This is a snippet written in 1984 after the release of ST III: The Search For Spock

EX-CELSIOR

Two bedraggled, space-suited figures staggered in through the service airlock from the Starfleet space dock, sat down on the bench in the changing room and removed their helmets. Hardly having the energy to raise his head, the younger man asked his companion, "Chief, why did they have us do this? Nothing is harder than chipping paint at zero gee. Unless it's dealing with Captain Styles trying to keep us away from his former ship."

The gray-headed chief looked up sympathetically. "I know, son, but when 'Fleet speaks, we listen. If it's any comfort, this is the first time in all my years that I've seen anything like this done."

The younger man stood up and started removing his suit. "But why, Chief? Who is this guy? What makes him so important that we have to spend 16 hours in suits chipping paint and repainting?" He finished removing his pressure suit, straightened his overalls and sat down again wearily.

The older man finally stirred and began to remove his own suit.

"Son, all I know is that he's an Admiral, and more than that, he has enough influential friends in the right places that even the rest of the Admiralty is a bit in awe of him. I guess he's been around a long time," the Chief continued, walking over to the rack and hanging up his pressure suit and helmet, "I just don't know for sure."

"But, Chief," the young man protested, "wouldn't somebody who'd been around that long be too old for space duty? Why would he still want a command?"

The Chief smiled wryly. "I really don't know. But look at it this way -- maybe he'll find out that we're the ones who did the work and be grateful. It never hurts to have friends in high places."

Just then, the door to the main part of the station cycled open and an auburn-haired, hazel-eyed figure bounded through.

"Gentlemen, I'm so glad I caught you. I wanted to let you know how pleased I am that you managed to get all that work done. I've put in a letter of commendation for both of you, but I wanted to thank you personally."

Both men had jumped up at the sight of the Admiral's uniform and were still a bit startled by his sudden appearance. The younger man was the first to recover.

"Thank you, sir. Thank you very much." He paused, a little unsure, but continued, "could I ask you a question, sir?"

Admiral James T. Kirk's eyes twinkled and he smiled. "Of course. What is it?"

"Sir, why do all your ships have to be called 'Enterprise'?"



End

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