A/N: Every K&S&M fan has their own reasoning behind the split of the big three at the end of the 5-year mission, something which bothered me for years. This is my humble attempt at explaining the inexplicable. I suppose this could be read as slash, but it certainly wasn't written that way.
I don't know where I'd be without my support system – the lovely and talented Anna Amuse, and Verenna and T'Paya, whose comments during the very early draft of this helped to make it what it is.
Six Degrees of Separation
He found himself flat on his back for the third time in the last ten minutes, the air forced from his lungs with a decisive 'whoosh.' Drawing a careful breath, he looked up to meet worried brown eyes.
"You okay? I've never been able to throw you three times in a row since your first few classes."
"Sorry Hikaru, guess my mind just isn't on Jujitsu today." He reached for the proffered hand and allowed himself to be pulled to a seated position.
"Well, we'd better quit then Vince, before I wind up hurting you by accident." The Enterprise's senior helmsman eyed him warily. "Let me guess, the last stage of the REFLEX training program? I understand this last year is the hardest by far. It's been a long haul for you. Any idea where you'll be assigned once we get back to Earth?"
Early on in the first year of the Enterprise's mission, her captain and first officer came to the realization that for an XO to function properly, for him to truly be an asset to his CO, he had to have first-hand experience, first-hand knowledge with regard to all aspects of the ship and her various departments. As a Vulcan, Spock had been exposed to many disciplines starting at an early age, but most cadets, once they reached the Academy, only trained for a specific specialty after completing their required courses.
The two of them pitched an idea to Starfleet that officers who showed promise should use the five years in their starship duty to learn as much as possible with regard to the normal day-to-day operations of a ship of the fleet, and the Reserve Fleet Executive Officer Training Program was born. Command had decided that experimentally, one officer should be selected on board each of the twelve starships. Once their five-year missions were completed these twelve individuals could be assigned at a moment's notice as executive officers, wherever they were needed, giving Starfleet a talented pool of young officers to draw on. If they showed promise, this would become the normal career path to groom future executive officers. After much deliberation Lieutenant Vincent DeSalle had been chosen as the Enterprise's official representative, but her command team immediately saw the value in such training, and also saw to it that a number of the ship's junior officers received hands-on experience in several fields.
DeSalle had spent his first year in the command track, serving as ship's navigator among other duties, followed by a rotation in engineering during year two, communications and security over the next two years, and finally in the sciences during this, the last year of the historic five-year mission.
The science rotation was scheduled for the last year because it involved so many different specialties: astrosciences, chemistry, biology, physics, the basics of medicine and psychology, and geology, the last portion of DeSalle's science training. While he had always had a knack for the sciences, especially biology, the geology rotation was proving to be quite challenging.
DeSalle climbed to his feet, draping an arm about the shorter man's shoulders. "No idea yet Hikaru my boy, although I've applied for both the Columbia and the Revere; unfortunately they may prove to be a little out of my league. It will depend on the recommendations I get from our senior department heads. And right now I'm not too sure about Mr. Spock's evaluation – this geology rotation is kicking my ass."
"How so?" Sulu asked, handing his sparring partner a towel and mopping at his own face.
"I've been assigned as lead geologist for the Elnath VI planet survey, and I must admit it's a more daunting task than I expected it to be." He paused, groping for words, as Sulu favored him with a knowing smile. "I've already got most of the data that's been collected so far analyzed and correlated, and I'll be gathering the last bits of information as part of tomorrow's landing party. I'm just not sure my presentation of the material is up to Mr. Spock's standards." He paused, running a hand through his hair. "It's due in just a few days."
"Don't worry about it. Mr. Spock can be intimidating at times, but if your data are good and the presentation is well-written, it shouldn't be a problem. So far, he's liked the reports you've done for the other science sections, right?"
"He seems to – as much as you can expect a Vulcan to show approval – and he's really been a great mentor so far – patient, knowledgeable, helpful, offering good suggestions and excellent guidance – but geology's just not my thing, and Mr. Spock's certainly not one to give you a good evaluation just because he likes you. He expects a certain level of expertise – justly so I might add – and I'm just not sure I can provide it. I'd hate for this to have a negative impact on my science rating for the REFLEX program."
Sulu chewed at his lower lip thoughtfully for a moment. "You know, I could read it over for you if you'd like," he offered hesitantly. "My previous specialty was astrophysics, but geology has always been a hobby of mine."
A grin split DeSalle's face. "Everything's a hobby of yours, but it'd really be nice to have another opinion. This is my first solo project since my geology rotation began two months ago, and while LCDR Paternost has been a great help, I'd love to have someone look at it with fresh eyes."
"No sweat." The helmsman's smile was easy, relaxed. "Just gimme half an hour to shower and change and I'll meet you in Rec 3, okay?"
"Sounds great." DeSalle turned to leave, but stopped mid-step, turning back to the young Asian. "Thanks, Hikaru, I really appreciate it."
"No problem Vince." Mischief played about the dark eyes. "I'm doing this for me, too you know. There's nobody else on board, except for Mr. Spock of course, who's close enough to my level to spar with." He winked conspiratorially. "I need to get your mind back on track as soon as possible. See you in a few," the helmsman called over his shoulder.
***
Captain's Log, stardate 7935.6. We are continuing our assessment of Elnath VI as per Starfleet's instructions. The Biology Department, in conjunction with the Geology Department, should finish their evaluations later today. The final landing party will be overseen by Science Officer Spock, and will also include myself, LT DeSalle as acting lead geologist, and biology specialists LTjg Burke and Ensign Velardo. So far, the findings are promising: We have identified several species of plants which Dr. McCoy believes show significant promise in the formulation of new medicines, and have also isolated three previously unknown minerals which should prove to be an asset to current Federation technology. We should be able to wrap things up here tomorrow. This will conclude our final assignment of the current five-year mission, at which time we will begin the two-week-long journey back to Earth where the Enterprise is scheduled to undergo a two-year refit to bring her up to current fleet standards.
He switched off the recorder and glanced up into the face of his First Officer, who had left the upper tier of the bridge and was standing beside the command chair.
"Well Spock, once we complete this assignment we're done with our first mission. Any words of wisdom for the last five years?" Kirk's tone was teasing, baiting.
Spock played along, lifting an eyebrow, warmed by the answering grin it elicited from his captain. A pleasant warmth settled into the deeper areas of his consciousness as well. "None that I'm aware of, except, of course, to say that it has been a most fascinating venture," he offered blandly.
Kirk chuckled. "My sentiments exactly – it's been one helluva ride. Well unfortunately it isn't quite over yet; we still have to finish processing all the crew fitness reports before we return to Earth. We have a couple of hours yet before we need to report for landing party duty. Care to join me in Briefing Room Two? We can at least get a jump start on some of the more important ones."
"I shall be delighted, Captain," the Vulcan answered, mounting the steps and retrieving a stack of brightly colored tapes from the science console.
"Mr. Sulu, you have the conn," Kirk called as he stepped into the turbolift, his First a pace behind him.
***
They had been hard at work for over an hour now, Kirk having downed an entire carafe of coffee all by himself. They had already discussed the reports for the senior officers on board, as well as those for all three shifts of bridge personnel. The conversation had now moved to that of their REFLEX candidate.
"It seems we made an excellent choice when we selected DeSalle for this program. He excelled during his command rotation, and Scotty was so pleased with his progress during his time in engineering, he made him assistant chief engineer. That's high praise coming from Scotty, especially considering engineering wasn't the man's primary specialty," Kirk said, scanning the evaluations DeSalle had received from his immediate superiors in each of his REFLEX rotations.
"His performances were also exemplary in security and communications, as indicated by the comments received from LCDR Giotto and LT Uhura," Spock concurred.
"He was already a good officer five years ago, otherwise we'd never have chosen him for this position, but it's been a long time since I've had any personal experience working with the man. It's not that I don't trust my people but you know me, Spock – I like to lead by example. Delegation is certainly not my strong suit."
A ripple coursed through the link, what Spock knew Kirk had come to call the Vulcan's 'mind laughter.' His captain grinned in response.
"Far be it for me to argue with such an eloquently phrased statement, Captain." He paused, the amusement now fluttering behind his eyes. "If you are lamenting your lack of first-hand observation of the lieutenant's abilities over the last four years, there should be ample opportunity for you to closely analyze his work habits during today's landing party. That, coupled with the recommendations he received from his various department heads should suffice to add that personal element you are seeking for your report."
"In addition to serving as an XO, he'll also be eligible for promotion to lieutenant commander when we return to Earth. He has shown great potential, and I want to make sure I accurately reflect that in his fitness report. He's worked hard over the last five years, pushing himself well beyond our expectations, and I want to make sure that his dedication is properly rewarded." Kirk regarded the Vulcan thoughtfully. "Any idea where he's applied, Spock?"
"The lieutenant and I discussed his options several months ago. His inclination at that time was to obtain a posting to a Hermes-class vessel. Mr. DeSalle is a gifted officer in a number of areas, but has shown a particular aptitude for the sciences and engineering. Posting to a vessel of this type would allow for the best use of his unique talents."
But Kirk's eyes had gone vacant, no longer concentrating on his First's observations.
The Vulcan softened his gaze. "Jim, what is troubling you?"
Kirk's eyes suddenly came alive again, regarding the Vulcan with a touch of chagrin. "You know, sometimes this link can be a real pain in the ass." His tone was resigned, yet pulsated with amusement.
"Regardless of how I have come by the information, it is obvious that something is disturbing you." Spock waited patiently for an answer.
Kirk grinned at his First, but it faded quickly. "I received a communiqué from Command this morning. They've offered me a promotion to rear-admiral and a position as Chief of Starfleet Operations."
Spock felt time stop for a moment. "Have you made a decision yet?" The steadiness of his voice came as a complete surprise.
Kirk considered carefully before answering. "It'd be an honor – I'd be the youngest admiral in the fleet – but it's not what I want."
Spock found he was able to breathe again.
"I'm not a desk jockey. That kind of job would drive me nuts in six months, a year at the outside. I belong out here, among the stars. Ever since I was a little kid it's where I've always wanted to be." His gaze locked with the Vulcan's. "Besides," he added softly, "There're just too many fine officers I've come to know over the years. I've watched the bridge crew, Chekov especially, grow up and mature right before my very eyes. I'd be crazy not to jump at the chance to serve with each and every one of them again. And they won't be offered desk jobs. Neither will McCoy…or you."
He paused, favoring the Vulcan with an affectionate glance. "How about you, Spock? You haven't told me your plans yet."
"Precisely because at the moment, I am undecided as to the course of my career."
"Really? How so?"
"I too have received a transmission from Starfleet. I have been offered the captaincy of the science vessel Gagarin." He watched as a disconcerted frown flitted briefly over his captain's features. "However, as you are already aware, I have no desire—"
"For a command of your own," Kirk finished, visibly brightening.
"There is always the possibility of returning to Vulcan as well. A standing offer for a teaching position at the Vulcan Science Academy has been kept open for me for the last five point four years. It had been hoped I would resign my commission at the end of Captain Pike's tenure as commanding officer of the Enterprise and return home."
"Well, I for one am glad you didn't." Kirk paused, his look wistful, contemplative. "What do you want, Spock?" There was no expectation present in his tone; it was simply a request for information.
"Actually Jim, in all honesty, my decision will be contingent upon yours. If you seek another command, I would be honored to serve as your First Officer, should you desire my services again in that position. As I indicated earlier on the bridge, this has been a most fascinating venture. I have learned much, both in the capacity of a Starfleet Officer, and about myself. It is my wish for the exploration to continue, on both fronts."
"My thoughts, exactly, but you knew that already, didn't you?" Spock felt warmth and affection gently envelop him. He responded in kind.
Kirk's face hardened slightly. "I know Command wants to promote me so they can parade me through the streets, use me as a recruiting tool for Starfleet, but I don't believe that's where my destiny lies. Men don't make a difference in the galaxy operating from behind a desk. It's from the bridge of a starship that real, meaningful change is made, alternatives and possibilities explored, new avenues of thinking opened up. This is where I need to be if I'm to make a difference, be a positive force for the Federation, and I'd be foolish not to want you at my side.
"It shall be my privilege, Jim. Now all that remains is to convince Command to assign you another five-year mission."
"Leave that to me." The hazel eyes sparkled with the challenge. "I've already started to formulate a plan."
They were interrupted by the squawk of the intercom. "Kirk here," the captain answered, thumbing the switch.
"Uhura, Captain. Sorry to disturb you sir, but the landing party is ready to go; they're just waiting for you and Mr. Spock."
Kirk glanced sharply at the Vulcan, who colored slightly.
How did I possibly lose track of the time? Spock thought to himself.
"Sorry Lieutenant, we got caught up working on the fitreps. Let the transporter room know we'll be there shortly."
"Aye sir. Bridge out."
Spock had already risen to his feet, gathering the scattered tapes from the desk. "Shall we?" Kirk asked, bowing Spock toward the door.
***
Elnath VI was a marvel of nature. They materialized in a valley between two oversized earthen slopes covered in lush vegetation, the hills rising gracefully toward the sky. They were the foothills of a much larger mountain chain that stretched as far as the eye could see. Not the stark, barren, towering peaks of a young mountain range but the gentle, rounded, weathered slopes that indicated this range had been subjected to millions of years of exposure to the elements. A dense, primordial forest, thick with massive trees, rimmed the edge of their location, marching decisively up the sides and across the tops of the rock face, forming a thick carpet of green over the uneven terrain.
A crystal blue pond was visible several hundred meters in the distance, sunlight refracting off the ripples created by a large flock of native water fowl paddling lazily along its surface, individuals dipping below the water occasionally to emerge with a tasty morsel.
Kirk inhaled deeply. The air was fresh and clean, untainted by the trappings of civilization. He reveled in the feel of the sun as it beat warmly against his shoulders. Yes, this is what it was all about; their reason for being out here. In addition to the abundance of unique scientific finds on this planet, it would also make a suitable home for colonists from a dozen different Federation worlds. Standing in this little clearing, he understood fully that this was his purpose in life, and he would do whatever it took to see that purpose fulfilled.
"Sir. Tricorder readings indicate a large patch of Bonderil plants located .42 kilometers south of here," Burke reported crisply. He was the lead biologist for this landing party. "They belong to the same genus of vegetation that Dr. McCoy felt showed so much potential. Scans also reveal a variety of previously uncatalogued flora close to the same location."
"Okay, you and Velardo go check it out. We'll rendezvous here in ninety minutes. Mr. DeSalle," he called over his shoulder at the young officer who was currently engrossed in readings on his tricorder, "is the surrounding area suitable for your survey, or have you found somewhere better?"
"Negative, sir. There are quite a few geologic oddities in the vicinity," he said, his eyes sweeping the scene before him. "Should be quite enough here to occupy me for the next hour and a half, Captain." He grinned sheepishly at his CO.
Kirk returned the smile briefly. "All right gentlemen, you have your orders," he said, nodding at the two junior biologists, "we'll see you back here soon."
The two scientists set off at a leisurely pace, Burke identifying interesting flora and fauna and Velardo pausing to load specimen after specimen into his collection kit as they made their way to their destination.
Spock had approached and was waiting patiently at his captain's shoulder. Kirk turned to him with a questioning look.
"Sir, if you can assist Mr. DeSalle I should like to do a more thorough examination of the lake. Preliminary tricorder scans indicate a number of as yet unidentified species, including the water fowl currently flocking on its surface."
"I tend to be all thumbs in these types of situations, but I'll do my best if Mr. DeSalle thinks he can manage with what passes for my help," Kirk commented, turning a wry grin on the lieutenant.
"It'd be my privilege, sir. There's an interesting geologic reading at the base of that hill over there," he said, gesturing over Kirk's shoulder to a nearly vertical section of the nearest slope which was devoid of any plant life.
"Then lead the way, Mr. DeSalle. Mr. Spock, we'll meet you back here in ninety minutes."
Spock shot his captain a self-satisfied look before turning and heading for the lake.
"Sir, I'm now detecting an underground opening in that cliff face. Readings show a variety of known and unknown ores within. It might be worth checking it out." DeSalle shot his captain a speculative look.
"This is your party, Mr. DeSalle; lead on," Kirk responded, falling in a step behind the lieutenant.
***
What they discovered was not a true cave per se, but a cleft in the side of the stone wall, formed most likely due to seismic activity rather than erosion over millions of years. Unlike the mountains above, the interior was not weathered, the broken angles of the walls and ceiling sharp and defined with none of the traditional formations such as stalactites or stalagmites present, indicating this was a relatively new structure given the age of the surrounding rock. The fissure stretched for two hundred meters or so, starting off as a narrow passageway, the space opening up to reveal a vaulted ceiling over a roughly elliptical chamber forty meters into the side of the large hill.
DeSalle fished in his pack, producing a small hand-held LED light which he switched on, illuminating the scene before them. Water flowed freely down the sides of the chamber and dripped from the roof, small rivulets evident in some places. The ground beneath their feet was uneven, shards of rock pushing up from the earthen floor like spring flowers poking through the snow to reach the warmth of the returning sun.
"I'm showing a large deposit of duranium twelve point seven meters in the distance, captain, and several as yet unidentified ores. We should take some samples, sir."
Kirk started toward him, the specimen kit in hand, but suddenly DeSalle turned, beginning to shout something, when the world broke before their very eyes.