CHAPTER 12

Six days later, Michael Burnham and Michael McNeil arrived at Thinkuna and docked with the Enterprise. There were also several large carrier ships that were bringing equipment for the cleanup. The two appeared on the viewscreen on the Bridge. Burnham smiled as she saw Spock. Jim was also waiting for them. "I'm glad the two of you are up to this task," Jim said.

"We're glad to do it, Admiral," McNeil said. "I feel like I've been doing nothing."

"So, you say you can build facilities and refine the tiberium?"

"We can. It can be refined into a less volatile substance."

"You think it can be used for power?"

"I know it can. If it's used correctly, it won't be harmful. You know that's why the Scrin want it so badly. They use it for power for their machinery and for food. But you know the dangers of letting it fall into the wrong hands. If it's sold to less than ethical scientists, we'll be right back here again."

"You're right, but we have to clean this up and then figure out what to do about it later."

"We'll get it done. I hear there's more than green."

"There is. It's like a volcano spewing out Christmas decorations."

"Very dangerous ones," Burnham said. "Don't worry, Admiral, we'll get it under control. Mac knows what he's doing."

"I know. That's why I called the two of you. We have to get back to Earth, but if you need anything, you contact me. We'll send you any information you may need. Good luck."

"Thank you."

The transmission ended, and Jim looked around at Spock. "Let's go," he said.

"Move us away from the moon," Spock said, "and set a course for Earth."

It took six days to get back to Earth from Risa. However, all those days at warp gave them all time to get rested. Bones had scanned everyone every day to make sure they had not brought along any tiberium spores. No one had.

Jim and Carol left the Enterprise in a ship. They were going to see their kids before anything else. They arrived at the GDI base which had a nursery set up in it now. Before they got to the nursery, Jim heard Joy say, "Daddy!"

Jim and Carol smiled as they saw her running towards them. Jim scooped her up in a big hug. "I missed you so much," he said.

"I missed you too, Daddy," Joy said. "And Mommy too."

Carol hugged Joy next. "Oh, I'm so glad to hug you again."

Alex came to them next. Jim mussed his hair. "Glad to see you too," he said.

"Daddy, will you and Mom be home for a while this time?" Alex asked.

"We're gonna try to be."

Alex hugged Jim. "I don't want you to go away again."

Carol frowned at the sorrow in Alex's voice. "If Daddy has to go again, I will stay with you," she said.

"You will?"

"I will."

Jim picked Alex up. "Let's go home," he said. "And you can go with me to see Admiral Winston."

Later, Jim and Alex arrived at Admiral Winston's office. Felonia was at her desk. She had been on the trip with them, but she had not had much to do with the mission except taking notes. "I'm here to see the admiral," Jim said.

"He's expecting you," Felonia replied. "Go on in."

Jim went into Admiral Winston's office, along with Alex. Jim stood at attention. "At ease, Admiral Kirk," Admiral Winston said. "Have a seat."

Jim sat down in a chair, and Alex sat in the other. "I've been looking at all this information," Winston said. "I have to say, you did a thorough job. I've had some arrested that I wouldn't have guessed would be involved in something like this, but it certainly creates a more secure Starfleet."

"Yes Sir."

"The tiberium is being cleaned up on Thinkuna. I suppose you can take a little time off to spend with your family. One other thing though: I meant what I said in our conversation."

"Admiral, I know you meant it, but I…"

"No buts. You're just what Starfleet needs. I'm choosing you as my successor. But don't get in any hurry. I'm not retiring yet."

"I'm definitely not in a hurry, Sir."

"You're dismissed. Go home and stay. That's an order."

"Yes Sir."

Jim left there and went down to his own office. "Ajah, go home," he said. "We're going to take a few days off, as ordered by Admiral Winston."

"I just wanted to finish this report, Admiral," Ajah replied.

"Okay, but then you go home and do something fun."

"Yes Sir."

Jim and Alex went to the turbo lift, but as it opened, someone else was coming out. "Admiral Paris," Jim said.

"Admiral Kirk," she replied.

"It's good to see you, Ma'am."

"I'd like to talk to you, Kirk."

"Yes, Ma'am." Jim looked down at Alex. "You stay out here with Ajah. I'll be right out."

Jim and Admiral Paris went into Jim's office. "Well, Admiral Kirk, you've moved up in the world," Paris said.

"No more than you have," Jim replied.

"Oh, yes, you have. I've seen Admiral Winston's recommendations. You're next in line. What do you think about that?"

Jim had not known everyone knew about that. "I'm not sure what I think about it, Admiral."

"Oh, always the modest one. That's not what I came here about, although I do say congratulations. I think he made a fine choice. But, I'm here about Section Thirty-One."

Jim frowned. "That's been dismantled."

"Not really, Admiral Kirk. Just so you don't shudder every time you hear the name Section Thirty-One, I'd like you to know what it truly is. When you become the head of Starfleet, you'll need to know all your resources."

"I'm not following. What resources? And I'm not the head of Starfleet."

"But you will be. Section Thirty-One is not some criminal organization like you see it right now. It is what is called black ops. We find the trouble that you can't see. The undercurrent in Starfleet and the galaxy. We knew about Georgiou and her gang. How you tracked her down so quickly just shows your efficiency with your team."

"We can usually find what we're looking for. Solan is quite an investigator."

"That he is, and he's not the only one on your team who is quite valuable. You've acquired quite an entourage and loyalty. Everyone knows it. Your team works like a well-oiled machine. They would be a great benefit to us."

"Wait a minute. Are you saying you want them to work for you? I don't think they're going to want to have anything to do with something called Section Thirty-One."

"That's because they don't know what the real thing is. Like I said, we're the ones who find what even you can't find."

"That would be up to them. I don't tell them what to do."

"You don't have to, Admiral Kirk. They fall into line at just a suggestion from you. If they did work for us, they would be at your disposal even when you're the head of Starfleet."

"They would be anyway. I'm sorry, Admiral Paris. I can't speak for them, but I'm not getting into any of this. I might feel different some time, but right now, we've had a rough few months, and the last thing I want to hear about is Section Thirty-One."

"Admiral Kirk, I want to give you something." Paris gave him a pad. "I've put some information in there for you. Study up on it. Learn the truth."

Jim took the pad. "Alright," he said. "I'll take a look."

"Good. Now, I have to go and meet with Admiral Winston."

Admiral Paris left, and Jim just stood there a moment. He went back out into the front office. "Alex, let's go," Jim said. "Ajah, get that stuff wrapped up and go have some fun doing something else."

"I'm almost finished, Admiral," Ajah replied. "What did Admiral Paris want?"

"I'll talk to all of you about that later. See you later in the week."

Jim and Alex went back home. Jim stood at the door as Alex ran to his room. Carol came from the kitchen. "It's about time you got back," she said. She noticed the look on Jim's face. "What's wrong?"

"Are you making dinner?" Jim asked.

"Yes. Come into the kitchen."

Jim followed her in there and sat down at the table. Carol sat down after she stirred the food. "What's the pad for?" she asked.

"Oh, it's information," Jim said.

"Information about what?"

"The real Section Thirty-One. You know, I'm just about tired of hearing that name."

"You've lost me. What are you talking about?"

Jim rubbed his face. "I talked to Admiral Winston, and not only has he recommended me for the next head of Starfleet, he has chosen me, and now it's known to everyone. Admiral Paris came to my office while I was there. She knew about it, and she said she wanted me to know about the real Section Thirty-One, which would be available to me when I'm head of Starfleet."

"Black Ops," Carol said.

"Oh yeah. That's what it's supposed to be. It was never supposed to be some research facility."

"So, they're really preparing for you to be the head of Starfleet. Jim, this is getting very real."

"I know. Admiral Winston told me to take a few days off and spend it with you and the kids and rest."

"That's odd."

"Well, it has been an eventful several months."

"Eventful. I'm not sure that is the right word."

"It's the only one I can think of right now. So what's for dinner?"

"Oh, well, we're having a tasty, balanced meal."

"Good." Jim opened the pad and began looking over the information. It had begun as a black ops group called "Steel Talon" when it was a part of GDI. He realized it was the history of Section Thirty-One which had been altered when Admiral Marcus decided to change them into a private research lab for himself. He thought perhaps being head of Starfleet was too much for Admiral Marcus. Maybe he thought he saw enemies coming from all sides and was overwhelmed, even to the point of murder. He looked at Carol, but he did not want to say all that to her. However, she had made it clear that sometimes she wanted to talk about these things. "You know, I think maybe your father became overwhelmed as head of Starfleet and he thought he had to find a way to make Starfleet more secure. He just went about it in the wrong way."

"You could be right. And he knew you were too smart for him to fool you for long."

"I don't know about that."

"Jim. You know it's true. You would have figured out what he was doing. You were the only one who asked questions about what Khan was doing, what he had taken from the wreckage."

Jim knew that was correct. No one else had asked any questions during that meeting except Spock and him. He had realized what was about to happen just before Khan showed up in that ship. He supposed all that had to do with complacency. He had not been complacent because he did not agree with everything Starfleet handed down. He remembered how Khan had tried to justify his actions. Murder was never justified. He continued reading while Carol fixed dinner.

Carol thought about what Jim said. She hoped he could handle that pressure, but he had been under a lot of pressure and many stressful situations, and he had not cracked yet. She realized he would be the youngest head of Starfleet ever. He had accomplished many things sooner than he should have…according to what everyone said. Who says experience is what makes a person capable of everything? Maybe inexperience makes them able to think for themselves.

Jim and his family enjoyed the day, resting and playing. He could not remember the last time he was not worrying about something. The next morning, he started waking up and opened his eyes to see Joy standing right beside the bed staring at him. "Joy, what are you doing?" Jim asked.

"Daddy, I'm hungry," Joy said.

"Oh. Well…"

Carol sat up then. "You know what? I'm hungry too," she said. "I'll fix us something."

Carol got out of bed and went into the bathroom. Jim looked at Joy. "You're always up at the crack of dawn," he said.

Joy laughed. "The sun is up."

"Oh, I know. It gets up early. I guess you're my sunshine."

Carol came from the bathroom, and then Alex was at the door. "Are we eating breakfast soon?" he asked.

"Yes, we are," Carol said. "Come on, Jim."

The two kids followed Carol to the kitchen. Jim looked out the window which was an east window. He could see that the sun was not very far above the horizon. He had not felt so relaxed in months, but he would go in there and eat breakfast with his family. It was a privilege he was not going to miss today.

Jim walked into the kitchen hearing laughter and smelling breakfast smells. Coffee. He intended to sit and sip that coffee. "I want some plants," he said. "We have no plants in that window in there. How long has it been since we could even think about something like that?"

"A long time," Carol replied. "You're talking about houseplants?"

"Yeah, and maybe even outdoor ones. I want to do something different. Over the next few days, we're going to create a jungle in this apartment."

"Can I help?" Alex asked.

"Of course."

"Jim, what brought this on?" Carol asked.

"I don't know," Jim said. "I want to bring a little nature into the apartment. I just feel like we're missing out on things."

"I agree. You're going to fill up your office with plants too?"

"Maybe." Jim smiled. "No, but I might have a few there too."

After they finished breakfast, the door chime rang. "I'll get it," Jim said. He went to the door, and Doctor McCoy was there. "Morning, Bones. What brings you here so early?"

"Well, I wanted to check up on you since our harrowing experience over there at Risa," Bones said.

"Come on in."

"What are you up to today?"

"Nothing. The family and I are going to redecorate this apartment."

"That sounds like fun," Bones said as he was doing a scan of Jim. "Are you getting new furniture?"

"No. This furniture isn't old. I'm gonna get some plants."

"Plants? How can you take care of plants on your busy schedule?"

"I'm not going to have such a busy schedule anymore, Bones. Besides, plants aren't that difficult to take care of."

"They aren't? Tell that to the philodendron I had in my office." Bones looked at Jim. "What's going on? Something I haven't heard? By the way, you don't have any tiberium spores. Where's Carol?"

"She's in there with the kids. Yeah, there's something you haven't heard, although I don't know why you haven't heard it."

"Like what?"

Jim walked over to the sofa and sat down. Bones sat down too. "So, what's going on?" Bones asked. "Not another mission."

"No. I don't even know where to start. You know Section Thirty-One wasn't supposed to be a research lab or whatever you want to call it."

"I've heard that. It's supposed to be like an undercover element of Starfleet that works in the undercurrent."

"Well, yeah."

"They sent that memo to Spock too. I think they just wanted him to work on you, and he told me instead."

"Oh. I was beginning to think I was the only one on the outside of the loop. Anyway, they work for the head of Starfleet, and when Admiral Marcus was in, he turned it into something to do his bidding rather than what it was intended for. I think he just couldn't handle the responsibility of his office."

"I think you're right."

"I talked to Admiral Winston yesterday."

"Well, sorry I didn't go with you but I didn't want to sit out in the hall and wait. I figured you'd eventually tell me what happened."

"He has made it official that I'm gonna be his successor when he retires."

Bones sat up on the edge of the sofa. "You? Why?"

"You don't have to sound like it's a bad decision."

"I didn't say that. I just don't understand why he picked you."

"He thinks I'm trustworthy and all that. I don't know, Bones. Do you think I'm capable of doing something like that?"

Bones considered that a moment. "Yeah, I think you are," he said. "You won't bend to everything that comes along. You're capable of standing against things that aren't right even when everyone else thinks you're crazy."

Jim was surprised at that answer. "You really think that?"

"Yeah. On top of that, you've made an alliance with the Klingons, and they're loyal to you, respect you. Why shouldn't it be you? Besides that, too many of the admirals had betrayed Starfleet anyway. You know how many were arrested? They must have been involved in this from back then."

"I really haven't looked into it. I don't know when he's planning to retire, but Admiral Paris came to see me yesterday too and she gave me all that information about Section Thirty-One. She knew he had chosen me. I'm getting very nervous about this."

"You're too far up the ladder to fall off now, so don't worry about it. You know we'll all be around to help you anyway."

"Thanks, Bones."

The door chime rang again. Jim looked at Bones. "So, who is that?" he asked. "You guys have this planned to come in one at a time?"

"Are you kidding?" Bones asked.

Jim went to the door, and Spock was there this time, along with Uhura and Spura. "Come in," Jim said.

"Admiral, I wanted to speak with you," Spock said.

"Why don't we go into the kitchen and get some coffee?" Jim asked. "Is anyone else coming?"

"Not to my knowledge."

"I'm going to find Carol," Uhura said.

Jim, Spock, and Bones went into the kitchen and sat at the table. Jim brought coffee to the table. "I assume Doctor McCoy has had some news to spread?" Spock asked.

"I beg your pardon," Bones said. "Are you accusing me of gossip? I came over here to scan him and make sure he isn't carrying tiberium. He's planning on getting a bunch of plants, and he's been chosen as Admiral Winston's successor, and he doesn't know if he's qualified. So now you're all caught up. Oh yeah, and he already knows about Section Thirty-One."

Jim poured coffee for them all. "Thanks, Bones," he said. "You can always shorten something down."

"You're welcome," Bones replied.

"Admiral, why do you think you are not qualified?" Spock asked.

"I'm not sure that's the right word," Jim said. "Being qualified doesn't always mean you're the right choice."

"I see. I believe you are the right choice. You have proven yourself a leader and you have accomplished many things." Spock paused a moment. "Why are you getting a bunch of plants?"

"That's just Bones' way of saying it. I told him I was gonna get some plants to go in that east window in there and maybe even outside on the balcony."

"I did not know you were a plant enthusiast."

"I haven't had time to be one, but I'm taking the time now. If I do become head of Starfleet, I'm gonna make you an admiral. I want someone over those ships that I know."

"Yes, Admiral. Do you still feel there are some in Starfleet who cannot be trusted?"

"I'm sure there are. You know, we weren't exactly sure that Legion was in that building. How do we know he was really destroyed?"

"I suppose we do not. However, it is more likely than not."

"Why?"

"He was controlling the AI that was used. Without him, there was no control."

"Oh. I hope you're right, Spock. We know they created the Borg, and they used tiberium to do it."

"Yes. I agree. I do not believe there is anything that can be done about that fact since they are so far away."

"They may not stay far away. That's something we have to be conscious of in the future. It's another reason that I thought just maybe we should look into how the tiberium can be used for things like power and shields."

"It is a thought."

"It would have to be under strict supervision though. Maybe the Vulcans. Since they don't tell lies, I guess they would be the most trustworthy for it. And we don't want any inhuman experiments going on."

"I think this would need more discussion."

"I agree."

"It was the reason that Admiral Marcus awakened Khan in the first place. Because he knew how it worked."

"There's someone else who knows how it works: Michael McNeil. He may not be a scientist, but he knows plenty, and there's a lot of information in that database. We also have the database that Artemus created to store important information in. That's where all this should be stored. I don't want any of this research or anything we found out on the web for public access."

"I will look into that, Admiral," Spock said. "I will inform you of my findings."

"Good." Jim leaned on the table with his coffee cup in his hands. "Admiral Winston told me to rest for the next few days."

"It is logical to rest while things are quiet. We have been through quite an ordeal."

"That's the truth," Bones said. "I'm ready for some quiet. Andrea, Mia, and I are going to Hawaii to bask in the sun."

"You could bask in the sun here," Jim said.

"Yeah, but I'm going over there where the safe green water is. I want to see something different and go on hikes and stuff, fish. I'm ready for the quiet."

"Sounds nice, but I'm staying right here. I want to be at home."

"Home is a nice word sometimes, but we won't be over there but a few days."

"Have a good trip."

"I've checked everyone out to make sure they didn't have any tiberium poisoning and they all checked out negative. So, there shouldn't be any crises while I am gone."

"Thanks, Bones…I think."

"What do you mean, you think?"

They finished their coffee, and Spock left. "I have one more person to scan," Bones said, "and that's Carol. I think she's been hiding from me."

"I doubt that," Jim said. "Carol!"

Carol came into the living room. "Yes?"

"The doctor here wants to make sure you aren't growing tiberium."

Carol stood and let Bones scan her. "All clear," he said. "Now, I'm going on my vacation. Don't get in trouble while I'm gone."

"I'll try."

Bones left, and then Carol kissed Jim. "There's something else I'd like to talk to you about," she said.

"What?" Jim asked.

"I want another baby."

Jim was surprised by that. He was not sure what to say. They had been in such a whirlwind, he thought maybe he was having to decompress. "You're not saying anything," Carol said. "Don't you want one too?"

Jim's mouth dropped open. "I didn't say I didn't. I'm just kinda stunned."

"Get un-stunned."

Jim smiled. "I wonder what this one will look like."

Carol smiled and kissed him again. "It doesn't matter. It will be part of me and part of you."

"Another Kirk in the galaxy. What are we doing?"

Carol laughed. "We're creating people who will have their feet on the ground."

"Oh, I don't know about that. It took me a while to have mine on it."

"I think that can be part of our goals while we rest and relax."

Just then, they heard a squealing laugh from the other room. Jim smiled. "That disappears too fast, you know," he said.

"It does," Carol replied.

Five years later, Jim Kirk stood on a stage with Admiral Winston as he made his retirement speech. Jim looked out into the audience at Carol who smiled at him. Alex pumped his fists in the air. Carol held their…fourth child in her arms, and the third sat in a chair along with Joy. Jim turned his attention back to Admiral Winston.

"As I step down from this honorable position, I am handing the reins to someone that I feel confident will lead Starfleet into a new era," Admiral Winston said. "I have to admit, when I first became head of Starfleet, I would have never dreamed we would be here, but people mature over time, and you learn more about them. What you thought was a flaw was actually something that was right for that purpose. I am handing this office to someone who is loyal, honest, and capable of doing what is right." Admiral Winston looked at Jim. "Admiral James T. Kirk, I gladly hand the reins over to you." He pinned the medal on Jim. "Full steam ahead."

Jim saluted as Admiral Winston saluted. "Thank you, Sir," Jim said. "I'll do my best to never let you down."

Jim did not make a long speech. He remembered when he had become an admiral, how he thought he had shaken a thousand hands before he got out of the building. He could see many familiar faces in that crowd now who were smiling and cheering him on, including his mother. He had to wonder what his father would think. He would have to be proud…right?