A/N: Especial thanks to the wonderful Anbessette who is helping me with the beta and has to endure my rants.
Chapter 1A: Velis nolis
The first two weeks aboard the Enterprise were stressful for Jim. Spock considered Jim's abilities adequate to work with the security team as chief of strategy. That meant Jim in a red shirt. Of course, being in the academy, Jim knew about the rumors concerning the red uniform. Whoever wore it in the landing parties generally didn't get back. It's only gossip, but every time Jim put it on he wondered if his luck was running short that day.
Working with the security team and helping Scotty in engineering (another ability that Spock suggested he apply on the Enterprise), Jim started to get along with the crew. Most of them were classmates, and luckily the only one with a grudge was Cupcake.
Generally speaking, Jim was adapting to the job, considering that he was not longer in charge and only had to obey orders. He felt comfortable when he was on the Bridge. Even with the looks of hatred that Uhura gave him from time to time. Not that Jim blamed her. After all, he was the jerk who made her boyfriend snap. Still, those looks could be labelled as insubordination, and if Kirk was a hypocrite, he would tell Spock. But he could hardly talk.
Spock, on the other hand, was the image of the perfect Captain: always in control, always calm, with a high sense of duty. It made Jim sick. That didn't mean that they didn't reach some sort of understanding; he and Spock were always polite when they interacted, sticking to a professional tone in every conversation. However, Pike had told Jim he must try to get close to Spock since the relationship between a Captain and his First is essential for success in the missions. Pike also suggested Kirk take the first step to make it happen.
Of course Jim was not going to do it. Becoming Spock's friend was not part of his job and neither was it his responsibility. Besides, it was clear to Jim that the Vulcan was not interested in a closer relationship. They could be professional and efficient, it wasn't necessary to force a friendship with drinking tea and playing chess.
Realizing that somehow that image was frequently in his head, Jim started to get suspicious about it. The first time he imagined Spock sitting across the table in his room, with a board of chess, was when Pike told him to get closer to his Captain. Of course in his head, the room was bigger, different than the one assigned to him. The second time, Jim was talking with Bones about how Pike must be having secondary effects from the painkillers if he actually thought that Jim could be friends with Spock. And after that the image just popped into his mind whenever it felt like it. It was only for a moment, and left Jim feeling somehow nostalgic. Jim hadn't said anything about this yet. The last thing he needed was Spock to believe he's crazy and have a logical reason to maroon him.
In the conference room, Jim listened as Spock assigned double shifts for the members of the security team. He knew that they were overloaded, and Giotto frowning in front of him confirmed that this was going to cause a riot in the department. Surprised, Jim noticed Giotto scowling at him, like he was expecting Jim to do something and intercede for the team.
And normally, Jim would do it. Jim would be babbling about how it's idiotic to overload the team with work for the recent events. It wasn't the department's fault, and every member of the Enterprise did a good job under the circumstances. However, Spock did not agree with this, since he expected the department to design new security protocols. That would mean retraining the staff and wasting time and effort, when little adjustments could give the same results.
Nevertheless, Spock was the Captain. Jim knew he had the last word. Since they were trying to be professionals, Jim didn't want to look like he was defying Spock every opportunity he got. Jim wanted to show how much he respected Spock's authority (even when he didn't like it) and that he trusted Spock's decisions (because he didn't have a choice).
Ending the meeting, Spock nodded a dismissal to Giotto, who stood up trying to mask his anger (Jim knew he was going to pay in the next training session). Jim also stood up to get back to his station on the Bridge.
"Commander Kirk, a word if I may?"
Stopping with astonishment, Jim turned around, seeing Spock sitting in the same place as he was when the meeting started. This couldn't be good. How had he irritated Spock when he hadn't even opened his mouth?
Since Spock kept staring at him evenly, Jim sat back next to him as protocol indicated, trying to guess which crazy reason will the Vulcan had now to reprimand him.
"Yes, Captain?" asked Jim formally.
"I noticed your disagreement with my decision regarding the new assignment for the security team."
Damn Vulcan telepathy. Did Spock read his mind or something? Better for Jim not to go there right now, he'd thought a lot of nasty things about Spock during the meeting.
"That's fine sir, we'll adapt to the assignment." Jim attempted to look as neutral as possible.
"May I ask what aspects you found questionable?"
This could lead down a dangerous path. Even with Spock giving him green light to vent his frustrations, Jim knew he must show that he could obey orders and that he could be trusted.
"It's not important, the team can make it. I'll make sure of it."
"That is not what I inquired."
Alright, enough was enough. Spock pushed him to do it.
"Fine, I think your assignment is stupid, sir. The security protocols we have now are enough, and the changes you propose don't have any strategy or sense, they only seek to prevent an event like the Narada. I admit we must work on the weak points on the department, but double shifts and retraining are not the best way to accomplish that. We are only humans, we need rest and spare time. We have been working for two weeks without any free time, trying to improve the security on the Enterprise even when we don't have a mission yet. We can get the same result if we modify the procedure without exhausting the security team so when we really need them in a mission they fail because they are fatigued."
Jim took a deep breath as his rant had left him breathless. When he finally looked at Spock, expecting the Vulcan to be ready to nerve-pinch him, Jim was intrigued to see that Spock had only raised an eyebrow. If Spock didn't think that Jim was crazy, the Vulcan must be at least considering it now.
"You have sound arguments. Why did you not voice them in the meeting?"
"Because you gave the orders; you are the Captain."
"Commander, do you think you cannot articulate your disagreement with any decision I make?"
That must be a trick question.
"Look, Spock." Jim decided to hell with the formality "I know you're expecting me to be defying you, and trying to get your ship. I only want to show you that it isn't like that. I don't resent you for being Captain" at least not much "and I'm going to respect what you consider the best for the Enterprise. I want to prove to you that you can trust me."
"I have never doubted your trustworthiness, Commander. However one of the reasons I chose you as First Officer is precisely because of the opportunity of seeing another point of view. You will not be able to do your job if you cannot communicate your thoughts; you are second in command. Your decisions are also important."
For a moment Jim thought Spock was patronizing him, but the Vulcan seemed sincere. Maybe Jim had underestimated Spock too.
"I guess you're right, Captain," Jim said finally. "It's just old habits … they die hard."
"I see. What is your suggestion about the security team?"
"I'll work with cup… with Giotto. If you allow me, I'll assign the shifts in the team, and I'll make a proposal for the protocol. I'll give you a copy of the new schedule for your approval."
"I agree, you may proceed. I must say, Commander, I was rather intrigued by your silence in the meeting. You are commonly more vocal in your opinions."
Spock had a good point. Jim was always saying what was on his mind despite the consequences. Why was he being so submissive now? It went against his nature. Maybe it was because Jim wished to be a good officer, and the fear of failing and being unable to get what he wanted was repressing him.
But being careful is one thing; being passive is another.
"Yeah, I'll get over it," nodded Jim absently.
"Very well. I will expect the suggestion for the security department."
Jim won Giotto's tolerance after he told him about the changes in the department. Even though Giotto still resented Jim for the nickname the blond gave him (cupcake is sweet, almost endearing), now at least Giotto acted like he respected Jim. That was an improvement.
Two days after the meeting, Jim was waiting for Spock in the recreation room. Since they always met in the conference room or in the turbolift (their conversations were very concise), Jim decided to change the location to see if that helped to motivate an actual talk. At this time most of the crew were in the mess hall so the Rec. room was almost deserted, giving them privacy.
"I apologize for my tardiness." Spock sat in front of him.
"It's okay, although it's odd for a Vulcan to be late."
"It was not intentional. I was detained in the hallway."
"Everything okay?" Somehow Jim felt some sort of awkwardness from Spock. He didn't even know how he could tell; Spock's face was as impassive as ever.
"I am afraid I forgot a previous commitment and I had to cancel it."
"Oh… well, if it's a problem, we can talk tomorrow on the Bridge."
"It is not necessary. This is important."
"It's not that important, Spock. We can do this tomorrow."
"As I said, it is not necessary. The person whom I agreed to meet must understand the change in priorities the Captaincy brings."
That didn't sound nice, and Jim knew he may be poking his nose into other people's business, but he couldn't help it.
"Let me guess. You had a hot date with Uhura, and she's upset because you cancelled it."
Jim didn't know Vulcans blushed. But seeing the tip of Spock's ears turn green, he could see he was wrong. Or maybe only Spock did so because his human heritage. However, what captured Jim's attention beside the blushing thing was the rigid posture Spock adopted. Now that Jim knew him a little better, he knew that it usually meant the Vulcan was uncomfortable. Of course, this was a private matter, and Spock was reserved. And he must have thought Jim was going to take advantage of this information.
"Relax; I'm not going to tell. It's your personal life, it's your business."
"There are regulations against intimate relationships between -"
"Those are in special circumstances, like if you two broke it up and took the Enterprise with you, and I honestly doubt that will happen. Besides, like I said, I'm the only one who knows and I'm not going to tell. Well, Scotty knows too, but it's likely that he forgot already. Honestly, if it doesn't involve engineering, booze or sandwiches, Scotty tends to block things."
Spock seemed to relax his posture after hearing Jim, but still looked a little bit taken aback.
"So, you cancelled your date with the hottest woman on the Enterprise. I can see why she's pissed."
"It is of no consequence; currently there are other matters to consider."
"I imagine she's angrier because you're meeting with me, right?"
"She was most explicit with her opinion about the subject. Somehow she has an aversion to you, which I find illogical."
"Maybe for you, but she is your girlfriend. It's perfectly normal to hate the guy who provoked you and insulted you. Besides, I wasn't her favorite person before that. When we met, she called me a 'dumb hick who only has sex with farm animals'. In our time at the academy she had the opportunity to see that I don't have any prejudices in who I share my bed with," Jim grinned "but I can see why she hates my guts now."
"She questions me constantly about my reasoning for requesting you as First Officer," continued Spock without commenting on Jim's sexual habits.
"And you feel like you should pick a side -"
"I do not feel -"
"Yeah, yeah, I forgot. Let me rephrase that with male advice. No matter the species, a man must support his romantic partner, even if he doesn't agree."
"Is that so?"
"Of course, that means trust and assurance. If Uhura hates me and wants to talk trash about me, you let her."
"It is disrespectful, you are her commanding officer."
"Yeah, but she is telling this to her boyfriend, not her Captain."
"I am having a difficult time differentiating between those two roles."
"You haven't spent time with her, you two barely ever have shifts with the same free time, and when you two finally got the night off, you decided to spend it with me. You can see the problem here." Jim tried not to wince when he called himself a 'problem' in Spock's relationship.
"There are certain events that require my attention. I have not been able to visit the science laboratory either; they are researching a plant they believe could be sentient. The results are most promising."
"And as you are such a good nerd, you wish you could be there."
"I admit I would like the opportunity to be present."
That gave Jim a great idea. What if he changed all the shifts? Maybe he could find a way for Spock to spend time with his girlfriend (and he tried to ignore the small pang in his stomach), and also coordinate extra time for everyone. Jim hadn't seen Bones in a while. Spock made good and methodic strategies, but sometimes he forgot he was dealing with humans, who needed more sleep and free time than Vulcans.
"I was thinking, sir… Could I make a few adjusts to some shifts? Not just in security but also in the rest of the departments."
"With what purpose?" Spock looks curious with the change of topic.
"We meet halfway. We perform as Vulcans while resting as humans."
"Your argument is illogical. There is no other Vulcan on the Enterprise except myself."
"I didn't mean it literally, and you know it. I meant being efficient according to your standards, but also fulfilling our human needs."
"Fascinating. You may proceed."
"Great! Then I'm going to need two extra days to finish the proposal. I guess I messed up your date for nothing. It's still early, I'm sure you two can do something."
"I think it would be more prudent leave the Lieutenant free for the night."
"In that case, I'm hungry; do you want to join me for dinner?"
"I am not adverse to receiving nourishment at this moment."
Jim blinked quickly, reprocessing what just happened. First of all: Did he just invite Spock for dinner? Secondly: Spock agreed? He must have entered to some sort of twilight zone.
Deciding it was best to just go with the flow, Jim smiled and nodded.
"Let's go then."
They didn't talk much in the mess, but they shared a relaxed silence. Jim noticed a few crew members watching them expectantly, and he understood why Spock had accepted his invitation. They needed to show the crew that their relationship was one of respect and camaraderie; this had to be the first time the crew had seen them together off duty. They needed to be seen bonding somehow. Jim felt slightly annoyed that Spock only wanted to have dinner with him because it was the logical thing to do, which bothered him. He shouldn't care if Spock was with him voluntarily or not.
Three days later Jim was having lunch with Bones, when he saw Spock walking in direction of their table. Jim looked around, wondering if the Vulcan was actually going to sit with them. Maybe Uhura was sitting nearby and that was where Spock was heading.
Since Spock stood in front of their table, the Uhura thing was no longer an option. He actually wanted to sit with them.
"May I join you?" said Spock in a polite voice.
Jim glanced at Bones, who only shrugged.
"Of course, Captain," answered Jim quickly.
Spock sat next to Jim, across from McCoy.
"Did you receive my update for the shifts?" asked Jim, attempting to initiate a conversation.
"I did. I revised it and I have some questions regarding some schedules."
"We can discuss it after today's shift if you wanna, I can change a few… hey!" Jim tried to slap McCoy's hand as he reached for Jim's plate, taking a donut from it.
"Here, this is better for you." McCoy put an apple on Jim's plate. "I've told you a hundred times that processed sugar is not good for you. I saw you eating one of these yesterday. You have to take better care of your health."
"You're not my mother," complained Jim.
Noticing how his friend seemed to go pale after he talked, Jim realized what he had said without a second thought, forgetting that Spock was with them. Possibly Spock felt affronted or angry. Glancing to his side, Jim only saw one of Spock's eyebrows raised, but he didn't look upset or uncomfortable. However, Jim knew by now that it was best not to underestimate Spock.
"I do not understand how Doctor McCoy could fulfill the role of your mother, since he is only six years your elder and is not female."
"Well, that's what we think, I haven't see him naked yet to confirm that," joked Jim, realizing that maybe Spock hadn't taken his comment personally.
"You wish," scowled McCoy. "I have to go, but I warn you, no more sweets, got it?"
"You can't know if I eat them or not." Jim stuck out his tongue.
"Oh, I'll know. Your next physical is going to tell me exactly how many of my medical orders you disobeyed, and I'll make sure you suffer for it."
"Fine, fine. Dinner?"
"I'll see you here after Gamma shift." Bones nodded respectfully at Spock. "Captain."
"Doctor McCoy." Spock observed McCoy walking away.
"So, wanna talk about the shifts?" Jim bit his apple, having a small feeling of deja vú.
"I did not know you and Doctor McCoy were in a relationship."
"What?" Jim almost spit the apple out of his mouth.
"I did not mean to pry –"
"No, no, it's not that. Why did you think Bones and I are in a relationship?"
"You appear close to the doctor. You spend your free time with him and the doctor seems concerned constantly about your health and you wellbeing."
"Nah, we're just best friends. Bones sees me as his kid brother, the one he must help out of trouble. He thinks it's his duty to protect me. We had a rough time in the past, and that helped us bond. But Bones prefers females for romantic relationships."
"And you do not?"
"As I said, I'm not picky. I have a lot of love to give," Jim grinned.
"I see."
"If you're worried that I'll hit on Uhura, I assure you I'm not interested in her. I flirt with everyone, it's my way to connect with people, but Uhura can kick my ass, so I wouldn't do anything even if I was interested." Jim left unsaid the fact that he actually believed Spock would kill him if he tried something with his girlfriend. That's a line Jim would not cross.
"I do not find myself concerned about your interest in the Lieutenant. I have observed your interactions with the crew and I can hypothesize that you method for 'connecting with people' as you vaguely put it is sixty point five percent effective."
"That high, huh? Maybe I should write a thesis about it. Make a social study or something like that."
"Indeed. Regarding the subject of the schedules I noticed your modifications in some of the shifts, particularly the schedule of Lieutenant Uhura and myself. Our shifts are mostly shared."
"Is that a problem?"
"I do not understand the reasoning for the change. Above all, you and I hardly have a common shift. In your proposal we share only three shifts per week."
"Is that a problem?" Jim didn't understand what Spock's point was.
Jim saw how Spock tilted his head, arching an eyebrow. Jim was learning to decipher the eyebrow language of Spock, and right now he could tell that Spock was probably thinking: 'Make some sense now.'
"Look, if you and Uhura share shifts, you two can have the same free time to get together or something. Besides, when you don't have shifts together, you can use the free time to go snooping around at the science lab –"
"It is very thoughtful on your part," interrupted Spock, but Jim didn't detect any sign of sarcasm or disapproval. "However, it is not necessary. I believe it is important for the commanding officers to be in close contact during shifts. We need to adapt and reach understandings."
If not for the fact that Spock was the one saying this, Jim would think the Vulcan actually wanted to spend time with him.
"I think we're doing a good job so far, don't you? I don't think it'll make a big difference if we don't share a few shifts."
"They are not 'a few shifts', they are the eighty point four percent of the schedule. As commanding officers, we need to be perceived as a team putting our differences aside. I thought we were building an appreciative relationship. Are you uncomfortable sharing the bridge with me?"
"What? No, of course not. It's not that I don't want to be on the same shifts as you. I just thought you could use the change, you know, maybe make things easier."
"Lieutenant Uhura and I are both professionals. We understand the demands of the job, and we shall adapt to the situation. However I appreciate your consideration to what you thought were my 'needs'."
"Yeah, well, I thought I was helping." Jim tried not to sound bitter.
"I am grateful. However, I wish for our shifts to remain the same."
Jim knew the Vulcan was only thanking him for doing a bad job because it's the polite thing to do. Still, it was weird hearing Spock saying that he was 'grateful' or 'appreciative'. Besides, it' wasn't Jim's fault. He couldn't read minds like Spock.
"So… Are you going to approve the other arrangements then?"
"Yes. I had not considered how reducing shifts could lead to optimizing efficiency."
"At least I did something right," mumbled Jim.
"You do several things 'right'. I hope my objection to your proposal does not give the opposite impression."
"Sorry, I'm not used to this. And to be fair, I though you wouldn't listen to me."
"Vulcans have sharper hearing than humans."
"Noted. Still, you should make time for the Science lab, Spock."
Spock nodded, without looking very interested in Jim's suggestion. Well, at least now Jim felt more confident about the way things were developing. Maybe Jim wasn't Spock's favorite person, but at least Spock tolerated him while they worked together and kind of respected him.
The first missions for the Enterprise were exclusively diplomatic. Fortunately so far they had been successful in the work, and Jim learned a little about self-control and patience. Even so, he always beamed back with at least a minor injury. Jim always had to report to McCoy after every mission when he prevented a dignitary from getting hurt, or tried to get a feline thing from a tree. Bones said that he has the ability to get the dumbest injuries the doctor has ever seen.
Two months on the job, and Jim was surprised he still hadn't been marooned from the ship. True, he and Spock had their differences, and some days the path was very rocky between them, but they had reached an agreement to talk about everything calmly and rationally (Spock was fonder of this than Jim). Spock always checked with Jim for his opinion, and Jim couldn't help feeling part of the command when Spock didn't make any decision without consulting with him.
Without his even noticing, dinner with Spock after some of their shifts had become a ritual for Jim. Mostly they discussed the missions or improvements in the Enterprise, but Jim was feeling more at ease with Spock. Jim sometimes caught glares from Uhura, but it wasn't his fault her boyfriend wanted to socialize with someone else besides her. Some evenings Bones shared the meals with them, and when Spock and Bones got into illogical discussions, Jim smirked when his friend only muttered his insults, thinking that Spock didn't hear them. Well, that's what Jim thought at first, but then Bones told him he was aware of Spock's sharper hearing ('I'm his damn doctor Jim, I must know the basics of his freaky physiology'). But since Spock was too educated to call McCoy out on his insults, Bones felt it best for their Captain to hear them once in a while.
In one of their dinners, Spock was giving Kirk the details for the next mission. It looked more complicated than he'd expected.
"Tersu is a hostile planet. It will be the first time the natives allow for the Federation to make contact. It is vital that we maintain our security alert without forgetting we need a treaty."
"I actually read the information Uhura sent, Spock. They sold slaves. Why would we want them in the Federation?"
"Apparently they have recognized the error of their ways, and desire to change with help of the Federation. Admiral Archer sent a list of precautions for the mission."
"In my experience, when you've sold people for hundred of years, you don't just admit 'the error of your ways'," Kirk sighed. "How should we proceed? We stop negotiations when they kill someone on our team, or are we allowed to defend ourselves before that?"
"I see you are returning to your vocal personality" observed Spock dryly, but thinking that the Commander's wariness was logical. "The negotiations are not more important than our team. We are not going to risk anyone in the landing party."
"Alright, I suggest Giotto, Edwards and Cravers beam down with me. I think it's best for Uhura to stay here, since things could get ugly. We'll manage with a translator."
"I will beam down with the team," added Spock.
"Of course you won't."
Spock lifted his eyebrow.
"Protocol dictates that when missions are hostile it is the job of the First Officer to beam down to the planet and take care of the negotiations. I'm sticking to the rules." Kirk must have become conscious of the way he just conveniently forgot that Spock was, in fact, still Captain and phrased his affirmation as an order. Spock was used to that, it did not bother him. However, ii is always essential for Kirk to remember to at least justify his arguments.
"You chose an ill-timed moment to be guided by the rules." Spock was not annoyed about how Kirk once again used regulations to argue against his decisions. That would be petty.
"What can I say? I'm that versatile. Do you agree with my choice of team?"
Spock nodded, still very cautious of the situation. Nonetheless, Kirk was right. Protocol dictated that when approaching hostile planets, the First Officer must handle things to protect the Captain's safety. A First Officer is expendable. A Captain is not. Spock thought that was illogical. It was clear that the commanding officer was as important to the Enterprise as the Captain. In this case, James Kirk was even more important to Spock. He was becoming irreplaceable.
But Kirk was correct in his assertion; it was his job to be in dangerous situations to protect Spock, who was able to protect himself better than Kirk. The irony did not go unnoticed and maybe in the future Spock could change that.
They were two days away from the planet. Spock had planned to have lunch with Nyota. What he did not expect was seeing Commander Kirk already sitting with her.
"T-t… to'h?"
"No, you're rolling your tongue wrong."
"I've never received complains about that before. Some girls love the way I roll my tongue." Spock could see Nyota sighing at Kirk's obnoxious behavior.
"If you want to learn this, you have to be serious about it."
"All right, sorry, sorry. To'lh?"
"That's correct. One down, two hundred and twenty five to go." Spock was able to detect the sarcasm in Nyota's voice. It was better to prevent a probable confrontation.
"Am I interrupting?"
Nyota smiled widely, noticing Spock standing next to Kirk.
"Captain! I saved you a seat." Spock knew that was some sort of Terran cultural reference, but he never understood it when she said it.
"Yeah, I was just leaving." Kirk stood up quickly. "Thanks for the help, Lieutenant. See you around, Spock."
Before Spock could answer, Kirk headed to the table inhabited by Leonard McCoy. They started bantering as soon as Kirk sat down. Spock felt the small urge to join them, but pushed it down quickly.
"Were you teaching Commander Kirk some sort of dialect?"
"I was trying, before he got insufferable. He asked me about the dialect in Tersu. I told him in my report that we're not very familiar with the language since they're not part of the Federation. But basically they combine most sounds with the 't', and Kirk wanted to learn this. With details."
"Since he will be beaming down to the planet, it is logical."
"Yeah, even though he is a quick learner, he's not a linguist."
"He is very proficient. He was helpful in the last mission with his knowledge in Andorian."
"I'm not saying he's not smart. I'm saying he has no skills interpreting languages. He only translates it, he doesn't know the context." Nyota chewed her upper lip. "Besides, I don't like the way he talks to you."
"What are you referring to?" Spock was genuinely intrigued. It was not the first time Nyota had brought up this subject, but usually she was the one to shake her head and say 'forget it', ending the conversation before Spock could answer. He found this disconcerting, since Nyota knew he had an eidetic memory and it was, in fact, impossible for him to 'forget it'. However she seemed to have decided to articulate her opinion on this occasion.
"He calls you 'Spock'." Her tone, Spock conjectured, was disapproving.
"That is my name." Spock was aware that it must have a hidden meaning to Nyota that Commander Kirk used his name during their off-duty time, otherwise she would not brought it into the conversation.
"The crew calls you Captain at all times. He should do it too. He should respect you." Spock noticed how affronted Nyota was becoming on his behalf.
"The fact that Commander Kirk chooses to call me by my given name in our off-shift time is of no consequence. I do not mind. Admiral Pike often requested that I call him 'Chris', even when I thought it was disrespectful."
"Yeah, but Pike is different. Kirk is just… I don't know how you trust him after what he did to you."
"He is reliable, determined and resourceful. He is an adept First Officer. It would be illogical to hold some sort of resentment for past events that cannot be changed."
Nyota looked startled by his words, and Spock wondered if it was that strange that he was actually complimenting Kirk. She must have decided it was for the best to drop the subject, since she asked him about the upcoming mission though they had been conversing about an entirely different topic and did not reach its conclusion. She did that when she was upset, but given that Spock hardly knew her reasoning in the matter, he just answered with what he had discussed already with Kirk.
"I spoke to my mom, you know?"
Spock knew that having dinner with Kirk usually meant conversation. However this subject was barely on topic, as they had been discussing the benefits of replicators for the last half hour. Spock had found that when he was at a loss about what to answer, he only had to lift an eyebrow. Kirk usually interpreted this as he needed it, and Spock saved time trying to deduce how the Commander expected him to respond.
"She was a Starfleet officer. She was the one who taught me Andorian and Orion. I know people think she went nuts after my father died, but she actually grieved in the most amazing way: she devoted herself to her sons and her job. Anyway, I talked to her, and she agrees. This must be some sort of trap."
"Commander Kirk. Am I to assume you shared confidential information about an upcoming mission with unauthorized personnel?"
"I didn't tell her about the mission, relax. I only asked her about the language and the culture. And I asked her if it was likely for them to contact the Federation. She was clear on that, Spock. Since we don't approve of slavery, and that is their main business, they weren't interested in joining the group. Besides, it's strange. We've been trying to make contact with the planet since we received the mission, and somehow the signal is always off. They specifically requested the Enterprise for the negotiations, and we know nothing about their culture, except that they sold slaves and they have close contact with the Klingons. It's a trap."
"We agreed it was a dangerous mission."
"It's a trap, mark my words Spock."
Spock was aware of the peculiarity in this mission. The Admirals gave the order, but the information available was unhelpful and confusing. Kirk was right to be suspicious. The Vulcan was disconcerted about staying on the ship at least until Kirk made sure it was safe for him to beam down.
They had not been successful in making contact with the planet, and Spock was considering whether beaming down was the correct choice since they had not been guaranteed the safety of the landing party.
Kirk made a valid argument, again sticking to protocol, which Spock found utterly disturbing. Spock wanted to beam down with them, but for now, he would monitor the landing party constantly, expecting Kirk's report.
After Spock saw the team disappear from the Transporter room, he headed back to the Bridge. He was not running, that would be illogical, but he was walking a little bit faster.
"Kirk to Bridge."
"Spock here."
"Captain, everything is fine so far. The planet looks weird, but at least we aren't dead… yet. Giotto sees a group of natives in the area. Maybe it's the welcome party. We'll make contact with them, and I'll report in two hours."
"One hour, Commander."
"Captain, I need to establish the mission parameters. I request two hours." Kirk sounded annoyed but Spock hardly cared. This was a dangerous planet; the Commander had to understand the necessity of the updates on the mission.
"I know you can do it in one hour, Commander. That is the time you have to report back."
Spock could see Lieutenants Sulu and Chekov glancing at each other, hardly containing their amusement and surprise. Spock knew that by Vulcan standards he was looking anxious when he was speaking to Kirk. They could not doubt the Commander's charming smile now, when he had managed to get their Captain to show this side.
"Fine" grumbled Kirk. "I'll report in one hour. Kirk out."
Spock pinched the bridge of his nose. If he was human, he would be sighing right now.
"Lieutenant, monitor Commander's Kirk signal. If you notice anything unusual, inform me immediately."
"Yes, Captain." Uhura shook her head, but did not make any other commentary.
Spock was not nervous. Still, with Kirk on the planet for one hour before he would establish contact with the ship again, Spock knew he needed to do something besides stare at Lieutenant Uhura's station. He decided to read the information about the planet again to decipher why a hostile planet that was not interested in the Federation had suddenly changed its mind.
It had been fifty point six minutes since Kirk beamed down to the planet, and they had not received any communication about a disturbance yet.
Of course, knowing Kirk, Spock should have known that would change soon.
"Kirk to Bridge." Kirk's voice was raspy, and he sounded breathless.
"Spock here. What is the matter, Commander?"
"We're beaming back immediately. The negotiations turned hostile."
"I will see you in the Transporter room. Spock out."
Thinking that Kirk would probably be hurt, and the landing party would need special attention, Spock opened his communicator again.
"Spock to Sickbay."
"McCoy here."
"The landing party is returning. Mister Kirk probably –"
"On my way to the Transporter room. McCoy out."
Spock found it efficient that McCoy was best friends with Kirk and knew that when he is involved, medical attention is required too. Leaving the conn to Sulu, Spock entered the turbolift heading to the Transporter room. Somehow McCoy was already there when he arrived.
As the team materialized on the platform, Spock tried to understand what happened down there that left the team in such a hurry to beam back up. Apparently there were no casualties, since the Captain could distinguish four figures. Spock glanced at every form to ascertain injures, but they seemed fine. It was after Spock's eyes caught Commander Kirk's form that he really noticed something wrong. Kirk had a dark bruise on his left cheek, a few cuts on his forehead, and his red shirt was torn. That was nothing new; Kirk always managed to get injured even on the simplest mission. What got Spock's attention was the fact that the Commander was carrying something in his arms. Some sort of bulge.
"Jesus, Jim. Would it kill you if you beamed back without any injuries for once?" McCoy climbed onto the platform, scowling.
"Come on Bones, where's your sense of adventure?" teased Kirk, but Spock could tell the man was exhausted.
"I take it the mission turned out to be more complicated than you expected, Commander Kirk." Spock followed McCoy to the platform.
"You could say that. These guys are real bastards, let me tell you."
"Is that your professional opinion?" Spock tilted his head.
"Jim… what is this?" McCoy stared at the bulge in Kirk's arms, wide-eyed.
"Well… you should know Bones, you are the doctor here."
"Did you steal a baby from the planet, Jim? Are you out of your mind?"
A baby? Spock got closer to Kirk to examine the bulge, and noticed the little hands reaching up trying to catch part of the torn shirt that was in the baby's sight. Looking up at Kirk, Spock arched an eyebrow, clearly indicating 'Explain this now'.
"I didn't steal her. I saved her, all right? They were going to sell her! Look, I'll explain, but first, can you make sure she's fine?"
McCoy directed his eyes to Spock, who nodded in agreement. Even though Kirk is his best friend, the doctor always followed protocol. Spock may not agree with the unorthodox methods and the illogical behavior of McCoy, but at least he shows proper respect.
"So it's a she." McCoy took the baby from Kirk's arms "I have a daughter, you know?" the doctor said to the baby, which Spock found completely illogical, since the girl probably did not understand sentences yet.
As soon as McCoy walked away from Kirk, a loud cry invaded the room. Spock noticed how everyone froze in the place, like fearing that some movement had made the little baby cry.
"What did you do to her?" Kirk frowned, approaching McCoy.
"Nothing, she just started crying!"
"Is she sick? Is she in pain or something?" Kirk reached out to hold the girl, who stopped crying almost immediately.
"Well, it looks that you know how to charm them even in diapers, Jim," McCoy snorted.
"What's wrong, baby girl? Bones is okay, he's grumpy, but he's going to take a good care of you."
"Hey!" complained McCoy. "I'm a doctor, not a babysitter."
"Commander, perhaps is best if you accompany doctor McCoy to Sickbay to assess the infant's welfare. Nevertheless I must remind you that I need full information about what exactly happened on the planet."
"Yes, you can get information from Giotto right now. After I leave the baby in Sickbay I'll meet you in the Rec. room, okay?"
"It would be best if we talk in my quarters."
Everyone in the Transporter room looked at Spock in bewilderment. Even Mister Scott stopped moving after hearing this.
"All right." Kirk broke the silence, and Spock could guess what the Commander was thinking. He must have imagined that Spock wanted privacy to castrate him after stealing a baby. Kirk always assumed that Spock would apply corporal punishment when things went wrong. At first Spock was disconcerted about that kind of behavior, but he could honestly say that he was getting used to it, and he did not know if that was a good sign "I'll go to your quarters then." Kirk looked at Mister Scott. "You took us away from that blasted planet, right?"
"Yes sir," answered Mister Scott happily "as soon as you beamed back we left the planet's orbit at maximum warp."
Apparently Kirk gave orders before he beamed back without consulting Spock. Spock knew that the Chief Engineer was more comfortable obeying orders from Kirk than from Spock. But if Kirk did not give a good explanation about his reasoning for kidnapping a child and making the Enterprise run from the place like fugitives, Spock was going to order Mr. Scott not to obey any orders from Kirk until further notice and he would consider some of Kirk's suggestions for reprimand.
"I'll explain, I promise," Kirk smiled apologetically to Spock, almost if he read the Vulcan's mind.
Spock nodded, watching McCoy and Kirk enter the turbolift with the baby in Kirk's arms. Turning around, Spock looked directly at Lieutenant Giotto, who seemed anxious.
"Lieutenant Giotto, please follow me to the conference room. You will brief me on the events on the planet."
"Yes, Captain."