A/N: This one is a little short because it was the best place to break - the next chapter will make up for it! Promise! As always, please review. It's fuel for my mind!

Chapter Two

The crew accepts Spock's explanation as expected, though there's a murmur of confusion and discontent. The captain is rarely absent, and never so suddenly.

Then there was this little cat that Spock seemed to have acquired; a little ginger monster that spent most of its time weaving around the legs of the pretty young recruits. Spock watched it impassively, resisting the most un-Vulcan like urge to throttle it.

"Oh, he's so precious!" one of the recruits gushed, "Commander, what have you named him?"

"His name is Captain." Spock said, dryly.

McCoy coughed from behind him, smothering a laugh.

*

'Captain' very quickly lived up to his name. During the hours Spock was on duty, Jim would curl in the Captain's chair, regardless of whether or not it was occupied. The crew sniggered amongst themselves to see stoic Commander Spock with a ginger cat sprawled inelegantly across his lap.

Jim also took this time to get to know the new recruits, discovering this new angle gave him a pleasing view, right up the skirts of his female cadets.

Spock rolled his eyes inwardly.

When Spock was off duty, he'd hand over the Conns, hoist Jim gracelessly under his arm, despite his protests and head to the medical bay where McCoy would spend the next two hours poking and prodding.

Jim didn't appreciate it, allowing only so much before swiping his claws, or biting McCoy's hand with needle sharp teeth.

"Bloody hell!" McCoy swore, as Jim knocked the hypodermic from his hand with the swipe of a paw. "Jesus Christ, Spock, you do it. He hasn't attacked you yet!"

Spock raised an eyebrow in amusement, "I'm afraid I'm not qualified, Doctor."

McCoy sighed, frustrated and retrieved another needle. "Jim, if you attack me one more time, I'm going to make sure you stay a cat for the rest of your very short life." He looked over at Spock, beseechingly, "Do the mind thing again, would you – he's calmer then."

Spock gave a nod, running his hand over Jim's fur before initiating the meld.

It was easier this time. It seemed more ordered in here, more controlled and not nearly so overwhelming.

"Thought you'd like that."

Spock turned, seeing Jim standing behind him with a cocky grin.

"You've been a nightmare this week," Spock announced, crossing his arms over his chest.

Jim laughed, "It's good fun. You make a comfortable bed." Then, suddenly serious, "is McCoy going to be able to fix me soon?"

"Bored?"

"Lonely. No one to talk to but me in here."

Spock nodded, "I see you've been clearing up in here." He looked at Jim carefully, "everything alright?"

"Yeah, just, you know…"

There was a brief silence. "Spock, will you do me a favour?"

"Of course."

"Come see me more often. I mean, I know you've been talking to me when you can, but it's not the same. It's good to see you like this. Like we were. In our heads"

Spock nodded in accord. "Of course. We will also do our best to restore you to your normal body."

Jim smiled, moving forward to clasp Spock's hand. "Thank-you, my friend. I'm grateful."

*

Spock blinked, clearing his vision. Jim butted his head against Spock's hand, demanding to be petted. Spock complied, a smile teasing the corners of his mouth. "You're rather troublesome, my friend." He looked up. McCoy was watching him, a strange expression on his face.

"What is it?"

McCoy shook his head, "nothing. Just, not used to seeing you so relaxed."

Spock looked away, feeling uncomfortable at being so closely scrutinized. "Is that all you require, Doctor? I believe I have some work to do in my quarters."
"I'll call you if I find anything."

Jim jumped down from the table before Spock could grab him, sitting obediently at his feet instead. Spock regarded him with amusement. "Alright then, Captain, but no wandering off."

McCoy watched them leave, feeling bewildered. What a pair.

*

Three hours had passed before Spock looked up from the papers that were piled carefully on his desk, disturbed from the incessant noise coming from the cat.

Jim meowed impatiently at the door, he was hungry damn it!

Spock shook his head. "Five more minutes, then I shall feed you."

Jim stared at him balefully with his large blue eyes, waiting until Spock had turned back to the page before leaping onto the desk, scattering papers left, right and centre with a few easy swipes of his paws.

"Jim!"

Jim sat right on top of the paper Spock was using, looking at him smugly.

Spock frowned but stood and picked him up, heading toward the door. "I must say, Captain, You are being most inconvenient."

*