Chapter 23: Closure Among the Stars

 

  

The USS Enterprise hovered near the edge of a quiet star system, the ship’s systems now fully operational. Deep scans had finally located the cloaked vessel that had haunted them for months—Robert’s Riptide. After pulling Robert’s ship out of stealth with a carefully calibrated tachyon pulse, Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock had decided to board and investigate.

Aboard The Riptide

The small transport ship was a stark contrast to the clean, ordered halls of the Enterprise. It was cramped, chaotic, and filled with the clutter of Robert’s solitary life. As Kirk and Spock stepped cautiously into the cabin, they were immediately struck by the overwhelming personality of the space.

“Charming,” Kirk muttered, brushing past a stack of crates filled with mismatched goods.

The room was a testament to Robert’s unique life in exile. Stolen Starfleet tools sat beside alien trinkets, while crates of supplies, likely bartered or looted, were stacked haphazardly against the walls. The most striking detail, however, was the unmistakable evidence of Robert’s romantic escapades—discarded items of clothing, trinkets left behind by former companions, and even a love letter written in an alien script pinned to the wall.

Kirk picked up a high-heeled boot that had been left under a console and smirked. “Looks like he was living quite the life out here.”

“Indeed,” Spock said, raising an eyebrow as he examined a collection of holographic photos. “It would appear Mr. Robert has formed numerous… interpersonal connections.”

Kirk chuckled. “Say what you will about him—he certainly made the most of his time.”

As they sifted through the remnants of Robert’s life, Kirk’s amusement faded into something more contemplative. He ran a hand over a well-worn notebook filled with hand-drawn star charts, realizing that Robert had been operating entirely on his own, driven by a blend of desperation, anger, and resourcefulness.

“He lost everything,” Kirk said softly. “His family, his friends, his entire life… and we didn’t give him a choice.”

Spock looked up from his analysis of the ship’s systems. “Captain, it is worth noting that while his actions were disruptive, they were not without a degree of logic. His emotional state dictated his behavior, but his intent was rarely, if ever, lethal.”

Kirk nodded. “He was angry, Spock. And he had every right to be. We left him with nothing and told him to just… adapt.”

After completing their inspection, the two men returned to the transporter room and beamed back aboard the Enterprise.

The Decision

Back on the bridge, Kirk watched as the ship’s systems came fully back online. The lights were steady, the consoles bright, and the hum of the engines filled the air. Order had been restored, but Kirk’s mind was far from settled.

He turned to Spock. “Join me in the brig. I need to speak with Robert.”

The two men made their way to the holding area, where Robert sat calmly on the bench inside his cell. He looked up as they approached, a wry smile playing on his lips.

“Captain Kirk,” Robert said. “Come to gloat?”

“Not exactly,” Kirk replied.

He turned to Spock. “Calculate the equations for a time warp. I want the trajectory plotted to slingshot us around the Sun and send him back to 2024.”

Spock raised an eyebrow but nodded. “Understood, Captain.”

Robert’s eyes widened in surprise, and he stood, approaching the energy barrier of his cell. “Wait. You’re serious?”

“I’m serious,” Kirk said, his tone resolute. “You’re right, Robert. We should’ve done this a long time ago. The Prime Directive be damned.”

Robert stared at him for a long moment before shaking his head. “Don’t do it.”

Kirk frowned. “What?”

“I said, don’t do it,” Robert repeated. “I don’t actually want to go back. I love my life out here, even with everything that’s happened.”

Kirk’s confusion turned to irritation. “Then what the hell was all of this for?”

Robert sighed, his shoulders slumping. “It was never about going back. I just wanted you to acknowledge that it would’ve been the right thing to do. That you stranded me out here, and it hurt. I needed you to see that.”

Kirk stared at him, stunned into silence.

Robert continued, his voice softer now. “But I get it. You were following the rules, doing what you thought was best for the future. And honestly, I agree with the Prime Directive—it would’ve been a disaster if you sent me back. But you didn’t even try to understand what it did to me. That’s what this was about. Validation. Nothing more.”

Kirk ran a hand over his face, frustration giving way to reluctant understanding. “So, neither of us was right. But neither of us was wrong, either.”

“Exactly,” Robert said with a small, sad smile.

After a long pause, Kirk turned to Spock. “Stand down on the time warp calculations.”

Spock inclined his head. “Understood, Captain.”

Kirk deactivated the cell barrier, stepping aside as Robert walked out.

“You’re free to go,” Kirk said. “But hear me loud and clear—if we ever cross paths again under negative circumstances, I’ll bring the full force of the Enterprise down on you.”

Robert extended a hand. “Fair enough. I’m cool with that.”

Kirk hesitated, then shook his hand. Without another word, Robert was escorted to the transporter room, where he beamed back aboard The Riptide.

Captain’s Log

Later, Kirk sat alone in his quarters, dictating his log.

**“Captain’s Log, Stardate 2267.7. The situation with Robert has finally come to a close. While his actions caused significant disruption aboard the Enterprise, I find myself unable to view him as a true enemy. He acted out of pain and loss, emotions we all share, though few of us express them in such… dramatic ways.

In the end, neither of us was entirely right or entirely wrong. I hope he finds peace out there in the stars. And I hope we never cross paths again—because I have no idea how I’d handle him a second time. Kirk out.”**

Epilogue

Aboard The Riptide, Robert leaned back in his chair, staring out at the endless expanse of space. For the first time in months, he felt something close to peace.

“Here’s to the next adventure, lets fucking gooo!” he muttered, setting a course for the unknown.


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