EPILOGUE

                The doors shwooshed open and Christopher Pike gladly crossed the threshold into his quarters. He yawned and rubbed his eyes. It wasn't an overly stressful assignment the Enterprise was carrying out, but perhaps he was still recovering from the events of Talos IV. He tugged at his uniform tunic, contemplating changing into something more comfortable, but the bunk was too alluring. He flopped onto it.

                Not knowing how much time had passed, or even if he had fallen asleep at all, the next thing Pike heard was the pinging of his door chime. "Come," he said sleepily.

                The door opened to reveal his young -- for a Vulcan -- science officer. "I apologize if this is a bad time, Captain."

                Pike sat up, "No, not at all, Mr. Spock. How can I help you?"

                The Vulcan stepped inside and the door closed. Pike noticed he was holding a bottle of liquor. "Saurian Brandy," Spock said. "I understand it is a delicacy you appreciate."

                Pike nodded, "Indeed. Join me in a toast?"

                Spock hesitated a moment, he normally didn't imbibe, but he did bring the brandy. "Of course."

                Pike relieved him of the bottle and found two glasses.

                "I am here to ... thank you, Captain."

                Pike hesitated, "Thank me?"

                "For allowing me to join the crew."

                Pike chuckled, "Don't be ridiculous, Spock. I didn't allow you to do anything. You certainly earned this posting." He offered Spock a glass.

                Spock took it, "Perhaps you are aware of the ...disappointment in some quarters by my actions."

                Pike knew indeed. Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan was a living legend in Federation Diplomacy. The fact that he strongly opposed his son's entrance into Starfleet wasn't as well known, "I'm aware of your father's displeasure."

                "It has not made my life easy," Spock admitted, throwing Pike off guard by the candidness. "I am glad there are still individuals in my life to who I can turn for guidance and acceptance."

                Pike raised a glass, "I am honored you feel you can come to me. I'll try not to let you down."

                They clinked their glasses. Spock raised an eyebrow, "What are we toasting, Sir?"

                Pike thought but a moment, "To the future."

                The two comrades and friends drank their drink.

                'What about the future?,'  James Kirk asked himself, as he sat on the bridge of the battle-weary Enterprise-A. On the screen was the Planet Earth, and the massive orbital Space Dock that was this ship's last port. "Stand by, automatic approach system." His words sounded as if they were coming from somewhere else. "Advise approach control."

                Uhura nodded, and ever so tentatively, at least that's how it looked to Kirk, she tapped a key on her console, "Approach control this is Enterprise-A, Ready for docking maneuver."

                The controller replied over the intercom in such a cheery voice, Kirk almost made a vow to track him down later and punch him in the nose. "Enterprise-A is cleared to dock. Welcome Home."

                "See to it, Mr. Chekov." Kirk replied and left the bridge.

                Moments later, he was walking toward his quarters where he was suddenly met by Spock and McCoy. "Hey, Jim," McCoy called out. "Spock has a surprisingly good idea. Follow us."

                Kirk shrugged and wordlessly followed his two best friends to Spock's quarters. The door opened to reveal a table setting for three and a bottle ... of Saurian Brandy. Well, this might be a fine idea after all. "Spock, I'm shocked."

                "It is somewhat of a tradition of mine to have a toast with my Commanding Officer."

                Kirk smiled sardonically, "And it took nearly 25 years for me to learn of this tradition?"

                Spock nodded, "I cannot think of a more fortuitous occasion."

                Kirk nodded, "Join us, Bones."

                "Actually I thought I'd count the sparkles in Spock's IDIC display over here ...of course I'll join you."

                Spock poured the brandy and handed the glasses to his friends. "To the future," he said as he raised a glass.

                "And to the missions of the Enterprises' past," Kirk added.

                They clinked their glasses and drank.

                Then Kirk sat down, "This is it for me, you know. After they retire her, that's it. I'm through with starships and hopping galaxies."

                McCoy and Spock glanced at each other with knowing looks, as the three friends sat infinitely comfortable in each other's presence.

                Captain John Harriman was infinitely uncomfortable, 'How could this have happened? This was supposed to be a spin around the block! ....around the block!' Instead Enterprise-B, on her maiden voyage had encountered a spatial anomaly, it almost tore the ship apart. More importantly, on his first watch as Enterprise Commander, he had lost one of the most important figures in Federation history. James T. Kirk was dead.

                Harriman shook his head slightly, he still couldn't believe it. But it was true, he stood at the rear of the ship's chapel. In the front row stood Captain Montgomery Scott, Captain Pavel Chekov and Ensign Demora Sulu. They were conducting a private memorial service, as Enterprise-B limped back to Earth.

                Harriman bowed his head, and left the room. Kirk had saved the Enterprise, as he had done so many times before,

different ships, linked together by one legacy. It was Harriman who should have made the sacrifice. Kirk should be alive and well, sitting in that chair on the bridge, certainly John felt he didn't deserve to be there. The Captain silently made a pledge to himself, a pledge only someone familiar with the intricate possibilities of space travel could sanely make: 'If I ever have a chance to sacrifice myself to preserve you or your progeny, James T. Kirk, I will not hesitate. I owe you, Captain.' 

                Rachel Garrett stood up from the center seat of Enterprise-C and stepped down to the command console. "How does it feel, Mr. Castillo?"

                Richard Castillo just began his first watch as helmsman. "Wonderful, Captain, Thank you."

                "Don't thank me, Lieutenant. You earned this." She patted him on the shoulder and returned to her chair. This was a fine ship and a good crew. Enterprise-C would indeed live up to the name's legacy, she would insure it. Suddenly, an intense beeping emanated from the communications station.

                The young woman manning it, Ensign Terri, spoke up. "Emergency distress signal, Sir. From the Klingon Outpost

Nirendra III. They are under attack."

                Garrett stood, "Distance."

                "8 hours at present speed," Castillo announced.

                Garrett shook her head, "Not good enough. Go to warp 8, Mister. Course, Nirendra III. Ensign Terri, signal the

Klingons, help is on the way." 'Time to live up to the legacy,' she thought.

                And Enterprise-C warped toward her future.

                Deanna Troi stood up from the chess match, "Don't fret, Worf. I was the All-District chess champion at my high

school."

                "So you've mentioned ... many times."

                She raised her eyebrows in mock surprise. "Funny, I don't recall. Let's get a bite to eat, I'm starved." They walked out of the rec room together. Deanna was glad to have this time to spend with Worf, ever since their duty schedules matched up so they were off-duty together. Worf had been through some emotional hardships lately concerning his late father. He had been quite reserved. Geordi and Data asked her to look after their friend. She didn't need to be asked. In fact, she was surprised and confused by her new feelings for the Klingon. 'Maybe I need to talk to the ship's counselor.' She smiled to herself.

                They arrived at Ten Forward to find the Captain seated alone, nursing a cooling cup of Earl Grey tea. Troi and Worf exchanged glances. Then Troi asked if he wanted company.

                "Certainly Counselor, Lieutenant," He stood in welcome as they sat.

                "It is unusual," Worf said, "to find you here."

                Picard smiled, "I suppose so, Mr. Worf. I was just watching." He pointed at the large picture windows adorning one side of the lounge. Stars flew by, altered by the warp field effect. As always, it was beautiful. "It's nice to see them for real once in a while, not through some view screen sensor array. And away from deck one."

                Troi nodded, "I understand. Is something bothering you though, Captain?"

                Picard shook his head, "Not really Counselor, I guess I'm still awed now and again by the scope of the universe. How much is still out there..."

                Just then, Guinan appeared from seemingly nowhere, "Well, it's always a pleasure when my little hole in the wall is graced by such company. Here," She placed a bottle and some glasses down in the center of the table. "On the house."

                Troi and Picard smiled at the barkeep. Worf nodded as she left. "What is it?," the Klingon asked.

                Picard picked up the bottle, admiring it, "Saurian Brandy. The perfect drink to share with friends." And the Captain of the Enterprise began to pour.

                Ben Sisko wasn't sure about this idea, but how could he say no to Dax, after all they had to find a way to recover from Q's disruptive visit to the station. The dip and chips Dax insisted on had arrived, and it was almost time for her, Kira, O'Brien, Keiko, and Bashir to arrive. He was putting on his fatigues when a knock came to his door. "Come in."

                Jake bounded in his room, holding a deck of cards. "Well, I'm ready."

                "Ready ....for what?"

                "For the game. So is Nog. He's on his way over."

                Sisko shook his head, "Oh, no. Poker is a grownups' game, Son."

                "Ahh, come on, Dad. how come when it's time for me to do chores or homework I ..." he lowed his voice to simulate his dad "...have to start acting like a grownup... but when it comes to the fun stuff, I'm just a kid."

                Sisko was about to say, 'because I said so,' but thought twice. "Just don't fight me on this, Okay, Jake."

                His son paused for a moment with a droopy look on his face, "Okay, Nog and I will just go to Quark's. Tonight's The Dabo Girl Talent Show in the Holosuites."

                ".... you understand the difference between a straight and a straight flush?"

                Sisko draped his arm around his son as they left his room.

                Q arrived home with a headache. 'How can this be? I don't get headaches, and where the hell was I just now? On that decrepit space station?' Yes, that was it, but he had a feeling there was something more to it, a lot more. If only his mind would clear.

                "So," came another's voice, "Out late again last night."

                Q looked up to see the face of his friend, not that he actually had any real --friends -- in the continuum. At least this one came the closest to one he cared anything about, for now. But, he was annoying him at the moment. "Excuuuse me. Have you found that asteroid belt, yet?"

                The other smirked and went about his business.

                As for Q, his head was clearing, and he had an unmistakable urge .... for a doughnut.

                Outside the Organian counsel room, Ayelborne and Trefayne looked up into the night sky.

                "The pocket around our world is indeed gone," Trefayne said. "All is as it was before."

                Ayelborne nodded, "I cannot help but feel that this was all my fault."

                "It was," Trefayne said.

                Ayelborne looked at his compatriot, "I can never fault you for your honesty, Trefayne."

                "Unlike the rest of us, you did not kill, Ayelborne. Not then, not now. If that is a fault," Trefayne shrugged, "it is one I believe you can live with."

                The other nodded. And then in two flashes of light, they moved on.

                Ayelborne stepped out from the rubble of the destroyed Vedek Monastery. Fury was the only emotion he felt. He looked up into the blazing red sky. A temporal pocket, they got him at his own game. He underestimated the abilities of the humans, of Kirk and Picard. He envisioned tearing the captains apart, tearing his other self apart. They deserved no better. But, they had escaped, with simple transporter technology, they survived. Fury grew in its passion.

                Ayelborne scanned the night skies, and for the briefest of moments, he thought he saw a little black mixed into the red. Perhaps not.

                Ayelborne thoughts were molded into one word, one word to obsess on for eternity if that's what it took....

                The temporal pocket filled with hideous laughter.