Disclaimer: I own absolutely no one contained in these chapters. Lowell and the non-real-character Sharks make no appearances, so I'm back to owning nothing. Paramount.
I'm a particular fan of this chapter…I think it's kinda cute. It's also kinda short, but I promise there'll be another one up soon, and another flashback chapter after next. In the meantime, enjoy!
Chapter Fifteen
There was no meeting of the Senior Crew on the morning following Kirk's minor disciplinary matters. Spock judged it unwise. Unable to solve their replicator problem, the Sharks had not become drunk the evening before and therefore there was no reason to assume they would sleep late. Besides, there was no particularly significant information to discuss. Aside perhaps from the fact that they were now going to the Romulan Empire, but talking about something they could not presently change would have little productive purpose. All things considered, it did end up as a good choice to have no meeting, as Kirk was on the bridge by seven. Spock had been there since six.
Kirk strolled onto the bridge, the turbolift doors hissing shut behind him. He grinned at Spock. "And here I thought I might actually beat you to the bridge today."
Spock's eyebrow rose in silent query.
"Get here first," Kirk clarified. His gaze wandered around the bridge, resting on the unfamiliar faces at most of the consoles. "So where are the rest of the usual suspects?"
Spock's other eyebrow rose.
"The bridge crew."
"This is the bridge crew," Spock said calmly, being maddeningly unhelpful. That's how Kirk saw it anyway. He refused to be annoyed.
"I meant the ones who were here yesterday," Kirk said patiently. "And the day before."
"Their shift does not begin for another hour," Spock said, providing useful information in spite of himself. Or maybe Kirk had just happened across the right question.
"Eight o'clock…so they must be Alpha Shift, and this is Gamma Shift," Kirk mused, vaguely pleased with himself for knowing that.
Spock nodded curtly, and turned his attention back to his console. Kirk leaned on the back of the command chair, looking at it and the front area of the bridge, simply enjoying them and ignoring the hostile stares from the Gamma Shift. It was, interestingly enough, harder to ignore the dark and silent presence by the science station. Kirk turned his back to the command chair and walked over there.
"You know, Mr. Spock, I've a feeling we got started on the wrong foot." This statement was immediately followed by the necessity of reining in a laugh. Spock had that eyebrow up again. "We didn't begin our relations in the most positive way," Kirk said carefully.
The other eyebrow shot up. "I believe I attempted a positive approach from the outset. You did not seem receptive."
"You wanted to arrest me," Kirk pointed out.
"I was attempting to facilitate a peaceful—"
"Yes, I know," Kirk acknowledged. "And I did throw that back in your face didn't I?" He paused. Sighed. "Can't you get it from context? I'm starting to feel like a universal translator."
Spock hesitated, then nodded.
"Okay. So I did that. But I don't see why we can't declare a sort of unofficial truce now."
Spock considered. "Would this unofficial truce in any way involve your relinquishing control of this vessel?"
"Ah…no. Hadn't planned on that, not really."
"Then it hardly appears to be an equitable truce."
Kirk shrugged. "Okay, okay. So I took over the ship. So I'm continuing to hang on to it. All I'm asking is, don't go out of your way to hate me for it."
Spock looked at him, face expressionless. "I am a Vulcan," he said evenly. "Hate is a human emotion with which I am totally unfamiliar." And then he turned back to his viewer, presenting his back to Kirk in a clear dismissal.
"Well," Kirk said. "That makes me feel much better."
* * *
The bridge crew—the ones Kirk knew best—arrived promptly at eight to relieve the Gamma Shift. Kirk wasn't certain, but he thought the hostile stares he got from the Alpha Shift were slightly less hostile than the stares he had been getting from the Gamma Shift. He decided this was a good sign.
The rest of the morning passed peacefully enough. Even if Spock hadn't agreed to a truce, he almost might as well have. Conditions of that sort prevailed regardless.
Around noon Kirk took note of the time, and realized a very important fact. He hadn't seen hide nor hair of Harry Mudd in over twelve hours. It was definitely time to hunt him up and see what trouble he had gotten himself into. Also whether he needed Kirk to bail him out. The idea that Harry might not be in a predicament never entered Kirk's mind.
Finding Harry wasn't the easiest thing Kirk had ever done, but certainly not the hardest either. The Enterprise wasn't huge, and after a reasonable interval of wandering Kirk ran across Harry in a corridor. Harry wasn't alone. His attention was focused solely on the pretty blonde in the corridor with him. She was young and pert, with hair piled high on her head. She was also a yeoman, judging by the stripes—or lack thereof—on her sleeves. Harry was obviously at his charming best, and, just as obviously, not succeeding.
"I can see it now," Harry was saying. "A little beach somewhere. A twilight evening, a starry sky, a full moon…you must look beautiful in the moonlight."
"Are you done yet?" she asked, with more than a trace of irritation.
Harry blinked. This was not quite the response he'd been hoping for. "Well…for the moment."
"Good." And then she slapped him. "Do you really think the women on this ship never talk to each other? Creep." She stormed away.
"But—wait! Janice! Come back!" She didn't. Harry sighed, and rubbed his jaw. "I didn't deserve that."
"Don't be ridiculous, Harry. Of course you did," Kirk said good-naturedly, abandoning his position leaning against one wall and strolling up to Harry. "You always deserve it."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Sure, Jim, read me the lecture. You've had your fair share of slaps too."
Kirk grinned. "Sure, but I know better than to hit on Starfleet women. Give me a dancing girl any day. Believe me, you got off easy."
"Tell that to my wounded pride," Harry said with great dignity, as he began walking along the corridor.
Kirk took up a stride next to him. "Oh, I don't know, you didn't do too bad…considering you were using borrowed merchandise."
"Borr…oh." Harry sighed. "Now Jim, share and share alike…"
"A beach to walk on…a starry sky and a full moon…" He elbowed Harry in the ribs. "My line, Harry. I know you've heard me use it."
"For all the good it did me, you're welcome to it," Harry grumbled, rubbing his jaw.
Kirk laughed. "As long as you can eat, somehow I think you'll be fine."
Harry brightened visibly. "It is about time for lunch, isn't it?"
It was then that Kirk noticed that he recognized the door they were passing. He grinned. "You go on ahead. I'll catch up."
"You got something to do?"
Kirk nodded towards the door. "I'm gonna drop by and see Bones."
"Bones?" Harry frowned. "Isn't he the one who breaks—"
"Not that Bones."
"Oh. Well, have fun."
"I will."
We'll get to Bones soon. Specifically next chapter. Which will be soon. : )
Ael: Nope, not Charlie X. And why is the rum gone? One, because it is a vile drink that turns even the most respectable men into complete scoundrels, and two, that signal is over a thousand feet high, the entire Royal Navy is out looking for her, do you think there is even the slightest chance they won't see it? Typed from memory. Yes, I'm insane.
Mimi6: The dread pirate Roberts is from Princess Bride of course. He's actually a name that keeps getting passed along from pirate to pirate, briefly landing on Wesley and then moving on, I believe, to Indigo. Good movie. Feel free to spread those five reviews over the next five chapters. : ) And thanks for adding me to your favorites!
RadarPLO: Interesting observation, that Kirk isn't playing by the rules. Because, come to think of it, the real Kirk doesn't either.
Mzsnaz: The muse must be kept happy, she's very demanding. Hehe. And I was particularly fond of those last two lines. Chekov pretty much exists in that scene just so Kirk can say that last line.
The Tribble Wrangler: I appreciate your dedication to catch up! And are you sure you can't picture Kirk as a pirate? Just a little bit? With some effort?
Whatshername (another name change I see. Tsk.): Keep churning out awesome chapters…aw, thank you! We're even then, I'm jealous of your awesome descriptions, lol. And I think my muse's name is Thalia, the ancient Greek muse of comedy. Seems fitting, no?
Samantha: Y'know, that was one of the nicest reviews I've ever gotten. Thank you!
Bug: That's okay, I think Jack would forgive you. Assuming you gave him some rum to make up for it, lol. And the muse is still happy, so am I, and hopefully you are too.
Fool of an Elf: You're probably not caught up as I type this, but you will be eventually. Glad you like the story! And no, we don't care about Lowell!
New chapter soon! (for about the third time…shows I'm sincere.)