Star Trek: The Original Series: No Time Like the Past by Cox Greg

Author:Cox, Greg [Cox, Greg]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Pocket Books/Star Trek
Published: 2014-02-25T06:00:00+00:00

Nineteen

“Feeling better?” Kirk asked.

He found Seven back in sickbay, reclining upon an elevated bio-bed that had been converted to serve her unique requirements. Flexible tubules, extending from the exoskeleton on her left hand, interfaced with an exposed power conduit equipped with an adapter of specialized design. A cable connected the adapter to the conduit, which had been accessed via a panel in the adjacent wall. Kirk saw that Seven had also apparently been making use of the computer library access terminal on the other side of the bed. Spock was keeping her company.

“To a degree,” she stated, although her face was still drawn and pale. Like Kirk, she was no longer made up to resemble a Cheronian and had changed back into more customary attire. Even her hair was blond again. “Commander Spock has been guiding me through certain meditation techniques. They are proving of use in preserving my cortical functions and ability to concentrate.”

“I am pleased that I can be of assistance,” Spock said. “You may find that the exercises will also allow you to better regulate your autonomic bodily functions, so that they can better rest . . . if not regenerate.”

Kirk could believe it. He had known Spock to remain sharp for days at time during a crisis and to be able to refresh himself with only short periods of focused meditation. Kirk had often envied his friend’s ability to go without sleep for long periods at a time without noticeable effect.

“Glad to hear it,” he said. “You had me worried a few times back on Cheron.”

After linking the three fragments together, he and Seven had found themselves in the burned-out ruins of a dead city, at the precise coordinates that they had originally attempted to beam down to. It had been impossible to tell how long ago the city had died, but weeds, vines, and gritty gray sand already had overrun the crumbling buildings and pavement. Mummified corpses, preserved by the arid environment, lay exposed to the elements, while startled lizards and insects had scurried away at the arrival of the strangers. Kirk had glanced around briefly to see if he could locate the remains of the Center for Biological Security, but one heap of weathered, carbonized rubble looked much the same as any other. For all he’d known, they weren’t even in the same city anymore, nor had he been inclined to linger and investigate further. Better to put Cheron behind them . . . for good.

“I regret that I gave you cause for concern,” Seven said. “I will require an extended period of induced hibernation soon, but I wish to brief you on our next destination before I let Doctor McCoy put me under again.”

Kirk nodded. Seven had been too exhausted to inspect their prize immediately upon their return to the Enterprise. Truth to tell, he had been pretty worn out by their experiences on Cheron, too, but now that he’d had a chance to get patched up and recover a bit, he was eager to discover what new clue Seven might have found inscribed on their latest acquisition.

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