The Einstein-Rosen Bridge

by Patricia Rodrigues

Chapter One
Year 2259
New Vulcan

“…My fellow Vulcans and guests,” Ambassador Spock continued his speech from the open plaza dais. “We have overcome the trials and tribulations of the past year, caused by the heinous attack of the renegade Romulan, Nero. He, who destroyed our mother planet, can no longer harm us...” at this point, his words caused unease among the visiting dignitaries. He could see anger etched on their faces. “…We are now here to make this planet our new home.” Spock, then, paused to catch his breath, “We are no longer an endangered species. We have survived and we will live longer and prosper… and there will be many of us throughout the galaxy…”

It was a hot day, not a cloud in the sky. The vast crowd stood listening intently, protected from the insidious rays of the sun, by a polycarbonate canopy.

The supreme Vulcan Council was present for the occasion; many others were invited, including members of the Federation Starfleet, along with a few officers from the Enterprise. They were celebrating the inauguration of the new Vulcan Council Chambers.

Kirk, Commander Spock, McCoy, Uhura, Sulu and Chekov were among the audience, applauding enthusiastically. Ambassador Spock’s words brought tears to Kirk’s eyes.

A year has passed since the destruction of the planet Vulcan by Nero and the Narada. Kirk involuntarily evoked the memory of seeing Nero’s face: his anger, his hatred, his thirst for revenge.

They had defeated Nero, but, somehow, he was still alive… his presence was among them now, like a ghost, a shadow, a disease, threatening to ruin the celebrations.

Commander Spock noticed Kirk’s mood change. He started to sweat as his face turned red with rage.

“Are you all right, Jim?” Spock asked.

“No,” He replied, moving away from the crowd. “I don’t know.”

Kirk blinked in the bright, late-summer sunshine.

Spock followed him, while Ambassador Spock was given a tremendous ovation at the end of his speech.

Kirk did not hear the Ambassador’s last words as he was emotionally upset. An unexpected, unjustified fear had taken possession of his body and mind. He started shaking, as if electricity was passing through his body. He was experiencing some sort of premonition.

“The whole world is falling apart!” Kirk exclaimed absentmindedly. While staring into the distance, he saw a range of high mountains, extending for miles in either direction.

“What are you talking about?” Spock asked feeling perplexed about Kirk’s unusual behavior.

“Nero!” Kirk mumbled, still not making any sense. Tears rolled down his cheeks.

Spock did not ask further questions. He remained silent, engulfed by a black cloud of negative thoughts. He felt sad for a moment as he thought of his mother. He missed her. He missed home.


………………………………………………
Chapter Two
Enterprise-E
Year 2379
Victoria
(Part 1)


Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Counselor Victoria were engaged in a fencing match on the gymnasium deck.

“Another draw?” Jean-Luc complained. He was astonished by Victoria’s fencing skills.

“You can’t beat me, Captain!” Victoria exclaimed teasing him with her foil as a broad smile spread across her face. “I was a champion at 19…”

“That’s enough for today.” Jean-Luc said curtly, he was not facing her.

Picard always felt uncomfortable in the presence of his new Counselor. He had not liked Victoria from the beginning… She was not his choice. However, she came with an excellent recommendation from Starfleet headquarters prior to being transferred to the Enterprise-E. Victoria had proved herself to be exceptionally intelligent and intuitive, but also had an unpleasant, arrogant manner about her.

This aside, there was no doubt that she was physically attractive. She showed traces of her Romulan genes, though these were not accentuated. She had become one of the most highly regarded psychoanalysts; not only having a first-class degree in psychiatry but with a proven track record of being able to read the body language of 80 alien races.

Victoria’s father, Sebastian Huber, was a human science officer, a lieutenant commander, who actively served with Starfleet.

Her mother, Acatia, was a doctor. She was half Romulan, half Betazoid. Acatia had become an orphan at the age of seven. She was then adopted by a human couple and had grown up on Earth.

Now, sadly, both Victoria’s parents were deceased. They had died while serving aboard the USS Melbourne, during a battle against the Borg.
……………………………………………………………

After defeating Shinzon, Jean-Luc Picard - Captain of the USS Enterprise-E - had replaced Counselor Deanna Troi with Couselor Victoria Huber. Deanna was transferred to the USS Titan, to serve with her husband, Captain William T. Riker.

Commander Worf had been promoted to first officer, second in command.

The android B-4, Data’s brother, had been integrated with Data’s memory engrams downloaded directly into his positronic matrix. This was done by Data himself while he was still operative. One month after Data had been destroyed, Commander La Forge reinstalled all Data’s saved programs into B-4’s positronic brain. He also installed new programs, technologically advanced and intensified by La Forge’s modifications. These programs would enable B-4 to have Data’s abilities and all his memories.

The Enterprise-E was sent on a mission to patrol a particular area in the galaxy where a huge phenomenon was taking place. They recognized the phenomenon as a White Hole.
……………………………………………………

Victoria
(Part 2)

Picard and Victoria were leaving the changing room as the intercom sounded.

“Captain,” B-4 called, in his perfect android voice, trying to copy Data’s intonation and pronunciation. “There are intermittent flares being expelled from the core of the White Hole… they are extremely intense and rapidly increasing in number…” He interrupted himself, bending his head to one side, in a robotic way, before concluding: “I believe you should come, at your earliest convenience, to observe the phenomenon yourself, Sir.”

Jean-Luc smiled this time, recalling B-4’s face and imagining his expression as he pronounced the words in such a formal manner.

“I’m on my way, Mr. B-4,” Jean-Luc promptly replied . “Thank you.”

Jean-Luc nodded to Victoria.

Was it a sign of agreement? She thought. Or, was it a thank you for the enjoyable time we’d spent together?

Nevertheless, she understood it as an invitation. He was implying he wanted her presence on the Bridge… and she was right.

He turned impatiently to face her at the sliding doors, as she was busy untying her ponytail. She became aware of his urgent glance and ran in his direction. They left the gym deck together walking briskly.
………………………………………………………

When arriving on the Bridge, Captain Picard took command and Counselor Victoria took her seat.

“Sir, the flares activities are rapidly increasing,” Commander Worf informed. “They will reach their maximum pitch in exactly two minutes.”

“Acknowledged,” Jean-Luc replied.

“Captain,” La Forge called from engineering, “We’re too close to the White Hole… we’re losing power, Sir.”

“Take us to a safe distance, Mr. B-4!” Picard ordered with an urgent tone of voice. But, as soon as he spoke, the unexpected happened… A vessel came out from the core of the White Hole. They recognized it immediately as Romulan. However, it was severely damaged, almost completely destroyed.

“There are Romulans alive aboard the vessel, Sir” B-4 informed.

“Beam them aboard,” Picard commanded, getting up from his seat. “Straight to medical!”

As B-4 activated the transporter beam, a huge explosion took place, tearing what was left of the Romulan vessel to pieces. The Enterprise beamed them just in time to save a few Romulans.
B-4 turned his seat to face Picard.

“I am sorry, Captain,” he was apologetic, as though feeling responsible for not being able to avoid the explosion.

Picard gave him a comforting tap on the shoulder.
…………………………………………………

Dr. Crusher shouted urgent instructions to all the medical personnel. The Romulans were all unconscious and badly injured.

“Hurry up or we won’t be able to save them!” she shouted at the nearest nurse, who appeared not to know where to start. The nurse looked apprehensive as she attended one of the Romulans, who had just been placed on a bed next to her.

“Here, use one of the thermostatic blankets to bring his body to normothermia,” Dr. Crusher told the nurse while throwing the blanket to her. The nurse caught the blanket, preventing it falling to the floor.

“Goddammit, MOVE WOMAN!” Beverly shouted again at the nurse, who had a shocked expression. Dr. Crusher had never treated her that way before.

Suddenly, one of the Romulans regained consciousness. The severe burns on his face had left holes where his eyes should be. Blindly, he tried to stand up.

Dr. Crusher ran toward him, making him lie still on the bed.

“Calm down,” she now spoke in a soft tone, “I’m a doctor; you’re in Medical.”

Obviously in agony, the Romulan took hold of Beverly’s arm. “Let us die...” he said in a strangled voice.

“You’ll be fine,” she replied, trying to comfort him.

He slowly loosened his grip on her arm, gasped deeply and died.

Beverly checked on him to certify he was dead. Then, not wasting time, she quickly moved toward another Romulan, who also had his face completely burned. However, he soon started breathing normally and it was clear his life was no longer in danger.

Dr. Crusher and her medical staff tried in vain to save all the Romulans. But, hours later, exhausted and mentally fatigued, the fight to save lives was over as only one of their unexpected guests had survived.

……………………………………………………………….
Chapter Three
The Enterprise
Year 2259
Babette


After the celebrations for the new Vulcan Council Chambers, Kirk and the other crew members, who were at New Vulcan, rejoined the Enterprise and were assigned to a new mission…

“Antares 4…” Kirk complained to Spock. “Is it wise sending us so close to the Neutral Zone with an imminent threat of war?”

Spock glanced at Kirk with his usual logical look: “There is no real threat, Jim. Only rumors…”

“Spock!” a female voice called him. It was a very feminine voice... crystalline yet melodic, like a waterfall. Spock looked around, confused. Nobody was calling him.

Kirk glanced at Spock; he was still upset about their mission. He was in a terrible mood and his look was angry.

“Spock!” the voice called him again, louder this time, with a more urgent tone.

Spock looked around once more. He faced everyone present on the Bridge.

Kirk looked at him with a puzzled expression. He had never seen Spock acting that way before.

“What’s wrong?” Kirk asked with one hand on his chin and the other hand supporting his elbow, just like McCoy used to do when worried.

“Nothing,” Spock replied, not very convincingly.

He turned to face the viewscreen when the voice shouted at him again, very loud this time. Spock instinctively covered his ears with his hands and grimaced. He felt pain, caused by a buzzing sound inside his head, making him dizzy. The room was spinning around, like a carousel and he fell unconscious.
……………………………………………………………………

“Spock?” McCoy said, holding an optical torch. He was checking Spock’s pupils as he woke up. “You’re awake…” he sounded surprised. “Good.”

Spock looked perplexed. He did not remember how he had ended up in Sickbay. He just remembered having some confusing dreams. Most of them were about a young, beautiful, blond blue-eyed woman. She appeared in his dreams like an angel, dressed in a sheer white gown. The outline of her young, perfectly formed body was clearly visible; her white panties showing through the gossamer gown; her firm breasts and erect nipples were protruding through the soft material.

She had a wonderful smile and a kind of aura surrounding her body from head to toe. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his young life.

She talked to him, it seemed, for hours, but he could not recall what had been said between them. It was very frustrating for Spock not being able to remember that part of his dream.

“Babette,” he said, facing McCoy. He was looking at McCoy as if he was seeing him for the very first time. “Where is she?”

Spock tried to get up from the bed.

“Who?” McCoy replied, “No, not so fast… you’ve been unconscious for two days...” He gently push Spock, forcing him to lie down again. “You’re not going anywhere.”

Spock stared at McCoy feeling powerless, although a spark of sanity was returning to his eyes.

Kirk entered Medical, smiling at Spock.

“How’s our patient today, doc?” Kirk asked McCoy in a jovial mood, giving him a tap on the shoulder. “Oh, I can see he’s finally awake!” He said winking at Spock.

Spock was not in the mood for jokes. He turned his eyes to the ceiling, not wanting to see Kirk. Babette’s face was still haunting him, her voice echoing inside his head.

“You were delirious last night when I came to see you,” Kirk continued, not noticing that he was obviously annoying Spock. “So, tell me, who is this Babette you’ve been calling for every five minutes?”

Spock turned to face Kirk with an angry look and did not reply. At this point, McCoy noticed that Spock was getting agitated.

“Oh, she’s an old friend of his…” McCoy lied, while pulling Kirk by the arm. He stopped in the middle of the room.

“Go away now, Jim,” McCoy said in a low voice, trying not to be heard by Spock. “He’s still not himself… and I don’t know what’s causing the hallucinations.”

“I’m sorry,” Kirk apologized, sounding really concerned. “I’ll come back later then.”

McCoy just nodded. Kirk left Medical without delay.

When McCoy went toward Spock’s bed, he could see a single tear rolling down his cheek. McCoy was stupefied. He stood next to the bed, for a long moment, completely rigid. He wasn’t aware that a Vulcan was capable of showing emotion.

'Nevertheless,' he thought, 'after all, Spock is half human…'
……………………………………………………

The next day, Spock was completely lucid. However, in spite of his recovery, McCoy insisted on keeping him in Sickbay for one more day.

Meanwhile, Kirk entered Sickbay.

On seeing Kirk, Spock approched him, suggesting he was now ready to return to duty.

Kirk turned to McCoy, who was busy checking Spock’s brain scan on a monitor.

“How long do you intend to keep him in Sickbay?” Kirk inquired.

“Look, look here!” McCoy said, pointing to an area on the screen, highlighted in pink. The highlighted area was almost covering Spock’s entire brain.

“What does that mean?” Kirk asked, feeling totally ignorant about everything related to human or Vulcan anatomy.

“His brain’s activity has increased drastically in the last 72 hours…” McCoy replied as if he was talking to an expert.

Kirk transferred his gaze to McCoy, observing how the subject fascinated him. McCoy’s eyes were much bigger than usual.

“As you can see, both side of his brain are fully active… and, you see this area here,” McCoy pointed to another area, highlighted in light-green.

“…Yep…?” was Kirk’s reply, sounding like a 10 year-old boy.

“This area, this whole area here… is only active when we are in a deep sleep… but, somehow, Spock’s brain is acting like he’s sleepwalking; like he’s still dreaming…” McCoy was so absorbed in what he was seeing on the screen that he did not notice Kirk’s bizarre expression.

At this point, McCoy turned to face Kirk, who was now frowning while looking at Spock’s brain scan; trying to decipher the highlighted areas. In that moment, McCoy could picture Kirk as a boy, licking a lollipop. He couldn’t resist a smile at such a comic image.

“Sorry,” McCoy apologized, turning off the monitor. “I might just as well be talking to that wall…” He turned his attention toward the microscope.

“Hey, ho, wait a minute!” Kirk insisted. “I’m not stupid… I understand every word you’re saying...”

“The blood test looks good,” was McCoy’s practical reply, glancing at the microscope. “Apart from a significant increase in his adrenaline levels, Spock’s perfectly fine.”

“So… that’s good news, right?” Kirk asked with a hint of uncertainty.

McCoy shrugged, not facing Kirk: “Not really, Jim. I’ll keep him in Medical and find out what’s happening to him.”

“You’ve done your best, Bones,” Kirk said. “I’m sure he’s ready to resume his duties. I’ll take responsibility for him.”

“Alrighty, Jim. I’ll pass him fit for duty.” McCoy replied. But, as Kirk motioning to leave Medical, McCoy stopped him, giving him a warning: “I’d keep a close eye on him if I were you.”

………………………………………………………

Chapter Four
Enterprise-E
Year 2379
Nero


“What do we know about that vessel?” Picard approached B-4 and La Forge, as they were at a console, intently examining information they had gathered from the Federation’s database.

“According to the few images collected just before the explosion and from historical information we could access, the vessel may have been the Narada.” B-4 informed.

“The Narada…” Picard repeated absentminded. “The name rings a bell.”

“The Narada was a mining vessel in the service of the Romulan Empire in 2387,” La Forge explained. “It was commanded by Nero.”

“2387?” retorted Picard with surprise and disbelief. “But, that’s 8 years from now!”

“The Narada was transported back in time to year 2233, after the destruction of Romulus, where it created an alternate reality by destroying the USS Kelvin…” B-4 was expressionless. “…And 25 years later, the Narada was involved in an attack on a Klingon prison planet and crippled the Klingon Empire by destroying 47 war-birds…”

“…The Narada then left for Vulcan and drilled a hole into the core of the planet…” La Forge continued the account in perfect synchronization with B-4.

“When the Federation sent a fleet to Vulcan to investigate the seismic disturbance, the Narada destroyed several Starfleet ships shortly before the USS Enterprise arrived…” B-4 interrupted La Forge.

“…Kirk himself was sent to sabotage the drill… but was unable to stop Nero from injecting red matter into Vulcan’s core, creating a black hole, which quickly consumed the planet” La Forge finished his account as he turned to face Jean-Luc.

Picard was frowning. “Wasn’t the Narada destroyed by Kirk’s Enterprise?” he asked, finally remembering what he knew about that vessel.

“Yes,” B-4 replied. “It was supposedly destroyed…”

“…Following the Vulcan destruction, Nero took the Narada to Earth, with the intention of annihilating our planet.” La Forge explained.

“However, the drilling rig was destroyed by Spock using the Jellyfish shuttlecraft, which he had confiscated from the Narada…” B-4, once again, interrupted La Forge. “…After drawing the Narada away from Earth, Spock rammed it with the Jellyfish…”

“…The remainder of the red matter that was aboard the Jellyfish was ignited, creating a massive black hole which began to crush the ship…” La Forge had consistently tried to speak without interruption, which was almost impossible in the presence of B-4. He gave up, turning to face B-4, allowing him to finish the account.

“Kirk offered to assist the crew of the Narada, but Nero refused… Kirk’s Enterprise fired on the Narada to ensure its destruction until the ship was pulled apart and ultimately devoured by the Black Hole” B-4 concluded.

They gave Jean-Luc a minute or two to think… he looked totally perplexed and was clearly having trouble absorbing the information.

“Captain,” La Forge stood upright and absolutely still. He had his hands crossed; his posture was of the very diligent officer he has always been. “… There is a theory which suggests that White Holes are the exit of massive black holes.”

“So, you’re actually saying that the surviving Romulan in Medical could be Nero?” Jean-Luc was unable to hide his horrified expression.

La Forge and B-4 with perfect timing nodded their heads in agreement, to reinforce their theory.

The intercom sounded.

“Crusher to Captain Picard,” Beverley called, with an urgent tone in her voice. “Please, report to Medical.”

…………………………………………………

Chapter Five
Enterprise-E
Year 2379
Picard’s Visions


When arriving in Medical, accompanied by Victoria, Picard stood near the bed where the Romulan lay.

The Romulan was conscious. His burned face was covered with bandages, moisturized with a healing ointment. Only his eyes, nose and mouth were visible.

“Are you the Captain of this ship?” The Romulan asked with a weak voice.

“Yes,” Jean-Luc replied, taking a deep breath. He displayed a proud and solemn posture. “I’m Captain Jean-Luc Picard.”

“Come closer…” the Romulan asked, beckoning with his right hand.

Picard turned to face Victoria, who shook her head in disagreement.

Picard did not trust her enough to follow any of her suggestions. His instinct was to do the opposite of Victoria’s advice.

She was deeply offended by his ignoring her but Picard did not seem to be bothered by her feelings.

Jean-Luc then turned to face Dr. Crusher, who nodded in agreement. He went closer to the Romulan.

“Closer…” he said, almost whispering. The Romulan put one hand around his mouth, forming a shape of a shell.

Picard interpreted it as if the Romulan was about to tell him a secret and went very close to the Romulan’s face.

The Romulan grabbed Picard and using both his hands held Picard’s face tightly. Picard was unable to release himself from the Romulan’s grip. After the first moment of surprise, he gave up trying to free himself and relaxed his facial muscles.

The Romulan managed to get inside Picard’s thoughts, showing him similar visions which the young Spock had been experiencing.

Picard’s vision took him into a void through space and time. He felt suspended... it was as though time had stopped. It felt like eternity to Jean-Luc.

He was transported to a Ball. All those present, including Jean-Luc, were wearing clothes in accordance with the fashion of the Earth’s late 18th Century.

Babette was there. Jean-Luc had eyes only for her, he was hypnotized by her. She was divinely dressed in white and pink.

She moved toward him to the rhythm of the waltz and took his hand, inviting him to dance.

Picard loved her as soon as he saw her. She whirled and floated around the dance floor like an angel…
…………………………………………………………………

The Romulan loosened his grip, causing Picard to step backwards. The connection between them was broken too soon and Jean-Luc was left in a state of mental confusion. He was breathing heavily and his legs felt weak. He hardly managed to stay on his feet.

Victoria noticed Picard’s disorientation and took hold of his arm, helping him to stand still.

He pulled back his arm in a harsh movement, making Victoria think he was annoyed by her protective reaction. She stepped away from him, trying not to upset him further. She did not notice he was distraught.

“What are you doing to me?” the Romulan shouted angrily. “What are you doing to my brain?”

Victoria moved closer to him, but keeping what she considered to be a safe distance.

“Tell us who you are!” she sounded cruel and unsympathetic to his condition.

Dr. Crusher, with two other medical staff, restrained him and forced him back down. He did not answer Victoria’s question.

“Who are you?” the Romulan asked, finally calming down and recovering his self-control. “What is the current Star Date?”

Victoria gave him the information he requested, but she was then asked to leave Medical. Dr. Crusher did not want him to over-strain while still not fully recovered.
……………………………………………………


Jean-Luc, still in a state of confusion, left the room and returned to the Bridge.

Arriving there, Victoria was already waiting for him and asked permission to talk to him privately.

He pondered for a moment, but agreed with a nod, turning his back to her and walking toward his private office. She followed him.

When the sliding doors shut behind her, she waited for Picard to sit at his desk. Instead, he went straight to a long window in the left corner of the room, opposite to her. He did not turn to face her and, for a long moment, he seemed to have forgotten she was waiting to talk.

He was not looking outside the window. He had his eyes closed. In his mind he was still dancing with Babette.

“I have sent a full report addressed to the Romulan Empire, via subspace transmission, informing them of the surviving Romulan who is our guest aboard the Enterprise-E.” Victoria said, in a calm, determined voice. She had a defiant expression, taking a deep breath, waiting to see what his reaction would be.

Jean-Luc opened his eyes as if awaking from a trance. He turned to face Victoria with growing alarm. His eyes were now like cannonballs, ready to fire at her.

“What, you did what?” he finally spoke, his voice sounding hoarse.

She did not repeat herself. She was standing completely still in the middle of the room with her hands behind her back, facing the wall behind his desk.

Jean-Luc walked toward Victoria and stood in front of her. He was shocked. He could not quite believe that she had deliberately challenged his authority.

“Captain, you took Romulans aboard, but failed to inform the Romulan Empire…” she was feeling intimidated by his look and could not stand his gaze, forcing herself to look elsewhere. “…I must remind you of the Federation Protocol, citing The Starfleet General Orders and Regulations, Article 14, Section 31…” she tried to explain it in simple words, failing miserably.

“Be quiet!” Picard commanded. “What have you done?” he shouted at her, showing his anger as never before. “That’s insubordination, Counselor… You are never to overpass my authority on this ship!”

Victoria did not try to defend herself and remained calm, in spite of his anger.

“Do you realize your action could put us all in a very serious situation, totally unfavorable to us in a confrontation with the Romulan Empire?” he vociferated the words in her face. “I’ve been the Captain of the Enterprise for over 15 years… long before you came onboard this ship to become a member of my crew…” he thundered at her. “And I… only I, know exactly the right thing to do!”

He stopped abruptly... his eyes turning back into his head before they closed tightly and he lost his balance. He put one hand on his heart, he was in pain.

Victoria panicked. She was convinced he was having a heart attack.

Jean-Luc collapsed on the floor shaking and shivering as convulsions gripped his body.

“Breathe in and out slowly,” Victoria suggested in a very soft tone, trying to reassure him. “I’ll call Medical.”

To her surprise, when she was about to touch the communicator - positioned above her left breast - Picard stopped her, taking hold of her arm.

“No, don’t call Medical,” he begged her with a feeble voice. “I need your help.”

Jean-Luc tried to put himself into a sitting position, but he did not have the strength.

Victoria helped him to sit, then to stand and she was able to assist him to walk toward the small sofa. She sat down next to him.

“I’ll get you a glass of water…” she said looking in the direction of the food replicator, promptly standing up.

“No, wait…” Picard stopped her. “Please, sit down,” he insisted.

She obeyed his orders without questioning and took hold of his hand, which was cold and clammy.
……………………………………………………

Chapter Six
Enterprise-E
Year 2379
Victoria’s Visions

The intercom sounded in Picard’s office.

“La Forge to Captain Picard.”

Jean-Luc was still very weak. Nevertheless, he could not ignore Commander La Forge’s call.

Victoria removed her hand from his. Their eyes met for a moment. Picard sighed as he reached for his communicator.

“Speaking…” Jean-Luc replied with a trembling voice.

“Captain, our sensors are detecting a signal disruption surrounding the Enterprise…” La Forge paused for a second, “…It could be a cloaked vessel, Sir.”

“Acknowledged, Commander,” Picard replied with a normal voice this time. “Keep monitoring.”

“Aye, Captain!” La Forge exclaimed, ceasing communication.

Jean-Luc turned to face Victoria, but, she was looking elsewhere, bitterly regretting her recent actions in usurping the captain’s authority.

“It looks like your friends will be joining us very soon…” Picard tried not to be sarcastic, but failed in his attempt to make it sound like a joke.

“I’m so sorry, Captain,” she replied, looking down at her feet. “I made a big mistake sending that message to the Romulans… I don’t know what I was thinking… I…I…” she stuttered, a little breathless now.

Jean-Luc kept staring at Victoria, feeling affection to her for the first time. The scent of her body was that of Lavender, making Jean-Luc think of his mother, Yvette. The fragrance was pleasant and comforting.

“I understand, Counselor,” he said in a soft tone, “You’re young and impulsive. I was like you once…”

Victoria turned to face Jean-Luc. He had a paternal expression. She thought he would smile, but guessed that he was unable to, considering the state he was in… He was dreadfully pale and his eyes looked very tired.

“I’m truly sorry, Captain.”

“I’m not going to report you, Counselor…” he replied, transferring his gaze to the window. Babette’s face was still haunting him.

Victoria examined his features for a long moment, before deciding to speak.

“I can see you’re preoccupied, Captain… Something is bothering you…”

Jean-Luc sighed. He looked straight into her eyes and took hold of her hand. Then, he placed her hand on his left cheek: “See for yourself!”

He knew that Romulans and Vulcans shared a common ancestry. She was able to join their minds together and see deep into his thoughts.

She closed her eyes and, suddenly, a series of images flashed before her eyes. For a long while, she was unable to focus in one particular image. Then, all of a sudden, something captured her attention…

Young Kirk was smiling at her, in her visions. He was smiling with his nonchalant way of being; almost like he was about to tell her a joke.

Her stomach muscles contracted involuntarily as if she was feeling pain… she did not recognize young Kirk; although, his aspect and everything about him hypnotized her…

Then, young McCoy appeared in her visual field, calling Kirk ‘Jim’.

“Captain James Tiberius Kirk?” her thoughts shouted at her.

As soon as McCoy turned to look at her, she felt butterflies in her stomach…

“Len?” she said, trying to reach his face.

He smiled at her, making her melt inside. She had never felt that way about a man before. She had never been in love.

Victoria’s visions blurred and all around became dark.

Still in her visions, a bright light, coming from a corner of the new room she found herself in, blinded her.

She blinked, trying to focus. But, it was too bright. She used her right hand to protect her eyes from the brightness of the light.

Gradually the light became less blinding and Victoria could clearly see someone walking towards her… A beautiful blond, blue-eyed young woman came closer. The girl smiled at Victoria with such kindness and love that she wanted to hug her.

The girl opened her arms to Victoria. But, before they could embrace, the lights in the room turned back to normal as young Spock joined them, holding the girl by the arm...

The comm sounded once more, making Picard and Victoria break the contact.

“We’re being hailed, Captain”, Commander Worf announced. “A vessel is uncloaking…”

Victoria opened her eyes and removed her hand from Picard’s face. Her brown eyes were showing astonishment. She had never joined her mind with someone else before.

She was deeply affected and although she tried to hide her feelings, she did not succeed. Jean-Luc half-smiled this time.

“Acknowledge, Number 1,” Picard replied, still gazing at Victoria. “I’m on my way.”

Jean-Luc had trouble when he tried to stand up. Victoria helped him, offering her arm as a support.

In slow motion, at least that’s how it felt to Victoria, they both left his private office walking straight onto the Bridge.
…………………………………………………………



Chapter Seven
The Enterprise
Year 2259
Spock


Kirk and Spock took the turbolift. They were directed to the Command Bridge. Uhura was inside.

“Spock?” she said with a huge smile. She was happy to see that he was well and back on duty.

“Lieutenant,” he replied, nodding at her indifferently.

Uhura noticed his cold behavior; it seemed as if she was a stranger to him. She looked at him perplexed and disappointed, but he completely ignored her quizzical gaze.

Kirk was too busy talking to Spock. He only nodded, acknowledging her, not noticing her mood swing. He was almost breathless; overexcited about the information they collected from Antares 4… even though there was not much information to collect. They had arrived there the day before. But a solar storm was interfering with the visual images from the planet and also with all communications aboard the Enterprise.

“We’ll have to abandon the Mission if the solar storm gets any worse…” Kirk commented. “The planet will be hit with unprecedented levels of energy from solar flares…” he paused, then added: “This will happen in less than 12 hours… the super storm will hit the planet like a bolt of lightning!”

They vacated the lift almost simultaneously. Although, Uhura collided with Spock as she tried to pass between him and Kirk.

She did not apologize and Spock was about to reprimand her, when Babette’s voice echoed inside his head, calling him once more. He felt dizzy for a moment.

Kirk stopped outside the lift, looking back puzzled.

Spock moved forward, making sure Kirk would not notice he was still unwell.

The comm sounded: “Scott to Captain Kirk,” was calling from engineering.

“I’m all ears, Scotty,” he answered the call.

“That’s a hell of a storm, Captain!” Scott shouted. “We’ll lose power in less than 20 minutes if we don’t move away from here…”

“Acknowledged,” Kirk replied.

Spock, who had been distracted for a long while, stepped forward to reach Sulu’s seat.

“Take us to the exact location where we last saw the Narada, Mr. Sulu,” he ordered as if he was the one in command.

“Excuse-me?” Kirk said with a bewildered expression.
Sulu turned his seat in order to face Spock who was focused on the viewscreen.

Spock paid no attention to Kirk. He totally ignored him, as if he had not heard him at all.

As Sulu did not obey Spock’s order and was still staring at him together with Chekov and almost all those present on the Bridge, Spock felt deeply annoyed and turned his head to face Sulu directly.

“I just gave you a direct order, lieutenant,” Spock thundered at him. “I strongly advise you to obey me.”

“Hey, hold on a second,” Kirk went closer; trying to make everything sound as if it was all a joke. “I’m the Captain here, Commander Spock…” He laughed at him, putting one hand on his shoulder.

Spock removed his hand, grabbing and twisting Kirk’s arm, almost breaking it. Kirk kneeled involuntarily, with tears clouding his eyes. The pain was almost unbearable. He could not speak.

“Do as I say and nobody gets hurt,” Spock gave him an order, in a low voice, with a triumphant expression.

He released Kirk’s arm and unfolded his phaser, pointing it at Kirk’s face: “First of all, order security to leave the Bridge immediately…”

“Captain,” Scott called from engineering. “We must leave as soon as possible… when the storm reaches its maximum power, it will disrupt the Enterprise’s electronic systems and all navigation devices could stop working… we’ll have a power blackout… and we might not be able to avoid the worst of it.”

All those on the Bridge were in state of shock. Uhura was so unsettled that she dropped her touch screen pad.

“Security,” Kirk called in a weak voice, almost choking, “Leave the Bridge immediately.”

“That is right, Captain Smart Aleck,” Spock said, mocking Kirk. He laughed loudly for the first time in his life. “I find the human sense of humor quite appropriate at times like this.”

He, then, pointed his phaser to the rest of the Bridge’s crew: “This is my dream… and this is My Ship!”

“You’re not dreaming,” McCoy bawled as he entered the Bridge. “Spock, you must come with me… you’re completely delusional!”

“No, doctor… I am still in Sickbay… and this is my dream”, he replied, pointing the phaser in McCoy’s direction. “By the way…” he said, glancing at his phaser, “My phaser is set for kill!”
Spock, half smiling, was totally self-confident and feeling such power as never before.

“Captain, Captain… what’s… happening?” Scott shouted once more. He was now panicking, putting his hands on his head, “We have less than… five minutes to… get our… butts… out of… here…” His voice was breaking up as communication was compromised by the storm.

Kirk stood up, straightening his uniform. He was covered in sweat, but tried to keep a controlled posture. He made a sign to McCoy not to intervene and turned to face Sulu, who was pale and breathing fast.

“Mr. Sulu, do as Commander Spock ordered. Take us back to the exact location where we last saw the Narada.”
Kirk then turned to look straight into Spock’s eyes with a serious expression.

“Yes Sir,” Sulu replied and, with shaky hands, he typed on his console. “The route is set, Sir.”

“Activate!” Kirk commanded, trying not to lose eye contact with Spock.

Spock was absolutely calm, completely under control; although, as Kirk could clearly see, the smile was now fading. Spock had a dreamy expression.

Spock turned to face the viewscreen, ignoring Kirk.

“I am coming, Babette,” Spock’s words sounded like a prayer. He spoke as if he was completely alone on the Bridge.
………………………………………………………………


Chapter Eight
Enterprise-E
Year 2379
T’Kala
(Part 1)


Back on the Bridge, Jean-Luc Picard, together with Victoria, stood behind B-4’s seat.

“A vessel has uncloaked Sir,” Commander Worf informed. “It’s Romulan.”

“Surprise, surprise...” Picard muttered, turning to face Victoria who was too close, almost leaning on him.

She did not return the stare. She sighed, gazing at the viewscreen.

“Onscreen, Mr. B-4!” Picard commanded.

“Yes Sir!”

An image displayed on full screen. It was the Romulan Ambassador T’Kala, who did not have an amicable expression. She was serious and silent, not even bothering to greet Captain Picard.

Jean-Luc, by contrast, gave her a huge smile and looked genuinely pleased to see the Ambassador.

“Ambassador T’Kala,” he said. “Long time no see!”

“Please, Captain, spare me the formalities and time wasting. You and I were never friends.” T’Kala’s attitude was brusque and to the point.

Jean-Luc’s smile died before he could reply.

“I’m aware you’re keeping a Romulan aboard the Enterprise without informing the Romulan Star Empire...” T’Kala stated curtly. “I’m also aware that The Federation has not been notified either... Captain!”

“There’s nothing to be worried about, Ambassador,” Jean-Luc replied with false formality. “We have the situation under control.”

Commander Worf, who was to Picard’s side, took a step forward.

“Ambassador, the Romulan is receiving the best treatment, under the care of one of the Federation’s most renowned doctors.” Worf butted in, without being asked.

Picard, pretending he wasn’t annoyed with the interruption, smiled at T’Kala to reinforce Worf’s words.

T’Kala completely ignored Worf’s comment. She made an impatient sound with her mouth, like a snap.

“I demand the Romulan is beamed aboard the Torian immediately!” she ordered.

“Ambassador, the Romulan is badly injured. He’s confined to sickbay until further orders,” Jean-Luc said with resolution. “You’re welcome to come aboard the Enterprise and meet our guest.”

T’Kala hesitated for a moment before accepting Picard’s invitation. She was convinced that Picard may have hostile intentions. She, then, nodded in agreement, ceasing communications.

Picard ordered B-4 to prepare the Transporter room to receive the Ambassador.
.......................


T’Kala was beamed aboard the Enterprise-E and Picard was waiting for her at the Transporter room.

She appeared in front of him on the platform, with a serious expression. She had her hands behind her back.

Picard gave her a smile, welcoming her aboard. She did not return the smile. She did not thank him.

T’Kala came down from the platform, still with both hands behind her back. She stopped in front of Picard; so close to him, that he could smell her scent:

‘Lilies of the Field’, his senses were involuntarily telling him. The fragrance did not quite seem to agree with her personality.

She kept staring at him, looking straight into his eyes for a long while. Picard stood silently, holding her stare brilliantly.

T’Kala was well-known for being a trouble-maker. She was not loved by her own people and had enemies among the Romulan Senate. In contrast, her eyes were betraying her sensual nature.

Picard saw the passion in her eyes, he saw lust in her look... she had a seductive way of looking at him. They were now like animals in a mating ritual.

She was an attractive tall Romulan. A woman very assured of her sexuality. Picard felt his heartbeat accelarating... although, he did not want to admit to himself that he was feeling sexually aroused.

T’Kala gave him an enigmatic smile before asking him to take her to meet the Romulan.

“This way,” he said, pointing in the direction of the sliding doors.

She walked close to his side, keeping up with his pace.

They entered the turbolift together and as it began to move, using voice command, she ordered it to stop.

Picard was caught by surprise. If he had written a list of things, which T’Kala could have said or done when alone with him...well...this would have been the very last on that list.

She went closer to him, leaning on his body. Picard was motionless, not daring to move a muscle.

In that moment she had gained control of the situation, leaving Picard feeling completely disarmed and somewhat uneasy.

T’Kala placed her arms around his waist. Instinctively, he put his hands on her waist, still deciding if he wanted to push her away or not.

Picard could feel her firm, pert breasts under the coat of light armour covering her uniform. The hardness of the steel against his body hurt him, making him emit a weak groaning sound. T’Kala mistook his pain for delight.

“Nothing in life gives me more pleasure than when I mate with my enemy...” she whispered standing close to his ear.

Slowly, she turned her face; her lips reaching for his. She kissed him passionately.

Jean-Luc did not stop her. He kissed her back with the same passion; not trying to hide his excitment this time. He had a weakness for dominant women.

She prolonged the kiss for as long as she could.

When it was over, she untangled her arms from around his body, keeping just the right distance, enabling her to gaze at him. Her eyes were emerald gems.

“You taste better than I had expected,” she said. Her hand caressing his crotch, searching for the bulge she knew would be there.

“So do you,” Jean-Luc replied, in a murmur.

Unexpectedly, she moved away from him completely, licking the fingers that she used to feel his crotch. She made a laughing sound before deciding to speak.

“We can negotiate a deal, Captain Picard,” she had a seductive smile. “One night with me and you can keep the Romulan for as long as you wish!”

Picard was dumbfounded. He was surprised by her words. Not that he didn’t want to spend the night with her. The truth was, he would have leapt at the opportunity, regardless of the current situation.

“Ambassador,” Picard began to explain patiently, “The Romulan is not my prisoner. No deal will be necessary.”

She was furious now, having mistaken his words for a refusal.

“Are you rejecting me?” she shouted.

“No, T’Kala, that was not my intention.” Jean-Luc recovered his professional composure.

However, she felt he was pushing her away from him; and she was not the kind of woman who would beg for anything. She was accustomed to having men kneeling in front of her, begging for mercy...men willing to do anything in order to be spared from certain death.

“You’ll regret your decision, Captain,” her words were spat out, like bullets aimed at his heart. “You will regret this bitterly!”

Picard did not try to dispel the misunderstanding. The mutual attraction was now compromised by her feelings of repulsion and hatred.

He sighed, realising that the moment had passed.

“Computer, reactivate turbolift,” Jean-Luc commanded, looking straight into T’Kala’s eyes, which were now comparable to razor blades. “Proceed to Sickbay!”

“TUBOLIFT REACTIVATED”, the computer promptly responded.

.......................


Chapter Eight
T’Kala
(Part 2)

Arriving in Medical, Picard and T’kala found the Romulan asleep.

The bandages covering his face had been completely removed. The burns had healed, leaving horrific scars in their place.

Picard and T’Kala moved closer to his bed.

Dr. Crusher joined them. She gladly informed that his condition has improved considerably.

“I must talk to him!” T’Kala said, in an authoritative manner.

Beverly and Picard exchanged a disquiet look.

“Dr. Crusher,” Picard asked politely, “Could you please wake him up?”

“Yes Sir. Sure.” Beverly replied calmly.

Dr. Crusher, using a scanner, checked the patient’s Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and the Sleep Cycle.

“Right now, he’s in NREM, stage N3”, Beverly explained.

Picard and T’Kala, having no expertise on the subject, remained silent, with an ambiguous expression.

Beverly noticed they were puzzled and hurried to give a more detailed explanation.

“NREM stands for Non-rapid eye movement,” she looked at them both, making sure they were paying attention and that her words would sound as clear as possible. “Stage N3, the stage of deep or slow-wave sleep, is characterized by the presence of a minimum of 20% delta waves ranging from 0.5 up to 2 Hertz. This is the stage in which parasomnias, such as night terrors, nocturnal enuresis, sleepwalking and somniloquy occur…”

“In other words, you’re trying to tell us that it’s dangerous to wake him up right now… is that correct?” Jean-Luc asked, turning to face T’Kala, who was expressionless.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m trying to say,” Beverly replied promptly.

T’kala moved even closer to the Romulan’s bed. She bent down with her face almost touching his, as if she was trying to smell his odor. She softly placed both hands on the Romulan’s face.

Beverly exchanged a worried look with Jean-Luc.

“Ambassador,” Picard said with authority, trying to stop her before she did something stupid, “…I don’t think this is a wise thing to do…” He stopped suddenly when T’Kala turned to face him with glaring eyes.

She violently slapped one of the Romulan’s cheeks.

He immediately woke up with a loud cry.

Dr. Beverly ran to reach him before he could try to get off the bed.

“Calm down, calm down,” she spoke in a soft tone of voice.

“Gretel!” Beverly turned her head, calling out to the nearest nurse “Bring 10 mg of diazepam, QUICK!”

The Romulan was fighting to stand up. Beverly was unable to keep him still on her own and Picard rushed to help her.

The nurse, moving fast with the jab, held his right arm and immediately administered the hypospray.

The sedative took less than a minute to start working. The Romulan was drowsy, but still conscious; his heartbeat slowing rapidly.

“There was no need for that!” Beverly shouted at the Ambassador, forgetting for a moment her rank was lower than that of the Ambassador. As a Commander, she should never raise her voice to a superior but in Medical she was the one in charge and in that sense she outranked even an Admiral.

Jean-Luc shook his head, facing Beverly. He did not reprimand her, but made her understand that she should keep her comments to herself.

T’Kala completely ignored Beverly. She had an evil smile. She went closer to the Romulan once more. She had moved away when he was out of control.

“What’s your name, Romulan?” she asked, looking at him directly.
He looked at her baffled, not answering her question.

“T’…Kala!?” his voice was fading. “You can’t be here… you’re dead!”

She brusquely turned to face Jean-Luc. Her expression was one of consternation.

T’Kala did not know. None of them knew the Romulan was right. She would be dead in less than a month’s time. She would have to commit ritual suicide, with her honor blade, in the Romulan Embassy on Earth.

Jean-Luc shook his head, closing his eyes. He seemed skeptical. He was trying to dismiss the discomfort caused by those words.

“He’s delusional…” Picard told T’Kala, smiling slightly.

Picard and T’Kala, once more, turned to face the Romulan.

“We all believe you are Nero, Captain of the Narada,” Jean-Luc said, getting straight to the point. “Is that information correct?”

The Romulan grimaced, as if he was in pain. “Yes,” he answered, almost in a whisper.

Jean-Luc and Beverly exchanged looks. Beverly did not show any prejudice towards Nero. In her eyes, he was just a patient, in need of her care… something she never denied to anyone, not even to their worst enemy.

“Nero,” T’Kala continued talking to him, “I’ve been advised that you must stay aboard the Enterprise-E until your condition improves. Only then, you’ll be transported aboard the Torian and taken to Romulus.”

“No, Ambassador,” Nero begged. “You must take me back to Romulus as soon as possible… while she’s still alive…”

“Who, who’s still alive?” she asked.

“My wife…” Nero replied. He was almost asleep now. “…You… you and I… we must prevent the destruction of Romulus…” Nero closed his eyes for a long while.
Finally, when they thought he was asleep, he opened his eyes once more and pronounced his last words, before falling into a deep sleep:

“Ambassador Spock… He must be stopped!”
……………………………………………………………

Chapter Nine
Enterprise
Year 2259
The Black Hole
(Part 1)

The Enterprise arrived at its destination, which was the exact location where Kirk last saw the Narada.

“We’ve reached the co-ordinates, Sir,” Chekov said.

Spock still had his phaser pointing at Kirk. He was breathing normally, as if everything he had done until now was perfectly normal, as if it was part of a methodical plan.

“Onscreen!” Kirk commanded.

The Black Hole was now visible on full screen.

Kirk felt uneasy. In fact, The Black hole was the last place he wanted to be.

“We’re maintaining a safe distance from the Black Hole, Sir,” Sulu informed.

“Keep monitoring.” Kirk replied.

Unexpectedly, Spock fell down on one knee. He was in pain.

Above all, Kirk’s instinct was to help his friend.

However, Spock’s tendency was still to act in a hostile manner. He kept on pointing his phaser towards Kirk.

“Don’t come any closer…” Spock struggled to speak.

His hands were shaking now. Kirk, once more, tried to help him... just before he collapsed on the floor.

Yet, Spock insisted on pointing his phaser at Kirk. He felt so weak as though the strength had drained from his body.

In spite of the situation, Kirk looked worried. Actually, he felt pity for his friend… The unbreakable Spock, now falling to pieces, like a dropped china vase.

There was no resistance from Spock as Kirk finally relieved him of the phaser.

McCoy, who was still on the Bridge (observing the whole scene from a distance), ran to reach Spock.

“I’ll take him back to Medical.” McCoy said with authority.

“No, Medical is not the right place for him.” Kirk’s voice was hoarse, his words were filled with bitterness. He deactivated Spock’s phaser, handling the weapon as if it was nothing more than a toy.

“Nonsense,” McCoy exclaimed. “He needs my help!”
McCoy helped Spock into a sitting position. Spock was having trouble breathing. “Can’t you see he’s not well?”

“Kirk to Security,” Kirk called, ignoring McCoy. “Report to the Bridge.”

Security entered the Bridge, going immediately to Kirk.

McCoy covered Spock’s body with his own, in a very protective way. The whole scene was an emotional one for those present on the Bridge.

“NO,” McCoy shouted. “I won’t allow you to do that!”

Kirk met McCoy’s gaze; his eyes showing only compassion.

“Please, he’s my responsibility…” McCoy begged once more.

At this point, Spock was half conscious. He stretched out his right arm in Kirk’s direction.

Kirk kneeled, bending his whole body, enabling himself to get very close to Spock. Kirk had the distinct impression Spock had something to say. Spock placed his hand on Kirk’s face.

Suddenly, Kirk opened his eyes wide with trepidation. He took a deep breath, grotesquely resembling a clairvoyant being possessed by a demon.

Kirk did not try to remove Spock’s hand. It was as though his hand was stuck to his face or, even worse, it was feeling like part of his own body. The astonishment lasted for less than five seconds. Spock’s visions were now clear to Kirk.

He could see Babette through Spock’s mind’s eye… She was more beautiful than anything he had ever seen in his whole life… more impressive than any artist’s masterpiece… more delicate than any flower … she was a goddess.

Next, everything blurred before him. Then, Kirk saw Victoria and Picard.

Naturally, he did not know them. But, the vision of Victoria meant much more to Kirk than the beautiful Babette.

He was staring at Victoria in total adoration; she, in contrast, had a worried expression.

To his surprise, Nero appeared before him, blocking his view of Victoria. Nero had a dark, sinister smile on his face. Only five words came out from his mouth: “You will never have her!”

The contact was broken between Kirk and Spock as Spock fell into unconsciousness.

Kirk moved away from Spock and sat on the floor, breathing heavily. He had tears in his eyes. As he already knew, emotions are transferred when minds are joined together. For a moment Kirk was in a state of mental confusion.

Security was on hold, waiting for further instructions.

McCoy, who would not move away from Spock, looked deeply concerned over Kirk’s behavior.

“Are you alright, Jim?” McCoy asked with a dubious expression.

“Yes…” Kirk replied, failing twice in his attempt to stand up.

When he finally stood on his feet, he assumed his command composure. He cleared his throat before speaking: “Security, take Commander Spock to a security cell.”

Two security personnel carried Spock’s motionless body towards the exit.

McCoy was speechless for a moment... and looked totally perplexed. He felt powerless. Yet, he insisted on going along with them.

Kirk just nodded, in agreement.

.......................

Chapter Nine
The Black Hole
(Part2)

Spock opened his eyes. He was on a huge bed, which was surrounded by white translucent curtains.

Everything about the room was white: the walls, the wooden bed, the sheets and the pillowcases.

Beside him, lying on the bed was the lovely, smiling, adorable Babette.

She was half covered by the sheets. Her naked breasts were providing an open invitation for Spock to devour her alive. He was happy for the simple fact of being naked himself and so close to her… so completely within her reach.

He started to caress her pale pink nipples protruding from her voluptuous breasts, filling him with an avid desire to lick and suck them with his eager tongue.

Babette was becoming excited as she changed position, sitting across the top of his pelvis. His penis was erect and hard. Penetration was inevitable.

As his penis entered her already moist vagina, a low moan of pleasure came from her lips and she started to move herself up and down on his penis. Soon her movement became more frantic and urgent as she neared an explosive orgasm.

He placed both hands on her waist, helping her to move faster, Babette gave out a muffled scream of delight and...

Spock woke up with a loud cry.

Sadly, he realized, it had been all a dream. He was in a prison cell.

McCoy and Kirk were observing him through the energy field.

Spock was staring at the ceiling. He did not notice them.

“He has been delirious for hours…” McCoy commented, while checking a scanner, which resembled a tricorder. “When I last checked on him, about 20 minutes ago, his adrenaline levels had increased significantly.”

“What’s the worst that could happen to him?” Kirk asked visibly concerned.

“He could suffer a massive heart attack,” McCoy replied, turning his head to face Kirk directly.

The comm sounded.

“Captain, something is happening to the Black Hole!” Chekov had a preoccupied tone of voice.

Kirk sighed loudly.

“I’m on my way,” he replied.

He turned to go through the sliding doors, which opened automatically. Two security guards were standing there, one each side of the entrance.

However, before exiting the cell, Kirk turned to face McCoy, who was still checking his scanner.

“I’ll be back as soon as I can,” he reassured McCoy.

McCoy just nodded, turning his attention once more to Spock, who was still lying on the bleak prison bed.
......................

Chapter Ten
Enterprise-E
Year 2379
The Revelation

T’Kala was beamed aboard the Torian. She left the Enterprise without saying goodbye to Jean-Luc.

The Torian remained on standby. Waiting until Nero was ready to be beamed aboard.

That evening, Picard felt the need for Victoria’s counseling.

She was surprised when he invited her to his quarters and a little anxious about the idea of being alone with Jean-Luc.

Was she feeling that way because of their intimacy in his private office earlier that day? Was it the fact that she could see his deepest thoughts as they joined their minds together?

She wasn’t sure…. Still, her fears seemed unjustified. Picard opened the sliding doors as soon as he heard the door chime.

“Please, Counselor, come on in…” Jean-Luc invited Victoria with a welcoming smile.

She entered his room, her curiosity getting the better of her. She gave the room a quick sweep with her eyes, taking in everything she saw.

His quarters were huge, with unusual decorative items; a mixture of different ornaments and historical objects.

The object that captured her attention the most was a Samurai sword. She had never seen one for real, only in pictures and lithography. It was inside a glass box, hanging on the wall. She went closer to better admire the sword.

“Impressive!” she said.

Jean-Luc smiled, but did not make any comment.

A painting also captured Victoria’s attention. It was a portrait of a young, dark-haired woman. The girl was timidly smiling at her.

“Data’s daughter, Lal,” Picard explained. “He painted it himself.”

Victoria turned to face him. Their eyes met for a long moment. Picard’s eyes were bright and tearful. He was moved by his memories of Data.

“Data was an android, who craved to be human. He was my friend...” Picard turned his attention to the painting, trying to avoid Victoria’s gaze. “He was promoted to be my first officer, before… before his death…”

“I know who Data was,” Victoria replied. “Commander Worf, Chief Engineer La Forge and Lieutenant B-4… they told me everything about him.”

Victoria really wanted to let Picard know how much she knew about Data. “…Although, during our conversations, B-4 never told me his brother had a daughter.”

“She didn’t live for long. She died only a few days after Data created her… a malfunction, that’s all.” Picard explained, turning his back to her and walked toward a glass table against one of the walls.

On the top of the table, there was a small, rectangular, dark wooden box.

Picard touched the box, without opening it. Then, using both hands, he picked it up holding it tight and placing it close to his heart. He held the box for a long moment before replacing it on the glass table.

“What’s inside?” she asked, once more trying to meet his gaze.

Picard was still staring at the box completely silent. His mind was elsewhere for a long while.

Victoria was losing hope that he would ever give her an answer. She was still feeling uneasy and desperately wanted Picard to tell her the reason he required her presence there.

“It’s a flute,” Jean-Luc said at last. “It belonged to me, when I lived on Kataan…”

Victoria was puzzled. She had never heard of a planet called Kataan, and even less that Picard had lived on another planet, apart from Earth, since his enlistment in Starfleet.

He looked at her and noticed her embarrassment.

“It’s a long story,” Picard hurried to explain, with a smile. “I’ll tell you everything about that experience in a more appropriate time.”

He pointed to an armchair. It was an antique, a wooden made white armchair, padded with scarlet velvet.

“Please, take a seat,” he said, sitting in a similar armchair.

She sat, feeling very uncomfortable and clumsy.

“I want to ask you to forgive my behavior... I mean, since you joined us here, on the Enterprise, as a member of my crew…” Picard commented.

Victoria felt even more disconcerted as she realized Jean-Luc was being totally honest for the first time. Furthermore, there was something about the way he was looking at her… his attraction to her was obvious.

“I know I should have listened to your advice,” he continued. His voice was becoming softer. “I should have asked for your counsel before…”

For some reason she couldn’t explain, she was feeling sexually aroused.

Her heartbeat quickened and her face felt as if it was on fire. She held her breath, standing up from the chair, still not facing him.

“Will that be all,” she asked, wanting to diffuse the sexual tension she now felt between them. “May I have your permission to go now, please?”

Jean-Luc was perplexed. He had not expected that reaction from her.

“Counselor… sit down, please,” he said calmly, laughing this time. “I was just about to start my speech.”

Victoria hesitated, not sitting back on the chair. She crossed her arms, not knowing what to do with them.

Picard stood up and touched her gently on the shoulder.

“Are you all right, Counselor?” He asked with a worried tone of voice.

“Yes, yes…” she replied. “I’m fine,” she lied.

“Would you like something to drink,” Jean-Luc walked towards the food replicator. “...I would suggest you have a chamomile…” he said, while programming the touch screen panel on the right of the replicator. “You look a bit tense.”

“Yes, please…” her voice was completely out of its normal tone. She cleared her throat before finishing the sentence: “Chamomile would be perfect.”

She sat by the dining table this time. The armchair was too cozy, too intimidating. Whereas, at the table, Picard would be forced to sit opposite her. And, most of all, she would avoid the embarrassment of spilling chamomile tea all over herself, which could easily happen if she remained sitting in the armchair.

Picard joined her at the table carrying two glass tea cups with saucers: one containing chamomile and the other one earl grey tea.

She had a sip. Her hand was shaking and the chamomile was boiling hot. She burned her lips. Tears clouded her eyes, but she tried to hide them from Jean-Luc, failing miserably in the attempt.

“Be careful…” he warned her too late. “It’s hot!”

“There’s no sugar in it...” she complained.

“I’m sorry… I completely forgot to ask how you wanted your tea,” Jean-Luc apologized.

“That’s okay,” she replied, pushing the saucer away from her. “I’ll wait till it cools down.”

Jean-Luc stared at a point above her head. He was pensive for a moment.

He stood up, walking in circles. Then he finally stopped, turning to face her. He was standing in the middle of the room with both hands behind his back.

“I was wondering…” he began.

She held his stare, eager to hear what he had to say.

“Should I contact the Federation and explain the situation we are in… I mean, about Nero?” he asked, looking straight into her eyes.

Victoria had one leg crossed on the top of the other. She, then, changed position, uncrossing her legs. She placed both hands on her knees as if she was about to stand up. But, she did not.

“The Federation won’t allow Nero to return to Romulus…” she explained patiently. “He’s a dangerous criminal. They will decide his fate… and, I can assure you confidently, he will be incarcerated on death row.”

“Then, we will be declaring war against the Romulan Empire...” Jean-Luc words sounded extremely grave.

“That’s a risk we must take,” Victoria replied. “Personally, I believe we cannot leave the Federation out of this matter.”

“Tell Them!” Picard heard Babette’s voice echoing inside his brain, causing him to feel dizzy.

“You must inform the Federation… about Nero...” the voice was giving him an order.

“What, What did you say?” Picard asked, feeling confused. He lost his balance for a moment, leaning against the top of the glass dining table to avoid falling over.

Then, once more, he was being transported to a Ball… the same Ball in his first vision with Babette.

Victoria looked surprised. She did not move to help him. Instead, she waited to see if he would recover his balance by himself.

Babette was smiling at him once more. She took his arms and proceeded to dance with him.

A shower of glitter, mixed with snowflakes, was cascading from the ceiling of the Ballroom. The dim light was purple. Picard felt as if they were completely alone in that huge party hall.

“Who are you?” he asked.

“I’m the one who will last long after you are gone…” she replied with sad eyes.

She gave him a tight hug for a seemingly infinite moment. Then, she moved away from him, just about arm’s length, keeping enough distance to look him straight in the eye. Tears were rolling down her cheeks.

“Oh, God,” she said, “I love you so much!”

At this point, Victoria stood up and was standing right in front of Jean-Luc.

“Captain, what’s the matter?” she asked deeply concerned.

He took hold of Victoria’s arms, mistaking her for Babette. He could not see Victoria, he was seeing only Babette. His visions were more real than anything else.

In his vision, he kissed Babette on her lips. He kissed her intensely, not knowing the one he was really kissing was, in fact, Victoria.

Babette tried to free herself, pushing him away... as Victoria was trying to do the same in the real world.

Picard could not part his lips from Babette… until he felt a disturbing presence in the Ballroom. The presence was standing by Babette’s side.

When he finally parted his lips from her, he looked to face the intruder…

It was young Spock, looking at him with glaring eyes. Spock’s anger could have pulverized him there and then without the need of a phaser to do the job.

Spock’s fist hit Picard’s face like an iron rod.

Jean-Luc fell clumsy on the dance floor.

What he didn’t know… the fist that had actually hit his face was Victoria’s.

Babette, in Picard’s vision, ran to him. She looked worried, but she could not stay. Spock took hold of her arm, pulling her away with him.

However, before she completely disappeared from Picard’s sight, he heard her voice, coming from somewhere far away…

“I’m so sorry, Dad!”

Picard opened his eyes and saw Victoria, who was kneeling in front of him.

“Are you alright, Captain... I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have hit you,” she sounded apologetic. “Oh my God, you’re bleeding!”

Picard did not take notice of a word she was saying. Babette’s voice was still echoing inside his mind.

“She called me Dad...” he laughed. His laugh was of incredulity and astonishment. “She called me Dad?” his laugh sounding even louder.

The intercom sounded. It was B-4.

“Captain, please report to the Bridge.”

Picard could not reply. He was still in his fantasy and his mental faculties were temporarily impaired.

Victoria reached for her communicator.

“What’s the emergency, Mr. B-4?” she inquired with authority.

“We have a serious situation here, Counselor,” B-4 replied.

She looked at Jean-Luc, who still had a silly grin on his face… she had to act fast. She would drag Jean-Luc to the Bridge if she had to.

“We’re on our way,” she told B-4 and communication was ceased.

Picard finally came back to his senses and a spark of sanity returned to his face.

“What’s happening?” he asked, as if he was waking up from a dream.

“We must go,” she said, opening her eyes wide to emphasize the urgency of her words. “NOW!” she shouted.

Victoria helped him to stand up, taking a firm grip of his arm. She escorted him quickly out of his quarters and together they headed directly to the Bridge.

........................

Chapter Eleven
Enterprise-E
Year 2379
The Einstein-Rosen Bridge

Picard and Victoria did not speak during their walk to the Bridge. Victoria let go of his arm as soon as Jean-Luc was able to walk unaided. By the time they arrived, he had completely recovered his professional composure.

Commander Worf immediately began to explain the urgency of their call. Nero had killed two nurses and taken Dr. Crusher as a hostage.

“We can’t locate Nero’s current position aboard the Enterprise, Sir,” B-4 turned his seat to face Jean-Luc. “He has also removed Dr. Crusher’s communicator… we can’t track them anywhere aboard the ship.”

“Are you sure they’re still aboard the Enterprise?” Picard asked, visibly preoccupied with the serious implications of what he was being told.

“There is no evidence for an unauthorized transport, Sir,” B-4 responded.

“We believe Nero is trying to access one of the tactical decks…” Worf observed. “Personally, I think he’s trying to get to one of the transporter rooms.”

“Yes, my thoughts exactly!” Picard replied, growing alarmed.

“Security is searching for them everywhere…” Worf continued. “Nero and Dr. Crusher have simply vanished. It’s as though they’ve become invisible… no member of the ship’s crew has seen them since the abduction.”

“One of our science officers, Lieutenant Jordan, has been conducting an experiment, using metamaterials…” B-4 butted in, interrupting Worf’s account. “However, I don’t see how Nero could know about the results of those experiments… unless…”

“An invisible cloak?” Picard said, sounding surprised, yet confident in his conclusion. “Have you tried contacting Mr. Jordan?”

Commander Worf shook his head as a negative reply.

“Lieutenant Jordan, report to the Bridge!” Picard called, using his communicator.

No reply came from the science officer.

“Picard to Lieutenant Jordan, report to the Bridge immediately!”

Jean-Luc exchanged an apprehensive look with Commander Worf.

“Mr. B-4, locate Lieutenant Jordan’s current position,” Picard commanded.

B-4, with frantic movements, started typing into his console, faster than a human eye could follow.

“I cannot locate his current position aboard the ship, Sir…” B-4 replied, moving his head in a robotic manner.

“Now we know what Nero is wearing in order to become invisible…” Picard was obviously annoyed. “He has probably forced Beverly to wear the same disguise.”

“…And Mr. Jordan’s probably dead, Sir,” was Victoria’s remark.

Picard and Victoria exchanged an understanding look.

“Send someone to look for Lieutenant Jordan… tell security to check his laboratory and his quarters!” Picard ordered Commander Worf, who obeyed without hesitation.

Commander Worf stopped one of the crew members, on the Bridge, to pass on Picard’s orders, just as the Enterprise commenced firing against the Torian.

The Enterprise was using all of its photon and quantum torpedoes, although the Torian’s shields were holding the assault.

“Cease fire!” Picard shouted at B-4, who was as astounded as everyone else on the Bridge at the unexplained mayhem that had just erupted around them.

“Captain,” La Forge called from engineering, “Nero has killed everyone on Deck 2… he’s taking control of the Enterprise!”

Meanwhile, the Torian started firing back, along with three other Romulan vessels, which were uncloaking.

The massive attack was weakening the Enterprise’s defenses. They were scarcely able to resist the fierce assault.

“Evasive maneuver, fire with all weapons!” Picard was now shouting at the top of his lungs.

“Our shields are not holding, Sir!” B-4 replied, shouting back.

“Prepare to go to warp!” Picard commanded, pointing at the viewscreen.

“Shields are down to less than 30%,” La Forge shouted from engineering. Screams and buzzing sounds could be heard from all directions. “We don’t have warp drive either!” Commander La Forge’s words sounded final and resigned.

La Forge looked blank, pausing to let the image of Picard’s face sink in… the image of a defeated man. “I’m sorry, Sir.”

“That’s it, We’re going to die!” Picard thought. He turned to look at Victoria, whose face had almost drained of blood. She gave him a sad, knowing smile.

Suddenly and unexpectedly, a powerful energy field was being created all around the Enterprise. The phenomenon was also shielding the Enterprise from the intensive fire still coming from the Romulan vessels.

“It appears that an energy field is being created using the Enterprise’s power, Sir,” B-4 tried to explain what was now obvious to everyone on the Bridge. Picard looked at him impatiently, waiting for a more detailed explanation.

“The Enterprise is creating an Einstein-Rosen Bridge…” B-4 confirmed, turning to face Jean-Luc, who seemed to have momentarily lost his power of speech. “We will be swallowed by the wormhole in less than 5 seconds.”

B-4 had only time to pronounce the words, when a tunnel, resembling a gigantic hurricane’s core, appeared on the viewscreen.

The wormhole almost immediately swallowed the Enterprise-E, as B-4 had predicted, leading them straight through the White Hole.

The Einstein-Rosen Bridge rapidly became unstable and began collapsing in on itself, causing them to travel at colossal speed, creating forces that almost tore the Enterprise-E apart!

Picard and the rest of the crew were tossed around like puppets and, as a consequence, all had suffered severe injuries. Everyone was unconscious before the ship reached the exit of the wormhole.
..............................

Chapter Twelve
Enterprise-E/Enterprise
Year 2259
The Unknown

As Picard’s Enterprise was flung from the core of the Black Hole, a light and energy wave hit Kirk’s Enterprise instantly, pushing them miles backwards. They almost lost control of the Enterprise.

Nevertheless, with the abilities of Mr. Scott, who had activated the shields at the right time, they were able to avoid the worst effects of the severe turbulence.

“We are detecting a signal, Sir”, Chekov informed Kirk with a bewildered expression. “It’s an S.O.S!”

“A ship has just exited from the Black Hole,” Sulu confirmed. “It’s a USS Starship, but I’m unable to identify it… they are in a very bad condition, Sir.”

“Are there any survivors?” Kirk asked, feeling the kick from a sudden adrenaline rush through his veins.

Kirk was feeling both anxious and excited about the unexpected events. He did not know the reasons behind his feelings, and it never crossed his mind that what was about to happen would change his whole life completely.

“Yes Sir, there are survivors…” Sulu replied, biting his lower lip. “… Not more than 300 people, Sir…”

Kirk’s gaze was absent for a moment. He could clearly see the USS Starship on full screen. From what he was seeing, the ship resembled nothing more than a derelict shell… A ghost ship.

“Bridge to McCoy and all Medical personnel…” Kirk said forcefully. “You are ordered to immediately transport aboard the damaged ship!”

“Yes Sir!” was McCoy’s reply from Sickbay.

“Mr. Sulu, Lieutenant Uhura,” Kirk called while walking towards the exit door of the Bridge, “You come with me.”

Uhura and Sulu obeyed Kirk’s command, following him without delay.

“Chekov,” Kirk finally called, stopping right in front of the exit door, which opened automatically. He turned to face Chekov before leaving the Bridge.

“Sir?” Chekov asked, turning his seat to face his Captain.

“The Bridge is all yours!” Kirk smiled and winked at Chekov.

“Aye Aye, Captain!” Chekov replied, giving the Bridge a quick sweep with his eyes; inside he was feeling a little inadequate at such a huge responsibility.
........................

Kirk, Sulu and Uhura were beamed straight onto the ship’s Bridge.

The sight that greeted them was one of chaos and destruction. Dead bodies, blood, guts and limbs everywhere. Not to mention the severely wounded lying around, crying in agony.

McCoy and his medical staff were already working feverishly to save as many as they could. They were beamed aboard the ship onto separate decks. McCoy was not currently on the Enterprise-E’s Bridge.

Kirk was looking for someone who could tell him what the hell happened. Unfortunately, all those he approached were either unconscious or dead.

A faint voice, a female voice, could be heard calling them for help.

Kirk turned to see where the voice was coming from. He saw a young woman, lying next to the motionless body of a Klingon. The woman tried to turn herself to face them… but, the only movement she was capable of, was that of reaching out to touch the Klingon, using her right hand. The Klingon moaned; he was still alive, though he did not move.

Kirk, Sulu and Uhura went closer to the woman. Kirk bent down on his knees, removing a lock of hair, which was partially covering her face. She had a small wound on her forehead; apparently, not serious enough to cause concern.

Kirk did not recognize her from the visions he had when he joined his mind with Spock. Her face was pale and dejected. She was in pain. Still, he could see, she was an attractive woman, with traces of Romulan blood.

For a split second, Kirk felt repulsion towards the woman’s Romulan features. He quickly rejected those feelings and gave the woman a longer second look. She was definitely more human than Romulan… and she was also very beautiful.

She had her eyes closed, but, Kirk could see she was conscious.

When she opened her eyes, she looked straight into his. Her beautiful brown eyes were tinged red and were moist with tears.

“Kirk?” she called.

“Do you know me?” he asked astounded.

The woman started speaking again, but this time he was unable to understand her. The language she spoke was a mixture of English and Romulan. She had probably suffered concussion and was disorientated. Kirk made a sign to Uhura, asking her to translate.

“She’s just mumbling…” Uhura said, shaking her head to indicate to Kirk she could not translate the woman’s words.

Kirk did not want to leave the woman there. He would have called McCoy to take care of her. However, he guessed that McCoy was probably busy taking care of other crew members in more serious condition.

He caressed her cheek when she closed her eyes once more, feeling bad for having to leave her there… yet, he felt he had to move on.

Just then, the woman started mumbling again, more clearly this time. Uhura assured Kirk she could now understand a few words at least.

“Names…” Uhura said. “She’s pronouncing names…”

Uhura made a sign with her hands, she looked puzzled... she also shook her head to indicate to Kirk there was nothing more to translate.

“Picard is the name she’s repeating the most…” Uhura concluded.

“Picard?” Kirk asked, looking around. But, the name did not mean anything to him. “He’s probably the Captain,” he assumed.

Once more he caressed her cheek and slowly began to stand up.

“I’m sorry, pretty lady…” he said in a very low tone of voice, so only the woman herself could hear him. “But, I can’t help you.”

Suddenly, she reached out and took a very tight grip of his arm.

“Jim!” she called.

He looked at her with an astonished expression. She definitely knew him.

She looked lost and desperate. She was in a state of mental confusion, not knowing the difference between reality and dreams.

“Who are you?” Kirk inquired, gently removing her hand from his arm. Her grip was so tight, it was hurting him.

“I’m Counselor Victoria Huber,” she replied. Her face was now showing signs of improvement, her eyes were brighter... color was returning to her face. Her cheeks were flushed with pink.

She tried to sit up, but did not have the strength. Stubbornly, she tried once more. But, this time Kirk stopped her.

“Calm down, calm down,” he said in a soft tone. “We’re here to help you.”

“Jim,” she called again. “Please, help Captain Picard,” she begged, pointing at a man lying less than two meters away from her. She could only see his back from where she was.

In contrast, Kirk had a clear view of Picard. His face was covered with blood. Picard was unconscious.

“Mr. Sulu,” Kirk called. “Check on that man… see if he’s still alive.”

“Yes Sir!” Sulu replied moving towards the man, carefully avoiding two inert bodies lying on the floor. He kneeled and reached for the man’s neck.

Kirk was waiting for a response… yet, Sulu was taking longer than he should.
At last, he nodded to Kirk, in relief.

Kirk turned to face Victoria, who had a worried expression. He smiled at her, making her aware that Picard was not dead.

“Jim,” she began, trying to touch his face. Her stare was one of adoration.

“Yes?” he gently asked, taking hold of her hand.

She was about to say something, but changed her mind. Instead, she seemed sad for a moment. She sighed and looked down to her own body. Her uniform was torn ragged and dirty.

“Thank you!” she exclaimed, with a tremble in her voice. She did not face him.

“Come on now,” Kirk replied, while embracing her. He helped her to stand up. Then he carried her in his arms, with tenderness redolent of a groom taking his bride to their honeymoon suite. She put her arms around his neck, as a loving bride would have done.

“Jim… Commander Worf…” she said pointing at the Klingon, who was still unconscious.

“Lieutenant Uhura,” Kirk called, turning to face her. “Please, take hold of this Klingon’s arm. He’s going to be beamed back with us.”

“Yes Sir!” Uhura did exactly as she had been told.

Kirk was having trouble in reaching for his communicator. Victoria was heavier than he had expected.

“McCoy!” Kirk called loudly to make sure his voice would reach him, wherever he was aboard the ship.

“Captain, I’m very busy right now!” McCoy answered, sounding annoyed.

Kirk was about to reply: “I don’t give a shit, I’m the Captain!” but then, changed his mind, biting his tongue to prevent the unprofessional outburst.

“Beam aboard the Enterprise immediately!” Kirk commanded with authority. “That’s an order!”

“Yes, Captain.” McCoy replied with an angry tone of voice.

“Kirk to Enterprise,” he called out loudly. He made a sign to Sulu to keep hold of Picard’s arm. “Six to be beamed straight to Medical!”
........................

Chapter Thirteen
Enterprise
Year 2259
Sickbay

Back on the Enterprise, McCoy was entering Medical. The first thing he noticed was Kirk, sitting on a chair. He was cleaning Victoria’s forehead. Her wound was no longer bleeding.

Victoria was sitting on a bed. She was silent, although very much aware of where she was. The feeling of disorientation had left her completely. She had her eyes fixed on Picard’s bed, looking at him with a worried expression.

Kirk and Sulu, assisted by Uhura, had managed to place Picard and Worf onto two other beds.

Sickbay looked empty without the medical staff who were all still aboard the Enterprise-E.

McCoy hurried towards Picard’s bed. Uhura was cleaning Picard’s face, using sterile gauze... she was not doing a very good job. She had an expression of disgust on her face and looked terribly pale, even for a black person. McCoy had seen that look many times and knew she probably could not stand the sight of blood, or the thought of all the blood back on the Enterprise-E.

“He’s not breathing properly…” Uhura told McCoy, using the back of her hand to dry the sweat dripping from her forehead. “Every now and then he gasps for breath. His apnea is getting worse … the frequency of the episodes has increased from every 5 minutes, to every 2 minutes.”

McCoy turned to face Sulu, who was taking care of Commander Worf. Worf did not have bleeding wounds and his condition appeared to have stabilized. He was asleep.

“He’s woken up once, asking for water,” Sulu informed. “But, I didn’t know if I should allow him to drink…” he said with a guilty look. “Well, I gave him sips… hope I did the right thing.”

“Yes, you did well,” McCoy reassured. “I’m going to check on him in a minute…”

McCoy was more concerned about Picard, whose face was now turning blue.

McCoy gave a quick glance at Kirk and Victoria. He had not had time to take much notice of her when he entered Medical, but he could see her clearly now.

Their eyes met for a long moment. Victoria gave him a half smile. His heart immediately skipped a beat. He was aware of the arrhythmia lasting for a considerable time but it was nothing to be worried about though; he had a more serious situation to take care of.

McCoy blushed and turned to face Uhura, who was still waiting for his reply.

“We have to move his bed towards a life shell…” he said, while taking hold of his medical scanner. “But, first, I need to take a complete body scan.”

With quick movements, he skillfully manipulated the scanner to check Picard’s whole body; stopping and concentrating on the area of Picard’s chest.

“He has a broken rib… it’s perforated his left lung.”

Once more, McCoy faced Uhura, who was still looking more than a little apprehensive.

“I’m sorry,” she said, to excuse herself. “I’m not very good at this. That’s why I’m a Communications Officer and not a Medical one.”

McCoy paused, before concluding: “We must operate on him right now or he’s going to die.”

“We?” Uhura asked, pulling an odd face. It appeared, just for a second, that she was about to burst into tears. But her military training kicked in and she successfully held back her tears.

“Don’t worry, you’ll only be there to assist me…” McCoy said, making it sound an easy task. “I’ll be guiding you through it, telling you exactly what to do.” He began to move the bed towards a corner of Sickbay, where there was a separate section, divided from the rest of the room by green, synthetic curtains.

“Are you going to help me or not?” McCoy asked impatiently. He stopped pushing the bed and looked back at Sulu and Uhura.

They were both looking dumbfounded. However, perfectly synchronised, they ran to help McCoy.

McCoy stopped once more, turning to look at Kirk and Victoria. This time, he avoided eye contact with her and spoke directly to Kirk: “Call me if the Klingon has any problems.”

“We’ll be checking on him,” Victoria said quickly, not giving Kirk time to reply or even open his mouth.

“I attended med school for a while, before deciding to become a psychologist… I can use a tricorder to scan his body myself.” She was feeling happy for having the right skills to make herself useful.

McCoy was forced to face her this time and, once more, he had the same reaction as before. He held his breath for a moment or two, then decided to talk.

“Fine. But, don’t overstretch yourself. You don’t look in perfect… err… good shape…” He raised one eyebrow before completing the sentence. “… I’m sorry, I don’t know your name, officer.”

“Victoria,” she replied, smiling.

“Victoria…” McCoy repeated, rolling it on his lips as though as he was savoring an excellent Claret wine, trying to appreciate the flavor inside his mouth.

Suddenly, he realized he was delayed in his duty to his patient and he turned his back on Victoria, moving his head to one side in an attempt to break the spell she had him under…

At this point, Sulu and Uhura were waiting for him, standing by Picard’s bed as he hurried to join them.
.....................

Kirk had observed the whole scene, sensing that he was like the invisible man.

Don’t mind me, I’m not here. He thought.

Victoria and McCoy had spoken to each other as if they were alone in the room. Kirk had a ridiculous feeling of jealousy and kept on staring at Victoria, waiting for her to face him.

She was still gazing at McCoy, as if she was hypnotized by him. She waited until he disappeared from her sight, behind the green curtains, before turn to face Kirk.

Kirk had a curious expression on his face. His blue eyes were inquisitive, trying to figure out what kind of game she was playing. Lying on the deck, aboard her ship, he had seen a look of total adoration while she was staring at him. He felt there was chemistry between them… Now that feeling had completely vanished. Everything had changed as soon as she laid eyes on McCoy.

Victoria knew exactly what Kirk was thinking. His body language was more noticeable than anyone else’s.

She forced herself to look elsewhere, avoiding his insistent gaze. She could not… or did not bother, nor even tried to hide her feelings for McCoy. It was stronger than any emotion she had ever felt before. She knew it, from the bottom of her heart: She loved McCoy.

“May I borrow your tricorder?” she asked, while trying to stand up from the bed.

Anyhow, McCoy had been right. She was not fully recovered. She felt dizzy, losing her balance.

Kirk took hold of her arm, gently forcing her to sit down on the bed.

“Easy girl,” he said, mocking at her. “You are not going anywhere unless I say so!”

“Okay, boss… you’re the one in command.” She smiled back at him, giving him a long, intense look.

Yes, Kirk thought. I’m not wrong… she adores me… It’s true!

It was now clear she was paying total attention to him. She also had that eager look in her eyes again… a look that would make him move mountains for her.

Kirk decided to break the tension between them. He looked at her very seriously, before speaking: “Who are you, guys? Where did you come from?”

She turned her attention to Commander Worf, who had began to mumble. His words were unintelligible. He was probably speaking in Klingon.

“Our ship is… the USS.... Enterprise-E…” she said.

She paused before continuing her account, pressing each lip against the other.

Kirk felt a sudden shudder; just like the wind slamming a door unexpectedly.

“Enterprise-E…?” he asked looking surprised and skeptical.

“Yes,” she replied, not sounding very convincing. She could see the look of disbelief on his face. “We came from the future, year 2379…” she insisted, continuing her story, which sounded absurdly fantastic to say the least. “Jean-Luc Picard is the Captain and Commander Worf his first officer.”

“A Klingon, his first officer?” Kirk laughed at her. “That’s ridiculous!”

Out of the blue, Spock’s vision came back to Kirk’s mind in a flashback.

“You…” Kirk began, pointing his finger at her, but, he was unable to finish the sentence. He stood up from the chair and turned his back to her. He placed his index finger on his mouth and his thumb was supporting his chin. He was thoughtful for a moment.

She felt confused by his behavior and remained silent, waiting to see what he would say next.

“Nero!” He exclaimed, clearly remembering his visions.

He turned to face Victoria with mad eyes. She was the one who was startled this time. “What has Nero to do with you?” he asked, moving towards her as if he was ready to attack.

He placed both hands on the bed, around her; one hand at each side of her body. She was trapped.

Kirk’s face was so close to hers that she had trouble focusing. He was breathing heavily. His breath was hot and humid. She felt her face getting wet from the air being rapidly exhaled from his nostrils.

She moved her face a few inches backwards, in order to be able to look him in the eye.

“Nero has been rescued from the Narada…” Victoria said at last. Her heartbeat was accelerating; she was afraid of Kirk’s reaction. “Nero might be still alive… somewhere aboard the Enterprise-E…” she said with fear in her voice.

Victoria was panicking. Kirk was clearly growing angrier with every word she spoke.

“What?” he uttered as he burst into an uncontrollable laugh. “No, that’s impossible… we killed the bastard!”

She did not laugh and her face was now very pale. Kirk moved a little further away from her. He had a mixture of astonishment and anger about his face. He continued his aggressive attitude, apparently not noticing how scared she was.

“You’re telling me that Nero is not dead!?” he shouted at her. “You’ve got to be kidding me!”

She did not reply. He was treating her as if she was personally responsible for everything that had happened up to that moment.

The intercom sounded. It was Chekov asking Kirk to report to the Bridge.

Kirk faced her once more, still with a threatening look.

“I’m on my way!” he replied to Chekov.

He took hold of his tricorder and placed it on the top of her bed. After doing so, he turned his back on her, leaving Medical without a word.
..........................

Chapter Fourteen
Enterprise
Year 2259
Lightning Strikes

After carrying out a successful surgical procedure, McCoy left Picard inside a life support shell.

Uhura and Sulu had been relieved and ordered back to the Bridge to resume their normal duties.

McCoy was very impressed with their impeccable performance. He thanked them many times, telling them how grateful he was for their help.

When they finally left Medical, McCoy was left with three patients: Picard (who was sedated), Commander Worf and Victoria.

Victoria was sitting on a chair, next to Worf’s bed. Worf was still unconscious. She looked sad. She was still upset by the way Kirk had treated her. She kept her thoughts to herself, she wouldn’t dare complain about it to McCoy.

Victoria had scanned Worf’s body, using Kirk’s tricorder. She had found a severe bruising to his spleen. Fortunately it had not ruptured, although she thought the spleen should be removed to prevent future problems.

Worf also had a broken elbow and concussion, which had caused him to lose consciousness. However, the concussion was minor and he was expected to make a full recovery in less than 24 hours.

McCoy looked really tired. He took a chair and came to sit next to Victoria.

She began to explain, in detail, everything she knew about Worf’s condition, following his body scan. McCoy looked concerned as she told him about Worf’s spleen, but he was adamant that it was unnecessary to remove the organ. Still, in deference to her view, he agreed to closely monitor and re-evaluate the situation if there were further complications.

Victoria had a clean cloth in her hand. Instinctively, she started wiping the sweat dripping from McCoy’s forehead. They exchanged a long, lingering look into each other’s eyes.

It seemed to McCoy that Victoria’s eyes shone like two perfect sapphires. Her eyes had changed color from brown to midnight blue and McCoy found her ability to do that particularly fascinating. She was able to change her eye color to reflect her mood and emotions.

What’s she thinking right now? he mused.

McCoy did not stop her when she cleaned the sweat from his neck. She was beginning to get up close and personal and he had to admit to himself, he was actually quite enjoying it.

If she gets any closer, she’ll be able to hear my heartbeat! he thought, giving her a nervous look. His heartbeat was starting to sound like a drum beat.

“You like me, don’t you?” she asked getting straight to the point. “I can tell by reading your body language… something I’m very good at.”

“What do you mean by saying: ‘you like me, don’t you?’” he asked, a little embarrassed at her directness.

“You know what I mean…” she answered, still staring at him.

“Are you always so straight with people?” he gave her a half smile this time.

McCoy could not bring himself to answer such a personal question. Instead, he began to program his scanner. He had it ready in his hand, before sitting on the chair next to her.

“I need to examine you now, to make sure you don’t have any fractured bones…” his tone of voice was serious.

“I’ve already scanned myself, Len...” She replied, still gazing at him, longing for him to make eye contact again. “But of course, I’d be happy for you to check me over as well, just to be sure... I’d like to have your professional opinion.”

McCoy tried desperately to avoid eye contact with her. His hand was a little shaky as he pointed the scanner towards her. He stopped his examination half way through the process, asking her to lie down on a bed.
She obeyed him immediately, without questioning.
As he resumed the examination, he touched one of her breasts, asking if there was any pain.

“Yes, it’s hurting a little…” she replied. Her eyes had changed color again, now showing a deep shade of purple. McCoy took a quick glance at her face, while she averted her gaze. She was staring at the ceiling.

“There’s a shadow on your breast… was it there before the incident?” McCoy asked, trying not to show undue interest in a minor injury to such an intimate area.

“I don’t know, I don’t think so…” she replied modestly.
He moved the scanner toward her head, concentrating his attention on her skull.

“Do you have headaches, blurred vision, dizziness; are you feeling sick at all?” he asked visibly concerned.

“No, I’m fine!” she exclaimed, taking hold of his hand, making further use of the scanner impossible.

“Well, apart from a few bruises and a slight concussion, you’re not seriously injured.” He concluded, turning his back to her, in order to place the scanner on an adjacent table.

He, then, turned to face her again. This time their stare lasted for what seemed to be ‘an interminable moment’.

“I like you too, Len,” she finally spoke; her voice sounding like a melody in his ears. McCoy did not make any comment. He did not smile.

He wanted to say something. He wanted to say so many things. He knew exactly what he wanted to say, but, the words died before they could take shape on his lips. The logical essence of his nature would not allow him to speak those words out loud.

How can I be in love with you? he thought.

She moved her head slightly, as soon as he pronounced the words in his mind… as if she could read his thoughts.

The magic of the moment was dissolved as a red light started buzzing next to Picard’s life shell.

McCoy quickly moved to silence the alarm and checked what was wrong. He decreased the oxygen level and increased the dosage of the analgesic.

“Is Captain Picard going to live?” she asked, speaking in a loud voice, in order to be heard by McCoy.

“I don't know. He has suffered severe internal bleeding…” McCoy answered frankly.

McCoy paused before concluding. He wasn’t facing Victoria. He had his attention focused on Picard’s face, which was alarmingly pale. “I’m doing my best to keep him alive.”

“I trust you will,” she replied, hoping that he would look at her this time. He did not, at least not immediately.
Slowly, he began to walk in her direction. He asked if she wanted something to eat.

“I must speak to Commander Spock,” she said. “Could you, please, ask Captain Kirk to arrange for Spock to meet me here?”

He stopped in the middle of the room. He was surprised. He had not expected to hear such a sudden, bold request from her.

“I don’t think that will be possible. Commander Spock is locked up in a security cell,” he replied.

She stood up from the bed and informed McCoy she was going to see Captain Kirk herself.

“You’re not going anywhere, Victoria!” he spoke with authority. “You stay in Medical!”

“I’m sorry, I must go,” she said, walking steadly towards the exit of Sickbay.

McCoy was about to ran after her, but, was interrupted by a small crowd of injured people, arriving from the Enterprise-E, along with his Medical staff. They had been beamed aboard, almost simultaneously, directly into medical.

He looked confused for a moment before his sense of duty, as a doctor, quickly concentrated his mind. He moved purposely, with all of his usual professional diligence, to help as many patients as he could.
.......................


Chapter Fifteen
Enterprise
Year 2259
The Dying Ship


Whilst making arrangements for intensive care and transport of the injured, Kirk decided they should contact the Federation and ask for extra help. Dr. McCoy and his medical staff had overstretched themselves and were now completely exhausted.

Life support aboard the Enterprise-E was well below the minimum safe levels and very soon it would not have enough power or oxygen to support life. The Enterprise-E was condemned… it was dying.

“Captain, a phenomenon, similar to the one we encountered earlier today, is about to happen again at any moment…” Chekov informed, his eyes were bigger than usual and, for a moment, his baby features looked even more childish.

“Sir, the energy waves forming inside the Black Hole are much more intense than the previous one.” Sulu sounded alarmed.

“For fuck’s sake,” Kirk said, not even bothering to contain his bad manners. “How long do we have?”

“Minutes, Sir...” Chekov replied showing real fear this time.

“To all Transporter Rooms…” Kirk announced out loud, “Beam all remaining survivors and Enterprise crew members left aboard the Enterprise-E immediately!”

“Captain,” Scott called from engineering, “We have only 20 seconds to raise our shields!”

“Hurry up with the transport,” Kirk shouted, glancing at the viewscreen where he could see the radiation rays flashing from inside the Black Hole. “Save as many as you can!”

“Sir, we need our shields up… NOW!” Scott shouted once more.

Sulu and Chekov were staring at their Captain, panic clearly showing on their faces. They were on hold, just waiting for Kirk to give the orders.

“Fuck!” Kirk swears. “Shields up!” He shouted, still looking at the viewscreen, where an intense bright light had blinded him for a moment.

The shock waves had pushed them miles away from their original location, somewhere in the vicinity of the Black Hole. The Enterprise-E had now completely disappeared from sight. Nothing came out from the Black Hole this time.

“How many, How many were we able to transport?” Kirk asked Sulu, apprehensively.

Sulu quickly typed on his console. It took him all of ten seconds to give Kirk an answer.

“Everyone, Sir: survivors and all our crew members are now onboard.” Sulu replied with obvious relief.

“To all Transporter Rooms,” Kirk called with a smile, “Well done… great job, guys!”

Kirk gave Sulu a celebratory tap on the shoulder. “Keep monitoring the radiation residues, Mr. Sulu.”

“Yes Sir!”
.......................

Right at that moment, Victoria entered the Bridge.

Kirk turned to see who was entering the Bridge as soon as he heard the sliding doors opening.

“What the fuck are you doing here, woman?” Kirk was still in a swearing mood.

Victoria did not expect such a raw reaction from Kirk. She looked shocked for a moment or two. However, she went close to where he was and stood in front of him.

“I came to ask your permission, Captain,” she said, standing rigidly. She had both hands behind her back.

“Permission to what, Counselor?” Kirk asked, visibly annoyed. He was in a foul mood and he had other matters to take care of. Victoria’s simple presence on the Bridge was enough to make him extremely upset.

She had also changed into one of the Enterprise’s blue uniforms and this didn’t go well on Kirk, who was already in a rage.

“I must speak to Commander Spock, Captain… I must speak to him urgently!” She souded agitated. However, she had made up her mind she would match his authority.

“I’m sorry, Counselor,” Kirk said, showing less anger this time. “...But, I must ask you to leave the Bridge immediately.”

“No, Captain… I need to speak to Commander Spock,” she insisted, looking at him straight in the eye. She had a menacing look.

Kirk had not realized, initially, how persuasive Victoria could be when she was determined, by any means, to obtain something she really wanted.

She went closer to Kirk, almost leaning on him. She then spoke in a very low voice, so that only he would be able to hear what she had to say: “Why is Spock locked up in a security cell?” Her eyes were bigger than usual. Her features changed, she looked like somebody else… she looked pretty scary for a moment. “Did you lose your mind?”

Kirk noticed that she had a fearless look about her. She also appeared furious.

“This is not your business, Counselor,” Kirk replied loudly. He tried to push her away, but he was unable to. She stuck to him like a magnet.

Kirk’s heartbeat accelerated involuntarily. He could not believe he was afraid of her. He looked deep into her eyes and… just like McCoy, he could clearly see she was capable of changing her eye color. Now, they looked an opaque black.

“Excuse-me, Counselor…” He began with a slight tremble in his voice, “But, security will accompany you to your quarters.”

“Oh, that’s your answer to everything, isn’t it, Captain Almighty?” Victoria was still speaking in a low tone of voice. “I’m not going anywhere, unless you allow me to meet Commander Spock...” Now, her eyes were turning a dark grey.

“Security to the Bridge!” Kirk called, using his communicator.

“Spock was the one who took you back here, wasn’t he?” she now spoke in a normal tone of voice. “Didn’t he tell you about his visions?”

Security arrived at the Bridge and stood to one side of Kirk, awaiting his orders.

“What are you talking about?” Kirk inquired, with a spark of interest and curiosity in his look.

“I had the visions myself before time travelling… Spock was in my visions too…” she took a deep breath before concluding her reasoning. “I believe he’s a link between the past and the future.”

Kirk was now listening to her intently. Her words began to make sense to him. He became thoughtful for a moment. Still he did not say anything. He just kept staring at her.

Victoria’s appearance was splendid. She now was looking like the Victoria he knew.

“Please, Captain, you must trust me,” she begged in a whisper. Her eyes were brown, just like the first time they met.

“All right, you win,” Kirk replied. “I’ll take you to see Spock.”

She smiled, relieved.

Kirk did not smile back; although he was no longer angry. In fact, he was feeling attracted by her once more.

He made a sign with a small, but clear, head movement for Security to leave the Bridge.

“Mr. Sulu, you’re in command now!” Kirk said as he walked purposefully away from the Bridge.

Kirk did not hear Sulu’s reply and he did not look back to see if Victoria was following him. He only noticed her presence, when she ran to reach the turbolift before he shut the doors.
...........................

Chapter Sixteen
Enterprise
Year 2259
Awakening

Arriving at the security cell, Kirk and Victoria found Spock with his eyes open. He was lying motionless, staring at the ceiling, in the same way as when Kirk last saw him. It was as though he was frozen. He resembled a marble statue, looking terribly pale and icy; not even blinking.

Kirk felt a pain in his chest for a split second. He thought Spock could be dead.

“Security, break the energy field!” Kirk ordered. He gave Victoria a quick glance and she returned the stare. She looked worried. Her eyes were now a deep shade of scarlet.

Fascinating! Kirk thought for a moment. But, also frightening.

Kirk felt goosebumps all over his skin. Then, abruptly, he turned to look away from her hypnotizing gaze. She was the most intriguing woman he had ever met.

The energy field was disrupted as they went inside the cell.

Kirk asked the guards to give them stools to sit on and the guards obeyed him without delay.

Victoria and Kirk, carefully sat, each one on a stool, very close to Spock’s bed.

“Spock!” Kirk called. There was no reaction from Spock.

“Commander,” Victoria called Spock in a soft voice, almost as if she was talking to a child. “Commander Spock,” she insisted.

Slowly, he turned his head to face Victoria. He had a spark of life back in his eyes. He looked at her with real interest.

“You know me, don’t you?” she asked, glancing at Kirk and then back at Spock.

Kirk noticed her eyes has now turned to hezel. She looked more beautiful than ever.

In slow motion, Spock raised himself to a sitting position on the bed. He sat in such a way that allowed him to face both Kirk and Victoria. He would only need to move his eyes to look at their faces individually.

“Yes,” Spock replied. “I know you, but I do not know your name.”

“I’m Counselor Victoria Huber,” she answered straightaway. She offered her hand for a handshake. But, Spock did not have the energy to respond.

Victoria retracted her hand, resting it gently on her knee. She turned to face Kirk once more. Spock’s stare was making her feel uneasy. She felt as if he could see through her… as if she was transparent… No, even worse... it was as though she was not actually there. She felt like a ghost.

Kirk returned Victoria’s gaze. Her eyes were now a golden honey color. That particular color suited her perfectly. There was so much kindness and love in her eyes. She looked completely human and very much younger.

How can she do that? Kirk thought. His heart skipped a beat, just as McCoy’s had in Sickbay. However, unlike McCoy, Kirk’s arrhythmia made him panic. He took a deep breath and stood up from his stool for a moment.

Victoria looked deep inside Spock’s eyes, trying to bring him back to reality, trying to rescue him from his fantasies.

“The woman, the blond, blue-eyed woman…” Victoria said, “I saw her too, in my visions...”

Spock’s pupils, which were dilated, suddenly contracted, as if his eyes had been exposed to a strong flash of light from a powerful torch.

“She is here…” he said with a weak voice. “I can sense her presence.”

Kirk sat back on the stool, feeling happy to see the circulation returning to Spock’s face.

“She’s not here,” Victoria replied. She had a dubious expression on her face. She felt perplexed for a split second when she realized Spock was right.

She gazed at Kirk and her eyes had now turned blue. The same color eyes as Babette. Kirk trembled, remembering the visions Spock shared with him.

“But you can sense her too, can you not?” Spock asked, taking hold of her hand. He opened his eyes wide as he looked deep into Victoria’s. He squeezed her hand tightly, making Victoria grimace involuntarily.

Spock did not realize he was hurting her, until Kirk intervened and parted their hands.
“Yes, I can sense her too,” Victoria finally replied, in a murmur. She covered her painful hand and started massaging it as the numbness dispersed and some feeling returned.

Spock turned to face Kirk. His look was heartbreaking. It was a look of absolute despair.

“You must let me out of here, Jim,” he begged; his voice gaining strength. “Please.”

Spock was finally coming back to reality. He looked much more alive now and less like a mere zombie.

Victoria now faced Kirk with the same expression of despair. She could read Spock’s body language and what she saw was a man totally in love. A man who would die if he could not meet the woman he loved; if he was unable to hold her, even for just one moment…

“Please, Captain,” Victoria’s voice sounded like a melody, “We need him!”

Kirk moved his eyes away from Victoria and Spock. He stood up from his stool and turned his back to both of them and faced the security guards, who were motionless, staring straight ahead with their hands behind their backs and their legs partially parted.

Kirk began to walk in circles. What should I do now? he thought.
He turned to face Spock and Victoria again. They were waiting intently for his decision. Their expressions were so much alike, it made them appear as if they were one person.

“Fine,” Kirk said and immediately ordering the guards to release Commander Spock.

“With one condition… “ Kirk placed one hand on Spock’s shoulder, “…That you go and see McCoy first, to make sure you’re fit and ready for duty. Then, come and join me at the Bridge, Commander!”

He winked at Spock, who had an astonished expression. His eyes were bright and lucid. Kirk could clearly see that Spock was back to his old self.

Kirk made a sign to Victoria to accompany him away from the cell. She stood up hurriedly from the stool and followed him without delay.

“Counselor,” Spock called, with urgency in his voice, as soon as the energy field was disrupted.

Victoria looked back to face him and waited to hear what was so important that he had to say it before she left.

“Her name is Babette,” he said, making a sign of Live Long and Prosper; his equivalent for a Thank You. He smiled subtly.

Victoria smiled back and nodded. She felt happy that, somehow, she was able to help. In the depths of her mind, she also knew he was right.

Babette… she thought. Yes, that’s her name.
..........................

Chapter Seventeen
Enterprise
Year 2259
Geordi


La Forge woke up in Sickbay. He was lucid and feeling fit and well. It was as if he had been injected with a whole hypospray jab of steroids.

The medical staff were busy taking care of the seriously injured. There were many of them. Sickbay was overcrowded with beds placed so closely together. Nobody noticed that Geordi had stood up too quickly.

From the moment he woke up, he knew exactly where he was. However, he did not know what to do, where to go, whom to talk with…

He looked around, hoping to see someone he knew from the Enterprise-E, who was conscious. But, he did not recognize anyone.

He saw B-4 standing in a corner. He was motionless, with his eyes open and his head slightly bent forward.

La Forge could clearly see B-4 was deactivated, left there to rot and corrode. Abandoned and treated as if he was little more than trash.

Geordi went closer to where B-4 was. He stared at his friend for a moment or two, thinking how much he resembled Data… even though they were not quite the same. Each one of them had their own personality: La Forge admired them both for what they were. In the short period B-4 had been aboard the Enterprise -E, he had become Geordi’s best friend, just as Data had been for over 15 years.

La Forge turned B-4’s body around, facing his back. He touched a particular area on B-4’s head, where he knew he would be able to open a cavity. In that hollow, he would find the software which would allow him access to B-4’s positronic brain.

Geordi looked around, furtively, trying to spot a tool to reactivate B-4. He found some medical equipment on the top of a table. He thoroughly examined a particular tool, which he thought could be useful.

It’s worth giving it a try! He thought, looking around once more. Nobody was paying attention to them. The medical staff were exhausted, working almost like automatons. A few had actually fallen asleep on chairs… La Forge also saw two medical staff resting on the floor in a corner of the room.

Geordi tried the tool on B-4, to no avail. Not to be deterred, he tried again and to his surprise, B-4 twitched.

“Come on, my friend…” he said, in an impatient tone of voice. “Wake up!”

At the fifth attempt, La Forge, who would never give up on anything, was finally able to reactivate B-4’s subroutines and reset them to normal.

“Hello, Geordi,” B-4 spoke, turning around to face Geordi. He sounded like a child. His system was back online and operating normally just as before, with no apparent problems.

“Hello, B-4,” Geordi replied, smiling at him. He then turned the android around once more, in order to close the small aperture he had opened at the back of its head. “How do you feel, are you okay?”

“I am functioning accordingly to the normal parameters of my positronic matrix, which is responsible for maintaining the perfect performance of my system, and……” B-4 began with a long explanation of how his system worked, though he was interrupted by La Forge, who did not have either the time or the patience to listen.

“Well, apart from an irrelevant short circuit, I am functioning perfectly.” B-4 stated, bending his head to one side, as usual, in a very robotic manner.

“Good.” La Forge replied, giving B-4 a friendly tap on the shoulder. “Let’s move on, we have work to do.”

“Where are we going?” B-4 asked, as he followed La Forge, who had turned his back to B-4 and was heading towards the exit of Sickbay.

“To the Bridge!” La Forge replied without turning to face B-4. He knew B-4 would be following him… He would have followed La Forge to the end of the world without question!

........................

Chapter Eighteen
Enterprise
Year 2259
Hide and Seek
(Part 1)

Arriving at the Bridge, La Forge presented himself and B-4 to Sulu, who was still in command while Kirk was absent from the Bridge.

Sulu, Chekov and Uhura struck up a rapport instantly. They were very helpful and pleasant, giving La Forge all the information he asked for.

La Forge offered his expertise to help them with their investigation of the phenomenon occurring to the Black Hole. He also suggested, the anomalies, which the Enterprise was detecting, could be caused by a cloaked vessel.

“I’m not able to determine if the anomalies are caused by a cloaked vessel, Commander La Forge,” Chekov informed, with a disappointed expression on his face.

“May I?” La Forge said, asking permission to use Sulu’s console, who did not object.

B-4 was intently observing Uhura, who also did not hide her curiosity about him.

“You are the most beautiful human female I have the pleasure to meet, Lieutenant!” B-4 said, without any personal embarrassment.

She gave him a warm smile. Sulu and Chekov could not avoid or hide a huge grin. B-4’s comment was very spontaneous, but, it also sounded comical. La Forge did not turn to face his friend, busy as he was typing on the console. He only managed to shake his head in disbelief.

“You are also very handsome for an android…” Uhura returned the compliment. “Although, I have to admit it, I’ve never met one... until now.”

B-4 felt moved by her words and took hold of her hand, not really sure of what to do with it. He faced Sulu with a puzzled expression, still holding Uhura’s hand.

Sulu made him a sign by kissing the back of his own hand, trying to make him understand what to do with Uhura’s.

Uhura kept staring at B-4, still smiling. She was finding the whole situation extremely unusual and funny. She waited to see what he intended to do with her hand.

When B-4 finally got the message, he kissed the back of her hand for a long, interminable moment.

Uhura covered her mouth, using the other hand, to refrain from a loud laugh as Kirk and Victoria entered the Bridge.

“Oh, I see…” Kirk interjected loudly, making Uhura take fright and retract her hand abruptly. “Is that how you run my Bridge when I’m not here?” He smiled at them this time as he joined the group.

La Forge turned to face Kirk and Victoria. He shook Kirk’s hand while introducing himself and B-4. He nodded at Victoria, who was happy to see that he and B-4 were unharmed.

“What are you?” Kirk impolitely asked B-4.

“I am a Soong prototype android, Sir,” B-4 proudly replied. “I was constructed by Dr. Noonian Soong on Omicron Theta.”

Kirk glanced at Uhura, who was still flirting with B-4. She timidly hid her smile as soon as she noticed that Kirk appeared to become annoyed.

Chekov immediately informed Kirk about La Forge’s suppositions.

“There’s definitely a cloaked vessel out there, Captain.” La Forge confirmed with absolute conviction.

“Who are they,” Kirk asked, “Klingons?”

La Forge made a sign with his hands… He was unable to give Kirk an answer.

“Any news about Nero and Dr. Crusher?” La Forge inquired, facing Victoria.

Victoria looked down to her feet, feeling upset at the fact that Kirk was doing nothing about it. She shook her head in a negative response, without facing the group.

“What about Captain Picard?” La Forge asked, growing alarmed.

“He’s still alive…” she replied, facing La Forge this time. She had a sad look. “…for now…”

Kirk turned to face Chekov, complete ignoring La Forge’s worries: “Why is the Federation taking so long to send extra help?”

“There’s no USS Starship nearby this area, Captain,” Chekov replied, feeling ashamed as though Kirk was directly blaming him for the lack of contact with the Federation. “There are also many disturbances interfering with our communications…”

Kirk turned to La Forge and asked him to help fixing the communications problems.

“Sir…” La Forge was uncertain of how to approach the subject, “If Nero is alive, and if he’s aboard the Enterprise, he will try to sabotage it!”

Kirk completely ignored La Forge’s comment and deliberately looked him straight in the eye, making a funny face.

“You’re black, how come you have blue eyes?” Kirk asked, smiling. He was mocking La Forge.

“He has an ocular implant…” B-4 answered Kirk’s question, butting in on the conversation without being asked, “… similar in appearance to the normal humanoid eye, these implants are distinguished by a vibrant blue color with mechanized detail on the irises and pupils.”

Kirk laughed loudly at B-4’s comment.

“There is nothing funny about that, Sir,” B-4 said innocently, looking surprised.

La Forge turned his gaze elsewhere. He was annoyed with Kirk, but did not dare to say anything.

Uhura, Sulu and Chekov felt deeply embarrassed about their Captain’s behavior. They could not face La Forge, B-4 or Victoria.

“How can you be so rude?” Victoria asked, taking two steps forward. “I demand respect towards Captain Picard’s crew members, if you don’t mind using a few good manners, Captain Kirk!” She was fuming.

Kirk was still smiling, mocking Victoria this time: “Let’s see if I’ve got this right…” Kirk says, laughing as if drunk. “…The first officer is a Klingon, the Counselor is a half Romulan, the Chief Engineer is visual impaired, with bionic implants… and, finally, the Tactical Officer is an Android… Oh, come on, give me a break, will you? What kind of circus you guys are running in the future?” He had a defiant expression before concluding his reasoning. “You had lost sight of Nero? How could you allow that criminal to walk about freely onboard your ship?”

“Nero was severely injured, Sir,” B-4 replied, still sounding very ingenuous, despite Kirk’s sarcastic remarks. “He was confined to Sickbay.”

“Could you, please, ask your mascot to be quiet?” Kirk asked La Forge, ignoring B-4 altogether.

“Lieutenant B-4 has the right to speak, Captain!” Victoria shouted at Kirk. “What about learning how to run your own ship and crew, before criticizing the work of others?.... I know why you didn’t start searching for Nero… you are terrified of having to meet him again… I can read it on your face!”

Kirk faced Victoria with a serious expression this time. She had really got to him and hurt his feelings.

La Forge shook his head vigorously, trying to warn Victoria not to argue with Kirk.

“Listen Counselor, I never said that I believed your fairytale about Nero and… by the way, how do I know you’re not the enemy for bringing Nero back in time?” Kirk thundered at her.

“You’re such a coward!” Victoria looked disgusted. “Captain Picard is far better Captain than you’ll ever be...” She had anger and bitterness in her voice.

Spock and McCoy had just entered the Bridge as everyone else was following the quarrel and were visibly concerned.

“I don’t like you, Counselor,” Kirk replied, teasing her with his cynical smile. “You are arrogant, bossy and think you know better than anyone else because you come from the future?” He looked around to see if his crew was agreeing with him, but everyone was shocked and astounded. He turned, once more, to face Victoria, still with a provocative smile. “I’m not taking orders from a female Romulan, who says she has all the answers, just because she’s in love with her Captain!”

She now looked offended and did not hide her irritation anymore. She slapped his face violently.

Kirk looked around still smiling. He was having fun, but he did not hesitate to slap her back.

Victoria covered her face with her hand. Then, feeling irate, she advanced menacingly towards him. She put him down with a Karate foot stroke.

“That will teach you!” She was feeling powerful and strong.

B-4 tried to reason with her, suggesting that she should stop the fight.

“Shut up!” she shouted at him.

B-4 took a step back replying “Ok”, in a low voice.

Kirk was now laughing loudly. He was having the time of his life. He stood up quickly.

Lieutenant Uhura and the rest of the crew hesitated about whether to interfere or to let them deal with the situation by themselves. Spock was by her side at this point.

“This looks very familiar...” Spock said, facing Uhura with his usual logical expression.

Kirk then retaliates, punching Victoria in the face with no mercy.

Victoria took several steps backwards, disorientated. She was now bleeding and finding it hard not to lose her equilibrium.

“Jim, that’s enough!” McCoy shouted. “Stop this fight, NOW!”

Victoria rapidly reacted, hitting Kirk with several Karate moves.

Kirk jumped on her to stop the assault as they both fell on the floor.

Spock and La Forge quickly reached them, forcing Kirk to get back on his feet. B-4 grabbed Kirk by the arm with one hand, being enough to keep him still.

McCoy and Uhura helped Victoria to stand up, but she still wanted to fight.

“Let go of me!” She shouted at McCoy.

“Not in a lifetime, Milady!” He took hold of her arm firmly, forcibly removing her from the Bridge, taking her with him to Medical
..........................


Chapter Eighteen
Hide and Seek
(Part 2)

McCoy changed route and took Victoria to her designated quarters.

It was a bit too small, considering her rank, but she did not complain. She was too tired to care. Any quarters would be fine.

McCoy helped her into a chair and sat on another one, in front of her.

“You are not making things easy for yourself,” he was clearly upset. “Kirk is right. We don’t trust you!”

She gave him a long look. He was hurting her feelings. She was no longer angry with Kirk and she could see, McCoy was lying.

“That’s a lie,” she protested. “You do trust me… admit it!”

“Stop reading my body language,” he replied, sounding less angry. “I’m serious about that.”

McCoy was also tired and no longer upset. He gave her a surrendering look.

“Ok, you’re right,” he replied in a soft tone of voice. “I trust you.”

He stood up from his chair and went to the bathroom, grabbing a towel. He let the tap water run on it for few seconds. He then took the towel with him, sitting back on the chair.

Victoria’s lower lip was no longer bleeding; the blood had coagulated. It was swollen and bruised all around, displaying a black/blue coloring.

McCoy carefully began to remove the congealed blood. She grimaced and blinked as soon as she felt the contact of the warm cotton on her face. It was still painful.

“Son of a bitch!” McCoy exclaimed, referring to Kirk. “He hurt you badly...”

“No, it’s ok…” she tried to justify Kirk’s behavior, although she had no reason for doing so. “…It was all my fault… it doesn’t hurt anymore,” she lied.

McCoy shook his head in disbelief. Is she stupid or just too kind? He thought.
“Stay away from Kirk from now on,” he spoke forcefully, in a serious tone of voice. “I mean it!”

He placed the towel on the top of the table and tenderly caressed her face.

“You love me, don’t you?” She took hold of his hand. She kissed it, keeping her eyes shut.

McCoy did not reply, but kept staring at her as she opened her eyes. They were deep scarlet.

He trembled, just as Kirk did when he first saw that color in her eyes.

“I must go, Victoria,” he motioned to stand up. “You’ve been through a lot today. You need to rest.”

“Please, stay!” she begged him. She looked towards the bed, which was large enough for two. “Stay with me tonight,” Her eyes were now emerald green, turning to turquoise.

“I can’t!” he replied taking a deep breath. He was tempted to stay. It was almost impossible to resist her. His tiredness was getting the better of him and he allowed her to lead him towards the bed, sitting on it with her.

She kissed him on the lips. He did not stop her, but did not return the kiss. He was desperately trying to resist her. He parted his lips from hers, taking hold of her hands.

“I can’t stay… you know that,” he insisted, avoiding eye contact. He stood up and headed towards the sliding doors, pressing a button to open it.

“Len!” she called.

He stopped at the entrance, turning to face her.

“Would you stay, if you could?” she asked with a weak voice.

He nodded, meeting her eyes again. She could only see love in his eyes; although, she knew, he was also lusting for her.

McCoy left the room, keeping his head down. He never felt so angry with himself. He had never wanted a woman so badly.
..........................


Victoria was asleep when she heard the door chime. She thought she had been dreaming and simply ignored it, closing her eyes again.

The chime sounded insistently. She stood up from her bed and pressed the button, opening the sliding doors.

Kirk was outside her quarters, waiting for her to open the door. She was taken by surprise on seeing him. He wasn’t smiling, but he had a friendly expression about his face.
“May I come in?” he asked, glancing around the room.

Victoria was not in the right mood for another fight. However, she could clearly see that Kirk did not intend to argue with her. He was very calm.

“Yes,” she replied, moving away from the entrance, allowing him in. “Of course.”

“Listen,” Kirk began, “I’m truly sorry for what happened today…” he’s tone of voice was apologetic. “I lost control of myself.”

“No, I’m the one who must apologize, Captain,” she took all the blame on herself, sounding very submissive. “It was my fault.”

Kirk took two steps forward to get close to her. He gently touched her lip with his right hand. It was less swollen, but still red.

“I don’t know what it is about you… you make me angry all the time...” he said, feeling lost and powerless. He turned his back to her, pensive for a moment or two.

Victoria took hold of his arm, forcing him to face her.

“You don’t have to feel guilty, Jim,” she said, smiling at him this time.

“Will you ever forgive me?” he asked, caressing her hair.

She stared at him without speaking. He was getting too personal, but she did not stop him.

“There’s nothing to be forgiven,” she replied, not facing him directly.

Kirk gently took hold of her chin, forcing her to face him. Her eyes were turquoise. She was thinking of McCoy.
She did not see Kirk for a moment, still remembering McCoy’s features; wishing he was there instead.

Then, she finally looked deep into Kirk’s eyes and felt her legs go weak.

He grabbed her by her arms and kissed her passionately.

Victoria kissed him back, with the same passion. She had no intention of resisting him.

Kirk began to touch her whole body, putting his hands inside her clothes, feeling her naked skin. She did the same.

He gently started pushing her towards the bed. He never parted his lips from hers, but started to remove the top of her uniform. She wasn’t wearing a bra.

Victoria was no virgin. Sex was only a fun game for her. But not this time... This time she looked very excited and lustful as Kirk made her lay down on the bed. He did not waste any time, quickly removing her trousers and panties.

Suddenly, she was completely naked, for his pleasure. He admired her perfect body as he removed his own top. He did not bother to get completely undressed, simply lowering his pants. His penis was already hard and throbbing, desperately wanting to penetrate her.
Victoria made a low screaming sound in pure delight, as his penis penetrated deep inside her. She began to move frantically underneath him, making Kirk climax too soon. Sooner than he wished. But, Victoria did not stop moving.

After the initial ejaculation, Kirk was still aroused. He couldn’t have enough of her...

They did not hear the chime sound, and were caught by surprise when the sliding doors ‘magically’ opened.

Victoria turned her head to face the intruder. It was McCoy, visibly disturbed.

She stared at Kirk… he saw terror on her face. Only two words came out from her mouth: “God, NO!”

Kirk also turned his face to see who entered the room.

McCoy’s face was a dark mask, resembling a Chinese warrior statue. He left the room without a word.

“Len!” she called, managing to slide from under Kirk’s body. She grabbed her top and trousers, getting dressed as fast as she could. She, then, ran after McCoy.

She’s in love with Bones? Kirk thought. He had a puzzled frown.

When Victoria reached McCoy, she stopped him before he could get into the lift.

“Len, please…” she began, but McCoy interrupted her. His expression was a mixture of sorrow and pain.

“Picard is awake,” he said flatly. He went inside the lift, staring at her with sad eyes.

Her eyes were sad too. She wanted to talk to him, to justify herself, to find an excuse for her actions. But there was none.

McCoy made a sign for her to move away from the doors.

“He’s asking for you,” were his last words before shutting the lift door in her face.
.........................

Chapter Nineteen
Enterprise
Year 2259
The Newcomers
(Part 1)

Kirk was drying his body with a towel as Victoria entered her quarters. He had just stepped out of the shower.

She tried to avoid his eyes. She had been crying.

“What’s happening between you and Bones?” Kirk asked, not hiding his jealousy.

“Nothing…” she replied. She stood still in the middle of the room with her arms crossed. She was exhausted. “Well… I mean, I don’t know.”

He went closer to her, still naked. He, then, placed the towel on one shoulder.

“Listen, Victoria,” he began, “You’re my girl, Understood? Now that I have you, I won’t let you go.”

Victoria stared at him for a moment, analyzing his features. He was being honest. However, he sounded so old fashioned, she could not believe her ears.

“I’m nobody’s girl!” she replied, turning her back to him, heading towards the bathroom.
“I must get ready and make myself presentable,” she spoke over her shoulders, looking at her reflection on the mirror. “Captain Picard is awake and wants to see me.”
Kirk walked towards Victoria and stood right behind her. She could also see his reflection on the mirror. He looked worried as he placed his hands on her waist, making her feel turned on once more.

“I will fight for you, if I have to.” Kirk sounded determined.

The intercom sounded. It was Sulu, requesting Kirk’s presence on the Bridge.

Saved by the bell! Victoria thought.

“What’s up now, Mr. Sulu?” Kirk was deeply annoyed.

“We’re been hailed, Sir.”

He faced Victoria through the mirror, who was still staring at him.

“I’m on my way!” He replied, ceasing communication.

Kirk kissed the back of her head, before turning around and getting hold of his uniform.

She also turned around to face him, observing him as he was getting dressed... admiring his masculinity.

She loved him. She loved him for what he was. No matter how bad tempered and ill mannered he could be from time to time.

When he was ready to go, he stopped by the entrance before pressing the button to open the sliding doors. He, then, turned to face Victoria.

“I’m not done with you…” he asserted. “We’ll finish our conversation later!”

She nodded, in agreement.

He gave her a longing look before leaving her quarters, heading towards the Bridge.
...................

When back on the Bridge, Kirk was informed by La Forge, that communications were re-established.

“There are two USS Starships on their way. The E.T.A is approximate two hours time, Sir,” Chekov informed, feeling happy for finally being able to give Kirk some good news.

Unfortunately, not all the news was good. They all had an alarmed and worried expression.

“Who has hailed us?” Kirk asked, waiting for someone to give him an answer.

“We don’t know. They’re still cloaked, Sir.” Sulu replied, swallowing hard.

“Onscreen!” Kirk ordered.

No image appeared. Kirk then ordered Sulu to open a channel.

“Who are you... Reveal yourselves to us!” Kirk spoke forcefully.

“I do hope you are prepared for us...” a male voice uttered in response.

“There’s a vessel uncloaking, Sir!” Sulu informed, pointing at the viewscreen.

“What the hell…?” Kirk began, but unable to finish the sentence.

“It’s a USS Starship, Captain!” Chekov confirmed.

It was the most beautiful Starship Kirk had ever seen. It was similar to a Sovereign-class starship, the same as the Enterprise-E. Although, it was evident that ship was far superior in power, with overwhelming armaments.

“They’re calling us, Sir,” Sulu informed, hearing a beeping sound.

“Onscreen!” Kirk ordered once more.

A young man, half human, half Romulan appeared on screen. He was very handsome, even from a man’s point of view.

Spock looked at him fascinated.

“I know him!” Spock told Kirk.

“I am Leonard Picard, Captain of the USS Enterprise- G...” the young Romulan introduced himself.

They could all see, onscreen, the Bridge of the Enterprise-G. It was astonishingly beautiful. Very much futuristic, with fluorescent furniture… the lights were dimmed, making the crew appear like phantoms. Their uniforms, which had a white detail, forming long thick stripes around their arms and legs... it looked as though it was illuminated on its own.

“En-t-terprise-G? Kirk stuttered.

“Yes,” Leonard Picard replied.

Spock trembled as soon as he recognized Babette standing at Leonard’s left side. Her appearance was so much different in that light, wearing that uniform… also her hair looked different, assembled on the top of her head, in a highly stylized fashion.

“Captain Kirk,” the young Romulan started, “My sister and I ask for your permission to come aboard your ship.” That was his rather abrupt request.

“Wait a minute… hold on a second,” Kirk said, feeling confused. His heartbeat was faster. He was also feeling uneasy. “Who are you, guys... What’s happening here?”

“The unthinkable, Jim,” was Spock’s remark, almost in a whisper.

“We must meet our parents, who are your guests aboard the Enterprise,” the young Romulan insisted.

“Your parents?” Kirk asked, still in shock.

“Yes,” Leonard confirmed. “Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Counselor Victoria Huber.”

Kirk turned to Spock, looking dumfounded. He felt dizzy for a moment, almost passing out.

“You’re telling me you guys are from the future?” Kirk sounded skeptical, although that wasn’t his intention.

“Affirmative,” Leonard Picard replied.

“And… you’re here to help us, it that correct?” Kirk was trying to make sense of the whole situation.

“Precisely,” Leonard confirmed. He was expressionless and very much self-confident.

Kirk turned to face the rest of the group around him. La Forge and B-4 also looked surprised.

Kirk was pensive for a while, still feeling sick. He was exhausted. The whole thing was too much for him to bear.

“Permission granted!” He replied, looking at Leonard straight in the eye.

Leonard nodded, as a sign of a thank you.

Communication was ceased between the two ships.

“Mr. Sulu, prepare Transporter Room 3 to receive the newcomers,” Kirk commanded forcefully. “I need to sit down for a moment…” he commented, sitting on his seat. “Please, inform me when they’re ready to be beamed.”

“Yes Sir!” Sulu replied promptly.
..................................

Victoria entered Medical and the first person she saw was Commander Worf, standing next to Picard’s bed.

Jean-Luc Picard was in a half sitting position on his bed. He looked pale and very fragile.

She felt a great love for him, a love she did not know she possessed. She also felt pity and moved by his condition. She tried her best to hide her feelings, attempting a clumsy smile.

McCoy came to meet her before she could reach the bed. He told her to say the minimum necessary.

Victoria went closer, greeting Commander Worf and telling him how happy she was to see him in good shape.

She then took hold of Jean-Luc’s hand. But before she could pronounce a word, Picard began to speak.

“They’re here… they’re here, Victoria,” he spoke with a choked voice. His voice was making a weird whistling noise.

“Rest now!” she replied, trying to reassure him.

She carefully placed his hand on the covers and went to talk to McCoy who was observing them from the edge of the bed.

Victoria took McCoy to one side and spoke as low as she could, in order not to be heard by Jean-Luc.

“Is he going to be alright?” She looked deeply concerned.

“He’s making progress…” McCoy reassured her. “Slowly but surely.”

“Could he be transferred to more suitable quarters, to have some privacy and a quieter environment?” she inquired not sure that such a move would be possible, considering Picard’s condition.

“Yes, of course!” McCoy replied, showing sympathy. “I’ll take care of it.”

“Thank you, doctor.” She smiled at him timidly.

He went closer and whispered in her ear: “I’ve been declassed,” he complained. “One hour ago I was Len…”

Victoria moved her head slightly backward in order to look at him in the eye.

“You’re still Len”, she replied. McCoy gave her a sad smile as the comm sounded.

“Kirk to McCoy and Counselor Victoria!”

“Yes, Captain,” McCoy replied using his communicator.

“Report to Transporter Room 3 immediately!”

They exchanged an understanding look. Something important was happening and they must be present.

“We’re on our way!” McCoy confirmed, ceasing communication.

“Commander Worf, please, come with us,” Victoria asked politely, although it sounded as if she had demanded his presence.

She, then, turned to Picard, smiling at him: “I’ll be back soon… I promise.”

McCoy stopped one of the medical officers, passing onto him his orders.

As soon as he was ready, the three of them left Sickbay, without delay.
.......................

Chapter Nineteen
The Newcomers
(Part 2)

Arriving at Transporter Room 3, McCoy, Victoria and Worf met Kirk, Spock, Uhura, La Forge and B-4, who were patiently waiting for their arrival.

Kirk nodded at them, turning to face the Transporter Chief, Shane.

“Energize!” Kirk commanded.

In a beam of light, Captain Leonard Picard and Counselor Babette materialized on the platform.

Leonard stepped down from the platform, offering his hand to Kirk in friendship. Kirk shook his hand vigorously.

The future, where they came from, was so different from their current reality that Kirk could sense it deep inside his bones. There was something enigmatic about their appearance and behavior. They were far superior as humans: they had evolved!

Leonard then introduced his sister, Counselor Babette, who had also joined them in the blink of an eye. Kirk also shook her hand.

She was very beautiful, with a sort of aura surrounding her whole being. She was hypnotizing. Kirk found it very difficult not to stare at her… it was not physical attraction he felt, it was simple admiration.

Leonard Picard walked towards Victoria, who was admiring him, fascinated. Her eyes had turned purple. McCoy was by her side. Leonard noticed that McCoy had one hand placed on her back, as though he was protecting her. McCoy’s eyes were huge and he looked apprehensive.

“Mother…” Leonard said, giving her a kiss on her cheek.

She quivered and took fright. McCoy used his other hand to keep hold of her arm, preventing her from falling backwards. He was also taken aback and looked perplexed.

Spock, who seemed paralyzed and speechless for a moment, gazing at Babette in total adoration, had finally found the strength to move towards her. She had also been observing him constantly, from the moment she arrived onboard.

He took hold of her hand and gave it a gentle kiss.

Babette smiled modestly, not saying anything.

Uhura, seeing them so intimate, became annoyed. She could not hide her tears as they rolled down her cheeks.

B-4, who was standing next to her, used his fingers to dry a teardrop from her right cheek. He looked at his moist fingers with intense curiosity.

How can humans weep? He thought.

He, then, turned to face Uhura. She was still staring at Spock, with sad eyes. Everything they had, all the love they shared was gone… vanished, like dust in the wind!
B-4 took hold of her hand, attempting to comfort her. She looked at him and he gave her a look, as if he was saying: No matter how distressed you are, whatever it is that’s bothering you, don’t give up. Be Strong!

She nodded, understanding what he was implying.

Kirk invited them all to the Conference Room. He led the way as they followed him from the Transporter Room.

Victoria, who froze, in a state of shock, stayed behind. McCoy, noticing that she was not moving, took hold of her arm, helping her to walk.

“Are you alright?” he asked, with a worried frown.

“I suppose so…” she replied, but not sounding too convincing.
...............................

Arriving at the Conference Room, they all sat around the table, with Kirk conducting the meeting.

Leonard Picard had the first word about the subject to be discussed: the time travelling question, Nero and the battle against the Romulan vessels waiting for Jean-Luc Picard back in his own time.

Leonard Picard told the group that he and his sister Babette, who possessed advanced telepathic abilities, tried to contact their father, Jean-Luc Picard, through Nero. She thought the visions would confuse Nero, but they did not have success with her theory.

Babette also had to induce Spock with visions, in the hope that, somehow, he would take Kirk and the Enterprise back where they last saw Nero. Leonard and Babette had hoped that Kirk would be there at the same time as Jean-Luc’s ship emerged from the Black Hole. And their theory proved to be correct.

However, they could not assist Jean-Luc and Kirk while remaining in the future. Therefore, they had to travel back in time and prevent further disruption of the natural course of events.

Leonard Picard informed Kirk that Nero was not aboard the Enterprise. He managed to be beamed aboard the Torian, along with Dr Crusher (who was still his hostage), moments before Jean-Luc’s ship was swallowed by the Wormhole. Hence, Leonard and Jean-Luc Picard must return to Jean-Luc’s time at the exact moment and location they were before time travelling.

“How could the Enterprise-E artificially create the Einstein-Rosen Bridge?” Kirk asked. His eyebrowns were raised, showing curiosity.

La Forge gave B-4 a guilty look, but of course, B-4 having no feelings, was expressionless. Then La Forge decided to talk.

“I was… I mean, we were conducting an intensive research about the Einstein-Rosen Bridge,” he said, pointing to himself and B-4, “We started the research a few months before the Enterprise-E was sent to investigate the White Hole...” He went silent for a moment, catching his breath. “I knew the Einstein-Rosen Bridge was unstable, but it was the only way I could save the Enterprise-E from total destruction…” He paused, once more, before finishing his account: “I, myself, created the wormhole, forcing us to travel through time.”

At this point, all those present faced La Forge. A few of them looked astounded, but no one looked upset. They could not agree or disagree with La Forge for what he had done. He did what he thought was the only possible option, in order to save the Enterprise-E and its crew from certain death.

Leonard, once more, drew their attention towards him: “Nero, somehow, took control of the Enterprise-E’s armaments to attack the Torian… He wanted the Romulans to start a war against the Federation,” he said. “Nero knew the Romulans would retaliate.”

Babette moved slightly forward, placing both her hands on the table. Her presence was like a spring breeze. Everyone turned to face her, realizing she was about to speak:

“When the Enterprise-E was about to fall, Nero asked the Romulans to beam himself and Dr. Crusher aboard the Torian,” she said, giving her account of the situation.

They all looked surprised. Her voice was soft and crystal clear, sounding like a melody to their ears.

Spock, who was sitting in front of Babette, took the opportunity to speak to her directly: “But, why would Nero take Dr. Crusher with him?”

“He needed her for his own purposes when negotiating with the Federation,” Babette replied looking at Spock. “Although, he never intended to let her go… she would have been killed.”
Babette turned to face her brother, who was sitting next to her. It was his turn to speak:

“We are here to take our parents and the Enterprise-E’s crew survivors back to their own time.”

Babette once more turned to face the whole group. Her gaze swept across each one of them: “Basically there are three problems to overcome when arriving there: Our father is injured, we can no longer count on the Enterprise-E as it is completely destroyed, therefore, we’ll be on our own as we take the fight to four Romulan vessels!”

Kirk was pensive for a while as he took in all the information given, trying to formulate a plan of attack. He glanced at Victoria, who was sitting beside McCoy.

McCoy had one hand covering hers on the table as if he was comforting her. Victoria’s look was absent and she was terribly pale.

Kirk felt jealous of their intimacy. However, he had to admit to himself, they looked perfect for each other... like soul mates. Nevertheless, Victoria would be marrying Jean-Luc Picard.

How can I prevent that from happening? He thought. She’s my woman, for God’s sake!

Kirk turned his look elsewhere when he noticed that McCoy, Victoria and everyone else were staring at him.

“We’ll help you!” Kirk uttered, facing Leonard Picard. “We’ll go to the future with you and we’ll fight the Romulans by your side.”

Leonard Picard shook his head in disbelief. Kirk could not see the gravity of what they would be undertaking.

“You do not understand,” Leonard said, “Our technology is far more advanced than yours and that of the Romulans in Jean-Luc’s time… But, your help alone will not be enough.”

“We’ll need extra help to defeat them,” Babette said in a calm voice.

“Captain,” Uhura spoke directly to Kirk, “...there are two USS Starships heading this way… we could use their help...”

Kirk nodded, thinking that was a brilliant idea.

Spock looked at Leonard this time, interrupting their planning: “So, you were saying that you are able to artificially reproduce the Einstein-Rosen Bridge…” Spock had an inquisitive expression on his face. “But, how do you expect us to recreate the wormhole ourselves, in order to go the future with you?”

Babette glanced at her brother as if asking permission to speak. He understood her intentions, and nodded in agreement.

“La Forge’s research was only the beginning for what had become an obsession for us 25 years later…” she explained. “We’re now not only able to create the wormhole in large scale, but also to control it.”

“However, we must be very cautious on how and when to use it,” Leonard concluded their explanation.

“You won’t have problems following us through the wormhole.” Babette gave Spock a lovely smile. He slightly nod, giving her a subtle smile.

Leonard was serious when he pronounced the following words of warning: “Of course it would never be completely free of risks… Also, the time travel itself affects the future events, creating an alternative reality…”

Babette now had an inscrutable look as she turned to face Kirk: “And, if you die in battle, our future will be ‘hopelessly’ compromised,” she paused for a moment, before concluding her reasoning. “As a Counselor, I advise you not to undertake such a risky mission.”

Kirk stood up involuntarily. He hit the table with his hands, startling everyone: “It’s too late now!” He shouted. “We’re already involved… we can’t allow you to go to battle with no chance of winning!”

“Well, if I may have a say…” McCoy asked humbly, as he squeezed Victoria’s hand without noticing. She grimaced and tried to free her hand. He blinked, feeling ashamed when he realized she was in pain, letting go of her hand.

“Yes, go on,” Kirk encouraged him to share his ideas.

“If you’re here, right now, Captain Leonard Picard and Counselor Babette…” McCoy finally spoke his thoughts out, facing them both. “…that can only mean the battle has been already fought… and Captain Jean-Luc Picard has won the battle. Am I right?”

“In our historical records it has never been mentioned that Captain Kirk had fought that battle alongside our father,” Babette replied.

“The future can always change with decisions we make…” Victoria spoke; her voice sounding hoarse. She had a vague and sad expression and she was not facing anyone in particular.

All those present remained silent for a brief while.
“Our future is not yours... you don’t have to sacrifice yourselves to save us!” Victoria was now speaking directly to Kirk; her voice gaining strengh.

Kirk faced her, feeling an intense love for the woman. He would not give up, he would fight for her as he had promised.

“If we don’t fight to preserve your future, then there will be nothing left for us to live for…” Kirk replied without hesitation. “You are our future!”

“By the way…” Spock interrupted, “We are the ones who sent Nero to you through the Black Hole… This is all a consequence of our actions.”

“What happened is nobody’s fault,” Babette corrected Spock, trying to make him understand there was no blame on him. “...and if there’s someone to blame, that will be Nero.”

At this point, the conversation between Spock and Babette was getting too personal. The attraction between them was obvious, making Worf, La Forge and Uhura feel somewhat uncomfortable. Worf cleared his throat lodly, interrupting Spock and Babette’s rapturing gaze.

The intercom sounded. Sulu informed Kirk of the arrival of the two USS Starships.

“Thank you, Mr. Sulu”, He replied using his communicator. “I’m on my way!”

Kirk invited everyone to accompany him to the Bridge.

All those present stood up from their chairs and began to chat among themselves, waiting for Kirk to lead them towards the exit of the Conference Room and direct them to the Bridge.

Leonard Picard and Babette approached Kirk, stopping him before he could leave the room.

“Captain Kirk,” Leonard called. “We ask your permission to pay a visit to Captain Jean-Luc Picard, together with Counselor Victoria…”

Kirk looked them both in the eye. For a moment, he thought he would never get used to them. Their accent, their behavior, their appearance… they were so completely alien to Kirk... something he had never seen before.

There was also something else about them: Kirk could clearly see it now… there was more kindness, self-control and desire for peace than in any other race he had ever encountered before… and, probably, he would never meet anyone similar to them in his entire life.

He turned to face Victoria, who came closer, joining her children. She was accompanied by McCoy, who had never left her side.

“Permission granted!” Kirk said, not facing the four of them. He felt deeply upset as he realized that he did not belong among them… not even to Victoria.

“Dr. McCoy, take them to see Captain Picard,” he ordered, turning his back and heading towards the Conference Room sliding doors.

Kirk felt a hole in his chest as if his heart had been ripped out by a wild beast. It was too late: Victoria was out of his reach now!
.........................

Chapter Twenty
Enterprise
Year 2259
Picard

Picard had been transferred into very spacious quarters, along with a life support system and a full-time nurse, provided by the medical staff. He was awake and wearing an oxygen mask as Leonard, Babette, Victoria and McCoy arrived.

Jean-Luc looked at his children with such joy, he couldn’t hide his tears.

The nurse removed the oxygen mask from Jean-Luc’s face. He would not need it for the time being. McCoy turned to the nurse, suggesting she should take a break, giving them some privacy.

“Father…” Leonard Picard began, but was unable to finish the sentence.

“Come here, my children… give me a hug,” Jean-Luc beckoned, his voice sounding languid.

He kissed and hugged both Leonard and Babette with all the love in his heart. Babette gave him a radiant smile. She was emotional, tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Dad,” she said, “you also have a fifteen year-old son.” She took hold of his hand and held it tightly against her chest. “You named him ‘René’...”

Jean-Luc was startled when hearing his nephew’s name; his only nephew, who died along with his own brother, Robert, in a terrible fire. René was a pre-teen when he died.

“Yes,” Babette continued, “René resembles our cousin.” She smiled, raising her eyebrows. Her blue eyes were shining like rare diamonds.

Jean-Luc nodded, feeling extremely happy that Babette was willing to talk freely with him about future events.

He then turned to Victoria, who was standing quietly next to McCoy.

“Come here, Counselor…” Jean-Luc beckoned, “Please!”

Victoria timidly reached the bed, attempting a smile. Her feelings were mixed. She felt confused, lost and unprepared to deal with the situation.

“I heard earlier today, from Commander Worf, that you made a real impression with Captain Kirk,” Picard said sarcastically. He was mocking her, referring to her fight with Kirk. “Apparently, you literally hit him right between the eyes!” Jean-Luc half smiled this time.

Victoria felt herself blushing scarlet. She turned her look away, trying to avoid Jean-Luc’s gaze.

McCoy made a laughing sound and instinctively covered his mouth to hide a grin. Leonard and Babette turned to face McCoy. They were not aware of the fight and did not understand what was so funny about Jean-Luc’s comment. McCoy simply shook his head, avoiding their eyes… and the need for explanations.

“Will you have me transferred for what I’ve done, Captain?” Victoria asked with a worried expression.

“No, Counselor…” Jean-Luc responded looking very serious this time. “I’m going to marry you.”

Victoria did not comment. She gave Jean-Luc a tender kiss on his lips. She then turned to face her children, looking at them with loving eyes.

“I’d better join Kirk and get updated on his action plan,” Victoria said, facing Jean-Luc, as she motioned to depart. “With your permission, of course.”

Jean-Luc nodded, in agreement.

“Mom!” Babette called, preventing Victoria from going. Victoria turned to face her daughter, waiting to hear what she had to say.

“Leonard is coming with you... and I’ll be staying here with Dad,” Babette announced forcefully. She then turned to face McCoy. “…if that’s all right with you, Doctor.”

“Yes, of course,” He replied with a friendly expression. “But please, don’t hesitate to call Medical if there are complications.”

Babette nodded, giving McCoy a gentle smile.

Vitoria, followed by Leonard Picard and McCoy, finally left Picard’s quarters.

However, before she could go any farther, Leonard called both Victoria and McCoy who were heading to opposite directions.

“Listen, Mother… and you, Dr. McCoy…” he said as he placed a hand on each of their shoulders, forcing them to stand beside each other. “I need to talk to you.”

McCoy and Victoria looked puzzled, not knowing what was the urgent matter Leonard had to discuss with them.

“I know this will sound strange, coming from me,” Leonard began, looking them both in the eye. “But, what I am about to say is of vital importance… for me.”

“We’re listening, son,” Victoria encouraged him to speak his heart out.

Leonard hesitated for a moment. He then turned to face McCoy.

“You must sleep together tonight!” he finally said, ready for a negative reaction. But they were unable to utter a word, so shocked at his bluntness.

“Do you understand what I am trying to say?” Leonard inquired, growing alarmed.

Victoria covered her mouth using both hands. Her eyes were huge, turning from green to turquoise.

Leonard! Her thoughts shouted at her. Of course, how could I be so blind? That’s why his name is Leonard!

She finally understood what Leonard was trying to tell them.

McCoy glanced at Victoria still feeling totally ignorant about everything.

Then, his face suddenly lit up: another revelation, more information than he could handle.

“No, I can’t be…” McCoy began, but unable to finish the sentence.

“Yes,” Leonard said, “You are my biological father.”

Leonard tried a smile, in order to diminish the tension caused by his words. McCoy and Victoria did not smile back. They exchanged a significant look, a look of longing, but also despair. Nonetheless, that look could easily be defined in one word: Love.

Leonard remained silent. He knew that moment was crucial to their lives. They also needed time to get used to the idea.

After the initial shock, McCoy turned to face Leonard with paternal love in his eyes. He took hold of his arms and gave Leonard a huge embrace. Tears were rolling down his cheeks.

“My son… the Captain of the Enterprise-G!” McCoy uttered, feeling his chest swell with uncontrollable emotion. “You make me very proud.”

“The person I am, father, what I grew up to be… I owe that to you,” Leonard replied, also with tears in his eyes. He parted his body from McCoy’s, so he could face him.

“Go now, you must hurry,” Leonard encouraged them to move, giving them a gentle push. “We don’t have much time left...”

Leonard turned away from McCoy and Victoria, heading towards the Bridge.

He turned to look back when he had covered a little distance and was glad to see that McCoy and Victoria were no longer in sight. He smiled to himself, feeling happy. He owed them his very existence.
........................

Chapter Twenty-One
Enterprise
Year 2259
Johnson and Pedersen

On the Bridge, Kirk asked Sulu to hail both USS Starships.

“Yes Sir,” Sulu replied.

“Onscreen!” he ordered.

Two new faces appeared on screen.

“I’m James T. Kirk, Captain of the USS Enterprise,” Kirk introduced himself.

“I’m Benjamin Johnson, Captain of the USS Tonelero.” The face of a mature, self-confident, dark-skinned Captain was visible on the right side of the screen. Ben Johnson, a 6ft 2in black American, who could trace his ancestry back to one of the Black Regiments that fought in The American Civil War. He joined Starfleet as a sixteen year old Ensign, and now, he’s a no nonsense hardnosed Starfleet Captain.

“And I am Anna Pedersen, Captain of the USS Nimitz.” A beautiful blond, middle-aged woman was also visible on the left side of the screen. She was a tall Nordic woman of Viking descent. She was a true heroine, recipient of many bravery awards. A real Viking Warrior!

“Thank you for coming, Capitains,” Kirk said enthusiasticaly, “We request your immediate assistance. We need you to take an equal number of the injured survivors from the USS Starship Enterprise-E, which has been destroyed…” he then added: “After that, I have to ask you both to come aboard my ship… there is a serious matter I need to discuss with you.”

They both agreed with a nod, and communication was ceased.

“24 hours without sleep…” Kirk said, turning to Spock, “I need a vacation!”

Spock gave Kirk his usual logical look without making any comment.

“Commander La Forge and Lieutenant B-4,” Kirk called, facing them directly, “I must ask you to stay aboard the Enterprise. We need your help.”

“Yes, Captain,” La Forge replied, “We’ll give you all the assistance we can.”

Kirk, then, turned to face B-4, feeling deeply ashamed for treating him with disrespect when they first met. B-4 was expressionless, just waiting for Kirk’s orders.

“Lieutenant B-4,” Kirk began, “You’ll replace Lieutenant Chekov as he needs to rest.”

“Aye, Captain!” B-4 replied, with a nod, “I am pleased to be of help.”

Chekov turned to face his Captain with a tired, but surprised expression. He was only 18, he had plenty of energy and enthusiasm... enough to keep him awake for another 24 hours if the need arose.

Kirk made a sign with his head for Chekov to stand up from his seat, allowing B-4 to take his place. Chekov hesitated, looking like a child who had just broken mom’s china.

“Come on, Chekov,” Kirk insisted, trying not to lose his temper, “You’re relieved… for now.”

Lieutenant Chekov stood up, but did not go very far. He stood to Kirk’s side, not knowing what to do.

Kirk completely ignored him, turning to face Sulu this time.

“Mr. Sulu, you’re also relieved for the moment,” Kirk commanded. “Commander La Forge will take your place.”

“Aye, Captain!” Sulu immediately stood up from his seat and seeing Chekov looking lost and bewildered, grabbed his arm, ushering him away from the Bridge.

La Forge sat on Sulu’s seat, feeling awkward that he was now under Kirk’s command. He missed his own ship, he missed engineering and most of all, he wanted to go back to his own time.

Leonard Picard was observing the whole scene with an amused expression.

“Captain Kirk,” Leonard called, approaching Kirk, “I would love to stay, but I must resume command aboard my own ship.”

“Sure, of course!” Kirk replied, offering his hand for a handshake. Leonard shook it vigorously, with a thank you nod.

“Please, contact me as soon as you and the other two Captains arrive at a decision whether or not to follow us to the 24th century…” Leonard winked at Kirk, trying to copy the 23rd Century way of being. His wink looked unnatural and artificial. Kirk could not hide a grin. He admired Leonard Picard more than he thought possible, and much more than he wanted to admit to himself.

“Lieutenant Uhura, would you please accompany Captain Picard Junior to Transport Room 1,” he ordered forcefully. “After that, you can go to your quarters.”

Leonard frowned, not knowing if Kirk was being serious or just being funny.

“Yes Sir!” she promptly replied, pressing her lips together to refrain from smiling.

At last, Kirk turned to face Commander Worf, who was standing nearby, contemplating the viewscreen. Worf had one arm in a sling and one hand behind his back. Kirk hesitated for a moment before joining him.

“Commander Worf,” he said, “Are you feeling better now?”

“Yes Sir,” Worf replied, with a nod. “Thank you for asking.”
Kirk also nodded, but he had not finished talking to Worf. “Commander Worf...” he began, but was unable to finish the sentence. Instead, Kirk turned to face Spock, who looked puzzled.

“Commander Worf,” he started once more, “Will you please take command of my ship in my absence?”

In Kirk’s wildest dreams, it would never have occurred to him that one day he would trust a Klingon to command the Enterprise … but those days were long gone, existing only in a parallel universe. Kirk was now a changed man. Everything had changed when Nero killed his father… their reality was irreversibly altered from that moment on.

All those present on the Bridge turned to face Kirk. Even Uhura and Leonard Picard, who by that point had reached the exit, stopped and turned toward Kirk. Everyone looked astounded.

Worf noticed their embarrassment. He looked around and took a deep breath. He showed pride, raising his chin and standing to attention. He thought of his human foster parents, who had adopted him when he was 5... he felt proud of them. He had not thought of them for a very long time.

“It will be an honor, Sir!” Worf finally replied, facing Kirk directly.

Kirk smiled at him and gave him a brief nod.

“I’m going to my quarters, Commander La Forge,” Kirk announced. “Please inform me when Captains Johnson and Pedersen are ready to be beamed aboard.”

“Yes Sir,” La Forge replied as Kirk turned his back, ready to depart from the Bridge.

Spock took hold of Kirk’s arm, preventing him from leaving. He was still in shock, not believing that Kirk had passed his command to Worf.

“What about me?” he asked in a low tone of voice.

Kirk turned to look at Spock squarely in the eye. He then replied, in the same low tone:

“Right now, Babette is in Picard’s quarters…” Kirk was serious this time. “I believe she wants to see you…”

Spock raised his eyebrows and slightly bent his head to one side. He then gave Kirk a look of understanding and nodded by way of a thank you.

............................

Chapter Twenty-Two
Enterprise
Year 2259
McCoy & Victoria

Victoria was sitting comfortably on a sofa, in McCoy’s quarters, waiting for him. She was wearing a robe and had a wine glass in her hands. She was feeling happy for the first time since she arrived aboard.

McCoy went to the ship’s mess hall to get them a late meal as they were both hungry.
.......................

Earlier, when arriving at McCoy’s quarters, Victoria and McCoy were both uneasy and silent.

She glanced around, paying attention to every single detail of the room, to every color, to the odors, the lights... taking in everything she could. She wanted to memorize those moments for as long as she lived.

His quarters were the way she expected it to be: spacious, but simple.
She spotted a bookshelf located at the left hand corner of the room, where many thick, old-looking books were on display.

She instinctively walked towards the bookshelf, took one of the books in her hands and started browsing through it. It was a volume of a Medical Encyclopedia.

“How do you…” Victoria was about to ask McCoy, but he interrupted her before she could finish the sentence.

“These books have been with my family for generations,” McCoy stated. “A distant ancestor, born in the 20th Century, was a famous doctor.”

She gave him a long look, as if she was really seeing him for the first time. She carefully replaced the heavy volume on the shelf. McCoy was gazing at her in silence.

“I’m sorry you had to witness that ‘embarrassing’ display earlier on, in my quarters…” Victoria began to explain herself to McCoy. She wanted so much to tell him how sorry she was for being caught red-handed having sex with Kirk. But she did not regret, nor felt guilty for what she had done. Her only regret was that McCoy had walked in on them while they were still copulating.

McCoy placed one finger on her lips to silent her.

“You don’t have to justify yourself to me, Victoria,” he replied, sounding very sympathetic towards her. “I’m not your owner. You are free to do whatever you wish with your life… I will never, ever judge you for that!”

“I love Kirk,” she said, without thinking; immediately ruing her words.

McCoy closed his eyes. He did not want to hear anymore, he was hurt.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that,” Victoria apologized, trying to make him feel better, but it was too late.
McCoy reopened his eyes and she could see his pain. His sad expression was heartrending.

“Look, I do love Kirk,” she began again, but McCoy interrupted her, making a sign with his hand... he did not want to hear further explanations. “… Don’t you understand?” she shouted this time. “… I love you more than anybody else in the whole Universe!”

Victoria suddenly burst into tears thinking how true her words were. She began to cry uncontrollably when she realized that she and McCoy were not meant to stay together.

McCoy took hold of her arms, giving her a tight embrace. Her sobs were loud, echoing throughout the room… tears rolled down his cheeks too. He knew why she was crying and felt a deep sorrow, thinking that he would have to let her go very soon and, probably, he would not be able to see her again.

Finally, with a loud cry of anger, she pushed him away from her and walked towards the window. She made a sign with her hand, not turning to face McCoy, but clearly making him understand to stay away, giving her time to regain control of her emotions.

To his total surprise, Victoria started laughing. She could not stop and her laugh became convulsive, mixed with tears. She suddenly stopped, turning abruptly to face McCoy. He now had a perplexed expression, probably thinking she had suffered a temporary loss of her mental faculties.

“We are completely idiots, you and I!” she exclaimed, smiling at him. “This is our night, our moment, and what we do... We spoil it with tears?”

Still with a smile on her face, she removed the top of her uniform and asked if she could use his shower.
He took a deep breath, admiring her semi-naked, perfect body, before he could answer: “Yes, of course”, pointing in the direction of the bathroom.

However, instead of moving towards the bathroom, Victoria stood still, if front of McCoy. She took hold of his right hand, caressing her cheek with the back of his hand.

“Would you like to join me?” she asked eagerly.

He did not reply, but gave Victoria a huge smile, taking her in his arms, giving her a long and passionate kiss.
..............................

McCoy entered the quarters, startling her. He was carrying a tray.

She was remembering their shower together, how erotic it was from the moment they got rid of their clothes... McCoy avidly kissed her breasts for an interminable moment... Then kneeling down, reaching for her intimate parts... finding his way with his tongue. By the time the water was running all over their naked bodies, his penis was erect and hard.

She blushed now, seeing McCoy completely dressed. She was still thinking of his penis, while under the shower, remembering its taste as she took it in her mouth.

He invited her to the table, passing her a food container.

Victoria sat at the table, which had only two chairs. The table was very small, made of solid crystal. She could clearly see the whole spectrum of rainbow colors as the light passed through it.

“What is that?” she asked with a frown as soon as she opened the container and the smell of tomato sauce entered through her nostrils.

“Spaghetti,” McCoy replied, looking surprised. “Don’t you eat Italian food in the 24th Century?” he smiled this time.

“Not very often, I guess…” she said, feeling embarrassed at her lack of knowledge about everything relating to Italian cuisine.

She took a mouthful of spaghetti, but she felt like spitting it out as soon as she started to chew it. She made a disgusted face as she swallowed the half-chewed food.

“What,” McCoy looked shocked. “Don’t you like it?”

“It’s very difficult to answer your question when you’re looking at me like that,” she replied, while coughing. They both laughed, feeling grateful for these fun-filled moments together.

McCoy finished his meal quickly, taking a loaf of Rosetta - Italian rose shaped dinner rolls - with him and placing it on his bedside table. He also placed his wine glass, which was still full, on the side table.

Victoria went to the bed, removing her robe graciously. McCoy walked around the bed, standing in front of her, caressing her body, feeling the softness of her skin.

She started undressing him, not allowing him to move a finger to help her. She wanted to do it herself, taking delight of every inch of his body as it was exposed to her.

Victoria was now breathless, admiring his virility as she tried oral sex once more. McCoy moaned, not wanting her to stop. Yet, he had to stop her, remembering Leonard Picard’s words.

I must make her pregnant! McCoy thought as he lay on the bed with her.

Victoria looked disappointed that he did not allow her to continue... although she knew exactly what they had to do.

She sat across him, his penis sliding smoothly inside her. He moaned with ecstasy as he penetrated deeper inside her warm wet vagina.

“I’m sorry, darling,” he said with a stifled voice, “But I can’t hold it any longer...”

“Then, don’t,” she shouted. “I’m coming too!”

They climaxed together, moaning with pleasure. It felt like time had stopped and they both wanted to prolong the moment for as long as they could, not wanting it to end... normal time ceased and it seemed as if they had touched eternity.
...................................

Chapter Twenty-Three
Enterprise
Year 2259
Spock & Babette

Arriving at Picard’s quarters, Spock found Babette sitting in a chair near Picard’s bed. Picard was asleep.

Babette gave Spock a smile... She knew he would come. She was waiting...

Standing up from her chair, she walked straight to him.

“I have to speak to you, Counselor,” Spock began, “You have not been out of my thoughts since the visions started.”

“I know, and I’m sorry for causing you this pain,” she replied affably, “The visions are to blame for you becoming obsessed about me.”

“No, not at all,” he disagreed. “I am obsessed about you, because I am truly, deeply in love with you.”

She looked at him with a glint of mischief, moving her body as if she was dancing in slow motion.

“You know,” she commented with a sparkle in her eyes. Her whole being was shining. “I’ve been in love with you since I was a child.”

He now looked at her befuddled.

“I had an imaginary friend called Spock,” she explained, “Then, when I grew older, my father told me who Spock really was.”

He trembled, feeling uneasy; although he stood quite motionless.

“You were and are my ideal man… the one I had idealized for myself,” she said, getting closer. Her eyes were velvet blue. “I wanted to know everything about you, even knowing…” she paused for a moment, avoiding his eyes. Her look was sad. He saw tears in her eyes. “…even knowing that you were not meant to be mine.”

Spock gently took hold of her chin, forcing her to face him. Tears were rolling down her cheeks... they were crystal clear, like morning dew, shimmering like candlelight. He kissed both her cheeks, drying the tears with his own lips. They tasted like raindrops.

“I’ve never had anyone, Spock,” she told him with a trembling voice. “I’m still waiting for you.”

Spock kissed Babette intensely, passionately. Their embrace lasted for a long moment. However, he knew, there was nothing he could say to make her feel better. As she had said, they did not belong to the same timeline. Fate had decided that they were destined not to be together.

Spock parted his body from hers. He took hold of her hand with the intention of taking her with him, away from Picard’s quarters.

Babette stopped him. She could not go...even though she wanted desperately to spend some time alone with him.

“This journey is not about you and me, Spock!” she said, sounding desperate for the first time. “We’re running out of time… My brother and I came back for our parents… and for other reasons that you will understand when the time is right.”

“What are you saying, Babette?” Spock’s look was also of despair. He felt a pain in his chest as if she had stabbed him with a dagger. “Are you saying that you did not come for me?”

She shook her head in a negative response.

“I’m sorry I had to use you that way…” she replied, taking hold of his hands. “But, I needed your help...”

Spock was the one avoiding her eyes now. He was deeply hurt and upset.

“Please, tell me you understand my reasons,” she begged him. Tears were rolling down Spock’s cheeks this time. She had never meant to hurt him, yet she knew she had to lose him in order to complete her quest. “Oh, please, tell me you forgive me...” she sobbed.

“Yes,” he answered, finding it difficult to breathe, his tears were suffocating him. “… I forgive you.”

Spock turned around, still not facing her. He left the quarters without a word.
Babette did not try to stop him. She placed both hands on her face, sobbing quietly.

“What is it, sweetheart?” Picard called. He had just woken up, not having seen Spock departing.

She turned to face her father and walked unsteadily towards his bed.

“Oh, dad,” she hugged him, trying not to be too rough, because he was still debilitated. She could not stop sobbing.

Picard caressed her back, attempting to calm her down. He did not ask what was bothering her. Some things are better remaining unsaid. All she needed was her father’s love and his shoulder to cry on.
............................

Chapter Twenty-Four
Enterprise
Year 2259
The Meeting


McCoy woke up with a sudden cry… He was having a terrible dream... In his dream, he saw Nero killing Victoria with a sword, decapitating her.

They were both naked under the covers. Victoria had her arms around his neck, but she was still asleep.

Before he could recall what she was doing there, the comm sounded.

“Counselor Victoria,” Kirk called. “Counselor, where are you?”

McCoy reached for his communicator on the bedside table. He knocked over his wine glass and almost took hold of the bread roll by mistake…

“She’s with me, Jim,” he informed absentmindedly. “She’s asleep.”

“Bones?” Kirk looked puzzled, “We… we’re having a meeting in the Conference room,” he said. He frowned, looking at the two Captains, who were chatting between themselves. “Something is happening to the Black Hole.”

“Understood,” McCoy replied, “We’re on our way!”

McCoy pulled himself free from Victoria’s embrace and stood up quickly, looking around for his uniform.

“What’s happening?” Victoria woke up alarmed.

“We’ve got to go... now!” he answered, clumsily trying to put on his trousers.
...........................

Arriving at the Conference Room, McCoy and Victoria met Kirk, who was just waiting for them to continue the meeting. Captain Johnson, Captain Pedersen, Scott, Spock, Uhura and Babette were already sat around the Conference Table.

Kirk looked at McCoy and Victoria with a dubious expression, which Victoria could not interpret.

“We apologize for being late,” McCoy said, trying not to meet Kirk’s eyes.

Kirk did not make any comment. He introduced Captains Johnson and Pedersen, and, as he started explaining the urgency of the situation, he was interrupted by Spock.

“The Black Hole is about to collapse into itself,” Spock informed.

“We must go to the future with Leonard Picard before it’s too late,” Kirk said. “They need our help to fight the Romulans and defeat Nero!”

“But, if the Black Hole collapses into itself, how can we return to our own time?” Captain Pedersen inquired a little apprehensively.

“Good question!” Uhura replied.

“The White Hole will be stable for while on the other side of the Black Hole,” Babette stated. “If you manage to come back while it’s still stable, you have a good chance to succeed.”

“You’ve never told us about your cloaking technology,” Scott said, in the hope that Babette would tell everything.

“We learnt it from the Klingons… they taught us,” she said. “The Klingon Empire and the Federation have helped each other on innumerable occasions in our time.”

“But we don’t have your cloaking technology... it will be greatly to our disadvantage when facing the Romulans,” Captain Johnson remarked.

“We don’t have time to discuss this now,” Kirk said out loud. “We must act, NOW!”

All those present looked at him, not daring to disagree.

“You, Captains, return to your own ships and make ready for combat!” Kirk commanded. Then, facing the rest of the group, he said: “Everyone else, return to your positions… Prepare the Enterprise for battle!”

When everybody was about to leave the room, Victoria hesitated for a moment before approaching Kirk. Her eyes were showing strength and courage in the face of imminent danger. She should be a Captain, not a Counselor, he thought.

“Babette, Jean-Luc and I should be transferred to the Enterprise-G,” she said.

McCoy, who was at her side, gazed at Kirk, shaking his head in disapproval.

Kirk shared McCoy’s concern, disagreeing with Victoria: “No, you stay with us!”

“You know Jean-Luc and I will be safe aboard the Enterprise-G with our children,” she insisted, looking at the two of them visibly upset. “We belong there!”

Kirk remained silent for a moment or two. McCoy was still shaking his head in disapproval; although he wasn’t facing Kirk or Victoria.

“She’s right!” McCoy agreed in a sudden, loud response. “She’s right,” he repeated with a sigh, “Let them go.”

Kirk finally nodded in agreement, still not sure if he was doing the right thing. They all left the Conference room.
...........................

Chapter Twenty-Five
Enterprise
Year 2259
The Battle
(Part 1)

Arriving on the Bridge, Kirk hailed Leonard Picard to inform him that they were about to transfer Jean-Luc, Babette and Victoria to the Enterprise-G.

McCoy, Victoria, Jean-Luc and Babette, were in Picard’s quarters. They were waiting to be beamed. Victoria and Babette were holding Jean-Luc’s hands. They were positioned on each side of his bed. Picard was awake, in a sitting position.

McCoy looked at Victoria, showing frustration and despair. There was nothing he could say or do to make her stay. He was feeling totally impotent to change the situation.

Victoria gave McCoy a sad look and smiled at him. She wanted to stay. However, she knew that she could not. She had to think of her children first.

“Captain Picard,” McCoy said, his voice sounding feeble, “It was a pleasure having you aboard the Enterprise.”

“Thank you, Dr. McCoy,” Picard replied, he looked and sounded a lot better... almost completely recovered. “I owe you my life!”

“You don’t owe me anything,” McCoy said; his voice now regaining strength, “My duty is to save lives.” He tried a smile and walked towards Picard’s bed, standing right beside Victoria, placing one hand on her shoulder.

Picard faced them both with a puzzled expression. He felt, in the depths of his soul, there was something personal going on between the two of them. But, he could not tell for sure. Victoria wasn’t facing him. She was gazing at Babette.

Babette was absent-minded, not paying attention to any of them. Every now and again she glanced at the door, hoping that Spock would come to say goodbye. But he didn’t come.

The comm sounded. It was Kirk informing them that the Enterprise-G was ready for the transfer.

McCoy moved away from the bed, facing only Victoria this time. He hesitated for a long while.

“Dr. McCoy,” Kirk insisted impatiently. “Are they ready to be beamed?”

“Yes, they’re ready,” McCoy replied, sounding beaten.

Victoria turned to face McCoy and raised her hand by way of goodbye. She wasn’t smiling. Her eyes were violet. The three of them dematerialized in a beam of light, disappearing from his sight.

“Damnit!” McCoy shouted as soon as they were gone.
..............................

Spock resumed his position as second in command and Kirk asked Commander Worf to remain on the Bridge as his Tactical Adviser.

Kirk also knew he would need B-4’s skills when fighting the future Romulans; so, he asked him to remain at his post.

Chekov returned from his quarters, ready to resume his duties, but Kirk ordered him to assist B-4. Chekov looked disappointed that he had been replaced, even if only temporarily. He added an extra seat, sitting beside B-4. They had to share the same console.

B-4, who had an inquisitive expression on his face, noticing that Lieutenant Chekov was reluctant about using his own console, took hold of his hand, encouraging him to participate... guiding his hand towards the touch screen.

Kirk, who was observing the scene quietly, failed to hide a wide grin.

Lieutenant Sulu also entered the Bridge, ready to resume his duties.

“Commander La Forge,” Kirk called. “Would you be so kind to give a hand to Mr. Scott in engineering?”

“Yes Sir!” La Forge replied, happily standing up from Sulu’s seat. He felt relieved to finally being able to use his abilities as one of the best Starfleet Engineers of all times. Sulu shook La Forge’s hand as soon as he stood up in way of saying: Well done, Nice job! Although he also meant: Good luck!

“La Forge,” Kirk called once more, before he could take a step towards the exit of the Bridge. “Scotty is a numbnut, don’t pay attention to his barks... He doesn’t bite!” Kirk gave him a half-smile.

Geordi understood Kirk was not being serious and smiled back, with a nod.

In the meantime, Leonard Picard hailed Kirk, telling him they were ready to create the Einstein-Rosen Bridge as soon as the Enterprise, the Tonelero and the Nimitz were ready.

“To all decks, this is Captain Kirk,” he announced. “We are about to join Battle against the Romulans. This is a Battle we must not lose… The whole future of mankind depends on the outcome of this battle,” Kirk continued his speech. All those present on the Bridge exchanged disquieted looks. “To quote Admiral Nelson: ‘The Earth expects every man and woman to do their duty’. Stand to battle stations and Good luck! Kirk out.”

“The Tonelero and the Nimitz are ready, Sir,” Sulu informed.

Ready to Rock-n-roll! Kirk thought, while facing the screen.
............................

The Enterprise-G, once more, hailed Kirk. Leonard Picard was visible onscreen. He informed Kirk about the warp speed they should be travelling inside the wormhole. He also informed Kirk that the Enterprise-G would be cloaking moments before entering the Einstein-Rosen Bridge.

“We will be the first ones to cross the wormhole,” Leonard said, with Victoria on his right side and Babette to his left. “We will be firing on Romulans before they are able to defend themselves, giving you time to cross safely.”

“We’ll be right behind you,” Kirk assured Leonard Picard, looking at Victoria’s face, who was showing only confidence and pride.

“The time travel will be instantaneous,” Leonard confirmed. “We will meet you there!”

Kirk gave him a nod and communication was ceased.

“A massive magnetic field has been created all around the Enterprise-G, Captain,” Scott called from the engineering, “...The Enterprise is losing power… we’ll be crushed in less than one minute.”

“Shields up!” Kirk commanded.

An astonishing magnetic gate had been created for their eyes alone to witness. They could see the inside of the tunnel... the walls did not look unstable like a wormhole should look… it was solid, almost like ice. The walls were made of trillions of tiny spots of light, glittering as if they were in constant movement. The tunnel was the color of blue.

“Wow, it’s beautiful!” Chekov exclaimed with awe.

The Enterprise-G cloaked, and a sudden bright light flashed from inside the tunnel.

“This is our cue, Sir,” Sulu informed. “It’s our turn to go.”

“Warp 5, Mr. Sulu,” Kirk ordered. “Let’s cross the Bridge!”
..........................

Chapter Twenty-Five
Year 2379
The Battle
(Part 2)

The time travel was instantaneous, just as Leonard Picard had said. Kirk saw the Romulans were firing against an apparently empty space. The cloaked Enterprise-G appeared at the exact location, at the exact moment in time where Jean-Luc’s Enterprise had been before being swallowed by the wormhole. The Romulans ceased fire for a brief moment, noticing with surprise, that Jean-Luc’s Enterprise was no longer there.

The whole scene seemed like a movie being played in reverse... as if someone had pressed the pause button on their remote control. Then restarted it backwards from where it had stopped.

Leonard Picard’s cloaking technology was so far advanced that the Romulans could not detect the invisible ship. They were taken completely by surprise as the Enterprise-G commenced firing, giving time for the Tonelero and the Nimitz to emerge safely from the White Hole.

“Fire at will!” Kirk shouted. “Let the bastards know Leonard is not alone.”

A Romulan war-bird was focused on Kirk’s Enterprise as Leonard’s Enterprise was being increasingly bombarded by the Torian. Leonard’s cloaked ship revealed its position for a fraction of a second, when Kirk could clearly see the shape of the Enterprise-G. Leonard was holding the initial assault without difficulty.

The other two Romulan vessels concentrated their fire on the Tonelero and the Nimitz.

“Captain, our shields are down to 80%,” Scott shouted from engineering. “We’re losing power!”

“Mr. Sulu, lock on the target... Fire everything we’ve got!” Kirk bellowed at the top of his voice.
.............................

In Engineering, La Forge approached Scott, presenting himself. He looked calm and controlled, in spite of the situation. Scott, on the other hand, was very agitated and impatient.

“Oh, you’re one of the chaps from the future?” He uttered, taking a good look and giving La Forge a close inspection, looking him over from head to toe. “Come on man, don’t stand there looking like a wet weekend. Let’s get on with it!”

Geordi looked puzzled for a second, trying to digest Scott’s words. He took a deep breath, quickly glancing at the Enterprise’s Matter/Anti-matter Reaction Chamber as displayed on the engineering computer screen.

“You don’t have much of a Warp Core here,” La Forge commented as he took hold of a touch screen pad.

“Don’t you dare offend my Lady,” Scott retorted, referring to the Enterprise. He felt offended by La Forge’s remark. “She’s my prima-donna!”

La Forge grinned at his comment. He was frenetically working on an equation and asked permission to use Scott’s console. Scott agreed with a nod, still showing annoyance at La Forge’s discourtesy.

A string of numbers appeared on the computer screen... new equations were automatically being created in a non-stop sequence, taking hundreds of pages. It appeared as though the computer had gone mad.

“What are you trying to achieve with those equations?” Scotty asked, sounding skeptical.

“I’m trying to obtain more power from your warp reactor, Mr. Scott!” Geordi replied patiently.
...........................

Meanwhile, Captain Pedersen was ordering her communications officer: “S.O.S, Send an S.O.S signal… NOW!”

Their shields were down to 30%. They were about to suffer a massive blackout. The non-stop power surge and the incessant incoming fire from the war-bird were causing more damage than Captain Pedersen was prepared for. Short circuits and resulting fires in a number of consoles were keeping the Bridge’s crew more than busy.

Captain Pedersen took a glance at Kirk’s Enterprise, hoping that Kirk would be able to receive their desperate call for help. However, she had a stern expression on her face and was prepared for a fight to the last.
.............................


“Sir, I’m receiving a distress call from the Nimitz… but the signal is very weak,” B-4 had just time to pronounce those words, before their communications were cut off. “…I believe they are in serious danger, Sir… their shields are not holding.”

“Hail Captain Pedersen, Mr. B-4!” Kirk ordered in a urgent tone of voice. He thought, for a momemt, that both the Tonelero and the Nimitz were Constitution-Class Ships, the same as the Enterprise. He was wondering why the Nimitz was already in trouble.

“Our communications are offline, Sir,” B-4 replied as he typed, with rapid movements of his hands, a message to send to Captain Leonard Picard. He used a low radio frequency, sending the message in old fashioned Morse code. “I’ve just sent a message addressed to the Enterprise-G, using Morse code…”

“Morse code,” Kirk uttered. What did you say to them?”

“The message was: ‘we are unable to help the Nimitz – stop – they need immediate aid – stop’.” B-4 replied, showing total confidence in his telegraphic skills.

“They won’t be able to read it,” Kirk said looking apprehensive. “...Morse code hasn’t been used since sometime back in the 21st Century...”
............................

Onboard the Enterprise-G, Leonard Picard was informed that they were receiving an intermittent signal from Kirk’s Enterprise.

“It appears to be a coded message, Sir,” Lieutenant Clark commented, sounding concerned. “I’m unable to decode it.”

“It’s Lieutenant B-4,” Victoria uttered. “...He’s the one sending the message. He’s trying to tell us something extremely important!”

Leonard turned to face Babette, who shook her head. She could not use her telepathic abilities on B-4’s positronic brain.

Jean-Luc Picard had just entered the Enterprise-G’s Bridge. He was using a wheelchair, enabling him to move freely around the ship.

“Morse Code,” Jean-Luc assured them, with confidence. “Lieutenant B-4 is using Morse Code.”

“Are you able to decode his message, Captain?” Victoria asked, feeling enthusiastic that Jean-Luc was participating, even in a small part, with their tactical strategies.

“Yes, well… I’ve learned the basics… I’m a little rusty…” he replied, sounding apologetic. “… I believe he’s trying to tell us that the Nimitz needs immediate aid.”

“Thank you, Sir!” Leonard promptly replied, respecting Jean-Luc’s senior rank. He then turned to face Lieutenant Clark, giving her a decisive order: “Miss Clark, uncloak the Enterprise-G; evasive maneuver!”
Leonard’s ship moved away so quickly that it was almost impossible for the human eye to observe it.

As soon as they have reached the Nimitz’s location, Leonard commanded: “Fire all weapons on the Romulan war-bird!”
..................................

Aboard the Enterprise, Kirk’s eagle eye caught a glimpse of Leonard’s Enterprise uncloaking, moving away from the Torian’s intensive fire and quickly joining the Nimitz... firing at the Romulan war-bird with their photon and quantum torpedoes.
..................................

The Tonelero was holding the assault for the moment. Captain Johnson was confident that they would overcome the Romulans. His crew members were well organized, professional and worked brilliantly as a team. They were giving Captain Johnson their very best. He and his tactical team were working exceptionally hard in order to outsmart the Romulan war-bird.

The Tonelero fire-power was matching the war-bird, which was continuously attacking them. The Tonelero was using all its phasers and photon torpedoes as an attack and defensive measure.
....................................

Kirk turned to face his crew. They all looked at him with confidence at his assured ability to command under pressure and in extreme circumstances.

“Our shields are less than 60% now,” Sulu informed, turning to face his Captain.

“Mr. Sulu, evasive maneuver,” Kirk ordered pointing at the screen. “Keep tracking their every move!”

The Enterprise momentarily moved away from the Romulan fire, giving them time to recover from the first assault.

The D’deridex-Class war-bird followed Kirk, intensifying their fire, using their quantum torpedoes, which the Enterprise was effectively defenseless against, with its shields so dangerously depleted.

“Shields down to 45%, Sir!” Chekov informed, turning to face his Captain with a worried expression.

A sudden flash of intermittent light appeared, completely surrounding the Enterprise. The light reflected the entire rainbow spectrum.
..................................

“Unbelievable, it worked!” Scott shouted, jumping up and down around La Forge. “That was pure genius!”

La Forge did not share the same enthusiasm as Scott. He half smiled, nodding, still staring at the computer screen.

“What was that, Mr. Scott?” Kirk asked from the Bridge, with a mixture of preoccupation and astonishment on his face.

“That’s our extra coat of shielding, Captain!” Scott replied, still celebrating.

“The shields are back to 100%, Sir,” B-4 announced in a satisfied tone of voice.

“Let’s cripple that son of a bitch!” Kirk spoke, referring to the Romulan war-bird that was still firing on them unmercifully.

“Target locked on, Sir,” Sulu promptly replied.

“Fire everything!” Kirk shouted.

The war-bird blew up in a nanosecond, making Chekov jump from his seat, raising his hands up and uttering a loud: “YES!”
..............................

In the meantime, Captain Leonard Picard destroyed the Romulan vessel that was firing on the Nimitz and began to fire on the war-bird that was attacking the Tonelero. At the same instant, Leonard was majestically taking evasive action in order to obviate the incoming fire from the Torian.

When the Tonelero finally destroyed the last war-bird, the Torian ceased their attack.

Kirk’s Enterprise had come through the battle with minor damage and with no casualties; whereas the Tonelero and the Nimitz had suffered more substantial damage and a number of casualties.
.............................

Captain Leonard Picard hailed the Torian asking for Nero.

T’Kala was now displaying onscreen. Nero was at her side.
T’Kala looked disconcerted, but Nero appeared to be controlled.

“We order your immediate surrender and the release of Dr. Beverly Crusher!” Leonard Picard demanded.

“Who are you?” Nero inquired perplexed.

“I am Leonard Picard, Captain of the USS Enterprise-G,” he replied, showing an austere composure.
............................

Kirk ordered Sulu to hail the Torian.

“They’re already engaged with the Enterprise-G, Sir,” Sulu informed.

“Open a secondary channel, so we can assist Captain Leonard Picard with the negotiations,” Kirk commanded.

The screen was now displaying two simultaneous images: Leonard Picard on the right side, Nero and T’Kala on the left.

“Nero,” Kirk said with a derisive smile, “I’m so displeased to see you’re still alive!”

Nero, now in a rage, interrupted communications, keeping the Torian’s shields up. The Romulans were probably deciding what would be their next move.

“They did not have time to figure out what happened to Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the Enterprise-E when it suddenly disappeared inside the wormhole, created by La Forge,” Spock commented, sounding unusually sarcastic, “...And now, we are here to defy all possible explanations…”
.............................

“We’ve been hailed, Sir,” Sulu informed.

“Onscreen!” Kirk ordered.

The screen was once more showing two simultaneous images. Kirk saw Nero on the left side and Leonard Picard on the right.

“We will be releasing Dr. Crusher,” Nero confirmed. “But, in exchange, we want you, Captain Kirk!”

Kirk turned to face Spock with a look of disbelief and scorn.

“Take me!” Victoria uttered from the Enterprise-G, taking a step forward. “I’m more valuable to the Romulans than Captain Kirk.”

“NO!” both McCoy and Leonard Picard shouted in unison. McCoy had just entered the Bridge aboard the Enterprise and Leonard Picard was standing right beside Victoria aboard the Enterprise-G.

Nero, noticing their concern, gave them a cynical smile. He went silent for a moment before deciding to speak… he could clearly see that Counselor Victoria would be the perfect trade, considering their vehement reaction.

“Yes, you are more valuable, Counselor,” Nero replied. “You have ten minutes to come aboard the Torian… or Dr. Crusher will die!” He ceased communications.

“I’m going aboard the Torian too, Captain Picard,” Kirk assured Leonard, “I will give up my life for hers, if I have to...” he said without hesitation. “Just give us time to do this right,” his voice sounded nervous.

“You heard Nero,” Victoria replied. “You have less than nine minutes now.” She was not showing so much confidence anymore.

Leonard Picard also ceased communications. Kirk contacted engineering: “Scotty, La Forge… you must find a way to beam myself and Mr. Sulu aboard the Torian as soon as they have their shields down”, Kirk ordered. “You have one minute to come up with something.”

Kirk passed his command to Spock and left the Bridge, heading to Transporter Room 1, accompanied by Sulu. McCoy followed them.

“I’m coming with you, Jim!” McCoy called, trying to catch up with Kirk and Sulu, who were walking pretty fast.

“No, Bones, you’re not properly trained for combat”, Kirk replied.

“Of course I am!” McCoy protested, with anger in his voice, “And I won’t allow the woman I love to die,” He persisted. “She’s carrying my baby.”

Kirk looked shocked and was speechless for a moment.

“What,” he said, grabbing McCoy by his collar, “What did you say?”

“She’s pregnant!” McCoy replied fearlessly. He was already expecting Kirk to react that way.

“You screwed her, you son of a bitch?” Kirk had his fist clenched, ready to hit McCoy. Sulu tried to intervene, but Kirk shouted at him to stay away.

“Do you want a fight?” McCoy also had his fist clenched and ready to hit Kirk. “Fine, I’m ready!” he uttered, his face had turned beetroot red. “But, what’s the point? It will be of no use... we both know she doesn’t belong to our time.”

Kirk calmed himself down for a moment and looked pensive, although he was still ready to hit McCoy.

“How do you know the baby is yours?” he asked, feeling hopeful for a split second. “I’ve been with her too…”

“Leonard,” McCoy explained, lowering his fist. “He told me.”

La Forge hailed Kirk, informing they would have less than two seconds to be beamed while the Torian shields were down. Kirk did not move, nor reply.

“Captain,” Sulu called, trying to bring Kirk back to his senses, “We must go if you want to save Counselor Victoria!”

Kirk, letting go of McCoy’s collar, pushed him away angrily. Then he turned his back, walking towards the lift. He was breathing heavily.

Sulu and McCoy followed him without saying a word.

“You must not fail, Geordi,” Kirk said, using his communicator, “This is our only chance!”

“Aye, Captain,” La Forge replied.

“Dr. McCoy needs a phaser, Sir,” Sulu suggested.

Kirk unfolded his own phaser, hitting McCoy hard in the stomach with the weapon. McCoy was taken by surprise and made a stifled groaning sound, quickly getting hold of the phaser, preventing it from falling on the floor.

Arriving at the transporter room, they placed themselves on the platform, ready to be beamed.

“Their shields are down, Captain,” Scott informed.

“Energize!” Kirk commanded out loud.
...........................

Chapter Twenty-Six
The Torian
Year 2379
The Rescue Mission
(Part 1)

Kirk, McCoy and Sulu arrived aboard the Torian. They were accidentally beamed inside the ship’s magazine. No one was in sight, but they were trapped.

“Oh, wow, that was a great move, Scotty!” Kirk shouted, raising his arms as if Scott could see him and hear his angry words. His explosive reaction was to kick the walls and a few metallic containers that were in his way.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you...” McCoy said with an expression of total disapproval on his face.

“Now what?” Kirk asked, sounding less angry and a little ironic.

“Hold on a second, Sir,” Sulu replied, walking towards a sinister looking door, displaying protruding symbols. There was a small box on the left side of the door, it was not locked.

Sulu tried the lever lock to open it. Inside the box there was a panel with encrypted buttons.

Using his tricorder, Sulu was able to decipher the encrypted symbols, quickly finding the combination and finally opening the door.

Kirk gave Sulu a congratulatory tap on his shoulder, winking at him. At the same time, he placed his right index finger covering his own mouth, making Sulu understand that they should not talk.

They moved on from the magazine with extreme caution, hiding in a recess within a long corridor.

However, their precautionary measure seemed totally unnecessary. The few Romulans who did pass by showed no interest and ignored them completely.

“Something is seriously wrong here”, Kirk muttered, facing McCoy who was to his right side. They were still hiding in the same position. However, it was blatantly obvious the Romulans already knew they were aboard.

“No point in trying to surprise them,” McCoy suggested, speaking in a normal tone of voice. “It would be wiser to speak directly to the Romulan Ambassador… she might agree that a war between the Romulan Empire and the Federation would be a tragic mistake!”

“Yes, you’re damn right!” Kirk exclaimed, coming out from their hiding place, making themselves visible to the few Romulans passing through the area.

Raising his hands, Kirk stood in front a gigantic Romulan, who was completely expressionless.

“Hey, you, Mr. Goliath,” Kirk’s words sounded ridiculous to say the least, “…We’d like to have a word with your Ambassador, if you would be so kind as to escort us to her…”

Looking directly at Kirk, the Romulan opened his mouth to speak and what came out was a gargled roar. He kept on walking, pushing Kirk to one side.

“That was weird!” Kirk said, with a blank expression on his face. McCoy and Sulu also looking dumfounded at the Romulan’s reaction.

The three of them began walking down the corridor, having no idea where to go.

“What’s going on in here?” McCoy said a little apprehensively. “…Whatever their intentions are, I sure as hell don’t like it…”

Turning at the nearest corner, which led them to another long corridor, they saw T’Kala, who was patiently waiting for them. She had both hands behind her back and an odd smile on her face. She was escorted by two ‘gorilla-like’ bodyguards.

“Captain James Tiberius Kirk!” T’Kala uttered sounding genuinely pleased to see him. She had a malicious glint showing in her eyes. “…Let me take a good look at you…”

She walked towards Kirk, who was standing absolutely still, as if to attention.

“I thought I would never live to see this day, when I would meet the legendary Captain Kirk face to face!” T’Kala placed her hand on his face, giving it a soft massage. She then caressed his muscular chest, lowering her hand with the clear intention of reaching for his intimate parts.

Kirk stopped her, taking a firm grip of her hand. He threw her a disbelieving look.

She laughed loudly, retracting her hand effortlessly; casting Kirk a final mischievous glance: “Yes, that’s how I like my men: young and strong!”

T’Kala went closer, whispering in his ear: “I would be delighted to put my hands all over your body.”

After that, she walked around Kirk to have a good three-dimensional view of his whole body, completely ignoring McCoy and Sulu, as if they were transparent. They were also standing to attention.

She slapped Kirk’s butt, startling him.

“I’d love to have you as my personal slave…” she said out loud, “…but, of course, that will never happen...” she sighed. “Come now, follow me,” she called, turning her back on them. “…and bring your Spaniels with you… if you must!”

Her bodyguards followed her, walking steadily by her side.

“…Charming, isn’t she?” McCoy commented as soon as T’Kala was far enough ahead not to hear his words, casting Kirk a crossed-eyed look.
........................

Chapter Twenty-Six
The Torian
Year 2379
The Rescue Mission
(Part 2)

Arriving at a security cell, Kirk, McCoy and Sulu met Nero and a few Romulan guards. Nero immediately took a step forward at the sight of Kirk, as if ready to attack. His look was menacing and more frightening than Kirk had expected. Especially now that his face was deformed with scars caused by severe burns.

Victoria and Leonard Picard were standing in a corner of the prison cell. They were visible through the energy field, which was active, also keeping them prisoners. Victoria looked very pale and harassed.

“You didn’t trust me enough, Captain Picard?” Kirk said, looking Leonard Picard squarely in the eye, sounding very upset. “Why did you have to come?”

“I’m sorry, Captain Kirk, but I could not allow my mother to come aboard the Torian by herself…” Leonard replied, sounding calm and controlled.

Only then Kirk noticed Dr. Beverly Crusher, who was sitting on the prison cell bed. She did not look at all well. She had bruises on her face and a bare foot, which was swollen, showing black and blue bruising, probably caused by a broken ankle. Kirk could only guess Nero had beaten the woman several times and dragged her around like a rag doll.

T’Kala gave Kirk a caustic look when he turned to face her, with a shocked expression. McCoy also looked horrified, but she pretended not to notice it.

Nero did not speak, but had a sinister smile on his face. T’Kala seemed amused with the whole situation for a moment. Yet, she rapidly changed her mood, looking annoyed and impatient. She sighed loudly, before deciding to speak:

“All right, it’s time to conclude our negotiations now…” she pronounced the words looking directly at Nero. She then, abruptly turned to face Kirk and also gave a quick glance at Leonard Picard. “We don’t want to start a war against the Federation,” she stated. “The Romulan Star Empire is not ready for a war… well, at least, not yet!”

Nero’s eyes bulged as he gave her an incredulous look.

“What are you doing?” he protested, glaring at her with accusing eyes. “This is our chance to stop them before it’s too late!”

“I made the biggest mistake of my whole career when I took you aboard the Torian, Nero!” she retorted, looking aloof and showing no emotion whatsoever. “…You are nothing more than excrement, an outcast, a wastrel… you shamed the Romulan Empire, causing us nothing but trouble!”

Nero’s chest swelled, resembling a puffer-fish ready to explode. His face was livid, turning purple with rage.

“I’ve been deceived by your words, believing that we were in danger of extinction… but, then, I realized that you are a liar, as well as being totally insane,” she continued with her insults, “…Romulus will never be destroyed!”

She made a sign with her head to the guards so as to make them understand they must be ready to obey her orders.

“No, you’re mistaken... you must believe me!” Nero shouted, sounding completely demented and out of control.

“Lock him in a maximum security cell!” she stormed at the guards. “Take him out of my sight!”

Four guards grabbed him by his arms. He tried to resist, yelling furiously.

Once Nero was out of the room, T’Kala ordered her personal bodyguards to break the energy field.

McCoy quickly went to Dr. Crusher, using a tricorder to check her condition.

“Her ankle is not fractured, but it has suffered a severe sprain,” he said out loud. “I don’t have my first aid kit with me…” he looked into Beverly’s eyes, “…I’m sorry, Dr. Crusher…”

“That’s alright,” she replied. “It looks worse than it is…” she tried a smile, although it looked more like a grimace.

Victoria sat on the bed beside Dr. Crusher, getting hold of her hand, comforting her. She also took the opportunity to exchange a loving look with McCoy.

McCoy noticed that Victoria was wearing the Entreprise-G’s uniform, which fitted her perfectly.

Kirk turned to face T’Kala. She wasn’t smiling, but she had an amicable expression on her face.

“You are free to leave the Torian in peace…” T’Kala assured Kirk and Leonard Picard. “And, as for Nero… we’ll take care of him.”

“Thank you, Ambassador!” Kirk replied, sounding genuinely grateful.

He thought about offering his hand in friendship, but changed his mind. He was not sure that he could really trust her.

McCoy and Victoria helped Dr. Crusher to stand on her feet. She was unable to walk without help.
.............................

As they left the security cell, walking along the corridor, which would lead them to a transporter room, Nero appeared from nowhere… He, somehow, managed to kill the guards, taking hold of a weapon, which resembled a phaser.

Nero grabbed Victoria by the arm, pressing her body against his, taking a firm grasp of her. With one hand he pointed the phaser directly at Kirk and at the same time holding a dagger to Victoria’s neck.

She was choking, the dagger made a small hole on her neck, which started bleeding.

“Let go of her, you bastard!” Kirk ordered forcefully. “You hurt her and I swear to God, I’ll go after your wife and kill her myself… a life for a life, does that sound reasonable to you?” Kirk had real evil in his eyes for the first time in his life, looking bone-chilling macabre.

Nero seemed disconcerted and surprised for a moment. He was also incredulous. He knew Kirk was anything but a murderer. His reaction was to laugh out loud, showing nothing but scorn for Kirk and his crew members.

“No, you won’t, Captain Kirk... You don’t have the balls!” he literally spat out the words.

“No?” Kirk glared, with an atrocious expression, “Just try me, you asshole!” he said, sounding very convincing.

Nero started walking backwards with Victoria. He moved away slowly, with a staggered expression... his eyes almost popping out of his head.

“Make the wrong move and your precious Counselor will die!” he said, his voice sounding hoarse.

Nero forced Victoria inside a lift, quickly entering with her and shutting the doors, disappearing from the sight of Kirk and the others.

Kirk immediately turned to T’Kala: “Inform your Captain to keep on tracking their movements…” he then turned to face Leonard Picard, “Where would he go?”

“To the Shuttlebay!” Leonard Picard, McCoy and Sulu replied in unison.

“The nearest one is two decks below,” T’Kala informed. “Hurry up!”

McCoy left Dr. Beverly Crusher in Leonard’s hands. He gave Leonard a look of command, which could only be interpreted as: "Do not follow me or try to help us this time. I’m your father, he meant. Do as I say!"

Leonard did not look happy to be left out, though, he would not disobey his father... even though he outranked McCoy.

Kirk, Sulu and McCoy ran after Nero, also taking the lift that would lead them direct to the Shuttlebay.

Arriving at the launching platform, they realized it was too late… Several Romulans were lying dead on the floor. Nero and Victoria were already inside a shuttlecraft. Nero was now activating all the systems. Soon, they would be ready to depart.

The Launch Bay doors were shut. However, Nero would certainly find a way to pass through it.

McCoy desperately tried to go after them, but Kirk and Sulu stopped him, firmly grabbing him by the arms and preventing him running towards the shuttlecraft.

“WE MUST LEAVE!” Kirk shouted at the top of his voice in order to be heard. The shuttlecraft’s noise was deafening and the thrust produced from the nacelles (warp turbines) was creating a powerful flow of air, enough to make them very unsteady on their feet.

Kirk and Sulu dragged McCoy out of the Shuttlebay, closing the sliding doors behind them.

They made it just in time to avoid the worst of the explosive blast as Nero blew out the Launch Bay doors. He was also able to deactivate the Torian’s shields for a brief moment, giving him just enough time for the shuttlecraft to depart from the Torian unharmed.
..........................

Chapter Twenty-Seven
Year 2379
The Dagnors

Arriving aboard the Enterprise, Kirk ordered B-4 to follow Nero’s shuttlecraft.

Nero was leading them to a ‘Class M’ planet located in a nearby solar system.

“Did you try to track their signal and beam them aboard the Enterprise?” Kirk asked Spock directly.

Yes, Captain, we tried that,” Spock replied in a very professional manner. “But, apparently Nero has either activated the Deploy Armor, using voice command, or he had already pressed the Ablative Hull Armor Generator button, allowing the Ablative Shields to be erected…” Spock turned to face the viewscreen for a split second, “Captain Leonard Picard has informed us that their ship is also unable to penetrate the shuttlecraft’s shields…”

“What the hell does Nero have in mind?” Kirk said, feeling irate. “He cannot run forever?”

“He has lost his mind, Jim,” Spock replied. “And this is not favorable to Counselor Victoria…” Spock had a serious look on his face. He paused for a brief moment, before concluding: “He might kill her.”

Kirk faced Spock with an apprehensive look, not replying to his comment. He knew Spock was right and the thought was terrifying.

The Enterprise-G, the Tonelero, the Nimitz, and the Torian... they were also following Nero.

Leonard Picard hailed Kirk and Captains Johnson and Pedersen simultaneously, informing them about the planet Dagnor. Kirk could now see Leonard Picard, Babette and Jean-Luc on the center of the screen. Captains Johnson and Pedersen appeared on the left and right of the screen.

“The Dagnors are a pre-warp civilization…” Leonard said, sounding concerned. “They are Stone Age people and very warlike and tribal.”

“There are approximate two million Dagnors spread throughout the planet, Sir,” Chekov interrupted, turning to face Kirk.

“I must remind you of the Prime Directive, Captain,” Spock advised.

“To hell with the Prime Directive!” Kirk retorted sharply. “Counselor Victoria’s life is much more important to us… Our very lives and our future depend on her survival!”

“They are warriors,” Leonard Picard continued with his account. “They are physically strong and well-skilled in combat… and they are extremely violent.”

“They often sacrifice their victims lives as an offer to their gods,” Babette spoke in Leonard’s place as soon as she noticed that he was unable to continue with his account. She took a deep breath before pronouncing her last words: “They also have a tendency to cannibalism.”

“Thank you, Captain Leonard Picard and Counselor Babette,” Kirk replied, also giving a brief nod to Captain Johnson and Captain Pedersen. Communications were ceased between the four ships.

Hold on Victoria! Kirk thought, with a worried expression.

.....................

Arriving at the planet Dagnor, the ships went into immediate orbit.

The Enterprise sensors had located Nero’s shuttlecraft, which had landed on Dagnor.

Leonard Picard and Counselor Babette, along with other crew members from the Enterprise-G, troops from the Tonelero and the Nimitz, Kirk, Sulu, McCoy, Spock, Uhura, B-4 and La Forge and also troops from the Torian, they all descended in shuttlecrafts.

Landing on the surface of the planet, Kirk and the others soon realized how luxuriant the flora was, with thick forest, dark and sinister paths leading nowhere.

Kirk, McCoy, Spock, Sulu, Uhura, La Forge, B-4, Leonard Picard and Babette, formed the leading group. All the others gathered together in similar small groups. They were moving with extreme caution.

Squeaks and screeches, unknown animal cries, followed by a sudden silence and then noises again… made them aware of the danger. The Dagnors were everywhere, observing them from hidden places, blending in with the forest.

Using tricorders, they could scan for Victoria and Nero’s current position.

“They are not far away from here,” Leonard Picard informed, “They are among a small group of Dagnors.”

One of the Federation groups had been attacked. The Dagnors caught them by surprise. They were part of the Tonelero troop.

The Dagnors were more clever than they had expected. They were able to vanish and suddenly reappear out of nowhere; they moved so fast, becoming almost invisible to the naked eye.

Kirk’s group (and the other groups), could hear the members of the troop, who had suffered the attack, screaming and crying for help. Kirk’s group ran to their aid, but arriving too late to save them… The Dagnors had killed every member of the group, causing the rest of the troops to be even more cautious and alert.

La Forge’s ocular implants allowed him to have telescopic vision that included heat-detecting infrared capabilities. He could see the motion of any living creature released by their body heat, enabling him to detect the Dagnors’ motion.

Using La Forge’s ability, Kirk’s group killed many Dagnors. La Forge and B-4 reprogrammed their tricorders, enabling them (and the other groups) to detect the Dagnors’ body heat. This gave them great advantage over the Dagnors, who immediately ceased their attack.
............................

The Dagnors finally exposed themselves. They were all male and bald, with an average of 6ft 9in tall, very slim and muscular. They were pale skinned and their veins were visible underneath the skin. That was very unusual and unexpected, considering that most Dagnors were concentrated in the tropical areas of the planet. However, their forests were extremely dense, with high trees, allowing little sunlight to penetrate through to the forest floor. The Dagnors also had pale eyes, like albinos. They were indeed very frightening, resembling ghosts.

They wore some sort of fabric material, just enough to cover their intimate parts. The fabric was similar in color to their own skin. Their adornments were mainly tribal necklaces, made of animals’ teeth and claws.

One of the Dagnors spoke, showing a scary face... their teeth were as sharp as piranhas, their language resembled a guttural sound.

“Counselor Babette, Lieutenant Uhura,” Kirk beckoned. “Can you communicate with this people?”

“I’m reading their minds now,” Babette replied. “Their thoughts are disturbing!” She exclaimed, showing fear for the first time.

“Disturbing,” Kirk inquired, looking puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“They are murderers and savages,” She spoke in a low voice, as if she was too frightened to be heard by them. “They aren’t afraid of us.”

“I can see that for myself,” Kirk replied, turning to face the Dagnors.

“As you feared, as per the Prime Directive, they see us as Gods,” She said. “They actually see us as the enemies of their Gods, who are animal-like,” She took a deep breath before the last sentence: “They’ve been waiting for us… we’re the Gods Hunters, their worst enemies!”

“Captain, their language is too complex,” Uhura confirmed, handling a Language Scanner Device. “It’s not similar to any other primitive language we’ve ever encountered before.”

Kirk turned to Babette, asking her if she could induce visions in them. He wanted her to show the Dagnors that they came in peace.

Babette did exactly as she had been told, closing her eyes for a long while… Her features were distorted as if in pain.

Three of the Dagnors had their eyes closed and their faces showing the same expression as Babette’s. They suddenly opened their eyes when she finished.

“What did you show them?” Kirk asked.

“Everything…” She replied vaguely.

The Dagnors were now scared, but too proud to run away.

They indicated a direction, through the forest, clearly asking Kirk’s group to follow them.
..............................................................

The path led them to a ceremonial place, made by stones of all sizes and shapes, carefully arranged for this purpose. There were two execution stakes, placed in the middle of the circle.

Babette stopped Kirk before he went further. He looked at her surprised.

“My mother and Nero are inside the hut,” She said with tears in her eyes. “No matter how you feel when you see my mom… Don’t shoot them!”

Kirk felt his heartbeat accelerating… He felt anxious and alert.

The Dagnors took them to a hut-like structure, where they would probably meet their leader.

There was no leader. Only a few Dagnors were there. They were on their knees, in front of what looked like an altar, moving their bodies backwards and forwards very slowly, humming... spears in their hands. On the altar table, Kirk could see heads of animals, with their tongues hanging out of their open mouths… there were also heads of other Dagnors, probably their enemies. This was a grotesque and disturbing sight… Fresh blood was leaking from the altar, attracting huge flies and other disgusting insects.

Nero and Victoria were bound hand and foot, lying on a large piece of wood, which resembled some sort of table. They both were motionless, but still breathing. There were two Dagnors guarding them, standing nearby the table, with spears pointing at the hostages.

“Stop him, stop him now!” Babette said to Kirk as if she was under hypnosis. He looked at her dumbfounded, before noticing that McCoy was quickly approaching them. Kirk, La Forge and B-4’s immediate reaction was to stop McCoy from coming closer. McCoy looked shocked, he understood something was wrong and panicked.

“What?” He asked. “She’s in there, isn’t she?”

“Yes,” Kirk replied, trying to keep his self-control. “But we don’t want to lose her right now, do we?”

McCoy did not protest this time as B-4 restrained him, keeping him still where he was.

Kirk turned to face Spock and Babette who were now talking in a low voice, almost whispering.

“How can we make them understand we want Victoria and Nero to be released?” Kirk asked Babette. “Show them what we want.”

Babette turned towards the Dagnors, the ones who took them there. She looked very tired. Kirk did not know how her telepathic powers worked, but it was clear that it took a lot of her energy. She adopted the same behavior as before, when they made their first contact. She closed her eyes making them see what she wanted to show them, using her mental powers.

As she finished, she lost her balance. Spock took hold of her, preventing her from falling. She passed out in his arms.

Spock then, placed his right hand on her face, joining their minds together, to see what the Dagnors’ response would be. His conclusion, as he turned to face Kirk with his practical expression was: “They agree to release Counselor Victoria, because she is a female and not a warrior,” Spock informed. “But they will not release Nero.”

Spock turned to face Babette once more before finishing his account. “They need Nero as a sacrifice to their Gods. They believe their Gods will punish them if they disobey.”

“I don’t want to die like this…” Nero echoed, opening his eyes. Obviously he wasn’t unconscious anymore. “Kill me,” He ordered. “Kill me now!”

“Don’t tempt me!” Kirk replied dryly.

Kirk looked at Spock with Babette still lying unconscious in his arms. He had to think quickly.

He turned to the Dagnors and made a gesture with his hands open, palms up, showing that he was harmless.

He went close to where Victoria was lying, being very cautious not to anger the Dagnors. He held her face, lifting it up. She was awake... blood was flowing from her mouth and left eye. He carefully placed her head back on the table.
Using his hands, he opened her mouth, only to confirm his suspicions… her tongue had been cut out. He could also see, clearly, that her left eye was missing.

Kirk now turned to face the Dagnors with mad eyes.

“NO!” he cried so loud that his voice echoed outside the hut, throughout the forest.

With trembling hands, he tried to reach for his phaser. But, before he could do so, Sulu and Leonard Picard stood in front of him and stopped him just in time.

“No, Captain, do not do that”, Leonard said, with a controlled tone of voice. “She is my mother… How do you think I feel? But killing them is not the right thing to do right now… we are not like them.”

Tears were rolling down Kirk’s cheeks... he was breathing heavily.

“They cut off her tongue because she tried to speak to them,” Spock explained. “The females of their race are not allowed to talk to males.” He then added: “They are no different from primitive humans, Jim.”

McCoy was trying to release himself from B-4’s grasp, without success.

“I’m a doctor,” he shouted at B-4. “Let go of me!”

“Not yet, Dr. McCoy,” B-4 replied expressionless.

Kirk turned to face Nero, who had a triumphant expression.

“Kill me,” Nero insisted, “Kill me now!”

Kirk gave the Dagnors a last look before reaching for his communicator.

“Kirk to Enterprise…” he called. “...Counselor Victoria, Dr. McCoy and myself, we’re ready for immediate transport straight to Medical!”

“Captain, with our technology we are able to replace her missing organs,” Leonard Picard suggested. “Allow her to come with us.”

“We are ready for the transport, Sir!” Commander Worf called from the Enterprise.

Kirk turned to Nero, ignoring Leonard:

“Goodbye, you son of a bitch!” Kirk said, sounding cynical and merciless, leaving Nero to the Dagnors. “Enterprise… Energize!”

“NO!” Nero shouted as they were beamed away from the planet. “NO!” he kept shouting louder and louder. The veins in his neck bulged and he was almost untying the knots of the cord around his hands. One of the Dagnors poked him, using the spear, but he did not stop screaming.

Leonard Picard hailed the Enterprise-G, ordering them to beam himself, Babette, Spock, Uruha, Sulu, La Forge and B-4 away from Dagnor, leaving Nero behind as Kirk did.
Once aboard, he also ordered all the Federation troops left on the planet, to depart immediately using the shuttlecrafts.

The Romulan troops from the Torian also departed in peace, not even trying to save Nero.
...........................

Chapter Twenty-Eight
Enterprise
Year 2379
Taking Chances


Aboard the Enterprise, in Medical, Kirk and McCoy carefully transferred Victoria to a bed, releasing her from the ropes the Dagnors used to tie her hands and feet.

McCoy was scanning her whole body as Kirk turned to him with an apprehensive expression: “The baby…” Kirk looked deeply concerned when he asked McCoy, “Did she lose the baby?”

“I’m checking, I’m checking,” McCoy replied, sounding agitated. “Give me a second!”

He quickly looked for the fetus’ life signs, but considering Victoria’s pregnancy was only two days old, he could not determine whether she had lost the baby or not.

“I need a sample of her blood, it’s too early for a urine test…” McCoy informed. “And I also need to do an invasive ultrasound…”

“Do it then… DO IT!” Kirk commanded.

Kirk caressed Victoria’s cheek as she looked at him with her good eye half-opened. She had tears in her eye.

“I promise we’ll do everything we can to have your lovely smile back…” Kirk reassured her, giving her a gentle smile, trying to make her feel better.

As McCoy turned his attention to a medical cabinet, looking for a syringe for the blood sample, Kirk turned to Victoria and whispered softly in her ear: “I love you.”

Sickbay was now very busy, with staff coming and going as McCoy took a blood sample from Victoria.

Kirk joined McCoy where he was examining the blood through a microscope, leaving Victoria in the hands of the medical staff.

“Can you replace the eye and the tongue?” Kirk asked, visibly concerned.

“I’ll give her a synthetic eye…” McCoy replied. “It will look almost perfect, like a real eye,” he sighed. “But, she won’t be able to see with it.”

“What about the tongue?” Kirk insisted.

“I’m not able to replace it with an artificial one,” McCoy replied. “She needs a transplant from a donor, but the only place we could find one is on Earth...” he sighed once more. “We should have accepted Leonard’s offer… they’re technologically more advanced than us.”

“Well, we could ask her if she prefers to be transferred to the Enterprise-G,” Kirk said. “But, how can we make her answer to this question?”

“…We can always try!” McCoy said, emphasizing the obvious.

They both stood beside the bed, looking at Victoria with a casual smile. She looked at both of them with her right eye half opened.

“I’m not able to replace your tongue, my love,” McCoy looked calm and controlled. He glanced at Kirk, then turning to Victoria, he said: “We believe it would be wiser having you transferred to the Enterprise-G.”

She grabbed McCoy’s arm with her right hand and only now Kirk noticed that there were two missing fingers. She shook her head in a negative sign. She did not wish to go.

McCoy and Kirk reassured her with a nod.
The comm sounded. Chekov informed Kirk that Captain Leonard Picard has hailed them.

“I’m on my way,” Kirk replied promptly.

Kirk once more looked at Victoria, and getting as close as he could, he said:
“I’ll be right back.”

“Jim, I’ll let you know about the results of the blood test and the ultrasound ASAP!” McCoy said, taking hold of Kirk’s arm, slowing his departure from Medical.

“Thank you, Bones… please, keep me informed.” Kirk gave McCoy a friendly tap on his shoulder, before leaving Sickbay.
.............................

When arriving on the Bridge, Kirk could see Leonard Picard on full screen. He had an amicable expression, but also looked worried.

“Hello, Captain Kirk,” Leonard greeted him. “I wish to convey my deepest gratitude for saving my mother’s life.”

“Well, she offered herself in exchange for Dr. Crusher to spare me…” Kirk replied pensively. “…I would have saved her regardless.”

“I know,” Leonard said, with a grateful expression. “How is she?”

“We’re taking good care of her,” Kirk tried a smile, but he was too tired to hold it for long.

“We are still convinced that she should be transferred to the Enterprise-G,” Leonard insisted. “We would be able to give her everything she needs…”

“We know and we do agree with you, Captain,” Kirk replied, with an unshaven and tired look, “But she doesn’t. She wants to stay!”

Leonard gave Kirk a nod.

“Well, you must also know that the White Hole has become unstable,” Leonard Picard informed a little concerned. “I suggest you to go back to your own time before it collapses.”

Kirk was lost in thoughts for a moment, facing McCoy, who had just entered the Bridge. He kept on staring at him, waiting for the good news he was longing for, leaving Leonard Picard on hold.

McCoy’s expression was also of tiredness. He did not smile as he stood by Kirk’s side.

“She didn’t lose the baby,” McCoy finally said, in a low tone of voice. He looked very serious. “The hemorrhage is contained and her life is no longer at risk.”

A huge smile spread across Kirk’s face as he stared at McCoy. He turned to the viewscreen and also smiled at Leonard Picard.

“Captain Leonard Picard, could you please give my compliments to Captain Johnson and Captain Pedersen,” he paused to catch his breath, “…and tell them to go ahead,” he said. “…We’ll be hanging around a bit longer…”

Leonard Picard nodded once, but, this time, he too was smiling.

Communication was ceased between the two ships.
.............................

Chapter Twenty-Nine
Enterprise/Enterprise-G
Year 2379
The Wedding


Two weeks later, Victoria, with her new eye and new fingers, discovered the old fashioned ability of writing on paper with ink. She found it fascinating.

Preferring this method of communication, she informed Kirk that she wished to marry Jean-Luc as soon as possible, having her new friends and children present for the occasion.

Kirk and Leonard Picard agreed that the ceremony would take place aboard the Enterprise-G.
............................

Victoria was in her quarters, getting ready for the wedding ceremony when she heard the well-known melodic sound, announcing that someone was waiting outside the door to her quarters...

She hesitated for a moment, taking a deep breath and then walked towards the sliding doors. She pressed the entry button.

Kirk was standing in front of her with a huge smile, holding a lovely bouquet. She glanced around... her room was already overflowing with an abundance of flowers of all shapes, sizes and colors, filling the air with a wonderful fragrance. He gave Victoria a peculiar look, hiding the flowers behind his back, as if they were not good enough for her. She smiled back, opening her arms to receive the bouquet. He carefully laid it across her bare arms. Only now could he see how stunning she looked… she was wearing a beautiful dress made of delicate chiffon. The beadwork and design gave it a modern, glamorous look, absolutely perfect on Victoria’s slim body. Its color was ivory. The sleeve style was ‘straps’ and it formed a ‘V’ neckline, showing an ample bosom. Her hairstyle was a romantic ‘updo’ and to give a refined finish to the artwork, she was wearing a ‘Bel Aire Bridal’ (tiara-like) creation... an arch of marquis rhinestones with an elegant rhinestone side design of flowers and butterflies.

Victoria took a step backward, inviting him to come into the room.

He entered and stood in front of her as the sliding doors closed behind him. To Victoria’s eyes, Kirk looked absolutely gorgeous in his red ceremonial uniform.

“Are you nervous… I mean, about the wedding?” he asked absentmindedly.

She nodded, turning her face away from him. She was feeling uneasy and very nervous of Jim’s presence. In fact, all she wanted was to run away from the Enterprise-G… She wanted desperately to go back aboard the Enterprise, traveling in time with Kirk and McCoy... giving herself, her love and her heart to them both. On the other hand, at the same time, all she wanted was to marry Jean-Luc.

How can a woman’s heart find itself trapped in such a dilemma?

“Victoria,” he began, “I wish…” but he could not finish his sentence.

She held her breath and waited.

“What I want to know is…” he continued, “If there was a chance, even a remote one that you’d have chosen me instead?”

She smiled and her heart skipped a beat. She turned around and, with ease, she walked in the direction of a table, located at the opposite side of the room. She laid the bouquet on the top of the table and picked up a white envelope that she had placed there earlier, waiting to be collected.

She walked back towards Kirk, handing over the envelope.

He opened it. There was a letter inside. He removed the letter from the envelope. He saw that it was a cream color, with the delicate scent of magnolia.

Her handwriting had surprisingly improved since the last time he had read one of her notes. It gave Kirk great pleasure to see her handwritten words on such a delicately scented paper.

Tears clouded his eyes as soon as he read the first lines:
“My Beloved Jim,
This is the first letter I have ever written. May I call it a love letter?”

He smiled and for a moment took his eyes away from the paper to look at Victoria. She wasn’t smiling, she had tears in her eyes. He looked back at the paper and continued reading:

“It’s a relief for me that I don’t have to choose between the three of you…”

Here, once more, he stopped to look at her adorable face. He felt a love for her which he did not realize he had within him. Yes, he thought, I would die for her.

She made a gesture with her hand, encouraging him to finish the letter.

His hands were now shaking, making it difficult to read. The words were slightly blurred as he carried on reading them:

“Life has already chosen for me.
I am not choosing a man in particular. I am choosing my children, Babette and Renè, who I can only have with Jean-Luc.
Believe me when I say, I would not know who to choose, because I love the three of you with the same passion…
I love you, Jim, and always will.”

Kirk stopped at that point, not wanting to read any more. It would be too much for him to take her words of ‘goodbye’ or ‘you’ll always live in my heart and memories ….’

He turned his back to avoid looking at Victoria for a moment. He was hiding his tears. She was also in pain, tears were rolling down her cheeks.

When he turned, he took her in his arms, tenderly kissing her lips. The kiss lasted for a long and uniquely magical moment…
..............................

They parted abruptly when the door chime announced once more that someone was waiting outside her quarters.

She dried her tears using the back of her hands before pressing the button.

McCoy was standing there, just as Kirk had been a few minutes earlier. Although he did not have any flowers. Instead, he was carrying a small box, which he presented to her without delay.

She smiled and stepped back, inviting him in, but not taking the box from his hands. McCoy was also wearing a red ceremonial uniform, which suited him perfectly.

McCoy and Kirk exchanged a friendly look. Kirk did not show any embarrassment for being there, and neither did McCoy.

“Jim,” McCoy said with a nod. Kirk acknowledged him, also replying with a nod.

McCoy, realizing that Kirk had no intention of leaving, did not wait for Victoria to open the box. He opened it himself.

Inside there was a contemporary ring, beautifully hand-crafted in 18ct gold, displaying a discreet solitary turquoise gem.

Victoria’s expression was one of total surprise. She turned to face Kirk, who did not look surprised.

“I know you can’t marry me,” McCoy remarked with a sad look. “Wish you could…” he said more for his ears than for hers.

“But,” he continued, “I want you to know, that I would have stayed here, with you, if you had chosen me…”

He put the ring on her finger. It looked perfect, especially now, matching the color of her eyes, which had turned to turquoise.
Victoria was unable to look at McCoy. She began sobbing uncontrollably. McCoy took her in his arms, giving her a warm embrace. After a few moments, she calmed herself down, drying her tears with her fingers.

“I want you to wear this ring, as the symbol of my love for you...” was McCoy’s remark. “I hope Jean-Luc won’t mind…” he said with a very sad smile. Tears were rolling down his cheeks.

She nodded, giving him a brief kiss on the lips. His response was not a tender kiss like Kirk’s. He took hold of her body as if he was drowning and she was a life belt. He gave her a very intense and passionate kiss, although not as sensuous as their first kiss had been.

McCoy would not let go of her. She was breathless now. He was stifling her, yet she did not try to free herself.

Kirk was about to intervene as he realized that Victoria may pass-out at any moment. But, before he could try parting them, someone entered the room, this time without warning. It was Leonard Picard. He was wearing a very smart, dark-grey uniform, made more vibrant by the addition of detailed silver braiding around the collar and cuffs.

“Mother, Father,” he called. “The ceremony is about to start. We must go!”

McCoy, slowly, began to loosen his grip. Yet, he hesitated for a moment or two before parting his lips from Victoria’s. He had the most painful expression Kirk had ever seen on his friend’s face… It was heartrending.

McCoy kept on gazing at her. She was also gazing back at him, with the same heartbreaking expression.

Leonard Picard glanced at Kirk. His look suggested that he did not know how to deal with the situation and therefore needed help.

Kirk finally managed to part McCoy and Victoria. He got hold of McCoy’s arm, leading him out of her quarters, as Leonard began drying Victoria’s eyes with a handkerchief, smiling in sympathy.

“We must go, Mother,” Leonard insisted. “Come with me…I will accompany you.”

Arriving at the Banquet Hall (which was lavishly decorated especially for the Wedding Ceremony), Victoria could happily see that everyone she loved was present for the occasion: old friends, new friends and her children. Beverly, Geordi, B-4 and other members of the Enterprise-E were wearing a white & grey/blue ceremonial uniform, with gold braid detail. Jean-Luc looked radiant, giving Victoria a broad smile.

I am doing the right thing, she thought as she walked towards him with Leonard holding her right arm. She had Kirk’s bouquet in hand. Jean-Luc will be the perfect husband! Her heart was pounding as she realized she was right. A feeling of joy and well- being engulfed her as her eyes met his.

Even William Riker, Captain of the Titan and his wife, Deanna, made it in time for the occasion. The Titan would be taking the Bride and the Groom to their Honeymoon destination, which was an exotic planet, located in a quiet quadrant of the galaxy.

There would be no wedding celebration. Victoria and Jean-Luc would be departing as soon as the ceremony was concluded. Kirk and Leonard Picard had decided this, because Kirk and his crew members were running out of time. The White Hole was reaching its maximum critical point of instability and could collapse at any moment.

The Enterprise-G was able to recreate the Einstein-Rosen Bridge, but it was not like a time machine, with a clock. They could only send Kirk and the Enterprise back, to their original point in time and space, through the White Hole.

Kirk could not delay any longer. If they failed, the past and the future would be permanently compromised.

Kirk and his crew members did not say goodbye to Jean-Luc and Victoria as they left for their honeymoon. Kirk’s Enterprise and the Enterprise-G returned to the exact location where they originally emerged from the White Hole.
..........................

Chapter Thirty
Enterprise-G
Year 2379
The Goodbye

At the Enterprise-G’s Transporter Room, Kirk, McCoy, Spock and Uhura were the last ones to be beamed.

Babette tried very hard to hide her tears as Spock gave her a huge embrace. But, it was all in vain... tears were rolling down her cheeks as Spock tenderly kissed her on the lips. Her blue eyes were no longer shining, she was in great pain. Spock felt that life was meaningless without her. However, he knew he had to let her go.

Uhura gave B-4 a kiss on his cheek. She wasn’t paying attention to Spock or Babette this time; it was painful enough having to say goodbye to her new friends: B-4 and Geordi. The surviving crew members of the Enterprise-E would be taken back to Earth for a debriefing and a month’s extended leave.

Uhura tried a smile, failing miserably in her attempt. B-4 returned the kiss on her lips, taking hold of her body as if they were in love. She was taken by surprise, but did not push him away.

Geordi parted them, giving a brief kiss to Uhura on her cheek. B-4 looked puzzled as if asking: ‘What have I done wrong now?’

Geordi took a firm grip of B-4’s arm and departed from the room, waving goodbye to Kirk and McCoy.

Uhura also said goodbye to Babette, who was waiting for her. Babette still had tears in her eyes as she kissed Uhura goodbye, whispering softly in her ear: “Please, look after Spock for me!”

Uhura nodded, not smiling this time.

How can I look after him, when he’s in love with you? She thought.

Babette could read her mind and looking Uhura in the eyes, she replied, using her telepathic abilities… Uhura could clearly hear the words, echoing inside her head: “Look after him without him knowing…”

Uhura nodded once more. She smiled at Babette with loving eyes. It was almost impossible not to love Babette… Uhura gave up trying to avoid her. Babette was part of her life now as if they were sisters.

Babette’s voice was still echoing inside Uhura’s brain as she placed herself on the platform, ready to be beamed aboard the Enterprise, but, this time, Babette was saying: “I love you too!”

McCoy gave Leonard Picard a huge embrace, telling his son to take a good care of himself. Leonard replied using the same words. McCoy simply nodded at Babette and also took his position on the platform, standing next to Spock, who had both hands behind his back. Spock looked sad, he was avoiding meeting Babette’s gaze.

Just moments before the beam was activated, Kirk stepped down from the platform. He went straight over to Leonard Picard, asking him the only question he cared to know:

“What does the future hold for Jean-Luc and Victoria?” Kirk asked in a low tone of voice, trying not to be heard by McCoy, Spock and Uhura. “…I mean, you’re the Captain of the Enterprise-G… So, what happened to the Enterprise-F?” he insisted.

“What are you asking,” Leonard inquired, “Do you want to know if Jean-Luc was the Captain of the Enterprise-F?”

“Yes, that’s what I want to know,” Kirk replied, looking apprehensive.

“You must not have further information from the future,” Leonard said vaguely. “You already know too much…”

“Yes, yes, we know that,” Kirk agreed. “But, you owe me this!” he insisted.

Leonard glanced at McCoy, Uhura and Spock, still standing on the platform, looking puzzled because they could not hear their conversation and were wondering why Kirk was delaying.

Leonard, then, turned his back to the platform, forcing Kirk to get closer. This way, only Kirk would be able to hear his words.

“Well,” Leonard began, “Jean-Luc will be promoted to Admiral and would have been transferred to Earth…” He took a deep breath before finishing his account, not sure he was doing the right thing giving Kirk so much information from the future. “...My father refused to accept the promotion,” Leonard continued, “Instead he wanted to be the Captain of the Enterprise-F, taking the Enterprise-E crew members along with him.”

“...Of course, my mother never left his side….” once more Leonard paused to catch his breath, looking sad this time.

“…They went on a mission three years ago, in my time…” he said, “…And they never came back!” He carried on, trying to control his emotions. “They fought a terrible battle against a new alien race… They all perished.” A single tear rolled down Leonard’s cheek.

Kirk felt sick for a moment, looking shocked. He tried to control his feelings, but was unable to. He quickly dried his tears with the back of his hand and remained silent for a while.

“For over two years, in my time, I am the Captain of the Enterprise-G”, Leonard continued his account. “I am the first Captain of a starship called Enterprise, since my father…”

At this point, Babette joined the conversation. She was the only one who could hear them.

“Don’t be sad, Captain Kirk,” she said, with a gentle smile. “Our parents were very happy for all the years they lived.”

“They had their time, as you had yours…” was Leonard’s remark . “Now it’s our turn to make History!” he tried a wink and a smile. It worked. Kirk smiled back nodding, even though he was not facing Leonard or Babette. His look was elsewhere... his thoughts were for Victoria, thinking that in 25 years, in Jean-Luc’s time, she would be gone forever! That was a thought he couldn’t bear, especially knowing that he also would not be alive anymore. He probably would be dead long before Jean-Luc would be joining the Starfleet Academy.

“Yes, I guess so…” Kirk said absently, trying to hide the effect Leonard’s revelation had had on him. Kirk’s smile died before he could formulate the next sentence:

“But… you said the Einstein-Rosen Bridge is not a time machine…” Kirk now asked to both of them. “How will you manage to get back to your own time?”

Babette gave Leonard a look that caused Kirk to recall his childhood for a moment. He saw her as an elf. The only difference was that she did not have the pointed ears. She was completely human.

“This, Captain Kirk, is the only secret we cannot reveal…” Babette replied with a wink. “Let me just say that the extension of my telepathic powers, in combination with our advanced technology, is far beyond your comprehension…”

Kirk’s smile, this time, was of genuine contentment. He knew they would be just fine. He did not fail in his effort to preserve and save the future. Now, he was truly ready to return to his own time.


THE END