RANSVESTIA

came in to close the door and keep others from making the same discovery." Spock answered calmly.

"This is most embarassing Spock, I . . .I was . . ." Kirk stammered trying to think up an explanation for his appearance.

"There is no need for explanation, Jim, I understand fully. I have for a long time dressed in a similar fashion, while in my own cabin. The customary Vulcan dress was more feminine that masculine and I enjoyed it much more than my regulation uniform. The crew has always thought my reluctance to answer a caller at my cabin door was because I was meditating, but in truth it was to lock in my own secret. For the crew's sake, Captain, I suggest you be more careful of your door in the future.”

Spock left the captain to continue his recreation. Kirk almost couldn't believe the words Spock had spoken. Yet, somehow it pleased him that his first officer knew and understood. But what about McCoy? He had shown great distaste for the feminine roll he had portrayed on the Genderprise. Did Nurse Chapel bring up the box of her own accord or had Bones realized Kirk had enjoyed his role and sent the clothes as a psychological test to see if Kirk was still fit to command. Should he call Bones and demand an explanation or just keep quiet. He decided that he would let McCoy make the first move as he always was better defensively than offensively. For the next few days he avoided McCoy as much as possible, speaking to him only when duty demanded.

Kirk was sitting in his command chair as Sulu and Chekov were busy bringing the Enterprise into orbit around Starbase 3. Spock and Uhura were busy at their consoles preparing the ship for this arrival at the Starbase. Kirk was absorbed with the shore leave list when he heard McCoy's voice speaking to him softly from behind.

"Jim I hope you understand why I had Chapel send you those things. She has been a great help to me these years in my own dressing up. I'm sorry I put on such an act on the Genderprise, but I was afraid Spock would never let me hear the end of it if he thought that I even enjoyed a second of it."

That quiet confession brought a smile to Kirk's face. "Of course, Bones, and thanks,” he answered.

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