57

The sleek ship sailed through the vacuum of space. Its passengers, a motley group of businessmen, tourists and young adventurers, relaxed as they journeyed to their various destinations.

The cabin was quiet, the lights dimmed. Most of the passengers had taken the opportunity to get some rest. Even the two young girls in the seats facing theirs had finally gotten over their awe at meeting the legendary Captain James Kirk of the USS Enterprise and his first officer, and had fallen asleep.

"There's one other thing, Jim." Komack smiled and folded his hands on the desk. His mendacious smile dimmed somewhat when he glanced over at Spock. AExcuse us, Mr. Spock, this is 'Captain's Eyes' only."

"Of course, Admiral." Spock rose to his feet, and Kirk turned a faint smile on his first officer. Without a word passing between them, they shared their dismay at Komack addressing Kirk by his first name and Kirk conveyed his amusement that the admiral actually believed the captain of the Enterprise would keep anything from his first officer.

Kirk watched him go, watched him school his face into his unreadable Vulcan mask and felt a moment's uncertainty, wondering why Spock had put up, for him, such a fuss. Letting it go for the moment he looked up and down the walkway trying to find an acceptable clothing shop. He had beamed down still in uniform and wanted a change of clothing. Kirk knew he could have beamed back up to the ship but it seemed as if they had barely gotten away for a single night of shore leave as it was and he didn't want to risk getting unavoidably caught up again in ship's business. A sign down the way caught his eye and he turned and headed for it at a brisk walk.

Over the years there have been so many walls placed between us. So many barriers that we overcame. Walls we built ourselves over a lifetime. Yours, from the first, yours were the more obvious, but I had my share as well.

Loads of artwork by Mueller & Liz