Kirk spent several minutes filling in the two policemen about how they had got there and the Enterprise's predicament, even though he suspected the story wouldn't be believed. When he was finished Hooker pulled up a nearby stool, he sat down and rubbed his chin in thought.

"So you people, you're from an alternative dimension? Is that what you want me to believe ?" He said to Kirk, an incredulous look pasted on his face.

"...and from what you would consider the future..." Spock said while the two men looked at each other.

A silence descended between the men, broken only when the man who Hooker had called York reappeared behind them.

"Sorry to interrupt you guys, I can see that you're busy, but Hooker I thought you should know. Sherridan hasn't got back yet, and there's been no answer on the walkie talkie, I've tried repeatedly to get a hold of her myself. I just get static every time I try."

Hooker looked up at York. His face showed the concern that he felt, but he simply nodded his head in acknowledgement. As York left, his head dropped. He stood motionless before he raised his head up and finally spoke.

"Well, I suppose your story explains those crazy ray guns you people have. The uniforms too. Speaking of the ray guns, you got any more of those by the way? We could take care of those crazies easily with those!"

Kirk smiled at his older lookalike's acceptance, "'sorry, but that would be violating our most important rule...now, it's your turn...what's going on here?"

"You fellas may as well sit down, what ľ'm about to tell you is just as unbelievable as your story." Hooker said with a sad smile.

Kirk hadn't noticed earlier in the commotion, but the area they were talking in seemed to be a storage location - it was not like the rest of the store, with the walls covered from floor to ceiling with thick industrial shelves. Overhead, rusting pipes of various thicknesses could be seen.

"I think there should be something to sit on around here..." Hooker continued, "...although we don't use this area very much."

The men looked around for some chairs – finding that there were several that had been left. Spock came back with a folding deck chair with striped material which he proceeded to struggle to open initially, after several seconds he set the deck chair down and sat in it.

McCoy, Kirk and the remaining two security guards watched on as this happened. Noticing the strange looks, Spock said "Is there something the matter Captain ? It sounded as though Sergeant Hooker's explanation would take some time and so logically this was the most comfortable option."

"I'm speechless Spock" was all Kirk had time to say when he was interrupted once again by his communicator. He looked at Hooker who motioned at him "Don't worry, I understand, that's your spaceship isn't it ? The story can wait. Go ahead Jim, answer your call"

Kirk flipped the communicator cover "Kirk here, what is it Scotty ?"

"Captain.", came the familiar accented voice in reply, "I'm afraid I have some bad news..."