After Darkness Series: Episode One - Planet of the Living Dead

by aimsy19

Kirk and Spock become trapped under ruins whilst exploring a newly discovered and apparently lifeless planet. Only, it's not as lifeless as they first thought. Not in the traditional sense...there appear to be vicious dragon-like creatures flying about the place. But they're dead, aren't they?

8. Chapter 8

Chapter Eight

Two weeks later, life on the Enterprise was starting to feel normal again. After reporting his findings to Starfleet, Jim was surprised to get the message back that they were being allowed to project a vapour form of the cure through the planet's atmosphere. It was going to be a lengthy process, but Jim was sure enough going to stick it out if it meant saving the creatures from a grizzly and undignified demise. They had also given the lifeforms a name: Gragans. Bones had wanted to call them 'Hell Demons', but Jim doubted Star Fleet would go for that sort of name.

Cleared for duty, he stepped back onto the bridge to many a welcome face. The person he was most pleased to see was Spock, standing at his station as if nothing had even happened. Uhura was in high spirits too.

"Captain," she said, so no-one else could hear her. "I just wanted to thank you for everything you did out there. He won't admit it, but you've been a real comfort these past couple of weeks." Jim felt a sting of guilt at her words. If it wasn't for him, none of it would have happened. From behind her, he saw Spock raised his eyebrow. He had obviously heard what she had said and knew that she was referring to him.

"No," said Jim. "Thank you, Lieutenant." He raised his voice to the whole bridge. "You have all shown a brilliant amount of resilience and constancy. I cannot thank you enough but I also have to apologise. There is no excuse for my actions. If I hadn't have been so reckless, I could have spared many people from a lot of pain," he caught Spock's eyes, thankfully, they were back to normal now.

"If I may, captain," said Spock. "Because of your actions, we are in the process of saving thousands of lives. Had we left, these creatures would still be suffering. As someone, who has experienced a little of what they were going through, I can safely say that living like that would be no life at all."

"Great," said Bones as he entered the bridge. "Is Spock getting all philosophical on us again."

"You could say that," said Jim, clasping the back of the chair. "What news, Bones?"

"The cure is a success," he replied. "Give it a few days, and these creatures will have a brand new life." Jim smiled and took his place in the captain's seat. He was truly lucky to have such a great team.