Gemini Read Online Free PDF

evenly. “As the various tribes mingled and intermarried, such psionic powers were gradually bred out of the race. Experts theorize that such abilities were needed in ancient times, but no longer when Nadorian society reached a certain level of civilization.”
    â€œIt’s happened before,” said McCoy, thinking it over. “The theory is that humans once had a third eye, certain species of the dryworm of Antos IV have been found with the remnants of gills, and, of course, there’s the Vulcan inner eyelid.”
    â€œWhich, happily, has not been bred out of the race,” said Spock. McCoy smiled at that, no doubt remembering the events of Deneva. Those events of some months back called to Kirk’s mind first and foremost his late brother, Sam, and his nephew, Peter, and he scanned the crowd for any sign of the boy, but found none.
    â€œSo they can’t carve any more statues like these?” asked Yeoman Barrows, sadly. “What a shame. The grace, the form … it’s remarkable. Almost like a living being, caught in stasis.”
    â€œAnd so the Nadorian aesthetic makes another conquest,” said a voice behind them, in the tones of one who had long ago succumbed to the same desire. They turned, to see Commissioner Roget approaching, escorting a woman near to his own age. “Captain James T. Kirk, my wife, Janine.”
    â€œAn honor, Mrs. Roget,” said Kirk. “May I present my staff?”
    Janine Roget was an elderly woman who had obviously come to terms years ago with the fact of her aging, and had made no pretensions about holding on to her vanished youth. As a consequence, with her nearly elfin features, surmounted by a pair of green eyes and a mane of gray hair, making no attempt to seem young, she seemed younger than most beautiful women Kirk had known who fruitlessly clung to their departing years. The Rogets were holding hands, a gesture Kirk found sweetly endearing.
    â€œIt will be a pleasure to return home to Earth,” said Janine Roget after Kirk finished the introductions, “though I must confess I shall regret having to leave such beautiful things behind.”
    â€œJanine’s working on a history of Nadorian sculpture,” said Roget, proudly. “As for leaving beautiful things behind, dear, from my perspective, I’m taking this planet’s most comely treasure with me.” He squeezed her hand, and she actually blushed as the rest of Kirk’s crew exchanged an appreciative smile (with the exception, of course, of Spock).
    A servant circulated among them again, collecting the containers of vapor dew and distributing glasses containing a green liquid. “What’s this?” asked McCoy, sniffing it carefully. “It looks like a glass of algae.”
    â€œI shouldn’t drink that just yet, Doctor,” said Commissioner Roget, taking glasses for himself and his wife. “It’s for the ceremonial introduction of Their Serene Highnesses.”
    â€œTell me, Commissioner,” asked Kirk, before the ceremonies started in earnest, “have you seen my nephew, Peter? I was hoping he’d be here.”
    â€œHe told me he would be, Captain,” replied Roget, looking toward something else. “He was quite looking forward to seeing you. I wouldn’t worry, I’m sure he’s just—”
    Roget was interrupted by a flare of louder music from the band of musicians as they began playing a piece of music Kirk actually recognized—the planetary anthem of Nador. Regent Lonal emerged from the crowd and stood next to a huge pair of double doors. The music stopped as Lonal gestured to them, and Kirk realized that even in here he could still hear the murmuring of voices he had noted earlier. He was wondering idly who they were, when Lonal cleared his throat.
    â€œMy friends and allies of Nador,” he said, “I thank you all for your gracious presence here tonight as we greet our