Happy Star Trek Anniversary!
I was watching Tarzan this weekend and I was happily reminded that that movie was where cardinal Rule started. The entire story was based off the song, "You'll Be In My Heart". Also, there's a character in the TV series named Jabari. ;)
Also, I apologize. Normally I have someone reading these stories to offer at least some feedback even though she doesn't edit it. Well, I don't even have that anymore. So I don't think this chapter is good, and I cut the action to the next chapter. すみません.
Serik threw Spock over his shoulder, causing the young Vulcan to almost land head first onto the mat. Spock adjusted his body so his feet would touch first, holding himself up and keeping his back from touching the mat. That is, until Serik put his weight on Spock at the last second. Not prepared for the extra weight, Spock couldn't keep the position and fell hard onto his backside.
Serik stood up as Spock lay on the floor panting. Serik was breathing harder than usual; no doubt from the relentless attacks on his injured side Spock dealt him. "Again."
Spock sat up into a seated position. "I must depart. I have yet to compile this month's report."
Serik nodded, putting his hands behind his back and reverting back into his submissive role flawlessly. "Very well, Commander. I presume it is for tonight?"
"Indeed." Taking a moment to assess the strain on his left arm, Spock went to retrieve his gloves.
Just as he pulled on the last glove, Serik placed a hand briefly on Spock's shoulder, the touch light and fleeting. "Do not forget who you are, Spock. Do not permit anyone to belittle you. You have brought glory to our people and you keep us safe. You are no longer a child to be pushed around."
Spock relaxed but his words were still tense as he spoke. "That is quite sentimental for you Serik. Perhaps your shields are not yet adequate."
"When one is faced with mortality, coming to terms with what is, past and present, comes rather naturally." Serik did not smile, but his eyes were alight with amusement. "I have come to terms that I am not fully Vulcan. It is not logical to fight what I am or am not. Something you have yet to learn."
Annoyance flashed in Spock's eyes at the jab, but he didn't deny it. "Your halves are more compatible than my own." Having finished packing his gym bag, Spock was ready to leave and end the conversation. "I will meet you on the bridge."
"Of course, Commander."
Spock left the gym only to have Sovik at his side a moment later. The twins were good at always having at least one of them accompanying him at all times without him saying a word. Sovik was silent as they walked back to the commander's quarters. The quiet gave Spock time to go over the day's agenda. Pike had yet to make a move. If his calculations were correct, the captain would request to meet with him soon.
Kirk on the other hand had been rather well behaved since leaving sickbay. He showed up to the bridge on time, and stayed out of trouble. That in itself was cause for suspicion. The slave was once again spending his free time with the chief medical officer and chief engineer. According to Spock's sources, Kirk had even helped out the engineer a couple times. So the human had engineering skills as well as fighting capability. It could come in handy if Kirk managed to stay well behaved. Unfortunately, that didn't seem too likely.
First Pike, then Kirk, then Serik. He hadn't been able to spare any time for his scientific duties, and he did want to go back to them. But he had to deal with them first. Pike he would handle as it came, Kirk was too unpredictable to predict what trouble he would stir up next, and Serik . . .
Perhaps this debriefing would be a fortuitous occasion after all. Though unlikely, he had yet to ask a favor of her, so she might listen. Perhaps she could help solve his dilemma with Serik.
"Commander." The Vulcan's voice pulled Spock out of his thoughts. It was unlike him to become so preoccupied that it would show outwardly. He had stopped in front of his quarters and had not yet entered. Though asking for a favor could benefit him greatly, the meeting that awaited him still bore heavy on his mind as it did every time. He was old enough that it should not trouble him as it did.
Sovik remained keeping guard outside his quarters as he prepared for his shift. There were still a couple more days until Kirk resumed training with Serik, so the elder Vulcan most likely returned to his quarters as well.
Cleaned and dressed for the day, Spock left his quarters intending to arrive on the bridge fifteen minutes early as usual. Unexpectedly, Kirk was standing beside Sovik. Until now, Kirk had always arrived on the bridge just before he was due to arrive. The human stood at attention, waiting for Spock to emerge and escort his Vulcan commander to the bridge.
The feel that Kirk was up to something intensified. Or perhaps the human was not as well as the doctor believed. Sovik seemed to have the same opinion, keeping a firm eye on Kirk as the three made their way to the bridge.
The moment Spock stepped off the turbolift, the entire bridge crew grew tense and whatever light hearted atmosphere that may have been evaporated. With the obvious dissonance between himself and the captain, it was no wonder the crew was wary, and Spock knew it could not continue for long. From previous experience, Spock knew that eventually the atmosphere would cause a crew member to attempt to relieve the pressure, usually through assassination. No matter how tentative the captain and Spock's relationship had been prior, it would have to be restored else one of them would have to go.
Pike never came to the bridge for his shift. When Spock inquired of the captain's whereabouts, he only received a scathing remark in returned and orders to meet in Pike's office after shift. The crew took the news rather well since they wouldn't be subjected to the captain's ire. Conversation amongst the crew continued and for once Spock allowed it.
There was little to do in terms of duty. They were heading to their next destination, Starbase 6, for a little R and R. Serik came to relieve Sovik for lunch exactly at noon. Sovik had questions about why his twin was working, but he held his questions when Spock didn't scold him for it like he had the previous day. Kirk couldn't hide his curiosity however. The young man kept looking back and forth between Spock and Serik but was wise enough not to say anything.
With little to do, it was simple for Spock to keep an eye on Kirk and the scanners. The human really couldn't hide his thoughts from his expression. The first day the human had been on the bridge, he had been obviously bored and restless. Today, the boredom seemed to be replaced with curiosity, ranging from the crewmember's conversations to watching them work. No doubt it was the engineer's influence that raised Kirk's curiosity.
Spock noted the length of time Kirk spent with the engineer and the details of the small engineering projects he had been working on, but it was a wonder in itself that the engineer had taken to anyone. The best engineers hardly impressed Mr. Scott. Similarly, the chief medical officer had also taken a liking to Kirk, spending many of their evenings together in the rec room or cafeteria. For the alcoholic of a doctor to willingly spend time outside his room with another person was another mystery.
Sovik came back to release Kirk for lunch at two and predictably, he was off to help Mr. Scott with yet another project. With Kirk gone, he found himself able to concentrate with a better efficiency until the end of his shift.
The twins followed him from the bridge to Pike's office, ready to follow their master inside until Spock signaled them to remain. Pike's guards eyed Spock's as Sovik and Serik took position outside the door. Spock entered to see Pike sitting behind his desk with PADDs scattered all over his desk. Perhaps others would have believed that the captain had been working the entire day; Spock was not. The smell of sex lingered heavily in the room, the air purifier having yet cleansed the air to hide it. It would not even be a surprise if the woman was still there, hiding under the desk pleasuring the captain during this meeting. It would not have been the first time.
"Have a seat commander," he waved to the chair in front of the desk. Pike's tone was rather a pleasant one, indicating he had indeed spent the day relieving his anger just for this confrontation.
While preferring to stand, Spock took a seat rather than ignite the captain's temper before anything could be said. His compliance had the desired effect; Pike relaxed in his chair, taking a sip from a can of beer. "I apologize for my behavior the past several days. As you know, humans are sensitive to long term stress. I took the day to collect myself. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all, Captain."
There was a pause. Spock suspected Pike was waiting for him to offer apologies back, and when Spock said nothing, the smile Pike gave him became strained. "Well, it is fortunate that you were successful in your mission and that the entire thing was all a misunderstanding. I made sure to put in a commendation for you."
"With all due respect, sir, it is unneeded. I was merely performing my duty."
"Of course, Commander," Pike leaned forward, clasping his hands together. "I heard one of your guards was severely injured during an unfortunate accident. I hope he's doing well."
"Yes, sir. He is performing his duties efficiently and shall be fully healed within the week."
"Good, good," the man nodded as if he was actually interested in Serik's well being. "And I take it you've put a better leash on your new pet?"
Spock watched his captain carefully as he replied. "He has been remarkably well behaved since the incident."
With a chuckle, Pike replied, "It puts you on edge doesn't it. When he's well behaved I mean."
"If I may ask, Captain, how is it that you and Mr. Kirk are acquainted?"
"Oh, we go way back. I knew his parents. His father went to the academy with me. I even introduced his mother to a job when the empire was hunting her." Pike's eyes glinted with mischief at the confession. "I'll warn you though, that kid is just like his father. Don't trust him. He'd stab you in the back when you'd least expect it."
"I am well aware. I have taken precautions against it. Was this all you summoned me for, sir?"
"Yeah, Spock, that is all." The pleasantness did not sit well with Spock; Pike was anything but pleasant. Spock stood and excused himself, giving a salute before he left. Pike was trying to hide his treachery. It was expected, but he also didn't think Pike had given up quite yet.
"Should I look into his activities, Commander?" Sovik said quietly once they entered the turbolift.
"Do so." The doors closed.
"He's in there right?"
"Saw him go in there myself. Are you calling me a liar?"
"Wouldn't be the first time."
The harsh whispers drifted down the corridor, echoing slightly due to the near emptiness of the floor.
It was pathetic really. The entire plan was poorly executed. The first night Jim came to stake out the targets, he was able to figure out exactly who was in on this little scheme. They were science officers. Obviously fighting was not their strong suit, but their espionage skills made the slave pity them. While only one person was watching the observation doors every night, Jim managed to follow that person to the others. There were four of them.
During the day, Jim managed to get the ship gossip about them. It was simple since he was Spock's bodyguard. He could easily observe them whenever Spock went to the labs. For two days, Jim observed them. The quartet wasn't high ranking even in their own department. Spock often called them out for their mistakes, and Spock tended to get agonizer happy whenever they made severe ones, whether it was within their control or not. Jim had discovered quickly that the Vulcan expected perfection and ruled over his domain with an iron fist. It was no surprise the people under him wanted to off him. It just seemed that most of the department was too scared to try.
The second night was the same thing; someone kept watch secretly over the observation doors while Jim watched from the shadows. The second day followed similarly to the first. The third night however, Spock exited off the turbolift and his guards stayed on the lift, the doors closing just as Spock disappeared into the room. As expected, the guy keeping watch ran to call the others.
When the spy disappeared, Jim lowered himself from the Jeffery tubes and quickly inspected the lock on the door, ensuring that it was locked. Scotty told him that the doors were pretty much sound proof. Spock wouldn't be hearing anything from the inside nor would Jim be able to hear in.
Drawing his phaser, he set it to kill and drew the knife on his hip with his left. As his targets emerged from a room down the hall, a malicious smile crossed his lips, and he pulled the trigger without a second thought.
The terminal in front of Spock powered off, leaving the Vulcan sitting in the darkness of the observation deck with just the distant stars to give him light. The residual anger he felt from the conversation manifested in the way he gripped the PADD, breaking the glass and cutting the pads of his fingers. Emerald blood dripped onto his lap, absorbing into the dark fabric of his uniform.
The pain seemed to focus his mind on maintaining his controls, but the underlying rage was still there. Carefully, he pulled out the small shards of glass to the best of his ability before putting his gloves back on. "Computer, run program nine five beta alpha sigma, last outgoing call."
"Deleting all traces, Commander," the computer responded.
Throwing the destroyed PADD in a receptacle on his way out, Spock let the observation deck. Normally he'd call Serik or Sovik to retrieve him, but he didn't. The turbolift was only a few meters from the door and his guards would be waiting outside his quarters. The moment he stepped out onto deck 5, they would attend to him.
The door slid open with a soft whoosh, and to Spock's surprise, his human guard was there, whirling around at the sound and with an expression of surprise of his own. Kirk tried to recover, adopting a look of nonchalance, acting like he was supposed to be there despite the time of night. Not that that could fool him. Spock had caught the specks of blood on his sleeve, and the split skin on his knuckles. "What happened?" he demanded.
Kirk opened his mouth to say something. But as the silence continued to stretch, he gradually closed his mouth and crossed his arms with a look of defiance growing in his eyes. Spock wasn't in the mood for misplaced stubbornness. "Will you not speak?"
"You're smart. You figure it out."
Spock's eyes narrowed. Jim glared back. "I believe I gave you a direct order to not engage in violent behavior against the crew."
"And?"
"You violated that order."
"So what if I did?" his said, his disdain clear.
Spock paused, analyzing the slave as he waited. In the second of silence, Spock waited to hear the rushed feeble excuses, the desperate attempt to gain forgiveness, the lies that would surely spout from the human's mouth to save himself from the punishment that would come, but there was none. Kirk didn't offer a single word. The bright blue eyes were hard, cold, waiting to accept the punishment. Resigned but not defeated.
Spock pulled off the agonizer from his belt. "Acts of defiance do not go unpunished."
Kirk's eyes darted to the small device in Spock's hands, then back to Spock. The Vulcan took a step closer, but Kirk held steady. Spock pressed the device over Kirk's heart. Pain seized Kirk, spreading like lightning though his nervous system. A breathy scream escaped his lungs, his mind wiped blank from the sudden pain. And then it was gone.
Jim stumbled back, his legs about to give out if not for the wall he was up against. It was a struggle to keep himself from gasping for air, and it took a moment to gain his bearings and for his eyes to refocus on Spock.
"I assume you know what an agonizer is," Spock said, clipping the device back onto his belt. "It is the standard personalized punishment device every officer in Starfleet carries. It is designed to register a specific person's biosignature and deal the most amount of pain with little side effects. It is suitable for delivering short and effective disciplinary measures. Dr. McCoy had yours finished within days of your arrival."
Kirk tried to glare, but it was weak.
"This was a warning, Mr. Kirk. Do not defy me again."
Spock got onto the turbo lift, watching Kirk nearly fall as he tried to stand up until the doors closed.
Jim listened to the doors close, silently cursing Spock as he braced himself against the wall to catch his breath. Something was wrong. He had seen Pike use the agonizer. The shortness of breath shouldn't be affecting him still. Spock hadn't even used it for the full duration, yet it felt like he was fighting to draw each breath.
"Shit," he panted. With all the will power he could muster, he dragged himself to the lift. "Deck . . . five." The ride felt long though he knew in reality it was less than half a minute. Stepping out, he saw Sovik and Serik standing outside Spock's quarters, watching his every move. Their blank faces didn't tell him if they were aware of what had occurred, and Kirk didn't stop to find out. He walked past them, holding his breath despite the dizziness it caused just to appear normal.
He didn't remember the room being so far away, and while his breathing had calmed somewhat, his muscles were feeling shaky. He banged on the door, resting his head against the doorframe. The muffled curses from the other side had Kirk smiling a little.
The door opened and the smell of alcohol filled Jim's nose. It almost had a calming effect on him. "Confound it, Jim. Do you have any idea what time it is?" McCoy slurred. Sleep was in the corner of the doctor's stormy blue eyes, but the irritation in his voice was quite clear.
Jim flashed him a charming smile. "Not really?"
More alert, the doctor pulled him inside and guided him to the bed, having him sit down. "What happened?"
"Agonizer."
A string of profanity left the doctor as he moved around the cabin. "I told that pointy-eared bastard that you needed time to recover. One fucking week. Can't keep his sadistic behavior under control for one fucking week."
Jim stayed quiet as McCoy fussed over him. He didn't even complain when he was stuck with a hypo. "So what did you do to piss him off?"
Jim flexed his hand, glad that his strength was returning. "I wonder what," Kirk whispered. "What exactly does he do in that room?" he asked louder.
"Who knows? Well… maybe Pike, but if the commander didn't want anyone to know about it, he'd be better about keeping it a secret." McCoy held up a tricorder. "Well you should be fine by morning. The hobgoblin apparently does have some restraint. He didn't have it on full power."
"Lucky me," he responded dryly.
McCoy snorted. "Get some sleep, kid." The doctor helped Jim lay down on the bed, complaining the entire time about being too old to babysit, but not one mention of Jim leaving. After a bit of fussing, the doctor proceeded to take his seat at the small table. One glass of bourbon later and McCoy was out like a light.
It wasn't so easy for Kirk. Not with another person present, so he laid awake, thinking. If he was honest with himself, he hated thinking, but there was not much else to do as he waited to regain control of his own body.
He supposed he asked for this to happen when he refused Spock's order. In truth, he had every intention to defend himself when Spock emerged. But then he saw Spock's expression. His face was closed off, but those eyes of his were full of rage…and pain. He didn't know how he knew, but when he saw it, he found himself shutting his mouth and provoking Spock to release that anger.
"Fuck me," he whispered, closing his eyes. He knew why he did it. He just didn't want to acknowledge it. Things weren't the same as it was back then. And yet, he did something that stupid. He had to be a masochist.
Thoughts continued to swirl around in his head along with the memories. Memories slowly turned into dreams as he fell into an uneasy sleep, drifting between reality and fantasy, the two bleeding into one another until he could no longer distinguish the two, but he did recall one thing, unsure if it was a memory or a dream, Spock being on the other side of the mirror.
"Careful, Ensign Riley. Scratch her and I'll have you thrown out the airlock," even with the threat, Pike couldn't hide the small smirk on his face. The scheming captain was actually in a good mood. With some investigating, Spock had discovered that the captain's jovial mood was due to the rather large reward Pike was bestowed with for finding and executing the fictional traitor Spock had told him about. A gift from the empire. Spock of course received a small portion of the reward, but Pike took most of the credit.
While the reward wouldn't cover the overall loss Pike suffered, it tempered his mood by a great degree. The hostility towards Spock had returned to a grudging tolerance. The tension on the bridge had all but disappeared, and with the approaching shore leave at Starbase 6, everyone was becoming restless.
"Orbit successful, Captain," Ensign Riley responded a moment later.
"Excellent. Mr. Spock, you can oversee the disembarking. I have some things to take care of."
"Understood, Captain."
Pike left the bridge with his guards, leaving Spock to take over his work again. Spock glanced at his own guards. Kirk, as usual, was getting restless as the shift neared its end. The restlessness the human projected often irritated Sovik. Serik was better at blocking it out, but Spock could occasionally feel his irritation through the bond if the human was exceptionally annoying.
Since the altercation in the hallway nearly a week ago, Kirk had been purposely getting on Spock's nerves: taking longer to answer summons, making comments under his breath, being unnecessarily difficult. Spock had sent him to the agony booth when he discovered that Kirk had cost him four valuable lab assistants that were in charge of a crucial project. He questioned Kirk about it, but the human still refused to talk, leaving Spock no choice but to punish him. The problem was Kirk deserved more punishments for his behavior. Anyone else, Spock would have. However, there were two things that stopped him.
Something was off about Kirk's behavior. He realized that the day after McCoy gave him an earful about minding Kirk's health. Kirk hadn't tried anything since coming aboard the Enterprise. He was disrespectful, but he never outright disobeyed after the first incident of him being late to training. Even with his rebellious behavior, he stayed within tolerable limits. He could not think of a reason why he would attack crewmembers. His life didn't seem to be in danger. There wasn't a scratch on Kirk. Even if they picked a fight with Kirk, there was no reason to kill them if they were subdued with such ease. Kirk actively tried to keep a low profile. Killing several officers wouldn't serve that purpose.
The second reason was the main reason he hadn't sent Kirk back to the booth. While Kirk was in the booth, Pike would come down to watch. The eyes Pike had as he watched Kirk writhe made Spock uncomfortable. They were too gleeful and showed too much sadistic pleasure as they took in each moment. When the thought crossed his mind to send Kirk back to the booth, he dismissed it nearly as quickly.
"Hey when are you going to finish? We're the last ones here." Kirk's complaint brought Spock out of his thoughts, noting that everyone had indeed been replaced by the skeleton crew if the reports were accurate. The comment did gain a disapproving glance from Serik.
Spock as usual ignored them and took the lead. Serik and Kirk followed. Sovik joined them in the transporter room. "Okay lads, you're the last ones down," Scotty said behind the transporter controls. "Hurry up, now. I have a date with a nacelle. If my hands aren't elbow deep in engine grease in ten minutes, someone might find the life support systems malfunctioning in their quarters."
Kirk laughed. "Easy Scotty. I'm sure the Enterprise won't be able to function without you if you get fired."
A grin spread on the engineer's face. "I swear lad, you are the only one on this ship who understands me. Hey, Commander, think I can buy him off ya?"
"He's not for sale," Spock replied immediately, stepping up onto the pad.
"Shame. Sorry, Jimmy. I tried."
"Thanks, Scotty," Jim bit his lip, trying to stifle his laughter. "I'll see you in a couple days."
Scotty waved before activating the transporter.
Starbase 6 was luxurious. After being destroyed by Nero, it was rebuilt and finished only a month ago with the latest technological advances. It was a prototype for the new space colony the empire planned to finish building in another five years called Yorktown. The Enterprise was the first constitution class vessel to come to the base since its reconstruction, and there was a welcome party waiting to greet them.
"Commander Spock, we have been expecting you," a human male, rather plump and short in stature, stepped forward. "Captain Pike is already being given the tour. I'm sure you would like to join him, yes?" the man extended his hand.
Spock eyed the man's clothes before extending his hand s well. "Governor Vocelli. I was informed I would be meeting with you at tonight's banquet."
"Yes, well, I was just eager to meet the hero of the Empire. The lab boys won't stop talking about you. Personally, I don't understand much about science. I find it a waste of time, but I reconsidered after I heard about you. I made sure the finest lab was installed. I'd be honored if you'd allow me to show it to you."
"Give me a moment to speak to my guards, and I will join you."
"Of course, of course, take your time," the man laughed a little too long, backing away to the door. "We'll be just over there."
Spock waited for them to gain a bit of distance before turning to Kirk. "The banquet is at 2000. I expect you to attend to me by 1950." At the confused look the guard was giving him, he clarified. "You may do what you wish until then as long as you follow the primary rules I have given you. How you spend your time is up to you."
Kirk looked surprised at first, then skeptical. "Why?"
Spock returned the skepticism with his own blank look. "I can change my mind if you prefer."
Kirk didn't waste any time. He didn't know why Spock was giving him an out, but he was going to take it. He felt the Vulcan's eyes on his back as he quickly left. Honestly, he was glad to get some space between them. Another hour and he might have done something rash.
He was still wearing his uniform so he gained attention from the Starbase occupants, yet their curious stared didn't deter him. With each step, he grew more and more excited. No one on this base knew who he was. He didn't have to worry as much. And he knew that this place had what he wanted most. Spock may not have given him much of an allowance, but it was something. If there was even the slightest possibility to buy it, he would take it.
Stopping only to ask for directions, Kirk managed to find his way into the shopping district of the Starbase. It was amazing to say the least. The ceiling simulated a blue sky, greenery was prospering in the center as the sidewalks curved around it. People wandered about, going from shop to shop, a few even stopping to just lie in the grass. If Kirk didn't know better, he'd have thought he was outside. The confining feel that one normally felt on a starbase or starship was gone.
It was wonderful… and bitter. His mood soured, and he picked up the pace to his destination. The store was small, but he expected it to be. The items were rare after all, but glancing at the cost, he knew they were something he could never afford. He had just hoped…
Feeling frustrated and dejected, he left the store. This place really wasn't for his kind. Walking through the trees and plant, seeing the people around him loiter at their leisure without a care in the world, it annoyed him.
"Bittersweet, isn't it?"
The voice made Kirk freeze, poised for attack. "Don't know what you're talking about."
"Relax, Kirk, I'm not here to attack you. Just thinking along the same lines as you." Jim turned his head slightly to catch a glance at the person who had sat next to him on the garden wall. He was Asian, his hair short and somewhat spiked as he had just ran his hands through his hair and it stayed that way. He had a cigarette hanging from the corner of his lips, but it was unlit. Something about him was familiar though, as if Jim had met him before. "I was just thinking this place makes me sick."
"It's peaceful here," he replied, watching a happy couple walk by.
"Yeah," the Asian lit his cigarette. "Pisses you off doesn't it."
Slowly, Kirk nodded. "I take it you're not from Japan."
"I am," the man confirmed. "But the same rule applies there as it does here." He took a long drag. "My father lost everything when I was ten. Before then, I was like those people. Clueless."
"At least you knew that life. I didn't." The Asian offered his cigarette to him. Kirk took it and inhaled deeply and exhaled just as slowly, passing the fag back to him.
"True. I was lucky Starfleet let me in."
Jim watched the man beside him. "Ambition can get you far, so I have to ask, what is it you want from me is."
The man chuckled. "I won't lie and say that I don't want anything. People like us know better. Let's just say, I want an ally."
"For what?" A woman with a child passed them and both watched with dark expressions. Jim was the first to look away.
"I don't like Pike."
Jim snorted. "From what I see, no one likes him."
"But not as much as you."
Jim's lips twitched. "I see. What's your name again?"
"Sulu. Hikaru, Sulu."
"Nihongo wo shitte iru?"
Sulu's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Hai."
"Gomen. Baka ja nai. Shinpai?"
Sulu was quiet for a minute. Hostility was barely suppressed in the tension of his body. "Wakatta. Gomen nasai. Demo, shinpai shite inai. Temee wa?"
"Iie. Daijoubu," Jim smiled. "Ouji-sama ."
Sulu's eyes narrowed and it looked like he was about to strike. Somehow, he didn't, instead taking another drag. "Low, don't you think."
"You're trying to use me. I don't think there is a low in that case."
"Touché." The anger wasn't quite gone, but it didn't seem like he wanted to start a fight either. Sulu flicked the cigarette onto the sidewalk. "Well I won't force you to become allies. I just thought we could give each other a leg up." Hopping off the wall, the man shoved his hands into his pockets. "Tokorode, ore wa atarashii saikou Security Officer da." Sulu shot him a dark glare. "Oboete." With his parting warning, he grinned. "Ja ne," he threw over his shoulder as he walked away.
Jim watched him disappear into the crowd. A possible ally or a serious threat. He hadn't decided, but the way Sulu reacted to the name told him a lot. Sulu didn't consider himself one of the privileged, and in essence, he was right. He knew exactly what Kirk was thinking when he approached, but the people who were once at the bottom had the most ambition and were often the most crafty.
The artificial breeze ruffled his hair, and he sighed dramatically. "I should have kept the cigarette."
Nihongo wo shitte iru: You know Japanese?
Hai: yeah
Gomen. Baka ja nai. Shinpai: Sorry, I'm not an idiot. Worried?
Wakatta. Gomen nasai. Demo, shinpai shite inai. Temee wa?: Alright. I'm sorry. But I'm not worried. You? (Temee is a very rude way of saying you. Equivalent to calling someone a bastard)
Iie. Daijoubu: No. I'm fine.
Ouji-sama: (a way to refer to someone(young male) from a high class family)
Tokorode, ore wa atarashii saikou Security Officer da: By the way, I'm the new Chief Security Officer.
Oboete: Remember that
Ja ne: see ya
Comment! Please!
Note: I used Japanese to insinuate something about the mirrorverse and how it came to be. From the scene Kirk infers that Japan is usually a nice place to live and that Japan is a superpower on Earth. I changed one the outcome of one major event in our past that eventually brought forth the empire. Can you figure it out?
