Chapter Text
“The Tholian shuttle has left with the three critically wounded, sir.” While Dr. Heskene was confident that transport would have been safe, the Tholian medical officer had also expressed a preference for a gentle physical removal in those cases. It seemed counterintuitive to Kirk. The transporter had been such an integral part of his life for so long, but he had his own CMO to remind him that not everyone felt that way.
Uhura hadn’t even looked over to pass the message. He had the feeling she was still monitoring both the Tholian shuttle and the Tholian ship for potential additional communication. “Thank you, Lieutenant. Please let Mr. Scott know he can start shifting the corridors back to normal environment along the path to the emergency airlock.”
She nodded. “Aye, sir.”
Beside him, McCoy leaned into the corner of his chair. “I’m still shocked you would have let them cut a hole in the side of the cargo bay to install an airlock.”
Kirk could hear the fatigue in the CMO’s voice but wasn’t going to be the one to tell him to get some sleep. With his patients all released, he’d figure that out within a few seconds of them going to warp.
“So was Scotty, and I’ll probably have to buy him a few drinks at the next Starbase to soothe his feelings on it, but if it would have been quicker and easier than a short path of environmental adjustments, it would have been the right thing to do.” All in the interest of adding to the good impression they were trying to make.
“Would it?” McCoy shook his head. “My patients weren’t exactly cooperative with me and the doctor they sent over was a bit abrasive, although I suppose not any worse than some of the flag officers we’ve had to deal with now and then.” Kirk let that one go by without swinging since it was a sentiment he shared. He might add some ambassadors into that mix, too. “Why did you make it easier for them?”
“Because I didn’t have to make it harder.” He didn’t want to make it any harder for his people, either, but they’d all signed on with Starfleet knowing that not every day was going to be an easy one. “And maybe they’ll have a better view of the Federation because of it. Or at least a less unflattering one.”
“An admirable goal, captain.” Spock appeared on the other side of him.
McCoy grunted, squinting at the Vulcan. “If they’d just talked to us in the first place…”
Holding up a hand, Kirk shook his head. “But they didn’t. This time. Next time might be different.” Or the time after. Or sometime, so long as they kept trying. And they would keep trying. He didn’t think he’d ever get to let the weapons stay cold for long but talking was always a better solution. Both sides had to be willing, though.
“Additional communication and understanding are always among the end goals of Starfleet, doctor. The next time you have occasion to treat an injured Tholian, circumstances may be a little less politically cold on both sides.”
“Save me from Vulcan puns.”
“Hardly a pun, doctor. It was a—”
Holding up a hand, Kirk held back a laugh. “Gentlemen, while I’m sure you can discuss this at length, and no doubt you will, I think it’s time to move on.” He cleared his throat and raised his voice. “Mr. Chekov, I believe we were on our way to the Silarian Colonies when we answered the distress call. Something about satellite weather control issues.”
Chekov looked back, his own eyes shining. “Aye, sir.”
“Lay in a course. Warp factor six. Let’s make up a little lost time.”
“Aye, sir.” He turned several dials, flicked a glance at Sulu, and looked back over his shoulder again. “Course laid in for Silaria.”
Sulu didn’t look back. “Warp factor six. Engaging.”
Silaria likely wouldn’t be as exciting as the job they’d just completed, but it was certainly still somewhere that needed them. And that made Kirk feel pretty good about his place in the universe. So long as he had the ability to help, he would.