Chapter 1

whoosh

The doors to the Debriefing room gave it's standard announcement to the arrival of Captain Kirk. It was easy to feel the muted excitement coming from his bridge officers. This next mission was to be a simple meet and greet with the new members of the Federation. The inhabitants were also an entirely new humanoid species with abilities that have garnered at least five "fascinating"s and even one "intriguing" from the science officer. With so much interest in them, Kirk knew this was going to be a good exploration.

Kirk gave his crew a charming little smile as he moved to sit beside Spock on his right, who had taken his place next to the scanner controls at the end of the table. His Vulcan officer was obviously ready for his presentation.

"You've finished your conference call with Ambassador Selek, Captain?" Kirk glanced around Scotty over on his right side, giving Uhura his full attention. He did not appreciate her lack of subtlety. Especially when Spock's eyes snapped up from the PADD to stare blankly at Jim's turned head, chilling the already cold air between them.

"It was very informative, but of a personal matter, Lieutenant." Captain Kirk kept his eyes trained on his communications officer, his smile only widening as his meaning was acknowledged. Uhura's eyes dropped to the table, the faintest tilt of her head all he needed before bringing the room back to its original purpose.

"Commander, let's hear what you've gathered about Hudor."

Spock rose with a nod and PADD in hand. Jim couldn't help but give partial attention back to the conversation with the older Spock as he gazed upon the image of the swollen mass of a Class I planet's swirling gas clouds; so evenly lined up, a perfect discord. The contrast between the two was even more apparent when every nuance of Spock was so fresh.

"The moon is M class, and contains a similar oxygen, nitrogen atmosphere to Earth. The only discrepancies between the two is that, due to this moon's higher percentage of water, there is far more moisture in the air. The Class I planet's gravity has been detrimental enough, despite its distance from the host planet, to create a molten core from the friction of the gravitational warping as the satellite orbits the planet. As the host planet resides just outside the 'Goldie Locks' Zone, the M class moon is capable of sustaining life. Due to its combatant cold atmosphere and heated core it also has a most erratic storm system. Beneath the planets oceans are deep volcanoes that release a constant thermonuclear heat into the currents. Massive mountain ranges have managed to rise above the surface of the ocean, it is unclear whether this occurrence is due to plate tectonics, or due to cataclysmic meteor impacts. These volcanoes keep the water at a constant temperature ranging from twenty-one up to thirty-four degrees celcius, depending on how much energy and heat is released during the underwater eruptions. The thermonuclear heat creates a fog once it meets the cooler temperatures over land masses. The fog is of such density as to render sight down to a five centimeter range of visibility. Lieutenant."

Uhura switched the image upon the center screen for everyone to see the layered depiction of the planet. Oceans covered large portion of the planet, leaving only the tops of huge mountains able to peak out from its blanketing of the planet. Spock went into a detailed description of the air currents, weather patterns, and the thermal heating of the volcanoes. Jim stared at the screen, seeing a face full of wrinkles in his minds eye. Each thin line a symbol of the most minute of facial expression, and yet a truly unusual placement for any other Vulcan at such an age. Jim adored every one of them. They gave him little reminders of hope that it could one day be the same for his own Spock.

"Greetings, Jim."

Kirk felt the muscles all along his back, up his shoulders to where it met with his neck, dissolve at the sound of his name spoken with such a deep understanding.

"With the heated air rising up and adding more moisture to the already cool, churning air in the atmosphere it often results in tropical storms. The mountains provide a natural shelter to these extreme wind forces. Since the village resides within a fairly large valley between the surrounding wall of rock, the storm loses much of its energy once it hits these walls and the much cooler air in the high-altitude atmosphere does a considerable job dissipating the heat, taking much of its strength. The storms still hold the potential risk of landslides." Kirk could see the scar of many past landslides providing a steep path directly down the mountain, through the large valley, and out to the ocean teeming with life bellow. "Captain, I believe the biggest challenge we will need to over come is the permanent fog that covers the village. It will be considerably difficult for us to traverse as sight will be hindered enough to not provide a timely forewarning in which to act appropriately to any unexpected occurrences."

Kirk nodded at this fact. If need came of it, Kirk was sure Scotty would be able to provide them with an alternate means of sight. While older Spock took an evident pleasure in being in Jim's presence, his Spock found it so deplorable he wouldn't even acknowledge that Jim was anything beyond a captain to him. It hurt to know that, but Jim was accepting of truths he has come across in his life. If they were unpleasant, it just meant they were more real.

"Hello, Spock. It's really good to hear from you again. How's everything on New Vulcan going?" Spock's eyes flicked up briefly to take in a sight above the monitor holding Jim's face. Once those brown eyes returned to him, Jim could see a hint of amusement within those deep eyes.

"Jim, I believe you have already been made aware of my name change, and the purpose it serves."

Jim offered a cheeky grin and a soft shrug to his shoulders, "I know, but I figured you'd appreciate one person who saw you for who you really are."

Spock's eyes creased once more, folding in and accentuating the wrinkles already built over time at the edges.

"Your perception is always a gratifying presence, my old friend. I will admit to a certain level of pleasure at hearing my own name. I am honored you feel the need to speak it."

The steady gaze of the wise Vulcan before him filled Jim with a pleasant restlessness. If he'd been able to, Jim would have touched Spock in any affectionate manner that would have been permitted to him. A hug seemed a bit much, for any Vulcan, but Jim was willing to bet this particular one would make the exception for him.

"I can see now what you find so…fascinating about this one captain."

The sound of an unknown voice startled Jim out of his Spock induced haze, brought down by his sense of guilt at realizing that he had given away Spock's real name in front of another. By the infused amusement and the chuckle in response to Spock's own reproachful glance, Jim could tell it was someone that was not in the Vulcan Counsel, let alone permitted to know the strange circumstances surrounding the old Vulcan. Once more, those wizened eyes moved to follow the movements beyond the monitor, shifting from top to the left most corners of his eyes, obviously straining his peripheral view to keep the other being in his sight as they moved. Kirk couldn't see him still, but he was far too aware that this did not hold true for this mystery individual.

Confused, Kirk pulled his shoulders up tighter, his face becoming stern and his emotions masked to cover for his previous slip. This helped to also disguise the embarrassment Jim was currently battling with after acting so foolishly. He had wanted to simply bask in the comfort of a Spock that looked upon him with such open acceptance that he had dismissed Spock's earlier attempt to reveal the nature of his own lack of solitude before Jim could do more harm in exposing him. It just made Kirk more aware that he still had much to learn about Vulcan subtlety. It was not a revelation he took any sense of pride in. The younger Spock already held a great understanding of his own cues; picking up when he needed him to act in accordance to Jim's spur of the moment creativity in getting them out of odd situations. Even as he was scolding Kirk for his inability to fabricate a tale suitable enough to explain Spock's ears to the police officer in the 1930's, and the subsequent crowd they had managed to catch the attention of, he still disposed of the officer with a well placed nerve pinch as Kirk provided the distraction.

"Most life is aquatic, with a few that can be categorized as amphibians. The only creatures that are strictly terrestrial are the humanoids." With Spock's overview of the planetoid moon finished, the Vulcan returned to his seat with a prim ease.

"Captain." His title used as a finale.

"Thank you, Commander. McCoy, would you please grace us with what you've gathered about the humanoids specifically?"

Jim felt himself smile at the familiar grumblings coming from across the table, and the fact that Bones remained seated as he started in on his own presentation.

"Well, besides the facts that their noses are actually air holes located between their eyes up on their foreheads, and that their eyes aren't actually eyes at all, they're pretty damn close to being human. It's not hard to see that these guys originated from the sea. Their skin needs to be constantly hydrated, which the fog is more than capable of providing for them. Not to mention those short legs of theirs'. I bet it wouldn't take more than a few excavations to find some skeletal remains where they've still got fins."

"You said their eyes aren't eyes. How do they get around exactly?" Sulu prompted from McCoy's left side.

"That's the really crazy part. These people don't pick up the light spectrum at all. In fact, for all intents and purposes, they're blind. At least by our standards. Uhura?"

The screen switched over from the view of the planet to a basic depiction of the intelligent inhabitants bellow.

"As you can see, they don't have regular eyeballs. Those black spheres in their heads are just as sensitive as our own, but they hold a reflective quality to them. They look like some type of glass made out of flesh. Now, here's where it gets really weird." Kirk would have to pull McCoy aside for another politically correct discussion, but Jim could see his friends excitement in this 'weird' evolutionary trait, so he'd hold off on mentioning it until they were alone. There was no need to reprimand him in front of others.

"Instead of picking up the light spectrum, since there really isn't much of it capable of penetrating that fog, they actually see using the electromagnetic field of others around them, specifically the spikes and movements used to express emotions. Each expression and movement used, whether it be facial or gestural, gives off a burst of electromagnetic energy they are able to pick up like we do light waves. I can't even imagine what it must be like. As if that Vulcan mumbo-jumbo wasn't bad enough, you've got these guys able to pick up each and every emotion that is expressed, consciously or not."

"I can understand being able to find and see others in this manner, but what about the inanimate objects. Tables, chairs, or even entire building for that matter." Sulu was great to have around. Kirk, himself, was preoccupied wondering what it must be like to see energy given off by emotions. Were certain emotions brighter? More colorful? How would it feel to live day to day with people that not only knew everything you were feeling, but used it to see by.

"That took me awhile to figure out myself, and I came to realize that these people are absolutely batty." Bones certainly seemed pleased with himself at this statement.

"Doctor, if I am to follow your usual lack of logic in comparing the humanoids use of electromagnetic energy as a type of echolocation similar to that of Earth bats, I feel it is necessary to point out that since they originate from oceans, they are more closely related to dolphins and their use of sonar or even a shark would be a closer comparison. I find even that to be a gross over simplification of-"

"Of course you would, you green-blooded hobgoblin!" If not for the environment of the briefing, Jim would be all too happy to let those two continue their argument. It always helped release some of the tension between the three of them, an odd quirk that even Spock was incapable of explaining.

"So they see 'echoes' of the energy off of the things around them?"

McCoy picked up on Kirk's authoritative voice, something Jim never believed he'd develop, let alone have a use for. The Doctor gave a last irate look to its source at his right sitting as stoically as ever. "Not exactly. Some of the energy works kinetically, but most of it is absorbed into the objects surrounding them. This is what gives them a better basis for sight as all the items are absorbing energy constantly."

"Fascinating," Jim smiled at number six. The slanted brows reached a level of horizontal he hadn't seen in at least a month, and what a relief it was to finally see some enthusiasm from Spock. Kirk pulled his gaze away from his First.

"Please, Captain. There is no need to raise your defenses."

Kirk was startled out of the state he had just begun to wrap himself up in. This time, by the actual sight of the individual stepping into the screen. He was now standing behind Spock, close enough that the screen threatened to remove the top of his head from Jim's view. "I apologize for the abrupt interruption to your conversation. I was merely curious to meet the man that is able to captivate such attention from one with such emotional control as..Spock."

Kirk had been expecting another human, or rather, any other species of male, to be the source of that smiling face, but the brows and ears clearly gave away his Vulcanoid heritage. Jim knew he must have a look upon his face of both a childish wonder, and utter confusion. Neither one of them holding the level of command from mere moments ago. He quickly schooled his features, and closed his gaping mouth once he could see that both of the Vulcan's before him were exuding amusement at his reaction.

"Jim, may I introduce to you Sybok. Previously, he had been cast out of Vulcan due to his extreme views on logic and emotion."

"I dare to believe that emotions are essential to all creatures, even Vulcans, and that by suppressing them we are suppressing a vital part of our existence and any means of advancement. With our race now on the brink of extinction, Spock-" Jim cringed on the inside at the smug satisfaction that fairly blazed in the near black eyes, as a smirk pulled at the stubble just starting to show on the angled, pale face. The rugged texture on the Vulcan's face enhanced the wild and extravagant appearance given by the erratic mess and lengths with which he kept his smooth raven hair. "Contacted me in hopes that our small group of Vulcans would come to the aid of our people. To assist in rebuilding and repopulation. Currently, we are in a much heated debate on incorporating our views into those of Surak."

"I thought Vulcans turned to logic to control the emotions that were leading to their own end? Hence, Surak's proposition to do as such. Now that you are at the brink of end once more, you suggest they embrace those same emotion again? You certainly don't take an easy route to change." The deep and freeing laughter that echoed in his own room from the communication brought his stomach to a tizzy with gentle warmth at the sight of a Vulcan enjoying such a simple display.

"You are quite right on that one, Captain."

"Jim," it never really occurred to Jim to wonder at what the differences in blood could do to a Vulcan gum line. Sybok certainly reveled in his joy at the invitation to speak informally, to Jim, he seemed all too eager to express his feelings.

"Jim. I feel now it is more important than ever. Vulcan, as a whole, must be rid of the pain they now suffer if we are to have any hope of progressing past this tragedy." A double blink over blue eyes was the only reaction Jim could give at the idea. Get rid of the pain? Maybe there was some kind of cultural or lingual confusion and Sybok was actually trying to convey a meaning of accepting and moving on from it. After all, pain is one more essential emotion needed to understanding all the others, with the way this Vulcan seemed to dive into his happiness it would be just as likely he was as happily consumed by all. It wasn't possible to fully appreciate the emotions worth living for without the entire spectrum at ones disposal. Pain made a person just as surely as happiness did.

"I can see your point, and I wish you luck in trying to get the elders to see it as well." There was a moment of dissatisfaction from his friends gaze when Jim offered his support to Sybok, but he couldn't figure out what would bring it about. "How are things going on the planet, Spock?"

"We are having difficulty finding enough help healing the minds torn apart by the sudden loss of so many bonds. For those beyond help, we have located replacements for their lost bondmates, even a few familial bonds have been assuaged by new minds. This is not the entire reason you have for contacting me, Jim. Sybok, if you would please excuse us."

"Of course, Spock. I am pleased to have met you, Captain James T. Kirk. I would be most willing to speak with you again."

"Nice to meet you too, Sybok."

With pointer and middle finger barely parted from ring and pinky, Kirk attempted his best depiction of the Ta'al, his thumb tucked in close to the palm as his attention is taken up with trying to keep said fingers split. This earned him another weathered crease bracketing brown eyes from Spock and an open smile from Sybok before he walked out of sight of the viewer. Jim waited until Spock's eyes fell on him again before beginning this time around.

"Is that everything than?"

"Yea, that's about it, Jim. Since we've already been briefed by Starfleet about acquiring extremophiles living in the thermo vents. I wouldn't mind grabbing a few for the ship, if it at all possible, there are a couple of vaccines we'll need."

"I'll see what can be done about it, Doctor. Uhura, let's finish this debriefing up with some basics about their culture. Has their language been formatted into the universal translator?"

"Yes, Captain. It was rather simple, actually. The Hudorian language has a key dynamic we also use for the translator itself. It is not necessarily the words that are spoken that give them the meaning, but rather the emotion one puts into it. Without the translators, the Hudorians would still be able to gather the over all meaning of what you are trying to convey. Their means of speech is actually quite beautiful, Captain." It was easy to see the young girl captivated by the complexities of words when she spoke with such a fawning tone. "They don't use words, so much as sing. Depending on the rhythm and speed used, they communicate the emotion behind it. It's all rather melodious."

"Fascinating," it took some serious self control on Jim's part not to reach out and grasp Spock's arm. If this were Bones, and he were the one putting on such a show of giddy interest in something, Jim would have been all too happy to share in a little tactile support. Kirk knew better than to invade Spock's space in such an intimate manner, though. In all honesty, Jim had already learned this lesson, and the memory of the backlash from succumbing to his human needs for comfort and touch had left him with a deep sense of dread following behind any such urging again. It had seemed so right to take hold of Spock after the Vulcan had come racing down the tunnels to get to Kirk, insisting that Kirk kill the Horta. Spock had torn his hand from Jim's with considerable force, leaving his fingers tingling and sore from the strain they had endured. Kirk spent the next week with a First Officer that would not look at him directly. As if being ignored while spoken to wasn't enough of a punishment, Spock had also taken it upon himself to use Kirk's title like a reprimand. They had managed to take one step closer to one another, and Jim felt the shame of trying to angle more than was being offered to him. Which in turn forced Spock to correct this idea, and Spock was not one to leave room for error. He made sure that it was clear just where Jim's place was in the Vulcan's life. Right on the outskirts. Important enough to save his life, Jim was the one that needed to remember that for a being raised to view all life as sacred, it really didn't mean much when Spock went running in to rescue Kirk from the demise he had set up for himself.

"That's great. Any big cultural taboo's we, or more specifically, I should be aware of?" This got the snort out of McCoy he was hoping for, which gave Jim the excuse to grin like a loon, a good substitute to patting Spock's shoulder.

"Hudorians don't hold many things in offense, Captain. All emotions are held in high regard." Her voice had sharpened into her professional tones. He was sure his admittance to being a hardheaded oaf would be met with an agreeing eye roll and fond smile. She had been on his case recently for not being more knowledgeable in the cultures before running off to be a diplomat and representation of the Federation. She was more on edge than he had first believed. "For them, the only true crime against their beliefs and morals is to be in solitude. It is deplorable to leave one alone, or to force another into isolation. To be alone, is to give ones self up to darkness."

"Other than that, they are very peaceful. Fishing is the main source of both material and food goods. They see the ocean as both the source of life and death as it provides them with most of their needs. Even the tropical storms are a source of giving as it helps to keep the farms growing, yet they do not hold it as some religious icon. It is just a resource, admittedly, a very important one at that. I spent much time viewing their interactions, and from what I could tell, each member of the society is charged with the responsibility of helping those around them if they are in any form of emotional distress. It is a very frequent occurrence to see a person put a stop to everything they are doing to… 'embrace' another they would not normally speak to on a daily basis."

"Can you elaborate, Lieutenant?"

"Well, Captain, they will go over to rest their heads together. On some occasions, they even seem to nuzzle the other carefully. It holds a much deeper meaning and significance to the Hudorians. I believe it is not just a means of comfort, but a symbolic ritual. What it is supposed to symbolize, I don't know, but it is very vital to their culture and unity as a whole."

Kirk nodded as the additional information helped to better explain Uhura's reluctance over terminology. This was going to be a very exciting cultural exchange, he could tell. All his officers were intrigued by these odd little empaths. It would be nice to learn how they dealt with emotions. Not just their own, but every person they met. Certainly a thought that would be terrifying to most, and Jim couldn't help but spare a glance to his First Officer. If he had been hoping to see any of that fear displayed upon Spock's face like a little beckon to Jim, he was quite mistaken. There wasn't a muscle out of place on the perfectly withdrawn face.

Kirk felt as though Spock was slipping more and more into an emotionless mask, losing key parts of himself to a need to remain stringently in control. Then again, Jim could simply be transferring his own feelings after such an open and emotional conversation with another Spock that was far more time weary.

"You seem lost, Jim. How may I assist in bettering your interaction with my younger self?"

By this point, Jim just accepted that this Spock was already aware of his needs. Just one more tally in the differences column Jim has unconsciously started to keep in his head. With each one, Jim finds himself more and more curious to know who is the real variable causing such a change; Spock or Jim.

So many questions race to be answered first. Do you think I'm different from your own Jim? Is there something wrong with me? Is there something wrong with Spock?

What came tumbling out was much more staggering.

"Do you play 3D chess, Spock?"

How Jim cherished that crinkle at the corner of those eyes. A true homage to Spock's mother, and the gift she has given to her son bracketed by only the gentlest of expressions.

"Each defeat I suffered at your hands was a time spent in a manner I continue to treasure, Jim." He had never heard his name said with such feeling behind it. Jim wasn't certain exactly what Spock was trying to convey with that timbre, but he could tell there was more to it. It left him with a warmth along his back, and a weight upon his chest.

Jim would swear the Vulcan had a direct line to his shoulders, and was all too pleased to remove the heftiness that resided there. To those knowing eyes, he must look on the brink of collapse. That the control he kept on his own emotions was about to break him apart and allow his sorrows to overcome him.

It was a look that he wore after Edith was struck by a car and he clung to Bones in a desperate plea for it to not be real, but the pain he felt told him what he was already well aware of. It was also there at that moment when Sulu had announced that the Galileo Seven had burned up in the atmosphere of Taurus II and he had been convinced he had lost Scotty, his Bones, and Spock all to the same fate.

Every molecule of self-control Kirk possessed was used to keep any hint of his quiet, internal breaking from showing to the crew. That is what being a captain really means. To be a success, one could not let anyone else know what an actual mess they really were on the inside.

Is that all Spock saw of him? Was the Vulcan incapable of believe a human able to keep such emotions in check?

"Well, if nobody has anything else to add about the Hudorians…" Kirk made sure to give a long enough pause with one hand held open to any that had a last minute word of wisdom, "then we shall get the preparations underway for beaming down. Mr. Scott, I would appreciate it if you ran a last minute check for any sudden storms."

"Aye, Cap'n."

"Sulu, you're at the conn. The Klingons have been trying to get this planet to join with them as well. Be sure to inform us the minute anything poses a danger to either the landing party or the ship. Scotty," Kirk turned to his Chief Engineer, his expression relaxing just a bit, "should the Klingons try to engage the Enterprise, you get her out of here. If you haven't got the time to pick us up first, you know what needs to be done."

"Aye, Cap'n." Kirk hated to deflate the man, especially after such a high energy conversation, "but I don' like the thought of it."

Jim smiled and clapped Scotty on the shoulder, "I know Mr. Scott. Just don't forget to come back for us."

"As if I should forget, Cap'n."

"Alright! Spock, I want you, McCoy, and two security officers to accompany me down to the surface." At the sight of a singularly raised brow, Jim gave an obnoxious grin. "They're a peaceful people, nothing to be afraid of, plus, if we go down with a large group, each one carrying a phaser, we're more likely to scare them than anything else."

Spock took in Kirk's reasoning, returning it with a nod of assent. Jim really liked to add tallies to the similarities side.

"Dismissed."

"I feel like that's all we are. Two chess pieces alone on a board. He is the king, and I am a pawn trying to checkmate him. Neither one of us can move more than a single space at a time. Without him moving towards me, we are incapable of even finishing the game. How do you catch a king with a pawn?"

"There is no situation in which you are incapable, Jim. You have simply not discovered the correct solution yet."

"Commander," Kirk prompted as the debriefing came to its close and everyone rose to exit. Spock ceased his upward motion, returning to the seat once more.

After the other's had finished departing, Jim turned to fully face Spock, glad to see that Spock had moved to do the same.

"Are you alright?"

"I am adequate, Captain, but I know you are not looking for a generalization of my state of being, so I must request more information on exactly what it is you wish to know." With his increased knowledge about Jim and his inner workings, Spock continually finds it unnecessary to beat around the bush with a round of pointing out the illogical nature of Jim's human questioning. He kinda misses their little word plays before getting down to business.

"Come now, Spock. Everyone could feel the tension in the room between you and Uhura." Another raised brow let Kirk know that Spock doubted that claim very much. "Well, given the partial evidence available, Mr. Spock, one is only left to believe that a language based solely off projecting emotions seems to have upset our Communications officer."

"I do not find it is of any importance to the situation at hand, nor is it pertinent to the running of the ship that you are made aware of such things, Captain." Kirk's attempt to explain that it was necessary, seeing as he was able to find traces of it showing up during duty hours, but Spock continued on, leaving Jim a fool with his mouth partially opened. "Even so, since persistence is a main element to your character, I will inform you that Uhura and I ceased our personal association approximately 4.36 weeks prior to this conversation."

A month ago? How could it have taken Jim so long to notice such a thing.

"What happened, Spock?"

"Again, Captain. I do not see how such information is necessary to the running of this ship."

"Its not, but I would like to know what could cause you two to break up. I was sure…" that the only reason you still turned so cold on me was because you believed I wanted to take Uhura away from you, "you two seemed so close. I'd like to make sure you guys are alright. I don't want either one of you emotionally distressed."

"As Uhura was the one to bring it to a close, and I am Vulcan, I can assure you that there is little distress, emotional or otherwise, lingering from our parting. The tension you perceived is merely our attempt to fit into a purely profession manner once more."

"Aren't you still going to be friends?"

Spock's eyes turned to look directly into Kirk's own. "Vulcan's have no need for friendship. Are we finished, Captain?"

"I wish I could hold such confidence, Spock. Its been rather difficult lately with the younger you. It's as if my presence is nothing more than another burden he has to contend with."

"I can assure you, Jim, that is not the case. Spock has many burdens to carry at this time. You must be there for him when he is ready to let another assist him. He has not been spared the torment of broken bonds. I went through a similar loss in my later years. I can not imagine what the younger Spock is going through as I already had a close confidant in my own Jim at the time."

"Would you be interested in playing a game of 3D chess with me this evening, Spock?" Kirk was embarrassed to hear the plea in his own voice, and even more so at the single word response given before Spock left the Debriefing room with a soft whoosh.

"Negative."

Jim continued to stare at the portal Spock had just escaped through. Not even an explanation given, just flat refuse and a hasty retreat.

"Continue to be patient, Jim."

Kirk shook his head in disbelief before setting himself upon his own feet. Now was not the time to contemplate the dismal actions of his First. Kirk was needed at his best to help the new members of the Federation ease into their place. Peaceful, they may be, it did not mean that negotiations will be simplistic. After all, they were both just starting to get a feel for one another.

Captain Kirk flexed his back muscles, pulling his spin into line tightly, before striding out of the doors himself. He was needed in the transporter room.

Kirk wanted to look over the patterns of weather himself before the beam down. After being split in two, Jim was starting to look on the McCoy side of life when it came to the transporter. Not that he would admit that to the man. Ever! If given even the slightest bit of support on his phobia, Jim will still hear about it long after he is dead and gone.

The whoosh of the doors snapped Kirk out of his musings. It really wasn't all that shocking to see he was already in the transporter room. He'd made sure to have the debriefing on the same floor, as always. It helped to move things along when you limit the need for the turbolifts. Each corner cut helps sometimes. It was a relief to find that Spock and McCoy had not finished their own preparation yet, and it was just him, Scotty, and the transporter.

"Everything going alright there, Mr. Scott. I'm not going to end up listening to McCoy's justified hatred for this unnatural contraption, am I?"

The Scotsman gave a hearty laugh that even Jim could feel vibrating in his own stomach. "Nah, Cap'n. The seas cool enough we don' 'avete be worryin' 'bout any tropical storms jus' yet. I've got mey eye on the temps of the ocean, and any volcanic activity that might feel the need to surprise us. There is a bit of a bounce back comin' from the fog, though. I'm workin' on correctin' for it now, sir."

"Good man, Scotty."

"Better be, or you can be sure as shootin' I ain't going down there just to shake hands with some crazy-eyed midgets." Jim was starting to wonder if the politically correct speeches were just giving Bones more reason to use a species defining characteristics as insults.

Jim rested his hand upon Bones' shoulder, giving it a little shake as the doors opened to admit Spock and the two man security team. The Vulcan continued not to bother with words as he headed straight for the transporter pad, stopping over the marker on the left from the center. Kirk gave a parting squeeze to McCoy's shoulder before heading for his own marker on the pad. McCoy right behind him to make his way to the one on his right. The security team stepped in behind.

"Alright everyone, I don't want any of you pulling a phaser. Not unless it is the absolute last resort. The Hudorians are not a great enough threat to warrant such hostilities. We need them to join us, not just for the Federation, but for their own sake as well. Am I understood?"

The resounding, "Yes, Captain!" brought a smile to Kirk's face. "With the formalities out of the way, lets go meet the new kids on the block, shall we."

"Energize." Scotty gave a cheery wave behind the glass barrier as the transporter lit up in it's oddly ethereal destruction.

The first thing Jim was aware of as they finished rematerializing was the crisp clean scent of moisture on the air. It invaded his nose with a brisk pleasure Kirk hasn't felt since he was in Iowa and there was a hint of rain floating upon the wind. The second was the sight of primitive farming tools, and even a couple basic swords thrust close to their faces. The fog made it seem as if they were merely floating there of their own will.

"Peaceful, my as-""Easy, Bones."