USS Enterprise and ✨MUTANTS✨

USS ENTERPRISE — NCC-1701 Location: Starfleet Personnel Transport / Main Deck Stardate: 2266

Captain James T. Kirk had read the reports seventeen times.

Seventeen.

Spock had counted.

"Captain, I believe you have already reviewed the relevant documentation."

Jim looked up from the PADD in his hands.

"Yes, Spock. I know."

"You have also requested additional medical documentation from Starfleet Medical, reviewed the environmental accommodation guidelines, and submitted three separate requests for modifications to the crew quarters."

"Four."

Spock raised an eyebrow.

"Four?"

"Scotty found something else we needed."

Across the room, Dr. McCoy gave an exasperated sigh.

"Jim, they're joining a starship, not moving into a luxury hotel."

"What's wrong with making them comfortable?"

"Nothing. Except you've practically had the entire deck renovated."

"Not the entire deck."

"Yet."

Jim ignored him.

He looked down at the PADD again.

The initiative had been announced only recently, and the Enterprise was the first vessel in Starfleet to officially volunteer to accommodate mutant personnel.

He had read everything available.

Medical requirements. Genetic research. Psychological considerations. Potential environmental complications. Individual abilities. Limitations. Emergency accommodations.

He'd even asked McCoy to prepare for mutations that Starfleet Medical hadn't encountered before.

Because that was the thing.

These weren't experiments.

They weren't weapons.

They weren't security liabilities waiting to happen.

They were people.

People who wanted to explore space. People who wanted to serve. People who deserved the opportunity to stand on a starship's bridge and look out at the stars without wondering whether they belonged there.

And Jim intended to make absolutely certain they did.

"Captain," Uhura's voice came through the communications system. "We're receiving the incoming personnel transport. They're requesting permission to begin the transfer."

Jim straightened immediately.

"Permission granted. Welcome them aboard."

"Acknowledged, Captain."

He turned toward McCoy.

"How's Sickbay?"

"Prepared."

"Specialized equipment?"

"Prepared."

"Medical staff briefed?"

"Jim."

"What?"

"They're prepared."

"Good."

McCoy stared at him.

"You're nervous."

"I'm not nervous."

"You're practically vibrating."

"I'm excited, Bones."

"That's what I'm worried about."

Spock stood beside them, hands clasped behind his back.

"Captain, your enthusiasm is understandable. However, I would recommend allowing the new personnel sufficient time to become acquainted with their surroundings before overwhelming them with your hospitality."

Jim paused.

"...I don't overwhelm people."

McCoy actually laughed.

"Sure you don't."

Before Kirk could respond, the doors opened.

A communications officer stepped inside.

"Captain, the transport has arrived. The new personnel are ready for transfer."

Jim immediately set his PADD aside.

"All right. Let's go say hello."

---

A few minutes later.

The transporter room was ready.

The familiar blue lights illuminated the circular platform, and the transporter chief stood at his station, checking the incoming personnel manifest.

Kirk stood in front of the transporter pads.

Not behind his desk. Not waiting in his ready room. Not sending some unfortunate ensign to do the welcoming.

He wanted to be there himself.

McCoy stood a short distance behind him, carrying a medical PADD. Spock was beside him, quietly observing the transporter readings.

Jim adjusted the front of his uniform.

"All right. Let's make a good first impression."

The transporter chief glanced over.

"Receiving coordinates confirmed, Captain."

"Whenever you're ready."

The familiar mechanical hum began.

Light gathered across the transporter platform.

And as the first arrivals began to materialize aboard the Enterprise, Captain James Tiberius Kirk wore a smile that was considerably less formal than the one he used during diplomatic negotiations.

"Welcome aboard the Enterprise," he began warmly.

He glanced at the arriving personnel, then gestured toward himself.

"I'm Captain James Kirk. This is Commander Spock, and that's Dr. McCoy. He'll be looking after your medical needs, although he'll deny being excited about it."

"Bite me, Jim," McCoy muttered.

Kirk grinned.

"See? You'll get used to him."

He looked back toward the newcomers.

"Now, I know this is probably a considerable change for some of you. New ship, new people, unfamiliar surroundings. We've made some preparations, but I don't expect us to have anticipated absolutely everything."

He paused, his expression becoming a little more sincere.

"So if you need something, tell us. If something isn't working, we'll fix it. If you have questions, ask them. And if you just need someone to point you toward the nearest coffee machine, I'm sure Mr. Scott can arrange that."

A beat.

"Actually, don't ask Scotty. He'll give you a twenty-minute explanation of the machine."

Spock tilted his head.

"An accurate explanation would likely be beneficial."

"Thank you, Spock."

Jim chuckled, then looked toward the arrivals again.

"Anyway. We're glad you're here."

He meant it.

And judging by the number of accommodation requests he'd personally submitted, he intended to prove it.

For the first time in Starfleet history, the Enterprise was going to be home to mutants.

And Captain Kirk couldn't have been happier.