Beginnings of a Lifetime

Prologue

Jim walked onto the bridge for the Alpha shift feeling well rested. He had gotten his reports for Star Fleet command done in record time now that he was used to the required format. His fast work gained him a few extra hours of much needed sleep. He knew he was still inexperienced as a Captain and the paper work was only one aspect that he needed to master. Jim had a feeling that this five year voyage would provide all the experience he could handle. Dealing with so many people in a confined area, even as large as the Enterprise was something else he had to learn. He looked around the bridge and found Spock at the science station, concentrating very hard on something on his view screen that Jim was sure he would hear about sooner or later. Uhura was busying her self checking for subspace frequencies and very obviously avoiding looking in Spock's direction. Jim sighed and sat down in the command chair.

The bridge was quiet, and Jim knew that was a problem. That meant that no one was talking; only speculating rumors. Chekov and Sulu only glanced at each other every once in awhile nervously. The tension in the room was obvious. By now everyone had heard that Uhura and Spock had an argument, a bad one. It was the 'we don't belong together anymore', relationship ending kind of bad. Somehow he was not surprised by the ending of their relationship. It seemed that Spock was only humoring Uhura at times when he saw them together. Jim knew from plenty of experience with screwing up relationships, that it gets old fast.

Of course no one but Spock and Uhura knew the real reason for their break up. Quite frankly Jim didn't care. He just hoped that the rumors and drama were kept off the bridge. Well, that was sort of the truth. Jim did care because he had been attempting to develop a friendship with both his communications officer and his Second in Command over the past few months. It was necessary if they were going to work so closely together for the next five years.

Well, Jim decided, nothing loosens tension like business.

"Mr. Spock, report," Jim commanded in his most authoritative tone. He swore he saw Chekov jump a little. The almost clairvoyant kid was growing on him, only Spock out matched his physics and computations.

Spock stood up from his view screen and straightened his blue uniform, then walked over to the command chair. With his hands clasped behind his back, he stood at attention. Jim noticed that his first officers Vulcan features were calm but his eyes showed a hint of the storm that threatened his Vulcan reserve. Jim looked over his first officer and grinned as he stared at the pointy delicate ears. He didn't know why he found them captivating be he did, they always drew his eyes. His concentration was broken away from Spock's ears as Spock began his report.

"Mr. Scott's upgrades are nearly completed, and we should be expecting new orders from Star Fleet Command at any time Captain," Spock replied in his calm deep voice. He only relayed the information that Jim already suspected.

"Thank you Mr. Spock Now-"

"Captain, new orders from Star Fleet Command have just come through, priority one. We are to change course for the Alpha quadrant, the coordinates have been sent to the ships computer. A science vessel made a discovery of a new life sustaining planet. They require our assistance," Uhura interrupted in her professional manner. Her tone was a little sharper than usual but Spock was in her view. Jim figured that may have had something to do with it.

"Very well Lieutenant. Chekov, set our new course for the Alpha quadrant,"

"Aye sir" Chekov replied and with his small nimble fingers he set in their course heading.

Spock went back to his station very stoically. Jim however, could tell by his friend's response to the orders of a raised eyebrow and tilted head that he was excited. He was sure that Spock was already cataloging all the scientific experiments and observations he was going to be doing in this mission. Star Fleet Command might as well have given the Vulcan candy.

Jim was more than a little intrigued by their new orders him self. It would be a little over two days before they reached their destination. Jim had another mission to pursue within that time, getting to know Spock better. Even though they had now served on the Enterprise for three months Spock had divulged very little information about himself to Jim. They played Chess and even dined in the mess hall together since their shifts usually ended around the same time. Their conversations during their interactions were mostly about work or Jim jabbering about complaints he had with Star Fleet Command. Neither one of the two men discussed their past any other personal information with each other. Jim didn't know why it was so important to him that he get to know his First Officer, perhaps it had something to do with what the alternate Spock had told him. He and Spock were supposed to friends, and Jim didn't object so he was going to try.

Jim entered the Recreation room after his shift was done without bothering to change out of his uniform. The captain was always on duty after all Jim thought. The lights were low and it was noisy as usual with Uhura and Scotty joking and laughing. The music playing in the back ground was a Scottish fiddle tune that he did not recognize. Jim knew that it was a long shot but he had to check if Spock had come here. Jim looked around and at first he missed him, but on a second look he found Spock.

The Vulcan was seated at the chess table, alone. He looked at the board as if he was trying to make it move by telekinesis. Jim almost laughed at this thought but suppressed it as he neared the chess table.

"Hey Spock," Jim said with a grin. Jim knew that it was strange that he always grinned in Spock's presence. He guessed it was that he felt like he had to do the smiling for them both since Spock couldn't.

Spock looked up at Jim for a moment and then went back to staring at the board.

"Capitan" Spock finally acknowledged.

"What are you doing Spock?" Jim asked. He looked the board over and it was set up to replicate the end of their last game.

"I am attepting to understand the logic of how you won our last match with such seemingly uncalculated moves Captain," Spock replied calmly.

"That's just it Spock, my moves aren't calculated until they are put into action," Jim replied as he sat down in the chair across from Spock.

"So I have observed. Do you wish to play again Captain?" Spock asked and looked at Jim. Jim could see that Spock needed a distraction and that is why he was at the Rec room even if he wouldn't admit it. Spock had hoped Jim would find him here.

"Sure Spock, and you can call me Jim when were not on the bridge or on official business," Jim said. Jim felt something in the pit of his stomach as he said those words. No one called him Jim but Bones and family. Why had he just given Spock this right as well? He thought that Perhaps he was just feeling like a softie and taking pity on Spock who was having a hard time.

Spock's eyes soften a little. Jim could tell but he was sure others probably wouldn't. Jim was damn good at reading people if he didn't say so himself. Without a reply Spock set up the board for a new game. Spock gave the Captain white since he had won the last game. Jim made his first move.

"So rough day on the bridge," Jim said as he watched Spock's slender fingers make his own move on the board.

Jim made his counter move. Spock was already trying to back him into a corner. Damn

"I do not know what you are referring to Captain. Nothing out of the ordinary occurred," Spock said retreating a little into his stoic tone. Jim did not miss Spock's pointed use of his rank instead of his name.

Ok, friendship has to be earned, fair enough, Jim thought as he watched Spock side swipe him on the board with a knight.

"Check" Spock replied almost smugly. Jim got the feeling he wasn't only talking about the game.

Jim quickly made a counter move with his queen and took Spock's knight. Jim smiled. He knew it was a reckless move. He could tell Spock thought so as well by the raised eyebrow he graced him with.

"Come on, its not easy working with someone you just broke up with. The tension was so thick it was about to drive me crazy." He wasn't going to let Spock avoid this conversation. Sometimes no mater what Spock said, some things were better gotten off the chest.

Spock took a deep breath and then moved an offence against the now open queen.

"If you are attempting to inquire what had transpired between my self and Lieutenant Uhura, I would prefer not to converse about my personal matters." Spock replied. His posture stiffened as he watched Jim make another illogical move the board to block Spock's attack.

Spock made his counter move after a moment of consideration. Spock is brilliant that I can't deny Jim thought as he looked at the board that was now not placed in his favor at all.

Jim took another leap of faith and used his queen again to break out of Spock's well organized trap once again.

"Break ups hurt. I understand if you don't want to talk about it," Jim said shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly. Jim could tell his words had the intended affect. Spock looked at him for a moment. Jim could see a flash of anger for just an instant appear on Spock's pale and normally serine face.

Spock's lips tightened as he took the queen with his well calculated back up plan.

"As you are well aware I have no feelings about the matter. The situation was simple, we were incompatible. It became increasingly difficult to communicate with her without a misunderstanding or emotional outburst on her part. We decided that it was time to reevaluate our relationship," Spock replied as he watched Jim make his fatal mistake on the board.

Spock moved in on Jim's King like a snake on a mouse.

"Checkmate" Spock informed Jim his expression was as Vulcan as ever but Jim could see it in Spock's eyes that he enjoyed winning. Even though, Jim couldn't help but feel like he had won some other game that was being played underneath the chess.

"Yeah well, you guys are going to eventually go back to being friends right?" Jim asked as he stretched in his chair.

"That is up to her Captain," Spock informed him as he leaned back slightly.

"She doesn't stay mad or upset for long. After a little while she will get over it," Jim said reassuringly.

Spock said nothing but just nodded. Jim figured that Spock had known that already but some times it helped when someone confirmed your theories.

"Well I am going to go get some shut eye. I have a feeling I should get all the sleep I can get before we reach the Alpha quadrant. Good night Spock thanks for the game," Jim said and got up out of his chair.

"Goodnight Captain. Perhaps we could play again tomorrow?" Spock asked as he looked down almost timidly. Jim felt elated at the fact that Spock wanted his company. Jim knew that Spock's question probably made him happier than it should have. But it was a normal reaction to getting a Vulcan to ask for your company, right? At least that how he chose to interpret it.

"Sure Spock, same time, same place," with those words and a warm smile Jim left the Rec room.

A/N- Ok guys the next Chapter will be the beginning of the flirting on the bridge and their first dangerous mission together. I just put this up here to see if anyone would be interested in this! Please review and let me know if I should continue. Oh and I really do like Uhura so she will be a very cool Chick in this once she calms a little