, we found something," Solan said.

Spock stood up. "We will discuss it in the conference room," he replied.

They all went to the conference room, and Solan and Ajah explained what they found out. "There was no indication of where the lieutenant has gone?" Spock asked.

"No," Solan answered.

"You have done well. We must rely on the bulletins we have sent out to find Lieutenant Stow and Lieutenant Brand."

"What if we don't find them? What if they left in a ship and they're just staying on it?"

"They would eventually have to stop for supplies. It is only a matter of time before they are seen."

"I still think we are missing something. When we get back to Earth, I'm going to the depot to find out if anyone saw them leaving in a ship."

"You may investigate as much as you wish. I would like to be kept informed."

"Don't worry."

Four days later, the Enterprise arrived at Pacifica. "Why don't you stay here a while?" Bones was asking as he and Jim were heading to the exit hatch.

"I don't want to stay here," Jim replied. "I want to find out where my two kidnappers have gone. I'll be fine, Bones."

"Just remember, if you feel funny in any way, or if you…"

"I know. You've told me only about a hundred times."

Bones shook his finger at Jim. "You best pay attention," he said.

"I feel fine," Jim replied. "I really do."

"Well, just make sure you get check ups for the next two weeks." Bones sighed. "I feel like I'm abandoning you."

"Bones, you already cured me," Jim said.

"But it's only been four days." Bones folded his arms. "I'm just not staying here. I'm going back to Earth with you for now until I know you're going to be alright."

"Are you sure it's not just so you can be involved in this investigation?"

"Oh, sure. Go ahead and blame it on that. It's not like I care about you or anything."

"Okay. I'm sorry."

"I just have to do a few things and then I'm coming back."

"Right. I think I'm going out into the spaceport for a while before we depart. I think I want to be on a planet that won't poison me for a little while at least."

"Just be careful out there."

Jim went out into the spaceport to look around. He thought maybe he would find someone who had seen Lieutenant Stow or who knew something about him. As he walked down through the line of cargo ships, he got a few surprised looks from people who obviously recognized him. Some of the ships he was seeing were a lot like Solan's ship.

Jim went to the control room and found the person in charge. He was surprised to have an admiral visiting. "Admiral Kirk, Sir," he said.

"At ease," Jim replied. "I'm not sure what kind of ship they would have been in, but have you seen this person?" He showed him a picture of Lieutenant Stow.

The man looked at the picture. "No, Sir. I'm sorry. I heard about your disappearance. I wasn't aware that you had been rescued."

"I guess it hasn't gotten around everywhere yet. Do you see everyone who comes through this port?"

"No, Sir. That would be impossible."

"What about security cameras? Can you run a facial recognition program for the last week or two?"

"I can, Sir."

"Do that for me. You can contact the Enterprise to let us know what you find and send that information."

"Yes, Sir."

Jim walked on. He hoped he could find someone else who would be so cooperative. He thought maybe he would check the bars. There were two close to the spaceport, so he went to the first one. It was quite crowded, so Jim went to the bar where there was a Vulcan bartender. He would never have thought he would see a Vulcan in such an occupation, but he figured if anyone could remember faces, it was a Vulcan. "What'll you have?" the Vulcan asked like any other bartender.

Jim showed him a picture of Lieutenant Stow. "Have you seen that guy in here the last few days?"

The Vulcan stared at the picture a moment. "Yes," he said.

Jim waited for him to go on. "Well, when?"

"Approximately, two weeks prior to this day, and again approximately ten and one half days prior to this day."

Jim scowled at that precise answer. "Okay. Was there anyone with him?"

"The second time, there was a female human with him."

Jim changed the picture to that of Lieutenant Brand. "Is that her?"

The Vulcan looked at the picture. "Yes."

"Well, do you know if they left the planet?"

"No."

"Did you hear them discussing anything?"

"It is not in the Vulcan custom to eavesdrop."

Jim almost laughed at that. He had certainly caught Spock eavesdropping. "Thanks," he said.

Jim left that bar. He was sure he was not going to get better answers than that. He opened his communicator. "Spock."

"Yes, Admiral," Spock answered.

"I just found out that both our suspects came here," Jim said. "The bartender doesn't know if they left the planet, but they were in that bar."

"It is unlikely that they could stay on this planet without being seen."

"Unless they changed their appearance. I have the spaceport commander doing a facial recognition to see if he can find out what sort of ship they came here in."

"Be careful, Jim. If they are still here and they see you, they could take drastic measures. People who are afraid of being found out can become desperate."

"I know that," Jim replied. "I don't intend to give them the chance."

Just then, Jim saw Solan coming through the crowd of people. "I see you sent a bodyguard," Jim said to Spock.

"Solan requested to follow you," Spock replied.

"I'll let you know if I find out anything else. Kirk out."

Solan came over to Jim. "I suppose you're my bodyguard now," Jim said.

"Yeah," Solan replied. "And Ajah is coming too."

Jim saw Ajah coming that way. "You guys don't have to follow me around," Jim declared. "I'm aware of the danger this time. Besides, if I have a crowd of people around me, it's gonna spook them."

Ajah and Solan just stood there. Jim sighed as he turned around. "Fine, come on then," he said.

As they were walking this time, Jim's communicator chirped. "Kirk here," he answered.

"Jim Kirk," Carol said, bringing Jim to a halt. "Where are you?"

"I'm out in the space port trying to find some more clues."

"I was not aware that Doctor McCoy had released you."

"Yes. He did this morning."

"I expect to see you soon."

Solan and Ajah looked away as though they were not hearing that conversation. "You will," Jim replied. "I did find out that Lieutenant Stow and Lieutenant Brand came to this planet."

Carol was silent a moment. "Are they still here?" she asked.

"I don't know. That's what I'm trying to find out now. Don't worry, I have two nosey bodyguards."

"Good. I still expect to see you soon."

"I'll be there."

"Good. Carol out."

Jim just stood there a moment. "Doesn't she know I'm supposed to sign out first?"

Solan put his hands in his pockets. "I don't know," he replied.

"I know you heard all that," Jim said.

"I didn't hear anything."

Jim rolled his eyes. "Come on."

As they walked, Jim wondered where he could get more information. The Vulcan did not know whether the suspects had left the planet or not. Who else would know? He supposed he could check the lodges and see if anyone saw them, but he was sure if he stayed here long enough, it would get around that he was here, and he would be called to the overseeing admiral's office.

Jim soon came to the hotel where they had stayed before when they were on Pacifica. He found it hard to believe that the suspects would stay in such a public place, but maybe they thought no one would recognize them. He went in with his two bodyguards following not far behind. He went to the front desk.

"Excuse me," Jim said. He showed the desk clerk a picture of the suspects. "Have you seen these two people?"

"No. I haven't," the clerk replied.

"Are you the only one who works here?"

"No. We have shifts."

"Can anyone just check in anytime they wish?"

"Yes."

"Thanks."

Jim went back outside. "I guess we could visit some of the other hotels and lodges," he said.

"I would suggest slums, but there are none on this planet," Solan replied.

"If they stayed here at all, they had to have a room. Right?"

"They could have stayed on the ship. Maybe they just went to the bar to get a drink. Maybe they just picked up supplies."

"That's true. I think the only thing we can do is wait for the port commander to do that recognition search. I don't know any other way to find out what kind of ship they came here in. If we can find that, we can send out that description."

"How would they get their own ship?" Ajah asked. "Wouldn't it have to be registered?"

"Not necessarily," Solan said. "Believe it or not, there is an underworld on Earth and everywhere…except maybe here. This one gives that one a nudge, and that one whispers in this one's ear. They could do it if they had the right connections."

Jim folded his arms as he listened to Solan's explanation. "I don't know what's more disturbing," he said. "The fact that something like that goes on, or the fact that you know about it in such details."

"I hear things, okay?"

"You're always listening for little bits of information?"

"Yeah."

"I'm not going any further into this place right now. I think we should just go back to the Enterprise to wait." Jim paused a moment. "I don't know. I just get a peculiar feeling."

Solan frowned. "What kind of peculiar feeling?" he asked.

"Like I'm being watched."

Ajah shook his head. "I felt like that on Earth when we were trying to find you. Either they're here, or they have connections."

"They know things about Starfleet."

"That can't be good."

"But who knows we're here?"

"A few people," Solan replied.

Jim shivered. "Let's go back to the ship," he said.

On the way back to the Enterprise, Solan decided to linger in the shadows to see who was following Admiral Kirk, if there was anyone following him. However, he saw no one in particular following or watching. They boarded the Enterprise. "I didn't see anyone following you," Solan said.

"What is going on then?" Jim asked. "Why would they be after me anyway? This situation is over except for taking them in to face consequences. I want to talk to that birdman in the Brig."

When Jim got to the Brig where Kuaya was being held, the birdman was trying to lie down with his wings making it difficult. Jim walked up to the cell and just stood there a moment. Kuaya saw him and stood up. "You're Admiral Kirk," he said.

"I am," Jim replied. "Why did you leave your planet?"

"I wanted to see something different."

"Are you sure that's the reason?"

"I don't know what you mean."

"Yes you do. Your species has a tendency to stretch the truth and completely turn it around into something else. I don't believe you just came along to see other places."

Kuaya just stared at Jim a moment. "I guess it doesn't matter what you think," he said.

Jim smiled slightly. "Yes, it does matter what I think," he replied and then turned around and left the Brig. He went to the Bridge.

"Admiral on Deck," someone said.

"As you were," Jim said.

Spock stood up as Jim approached the captain's chair. "Admiral, you wanted to see me?" Spock asked.

"Yeah," Jim said. "I want you to make sure that birdman doesn't get out of that Brig. They shouldn't believe anything he says."

"That is already the rule. Do you have new information?"

"There's just something that's not right. I can't put my finger on it yet, but something…"

"We will be vigilant. Do you believe the suspects are on the planet?"

"I don't know but they've been here. The port commander is going to send us a report when he's done with the face recognition. I want to know the minute we get it."

"Yes, Admiral."

Jim left the Bridge and stood in the corridor for a moment. He would simply have to wait for that report. While he stood there, Carol came into the corridor. She stopped and folded her arms. "Where have you been?" she asked.

Jim could not keep from smiling at her stance. "You know where I've been," he replied.

"You're very amused."

"You missed me, huh?"

"Of course I missed you. Didn't you miss me?"

Jim scowled slightly at that. "I'm sure I did," he said. "Everything's kinda fuzzy right now."

"Why don't you come here and I'll show you how much I missed you?"

Jim looked around the corridor as though he were making sure no one was listening to that. "I think I will," he replied and hurried toward her.

Carol flashed a smile at him and ran for their quarters. Jim wondered if it was proper protocol for an Admiral to chase his wife down the corridor…but he was doing it anyway.