Star Trek_ Generations - J M. Dillard [8]
Jim found his voice at last. Your father … Hikaru Sulu is your father? He had known that Sulu had a childa little girl, certainly not a daughter old enough to enter the Academy, much less handle the helm of a starship. Chekov had served as honorary uncle and godparent, which would certainly explain his doting demeanor now, but …
Demora straightened proudly. Yes, sir.
Chekov leaned forward and prompted, sotto voce, You met her once before, but she was … Hand held palm down and waist high, he indicated her former height.
Kirk shook his head in disbelief. It made sense, of course: the round cheeks beneath shining dark eyes, the gracious good nature. He could never have mistaken her for anyone elses daughter. Yes, yes, I remember. Even then you were talking about being a helmsman, like your father. But that wasnt so long ago. It couldnt have been more than
Twelve years, sir, Chekov said.
Yes … well … Kirk hesitated. To her credit, Demora showed not a hint of amusement or annoyance, but waited, respectful and poised, while the captain did some quick mental calculations, then sighed in acquiescence. Congratulations, Ensign, he said at last, and smiled genuinely. It wouldnt be the Enterprise without a Sulu at the helm.
Thank you, sir, Demora replied, with voice and gaze that revealed she had inherited her fathers forth-right sincerity and warmth. If youll excuse me …
She turned to Chekov. Let me show you the new inertial system …
Kirk imagined he could hear the words she barely managed not to say: Uncle Pavel …
The two wandered off. Kirk watched them go, and a sudden overwhelming sadness overtook him as he thought of his own child, David, of Carol, of lost chances. Rather than easing with time, his sense of loss over Davids death had deepened, as if his own approaching end made him see more clearly the opportunities missed in life. If he had known from the beginning that he had a son, his life might now be very different. Perhapsjust perhapshe could have done things differently, and David would still be alive …
Perhaps he would be with the two of them now, instead of trying to outrun his loneliness while Carol buried her grief with work. He had seen her only twice in the past year, and each time she had been consumed by the details of rebuilding the station on Themis. He was beginning to think that her sorrow, too, had increased; that maybe the sight of him reminded Carol too much of her late sonmuch the way that the sight of Demora at the helm reminded him strongly of Sulu now.
He glanced up as Scotty approached, beaming broadly.
Damn fine ship if you ask me, Scott said with gusto.
What I wouldnt give for a tour of engineering …
Kirk made a noncommittal sound, then gazed back at Demora, who was taking her position at the helm. You know, Scotty, it amazes me.
Scotts good cheer remained undampened. And what would that be, sir?
Sulu. When did he find the time for a family? Scotty followed Kirks gaze to Demora and released a silent ah. Sulus given the world another fine officer, hasnt he?
She seems like a fine young woman.
That she is. Scott faced him again. Its like you always said. If somethings important enough, you make the time.
Kirk gave an absent nod. For a moment, neither spokeuntil Scott said, in a voice low but keen with revelation, So … thats why youve been running around the galaxy like an eighteen-year-old. Finding retirement a little lonely, are we?
Kirk glanced at him sharply. With that kind of tact, Im glad youre an engineer and not a psychiatrist.
Still all eagerness and intensity, Harriman approached and interrupted with an exaggerated formality that spoke of the camera focused on them. Excuse me, gentlemen. If youll take your seats …
Oh … of course. Kirk straightened and reactivated the public-relations smile; so did Scott, and the two of them settled into two of the three seats set on the bridge for the occasion.
As Harriman took the conn and the crew members their stations, Chekov joined them and sank into the third one, casting a final