Slow build into a Khan/Kirk/Spock story, because no one has made it yet and wtf man, what's up with that? Come, my fellow shippers! Make haste! Anyways, kind of a weird start to the story I know, but I had this image in my head and had to write it before I fell asleep.

Note to those reading my other fics, Stars and Stripes in particular, I am planning on finishing it! I have one chapter almost complete but kind of hit a road block so I am working on it and it should be out soon!

SLASH PAIRINGS! MalexMale YE BE WARNED!

Very short chapter! I sorry!

A rough calloused hand slid along a pristine metal doorway; light playing off the surface and reflecting off the walls. Kirks hand glided down and back up the frame while his mind saw fit to bring back up memories of damaged hallways, bloodied crew members and scattered debris. It was the last memories he had of his Enterprise, as she was, falling from the sky by his own recklessness. But now, she was back, better than ever; sparkling with life and purpose. To most, the Enterprises' pristine keep might look like a prison or clean room but to Kirk this was the closest thing to home that he had ever known.

Growing up on the farm had been his prison, his solitude. His world had been one of existence and nothing more. He hadn't even cared to acknowledge how low he had been until Pike had fallen into his life and saved him. He had offered Jim a chance at a real life, a purpose, a reason to do more than just exist. Pike was the father he never knew he wanted and now he was gone. Khan and seen fit to take that from him….

A wave of nostalgia hit him at the memory of having almost lost his home, his family; his crew. Everything that had happened seemed like just yesterday. It all went so quickly, one moment they were on a planet saving a species, the next they were fighting for their lives against a terrorist and Marcus. It was all still so fresh in Kirks mind and yet Starfleet was ready to let it drift into the past so easily.

Kirk frowned as thoughts sped through his mind like lightening, each strike connecting and compounding his rage. Starfleet. They were covering their asses no doubt; quick to sweep any problem under the rug and get on with things. Kirks fist clenched at the reminder of his latest problem.

It had all started upon his awakening and receiving his command and crew back. He had been beyond delighted to accept his station and restored rank though he should have known, everything has a catalyst. He was thus viably informed that Khan, the very man who had both killed and saved him was being assigned to his crew as Head of Security. Kirk had been livid that they would even begin to risk his crew and the lives of civilians again by letting the man see the light of day. Grant it, if anyone knew about how to avoid security it was Khan but he was a terrorist, regardless of his cause and reasoning, he had killed people, he had killed Pike. Kirk flexed his hand at his side, his other hand gripping the doorway, knuckles whitening.

He had tried to argue the point but was trumped at every turn. Whatever they had over Khan this time; Starfleet was confident that he would not try anything against them again. But Khan was a fox in a chicken coop, or so Bones would say. There was no way that Khan could be controlled, regardless of whatever Starfleet was holding against him this time, it was ludicrous that they would even consider it. What had been done to Khan was unspeakable, and while Kirk could understand Khan wanting to save his crew at all costs, he was a dangerous, strong man and a force not to be taken lightly.

The sound of footsteps approaching the lift brought Kirk back to reality.

If Starfleet insisted on having Khan aboard his ship and on his bridge no less, then Kirk was going to play his own game, keep the enemy close and all that right? Kirk closed his eyes and breathed in; focusing with all his might to not let his insecurities or disdain for Khan being aboard his bridge show. He needed to be a leader now, to give an example and keep the peace, even if every bone in his body was screaming at him to toss the super human out an escape hatch. Kirk forced a grin on his face as the lift door whooshed open; all eyes on deck turned to him, one pair in particular Kirk could feel locked onto his form as he strode across the bridge to the captain's chair. It was a pair of green eyes, their gaze burned into his back but Kirk ignored it, instead he turned, nodding in Spock's direction. Kirk let his mind wander, a genuine smile tugging at the corners of his lips at the site of his first officer.

Spock was an anomaly all on his own. The very man that had caused him to lose his rank and captaincy had then risked his own life time and again to protect him as Kirk had done for Spock. They had grown remarkable close over the past events, more so than Kirk had thought was possible. Spock was logic, someone he could always count on to keep him grounded in the moment. His advice gave Kirk a sense of security.

"Captain," Spock's calm voice pierced through Kirk's deluge, "the bridge is yours."

Kirk smiled at Spock, "Thank you Spock." In spite of everything that had happened and everything he had yet to face, this part, his crew, his bridge was here again. He had helmed the Enterprise before for a short time, but this, this 5 year mission was his now. And no one and nothing was ever going to take that away from him.

Kirk spun in his chair as crew members called out from their stations. Everything was right again, everyone was here, "Sulu, punch it."

This was it, the Enterprise was his.

~TBC