"Rock the Cradle"

V

Farr arrived in the teleportation room. There was no one on duty—there was no need for anyone to be. He stepped up to the console on the opposite side of the room. He entered his command code to unlock the controls and opened a com-channel to the other ship's teleportation room. "Vancouver, this is Discovery. We stand ready to receive your party."

"Acknowledged. I'm activating the teleporter now."

Farr turned to the chamber in time to see a column of light appear and dissolve into the shape of a man—a man that happened to be the same man who was right now on his way to the briefing room plus a few years...and several hundred million. His eyes widened and his lips spread into a sad smile. "We have him," Farr said into the com-receiver. "Discovery out." He closed the channel and stepped toward the chamber. The man took a slow, almost nostalgic step toward him. Farr extended his hand. "Captain Mark Johnson, I presume."

The man nodded and accepted the hand. "And, you're Lieutenant Farr McClance." His smile broadened and he stifled a chuckle. "It's good to see you again, my friend." And, the man pulled Farr toward him. Farr cried out briefly, then felt the captain wrap his other arm around his shoulders. A stunned Farr stood there for a moment, unsure what to make of this action. Obviously, something had happened—and would happen—to him sometime before this Mark Johnson and the Vancouver made—would make—the time jump. But, when and what... Of course, he knew he shouldn't inquire further. Saying nothing, Farr extended his free arm and returned the embrace.

Then, just as quickly, Captain Johnson pulled away. "I'm sorry. I just couldn't contain myself."

"I understand," Farr said.

The captain shook his head. "Actually, I'm not sure you can. And, I can't tell you..."

"I have a good idea what. I just hope the how was worth it." Captain Johnson's turquoise eyes met his. For a moment, they stood, eyes fixed on each other.

"We should get to the briefing room," Johnson said, turning toward the door.

Farr locked the teleporter controls and followed.

They made their way through the corridors in an awkward silence. Farr knew the man, yet he didn't. He had no idea what this Mark Johnson had been through that the Mark Johnson he knew had yet to experience. Farr glanced aside at the captain, whose eyes drifted around the corridors they followed. He could almost see a sparkle in the captain's eyes, as if re-acquainting himself with a long-lost friend.

They arrived in the briefing room. Commander Johnson rose to his feet to stand beside Captain March as they entered. Lieutenant Commander Hays sat at the console that operated the screen across from her and Lieutenant Jansen sat beside her with eyebrows cocked. "So, it's true," he said, more to himself.

"Welcome aboard the Discovery, Captain Johnson," March said.

Farr turned to Captain Johnson, who froze at the door, his eyes wide on the communications officer and chief engineer.

"Something wrong?" March asked.

Captain Johnson cleared his throat and broke his gaze from the two officers. "Sorry. I thought I was prepared for this. The memories are stronger than I thought."