Star Trek - Blish, James - 07
Page 18
"Direct hit amidship by photon torpedo!" Sulu yelled.
Spock lifted his head. "Damage to Klingon number three shield, Captain. Number four obliterated. They've lost maneuver power, sir."
Chekov turned. "He's badly damaged. Retreating at reduced speed, sir."
"Secure from general quarters," Kirk said.
Elaan, her eyes shining with proud excitement, looked at him, startled. "You will not pursue and finish him off?"
"No." His eyes met hers. It was a long moment be-fore he was able to say, "Mr. Sulu, resume course to Troyius."
Having said it, he looked away from the dead hope in her face.
In the Transporter Room, Petri had taken his place on the platform. As Elaan entered in her wedding dress, she touched the Troyian necklace she wore and smiled at him. "The two missing stones in this," she said, "saved all our lives, Ambassador Petri." He bowed deeply.
She went to Kirk. "You will beam-down for-the ceremony?"
"No."
She detached the jeweled dagger from her belt. "I wish you to have this as a personal memento. You have taught me that such things are no longer for me." She stooped and kissed his hand. "Remember me," she whispered.
"I have no choice," he said.
"Nor have I. All we've got now is duty and responsi-bility."
She took her place on the platform, her two guards beside her. "Good-bye, Captain James Kirk." Her voice broke.
"Good-bye," Kirk said. He walked swiftly to Scott at the transporter desk. "Energize," he said. Scott turned the dial and the figure of Elaan began to shim-mer. He turned for his last look at her. Her eyes were on his, bright with tears.
McCoy met him excitedly as he walked out of the bridge elevator. "Jim, I've finally isolated the poisonous substance in that woman's tears. I think I've found the antidote."
"There's no need for it, Doctor," Spock said. "The Captain has found his own antidote. The Enterprise infected the Captain long before the Dohlman's tears touched him."
Kirk said, "Mr. Sulu, take us out of orbit. Ahead Warp Two."
Was the Enterprise the antidote to Elaan? McCoy and Spock seemed very sure it was. He was not so sure. Not now, anyway.
The End