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A street outside of Kirk's Flat
8:00 PM

The car pulled up to the curb to park and its two occupants got out. One was a tall human Nigerian
male and the other a much smaller Nlian male with brown hair and large gentle blue eyes.

"I think Frasier may be having more than just a 'few' friends over," the Nlian pointed out as they
got out of the car. "You had to park six blocks away!"

"It looks like it," the Nigerian joked. "Don't worry, you know that his gatherings are never too wild."
He chuckled."And you should see how crazy parking is around here on New Year's Eve!"

"Hakeem…" the Nlian had noticed a flat across the street that had several Starfleet security guards around it.
"Hakeem, you know this neighborhood; do you know whose home that is over there and why it's guarded?"

His friend looked at the building he was indicating. "That's Captain Kirk's flat."

The Nlain's eyes widened "Kirk? The Kirk that everyone's been talking about?"

"That's him. I suppose he doesn't want to be disturbed. Not surprising considering everything that's happened."
He motioned down the street. "Come on, we've got six blocks to walk."

"Wait," the Nlian said quietly but firmly. He crossed the street and approached the guarded flat.

One of the guards stopped him. "I'm sorry, sir, but you're not allowed any further. The Captain gave explicit
orders that he not be disturbed and a couple days ago we had to arrest a group that wouldn't leave."

"I understand," the Nlian said softly. "I'm from the Starfleet Enlisted Training Program. I don't want to go in,
I just wanted to…" He took a breath. "If you can…please tell the Captain that a lot of people are very sorry
about what happened to him."

"Who's the message from?"

The Nlian hesitated. "My name wouldn't mean anything to him; we've never met and probably never will.
I just wanted him to know…that a lot of people are thinking about him."

The guard nodded. "You're not the first would be well-wisher that's come by. I'll tell him."

"Thank you."

Tuskaro Alyen turned and made his way back toward his waiting friend.

When his fellow trainee Hakeem Arinze had invited him along to a friend's birthday celebration it had seemed
a good idea. His lifemate, Shylea and her botany class had been taken for a two day trip to the Royal Botanic
Gardens in London. She would be back tomorrow but he missed his Beloved when she was gone only for a
moment and going to a party had seemed a welcome diversion.

But now all he could think about was Captain Kirk.

He glanced back toward the silent flat.

You've been through a terrible nightmare, Captain Kirk. But nightmares don't last forever. I hope that yours
ends soon. Please know that a lot of thoughts and prayers are with you. Mine are as well and I know that
my lifemate's will be too.

END