SEQUELS
NOTE: This is a new series. I plan to write short sequels to episodes from the original series, (and maybe a movie or two). There's a sequel for Requiem for Methuselah in the works. But first…
AU Sequel to Wrath of Khan
Oh, yes, it's definitely AU, since Spock returns to Earth with the crew of the Enterprise.
Note: I awoke at three in the morning, and suddenly, this occurred to me. That's what happens when you watch WOK and TSFS six times in only two days...
Acting Captain's Log. "… with most of the crew reassigned, the Enterprise feels like a house with all the children gone. But we are home. We are safe. After our near-fatal encounter with Khan, the sight of star base is all the sweeter..."
There were only three officers awaiting final docking instructions; Jim, Spock, and Saavik. They had elected to stay in the bridge while the rest of the crew prepared for general inspection.
Once the docking of the ship was out of her hands, Lieutenant Saavik purposefully rose from her seat and approached the Captain's chair.
Jim looked up.
"Yes?"
"Permission to speak freely, Admiral."
Jim winced.
"Again, Lieutenant?"
"Admiral, I beg your pardon if my inquiries have been numerous and bothersome, but -"
"It's quite all right, Lieutenant. What's in your mind?"
"I have a question, sir. This time, however, there is a personal issue involved."
"Oh?" He studied her for a moment. "Well, go ahead, Lieutenant. Anything you say will remain between us. And Captain Spock," he added, for Spock was sitting at his Science Console and well within hearing range. That Spock could elect to listen or not was understood.
"Actually," Saavik said, "My inquiry involves Captain Spock, too."
This time Spock half-turned.
"Am I allowed to listen in to this inquiry of yours, Lieutenant?"
"Yes, Captain. I would never go behind your back in a matter such as this."
Spock rose and approached them. With hands clasped behind his back, he stood next to Kirk.
"All right, Lieutenant," Jim said, nodding at her to go on.
"It is a delicate subject, sir. Were it not for its ramifications, I would not dare to bring it up. However -"
"Out with it, Saavik; I'll be the judge of how delicate this subject is –and how proper your bringing it up is."
"Yes." She raised her chin, stared ahead, and continued, "It is about your general behavior during this crisis, sir. You and Captain Spock…" She hesitated, "I do not know quite how to put it, sir. You seemed to know what the other was thinking; words weren't necessary and even when they were, only the two of you knew what their real meaning was."
"Well, Lieutenant," Spock said. "When two men have been together for so long -"
"-as commanders of a ship," Jim added quickly.
"Yes," Spock said, acknowledging Jim's interruption. "When two men have been commanders of a ship for years at a time, it is only natural for them to develop a certain affinity."
"We are friends, Lieutenant," Jim said more simply.
"Yes, I see," she said, clearly not seeing it all. "There is, however, another possibility."
"Oh?" Jim said, "What possibility is that?"
"That you -" she paused. "That the two of you…" She stopped again, then, more determinedly, she finished. "That the two of you have a relationship that goes beyond that of a mere friendship."
Jim tilted his head.
"And what kind of relationship would that be, Lieutenant?"
"A deeper relationship, Admiral. If -if you and Captain Spock are lovers, then -"
"Ah," Jim smiled good-naturedly. He glanced at Spock. "The old rumor hasn't died, I see."
"It is bound to be revived from time to time, Admiral," Spock said. "Especially after completing a difficult mission such as this one."
"Yes. Well, Lieutenant, I have never bothered to dispel any rumors about myself. I'm not interested in discussing them either; if that's all -"
"I beg your pardon, Admiral. Let me assure you; I have no judgment to make on the matter. Your personal arrangements are of no concern to me. But if there is an explanation to your seamless behavior, then I would like to know what it is." Softening a little, she added, "I aspire to have my own command some day, Admiral. I would appreciate it if you told me the truth."
"You mean if I told you the secret of my success."
"There is a secret, then," she noted.
Smiling charmingly, Jim said, "I don't suppose you'd believe me if I told you that having a top crew and the best ship in Starfleet is all one needs."
"No, sir."
Saavik was obviously immune to Kirk's charm. Stubbornly, she added, "I believe it is your relationship with Captain Spock that makes all the difference."
"I agree," Jim said, "However -"
"Admiral, if I may," Spock said, "Lieutenant. The Admiral and I have known each other for over twenty-five years. We have worked together just as long. That is our one and only secret."
"Age?" she asked with no irony.
"Endurance," Jim countered.
"Tolerance," Spock added.
"And loyalty, of course." Jim said. He glanced at Spock, "It helps if your shipmate has a complete lack of ego issues."
Spock nodded at Jim, then turned to Saavik.
"We could offer you a full list of personal qualities and attributes, Lieutenant. And yet, I believe I can sum up our success in just a few words: We've been lucky."
"LUCKY?" she asked indignantly, her eyebrows raised in what, for her, was a full show of emotion. "Lucky?"
"Lucky to have the right ship," Jim said, nodding; "Lucky to have the right crew, and the right combination of personal qualities. That is all, Lieutenant."
Saavik looked at the two of them. They stare back at her.
She opened her mouth once, twice, and then finally, she gave up.
"Thank you, sir. If you will excuse me," she added, and she strode out of the bridge.
Jim and Spock watched her go.
"Do you think we convinced her?" Jim asked.
Spock shook his head noncommittally.
"I expect more inquiries from her, Admiral."
Jim glanced at Spock.
"You were right, you know; we've been lucky, you and me. We have the right combination of skills, we communicate well -"
"Yes, we do," Spock said. He was silent for a moment, then, "We also have outstanding sex."
"Yeah," Jim said. "That helps."
---------
The End