"I'm ready. But... you can't go where you've never gone before again," Jim pointed out, grinning. "And there are... already some differences, before we're even out of Spacedock." He glanced at Spock, then back to Mr. Scott. "We've just been married."
"Are you! Why, then, congratulations to the both of ye! Come to my quarters for a toast after we leave the Solar system. I've got a fine new bottle of Glenlivet and this is a great reason to have 'er open."
"We'd be glad to. Thank you, Scotty!" said Jim. "We're heading to the command cabin to make sure all our things have been beamed aboard and everything's in order, and then I'll be on the bridge. Spock, of course, will conduct a final inspection of the science labs before we leave Spacedock."
"I have studied the specifications of the refit," Spock piped up. "The research capabilities of the labs have been tripled."
"Aye, that they have," Scott agreed. "See you on the bridge!"
Kirk and Spock quickly headed for the command cabin, which since the refit coincidentally had plenty of room for two adults. Kirk had slept there alone during the V'ger incident and he knew it would greatly improve the room to have Spock there, too.
When they reached the cabin, a surprise was waiting for them. Colored streamers were festively arranged around the door. The ribbon-tail of a balloon was taped to the wall and there were flowers scattered across the floor--white roses and wild irises. There was also a glass bottle full of clear liquid.
"The crew knows," Spock observed.
Kirk picked up the bottle. "Vodka."
"From Mr. Chekov, no doubt."
Kirk opened the door and led Spock inside. "I think Uhura had something to do with this."
Spock nodded. "I had surmised the same thing."
The door swished shut, and Kirk advanced. "I've finally got you alone," he murmured. "And we have a five-year Starfleet mission for a honeymoon. No better way to have adventures together."
Spock kissed him for a long time. Then he told him, "Tonight, I will bond us. I will meld us and link our minds together so that we will be 'never parted'."
Kirk's lips curled into a smirk. "I await you."
Spock lifted his eyebrow. "You remember those words."
"I remember everything. I remember how badly I wanted to be in T'Pring's place."
"T'Pring's forced place in my consciousness will become yours," Spock promised. He took Kirk's hands into his own. "Just as I am yours--legally, emotionally, physically. As you are mine."
When Kirk entered the bridge a short while later, he could still feel Spock's lips upon his.