The next morning, they were in San Francisco, California. Jim Kirk stepped off the train into another western town that did not look like one he had ever seen on westerns, but it certainly did not look like the San Francisco that he knew. The others came out around him. "It's really incredible," Carol said. "How can this be?"

"I don't know," Jim replied. "But we're here. I'm ready for the bath house…wherever that is."

"I'm going first!"

"And let's get ourselves some new clothes. I'm tired of wearing the same thing."

"YOU are tired of wearing the same thing?" Bones asked. "We wear the same thing every day of our lives."

"Yeah, but I have a lot of uniforms. They're just all the same color."

"We could always take a bath in the creek."

Jim looked around them. "What creek? And the water's probably freezing cold."

"It's kinda warm out here."

"Still, we're kinda in the mountains."

"Yeah, and we haven't seen that Q guy since we left Sacramento. You think he's left us here for good?"

Jim frowned. "I don't know."

"It is not logical that he would leave us and never return to gloat," Spock said. "One who is as arrogant as he will most likely return if only to gloat. Once he tires of this game, he may send us back to our own time."

Jim West and Artemus Gordon came out of the train as well. Gordon took a deep breath. "Just smell that fresh air," he said.

"And all that dust," West replied.

"Do you always have to point that out?"

"He's right you know," Bones said. "It's a dusty town with hay and everything else we could be allergic to, and here I am with nothing for any sort of allergy."

"Are we gonna keep standing here gaping and talking, or are we going to enjoy ourselves in this town?" Gordon asked.

"Uh, aren't you forgetting something, Artie?" West asked.

"Like what?"

"Our friends here?"

"Oh yes." Gordon took some money from his lapel pocket. "This should get you all whatever you need in this town."

Jim and the others felt so out of place. "We have to figure out where we belong around this time," Jim said. "We can't keep holding onto you guys."

"You can for now," West replied. "Who knows? You might just want to work with us."

"You never know."

"Have fun…and uh, try to stay out of trouble."

Jim turned to the others. "Jim, I believe it would be wiser if I stayed on the train," Spock said. "I do not mind staying."

"Spock, you can't just stay glued to this train," Jim replied. "You probably need the bath house yourself."

"Perhaps."

"And you're going to stay in the hotel with the rest of us if we stay here overnight."

After they ate breakfast and got some new clothes, Jim sat outside the bath house while Carol was in there. He sat and looked out across the terrain since the bath house was out behind the main part of the town. It was definitely not a bad place. He could hear a bell ringing somewhere and he figured little kids were going to school. He saw a little kid come out of a house with books in his arm and run. Jim thought he would like to see that school house and see all those kids having fun. He wondered what school was like in this time.

As he sat there, Jim thought about Carol and how, even though they were displaced, he was just glad she was there with him. Carol soon came out of the bath house. "Well, I certainly feel better," she said.

Jim stood up. "You smell a lot better too," he replied.

"Jim."

Jim smiled. "I just had to say it." He moved closer to her and kissed her. "Carol, let's get married."

"Now?"

"Yes, now. Then we can go off into the sunset and find ourselves some land and just settle on it."

"Jim, you talk like you've given up on getting back to our other life."

Jim frowned. "I don't know how to get back there, Carol."

"It's not like you to give up."

"I'm not giving up, but if we have to live here, we can't just depend on West and Gordon to do everything for us."

"I know, but where will we go?"

Jim shook his head. "I don't know. Where have you always wanted to live?"

"You should choose."

"I don't want to live anywhere that there are Indians."

"Why? Maybe we could make peace with them."

"Or maybe we could lose our scalps. This day and time is not the same as where we come from. You go on and find out something about this town while I get cleaned up. Who knows? Maybe we'll just stay here."

Carol kissed him again. "Anywhere with you is good."

Jim smiled as he watched her walk away, and she smiled at him over her shoulder. Bones walked up then. "You getting in there?" he asked.

"I don't know. I think I'm going down to that creek back there."

"Don't you think that'll be a little cold?"

"I don't know, but we'll have to wait for them to get more water here. You know, this isn't the day of indoor plumbing."

"Right. So we go skinny dipping."

"If that's what you want to call it."

"It's what I call it. This isn't the day of deodorant either."

"Don't remind me."

Spock came out there next. "I cannot say that I have ever used a bath house," he said.

"Neither can we," Jim replied. "But we're gonna use the creek instead. That way, we don't have to wait for more water."

"Perhaps we should help them invent ways of pumping water."

"Might be a good idea."

They headed down to the creek. "Jim, I have been considering our situation here," Spock said. "I believe it would be better if I simply let people know that I am different from the start rather than surprising them later."

"You mean you're gonna stop hiding your ears?"

"I do not like wearing a bandana tied around my head, and I do not like wearing hats when everyone else takes theirs off."

Jim nodded. "I can understand that, Spock, but I'm not sure what their reaction would be. If they found out later after they know you and know you're a very intelligent being, maybe it wouldn't matter so much to them."

"You could be right."

"I just don't want you to end up in some lab somewhere as an experiment."

"I am sure you would find a way to get me out."

"I'm sure I would, but then what?"

"We would find a way as we always have."

They finally came to the creek and just stood there a moment. "You ever took a bath in a creek?" Bones asked.

"I can't say I have," Jim said. "But I've been skinny dipping."

"Basically the same thing…except you just add soap."

Carol had chosen to wear a dress this time since she intended to talk to some people in the town. The one she was wearing now was not quite as extravagant as the one she had worn before, but it was a pink and white print dress that she felt more comfortable in, and she was wearing her own boots. She refused to wear those uncomfortable shoes.

She walked into the dress shop. "Good morning, Miss," the lady at the counter said.

"Good morning," Carol replied.

"Can I help you with anything?"

Carol realized this woman had an accent a lot like Scotty's. "Do you make wedding dresses?" she asked.

"Of course, Miss. Are you getting married?"

Carol paused a moment. "Yes. My fiancé and I want to get married here."

"Oh, and who is the lucky gent?"

"His name is Jim."

"I can make anything you like, Lady."

"Do you have any designs that I can choose from?"

"Of course. If you just give me an idea of what you would like, I can choose out the patterns that fit what you want."

"Wonderful."

West and Gordon had checked into a hotel and were sitting in the saloon which was attached to the hotel. "It'll be nice to not be running while bullets fly by my head for a while," Gordon remarked.

"I'm sure it will," West replied. "We haven't heard back from our message yet though."

"At least I'll have a little more time to work on some of my inventions, and you know, I think that Spock fellow can help me."

"I'll just bet he could."

"He seems quite intelligent. Maybe someday I'll have a lab, and he can be my lab assistant."

"Artie, there has to be a way to get them back where they belong. I think this Q is a lot like Doctor Loveless. He's driven by ego."

"So, you think if we just ignore him and act like everything is fine, he'll finally get bored and send them back?"

"It's possible. They don't seem to know any more about him than we do."

"Maybe he's like that imp who can be sent back by guessing his name or making him say his name backward."

West looked at him. "His name is Q. I don't think that's going to work on this one."

"He must have some other name besides just Q."

"Oh, and you're gonna guess it?"

"Why do you have to make that sound so ridiculous? Maybe that Spock can help guess it."

"Trouble is, we have to find out how to contact this Q."

"Maybe if we call him, he'll just show up. You think?"

"I wouldn't know but I suggest we wait until we're with them to try it."

"Tricking an…immortal being. Sounds like fun. Don't you think?"

"Artie, you need more fun in your life. What if we make him angry and he just banishes us to some far away galaxy where we'll be eaten by some extraterrestrial?"

Gordon gave him a disdainful look. "Your imagination runs away with you at times," he said.

"You have to admit, we don't know much about this group of people, nor their Q."

"Well, over the last two days, they have showed absolutely no aggression, no impatience or hate for their surroundings. I think they're very likable."

"I never said they weren't likable."

"Plus, Spock did help me perfect one of my inventions. Carol is quite the scientist as well. You just don't appreciate intelligent people."

"Of course I do, but I just don't find that a lot of inventions work like they should."

"That's what experiments are for."

"Oh, like the time you were face down in a tub of water, and you fussed at me for thinking you were drowning? What if you came in and saw me like that?"

"You probably would be dead if I found you like that since you are not a scientist. I would have reason to panic."

West shook his head at that logic. "No wonder you get along so well with Spock," he said. "You expect me to walk in and see you like that, and just think 'oh, he's just doing an experiment'? He's not drowning?"

"Okay. I admit it. You reacted the way anyone would."

"That invention did come in handy. I have to admit that too."

"Spock knows how to make the gadget work a lot longer."

"I'm sure he does."

Carol had chosen a wedding dress pattern and even the material that she wanted the dress made from. She could not believe the low price. Of course, she knew how simple things were in the time she was in. She smiled as she left the dress shop. She thought she could like this day and time if she and Jim could figure out how to survive.

As Carol was walking along the boardwalk, a man stepped out of a store and almost ran right into her. "Pardon me, Ma'am," he said.

"That's quite alright," Carol replied.

"Ah, what a lovely accent. You are from the East, I take it?"

Carol was stunned by that question for a moment. "Yes," she said. "If you'll excuse me…"

Carol started to walk on, but he continued talking. "There's a dance this Saturday," the man said. "Would you like to go?"

"I'm afraid I couldn't do that. I'm betrothed."

"Oh! Pardon me."

Carol walked on then. She hoped she did not have to be in awkward conversations like that much. She wondered if Jim was done with the bath house. She would just go and see, so she turned at the corner and went back to the bath house. There was a young man there carrying water, and he went in. Carol looked around but there was no one there. "Excuse me," she said. "Is there no one in there?"

"No Ma'am," the boy answered.

"Thank you."

Carol thought Jim must have gone on back to the train so she went to the train, but there was no one there. She was not sure what to do in this town since she did not know anyone. Jim West came to the train. "Miss Marcus," he said.

"Do you know where Jim is?" Carol asked.

"Uh, no. I haven't seen him."

"He was at the bath house but he's not there now."

"Maybe he's in a saloon."

"I doubt that. He doesn't drink anymore."

"I'm sure he'll turn up."

Just as West said that, they saw Jim, Bones, and Spock coming that way. "I guess your search is over," West said, and went on into the train.

Jim stopped when he got to Carol. "So, what have you been doing?" he asked.

"Well, I've been looking for you," Carol said.

"We, uh, took a bath in the creek down there."

"In the creek? Hmmm."

"I found out how cold the water is in the mountains. It's a lot colder than where I came from."

Carol laughed at that. "Jim, let's take a walk and talk," she said seriously.

"Okay. Let me put these clothes in there." Jim started into the train, but then stopped. "You know, I guess we're gonna have to learn to wash our clothes in the creek too." He held up his shirt and vest. "These have a hole in them though where I was shot. I'll be right out."

Jim went into the train where West was getting a message through the telegraph. Spock was also listening. "It seems the…President is quite pleased that the lab was destroyed," Spock said.

"I'm glad he's not angry about it," Jim replied.

"I do believe he wants our friends to bring you to the White House."

"What?"

"That is the message he just received."

"How do you know Morse code?"

"I have only to study something one time, Jim."

"Oh yeah. Your brain absorbs information like a sponge."

"One might consider the brain to look rather like a sponge."

"I have to go. Tell him I don't want to go over there. I'm going for a walk with Carol."

"I will relay the message, Captain."

"Thanks."

Jim went back outside where Carol was waiting. "I thought you had decided to stay for a moment," Carol said.

"Just a little sidetracked," Jim replied.

Carol hugged his arm. "Jim, do you realize the possibilities?" she asked as they began to walk.

"Of what?" Jim asked.

"What we could do here. Wouldn't it be just so wonderful to have our own farm?"

"It could be. It's a lot of hard work, and you know, in this day and time, there are no machines."

"I know that, but if we're going to be here…"

"I know. We'll figure out something."

Carol stopped and looked at him. "Jim, I'm having my wedding dress made," she said.

Jim did not know why that felt like a shocking jolt. "You did?" he asked.

"Yes. Aren't you happy about that?"

Jim was still a little stunned. "Uh…yes. That's great."

"Are you surprised?"

"Well, yeah, I guess I am a little. I wasn't expecting that."

"You've been talking about getting married all this time."

"I know."

They continued walking. "Are you nervous?" Carol asked with a smile. "You're nervous. I'm shocked."

Jim thought shocked was a good word for how he felt. He was not sure what to say. "How long will it take it to be done? Where did you get it made?"

"At the dressmaker," Carol said. "It will be handmade, Jim."

"Oh, right. Yeah. Just about everything is handmade in this day and time."

Carol smiled. "I didn't expect you to react this way."

"I have to figure out how to make a living. I don't think we can just settle on a piece of land. We have to buy it."

"But we would build the house ourselves."

Jim had never thought of himself building a house…or anything for that matter. How would he go about doing something like that? He supposed he had Spock to help. He would know how to measure something like that out, and Bones was probably more savvy than he was when it came to something like that.

"Don't look at it all in one big picture," Carol said. "We have to start out at the beginning."

"Right," Jim replied. "What about in Wyoming? We could raise cattle. I've always liked Wyoming."

"A wonderful idea!" Q said as he appeared close to them as though he were in the conversation.

Jim and Carol were startled and backed away from him. "Planning our future, are we?" Q asked. "How fascinating! You have no intention of going back to your time?"

"What do you mean?" Jim asked. "You know we can't get back to our time."

"Well, actually you could. I might be persuaded to send you back."

"How?"

"I didn't say right now. Looks like you two lovebirds are making plans for the long haul anyway. Imagine what would happen if another of your crew appeared here. Another pawn in my game. Oh, what a wicked plot I'm weaving."

Q disappeared again…

"What did he mean by that?" Carol asked.

"I'm sure I don't know," Jim said.

Spock was sitting in the lounge car of the train when suddenly, Uhura appeared. He looked up with surprise. Uhura was completely startled until Spock stood up in front of her. "Spock!" she exclaimed and grabbed him in a hug.

"Nyota, how did you get here?" Spock asked.

"I don't know! Where is here?" Uhura kissed him. "Spock, I've missed you so much. We didn't know where you were! You just disappeared from the ship."

"I know. We are in the year eighteen seventy-nine, and we are now in San Francisco, California. Jim, Carol, and Doctor McCoy are also here, and we have acquired some new friends, Jim West and Artemus Gordon, who are government agents who are trying to help us while we are here."

Uhura just stood there a moment absorbing all that information. "We're in the nineteenth century?" she asked.

"Yes," Spock said. "We have been transported here by one named Q. He is a being of infinite powers and gets enjoyment out of watching what others do when placed in an unusual situation. It is a game to him."

"And we're stuck here until he decides to send us back?"

"Precisely. But at least we have acquired some friends who will help us."

"Spock…the nineteenth century."

"It is why I remain on the train most of the time. And it is also why we must be very discreet about our relationship."

"Where's the captain?"

"He and Doctor Marcus have gone for a walk."

"What about Doctor McCoy?"

"I do not know his location at this time."

"So everyone is okay?"

"Yes. We have had quite an eventful journey. However, we have survived."

"Oh, I think I want to hear about this."

"I will be glad to tell you…and I must say that I am quite pleased that you are here."

Uhura smiled and hugged him again. "If I have to be in this time to be with you, this is where I want to be," she said.

"Perhaps we can convince our antagonist to send us back to our time if we think."

"Just tell me what has happened so far."

They sat down on the couch and Spock began explaining to her everything that had happened. Uhura was surprised about the lab part. "Who is Khan?" she asked.

"You do not know of the events?" Spock asked.

"No."

Spock considered that. "Then we have changed history. I must speak with Jim about this." He looked at Uhura. "We must not call him captain while in public here."

"Right."

"It will also be wise to have Doctor Marcus bring you some different clothes."

"I'm sure. Spock, this is all so strange."

"Yes, it is, but we will adapt. However, I am puzzled as to why Q has brought you here."

"You said this is like a game to him. Do you know anything about eighteenth century earth?"

"I know some. I do believe our relationship would be quite perplexing to the people of this time."

"Right." Uhura paused a moment. "However, this is San Francisco," she said thoughtfully. "It is quite different than most places."

"Explain."

"It's a growing and busy city."

"It is quite different than the town we were in before."

"I'm afraid I'm not up on my history too well."

"I have learned some since I have been here."

Just then, Artemus Gordon came into the train car. He was surprised to see Uhura. Spock stood up. "We have another unexpected guest," Spock said.

"I see that," Gordon replied. "A very lovely one, I might add."

"This is Nyota Uhura. Uhura, this is Artemus Gordon."

"Pleased to meet you, Miss Uhura," Gordon said.

"And you," Uhura replied.

"Looks like we'll be going shopping again. I think we should have a talk, Mister Spock."

"I am…all ears, as you say," Spock replied.

Uhura folded her arms. "That is so lame," she said.

"My attempts to use humor usually draw that reaction."

"You certainly haven't changed over the last few days…or how long."

"It has been only a few days for us as well."

"Spock, how do we adapt to this time?"

"We will do as we always have." Spock looked at Gordon. "Shall we sit?"

Gordon nodded. He thought this would be a very interesting conversation, and he was looking forward to it. He always liked discussing strange things, and this situation would most likely be the strangest he had discussed.