Captain's log - Stardate 2261.044

We moved to a safe distance, but stayed close enough to witness the explosion of the Minarian sun. Precise to the point of annoying as always, Spock said the supernova was a type one alpha.

The explosion was spectacular - not that the three inhabited worlds were likely to enjoy it. Well, as Bones pointed out, they didn't linger. At their technical levels of development, they might not have even seen it coming.

I wonder if Gem was native to this system? If so, were all her people empathic? Moot point now, of course.

Settling into the Captain's chair, Kirk watched the dying sun as Spock continuously rattled off facts as if anyone else on the Bridge might actually be paying attention.

"Since the star is showing no signs of strong spectral lines of hydrogen, it would officially be classified as a type one rather than a type two supernova. Alpha class. Plus, due to the elliptical shape of the Minarian system . . ."

Kirk finally turned to direct his words toward the science station.

"Spock? Do I look like I give a damn? Put it all into your reports and I'll read it later. For now, all that I want is verification that we're close enough for a good show, but far enough away not to have to worry about damages to the ship."

Looking slightly perturbed at the interruption, Spock turned from the science panel and looked toward the main viewscreen.

"Our distance from the star is sufficient, Captain. My readings indicate that the explosion could conceivably destroy the core and completely obliterate the star."

"Excellent."

Activating the intercom, Kirk called down to Sickbay.

"Anyone dying who shouldn't be, Bones?"

"Not at the moment unless you have a volunteer for us."

"No volunteers. Leave your nurses in charge and come to the Bridge on the double."

"On my way."

Shifting to watch the dying sun again, Kirk allowed his thoughts to wander. It was a shame that it was likely too much to hope that one of those planets was the one the Vians called home. He'd consider wiping out a few more of them as a favor to the universe at large. He was pulled back by the sound of McCoy coming onto the Bridge. Kirk motioned the doctor over and everyone on the Bridge was surprised when it became apparent that Kirk intended for McCoy to sit in front of the Captain's chair - a position assumed on many Imperial ships by whichever female was currently the Captain's woman.

Only McCoy seemed unsurprised and he settled down where Kirk wanted him, his back against the seat of the chair with one of Kirk's knees at either shoulder. The silence on the Bridge was so deep that Kirk barely restrained a chuckle as he reached forward to rest one hand atop McCoy's head.

Studying the pair, Uhura thought she understood what this was about. The word of what had happened in the corridors had spread like fire. McCoy had always been viewed as dangerous, but now that evaluation had been upped to deadly. The crew had all known, of course, that going into Sickbay while on McCoy's bad side was akin to suicide, but they had considered that outside of Sickbay, his main defense was the Captain's protection. The speed of his blade work ended that thought, but now? Kirk was making it very blatantly clear that McCoy might not need his protection, but he had it any way.

For his part, McCoy knew some psychology, but more importantly, he knew James T. Kirk in a way that possibly no other living being did. The others might think this display was for the benefit of the crew, but he knew it wasn't a display at all. Between Gem attaching herself to him and then the way the Vians had ripped them away from one another, Kirk needed reassuring and McCoy had no qualms about following along with whatever gave him that assurance. He and Puri had talked in depth a few times about the needs of a starship captain. Some days, McCoy wished Nero was still alive so that he could personally kill the Romulan bastard for taking his mentor away from him.

That and other thoughts ran through his head as he finally looked toward the viewscreen. Looking into space would never be his favorite thing, but he rarely got the feelings of panic that used to overwhelm him. That change had nothing to do with the Black being less dangerous and everything to do with the solid presence behind him. Part of that was Kirk's possessive streak. Deep down, McCoy felt that if anything genuinely threatened to remove him from his Captain's side permanently, Kirk would kill him to prevent anyone else from doing it. McCoy reflected further that finding that thought comforting probably said things about him he'd rather not think about too deeply.

From behind them, he heard Spock speak.

"According to my readings, the fusion reaction has begun. The explosion should be imminent."

Even with the automatic dampening of the brightness that was part of the viewscreen's failsafes, the initial flash of light as the core of the star exploded had them all averting their eyes reflexively. Leaning forward, Kirk made what McCoy translated as a happy noise.

"Spectacular. Admit it, Bone - that was worth seeing. Or all you still fixated on the three inhabited worlds?"

"A bit. With any luck, none of them were technologically advanced enough to see this coming. Regardless, it's over for them now. At least it shouldn't be anything lingering."

Deciding it was time for a change of subject, Kirk settled back in his chair again. It was really a shame that McCoy was so valuable elsewhere because Kirk rather enjoyed having him on the Bridge like this.

"So, have you made a decision regarding Gem yet?"

"I have. With your permission, of course, Captain."

Uhura turned to give the appearance that she was checking a reading when, in reality, she was hiding a smile. There was one thing that McCoy seemed to have a grasp of at an instinctive level and that was when to toss a little flattery Kirk's way by making use of his title.

"What do you have in mind that I need to approve?"

Looking over his shoulder, McCoy met Kirk's eyes.

"Gaila. I want Gem to share quarters with Gaila."

Kirk looked stunned for a moment, then laughed.

"Damn. That's a great idea. So long as Gaila doesn't object, you've got it."

A small smile formed on McCoy.

"She's good with it,"

Halfway expecting that the doctor would request to leave after getting his approval, Kirk was pleasantly surprised when McCoy instead turned back around and resettled into his position at the front of the Captain's chair.

"Any additional readings you need to take on what remains of the Minarian system, Mister Spock?"

"I believe the data we have already assembled to be adequate, sir."

"Very good. In that case, Mister Sulu, plot us a course out of here.

Kirk rested his hand on McCoy's head again and McCoy responded by leaning his head back a bit to meet Kirk's touch. Feeling a wave of contentment, Kirk took a look around the Bridge. His Bridge. His people. Life was sweet.

Life was very sweet.

These are the continuing voyages of the ISS Enterprise. Her ongoing mission :

To exploit strange new worlds, to subjugate new lifeforms and new civilizations,

To boldly go where no one has dared go before.