Star Trek_ Generations - J M. Dillard [2]
Im serious, he said. Dont tell me you havent been expecting this. He had thought it had been clear to her; he tried now vainly to recall the conversation, the precise words they had used to state that they would marry once he retired, but the specific memory eluded him.
I havent been expecting this. Her smile vanished, replaced by an expression of concern. Jim, you know the time we spend together is special to me, but … we never said anything about legalities.
Im saying it now. I love you, Carol. I always thought wed be together once I retired. That wed settle down.
You even said Marcuslabs could use someone like me
As for Marcuslabs, Ill hire you in a heartbeat, if you want. Youre someone with connections who could go all over the galaxy facilitating the creation of new research stations. Plenty of travel, a chance to practice your diplomacy. But I wouldnt be able to travel with you. She let go a long breath. Jim, I love you, but you couldnt settle down if you wanted to. Youll be on the move, restless, looking for excitement until the day you die. If youre suggesting we buy a little condo somewhere and take up housekeepingitd be death for both of us.
I see, he said quietly.
Jim, dont be hurt.
No … no, youre right, he admitted weakly; what was worse, he meant it. Somewhere, in the deepest recesses of his mind, he had seen this very scene played out before, had known it was comingyet he still felt as though the deck had been pulled from under his feet. Im not hurt, just … tired. Looking for someplace to rest. Its been a tough last mission.
Then come see me. We should talk.
Behind him, the door chimed. He glanced toward it, then back at Carol. I have to go. Firewatch parties.
I love you, Jim.
He touched the screen as if to take her hand, to hold on to heron to the present, but he could sense her and time slipping away from him, like the ship on which he stood.
The screen darkened; Kirk turned toward the door and said, Come.
Spock entered, carrying two packagesa smaller stacked atop a larger, both precisely wrapped in colored paper. He hesitated, looking reserved and somewhat awkward, just inside the door.
Whats this? Kirk gestured with feigned surprise at packages.
A gift, sir. Spock handed him the larger box. Perhaps it is not the custom; but it seemed … somehow appropriate to mark the end of our years of service together.
Kirk smiled faintly, touched, and sat on his bunk to open it. He removed the paper carefully; inside the box, swathed in tissue, was a gleaming brass-and-polished-wood sextanta centuries-old tool sailors once used to navigate by the stars.
To help me find my way? Kirk asked lightly, running his fingers over it in admiration. Spockthank you. Its beautiful …
As he spoke, the door chimed once more. Come, Jim said, and McCoy entered.
There was a wide grin on the doctors face and two dust-covered flagons in his arms; but to Jim, the smile seemed forced. Purple shadows had gathered beneath McCoys ice blue eyes; he looked as haggard as Kirk felt after the hardships endured on Rura Penthe.
My God, Jim thought. He is old … and so am I.
Well, McCoy said cheerfully, holding up the flasks. I see the Vulcan beat me to it. I, too, came bearing gifts.
Two bottles? I hope theyre both for me. Kirk squinted at them, wishing he had his spectacles.
Not in the least. The doctor lifted one and blew on the label; Kirk raised his hands to protect himself from the approaching cloud of dust. This ones oldest, so its yours.
Kirk took the bottle and smiled at the date on the label.
For auld lang syne, said McCoy, with the slightest quaver in his voice; or was it Jims imagination? And this one
He blew on the second bottles label and handed it to Spock.
Why, Dr. McCoy, the Vulcan said with mild surprise. This is alcohol.
Good old-fashioned Saurian brandy, to be precise, the doctor said with gusto. Drink it and remember meand the importance of loosening up once in a while.
I shall, Spock replied. If you will attempt to recall the importance