I hope people are enjoying this story, and that there are still people out there reading it. Seems like reception is a little bit less enthusiastic than the previous stories in the series, hopefully that doesn't mean anything and people are still enjoying?

Disclaimer: don't own

By the time Jim had gathered with Spock, Uhura, Shraeter, and Vlox the next afternoon, he had already received confirmation that Ambassadors Sarek and Shras would be involved, while Ambassador Maab was considering the offer and would need to speak with the Capellan Chancellor before giving Starfleet a final answer. He promised he would have a response within two weeks.

The Admirals had also sent Jim the beginnings of a manifesto – a list of requirements for the Klingons, and points they would not budge on, along with those that could be considered more negotiable. All in all, Jim thought it was incredibly detailed, considering they hadn't even started negotiations yet. But he kept their requests in mind as he sat down at the table and detailed what they were trying to accomplish to the others he had selected for this endeavor.

Unsurprisingly, they were all speechless as he finished. Jim gave them a few minutes to let it sink in, before he leaned forward in his seat. "I understand your skepticism," he said ruefully. "Honestly, I'm not sure how realistic this is. But we have several key points working in our favor, not the least of which is, the Klingons approached us." Spock nodded slightly, while Uhura's eyes widened and Vlox and Shraeter shared a look. Jim's mouth quirked up in a facsimile of a smile. "This isn't a wild goose chase. They came to us. They want to renegotiate."

He glanced briefly at the PADD in front of him, and then sighed lightly. "I've already got the beginnings of a list from the Admirals, which I'm sure is going to expand rapidly as we continue in the negotiations. But the important thing we have to remember is that we're taking the lead. The Admirals of course have final approval, but the Klingons want to negotiate with us specifically."

"With you," Uhura corrected. When Jim looked at her, she shook her head amusedly. "Captain, they requested you. Don't get me wrong, I'm honored that you tapped me for this, but don't pretend that they're interested in us for any other reason than you're leading the team."

Jim shrugged. "They want me, and I want you. Same difference." Uhura rolled her eyes, but didn't protest.

Spock shifted minutely, a gesture that was only caught by Uhura – because she was sitting right next to him – and Jim, who knew his First Officer well enough to know what the objection he was undoubtedly about to voice would be. "Captain, if the Admirals have compiled a list of points to include, it is our responsibility to ensure they are represented."

Jim hesitated for the briefest moment before deciding that if they were really going to carry this crazy plan out, he would need to make sure they were all on the same page. "I've looked at the list, Spock; not all of these requests should be carried out. I've already highlighted a couple that may have the Klingons walking before we even start. That's not to say some of them aren't merited, but the idea here isn't to make sure Starfleet gets everything they want."

Spock looked slightly confused, while Vlox frowned, puzzled. "Pardon me, Captain, but as Starfleet's representatives isn't it exactly our duty to make sure Starfleet gets what they want?"

Jim shook his head, expression bright with the excitement of what they were attempting to accomplish. The look he gave Vlox was understanding; part of being a Captain meant being a teacher, and he loved helping younger crew members put together the pieces; that moment where it all just clicked for them would never get old. "We're trying to negotiate a peace treaty that all sides will adhere to, Lieutenant," he said simply. "That means listening to all sides, conceding on regulations or requirements that will never be met or adhered to. One of the cardinal rules of being a leader is to never give an order if you don't know for sure that it will be followed, and the same rule applies here."

"So then what exactly are we doing?" Shraeter asked, interested.

Jim smiled. "We're making history, Lieutenant." Shraeter looked even more excited, while Vlox's mouth dropped open slightly. Uhura couldn't contain her smile, and even Spock looked amused. "The last peace treaty between Klingons and the Federation was barely worth the antiquated paper it was printed on. Neither side seemed too willing to follow it, nor has either side been surprised when it was violated. We're sitting down at the table with the Klingons, both sides willingly, for the first time in history. The last talks held over a century ago were out of necessity, not desire. We have an opportunity here to define how relations go with the Klingons for generations to come. We can create something real here, something both sides will actually honor. But only if we go in openly, and consider not just what we can get from them, but what we can give. We're not asking them to join the Federation. They don't want that, and I don't know that we want it either. But what we are asking, what they are asking, is if our two groups can coexist peacefully – truly peacefully. If they're willing to make the effort, then we have to be as well."

There was a long silence after his speech, everyone considering the words and taking in the truly large task ahead of them. There was a lot riding on this, and if they failed it would be a black mark they may never recover from.

Fortunately, they had Captain James T. Kirk leading the charge. This was Jim's crew, after all, and each and every one of them had seen the level of intensity he brought to everything he did. When he committed to something, he would either see it through or go down with the ship.

Shraeter was practically bouncing in her seat. "So where do we begin?" she asked.

Jim gave him an understanding smile, and looked at Vlox. The Tellarite was more muted in his excitement, but his expression definitely showed his interest. "I'm in."

Jim only need a glance the last two participants to know that they were in as well. He had never doubted those two, but this was the first time Shraeter or Vlox had ever been tasked with something so important. He wanted to make sure they knew what they were in for. Looking at the two young Lieutenants, he could see that they were eager, but there was a heaviness there that reassured the Captain that they knew how important this was.

"First things first," he said, tapping on his PADD, "Non-disclosure agreement. This needs to be kept quiet for now. The Admirals don't want it getting out until we're much further down the road. So I need you all to read and sign this, understanding that you are agreeing to not speak about this with anyone outside this room."

He sent the form to all of them, and watched as each one read through the agreement, and signed it. Once he had all forms back in his inbox, he set the PADD aside and folded his hands, resting on his forearms on the table in front of him. "I'm going to send you the list from the Admirals. We'll be meeting weekly, so before next week I want you to review it and make your own notes. Anything you see that needs to be addressed, anything you think should be added, any other comments or questions. This isn't going to be me telling you what to do and you following orders. I want your inputs. You were all selected for this team because I think you can each bring something valuable to the table. In addition, make sure you're familiar with Klingon culture. This won't work unless we show them that we truly respect them as a race. That we're not just in it for us. Understand?"

He waited for all of them to nod, before he dismissed them.

Spock waited until everyone else had left, before he sat back down at the table. "Captain, while I commend this effort, I feel I must question your intention to ignore what may be direct orders from the Admiralty. If they have requirements, surely we cannot deviate?"

Jim sighed ruefully, and sat back down as well. "It walks a fine line," he admitted, "and it may not be necessary, but the Admirals say that they want this peace. If they truly mean that, then they'll be willing to yield on some issues that the Klingons wouldn't accept." He bit his lip in thought, and then shook his head. "I'm worried about bringing something to the table that offends the Klingons so badly they walk before we even get started. There are a couple of points on that list they sent me, which could very well do that."

Spock raised an eyebrow. "You appear to have given this a great deal of thought."

Jim shrugged. "The important thing that we have to remember here, Spock, and that the Admirals have to remember, is that the Klingons asked for me. That gives me a little more leeway than if the Admirals had been able to appoint their own representative. And there's no telling whether or not they may have chosen me anyway. From a logical standpoint, it would have made sense. But the fact that the Klingons asked for me, that means something."

Spock inclined his head. "I understand, Captain. And I will of course follow your lead."

Jim smiled slightly. "Thank you, Spock. And I do appreciate you bringing your concerns to me. I'm not trying to be insubordinate. I do understand command structure. But life isn't always black and white. This whole situation is complicated, and we can't always go by the rulebook."

Spock almost found himself smiling, but stopped before the minute quirk of his lips became too visible. "If nothing else, Captain, serving with you these last seven years has shown me the truth of your words."

Jim's smile turned into a full grin. "Then I will consider my tenure in Starfleet a success, Spock." Spock just stared at him. If he were not a Vulcan, it may have even been called a glare. This just seemed to amuse Jim even more. He let out a soft chuckle, and then calmed down. "Will you contact our other representatives? Ambassadors Sarek and Shras have already signed on, and I expect Ambassador Maab will be joining us as well, even if he needs to contact his Chancellor for official approval first. They will likely have their own requests and ideas for the treaty, though their input may more frequently come through messages and transfer of files, rather than live calls."

Spock nodded, not indicating any surprise that his father would be joining their team. As one of the founding races of the Federation, it was only logical that the Vulcans would have a representative at the table.

Due to their position and distance from Earth, it may not always be feasible to speak in real-time. It was easier to make the virtual connection when using Starfleet Command channels, but even then, sometimes their positions just didn't allow for it. If his memory served correctly, he would likely be able to speak with his father on New Vulcan, but would likely need to send Ambassador Shras a message, and he would wait until the official confirmation before he contacted Ambassador Maab. "I will forward the Admirals' initial manifest," he stated. "I will indicate our weekly meeting time, and assure they understand that any requests or comments should be made by that time to be included in each week's session."

Jim nodded. "Thanks, Spock. Now, we've wasted any free time before dinner, we should probably get to the mess before anyone misses us."

Spock didn't deign to respond, and simply followed his Captain out of the room and to the officer's mess hall.

XXX

Life continued to pass peacefully in the following weeks. Jim and the others were suddenly incredibly busy with their new task, something that was noted by all of their friends even if they had no idea what was going on.

After three weeks of Jim studiously avoiding Carol at every possible opportunity where it wouldn't affect work, the Lieutenant finally had enough. Either he meant it when he said he loved her, or he should just break up with her already.

Carol may have been living in guest quarters for the last few weeks, but she still had the entry code for the Captain's quarters, considering she lived there.

Jim was startled to find her waiting for him when he returned from a meeting about the peace treaty. She was sitting on the couch, lights mostly dimmed, wearing a pair of jeans and one of Jim's old Academy sweatshirts. He paused briefly in the doorway before entering, pulling off his command gold shirt as he walked to the bedroom. He reemerged a minute later wearing an Ole Miss t-shirt that Carol knew had once belonged to McCoy, but had probably made its way to Jim's belongings while the two had been roommates at the Academy.

"Hey," Jim said lamely, almost wincing at the brusqueness of his tone.

Carol bit her lip, looking down. "Hi," she replied softly. She waited a moment for Jim to join her, but he stayed standing, hovering awkwardly near the bedroom door. She sighed and her shoulders slumped slightly. "Jim, I love you, you know I do. But if you want me to stay, you need to talk to me. You've been avoiding me for the last few weeks, but we need to talk about this."

Jim grimaced, embarrassed. "I'm sorry," he muttered, unable to meet her gaze. "I just… I don't know."

Carol pursed her lips. "Tell me what's going on in that head of yours," she said, her voice direct but understanding.

Jim bit his lip. "I proposed, and you shot me down," he said simply. "It hurt."

Carol frowned. "Jim, we talked about this already. That wasn't a proposal that was a… throwaway remark. It sounded more like a business arrangement."

Jim's jaw ticked as he clenched it tightly, looking away. "You know I'm not the best at romance, Carol. I've told you how my brain works, I don't do emotion well."

Carol sighed. She did know. But still… "Jim, I get that, I really do. But for something like this, can't you see how I need to see that side of you? Don't you want to make the effort to show that side? You might not do it well, but I know you can be romantic, if you try."

Jim didn't respond. Carol let him have a few minutes to think, before she leaned forward, looking at him intently. "Jim, what is it that you love about me?"

Jim glanced up, surprised. After a moment, he responded, voice soft and uncertain. "At first, I liked that you looked passed the title and fame. When I told you my name, it was like you didn't care. You wanted to spend time with me, not Captain Kirk." He sat down on the couch, still not looking at her but at least he was relaxing a little bit more. He clasped his hands together tightly, fingers seeming to twist painfully, but he didn't seem to notice. "And then… I love the way you're always up for anything, and you always push me to be better. You've never made me feel incompetent or wrong for the way my brain works. You accepted everything about my past without hesitation. You let me be who I am in a way I really don't feel able to share with many other people." He sighed ruefully and finally looked up. His expression was pleading, and Carol felt a few tears escape her eyes and trail down her cheeks. "Honestly Carol, I feel more like me when I'm with you, than I do when I'm with me."

Carol sniffed, more tears escaping, but she was smiling lovingly as she reached out and rested one hand over his own clasped ones. "Now why couldn't you have led with that before your business arrangement?"

Jim blinked, startled, but then he smiled as well, and shrugged ruefully.

Carol shifted slightly so that she was facing him head on. "Jim, I love the way you see the world. You've got this incredible IQ that makes your mind think in ways most people just can't understand, but it also allows you to connect to the world on a level that few others could ever comprehend. I know you think your IQ makes it harder to connect with people, but I think it's the opposite. You can connect, just in different ways, because of the unique way your brain works. Even if you have trouble sometimes, you never let it stop you from trying. And you do try, Jim, I see it every day. You've made these connections with others, despite what you see as a limitation. And it's not a limitation Jim, please don't ever think that."

Jim bit his lip, embarrassed. Carol's smile widened. "I love the way you're always there for your friends, and for your crew. You walk through fire for them without thought or hesitation. You always give your all to whatever you set your mind to. I love the way you see your crew as your family, and the way you treat them like family. You would go to the ends of the universe for any one of them, and you inspire such loyalty in return." She let out a soft chuckle. "And I love the way you don't even seem to realize how loyal your crew is sometimes."

She leaned forward and cupped his cheek with one hand, gently forcing him to look at her. "Jim, you have a smile that you reserve just for me."

Jim blinked, startled. "I do?" he asked, confused.

Carol beamed. "You have different smiles, I know because I've catalogued all of them. There's your professional one, reserved for work functions and the Admiralty, and then there's the one you use with your crew. You have a different smile for your close friends, and one when you're in protector mode. I mostly see that one with Chekov, Kevin, and April." Jim grimaced slightly, but Carol didn't stop. "And then there's the one you use just with me. The smile that makes me feel like all is right with the world, like I could do anything because I have you by my side." She paused briefly, and then leaned forward and kissed him gently. Pulling back, she added, "Whenever you decide to ask me again, I promise Jim, my answer will always be yes."

Jim bit his lip, before he pulled away and knelt down in front of her. "Carol, I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, and I promise, this is so much more than a business arrangement. Will you marry me?"

Carol beamed and practically threw herself off the couch, hugging him tightly as they topped gently backwards until they were lying on the floor. "Yes!" She pulled back and kissed him again, this time much less gently.

Jim was the one to break the kiss, a few moments later. Carol watched, confused, as he got up and headed into his bedroom. "Jim, what are you doing?" she asked.

Jim returned, looking slightly embarrassed. He sat down next to her on the floor, and held up a small velvet box, which he handed to Carol after a moment's hesitation.

Carol felt her breath catch as she opened the box hesitantly. Inside was a ring. A beautiful ring. The band broke into four different parts about halfway up that wove together around the square diamond on top. Each band had a row of stones set into it. Three of the rows were diamonds, and the fourth was sapphire. The bands that had diamonds were yellow gold, while the sapphire one was platinum.

She looked up at Jim, shocked. Jim took the ring out of the box and grasped her left hand lightly. He slid the ring onto her fourth finger, before looking back up. "It wasn't a throwaway remark, Carol," he said quietly. "I bought this at our last shore leave. I knew I wanted to ask. Maybe I hadn't planned on asking at that exact moment in time, but I promise you I knew exactly what I was saying."

Carol felt herself tear up again. "Jim, our last shore leave was six months ago."

Jim shrugged. "I wasn't sure how to ask, and it kind of came out unexpectedly a few weeks ago. I'm sorry I made you feel like you weren't worth a real proposal. But when we were sitting here that afternoon, it just struck me how right it was, and it just… popped out."

Carol smiled through the tears, and kissed her fiancé passionately. "I'm sorry I thought you hadn't really thought it through. I shouldn't have walked out like that. We should have had this conversation weeks ago."

Jim nodded, understanding. "I was avoiding you," he admitted. "I'm just glad we had it now."

Carol definitely agreed and leaned in to kiss him. They had forgotten the world around them and were seriously in danger of asphyxiating due to lack of oxygen when the insistent chirping of Jim's comm. in the corner of the room interrupted their current activities. With an annoyed sigh, Jim pulled back and gave his fiancée a regretful look before he stood up and made his way over to the console.

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