Author's Note: Just something I dashed off after watching Matt Stonie videos on Youtube.

Benefits of a Misspent Youth

Leader Takan strokes his beard contemplatively. "Your proposal is intriguing, Captain Kirk. Unfortunately our laws prohibit trading with those who have not passed the Challenge."

The capital letter is audible. "I understand," Kirk says, bowing respectfully. "And what is the Challenge?" He can only hope that it isn't too difficult or dangerous – they really need these supplies.

"Any potential trading partners are tested in both speed and stamina. You will be required to consume five bowls of rakla stew within five minims, or four point two of your minutes."

"An eating contest?" McCoy asks in disbelief.

"It would appear so," Spock replies, in a similar tone.

Neither of them notices the smile making its way over Kirk's face.

x x x

"How the hell did you do that?" McCoy asks, as they make their way back to the beam up point. "I mean, I knew you ate fast, but that was ridiculous."

"I am also curious," Spock adds.

Kirk glances around to make sure the three of them are alone. "Promise you won't laugh?"

"I never laugh," Spock tells him.

Kirk stares at McCoy until he breaks and grumbles, "All right, I won't laugh." Under his breath he adds, "Unless you give me a reason to." Kirk decides to ignore him.

"Okay," he says. "For a while, when I was younger, I was a competitive eater."

"I am not familiar with that term," Spock says.

"Well you saw a little of it back there. You compete with a bunch of other people, either to be the fastest to eat a certain amount of food, or to eat the most in a set time period. I was pretty good," he adds with pride. "Won at least half of my matches."

"Why would one do this?" Spock asks, frowning.

"Money," Kirk replies. "And it's kind of fun."

"Fun? It's damn dangerous," McCoy puts in, glaring at him. "Do you know what that kind of thing can do to your body?"

"Yes," Kirk replies. "That's why I don't do it any more." He grins and adds, "Unless I have to."

"You are a strange man," Spock tells him, but he sounds oddly intrigued.

McCoy rolls his eyes and Kirk pulls out his communicator. "Kirk to Enterprise. Three to beam up."