The next morning, they got on their way to Colorado Springs. They would be there by that afternoon, if they did not run into anymore trouble. Jim hoped they would not run into more trouble. He just wanted to get somewhere and sleep. He looked at Bones. "Aren't you sleepy?" he asked.

"I've drunk so much coffee, I don't think I'll ever sleep again," Bones replied.

"Coffee doesn't help me much."

"You're just lazy."

"Call it what you want. I'm sleepy."

Jim looked at Spock. "You don't get sleepy either?" he asked.

"I have managed to get a sufficient amount of rest, Captain," Spock replied.

"Sufficient." Jim wondered what that meant, but he would not ask. He figured Spock would go into a long, logical, Vulcan explanation that would leave him with even more questions.

"Just don't go to sleep and fall out of the saddle or West and Gordon will rib you for the rest of the time we're together," Bones said.

Jim scowled at that. "How do you know?"

"Well, that's just the way it is. You just don't fall asleep and fall out of the saddle. It's a greenhorn that does that."

"Whatever, Bones."

"Don't whatever me. I'm telling you how it is."

They did not have any more trouble on their journey, and they arrived in Colorado Springs by that afternoon. Jim did not think he had ever been so glad to get off a horse. Gordon had fixed his saddle with sheep wool so he would not be saddle sore, but he was just glad to be standing on his own feet.

"Jim!"

Jim looked to see Carol coming that way smiling. He could not help but smile as she greeted him with a hug. "Are you that glad to see me?" he asked.

"Of course," Carol replied. "Aren't you glad to see me?"

"OH yes. I am."

"Something wrong?"

"No. It's been a long ride."

"I can imagine. We've found out about the land already, and Uhura and I have managed to purchase the right claim. All we have to do is get to it."

Jim was surprised. "You mean, you two have already bought it? How did you do that?"

"It only required a down payment."

"Oh."

"Cripple Creek isn't far from here, and we have to just get equipment and get out there."

"Right."

"Jim, are you that shocked?"

"Carol, I have barely had any sleep. I'm just tired."

"We should start for the claim as soon as possible. Uhura and I have also purchased ourselves some different clothes. I thought I'd leave the wagon and horses to you."

"We'll probably need…"

Just then Bones walked up along with Jim West. "Thanks for your help," West said. "As soon as we get the wire, I'll pay you guys for your work."

"Thanks," Jim said. "What all should we take with us for this claim?"

"I'll help you with that. As a matter of fact, Artie and I are taking a few days off and I thought we'd go up there and help you."

"That would be great."

Jim looked at Bones. "Uhura and Carol already purchased the claim," he said.

"Really?" Bones asked. He looked at Carol. "That's great. I'm glad I don't have to try and pick the right spot."

"Let's just take the rest of this day. We can get started tomorrow."

"Fine. I'm beat! I want to do ANYTHING but get on another horse!"

Bones walked away. West chuckled at that. "I'm ready to rest too," he said and put his hat back on. "See you guys later."

"Jim, there's one other thing," Carol said.

"What?" Jim asked.

"The dress is here. Let's get married today before we go there tomorrow."

Jim thought he was getting overwhelmed. Carol just waited for him to say something, but she thought he looked a little confused. "Don't you want to?" she asked.

"Yes," Jim said. He thought he was too sleepy to think about all this.

"Are you really that tired?"

"Yes, I am."

"Then get a hotel room and I'll see that no one bothers you."

"I think that's what I need."

When Jim lay down on the bed in the hotel room, he did not know anything else until someone knocked on the door. He sat straight up in bed. He thought he had been dreaming about something. "Come in," he said as he rubbed his face.

Spock came in and closed the door. "Captain, have you spoken to Carol about the claim that she and Uhura purchased?" he asked.

Jim nodded. "Yes. Well, Carol told me about it. We haven't gone to any length about it yet. Why?"

"Do you believe it is cheating for us to take advantage of our knowledge of history in this way?

"Spock. We have to do something. Besides, maybe we'll have better luck with it than the one who originally found it."

"Perhaps."

"How long have I been asleep?"

"Approximately five hours."

"Five hours? Carol really meant it when she said I wouldn't be disturbed. How did you get in here?"

"I simply walked in."

"Where's Carol?"

"I do not know. She seemed very excited about something, and she and Uhura have gone off together."

Jim swallowed hard. "I know what she's excited about," he said.

"What would that be?"

"She and I are getting married before we go to the claim."

"You did not tell me this."

"Well, we had just talked about it today after I got back."

"One has simply to walk into a church or go to a judge and get married, I presume."

"Yes."

Spock was silent a moment. "Perhaps Uhura would like to do the same thing," he said.

"That's between you and her."

"I will speak to her about it."

"Do you think we're doing the right thing in taking on mining? I mean, do you think we can be successful at it?"

"I believe we can accomplish whatever we set out to do together."

"So you think it's a good idea."

"Since I am not experienced at mining, I do not have enough knowledge to make a decision of whether it is a good idea or a bad idea. However, I do believe that we can do what we set out to do."

Just then, there was a more insistent knock at the door, and Bones came in. "It's about time you're awake," he said as he closed the door. "You two having a conference again?"

"Not really," Jim sad. "We're just discussing the claim and what we need to do."

"You know, I can't wait to get up there and get started? Being out there in nature just sounds appealing."

"I guess it does. It's gonna be hard work though."

"Hard work never hurt anyone."

"I don't know about that. Just think of how sore our muscles will be after a whole day mining."

"Can't be any worse than being in that Klingon prison…and this time, we'll be doing it for ourselves."

"I don't think I've ever seen you so eager to work, Bones."

"I didn't say I was eager to work, but I kinda like the prospect of being wealthy."

Jim chuckled at that. "You keep letting that beard grow, and you're gonna look like you belong on a mountain."

Bones stroked his bearded chin. "I like it."

"It is likely that we will all look like mountain men since there will not be much opportunity to groom ourselves," Spock pointed out.

"Speak for yourself. I don't intend to just rust or mildew out there."

Jim laughed at that. "You might when that cold winter comes," he said.

"Which brings forth a very interesting question," Spock remarked.

"And what's that?"

"The two ladies who will be accompanying us."

Jim frowned. "What question is that?"

"I believe this environment will be quite different for them than us."

"How so?"

"Captain, whether one wants to point it out or not, there is a significant difference between men and women."

"He's got you there, Jim," Bones said.

"I don't think they'll have that much of a problem," Jim said. "Besides, I'm not pointing out anything."

"Very well," Spock replied.

Jim stood up. "I have to get out there and find something better to get married in," he said.

Bones' mouth dropped open. "You're getting married today?" he asked. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"Well, Bones, when I got here, I was so tired, I didn't have time. I fell on this bed, and didn't get up till now."

"So, who's your best man?"

"Uh, well, the two of you, I suppose. It's not like we're having a big wedding. I gotta get a bath too."

"I already been for that."

"Where? In the creek?"

"No."

Jim opened the door, and almost ran into Carol who was about to knock on the door. "Well, hello," he said.

"I was wondering if you were up," Carol said. "I see your friends woke you up."

"Did you want something?"

"You know what I want."

Bones smiled as he almost laughed. "You're about to get hitched, my friend," he said.

"Would you two excuse us?" Jim asked.

Bones looked at Spock. "I think he wants us to leave," he said.

"I will talk to you later, Jim," Spock said and went out the door.

Bones went on out too, and Carol closed the door. "Are you ready?" she asked.

"I was about to go get a bath," Jim said. "I wanted to smell good…especially after the wedding."

"And just where will we go after?" Carol asked as she put her arms around his neck.

"To the mountains?"

"Jim."

"The hotel?"

"I'm only kidding."

"Right. I'm not."

They both laughed and then shared a long kiss. "So, your room or mine?" Jim asked.

"Mine."

After Jim got a bath, he met up with Bones and Spock again who were dressed in suits. Jim had also gotten himself a suit. "Well, let's go get this over with," Bones said. "Everybody knows it's about time."

"What everyone else thinks is insignificant?" Spock asked. "It was only their time that counted."

"Thank you, Spock," Jim said. "I assume you two know where the wedding will be?"

"In the church at the end of this street."

Jim cleared his throat. "Alright, let's go."

They started walking down the boardwalk. "Are you nervous?" Spock asked as he noticed Jim pulling at his collar.

"Yes, I'm nervous," Jim replied.

"Why? You have known Carol for quite some time now, and…"

"I know that, Spock. I'm not nervous because of her. It's just…"

"It's a natural part of life to be nervous when you're getting married," Bones blurted. "What if it were you and Uhura?"

Spock did not reply to that. They soon came to the church and went up the steps. The reverend was waiting for them when they got inside, and so were Jim West and Artemus Gordon. "Hey, we couldn't miss this," West said.

"I'm glad you guys are here," Jim replied.

They went on inside, and Jim wondered where Uhura and Carol were, but he soon did not have to wonder anymore because Uhura came in, and Carol soon followed her. Jim tried not to let his mouth drop open. Her dress was a long, white, silk dress with flowers around the waist and at the sides and the back.

Spock stood beside Jim. "Captain, Uhura and I do not intend to…invade your wedding," he said. "However, we asked the minister if he could do a double wedding since this is a private wedding."

Jim was surprised by that revelation. "Well, that's fine, Spock," he said.

"We have discussed the matter, and the minister agrees to perform this ceremony."

Bones stood between them. "I guess I'm just the fifth wheel," he said.

"You could be the seventh," Gordon remarked.

"Oh yeah."

When the ceremony was over, they all went outside. "We're starting out early in the morning," West said. "We can go over to Cripple Creek on the train, but from there, we have to hike up into those mountains. We have to get some mules, equipment, and horses. There won't be any other way up there when we get that far."

Jim nodded. "We're ready."

"Oh, and uh, you should all get some chaps to wear. This ride won't be short."

"I won't forget that."

Jim looked at Carol and smiled. "What is that smile for?" she asked.

"Well, I've never had a wife before," Jim said.

Carol could not help but smile then. "Let's go."

West, Gordon, and Bones stayed there while the others went on their ways. "I suggest we get everything loaded on that train tonight," West said. "That way, we can get going as soon as the sun comes up."

"I better get out of this monkey suit first," Bones replied. "I sure don't want to tear it after I paid all that money for it."

"We'll see you at the general store."

Bones hurried off to get changed. He had not felt this excited about anything in quite some time. After all, he never had much to be excited about. He felt like he had no life most of the time, but he would have one now. Maybe it would be full of hard work, but he could still be a doctor when someone needed him. He was sure there were plenty of dangers in mining and panning, and surely in ranching. He might be a fifth wheel, but a fifth wheel was quite handy at times.

The next morning, they boarded the train early. Carol laughed as Jim flopped on the couch in the train car, and pulled her down with him. "Oh great, now we have to put up with newlyweds," Bones remarked.

Uhura laughed too. "Maybe you should have brought that woman along from San Francisco," she said. "She might have liked mining too."

"That was just a date. Besides, I don't think she wanted to give me the time of day after I practically abandoned her before the night was over."

"All work and no play."

"I guess that's just me all over."

"That's why you're so grumpy, Bones," Jim said.

"It is not! I just like being grumpy. And what you call grumpy, I just call it plain old blunt."

They were in Cripple Creek before midday, and then they were off on horses with pack mules and other equipment. "Our first step to prosperity," West remarked.

"You think that snow will come before we find anything?" Jim asked.

"I'm sure it will come soon after," Gordon spoke up. "There's already a little chill in the air at night."

"I noticed that."

"The temperature starts dropping in September. I would estimate it will take us at least a month to start finding anything since we have to dig through rock."

Jim thought that made him a little nervous to think of doing that. It was just a chance that they would find anything, but since they knew the gold was there, the chance was better.

Carol rode beside Jim. She smiled as she looked at him…her husband. "Jim, don't you think this trail is beautiful?" she asked.

"Yeah," Jim replied. "It's getting a little steep too."

"We'll be in the mountains. Have you ever explored the mountains like this?"

"No. I was mostly in Iowa. There are no mountains there."

"Jim, even though we're not in our own time, you have to admit it's not that bad."

"We haven't started all that hard work yet."

Carol smiled. "Are you dreading that?"

"I don't know. Are you?"

"Me? Why, Jim Kirk, don't you know that women don't do such labor in this day and time?"

Jim looked at her, and saw the amusement in her eyes. "You're pulling my leg," he said.

"I don't care how hard we have to work. I'm just happy that I have you."

"I would kiss you if we weren't on these horses, because I've never been happier in my life."

By that evening, they had made it to their claim which simply looked like a wilderness. Gordon got down from his horse. "Well, that is one of the least likely looking claims I ever did see," he said.

"What does that mean?" Bones asked as he got down.

"It means we've got a lot of work to do, and the first thing we have to do is clear some area for shelter."

Jim and the others stood and looked at the area which had a stream. "It's beautiful," Uhura said. "Nature untouched."

"Let's get started," West said as he got an ax off the pack mule. "We should get those shelters up before it gets dark, and get some wood for a fire."

Jim just stood there a moment, but he looked at the others. "I'll help with the clearing," he said. "Somebody get some firewood."

"Uhura and I will collect firewood," Spock volunteered. "We will get the fire going."

"Great."

Uhura smiled at Spock as they started out into the woods. "Are you just trying to get me out into the woods alone?" she asked.

"Would that be rude of me?" Spock asked.

"Of course not."

"Then, that is perhaps my intention."

Uhura laughed. "I think deep down inside, you're just as emotional as any other man."

"You know me better than anyone else."

"You volunteered us to collect firewood."

"We will also fix the fire so that it cannot possibly escape and cause a forest fire."

"I'm with you."

Jim looked at the ax he had taken off the pack mule. Carol came up beside him. "You've never used an ax, have you?" she asked.

"You know I haven't," Jim replied. "Unless you count a pick ax."

"You might."

"I might as well get busy."

Carol watched him a moment. Jim Kirk. She remembered the first time she met him. She had been quite nervous when she approached him with her fake orders. However, she had expected him to okay it since he was known to flirt with women, and she had found out that he was much nicer than what she had heard before.

Jim walked over to a small tree. "Well, here goes nothing," he said.

Gordon and West were already chopping their own trees, and Bones was making some progress on one as well. Jim wondered why he always had to be the one who did not know how to use all this stuff. He supposed he had been quite lazy when he was young, and he was certain that he would make up for it with this mining.

Carol was studying the map of their claim. She and Spock had studied the map and had chosen the most likely place to start, but as Gordon had said, they had to get shelters fixed first.

Spock and Uhura soon returned with some dry wood, and kindling. They laid it down and then started collecting the rocks that were lying around there. "I wonder how far up the mountain these rocks came from," Uhura said.

"They could simply have broken off the side here," Spock replied.

"Or there has been a rock slide here before."

"Perhaps."

They soon had a fire pit fixed that would keep their fire under control. "Hey, that looks really good," Gordon said as he came over to them.

"Thank you," Spock replied.

Gordon drank some water and then went back to his own work. Spock looked through the supplies and finally found some matches. "I am glad that I do not have to start this fire the old fashioned way," he said.

Uhura did not know if she had ever had as much fun just watching Spock. "Do you need any help, Mister Woodsman?" she asked.

"I am certain I would need help if I did not have these matches."

"You never made a fire without matches?"

"I have never built a fire in this way."

"Well, you certainly knew how to build a pit."

"It is only logical."

Uhura thought she should have expected a reply like that. She sat on a large rock that was there close to the fire pit. "It's so quiet here," she said.

"It is quite peaceful and relaxing," Spock replied. He watched as the fire got going, and made sure there was kindling for it until it got the wood started burning. "I believe I should help with the clearing."

"We can use some of that green wood to keep the fire going longer."

By the time the sun started going down, they had cleared a space big enough to set up their shelters, which were tents. Jim looked at Carol as he took theirs from the paper package it was in. "You ever set up a tent?" he asked.

"I can't say I have," Carol replied. "But it can't be that hard."

"This is definitely an old model."

"Not in this day."

"Right."

They unfolded the tent. "Just think," Jim said. "We've gone from living on the newest ship in Starfleet to living in a tent."

"We're just adapting to our circumstances," Carol replied as she pulled one of the ropes attached to the tent. "And it's only our first step."

"Probably the easiest one of all."

They soon had the tent up which was about 6x8. It was plenty of room for them. They put their bedding into it. "One can survive with so little," Carol said.

Gordon was at the fire and Uhura was learning how to cook on a fire, so Carol went over to learn it too. "I suppose we'll be eating fish," she said.

"Yeah, there should be plenty out there in that stream," Gordon replied.

West came over to the fire. "Well, the supply tent's up," he said. "It's already getting chilly out here."

"I think there could be an early winter coming."

"I've never known the temperature to drop like this during this time of the year."

"Maybe we can find that gold sooner than we expected and get back down that mountain before it snows."

"Mining takes time, Artie. Besides, you and I will be gone long before they find anything, I'm guessing."

Jim was standing and looking at the stream and trees when Bones and Spock came over to him. "I think I'm gonna do a little panning while there's still some daylight," Bones said. He went to the supply tent and got one of the pans.

Spock and Jim squatted beside Bones as he scooped up some silt from the bottom of the stream and swirled it in the pan as the stream flowed over it. All three of them watched as the stream washed away the rocks and sand while Bones gently swirled the pan. They leaned close to see what was left in the pan. Jim picked up a small gold fleck. "I hope that's not all that's flowing in this stream," he said.

"We just have to keep trying and have patience," Bones replied. "After all, we know it's here. Fallen trees can cause gold to pile up a little if we can find one that's been lying a long time."

"How do you know so much about this?"

"I've done it before. Can't say I had any success at it but I'm hoping I will here."

"It is likely, Doctor," Spock said. "Finding a fleck of gold with the first panning is a good indication that there is much gold to find in this area."

"But where is it?"

They moved upstream and scooped up another pan of silt, and they continued until it got too dark to see. Jim showed Carol the small pieces of gold they had found. "I wonder how much it's worth," Carol said.

"Probably not much, but it will probably be enough to use to get more supplies when we need them," Jim replied. He sat down beside the fire.

Carol hugged his arm. "I'm cold."

"It is rather cold out here."

"Mister Gordon said we could be looking at an early winter."

Jim frowned. "Maybe he's wrong, but we'll just have to survive."

"Are we going to build a cabin?"

"I don't know. There's so much potential here and so many things we could do."

"It's exciting, but I have to wonder if Q will show up."

"I've been trying not to think about him."

"He is our only way back to our time."

"I don't think he has any intention of sending us back yet."

"What do you think his angle is?"

"I don't know. I just wonder if the others are trying to find a way or if we've been reported missing in action."

"We're definitely missing."

As the evening wore on, everyone drifted to their tents. Bones lay down and stared up at the top of the tent. He thought the nighttime was when he felt the loneliest. He did not sleep well and he just wished for the day most of the time so he would have something to do rather than think of how empty his life was. However, he did not feel like the fifth wheel here. He was with people who cared about him, although he usually tried not to let his feelings about people show. He supposed that was because of the hurt he had endured and even though they were good friends of his, he still acted cranky just as a distraction. He was happy for Jim and Spock, but he did not think he could ever allow himself to fall in love again.