A/N: This fic is the result of me reading one too many hurt!Jim stories while listening to "Let Me Sign" by Rob Pattinson, hence the title. The idea just forming in my mind and I had to get it out of my system. It's basically the ballet studio scene ST:09 style, but I tried my best to keep everyone in character. Keep in mind that my knowledge of TOS only includes a few episodes, what I've read on Alpha Memory and mainly (of course) the new movie. This was not written as pre-slash, but feel free to read it as such if you so choose.
Disclaimer: Star Trek and Twilight belong to their respective owners, neither of which is me. I wish I owned Chris Pine though.
Enjoy! :)
"Mr. Sulu, what is our ETA to New Vulcan?" Captain James Kirk inquired of his helmsman.
"We will arrive at New Vulcan in exactly 3.4 hours, Captain," Lt. Hikaru Sulu instantly replied.
"Very good. Steady as she goes, Lieutenant," Kirk replied, leaning back into his chair and placing his hands behind his head with an easy smile.
"Aye, sir," Sulu acknowledged, with a sideways glance and amused smile at Ensign Pavel Chekov, who smiled back barely holding back a laugh.
The entire bridge crew couldn't help but note that their charismatic captain was even more upbeat than usual today. His energy even rubbed off on Lt. Nyota Uhura who smiled over in Commander Spock's direction, who raised an eyebrow in return. Only those who knew him extremely well could detect the very faint bemusement in his otherwise neutral expression.
There was good reason for Kirk to be in such a good mood. It had been well over a year since the defeat of Nero and his appointment as captain of the Enterprise and now they were on their way to New Vulcan to observe and report the progress of the still-developing Vulcan colony. In addition, the crew would get a couple weeks of some much needed shore leave after a particularly difficult mission.
Jim's eyes scanned the bridge, looking over his crew with pride as they did their jobs. They may have been the least experienced crew in Starfleet, but they had all earned their places here, proving their capability and worth with every mission they faced. As sappy as it may have sounded, the Enterprise had truly become his home and the crew his family, more so than his real family had ever been.
Jim then glanced over at Spock at the science station, taking a moment to reflect on how far they had come over the past year. It still amazed him to think that the solemn Vulcan was now one of his closest friends, almost as close as himself and Bones. Saving Earth together had forged a bond between them which strengthened little by little every day. Spock's older self had told him that their friendship was destined to be the stuff of legends and while Jim didn't believe in destiny, he could definitely see what he meant.
Oh, it had been rough in some places of course. Spock's logic and by-the-book attitude still clashed now and then with Jim's spontaneity and his cavalier approach to command, but now the conflict was constructive rather than belligerent. They were like a yin and yang symbol: two complete opposites serving to balance and complete each other.
As if Jim's thoughts had summoned him, Spock approached the command chair, holding out a report for the captain to sign. Jim took the PADD, scribbled his signature on it and handed it back to Spock without a second glance.
"Are you even going to read the report Captain?" asked Spock, expertly hiding the fact that this was a question he asked on a regular basis.
"If it were any other officer, maybe, but you're you, so I know I don't need to," Jim's face was straight but his eyes were glinting mischievously. "You should take it as a compliment, Spock. We all know you don't mess up reports."
"That much is true, sir," Spock stated simply. Jim swore he detected a hint of self-assuredness mixed in with the matter-of-fact tone. Then, lest Spock go off on a tangent about the merits of good reporting, he changed the subject.
"So Spock, looking forward to seeing your folks?"
"Remind me again why I have to come along?" Dr. Leonard McCoy grumbled as he walked reluctantly with Jim to the transporter room. The Enterprise had arrived at New Vulcan and they along with the rest of the senior staff, along with Chekov, were beaming down to meet with the High Council, except Scotty, who was being left in charge of the ship.
"Because as the CMO, you need to help make sure they're up to speed on things with their medical facilities," Jim answered smoothly, "Besides, after all the boring talks and tours, you'll get to have a vacation on an actual planet, on solid ground," he added the last two words in a tempting tone.
Bones only scowled in return, "Please Jim, vacationing with a bunch of pointy-eared robots? I'd just as soon keep my will to live. Or better yet, I'd just as soon lock myself in Sickbay with a tank of whiskey." As he said this, Bones turned around intending to do just that, until Jim took his arm and steered him back on course.
"Come on, remember your duty. And seriously Bones, I need you there with me. Who else am I going to drink with? God knows those Vulcan girls aren't gonna be any fun," Jim put on his best puppy-dog face, causing Bones to roll his eyes in exasperation.
"It's a damn good thing you're the Captain or else I'd tell you to just –"
"I knew I could count on you," Jim interrupted cheerily just as they arrived at the transporter room where Spock, Scotty, Uhura, Chekov and Sulu were waiting for them.
"Captain, Doctor, we have been waiting exactly four minutes and twenty-seven seconds." Spock stated, "Tardiness on our part will not please the Council."
"Sorry for the delay folks," Jim replied easily, "Dr. McCoy was just telling me how much he's looking forward to today,"
Everyone shot incredulous glances at McCoy, except for Spock. But his tell-tale eyebrow clearly showed he didn't believe a word of it. Bones furiously opened his mouth to protest, but he decided it wasn't worth it, making a mental note to make Jim's next physical a particularly unpleasant experience.
As the crew took their places on the pad to beam down, Bones sarcastically piped up with, "Still, I wouldn't be surprised if their facilities are already up to speed with all their 'advanced knowledge' even without my help."
"Most Starfleet personnel would consider it an honor to have their opinions on medical research validated by Vulcan healers, Doctor," Spock put in, a little too mechanically.
"You can have some of my opinions right now for free if you want," Bones growled. Sensing a verbal brawl about to break out, Jim knew it was time to play Captain and step in.
"Mr. Spock, Doctor, remember we still have a job to do," Jeez and they accuse me of behaving childishly.
As entertaining as it could be to watch Spock and Bones go at each others' throats, it annoyed Jim sometimes to have to play referee between his two best friends. Jim knew that deep down, the doctor and first officer greatly respected each other, even if they would never admit it.
Focusing back on the present, Jim turned to the Chief Engineer at the console, "You have the ship Mr. Scott, prepare to beam out."
"Dinna worry about a thing Cap'n, she's in the best of hands," Scotty had that twinkle in his eye as he did whenever he spoke of the ship as "she." Some found it endearing while others found it just plain weird.
Jim smirked, then stared straight ahead. "Energize."
The group rematerialized to find themselves standing in front of what remained of the Vulcan High Council. Sarek stepped forward, his hand raised in the Vulcan salute.
"Captain Kirk, the High Council bids you and the crew of the Enterprise welcome to New Vulcan."
"Ambassador Sarek, on behalf of Starfleet and the Federation, we come to serve." Kirk returned in his best diplomat's voice, his hand also raised in the Vulcan salute.
"Your service honors us," Sarek replied with a nod, then he faced his son, "Spock, it is gratifying to see you well."
Spock inclined his head in return, "Likewise, Father."
Jim's eyes scanned the group of Vulcans before them and realized that a face was missing among them. "Excuse me, but where is the Ambassador?"
The council knew to whom Kirk was referring. In order to avoid confusion, everyone referred to Spock's future counterpart simply as 'the Ambassador.'
"He is returning from an off-world mission." Sarek explained, "He had received word of a colony of Vulcans settled on a remote planet in the Neutral Zone and went to entreat them to return here with him. From the reports we have received, the mission was successful and he will be arriving tonight."
"Understood." said Kirk respectfully, although he was a little disappointed at this news. Meeting with the ambassador had been one of the things he had been looking forward to the most on this mission. He had hoped that they would be able to compare notes, as it were, on how things were progressing in this timeline compared with the one the future Spock had been familiar with. Jim reined himself in, reminding himself that he would see the ambassador, just a little later than expected. Still, the ambassador's presence would have made the coming day much more interesting.
"Now if you will follow us," said Sarek, gesturing with his arm, "We have much to discuss."
Later that evening, Jim carefully laid his dress uniform out on his bed in the quarters assigned to him. It had been a very long day, with a full tour of the colony the Vulcans had established, with no details spared. After the tours, there were the extensive talks about the future of the Vulcan race and their continuing alliance with Starfleet and the Federation. Jim had to admit that while the tour itself had been very interesting, he was glad that Spock had been the one to do most of the talking at the meeting instead of him. Now the Enterprise crew was preparing for a dinner and reception being held in their honor.
Jim stretched his arms, then wiped beads of sweat away from his forehead. This planet's climate perfectly matched that of the original Vulcan, which was of course why the survivors had chosen to settle here. While it was ideal for a Vulcan, the heat was at a barely tolerable level for a human. Jim briefly wondered just how long it had taken Spock's mother to fully adapt to Vulcan weather.
The young captain's thoughts were interrupted by the door chime. "Come,"
The door opened and Spock entered, wearing his dress uniform and his usual air of cool elegance. "Captain, I have come to remind you that the dinner will commence in exactly twenty minutes."
"I know when it starts, Spock," Jim replied, barely able to keep the annoyance out of his voice, "My chronometer's working."
"It is my understanding, sir," Spock said, "that your sense of time tends to not coincide with the chronometer."
"What are you talking about?" Jim demanded resentfully, "I'm always on time for bridge duty." Then the reason for Spock's visit hit him. "Don't tell me you're still sore about me missing our chess game last week. I've already apologized at least a hundred times."
"Nine times to be exact and I am not feeling lingering physical discomfort simply due to the fact that you failed to keep scheduled leisure time."
"Could've fooled me," Jim muttered under his breath, knowing full well Spock could hear him. Out loud he said, "I told you, I ran into Nurse Chapel on my way to the game, we started talking and I just lost track of time."
"Yes, the logic in that statement is undeniable," Spock's cool tone clearly said that he knew more than just the logic in the captain's excuse, and Jim knew it.
Chuckling, he clapped his friend on the shoulder. "Go on ahead Spock and tell everyone I'll be there in five minutes."
Spock nodded and started towards the door, "Very well, Captain. I shall inform the Council and the rest of the crew to expect your arrival in thirty minutes." At Jim's bewildered expression, Spock elaborated, "That is the actual amount of time you take to prepare, is it not?"
Jim nearly burst out laughing at Spock's dead-pan, to which Spock simply raised an eyebrow.
"So no hard feelings?" The Vulcan's dark eyes met the human's blue ones, and Jim was sure he saw a smile in them for a moment.
"Negative, Captain." Then Spock left.
Still chuckling, Jim turned his attention back to his dress uniform. God, those things could be so uncomfortable. More than once he had considered sending in a request to Starfleet Command to have them changed or done away with entirely. With a groan, Jim sucked it up and started to undress.
He had barely started to take off his shirt when a familiar beeping filled the room. His communicator. Probably Scotty with a message from Starfleet. Might as well get it over with.
Jim picked up his communicator and flipped it open, "Kirk here,"
The voice he heard next was most definitely not Scotty's.
"Jim? Jim, is that you?"
"Ambassador Spock?" Several questions flew through Jim's mind. Wasn't the ambassador supposed to arrive tonight? Why was he calling on his communicator? How had he gotten the frequency? What unnerved Jim most of all was the tone of the ambassador's voice. The future Spock sounded urgent, almost frantic. "Where are you? What's wrong?"
"Jim you must listen to me! Whatever happens, you must not—" The voice was cut off.
"Spock? Spock!" Jim shouted into the communicator, alarm filling him when there was no response, "Are you still there? Answer me!"
Then a second voice issued through the communicator, a voice Jim was sure he would never hear again. "'James T. Kirk was considered to be a great man. He went on to captain the U. S. S. Enterprise. But that was another life.' Remember?"
Jim felt his heart clench, his blood turning to ice. "Nero," he breathed, not daring to believe it, "What the hell—How did--"
"How did I escape the Narada? Where have I been all this time? How did I get here? None of that is important. What is important is that I discovered that the Enterprise was due to arrive at New Vulcan on the same day as Ambassador Spock. Imagine my pleasure when the ambassador's ship and mine crossed paths just before arriving."
Now that most of the shock had worn off, Jim felt fury rise within him and melt his icy veins. "Where is he?!" he demanded, his hand gripping his communicator so tightly his knuckles were turning white.
"He's here," Nero replied, a cruel sneer in his voice, "Unfortunately I had to kill all the other Vulcans who were with him in order to subdue him."
The sheer casualness with which he said all this caused Jim's stomach to turn in horrified revulsion. Pure burning hate like none he had never known in his life coursed through him like poison.
"I swear," Jim snarled, "If you even think about touching him—"
"You'll do what?" Nero asked simply, reminding Jim, much to his frustration, that he was quite powerless to help the ambassador. Before Jim could speak again, Nero continued.
"As much as it would satisfy me to strike down the old man where he stands, I still have a score to settle with you. You may yet give him a chance to live a little longer, if you remove yourself from your crew and the Vulcans."
It didn't take a genius to guess what Nero was proposing. "Where do I meet you?" Jim waited a beat before Nero answered.
"There is an ancient Aspasian temple located outside the colony. If you value the ambassador's well-being, you'll come alone, without telling your crew or anyone else of this."
"How do I know you won't kill us both once I get there?" Jim demanded, trying to stall for time while he rummaged in his supply bag for his tricorder so he could try to get a lock on Nero's location.
"You don't." Nero's voice was icy fire. "But if you are not there, alone, within one hour, I will deliver the old man's mangled body to you personally. And I will do it when your Spock is with you. Seeing himself dead may be too much for even his logical mind."
The image Nero described chilled Jim to the bone, sealing his decision. "I'll be there."
"I know you will." And the connection went dead once again.
Jim stood in the middle of the room staring at his communicator in shock, his mind racing, going over his options.
For one brief moment he considered defying Nero's demands and alerting his crew of the situation. But then, there was no way in hell Spock or Bones would let him go alone, and even if they did, it would take up too much time so either way, the ambassador would pay the price for it. No, telling the others was out of the question.
But they had to know what was happening somehow. Even on his own, Nero was still extremely dangerous and there was no telling what he would do next if he remained uncaptured. His mind made up, Jim pulled a recording device out of his bag and switched it on.
"To the member of my crew who finds this message, this is Captain Kirk. Know that the situation I am about to relay is of the utmost seriousness and my orders must be carried out exactly. The Romulan terrorist known as Nero is still alive and is on New Vulcan. He has taken Ambassador Spock hostage and has demanded that I turn myself over to him in one hour in exchange for his release. Your orders are to assemble the rest of the crew and whatever security you can and go to the Aspasian temple located outside the colony. Once there, secure the ambassador and take Nero into custody."
Jim paused a brief moment before finishing. "Again, regardless of what happens to me, apprehend Nero and ensure the ambassador's safety. Those are your top priorities. Kirk out."
Jim pressed a button on the device causing a red light to blink indicating that there was a message on it, placing it along with his communicator on top of his dress uniform, still lying untouched on the bed. He then tucked his tricorder into his belt, along with his phaser. Nero had said to come alone but he didn't say to come unarmed, Jim figured with grim amusement.
As he made his way to the door, Jim spotted a hooded cloak hanging on the wall. Rushing over and grabbing it, he pulled it over his shoulders and pulled up the hood. It would help him to get out of the settlement unrecognized.
After looking around outside and satisfied that no one was there, Jim carefully yet quickly made his way out of the complex the guest quarters were in. By now everyone was either in their homes or at the reception, so he wasn't too concerned about running into anyone. As he reached the edge of the colony, Jim checked his chronometer and his heart leapt into his throat as he realized that nearly half an hour had passed. Silently cursing, he whipped out his tricorder and read the layout of the Vulcan colony. After several tense moments, he found the temple's location, which was thankfully only about a mile away. Pointing himself in the right direction, he began running.
Jim made sure to keep breathing, he didn't have the time to stop and rest. As he ran, his mind wandered. He could visualize the Enterprise in orbit around the planet, the bridge crew, Scotty supervising them with an easy smile. He could imagine the away team at the reception right now. Spock in his element with his own species, Bones sneaking whiskey into his drink from his flask, Uhura chatting with some Vulcans in their native language and looking as though she couldn't be happier, Sulu and Chekov sharing a joke and cracking up about it much to the bewilderment of their hosts. This afternoon might have been the last time he would ever see them.
Jim shook his head, forcing himself to snap out of his mental melodrama. He trusted his crew and their capabilities beyond measure. They would come through for him and they would get on fine without him.
Coming to a stop, he saw his destination clearly in the near distance. An imposing, black, rectangular structure which had served as a temple for the now extinct Aspasian people of this planet. Once again checking his tricorder, Jim read that he was now only a hundred yards away and there was still some time before the hour was up. Suddenly feeling very hot and heavy, Jim discarded the cloak he had forgotten he was still wearing, allowing it to fall to the ground. Leaving it there would help give the others proof of his location.
In spite of the heat, he suddenly felt very cold. Steeling himself, Jim continued on his trek. He was a condemned man walking willingly to his execution, he knew that.
But he wasn't afraid. Not really. He had come face to face with death many times, most people would probably say too many times for someone his age, but he was too well acquainted with it to be afraid of it.
Not that he wanted to die. If he really wanted to he would have rid the universe of his presence a long time ago. He'd had no reason to die, but he'd really had no reason to live either. Joining Starfleet and becoming captain of the Enterprise had given him a reason for both. And if there was one thing Jim knew for sure, it was that if it meant saving the life of a friend, he would choose death every time.
The friendship shared by the future Spock and his own alternate self was so profound it transcended time and space, and Jim would honor that. The ambassador was a part of Jim's very mind now. He owed everything to him: his captaincy, his friendship with the younger Spock, his very life. And Jim Kirk always repaid his debts.
He had reached the temple's entrance now. Taking out his phaser, he briefly wondered if the others had found his message by now. He wasn't sure how long he could hold off Nero until help arrived but it would be long enough, hopefully.
Pushing everything else from his mind, he passed through the gates of hell, ready to face the demon waiting within.
I know that was a little lengthy but I hope you enjoyed it. Be sure to review and I will have the next part up as soon as I can. That's when the action really heats up, as you may know.
Happy Halloween!