The tiberium crisis was over. Jim Kirk sat in his office in Starfleet Headquarters. He was not complaining about sitting in that office in any way after what they had been through. They had met up with a cyber being named Cabal who had created a whole chain of events after he hijacked the Enterprise and returned to Earth to try and take over. After that, Jim and his friends had discovered that there was a whole other history to Starfleet which had once been called GDI and had a secret headquarters over in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming. All the questions they had had about Section 31 had been answered as well because Admiral Marcus's agenda had been connected to the tiberium.

It had been six months since all that had come to an end. They still had bouts of trouble with some who had formed gangs and secret organizations which Solan referred to as the "underworld". The tiberium secret had created a much worse undercurrent. Everyone now knew there had been a big secret and Starfleet had been deemed even less trustworthy than it was before by those who did not like it in the first place. Jim had also learned that some of Khan's people had escaped and were unaccounted for. They still had not found the tiberium enhanced Mac either. Most of the people whom Jim had picked up during that conflict were scattered out doing their own thing. Solan and Una ran deliveries together on Solan's ship and worked on it together. Admiral Winston had swept that situation under the rug about Una because he knew Jim would not stand for it, and Jim thought Admiral Winston thought it was unjust as well. She was not part of Starfleet officially, but she was more than willing to help. That was enough for Jim.

Even with all that it was not the biggest event happening in Jim's life. He was being promoted. His friends were ecstatic about it and had said he deserved it, but Jim knew it meant more responsibility for him. He was not even sure how he felt about it. Fleet Admiral. He remembered when he had applied for that rank before. He had decided space was not so bad and decided to continue his deep space mission. They just needed recreation sometimes…and things had worked out with Carol too, so his heart was not somewhere else like it had been after she left the Enterprise.

Just then, the door to his office opened and Carol walked in. Jim sat up with a slight grin when he saw how she was dressed. She was wearing a white crop top, short black skirt with a red belt, and red heels along with red lipstick. "Where are you heading in that?" he asked for nothing better to say.

"What do you mean?" Carol asked as she walked around the desk letting her finger drag across it. She stepped out of her shoes and sat down in his lap. "I wanted to have an affair with a fleet admiral."

Jim almost laughed. "Really?"

"Yes. Do you ever have affairs?"

"Well, there is this one blond…and she's really hot."

Carol laughed then, and Jim laughed too. "Did you walk all the way here in that?" Jim asked.

"Of course not," Carol replied. "You think my feet would survive in those shoes." She put her arms around his neck and lay on his shoulder. "I got lonely and just wanted to see you."

"Where are the kids?"

"Your mom came and got them. What are you thinking about?"

Jim frowned. "I was thinking about this promotion."

"What about it?"

"I'm not sure why Admiral Winston is promoting me."

"Because he trusts you. He even put you in charge of that base in the mountains."

That made Jim feel even more nervous. He stood up as he pushed Carol out of his lap. He paced to the window and back. "But why?" he asked as he looked at Carol.

"What do you mean?" Carol asked.

"Well, Solan and Spock are used to reporting directly to me. Now, they will have another rear admiral."

"And? They can still talk to you."

"I know, but it's not the same thing. I always wanted my friends to know that I'm still just Jim. I don't want them to feel differently about me because of a promotion."

"I don't think they do."

"But this is different. It's like there will be someone between us now."

"Oh, Jim, you're reading too much into this. You're not going to be any different."

"I'll be over an entire fleet now that…has several admirals who report to me. That's a lot of responsibility."

"And Admiral Winston thinks you can handle it. I think he wants you in a position so he can leave you in charge when he needs to."

"Please don't say that. Do you realize I will be in line to be the head of Starfleet?"

"You are anyway. Maybe he wants you in on those high meetings."

"I suppose there's nothing I can do about it. I have to finish some of this work."

"Is that your way of telling me that you don't have time for me?"

"No, but I promise we will make it up tonight."

Carol looked into his eyes. "Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"I'm holding you to that."

They kissed and Carol got back into her shoes. "See you later," she said.

Jim watched her go out the door and then sat down at his desk. He had to finish his schedule for everyone. His promotion ceremony would be the next day. He had to keep on being a rear admiral for now. As he started working on that, suddenly, someone transported into his office.

Jim stood up from his desk, and he realized it was one of Khan's people. Before he could react, the intruder aimed the gun he held and fired at Jim. Jim fell into the corner of the wall and realized he had been shot with a bullet. He grabbed his left side where the bullet had gone in, and he could feel blood pouring out. He heard the intruder talking to someone on a communicator. Jim pressed the button on his communicator that alerted Spock on the Enterprise…

Spock saw the button flashing on his chair. He stood up. "Mister Scott," he said.

"Yes Captain," Scotty answered.

"Transport Admiral Kirk to the Enterprise at once!"

Jim saw the intruder coming around his desk, and he was starting to feel like it was hard to breathe. He had the thought that he was glad Carol had left just as he saw light surround him.

Jim appeared on the transporter pad on the Enterprise and fell onto his back. Scotty stood up. "Admiral!" he said as he ran to the pad.

Spock came into the transporter room. "We need a medical team in the transporter room at once," he said as he knelt beside Jim. "Admiral."

Jim knew he was on the ship and could see Spock and Scotty, but he could not hear anything they were saying…

Jim felt like he could hear someone saying his name far away, and he thought it was Doctor McCoy. "Come on, Jim, wake up," Bones was saying.

Jim felt like he could not open his eyes even though he heard Bones talking to him. "Come on," Bones said. "I know you're in there."

Bones looked at Spock. "He's just not ready to wake up yet," he said. "This was serious."

"Doctor, if we can talk to him, we can find out who did this," Spock replied.

"Let me try," Carol said. She moved up to the bed. "Jim, wake up."

Jim could hear Carol, and her voice made him feel relaxed. "That's not working," Bones said. "Hey, Jim, we need to talk to you."

Jim felt like he just could not answer…

"He's not waking up right now," Bones said. "It's just too soon. How did someone get into his office?"

"Ajah did not know how anyone got in," Spock replied. "He was not aware that anything had happened until we went to the office. Apparently, whoever this was used a silencer on the gun, and must have transported directly into the building."

"But how? That's supposed to be impossible."

Spock considered that. "We know that there are very dangerous beings loose who are also geniuses," he said.

"And you think one got into his office with a transporter?" Bones shook his head. "When is this ever gonna end?"

"I do not know, but I will investigate further. Let me know when he wakes up."

Solan met Spock in the hallway, and Una was with him. "So, what's going on now?" Solan asked. "I hear someone got into Jim's office?"

"Yes. We do not know how they got in unless they transported directly in."

"I thought that wasn't possible without certain codes."

"It is not supposed to be. However, as we know, there is one in this galaxy who was in the mirror universe. I do not know how the other Jim Kirk alerted his crew of trouble."

"So you think they had the same things?"

"I do not know. It is only speculation right now."

"Is he okay?"

"No, but he is no longer declining."

"So, if they can do that, and get in his office, can they get aboard this ship?"

Spock thought about that a moment. "I will ask Mister Scott about that," he said. "If you can find out any information, it would be appreciated."

"I'll do what I can," Solan replied. "We best find out what's happening here because if they can do something like this, who knows what they have planned?"

Spock scowled slightly at that as Solan turned to leave. He knew they would have to get ahead of their enemies before they were able to create another war like the one before. He flipped open his communicator. "Mister Gordon," he said.

"Yes, Captain," Gordon replied.

"Would you come to the Enterprise? I would like to speak with you."

"I can be there in about thirty minutes, Captain. I'm in the middle of something."

"That will be fine. We have a problem."

"I heard. I'll be there."

"Good."

About an hour later, Spock went back to the medical bay. Bones was checking Jim's vitals again. "Is he well enough to talk?" Spock asked.

"Well, he hasn't said anything yet," Bones replied. He looked at Spock. "How many more times can something like this happen and he survive? Maybe he should just retire from Starfleet and get out of this mess."

"I do not believe that would deter his enemies. Whether Jim is in Starfleet or not, he is quite a formidable foe."

"So you think they would just keep right on after him if he left Starfleet?"

"Perhaps."

"You guys are talking about me again when you think I can't hear you," Jim mumbled.

Spock and Bones moved closer to him. "You been listening to us the whole time?" Bones asked.

"Not the whole time. Where am I?"

"You're in the medical bay. Don't you remember?"

"No."

Jim started to drift again. "Hey, wait a minute," Bones said. "We want to talk to you about what happened. Don't go back to sleep."

"Why am I so drowsy?" Jim asked.

"You mean you don't even remember what happened?"

Bones shook Jim's shoulder. "Come on, wake up," he said.

Jim finally got his eyes open slightly. "Admiral, can you tell us who attacked you?" Spock asked.

"I don't remember," Jim replied.

"Just think," Bones said. "You were in your office."

Jim smiled slightly. "Carol came to the office."

"Yeah, and what happened after she left?"

Jim scowled at that question, and then his eyes widened slightly. He looked at Bones. "You remember?" Bones asked. "Somebody shot you. Who was it?"

Jim considered that. "I was sitting at my desk," he said. "Somebody transported into my office."

"Yeah. Who was it?"

"It was one of Khan's people." Jim looked at Spock. "It was one of them. I remember. He was talking to someone on his communicator, and I was able to press the emergency button."

"Yes, and it alerted me that something was wrong," Spock said. "You are fortunate that we have that set up."

Jim leaned back on the pillow. "What's going on now?" he asked.

"Nothing else has happened as of yet. However, we are trying to figure out their agenda. You said he was talking to someone on the communicator. Do you know who?"

"No. I couldn't hear him. I knew I had to have help." Jim almost sat up.

"Wait a minute," Bones said. "You lie still."

"Where is Carol?"

"She's on this ship, and so are your kids. Now, relax."

Jim relaxed on the bed again. "Have you figured out how they got into my office?" he asked.

"Not yet, but Mister Gordon is working on that," Spock replied. "He will get answers if he can."

"You know who's helping him."

"That is our suspicion."

"Where could he be? If they're doing all this, he has to be on Earth."

"Perhaps there are other facilities that we have not discovered. As we know, the Nod temple was underground until they brought it up."

"You think they've got some sort of underground thing somewhere?"

"It is possible. Perhaps more studying of this situation is in order. I will continue to investigate, Admiral."

"Good. Talk to McNeil. He may know something."

"I have not been able to locate him today, but we are still trying."

"Why would he be out of touch?"

"I do not know."

"You think he's been captured?"

"I hope not."

"What about Anakin and Qui-Gon?"

"As you know, Padme has given birth to their third child."

"Yeah, it's another boy," Bones said.

"Oh," Jim replied. "I didn't actually know that."

"Yep, I delivered the little tike. He's doing fine and so is his mom."

"That's good to know." Jim was silent a moment. "I don't even know how many of Khan's people are left."

"I'm sure we'll find out before this is over."

"How long before I can get out of this bed?"

"Well, it won't be today, so you might as well just get still and do as you're told."

"Yes, Sir."

The next day, Solan came into Jim's room. "Hey, how you feeling?" he asked.

"Better," Jim replied. "What's up?"

"Well, other than I just wanted to see how you are, I found out something about Mac…the other Mac."

"And what did you find out?"

"I talked to Kyarn. Mac has been there on Magas Three. He wanted a ship and got one by fighting and playing poker on Magas Three, and he wasn't one bit shy about telling them he was going to kill you, and he left there for Earth, so he's back here. He is behind this."

Jim frowned. "Anything else?" he asked.

"No. I'll keep trying, but that was what I've heard so far. Jim, he wants to try and bring his crew here from that other galaxy."

"What? How can he do that?" Jim scowled. "Can he do that?"

"I don't know. We'll have to ask somebody else about that."

"You best talk to Michael Burnham. She may know more about that."

"Also, Kyarn said that Mac infected someone on Magas Three with Tiberium."

"What do you mean?" Jim asked.

"The one he fought for the ship…he's infected with tiberium. I don't know how Mac is enhanced with it, but it doesn't work like that for everyone. That guy is dying."

"Did you tell Bones about that?"

"He can't do anything. He wouldn't get there in time, and they have nothing like that on that planet."

"How has he not infected anyone on this planet?"

"Who knows whether he has or not?" Solan asked. "I have the feeling there's something more going on here than we know."

"Like what?"

"I don't know. I just have a really bad feeling about all this."

"I have to get out of this hospital."

Just then, Admiral Winston walked in. Solan stood up. "Admiral," he said.

"Solan," Admiral Winston replied. "I'd like to talk to Admiral Kirk alone if you don't mind."

"Yes, Sir." Solan looked at Jim. "I'll talk to you later."

Solan left, and Jim looked at Admiral Winston. "It's good to see you, Sir," Jim said. "I have a feeling you're here for more than a visit."

"Admiral Kirk, your promotion ceremony was set for today," Admiral Winston said. "If it would be okay with you, I would like to go ahead with that here, if you want to invite your closest friends and family."

Jim scowled. "Sir, I really didn't care that much for the ceremony." He paused a moment. "Is something wrong?"

"There is more than one reason why I am promoting you to fleet admiral."

Jim was thoroughly confused and starting to get worried. "Are you going to tell me?" he asked.

"As soon as you're promoted," Admiral Winston replied. "Do you agree to today?"

"Yes, Sir, if that's what you want to do. Do you know the situation?"

"I do, and I'm sure Solan was in here reporting to you."

"He was."

"I've never seen anyone with such devotion from his friends and crew."

"Well, Sir, we spent a long time in space together."

"You all move like a well-oiled machine."

"Anyway, we know that other Mac is on this planet. We don't know what his plan is yet except that he wanted to kill me, and he wants to bring…"

"Tell me all this later, Kirk."

"Why?"

"Once you're promoted, you and I are going to have a long conversation."

"Sir, is there something going on that I don't know about?"

"Yes, even you don't know all of it."

"Is it something I should be worried about it?"

"It's something we all have to be concerned about, Kirk. I will be back later. Gather your friends and family."

"Yes, Sir."

Jim watched Admiral Winston leave the room. He felt even more eerie than he had before. Bones came over there. "What was that all about?" Bones asked.

"I don't know," Jim replied. "But he wants to do my promotion today in this room."

"What? Why?"

"Bones, Admiral Winston says there's more going on here than we know."

"Like what?"

"He didn't tell me, but he wants me to get my friends and family together in this room so he can do the promotion here."

"That's strange even for Admiral Winston."

"Can you get everyone here? And be careful who you let know."

"I'll get Spock on it."

Later that day, Admiral Winston came back to the Enterprise dressed in full dress uniform. Jim wished he could be in his uniform, but he could not. Carol was glad to sit on the side of the bed beside him as he received his promotion. All his friends were glad to be there to see it as well. "I suppose I can't pin this on you, but you are hereby promoted to Fleet Admiral," Admiral Winston said. He gave Jim the pin ribbon decoration for his uniform and then saluted him.

Jim saluted, feeling very awkward, but his friends all applauded. "Thank you, Admiral," he said as he looked at the new pins and ribbons. He would never have thought he would be promoted again.

Carol kissed him on the cheek. "Congratulations, Admiral," she said.

"Thank you." Jim could not stop thinking about what Admiral Winston had said earlier.

The others all congratulated Jim, and then drifted back to their places. Hikaru Sulu was there. He came over to Jim. "Admiral, I guess I'll be under your command again," he said. "You'll be over Admiral Reynolds."

Jim nodded. "Yes, I suppose so," he said. He had not really thought through all that, although he had thought of some of it, and had been given plenty of information. "It's a little overwhelming."

"It's an honor to serve under you again, Sir."

"Thank you, Mister Sulu."

"I want to know what is happening with this situation. I know that one of Khan's people did this to you, but what's happening?"

"There's a lot going on. Mac is on this planet…the other Mac, and we think he is behind all this. We also know that he intends to try and bring his crew from that other universe."

"Can he?"

"I don't know."

Anakin walked up just as Jim said that. "He thinks he can open the mycelial network?" he asked.

"I don't know," Jim replied.

"How else would he bring them here? And I thought they wouldn't be able to get through there without the tacitus…or me."

"As far as I know, that's true, but I don't know what they have, and as you know, we don't know what happened to the overlord, and they were able to open a portal."

"Then it's possible," Sulu said. "What are we going to do?"

"We're investigating right now," Jim said. "Solan found out that he's on Earth. He had been on Magas Three. Won a ship there by playing poker and fighting…and in that process, he infected the one he fought."

"Then it is possible for him to infect other people with tiberium," Sulu said thoughtfully. "What do you want me to do, Sir?"

"I'm not sure right now," Jim said. "Mister Gordon is trying to trace anything he finds on the net. He's also trying to figure out how they managed to transport someone into my office."

"That's a question that needs an answer. Are you going to be here until this is resolved? If they can get someone into that building…"

"I know."

"I'm sorry I wasn't here," Anakin said. "But…"

"I know," Jim said. "Congratulations to you and Padme."

"Thank you, Admiral. I'll do what I can to find out what's happening too. Qui-Gon will help as well."

"Thanks. Whatever you can find out will be great."

"I'll see you."

Anakin left the medical bay. "I'll return to my ship soon, Admiral," Sulu said. "But if you need me…"

"Don't worry. You won't be left out."

"Congratulations on your promotion."

"Thank you."

Admiral Winston came over to Jim next. "When does Doctor McCoy think you will be well enough to be up?" Winson asked.

"He hasn't told me yet," Jim replied.

Admiral Winston sat down beside Jim's bed. "Admiral Kirk, I want you to know that I promoted you, not only because you deserve it, but because I know I can trust you," he said quietly.

"What do you mean, Sir?" Jim asked. "I mean, thank you, but do you think there are others you can't trust?"

"There are, Kirk. As a matter of fact, I believe there is an undercurrent, so to speak, in Starfleet."

Jim was dumbfounded for a moment. "I'm not sure I'm following you, Admiral."

"Not everyone in Starfleet is with us."

"You mean…they would betray you?"

"Worse. We will talk about all this when you're well enough to be in the conference room."

"Yes, Sir. Are you staying aboard the ship too?"

"I am for now."

The next day, Jim was much better since Bones had been working on his wound more. "You can go," Bones said. "But you best not ignore any pains, and I'll be outside the door, I'm sure."

"Great," Jim replied. "He didn't say I couldn't have any of you in there."

"You know Admiral Winston."

"Yeah."

Jim went to his quarters where Carol and the children were. "Jim, are you okay?" Carol asked as she came to him.

"Yes," Jim replied. "Bones says I have to be careful, but I'm going to have a meeting with Admiral Winston. Something strange is going on."

"Like what?"

"I don't know. I won't know till I get to this meeting."

"Are you sure you're up to this?"

"All I'll be doing is listening…mostly."

Jim got into his uniform and sat down on the bed. He definitely did not feel 100%. Carol sat down beside him. "If you want me to go with you, I will," she said.

"I'd love for you to go with me, but I think Admiral Winston wants this to be a private meeting," Jim replied.

"I don't care. Give me a few minutes."

"Who's gonna stay with the kids?"

"Don't worry."

Jim sat there thinking he might feel better if Carol was there with him. He thought he would even like to have Ajah there to take notes. Carol was soon ready, and she already had someone there to watch the children. They headed for the conference room. "Are you feeling okay?" Carol asked.

"No, but I'll make it," Jim replied. "I'll try to sit and listen. I just wish Ajah would be there to take notes."

"I'll do it."

Carol stopped by one of the technology stations and picked up a pad. "Ready, Admiral," she said and took his hand.