Yup, you may all hate me (assuming any of you will continue to read). I have finished Cardinal Rule and started another story between updates. Sadly, I started this chapter less than a week after I finished chapter 2. It took me that long to finish this. I'll try not to wait so long in between updates but I'm working full time, studying for CLEP tests this summer, and going to summer classes. As always, I'll find time to update. As for those who read Cardinal Rule, no one said anything about Spock eating the meat. No seriously, no one. My shock at that knew no bounds. Maybe I was too subtle . . .
Jim leaned back into his chair, propping his feet up onto the desk and taking a long sip from his whiskey glass. Spock lifted an eyebrow at Jim's behavior, peering up from the paperwork on his lap. "Captain?"
Jim ignored Spock for a second, thinking over their new mission. This was not what he would have liked as a first mission. It was personal, for lack of a better word, but he could also see how they would be the best people to ask. Both he and Spock were highly ranked in the game, even after two years, and Spock was the original creator. No one knew the game better than him. But who knows how long this would take, and Jim would have to leave the command of the Enterprise with another after he just been named captain. He was hesitant to do so.
Lost in his thoughts, he didn't realize Spock was beside him until his slender fingers brush his, taking the glass from his hand. "You have already consumed three glasses," the Vulcan said softly.
The human sighed, letting Spock take it from him. Too tired to really argue the point, especially when he could feel the worry that happened to trickle through, he let Spock do what he wanted.
"I do not understand why you are distressed."
"I am not distressed," Jim replied, closing his eyes. Spock's fingertips brushed his then trailed to the inside of Jim's palm, his thumb caressing the back of Jim's hand. Tension eased from the human's body from the gesture; still, he couldn't help but tease, "This is kind of racy for you."
"But it is relaxing for you." Spock pulled his hand away. "As your first officer, it is my duty to protect your health, both mental and physical."
Jim chuckled, not wanting to point out that duty didn't really extend to their personal lives. Besides, he was about eighty percent certain it was the excuse Spock came up with to get away with what could be considered an intimate gesture if it was ever brought up. If Jim still didn't understand the full depth of Vulcan touch telepathy and the customs and abilities that go with it, no other human would. At least not yet. "I didn't mean to make you worried."
"Vulcans do not worry."
Jim reached out to take Spock's hand, entwining their fingers. The action rewarded Jim with a flushed Spock trying to reign in his embarrassment. "This mission makes me nervous. They're targeting Vulcans. The relationship between our two planets is fragile as it is, and I don't want to put you in the middle of that. I also don't want to leave my ship when I just got it."
"I understand your concern; however, whether you wish me to or not, I will be at your side."
"You're a sap, you know that?"
"I do not know what you mean," Spock denied. "However, you are calmer now."
"I guess." He played with Spock's fingers, squeezing, rubbing, and twisting them, bringing Spock's attention back to their join hands. He was rewarded by a soft grunt from his Vulcan, who was trying hard to reign in his arousal.
"Jim," Spock's voice came out horse and cracked, warning him.
"I know, I know, but I can't help it. I can't get over how sensitive they are. Makes me want to play with them." He let Spock's hand go before they both lost it.
"I believe you would benefit from practicing control." Spock said, putting his hands behind his back.
"Ah, come on Spock, don't pout."
"Vulcan's do not pout," he said emotionlessly which Jim took as indignantly.
Spock didn't respond further and instead went back to his seat to continue the paperwork needed to take care of the ship while they were preoccupied.
"You are definitely pouting," the captain laughed.
"I believe you are quite intoxicated, Jim. I recommend sleeping for the rest of the duration of the night cycle."
Jim's laughter died down, but his eyes were still full of mirth. "Don't worry. I won't tell anyone."
"There is nothing to tell," Spock didn't even bother to look up from his work.
Feeling he had fulfilled his "annoy Spock" quota for the day, he finally buckled down on his paperwork. Spock was right, there was no point worrying so much. This was their element. They would be just fine.
He forgot the sensation of falling. Not the falling that made one fear. It was a strange feeling of losing the physical world, losing the feel of being in your own body as you mind drifted into a different reality. Some people found it disorienting, but Jim found it relaxing. The split second of being free from everything.
Soon enough, he was bound again, bound to a form, but not to one he was used to. His body felt lighter and leaner, his eyesight slightly sharper, and his hair much longer.
The world he woke up to was brighter. The sky was bluer, the air cleaner, and the grass greener. He was in the plains. There single tall mountain in the distance and he could hear a herd of some sort of large animal behind him. He knew this place. It was the place they took Bones for the first time and the place Jim and Spock sat down and talked for the first time. Somewhere to the east he knew the canyon he liked to sit down at was there and a town next to a river not far to the north. That was where they were heading.
He turned to look at his companions. Spock changed his appearance slightly as his Vulcan form would attract unwanted attention. He now had more of an appearance of an elf, the ears longer, narrower and tilted slightly away from his head, the tips, peeking out just slightly from under his long dark hair that was flowing freely as the Vulcan changed his hair piece. He still wore the dark leather boots, white dress shirt, leather vest, black leather gloves and tight pants. However, he did add a dark blue cloak over his clothes, his silver head piece changed to a red bandana wrapped around his head though it was only visible over his forehead as his hair covered the back half, and the gem of his earrings had turned to sky blue instead of blood red, and finally his bow slung over his back with his quiver and short sword on his hip.
Sulu on the other hand wore simple knee high brown leather boots, tight brown pants, and a loose white blouse with a large v neck and loose sleeves. It was very reminiscent of a pirate shirt. It didn't help that he had a rapier on his hip. His hair was just long enough to put into a ponytail and didn't go past his shoulders. He was also human class though he had the mark of Junbaji on his left cheek, a blood red thorny spiral, symbolizing his allegiance to the more criminal like activities and practice in the dark arts.
McCoy wore the same thing he had before. He wore his black boots and slacks, light blue shirt, and his white cape that was fluttering in the wind. He held his staff in his hands that was just above six feet tall and made of a light, smooth wood with a purple orb the size of a large orange on top. His hair was the same as the real world, saying something about refusing to look like a hippy.
Jim himself was wearing a skin tight, black sleeveless turtle neck shirt, black gloves that went to his biceps, lose black cargo pants, and combat boots. His hair was put in a low ponytail that reached his mid back, and wore a silver circlet on his head. He thought of changing to the Pre-Surakian armor but decided he was more comfortable in his normal clothes. His sword was a comfortable and familiar weight on his back despite the time away from it. It felt right.
"Well, I see everyone's here," Jim grinned. "Shall we head to the village and restock?"
"Sure thing, Captain…er, I mean Tiberius." Sulu smiled sheepishly.
"Well, FencingNut…. I'm sorry, I can't take you seriously with that username. Is there something else I can call you?"
"In the underground, they call me Rapier."
"After the sword?"
Sulu nodded. "I'm the second best user with the weapon, after Lady Grayson of course. I'm not too bad with a katana either."
"The game's "cheat" is that any user with real knowledge in hand to hand combat or weapon experience can enhance or envision a wider variety of moves that are not officially listed in the database. So they are less limited than other players," Spock filled in. "The lieutenant's knowledge in the art of fencing has enabled him to handle the virtual weapon with greater efficiency than normal players."
"Like when we fought in the Tournament, and you used hand to hand combat on me," Kirk asked.
Spock nodded. "On Vulcan, we are trained in a type of martial arts. We were also trained to use the weapons of my ancestors."
"For a peaceful race, you sure do unnecessary and violent things," Bones grunted.
"The purpose is for mental and physical discipline, and a few other additional reasons."
"Great, so not only are you three times stronger, y'all have military training. Wonderul."
Kirk slapped the doctor's back. "You're sounding xenophobic, Bones. Tone it down a notch."
Bones grumbled a bit, crossing his arms. "Why am I even here? I'm only a level 3."
"T'Pring already changed your stats. You a level 65 with most of your spells unlocked, and Spock chose your level up abilities and upgraded clothes," Jim filled in. "And you're here because we needed a mage and Sarek insisted that we bring a doctor." At the word doctor, he glanced at the Vulcan to see if he would explain more on that. Of course, Spock had nothing to add.
The three of them walked to the small village. There were only the basic necessities: an inn, an items shop, and a blacksmith. Still it did have a transporter ring, so they could go to a bigger city.
"So how do we even start looking for information?" Sulu pulled up his menu to look through the feeds. "Post questions or something?"
"There's a tavern in the next town over. I checked, and Mirror Mirror is still the best information forum around." Jim drew his sword. "I say we walk though. Re-familiarize ourselves with the mechanics."
"Why are we fighting? Don't we just have to look for information? Let's just get what we need and leave," Bones grumbled, fiddling with his cloak.
"If we were to just ask questions and not participate in the game, we would stand out greatly if someone wished to locate us." Spock changed his bow without opening his menu.
"Almost as conspicuous as when you don't use the player menu," Bone's remarked bitterly.
Spock's lips thinned, telling Jim that Spock had forgotten about the old habit of by passing the menu. Now that he thought about it. Spock never used his menu unless he was letting Jim play around with it.
"Alright you two, let's just get to the tavern and stop bickering for two minutes. Seriously, like an old married couple." The murderous looks Jim received made him laugh.
"You would know wouldn't you?"
Jim just kept laughing, leading the way. "Come on, old man, let's get going. You're the only one who doesn't know what's in their own arsenal."
Bones grumbled but followed his captain out into the fields anyway, dragging his feet.
Spock and Sulu followed at a slower pace.
It took them an hour to get to their destination. Jim loudly complained about McCoy's lack of enthusiasm for learning, growing increasingly frustrated that his friend had messed up his only attack for the fifteenth time. "You aren't even trying."
"I'm a doctor, not a videogame enthusiast."
"I should have left you at home."
"I wish you had left me at home.
"Gentlemen," Spock interrupted before the conversation could further degrade into childish antics. "I believe we are at the forum Tiberius was talking about."
"Give me a sec to talk to her." Spock raised an eyebrow at Jim, which Jim hurried to clarify.
"She might give me more information if I go in alone."
"And what do you expect us to do, twiddle our thumbs?" The cankerous doctor grumbled.
Sulu smiled and directed the doctor to the shops. Spock, however, stood rooted to his spot, watching Jim with a critical eye.
"What?" he shifted under the unblinking gaze.
"It is significantly more difficult to hide information from me here, Jim."
At Spock's soft tone, Jim looked even guiltier. "I may have had a small fling with Marlena a few years back, but it was just in the game and we broke up mutually. I never even met her in real life, but she's still kind of sweet on me when she gives me information, and I don't know what she'll do when she sees me, so I didn't want you to be there to see it."
Spock didn't say anything, but he walked past Jim into the forum room. Jim hurried after him unsure what Spock was going to do.
The forum room was nearly empty. There were only a dozen players or so in the bar like setting, and two standing in front of the message boards. It was highly unusual when only two years ago this place had been bustling with constant activity. With the lack of people, their entrance drew the attention of everyone in sight. Specifically one person.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't Tiberius." Marlena leaned against the counter suggestively. "It's been awhile."
Jim put on a strained smile, very aware of Spock's presence beside him. "Marlena, it's good to see you again."
She smiled. "What can I get you today?"
"Tiberius will have the honey ale with ginger root," Spock interrupted. "And I will have the Vulcan tea."
Marlena took her eyes of Jim long enough to assess Spock. "You are definitely the tall, dark, and handsome type." She returned her gaze to Jim. "He looks like your exact opposite."
Jim's strained smile turned more sincere as he leaned against the bar. "He's my opposite alright."
Marlena leaned closer, lowering her eyelids in a seductive gaze. "It's been awhile. Perhaps we should go hunting again sometime. The Moonlight Mountains perhaps."
"Is it customary to wait long for our orders?" Spock asked dryly and Jim could easily pick up the displeasure through Spock's tone.
Marlena glanced between the two of them, catching the slightly guilty look in Jim's eyes as he looked at the man next to him. Finally it clicked and she leaned back, crossing her arms. "You're opposite indeed."
"Mirror Moreau-"
"I will not be made a fool of," she said coldly.
"I wasn't trying to," Jim reached for her hand, gently taking it in his. "Don't be mad. Look we really do need your help, and you're the only one who can do it."
The women stared him down. "I'll do it, but only because I feel bad for him for having to watch this," she jerked her finger towards Spock who didn't look to happy behind his stoic expression. "And don't think you're getting it for free."
Jim winced inwardly, knowing how steep her prices were, especially for the good information. Outwardly he kept his smile on. "Thank you."
"Yeah yeah." She lifted the counter and walked through. "Follow me."
She lead them up the stairs in the back to the private rooms above the tavern area, the sitting area was small yet cozy with two small couches next to the fireplace and a small round table with two chairs with a small vase of flowers in the center.
Kirk took a seat on one of the couches which Spock took a seat beside him a second later.
"His over protectiveness would be cute if I didn't get the feeling he wanted to kill me," Marlena took the seat across from them, crossing her slender legs and resting her arms on the back of the couch. Jim was impressed she was able to read Spock so well just meeting him. "Odd for a Vulcan."
The swordsman found himself alert at that. "How do you-"
"You've always underestimated me," she pulled up her menu and selected a beverage. A glass of red wine appeared in her hand. "You don't know my real life job. I met a Vulcan once, and if you bothered to remember, I was the one who sent you his way. He's changed his appearance, but his face is still the same and his lack of expression gives him away." She swirled the contents in the glass and her smiled became amused. "I never imagined that you two would start a relationship though. Given his jealousy, I guess you've already slept with him in real life as it would be illogical to be possessive over a person never met in real life."
"Marlena," Jim said in warning.
"You really do get around Tiberius, bedding even aliens so quickly. I think I can guess your real identity. How many humans have the chance to be around a Vulcan often enough to have a relationship with?"
"That is enough," Jim's voice dropped low and a frown was marring his features.
"You're protective of him," she noted with a hint of surprise. Jim didn't say anything, but his expression was clear enough. "Fine, I'll leave it for now." She relented, placing the glass down. "What do you want from me?"
"Information about any weird stories that's been floating around. Anything at all."
The woman considered him, then pulled out her menu and scrolled through her notes. "The game itself is rather normal, nothing stands out greatly, but there have been factions developing in the larger towns. They're small and they don't cause much harm but they're annoying."
"What type of factions, if I may ask?" Spock asked.
"Xenophobic factions. Occasionally you'll get a person preaching in the square about alien invasions, mind control, and other stupid things like that, but as I said they're mostly harmless. I don't think it's what you're looking for though." She scrolled a bit more. "There is a small rumor going around. About a glitch in the game."
"Glitches are not uncommon."
"In this game it is. It's rare to find one noticeable at least, but it's the fact no one remembers it that makes it strange." She closed her notes. "Apparently, a couple people received special quests that had to be completed in a small party. However, later when asked about how the quest went, they said nothing happened. The NPC glitched out, but when they were pressed for more information, they said they don't remember where they went, what was in the message, and sometimes if they even received the message at all."
Jim took a quick look at Spock who nodded his head just slightly. "Thanks for the information. How much do I owe you?"
Moreau leaned forward, exposing her breasts just a little bit more. "30,000,000 gold."
"What!" the swordsmen yelled. "That's highway robbery! You didn't even give us anything good."
"Don't act innocent with me. The fact you were looking for information that suspicious means you'll find trouble. I want to be able to take care of myself in case it all comes back to me somehow."
"It's just a game," he dismissed it with a wave of his hand.
"A game that has brought a starship captain and his Vulcan first officer back to, when they should be completing their first mission, in order to seek out strange and suspicious information."
Both men stiffened at the comment. "How did you find out?" Jim asked.
"You just told me," Marlena smirked, leaning back against the chair. "I told you, there aren't many chances for a human to shack up with a Vulcan this early, so I picked the one from the list who fits your personality and age range the most. Plus every knows the commander created the game thanks to the book he published last year."
Jim found himself grinding his teeth.
"The money has been sent to your account," Spock said, standing. "Thank you for your cooperation."
Spock opened the door for Jim, and Jim lead the way back down the stairs. "Ms. Moreau is quite…"
"Vindictive?" Jim supplied, stomping a bit harder than necessary on the way down.
"I was going to say astute."
"I guess." Jim shoved his hands into his pockets, sulking as they headed outside. "She didn't need to bring up my past like that though."
"I was already aware that you had partners before me."
Jim stopped and looked at his lover, his cheeks still red with anger and embarrassment. "It matters to me, alright? I care about what you think of me, and I don't want you to know how many people I slept with in the past."
Spock waited for a couple to pass before initiating a Vulcan kiss. "You are my bondmate, Jim. Your previous romantic history is of no importance to me."
Love and affection flowed through the bond, easing the lingering discomfort. Jim wished to say something to in return, but their comrades returned, having bought supplies for everyone.
"Did you find out anything useful?" McCoy asked.
"Something," Kirk muttered, biting the inside of his cheek. He turned away from them. Drawing his sword, he said, "I'm going to go to the Kronos border for a bit. Rapier could you─"
"I'll keep working with Horatio," Sulu smiled at the doctor's groan. "Bring me back some gagh if you happen to find some."
"Sure," the swordsman waved as he started towards the transport circle.
Spock moved to follow until he felt someone grab a hold of his hair. "Hold it right there, lover boy."
"Doctor, I request that you release my hair from your grip immediately."
"Then take a hint. He wants to be alone."
Spock thinned his lips. "I sensed no such thing."
McCoy rolled his eyes. "You wouldn't."
Spock focused on the bond, sensing Jim's mind within the program moving farther away from his. While Spock had strengthened his limiters, he could still feel Jim. If Jim was close, Spock could even say that it felt like the beginnings of a meld. Jim, do you wish to be alone?
Guilt drifted to him, muted by the growing distance, but the Vulcan understood it was guilt for wishing for space. Spock didn't quite understand what was bothering his bondmate. Was it related to Ms. Moreau, the uneasiness Jim felt about this mission, or something else entirely.
"Didn't you say you had a pet sehlat, sir? Should we go get him?"
Spock paled. They forgot to feed I-Chaya.
"Nice kitty. Nice I-Chaya." Jim took a slow step back, hands up in an easing gesture as the sehlat growled, fangs bared.
"I know we forgot to feed you, but you know there's a funny story about that and a lot of things happened, and we forgot, but it's not like you were going to die, you know. Really it was a big misunderstanding."
Jim had stepped onto the transporter pad intending to go to Kronos when the thought about getting his old hunting companion crossed his mind. Having I-Chaya hunt beside him was second nature, so he thought he could pick up the sehlat and perhaps give him permanently to Spock as a gift. He had unfortunately forgotten what happened when I-Chaya missed a meal. The only reason I-Chaya hadn't died was his account going on hiatus and keeping I-Chaya from starving. It however didn't make I-Chaya forget and the sehlat's loyalty meter was in the negatives. And at that moment, Jim was looking like food.
Jim took another step back when I-Chaya took a step forward. He really didn't want to kill the beast. Spock loved the damn thing, program or not. "Just give me another chance. I promise that I won't even be your owner. I'll give you to Spock."
The sehlat's tail twitched in agitation then exhaled sharply in a short snort, apparently accepting his offer when it turned its back on him.
A sigh of relief escaped him. "Come on, I'll get you some food before I hand you over."
A growl escaped the animal, but walked beside Jim. Not that Jim didn't keep an eye on the sehlat as they walked. I-Chaya was a hungry, and as intelligent as he was, he was still technically a wild animal first and foremost. The constant hungry looks didn't help either.
For added protection, he summoned his other pet Istaya. He expected the small, white dragon to fly down from the sky, land on his shoulder, cooing and rubbing against him. Well, it did fly down and it was white, but it was not small.
The sky darkened, the giant body blocking out the sun as it flew overhead, and the dragon's roar shook the windows, gaining the attention of nearly everyone in the city, some players drawing weapons in preparation for a fight. It descended rapidly in a dive, stopping just short of hitting the ground, hovering for a moment then landing gracefully in front of Jim. Its scales glimmered under the desert sun like the surface of a lake. Its body was long even as the long strong tail curled around its body. It was big enough for two people to ride comfortable, and judging by the large wings, it could fly with two people as well.
"Well you've certainly gotten . . . big." Jim looked on with awe. The dragon watched him with intelligent blue eyes, staring him down. Then in joy, nuzzled it's overly large head against Jim's body, almost knocking him over.
Istaya's enthusiasm was contagious, and Jim smiled brightly as he steadied himself, petting the large dragon's head. Ishaya snarled, growing impatient at the delay, and the dragon screeched back, lifting its large tail in preparation for a strike.
"Woah, now. Hold on, he's just cranky. I'm sure you're hungry too." The dragon gave a content sigh in agreement. Jim wondered how he was going to take Istaya with him. I-Chaya was conspicuous enough, but a dragon this big would be impossible to bring with them.
As if sensing his thoughts, the dragon barked. The next thing the swordsman knew, the dragon had shrunk back into the small baby dragon Jim knew well, no bigger than a house cat. It was convenient, though he did wonder if that meant the large form had a time limit or if it was a transformation spell of some sort. He'd have to ask Spock about it later.
The trip to the Kronos border went smoothly after that. The border was a barren wasteland, reminiscent of the aftermath of a nuclear attack, lacking vegetation and covered in dark browns and reds. It did however have strong lizard like opponents. Strong, but none too bright. With I-Chaya helping him, they posed a small challenge but still made a rather leisurely hunt.
The rhythm of the fight came back to him. The way his body moved with grace that wasn't possible in real life, the strength and agility was surreal, and the sword, an extension of himself. It was like he never left. No, he moved better than before, now knowing that his real life experience could be translated into code. All those advance combat training classes being put to the test. He didn't even have to focus on his movements. He let his body move on its own accord and let his mind wander.
There were factions. Marlena was probably right about them having little weight with what was going on, but a revolution started with only one man. The factions could grow to be dangerous whether in their own right or, and this was what Jim feared, could be controlled by their real enemy. Fear made one easy to manipulate, and mob mentality could make people do things they normally wouldn't. They would have to be watched.
On the other hand, the secret quest was something even Jim wasn't sure how to approach. How do you find something no one had memory of?
And lastly, was it right to continue letting Spock join them on this mission. Spock was the ambassador's son, the Vulcan high council member's grandson, and the only alien onboard the Enterprise. His existence went beyond being his secret lover. It was history changing, and important. The enemy wanted Vulcans and Spock was the perfect target. While that made efficient bait, was it worth it to put him in harm's way and possible risk the possibilities of the future? The idea of a United Federation of Planets was still fragile. If Spock were to die, it could destroy everything.
Or was he just projecting his fears? Was his relationship with Spock compromising what he would have normally done? He didn't have the experience of being in command to know, and it bothered him.
He loved Spock. Would do almost anything for him despite their lack of time together, but he always dreamed of being captain of his own ship. He didn't want his first mission to start with him being unsure of his own command ability and end with him emotionally compromised.
Striking his new target harder than necessary, the lizard died loudly until I-Chaya chomped down on its throat in the middle of its death throes.
Could he handle it if something happened to Spock or was the military going to be proved right about why he shouldn't have a lover under his command?
Istaya cooed, nuzzle its face against his, sensing his turmoil.
He was scared. Jim finally admitted it to himself. He learned to hide it from Spock, but he couldn't hide it from himself. He had a bad feeling about it all. He had since learning about the mission. He never ignored that feeling as it got him through tough spots before, but he was never scared before. He cared about no one but himself until now. Not so strongly. He had people to protect, and he couldn't be selfish, but he still didn't know what he would do, what type of captain he was. Would he do the right thing?
He didn't come up with an answer when he left the border. There was no way to know what he would do until it happened. All he could do was strengthen his conviction to do what needed to be done. As he rejoined his party, he looked over Spock and love swelled in his chest. Would there come a time when looking at him wouldn't cause him to lose his breath? He hid his worries as he smiled and laughed at McCoy's slow process and joked around with his friends. He felt Spock's eyes on him and the steady flow of muted love and affection from him. If something happened to Spock, could he do what needed to be done?
He hoped he would never have to find out.
13 days until my b-day! Turning 24 . . . I think. I honestly stopped counting. Need Beta. If anyone is interested in editing The Bodyguard as well, let me know.
Also, I'm on a low iodine diet which means I'm practically vegan as I can eat milk, dairy, eggs, tofu, seaweed, canned vegetables, dried fruits, cured meats, and anything with iodized salt. All I can say is, why would anyone be vegan voluntarily? I'm sooo hungry. The moment it's over I'm eating a hamburger with cheese, egg, and bacon. Then I'm going to eat a pizza with extra cheese, sauce, pepperoni, spicy Italian sausage, and butter on the crust. Everything I couldn't have before.
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