Well, look at that...a new chapter after so soon. I hope all of you are happy! This chapter will be the last regarding the movie and I hope you're glad as much as I am. It was grueling writing this all out within three days, because i wanted to get this finished with. Please review and let me know what you guys think!

Warp Factor 7: Saving Earth

Five powerful digits enclosed over his neck, each one applying a similar bruise-inducing pressure until Jim thought his airways would cave. His own hands tried to pry free the ones that were wrapped around him. Everywhere he touched though, Jim thought his fingers were grazing over embers. He choked, unable to release even a subtle gasp, and clenched his eyes. His back and head ached from being pressed into the hard and buttoned surface of the navigation console. Jim though, tried to shove the pain into the back of his mind and stay awake as he fought back, but something else entirely was coursing through him. When his hands pulled at the other, Jim felt more than pain.

He heard his heart beat in his ears-as well as another's. He felt this second beat more than he heard it, but Jim thought nothing of it. He could feel an unknown sorrow and rage that was not his pulse through him, threatening to overwhelm him. The man did not know what to do other than take it, like he did on Delta Vega. All Jim knew was that he desperately did not want to die. Other than not wanting Earth destroyed, Jim did not want to fall now because he still hadn't made a name worthy enough to be seen apart from his father. He didn't say sorry to his mother and he never did beat up Sam for leaving him. He still didn't even know Uhura's first name or even knew what kept Bones up at night. Jim even wanted the so-called epic friendship that the other Spock spoke so enthusiastically about.

Because in all his life, Jim never truly lived. He scraped by on brashness, wit, and charms, living in the shadow of his father, too downtrodden to rise from it. He wore shoes too big for him and carried a burden too heavy for him. But now he had the opportunity to change the world and himself for the better. Jim wasn't going to die before doing it. Since joining Starfleet, Jim found people who believed in him and who he could trust. He found, through them, his own potential. He wasn't going to let waste what he could be.

Hell, Jim screamed in his head, I didn't even meet that one person yet!

And just like that, the foreign emotions Jim felt were engulfed with his own and he was breathing again. No longer being choked, coldness and emptiness rushed through Jim as he crumbled to the floor, coughing. The first intake of breath overwhelmed him. His legs were weak as he tried to support himself, still hacking away, and wondering what the hell just happened. Jim still felt remnants of explainable sorrow and regret within him, albeit more dull, but he felt it nonetheless.

Through his hazy vision, Jim noticed his tormentor standing apart from the navigation console with his back to him. The sight was familiar. Jim recalled a Vulcan standing similarly with his back to him months prior. This Vulcan's current position, however, was not poised or contemplative. As Jim slowly recovered, he identified the slouching shoulders and hanging arms, as the posture of defeat and loneliness. Jim knew then he achieved what he had sought out to do.

When Spock denounced his position and left the bridge, Jim felt no better than scum. Everyone looked around at a loss of what to do, but when Bones stated they had no captain and no first officer for that matter, Jim pulled himself together to step up and sit in the captain's seat. He was tired, light-headed, and sore. Uhura, Bones, Sulu, and Chekov stared at him, which he met with a little hesitancy. He briefly stated he would be the one in command.

"I hope you know what you're doing," Uhura said with a hard voice, "Captain," she added harshly at the end.

Jim barely met her eyes when he answered, "So do I."

Then she turned on her heel and headed towards her communications console.

Jim knew what he must have looked like to everyone around him, which was probably an opportunistic jerk, but when Jim took a breath and exhaled deeply, he knew this was where he needed to be.

Vulcan was gone but Earth was still there. He was going to make sure it stayed that way.

00000000000

Obviously, being in a position of responsibility was not easy, even to Jim who was quite experienced with being in command. Not even he, however, could not feel the pressure of saving more than a billion lives.

Jim was discussing his new plan with Bones, Sulu, and Uhura when Chekov interrupted him with a tap to his back, sounding excited. Willing to listen to anything at that point, Jim let the young man voice his plan to intercept the Narada undetected. There was no finality to the plan though and Jim was hesitant on going along with it. He needed more...persuasion.

"That might work!" Scotty anounced out of the blue. Jim wasn't too sure though.

"Wait a minute kid, how old are you?" Bones asked Chekov with skepticism.

"Seventeen, sir," Chekov stated proudly, but that only made Bones scoff.

As Jim stood amongst his small group, neurons flaring up to validate the plan and/or find alternatives, he quickly considered that maybe having Spock emotionally compromised was not the best thing in the word. His insides squirmed. No one was listing the pros and cons of the plans, poking at his methods, or questioning his authority...what if he did do something wrong and no one was there to point it out to him?

If Spock were here, Jim thought carelessly.

"Doctor, Mr Chekov is correct."

Everyone, including Jim turned their heads towards the turbolift. Spock looked at them expectantly and swiftly approached them, stating he could confirm Chekov's plan. There was zero sign that any emotional transgression had taken place. Hands by his side, spine straight, and with a walk that meant business, Jim saw the return of the composed Vulcan he was familiar with. Hearing him talk, Jim had to restrain a smile that almost broke across his features as Spock spoke. Who knew the Vulcan would come out just when Jim needed him?

"Romulans and Vulcans share a common ancestor," the Vulcan enlightened, facing Jim. "Our cultural similarities will make it easier for me to access the ship's computer to locate the device. Also," Spock barely paused for breath, "my mother was human, which makes Earth the only home I have left."

Jim had the decency enough to look slightly away, but then his eyes returned to the Vulcan's and he stepped towards him. Going aboard the Narada would be suicide. There was no way he was going to let the Vulcan go in alone, even if he did just insult him twenty minutes ago. "I'm coming with you," Jim stated in a voice that made no room for argument.

Spock stared at Jim with almost an amused expression. "I would cite regulation," the Vulcan said matter-of-factly, "but I know you will simply ignore it."

With those last few words, Jim saw even more the Vulcan he knew before the Kobayashi Maru. Finally, he let a small smile pass his lips. Damn straight I would, Jim mentally agreed. "See?" he said with a tired voice, "We are getting to know each other." Then he gave Spock a slap to the shoulder before passing him. They didn't have time to stand around.

It was decided. They were going to board the Narada together.

00000000000

They were about to energized. Jim was just standing around the transporter pad, innocently minding his own business and patiently waiting to be beamed away, when he looked left, looked back, then did a double take.

D-did...

"I'll be monitoring your frequency," Uhura whispered to Spock, kissing him lightly on the lips.

"Thank you, Nyota," Spock responded quietly back.

A range of emotions and thoughts flitted through Jim at that moment as he took in the two beings beside him. He couldn't hide his obvious shock-and hurt. When Uhura silently stared at him, Jim had the strong notion he should act mature, no matter how much he wanted to splutter and say "HE was your hot midnight date?!" because it all made sense now. Her secrecy and fear of being found out (but that didn't explain her coldness towards him). So, Jim didn't say anything and let her leave the pad. He could not, however, keep silent with Spock.

Once Uhura was out of sight, Jim awkwardly asked, "So her first name's Nyota?" He thought it was a pretty damn nice name, he just didn't understand why Uhura never told him.

"I have no comment on the matter," Spock replied sharply.

Jim wisely remained silent. He wasn't going to make the Vulcan angry a second time.

"Energize," Jim commanded after Scotty stated they would be beamed into the cargo bay somewhere. However, that was if the Romulan ship had any "common sense" in its design.

It wasn't long before Jim and Spock re-energized. Unfortunately, they were anywhere but the cargo bay. Jim didn't have to tell Spock to run because upon realizing they were clearly seen, the two split off at a sprint, firing their phasers as they went.

00000000000

"Welcome back Ambassador Spock," the computer generated voice greeted.

Jim nearly felt his heart leap out of his chest. "Well, that's weird," he commented lightly, making sure not to look at the silent Vulcan. Then he quickly side-stepped him to get around, hoping that by all means their plan wouldn't screw up because Spock realized there was another him in this universe.

Entering the main terminal of the ship, Jim looked around baffled, and touched a wall filled with unfamiliar designs. Resisting the urge to whistle, Jim nearly jumped when Spock tried to confront him about their situation.

Jim ignored it. "You'll be able to fly this thing right?" asked Jim instead, because I sure as hell can't.

"Something tells me I already have," Spock answered with suspicion. They looked at each other, their faces merely inches apart, but Jim was unwilling to give more than what was necessary away, even if nothing earth-shattering did happen despite Spock's awareness. He wasn't going to take any chances on trying to explain.

"Good luck," he said, breaking their eye contact, quick to leave. For some reason, Jim just couldn't keep staring at Spock for long, not with the knowledge he knew, and not with the time they had left. Any other day, Jim wouldn't have minded just staring at Spock. Any other day.

"Jim."

In their handful of meetings, not once had Spock ever spoken his first name. It was always Cadet, or Cadet Kirk...never just Jim. So, the acting captain stopped short and sharply turned around. He didn't like the intensity in which Spock said it-as if they were going to die. And just as Jim predicted, the Vulcan expressed the statistics of them surviving.

Not one to be pessimistic, Jim responded swiftly. "It'll work."

"In the event that I do not return," continued Spock stepping closer to Jim, staring him down, "please tell Lieutenant Uhura-"

Jim would hear none of it. He didn't want to know how it ended or what that would mean to him. "Spock," Jim interrupted, fixing his eyes on the Vulcan. He knew that he must not have left a good impression on him so far, but Jim still tried to convey as much sincerity and confidence as he could. This person, after all, had been a potential candidate in his sad little love life. Jim was not a heartless man to not even try and comfort the Vulcan, but it was also in his nature to reassure people that things will work out. "It'll work." And when Jim saw that Spock wasn't going to argue back, he exited the ship. If Spock was going to call him back, he decided then he just wasn't going to listen.

00000000000

It was certainly not Jim's day. For one, he got a court hearing for "cheating" and he was also hated by the Vulcan he looked up to. Second, he had the worst allergic reaction in his entire life. Third, he almost died while trying to disrupt the drill back on Vulcan, and almost died again saving Sulu. Then he was almost eaten alive by a frozen wasteland creature. Not to mention, he almost died again from being choked to death-and all this just because he had every intention of doing good.

Having almost died nearly five times that day, even Jim found that a little unsettling. It was a new record for him, but not one he was proud of. However, being on the edge of death once more did not phase Jim in the least.

He gasped when hands clutched his neck.

"James T. Kirk was considered to be a great man," Nero ground out from above him, "he went on to be Captain of the USS Enterprise," he continued, strengthening his hold on Jim's neck, "but that was another life," he whispered harshly, "a life I will deprive you of just like I did your father..!"

Verbal abuse was common in Jim's life. He usually didn't take it sitting down, but he couldn't do anything now with his oxygen being cut off and his back on the ground. Hell, he couldn't even retort. If Jim had been a lesser man, he would have accepted his fate and just died, many times over by now if he listened to every word people had said about him-about how he didn't deserve to live and how he would never be his father. After three years in Starfleet, Jim knew better. Knowing that his father would've been proud of him in another life, it was enough for Jim to go on because Jim finally felt convinced that he did deserve to live. He wasn't going to let the same person deprive any more lives.

As if a greater being had suddenly decided to bestow upon Jim every blessing in the world, a voice broke out in the open announcing that the drill was destroyed. Jim was not relieved until after Nero released him, screaming out Spock's name, before abandoning Jim. The man didn't mind one bit.

Gulping in as much air as he could, Jim rolled over on to his stomach, glad of the expected but late news that he had just heard. That meant Earth and Spock were safe, for the time being, Jim thought as Nero continued to roar. Jim clenched his hands, and breathed, trying to get feeling back in to his fingers and to think clearly. He didn't have time to recover. With his hands on the floor, he felt and heard boots on metal. To Jim, that clearly meant he wasn't out of trouble just yet.

00000000000

Against all odds, Jim finally managed to get back to the Enterprise with not only Pike in tow, but with Spock as well. He grinned, seeing the Vulcan stand there beside him on the transporter pad, but there was no time to celebrate. As soon as Bones came in, Jim left their captain in his hands and followed Spock and Uhura out of the room.

"Didn't I tell you it'll all work out?" Jim said breathlessly, trying to keep up with the Vulcan and Uhura, who looked slightly relieved.

Spock slowed down until Jim was following at his pace. "We are still in a dangerous situation," he pointed out sternly.

It was true. "I knew you'd come back alive," Jim said with a small smile as he gave a side glance at Spock. The Vulcan momentarily slowed down and quirked a brow at Jim.

"Does this knowledge have anything to do with the fact that the ship I piloted knew who I-" Spock began but Jim knew where he was going with it.

"What are you talking about?" Jim interrupted like it was nothing and looked away from Uhura, who was unusually quiet. "I'm just saying I have exceptional intuition," he muttered. But before Spock could reply, the three entered the bridge at the same time and the conversation was put behind them.

"Captain!" Chekov greeted, "Ze enemy's ship is losing power. Shier shields are down sir."

"Hail them now," Jim commanded, feeling Spock right behind him.

Everyone watched as the looming ship of tentacles started exploding in several places. Jim did not feel sympathy for these men, even if he could relate to their feelings of vengeance.

Once Nero was on screen, Kirk formally introduced himself and their current situation. Because he was not alone and because Jim knew he was also representing Starfleet, he did what he thought he should as a responsible person in control. Out of simple consideration he decided he would offer them a chance. Spock on the other hand, differed from Jim.

"Captain, what are you doing?" the Vulcan asked, so his back was turned to the screen.

Startled, Jim turned along with him to answer him. "Showing them compassion may be the only way to earn peace with Romulus," Jim reasoned. "It's logic, Spock. I thought you'd like that." If his mother didn't die, Jim thought in the back of his mind.

Spock faintly shook his head. "No, not really," he said quietly and looked at Jim. "Not this time." And it was a look that made Jim feel funny, as if Spock thought that Jim of all people would know better, which was true. However, there was a difference between acting on personal feelings and acting on responsibility. Jim may only be an acting captain, but that did not mean he had any less responsibility. In this case, he needed to be the better man. If he could stop the cycle of vengeance now, he would be doing more than saving just the lives of his ship's and Earth's. But alas, Nero refused any help whatsoever.

00000000000

Somehow, in the span of less than fifteen hours, Jim's life had turned a complete 180 degrees. He had been in trouble, almost died, took over as captain, almost died some more, saved Pike, saved Earth, and now he was back on Earth and Jim wasn't too sure if he was still in trouble. Sure, people had congratulated him when they returned to Earth through shuttlecraft, but that didn't mean he was off the hook. Jim did break about a dozen Starfleet regulations already...

"Bones," Jim sighed as he sat in the medical ward, "what's going to happen to me?"

"The only thing that's going to happen to you is death if you keep resisting," Bones said roughly. When Jim immediately stilled, the doctor pushed in a needle at the base of Jim's neck. "That wasn't so bad now was it?"

"Come on Bones," said Jim ignoring the pain. "I was on suspension before I left Earth. What's going to happen to me?" He held his hand out for his friend to run a dermal re-generator over his knuckles.

Bones sat down beside Jim once he finished. "You just saved Earth-"

"We saved Earth," Jim corrected. "I couldn't have done it without you, or anyone on the Enterprise for that matter."

"Yeah, like that would've happened without you," said Bones rolling his eyes. "Quit trying to be humble. Who knows where we would've been if you weren't there. Starfleet will owe you that at least. If they want to sink you, I'll take responsibility-after all, I was the one who took you on board."

Jim was quiet for a moment and watched the people bustle about him. The Enterprise crew sustained a lot of injuries and Jim felt oddly proud that they held through under his command. After returning to Earth though, Jim felt drained of adrenaline. He looked listlessly across the room and asked, "What do you think Spock will do?"

"That pointy-eared hobgoblin?" Bones asked with a little anger in his voice. "I don't want to think about him Jim. He almost killed you."

At that answer, Jim unconsciously let a hand touch his neck.

After a moment, an announcement was made to all crew members of the Enterprise as well as the Admiralty to report to the court room. Bones sighed. "I've had enough of court hearings for a life time. Come on Jim, I'm sure it won't be as bad as last time."

00000000000

"By Starfleet order 28455, you are hereby directed to report to Admiral Pike, USS Enterprise to duty as his relief."

Jim walked to Admiral Pike and stood in front of him. His back and legs straight as he did his best to look as formal and approppriate as possible. "I relieve you, sir." He said stiffly.

"I am, relieved," Pike responded with lightness in his voice.

Jim looked down, unable to hold back the smile when he heard the double meaning. "Thank you, sir."

"Congratulations, Captain," Pike said with a warm smile, and it was such a huge difference from the first time Jim met the man. "You're father would've been proud."

Jim didn't expect this comment but he appreciated and revelled in it none the less. It wasn't often he heard praise when it concerned his father and him. When Jim looked around and saw that everyone was cheering for him, he did not feel prideful or even superior. Instead, a veil of content and peace fell over him. There was, however, one detail that bothered him and that was amongst the hundred plus people in the room, not one was Vulcan.