Hey all,

I am sorry this took so long. I don't know why this took me soo long, but I hope you enjoy this chapter.

This chapter has now been betaed. Thanks to my Beta who is great :)

I will say that this is when the action.. or a set up for the action in the next chapter. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy. Please let me know through reviews.

Chapter 2:

Logic vs Morals.

"So you came down on him," Admiral Pike said to Admiral Barnett. The Admirals were speaking via a private channel, where they had been discussing the five year mission when Pike brought up the subject of Captain Kirk.

Barnett let out a deep sigh as he glanced over the report in his hand. "I did. I know you care for him, Christopher and this is a tough situation for Captain Kirk, but we needed to be firm with him."

Pike released his own sigh as he shook his head. Jim was a major pain in his ass at times, a loveable pain in the ass, but still a pain. He didn't know what he would do with that kid, who would always be a kid to him regardless of his age. "I know," Pike replied, thinking back to everything that Jim had gone through. He had gone through hell several times over, and Pike didn't blame him for being so hardheaded. "What did he say to you?"

"You know Kirk. He was his normal self. He doesn't know when to stop, but I do feel for the man," Barnett admitted as he recalled his conversion with Kirk to Pike. "Do you think he'll be able to find a First Officer?"

It was a difficult question to answer, but Pike knew Jim would do anything for this crew. He would give up everything he had for his crew. "I have no doubt that he will," Pike replied with a smile. "He's too stubborn to give up."

"This is true." Barnett laughed. "How are you, Christopher? How is the Enterprise? Is everything running okay?"

Unable to find the right person to fill in as Captain of the Enterprise, Pike had stepped in. Despite the ship running smoothly under his command, Starfleet was still looking for the right person for the post. After all the past weeks and now months of searching, they still hadn't found the one, and though Pike kept repeating he was too old for the job, he would hold it until one is found. However, he had to admit that he was enjoying himself. Though he had had enough of the Captain's life, it was nice to sit in the chair. "It's running smoothly," he replied, overlooking a few bumps in the road.

"Is it? Why don't I believe you?" he asked with a hint of a smile.

"Don't make me hurt you with my cane," Pike said, waving his cane. Though it was impossible for Pike to hit Barnett, his threating glare could scare anyone.

Barnett shook his head. "Relax, Christopher. It's just a joke, but I'm glad that things are well. I was worried about Commander Spock and his ability to stay focused after everything that happened. He seemed off, even for a Vulcan."

Pike took a deep breath as he lowered his cane. Spock was a complicated problem that Pike had been trying to figure out. Even though the quality of the Vulcan's work had not suffered or changed, Spock was more indifferent and distant than he had ever known him. Some of the crew that had known him had mentioned that he become cold. It had been very difficult to reach his First Officer. After finishing his shift, he would quickly leave the Bridge before anyone could start a conversation with him. Those who didn't personally know Spock wouldn't have noticed it, but Pike did. He noticed how distant the Vulcan had become. "He's doing well, hardheaded as always. Never taking a rest."

"That can be said about a great deal of people, like yourself and Kirk."

The Admiral took a deep breath as he thought about Jim. Even now, Pike was worried about the man who had become a son to him and would do anything to protect him. "I take insult to that," he replied. "I'm not hardheaded."

"I see where Kirk gets it from," Barnett dryly replied.

"He doesn't get it from me," Pike shot back as he leaned back in his chair. "Anyhow, Admiral Barnett. I enjoyed this chat, but I have to run. We've reached Nibiru's orbit." Pike said, as he narrowed his eyes at Barnett, almost daring him to make a joke about his inability to run. After nearly two years of rehabilitation he could run for a few seconds. A short sprint always left him in pain, forcing him to use a cane at times. It was a great relief when he could finally walk without one. "However, please keep me informed about Captain Kirk."

"Don't worry I will. Barnett out," Barnett replied as the screen went dark.

Pike let out a sigh as he wondered how Jim was doing. He knew the inability to choose a First Officer was more than Jim being picky. He also knew he couldn't intervene and try to help the young man which wouldn't end well. He needed to let Jim do this on his own, even if he wanted to drop everything to help him.

Getting to his feet, the Admiral let out a deep breath as he straightened his shirt. Every day as he prepared himself for his walk to the Bridge, he asked himself why he was doing this. Though there were older captains, Captain Pitts being one of them, Pike would repeat to himself on a daily basis that he was getting too old for the job. It was times like that when he glared down at his damaged leg that made it difficult for him to go on most landing parties. For that, he hated his leg, and silently cursed a long-dead revenge crazy Nero.

Leaving the cane, Christopher made his way to the Bridge, ignoring the twitch in his leg. He put on a smile as he walked through the halls, which were pretty much silent with very few officers speaking. Most of the time the only noises besides the occasional conversations about the task at hand, was the quiet hum of the ship's engines. It had been this way since the days of Captain Pitts and no matter how hard Pike tried, it was difficult to break the crew out of their old habits. The Admiral didn't blame them, considering everything they had gone through, but he hated the distance between his crew and him. He hated the silence that followed whenever he stepped into the room. Sitting on the Bridge, the silence was worse, but he doubted that it was all him. He wondered if that had to do something with Spock and his silence. The Vulcan could make anyone nervous as he just stared off without saying a word. It would be amazing if it wasn't so bizarre. His eyes said it all, and it-

"Admiral on the bridge!"

Returning to reality, Christopher snapped out of his thoughts and faced the crew of the Bridge, who were standing on their feet staring at him. It was a few long seconds of silence before the Admiral stepped forward, scanning them all. He knew why they were all staring at him. They were waiting for him to put them at ease but he felt something in the air, and it took longer for him to get the words out. "At ease," he finally said.

"Admiral," Spock said, as he stood and stepped away from the Captain's chair.

Pike took a step forward, trying to hide the wobble in his step. "Any readings from Nibiru, Commander?" he asked, eyeing the Vulcan. He was stiff as ever.

"There appears to be some volcanic activity on the north end of the planet, but lifeforms have been detected. All other readings are clear," Spock replied in his usual monotone. "It is stable. I have put together a landing party, and it is ready to beam down on your command."

Christopher stepped passed Spock toward his chair. He glanced toward Lt. Uhura who was scanning communication waves, looking for any sign of advance intelligence. There wasn't much information on the planet, but from they had learned, the inhabitants were primitive, barely passed the stage of discovering the wheel. "Are you planning to beam down yourself, Mr. Spock?" he asked, taking a P.A.D.D. from Uhura.

"I am, Admiral."

The Admiral nodded. "Very well. I authorize you to lead a landing party."

"I will prepare to leave immediately," Spock replied as he turned to the lift.

Pike glanced back and noticed Uhura was trailing behind the Vulcan. "I don't think I have to remind you, Commander, but please, remember the Prime Directive." Though he did not have to worry about Vulcan, he didn't want anyone to play the hero down there. They must not intervene and attempt to save the lives of the natives.

Spock glanced back. "It is not needed, Admiral. I am aware of the Prime Directive."

Pike knew Spock was the last officer on the Enterprise that needed a reminder, but he couldn't help but think of Jim, who needed every reminder in the world. Jim was a softy at heart, who would do anything and everything possible to save those around him. "Old habits, Spock. You must humor me."

"Humor you? It would be illogical to do so, Admiral."

He was trying to get some sort of reaction from them. "You're hardheaded. You know that? How did I get stuck with you as a First Officer?" he asked, taking his seat. Though he was not looking, he could feel the shocked expressions of the crew. It was the first real response he got after months of being formal.

Spock turned back, still his stoic self. Uhura remained at the lift, her eyes following Spock. "If you wished for my transfer, I will-"

Pike let out a harsh sigh, silencing the room. "I was joking, Commander…" Pike glanced at his First Officer, meeting his eyes. "But do remind the rest of the landing party of the Prime Directive. With the increased volcanic activity, someone might get a stupid idea. If that volcano erupts, immediately return to the ship. We're only observing. Nothing more." If it was Jim, he knew he would have a serious problem. He could just imagine the wheels turning in the Jim's head, and the hidden smile behind the blue eyes.

"Aye, Sir."

Pike watched as Spock turned and entered the turbo lift with Uhura following him. What am I going to do with that Vulcan? the Admiral thought. There wasn't much he could say to Spock as the Vulcan was performing all of his tasks and there were no complaints. He then wondered what he was doing as he realized that he was going to call out a Vulcan for being cold… for behaving like any other Vulcan. "Sulu, keep the ship in a steady orbit," he commanded as he stared out into the viewing window, the planet below the ship.

"Aye, Sir."

*O*O*

Uhura had a difficult time keeping up with Spock, who was heading straight to the transporter. "Commander," she yelled, getting a better response with his title than his name.

Spock stopped and turned slightly to Uhura. "We are in a hurry, Lieutenant. We must observe and collect samples from the planet's surface before the volcano erupts."

"And you're going to let that species die?" she asked, surprised.

He gave her a look before he turned away. "We are not to interfere."

Uhura let out a sigh as she followed after him. "That isn't what Kirk would say," she said, hesitation in her voice.

Spock stopped suddenly but did not turn back to her. He was stiff as ever, looking more like a statue. "It does not matter if Captain Kirk would agree with the orders or not," he replied. "We must not break the Prime Directive."

The Lieutenant gave him a look, but she didn't disagree no matter how much she wanted ignore Starfleet protocols. Everyone knew the consequences if the volcano erupted on Nibiru. Countless lives would be lost. She knew what they had to do, but there was the question of was it was moral. "Spock," she called, as he continued to the transporter room. "Spock," she called again, "You know Admiral Pike was joking, right?" The Commander didn't stop, forcing the Lieutenant to chase after him. "You're being foolish."

He glanced back at her. "Jests are not important and there are other things that require my attention," he coldly replied. He turned back and continued walking. "As you do you," he added.

Uhura let out a sigh, barely able to keep up with him. "You need to stop taking things too personally. It was a joke."

"Why are you under the assumption that I am distraught? I am not. To be upset over a trivial jest would be illogical and a misuse of my time," Spock replied as they arrived outside of the transporter room.

"Spock," she yelled in frustration. "Why do you have to be so stubborn? Why can't you ever admit that you're hurting? How can you ever expect to get over anything if you never admit that you're feeling anything? You need to talk and let it out, or it is going to eat you alive," she ranted.

He turned back to her, and for a few seconds, he just stared at the communication officer. "You are under the impression that I need to discuss my emotions, but I do not as there is nothing to discuss. There is nothing for me to "let out" as you keep claiming I do. You conveniently forget that I am Vulcan," he replied, turning to the transporter room.

Uhura clenched her jaw as the door to the transporter room opened. She followed Spock trying to get him to show some kind of emotion, "And you forget you are also half human!"

Spock glared at her with a cold Vulcan stare that made her take a step back, before he crossed to the Security officers behind the control panel. He ignored the looks the crew was giving him and gave the Engineer behind the panel the list of coordinates where the landing crew would beam down. He gave her one last look of warning before he stepped to the transporter pad where the rest of the landing party was waiting. "Lieutenant Uhura, you should return to your post," he stoically said, not looking at her. "We have all the information that we require for the landing party."

Uhura scanned the room, silently counting the number of people in the room, as she decided how she should respond. With a deep breath, she replied, "Very well. I'll give my report to Admiral Pike," she said as she turned to the door. Just as the door opened, the landing party disappeared in bright lights, leaving Uhura to her frustration about Spock.

Maybe, she should give up trying to reach him because every attempt she made had failed. At this rate, she was going to go insane before Spock would ever admit that he was feeling something. She understood his hesitation in admitting that he was upset, but he needed to let someone in. He needed to speak his mind, even if everything in his mind was fighting him.

*O*O*

"A date? So that is what you're calling these sessions?"

Jim let out a chuckle as he leaned back in his chair, looking up at the ceiling. "That's what they are, aren't they?" he asked, with smile. "It's a day on the calendar that we prearrange. It's where we talk, have coffee and stuff. Isn't that what these young kids are calling it these days?"

Dr. Jones gave him a smile, though it was clear that he didn't find the joke all that funny. "Yes, I guess you can call this a date on a calendar, but I wouldn't consider this a real date. I doubt anyone would consider this a date, Kirk, and if so, this would be a very boring date. I know I would be a horrible date."

"I would suppose so," Jim replied, closing eyes.

"When was the last time you were on an actual date with someone you liked?" Jones asked, his eyes studying him.

Jim sighed as he glanced at the therapist. He couldn't remember when his last date was or the last time he checked someone out, but why now did the Doctor ask him about his dates? Why was it important for him to know? Who the hell cared when the last time he had been on a date? "Why are you asking, Doctor? Hoping for me to give you some pointers? Trying to hook me up with someone?"

"No, just trying to get a read on you today, Captain. You seemed to be bothered by something."

It was a trick question as there were a great many things that were bothering him at the moment, but there were also a lot of things he didn't want to talk about. Heck, he didn't know how he felt about most of it. Despite the Doctor repeatedly saying that he could talk about anything and their meetings were confidential, he wanted to figure it out first on his own. "I'm a Captain. It's a part of the job," he said, putting on a smile.

"How are you handing the stress?" Jones asked.

It wasn't the stress that was getting to Jim. The twenty-four hour a day demands of a Captain he could handle with no problem. It was the mental stuff while he was off-duty that gave Jim a run for his money. He always had issues dealing with his emotions, but now the trouble was nearly constant. He didn't want to think about his inability to keep a First Officer. He didn't want to think about the strange feelings that rose inside of him when he accidently touched Saavik's hand. He didn't want to talk about it. It made him consider the fact that he could always have her transferred and replaced with a non-Vulcan officer. He had considered that only to realize that as a Captain he had to prove he could work with many different species, which included Vulcans. And it wasn't like he needed to talk about it. He wasn't unstable as he had been before. "Good," he uttered.

Jones leaned forward in his chair, eyeing him. "Does that mean you found a First Officer?" he asked, hopeful.

Jim snorted as he leaned back in his chair again. "Me a First Officer? Yea, right," he replied with a deep sigh. He knew it was a lost cause as the position was cursed. Had he done something stupid like piss off some wizard?

"What happened? I thought you found the perfect one?"

The Captain clenched his jaw as he glared at the ceiling, thinking back to the last officer in that post. He had been the worse First Officer yet. The argument he had with him over who should be allowed to go on landing parties had been the final straw. Yet, as he thought about it, he wondered if it was all in his head. He knew that he wasn't the best judge of character at the moment. The nightmares were a constant reminder of his lapse in judgment. "No, he kept looking at me funny."

Jones raised an eye to that. "Looking at you funny?" he asked. "How did he look at you funny? Were his eyes big? He wouldn't stop giving you the stink eye? Tell me."

"It's stupid. Never mind," he replied as he slowly got out the chair. He made his way to the window, feeling like a total idiot for mentioning that.

"No, it isn't. Talk to me."

Jim was frustrated and now he was sick of talking. He just wanted to disappear into space and explore the unknown without a thought of his past. He wanted to move past that event in his life, but it was turning out to be harder than he expected. "You know I was thinking about picking Scotty to be my First Officer."

The therapist gave the Captain a look, clearly not buying Jim's change in tone, but did not call him on it. "Thinking?" he asked.

Putting his hands on the railing of the window, Jim rested his forehead against the cold glass. Whenever he stood at this particular window, he couldn't help but play his favorite game of people watching. His favorite targets were couples. The ones he saw holding hands made his heart skip a beat. "Yea."

"That was a loaded answer."

Jim took a deep breath, "I don't want him to hate the post and run away. Then, there are the times when I think the post is cursed."

"For some reason, I think it'll be difficult to scare Commander Scott away. He doesn't seem like the type to give up. After all, he was one of two of that command crew that did believe in you the entire time."

Jim focused on a couple by a bench. They were standing close, holding hands, but he wasn't looking at their hands. He focused on their faces as they stared at each other's eyes. It was like the other was their whole world, and he missed that. He wanted that. "But you know me."

"So we're at this again."

At the answer he turned to face the Doctor. "At what again?"

"Self-doubt. Self-blaming," Jones replied, staring at Jim.

Jim knew he did it, but couldn't help feeling insulted. He hated that he did it and didn't know how to stop. Slowly he was getting better. He wasn't as negative as he had been last year, and now he was able to occasionally enjoy himself. Sitting in the Captain's chair on the Providence had turned his whole outlook around, and now he was happy to wake up and do this job. He was happy to be talking to people, even with his self-blaming kicking in at times. "Hey, everyone does it. Not just me."

"This is true," Jones replied. "But I am your therapist, Kirk, and to be frank, I don't care about anyone else."

"I thought you doctors swore to 'First do no harm.'"

Jones laughed as he shook his head. "No, they don't. That isn't even in the oath, and besides, my race doesn't swear to that," he replied as his tail swung behind him.

Jim narrowed his eyes. "So what does your race swear to?"

"That's a long story for another session, Captain. We only have a few minutes left, and you still haven't given me a good reason why Commander Scott would not make a good First Officer."

Jim glanced up at the clock on the wall. The clock in and of itself was interesting as was an old clock that used hands that pointed to numbers. It fit right in with the paper books and the rest of the old-fashioned items in the office. "He will hate the post," he quietly replied.

"Says who?"

"He once said he had no desire to leave Engineering. You should see how excited he gets when he gets to put in his own upgrades."

Jones gave him another look. "So you don't have any real reason why he wouldn't make a good First Officer? And people change. How would you know he would not want the position now? Did you ask him?"

Jim groaned. Why did Jones have to be so logical about this? Why did he have to point out all of the flaws in his thinking? Sometimes, he liked his flawed thinking. "He…offered. Or rather, he asked me to consider him for the post," he slowly replied, as he looked away.

Jones smiled softly. "But yet, you think he does not want the post?"

"He will hate it," he replied back.

"Or he may love it."

"Or hate it."

"Or love it."

Jim narrowed his eyes at him. "Are we playing games now? Keep in mind that if we are, I will so win," he said as he flashed his smile. No one could deny that Captain Kirk had a beautiful smile that could melt anyone.

"You're probably right, but give the Commander a proper consideration. He deserves that, even if you decide that he is not right for the post."

The Captain puffed again as he made his way to the door. He knew Jones was right, but he didn't want to think about it anymore. He wanted to get his mind off his lack of a First Officer for now and take a few minutes to breathe. "I will, Doctor Jones."

*O*O*

"How was the visit with Joanna?" Jim asked as he walked with Dr. McCoy through Starfleet Headquarters. They were on their way to the transporter room, making their way back to the Providence.

McCoy glanced at his Captain from the corner of his eyes, studying him. Jim was wearing his dress uniform and spinning his service cap on his index finger. His eyes were focused on the cap, barely looking forward. "Great. Wouldn't stop asking about you, but it was a nice visit. She's growing too fast for my own liking though. Soon she'll be dating, and I don't think I can handle that."

"I think I hear wedding bells!" He joked, being as dramatic as he could. "Soon, she'll have kids and you'll be Grandpa Bones," Jim replied mindlessly with a smile.

"Urgh, stop! I don't want that image in my head. She's my little girl! She'll never be old enough to date," he protested.

Jim laughed, almost dropping his cap, and nearly tripped as he tried to regain control of it. "Sounds like a protective father. Do you have a phaser ready to defend her honor?" he asked with a chuckle.

"Honor?" he repeated, almost whining. "Don't say that. Urgh."

Jim laughed again. "But that's where all the fun is."

McCoy narrowed his eyes at his best friend, holding back his glare. "You just like being a jerk."

"And you like being an ass," Jim said, staring at the hat again.

Bones didn't speak right away and simply stared at Jim for a few silent seconds. He was focused on the weird expression on Jim's face. It was a mixture of emotions, none of which Bones could read. "So you had a meeting with the Admirals?" he asked, changing the subject. He didn't want to deal with the idea of his daughter dating and having kids of her own.

Jim's face scrunched up, but he kept his focus on his cap. "I did."

"And?"

"And we have a new assignment."

McCoy knew it was more than that, and he wasn't afraid to push Jim harder. "I know it's more than that."

"Same old, same old, Bones," Jim said as he stopped swirling the cap. "And trust me, you don't want to know. It will bore you to death"

"Bugging you about not having First Officer?" Bones pushed.

Jim glanced at him, as he put the hat on his head, taking a few moments to make sure it was secure. "One of many things," Jim replied. "Nothing to worry about, Bones."

"You look like you have a lot on your mind."

"Well, I am a Captain, and we Captains have a lot on our minds," Jim replied with a smile. Purposefully, he cracked his knuckles in front of him, picking up his speed.

Bones gave Jim a look, clearly annoyed with Jim's side-stepping. "Do you know how hardheaded you are?" he asked, arriving outside of the transporter room. "You drive me crazy. I wonder how I still have a mind with you around, not to mention all my hair you're going to prematurely turn grey."

Jim smiled as he walked passed McCoy into the transporter room. "I wonder that all of the time, Bones."

McCoy knew something was up, and it had a lot to do with that meeting. He knew that if he pushed any harder, he could possible push Jim too far. "Hey now," Bones replied, pretending to be hurt as he followed Jim into the room.

*O*O*

Jim let out a sigh of relief as he stepped off transporter pad on the Providence. There was something about this ship that instantly relaxed Jim, and each step brought a smile to his face. It was more relaxing than anything else that Jim had ever come across. "Home sweet home," Jim smiled.

Bones followed, still eyeing his best friend. He could see Jim's body relax as soon as they beamed aboard.

"Captain," Scotty called as he stepped out from behind the control panel. "How was the trip? Any pretty lasses?" he asked with a smile on his face. After eyeing Jim's formal uniform, he added, "A meeting with the Admirals?"

Jim put on a fake smile, knowing what the Commander was referring to. It was what Jim wanted everyone to think, which was why he said the word 'date.' He wanted, needed, everyone to think that he had finally returned to having numerous dates every time he went planet-side, despite being barely able to stomach the idea of dating anyone. The thought of opening himself up terrified him to the point that it made him sick to his stomach. What if he got hurt again? With a smile still on his face, Jim replied, "We got a new assignment. We head out in a few hours or as sooner if possible."

"Sir?" Scotty replied, confusion present on his face.

Jim didn't have to look back at Leonard to know that he was staring at him. Even after everything that happened, Bones still knew Jim like the back of his hand and could read him like a book. The good Doctor knew the many different masks that Jim wore. There was no doubt that McCoy knew what he was thinking now, and he knew Bones would bug him about it when they were alone.

However, Jim didn't have time to think about what was going on in his best friend's mind. He had been surprised when he learned about the mission as he hadn't expected to receive one so soon after his lecture about finding a First Officer. It had been a nice surprise, despite the details being a bit stretchy. "The outpost in sector ten has gone silent and they want us to check it out."

Bones stepped to the side to get a better look at Jim. "Stretchy?"

"I had sent the mission's logs to both of your P.A.D.D.s," Jim replied as he stared at Scotty, not answering McCoy. Everything that Jones had said earlier all popped back into his head. Jones was correct that there was no reason why Scott couldn't be his First Officer. He would do a fine job if Jim gave it to him, and there was no doubt it wouldn't destroy his friendship with the Engineer.

"I had seen it, Sir, but I haven't had the chance to read it yet," Scotty replied, as he glanced toward his P.A.D.D. sitting on the control panel for the transporter.

Flashing back to when his Chief Engineer had asked about taking the post, Jim had to admit that the Commander could handle it, as he had already shown that he could manage the paperwork. What did he have to lose by giving Scott the post? He could always say the post was cursed, but deep down he knew it was more of his lack of desire to make it work with a First Officer, even if he denied it to everyone. "If you want to by my First Officer, Scotty, you must read these things," he said, smiling.

The Commander's face lit up like a Christmas tree, and it warmed Jim's soul to see it. It made him wonder why he was ever worried in the first place. "Captain, really?"

"Come on, Scotty. I don't know why I didn't see it sooner, but you're only one for the post," he said with a smile as he crossed to the Commander. He grabbed Scotty by the shoulder and lightly shook it. "Don't leave me hanging. Tell me you will do it!"

With every passing second, Scotty's accent became heavier in his excitement. "I will, Jim, and I will be the best First Officer ever!" he said, pulling Jim to into a half hug. "Just you wait."

Jim couldn't get over how excited Scotty was for the post, and could hardly believe that he almost passed this man over. After seeing how happy his new First Officer was, Jim couldn't remember why he was worried in the first place. It was time to move forward, time to stop comparing everything to the past. "You better."

"I shall, Captain," Scotty replied, his accent extremely heavy. "And I'll start lookin' for a replacement for Chief Engineer as soon as possible! Don't worry about it, Captain. He…Or she." He added as if an afterthought, "Will be the best there is. You can count on me!"

The Captain laughed, thinking of how odd it would be for Scotty to be his First Officer. Scotty was completely different than Spock. There was no doubt it would be hard at first, especially not having the best Engineer in the engine room, but he could trust Scotty unlike the others. "I don't think there's anyone better than you, so that might be a little tricky," he teased.

Scotty let go of Jim and turned from him. His focused changed to the door as if he suddenly remembered that he had something important to do. Jim could see the gears turning in his mind. "Scotty," Kirk called, trying to get his attention, but the man did not respond. "Scotty?"

"Don't worry, Captain! I'll find one. Mark my words, Sir. Mark my words!" his new First Officer replied quickly, making his way to the door.

McCoy had trouble controlling his laugher as he watched Scotty leave the transporter room in a hurry. "I think you made that Man's year," he replied with a smile as he turned to his friend.

Jim was shocked. He hadn't thought that Scotty would be that excited about the new post. "I know. You would think he just nailed picking the next Miss Galaxy."

"No, that's your dream," McCoy automatically replied.

A few months ago, the comment would have stung, but now he could feel pieces of his old self returning. It was the piece that belonged to his sense of humor, where he could freely trade jokes with his best friend. "Hey, there's nothing wrong with that. Have you seen the latest Miss Galaxy?" he replied with a laugh.

"I have, but she isn't my type. I'm not into tails," he replied.

"Trust me. Tails are amazing in bed," Jim said, turning toward the door.

Bones shook his head with a deep sigh. "I'm just going to take your word for it," he responded as he followed Jim out of the room. It was after the door slid closed behind them that McCoy spoke again. "Are you okay, Jim? With everything? With Scotty being your First Officer?" he asked.

"I never thought Scotty would be this energetic. He's giving Chekov a run for his money," Jim answered, rubbing his forehead. He didn't know if it was in his head, but he could still hear that Scottish accent echoing in the halls. "I don't know if I can handle that."

"Well you better," McCoy replied as he turned toward the Medical Bay. "Because you are all I can handle for now," he added with a chuckle. "I can't handle anymore insanity."

Kirk paused before he let out a chuckle. "Then you took the wrong post, because this ship has a ton of crazy on it," he replied with a smile as he followed after his Chief Medical Officer.

"Except that Science Officer of yours," Bones muttered. "She's all logic and cold. Stupid hobgoblins."

To most the remark would have been an insult, but it was a joke coming from the Doctor. Although Jim would 'lecture' McCoy, it brought a smile to his face. "Now, Doctor. That isn't very nice," he jokingly admonished him.

"Stupid logic. Always having something to say or add."

Turning serious, Jim gave McCoy a look. "But to be honest, we need some logic, and you can't fault her for that."

His best friend gave him an incredulous look. "I have to give it to you on that, because you're always doing stupid shit. However, just because something is logical, doesn't make it right."

Rubbing his temple, Jim sighed, because Bones was right in both regards. He was always following his gut, always doing stupid things, but he always knew what he was doing. Unlike what everyone thought, Jim wasn't completely stupid. He was smart and calculating. Yes, he took risks, but they were calculated ones. He never took a risk without knowing all the details, and though each risk was dangerous, he knew what he was doing was right. "Oh, I know, but hey, my plans always work."

McCoy let out a loud laugh. "I don't know how."

"Though I'll admit that sometimes I do need some logic thrown at me," he replied, thinking back to all of those times that Spock argued with him. He had lost count of the number of the times he fought with his former First Officer, who never seemed to agree with his risky plans. "Lieutenant Saavik is good for that."

"…What is with you and Vulcans?" McCoy replied, still making his way to the medical bay. "You're like catnip or something to them," he added.

Jim stopped suddenly as his mind started to race. "What?" he asked, barely able to speak. What the hell did Bones mean by that? Catnip?

"I think it's because I spent too much time with Mr. Spock," McCoy said, not noticing that Jim was no longer following him. It wasn't until he didn't hear a response that the Doctor turned around. "Jim?" he uttered, staring at his friend.

"What you talking about?" Jim asked.

McCoy gave him a look before he turned away. "Just forget about it," he whispered.

"McCoy," Jim called, now irritated. Despite his annoyance, he didn't mean for it come out like an order. He didn't know what it was, but McCoy had touched something with that comment. Jim wasn't sure what he was feeling, but something had stirred deep inside him.

With a sigh, the Doctor turned and stepped back to Jim. He put his hand on Jim's shoulder and squeezed, giving his best friend a weak smile. "Jim," he spoke, softly.

"Come one, Bones. Just say it. I've never known you to hold your tongue, and I hate it when you do."

McCoy let go of his best friend's shoulder, but before he could speak, Lieutenant Saavik came into sight as she rounded a corner. Her eyes went straight to Jim, and McCoy could only stare at the two. "And looks who shows up," McCoy muttered softly to himself, though Jim heard it clearly.

"Lieutenant Saavik," Jim greeted as he turned away from McCoy.

"Sir," she replied as stoic as ever. Her left arm was folded behind her back, while her right arm was at her side with a P.A.D.D. in her hand. For a split second, her eyes flashed to the Doctor before her attention was back on her Captain. "Have you had the opportunity to read over those specs I sent you, Captain?"

He sighed as he looked at her. "No, I have not, but we can discuss it later. Right now, we have a new assignment."

Saavik tucked the P.A.D.D. behind her back. "A new assignment, Captain?"

"Yes, I'll be briefing everyone once we leave the dock, but you can send those specs to Commander Scott as well," Jim said.

"Sir?" she asked, stepping her step forward. "I do not understand. Commander Scott is not-"

"He's the Providence's new First Officer, so any important information should be sent to him as well," Jim replied, interrupting her. Scotty being promoted to First Officer hadn't been made official yet, the paperwork was not complete, but Jim thought it was best to start including the Commander. He had to get used to all of the paperwork that he would be completing.

Saavik held a blank expression on her face as she stood perfectly still. "Very well, Sir."

Bones stared at the two of them before he turned. "I'll start preparing the medical bay in case there's anyone injured at that outpost," he replied, not liking the silence. He glanced at her one last time before he left the two of them alone.

Jim eyed McCoy as he left, still feeling uneasy. He had no idea what Bones was hinting at, but it wasn't important at the moment. He had other things to worry about. "I'll need you to be prepared as well."

"Yes, Captain," she replied, her eyes focused on him.

"I'll read those reports as soon as I have a moment," Jim replied. He knew the reports that Saavik had prepared were important, because whatever had immobilized their warp core could return. Their next encounter could be deadly.

The Vulcan nodded. "Very well, Sir, and I will prepare the labs for any new samples that might arrive as well."

"Thank you, Saavik," he said, dismissing her. She stared at him for a second before taking her leave. It was unnerving as it felt like she had been staring into his soul. It was the same way that Spock used to look at him. Was it a Vulcan thing? Perhaps it was since Selek did as well. He didn't know what to make of it.

Jim didn't have time to think about that as he was the Captain of the Providence. He had a mission to complete, which required all of his focus. He knew there could be people on that outpost that were injured, and he had to save them. It was what Starfleet was all about: protecting and observing new ways of life, because all life was important.

The End for now.

SO how long do you think Scotty would last in that Position? Is it really curse?