Friend Chapter 9

by Starsinger

Sorry it took me longer to update this. I had one heck of a day at work yesterday. Had an open house at the store for returning TCU students. Great thing about working at that store is that, unlike everybody else who works for the chain who wears blue, we wear purple. Anyway, I was at work an hour early getting everything clean and ready on the outside for the big event. I was pooped! Alright, here it goes, don't own any of it. Please review.

For Jim the last few days had been surreal. He and Nurse Chapel had been interviewed by various admirals and agencies over the whereabouts of Khan and his followers. The only clue Chapel had had was a conversation she had overheard about Ceti Alpha V. When a Starship finally arrived, Ceti Alpha VI had destroyed itself and Ceti Alpha V was a wasteland. It was probable that there was no one alive on the blighted planet.

McCoy asked Jim if he remembered anything. Jim replied, "I…I think I had sex."

"You THINK you had sex?" McCoy asked incredulously.

"Well, it felt like it, or somebody was doing it manually. I wasn't exactly awake to see what was really happening."

"Would you like to report it as a sexual assault," McCoy asked.

"There wouldn't be any evidence, would there? Unless they rolled me over and…you know," McCoy did know what Jim was speaking of. "I don't think they did."

"There's no evidence to suggest that they did. Huh. I wonder, did they want to you to join their gene pool?" McCoy asked.

"How would I know that?" Jim asked. "I was either dead or unconscious the entire time." Jim sighed. "I hate feeling this helpless."

McCoy laid a hand on Jim's shoulder. He hated seeing his friend this helpless too. Jim should not be lying in a biobed unable to walk. McCoy left him alone only to be replaced by Pike. "Hey, Jim, how are you doing?"

Jim rolled his eyes, "How do you think I'm doing?"

"Hands still shaking?" Chris asked.

"Well, I can drink from a cup without help now, though I have to hold said cup with both hands," Jim commented. "How about you? How are you doing?"

"I'm getting out of here today," Pike responded sympathetically. "I'm not going back to San Francisco, though. They want me to stay here and continue with therapy."

"Is it bad in San Francisco? No, Chris, you don't need to tell me the details."

"Would have been worse if you hadn't kick started those engines, Jim. Would have been a lot worse. Whatever miracle Khan worked to bring you back to us, I will be grateful for that. Nothing else though, the death and destruction was too much. Jim, it wasn't your fault. The Admiralty has laid the blame where it belongs, Admiral Marcus."

Jim nodded, "Doesn't make this any easier." Chris really didn't have any way to answer that. No one did. Chris looked up as Admirals Archer, Komack and Barnett entered the room. Chris squeezed Jim's hand before leaving the room.

"Captain James Tiberius Kirk, you have been found to be a hero in your actions above San Francisco. Your decisions regarding the actions of Admiral Marcus, while questionable, were reasonable. You will retain your captaincy and return to the Enterprise when she is able to start new adventures. You, and your crew, will be going out to explore the galaxy for five years."

Jim looked back down at his hands. It was going to take a long time before either he or the Enterprise were ready for what was ahead, "Thank you," Jim whispered. He watched as they left and Chris returned.

"Well?" Pike asked.

"Feel like coming with us for a five year mission?" Jim asked with a grin.

Chris gave him a broad smile, "Yes, I would love to come. If they'll let me go. I need to get away from it all for a while."

"Oh, just tell them that you'll keep an eye on me. Make sure I don't get too far out of line. That'll convince them."

Chris laughed, "Sure, Jim, that'll convince them. What position?"

"Ship's Diplomatic Officer, you'll have the rank for it," Jim replied with a twinkle in her eye. "You can also take the newest members of our ship and try to temper them." Chris smiled, by god he was going to try to get back on that ship.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

One year later

Chris stood in his quarters on the Enterprise. They were different than the ones he'd been assigned on the first voyage, but his position was different. Jim did manage to get Chris on board, just like he promised. Rear Admiral Christopher Pike, Ship's Ambassador, Counselor, Teacher, and chief listener of the Captain.

When Jim made his offer, Chris was hesitant, even skeptical. He had doubted that he'd be physically able to be cleared for duty on the Enterprise. Jim had gone to bat for him. Telling the Admiralty that his role would be on board the ship. That Jim needed an advisor, and Spock could learn a lot from him. Pike had appreciated it. He quickly unpacked and walked from his quarters to the turbolift that would take him to the bridge.

Jim met up with Chris in the turbolift. Chris grinned at the younger man as Jim bounced on his feet. He was full of energy and ready to go. Pike understood that. "Well, Jim, it's time."

Jim grinned, "Yes, Chris, it is."

The turbolift opened up as Sulu announced, "Captain on the bridge." He exited the chair as both men approached the chair. Pike laughed as he stopped behind the chair. Jim took a deep breath and sat down.

"Scotty, how are the engines?" Kirk asked.

"Purrin' like a kitten, Captain," came the reply.

Jim laughed, "So, where shall we go?" he asked looking around. Everybody shrugged.

"Well," Chris replied, "let's just get out of the solar system first." That earned a chuckle from Jim.

"Pick a place to go, Mr. Sulu, and let's go," Jim said with a wink. "Let's go."

Okay, putting Pike back on the Enterprise was a last minute decision. I think he'll be happier there anyway, with the people he's come to see as his family. I hope you liked it. I like the ending! I'm now off to write a sickJim fic as per a suggestion. He doesn't get sick often, but when he does, it's a doozy!