It had been mere weeks since his promotion to Captaincy and James Tiberius Kirk was already in a predicament. Starfleet had issued him and his crew to access an anomaly that had appeared just outside Earth's sector, it had not caused any trouble as of yet but that was beside the point, it had to be examined and if considered a threat, got rid off.
The Enterprise and her crew are hovering in darkness, surrounded by twinkling stars and ahead of them suspended in space is what appeared to be a giant Kaleidoscope image.
Kirk can see the reflection of the Enterprise on the anomaly's many mirrors, different lights and colours pulsated within. In all respect it is rather beautiful.
"Mr. Spock, analysis." Kirk orders, head turning towards his first officer who is bending over his work station in deep concentration.
"Captain, the readings have all come back negative. It appears that the anomaly does not exist at all which is illogical, as clearly it is right before us." Spock informs, standing up straight with his hands clasped behind his back.
Kirk stares at Spock as the words turn in his mind. Processing. Looking back out of the view screen he watches the colours dance around the anomaly, quickly planning what to do next. With no results there are limited options to handle the situation.
Suddenly a coil of energy shoots out from one of the mirror's and a tentacle like appendage curls around one of the ship's engines before sharply tugging it forwards, causing the Enterprise to jolt at the sudden movement.
There's a panicked silence as the crew become unsteady on their feet before Kirk jumps into action and sirens are sounded from inside the ship as red alert is voiced. Every one who was standing still moments before springs into action.
"Sulu, warp us out of here!" Kirk Shouts, adrenaline pumping through his entire body and the safety of his ship and crew becoming his main priority. His gaze flickers naturally towards Spock who has turned back towards his work station, pale hands gracefully flying over the controls.
"Captain, we have a problem!" Sulu yells over the noise, throwing Kirk a Look over his shoulder. "The warp thrusters are down!"
"Bridge to engineering" Kirk demands into the communicator. The turbo lift doors swish open and Bones strides in, anger and dread written in all the worry lines on his face.
"What have you got us into this time?" He growls. "My Med bay is in shambles! Equipment every! You owe me! I keep telling you space travel is a bad idea but you never ever listen to me! And what in God's name is that?" He barks pointing towards the anomaly, eyes widening as he sees it for the first time.
Even in dangerous situations Kirk manages a small smile at the ranting of his best friend. "That. Dear Bones is our problem. Now shh while I do my Captain work."
Bones takes a deep breath preparing for a rant off but Kirk's communicator chirps and he backs down. Flipping it open Scotty's voice fly's out.
"Engineering to bridge. Captain! Some of the systems are down, including the shields, and we're having trouble with the back up! We're giving her all we got, but it's not enough!"
Kirk sighs and visibly deflates into his chair, he scans the room and see's the whole bridge patiently waiting his command. He takes in their hopeful faces before looking out at the anomaly as it pulls the Enterprise ever closer. Directing his gaze back to his crew he sits up straighter, determination radiating from him.
"Hold on everyone." He warns. "We're in for a bit of a ride."
The anomaly gives one more fierce pull and the Enterprise disappears.
~x~x~x~
Sherlock Holmes is a man of deduction. And being a man of deduction he can tell the subtlest of changes, like for instance body language.
Currently he is lazing along his couch in his apartment 221B Bakers Street. His head is lying on the lap of none other than John Watson who is ignoring Sherlock in favour of the T.V.
Sherlock can see in the corner of his eye flashing images from the screen but he is more focused on watching John. He may not admit it out loud but he finds he actually likes to be in this certain beings company. His favourite past time is watching the ever changing facial features of Mr. Watson. He is so easy to read, exactly like the pages of an open book.
He lies patiently, knowing if he waits long enough john will do what he always does when Sherlock lays across him. Sherlock knows it's a subconscious action but that doesn't stop him from enjoying it.
After waiting for five minutes, Johns hand suddenly starts to stroke his dark curls and Sherlock closes his eyes in contentment, feeling callous fingers gently messaging his head. He has a thought of buying John a cat but quickly dismisses it; he'd rather it be him receiving the attention, however subconscious it is, than some mangy cat.
Lighting aluminates the sky and Sherlock opens his eyes and looks towards the window, scrunching up his nose. There was not meant to be a storm tonight. His skin prickles from the charged up energy, strange he was never usually this sensitive to storms.
Reluctantly Sherlock sits up and John gives a start when he realises he'd been petting Sherlock again. He coughs in embarrassment and Sherlock turns to look at him.
"Really John? Every time?" He questions playfully, loving the way Johns face flushes. He faces the window and watches as a dark, black cloud rolls into existence just above them.
"John, have you ever seen anything like this before?"
"Sherlock," John sighs also peering out and looking at the ever growing black cloud. "I'm a doctor, not a weather man."
"John," Sherlock whispers suddenly, staring intently at a certain place above them. "What is that?"
John focuses his attention on the spot Sherlock pointed out and together they watch in fascinated horror as a metal air ship slowly pushes its way past the cloud.