Disclaimer: Star Trek is not mine nor do I claim to own it. This is purely a work of fiction.
Warnings: Language mostly, some PDA but no extremes to worry about.
AN: Has anyone ever tried to accomplish something and got really excited about it, only to be constantly distracted time and again? That is how my days have gone. I was all like holiday, yay! so much time to write this out! Bah! All of the distractions. Not to mention just started working and it's kept me away from my computer. This has literally been sitting in my journal waiting to be typed up.
At long last it is posted!
So, I hope you all enjoyed my story. I changed a lot of things from my early approach for how I wanted to take the sequel, and ended up not making it as long as I originally intended. Things came up; I'm just glad I got to come back and see that it was completed.
So, here is the final wrapping up of things, and I guess I wasn't kidding when I said that I didn't care how long it got...10,000-ish words, yikes. Thanks for reading and sticking with me! You are all amazing.
Please enjoy the conclusion of The One.
: )
The One I've Waited For,
The One I've Found
XX
Jim hummed in content as he made his way further down the corridors. His time spent on the Nexus was just hours ago, but already it felt like a bad dream just waiting to be forgotten. Yet, for the moment it still remained, leaving a bad taste. Eventually it too would just be a thing of the past.
While Spock and him were heading up to the bridge they noted that unlike them, the others seemed to not recall any of their time spent on the Nexus.
To them, today was the day it was meant to be…no time had passed. As far as Jim could tell they all were affected by the Nexus, everyone they passed had a nostalgic smile pulling at their lips. If he had to speculate, Jim would say that they all recalled having a pleasant dream, and nothing more.
He hoped they didn't recall anything more, for their sakes.
It was something he feared, when he woke up and Spock still recalled the events they had lived out within the farce reality. There was always the possibility the rest of the crew kept the events as well. However, as he went about the halls he noted that they all seemed unaware.
He hadn't felt drawn to over examine it as the thoughts left him for another matter. This day had not been one that Jim really wanted to experience once again. The events had been harsh, last time, but at the end of the day he hoped that only one circumstance came about as it had the first time through.
Jim was going to get his chair back. He was going to step back into captaincy.
Well, that was the plan, anyway. Just as soon as he could make it up the bridge he would go about the process of taking his place once again.
Hopefully this time it would go off without having the pissing match between Pike and himself. He hadn't enjoyed having to show off his sway over those on board, but it had been necessary at the time to show Pike that if Jim wanted to be Captain again…well, no one was going to stand in his way.
Pike was here to assist Jim while he had been struggling, as well as while he tried to find a solution to the regulation issues. He no longer had those hurtles in his path, and Pike would understand. Jim was sure the man wouldn't try and pull rank over him.
The only issue now was actually getting up to the Bridge.
...
...
He had begun the day heading in that very direction with Spock. However, he barely got out the door before Bones had jumped them.
Spock had put off answering his comm for so long, that prolonging further would have probably caused the Vulcan in him to crack under the very human avoidance technique. McCoy had immediately jumped into a tirade, so Jim let his Vulcan go while he faced off against the frustrated doctor.
Said doctor was immediately adamant about healing Jim's hand. There were some choice words thrown about, but mostly it focused on "Damn hobgoblin not keeping his word…follows you around like a lost puppy that all reason blows out the window…can't even depend on him now that your back…who goes around slamming pads and cutting up their hands…can't leave you alone for a minute."
A lot of this would be hard to overhear as the man mostly spoke somewhere between a grumble and a sigh, but Jim knew all the levels of Bones and easily caught what was being said.
It was obvious Bones was upset that Spock hadn't taken Jim down to the sickbay to get his hand checked out after his episode up on the Bridge. Jim could imagine that the man was partly to fault for Spock's comm going off like clockwork this morning.
It took some effort to stop Bones from fussing. Mostly he got McCoy to shut up for a second by showing the man the hand in question. As he held it up Bones voice collapsed into silence. Jim's hand had been healed for him during his time aboard the Nexus. It was a consolation prize of the Nexus wishing to take care of their baggage.
When Jim threw out the excuse that Spock had helped him out with an emergency kit up in the holodeck, he knew instantly that Bones wasn't buying it. Like Jim knew the man well enough to understand him when he went off, Bones understood Jim enough to tell bullshit from truth.
Only problem was that the Doctor was staring at a healed hand and the only explanation he was getting was the lame ass excuse Jim had given.
Anyway the end result was still the same, Bones should be happy with that.
Of course Bones took it as an opportunity to go off about how he had waited up to treat the wounds, and should've known better. Of how the crew up on the Bridge had been worried about Jim, but of course Jim was too busy to consider that.
Jim perked up at mention of the Bridge and crew.
"Hey now, no one needs to be upset. Spock and I had a real heart to heart over the whole misunderstanding. We even came to an agreement on the best action to take. Something he had been considering that will help solve the problem that's been troubling me. It's pretty out there though, I warn you.
"We didn't want to rush the idea so we had decided to sleep on it and discuss it more today. Didn't get much discussing done though, but I'm pretty sure it's what I want too."
At Jim's words McCoy scowled deeply, just what he wanted to hear was innuendos of Jim and Spock. His morning couldn't go any better.
"Good dreams about your solution then?" he hummed taking the moment to scan Jim for any other problems that may revolve around the entity that was James Kirk.
"No, I had...horrible nightmares actually, but it was the strangest thing. I think they actually helped me to straighten out the other issues I was having." Jim's reply came with him turning about face and making his way back towards his original destination. "Got stuff to do, Bonesy. Keep up or get left behind. Anyway, shouldn't you be down in sickbay? Don't you have a mini passenger to be keeping you on your toes?"
"What!?" Bones took off after Jim, but his initial surprise at Jim's statement morphed into confusion as the words sunk in, "How in the blue blazes do you know about the kid? Aiden hasn't snuck out and gone searching for you has he? Dammit that kid is like a younger stealthier version of you. If he wasn't so darsh garn bright Id've never let him in my medbay, let alone on board our ship.
"I got my hands full enough trying to keep you in one piece. I don't need to be chasing down some kid who wants to grow up to be just as troublesome a person as you are!"
"Hey I'm stealthy!" Jim protested and earned a clip against the back of his head from Bones, at that being the thing he had taken out of McCoy's whole rant. "Come on don't harp on the kid too much, Bones. I'm not the worst role model out there. I think I've done pretty good. Anyway, I may not be under the title Captain, but old habits die hard. It's a Captain's obligation to know all the personnel on board my ship."
"Captain-?!" Bones squeaked, it was the only word Jim could place for the sound that came out of his friends mouth. Yet, it didn't take Bones more than a blink to connect all the dots, they were heading towards the Bridge after all. "Jimmy, kid. Why are you heading towards the Bridge? Jim, Jim?! Dammit James Kirk don't you go on ignoring me, boy!"
Jim laughed out right as McCoy's demands got more surreal, but didn't let up on his route. The tirade from Bones' end got worse as they entered the lift and the door slid shut. It wasn't all that enjoyable being trapped in the small confines with the arguing man, but Jim allowed Bones to continue with his fussing.
When the lift came to a stop, so did Bones' raised voice. Either way it would have been drowned out by the argument taking place upon the Bridge.
Both Jim and Bones stopped just outside the lift at the sight, but Jim came to much quicker than the good doctor. He was moving forward, unnoticed by the crew, as he made his way towards Pike.
Jim was able to pick up, fairly quickly, what was happening up on the Bridge.
The view screen was showing the commander of the Element, and the man was not happy by the looks of it. Pike and the Commander were both complaining about the Enterprise's presence at this location.
"I am telling you Commander, that the Enterprise set off for the Element Space Station due to an alleged attack that came with the request for urgency." Pike's voice clipped and Jim could tell that this was not the first time the Admiral had spoken those very words. Pike was obviously growing annoyed at the circles this conversation was following.
"Well, Admiral. I can assure you that no such attack has come upon this Space Station. Unless of course, your ship is seeing something that we aren't aware of? No, well than I cannot fathom why such a distress would be sent."
The tone obviously wasn't what an already irritated Pike needed. Jim could see the veins along his brow growing terse at trying to reign in an inappropriate response on Pike's personal opinion about the man's impudence.
Jim realized now was as good a time as any to step in.
"It's alright, Admiral, I can take it from here." Jim words were enough to announce his presence and draw the attention to himself. He stepped forward, as though the dozen glances weren't all drilling on him, and clapped Pike on the shoulder as he passed.
He looked forward and faced the Commander with a smile and the relaxed stance of one Captain Jim Kirk.
"Afternoon, Commander. I am Captain Jim Kirk. We've met before, but I regret I don't recall much from that time."
Jim's words seemed to still the Commander and leave the man gawking. It was one thing to have the Enterprise return after they had come and went. Yet, it was a whole other story to see the man they had once expected to find in place of the infant that year ago.
Jim carried on as if the man in charge hadn't gone all slack-jawed.
"I apologize about our behavior, I had been held up on my way to the Bridge and couldn't be here to greet your call. Hadn't realized we would be arriving as soon as we had, still getting my sea legs back in working order." Jim gave a soft chuckle at this and stepped over so as to lean against the console just before Chekov and Sulu.
"What Admiral Pike was speaking of was true. The Federation had received a distress call pertaining to the Element Space Station. Unfortunately, the call hadn't come from this location. You see, it is rather difficult to just send a Federation vessel out to this sector of space. It is even more difficult to send one of the prized ships, an explorative ship no less. We usually don't retrace our steps. Redundant to explore a place you've already been, you understand I'm sure."
This earned Jim some confused murmurs from the select few on the bridge, whereas many still remained silenced by the shock of the events transpiring. They all seemed to wisely choose not to speak out and to just sit back and watch as everything unraveled.
"And I mean, if it hadn't been for you and your Space Station I never would have been reunited with my crew as I had. The Element played a major role in the survival of the Federation against the Romulan attack. I'm sure you haven't even received much in way of appreciation due to your inconvenient location. So, I couldn't just have that pushed off to the side."
"Jim."
Pike's voice was heard and dismissed as the golden-haired man carried on.
"Anyway, the Enterprise is here as a personal thank you from myself, and on the behalf of the Federation. I'm sure Admiral Pike shares my regards. As do the remaining Admirals back home. For your brave deeds during a time of great struggle, we are here to provide the Element Space Station with some much belated updates. On board the Enterprise we have some of those individuals who have supplied many of the technological advances throughout our Federation.
"We offer their services to bring your Station back to the proper times, so as not to have to go through such a hassle if similar events ever come to pass. I don't mean finding a lost Captain as a child." This received an amused huff from the Commander and Jim's grin broadened. "We want to make sure you are able to receive aide when you are truly in distress, and not have to worry about there not being anyone from Starfleet in the area.
"We want you all to know that the Federation acknowledges every last one of you and wishes to keep you all as safe as we can provide. Isn't that right, Admiral?"
Jim's gaze finally turned from the viewing screen to glance back at Pike.
Since his entrance onto the Bridge, this was Jim's first time fully acknowledging the rest of those present within the room. The Admiral was stunned at the events that just played out in such a short time period. Yet, to everyone else Pike probably appeared no more than in silent contemplation. The man effortlessly pulled himself together to react to Jim throwing him back into the fire.
"Yes, Captain Kirk expresses exactly our regards on the matter. I had wished he had felt it necessary to fill me in on his antics, but the reasoning behind the Enterprise being sent to aide your Space Station was because we believed the best aide should come to those who had helped so greatly. We were hoping to give such regards after assuring the safety of you and yours." Pike calmly stepped up to face the commander, "While the crew is assisting in the updates I would enjoy your company over evening meal so as to personally thank you."
Pike carried on the conversation with the Commander without the frustration from earlier. It lasted for a good while longer, before the Admiral agreed on a meet and concluded the call. Jim even added a customary farewell to appease the Commander and his contemptuous esteem of himself.
At long last the communications cut out and left the Bridge to themselves. It took no less than ten seconds before Pike's gaze snapped over to level an exasperated look on Jim.
"So, you're going by Captain are you? When did this become decided and why wasn't I involved?" the question held an accusation to it but more to the matter was the concern for Jim once again pushing himself to step up too early. "No,that can wait, what do you mean you made the distress call? I was there when you were informed of our destination, Jim. I saw how it affected you, so I know you weren't aware at the time."
"I'm sure that there is no record of a distress call in the archives, if you look," Jim replied and pushed away from the console, "If it wasn't me than why are we out here, Pike?"
Jim just gave Pike a sheepish smile and shrugged casually in his usual nonchalance. "What can I say about the Captain bit, the timing just felt right. And before you ask…yesterday was not the cause of this sudden change in direction. It played a part, I can admit that, but after leaving the Bridge I had still not been ready to step back to Captaining."
"And now you are?" Pike's tone was a careful combination of disbelieve and a willingness to hear Jim out. For the moment he'd put the other matter on hold.
"If what you just witnessed wasn't evidence enough, we can always go seek out some planet and wait until trouble finds us so that I can prove to you. I'm sure I can convince you eventually."
Jim and Pike shared a series of quick progressions of glances that spoke of many things to be left unsaid. It was obvious Pike suspected something was up, but the man had also caught on to Jim's desire to not elaborate at the moment. Their moment ended with Pike shooting Jim a pointed glare.
"Alright, kid. I told you that when you were ready I would step aside and let you back into your role. I'll keep to my word, but we are going to have a talk before the end of our time here. If I have to make that an order, know that I'm not above pulling rank or other tricks to get you to sit put."
Jim grinned widely at Pike's obvious show of trust and dipped his head in acknowledgement of how much that meant to him.
He knew that Pike was perceptive enough to know there was something going on behind the curtains. He appreciated that Pike respected him enough to not voice aloud those observations.
Pike respected him enough, only up to an extent, because apparently not all topics were beyond discussing before an audience.
Jim didn't know if this was really preferred over the alternative or not.
"Jim, you understand this doesn't change anything concerning your relationship with your First Officer. Federation regulations still uphold even for the Enterprise and your crew. Due to our current location I can buy you a few days, but I'm going to have to report your return to captaincy. When I do that, your relationship with Spock is going to become an issue that even I can't protect you from.
"We already discussed briefly that the Admirals want to keep you back on Earth. They want their Golden Boy and Hero somewhere the can keep their claws in you. Having you out here is a risk that they aren't sure they want to risk. After the Romulans bringing about war against our Federation, they believe you are keeping our people positive. The only reason they're allowing things as they are is because they owe you that much. This'll just give them the incentive they need to make it happen."
"Deserve that much!? He saves them all and they think they're doing him a favor by letting have one last outing, how charming and considerate of them. I've got a few-" Bones' uproar from over by the lift was interrupted by Spock surprisingly.
"If I may interject, Admiral."
As Pike's rant came to an end, Jim's eyes had lifted over to meet with the auburn gaze. They hadn't had a moment to talk about this yet, or how they were going to handle it. Yet, it seemed Spock wasn't about to keep it silent.
"Jim's earlier comment about his and our conversation only playing a part into his ability to return to captaincy was the truth. However, what he was referring to was that our discussion pertained to the very concerns you are addressing."
Jim stepped towards the Vulcan and boldly settled his hand within the Vulcan's before pulling his own up to rest against Spock's forearm. He gave props to his First Officer not reacting to the open display of affection. It probably helped that for that brief moment Jim's gaze was solely on Spock's. For that brief moment nothing else mattered except for them.
Then Jim turned to face Pike and gave a smile softened by the affection still thrumming through the skin contact with Spock.
"About that, when we finish up with the repairs here…I have to apologize for a slight alteration to our course back home. You see, I have a pressing appointment to attend, and I'm sure the Admirals and the Federation will understand. In fact I'm sure it's the least they can do for their Golden Boy as well as for the leading First officer who had captained the Enterprise throughout that very war."
"What the devil are you getting at Jim? Stop dancing around the bush and spell it out for the rest of us." Bones growled.
Jim threw the Doctor a huff of hilarity, before carrying on.
"I believe that those on new Vulcan still uphold the old customs, perhaps to an even stricter degree seeing as they wish to retain as much as they can from all that was lost. The Federation doesn't want to step on any toes when it comes to the survivors, and what was it Spock? Parting a bonded pair is a pretty high offense isn't it? I'm sure that the Admirals will have an interesting time trying to work their way around that without offending the Vulcan colony. I mean refusing a bonded pair their rights because of their relationship is already frowned upon, I cannot imagine them forcing a mated pair apart-"
"Such accusations would be received negatively, Captain." Spock supplied to Jim's amusement.
"Basically they try and pull us apart; it won't be long before shit starts hitting the fan. I'm sure avoiding such a thing will be in their-"
"Keptin!"
Chekov's shout of excitement cut Jim off as he couldn't resist turning at the outburst. What he saw was their young ensign positively beaming. A part of that was probably due to the fact that the Russian no longer had to force himself not to refer to Jim by such a title. However, it seemed the ensign had finally realized what Jim's words had entailed, "Ve vill be present for ze ceremony, yes? Zis is so wery exciting! I am wery happy for you both."
Jim gave a fond smile towards Chekov for such an interruption. He no longer felt the desire to continue his earlier conversation as Chekov's interruption allowed for the others to join in. Congratulations of all sorts filled the room.
The last time they had all been up on the Bridge, their Captain had been an ex-Captain and it was not a painless experience; as it left them all unsettled and mournful of upsetting the man. Yet, now things were completely flipped from just the day prior. It seemed Spock had accomplished the impossible.
Their Captain was fully and truly back.
Not just that, but if what Jim and Spock were implying was true…well than it seemed like he wasn't planning on going anywhere soon. He was taking a step forward to bring their family closer together, more than ever before.
"I'll see how much time I can milk out of this, but I don't think I'll be able to get you more than a few days. The best will probably be a week at most." Pike voiced over the chaos and moved to clap Jim on the shoulder this time, "So, tell me this wasn't your idea?"
"At this moment in time, Christopher, the fault is my own. I wish to make it known that the engagement may have altered in accordance with the predicament, but I had already planned on making such a request of our Captain."
"Spock." Jim huffed with an amused affection at Vulcan's informality concluded with a formal title.
"With Jim." Spock corrected, "As we are already in a compatible link with one another, I had wished to complete the process with a proper and custom ceremony."
"Damn Hobgoblin's gonna make an honest man outta our little Jimmy." Bones chimed in slinging an arm over Jim.
It was the first time in quite a long while that Jim could see the relief in the older man's posture. It was the first time in a while that he could see the wrinkles along his eyes crease with the warmth of amusement. Bones had been carry a burden since before Jim had even truly returned to the Enterprise, and that burden carried forward and morphed after his return. Now it seemed like that burden was no longer weighing him down.
Jim laughed and shoved at the man, "Who says I wasn't honest to begin with!?" He huffed with mirth lacing his tone.
"Over the 5 years I have known the Captain, I have spent a considerable amount of time with him; both on a personal and professional manner. Through the duration of that time I have come to one understanding. If it will save lives or is a required necessity for an optimal outcome, the Captain will lie.
"I do not see this as likely to change after our ceremony for I believe such alterations would have occurred after our relationship with one another became more personal." Spock paused at McCoy's loud protests of information not required and he better not go into more detail. "I would also not request that such a characteristic be changed."
"That's more than enough, Spock, thanks. Bones was just wishing to taunt me in good humor." Jim smiled squeezing the Vulcan's hand. The Captain threw Bones a gleeful look as the two shared a smile at Spock's response. He wondered if McCoy knew that Spock had responded as such because it was what had been expected, and not because the Vulcan hadn't understood.
The bond hummed pleasantly from Spock's end of things, and Jim knew that Spock's purpose had been successful either way.
"Nyota, call Scotty and let him know that him and the boys are about to be allowed to wreak havoc."
"I'll be sure to let him know that you're giving them play time, Captain." Nyota teased leaning forward to press a one armed hug to Spock's side, only to lean around to set a chaste kiss to Jim's cheek, "Thank you. I'm very happy for you both, you deserve this."
As she walked off to comm her own man, Jim turned to his. He smirked up at the man and lifted the caught hand to press a kiss of his own to it.
The contact was brief and Jim continued forward with the conversations as though the moment had not occurred. He made no comment on the moment shared as he went about reigning order to those making up his alpha crew.
There was no impending threats of the Element exploding before their eyes. Everyone was safe and within reach. As a bonus, no one seemed to recall their time spent on the Nexus. It was easy to fall back into the present and not think about what had happened.
The crew wouldn't suffer from what he knew the Nexus' influence could bring about. There would be no longing to return to that place or to the induced reality. They would carry out their lives without being held back or brought down by the desire to get back.
He had his family back and finally his family had him back.
All was right.
XXXXXXXX
"Where's Jim?"
The question left Doctor McCoy in a huff of his customary frustration, and fondness, when it came to the Captain.
His shadow was back again today. Apparently word had reached the young survivor that Kirk had asked about him. It seemed that was all it took for the kid to become adamant once again for McCoy to introduce him.
They had already been docked at the Space Station for two days now, and Bones had done a fairly impressive job of keeping the kid off of Jim's heels.
The Captain had matters to attend to now that he was back in the position, and he didn't need a kid around mucking up the process of getting back into the swing of things.
However, Bones had finally had enough of the kid's pestering him to take him up to meet the source. McCoy caved and brought the young Aiden with him to seek out the man in question and end all of the harassment at long last.
"If I start seeing any posters of our Captain's face up around my office I'm shipping you off to the nearest planet, you hear me?! I ain't standing for any of this carrying over into my world, that man's down there often enough I don't need a picture to remember him by."
Bones grumbled and looked to the Vulcan up on the Bridge, where he had believed Jim would have been. "I swear the kid is like some teenage girl with a crush. Can't see how I keep getting dragged into Jim's mess all the time. Please just point me to where I can find him, so I can actually get some of my own work accomplished. I'm sick of always running around playing Where's Waldo."
"An odd game to be playing seeing as your entire tirade was focused on the finding of the Captain, and the last I was aware his name is still James."
"Can it, Pointy. I know you get the reference enough. Jim let me in on your new mannerisms. So, nice try." Bones huffed and looked around finally noticing something that should have struck him as odd when they had first arrived.
The Bridge was scarce; Jim wasn't the only one missing.
"What the devil is going on, where is everyone? I thought we were just staying one more day. Shouldn't preparations be in progress so we'll be all set to ship out?"
"When the Captain went along with the engineering personnel over to the Space Station," Spock paused as a slew of curses left the Doctor in a loud protest to finding out Jim's whereabouts, "When the Captain transported over, he welcomed all hands willing to aide in getting the Element's repairs completed in an orderly manner.
"Nyota went along to aid the communication department. Ensign Chekov went with to aid Mr. Scott with the engineering and tech side of repairs. I relieved Sulu of his duties so that he, and some of our finest scientists on board, could go over to update their records to match all of the advancements that have been discovered over the years.
"I believe Jim is with Chekov and Mr. Scott to aid in the technical updates." Spock paused to look about the mostly empty Bridge only to return his attention to the Doctor and Aiden. "As they all are currently using their talents to assist the Captain's orders, I had their reliefs assigned to the duties.
"When the request was comm'd in I had sent it to both the beta reliefs. I believed that with both parties the job could be completed with a 200% increase in time. This would allow them a chance to enjoy the remainder of our time here."
"You brought them both out to help, so that they'd each get an equal break before we headed out? Even though protocol only requires that the next shift be brought in to fill the role?" McCoy's voice was skeptic as he appraised the Vulcan.
"As our return trip will be extended due to events that pertain specifically to my person I see it fair to allow them the option to make the best of their time here."
"This is so cool!" Aiden chimed in, his eyes alight with being up on the Bridge, even without Jim present, "Is Jim the only Captain with a Vulcan first officer?" Aiden's grin was wide as he stared up at Spock.
"As many Vulcan's are currently located on the New Vulcan Colony in an effort to repopulate and form a semblance of normalcy, I can speculate that it is likely no other Captain has a Vulcan on board their ship."
"Just likely?" McCoy grinned at the unusual mannerism.
He received a quirked brow for such a question.
"I estimated a 96.89% likelihood that accounting the precise odds would have been lost upon you and your companion. As well as a 73.3221% chance you would voice a dismissal for the effort and request I round up or use a more 'human' form of estimation. I chose to do just that and avoid such a conversation."
"How'd that work out for you?" McCoy mused. His attention was side-tracked as he had to catch Aiden by the collar of his shirt so the boy wouldn't sneak over to the Captain's chair.
He tugged the boy back to his side with ease and narrowed his eyes sending the kid a pointed look, "Not on my watch. Alright Spock, we'll get outta your hair. We have a Captain to go chase down. If he returns will you just…I dunno…tie him to a chair or seal him in the conference room.
"Then comm for me. I've done this chase before. I can already see how it'll play out." He grumbled rubbing at the bridge of his nose at the memory.
"I will do my outmost to keep the Captain restrained to one location. However, I must inform you that I am an easy target when Jim becomes persuasive, and cannot be held accountable if such events come to pass."
At Spock's words Bones rubbed at his eyes instead, this time in exasperation rather than frustration. "Good god, you damn hobgoblin! I get enough information from that cur'sed mate of yours! I don't need to hear about your kinky shit from you too. Just what we need, Jim's bad habits rubbing off on our resident Vulcan…"
Bones' grumbles followed as he led Aiden off the Bridge.
If Spock's lips curved up in amusement at the Doctor's accusations, well the two were already on the lift heading off. No one would comment on it.
XXXXXXXX
Before the day was out Jim was hunted down and found by a number of various people.
Word of his return to Captaincy came with everyone seeking to gain his approval. It was as though they all believed that during his absence from the chair that they had all lost favor in his eyes. All of the time spent on board not as the Captain had been glanced over.
Again and again he would have to send members, from every department, away with the assurance that he knew their work. He was confident that they were capable of keeping up the good work he had witnessed them accomplish on a day to day basis.
Bones was a surprise, seeing as the good Doctor had harped on him two days prior, and usually gave more time in between personally hunting Jim down. When Jim's eyes caught the green-eyed youth he immediately understood the visit.
"Aiden! You'll have'ta learn pretty quickly that following Bones' word to the 'T' is not always the best call. If you wanted to find me, you shouldn't have waited. If I was as traumatized enough that your presence would set me spiraling…I'm pretty sure they wouldn't have let me on board, hmm?"
Jim had been crouched down to look into the innards of the Space Station. He pulled out long enough to send Aiden a dashing smile before sliding back in, "I hope you're keeping Bones on his toes down there in Med bay. It's about time we get some young wiper-snapper down there to liven things up."
Jim taunted and Bones responded by kindly kicking Jim's shoed foot.
"We have enough of unruly children to deal with whenever you get yourself wounded. Which is all the bloody time! Kid's at least got a pretty good head on his shoulders. If he likes, after he's done with his schooling at the Academy, we should bring him on full time as one of our own. Though, that's to say he may want to have a fresh start on his own ship."
"Afraid you'll be replaced, Bones?" Jim pulled out once again, but sealed the open hatch shut this time. He rose up and swiped his hands on his pants.
He received two answers for his question.
Bones' gruff, "Not a chance," was outmatched by Aiden's adamant, "Yes!"
"I'll let you two sort that out…" Jim laughed and leaned back against the console, "So, Bones, you don't normally seek me out if I'm not in my usual spots. Not unless it's important, what can I do for the pair of you? Let me warn you—you try and hypo me on this station I can't be held accountable for what I do."
He smiled, but Bones seemed to startle at the declaration.
"What the devil are you getting at, Jim!? You know most people avoid situations that make their skin crawl. Why in the seven hells are you over here if…is it making you lapse back? Dammit Jim! Just because you are ready to Captain again don't mean you're ready to pull out all the stupid stunts."
During his rant, Bones managed to pull out a neural reader, which he promptly held out to scan Jim over. He held no regard to the bemused frustration blooming on Jim's face, nor the look Jim threw towards Aiden at Bones' reaction.
"Nothing seems out of sorts…" Bones hummed in consideration going into the whole work of check-ups, "Your heart rate is a little higher than usual. Are you feeling dizzy? Any faintness, lapses in time, are you seeing any visions?"
"I'm fine, Bones." Jim pushed the man out of his face and sighed at his friend's over reaction. "There are no flashes, and I'm not having a panic attack. So, calm down before you become the causing factor of one. You and the crew probably have more memories of this station than I do. I got a lid on everything and if I felt like I didn't; I'd let you know."
"No, you wouldn't."
"Yah, probably not." Jim's signature smirk pulled across his face as he grinned the response. "But you're still chummy with my husband-to be…god that's weird, anyway. I'm sure he'd let you know if he was receiving bad vibes from my end."
"I heard the whole spiel on the Bridge, Jimmy; I don't need any reminders that you're getting yourself hitched. Anyway, your Vulcan has what we normal humans call a grudge. Apparently withholding information from him concerning you is a big ordeal."
Jim gave Bones a funny look at the words that just came out of the Doctor's mouth. A doctor bent on having all of the information with guarding Jim being known at all times, or face the wrath of McCoy.
"You gosh darn know what I meant!"
Jim decided to ignore commenting on it for now.
"I'm sure the two of you will be plotting ways to prevent me from dangerous scenarios, and failing, up again in no time." He swung his arm over the older man's shoulder as he pivoted them both to turn towards the exit, "Now, was there a reason for your company? Is it time to head back already—but I wanted to play just a bit longer, dad!"
"Don't you dare!" Bones shrugged out of the hold in disgruntlement.
Jim just laughed out, before clapping his hands together, "No really did something come up?"
"I can't just seek you out to say hello? You get back to being Captain and I'm immediately on the chopping block! All those years looking after you, having to put up with-"
"Alright, alright." Jim chuckled raising his hands in a placating manner, "It's just, this is you we're talking about. I normally have to drag you out of your domain for that 'hello.' Your usually 'hellos' are accompanied with a hypo or two…or three. Honestly why am I your friend again?"
Jim dodged away from the man who was cursing him a blue streak, but the two held wide grins all during their roughhousing.
Aiden grinned at their antics and watched as Jim finally let himself be caught. The Doctor ruffled his hair as though he were no more than a kid-brother, and then pushed him away. It was the most lively he had seen the man since their meeting.
He could only assume it had something to do with Jim.
"Doctor McCoy said that I could come with today. I've wanted to say hello, since we first shipped off. It was gonna be a surprise, but I should've known nothing gets past the Federation's Hero." Aiden had a wide smile breaking over all other features.
"There's some respect for you." Jim crowed at Bones shoving a hand through unruly hair in a helpless attempt to straighten it out.
Here was a kid who had been on the Romulan ship much longer than Jim. Here was a kid who, while held hostage, was asked to watch over for the lives of so many others and pulled through. Jim couldn't forget someone who could stand out during such times.
He had seen a bit of himself in those determined green eyes. Even with the knowledge that they would probably never make it home, Aiden had remained fierce.
Yet, it was more than that.
Right now, the fact that the kid could grin and retain the ability to be at ease was evidence enough to Jim that he had chosen wisely.
"You'll be a force amongst the best of us, just you wait Aiden. Also, I'm sure that after the events we shared…calling me Jim won't go against any rules." Jim set his hand on Aiden's shoulder as he gave the kid a pointed look, "That's an order, you here, and please don't call me a hero. I have too much hero-worship going on up on the Bridge. I already told them that I'm no more a hero than anyone else who helped us win the war."
He pushed past the kid and then Bones as he made his way towards the exit.
"So, personal visit it is. Then you won't mind if I seek out our brilliant engineer while we converse, come on keep up." He called back over at them, but did not stop his stride.
"I don't mind at all, Capt—Jim. Jim, I—you can go wherever, don't let us keep you from your responsibilities." Aiden stumbled as he tried to hurry off after the Captain, before righting himself and matching the pace of the other man.
A compliment by James Kirk was something special.
He had heard of the man before getting snagged. Who hadn't heard of the infamous James T. Kirk, a Cadet who saved Earth and received his own ship in only three years at Star Fleet?! It was unheard of to accomplish such a feat.
Meeting that man had been a whole different experience, than whatever he could have possibly imagine.
Jim Kirk was a hero and a legend to those newest at Star Fleet. He was an untouchable and unstoppable force, and up until Aiden had met Jim in person, he had believed all of the rumors whole heartedly.
The man he met was bruised, battered, and broken. The man he met had suffered more than any under the hands of the enemy, but almost instantly Aiden knew that the man had done so for them. It was the first time meeting the man, there was no way Kirk could have seen them all before that moment, but even without ever having met—he risked his life for them.
Jim became the perfect distraction to protect the kids that had been taken.
He wasn't untouchable like everyone believed. Aiden had seen proof of that. Jim Kirk was human, like him. He was a normal person who bled and breathed and lived just like them. He was a normal person who strived to accomplish grand feats.
He wasn't someone to idol; he was someone to hold as a role model.
Jim Kirk was a hero, but above all he was—he is a good man.
Aiden wasn't going to let down someone like that, especially after said man deemed him important enough to be greater. He thought that Aiden was something extraordinary.
…
…
If Jim managed to have a shadow for the remainder of his time spent on the Element. Well, McCoy needed a break now and again. Also, getting a different view from the normal day to day never hurt.
Jim wasn't that bad of a person to help coach someone along.
XXXXXXXX
"Are you going to explain to me what I'm missing, or am I going to need to find some creative way to get it out of you? You do know that even throughout this ordeal, your First Officer and I are still on friendly terms. In fact I'd say our relationship has grown fonder over keeping watch over you, and the danger that constantly follows you."
Pike stared down the younger man as the two sat facing one another. The stare down was probably meant to be intimidating, but Jim really couldn't find Pike frightening unless he had actually managed to piss the man off. Likely, but not something that was present for their little not-meeting.
"And don't you go telling me it's nothing. It's definitely something. I know your looks. That one on the Bridge, was your 'I know something that the rest of you all don't' face."
Jim quirked a brow at that and rolled his eyes, "I don't have such specific facial expressions, Chris."
"Yes, you do, don't question me. You were not ready to be Captain the other day, and then Spock and you talk and that's it—all is better. I know he's good for you, Jim, anyone who knows you can see that you both are better together.
"He's not that good, though. You're not carrying the same weight around anymore." Pike's face softened at this declaration. All those years ago he had put so much faith onto this man's shoulders.
He then had to watch as Jim prevented the complete destruction of their Federation and lost himself in the act of accomplishing such a task. Jim had always felt like he had to live up to the expectations others held of him. He felt like he was never good enough, but there was never a man he had known greater.
It was tough to watch him struggle to find his way back from this one.
Time and again Pike had witnessed the blue-eyed kid pick himself up from a horrible situation and just turn to face the next. It was only expected that one time he wouldn't have the urge to get up again.
Pike had promised himself he would be there for him when he reached that point. He hoped that he accomplished that for Jim, over the last few months, but one man couldn't help piece such an intricate puzzle back together on his own.
Now, though, the Captain he had seen tucked away back beneath a drunken hick, was finally piecing back together before his eyes.
"Tell me, Jim."
"I can't, really."
Jim tapped his fingers out in a rhythm on the table-top, and cast his eyes to his hands to avoid Pike's gaze.
He didn't like not being able to share with Pike. Pike was the Admiral in his corner. He was also a figure that filled the absent Father-sized hole. Jim liked that Pike was someone he could go to about anything and know that the man wouldn't put up with his shit. Though, in the end, no matter, Pike would still be the Admiral in his corner.
Pike would go on believing in him and daring him to do better.
"Jim Kirk-!" Pike huffed out but before he could carry it over into a rant, Jim held up a hand to stop him there.
"A lot happened…" Jim began and for a moment Pike thought he was speaking of his time spent on the Romulan ship, but was quickly reconsidering as Jim continued on, "…more than I could describe, but more important is that I cannot describe it.
"If I tell you, than you may remember. If you remember than it has a chance of mind-fucking you. I mean that to be in no offense but it is true, all the same."
Jim remembered the conversation he held with Elder Spock. He remembered that the elder had spoken of all of those their Enterprise had saved from the Nexus. Many of them had become fiercely upset that they had been taken from the reality they had been given within. They went mad seeking a way back.
If all went accordingly, the Nexus in their own time should've left for good. Even if it hadn't, Jim doubted it would cross his path ever again.
"It opened my eyes. Both figuratively and literally, I suppose. It…what happened was horrible, but it allowed me to see that I know I'm really and truly here.
"This, now, is real and I'll be prepared now if it ever isn't real. I don't have to fear that one day I may wake up on that ship again. I'm me and I'm safe. That's…it was so hard to accept that as true before. Now, having the knowledge that I can tell that on my own is what I needed to be Captain again. It's what I needed to be me again.
"After leaving the Bridge…when I wasn't ready. Spock came after me and we did speak. We spoke about the other reason I was holding myself back and I was foolish to no include him."
"You were afraid." Pike supplied softly, "Your Doctor McCoy helped me realize that."
"Good things don't normally have a tendency of sticking around. I'm used to losing when it's more personal a matter…it was always easier just to be alone, in that regard. I tried to keep a distance from anyone getting to close to the heart, but I didn't want that with Spock. I don't want to be alone if it means losing him."
Jim's eyes still remained on the table throughout the conversation, and his hands clenched at the thought his own words brought up.
"But it was foolish and my First Officer was looking out for me still. Our bond, as it is right now, doesn't…isn't accepted by Star Fleet in accordance with the new regulations. It's also apparently not complete."
He smiled at this with a fondness at the thought of being more connected with his Vulcan than already, "Doing this will give Spock and me a closure for all our doubts. It will also allow us to keep our positions. I know that the Admirals want me to be close by, and in a position close to the public, but Spock isn't meant to be grounded.
"He was an excellent teacher, but he's discovered and done so much in the short years we've spent in space. He is too intelligent, too gifted, to the furthering of our scientific growth to keep him docked.
"Then there is the matter that parting a bonded pair is as good as spitting on Vulcan customs. It also endangers both of us. Keeping us together is for the best. Keeping us on the Enterprise is the most…" he paused looking up with a glimmer of amusement in his eyes, "…logical course of action. We serve the Federation best in space."
"Keeping you locked down on Earth would probably just drive them all up a wall, after the first year. I have no doubt you'd accomplish such a thing." Pike replied with amusement of his own, the two shared a short laugh at the image this brought up.
"First year? I think I can do better than that. How about the first month?" Jim's response pulled another bout of laughter from the Admiral.
"Yeah, I wouldn't say it is their most thought out proposal. Either way, I know you, Jim. You're just as much an explorer as your First Officer. You'd grow bored at a desk."
Pike paused here to appraise the young Captain. Here was the man who saved Earth from the Narada and Nero. Here was the man who prevented an all-out war against the Federation. More than all that, here was the boy he couldn't save from a broken family, a young man who found solstice in the bottom of a bottle and a good fight.
Here was someone who understood the bad that the world could offer, and took from it the ability to constantly try and do good.
Here was the Captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise.
He knew this kid would do great, so be it for him to deny Jim the chance to keep on.
"Next step Vulcan?" He questioned, and Jim's sigh of relief and broad grin told him that he was making the right call. "I'll speak with the Admirals. Though, I'm sure your crew will have some explanation as to why communication wasn't up so that I could have informed them ahead of time of our detour."
Jim grinned widely at this, "I have no idea what you are insinuating, Admiral, though if my crew ever did such a thing I'm sure they'd have a legitimate reason for the failed communications."
Jim rose at that, his amusement not wiped away from his features. There was an ease in just that simple action, and that was enough to speak of how far Jim had come to getting back to himself. He didn't slink off, nor did he struggle to keep his head held high.
"Jim."
Pike's call of his name had Jim pivoting enough to turn and face the Admiral once again. One step holding him back, but another step ready to take on what was just outside those doors.
"I'm proud of you, son."
XXXXXXXX
The lift doors slid open to allow Jim to exit out onto the Bridge.
As so many times before, Bones was there to be present for the ship taking off. Today, he had his shadow tagging along, as it would be the seventeen-year old's first time experiencing such a sight. It was also Aiden's first time seeing the Alpha crew in action.
"Kid followed you up, Bones." Jim smirked clapping the man on the shoulder before pointing at the kid in question, "Buckle up, Aiden."
He pivoted from there to walk the remaining distance to his chair and laughed out right at his crew all standing at attention. Every last member present was standing in wait at their station for him.
"At ease, let's not pretend I'm some rule-bent Captain…mind you, if word of that falls on Pike's ears I know where every last one of you hides. So, let's be clear on the fact that Pike never heard that." He taunted with a warm smile for the crew.
…
…
Here was what the Bridge had been missing when they had shipped out so long ago.
No longer was the unease hovering over everyone like a dark cloud.
No longer did the Bridge feel like it was stifling under the loss of one of their own.
They were home at last.
…
…
"Sulu, let's get our ship out of dock and on her way."
"Right away, Captain." Sulu sent Jim a nod, before turning back to his station and taking a seat at last. With Sulu's action the others fell to follow suit.
"Wery glad to have you home, Keptin." Chekov announced, "It vaz not ze same vithout you on ze Bridge, sir."
"Yes, the quietness will be missed...Actually being able to hear ourselves think," Nyota taunted in good jest, sending Jim an affectionate smile, "Welcome back, Captain."
"Glad to be back." Jim grinned and slid into the chair as casually as he would have any other day before.
"Ready when you are, Captain." Sulu spoke up over them all.
Jim barely got his mouth open to respond when the crack of static broke out followed immediately by a familiar Scottish accent.
"Sorry to interrupt y'er moment, a mighty emotional one at that, without me…mind you. I'm a'hoping you haven't forgotten those of us not up on the Bridge with y'all." Scotty's voice piped in, "Captain, our lovely Lass is running at her very best.
Shouldn't have a lick of trouble getting to our destination—oh! Everythin' is optimal except…sorry, Cap'n but it appears that all outgoing transmissions seem to keep on getting scrambled. I haven't the slightest of explanations for the mishap but I'll be sure to get right on that, Cap'n. However, it may take some time to work out. Missing parts to be located, I'm sure you understand, sir."
"Thanks Scotty. I've no doubt our girl is in good hands. Kirk out." Jim threw Nyota an exasperated look before facing Sulu, "On my mark, Sulu."
The pilot set up and turned to face his console, once more.
If his free hand happened to be between himself and Chekov's portion of the console, and if Chekov's hand happened to brush against it again and again before settling atop it…well, they were sitting close enough to one another that they were bond to bump into one another eventually.
Footsteps drew Jim's attention away from the visible display of affection between the two youngest of their Alpha crew.
His eyes lifted just in time to see Spock coming to stand alongside the Captain's chair.
"Ready, Mr. Spock?" Jim questioned.
"Affirmative, Captain." Spock replied evenly, and Jim realized that Spock was not standing beside him in the typical Vulcan rest. It was almost instantly after coming to this realization that Jim became aware that Spock had an alternative motive for coming to stand alongside Jim.
As the press of warm a warm hand slid against Jim's own, he realized Spock's purpose.
"Our ship is at the most optimal it can be, seeing as our Captain is back in charge. I believe there is nothing left now but to move forward. I am ready whenever you are, Jim."
...
...
"Alright, Sulu. Punch it."
AN: Done. : )
Didn't go into the Vulcan Ceremony, I tried but I think its best to leave that up to your imagination. I liked it ending with the crew all together again, and I hope you all do as well. Thanks again for reading, and hopefully one day I'll get some other stories up...though next time I think I'll wait until its all written before I post.
Goodbye, and goodnight.