Thanks to whitem, calamite, captainkodak1, Uru Baen, Yankee Bard, Dr. J0nes, Whisper from the Shadows, JPMod, Josh84, mattb3671, Atomic Fire, Zaratan, surforst, CajunBear73, Nightwing 509, kim's 1 fan, RealityBreakGirl, spectre666, Ace Ian Combat, Joe Stoppingham, Ezbok58a, conan98002, daywalkr82, US.Steele, Molloy, Taechunsa, and TexasDad for reviewing and to everyone for reading.
A case of Romulan Ale plus a bottle of Saurian Brandy to campy for beta reading this final chapter. The same goes to Molloy and Mrs. Molloy, who did a most admirable job as special guest proofreaders.
Write a review, get a response, seriously.
If you saw it on KP, it belongs to Disney; TNG, it belongs to Paramount.
I.
The sound of two hands repeatedly being brought together slowly and rhythmically echoed throughout the darkened New Middleton High School auditorium. Kim looked around the cavernous room and saw the spotlighted source of the clapping sitting about two-thirds of the way back. He was a well-dressed man who appeared to be in his early forties. He had a handsome face with a long nose, dimples framing his skewed grin, and eyes that twinkled, all framed by sandy blond hair that was worn rakishly long.
"Not bad! You're pretty good," he enthused.
Kim frowned. "Q."
"In the flesh," he said, his arms outstretched. "How'd you guess?"
"Obvious much?" she answered, sounding annoyed. "I'm in an empty auditorium on Mars wearing clothes I last had on when I was sixteen. And my feet aren't broken. Now what's going on? Where am I? This doesn't look like the Continuum."
"It's not," he agreed. "We're in your insignificant hometown of New Middleton on your backwater of a homeworld, some place called Mart. Or is it Marx?"
"Mars," she said testily. "Where's Ron?" she then asked. "What happened to Earth?"
"Do you remember what you were doing when you were last wearing those clothes?" Q replied.
Kim looked at her outfit, a lime green top and blue pants, then around the room. "I was in the talent show. Ron signed me up, hoping I'd beat Bonnie."
"That's right. That was quite the performance you put on. You even hit the high note," Q said. "But you didn't win, did you?"
"No, Ron did," she answered. "After he signed me up I decided turnabout was fair play and made him compete, too."
"Well, Kim," Q said, "it's talent show night all over again. You hit the high notes. But you ain't taking home first prize."
"Meaning?" she asked, suddenly feeling a chill, as she grew most uncomfortable with where this was all going.
"You saved Earth. Nine billion hapless sentient beings owe you their drab little lives. Too bad you didn't wait another seven seconds. You could have had it all."
"What are you talking about?" Kim asked, her anxiety mounting.
"Yep. Seven seconds and you would have come out of the wormhole before it collapsed. But, all things considered, not a bad price to pay. Sure, you lost the secondary hull of Enterprise and Ron …"
"What?" she interjected as the blood drained from her cheeks.
"The ship," Q explained nonchalantly. "It was destroyed when the wormhole collapsed. But the saucer part's okay so they should be able to hook it up to…"
"Hello!" Kim yelled. "I don't care about the stupid ship! What happened to Ron?"
"He was on board. So were you. But I pulled you off just in the nick of time …"
Kim stared at Q in shock as the implications of what he was saying sank in.
"… This is where you can say 'thanks,' you know."
"Ron's … gone?" Kim said in weak voice before dropping to her knees. "He can't be …"
"If it's any consolation," Q observed, "his atoms will wind up in an absolutely stunning nebula that will form in a few hundred million years."
II.
Steve Barkin stood by the window, his hands behind his back. He looked out over the manicured gardens and toward the Eiffel Tower. His office was bathed in sunlight. Normally, he would have enjoyed the view. But today he looked at the cloudless sky and wondered whether this would be the last afternoon he'd ever see.
For the third time that day he'd received an unauthorized call. The first had been from Saavik, the second from Kim Stoppable. The third was from a young man named Wade Load who said he was a friend of the two women. Wade wanted to let Barkin know that Lore had successfully opened a wormhole and would soon arrive at Earth. However, there was a possibility that the android would be foiled – Kim and Ron had managed to get on board Enterprise and were trying to disable the PDVI.
Barkin, who was most at ease when taking charge of a situation, realized there was nothing more he could to stop Lore. The fate of the Earth was in Kim and Ron's hands. He prayed they were successful – and tried to forget just how many times Ron had to take his Flyer's Ed test before he passed.
III.
Q was surprised by the speed with which Kim was on him. She'd catapulted herself from the stage, her palms touching the floor just before the first row of seats. She continued forward, executing a perfect series of handsprings, touching the tops of the seat backs as she propelled herself forward. He should have known the attack was coming, but he wasn't accustomed to being assaulted by mere mortals. Q once again found himself at a loss as to why Q kept taking on corporeal form; the sensation of Kim's boots driving into his chest was most unpleasant.
"Bring him back. Now!" she demanded after she flipped over his seat and put him in a vice-like headlock.
"Sorry, not gonna happen," Q wheezed in protest. "But, if you want, you can."
"What are you talking about, you omnipotent freak?" she asked, her words infused with fury.
A bright flash filled the room and the Q with whom she was familiar appeared a few seats down the row from the Q with whom she'd been talking. He, too, was illuminated by a spotlight.
"Quite the spitfire, isn't she?" the dark-haired Q said to the other Q before turning to Kim. "It's really quite simple, Kimberly," he said. "You just snap your fingers and Rondo will be back among the living."
"'Splain. Now," she said impatiently.
"You said you'd give your life for him, am I correct?" Q asked.
"Yes," she snapped. "You want me to trade my life for his? Done."
The other Q, looking disappointed, shook his head. "You said she was bright. That she had potential. Sure, she's fast and packs a mean wallop but …"
"She is and she does," the dark-haired Q snapped. "They just don't expect this."
"You two are really beginning to tweak me," Kim growled. "Tell me what's going on. Now."
Q sighed. "Fine. You've been to the Continuum. You've seen how stagnant it is."
"What's this got to do with Ron?" Kim demanded.
"We need some new blood to spice things up. We want you."
"You want me? To do what?"
"Become Q."
"Excuse me?" a nonplussed Kim said.
"What part of what I said isn't clear? We," Q said pointing to himself and Q, "want you," he continued, pointing at Kim, "to become Q. All you have to do is snap your fingers and you'll be one of us. All-powerful. Just think of it Kimberly: you'll be able to eradicate disease. Injustice. Stop war. Your boastful little motto, 'I can do anything' will no longer be just an arrogant sentiment. It will be true." Q paused, then added, "You'll even be able to bring back your precious little Ron."
"What's the catch?" she asked suspiciously.
"There's no catch," Q said.
"What if I want to stay in this universe with Ron?" she asked.
"That's your affair. If you want, you can stay with Ronniepoo, even go to that ghastly Bueno Nacho back on Mars everyday," Q said. "You'll be able to do whatever you want, Kimberly Ann. Just think about it."
Kim loosened her grip on Q.
She didn't care about being all-powerful or changing the course of history.
But she did care about Ron.
She loved him.
And she couldn't imagine living without him.
But she knew there had to be some kind of catch. She remembered how, as part of her security officer's briefing, she'd read about Riker's short spell as a Q and how quickly he'd changed. He'd become insufferably arrogant and patronizing.
But he'd also had the opportunity to save lives, indeed, restore them.
As a Q, she could restore Ron. And with Ron in her life, she was sure she could resist temptation. He'd always helped her keep her perspective. He, after all, was the one who'd helped her regain her natural Kimmitude in less than two weeks. If he could rescue her from losing her sense of self because of a relationship, he could ensure she remained true to herself now. Ron could do that, he was her compass, just as she was his. Together, they could make this work.
Kim snapped her fingers.
IV.
"Mr. Rufus, report," a groggy Jean-Luc Picard inquired as he rose to his feet.
"Main life support is back on-line and the trioxybenzohydrine has been neutralized," the mole rat answered. "We have quarantined the virus. All other systems should be operational within the hour."
"Very good," the captain said before looking at the Klingon female standing beside Rufus. "Grilka, you have my thanks. I hope you will not think it rude of me to ask what you are doing here, however."
"Not at all," she replied before explaining the situation.
"I hope Kim and Ron are all right," Riker said after Grilka finished telling her story.
"As do I, Number One," Picard agreed. "However, based on the way those two have handled themselves so far, I think Lore may be in for a few surprises …"
V.
Ron looked around, clearly confused. He had just been on Enterprise, hacking down synthodrones as he ran towards Kim. He had experienced an incredible adrenaline surge when he heard her scream and had been moving with a speed he didn't know he had.
Now he was sitting next to Kim in a darkened New Middleton High School auditorium, wondering why they were being illuminated by theatre spotlights.
"KP?" he asked.
"Ron!" she replied as she threw her arms around him. "You're okay!"
"Yeah, I guess I am," he said. "Uh, Kimbo, what's going on? Are we in a holodeck or something?"
"Tell him!" Q said excitedly.
"Tell me what?" Ron asked, surprised to see Q and another man with them.
"Go on," Q urged her. "It's nothing to be ashamed of you know," he added huffily.
"Uh, I joined the Continuum," she said sheepishly.
Ron looked at her and blinked.
"He's really rather obtuse," Q said to Q. "But he makes a risotto to die for."
"I don't understand this repugnant fascination you have with food," Q said. "You know, he's rather ugly, too," he observed.
"Kim, what's going on?" Ron asked with mounting trepidation. "This is beginning to freak me out."
"Ron," she said gently, taking his hands in hers, "I'm one of the Q now."
"You're one of the Q?" he parroted.
Kim nodded.
"You mean you have god-like powers? You can do anything?"
Kim nodded again.
"God-like powers rock!" Ron enthused.
Kim breathed a sigh of relief. "So you're okay with this?"
"What's not to be okay with?" he asked. "We'll never have to stand in line at the grocery store! You'll always be able to find parking. Ooo! Ooo! You'll be able to take us to a twentieth century ball game! I'll be able to see the Red Sox beat the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS!"
Kim smiled and rolled her eyes. Leave it to Ron to view my new omnipotence with childlike wonder, she thought. Then her expression turned serious.
"Ron," she said. "These powers are … tempting. I'm going to need you help me keep things in perspective."
"What do you mean?" he asked.
Softly, she answered. "A few minutes ago you didn't exist."
"What?" he exclaimed, clearly confused.
"Enterprise was crushed by the wormhole and you were still on board. Q brought me here and told me that if I joined them, I could do anything. Even bring you back."
Ron grew very still. Nobody was ever going to accuse Ron Stoppable of being his generation's Einstein, Hawking, Cochrane, or Soong. But there were times when he was prone to insight.
"I shouldn't be here," he said much to Kim's surprise and the annoyance of Q and Q. "This is wrong on so many levels."
"Ron?" Kim asked.
"I'm supposed to be a million billion atoms floating around space. But since you really can do anything, you just put me back together."
Kim frowned at Ron, who sounded … displeased. "And that's a problem why?" she asked.
Ron took a deep breath. "Can you fix my face?" he asked.
"What?"
"You heard me. Can you fix my face?" Ron asked again.
"No big," she said as she snapped her fingers.
Ron found himself looking at Kim through two eyes. He tentatively reached up to his cheek; there were no longer any scars.
"How about make me smart? Like your dad or mom."
Kim seemed hesitant. "I don't know."
"'I don't know' as in I can't do that or 'I don't know' as in I don't know if I should do that?"
"I don't know as in 'I don't think that's a good idea'. And I do know what's best for you, Ron."
"Uh huh. Just like you did when you had me get that haircut back in sophomore year of high school."
"That was so different," Kim said.
"How so, KP?"
"Because now I really do know what's best for you. Literally. It comes with being omniscient."
"Badical," he said with a distinct lack of enthusiasm. "Can you tell me when you're going to leave me?"
Kim's jaw dropped. "I'm not going to leave you Ron. I love you. You know that."
"Yeah, I do," he said, taking her hands in his. "But here's the problem, KP. You're all-powerful and all-knowing. Me, I'm just a human with less than average brainage. Someday, you're going to get bored hanging with me. Then you'll leave …"
"That is so not true!" she protested.
"Of course you could always make me forget about us," he said, considering the possibilities.
"Ron, your logic is so flawed," she huffed. "You're my husband and my best friend."
"And you're my wife and my best friend. But you can travel through space and time and I can't. You don't need me."
"Ron, I've always needed you," she said. "I always will need you."
"KP, this isn't like the head cheerleader having the goofy but irresistible Rondo as her best friend or you needing a sidekick on Olympus Mons," he countered.
"Ron …"
"Kim, listen to me. You literally don't need me anymore. Do you realize you could go back in time to when we were teens and fix the weather generators on Mars? No more storm. No more need for a rescue. You can go back to the Academy and beat the Kobayashi Maru. No more need for Seven Layers of Heaven. You can go back to pre-K and transfer that Andorian bully to another school system. No more need for Rondo to try to save you."
Kim looked at Ron and realized that all he said was factually correct. She wondered what she would do when Ron did something to irk her. In the past she'd simply shrug it off; such was the price of being friends – and more recently, intimate – with him. But now she could change things. She could cure him of his sometimes-annoying fear of monkeys and spiders. She could make it so he never belched again. Or said random things when she was feeling short-tempered. Or indeed make him the intellectual equal of her parents. She could even make him her intellectual equal. She could even make him a Q. She could change him into anything – anyone – she wanted.
That frightened her.
She looked at her husband's healed faced and shuddered. With just a snap of her fingers she had made him whole. But suddenly that didn't feel right. It was like being a potter molding clay. Or a puppeteer pulling the strings. Ron wasn't her best friend-turned-husband; he was someone – something – she could manipulate.
She reached up to his face and traced her fingers along his cheek.
"Faustus," she said quietly.
"Huh?" Ron said.
"Nothing," Kim said as she smiled sadly and shook her head. "For a C student, you're pretty darned smart, Ron Stoppable."
"What do you mean?" he asked.
Kim, still looking at Ron, spoke to Q. "Ron's right. This is wrong. It so won't work. I don't want to be a Q."
"You know what will happen if we send you back," the sandy-haired Q said.
"I do. But Earth will be safe. And we'll go together," Kim said as she looked into her husband's eyes.
"KP, it's okay!" he said frantically as he realized what she was doing. "You don't have to do this. I'm cool with you being omnipotent. I don't care if you outgrow me! Really!"
"Ron, are you saying that because you're afraid to die?" she asked.
He looked away. He wanted to lie to her. But he realized he couldn't. She was still omniscient.
"No," he said, his voice barely audible. "I just don't want you to die."
"Don't worry, Ron. It's so not the drama," she said.
"You sure?" he croaked.
"So sure," Kim said as she leaned in to kiss him.
And then, in a blinding flash of light, she and Ron were gone, returned to Enterprise.
VI.
Kim and Ron's families were moved and honored when the town of New Middleton renamed the high school after their children and erected a statue of the two best friends turned lovers in the local park. The monument, which depicted Kim and Ron racing into action while holding hands, was made of bronze and was expected to weather nicely with age; as soon as it was unveiled it became a source of inspiration for those seeking to do great things or fall in love.
The sun shone bright and strong the day the memorial was dedicated. One of the largest crowds New Middleton had ever known gathered for the ceremony. Hometown boy-turned-galactic leader Steve Barkin made the trip from Earth to attend the ceremony, as did Captain Jean-Luc Picard, representing Starfleet, and Grilka, who was present on behalf of the Klingon Empire. The Romulan ambassador was there, too, as a gesture of appreciation to the two heroes for averting an unwanted war between the Federation and his people.
Bonnie Rockwaller, who was still on loan to Starfleet from the Federation Diplomatic Corps, had been tasked with organizing the event. She had always wanted to be at the center of important events, and now she was, responsible for an occasion involving the leaders of three of the great interstellar empires, though she was bemused that her success was due to none other than Kim Possible; even in death, her erstwhile rival seemed to play a role in determining the course of Bonnie's life. She looked down at her padd and was pleased to see that all was proceeding according to schedule. It was time for President Barkin to speak.
The gruff former schoolteacher rose from his seat and strode to the podium and began to speak, first of two kids he had known, a spunky cheerleader and her slacker buddy. He told stories of how those two would pop up around town helping people. And he recounted the story of their first real moment of glory: the rescue effort on Olympus Mons. Then he told of how Kim and Ron had each excelled after leaving New Middleton, Kim as a Starfleet officer, Ron as a chef.
He then told the story of how Kim and Ron had been reunited, realized they were in love, and together saved Earth. Then he cleared his throat.
"There are some things that can't be undone. We have lost two heroes and we will miss them …"
A small, wry smile formed on Picard's face as he thought of how he would sit on the bridge of his ship, once again made whole, and look at the helmsman's seat. Though Kim had occupied it for only a few days, in his mind, and that of the crew, it was her station. That was why he had returned to the old practice of rotating young officers through the post, not feeling ready to let someone fill 'her' spot on the bridge.
Rufus, also present, nodded as he mused on how he often found himself in Enterprise's galley late at night, looking at the customized equipment that Ron had ordered be fabricated. The naked mole rat missed his friend and would try to console himself by making the Tex-Mex he knew the goofy human enjoyed so much. But much to his sorrow, he found his heart was not in it; there had been a joy in their shared enthusiasm and that joy was now absent.
"… But there are injustices that can be undone, wrongs that can be righted," Barkin declared. "Kim Stoppable was reduced in rank because some sob-sister diplomats and unimaginative desk jockeys thought it was the right thing to do because they hoped to appease another government. That was wrong. Kim Stoppable gave her all for the Federation and the service. That's why I'm restoring her rank of lieutenant. Had she lived and had Starfleet not dropped the ball, she could have been one of the Service's greatest officers. I'm sure of that. She was spirited, bold, resourceful, and smart. It was those qualities that enabled her to save Earth. Therefore, in recognition of her bravery and sacrifice, I am posthumously awarding her the Federation Council Medal of Honor …"
James Timothy Possible wrapped his arm around his wife, who was desperately trying to hold back her tears. She knew if she began to cry, her husband would break down. They had both taken Kim's death hard, but James was the one who was most affected. He had always respected Kim's drive and achievements. Yet even after his daughter married, he had trouble thinking of her as anything but his Kimmie-cub. Now he struggled with the fact that his little girl would never be coming home.
"… Kim was a true hero. Those of us who knew here when she was a teen knew she was destined for great things. But many of us, and I include myself, often overlooked her greatest source of strength: Ron Stoppable.
"Ron, as many of you know, was her best friend, and recently became her husband. He was always by her side through school and at the Academy. Then he went onto make a name for himself as a chef. A few months ago, he went to visit Kim and in just a few days, something wonderful happened to those two: they finally recognized what many of us saw years ago …"
Knowing laughter rippled throughout the crowd.
"… And they finally tied the knot. But what should have been the beginning of their lives turned out to be their last days. And when the Federation was in mortal danger, Ron Stoppable, a civilian, was right by Kim's side. He sacrificed himself to help Kim save us. And so, today, I am also awarding the Medal of Honor to Ron …"
Barkin looked at Ron's parents; Mrs. Stoppable burst in to tears.
"… for he, too, was a hero. And though he never wore the uniform, he did Starfleet proud.
"There's not much else to say, people, other than that those of us on Earth and indeed throughout the Federation can best honor Kim and Ron by doing something useful with our lives and telling those we care about how we feel."
His remarks finished, Barkin gazed off at the statue, turned from the podium and quietly returned to his seat.
VII.
Jean-Luc Picard had heard much about New Middleton, now Possible-Stoppable, High School in recent days and so decided to explore the place that had played such a formative part in Kim's and Ron's lives.
He was walking down a hallway when he heard a voice.
"That was Kim's locker. Ron's was just a couple down from hers …"
Picard turned to see an attractive dark-skinned woman who appeared to be Kim's age.
"… I'm Monique," she said, extending her hand. "I was Kim's best girlfriend in high school."
"Jean-Luc Picard," he replied, taking her hand in his.
"Why?" Monique asked, the one word laced with much anger and sorrow.
Picard looked at Kim's old friend and sighed. "Someone once told me that the galaxy is filled with both wonders and dangers beyond imagination and he was right…"
Monique's expression made clear she wasn't interested in hearing platitudes. Indeed, Picard realized this woman held him responsible for what happened to her friends.
"… Monique, I grieve with you. Kim and Ron were two very special people. Most eulogies are filled with eloquent but vapid sentiments. That was not true of what the President said today. Kim and Ron did indeed save Earth and everyone on it. They also prevented an interstellar war. Literally hundreds of billions of people owe their lives to those two."
"You still haven't answered my question," she said.
"I know," he acknowledged. "The answer," he continued, "is that they were wise enough to see what needed to be done and brave enough to do what was right. They rose to the occasion when people with far more experience failed to do so."
Monique looked at Picard and saw the haunted look in his eyes. It was clear to her that he felt himself to be one of those who had failed. Yet she recalled Kim's communications; she had always spoken of this man with frank admiration.
"They really are heroes, aren't they?" she asked.
"Indeed, they are," Picard said softly. "They are probably two of the greatest people I will ever have the honor to know."
Monique looked at the captain and knew that he missed Kim and Ron a great deal, far more than he would if he thought of them as just members of his crew. Her anger subsided, to be replaced with sympathy.
"Did you know that Kim and Ron were on the cheer squad?" she asked.
"I believe I may heard something to that effect," Picard said.
"Kim was the captain and Ron was the mascot. They aced the Regionals every year Kim was captain. That girl had the moves!"
Picard smiled. "That does not surprise me."
"How'd you like to see some trophies and banners?" Monique asked.
"I'd like that very much," Picard said. "And perhaps you could show me the kitchen where Ron staged his culinary triumphs."
"You've had Ron's cooking?" Monique asked.
"More than once," Picard said.
"Boy, his cooking was TGFW!" she enthused.
"I'm sorry?" he asked.
"Too good for words!" Monique explained with a chuckle. "You know while I'm showing you the hardware that Kim won and the kitchen that Ron tamed, I think I'd better tell you some stories that Barkin didn't get around to sharing during his speech."
"Oh?" Picard said as they began walking down the corridor of the empty high school.
"Oh yeah," Monique said, laughing. "You know, like the time that …"
VIII.
Picard had returned to Enterprise, which remained in Mars orbit. He was at his desk, reviewing his orders from Starfleet Command, when a brilliant light filled his ready room. He found himself sitting in his visitor's chair while Q was filling his usual seat.
"Q!" Picard exclaimed.
"You know, Jean-Luc, you are so predictable. Every time I show up, you greet me the same way."
Picard's jaw clenched. "And to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" he asked.
"I'm feeling grumpy," Q groused.
"I am most sorry to hear that," Picard said with manifest insincerity. "But I am busy."
"Yes, yes, I know. You have to get this dreary little ship ready to fly off to its next adventure," Q said. "You know it won't be the same."
Picard looked at the omnipotent being, knowing what he meant. "No, it won't," he agreed.
"You know I asked her if she loved him," Q said.
Picard responded with uncharacteristically derisive laughter. "You are an omnipotent being and you had to ask? Could you not see?"
"Scoff all you want, Picard," Q said. "You think you know all about love yet here you sit on this bridge while your dear Beverly is down in Sickbay."
Picard's eyes flared. "What do you want, Q?"
"I guess some things won't change, will they, Jean-Luc?" Q replied with a roll of the eyes. "Too bad, really. You and the good doctor would actually make a most lovely couple." Looking disappointed, the omnipotent being offered a melodramatic sigh before he resumed his original train of thought. "I asked Kimberly if she'd give up her career, her freedom, even her life for Stoppable. She said she would. And she did. Did you know, Jean-Luc, that we offered her membership in the Continuum?"
"Which I'm sure she had the good sense to decline!" Picard snorted.
"Oh no. She joined …"
The captain didn't hide his surprise.
"… So she could save Ron."
"What?" Picard said, astonished. "Then where are they? Are they in the Continuum?"
"No," Q said sourly. "They're not. Just like your noble, redoubtable Commander Riker, Kim realized that she'd change. Though she figured that out much faster than Beard Boy did. And while Riker gave up his powers because he didn't want to change, Kim gave them up because she didn't want to change Ron or lose what she had with him. Can you believe it?" Q asked, his voice actually full of wonder. "She chose to die with Stoppable rather than live as one of us."
Though Picard wanted to say something sarcastic, he responded evenly. "I will assume you took that as an answer for your question then," he said.
"Yes," Q conceded. "Kim knew what true love was. I have to tell you, Jean-Luc, we don't see much of that in the Continuum."
"Nor in our universe," Picard said. "So, why are you here? I cannot believe you just stopped by to talk about love and the meaning of life with me."
"No, I didn't," Q said. "To be honest, I'm hungry. I was wondering if you could tell me where I could find a good lobster risotto. Nobody seems to make one quite like Rondo's."
Picard's eyes opened wide. "You cannot be serious!" he exploded. "Is that all that matters to you? Your appetite? Over the past weeks you came here time and again to proclaim your friendship for me and for Kim and for Ron and all you are concerned with are your desires! You disgust me!"
"Jean-Luc, your words sting," Q said, looking offended.
"Good!" Picard spat out. "Q, I am tired of you and your selfishness. Be gone. Now!"
Q sat quietly for a moment. "I don't know why I even care about your whiny little species."
"Nor do I," Picard replied.
"On second thought," Q mused, ignoring Picard, "Maybe I do. And perhaps it's because of what Kim and Ron did for each other. You humans may have promise yet. Maybe you are worth saving. Which means I have to do something about that annoying little Pan-Dimensional Vortex Inducer without mucking up your time stream too much …"
IX.
Kim felt as if a ripple ran through her body. Her head swam. Then she felt intense pain as Lore crushed her other foot.
X.
Ron was running as fast as he could down the corridor when he felt as if a ripple ran through his body. His head swam. Then he heard the footsteps of the pursuing synthodrones and pumped his legs even harder than before as he raced towards Kim.
XI.
Jean-Luc Picard, who was regaining consciousness on the bridge of Enterprise, felt as if a ripple ran through his body. His head swam. Then he looked up to see the familiar faces of Rufus and Grilka.
XII.
Kim was about to remove the Pan-Dimensional Vortex Inducer when she heard the voice, though she couldn't say where it came from.
Wait. Seven seconds.
She shook her head and began to pull.
Kimberly Ann, the voice said. Be patient. Now it's only five and a half seconds.
Kim recognized the voice as Q's. She didn't know what he was up to, but she decided that if he was bothering to send her a message, she would listen.
Lore, having crushed her foot, moved up to her calves and began squeezing. Kim found the agony to be unbearable.
"This is just for starters, KP," the android sneered. "I'm going to crush every bone in your body. Then I'll drag you up to the bridge and let you watch me destroy Earth before I kill you."
"So. Not. Going. To. Happen," Kim gasped. She was drawing on every one of the breathing and pain management techniques she'd learned during her years of martial arts training.
She realized she had just a second or two to go. But the pain she experienced as Lore squeeze on her femurs was exquisite and she knew she was about to black out.
Then she felt his grip relax.
XIII.
Ron came up from behind and slashed downward with the Sword, cutting into Lore's legs.
The android, surprised, loosened his grip on Kim as he turned to look at his attacker. He was stunned to see a one-eyed human behind him.
"Dude, for someone who's supposed to be super-smart, you sure are dumb. You forgot that the beautiful hero always has a funny sidekick to provide a distraction," Ron said.
"What?" Lore said before he realized what had just happened. He'd been played. When he turned, he saw Kim had not only removed the Pan-Dimensional Vortex Inducer, she was pointing a phaser at him.
"Consider yourself busted," Kim said with grim satisfaction as she discharged her weapon.
XIV.
"You will give me the sword!"
Montgomery Fiske had regained consciousness. And even though he was still a bit befogged, he knew where he was and what he needed to do. He stood before the ninja, ready to do battle.
"No," Yori said resolutely. She too was on her feet and had assumed a defensive stance, protecting the storage unit that she mistakenly believed contained the Sword of Kahless.
"How dare you refuse me!" he howled.
"I am under direct orders from the Captain," she said firmly. "Nobody is to have access to the bat'leth."
Yori was ready when Fiske pivoted and kicked out at her. Though she moved with anything but her usual gracefulness, she was able to grab his calf and body-slam the frenzied Englishman to the deck.
"You cannot do this," he raved. "You will pay for your treachery!"
Yori pinned the diplomat's arms with one hand and dug her knee into the small of his back. She then slapped her comm badge "Tanaka to Security. Please send a detail to the secure storage units."
As the young security officer waited for her colleagues to arrive, she looked down at Fiske, knowing he was right about one thing: she would pay for her treachery. Indeed, she already had, and with her honor.
XV.
Ron pulled the immobile form of Lore out of the way so he could reach Kim. When Ron reached her he was consumed by anger – and nearly retched. He could see the damage that Lore had done to her feet and legs, which now lay at odd angles to her body. And he could see her sweat-slicked face, which was now pale, almost as pale as Shego's. He reached for the Kimmunicator, which lay by Kim's unconscious body and pressed the button.
Wade's image appeared on screen. "Ron! What up? Are you guys okay?"
"KP's down," he said. "She needs help. Now."
"Okay, I'm on it," Wade said. "Uh, Ron, were you guys successful?"
Ron saw the Pan-Dimensional Vortex Inducer and the Universal Adapter lying beside Kim.
"Yeah, we were," Ron said, his voice wooden. He and Kim may have just saved Earth but at the moment, his only concern was for her. "I guess you ought to put me through to Mr. B if you can."
XVI.
The Starfleet medics arrived and carefully moved Kim from the shaft. Once they had her on a portable biobed, one of the rescue personnel applied a hypospray to Kim's neck. Her eyes fluttered open. She saw Ron kneeling by her side and felt him holding her hand.
"Hey," she said, her voice a whisper.
"KP!" Ron exulted. "You're okay!"
"Yeah, I guess I am. Though I suspect it will be awhile before we can dance," she quipped as she looked down at her legs, remembering what Lore had done to her.
"Don't worry. I'll keep my card open for you," Ron said, his eyes tearing up. "You did it, Kim. You saved the world. I'm so proud –"
"No, Ron," she said, cutting him off. "We saved the world," she observed with a smile. "I couldn't do it without you."
Kim and Ron looked lovingly at one another as the medics activated the antigrav unit on her bed and began moving her.
"Ron?" she asked.
"Yeah KP?" he replied.
"Where's the PDVI?"
Ron tentatively hefted the phaser he'd seen by Kim when he found her in the shaft.
"You didn't …" she said.
"Hey," he said defensively, "That gizmo almost got us killed. I don't know why, but something told me the vortex thingie would never really be safe. I just had this image of us having to go after it again and again and again. I don't know about you KP, but I sure can think of better things to do with my time."
Kim glared at Ron for a moment before her expression softened. The ability to open a wormhole at anytime would have been exceedingly valuable. But Ron was right; a weapon like the PDVI would never be truly secure and was far too dangerous to be left intact. "You know what, Ron? You're right. Nice work," she said with a smile of approval that made her husband feel like a million bars of gold pressed latinum.
XVII.
Picard was reviewing reports from his department heads when the chime to his ready room door sounded. "Come," he said.
Alynna Nechayev strode in and Picard rose from his desk. "Admiral," he said.
"Sit down, Captain," she said as she took a seat before his desk. "Actually, might I trouble you for something to drink?"
"Of course," he said as he rose and went to the replicator. "What would you like?"
"Coffee, light cream, no sugar," she said.
Picard requested the hot beverage and after it materialized brought it to Nechayev. Then he sat in his chair.
"It would seem that Ms. Stoppable not only saved Earth but apprehended one of the criminals who stole the Pan-Dimensional Vortex Inducer."
"Indeed," Picard said, maintaining his poker face. "That is good news."
"Yes, it is. Lieutenant Worf delivered the prisoner to Starbase 112. She was arrested the moment she left the transport on which she was traveling."
"I see. And what of Lieutenant Worf?" Picard asked.
"I have received orders from Starfleet Command that in light of recent events, Mr. Worf, Mr. Rufus and Mr. O'Brien's involvement with the … unauthorized deployment … of Calypso is to be … ignored."
"You seem conflicted, Admiral," Picard observed.
"Captain, I do not like the way you and your officers ignore, indeed spurn, the chain of command and regulations," she responded coolly. "However, in this instance I must concede that I am glad they did. Especially Ms. Stoppable. Have you heard from Starfleet Medical about her condition?"
"Yes," Picard said. "She will make a full recovery, though it will take time."
"That's good," she said. "I'm glad to hear it."
Picard watched as Nechayev turned and stared out the window at the streaking stars. "Is there anything else you wish to discuss, Admiral?"
"Yes. I will be returning to Earth with you," she said. "It seems that I am to appear at a board of inquiry regarding the Orionisi affair."
"I see," Picard said. Though he had no warm feelings for Nechayev, he felt sorry for her. Despite her faults, she was a talented flag officer. A hearing before a board, even if it cleared her of any negligence or inappropriate behavior, would doom any chance she would have for further promotion. She would never be offered the chance to serve on the General Staff in San Francisco and would definitely never be tapped to be Chief of Starfleet Operations. Her career had topped out. And while she could continue to serve, and Picard suspected she would, Alynna Nechayev would now be marked as yesterday's woman.
"Yes. The Federation Council was disturbed to learn of Admiral Fiske's deal with Rayna. It seems that Mr. Stoppable has a friend in the President. Mr. Barkin was not pleased when he learned what transpired."
"I take it this means Ambassador Fiske's career is in jeopardy?" Picard asked.
"Captain, Ambassador Fiske's career is the least of his worries," she said as she rose form her seat. "I suspect he's going to become very familiar with New Zealand."
XVIII.
Kim woke from her nap, looked to her side and saw Ron sitting in a chair, playing a pocket VR game. She smiled.
"How's the Klingon bashing going?" she asked in a still-sleepy voice.
Ron looked up and grinned. "Felix Renton remains the galactic champ. And it vexes me so!"
Kim chuckled.
Ron put down the game and took Kim's outstretched hand in his.
"So, how do you feel?" he asked.
"Better. Though I so wish I could just get up and go somewhere."
"Now, KP, you know what the doc said. A few more days of healing before you can stand again."
"I know," she sighed, blowing a loose strand of hair from her face. "I just want to get out of this bed."
"Hey," he said brightly, "what if I get in it with you?"
"You don't know how tempting that is," she said to her husband. "You know –"
Kim was cut off when the door to her room opened and a Starfleet officer wearing captain's pips walked in.
"Excuse me, Ms. Stoppable. President Barkin is here to see you."
Kim and Ron exchanged surprised looks.
"Mr. Barkin?" they said simultaneously.
"Jinx. You owe me a soda," Kim said triumphantly.
"Aw, man," Ron whined.
"Stop your whining and buck up, Stoppable!" a familiar voice commanded.
Without thinking, Ron jumped to his feet. "Sure thing, Mr. B," he said before noticing the disapproving glance of the Starfleet officer, "Uh, Mr. President."
Barkin grinned. "Mr. B will be fine, Ron," he said. "We are all Middletonians, after all."
"Hey," Ron said, more relaxed. "We're the President's peeps!"
"Don't push it, Stoppable," Barkin growled before turning to Kim. "Possible, uh, Stoppable," he said. "Good work."
"Thanks, sir," she said. "It's no big."
Barkin cocked an eyebrow, then shook his head. "I've been fully briefed on what happened on Enterprise. The Federation is in your debt. However, despite the fine work you two did, there's the matter of your theft of Calypso."
"Hey," Ron protested. "Kim saved the world. You can't bust her for a little thing like stealing a ship!"
"Last time I checked, Stoppable, she stole the ship to buy a slave, another violation of Federation law."
"Mr. Barkin," Kim interjected. "I wasn't buying a slave. I was rescuing Ron."
"The law is the law," Barkin said.
"Well, if you send KP to New Zealand, I'm going with her," Ron declared.
Barkin looked at his former students, then smiled.
"There might be a way around this," he said.
"Oh?" Kim asked.
"We need you in Starfleet, Kim," he replied. "I'd like you to retract your resignation. We could dismiss this as a covert operation."
Kim took a deep breath. "I can't do that, Sir."
"Because of the desk-flying knuckleheads or because of him?" Barkin said, hooking a thumb at Ron.
"Both," Kim answered. "Mr. Barkin, there are good officers in Starfleet. But the people running it –"
"That's changed," he said, cutting her off.
"Sir?" she asked.
"We have a new Chief of Starfleet Operations," he explained. "Captain, now Admiral, Saavik. She wasn't pleased when I promoted her; she would have preferred staying on Galaxy. But I told her we needed her and she agreed to serve. I didn't want to be a politician, Kim, but I was told I was needed, and so I'm serving. Now, you're needed."
"I'm sorry, Sir," she said, shaking her head, "but I won't be separated from Ron again."
"That won't be a problem. I've spoken with Gowron. He wants Ron to hang on to the Sword. I've signed a presidential directive recognizing that the Sword of Kahless is Ron's personal property …"
"You mean nobody can take it from me?" Ron asked.
"That's right," Barkin said. "You are officially recognized as both the keeper and owner of the Sword of Kahless. But don't let that go to your head."
"Uh, no, I won't," Ron said nervously.
"Good," Barkin said, smiling once again. "So, how about it … Lieutenant Commander?"
"Lieutenant … Commander?" Kim said in wonder.
"Darned straight. We don't have many officers like you," Barkin said. "If I can bump a captain up to fleet admiral, I can move an ensign to lieutenant commander. Besides, this should be a step up from lieutenant. You never should have been demoted."
"Booyah!" Ron exclaimed. "New jewelry for my KP!"
Barkin grinned. "That won't be the only jewelry," he said. "I'm awarding both of you the Federation Council Medal of Honor."
Kim lay in her bed stunned. A few days earlier, she thought her career was over. Now she was being offered the opportunity to be reinstated at a higher rank, making her, she was sure, the youngest lieutenant commander in the fleet as of that moment, if not its entire history. And, she had just been told that she was going to receive the Service's highest decoration. Her future success in Starfleet was all but guaranteed.
"What do you think, Ron?" she asked.
"Hey, I'm all about my bon-diggity wife getting a promotion," he said, wearing one of his goofy grins. "You know I'm with you KP, wherever you go. Besides, it's not like I have to worry about what to do; everybody wants a better meal," he said with a wink.
Kim grinned, then looked back to Barkin. "Okay, I'll do it. But I do have a question: where will we be serving?"
"Admiral Saavik needs an aide de camp. I told her what you had done and she said she'd be honored to work with you though she also told me it would be a crime to put an enterprising young officer like you behind a desk," the President said. "I have to admit, I agree with her, as do a lot of other people. In fact, there's somebody here who would like to talk to you about a deep space posting." Barkin turned to his aide. "Tell him she's reenlisted and send him in."
"Yes, sir," the officer said.
A few moments later, Barkin stood aside as Jean-Luc Picard entered Kim's room. The captain nodded at Barkin who looked at his aide indicating it was time to step out.
"Commander, Mr. Stoppable," Picard said formally.
"Sir," Kim replied, her emotions suddenly roiled. For the better part of a year, she had all but worshipped Jean-Luc Picard. Then he had let her down terribly, only to come through at the last minute. Part of her was angry, part of her was grateful, and part of her was confused. Adding to her feeling of being off-balance was being addressed as 'Commander.' Kim considered all of these things for a moment, looked to her husband and squeezed his hand. "Ron, do you think the captain and I could have a moment alone?"
Ron squeezed back and smiled. He suspected that Picard was about to meet the Wrath of Kim. "You got it, KP," he replied before rising and leaving. "You need me, I'll be hangin' with Mr. B."
Silence descended on the room as Ron closed the door behind him.
"Part of me wants to say 'thank you' for not stopping us when we left with Calypso," Kim finally said.
"And," Picard replied, "part of you wants to climb out of that biobed and introduce me to the joys of kung fu for putting you into that position in the first place, am I correct?"
Kim cocked an eyebrow and flashed Picard a knowing smile.
"Sometimes the platitudes people spout are meaningless," Picard continued. "Other times they have meaning. I recall being told many years ago by a very wise man that the one thing nobody could ever take from me was my good name; to lose that, I had to surrender it …"
Kim nodded as the captain gestured to the seat, indicating he hoped he might sit down.
"… Do you know what I have feared most during my years at the helm of the Federation flagship?"
Kim shook her head.
"Becoming a politician …"
Picard saw the look of surprise on Kim's face.
"… Do not misunderstand me. I enjoy the diplomacy, the politics very much. Being commander of a Galaxy-class starship is much like being an eighteenth century frigate captain. The vessel is my domain and, when we are in distant corners of the galaxy or initiating First Contact, I am the Federation. It is a very heady experience.
"But there is a difference between practicing politics and being a politician. These last few days, I moved from the former to the latter. I should have been more forceful in opposing Ambassador Fiske and finding ways to let you save Ron. I didn't and for that I am sorry.
"I do not know that I can regain your trust, or restore my good name in your eyes, Kim, but I would be grateful for the opportunity. Starfleet needs you. I need you. You remind me of when I was young and bold and filled with idealism. Officers like you are the future of the Service. I would be honored if you would agree to resume your post as Enterprise's helmsman."
Kim looked away from Picard and out the window at San Francisco. She saw the glittering lights of the city stretched out before her, imagining herself living and working here, serving as the ADC to the head of Starfleet itself while Ron started a restaurant of his own. She envisioned them taking ferry rides on the Bay and climbing Telegraph Hill, enjoying day trips to the wineries of the Russian River Valley and riding the ancient trolleys.
But she also felt the tug of space, of the wonder of exploration. She recalled the thrill of piloting the mighty starship and of the spacewalks she had taken and away teams she had served on. "Out there" was why she had joined Starfleet in the first place. But she knew in her heart she could never be without Ron; he was too much a part of her. A long-distance relationship was not an option for her, or, she assumed, for her husband.
"What about Ron?" Kim asked.
"What about him?"
"Does he get his old job back?" she asked.
Picard smiled. "I can only hope that he would want it. It is one thing to command Enterprise; she is rare, but she is not the only Galaxy-class starship. It is a wholly different thing to have the best chef in Starfleet; that, Kim, is something to treasure."
Kim grinned. "You know, Sir, you really are an accomplished diplomat."
"Thank you," he said, smiling. "So, may I take that as a 'Yes'?"
"Yes, you can," Kim answered. "Assuming Ron agrees. Let me discuss it with him."
"Fair enough," Picard said as he rose to his feet and straightened his tunic.
XIX.
The turbolift doors opened and Kim, with Ron in tow, strode out onto the bridge of Enterprise-D. She walked down the familiar ramp and presented herself to the captain.
"Lieutenant Commander Kim Stoppable and Mr. Ron Stoppable reporting, Sir," she said as she handed Picard a padd.
He made a show of reviewing the padd before he handed it to Will Riker. "All appears in order, Number One. Will you make sure that the Stoppables are assigned suitable quarters?"
Riker grinned. "My pleasure, Sir."
Picard then surprised Kim by rising and gesturing for her to stand aside. "Now, if you will excuse me, Commander."
"Yes, sir," she said, wondering what was happening. She was at a loss when Picard sat down in the recently vacated helmsman's chair.
The captain turned to the occupant of the Ops Station. "These seats are quite comfortable, Mr. Data."
"They were designed with the knowledge that occupants might be seated for an entire watch of eight hours, Captain. Members of many species have commented on the lumbar support they provide."
"Yes, indeed," Picard said as he looked at the helm. Then he looked over his shoulder at Riker. "Wouldn't you agree, Number One, that there are few things more satisfying than piloting a starship?"
Riker, still grinning, replied, "Can't argue with you there, Sir. The sense of control, the power, the speed: it's exhilarating."
"You know," Picard said, "it's been a while since I've felt exhilarated. I think I'd like to pilot the ship today." The captain then turned to Kim. "Well, Commander, don't just stand there," he said in his most authoritative voice. "I expect all of my officers to be usefully occupied when they are on the bridge. Find an open station and assume it."
Kim looked around and realized the only available station was the captain's chair.
"Sir?" she said looking at Riker, assuming he would take it.
The first officer smiled and shook his head. "Not today, Kim."
She looked back at Picard who was now smiling broadly. "You showed on Calypso that you've earned the right to sit there, Commander," he said. "Would you do us the honor?"
Kim then shifted her gaze from the captain to Ron, who was beaming with pride – and a bit of amusement; it was clear he was in on what was happening. She returned his admiring gaze and made a face that told him he was both loved and busted.
"Ron, why don't you join me," Deanna said, gesturing to the bench seat by her side.
"Don't mind if I do," he said with a grin.
Kim looked at the expectant faces, then at the captain's chair. With assurance and a sense of command, she sat down.
Kim Stoppable allowed herself to enjoy the view from this unaccustomed vantage.
"Not bad, huh?" Riker asked with a twinkle in his eye.
"Actually," Kim said, "It's spankin'!"
"Everything you need is accessible via the panel on the left armrest," Riker offered. "Even the codes to the Captain's John."
"Hey, I heard that!" Ron said in mock protest, earning stifled giggles from the bridge crew.
"Thanks," Kim said with a grin. "I'll have to remember that." She looked at the data screen built into the armrest of Picard's chair and scrolled down through the menu. She checked the status of the ship's systems and saw that all were on-line; then she scanned Picard's orders, so she would know where they were to go once they left the Sol system. Having done that, she took a deep breath.
"Mr. Data," Kim said, "Inform Spacedock we are ready to depart."
"I am informing Spacedock that we are ready to depart," Data replied as his fingers danced over his console. A moment later he announced, "I have received acknowledgement from Spacedock. We are cleared for departure."
"Mr. Picard, set a course for Rigel X," Kim ordered.
"Course set for Rigel X," the captain replied.
"After we clear Spacedock, take us out at one quarter impulse."
"Yes, Sir," Picard said with a smile.
Enterprise slipped free of the immense structure orbiting Mars and headed to the edge of the solar system. Picard, who Data could see was enjoying himself immensely, piloted the ship so the crew could enjoy the view of Jupiter and a close-up fly-by of Saturn's majestic rings.
Kim, like her crewmates, enjoyed the spectacle and smiled; seated in the captain's chair, she was both comfortable and excited.
"We have cleared the Kuiper Belt. Would you like me to go to warp … Captain?" Picard said.
"Please and thank you," Kim said as she crossed her legs and settled in for the voyage to Enterprise's next destination.
XX.
Fourteen years later …
"She's a fine ship, Number One," Jean-Luc Picard said, "I know she'll take good care of you."
"I know she will, Sir. There's no better ship in the Fleet," his Executive Officer said.
"Who just happens to be getting the best captain in the Fleet," the XO's spouse offered.
"I would expect you to be partial to Enterprise-E's new commander," Picard said with a warm smile, "though I must say, I agree." He then turned to the ship's new commander.
"The pips suit you," Picard said.
"Thanks," Kim said as she grinned at Picard, then at Ron, who was still grinning like he'd won a lifetime's supply of nachos; he'd been wearing the same happy expression from the moment he pinned the fourth gold pip onto his wife's collar.
"Well, it would seem it's about time for the handover ceremony," Picard said.
"Sir –" Kim said.
"Jean-Luc," Picard said, correcting her. "We are now both captains. And I hope we have long been friends."
Kim found herself growing misty-eyed. She – and Ron – had forgiven Picard for his part in the incidents of a decade and half earlier the day he asked them to return to the old Enterprise. When Commander Riker's successor as First Officer was promoted after only a short stint on board, Picard asked Kim if she'd be willing to give up command of the Defiant-class ship Punisher to become his new XO – and next-in-line to command Enterprise. Kim was leery of giving up her command, but she and Ron agreed that the chance to serve aboard and ultimately command the Federation flagship was too good an opportunity to pass up. That Picard wanted her, given all of the other officers available, had meant the world to her. The posting also offered them the opportunity to finally start a family, something she could not do on a warship. And so, she readily accepted Picard's offer to be his first officer. Now, presented with this affirmation of friendship, she responded the only way she could at that moment: by embracing Picard.
Kim was not alone in feeling her eyes welling up. Ron, too, felt tears forming. His father had died a number of years earlier and Picard had essentially adopted Ron as the son he never had. Kim was both amused and deeply touched by the bond the two men had formed. Ron had taken to calling Picard 'Captain P,' something Jean-Luc Picard would abide from no one else but treasured from Ron. Ron quickly found himself joining in the hug.
The three stood there for a few moments, then broke the embrace, checked their clothes and headed out of Picard's, soon to be Kim's, ready room onto the bridge and to the waiting turbolift.
XXI.
Everyone aboard Enterprise-E knew history was going to be made as their popular, talented First Officer took command from their revered, legendary Captain. Not surprisingly, everyone wanted to see the ceremony. The cavernous hangar bay was filled to overflowing, with every spot on the flight deck filled. There were people perched atop shuttles and fighters and crowded onto gangways and into observation booths. Those who could not find a spot were able to watch from holomonitors around the ship.
Standing in the center of the crowded deck was the ramrod straight figure of Jean-Luc Picard, fit, bald, and aristocratic, wearing the uniform and insignia of a Starfleet captain. Facing him was Kim Stoppable, trim, pretty with sparkling emerald eyes, a mane of auburn hair, and a slight scar on her cheek; she, too, wore a captain's uniform. By her side was her husband Ron, standing at ease, tow-headed, with one eye and an eye patch, vivid scars on his face, a bat'leth slung across his back. Just behind him was Rufus, who held the Stoppables' two freckled toddlers, a girl with blond hair and green eyes, and a boy with red hair and brown eyes.
The assembly watched with anticipation as Picard, smiling, handed Kim a padd.
She returned the smile, looked to Ron, who grinned, took her hand and gently squeezed, then let go, before she began to read her commission: "By order of Starfleet Command, I, Captain Kimberly Ann Stoppable, am requested and required to hereby take charge as master and commander of the United Federation of Planets Starship Enterprise …"
The End