AN: Sorry, this chapter just really didn't want to be written, and I've had a crazy few weeks. Yay APs! (not really, the work takes so long) Also, if you have any questions about anything, feel free to ask. I will answer them here, or PM you. Enjoy!
Chapter 7: Wondering
Captain, you are needed on the bridge.Spock had told Uhura to call the Captain.
"Thank you, Nyota."
"I thought thanks were illogical," she replied, quirking her brow. Spock almost smiled. He stood up as Jim walked onto the Bridge, saying "Captain on the Bridge". Jim looked tired and stressed, but better than he had before. He acted more like his usual self, instead of being the cold, hard man he was earlier.
"At ease, Mr. Spock
How does Jim's mind work?Spock wondered, surprised (but not showing it) that Jim seemed to be less conflicted.
"Captain we are now orbiting Crid I."
"Thank you, Mr. Spock," said Jim. Spock turned away, thinking over Jim's change in attitude. The admiral in charge of the operation came on screen.
"Good Day, Admiral Marcus."
"Good day, Captain Kirk. I would like to invite you down on planet, tonight. The troupe of actors that you will be transporting are giving a show."
"Thank you, Admiral, I accept." Spock looked at Jim. He seemed to be fine now, but Spock could see the pain in his eyes. He was reining it in, which surprised Spock. Jim was not someone who was good at hiding his emotions, so it was incredible interesting to see him doing this.
Just how much depth did Jim have?
"Kirk out." Jim sighed, and seemed to collapse a bit on himself from where Spock was watching.
"Captain, when will we be transporting down on planet?"
"Around 1700 hours, I think, so in about an hour. Uhura, Sulu, Chekov, Scotty, Bones, and Spock will be beaming down with me. Go get ready."
Jim walked towards the turbo lift. "Captain?" Spock said as he entered. Jim turned around.
"Yes, Mr. Spock?"
"I-I…" Spock stopped. "Will we meet in transporter room 3?"
"Yes," Jim answered, as he turned around.
Why, why did I do that? What was I thinking,Spock turned around, berating himself for becoming so emotional. He walked back to his station, feeling uncomfortable under the crew's gaze.
1 hour later
"Ready to go?" Jim asked as he walked into the transporter room.
"Captain, as we are all here, it could be assumed…"
"Spock, it was rhetorical." Jim looked at Spock teasingly.
"Well, if you two are done, we could be on the planet by now," McCoy interrupted. Jim seemed to look at him with some annoyance, but it passed so quickly to be replaced with the smile he always wore, that Spock wasn't sure he had seen the change.
"Geez Bones, when did you get so impatient, I thought you hated transporters."
"I do, I just don't want to get caught in the teasing of you two …" McCoy's voice was muffled as Jim put his hand over his mouth.
"Bones," he said with a warning look.
"Shit, Jim, you haven't told him?" McCoy whispered quietly, but not under the level of Spock's hearing.
"No, but we're not talking about this now," Jim replied, audible enough for everyone to hear. "Ready to beam down." He nodded to the ensign manning the controls. As soon as the landing party was all on planet, Jim led them to the meeting place with Admiral Marcus.
"Good to see you Captain Kirk," he said, "you and your crew will be my guests to an entertaining performance. Afterwards, I invite you to dine with the actors."
"I accept."
"Good, now this way, the play should begin about half an hour, so you'll get to meet Anton Karidian before the show."
"Lead on." The crew followed Marcus as he led them into one of the base's rec rooms. It was huge, and had a stage on one end, making it perfect for the actors.
"Good Afternoon, Admiral," one of them greeted, bowing slightly. "And, you must be Captain Kirk. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Jim looked at the man calmly, but Spock could see the hidden anger. Was this the man they were going to be investigating?
Spock glanced over him quickly - short grey hair, piercing eyes, between 50 and 60, about as tall as Jim, though not quite as handsome - Spock stopped, not wanting to know what he was going to think next.
"I take it that you are the leader of this little group, am I right?" Jim asked, maintaining control over the rage at the man before him.
"Yes, I am Anton Karidian," he answered." And this is my daughter, Lenore." The newly named Karidian introduced the party to a beautiful girl, who had joined him from backstage.
"It's nice to meet you," Jim said, not automatically flirting with her, as Spock had expected.
"We have heard much about you and your crew Captain," she replied.
"None of the bad I hope," Jim joked. Spock knew that this was his way of lightening the tension in the room, most of which was emanating from Jim.
"Well we must hurry, the show is about to start, and we need to warm up," Lenore grabbed her father's hand, and tugged him back stage.
"So there is Anton Karidian," the Admiral remarked, "he's always like that, a bit distant and disoriented, but well-meaning."
At this, Jim froze, trying desperately to calm himself down. Spock turned to him.
"Captain, we will be proving that this man is the one who injured you grievously. We must endeavor to not have our investigation not accepted because of personal bias." Spock said, trying to help Jim regain control.
"Yeah, I know Spock," Jim said, but he reined in his anger. "How is it that you always know what to say to calm me down?"
"I do not know."
"Well, it is a nifty gift to have if you ask me."
"I did not ask."
"Well still."
They both looked up, to see the landing party and Admiral Marcus staring at them.
"If you two are ready, I can take you to the audience." The Admiral, led them to seats in the front, just as groups of people started to enter the room.
"The play will start in about ten minutes, but if you want good seats you have to get here early."
"I can see that." Jim looked awed at how many people had come to watch Shakespeare's Hamlet. The lights went dark.
"Hush," someone said behind them. Jim turned around to watch the play.
As the play continued, Spock was surprised to see just how well, the actors portrayed this early piece of Earth's history. Jim looked equally fascinated, but only when Leona was onstage. If Anton Karidian came out, his face drew itself slightly downward into a frown. Still, he was controlling his anger well.
Two hours later
"Thank God, it's over," McCoy said, as he stretched his arms over his head. The lights came on.
"It was indeed a long production," Spock agreed. The landing party filed out. "We have two hours left on planet, sir, and I am of the opinion that you would like to be acquainted with the actors."
"Yeah, I forgot to mention, we were invited to a party, for the end of their stay here. We'll take them up to the ship afterwards." Jim replied, "It's this way! Let's go!"
Jim led them down one of the hallways, into one of the smaller rec rooms. The room was already filled with people. Spock felt awkward, seeing as he wanted to avoid touching the officers in there. It looked as if it would be hard. He stayed to make sure that Jim was okay.
Jim was having a good time. He was talking to the actors, and generally enjoying their presence. He didn't talk to Karidian, who was being congratulated on his performance as Hamlet. The gathering quickly ended and the landing party returned to the ship.
"We ship out at 0900 tomorrow," Jim said when they were back on board. "Until then, everyone have a good night." He walked away, as the landing party went back to their perspective quarters for some much needed rest.
"Sir," Spock said, hurrying after Jim.
"Ye, Spock?" Jim turned.
"I was wondering if you would be amiable to playing chess in my quarters."
"Sure, Spock, why not."
Spock led the way to his quarters and set up the chess set as Jim replicated drinks. Their game took over an hour, but by the end of that hour both Spock and Jim felt more relaxed than they had in the past week.
"Thanks for this, Spock, it was nice of you to suggest this."
"It is only logical to help one's friend relieve stress and anger."
"Yeah, yeah, well goodnight," said Jim as he left Spock's quarters.
What am I going to do,thought Spock, while completing his nightly routine. He was in bed within 15 minutes, and promptly fell asleep.