Notes: Hey guys! Just letting you all know I mostly work out of my Archive Of Our Own account. I find uploading and format to be more user friendly. I thought I'd post the rest of this story here as well though for all of you who use this site only. Thank you so much for sticking by this story and commenting and liking it. You all truly inspire me.

Spock breathed deeply and opened his eyes.

In exactly six point seven seconds Nyota opened her eyes and stretched. Looking over at him, she smiled, slowly sat up and said, "Good morning, Spock." Spock used to the unnecessary greeting, replied in kind. He stood up from his meditative position as she made her way to the bathroom. He was just pulling on his over-shirt when the door opened, Spock spoke as she resumed her morning routine, "We will be arriving at Calyster Nahnbi in two point three hours. Have you decided on beaming down with us?"

Nyota stuck her head out of the bathroom, toothbrush in hand, to reply back at him, "Yes, I have a better understanding of Calnaen slang than Lieutenant Travis does. How do you think the Calnaen people are going to react?" Spock would have frowned had he been more human, instead, he walked towards the open door to look at his mate in the mirror. Nyota, he noticed, as she started on her make-up, looked worried. His reply was almost emotionless with only a hint of underlying concern that he could not hide. "The Calnaen's are a peaceful people, the fact that they wish to join the Federation is evidence that they wish to involve their planet in peacekeeping efforts between galaxies. Terra will also benefit greatly from the trade treaties that we will gain. "

Nyota smiled but it didn't lighten her eyes as usual. Spock pushed down his concern, he silently stepped closer so that he was directly behind her, reaching for her hands as she went to put her hair in it's usual updo. She paused as his fingers gently glided over her wrists and slowly he lowered them so that their hands rested on the vanity. The familiar tingle sent shivers down his spine and he focused on repressing his primal urges in this situation. "You are worried that this might end up like Tavah Nine and that the hail to join the federation is a trap." That mission had been one month ago, only the second mission since the ship had been repaired once again, and they had almost lost their lives, as it was, Jim and Lieutenant Marcus had blown up the holding cells they had been kept in, luckily allowing their escape. But that had been after Spock had been tortured. Spock had put it behind him, the beings of Tavah Nine did not know much about Vulcan anatomy and the hour long session had not been too devastating an encounter. Indeed, the captain had been more affected than he had been.

Nyota turned around and showed her worry plainly on her face. "Just promise me you won't jump into anything. Even for Kirk." Spock's brow shot up in well concealed confusion. She sighed, continuing, "I just worry because one of these days his ridiculous plans might not work and you'll be in the thick of it." "As I am the first officer I-" She cut him off effectively by putting her index finger to his lips and said, "Just be careful." Then she leaned in for a kiss. When they parted a second later he replied, "I shall do my best to remain unharmed, although I cannot guarantee for certain that such a outcome is absolute." She smiled at him, a genuine smile and Spock's allowed himself to relax slightly. He left the bathroom but not before saying, "Nyota..." He hesitated, he knew the request was illogical but he found himself thinking of his elder self, known to others as Ambassador Saros, an identity made after one of their ancestors. He decided even if it were an illogical request, only his intended would be aware of it, therefore the small weakness would not be known to everyone aboard. She turned to him, still clad in only her undergarments due to the high temperature in his quarters, her fingers in her hair, "Would you leave your hair down today?"

Nyota stilled and Spock made sure his expression and stance gave nothing away. With a grin she let her her hands fall once more, and her black hair reached down to her mid-back. "Sure thing Spock." He could tell by the familiar look in her expression that he had said something pleasing and now would be rewarded very intimately. He pushed down slight annoyance at his internal clock and after a rather breathless kiss, he regretfully pushed her away. He explained, "We are going to be late for our shift if we do not hurry." Nyota nodded and went to the wardrobe to get changed. Spock made his way to the thermostat and lowered the heat to a more adequate level for her, he shivered slightly as the room cooled. Once Nyota was dressed, they made their way to the bridge four point five minutes later.

Jim was sitting in the captain's chair, turning it in slow circles. He nodded at them and Spock calculated from the skin tone and dark circles under his eyes that Jim had only slept two point three hours last night, from his previous calculations that meant their captain had only slept eleven point five-four hours in one complete week. This was not productive. Spock found himself pushing down frustration and worry regularly when it came to the captain. It came as second nature to do so then.

"Yes, Spock?" Jim said cheerfully. His eyes were awake and alert. Spock felt a brush of fascination against his conscious as he stepped up beside the chair. "Captain, I want to volunteer my services for leading the crew today to Calyster Nahnbi. I can arrange the meetings for tomorrow when you can beam down to meet us." Over the course of his speech Jim's eyes slowly narrowed and he asked calmly, if a bit, suspiciously, "Why, Spock, would I allow you to lead the crew when I am perfectly capable of doing so myself?" Spock tilted his head subconsciously, alert to the captain's lowered, if quiet, tone. He replied calmly, "Captain, you are not perfectly capable, I detect that you are forty-two percent at normal functioning levels. It would be preferable to have you fully rested, the Calnaen people will be insulted if you fall asleep during negotiations."

Jim closed his eyes, opened them and glanced about the room. Spock ignored the looks and the quiet rush as they quickly pretended to start working once more. This was routine aboard the enterprise, he seemed to be the only one capable of confronting the captain, besides Doctor McCoy. What happened next was not routine and entirely unexpected.

Jim's PADD pinged, notifying him to a incoming message, Spock raised a brow at Jim, usually the captain kept his alerts on silent. Now his PADD sounded off three more pings. Jim closed his eyes once more and Spock felt satisfaction at seeing the exhaustion on Jim's face. Spock had made the correct decision; with James Kirk involved, one never knew if they were making a terrible or great one. He was the most unpredictable man Spock had ever met. He did not wish to do the calculations of ever meeting someone of Jim's like.

Suddenly, Jim jumped up energetically and Spock took a small step backwards. "All right then, Sulu make sure you keep it up on warp five, Uhura, I want you to personally go through every report of these people, lets not get ourselves into trouble so soon in the day." Jim pushed the comm unit on his chair and said, "Scotty? How's the engines working?"

"All's fine down here, sir." Scotty sounded cheerful Spock noted and the comm ended with, "Oi, get the bloody hell off there Keenser! How many times do I have to-!" Jim glanced at him, smiling and nodded. "I will see all of you tomorrow morning. Oh-eight hundred hours. Send me a progress report this evening though, and do send my apologies to them." Another five pings sounded from Jim's PADD and he scolded, looking no longer tired but impatient and angry.

"Spock," James called over his shoulder as he walked to the turbolift, "I'll be in conference room three, if you need me." Spoke opened his mouth to state, sleep would be more necessary, when James said, "No Spock, I'm not seventy, I don't need to take a nap. What I do need is-" Jim grabbed his PADD, looking as if he were about to either throw it across the room or crush it in his palms, "to take care of some reports. I'll be in conference room three."

The moment the doors shut, Sulu asked, "So, who wants to bet that was Admiral Brooks. That man hates Kirk." The next minute was spent debating and putting wagers on just which Admiral would give Jim so many reports that it made him look as if he were about to hit something. Spock felt his lips twitch at the regular banter. Putting an end to it by requesting more professional conversations, everyone nodded, still smiling and got back to work. He, himself, checked his PADD for any workload. He learned his miscalculation after the Nibiru incident and Jim and himself now made sure they did all reports together. Three nights a week they spent at least an hour going over every official document that had to be submitted or as Jim had said, 'anything that could be hacked on their files'. It was only after the first week that he began admiring Jim's attention to detail. The captain was well aware of almost everything that was happening on his ship.

A year ago, Spock would not have seen such devotion in his captain, it was only now that he knew, it had not been because it wasn't there, but because Spock himself did not allow himself to get close enough to to witness the true character of his friend. Curious, he did not have any reports, nor anything new from the admirals. Making a mental note to check on Jim later, he finished his work on the science labs and waited for Sulu to announce they were close.

Jim sighed, feeling tired and frustrated, his smugness dying quickly. The comm ended and he could finally relax for a few moments. He hated what Lexi had said. He hated the fact that he was beginning to suspect it was true. Looking at his PADD before him, it opened to several different reports. He was going to have to give somewhere. He sighed, looking at the clock, and got to work. It was only when the door opened and Spock walked into the room that Jim looked back up. Startled, he said, "What are you doing here?" Spock's brows came together in confusion and concern. Jim, amused, smiled as Spock said, "It is now twenty hundred hours. Have you been filing all this time?"

Jim blinked, surprised, it was eight o'clock, he'd been at this for eleven hours. He groaned, leaned back and stretched, sighing as he heard several pops down his spine, he hadn't know how tense he was. "Yeah, I had a lot to do." He replied, shutting off his PADD as Spock came closer. Jim stood and tried not to see Spock's expression change as he stated, "I have not received any reports from the Admirals. May I enquire the subject of your work?" Jim tried not to find it particularly touching that Spock was worried about him. "It's a personal matter Spock." Jim clapped him on the shoulder and together they left the room, Jim carrying his PADD with him.

Without speaking they made their way to Jim's quarters. It had become a routine the past ten months that Jim and Spock spend at least four hours a week merely hanging out which sometimes included paperwork and sometimes didn't. Spock had not understood the term but Jim had used the 'I'm sick and need entertainment' excuse for the duration of his hospital stay and then the month of rehab after that. When Jim had finally been let go from the care centre, he spent those hours with Spock on board the Enterprise once again making sure the refit was going as planned.

Now as Jim moved his queen back a space, a drink in one hand, an empty plate of pasta on his desk, he finally relaxed that day. Spock looked his usual almost-stoically content self as he moved in for the kill. Jim smiled a little, enjoying the peace they had finally and slowly found themselves in. Once Spock checkmated him for the billionth time, Jim got up and grabbed the Odyssey from his bookshelf. "Thanks for letting me borrow this, I would have been bored off my ass the last shuttle tune-up. I know they're rare." Spock raised a brow at his language and Jim smiled back at him. "I am grateful that you found the book interesting, literature from your world can be..." Jim grinned and replied, "Illogical at times?" He sat back down as Spock fingered the book and Spock said slowly, "Confusing but not unpleasant." Jim nodded, saying, "I do appreciate the classics, I never really read them when I was young, only in my twenties did I really explore history. But I have to say, if someone gave me a book on, say...Hemingway or Dickens vs the writings of the X'athan Five of the last century, now I would totally pick the X'athan."

Spock didn't look surprised and he replied, "The X'anthan survivors, as I understand, were extremely meticulous and masterful of their arts, I do not doubt that for those who can admire the provocative nature of the testimonies published would choose as you do. Tell me, what is that you find interesting about their documents?" This is how it always started. They talked for more than three hours until Spock put down his empty tea cup and said, "Nyota is expecting me. If you excuse me." Jim nodded, smiling and replied, "You know I'm kinda getting bored of this."

Spock immediately stilled. "Not the hanging out," Jim continued quickly as Spock turned to him. "The chess games. I think we've played enough times to know each other's strategies." Spock raised a brow and replied, "That would require you having a logical strategy." Jim chuckled and nodded. Spock again spoke up, not so tense. "What do you suggest?" Jim didn't really know, he just knew it had to be amazingly crafty. "I'm not sure, but I'll think of something both of us should like. I'll see you in the morning." Spock raised his head in agreement and left quietly.

Jim knew his body needed sleep, he knew he was being irresponsible. He let out a breath out slowly and moved to his PADD. He felt guilty for a few moments but Spock picked up, even though it was in the middle of the night on New Vulcan. The older Vulcan looked alert and unsurprised. At seeing that Jim was okay, he relaxed slight. "Jim, it's good to see you again. How are you feeling?" Jim rolled his eyes. That was what Spock asked every time he saw him. "Headache, nothing too bad." Jim almost smiled at Spock's worry.

"We should meet soon, when are you next planet-side?" Just the question to make Jim get angry. Their beautiful, amazingly awesome five year mission was delayed. A fact of which passed more than favourably back home. Everyone was tense, looking at the Klingons, the Romulans, the fact that New Vulcan was still trying to settle in, now they were trying to control inner power shifts and council control, a fact that was not public. What was public, was the fact that Admiral Marcus was involved in over one hundred thousand lives being taken not even a year ago. Everyone was tensely and quietly investigating each other. San Francisco was still rebuilding.

Jim answered a little tightly, "I'll be back on Earth in three weeks. We have a week were we're parading around for a bit."

Spock raised his brow and Jim could see the amusement plainly on his face. "Are you not enjoying the lighter work load?" He snorted and quickly replied, "I'm not enjoying being captain of the fleet's Flagship, reduced to being a transport ship and running stupid errands." Spock nodded and then replied with, "I do think this is beneficial to all the crew staff that you are relieved every few months. You've had a challenging two years and it is understandable that Star Fleet wishes it's Flagship to be near headquarters. It is a logical move." Jim sighed, unable to disagree. He changed subjects, "How are Sarek and yourself?" Spock's brows lowered and he replied, "Sarek has agreed to travel between New Vulcan and the various cooperating planets in which we are in the process of signing treaties." Jim nodded and it clicked rather quickly. "He doesn't want to stay on New Vulcan." Jim didn't voice it as a question, and Spock replied calmly, "I believe he finds the house to be too quiet."

Jim looked around his own neat quarters, the only things that were his was his personal PADD, a shelf of nicknacks that the crew had given him as get well gifts and his clothes. "I understand. And you?" Spock brightened a bit as he said, "I am doing well. My project on the Hetrix theory involving the gravitational shift of New Vulcan's sister planet T'Neith is producing calculations none of us had expected." Jim grinned and said eagerly, "You have to tell me now."

Jim only ended up saying goodbye when Spock forced him to after he stifled a yawn. It was now midnight and he had to get up at six in the morning. Spock looked worried and angry with himself as he replied, "I have kept you up long enough. I will leave you to rest." Jim was about to argue, their conversation on the construction of New Vulcan's (what sounded like amazing) new temple holding the last of the artifacts of Old Vulcan being cut short. Spock spoke before he could however, "Jim," Spock spoke sternly, "You cannot lead your crew if you do not first take care of your own well being. Sleep." Jim smiled slightly at the order.

"Is that a command, Commander?"

That made Spock's eyes lighten and he let himself smile. Jim was always astonished at the outward facial cues, usually he picked up his first officer's emotion through his eyes or body stance but sometimes Spock went utterly blank and Jim couldn't decode anything. "Yes." Jim laughed and nodded, saying, "I see you in three weeks outside B.P. Cafe. And Spock," Spock looked curious at Jim's hesitant tone, "I'll need another treatment." Once more he watched the older Vulcan frown and he said, "How is it?" Jim replied as he usually did, "Seven."

Spock raised a doubtful brow and Jim nodded once more and said, "Goodnight Spock."

"Goodnight Jim."

Jim got changed into some cotton pants and a t-shirt. He laid in bed, his headache coming back now that he wasn't distracted. He wished the ship hummed like the antique ones, he wished the floors cricked or that he heard pings from the pipes in the walls. As it was, he laid there, and he couldn't sleep because the silence was just too loud.

He knew exactly how Sarek felt.

Jim was so thankful he had amazing, well-trained and competent staff. Spock and Uhura had made excellent progress the day before and Jim merely had to give his apologies to the Calnaen ambassador for his absence. Luckily, they spoke rough standard and he was able to catch on to a few words after the long six hours of debate. It was times like these that he wished he wasn't a captain. Jim was the only one who could sign off on treaties on his ship. Spock could give him suggestions and when he was acting captain, he had the authority to make those decisions but otherwise, it fell on him. The Calnaen's wanted too much from them, their fleet was still in process of being rebuilt as well as having the majority of their members now being under the age of fifty-five, the youngest median age in the past century. Although half their fleet had been safe during both attacks of the past two years, they were still at least forty percent short of what they needed for intergalactic protection and exchange. It was one of the many logical reasons for Jim and his crew to be flying to all the allies of Terra, updating treaties, making sure everyone was happy and not going to upset the balance they had finally settled into.

As it was, six hours into it, Jim sighed heavily and said, "Star Fleet cannot guarantee that large of a quantity of Hetrolite. Besides, the fact that we cannot produce that much directly, the Andorian's would have to also be apart of these negotiations since it would be them that would produce at least sixty percent of the product that you are looking for." Jim was getting stressed and it was slowing becoming noticeable. Spock gave him a glance and Jim swallowed and tried to think quickly before Ambassador Culac pulled out. The older blue man wasn't looking very charmed anymore.

Jim spoke as his mind raced. "We can guarantee six shipments annually, no more. As for future markets, we can produce nine shipments of Hyment, silicone and patrolite." Spock quickly looked at him and Jim spoke with more confidence. "Ambassador Culac, I can personally guarantee you that while we are not able to give you the finished product, I can have five researchers of Star Fleet come here for three to six weeks to teach you how to produce Hetrolite. This also opens up opportunities for you to trade not only with your neighbours; the Tellarite, but also gives closer ties to them as well. As I understand they are in a current argument with the Andorians."

Cullac smiled and replied, "When are they not arguing about something? I daresay one Ambassador merely complimented another's wife and it was blown out of proportion. So, you believe that the Andorian's would allow us to make the Hetrolite that they are so proud of?" Jim didn't stop to think about it. He had known a few of them throughout his life, most had been criminals but he inwardly shrugged. Jim knew they were proud people, and he also knew that though the Calnaen people would make the exact same product as them, the Andorians would automatically see it as inferior, their allies wouldn't buy from Calnaen's merely out of loyalty but Tellarites would as well as the neighbouring star system. Enough planets to raise up the Calnaen's stagnate market. Jim nodded and said simply, "Yes."

It took another hour before Jim signed the piece of paper and held his finger to the screen on his PADD. The ambassador followed suit looking quite happy himself. He grinned at Jim and said cheerfully, "It has been lovely meeting you Captain and I do hope we can contribute for years to come in the Federation of Peace." Jim smiled and was lead out into the very busy and happy streets. These people had waited the past forty-five years for a stable council. They had worked incredibly hard to get into the Federation once they saw the benefits of their neighbours and had waited twenty years until they were sure of their own leaders. Spock, Jim, Uhura and Carol were all present to meet the council and were shown an excellent evening of food and parades. Jim tired not to let his headache distract him too much.

Spock watched Jim sit ungracefully into the chair, without complaint. He knew instantly that Jim was exhausted and so did Doctor McCoy for the man didn't say anything. Spock raised his brow and Jim smiled at him, saying, "That turned out better than I expected." Spock had been surprised and then proud of Jim's compromise to the Calnaen people. "I do believe that is due to your negotiation tactics, Captian." Jim laughed and merely gave Bones a look as he scanned his body. "Are you telling me I was awesome, Spock?" Spock pushed down his own amusement, the banter between them now more natural to him. "No. I am merely stating a fact, were it not for your unconventional solutions I doubt the treaty would have been signed today. I also believe the council would have been dismantled due to their failure to join the Federation."

"And what a shame that would have been, they're the first council I've seen that works so harmoniously and transparently. I-Ow! Bones!" Jim winced as Doctor McCoy stuck a hypo in his neck.

"That should make your headache go away." Jim rubbed his neck and Spock made himself relax. "You could have given me some warning." "I did, you just weren't paying attention, Captain Awesome." Jim rolled his eyes in a movement that meant annoyance although Spock believed that he did so 'teasingly'. "So, good news." Spock listened carefully and gave Jim a look to get him to quiet. Jim turned to look at the doctor as well. "Your blood's finally stable and no, you're not going to be superman." Spock frowned at 'superman' as he did not know that term. But he had to speak up, "Was I correct in hearing that the Captain's blood is only now stable, doctor?" Jim winced and didn't look at him and McCoy turned to look at both of them before sighing loudly.

"You didn't tell the hobogoblin?" Jim scolded McCoy while Spock ignored McCoy's nickname for him. Before, he would have found offence in such terms but it held no heat behind it and Spock knew the doctor did respect him even if they disagreed on several issues. What was more important, was Jim's physical well-being as well as his secrecy. Spock felt the emotions of worry first and then something akin to hurt. He stepped forward and Jim glanced at him as Bones said, "We knew if it was posted, Star Fleet would have grounded Jim and he is making a better recovery with me here." Spock raised a brow, both disbelieving and angry. "It would have been prudent to to not only make myself aware but also follow protocol on such matters Doctor McCoy. The very fact that you held this information-"

"Spock."

Spock was cut off and he watched as Jim winced at his gaze, although he was outwardly calm. Somehow, Jim always saw through him. "Spock, it's not what you think. I am physically good. I went through rehab and am fine in that department. I'm not going to pass out in the middle of a mission, which I know you thought off." Spock had thought of several scenarios, each one making him angrier, but he stayed silent, letting Jim explain to him why he would keep this secret when they had already gone through the consequences of such actions. "So," Jim looked hesitant at his silence and Spock felt a moment of satisfactory from it before he quickly pushed it down, he looked at McCoy to save him but McCoy merely gave him a look that Spock could not deceiver. Jim, however, had no such problem and looked back to him and said, "I have Lannect's Syndrome. It's the cause of all my allergies and as you know, in the few cases of those that contract the disease and actually survive, it get's into the DNA of the person. I happened to get it when I was two years old. It's always been there for me, I have a mild case, don't look like that, but that's also another reason why I will always choose Bones here to be my doctor. He's researched it the past four years and knows me better than anyone."

Spock did not know how to comprehend this. It seemed for the third time in his life, he was left blank. Lannect's Syndrome, he had read about it in the Vulcan Science Academy, it was one of the few diseases that could affect Vulcans, and since Spock himself was a hybrid, he had a double chance of getting the disease. But it was rare, held inside the plant genes of five known planets. It was highly contagious. Most of the people who contracted the disease had picked the flowers as gifts unknowingly or breathed in the pollen. It was one of the most deadly diseases as well as incurable.

"It is in your DNA." Spock said slowly. He knew why Jim hadn't offered this information to Star Fleet. At any moment, Jim may have an acute attack on his immune system, coughing, fever, unconsciousness and even organ failure in worse situations. Jim, seeing something in him said, "It's really a mild form Spock. I've only ever had seven episodes in my entire life. Most were when I was a kid and two were induced by...well by bad conditions and I was already unconscious when I had it." Spock took a deep breath and said, "Khan's blood did not cure the disease." He did not form it as a question, Jim's DNA had not changed in and of it's self. Spock had been thorough and attentive when Jim was in recovery. He did not search for this. McCoy answered him anyway, "No it didn't. We gave Jim Khan's plasma and it did react with his blood. But it didn't take it away." McCoy didn't say anything else and Spock grew even more nervous.

"What is it doctor?" McCoy looked at Jim and Jim looked intensely focused. "Just say it, Bones."

"I believe that the structure changes in your DNA, that is different by the way, is going to affect your disease. I think it moved from mild to slightly moderate in the changes." Jim let his head fall back, making a thump against the wall. Spock, once more took in a deep breath. "Doctor, how often could Jim be affected by this?" McCoy looked tired as he said, frustratingly, "I don't know, that's the problem. I have to wait for more data, years maybe. We need to know how often he is getting them and then get an average throughout each year. But that's just it, Lannect's is unpredictable, I think he'll get more infections then what he was getting so we're going to have to make sure he's healed from any open wounds almost immediately."

Statistically Spock calculated that was at a four point zero eight chance with Jim involved. Spock nodded and declared, "Very well. We will follow protocol from tomorrow onward." Jim quickly turned to look at him, saying frustratedly, "First off, don't talk like I'm not in the room. Second, what?" Spock tried to convey all the seriousness he felt, without being able to show it, as he said, "I will lead any landing party as Star Fleet protocol that needs a commanding officer. I will also be first to greet any ambassador in which seeks an alliance with Star Fleet first and when deemed safe and unlikely for those people to surprise us in an attack as the Tavlean people had shown us, I will comm you to join us." He knew his logic was not computing for Jim for his mouth was wide open and he was staring at Spock with what had to be utter disbelief.

"So, I don't get to investigate any new worlds or people. I don't go onto any new planet without careful research by you, and for that matter, I'm supposed to what, do paperwork while all my crew gets to explore and learn?" Spock prepared him for another debate with his captain. For such a great man, Jim clearly had no grasp on logic or common sense, on keeping himself safe. "As you are aware of Regulations, section twelve, paragraph four states that in the event of away missions only one commanding officer may be present of oversee-"

"scientific research, diplomatic missions and any and all reasons for landing. Should there be more than one supervising officer they should have justification for more senior officers be present and report such missions in their logs. I know the regulation, Spock." Spock nodded and said, "A regulation we have broken multiple times since our placement upon this ship. I can see the logic of our actions in the matter of Khan and Nero. But since then, you have not thought of your position upon this ship and how bringing harm upon your person would affect the safety of those on board."

"Spock, I died, I pretty sure I thought of it." Spock held back wince at such a blatant comment. He had to push down multiple emotions without examining them. "I am not going to be stuck on this ship, acting like an invalid. I'm not dying. I will take into consideration your suggestions for seeking help, I will try my best to be more careful and alert of any new potential dangers to my person. But I am going down there and if you feel like accompanying me on these away-missions and endangering the lives of both senior officers on this ship, well, I won't report you to headquarters."

"Jim," Spock tried arguing once more, McCoy was not speaking, he was sitting back in his chair glancing between each of them. Jim did not allow him to continue. "Spock, we're done with this conversation. I did not sign up to Star Fleet to stay in my room. I'm not five, in fact at five I hated my bedroom. Bones," Jim turned to McCoy relaxing slightly in his chair, "anything else I need to know about?"

"Your structural changes in your DNA is not going to affect you. I'll have to do more check-up unfortunately but other than monitoring your syndrome, that's it." Jim nodded and smiled. "Okay then. I'm going to bed." Jim got up and stopped in front of him. "I do appreciate your advice Spock, and your worry, but I made this choice four years ago and I had this back then. I am capable of looking after myself." Jim slapped him on the shoulder and Spock, his shields not wholly up, felt exhaustion and nervousness as well as...joy? Jim walked out not waiting for the two of them. Spock was about to follow when Doctor McCoy spoke up quietly. "Spock."

Spock turned back to see worry etched in the doctor's expression. He immediately had to stop himself from tensing. It had to do with Jim and Spock knew it instinctively. "I'll get right to it." Spock could not help but say, "That would be most logical." McCoy snorted and said, "Jim's DNA didn't change but the way the strands move, open and close, did. They twisted." McCoy got up and showed him the samples underneath a scanner. Indeed, being familiar with human blood cells, Spock saw it was indeed human but the structure of helix had morphed into being curled tightly, he watched as McCoy added a substance to the sample and watched as it unfurled much more than what a human blood cell would do. "What does this mean?" Spock did not look up but McCoy said lightly, "Not anything you're thinking. In fact, I think it's excellent." He did look up at that.

"This is something unique to genetically enhanced species and well...Caitians." Spock frowned, he did not know much about the race, but it did have one thing in common with those of genetic splicing. "He will heal faster." McCoy nodded. "The only unknown is whether Lannect's will react favourably to that or not. It'll help with tissue regrowth. I can name five poisons that will have no affect on him, three plants that can kill most species and I know if his Lannect's doesn't hate it, he'll also be immune to." Spock was confused, this was good news. "Why would you keep this from Jim?" McCoy looked at him disbelieving, replying, "This is Jim Kirk we're talking about. He jumps into danger without thinking now, imagine him knowing he's going to heal twice as fast naturally from any wound he's going to get." Spock had to concede to McCoy's point. That would not be something he would divulge to his Captain. "Very well, is that all doctor?" McCoy nodded and said, "Don't tell him. I just wanted you to know." He nodded once more.

Walking back to his quarters he knew he would need some meditation tonight. He did not like the fact that Jim had kept important information from him, nor did he like the fact that he was now keeping something from Jim. They had come to an easy friendship now and Spock tributed that all they've been through together, as well as the fact that they now confided in each other. It did not sit well with him that he had been wrong in that assumption. When he neared his quarters Spock lifted his head. Jim was waiting for him, looking both tired and hesitant.

"Jim?" Jim ducked his head down before lifting it back up. "Hey, I just wanted to let you know that I'm sorry. You've been there a lot for me the past couple of months, I guess I just didn't want to worry you. And let's face it, if I told you before that I had Lannect's you'd have contacted headquarters and I'd be grounded for the rest of my career." Jim smiled and Spock allowed himself to relax slightly. He would have done just that, not only for Jim's well-being but also the crew. It did worry him that he had not considered to take that action now.

"Jim, I believe us to work harmoniously together when we are transparent in our work, do we not?" Jim nodded and Spock continued, "I wish you to be aware that I would... appreciate such honesty in our friendship as well." The smile Jim graced him was wide and it lit up his eyes, he knew he had said something right to the man. "Are you telling me that I could talk to you about anything?" Now Spock could point out the amusement in Jim's expression. Spock replied truthfully, "Yes." Jim chuckled and slapped him on his shoulder. "Thanks, Spock." Jim turned to go to his door and Spock stopped him before he stepped in. "Jim?"

He turned to look at him and Spock said, "I expect you to have at least six hours of sleep tonight. I will cover the first two hours of your shift on the bridge if you happen to sleep to a healthy length of eight hours." Before Jim could decide whether or not to smile or talk back to him, Spock said, "Goodnight." As he walked into his room he heard Jim say goodnight back, it left him with a feeling of amusement.

Nyota was waiting up for him, she turned from watching the intergalactic news station and smiled. "I wish every diplomatic mission went like it did today. How's Kirk?" Spock started to change into his meditation robes and replied, "The captain is now free from his regular check-ins with Doctor McCoy. I also agree with your statement, today went..." Spock searched for a word and turned to Nyota, "smoothly." She grinned at him. Spock held out his hand and took pleasure in the intimacy of touching his intended's hand.

"Did you manage to gather enough information on the Calnaen's language?" She nodded and was about to answer before being distracted by the holo. Spock too looked at it seeing the Andorian woman announcing an attack on the planet H'athi, it wasn't part of the Federation but had always been a peaceful planet. "It's the Crucible." Nyota said quietly. And indeed there was the large ship being seen in the footage. He watched as the recording showed four other vessels being destroyed. Spock had to tamper down a sickening feeling as well as memories of other ships being blasted apart. Nyota turned it off before he could request she do so. "Let's not talk about them tonight, okay?" Spock nodded in response and moved to kiss Nyota. She leaned into him and asked, "Will you be sleeping tonight?" Spock shook his head, "I do not require it for three more nights. I will, however, meditate. You should rest." Nyota nodded, sliding down into bed and curled up, looking as content as he felt in that moment.

It took a few more moments for him to make himself move and leave the warmth of his bed.