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The party had been an unqualified success, at least up to the point where James Kirk had to be helped out. But even then, a great number of people remained until the wee hours of the morning. McCoy had called back to the party and informed everyone that Kirk would be just fine.
The gathering of friends and former crewmates was a once in a lifetime opportunity. There were few who wanted to call it an early night, especially since many had traveled great distances to get to the party, or even more importantly, to participate in the actual mission. Rand had called it the ultimate reunion.
In general, time had been kind to the Enterprise alumni. Of the hundreds who had served on the famous starship, thankfully, only a handful were 'absent friends.'
All in all, a good time was had by everyone. Kensington received uncounted praise and many thanks throughout the evening.
Amongst the last to leave the festivities were Uhura and Scott. The evening had been a perfect opportunity to let go and say what had to be said. There hadn't been many opportunities before, during or after the rescue mission. The brief moment they had in Scotty's room just started the conversation moving forward, so the party was just what they needed. Finally, the pair decided to continue the celebration on their own.
Putting the events of the past few hours, and indeed the last few days, behind them, they left the Grand Hall and made their way to the nearest building exit. In the very early morning light, they found Spock waiting for them.
Ignoring Scotty, at least initially, the Vulcan Ambassador approached Uhura with a bit of hesitancy. "Captain, may I have a word with you?"
Neither she nor Scotty were sure what Spock wanted, but they were both in a good mood. It was the result of equal amounts of genuine happiness and more than a few drinks. Uhura nodded in agreement, "What can I do for you, Mister Spock?"
The Vulcan Ambassador-at-Large ignored the breach of etiquette and protocol by not being addressed by his correct title. He attributed it to the use of alcohol and the apparent relaxed nature of the pair. "It is a personal matter of some urgency, regarding Admiral Kirk."
Uhura's happy face was lost instantly and was replaced by dread and fear. Something serious had happened to James Kirk after all. "What's happened? Is he all right?"
"Aye, is th' Admiral in a bad way?" Scotty asked, concerned.
Spock suddenly realized he had accidently contributed to a false impression. "The Admiral is quite well and resting. According to Doctor McCoy, he should return to normal... shortly."
Scotty and Uhura exchanged looks of confusion and puzzlement.
"However, that is not why I am here. I was informed that your ship is serviceable and it could reenter service with only a two-hour notice. Also, that it is at your discretion regarding its use. Is this correct?"
Now the pair was totally confused. Uhura just nodded in the affirmative.
"Excellent. I would like the services of you and your ship for a brief, but unspecified, period of time to, as you would say, run an errand."
Scotty was just a bit annoyed from the start at being overlooked. Now with the hop-scotch conversation, unusual request and somewhat flippant manner of Spock, not to mention the untimely delay to his evening plans, the Scotsman was just about to burst at the seams. "Just what is it ye planning?"
Uhura nodded again in agreement and studied the Vulcan closely, mostly out of curiosity.
Spock was undaunted, "I believe I clearly stated my request, Engineer. If you were listening --"
Anticipating a major show of emotion from Scotty, Uhura tried to get Spock to open up some more. "Is this trip you are planning related to the Admiral's well-being or not?"
"It is."
"Does it hae th' official approval or at least th' blessings o' Starfleet or th' Diplomatic Corps?"
When Spock hesitated, Montgomery knew he had his answer. After a moment, the Vulcan confirmed his assessment. "No, it does not."
Uhura now took control of the conversation. "Mister Spock, or rather, Ambassador, would it be more appropriate for us to continue this conversation on board my ship? Then you can tell us exactly what it is you want."
Spock actually looked relived and surprised. "Why, yes, that would be most satisfactory."
She produced her communicator and opened it. "Uhura to Zhukov."
"Harrington here, sir, go ahead."
"Three to beam up, as soon as possible, mister!"
"Aye, sir, just a moment."
Scotty was still a bit curious about Spock's intentions. "Just what is it ye plan ta do with th' Zhukov that will help th' Admiral?
Spock studied the engineer's face and recognized the genuine concern as well as curiosity. In the usual honest fashion, he answered. "I am attempting to reunite the Admiral with a surviving family member."
Both Uhura and Scott drew a blank. Kirk's parents were both dead as were his brother and sister-in-law. Carol and David Marcus were also deceased, which left the only surviving family members, his nephews. But all of them were on Earth.
The communicator chirped and interrupted Scott's thoughts.
"Transporter ready for beam up, Captain. Shall I lock on to your signal?"
"Affirmative. Lock on; three to beam up at your convenience."
Scotty was still curious and couldn't wait. "So, where is it ye want ta go, Ambassador?"
Spock heaved a sigh. There was no way to avoid the engineer's insatiable inquisitiveness. Just as the transporter began to take effect, he spoke one more time. "I wish to rescue the Admiral's daughter."
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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