This isn't the original version of this story, but I like this version much better. This was requested by startrekgilr.m, though I hope you all enjoy it. Had to get it in before the summer up here ends. Okay, so my summer ended like three weeks ago, Summer itself officially hasn't. Whose idea was it to start school in August anyways? I hate them for it.

Enough with that! Remember to review, again I apologize for the mix up, but who's complaining at this point?

Rule #404: No water balloons around Mr. Spock.

Spock could never understand the need to find a "perfect" planet for shore leave, when any planet suitable to sustain life would do the trick. No, the crew of the Enterprise had an entire check list that a planet had to pass before being deemed "awesome" for shore leave (though most of this checklist could be summed up in "Bars, food, locals, parties, and hangouts"). The two at the top of the "awesome shore leave planets" list were the Shore Leave planet (as long as no one thought anything too destructive up) and Risa.

However this time around, they were not orbiting either planet. Instead, they were orbiting Hopan, after gaining permission to stay a few more days from the Hopanian government since the trade negotiations were finished, much to the crew's delight.

Spock had half a mind to help Dr. McCoy stock up on the supplies he always needed when the Enterprise crew went on shore leave.

Two days into the shore leave time, Kirk decided it was time that Spock got off the ship. Spock of course pointed out that he was perfectly capable of "rest and relaxation" onboard the Enterprise, but Kirk would have none of it. After protesting for all of five-point-two-three minutes, Spock gave in, and followed Kirk to the transporter room.

Thus why he was now walking along a well-marked trail down on Hopan, making careful mental note of the local flora and fauna. Maybe humans were on to something with shore leaves, a change of scenery was quite refreshing.

"Spock!"

Spock looked up. Several Enterprise crew members, including Kirk, McCoy, and Sulu were enjoying themselves by the small lake. Kirk waved at his first officer. Spock just nodded, and continued along the path next to the lake.

What happened next seemed to occur in slow motion.

"Wait! NO…!"

The warning came from directly above him, and five degrees to his right, but it came too late. For all his Vulcan speed, it was his Human curiosity that kept his feet firmly planted to the ground where he stood as the large red rubber balloon filled with clear liquid came hurtling towards him. By time his Vulcan side regained control of his body, it was really too late.

SPLOOSH!

"Oh frak!"

Spock looked up again, and blinked the water from his eyes. Well hidden in the branches of the tree above him were three young crewmen and a basketful of water balloons.

One turned to the other on his right and started yelling. The third started banging his head on the tree branch.

Kirk ran up to his First Officer. "Spock, are you all right?"

Spock noticed a twinkle of laughter in Kirk's eyes, and behind him, next to the lake, Dr. McCoy was rolling on the ground laughing. "I am wet, Captain," Spock replied, matter-of-fact.

"I can see that," Kirk said. Spock looked like a very unhappy cat after a bath. Water dripped off of his pointed ears and his hair was now plastered even more to his head. "We have some towels over there you can dry off with…"

"I will borrow one towel," Spock said. "And then beam back up to the ship, Captain."

"Okay, Spock, you do that," Kirk said. "C'mon."

Spock stomped, if it was possible for a Vulcan to stomp, over towards the towels, ignoring Dr. McCoy who was still howling with laughter. Several others had the courtesy to look away before laughing. Kirk turned to the tree. "You three!" He pointed at them.

"Yes, Captain?" the one on the left said. The one on the right reached for the basket to dump it out.

"Young man, do not touch that thing," Kirk said, and the crewman froze. There was a pause as Kirk let the three squirm a bit. He glanced over in Spock's direction; the Vulcan was calling the Enterprise for a beam up. Behind his back, Dr. McCoy was sneaking a few photos with his PADD, proof of the incident for future story telling, no doubt. Kirk looked back at the three. He grinned, and gave a thumbs up. "Good aim, gentlemen, but next time: choose your targets more wisely."