Kirk finds out what he is going to be doing in this universe and we discover a little more about this new Spock.
This chapter was beta'd by T'Arrah.
Don't own Star Trek.
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Spock and Kirk walk side by side to the conference room in a comfortable silence and make good time. Jim is about to step into the path of the door sensor, when he is stopped by a hand on his arm. He turns to Spock with a quizzical gaze.
"Before we enter, I just wish to apologize for my taking liberties with you. Though you are not a captain in this universe, you are still a Captain and I have been far too casual when addressing you. I neglected to even inquire how you would prefer to be addressed. I wish to remedy that now, before our time together progresses any further."
Jim takes a moment to translate the 'Spock speak' into standard. He smiles a little as he realizes that Spock is asking him what he prefers to be called. The smiles fades slowly as he truly thinks about the question.
'The Spock on my ship usually calls me Captain, even when off duty. I don't want that. He could call me Jim since everyone else does, but I sort of like the fact that he is calling me James. Only Grandpa Tiberius called me James and it always made me feel special. I think...'
"I like James," Jim continues out load.
He blushes as he realizes that he didn't even notice the switch. He will need to watch that around Spock because he really doesn't need the Vulcan hearing his thoughts. Spock already has touch telepathy, no need for Kirk to make it too easy for the man.
Spock makes a show of looking slowly up and down the Humans body before once again meeting bright blue eyes. His small grin can only be considered cocky, as Kirk stares at him dumbly.
Spock leans in close to Jim and whispers, "What a coincidence. I also like James."
Spock then moves away and walks past Kirk into the path of the sensor. The door slides open quickly and Spock steps through.
Jim continues to stand in the hallway trying to figure out if what he had just witnessed had actually happened or if he had just imagined it. He snaps out of his semi-comatose state when he sees that the door is about to close and he quickly squeezes through it. While giving himself a mental reminder to cut down on the burgers, he finds himself standing in the middle of the room with two amused faces, one Vulcan and one Human, watching him from their places behind the table. Jim, trying to muster what dignity he has left after that mad dash into the room, puts his hands on his hips and strikes his most captain-y pose (that he has in no way been practicing in front of his mirror, when he is bored).
"So what's the dealy-o, gentleman?"
Dpock's eyebrow lifts in a teasing manner and Pike tries to stifle his chuckle. Kirk releases a deep sigh.
'Goodbye dignity. I barely knew thee.'
Chris points to the chair on the other side of the table, across from he and Spock.
"Take a seat, Jim. It is all right that I call you Jim, or would you prefer something else?"
Kirk answers automatically. "Jim's fine. Everybody calls me Jim."
Then he remembers his very recent conversation with Spock and gives a quick glance in the Vulcan's direction. The wounded look he is expecting isn't there, instead he finds that Spock seems to look... pleased. The breath Kirk was holding escapes in a whoosh. He is beyond relieved that Spock understands (at least he hopes the Vulcan understands) why he doesn't want anyone else calling him James. It is something special he wants to keep between the two of them.
Jim takes the seat Pike has gestured to and makes himself comfortable, or as comfortable as he can
in these Starfleet issued torture devices.
Pike's face is now all business as he leans forward on the table and address the equally serious Kirk.
"I have informed Starfleet of your situation,"
Kirk can't help but roll his eyes 'Can no one around here think of a better word then 'situation?' Maybe I should place an order for a fucking thesaurus!'
"And I have been told to 'figure things out'."
Jim shakes his head and chuckles humourlessly to himself.
"Yeah, that sounds like something the Admiralty would say. Passing the buck is what they're good at. So what are you going to do with me?"
Pike pushes his PADD over to Kirk and the blond glances down to see that it is basic information about the ship's next mission. He studies it further as the older captain answers his question.
"The ion cloud has dissipated and we can't just stick around and hope it reappears. We will try to find a way for you to return to your own Enterprise using the resources on this ship, but as you can see we have been ordered to Vulcan to pick up diplomats and it looks like you are coming with us."
After hearing that the mission is to Vulcan, Jim studies the PADD more intently to find out the names of the diplomats, but he is disappointed to discover that they have not been listed ( or more specifically, Selik and Sarek have not been listed).
His gaze lifts and halts on Spock for a moment before it eventually settles on Pike. His voice comes out minutely frustrated.
"So what do I do in the meantime? Sit in the guest quarters and twiddle my thumbs? I am going to tell you now that is not a good idea. There is nothing more destructive then a bored James T. Kirk. Things tend to get blown up, or at the very least, they get set on fire."
Both humans turn to Spock after he makes a sound that can only be considered a cross between a cough and a laugh. The Vulcan plasters on an innocent expression and bows his head in apology.
"I am sorry, I had something lodged in my throat. I was compelled to dislodge it."
Both Jim and Chris give the first officer a look that says they in no way believe him for a second, but they are both smart enough to not push it. Pike focuses once again on the young man in front of him.
"Don't worry, Jim. I wouldn't dream of keeping you idle when you could easily be of use around this ship. Of course, you can't take up your usual job since that is taken," Pike winks at Jim before continuing. "But I'm sure you have other talents that can be put to use. What else, besides command, are you good at?"
Jim ponders that question.
'Does sex count as a talent. I think it does, but unless this universe is more different then I originally thought, I don't think it will be much help here. I did minor in computers. Maybe I can work in the computer labs, which would mean that I could work with Spock. Yep, that'll work nicely.'
Kirk keeps his grin in check when he locks eyes with Pike's and tries to keep his voice neutral. No need for him to seem to eager.
"I'm pretty handy with a computer. I could always help out in the labs."
Spock purposefully clears his throat to gain the attention of his Captain. Kirk has an idea where this is going and so returns his attention to the PADD in his hands and begins typing furiously.
"Captain, though I am sure James does indeed have beyond basic skills in computer science, I wish to remind you that we have many crucial experiments under way and we would be risking their progress if we allow-"
Spock is cut of by what sounds suspiciously like pop music, coming from Spock's own PADD that is resting on the table, near his hand. The Vulcan's eyes go wide as they looks down at the device spewing music, and they go wider still when they see the message that is on the screen.
Spock,
It took me less than a minute to get through all your security protocols and firewalls to implant the song and this message. I believe that qualifies me to hang out with you egg heads down in the labs.
-Jim
P.S. This song sort of reminds me of you. A woman from the 21st Century sang it. It's called E.T. Fitting, right?
Kirk presses a button on the PADD in his grasp and the music stops. He places his elbows on the surface of the table and rests his chin on his hands. He watches as Spock's eyes rise slowly to meet his and delivers the most magnificent smile.
Spock gives Jim an abashed nod before speaking to Pike. "I was mistaken in my assumption. It appears that James will be more than capable to work within the computer labs."
Chris, who is now leaning back in his chair, seems thoroughly entertained by their exchange. He grins at Spock, who is trying his best to look dignified after getting schooled so thoroughly Kirk style.
"Yes, it does, but don't fret Commander, Jim seems like the forgiving type. Now that Kirk's duties on this ship are all sorted, maybe you could show Jim to his quarters. The guest quarters across form yours will probably be the most convenient, since I am trusting you to take care of all of his needs."
At that statement, Jim struggles to keep the suggestive comments that begin floating through his mind to himself.
Pike ploughs on, unaware of the blonde's inner battle.
"Also, make sure Kirk is put on the next duty roster in the labs."
Both Pike and and Spock stand at the same time and the Vulcan salutes his commanding officer. Chris returns the salute.
"Aye, sir."
Pike faces Jim and gives him a friendly smile.
"See you tomorrow, Jim. Sleep well."
With that said, the older man makes his way to the door and disappears through it. Jim slowly gets out of his own chair and eyes Spock, waiting for the Vulcan to make a move. He doesn't wait long. Spock stretches one arm out towards the exit.
"When you are ready, James."
Without another word, both men exit the conference room and head towards the turbolift. Once inside the both go to activate the controls. Their fingers brush and Jim feels a pleasant jolt shoot up his arm at the contact.
'What the hell was that?'
Kirk is so distracted by the sensation that he misses the look of smugness that flashes across Spock's face.
It takes them no time at all to reach the level of the ship that houses the living quarters and Spock and Jim find themselves facing each other in front of the guest quarters Kirk will be using during his stay. Spock seems almost nervous as the stands there. Kirk is sure that behind the Vulcan's back, green hands are fidgeting, if the muscles tensing under his blue shirt sleeves are anything to go by.
"This is where I leave you, James. My quarters are adjacent to yours. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to call on me."
Kirk smiles gratefully at Spock. "You will be the first person I come to. Now, before I go and crash in my bed, maybe you could tell me when you want me to report for duty. You know, so I can set my alarm like a good little officer."
Jim is half expecting Spock to ask him to clarify the 'crash in bed' comment, but he should have known by now that he was not going to act like the Vulcan he is familiar with. Spock instead takes out his PADD and scrolls his finger down the screen.
"I will place you on Gamma shift. I am the lab supervisor of that shift, so you will report directly to me."
Kirk starts at this. 'Spock couldn't possibly mean that he supervises Gamma shift everyday. Even my Spock doesn't do that. He would have barely any time to himself.'
"You don't work every Gamma shift, do you? I know you also work Alpha on the bridge. How do you find time to hang out with your friends?"
Spock purposefully keeps his eyes on the device in his hand, hiding his saddened eyes from Jim's searching gaze.
"Though I am on friendly terms with many of the officers I work with, there is no one that I consider my friend. Since I have few opportunities to socialize, I made the decision to utilize my time by taking on an extra shift."
Kirk is still confused.
"What about Uhura?"He voices the question and now it is Spock's turn to look confused.
"I do not understand your query. Lieutenant Uhura and I are co-workers, but we share very little else in common. We have no reason to socialize with each other and I have no interest in doing so in the near future."
Jim's heart and mind go into overdrive. 'He is not with Uhura. He has no interest in her, which means he is not dating her. He's single.'
He endeavours to keep a straight face, so that Spock will not see how giddy he is about this revelation.
His voice is thankfully steady as he speaks. "I don't approve of this at all, Spock. Everyone needs time to socialize and unwind with other beings. I am taking it upon myself to ensure you get that chance. After shift tomorrow, we are going to play chess. You do play, don't you?"
Spock is staring at Kirk with a look of open astonishment. "I... do."
Kirk claps his hands together and smiles at the flummoxed Vulcan.
"Excellent it's a date."
Spock's cheeks are slightly flushed as nods and whispers a quiet "Goodnight, James."
The Vulcan spins around quickly and races to his door. Before he can his keypad, Jim calls out his name and the Spock freezes mid-step, his back still to the Human.
"In the document Pike showed me about our mission to Vulcan, it mentioned that we were picking up diplomats, but it did not mention any by name. Will your father be one of the diplomats coming aboard?"
Jim notices Spock's back tense at the mention of his father and can't help but wonder what could possibly have caused such a negative reaction. Thankfully, he doesn't have to wait long for Spock shed some light, even if his back is still facing Kirk's when he speaks.
"Though you are correct in stating that my father was in fact a diplomat, it would be quite impossible for him to travel with us on the Enterprise, seeing as how he has been dead for the last 13 years."
Spock takes another step closer to his door and it slides open. He hesitates for a moment before speaking again. "Sleep well, Captain."
Jim winces at the formal title and watches, with wistful eyes, as Spock quickly disappears into his quarters without so much as a backwards glance. Kirk continues to stand in the empty hallway trying to absorb what he has been told and failing miserably. He travels into his own room and makes his way over to his bed and flops down on top of it. He stares up at the ceiling and recalls the last image he has of Spock, all stiff and guarded. But then anyone speaking about a dead parent would act the same. Shit, he has acted that way himself when people have mentioned his father.
Kirk releases a heavy sigh and places his hands behind his head, while continuing to stare up at the plain white bulkhead above him. As he feels himself begin to drift off into sleep, he makes the decision to do everything in his power to show Spock that he is there for him in whatever capacity the Vulcan needs him.
\As he falls further into slumber, his sleepy mind fills with images of Spock and his small smiles, and he curses his heart for doing this to him again.
'It was painful enough the first time.'
/
Next chapter shouldn't be too far away. Friday at the latest.
We find out about Chekov's scar and we see that this Spock is not ashamed to show his jealous side.