Later that day, Bones woke up in a lot of pain, and he was sweating a lot as well. "Doctor, we must try the medical devices I have created," Spock said.

Bones swallowed hard. "I hear you," he replied. "Just help me sit up."

"You should not sit up."

"How do you think I can do anything lying flat of my back?"

"If you simply guide me, I will do what must be done. We need to do this now. You are in danger of infection."

Bones closed his eyes a moment. Jim listened while Bones told Spock what to do to his leg, and he grimaced and groaned part of the time as the procedure was not pleasant. However, by the time they were done, he was much more relaxed and not in as much pain. "Well, I guess it worked," he said. He wiped sweat off his forehead with a cloth. "Fever's not gone yet."

"You need to lie still anyway," Uhura said. "You've had a serious injury."

"She is correct," Spock agreed. "Although I have taken care of most of the infection danger, your leg is not completely well."

"You don't have to remind me of that," Bones declared. He closed his eyes and just went to sleep.

"He's resting now," Uhura said. She was relieved that he was not suffering anymore.

"He should recover fully," Spock replied. "However, I do not know how we will explain his miraculous recovery to the doctor." He looked at Jim.

"I'll figure that out," Jim said. "We couldn't let him lay there and die or get really bad with infection when we could do something about it."

"I agree, Jim."

Jim looked at the medical devices. "This is really good, Spock," he said. "It actually worked."

"Yes, Captain. I am quite pleased with the results."

"So am I. Let's get out of here and let him rest now."

Jim and the others left the bedroom. "I have to go into town to get some supplies," he said as he put his coat on. "Hopefully I won't run into any trouble." He opened the door. "And, Spock, put up those last boards out there. It's almost done."

"I will, Jim," Spock replied.

Carol went out to the barn with Jim. "Don't forget anything," she said. "I made you a list." She gave him a piece of paper.

Jim smiled. "Thanks." He put it into his pocket. "I'm glad you're keeping track of me."

"Always."

Jim got the wagon ready and then just stood there a moment. "We've gone from flying space ships and cruising at super speeds to horse and wagon," he said and looked at Carol. "It's hard to comprehend this."

"I know," Carol replied. "Every time I go into that kitchen, I'm overwhelmed. When I hear you out there hammering…it's just as though this is unreal."

"I just wish I knew how to get us out of here."

"It's not all bad. At least we're here together."

"Yeah." Jim kissed her on the forehead. "I'll be back later." He got up into the wagon and looked down at her. "You sure you don't want to go with me?"

"I would, but I don't think I feel like bouncing on that hard seat today. It's rather uncomfortable in this condition."

"I understand. I'll be back later, my love."

Carol smiled and watched him as he left. He was so good to her, she thought she loved him more all the time.

Jim was sure glad that Bones was out of danger. He thought everything was going rather well for them as they worked to make it better. It was still overwhelming, however.

While Jim was thinking, Q suddenly appeared on the seat beside him. Jim was more than a little startled and almost jerked the reins, but he avoided doing that. "What do you want, Q?" he asked.

"You mean you're not happy to see me?" Q asked. "I'm deeply hurt, Captain."

Jim rolled his eyes at that. "I have a feeling you're never deeply hurt about anything. What do you want?"

"I simply came to see how things are going for you. I see you've learned the ropes…or should I say, reins, of living in the nineteenth century. You should be proud of yourself. Some people would never make it."

"My crew and I are resourceful, and we know how to work together."

"Oh, yes, I can't even deny that myself. You can't be happy living here like this…can you?"

"I'm happy enough. Seeing as how I can't get back where I belong, I suppose I have to be happy."

"Oh come now, Captain. You don't have to be happy. You could sit and be miserable…"

"I would never do that. We're gonna make the best of what we have, and do what we have to to survive. That's what people do, isn't it?" Jim snapped his fingers as though he thought of something. "Oh, yes, you're not a person, are you?"

Q frowned at that. "I most certainly am a person."

"Not a human! Now get off my wagon!"

"Well, with that attitude, I might not even come back and give you my offer."

"What offer?"

"The offer to return to your time."

Jim frowned. "I don't like this game you're playing. You've left us alone for a long time now. Why are you here?"

Q looked up as though he were looking for something in the sky. "Well, Captain, I have to be careful," he said. "I can't stay too long, but I will return."

Q vanished, and Jim sighed. He hated it when he popped in like that. He thought he would just as soon be here the rest of his life than to have to put up with Q. What offer was he talking about? He hoped no one ever saw Q popping in and out. He would never be able to explain that.

Jim went into town, and waved to Mr. Dowdy as he passed by on his way to the General store. When he arrived at the store, the Marshal was just coming out. "Well, howdy, Mister Kirk," he said as Jim stepped up onto the boardwalk.

"Marshal," Jim replied.

"How are things going out your way?"

"Just fine."

"I heard McCoy fell and broke his leg."

Jim thought he should get used to people knowing what happened everywhere. "Yeah, he did, but he's going to be alright."

"That's good. I haven't seen him in town for a while."

"We've been busy working on the place."

"I've noticed. I rode by there one day on my way to Vaughn's property. He's been having some trouble out that way."

"What kind of trouble?"

"Someone stole a cow. He wanted me to come over there and ask you if you stole it, but I told him that was ridiculous."

"Well, thanks, Marshal. This is the first I've heard of someone stealing."

"You take care, Kirk."

Jim nodded and went on into the store. The very idea that someone would accuse him of stealing. He was surprised that Vaughn did not come over there himself.

"Hello, Mister Kirk, what can I do for you?" Arthur, the storekeeper asked.

"I have a list," Jim said.

Arthur laughed. "That little lady knows you can't remember everything, huh?"

Jim smiled. "Something like that."

"I'll get all this for you."

Jim went over to the other side of the store to look at the leather goods. He thought he would buy himself some chaps since he was always having to ride a horse. He selected a pair of chaps and took them over to the counter. Then he remembered that he did not go to the bank to get some money out before he came in there. "Hey, Arthur, I'll be right back," he said. "I have to go to the bank."

"I'll have everything ready for you when you get back," Arthur replied.

"Thanks. Include these chaps."

"Yes sir."

Jim went out on the boardwalk and headed for the bank. He was still not used to having to pay money for things. As he was about to go into the bank, Vaughn came out. He frowned when he saw Jim. "Well, Mister Kirk," he said.

"Mister Vaughn," Jim replied.

"Someone stole a cow off my place a few nights ago."

"I heard about that earlier."

"Anything strange been going on over your way?"

"No. We've just been working and trying to make it through this cold weather."

"Been eating any beef lately?"

Jim frowned. "Listen, I didn't steal your cow," he said. "If I wanted a cow, I would just buy one, and have considered doing that, but I haven't yet."

"Good day."

Jim did not know why that man did not like them, but he figured he probably wanted their land. He went on into the bank and withdrew some money so he could pay for the things he was buying and have a little left over.

While Jim was on his way back to the store, Alice Dowdy met him. "Hello, Mister Kirk," she said in her flirtatious way. "Haven't seen you in a while."

"I haven't been in town for a while," Jim replied. "We've been working. If you'll excuse me…"

"Wait! Do you almost have your house finished?"

"Almost."

Jim tried to go around her, but she was determined to continue the conversation. "Listen…Alice," Jim said. "We don't have anything to talk about, so if you'll excuse me."

Jim walked on this time and went back to the store. He did not see the evil, angry look that she gave to his back. Jim went on to the store, where Arthur had his things ready. "Got everything all loaded for you," Arthur said.

Jim looked out at the wagon. "Well, thank you," he replied. He paid him for the goods and then got some candy. He knew Carol liked lemon drops especially since she had become pregnant. He had developed a taste for gum drops, and Bones had too, so he got some of those.

Jim chewed a gum drop as he went to the wagon. Every time he started to get on that wagon and drive it, he found it hard to believe that he used to be the captain of a star ship. He had even bought more toothpaste this time. He had had no idea that toothpaste had even been invented in this day and time, but he was glad it was. He could not imagine being unable to take care of one's teeth.

Harvey Dowdy was outside when Jim drove by his store again and he waved for him to stop. Jim stopped the wagon as Dowdy came out to him. "Was there enough siding, Jim?" he asked.

"Yes," Jim said. "We're just about finished with the outside of the house, and we have a little more to do on the barn. I think Spock will probably have the last boards done on the house by the time I get back."

Dowdy smiled. "No offense, but what kind of name is Spock?" he asked.

"Well…" Jim was not sure how to answer that question. "He's just Spock to me."

"You take care and let me know if you need anything else."

"I saw Alice earlier."

Dowdy frowned. "I've told that girl to leave you alone. She's quite tenacious."

"That's a good word for it. I do wish that she would respect me and my wife though."

"I'll have another talk with her."

"Thanks."

Jim went on and enjoyed looking over the terrain as he went toward home. It was different than he would have expected Nebraska to be, although it was mostly flat. It also had rolling hills, and the view was just as far as one could see. It was unbelievable how beautiful it was. And at night, it was no less beautiful to sit outside and just stare at the sky. Everything was quiet. He did not have to be in a hurry.

When Jim got home, Carol opened the door and just stood there waiting for him. "Are you wanting something that's in this wagon?" he asked.

Carol could not help but laugh. "Maybe it's you," she said.

"Then I can keep these lemon drops I bought for you?"

"Jim Kirk."

Jim got down from the wagon and held the bag behind his back. "Are you gonna kiss me for them?" he asked.

Carol stood on her toes and kissed him. "Is that good enough?" she asked.

"Absolutely."

Jim gave her the bag, and then started unloading the wagon. Spock and Uhura came out to help him. "How is Bones?" Jim asked.

"He is much better," Spock replied. "He no longer has fever, and he has not woke up in severe pain."

"That's good. Is he awake now?"

"He's been in and out," Uhura said. "I've been watching over him. Don't worry."

"I know he's in good hands."

They got everything into the house and then Jim put the wagon and horses away. He stood at the back door of the barn for a few minutes looking out toward the horizon. He enjoyed looking at it so much, he found himself just staring sometimes. He supposed maybe that was the explorer in him.

Jim went on back to the house and was glad to take off his hat and coat. He hung his gunbelt on the rack too. Carol gave him the package he had brought with the chaps in it. "I thought I would need some of these this summer," Jim said.

"I'm sure you will," Carol replied. "I can't wait to see you in those."

"Why?"

"Oh, just because you're going to look incredibly sexy in them."

Jim laughed. "Don't say that too loud."

"Why? I think everyone should know I think you're sexy."

"Stop."

"Am I actually embarrassing the confident Jim Kirk?"

"I don't know that I'm so confident."

They shared a long kiss, and then Jim grabbed the bag of gumdrops. "I'm going to see if Bones wants some of these before I get tied up," he said.

Carol laughed at that, and Jim went on to Bones' room. He was smiling when he walked in, and Bones was awake. "Hey, how you feeling?" Jim asked.

"Better," Bones said. "What are you so happy about…and are those gum drops?"

"How'd you guess?"

"Give me one."

Jim gave him the bag, and Bones took one of the chewy candies. "These are so good," he said.

"I agree," Jim replied. "What do we tell the doc tomorrow when he comes to see you?"

"Maybe he won't unwrap it if I tell him I already looked at it and rewrapped it. Good thing he didn't use a cast."

"How does it feel?"

"Weird, but it's not hurting so bad now. I'll live. Did I just pass out when he set that bone?"

"Yeah."

"I never felt anything like that in my life."

"I hope you never do again." Jim paused a moment. "Q showed up today."

Bones was surprised by that. "What did he say?"

"Nothing much. Just about the same old thing. He said he's coming later with an offer."

"Offer? What does that mean?"

"I don't know, but I can't imagine going back now."

"You mean you don't want to go back?"

Jim sat down in the chair beside Bones' bed. "I don't know anymore, Bones," he said.

"You're kidding," Bones replied.

"Do you ever look out over the horizon? Do you just look? I like this place, Bones. It's ours."

"But, Jim, we don't belong here."

Jim looked at him. "Who does? How can you say we don't belong here? We're here."

"Jim."

Jim sighed. "I know, but I like this place. Have you sat outside and just looked at the view at night?"

"I have. It's incredible."

"It may sound crazy, but I like this place. I don't have to prove anything to anybody here. People respect me in this town."

"Jim, people respected you in our own time too."

"I know my crew did."

"Others did too, Jim. They made you a captain, and gave you the Enterprise. That's something."

Jim nodded. "But I'm not there now. Sometimes when I start climbing in that wagon, it's overwhelming that we used to fly starships and now we're…here."

"Yeah, tell me about it. Don't you think it's a little boring?"

"I don't know. I just don't know, Bones."

Bones watched Jim as he walked out of the room. He could not imagine never getting back where they belonged. He wanted to be able to help people in a way that caused them less pain rather than being here where pain was part of life.

By the time spring came, which was about three months later, they had the ranch going well, and Jim had even bought a cow, and some chickens. Bones stood and looked at the chickens in the pin. "I can't believe this," he said. "We're raising chickens."

"Believe it," Jim replied. He leaned on the railing of the fence around the barn. "I'm worried about Carol."

"Why? Isn't she feeling well?"

"Bones, she's going to be having a baby in…soon!"

"Oh, that kind of worried. Well, Jim, women have been having babies since the beginning of time, so I wouldn't worry too much about it."

"Are you kidding?"

"Don't worry. I'll be there with her. She's strong, and she's gonna do fine."

"What if something happens? I mean, she…"

"Jim. Calm down. I said I'll be there. You don't think I've delivered babies before?"

"I know you've delivered a lot of babies, but this one is…this is my wife."

"Don't worry. Just stop worrying. At least I'm right here in the house with her and she doesn't have to go all the way to town or to a hospital."

"I'm trying to remember that."

"Besides, it…well, never mind."

"Never mind what?"

"Nothing. I have to get in there and pitch that hay."

Bones went on to the barn. Jim frowned and started to go after him, but then a strong wind hit him. He looked out at the horizon and he could see clouds out there. They had learned when some sort of weather was coming. He knew what kind of weather could come through this area during the spring.

Jim went on into the barn. "Bones, I think there are some storms coming," he said.

"Our first of the spring?" Bones asked.

"Looks like it."

"I guess we should get the cow into the barn and makes sure the chickens are inside too."

"Right."

Later that day, they were sure rain, at least, was coming because the sky was gray and the wind was blowing. Bones stood looking out the window. "What do we do if we actually get a tornado?" he asked. "I've never dealt with anything like that."

"Well, we would be able to see it coming for miles," Jim said. "Maybe it'll go around us."

"Let's hope. That's all we need is for some whirlwind to come along and tear up everything we've built."

"Let's try to be a little optimistic."

"The important thing is that we survive ourselves," Spock said. "Buildings can be rebuilt."

Bones looked at him. "I know, but do you realize how much work we've put into this?"

"Yes, Doctor. It has not been easy. However, if the unforeseen happens, we will overcome yet again."

Bones looked at Jim. "Did you hear that?" he asked.

"He is right," Jim said. "All we can do is hope for the best and…just adapt to whatever happens."

"Worrying never helps anyway," Uhura said.

As the thunderstorm came over, it did not have a tornado, but there was hail. It did not last long, however, and then they were back to their normal routine.

That evening as they were all sitting at the table, Q popped in. "Good evening," he said in his usual way. "You didn't invite me to dinner. I'm so hurt."

Bones rolled his eyes at that. "Why would we invite you?" he asked. "We don't want to have indigestion."

"Always a wise guy, Doctor, but I have a decision that your captain must make."

Jim frowned. "What kind of decision?" he asked. "You've been talking about this, and you never say what it is."

"Oh, but tonight, I will. You want to go back to your own time, don't you?"

"We've been gone so long…"

"Yes, but I can put you right back where you were the instant you were brought here," Q said.

Jim and the others were dumbfounded for a moment, but they all looked at Jim. "What exactly does that mean?" he asked.

"It means that everything will be just as it was. Nothing you have done here will even matter."

"You mean we won't remember anything that we've been through?"

"Would you want to remember?"

"Yes, I want to remember!" Jim looked at Carol and then at Q. "What about our baby?"

"Oh, now we get to the good part. Like I said, nothing you've done here will matter there."

"You mean we have to give up our baby?" Carol asked. "That's inhumane!"

"You can't expect us to make a decision like that!" Jim declared. "Why don't you just send the others back and leave Carol and me here?"

"Jim," Bones said in protest.

"Oh, no, Captain, it's all or none," Q said in his annoying way. "We couldn't split up the crew, now could we?"

"Then we shall all stay here," Spock declared. "You will not force him to make such a decision. We are happy here, and if we must stay here, we will be content."

"The Vulcan is always content. Your ladies can't be happy living here without all the amenities of the future."

Uhura folded her arms. "That is an insult, and for your information, I am perfectly happy here."

Q frowned as he looked at them all. "You really wouldn't care if I left you all here?" he asked.

"NO!" they all said at the same time.

Q circled around them a moment, but then someone else popped in, and he looked rather troubled. "Q, what are you up to?" the newcomer asked.

"Just a little game I've been playing, Q," he answered.

"You're playing with the lives of these people. For that, you will be confined to the continuum for a hundred years!"

The original Q was suddenly gone, and the new one looked at Jim and the others. "It took me a while to find you," he said. "The timeline has been disturbed."

"Wait," Jim said.

"Don't worry, Captain Kirk, everything will be fine."

The next thing Jim knew, he was lying down. He opened his eyes and looked around him, and then sat straight up. He was in his room on the Enterprise, but he was still dressed in his attire from the 19th Century. He thought a moment and he could remember everything they had done back there, but he was definitely on the Enterprise. He then realized someone was beside him, and it was Carol.

"Carol!" he said.

Carol was a bit startled but she sat up, still very much pregnant. "Jim, where are…" She looked around them and then at Jim. "We're home?"

Jim frowned slightly. "We're on the Enterprise."

"We weren't dreaming?"

"No."

Just then, the door chime sounded. "Jim, open this door!" Bones yelled from outside the door.

"Come in!" Jim said.

The door opened, and Bones walked in. He was also still wearing his western attire. "We're back on the Enterprise!" he said.

"Yeah."

Bones looked at Carol. "Everything's just like it was. Does anyone even know we've been gone?"

"I haven't seen anyone but you and Carol."

Spock came into the room next, along with Uhura. "Captain, if it has been the same amount of time here that we spent on our adventure, we are about to be in a very awkward situation," Spock declared.

Jim stood up. "Well, I guess we should find out," he said.

They all followed Jim from his quarters to the Bridge. "Captain!" Scotty exclaimed as he stood up.

Sulu stood up as well, and they looked completely shocked. "Where have you…"

Scotty noticed how they were dressed. "You been on the holodeck?"

"No," Jim said. "It's a very long story, Mister Scott. Where are we?"

"We were about to go to the nearest federation planet to find out what we should do."

Jim looked at the others. "So, it hasn't been long since we've been gone?"

"No sir. Just about a day."

Jim sighed. "So, we're on our way to a federation planet?"

"Yes sir. We can change course anytime you wish."

"No. Go ahead. I have to change, and then we'll try to explain what happened."

Jim walked off the Bridge and headed for his quarters. "It's just like we never left," Carol said. She put her hand on her stomach. "But we still have our baby."

Jim nodded. "I think I'm tired," he said. "This is going to be unbelievable."

"Jim, I haven't moved into your quarters," Carol said.

Jim looked at her. "Oh yeah."

"I suppose I'll have to have some new uniforms as well."

"Right. I'll get some for you after I get into my uniform."

"Jim, I think I can get my own."

"Yeah, I just didn't want you to have to walk all the way down there."

"I'll be fine. I'm going to be doing a lot of walking anyway."

"I'll see you in a while then."

Jim went into his quarters and just stood there a moment. He looked in the mirror, and he thought he looked nothing like he did before he was sent back in time. He took his hat off and tossed it on the bed. He had to get back into this life now…and soon, he and Carol would be parents, on a starship. It was all overwhelming.

The door chime sounded, and Jim said, "Enter."

The door opened and Solan came in. "Captain! You're back!" he said.

"Yeah."

"What happened? They said you disappeared from the Bridge. You weren't gone very long."

Jim scowled and looked at Solan. "Well, it was a lot longer for us than for you guys. "We were gone for a little more than a year."

"A year?"

"Yeah. I'll tell you all about it later."

"Yes, sir. I'm glad you're back."

"It's good to be back, but I'm trying to get used to all this again."

"Just let me know if I can help."

"Thanks."

Jim West and Artemus Gordon arrived at the ranch and sat there on their horses for a moment. "Jim, I think they're gone," Artie said.

"Looks like it," West replied. "Looks like it's time to use that letter."

"They were good friends."

"Yeah."

They got down and went into the house, and they could immediately tell that it was empty. "I feel like I'm intruding," Artie said.

"Well, we're not," West replied. "They won't be coming back."

Jim went back to the Bridge when he was certain he looked like a captain again. "Captain on the Bridge," Ensign McCoy said.

Everyone stood up, glad that their captain was back. "As you were, everyone," Jim said.

"Captain, we're receiving a transmission from Starfleet headquarters," Uhura, who was back at her station, said.

"Patch it through."

Admiral Winston appeared on the screen. "Captain Kirk," he said. "It's nice to see you."

"Admiral."

"I heard you had disappeared from the Bridge, Captain."

"That's a long story, Sir."

"I'm glad to see you've reappeared. I'd like a report about this as soon as possible."

"Yes sir."

"Oh, and Captain, you're picking up two new crew members at Gagarian Four, at your own discretion, of course. Remember, you requested two more officers?"

"Yes sir. I'm afraid I'm a little overwhelmed trying to get back into this routine."

"Well, just let me know if we can help."

"Yes sir."

"Winston out."

The transmission ended. Jim sat down in his chair and just sat there a moment. "Sir, are you alright?" Sulu asked.

"Yes, Mister Sulu, I'm fine," Jim replied. "Take us to Gagarian Four."

"Yes sir."

"Mister Scott, you have the con."

"Yes sir," Scotty replied. He watched Jim leave the Bridge. "I can't wait to hear that story."

"Neither can I," Sulu said.

Jim wondered if he would ever stop feeling awkward again. He went to Carol's quarters and rang the door chime. "Enter," Carol said.

Jim went in, and Carol was looking in the mirror at herself in her new attire. "How's this?" she asked.

"Looks great," Jim said. "You're gonna move into my place soon, I hope?"

"Of course. I already have it scheduled."

"Great." Jim sat down on the bed. "I feel so awkward."

"I do too, but I'm sure it's worse for you."

"I don't know how to act. I think I forgot how to be a captain."

"You were still leading even when we were there."

"Not like this though."

"Don't worry. You'll get back in the swing of things."

"I'm sure I will, but I'm just glad you're here."

"Jim…do you think anything has changed because of the things we did in the past?"

"I don't know. Admiral Winston contacted me, so he's still the head of Starfleet." Jim looked at her. "Your hair is definitely longer."

"Oh, please. You think I should keep it this way or go back the way it was?"

"Well, that's up to you."

"I think I'll keep it this way for a while at least."

"We're going to Gagarian Four to pick up two new crew members. Do you know that it seems like we were only gone about a day to the others?"

"I gathered that."

"It's just so weird. When we were there, I was overwhelmed, and now, I think I'm more overwhelmed here."

"You just have to get back into the swing of things."

Jim nodded. "Well, I want them to get your things into my quarters. I can't do all this without you."

Carol smiled. "You're just trying to be charming now."

"Am I? No, I mean it."

"Well, it's charming anyway."

They kissed and then Jim went back to the Bridge. He would definitely have to get used to walking down these corridors again.

When they arrived at Gagarian IV, Jim went down to the docking tube to meet the new crew members. He had requested new people after they had lost so many before. These two were supposed to be a little experienced at least, and not fresh out of the academy. He did not even know their names yet.

Soon, two young officers came up the boarding ramp, and they looked incredibly nervous when they saw that Captain Kirk, himself, was meeting them. They stood at attention. "Captain Kirk, Sir," the first one said. "We're reporting for duty, Sir."

"Yes, I heard about that," Jim replied. "At ease. I don't even know your names."

"I'm Ensign James T. West the Sixth, and this is Ensign Artemus Gordon the Sixth."

Jim thought he might fall through the floor. West gave him the pad with his orders and Gordon did the same. There it was written…that was really their names. Bones arrived then. "These are the two, huh?" he asked.

Jim looked at him, and Bones thought he looked a little bewildered. "What's wrong with you?" Bones asked.

Jim just showed him the names, and his mouth dropped open too. He looked at Jim. "How did this happen?" he asked.

Jim looked at the two. "How did you manage to get assigned to this ship?" he asked.

"We wanted to serve aboard your ship, Sir," West said. "I also have a letter for you." He gave Jim an envelope that looked very old. "It has been passed down through our family's generations about you, Sir."

Bones was even speechless now. He looked at Jim. "Well, how do you like that?" he asked.

"I'm not sure what to say," Jim said. "But, uh, welcome aboard. I'll get your duty assignments to you as soon as possible. The doctor here will do your entrance examinations."

Bones was already scanning them. "They're clean," he said.

Spock arrived next. Jim looked at him. "Spock, would you assign quarters to our new crew members?" he asked. He gave the assignment pads to Spock so he could see their names.

Jim could even see the shock on Spock's face. "Captain…" Spock was not sure what to say either.

"Well, let's try to get over our shock," Jim said. He held the envelope in his hands. "I have to read this, and you just get them settled in."

"Yes sir."

Jim walked back to his quarters. They were also taking on some more supplies and would be ready to leave within the hour. He sat down at his desk and looked at the envelope which had written on it: Captain James T. Kirk. He thought about Jim West and Artemus Gordon. He figured if anyone was intelligent enough and resourceful enough to do something like this, it would be them. They had been good friends.

Jim opened the envelope and took out the letter, which also had some paper money in it. He smiled at that and looked at the letter…

Dear Jim,

When we came to the ranch and found you gone, we knew you were back in your own time. It was with sadness that we took the ranch, and waded through the questions of what had happened to you, but seeing that we're government agents, it was not impossible. You had made a great many friends in this town who greatly missed you. One who makes friends and earns respect so easily would no doubt still be the captain of his ship.

If you are receiving this letter, I am assuming that you have met someone in our family line. I hope they will make you proud. I only wish I was there to see it. You should be proud of yourself for excelling in two time frames. Good luck, Captain.

Artemus Gordon and James West

Jim just sat there a moment. They had sent this letter through the generations to get it to him. He looked out the portal of the ship, and he suddenly wondered if their ranch was still there. Could they even find it? He was sure it would not look the same, but what was there now? He supposed he would have to find out when he got back to earth…