Disclaimer: Star Trek is the property of Paramount/Viacom. This story is the property of and is copyright (c) 1977 by Gerry Downes. Originally published in Stardate: Unknown #3, Gerry Downes, editor.

Spectre of the Gun

Gerry Downes

"Captain, there is a matter that requires our

immediate attention -- our survival."

"Not just now, Mr. Spock. It takes us a little longer."

"I understand."

You were so very young, Pavel Chekov;

Perhaps this youthfulness betrayed you.

For all your logical analyses

and studious computations

You still had fiery emotions to contend with.

Around me your behavior was correct;

Were you perhaps in awe of me?

I did not consider us so very far apart.

I would have preferred our ...

association to last longer.

There is no time for a memorial now;

That does not mean we do not remember.

And no eulogy could ever tell

all the promise that was in you.

Logically, we must seek a means of escape;

And I know that you would understand.

"It's all right, Captain. They forget

that I am also ..... half-human."