With This Ring

Chapter 6

"Where there's a Will There's a Way"

Old English Proverb

Jim had gotten up just as the sun was beginning to peek through the bedroom window, too restless to sleep longer. He picked up his jeans and long sleeved shirt and dressed quietly in the dim room, mindful of Peter still sound asleep. He grabbed a banana from the fruit bowl in the kitchen and walked out to the barn. He decided he'd go for a ride on Ginger. The morning was cool and crisp; through the morning mist, the sun was just starting to rise on the horizon and Ginger whinnied softly as he walked into the barn.

"Shhh, Ginger. Let's not wake up the whole house." Jim patted the old horse affectionately, saddled him, walked him out of the barn and mounted. He headed toward the lake at a sedate trot, mindful of the vet's warning about not over tiring the old horse. Ginger felt strong and sure under him, and he drew in a deep breath, happy to be riding once more. Too bad he couldn't have a horse on the ship, he thought. Wouldn't that be fun for everybody! He laughed to himself as he pictured Ginger in one of the bays with his hay and feed.

It was still too early to comm Major Cernock; Star Feet Intelligence Service offices didn't open until 8 am, so Jim would enjoy a long leisurely ride around the lake and up into the gentle hills surrounding the farm before his conversation with the Major.

The morning mist burned off quickly as Jim rode up the tallest hill above the farm. He went carefully, listening for any labored breathing from Ginger, but the old horse showed no effort or distress as Jim walked him carefully up the hill. It was his favorite spot to stop and look at the farmhouse and the surrounding acres. Once at the top, Jim reined Ginger in and watched the sun as it climbed the horizon. He could see the farm house clearly from the top of the hill. It looked serene as the sun shone on it; as if it had always been there and always would be. Jim got off the horse and led Ginger to the small creek that was full at this time of the year. By late summer it would be dry. Ginger drank thirstily. "Not too fast, old fella, and not too much," Jim told Ginger. He watched him carefully, and then led him away from the water and remounted.

The way down the hill was easier for Ginger; the hill sloped gently so they went a little faster. Once at the bottom, Jim checked his chronometer and saw it was time to call Major Cernock. He flipped open his communicator and the receptionist answered. As soon as he told her who he was, she connected him to Major Cernock's office immediately. Jim had met the major a couple of times and had been favorably impressed with him. Gavin's succinct comment about his superior officer had been, "He's a good boss, doesn't ask his people to do anything he wouldn't do himself. I have a lot of respect for him. "

Jim had a very cordial and enlightening conversation with the Major. The nut in the nutshell, Jim found out, was that the Major was mad as hell. He very much resented that Admiral Komack, (and it had been Admiral Komack the Major confirmed), had gone over his head to order Gavin on a mission, a mission that the Major had never heard of, and that the Admiral refused to tell him anything about. Major Cernock never sent his people anywhere unprepared. He told Jim that during their conversation, he'd tried several times to suggest another agent to the Admiral, but Komack insisted that only Commander Bradford would do and had told Cernock he was dangerously close to insubordination with his questions.

Jim closed his comm with a snap. He too, was mad as hell! Now that he'd confirmed it had been Admiral Komack who'd ordered Gavin on the mission, it was definitely time to call in the cavalry. He opened his comm and scrolled down to find Derek Bradford's comm code. No matter how sophisticated Star Fleet communication was, it would still take a few minutes for the comm signal to get to Deep Space Nine where Derek was stationed and Jim waited impatiently.

"Bradford here," came the deep voice of Gavin's brother.

"Derek, it's Jim Kirk."

"Jim! Good to hear from you. I'm just finishing the last few details of my travel plans to Riverside. How are you? Haven't heard from Gavin yet, bet he's getting nervous."

"That's why I commed you, Derek. Something has come up." Jim filled him in on Gavin's sudden assignment and what was behind it. Derek reacted just as Jim and everyone else had, with anger and dismay.

Jim tried to calm him down. "I think I've figured out a way to get Gavin back in time for the wedding, Derek. " Jim said and told Derek about his plan.

"Hmm, Admiral Nogura. We're going straight to the top, then. Sounds good to me, Jim. I'm in."

"I know the Admiral won't be happy when he hears about this. He thinks a lot of Gavin and he's the one who personally arranged our leave."

"Leave it to me. I'll comm the Admiral right away, and tell him that I'm canceling the bachelor dinner and why."

"Thanks, Derek. Ma will also comm Mrs. Nogura this morning, invite her to tea and tell her about Gavin. Let's hope this will all work," Jim said. "I think the information about Komack will have a lot more impact on the C in C if it comes from someone other than the Enterprise command team and from Mrs. Nogura."

"I agree, Jim. I'll let you know what Nogura says. I'm going to forward you my travel plans in a few minutes. I expect to be in Riverside day after tomorrow. I caught a ride part way back on a transport ship, but after that I have to use a public shuttle, so it'll take me a little longer to get there. "He drew in a deep breath. "Now I'm worried about Gavin. I wonder what kind of assignment Komack sent him on?"

"Major Cernock has no idea." Jim answered." Knowing Komack though, it won't be a walk in the park. I'm going back to the house now, Derek. I'll have Ma comm Mrs. Nogura right away. I'll expect to hear from you after you speak with the C in C, and I'll update you on Mrs. Nogura then. Kirk out."

Jim unsaddled Ginger, gave him and Dapple fresh food and water, and fed the chickens. He entered the kitchen, bringing the barn smell and fresh air with him, to find Winona making breakfast. "Ma! Are you supposed to be up and walking? Where is everyone, why aren't they helping you?"

Winona smiled at her son. "Leonard said I could resume normal activities with the walking cast. I just have to rest this afternoon. And as for helping me, I shooed everyone out; I wanted the kitchen all to myself," she smiled. "Now go shower, dear, breakfast will be ready soon."

Where is Violet?"

"She's getting Davy dressed. The baby was tired and slept a little later this morning."

"I have some news, so I'll tell everyone at the same time during breakfast," Jim called out as he hurried out to take his shower. Then he came hurrying back. "Ma, after breakfast I want you to comm Mrs. Nogura. Derek Bradford is probably talking to Admiral Nogura right now, so let's strike while the iron is hot," he said.

"Alright, dear," Winona told the retreating figure.

Jim was ready in ten minutes. When you're a Star Ship Captain, your dressing and showering skills are honed down to a fine art. He went into the kitchen and found everyone already there. "Morning, everyone."

Davy was in his high chair already eating his egg and toast. He looked over and beamed at him. "Jim, Jim," he crowed.

Jim went over and dropped a kiss on the baby's soft cheek. "Are you already eating breakfast, Davy?"

"Yes," Davy said, nodding in satisfaction, putting another spoonful of scrambled egg in his mouth. Jim laughed and sat down and all eyes turned to him.

His mother put his plate of eggs, toast, and sausages in front of him and poured him a cup of coffee. "Thanks, Ma, "he said sipping the hot coffee gratefully.

"I spoke with Derek this morning after my talk with Commander Cernock." He looked around at all the expectant faces. "It was definitely Komack who gave Gavin his orders. I expect to hear from Derek as soon as he speaks to the C in C. Hopefully, the Admiral is in his office this morning."

He turned to Violet. "Major Cernock is very angry. He said Komack interfered with his assignment schedule and practically threatened him with insubordination if he didn't let Gavin go on this assignment. That's something you can tell the Admiral, Bones. I didn't share that with Derek."

Leonard nodded. "No fear, Jim boy. The Admiral is going to get an earful from me."

"Mrs. Nogura will also get an earful from me," said Winona. "As soon as it's a decent hour, I'll comm her."

"Moh, moh," Davy banged his spoon.

"David John Palomino," his mother said. "That was not polite, young man. How do we ask when we want more of anything?" She looked sternly at the baby.

Davy cast down his big brown eyes, and then lifted them pleadingly to Winona. "Peese, moh, Ma."

"If that isn't the cutest thing," Uhura whispered to Jim. "He's going to be a heartbreaker with those big brown eyes."

"Of course you may have more, Davy." Winona reached for his bowl and refilled it.

"Davy," his mother said warningly.

"Tank you, Ma." Davy grinned at Winona and dug into his eggs.

Violet looked around the table. "We're working on table and manners in general, so if you could all help with that, I'd appreciate it. Gavin said we'll make a gentleman out of him yet," she smiled sadly.

Jim took her hand in his own warm one. "Try not to worry, Violet. Gavin will be here in time for the wedding, I'm sure of it."

She nodded, but her brown eyes remained somber.

"While we're waiting for Derek to comm, what do you need done today, Ma?"

"First of all, I need for you to take Peter shopping for his new suit, shirt, tie and shoes, son. He's grown so much. None of his dress clothes fit him."

Peter grinned at his uncle who grinned back. "We'll make a day of it, Peter. Have lunch out and maybe an ice cream cone in the afternoon to tide us over until dinner." He looked over to Peter's empty plate. "Why don't you feed Sorrel, wash your face and hands and then we'll leave."

"Okay, Uncle Jim. I'll be ready in a few minutes."

"I'll comm you as soon as I hear from Derek," he told Violet, "and Ma, you let me know right away what Mrs. Nogura has to say."

"I will." Winona said getting up from the table.

Jim and Peter left and everyone helped to clean up the kitchen. Winona looked at her padd to review her schedule. "Nyota, if you would get all the good china and glassware out for me, we'll put it all in the dish washer. Violet, please get the large damask tablecloth and the silver we used at Christmas; they're ready to be placed on the table.1 Since Peter is going with Jim, Davy can play on the floor in the living room while you do that. Peter put his basket of toys in there. Leonard, Spock, we're going to bake Mexican Wedding cookies...dozens of them in fact, and then freeze them. I'm sending you the recipe," 2 she told them, swiping her padd. "I want you to prepare the dough for me, and I'll do the rest." She took a deep breath, looked at the wall chronometer, and said, "I think it's time for me to speak with Mrs. Nogura. Wish me luck, everyone."

"It is illogical to depend on "luck" which is merely a random set of circumstances that fall in such a way that the perceived outcome is positive," Spock said.

McCoy stared at him unbelievably.

Spock quirked an eyebrow at him. "I merely want to convey to Dr. Kirk, that like her son, her eloquence will no doubt be sufficient to persuade Mrs. Nogura to intervene on Commander Bradford's behalf. There will be no need to depend on any random set of circumstances or so called "luck"."

"Well, you coulda' just said that," McCoy muttered irately.

"I believe that I did just that, doctor."

Uhura, Violet, and Winona just laughed at the two and went their separate ways.

Spock and McCoy looked for and found all the ingredients for the Mexican Wedding Cookies 2 and began working on the recipe. Uhura came in and out from the living room, carrying the glassware and china and filling the dishwasher. They could hear the soft murmur of Winona's voice from her office, but couldn't distinguish the words. Winona's voice sounded calm and unhurried. Uhura and McCoy exchanged glances, and nodded at each other….a good sign that.


Jim and Peter walked into the Riverside Men's Emporium. The shop had been there for three generations. Jim's father, and later, Jim and Sam, had purchased all their suits, ties, dress shirts and shoes there. Now Peter was following in that tradition. It was still early, so there were no customers in the shop yet. Selma Steadman looked up from her padd and a big smile lit her face. "Jim! How wonderful to see you. I didn't know you were in town, haven't seen you since Christmas." She came forward to hug him. She looked down. "Hi Peter. How is your grandmother?"

"She's good, Ms. Steadman. She broke her ankle, but it's fine now, right Uncle Jim?" He looked up at his uncle.

Selma drew back in alarm. Jim returned the hug and reassured Selma. "I'm in town for Violet Palomino's wedding," he told Selma, "and yes Ma is fine. She had a little accident, but it's not serious."

Selma Steadman had graduated with Sam from Riverside High School and she knew the Kirk family well. After high school she had left town to get her degree in business administration, and had returned to take over the store when her father retired. Under her management, the store had acquired a stellar reputation for its fine quality men's apparel and both their on-line business as well as the store front business was thriving. Any type of men's apparel, dress uniforms, suits, tuxedos, dress shirts, as well as casual wear, either off the rack or made to order, were available.

"Selma it's great to see you. How is your father?"

"He's doing well, Jim. Enjoying retirement and spending a lot of time fishing…you know that's his passion," Selma grinned. "Now what can I help you with?"

"This young man needs a new suit, shirt, tie and shoes for the wedding."

"We'll fix him right up," Selma said. "Tim," she called to the young man stocking shirts. "Bring the measurement laser, this young man is getting his first made to measure tailored suit," she said, smiling down at Peter. "Tim will take care of you, Peter."

Jim grinned. "Go on, Peter. You have to be measured for your suit, shirt, and shoes. Then Tim will find exactly the right suit for you and tailor it to fit you perfectly. That's the way it's done, Squirt."

His comm pinged and he looked at the ID. It was his mother. "Selma, is there somewhere more private where I can take this comm?"

"Sure. Just step into my office. You can keep an eye on Peter too, it has a big glass window," she told him pointing to the room behind the counter.

Jim nodded. "I'll be right in there, Peter. It's Noni calling."

Peter nodded, not taking his eyes off of Tim, who had brought out a big box for Peter to stand on, his special measurement laser, and his padd for his notes. Jim smiled, remembering the first time he'd being brought here by his dad and the excitement of his first made to measure suit.

"Ma," he said into his communicator. "How did it go with Mrs. Nogura?"

"I think it went very well," said his mother. "I invited her for the afternoon before the wedding and explained why I was asking a few of the women guests to come to the house for tea. I told her how worried and sad Violet was and how we were trying to raise her spirits because of Gavin's new assignment and the possibility of his missing the wedding. Mrs. Nogura asked me a lot of questions, Jim. You can't put anything over on that woman. I told her that the assignment had come out of the blue from someone higher up and that Gavin's commanding officer had already given him time off for the wedding and had tried to substitute another agent and had been refused. She said she would be happy to come to the tea, and she also said, and I quote, "I'm going to ask Nogura just what the hell is going on." Those were her exact words." Winona chuckled, "I guess she's still a salty Marine officer at heart."

Jim breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good, Ma; very good! Mrs. Nogura is a formidable woman. Trust me; she'll get to the bottom of things. I haven't heard from Derek yet, probably means the C in C has been in a meeting, or is out of the office."

He glanced through the window. Tim was bringing out some dress shirts for Peter to look at. Peter was looking seriously at all the shirts, his little face was solemn with the responsibility of making the right choice.

"How's it going with the shopping, dear? Are you finding something for Peter?"

"We're good, Ma. We're here at the Men's Emporium. Peter's been measured and we're in the selection process. Brings back a lot of memories," he told his mother. "We're going to lunch and for ice cream afterward."

"Following two very important traditions and milestones in the Kirk male line." Jim could hear the smile in his mother's voice. "Bye, Jim. Have to get back to my Mexican Wedding Cookies before Spock and Leonard do something to them they're not supposed to do. Let us know when you hear from Derek. Tell Selma hello for me."

"I will." Jim flipped his communicator closed and went back to help Peter with his choices.


1 See 'A Riverside Christmas Mystery"

2 recipe/traditional-mexican-wedding-cookies-162213