A/N: Wow. I'm pleasantly surprised. Thank you to all that reviewed and also to all that favorited or alerted this story. It is much appreciated. Here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it as much as the first. Also I'd like to thank my Beta Miss Spockista Fruitista because she keeps me sane and improves my writing skills. Thanks again! 3

Disclaimer: I don't own it. U_U

Warnings: Hmmmmmmm well some more Spork goodness before we get down to the real business.

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Chapter Two: Take It To The Bridge

Jim's head hurt.

A lot.

The weight that had knocked the wind out of him was still on his chest. With a gasp, he started coughing. His head still pounded relentlessly and was that the trickle of blood seeping down his neck? He did hit that damn corner pretty hard…

He grabbed hold of whatever had bumped into him and was a little surprised when touching the foreign object sent a tingling buzz that was oddly reminiscent of mental contact with his First. His eyes widened at seeing Spock on top of him.

Awkward.

Staring at each other for a moment they both abruptly stood to their feet.

Jim fought off the blood rising to his cheeks and dusted himself off. The blush quickly left as he realized he was still in the middle of some sort of crisis.

"Chekov, where the hell are those shields?" he asked with a bit of a growl.

"I'm working on it Keptan," the Russian replied, eyes still glued to the monitor.

With a curt nod Jim turned back to Uhura. "I don't suppose they're responding now?" Although he posed the question, he figured after these people shot the ship to hell, they probably weren't looking to open up communications and ask about the weather.

"No, Captain." Came her answer as her brows furrowed.

"Damn," Jim cursed to himself. He pounded his hand on the back of the mercury colored chair. Quickly, he thought of the next possible line of action through his pounding headache.

"Shields up and running, Keptan," Chekov shouted over his shoulder.

"Good to hear," He acknowledged. Still standing, Kirk looked over at Sulu. "Can we possibly get a closer visual of the ship so we can identify these bastards?" There's no way in hell they're part of the federation, and it's not like we have precious cargo or anything that they'd want…He thought apprehensively

"Magnifying Captain." He brought up the image with the flip of a switch, bringing Jim's attention back to the bridge.

The enemy was still firing but that wasn't surprising. A closer view at the vessel caused Jim to notice that Spock's speculation was correct. The enemy did have advanced-looking technology.

Peering at the screen for a closer inspection, he did notice a name on the side of the ship. "Aquarion," he mouthed.

The name sounded familiar too…Damn his brain! How come he couldn't remember? The name seemed fitting to the vessel. It was a light metallic blue.

Jim stood still behind his chair, legs spread apart and hands behind his back, head held high. "Since they're ignoring our attempts at a peaceful compromise, and will not respond I want lasers locked onto the target. Take 'em out." The last sentence was added with conviction.

Chekov did just that. However, right at the moment he fired and was about to declare the damage inflicted on the enemy vessel, Sulu's side of the panel started to spark, and with a puff of smoke exploded. His hand was reaching out, fingers stretched to pull a lever.

Thinking on his toes, Sulu quickly pulled the boy out of his chair and plopped him down on the floor away from the busted console. Immediately, the young navigator clutched his hand to his chest, his eyes wide with fear and possible horror at seeing his station in near flames.

The rest of the ship swayed and mostly everyone braced for it. Jim, luckily, grabbed his chair for support, and peeking at his first officer he noticed he was fine as well, along with the rest of the crew.

Kirk strode over to Chekov and helped him to his feet. He gently took the young man's hand to check out the damage. Thankfully it wasn't that severe. Shaking his head, he stopped abruptly when he realized the ship had become utterly still.

"I want you to get to sick bay right away and have Bones fix you up," he ordered mildly.

"They disappeared, Captain," Uhura supplied efficiently. Jim let out the breath he had been holding and nodded.

"Thank you, Lieutenant."

He slumped down into his chair and pressed the button for the intercom system. " Notify the ensign from the night shift to come to the bridge to fill in for Chekov."

He swiveled absentmindedly for a moment and then got back to work. His headache was still there, pounding away, but he had more pressing matters. "Open a line to engineering."

After a beat Uhura turned to him, signaling it was open.

"Captain to engineering, is everything alright down there Scotty?"

"Ay, Cap'n, any idea what in the blue blazes that was all about?"

"Not a clue. Can you give me an assessment on the damage?"

It was quiet for a moment before the Scotsman gave a reply, "Well, the engines are shot to hell and a few of the engineers are injured. But it's nothing' I cannae fix Cap'n. What kind of damage did she take on the bridge?"

Jim gave a disparaging look to Chekov's station and sighed. "Only minor injuries and The navigation system is…well it kinda' blew up. So I request you send up a few of your men so we can get things back in running order."

"Anythin' else?"

"No Scotty, that'll do. Kirk out," he finished before switching off his system. He relaxed into his chair for a moment and briefly closed his eyes. This was just another day on the lovely lady Enterprise. Her magnetism for disaster and her narrow escapes never ceased to amaze him. She was kind of like Jim in that sense, always avoiding danger. His eyes fluttered open as he took in the sight of his faithful crew. "If anyone has injuries, however minor they may be, file out for Sickbay and call in your subordinates." He offered to his crew. Only a few left. Funny, he never seemed to take his own advice.

"Uhura, Could you run the name Aquarion through the federation's database regarding ships? Something's bound to pop up." She nodded and got back to work.

Kirk looked over at his first officer who, in turn, assessed Jim with a raised brow.

"Captain, it would be in your best interest and the most logical of decisions for you to visit Sickbay as well."

Kirk rubbed a hand across the back of his neck, working out a kink before feeling something slightly…wet?

Please let that be sweat, he thought as his hand came into view and sure enough, it wasn't. The red of the blood set a very morbid contrast with his pale skin.

"I suppose," he sighed while looking over at Spock.

He rose out of his chair and walked over to his First's station. "I'll talk to Chekov while I'm at it. The con is yours, Mr. Spock." He said clapping a non-bloodied hand on his first officer's shoulder. There was actually a slight ease in tension as Jim gave a cocky grin. He was surprised at that, seeing as normally it gave the opposite effect.

The Vulcan inclined his head in acknowledgment as Jim headed for the turbo lift and up to sick bay. Leaning against the wall behind him he ran the track in his brain for answers. Nothing was coming up, so instead he reveled in the fact that Spock didn't flinch from his touch, but welcomed it almost. It was weird but he more or less seemed like he was worried about Jim. He shook his head and exited as the doors whooshed open.

Upon his arrival he was faced with a frowning CMO. "What the hell happened up there Jim?!"

Of course. Never a hello. Some sort of angry demand was always the first thing that came out of Bone's mouth at seeing Jim.

"I'm not really sure myself," he shrugged while hopping up onto a medical bench. Bones now fully took in Jim's disheveled appearance as his eyes lingered on the muddied mustard-gold rim of his shirt.

"I nicked the back of my head," he supplied at noticing his friend's gaze.

Bones continued to shake his head as he cleaned, and sealed off the injury. "You never cease to amaze me. How'd you manage that one?"

"When we got tossed around like cookies I sort of hit my head on a corner."

If Bones had rocks for brains you'd be able to hear rattling from all of the disparaging head shaking he did. Jim was surprised he didn't get whiplash from it.

"I'd like to think it's my good looks and charm that attracts so much danger," Jim further explained with a smirk.

Bones rolled his eyes with exasperation as he thought about what idiotic comments his friend made at such inappropriate times.

"But of course it probably didn't help when Spock landed on top of me," he continued and the captain couldn't contain the grin spreading across his face. Okay, so maybe that wasn't exactly how it went down, but from the way it sounded some pretty nice mental images were conjured up in his twisted little brain. It was better than the awkwardly public moment they had earlier. Which no-one noticed, thankfully.

Bones eye's squeezed shut as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Goddammit Jim! Do you want me to go insane?! Mental images, man. I can never get that shit out of my head. I just got over the last one you installed in my damn brain." Jim chuckled, still all smiles. He just loved to torture Bones. He really did have quite a knack for it.

"Yeah, you're laughing now, but one of these days it's going to come back and bite you in the ass," he commented a bit sinisterly as if he'd be the one implementing the biting.

Jim gave a nonchalant shrug, "Maybe, Bones. Oh! Where's Chekov?"

Bones grumbled some more while crossing his arms before he answered, "He's near the back. His hand is gonna' be fine. The kid is just in shock more than anything. He can go back to his quarters and rest. He doesn't have to stay here."

Jim frowned. "You always make me stay," he said with mock anger in his tone.

"That's because with you it's almost always major and because you're a class A pain in the ass!" he explained, shooting his hands up in the air. Jim nodded in understanding and patted his friend on the back.

"I know. That's why you keep me around," he added as Bones rolled his eyes. "Later Bones." McCoy gave a dismissive wave as Jim set off towards the young Russian's medical bed.

"Hey Chekov. How are you doing?" he asked, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"I am fine Keptan. I would not be if Sulu had not pulled me out of the way," he answered with a tinge of embarrassment in his voice.

Jim nodded knowingly. "Yes, Sulu's a fine man. You're lucky you work with him."

Chekov's head bobbed in agreement. Jim looked over the bandaged hand and noticed it wasn't too bad. "So, any clue what happened at your station up there?" he wondered, already knowing the genius had something already formulated.

"Well, the enemy wessel scrambled the shields, and then fired when they were down, Keptan. They managed to blow them up by somehow jamming the signal. I was not able to detect it in time," He replied in his Russian accent. "I think," He tacked on for good measure, just in case he was wrong.

Jim took it all in and looked over at the young boy. He was only seventeen, it was only natural that he didn't get it spot on all the time and that he acquired a few injuries. Genius or not, he was still learning. "No worries," he said back reassuringly, knowing the seventeen year old might be internally beating himself up for it. "You're free to leave sickbay and return to your quarters if you wish."

Chekov nodded and got off the bed to do just that. "Thank you, Keptan." With that, the seventeen year old headed for the turbo lift.

Jim checked the time and left a bit after the Russian boy. His stomach gurgled rather loudly. Since it was close to break anyways, Jim headed for the Mess Hall.

Unnamed Ensigns were everywhere. Kirk got his replicated meal and headed for an empty table in the back corner, not feeling like talking to people.

Halfway through his meal his quiet contemplations were interrupted by good company. Bones and Spock had sat down at his table. Bones grumbled something or other about infuriating hobgoblins. A while later the trio was joined by Scotty and Uhura. The whole gang was practically there.

Everyone held quiet conversations amongst each other while Jim zoned out and ate in his unpopable space bubble.

Lunch went by in a haze.

Jim took no notice to the people around him. He kept thinking about that damn enemy vessel and the way they attacked. It was so familiar to him.

"…Captain?"

Jim's bubble deflated as he shook his head and his attention automatically gravitated toward his first officer. He looked restrained and statuesque, but his eyes revealed all. The concern within his dark gaze for Jim made his heart jump into his throat for a moment. Swallowing hard, he forced it back down before replying, "What Spock?" He was unsure if his first even said anything.

"I inquired if you would be accompanying us back to the bridge Captain, but if you are not at your full capacity retiring to your quarters would be the necessary and most logical course of action." He restated with his hands behind his back.

Jim shook his head while rising. "Naw I'll be fine Spock. Back to the bridge it is." He smiled, trying to ease some of the tension that had mysteriously materialized into the air.

He walked in stride with his First Officer who chatted with Uhura. How they were still on good terms was beyond him. He wasn't one to keep exes as friends, but if Spock wanted to, that was his choice. Not like Jim was gonna' play the role of the new jealous and bitchy love interest. That conjured up odd images. Nonetheless he had too much trust in Spock to do that.

Upon entering the bridge many men and women from engineering in their red jumpsuits filled his line of vision. He went over to Chekov's station to check things out and give a helping hand but they seemed to have it covered. He did a few menial tasks and filled out counted forms on his data pad.

Once again, time went by in a blur, he was so busy filling out forms that he'd been in a daze when the night crew came and relieved them. The poor guy had looked at him like he was crazy when he wouldn't get out of his chair.

Jim finally hopped up from his seat and immediately regretted it due to the head rush he received. Only staggering a bit, he headed for the turbo lift, surprised when his Vulcan companion was waiting inside. There was warmth that spread through his chest from the fact that Spock was waiting for him.

A comfortable silence hung between them on their ride up to C-deck. They went to Jim's quarters automatically, even though they never spoke. Once the metallic door swished shut behind them, Jim flopped down into a chair and let out an exhausted sigh. When Spock sat down as well, the tension in his body nearly washed away, even in his face.

"Wow. That was interesting today. Got attacked, I hit my head, stations exploded, enemy disappeared. All in all not too bad."

"There was nothing out of the ordinary, Jim."

"Yeah. Same old same old," He sighed and got up, walking over to the food replicator while Spock set up the chess board. They fell into their comfortable, familiar routine. After they ate their attention was more focused on the game, but not entirely.

Spock won, as he did on most nights. While they put away the pieces and board, their hands bumped into each other almost purposely. Jim stretched out in his chair, his shirt rising to reveal his well toned body. Keeping his eyes on his Captain, Spock walked over and offered him his hand.

Jim placed his hand in the warmer one and threaded their finger's together as he rose to his feet. Spock's concern and affection shined through the connection, as well as Jim's.

Standing he leaned against his Vulcan's chest and with his other hand ran his two finger's against Spock's in the fashion of the Vulcan Kiss. Kirk smiled and kissed the corner of his First's mouth, making the normally stoic Vulcan's lips twitch upward.

They walked over to the bed, still rather attached by their clasped hands, not wanting to lose the extra sense. Unable to really contain himself, Jim reached up-only a few inches- and kissed Spock fully. It was a slow, easy kiss that made him feel safe and warm.

Jim pulled them to the floor abruptly, causing Spock to end up in his lap. Although the floor seemed like an illogical place for such conduct it went without any objections.

The kisses Jim got back were light and soft. He wrapped his arms around Spock's neck. The Vulcan hybrid somehow at one point pulled Jim into his own lap and held the human with one hand at the small of his back.

Jim suddenly felt like he got hit by a wall of bricks. His stomach knotted up and he had no idea why. It was unexplainable. He kissed back now with more need and vigor, his grip tightening on their clasped hands.

He breathed Spock in with his desperate kisses. His hand curled into his First's hair, with a near desperate intensity.

Eyebrows furrowed together, Spock gently disentangled Jim and his iron clad grip. His breathing was erratic and his heart beat sped up as his stomach dropped again.

Spock held his Captain at arm's length, his gaze assessing. " What ails you, T'hy'la? I do not understand this emotion of dread that afflicts you. What was the cause of such an emotion when there is nothing to fear?"

To be honest, Jim didn't even know, but his brain was telling him otherwise.

"I-I don't know. I was fine, and it just sort of hit me. I've got a bad feeling," he sputtered.

"I could sense that. There is no need for such an emotion, the impending danger is gone and the crisis was averted," Spock continued to explain.

Jim ran a hand through his hair and stood up to start pacing. This, in turn, caused Spock to stand as well.

"I realize that, Spock, but it's a gut feeling. Not something I like to take lightly or ignore," he said as he treaded the carpet.

"Jim, this is highly illogical behavior. You have no basis for this emotion. I do not see the point in continuing to act on this thought," he said stiffly.

"I-Illogical?! Spock some shit can't be explained. I can't put it into words but I believe in it."

"Again, your judgment is clouded. This line of thinking will get you nowhere when clearly nothing critical has happened-"

"Yet," he cut off before letting out a gust of air. "Spock, haven't you ever felt like something was going to happen, but it was unexplainable? No. Maybe you haven't since you suppress all of those damned emotions anyways!" He shot his hands up in exasperation as Spock raised a brow. "I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if you-"

Suddenly she ship shook, cutting Jim off and throwing him into his first officer. They ended up sprawled on the floor, both of them gripping the other in frustration and out of reflex.

Bolting upward, Jim headed for the door, his first trailing behind him. They went down the corridor rather briskly, but the damn ship kept moving which proved to make the task much more difficult.

They were about to turn a corner, and when they did something ugly was beyond it.

"Oh fuck!"

Spock looked at Jim briefly with raised brows at his exclamation, but quickly looked forward to see what was blocking their path.

Two huge, unknown aliens were in the way. Their skin was like vinyl, steel blue in color, and their eyes black and unforgiving. They were unlike Spock's eyes, which even on his best day of Vulcan suppression showed some sort of emotion, no, these were fathomless pits. One gave a gnarly smile showing endless rows of razor sharp teeth, yellow and blackened. Apparently they didn't have dental insurance wherever the hell they were from. On closer inspection, they looked like sharks, gills and head fin included, but with arms and legs.

One of them wrapped their long black nails around a phaser and fired. Both men rolled to either side of the hallway, narrowly dodging the shot. The other that didn't fire nodded and they split off and spread apart. One for Spock, and one for Jim. Oh goody.

Feeling the adrenaline rush and the knot in his stomach Jim charged forward, his arm pulled back, ready to strike. Spock's eyes widened before he rushed in shortly after. The one with the phaser hit the first officer and stunned him. Spock hit the floor blacking out instantly.

"No!" Jim cried out at seeing his First before making sure his punch really brought the pain to this fucker. He did get him in the nose pretty well before his arms were caught and he flailed helplessly, kicking out like a small child throwing a tantrum. In other words, it was useless. "SPOCK!" he shouted, trying to get to his First Officer, lying helpless on the floor.

Sadly he couldn't, as his assailant slid his black sharpened nails across Jims face. Jim's sight blurred as he continued to yell for his first officer to get up. The next thing he knew, there was a pain at the back of his neck. He faintly felt like he was dematerializing as he was beamed onto the enemy's vessel and taken away from his beloved enterprise.

Jim had been captured.

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A/N: That's all folks. Reviews much appreciated. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. 3