Former Captain William Anders had been secured in a holding cell during his interrogation, yet he refused to give up all the information of his whereabouts during his time in the 26th Century. With the Newton and the large Ventra battle cruiser hiding in a Nebula away from the approaching Starfleet vessels, they observed what was to be a rescue party led by the USS Colombia, hoping to recover any survivors from lost Starship Enterprise, as the fleet approached the large debris fields, they scanned the area in the futile hopes of finding anything that would tell them what happened to the Enterprise and her crew. Stood silently on the bridge, James Kirk watched as the first officer of the Colombia made his report to Starfleet as the face of an old friend appeared on the Newton's main viewscreen.

"Starfleet Command, this is Commander Willard Decker. We have reached the last known location of the Enterprise. Unfortunately we are picking up two large debris fields, scans of the debris indicates it is the Enterprise. No life signs detected, the Captain has ordered me to take over the investigation from here as he has transported aboard the Reliant they are scouting the area for any signs of what has happened"

"Commander, this is Admiral Green. Understood, hold your position and continue with your investigation"

"Aye sir. We are currently attempting to locate the flight data recorder; however, it appears as if the Enterprise was forced to separate her primary and secondary hull. Her engineering section appears to have been crushed by enormous force; I can honestly say I have never seen anything that can crush a Starship in this way"

"Crushed?" Green said in disbelief. "How is that even possible?"

"Unknown Admiral, however the damage to her primary hull appears as if she has hit something large and powerful. The ion displacement indicates her impulse engines where at full power"

"I see…" He said with sadness. "Keep me updated Commander. Starfleet Command out"

The screen went blank as Kirk turned towards the Ferengi officer with enormous sadness in his eyes.

"Will Decker, and old friend… he's a good man"

"Yes Captain"

"I have never seen your species before Lieutenant…"

"I am a Ferengi sir… may I speak freely Captain?"

"Of course, but I imagine my authority on this ship is less then limited" Kirk said as he forced a smile.

"You'd be surprised. It is an honour to meet you sir. We have all grown up hearing about you did… what you should have done during your career"

"My career is over Lieutenant"

"I doubt that Captain Kirk. We will restore the time-line and get you back where you belong. You have a lot of… work… ahead of you sir"

"For the moment Lieutenant, I can't see that. But I guess you guys know what you're doing"

"Yes sir. I have noticed that you are avoiding Lieutenant Kern… may I ask why?"

"The Klingon Empire and the Federation are in a state of Cold War at the moment. A war that could heat up at any moment, with Enterprise destroyed; they could make a move against us"

"Sir, the Klingons, Romulans and the Federation have been allies for centuries. With all due respect, sir… you may find him… interesting. As a matter of fact sir, one of his ancestors has… what is the right word? Faced-off against you many times, he has some amazing stories to tell, I believe he would appreciate your version of those encounters…"

"I see"

From the rear of the bridge, a voice caught the attention of the two officers as footsteps moved towards them, slowly Kirk turned around as Commander Monroe walked towards them.

"Lieutenant, you are out of bounds and pushing dangerously close to breaking…"

"Yes Ma'am… forgive me. Captain, forget what I said"

"Maybe…" He smiled. "Commander?"

"Anders is still silent. He said he will only speak to you Captain"

A dark and twisted smile crept across Kirk's face as he stepped towards the young Commander.

"So what are we going to do about it?"

"He wants to speak with you Kirk, alone"

"Give me a Phaser… I'll get it out of the bastard" He growled.

"Kirk, listen to me. Anders is suffering from something similar to what we call 'Temporal Psychosis' it is a very dangerous condition that affects the…"

"Monroe, I don't care. That Bastard destroyed my ship and killed my crew… twice!"

"I know. But, he is a trained Starfleet Officer and a Temporal Agent, his speciality is getting what he needs out of an asset. He will use your own past and future against you. You once told me to forget what he taught me, you need to let go of your anger, he can and will use that against you"

"What are you saying?"

"He's half Betazoid. He has been specially trained to use his abilities to get what he needs out dangerous people. He once convinced Khan Noonien Singh to change his battle tactics. I see you remember that name Kirk"

Rubbing his neck, Kirk smiled slightly a he spoke.

"How could I forget. He almost killed me"

"Exactly… Kirk, do not go in that room with him. His abilities are limited when he is separated from his target"

"Separated how?"

"Force-field"

Once again, everything she had learned from Anders had come back too haunt her and more too the point she was about too send Kirk into the same room as the man who destroyed his ship and killed his crew. The only thing that Anders did not know was that it was not the first time.

Slowly Kirk stood before the door leading towards the holding cells, as it opened slowly Kirk entered and looked around slightly before he walked towards the prisoner.

"Ahh, the great Captain James Tiberius Kirk. It is a pleasure to see you again" Anders smiled.

"What do you want Anders?" He said softly.

"I can save your ship Kirk, your ship and your crew. But, you have to listen to me. I am not what you think Kirk. I assume that my lovely first officer has told you everything?"

"Yes!" He said quickly.

"I bet she didn't tell you the whole thing Kirk. You see, I am under orders from the Federation council, we all are. Watch your back Kirk… You are the targe... Monroe knows that. I bet you have heard the whole 'Kirk is a legend' speech?"

"Something like that"

"I know your file Kirk, you past… your present and… your future. Would you like me to tell you how you are going to die?"

"Not really. It will take the flavour out of the remaining years"

"Years?" Laughing aloud, Anders stood and walked towards the forcefeild as he spoke.

"Kirk, you mean days… a week at the most. Two days to be exact, it is a matter of historical record that Captain James Tiberius Kirk will disappear from history after the destruction of the USS Enterprise… he was presumed killed when his ship was destroyed. On July 31st 2555, the body of Captain James T. Kirk will be found at Starfleet Command… cause of death, unknown. With no explanation of how he got their… it created one of the greatest mysteries of all time. But I know what happened Kirk, I saw everything"

"Really?" He replied with a smile.

"Ohh yes Kirk, I saw the whole thing. Would you like to know how you are going to die?"

"Enlighten me!" He said slowly.

"Ohh not now Kirk. First, I have something else to tell you. I am not the one changing history Kirk, Monroe is. Tell me, did she beam you into your younger self and take over the body of a crewmember?"

Quickly, Kirk looked around as he replied.

"Yes, how did you know that?"

"Because Kirk, I've been investigating her for a year now. Inter-body beaming is forbidden by the Temporal Accords. Kirk… I am under orders from the Commissioner herself on this. Monroe is responsible for the failure to protect the time-line. Shortly after she returned, the horrible truth was revealed. The Ventra should not have attacked the Federation, they where meant to extinct. I was ordered to proceed with a back-up plan. Have you noticed how very little crew are on this ship? Don't answer that. She has replaced much of the crew with holograms, holograms she can control. Captain Kirk, Jim… I can restore your ship to its former glory and give you the life you deserve to live. Help me Kirk, as one Captain to another… help me"

"Are you serious?" He said as he approached the Forcefeild.

"Kirk, trust ME! Two years before I took command of this ship, I was ordered back in time… to the USS Kelvin… recognise the name?"

"My father's ship?" He smiled to himself.

"I met your father Kirk, he was a good man"

"He still is!"

"I was ordered to proceed with an unusual plan… to get George and a beautiful woman named Winona to marry. I introduced your mother and father too each other Kirk, I am responsible for your birth…as I am with a Vulcan Ambassador and a Human Teacher…"

Smiling Kirk placed his hand on the wall and nodded as he spoke.

"That's all I need to know"

With a wink, he began to shimmer and disappear from the room.

Smiling Kirk stepped off the small platform he was stood on and walked towards a large Klingon.

"Thank you…"

"I take it you have what you need Captain Kirk?"

"Yes… and more!"

Nodding, the Klingon officer turned and walked towards the door as Kirk spoke out.

"Lieutenant. May I call you Kern?"

"It is my name Captain" He growled.

"I've been unfair to you, I'm sorry. It's just that…"

"I understand Captain Kirk. My people and your people are currently in a state of war"

"Yes, but a rather unusual Lieutenant has a tendency to stick his nose into places…"

"S'Var. He is a good man, and an effective warrior. May I speak freely?"

"By all means"

"Thank you. Stories of James Kirk have been handed down through generations of my house; your name is an honoured one on my world. An enemy that was to be feared and never underestimated. It would be an honour if I could share a bottle of blood wine with you sir, I would… enjoy hearing your views on your battles with my family"

"I am honoured Kern. Tell me, who is your ancestor?"

"A great and powerful warrior… Kor"

For the first time since this unusual mission had taken over his life, Kirk laughed with passion as he remembered the name and face of an adversary he had met many times. In a small way, he could see the echo of the dangerous enemy he had faced before in the eyes of the Klingon before him.

"Kor? Wow! I'll make you a deal Kern… once this is over. I'll take that drink with you… I DO have some interesting stories about him"

"Thank you Captain. However, I am bound by an oath not to inform you of future engagements"

"I know. So, what do we do now… Lieutenant Kern?"

"Well, now Commander Monroe has informed me… once you have finished with Anders, to invite you to dinner, in her quarters"

The night had passed quickly as the Timeship Newton hid in the Nebula, away from the prying eyes of the Federation fleet scanning the area. Close by the large Timeship, the Ventra starship hung motionless as it awaited the signal from the 29th Century vessel to return to its original time.

He seemed to spend hours in the shower as for the first time in days he let the hot water relax every muscle in his body until he finally stepped out and wrapped a towel around himself. Stepping into the main living area he picked up a cup of freshly made coffee and took a sip with a slight smile on his face. In his own mind, it appeared as if he was back home and all of his worries had been washed away.

"Kirk, Kirk… Jim!" A voice called out.

In an instant, he snapped out of his daydream and looked around at the direction of the voice.

"Finally, you're done in the shower"

"S-Sorry… it's been awhile. All we had was sonic showers. You have no idea how many times I asked Scotty to, to install one in my quarters"

"Well, you'll tell him again Kirk… I promise you"

"Yeah!" He replied as he sipped his coffee. "So, you have the date… when am I going back?"

"Once those ships leave… we can exit the nebula and send you forward"

"You heard what Anders said…"

"I did, did you believe him?"

"No! However, this does seem to fit what he said. I know, I know… he's playing me! Did he really go back to the Kelvin?"

"Yes… and no, he wasn't ordered to introduce your parents. The time service is not a… dating agency Kirk, you should know better then that"

"Then what was his mission?" Kirk said with a smile.

"I don't know, that file was sealed"

"I see. So, Monroe…"

"Jim, even after last night, you're still calling me Monroe?"

"Sorry, Julia. Was last night part of your orders?" He smiled.

"No, personal goals" She winked. "I'm going to take a shower, you should get dressed Jim… The replicator can make anything you need"

"Of course" He smiled.

Taking off her robe, she walked towards the bathroom of her personal quarters. Smiling slightly, Kirk watched her as she entered the bathroom and closed the door. Placing his coffee down on the table at his side, he walked towards the nearest computer and sat down as he began to type into the screen, until his own personnel file was displayed.

"Kirk, Captain James Tiberius, Born… Ahh I know that…"

Quickly, he skipped down the file as he began to read his own Starfleet record, until he reached the current date.

"… After damage was caused to the Enterprise warp engines by an Ion Storm, Captain J.T. Kirk proceeded to Starbase…" Quickly he read ahead. "… It was here that Kirk disappeared for several days, with no explanation of his absence, forcing Commander Spock, as his then First Officer to open a murder investigation. This investigation was quickly abandoned upon the appearance of Kirk onboard the USS Enterprise several days later. Under penalty of Court-martial for desertion, he remained silent. All charges where eventually dismissed due to lack of evidence… What the hell is this?"

"Find what you where looking for Jim?"

Startled, Kirk looked around as Monroe approached him wrapped only in a blue towel.

"Can't blame a guy for looking"

"Kirk, what Anders told was wrong. THIS is your file. Read it all if you want, I will not stop you... Nevertheless, do you really want to know your future? I'm going back to my shower now… do what you feel you need too Jim. All I can say Jim, is that what you do in the coming years will change Starfleet forever. My Starfleet no longer exists; perhaps you will create a better one, if you look ahead. Can I ask you one thing?"

"Sure" He sighed as his heart rate returned to its normal rate.

"What would Spock say?"

"That no-one should know his future. That I am being an irrational, emotional human"

"Sounds like good advice. I wish I could tell you everything Jim. What you are about to face, who you are about to become. But, you must face your future as it happens, I know that… I've had that opportunity. I did not take it!" She smiled.

"Why?"

"Because… I don't want to know Jim. I love my life as it is, knowing… would alter that life. So do what you want, I'm getting cold"

Shivering, she turned and walked towards the bathroom once more before stopping half inside the door and smiled as she spoke.

"What happened last night, between you and me… that was personal… not professional, and if I may say this. You are not how history records you" She winked.

As the bathroom door closed, Kirk thought for a moment and smiled as looked at his own personnel record, yet now only one thought entered his mind as he spoke softly.

"Computer, display the Starfleet record of Commander Julia Monroe"

"Monroe, Lieutenant Commander Julia Carol. Born Earth, Iowa on Stardate…"

His eyes widened as he read over her file, everything she had done over her career. Her missions into the past, until finally he reached a part of the file he could look away from.

"… Assignment: 2314989-Alpha. Outcome: Completed. Returning Kirk, Captain J.T. Spock, Commander. McCoy, Doctor, Lieutenant Commander Leonard H. To time of departure by temporal transport…"

"Ohh my god. She was their!"

"… Assignment: 3327854-Gamma. Outcome: Completed. Observation of Picard. Captain Jean-Luc during Veridian III incident, resulting in the death of…"

"Computer, end program" He called out.

Slowly, Kirk stood and ran his fingers through his hair as he looked around Monroe's quarters. Finding the replicator, he walked towards the device and gave his order. Smiling too himself as the clothes appeared before him.

After dressing, he sat in a chair waiting for her as she opened the bathroom door and stood before him wearing only her underwear.

"Wow! You look great"

"I couldn't find anything else" He laughed.

"I like the leather jacket"

"Yeah, I used too have something similar before I joined the academy"

"So, did you read ahead?" She smiled.

"No. I took your advice, but your file is… impressive" He winked.

Her jaw dropped as she stood before him, she knew everything about Kirk including his favourite drink, had he read her file he could know more then he was allowed too, including something more personal.

"I err!"

"Relax, I only looked at what was… appropriate"

"Well…"

"You wrote your dissertation on me?"

"I err!" She mumbled.

"You're wrong… I read the brief…"

Slowly he took her into his arms and smiled as he looked down into her eyes.

"I'm actually funnier then you said" He smiled.

Laughing slightly, she looked up into his eyes and kissed him before replying.

"So I see. I hope I didn't embarrass you"

"It takes a lot more then a half written paper, I get the feeling that I'm being studied"

"Such an interesting specimen" She winked.