Part 24 (1/2)

The gold s.h.i.+rt and appropriate insignia fit well, Kirk decided as he entered the bridge. Evidently his crew thought so as well, if one were to go by the admiring looks that greeted him as he strode toward the captain's chair and settled himself into the command seat. As soon as he nodded toward the helm, Lieutenant Sulu responded crisply.

”Maneuvering thrusters and impulse engines at your command, sir.”

”Weapons systems and s.h.i.+elds on standby,” Chekov reported confidently. The s.h.i.+p's chief tactical officer had aged remarkably fast-as had they all.

”Dilithium chamber at maximum efficiency, Captain,” came a broguish report from engineering. came a broguish report from engineering.

Uhura swiveled slightly in her chair. ”Dock control reports ready for departure. Yard command signaling all clear on chosen vector.”

From where he was standing between the command chair and the lift, the s.h.i.+p's chief medical officer grinned wryly. ”Same s.h.i.+p, different day.”

Kirk smiled at that. His expression changed as he spared a fleeting glance for the empty science station. Along with everyone else on the bridge, he hoped the position would have been filled before departure. By a particular science officer. But it still sat vacant, and they could delay no longer. The galaxy is forever in motion, he knew resignedly, and time waits for no man.

Lately, he had been forced to think a lot about time.

”Mister Sulu,” he announced as he swung back toward the helm, ”prepare to engage forward thrus-”

The order was interrupted by a soft whoosh whoosh as the turbolift doors parted to admit a single figure onto the bridge. Displaying the insignia of a senior science officer on his blue uniform, Spock moved toward the command chair and halted halfway between Kirk and the empty-but no longer vacant-science station. as the turbolift doors parted to admit a single figure onto the bridge. Displaying the insignia of a senior science officer on his blue uniform, Spock moved toward the command chair and halted halfway between Kirk and the empty-but no longer vacant-science station.

”Permission to come aboard, Captain.” Admiration gleamed in the eyes of every other officer present. Quite appropriately and as would have been expected, Spock ignored them all.

Well, perhaps not all.

Kirk struggled to suppress a broad smile. ”Permission granted. Your purpose in presenting yourself here, Mister Spock?”

”As you have yet to select a first officer, I would respectfully like to submit my candidacy. If you decline, there is still time for me to disembark. I ask that you fully consider all candidates and qualifications before rendering a final decision in this important matter.” He paused a moment, his expression never changing. ”Should you desire, I can provide character references.”