“I know, John,” Sulu said. “I’m sorry.”

He sat back down in the chair. “I don’t want to miss the most important things in my life,” he said. “So I’ve decided to resign my position as captain of Enterprise.”

“What?” Sulu said, shocked.

“That was what the communication from Starfleet Command was about,” he said.

“Starfleet’s accepted your resignation?” she asked.

“Actually, I’m not resigning my commission,” Harriman said. “I’m giving up my position, not my rank. I haven’t decided what I’ll do next exactly, but for now, I’m still a Starfleet captain.”

Sulu shook her head. She felt numb. “So Starfleet approved your request to change positions?” she asked.

“Oh, they accepted that request a month ago. Tonight—” He reached out his closed fist toward Sulu, then opened his hand to reveal a Starfleet insignia pin designating the rank of captain. “—they approved my replacement.”

Sulu looked up at Harriman. He reached up, removed the rank pin from her right shoulder, and replaced it with the new one. “Congratulations, Captain Sulu.”

She felt her mouth drop open, but she said nothing.

“And Enterprisewill still be going to the Röntgen Wall,” Harriman said. “That will be your first mission as captain.”

“I don’t know what to say,” Sulu finally managed. “Thank you.”

“You’ve earned this, Demora. You’re a fine officer, and you’ll make an excellent starship captain.” He smiled widely. “You’re also a damned good friend.” He stood up and moved toward her, and she rose as well. They embraced, and when they parted, he said, “Since you’re a captain now, I no longer outrank you. But I do have seniority, so I hope you’ll accept one final suggestion.”

“What’s that?” she asked.

Again, Harriman held out his hand. Now it held the rank pin he’d just removed from her uniform. “Xintal has been promoted to commander. It’s your choice, of course, but I think she might make a fine first officer.”

Sulu beamed. “Shall we go tell her?” she said.

Harriman shrugged. “Why don’t we let this night belong to Borona? I’ll be leaving Enterprisebefore it departs Starbase 77, but I’ve scheduled appointments tomorrow with each of the senior staff. I’ll have time to say goodbye, and you’ll have time to make your announcements.”

“All right,” Sulu said. She took the commander’s insignia from Harriman’s hand and exchanged it with her captain’s pin. Then she looked up at her old friend. “I’ll miss you,” she said.

“I’ll miss you too,” he said. “But I’m a good letter-writer, and I know you are too.” It was a skill she’d learned from her father. “And I hope we’ll get to see each other from time to time.” He paused, and then said, “Now go see Borona on her last night. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She nodded and thanked the captain again, then crossed the room to the door, which opened before her. She stopped just outside Harriman’s cabin, feeling overwhelmed by what had just happened. She felt both sad, knowing that she would miss her friend, and exhilarated, marveling at what her own future would hold.

Gathering herself, Captain Demora Sulu headed for the turbolift, striding through the corridors of her first command, U.S.S. Enterprise.

Harriman walked past the unmarked door, but then came to the end of the long corridor. That has to be it,he thought. He turned around and headed back the way he’d come.

He had to smile. It had taken him two starships, two transports, and a shuttlecraft to get to this remote outpost, and now he couldn’t find the right room. I was a helm officer,he joked to himself, not a navigator.

Harriman reached the unmarked door again and stopped before it. He looked both ways down the corridor, attempting to get his bearings and decide whether he really had arrived at the right place. But before he’d come to a conclusion, the door slid open.

“John!” Amina said. “What are you doing here?”

He smiled. “I love you.”

“I love you,” she said, and they stepped forward into each other’s arms, their bodies fitting together as though they’d never been apart.

Into Amina’s ear, he whispered, “Will you marry me?”

“Yes,” she whispered back.

“When?” he said.

“Every day.”

Harriman pulled back so that he could see Amina’s face.

“How about today?” he asked.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank several people for their assistance, generosity, and support during the writing of this novel. I first wish to express my gratitude to Marco Palmieri, both for offering me the opportunity to play in the Lost Erasand-box, and for all of his unstinting efforts along the way. Marco’s professionalism is unmatched, and his editorial skills and sensibilities always improve my writing. His patience and understanding are fortifying, and his vision and enthusiasm for the work galvanizing. Marco is a good man, and I feel fortunate whenever I have the chance to work with him.

I would also like to thank several of the Star Treknovelists. Peter David magnanimously allowed me the full use of Admiral John “Blackjack” Harriman, and Michael Jan Friedman, with equal magnanimity, the full use of “Iron Mike” Paris. Keith R.A. DeCandido provided me with Ditagh, and I gave him Kaarg, so that we might generate a bit of fun continuity for those who read both this book and Keith’s own Lost Eraentry, The Art of the Impossible.I am grateful to Dayton Ward, who graciously answered several questions about the Trekuniverse that I posed him. Lastly, I want to thank Peter David and Armin Shimerman for generously giving of their time by stepping in for me at a writer’s workshop when I was unexpectedly unable to attend.

On a very personal note, thank you for everything to Paul “Stick” Roman, #40, now gone. Paul and I shared so many wonderful moments together, both on and off the baseball diamond. His sense of humor and his loyalty were just two of the many things I could always count on (unlike his fastball, which wasn’t always fast, and his curveball, which didn’t always curve). One of my closest friends and a best man at my wedding, Paul lived a quiet life of greatness. His legacy of kindness cuts a broad path through many lives, and I am a better man for having known and loved him. I will miss him always, and Jackie, Becky, and Ryan Roman continue to have important places in my life and in my heart.

I am thankful, too, that my life intersected with that of Terry Weinstein, now also gone. Terry’s love of the game and his wit—not to mention his hitting, fielding, and running abilities—always made it enjoyable to step onto a baseball field with him. It’s not the same without him, and never will be. I miss him, and I keep Ellen Gordon and Terry’s family in my heart and thoughts.

I want to thank Colleen Ragan for her love, friendship, and support. One of the funniest people I’ve ever known, Colleen also manages to impress and encourage me, by bravely and boldly taking her life in new directions. And of course, she is truly the queen of all she surveys.

Thanks to Marty Nedboy, another person whose incredible sense of humor never fails to brighten my days. Marty is a dear and fabulous man, and absolutely one of a kind. I still can’t wait for him to take his comeback show to Vegas.

I want to thank Anita Smith for her unflagging love and support. She’s a terrific woman, and I appreciate the happiness she brings to life.

I want to thank Patricia Walenista, a woman to whom I always look for love, support, and guidance. There is no question that she has, in so many ways, contributed wonderful things to my life. I respect, admire, and love her.