As usual, Spock and a grumbling McCoy were accompanying Kirk on another away mission. The Grasows were a light yellow humanoid alien race who had recently established warp capabilities, thus ushering in the need for negotiations to join the Federation.
"We are extremely satisfied and extend equal gratitude for your cooperation and agreement to join us. Were there any further questions?" Kirk expertly closed another mission while standing in e midst of a grand throne room filled with unique murals on the wall.
"We are as well pleased to have this opportunity. Could you describe to us the accommodations or services we could receive upon request?" The head Grasow asked, with nods from his three trusted elders.
"Absolutely. My First Commander Spock here would love to give you further information." Jim said, slapping Spock fondly on the back as he passed the conversation over to him. Kirk walked a few paces back to where Bones and a couple security officers were waiting.
"See Bones, that's the second mission in a row that's gone off without a hitch!"
"Not only did you just jinx it but I wouldn't count the last peace talks you had which ended with you getting stabbed as 'without a hitch'." Bones said, arms folded across his chest.
"Well we should only have a minutes left before we're off." Bones simply rolled his eyes in response, looking forward again at the foreign race. His eyes narrowed slightly, noticing that one of the elders was staring straight at him and his idiot friend.
"Kid, I think we might have a problem..." Bones mumbled quietly, getting Jim's attention.
The Captain immediately stood up taller, looking first at Bones and then casually back to where Spock was standing with the Grasows, still in respectful conversation over the detailed agreement just made. He noticed what Bones was talking about- one of the elders seemed to not even blink as she watched them intently, as if she were trying to solve a challenging equation.
"I'll be right back." Jim said, Bones noticing it was with his 'Captain' voice as he deemed it. Before he could stop his Jim from doing something stupid he was already out of reach.
"Dammit Jim." Bones mumbled under his breath, stalking up to where Jim and Spock were now standing. Spock sent the doctor a questioning eyebrow, wondering what the cause of the interruption was.
Kirk squared his shoulders and turned directly to the elder who Spock and Bones now saw had had an eye on Jim solely. "Elder Amira, I was wondering if there was perhaps something I could help you with. I offer myself specifically if aid is required?" Jim said, being both unoffensive and determined at the same time. The room had quieted, the away team noticed that the Grasows were now silent and had merely exchanged a simultaneous nod before Amira continued, never taking her eyes off Kirk.
"You have seen many worlds Captain James Tiberius." Elder Amira started. "You have not only seen your other self and crew but have experienced time in the Between."
Jim's heartbeat quickened and he felt as if he lost his breath but betrayed nothing, keeping silent as an offer to continue.
"There are few who have had such opportunity. It is in our culture to exalt the dead who walk again." She said, looking more relaxed as her suspicions were confirmed.
Both Bones and Spock had shocked and curious looks on their faces. Jim's death had been a silently agreed upon subject not to be talked about unless Jim brought it up, which to the pair he had done seldomly. They both looked at Jim then, Bones noticing a minuscule shake in this friend's fisted hands behind his back.
Jim took a moment to gather his thoughts which had instantly scattered upon the Elder's intimate knowledge of himself. He hadn't even told Bones or Spock in full about the visions he received from Spock Prime on Delta Vega and he certainly hadn't discussed his time spent dead after the whole Kahn fiasco. No one asked so he didn't tell, not that he wouldn't have wanted to breach the subject to get help understanding it all but old habits die hard and confiding in others had never been an easy thing to do.
As if sensing his train of thought Amira spoke once more. "If you wish, we may speak in a more private manner." At this suggestion both Spock and Bones tensed, not quite knowing what state their Captain would be in and not wanting to be separated on literal unfamiliar ground. They were spared causing a possible failed mission when Jim spoke finally spoke up.
"Perhaps we could adjourn to a more accommodating location, where both my First Officer and CMO may accompany?" He said, only sounding strained to the years of experience that Spock and Bones had knowing Jim. "They are my friends." He added to the surprise of the pair standing next to them, but they saw understanding flash between the elder and Jim.
"This way." She said simply, breaking off from the rest of the Grasows without a word more to them. Jim made to follow when Bones grabbed his arm opening his mouth to protest when he was cut off.
"Not now Bones. Just...let's hear her out okay?" His question sounded like a child asking for a hug to Bones who couldn't deny his best friend. Bones' gruff protest died in his mouth as he saw the slightly lost look on Jim's face.
"Okay Kid. Whatever you need." The exchanged a nod as Jim turned to Spock questioning if he had any rejections to staying a little while longer.
"I believe you said it best Jim. We are your friends."
Just an idea that popped in my head at 1am and I needed to write it because I wanted to read it! Looking to be a Two-Shot. Just wanted my fill on Spock and Bones' reactions to learning about a couple of Jim's experiences. More to come soon. Also Beyond was amazing but I can always use more Jim! Review for the love of Tribbles.
