It was strange to think that death could be so noisy. Perhaps others that had died in the war were making their own ways on into the next world of existence. If they were, they were doing so with much to say. People were crying; people were singing joyously. There were even sounds of clapping and cheering, of cursing and moans of despair. There was rustling of people moving to and fro with feet that clapped and glided across what must have been the ground. Many who held any kind of religious belief usually described the afterlife as being on clouds or somewhere out in space. It was hard to believe that any foot could slap a cloud in the way that it did, but it was heard loud and clear. What was missing was everything; there was nothing around but a great black void. There was no sight of clouds or stars, or even of rocks, trees or anything resembling any kind of place. There was only noises and darkness. A thought came to pass that perhaps this was not heaven … this could have been hell. But what about brimstone and fire, and that good old gnashing of teeth business? There wasn't anything like that at all. There wasn't any pain or remorse – there was no feeling at all. It was as though death brought nonexistence.

But even for Skylar, this did not make any sense. She had never been much into religion. However, when alive, the thought of going through death and then slipping into nonexistence was a horrible thing to consider. It depressed her to think that life led simply to nothing … even if she couldn't explain what might happen when one died. The idea that something happened after death was better than nothing happening after death and so she had allowed herself to keep that hope, however dim the universe made it.

And then, a voice broke through the entirety of the noises that made up the nonexistence. It ripped the darkness, only allowing a sliver of light. This must have been it, the gateway into the next life or the judgment that denied access to it and condemnation to nothingness.

"Skylar," came the voice through the filter of light.

Somewhere in the void, even with the lack of being, Skylar managed to respond. "I'm here."

There was a pause.

"I'm sorry," Skylar continued when the divine being did not say anything. Perhaps this was it. Perhaps she was meant to remain in the void, damned.

"Why are you sorry?" spoke the being. The voice was majestic and soothing.

"Father, I did my best."

Strangely enough, the being began to chuckle. "Skylar, open your eyes."

Skylar was unsure how to respond. Was this some kind of supernatural test? "But … I'm dead."

"Skylar," came the voice decisively, "You are not dead."

The slit that allowed the light in began to widen. The world was a bright, blurry mess unlike anything she'd ever witnessed. It wasn't until Skylar managed to blink a few times that she realized that she was laying on her back on a bed and that she was staring directly up at the oval lighting that shone done on her from the high ceiling. The encasement of numbness broke away from her body. Suddenly she felt the warm temperature of the room, the fabric and sheet against her bare skin and the fluids that ran through her veins. She also felt a soreness unlike any other in her abdominal area.

"Oh yes," she said quietly. She felt her lips move with her words which verbally recited what she was thinking. "I was impaled."

"Oh yes," came the voice again, almost sarcastically.

Skylar's head tipped to the side, half expecting to see Bones. It would make sense, considering he was the chief medical doctor on the U.S.S. Enterprise. However, she came to realize that this was not the Sick Bay of the ship. This was somewhere else, and the voice that had spoken to her had not been Dr. Leonard McCoy's voice at all. It belonged to the man who sat next to her in his wheel chair – Admiral Christopher Pike.

At the sight of her uncle, Skylar's heart picked up speed and her body jolted ever so slightly. The monitor above her head caught this and Christopher glanced up at it as the beeping hastened.

"It's okay," he said, returning his gaze to his niece. His hand came to rest upon hers. It was warm. His fingers lightly pressed down on the top of her hand. He was very real; his hair was wisped with gray along the sides and the top. His eyes still had that charming smirk in them, despite the apparent age lines and Crow's feet that adorned his face.

"Uncle Chris," Skylar sputtered.

He nodded. "Yes. I'm here."

"Are we on Earth?" Skylar looked around the room. There was a slight green glow to the room. There were plenty of oddly shaped vases with colorful plants lining shelves. There were a few other beds but they were blocked by virtual screens to allow for privacy. A few screens hung from the ceiling showing unfamiliar news broadcasts and strange game shows. Some had English subtitles. Soft, comforting music played overhead while medical personnel donning white and green uniforms bustled about, some conversing and others more focused on their PADDs. A very familiar Vulcan sat in a chair near the opposite wall with his eyes closed and his head down, his arms crossed over his very worn and even bloodied Starfleet issued tunic.

"No, we're not on Earth," Christopher replied, following Skylar's gaze to Spock. "We're on Lambda 5 and Mr. Spock there hasn't left that chair since we landed."

Skylar looked at Christopher. "How long ago was that?"

"About five days."

Skylar's mouth fell agape. "I've been dead for five days?"

Christopher chuckled. "What is all of this death business?"

Skylar attempted to sit up but between the pain in her abdomen and Christopher's nonverbal objection with the look he have her, Skylar relaxed back onto her pillow. "I don't know how I didn't die."

"You had some really critical injuries," Christopher explained. "But with Dr. McCoy sustaining you on the ship and the medical attention you've had here, you've obviously pulled out of your coma."

Skylar remained quiet for a moment, the word coma circulating through her brain. "Am I okay?"

"You mean, are you going to live? Yes. Are you going to be out of commission for a while? Definitely yes."

Skylar eyed him sharply.

"Hey, I may not be the doctor, but I can assure you McCoy will keep you on bed rest for a while. I'm sure running amuck trying to save planets won't be good for the healing process."

Skylar thought for a second. "Wait," she said suddenly. "What happened? What happened on Armaga Set-ta? And Havara – what happened to her?"

"I'm unfamiliar with a Havara, but the Federation is sending out science teams to find out everything they can about the planet and the energy that it possesses, and of course, how Cobia developed his cloaking device. As for the inhabitants, many of the guards and men have been taken into custody of the Lambda 5 armed forces for questioning. Many of the injured, men and women alike, have also been transported here via the Enterprise. In fact, Jim and the crew just made it back a few hours ago. I've seen to it that they're all grounded for the next few days. In fact, I just got in this morning. I hopped on the first flight out once I heard about what had happened to you."

Skylar sat quietly for a moment. "So, the women are okay?"

Christopher smiled at her. "Yes. They will be fine thanks to a very clever computer programmer and my niece. They will now have the option of starting new lives here or wherever they see fit, with help through the Federation." He leaned in closer to her. "Skylar, I am so proud of you. I know I make it sound like you're a kid again, but I just wanted you to know that. Your mother would have been so proud, too."

Skylar stared at him with a small smile on her face. "Thank you, Uncle Chris."

Christopher watched her, his smile unwavering. "I don't think I've ever heard you call me that." His hand tightened around hers. "And I wish this wasn't the situation to go through to have to hear it. My heart was broken when I heard about what you both went through. I am so sorry, Sky."

"But we made it," Skylar said. She paused. "Amelia is okay, right?"

Christopher nodded. "She led many of the women out of the war, straight to Jim and his team."

Skylar smiled. Her eyes turned toward the wall as she heard movement. She watched Spock stand up, his eyes now open and his hands down at his sides, watching her closely. His face was unreadable, even more so than usual.

Christopher whispered, "This is where I lose you again."

Suddenly Spock straightened up and placed his hands behind his back. He said to Christopher, "I will certainly leave you with your niece, Admiral," his official demeanor returning.

Christopher sat up in his wheelchair, shaking his head and rolling back from Skylar's bedside. "By all means, Spock. You've been waiting a long time." He began to roll past the foot of her bed. "Besides, we'll have plenty of time to catch up before I leave for Earth." Both Skylar and Spock watched as Christopher headed towards the door. Suddenly, he stopped and turned his wheelchair slightly so that he could see them both. "On a personal, non-Fed note, and not to sound too condescending to either of you but … behave, would you? She did just wake up from a coma. And Skylar, you do have to have some sort of healing period. So … you know …"

Mortified, Skylar groaned, "Dammit, Christopher, I'm 25, not 15!"

Spock merely stood there appearing very out of place. "I can assure you, Admiral, that I will keep my distance."

"Thank you, Spock," Christopher said, rolling his eyes at Skylar. "At ease, the both of you." He rolled out into the traffic of the hallway.

Skylar looked at Spock, who seemed to be conflicted in his stance, his body shifted toward her bed and his head still facing the doorway. "Spock," she said with a small laugh. "It's okay. We're adults."

Spock looked at her. "How are you feeling?"

"I'd feel much better if you came over here."

Spock immediately went to her beside and clasped his hand around hers. His other hand fell to her face where he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. Then, his eyes locked onto hers, he bent over and pressed his lips to hers.

So this is heaven, she thought as she tasted him.

He pulled away and proceeded to grab a chair and slide it next to her bed. He sat, his hand around hers again. "Beloved," he spoke quietly, his voice like a rolling wave that washed pleasantly over her. "I do not believe I have ever been so distressed in my life."

For a Vulcan, this was a hard thing to admit, but Spock said it so honestly. Skylar smiled at him graciously. "Yeah, I was feeling kind of hopeless there for a moment as well."

"This was the worst mission I've ever participated in," Spock said. "Physically … and emotionally."

Skylar carefully turned onto her side, her other hand falling over his. "Spock, the entire time … all I could think about was you. I am so sorry about how things ended with us. I have never regretted something so much. It hurt to know that I might never see you again, almost more so than being stabbed by that bastard."

"Cobia," Spock mused.

"What did happen to him?"

"He was killed," Spock explained. "The women killed him. It was a slow process. They did not use any weaponry."

Skylar nodded slowly. "I hope Havara made it."

"Havara did," Spock replied. "Many did, in fact. She remained on Armaga Set-ta to aid those who are awaiting the small operation enroute to the planet."

"I heard Jim was transporting people here."

"He was, after the repairs that were required once we landed. He and the crew have been working tirelessly to ensure that no more warfare breaks out. There is still much to know about the planet, but for now, Lambda 5 will become the new home for those who once inhabited Armaga Set-ta. We've had no objections."

"I'm surprised you didn't join that scientific mission," Skylar stated honestly. "You were so fascinated by that asteroid belt and remaining there would have answered a lot of your questions."

"Once the team lands and does their specific tests, a considerable amount will be realized about that planet and the highly active energy in that area of space," he said. "It will undeniably prove to be a significant scientific discovery, one that I can easily familiarize myself with at a more appropriate time, perhaps while you and the bridge crew engage in your traditional inebriated endeavors." He paused. "And remaining on Armaga Set-ta would have kept us apart again, and I could not have that."

Skylar squeezed his hand. "I think that is the most romantic thing you've ever said to me."

"In sparingly singular circumstances, I've decided to forgo logic and allow you to, quote, 'win.'"

Skylar laughed. "Oh yes, I remember that argument."

"Here is my evidence; I do not always win."

"Well, I must say, I'm glad I won over science this time." She reached out and placed her hand on the back of his neck, stroking the end of his hair.

"Skylar," he said after a moment of watching her. "I must say something."

Very much on a high, Skylar replied blissfully, "Yes?"

"I love you."

Skylar's heart seemed to stop beating and her fingers ceased to move on Spock's neck.

"My father loved my mother," Spock continued. "I loved my mother. It is not typical of a Vulcan but I am half human. And emotions do run deep within the Vulcan race, despite the lack of emotional response. But as sure as I am that logic is a necessity of survival in this life, I am also sure that I am completely in love with you."

Skylar's lips parted but only her breath passed between them. She was completely at a loss for anything logical to say … except:

"Spock, I love you too. Very, very much." It was not blissful. It was not a lie. It was a very honest statement, one that made her fearful and comforted all at the same time.

"Did you mean what you said before you passed out on Armaga Set-ta, in my arms? When you said 'I would have said yes'?"

A single tear ran down her cheek as Skylar replied quietly, "Yes."

Spock's grip on her hand tightened. He took her hand and kissed the top of it, his eyes lowering. She wondered for a moment if he was trying to hide something, a smile or any sort of emotional expression. Skylar freed her hand and placed it under his chin, lifting so that she could see his dark eyes. She gently, yet intently, pulled his chin toward her and kissed him fully on the lips until she felt his hands on her shoulders as he very meekly lessened the space between them.

:::::

Amelia took the glass of water from Leonard as he sat down next to her, his hand falling onto her thigh and giving her a small, polite squeeze.

"Uh-uh, doctor," Sulu teased from where he sat across the table next to a very happy Chekov.

Bones rolled his eyes at Sulu. "I'm off duty for the next couple of years, I can do anything I want."

"Who gave you the next couple of years off?" Jim asked with a smirk, his hand around a beer. "Because I certainly didn't."

"I did," Bones retorted. "A very clever prescription, indeed."

"I'd like a prescription to stay here for a couple of years," Sulu added.

"Aye," Chekov agreed, "Eets peacefully vunderful here."

Nyota, who sat on Sulu's right, next to Jim, nodded. "Yeah, it is really peaceful." She looked to Jim and smiled. "How long do we have here?"

Jim looked across the table at Scotty, who was on his second Scotch. "I don't know, what do you say, Mr. Scott?"

Scotty clanked his glass against the table and looked around. "Well, by the looks of it, I'd say there are enough eligible women to fill two planets; if my calculations are correct, we aren't ever to leave. And when I say 'we' I mean me. I'm the eligible bachelor here."

Jim felt Nyota's leg brush up against his and he smirked at her, her glistening smile beaming through the glass she took a sip of. "Well, as captain, I say we rest up for a couple of days, see some sights. Then, it's on to another routine mission."

Bones scoffed, "Routine my ass." He brightened up as Amelia gave his hand a squeeze. He turned to flash her a smile when he realized Amelia hadn't squeezed his hand at his comment, but rather beyond him. He followed her stare to see Spock – and an un-uniformed Skylar – walking into the eatery.

"Don't," Amelia said to him playfully as she noticed his disposition darkening. "Let her sit with us for a little bit."

Biting his lip, Bones kept his mouth shut as Amelia stroked his hand under the table.

Jim jumped up, beaming. "Hey, you're alive, Lieutenant!" Sulu and Chekov made a space for the both of them as Spock helped a rather slow Skylar into a chair.

"It'll take more than a planet full of douche bag men to take me down," she replied, looking at Amelia.

Amelia smiled broadly at her.

"I see everything turned out okay," Skylar stated, eying how close Amelia and Bones were.

Returning the reply in code, Amelia said, "Yes, it did."

"I'm glad to hear it," Skylar remarked with a wink. "After your crusade, you definitely deserve it."

Jim looked between them both. "Am I missing something here?"

Nyota playfully punched him the shoulder. "You are so thickheaded. Did you not go through anything that just happened?" She smirked at Skylar and Amelia.

"I am just heppy that you ladies are okay," Chekov cut in.

"And I'm happy that those ladies are going to get a chance at a new life," Nyota agreed, nodding toward a few Armagaen women who walked into the eatery, almost wide-eyed at their surroundings. "Part of me wishes I would have been there with you guys."

Jim laughed. "Well, I'm glad you weren't."

Nyota eyed him, her lips in a straight line. "What does that mean? Are you saying that I couldn't handle it?"

A couple of snickers sounded from the table as Jim casually placed his hand behind his neck. "I'm saying that you … you were valuable in getting the ship back into orbit."

Nyota considered this for a moment and shrugged, satisfied. "I suppose you're right."

Jim and Bones exchanged looks, Bones mouthing "close call," at Jim. Jim then clasped his hands together, eying Spock and Skylar. "You're certainly quiet, Mr. Spock."

"Aye." Scotty nodded with a sly grin. "He looks like he needs a drink."

"That is unnecessary," Spock said to Scotty and then looked to Jim. "And I have yet to find anything relevant to add to this conversation."

"Methinks he's hearing … bells," Scotty said to Jim.

Jim played along. "Bells, Mr. Scott?"

Spock looked curiously between the two of them while Skylar leaned back in her chair, rolling her eyes. "That is an odd speculation as there are presently no –"

"What kind of bells do you think, Mr. Scott?" Bones interjected.

Scotty leaned in, his hands resting on the table, nearly knocking his glass over. "What kind of bells do you reckon, Dr. McCoy?"

Bones crossed his arms over his chest. He sat back in his chair. "Oh, back home, when a man has a look like that on his face, it usually means that there is something considerably wrong with him." Amelia gave him a puzzled look, still smiling. "But if you're a Vulcan, I'd suppose you'd be hearing something like wedding bells, Scotty."

Spock cocked an eyebrow.

Jim clapped his hands together. "The ship will be ready in two days," he offered excitedly.

"Oo, I love veddings!" Chekov chirped, his hand giving Sulu's arm a squeeze.

"So do I," Sulu added. "And I am really good with coordinating things." He glanced at Spock and Skylar, Spock still sitting there with a single eyebrow raised and Skylar looking bored with her arms crossed over her chest. "And by the looks of the couple, I'd definitely have my work cut out for me."

Spock looked at Skylar, who looked right back at him with the tip of her head. "The increasing enigma that is the human customariness continues to perplex me."

"I'm human and even I'm perplexed, Spock," Skylar noted. She looked around the table at the excited and anxious expressions of her closest friends; there was so much life and familiarity again. Skylar maintained her cool demeanor despite the fact that on the inside she wanted to scream out in joy. She'd never felt so complete in her life. Her eyes came to rest on Amelia, who sat smirking at her. She knew she had to please Amelia out of them all. Even though she loved each and every one of them in her own way, Amelia resided in a different kind of place in her heart. "I think at this point we're going to hold off just a little bit longer, considering we need to finish up with the Armaga Set-ta business and we'll be on our way toward our next mission. I think we'll wait until we're back on the Earth-end of the galaxy so we can plan for a ceremony there and just take things slowly and simply."

"And, as of now, you'll be on strict bed rest," Bones added firmly.

Skylar glared at him. "And that, too."

"Which means absolutely no fighting."

"Yes, Bones."

"And no alcohol."

"Yes, Bones."

"And no sex."

"Bones!"

Amelia slapped Bones in the arm.

"Ouch. Okay. No immediate sex."

"Doctor, can I say something?" Spock said.

Bones, curious as his eyebrow lifted, nodded. "Well, yes Spock."

"How would Skylar communicate it?" Spock mused to himself for a moment. "Oh yes; shut the hell up."

Everyone burst out laughing. Even Bones smirked at the Vulcan, raised his glass of water, tipped his head and took a sip.

The crewmates eventually headed outside for a Lambda 5 sunset. For the first time that evening, they all were quiet as they sat and stood along the balcony of the eatery. It was a warm evening and as the sun began to drop behind the mountains far off in the distance, the sky glowed with a tinge of green. They were an unusual sight, the majority of them still haggard from their mission. Skylar was considerably slow as she gingerly positioned herself next to Spock on a lounge chair, Spock gently pulling her into his arms. Next to them, Amelia and Bones had claimed another lounge chair, Bones holding Amelia around the shoulders. Scotty was quietly chatting up an equally interested Lambdian waitress with a curvy figure and a sweet smile while Jim leaned against the railing next to Nyota; he stealthily slipped his hand into hers. Against the other side of the railing, Chekov stood looking up at the stars as they began to glitter the sky one by one, his chin on his fist. He was only distracted for a moment when he felt Sulu's shoulder suddenly next to his and Hikaru looked him happily, and they looked out into the heavens together.

"Such a peacefully vunderful sunset."

"Something you don't see in a Starship," Sulu added quietly.

"We should make it a tradition," Jim spoke up, almost far away as his eyes lingered, taking it in.

"I couldn't agree more," responded Bones, who was now staring into Amelia's eyes.

:::::

Havara ran a hand over the freshly churned soil that sat up above ground level. It was as long as her as she placed a sword with a piece of her dress tied to its blade upon the dirt. She smiled.

The sun was setting as Federation crewmen moved throughout the newly established camp. The sky was a glorious display of pink and orange and red as the sun began to set behind the clouds. The chirping of nightlife had already begun to hum in a melodic song as women and children found their place with ease. Havara looked up at the sky. Leighland's children joined her at her sides and she pushed her tattered skirt out so that they could sit in her lap. Wrapping her arms around each of their waists, the three of them watched their first actual sunset together without fear of anything. It was the most freeing feeling to be able to do something so simple, yet so meaningful. It was a final reminder of what had ended and what was to come. While the children's eyes lingered up at the heavens, Havara looked down at the grave by which they sat. She smiled.

"You've finished your journey, Leighland," she whispered. "Continue to shine down upon us as we embark on ours."

Oriah looked at Havara. "Will we go to the stars, too, Havara?"

Havara nodded. "To the stars and beyond, Oriah." She looked back up at the sky as it began to grow dark and the tiny dots of the heavenly bodies began to twinkle down at them. "To the stars and beyond."

THE END

A/N: Again, thank you *so* very much for reading! This story was so much fun to write. :) I hope you enjoyed it!