A Second Chance
Synopsis: This story takes place during two timelines, the first being when Kirk was lost through the Nexis and the second, during the book Return.
The face stared out at him, red eyed and tired. He never would have believed he could shed so many tears. Since the news, he hadn't stopped crying. He had warned him so many times. Playing games with life, and yet, it had not been a game. There was real loss. He did say that he always knew he would die alone, but he had not been alone. There were others there. 'But not me and certainly not Spock,' he thought. "Well, I better get ready," McCoy said to no one in particular. "Oh, Jim, why couldn't you have died in bed at 120. Why did you have to be the one to go down there? Why couldn't it have been someone else?"
Then he suddenly realizing what he had said and regretting it. McCoy knew the answer. There really couldn't be anyone else, except maybe Spock. But this time, there would be no katra to carry. Humans don't have that ability. Well there's one good thing about Vulcans, still, you have to wonder what happens during an actual funeral, Bones mused.
Leonard McCoy left the bathroom and headed toward the closet. Opening the door he realized that in all his life since he joined Starfleet he had not bought civilian clothes or at least very few. There were his camping clothes and . . . Suddenly McCoy stopped. He remembered that fateful day when Spock and he had to search for Jim because Starfleet had sent him on a mission to investigate the Orion trade routes after their first five year mission. McCoy had been struck with the amount of clothing that Jim had. Jim's belongings, who will take care of them? Did Jim even leave a will? He knew of the last orders that a Captain would make to his crew but - It doesn't matter now. What mattered for the moment was saying those last goodbies. 'Now it was Jim's turn to go where no one had gone before, and soon it would be my turn,' thought Leonard. Soon it would be my turn.
********
Dr. McCoy got the summons. "Great! Just who do they think they are? They know I've been retired for nearly 70 years. What could Starfleet want with me now?"
McCoy looked at the priority one message. As the image appeared, McCoy recognized the young man. A very promising young doctor that impressed him at a state dinner a few years ago. Much like himself, eager to save lives, yet this young doctor sought adventure while McCoy recalled he had tried to run from life.
The young doctor spoke and what he said did bring a smile to his face. "You are the only other person who could perform this procedure. The other person is not available. It is important that you come at once. A man's life hangs in the balance."
'There always seems to be a life hanging in the balance,' thought McCoy. He turned his attention back to the screen.
"You may remember him very well but his memory is quite sketchy." Suddenly another image appeared. A man laying on a diagnostic bed, pale and drawn. A face so familiar and at McCoy's age, so young. McCoy could not believe what he was seeing. An old friend thought long dead was alive. Was it possible? How!? Answers would have to wait. A reply was needed and McCoy knew what that reply would be.
End
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