Year Two

"Hi, Spock!" Jim greeted his girlfriend (yes, he thought of her that way) with a smile:

"Greetings, Jim," Spock replied. "I infer you had safe travels back to Betazed."

"Sure did, Spock! But I miss you already. It was so good to see you again."

"Likewise, Jim. I hope you have not had any more panic attacks?"

Jim winced and shook his head, still embarrassed over his episode at the theatre when he'd seen a man who'd reminded him of his harsh owner.

"No. I still can't believe that happened. I'd been doing so well." He sighed.

"Do not trouble yourself about it, t'hy'la. You iare/idoing well. The individual in question had a most ferocious visage."

Jim smiled weakly.

"He sure did."

All he'd been able to think about in that moment of blind fear had been the chains rattling between his legs as he'd sweated and heaved stones to build the new livestock huts under the watchful eye of the owner. The veiled threats and demands for harder labor, the crack of the whip, the smell of dirty bodies, had flooded his senses and he'd been helplessly lost inside his memories for several minutes while Spock reminded him where he was and he was safe. He'd been very frustrated at the setback, but he knew Spock and Pike were right when they told him it was impossible to completely prevent surprises and he should not feel ashamed of himself.

Spock, bless her heart, decided to take the conversation in a different direction. She had an incredible ability to judge his moods and emotions even from a video feed, and they weren't even bonded.

"James, I do believe there may be a possible solution to our future career dilemma."

Jim perked up at this. They'd been circling around the issue for awhile now, not sure how to broach the subject in a way that wouldn't be taken as selfish or unsupportive.

"Oh? What's that, Spock?"

"It will take some time for the new Starfleet anti-trafficking branch to get developed and they are looking to partner with the IBI to provide several agents to be stationed on Starships to provide a sufficient number for enforcement of the stricter laws. It could be possible for you to be stationed on a ship or starbase, thus allowing for a higher likelihood of being in close proximity to each other."

"Hmm," Jim considered. "That sounds hopeful, if I could avoid getting tangled up in Fleet politics. Plus, there's no way to be sure I'd be lucky enough to be posted on the same ship you do."

Spock smiled inwardly. Jim had vastly underestimated the determination of Captain Pike, but she'd let him find that out for himself. He hadn't rejected the idea instantly, which was hopeful because previously he'd balked at anything that involved him being on a Starfleet vessel.

"Not as unlikely as you think, Jim. I offer it for your consideration over the remaining two years left in our schooling."

"I promise, I'll think about it, Spock. I'm starting to think I'll have to unbend my anti-Fleet stance a bit. Otherwise, I'm cutting off my nose to spite my face."

"I assume that is a Terran metaphor?" Spock inquired dryly, wondering at the ability of humans to be so illogically and colorfully descriptive in their figures of speech.

"Of course, beautiful," Jim laughed. "I'm no masochist. Besides, I value my nose."

He patted said nose fondly.

"Indeed. Your senses would be quite impaired without your olfactory organ."

"Yeah. Who wants to be unable to smell or taste? Especially your mother's butterscotch pudding? Mmmmm..."

Jim licked his lips at the remembrance of the delicious specialty of Amanda's. She'd introduced a vegan version that Vulcans went wild over (that is, logically begged for the recipe) and Jim loved.

"Oh, James. Your enjoyment of meals is unsurpassed. My mother took great delight in your appreciation of her cooking."

"Speaking of your mother, I heard she and Sarek are coming to pay you a visit."

"Yes. In 3.2 days. I am very intrigued by their opinion of the Academy and its functions."

(Long conversation ensues)

Three months later

(Voice Messages left for Jim)

Bones

Jim, You are not allowed to die, you hear me? I know the prognosis is horrible, but you've survived so much already, I can't believe it. If you can hear this, come back to us. Who else is going to call me Bones and comm me at unearthly hours to rant about your classes? Denobulan fever is no joke and I'm sorry you can't have visitors, so if you can hear me, hang on for us."

Pike

Jim, this is Chris. We're all waiting out here in the hospital waiting room, hoping you'll pull through this. A lot of people love you, Jim. McCoy and Gaila and I are here from Starfleet as well as Spock and Ambassador Sarek and Amanda. I've met handfuls of your friends from the university and they're terrified for you. Hang in there, son. You're too young to check out from life.

Amanda

Jim, you dear boy, I hope you can understand us through the coma. The doctors are fairly sure you can, thus the recordings we're doing to persuade you to keep fighting. You're like a son to me, Jim. I saw what the world did to you and I wanted and needed to show you the nurturing you'd missed out on. You've made us all so proud, young man, don't you forget that. No dying on us now. You made a promise we'd see you graduate from college. We love you, Jim. Remember that.

Gaila

Sweet, sweet Jimmy. I'm so angry they won't let us in to see you, but Dr. McCoy says you're highly contagious and in too delicate a condition. I know he wishes he was working with them, fighting for your life. Please, Jimmy, Don't pass into the great Beyond. I want to hunt down vermin pirates with you. We beat the odds and escaped from slavery and I know you can do it again. Please? If not for me, than for Spock? I know you long for her."

Spock

I do not know if this is logical, as you are unresponsive, but I too request that you retain your determined will to survive. Jim, I confess my affections for you have grown to such a point as the threat of the loss of you causes me much anxiety. If that is unclear, I must plainly state that I love thee, James Tiberius Kirk and I hope against all logic that you will live to hear me say it to you in person."

Two days later, Jim's blue eyes opened to the amazed expression of the doctors, who'd been certain he was at death's door.

The loyal group holding vigil reacted with tears, whoops and exclamations of relief. Pike closed his eyes and swallowed hard, Bones blinked rapidly and growled questions at the doctor, Amanda leaned on her husband and let happy tears flow, Thomas and Ella held each other and did a victory dance with Gaila, but Spock stared straight ahead, seemingly unaffected. Little did they realize the emotional storm raging inside her as she struggled for control was deeper than most of them knew.