A/N: Well hello! While I'm not new to fanfic in general, I am new to the Star Trek fandom so I apologize for any errors I may make with regards to custom/technology/etc; if you let me know I'll do my best to rectify any mistakes!
Warning: While it may not be apparent yet, this fic is rated M for future violence and a variety of adult situations.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, I only admire and play :)
Diplomatic Encounters, Chapter 1
As Spock approached the Captain's quarters, PADD tucked neatly under his arm, the muffled hollers his Vulcan hearing had picked up grew even louder, until soon any crew member in the vicinity would be clearly able to hear the noise. Something unusual was going on.
The door whooshed open and Spock stepped into the Captain's spacious but sparsely decorated living quarters to be greeted by the sight of Kirk and Bones knocking back drinks, causing a temporary lull in the raucous noise as they sprawled drunkenly on a pair of armchairs.
"Christ, Bones, need you remind me of that? I thought embarrassing Academy stories were to be saved only for reminiscing drinking sessions."
"And this is what, exactly?" retorted McCoy, his eyebrows scrunched up in a somehow good-natured way.
"This is a celebration of us being big damn heroes! It's been three months since the Narada."
"Heroes indeed," muttered Jim's best friend, and just then Spock cleared his throat with a definite hint of irritation at being ignored. Two pairs of hazy eyes turned and blinked in recognition.
"Spock?" Kirk asked, a crooked grin on his face. Spock's arms slid behind his back as he assumed an at ease stance.
"Captain, I apologize for my interruption. I am aware you are currently off-duty, but we have received new orders from Starfleet Command which require your immediate confirmation."
The change in Kirk's demeanor was immediate. He squared his shoulders and straightened, placing the now-empty tumbler on a table and turned suddenly crisp blue eyes to his First Officer. Bones blinked again and looked between the two men, a slight pout on his lips as he realized their impromptu celebration was over.
"Alright, Commander, what are our orders?"
"We are to report to the planet Telophon to oversee the signing of a peace treaty which is hoped to definitively end years of civil war, sir. The situation is considered delicate and our presence will ease the process for the parties involved. A further briefing on the conflict is provided with our orders." Spock held the PADD out for Kirk, who rolled his eyes.
"Diplomatic mission, my favorite," he quipped, but stood to take the PADD from Spock. As he stepped forward, though, he swayed slightly, feeling the effects of his drinking stint despite himself. In an attempt to correct his balance, he tripped over the edge of the carpet and flailed wildly, shouting in alarm as he reeled towards Spock and fell unceremoniously at the Vulcan's booted feet.
Bones hooted in laughter as Spock raised an eyebrow and looked down impassively at the blonde man on the floor, waiting patiently for him to recover. Kirk, for his part, grunted unhappily and got to his feet, snatching the PADD from Spock and tapping it with a determination to make it seem as though nothing had happened. His jaw clenched and unclenched as he read over the briefing, before signing it and handing it back to Spock.
"Sounds pretty straightforward. Put together a diplomatic away team and have everyone briefed on the situation. I'll be on the bridge shortly."
"Yes, sir." Spock turned on his heel and left, leaving Kirk to sink back into his chair and glance sideways at Bones who was grinning cockily at him.
"Well, Jim, I must say I thoroughly enjoy the sight of you at Spock's feet," he teased. "Maybe you could try being less of a clumsy farmboy next time."
Kirk's eyes narrowed but there was a smile on his lips. "Says the evil, hypo-toting doctor. I should have you permanently confined to sickbay; keep your evil safely contained."
McCoy scoffed. "You only ever call me evil after you have this much to drink. I ain't afraid of you – if the carpet took you down then I sure as hell can."
"Wishful thinking, pal. Now go read up on these Telonians while I take a shower. You're coming down with us. I intend to impart every bit of the wonderfully tedious treaty meetings on you, since I can't get out of them myself."
McCoy growled. "Damnit, Jim! You know I – " But Kirk was already heading to his shower, stripping his uniform and undershirt, his muscled back disappearing jauntily and leaving McCoy to mutter furiously as he returned to his own quarters.
It had been three months since the Narada incident, and the crew of the Enterprise was settling into things with their new Captain and a slew of recently promoted officers. They had, of course, already proven how well they worked together, and a strong sense of camaraderie was beginning to develop. Starfleet Command had been assigning the ship rather conservatively since the incident, and this most recent mission was no different.
Telophon was inhabited by a native, humanoid species. The Telonians were long-necked and burly, appearing almost twice the size of the colonial humans living in cities throughout the main continent. For decades, the Telonians and colonials had lived in an uneasy peace; lingering resentment remained from the colonials' early days as they had received significant aid from the United Federation of Planets. The hope had been to foster economic development which would lead to trade links between the two societies and thus prosperity for both. The lingering resentment had led to the planned slaughter of the entire colonial government by the Telonians, leading into a full-scale civil war which had lasted for years.
The impending treaty was the result of over a year of diplomatic efforts already made by Starfleet. The Enterprise, as the Fleet's flagship, was being sent to honor the parties on such a momentous occasion in their history; it would double as a deterrent to any further outbreak of force by disgruntled radicals from either party.
Spock was studying a console at his station on the bridge when the Kirk swept in, looking worlds better than just an hour before. He flashed the crew a smile.
"Lieutenant Sulu, report."
"Sir, we are en route to Telophon. Arrival will be in thirty-five minutes," the pilot responded smoothly.
"Lieutenant Uhura, are they expecting us?"
"Captain, I have informed both negotiating parties of our arrival. They have requested our presence at a welcoming banquet in honor of our arrival and the impending treaty," Uhura informed him. Kirk nodded.
"Alright, let's have the boarding party meet in the transporter room in half an hour. Be ready to be at your most pleasant, people!" With that he left the bridge as briskly as he'd entered. Spock assumed it was to return to his quarters and brief himself further on the peace treaty negotiations. One could never be too informed on sensitive missions such as this, and as Captain, Kirk was especially required to be abreast of the situation. He turned back to his console and continued his own study of the situation on Telophon.
A/N: Abrupt ending, I know. I'm still a bit rusty, and wanted to gauge interest. I'm already working on the next chapter, so it should be up soon! Reviews are appreciated :)