This is just part I of this chapter, Part II is coming very soon. I also greatly hope that you all review :) thanks and enjoy!
"Tomorrow is Today - Part I"
"Captain's Log: Star date 3022.6, the Enterprise is en route to the planet Telesia, the Dilithium crystal mining planet. Starfleet has ordered us to inspect, collect readings on the surface for any potential dangers, and perform yearly physical check-ups on the miners. Mister Spock, Doctor McCoy, Engineer Scott, and myself will beam down for the duration of five days. Then we will proceed on course to Star base two in the Lorentian System to affect repairs and perform fuel-ups if needed. Some rest and relaxation among the crew is also in dire need… especially for the newly married Mister Spock and Lieutenant Natalie Hurst."
"Come on, Spock! What's it like being married while at the same time not feeling any emotion toward it?" Doctor McCoy was pressing Spock on the details of his new marriage while laughing as they walked in the corridor on deck five.
Mister Spock just looked slightly annoyed but kept walking, and then they entered Sick bay. McCoy darted in front of him, "Well? I wanna know how she feels being married to a computer with ears that can pick up sonar," the Doctor said while slightly chuckling to himself and folding his arms.
"Actually, Doctor, she finds it quite satisfying."
"Really…" he started to look coy, "She said that, huh?"
"Yes, Doctor, she actually appreciates real intelligence. Now if you'll excuse me, I have duties up on the bridge." Spock then turned and headed out of sick bay.
McCoy looked at Nurse Chapel and said, "Did he just insult me?" He pointed his thumb toward the door and looked quite shocked and confused at the same time.
Christine just laughed and said, "I think so, Doctor. But it's his way. He's only defending himself."
"Defending himself! He can't defend himself! There's no ego in that body of his to be capable of defending anything! A computer can only calculate and do what you tell it to do!" He started waving his arms in the air as he walked over to his desk.
He calmed himself down by looking at some of his patients' charts when Nurse Chapel spoke up, remembering something, "Oh, Doctor?"
"Yes, Christine?" He said this in a quite frustrated tone not even looking up from the charts.
She walked over with a report for him to sign and said, "There's someone waiting for you in your office."
His head jerked up, "My office? Nurse Chapel, you know that no one is to be allowed in my office!" He got steamed and immediately headed for the small space just big enough for a desk for himself while still shouting, "Who does this person think they are! Waltzing into my office like they own the place! Do they have an advanced degree in medicine practices! I don't think so," he started to grow fainter as he approached the door, but still audibly heard in the other room. Christine simply smiled to herself as she went in to check on patients.
He continued to shout while opening the door, "Who in blazes—!" But he suddenly stopped when he saw Jeanine sitting in his chair with her legs crossed and feet up on his desk while smirking in a coy way.
"Would you like to rephrase that sentence, dear? And your tone needs some work as well." She looked at him with her arms crossed like he had some explaining to do.
He knew he was caught, "Well, honey, I… well, I didn't mean it like that."
"Uh-huh…" She swung her legs off the desk, very smoothly stood up and started to slowly walk over to him with an almost glare as she folded her arms.
"I didn't know it was you, Jeanine," he tried to smile like he didn't do it on purpose, and then his expression turned back to normal, "What are you doing in here anyway?"
"Don't worry, Leonard. I should have told you that I was coming but I wanted to give you a proper goodbye since you'll be gone for five days." She then proceeded to put her arms around his neck.
He smiled, "Oh," and his eyebrow went up as he reciprocated by wrapping his arms around her and half smiling coyly. "I guess I'll have to be gone for a week more often then."
"Don't you even think about it, Doctor McCoy. You're needed up here."
"I am?" He smiled and said, "Glad to know I'm wanted." He then proceeded to kiss her as he bent down slowly when she smiled and locked on him as they were leaning up against the front of his desk.
They then exited his office moments later hand in hand when Dr. McCoy said to Nurse Chapel, "Christine," she looked up at him, "Could you take over my patients for about an hour or so?" He winked at her and Nurse Chapel winked back at the both of them as they left sick bay.
Up on the bridge, Captain Kirk was at command, and everyone was very anxious to get to Telesia, for the entire crew couldn't wait for rest and relaxation. Kirk was even starting to show signs of fatigue, but he needed to not show it for the ship's sake. "Position, Mister Sulu?" Kirk said as he rubbed his eyes with his hand while slumped in his chair.
"Bearing twenty-three mark seven, Captain," Sulu immediately answered.
"Thank you." Then he pressed communication button on his chair and said, "Scotty?"
Engineer Scott answered, "Scott here, Captain."
"Scotty, why don't we crank it up to warp six? The faster we get to Telesia, the faster we can get this job done and move on to our shore leave."
"Aye, Captain. Warp six comin' up!" Scotty replied sounding eager as always, since he loved getting to use the engine's full capability.
"With that speed, how long will it take us then?"
"Twenty-four hours, Captain."
"That's fine, Scotty."
"Aye Sir."
Telesia is positioned very near the border of the Neutral Zone so they must monitor on-coming Klingon or Romulan ships at all times. Captain Kirk then turned to his science officer. Mister Spock was looking through his sensor probe when Kirk could see the gleam of a small silver ring on the officer's left hand on the sensor dial as it turned in different directions. He half smiled a little, still unable to believe that Spock was married, before he asked, "Mister Spock, status on other ships in the area."
Spock looked up and half turned toward the Captain, "Negative, Captain. No other vessels in the immediate vicinity."
"Out of range? Or is someone keeping their distance to keep an eye on us?" Kirk was thinking out loud, when he was startled as Spock answered him.
"Possibly, Captain. Although, unlikely, for we are not close enough to the Neutral Zone. They have no reason to look into us being here."
"Never judge a book by its cover, Spock."
Spock immediately looked confused, "I don't understand, Captain, why I would judge the cover of a book. The covers are supposed to be pleasing to the eye to catch the reader's attention."
Kirk just sighed, "Forget it, Spock."
Just then, Doctor McCoy entered onto the bridge when Captain Kirk noticed and turned his chair. "Why, Bones, now where have you been off to? Haven't seen you up here lately ranting about how to run my ship." He smiled a little.
McCoy just acknowledged him in a 'Ha ha. Very funny, Jim' kind of way. He was at the Captain's left side now and then winked at him while smiling to answer his question. Kirk immediately got the picture and laughed when Spock turned to see what was going on. His eyebrow was raised and he slowly turned back to his sensor. "Still no other vessels in sight, Captain."
"Very well, Spock," and he proceeded to stand while heading toward the lift with McCoy right behind him. "Well since we have twenty-four hours until we arrive at Telesia, I think it's only fitting that we take a short rest now so we'll be alert to do our jobs with the miners."
Dr. McCoy hastily agreed and waved a finger in the air, "Yes, what an excellent notion, Captain." And they both looked at Spock.
He simply raised his eyebrow and answered, "I fail to understand why you both seem exceptionally pleased with yourselves."
McCoy's expression faded as he waved his arm in Spock's direction and said, "Oh forget you Spock! You don't understand what it means to be human."
Spock's expression changed to satisfaction, "Why thank you, Doctor McCoy."
He just rolled his eyes and headed for the lift. Kirk laughed a little and said, "Spock, you have the con. If you need me I shall be in my quarters."
"Very well, Captain." And he proceeded to the Captain's chair when Kirk joined a cranky McCoy in the lift.
"I don't understand it!" McCoy shouted once the doors were closed and he and the Captain were alone.
"What's that, Doctor?" Kirk asked looking at his friend while he said, "Sick bay," to the turbo lift command.
"Spock! He's married now," Kirk nodded in agreement, "yet he still doesn't understand the meaning of that kind of relationship!"
"Bones, try to understand, Spock is a very complicated being. I'm sure Lieutenant Hurst knows that and understands what kind of man he is. That's love for ya."
"I guess," McCoy was still steamed and tried to calm himself down, "But it's still unnatural."
"Oh, just let them be, Bones."
"Fine."
"So how's Jeanine?" McCoy looked at him, "I mean… with the… you know," he gestured his hand toward him so that McCoy knew what he was talking about; Jeanine's medical dilemma.
"Oh that. Uh she's holdin' up. She's finally letting it go. I guess we're both gettin' used to the fact that she and I maybe aren't meant for that sort of thing… parenting." He started to smile, "Although, it would be nice to have another little girl again," he smiled to himself with his hands behind his back, "Then that's all I would need in life… my girls. I don't know why, but I've always been a little uncomfortable around boys. I don't think I'd make a good father to a boy. I loved being one to Joanna though." The thought comforted him. But he knew that it could never happen.
Kirk put his arm around his friend's shoulders, "Well, you still have family up here. Both of you," he smiled, and McCoy smiled back.
"Thanks, Jim."
Then the lift stopped on Deck Five where McCoy got off to head back to Sick Bay to check on some more of his patients and do some paper work.
The doors closed again and Kirk took one last look at the door feeling for his friend and continued, "Deck six."
"Captain's Log: Star date 3023.4, the Enterprise is nearing Telesia by the Neutral Zone border. The crew has taken a short relaxation period on the ship before we arrive to do our jobs. The landing party is set for a long and slow stay on the planet's surface with assignments to attend to while the crew on the Enterprise continues calculations and monitoring of the Zone itself. We don't want to run into any trouble with outsiders."
Kirk and Dr. McCoy entered onto the bridge when the Captain looked to his first officer, "Spock, status report." McCoy stood next to Kirk with his arms behind his back.
Spock replied, "We will be within standard orbiting range in precisely eight point two minutes, Captain."
"Alright then, have Mister Scott meet us in the transporter room in ten minutes." He then looked at Uhura, "Lieutenant, patch in a hailing frequency with the head Telesian miner for instructions upon our arrival and have them sent to the transporter room."
"Yes, sir," Uhura replied as Kirk and McCoy began making their way back to the lift when Spock headed behind them.
Just then, Kirk got an idea. He walked over to Uhura and whispered in her ear. They both smiled as she said, "Aye sir."
Then Kirk turned his attention back to Spock and McCoy, "Well, gentlemen? Shall we proceed? Chekov, you have the con now for the next five days." He then herded them into the lift. They were both confused when McCoy said, "What was that all about, Jim?"
"Hmm? Oh, that. Well, Bones, that was just a nice gesture from your Captain and your friend," he said and smiled with pleasure to himself.
The others were still just as confused when the turbo lift doors opened. They all three walked down the hall and then entered the transporter room on the right. When Spock and McCoy walked in, they were surprised to see Jeanine and Natalie standing before them holding their gear. McCoy grinned from ear to ear.
"Jeanine!" He walked over and stood in front of her as she started to hand him his medical kit and communicator. He then looked at the Captain, "Jim? I thought no one was allowed in the transporter room unless you're the technician or beaming down."
"Ah, now you see, Bones. I am the Captain. And being me has its… certain privileges." He smiled in response.
Spock walked over to Natalie with a very slight smirk and she handed him his phaser and communicator. "Thank you, Natalie." As much as it is difficult for Spock to display emotions, it was always a little easier with her. He could also sense her anxiety. He therefore lightly put his hand on the side of her face, looked deep into her eyes and said with sincerity, "I will be back at the end of the week."
She took his hand and smiled, "I know." He then slowly leaned down and kissed her.
After Doctor and Mrs. McCoy pulled away from their embrace, she and Natalie slowly stepped over toward the transporter console next to the technician as Spock, Dr. McCoy, Captain Kirk, and Scotty each stood on their pads. They smiled at each other and waved as the landing party dematerialized in front of them.
The landing party had just materialized on the planet's surface when one of the miners approached them, "Good afternoon, gentlemen! Welcome to Telesia, outpost number seven. I am Sean Mcfinnley, the head miner of this post. We appreciate your coming here for our sakes and extend our deepest gratitude."
"I'm Captain James T. Kirk of the U.S.S. Enterprise," he shook Sean's hand and then gestured to the men behind him, "This is my landing party. My First officer and Science officer, Commander Spock," Spock bowed his head slightly, "Chief Medical officer, Doctor McCoy," the Doctor nodded in accordance, "And my Chief engineer, Lieutenant Commander Scott," Scotty smiled and nodded as well.
"Very nice to meet all of you. Now if you would follow me, I will take you to where you will be staying for the next five days, and then you may get started with your duties."
McCoy then piped up, "Where do you keep your medical supplies around here? I'd like to check out how much you have in your stores, in case I need to order more from the Enterprise."
"Ah yes, Doctor, of course. It's over there to the right, you can't miss it. I shall have someone escort you there shortly."
All four of them walked diligently behind Sean ready to start their five day run with the miners.
Only a few hours had passed since the landing party had left the Enterprise for the surface of the planet.
Natalie was back in the History section on Deck six, and Jeanine was at her post on the bridge. She was mapping out the projection of their path through space on the way to the next assignment.
Chekov was in command while the Captain was away and he was doing routine checks around the bridge. "Lieutenant Uhura, anything from our landing party?"
"No, sir. All is quiet. Nothing on any frequency." Uhura was scanning the frequencies but no one had contacted the Enterprise.
"Wery well, Thank you." Chekov then came to Jeanine. "How are your calculations coming, Lieutenant?"
"They're coming along fine, Captain. I just got to the Alcidea quadrant," Jeanine answered while still concentrating and writing down her results.
He nodded with satisfaction, "Carry on, Lieutenant."
Jeanine continued to work for another few minutes when she heard a beeping at her console. It was a communication hail specifically to her. She was very confused and Chekov heard as well so he came back also confused. She turned around and said, "Captain, for some reason, I think I'm receiving a hailing frequency." He bent over next to where she was sitting and she said, "Do you think it's from the landing party?"
They looked at each other for a moment when he pressed the button and answered it, "This is Captain Chekov in temporary command of the Federation Starship, Enterprise. Please identify yourself."
They waited a few quiet seconds and then Jeanine heard a familiar voice that she was pleased but also stunned to hear. It sounded different however; a slightly raspier voice than what she was used to, "Yes… Chekov… uh, is Jeanine there at her post?"
"Leonard?" Jeanine spoke answering his question.
"Jeanine! How wonderful it is to hear your beautiful voice!" McCoy shouted with delight, but Jeanine was confused again. She just figured he missed her already and she figured his voice was hoarse due to frequency errors.
"Leonard? You only left a few hours ago," she laughed, "You can't miss me yet."
"My darling, I miss you every second that I'm not with you."
"Same here Leonard. Now what is it that you need me for? You could have just called the ship on the normal frequency."
Just then, Uhura noticed something, "Captain, my calculations show that the frequency Doctor McCoy is communicating from is somewhere within the Enterprise." She looked at Chekov and Jeanine.
Jeanine then spoke, "Leonard? Are you on the ship?"
"Oh! Yes! Uh, I beamed back up because I forgot my Hypo, just in case I needed it," they all smiled knowing that it was silly to suspect anything. "I also wanted to talk to you since I came back for a few minutes, you could give me a proper send off."
She smiled, "I already gave you a proper send off, but happy to give you another. Where are you, Leonard?"
"I'm in the cargo bay… Uh, because I thought I stowed some of my medical things here. Oh and Spock came up right behind me to assist, so feel free to bring Natalie down as well."
"I shall do that at once. Stand by, I'll be down in a few minutes," she looked at Chekov, "Sir?"
"Oh yes, by all means Lieutenant. Go ahead."
She got up from her post and entered onto the turbo lift.
A few minutes later, Jeanine and Natalie were on their way down to the cargo bay.
"Why the cargo bay?" Natalie was still confused.
"Because Leonard thinks he left some of his hypos in there. And Spock is assisting. I honestly think that since Leonard was coming back aboard, Spock wanted to come see you," she winked at Natalie and nudged her in the arm. They both laughed.
They approached the cargo bay doors, and as they slid open, the two lieutenants walked through smiling expecting to see their husbands waiting for them, but what they got was a completely different and unexpected greeting. Natalie and Jeanine were both grabbed from behind by different men and their mouths were covered by large hands.
They yelped and struggled, but then they heard a familiar voice trying to explain, "Calm down ladies. We're not here to harm you in any way. In fact, we need your help."
They saw a shadow start to come toward them, and then Captain Kirk himself emerged into the light. But he wasn't the same Captain Kirk that they knew… He was much older…
To Be Continued…