Kirk's alien first officer has a surprise for his new friends.
Jor-Ney to Bab-El
By Rob Morris
McCoy shifted and bristled.
"The damn uniform itches! And where is our beloved First Officer? Heh. Probably exhausted himself, finally. No one can keep up that pace forever."
Kirk smiled.
"Bones, he's only half-human. He'll be there, to help us greet the ambassador and his wife. Despite your objections, he can keep up an astonishing pace nearly indefinitely."
At the shuttlebay, the Ambassador and his human wife arrived. Already present was the stoic more-than-human XO who was both friend and enigma to his Captain and CMO. Kirk reminded himself of something as Laura Grayson of Earth and her alien husband officially came aboard.
"My friend, if you want to visit down below and see your parents, you have about six hours before we warp out."
As usual, Kirk's friend did not want for surprises.
"I hardly see the need for that, Captain. After all, Ambassador Jor-El and his wife ARE my parents."
As the reunited family left to resolve their personal issues, Kirk shook his head and stared at McCoy. The Doctor shrugged.
"Don't look at me, Jim. I warned you about having a First Officer from Krypton, right from the moment poor Hal Jordan went insane."
And Bones was right. Understanding Mister Kal-El was to remain a never-ending battle.