Her smile in return was patient and apologetic. “You know I have my own projects I can’t abandon. And I left the Starfleet part of my life behind a long time ago. Besides, you’ve already got a solid archaeology department under Scott Saslow.”

“Solidity isn’t everything. You could shake things up in interesting ways.”

She peered at him. “This isn’t just about you getting bored behind a desk again, is it? I thought this whole flagship gig was supposed to keep that from happening.”

“Of course not. I enjoy my work. Guiding young minds, shaping the officers of tomorrow, shepherding research on the cutting edge… it’s all the best parts of starship duty without the danger and loneliness of the frontier.”

“I’m sure it’s me you’re trying so hard to convince.”

Kirk directed an affectionate glare her way, then decided to change the subject as the turbolift deposited them on D deck, housing the ship’s VIP and senior officers’ quarters. “And how about you, Commander?” he asked Uhura as they exited the lift. “Back to the Asimov?”

“That’s right,” she said with a smile. “The work isn’t as varied or unpredictable as it was on the Enterprise, but I’m enjoying the chance to pursue a long-term research project.”

“What was it again?” Sherev asked. “Charting subspace density anomalies?”

“Yes, Professor. And using them to amplify sensor and communication beams through a form of gravitational lensing. We’re learning a lot about multidimensional subspace topology.”

“If I interpret your results correctly,” Spock told her, “they suggest methods for predicting the locations of density variations that could be used to optimize effective warp velocities as well.”

“I don’t want us to get ahead of ourselves, Captain. I’ve learned the value of being patient with long-term research like this.” Uhura gave a sigh that struck Kirk as slightly melancholy.

“Of course. Still, the potential is intriguing.”

Kirk envied the ability of the three scientists around him to find contentment in the slow, meticulous routines of their research. He did derive fulfillment from guiding the next generation of Starfleet officers, more so than he had as Chief of Starfleet Operations during his last stint on Earth. But he had to admit, it was a quieter life than what he’d become accustomed to on the Enterprise. These special missions helped keep things interesting, but in some ways they just sharpened the contrast with his everyday routine; when he returned home, he found himself wondering how long it would be until the next mission.

He quashed those thoughts. It had been less than a year since he took the post; maybe he just needed a little more time to find his equilibrium. A new term would begin before long, bringing a whole new crop of students. That could provide interesting challenges of its own.

Starfleet Academy

San Francisco, Earth