"Captains Log: Stardate 9601-Only three more months until we say goodbye to our beloved enterprise. To our old ways in turn for the new. However, it should give us plenty of time to follow that North Star one last time. Little did we realize, that aforementioned star, would send us not to Neverland but to a vastly different universe."

Within the mystical, crystal-studded abyss of space, Enterprise-A roamed along in peace. All was quiet save for the beeps and wiring within its solemn domain. On deck, led by Captain James T. Kirk, was science officer; Mr. Spock, along with navigator and second officer; Pavel Chekov, chief engineer; Montgomery Scott and communications officer; Nyota Uhura among many other crewmen and women at the panel. This was so until Kirk went to Chekov, asking,

"Anything out there?"

"Negative, captain.", said Chekov, "Looks like smooth sailing for now."

"We can never be too sure.", chortle Kirk. This ushered in a chuckle from McCoy,

"It's times like this, I think you're just hoping for something to happen."

"And take up more of my retirement?", laughed Kirk.

"Like you have with mine…", snarked McCoy. He still remembers being "drafted" nearly 10 years ago. Needless to say, he's still a bit bitter about it.

"Another message from Starfleet.", started Uhura, "They're giving us a final warning: Return to dock within 24 hours or face dire consequences."

"'Dire'?", asked Kirk.

"'Court martialed'.", Uhura answered.

"Well, we've done it now,'' said McCoy.

"Don't say it like it's a bad thing, Bones.", grinned Kirk.

The joking ceased when navigators picked up a signal. By what was seen, Kirk, and the rest of the main crew had their eyes lit up. It wasn't just out of shock of such absurdity, but rather of familiarity. Just by looking at the odd spacecraft, they knew exactly what it was.

A man-sized, navy-blue British police that appeared to have been from the 20th century. Such objects would seem odd to anyone from 2293. However, Kirk, McCoy, Spock,-all knew that this was no ordinary police box. Just as they knew that its pilot was no ordinary human.

"Jim!", McCoy's blue eyes lit up, "That's not…?"

"Perhaps…", said an unsure Kirk as he turns to Uhura, "Have you made contact with it, lieutenant?"

From her panel, Uhura answered, "I'm getting a message; he wants to present on the viewscreen."

At Kirk's command, the window put the strange ally on display. Yet, all were puzzled by seeing the Seventh Incarnate rather than the Second. Instead of an older white-haired Victorian dandy whom the crew had known, this was a man whose age is in-between middle age to elderly. His attire echoed a dapper from the 1920's; straw top hat and all. Though what would stick out would be the multi-colored scarf donned on his shoulders. Then there was his smile; a smile of true kindness but, at the same time, secretive. They would also find the two youth with him, Ace and Johnny. The confusion would grow as the TARDIS's camera showed their friends with the petite party.

"Jamal!", gasped a concerned Uhura as she turned to Scotty, "What's he doing there? He was with Aida on Earth last time we talked with him."

"And with Chapel.", said Scotty, "She was with the federation, wasn't she?"

"Sulu and Rand are with them too.", said Chekov, "But they can't be…we just saw them on the Ecclessior."

"Even Lt. Saavik is present.", Spock said, "I haven't seen her since her departure to Helena IV."

"Don't worry, Jim.", said Sulu as he noticed the bafflement, "As far as I know, we're alright. Completely confused but alright."

"Captain James T. Kirk,", smiled The Doctor as he got closer to the screen, "wonderful to see you again. What's happened to the old Enterprise?"

"It was damaged years ago.", informed Kirk, "Who are you?"

Though taken aback by the question, The Doctor was quick to understand the confusion.

"So, you've noticed my-uh-change…Well…", started the Time Lord, "it's difficult to explain. Have been to say the least."

"Who are you?", inquired Kirk once more.

With a warm smile, the dapper-dress man explained himself, "I am The Doctor, the Time Lord of Gallifrey, the very Dr. John Smith who assisted you on your Five-Year Mission nearly 20 years ago. The one who helped you on many adventures; from Straker and his UFO to Cthulu, himself."

The Enterprise crew listened; taking in such shocking information, Kirk knew one can never be sure.

"How do we know if it's you?", asked the captain, "For all we know, you could be some clone or a salt-sucker."

"Allow me and these people inside.", said The Doctor regarding the larger ship, "Have there to look into my mind and it will explain everything. I have nothing to hide."

Kirk turns to Spock, asking the Vulcan his thoughts.

"He appears honest.", said Spock, "And Gallifreyans are known to regenerate into different incarnations. Doing so, they escape death but can dive into suspicion from outsiders."

With hesitation, Kirk agrees to the test. Thus, the TARDIS phases out of space and into the transporter chambers. Specifically next to the energizer.

Almost instantly, The Doctor found himself in the medical room with himself and his passengers being examined by McCoy. From the DNA test, Sulu, Rand, Chapel, Saavik and Jamal were proven to be themselves. As for The Doctor, McCoy already gathered his DNA during the latter's first adventures in the Enterprise.

"Well his results are the same.", said McCoy, "Down to the same two hearts."

Kirk was astonished but maintained caution.

"Mr. Spock,", the captain started, "would you still prefer to meld with him."

"Well, captain,", said Spock, "with the results in his favor, we may have all the proof we need."

"Like I've said, gentleman.", said The Doctor overhearing the conversation, "I have nothing to hide. If it helps clear the air, do what you must. As you humans say; 'It's better safe than sorry.'"

It took a moment for Spock to be certain of his decision. Ultimately, the Vulcan hybrid pursued the telepathic encounter. With all 10 fingers on The Doctor's skull, Spock witnessed what this Time Lord endured over the past 20 years.

"It is you.", confirmed Spock, "You really are Dr. Smith."

"In my Seventh form to be precise."

McCoy's eyes widened.

"'Seventh'?!", Bones cried, "You want me and Chapel to put you in a bubble?! It's working!"

"That's what happens when you save the world.", defended The Doctor who shared the laughter with the rest of the crew. All except for poor Ace and Johnny who found themselves right out of the loop.

"OK, ok,", started Johnny, "What did we miss?"

"Yeah, Doctor,", agreed Ace, "you didn't tell us how you know these people."

"It's quite simple really.", explained the Doctor, "Years ago, I had to contact the Timelords so they could stop a dastardly plan by the War Chief. They succeeded in that task, however they sought to punish me along with the other perpetrators."

"That's not fair.", said Ace, "You were trying to stop them."

"Yes, I kept breaking the laws of time.", said The Doctor, "And for my punishment, I now only had to go to the 20th century, I also had to be the Timelords' 'Errand boy' for a long while. This led me to NC-1701 where I would meet these people. For nearly two years, I was a part of their countless explorations. We met the likes of Adam Adamant, Ed Straker and Michael Malloy. We tackled odd deities from Paul Atreides to Cthulhu. And we had our minds tested countless times."

McCoy had to chuckle from hindsight.

"It's a miracle we're still alive.", he admitted.

"It truly is.", said The Doctor with a hint of solemnity. Quickly, he picked himself back up, "But it wasn't all bad now, was it? We've made many friends, even little Valeris and Saavik here. Then there's Penda-a babe in arms last I've seen her. Should be a lady by now, should she?"

From two of the three names, Saavik and everyone else grew awkward. Needless to say, the uncomfortable silence alarmed the Whovian. As a result, he asked a vital question,

"What's happened?"

It was Kirk's turn to explain uncomfortable events. But before he could, Kirk asked for Ace and Johnny to go outside into the halls.

"What?", said a surprised Ace.

"Why can't we-", started Johny when The Doctor was quick to tell them to calm down and listen to the captain. An order, Ace and Johnny forced themselves to obey.

With the two youths gone McCoy, Spock and Kirk told their friend of tragic events.