Star Trek_ Generations - J M. Dillard [3]
McCoy unwrapped it and lifted out a palm-sized circle of burnished metal, on which was etched an intricate maze of geometric design. He frowned at it. Its lovely, Spock … But … what is it?
A Vulcan mandala. One contemplates it to quiet the mind and emotions, in preparation for the reception of logic.
Oh. Thank you. McCoy slipped it into his jacket pocket. Ill be sure to look at it every time I need a little logic. Now that you wont be around to provide it for me …
Gentlemen. Kirk rose and went over to the dresser. Im no good at wrapping things, but … these are for you. He handed the small paper book to Spock.
Spock looked down at the book and allowed the merest ghost of a smile to pass over his features. Horatio Hornblower. Thank you, Captain.
To remember me by, Jim said.
McCoy lifted a brow. Dont you think Don Juan would have been a little more appropriate?
Watch your tongue, Doctor, or Ill keep your present, Kirk retorted, gesturing toward the mantel clock. I was tempted to keep it anyway. He opened the crystal face and set the minute hand back to the hour; the clock began again to chime, a rich, melodic sound that echoed faintly off the bulkheads.
Lips parted with delight, McCoy listened, clearly enchanted.
To remember the good times. Kirk smiled.
Jim … its beautiful. I think thats the finest present anyones ever given mewith the exception of my grandkids, of course.
The doctors expression grew suddenly somber as he gazed up at his friends. I cant imagine what life will be like without you two. It isnt really ending, is it? After all these years, it cant be over … Doctor. Jims tone grew [
]
Dont get maudlin on me, [
] firm. They had a long night ahead of themone in which hed be asked a hundred times what he was going to do with himself now that he didnt have the Enterprise; and a hundred times, he would have to reply graciously. He didnt need to start out the evening depressed. And stop talking like well never see each other again.
Wellwhen will we see each other?
How about tomorrow? I was thinking of heading to Yosemite, and thought you two might enjoy going there with me again
Cant do it, McCoy said glumly. Im going to stay with Joanna and her family, and were talking about heading off to do some research out in the Brenga sector. And Spocks headed home
Home? Jim glanced swiftly at his first officer for verification.
Spock gave a single nod. I am … discussing the possibility of doing some diplomatic work with Ambassador Sarek. I shall be returning to Vulcan tomorrow. I am afraid I cannot accompany you to Yosemite.
I see, Jim said softly. And for the first time, he realized that he was not simply parting for a few months shore leave, but saying good-bye to his two best friends.
A sudden indescribable loneliness overtook him, melancholy coupled with premonition. He flashed on an image of himself, years before, seated in front of a crackling campfire in Yosemite Park, grinning up at his two friends faces, orange with reflected firelight.
Thats right; he had scaled El Capitan, the most rugged peak in the park, and had fallen. And Spock had [
] him. And Bones, outraged as usual by his captains risk-taking, had asked him whether he had been trying to kill himself.
It was funny, Kirk had answered then, but even as I was falling, I knew I wouldnt die … because the two of you were with me. Ive always known Ill die alone.
Spock would no longer be there to catch him, nor McCoy to sputter in outrage. The thought that he was losing all that was dearest to himCarol, Spock, Bones, the Enterprisefinally struck home. He was alone now, unfettered, moorless.
A shudder passed through him. Someone walking on my grave … But the thought seemed too self-pitying. He dismissed it resolutely, forced himself to smile. Well … we will be getting together again at some point. He rose. Gentlemen. Thank you for the gifts. I think its time we were off to the festivities.
The last firewatch. McCoy drew a breath that caught in his throat as he studied