*Flashback*

6/26/2265
Spackdock
Airlock 4

Three figures stood silently in the airlock passage that connected the USS Endeavor with Earth Spacedock

Crewmen Alyen, L'Naym and their children had arrived at Spacedock from Earth the day before and Kirk
had spent most of the day with them. Giving them a tour of his new vessel. Playing with his niece and nephew.
Reminiscing with his Soul Siblings about the past and discussing the future. A day of priceless sharing.

But now a new day had come.

Today the Nlian family would be boarding a ship for Nlia. A month after that they would be heading to
the Calen Research Outpost, a planetary based biological and medical research center with a population
of eight hundred. There would be plenty of work for both a botanist and a medical assistant.

The outpost itself was a support/auxiliary for Medical Starbase III, located four light years away on
the edge of the Norana System. The huge station was known for its specialized care units and training
programs and boasted some of Starfleet's most seasoned medical officers among its personnel.
Alyen, who never tired of developing his medical skills, was very eager for the chance to visit it.

Both planets were located in core systems, well within Federation territory. Calen was a lush tropical world
which had reminded Kirk of Hawaii the first time he saw pics of it and had delighted L'Naym. The Norana
system had an M class world, of mountains, plains and thick forests. The population lived in twenty vast
megalithic cities, leaving the remainder of the planet in a pristine state. They also placed great importance
on healers and frequently hosted medical conferences.

Yes it would be a great assignment. Plenty of opportunities for learning and advancement and a great
place to raise a family.

But three hearts were still breaking.

For six years they had walked together and now their paths were separating.

Kirk gently drew both his Soul Siblings into his arms. They wrapped their arms tightly around him.

Three Souls touched.

*Jim. Beloved brother. Soul Sibling.*

*Shylea, Beloved sister. Tuskaro Beloved brother. Soul Siblings.*

*You are Jim. And you are ours.*

*You are Shylea and Tuskaro. You are one and you are mine.*

The Joined Souls felt the depth of the Touched Soul's love for them —his gratitude for everything
that they had shared together; laughter, tears, talks and memories, good and bad. His grief at
leaving them…but knowing that he must.

The Touched Soul felt the depth of the Joined Souls' love for him —their gratitude for everything
that they had shared together. Their grief at leaving him…but knowing that they must.

For six years their paths and their destinies had lay together.

But now it was time for them to part.

It was time for the Touched Soul to go to a new, larger ship and in to deep space where he was
meant to be.

And the Joined Souls couldn't go with him.

The Touched Soul went deep, deeper than he ever had before, but careful not to approach their Bond.
He went ever deeper, determined to lock the feel of his Soul Siblings deep within. They knew what
he was doing and opened themselves gladly. He knew that they were also going deeper then ever
before and opened himself gladly.

*You are Jim. And you are ours. Always.*

*You are Shylea and Tuskaro. You are one and you are mine. Always.*

Three Souls embraced and drew closer and closer…communing, sharing, loving.

Then gently pulled back.

The Touched Soul didn't bother to hold back his tears. *Parted from me and never parted,*
he whispered, repeating the words of another dear friend, now gone. *Never and always
touching and touched.*

*Parted from us and never parted,* the Joined Souls responded, both their eyes also tear
strained. *Never and always touching and touched.*

Slowly all three moved out of each others' arms and stepped back.

"Now go, dear Soul Brother," L'Naym whispered. "And don't look back. For you will see us again."

"And when you do it will be a day of joy," Alyen whispered.

Kirk nodded. "And my joy will be great," he whispered.

They turned and went in opposite directions. Kirk toward the Endeavor and uncharted space. Alyen and L'Naym
toward the Spacedock, Nlia and Calen.

None of them looked back.

*End Flashback*