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Gomez watched intently, her gaze flickering between the screen, on which Friend appeared, and Soloman. “How are you feeling, Friend?” the Bynar asked.

“I am a little afraid,” the ship admitted in a halting voice. And we thought that thing was a killer on a rampage. Thought it was Borg. How wrong can you be? Gomez thought to herself.

“So am I,” said Soloman. “But I think we have chosen the right path, you and I.” He hesitated. “If you would like, we could transport Jaldark back to you, so that you may deliver her body to her people. Or else we can send her to the stars, as is the custom with Federation ships.”

Gomez couldn’t believe it, but her eyes prickled with tears again. It had been a long, long time since any mission had moved her this deeply. Perhaps it was because one of their own had been so profoundly affected. Or maybe it was because they had seen the young, lively Jaldark before her death. Regardless, the whole thing was stirring up deep emotions inside her.

“I . . . I think I would like to have her with me. I would like to take her home, one final time.”

Soloman turned to Gold, who nodded. “We will transport the body in a sealed coffin, Friend. We will handle her with all respect and honor,” said the captain.

“I am sorry for my attack on your ship, Captain Gold,” apologized Friend. “You are kind to forgive me.”

Gold cleared his throat. Gomez shot him a quick glance. His face revealed nothing, but that one sound told her that even her grizzled captain was moved.

“It wasn’t the ideal first-contact situation. But the second contact worked out pretty well,” Gold replied.

“I am being hailed by the Enterprise. They are ready to depart.”

“Soloman,” said Gold, very softly. “If you want to change your mind, either about Friend or about returning to your homeworld, now’s the time.”

“No,” said Soloman firmly. “I know what I want, what I need. I can do this, and so can you, Friend,” insisted Soloman. “Farewell.”

“Farewell,” echoed the ship. The Enterprise powered up, and Friend obediently moved into position alongside it. Both ships jumped into warp, and were gone.

CHAPTER

8

Captain’s personal log, supplemental: We started with a dead ship, then a live ship, then a dead pilot, then a Borg. We ended up with a formal first contact that could save an entire species, if it’s handled right, and saw two individuals display strength and courage as they chose to stand alone. You know, Picard and the others can have their Galaxy- class behemoths. I’ll stick with this little vessel and its crew any day. Look what we get to do.

Gomez was surprised to see someone else awake at this hour when she entered the mess. The lighting was dim; after all, it was well past midnight. But even in this faint light, she could tell it was Duffy. He seemed as surprised, and as uncomfortable, as she. They exchanged awkward smiles.

She stood in front of the replicator for a long moment. Gomez almost didn’t make the order she’d intended to make. She’d rarely requested this over the last ten years as it was. But she wanted it badly tonight.

“Cocoa, hot,” she finally instructed the replicator. “With whipped cream,” she added quickly, and took the steaming mug the replicator offered.

“Whipped cream, huh?” commented Duffy. “You must be having a rough night.”

Gomez smiled, feeling suddenly, absurdly shy. She had wanted to be alone, to think about things, but now she was glad Duffy was here. She had always been able to talk to him before. She wondered if that, too, had changed.

“May I join you?” she asked.

“Certainly,” he replied. She took the seat opposite him, and then suddenly laughed as she saw what he had ordered.

“Macaroni and cheese?”

“The ultimate comfort food. Like hot chocolate,” he said, forking up another mouthful. “Just like my mother used to make, if Mother had been a replicator. Good for what ails you.”

Sonya took a sip, enjoying the chocolaty, sugary hit of the smooth beverage on her tongue. It had been too long. Ever since “the incident,” as her spilling encounter with Picard had been