Chapter Three

Captain Kirk had rather against his better judgement agreed to provide Albus with quarters, and to allow him a relatively free run of the Enterprise. This was mostly due to Doctor McCoy - who seemed to view Albus as harmless. Kirk wasn't sure he agreed with this view, but Starfleet did believe in tolerance to all life forms, even eccentrically dressed old men who claimed to be able to do magic.

Kirk's suspicions about Albus remained though, and this was why he was now on the bridge talking to his first officer Spock about Albus' appearance on his ship.

"He claims he is from the mid twentieth century Spock ... I'm not sure that I believe him ..." Kirk said.

"Indeed Captain ?" Spock answered, his face expressionless as normal. The captain had already told him of Albus' explanation of how he came to be on board the Enterprise.

"Yes Mr Spock, from 1975 to be exact. Can you find any reference to him on the ship's computer ?" Kirk asked.

"I will need his name Captain." Spock stated.

"Albus Dumbledore." Kirk replied.

One of Spock's eyebrows arched upwards so slightly as to be almost imperceptible. Kirk, who considered Spock to be one of his best friends noticed however, and was just about to comment, when Spock asked with forced nonchalance. "What did you say his name was Jim ?"

"Albus Dumbledore." Kirk replied, gaze fixed on Spock piercingly. Spock rarely called him Jim except in moments of extreme duress or surprise. "Do you know him Spock ?"

A moment's slight hesitation and Spock answered, "I have heard of him."

"Spock ?" Kirk pressed.

"Captain I believe the most logical course would be for me to meet with this Albus Dumbledore, I am likely to learn far more that way." The Vulcan replied.

Kirk stared at Spock curiously. Was that eagerness he heard in his voice ?

"Spock if I am to keep this ship and her crew safe, then I must know everything that you know about this man." Kirk said urgently.

"From what I have heard he is unlikely to be any danger Captain. I really think ..."

"Dammit Spock !" Kirk interrupted, "Do I have to order you to tell me ?"

A very definite hesitation this time, unwillingness even. Then in a deliberately quiet voice, one that could not be overheard, Spock answered. "My mother told me of him when I was a child. I had thought him to be a figure of legend untill today."

Kirk began to understand Spock's unwillingness to answer him now, the Vulcan always had disliked speaking of his childhood.

"Go on." Kirk commanded.

"She spoke of him as a very powerful man who could do magic ... naturally I did not believe such things, but it gave her pleasure to tell me such stories, in the way that such foolish things give humans pleasure." Spock replied, his voice full of disdain, which Kirk suspected was not entirely genuine. "According to her stories Dumbledore was wise, and a very good man, unlikely to harm anyone."

Somehow Kirk had the distinct feeling that his first officer had not told him absolutely everything.

"And now Captain I will go and speak with Dumbledore. It really is the most logical thing to do Sir." Spock said firmly.

'Yes, definitely eagerness to meet this Dumbledore.' kirk thought, but simply said. "Before you talk with him Spock, I still wish you to search the ship's computers for information on him." As Spock opened his mouth to protest, Kirk added, "That is an order Mr Spock."

"Yes Sir." Spock swung to face his computer console, a definite hint of shrouded irritation in posture and voice.

For quite some time there was silence between the two, as Kirk sat deep in thought in the Captain's chair, chin cupped in his hand, and shooting curious glances at his first officer and trusted friend. It was Spock who broke the silence, turning to face the captain. "It is as I said Sir, there is no information about Dumbledore on the computer." Spock's tone implied that humans and captains in particular were stubborn, and should learn to listen to Vulcans more often.

Kirk stiffened, but kept his silence.

"With your permission Sir ..." Spock said.

"Very well Spock, talk to him and see what you can learn." Kirk answered. Then just as Spock was about to leave the bridge he said, "Mr Spock, I do expect to hear everything about your talk with Dumbledore."

"Of course Sir." Spock sounded almost insulted, nearly as insulted as when Bones had commented on how human Spock was becoming these days.

Spock stepped from the bridge and entered the turbo lift eagerly, his mother had told him one other thing about Dumbledore, something that had fascinated the lonely young boy.

Author's Notes

Really just a build up to what happens later. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far, please review. Next chapter Spock and Dumbledore meet.