Captain's Log
Stardate 2261.8.23
06:45 hours
At 0:6:10 hours the anomaly once again expanded, even more than it had previously. It once again
retracted after several minutes, but we noticed that it was now smaller than it had originally been
and a lot more turbulent.
Based on our combined reading, both ships have been able to determine that while the anomaly constantly
fluctuates, sudden expansion and then retraction is an indication of instability. That thing is beginning
to destabilize and we estimate that it will begin to dissipate within fourteen hours.
That thing being gone would make everyone here on the Saratoga feel better. The whole ship has been
tense, and not just from the Enterprise. Knowing that there's an anomaly nearby that can throw you into
another universe would make anyone nervous.
But if it goes now the Enterprise will be stuck here. Which will open up a whole new can of worms.
So there is no escape from tension.
But with tension is determination. Both ships have been working non-stop to indentify the unique quantum
signatures to each of our realities. Both our scientists and the Enterprise's, along with Comander Spock
and Ensign Chekov. They're guardingly optimistic.
I remember Spock's brilliance, he wasn't selected Chief Science Officer of the Flagship for nothing.
All other candidates had only half of his qualifications. And Chekov. I remember how I was sometimes
in awe of the things he could do with computers and calculations. It's not everyone who can count
the variables for emergency transport quicker than a computer
Yes, with the Enterprise crew one can always realy on their IQ's and their skills, if nothing else and if
they say that there's a good chance I won't doubt that.
09:30 hours
Good news, at last our scientists have successfully discovered the correct frequencies. Both Ensign Chekov
and Lieutenant Arex have since been working on ways for the Enterprise to set a course. Chekov
(or his counterpart) was one of Arex's students while he taught at the Academy and the two work well together.
Engineering and Operations have also been busy sending over data and suggestions about further enhancing
the Enterprise's shields. I've seen that anomaly from the outside and sensor readings of it on the inside and
I do NOT envy the Enterprise having to go in it again. But it's the only way. To reach a goal you sometimes….
just have to take the plunge. You have to go through the obstacle or circumstance and come out the other end.
No going back, only forward.
12:45 AM
Arex and Chekov have completed all of their adjustments and the Enterprise has laid in a course.
They're now busy with last minute preparations and everyone on both ships is holding their breaths.
Ready Room
1:20 PM
Kirk sat at his desk having a last minute conversation with his counterpart via viewscreen.
"There's no telling how long our shields will hold up inside that thing, even with the enhancements,"
his counterpart said.
"We'll keep our comms open," Kirk answered. "M'Ress and Uhura have been working with Operations
to boost communications between our ships. We're hopeful that with the enhancements we should be able
to maintain contact with you while in the anomaly and hopefully for a few minutes after."
His counterpart nodded and silently gazed at him.
Kirk knew what was going through his mind. He had known that it was only a matter of time before
the Enterprise crew, especially their Captain figured out what happened. Bones had told him about
the discussion he'd had with his counterpart. Filars had had a similar conversation with Scotty while
onboard the Enterprise and M'Ress with Uhura.
But even if they hadn't said anything to their Captain yet, he had known from the start that any double
of him would be as relentless as a bulldog once he wanted to find out something. The other Kirk had known
that he had once been in command of the Flagship, but had left after a very brief time. He also knew that
something had taken place during a shore leave on Stardate 2258.72?
He had contacted his Chief of Communications and given her instructions. Some hours later when the Enterprise
Kirk had attempted to access the Saratoga's files she had been ready.
"Can I assist you with something, Captain?" she'd asked.
The other Kirk had looked a bit sheepish but unapologetic. "Yes Lieutenant. I need access to your ship's
records regarding news and current event reports from the period around the year 2258."
"Captain Kirk said that you'd be interested in those records. He left instructions that if you inquired you
were to be given access because you'd just hack them otherwise."
So the other Kirk had looked through the files and had seen the headlines and reports.
'HERO COMES OUT – I WAS RAPED.'
'FAMOUS STARFLEET CAPTAIN RAPED.'
'THE ENTERPRISE INCIDENT'
'DISGRACEFUL ACTIONS OF ENTERPRISE CREW'
'CAPTAIN KIRK LEAVING THE ENTERPRISE'
'FLAGSHIP CREW DISGRACED'
'LESSONS FROM THE INCIDENT'
'REORGANIZATION OF STARSHIP CREWS'
Yeah, he had seen it all. And it had no doubt sent him reeling.
His counterpart took a breath. "Jim…" he began; "I'm sorry about what happened to you."
Kirk nodded. "So was I," he said quietly. "But I've learned to move on." Their eyes met. "I've built a new life
for myself. A good life." He recalled the words of Tolliver when they had spoken in the Lounge, just before
the anomaly expanded againt.
"The way I see it, Jim, one shouldn't dwell on the what if's, but what is. You shouldn't focus on what you had
but on what you have. And when tragedy comes…you should to try to make something good come out of it."
He thought of his crew, Bones, his Soul Siblings and his unborn nephew. His family. "A life that I wouldn't
trade for anything."
"I'm glad," the other Kirk said softly. "You've got a fine crew."
He was silent for a moment. "So do you."