*Jim POV*
"Jim," Bones yelled as they ran. "Jim! The beach is that way!"
"I know, Jim yelled back. "We're not going to the beach!"
"No! No, no, no! I hate this!"
"I know you do," Jim yelled back.
Placing his foot on the edge he shoved off the cliff with as much force as possible. Bones followed a second behind. The pair free fell for what seemed like forever before hitting the ocean beneath them. Using the momentum from the fall they continued downward. Making their way to the ocean floor they didn't have to wait long for the loading door to slide open. As they entered the loading bay the doors slid shut behind them and the water instantly began to drain. As soon as the doors opened Scotty was there to greet them.
"Do you have any idea how ridiculous it is to hide a star ship on the bottom of the ocean? We've been down here since last night! The salt water's gonna ruin the-"
"Scotty! Where's Spock," Jim asked in a rush.
"Still in the volcano, sir," Scotty informed him.
"Captain on the bridge," Chekov called out as Jim entered.
.
Jim immediately turned to Uhura. "Lieutenant, do we have an open channel to Mr. Spock," he asked.
"The heat's frying his comms, but we still have contact."
"Spock?"
"I have activated the device, Captain. When the countdown is complete, the reaction should render the volcano inert."
"Yeah, and that's gonna render him inert," Bones muttered.
"Do we have use of the transporters?"
"Negative, sir," Sulu answered.
"Not with these magnetic fields," Chekov informed him.
"I need to beam Spock back to the ship. Give me one way to do it," Jim ordered.
"Maybe if we had a direct line of sight. If we got closer," Chekov began.
"Hold on, wee man! You're talking about an active volcano! Sir, if that thing erupts, I cannot guarantee we can withstand the heat," Scotty told him.
"I don't know that we can maintain that kind of altitude," Sulu added.
"Our shuttle was concealed by the ash cloud, but the Enterprise is too large. If utilized in a rescue effort, it would be revealed to the indigenous species," Spock reminded them.
"Spock, nobody knows the rules better than you, but there has got to be an exception!"
"None. Such action violates the Prime Directive."
"Shut up, Spock! We're trying to save you, damn it," Bones yelled.
"Doctor, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."
"Spock, we're talking about your life," Jim yelled. This couldn't be happening. He couldn't lose Spock, not now.
"The rule cannot be broken..." The transmission became garbled and finally died out completely.
"Spock! Try to get him back online," Jim ordered.
"Ninety seconds to detonation," Chekov informed them.
There had to be some thing they could do. "If Spock were here and I were there, what would he do," Jim asked Bones.
Bones just shook his head without answering.
*Spock POV*
Without breaking the Prime Directive there was no way the Enterprise would be able to rescue him. Resigning himself to his fate Spock methodically began shutting down his emotions. Reaching out to feel his mate one last time he finally blocked the bond as well. He would spare Jim as much pain as he possibly could. That was the least he could do. When he felt the familiar sensation of being transported he knew precisely what had happened. Jim had broken the Prime Directive to rescue him.
Jim and the doctor rushed into the transporter room.
"Spock! Are you all right," Jim asked breathlessly.
Having been resigned to his eminent death he was still surprised he wasn't dead. "Captain, you let them see our ship," Spock said slightly stunned.
"He's fine," Bones said dismissively.
Jim glared at his mate. "I am so pissed at you right now," Jim bit out angrily.
"Bridge to Captain Kirk," Uhura said over the comm system.
"Yes, Lieutenant?"
"Is Commander Spock on board, sir?"
"Safely and soundly," Jim informed her.
"Please notify him that his device has successfully detonated."
"Congratulations, Spock," Jim replied tersely. "You just saved the world."
"You violated the Prime Directive," Spock said still slightly dazed. He had been so confident his life was over that he was having a hard time believing he was still here. Still alive. Still with Jim.
Jim glared at him a moment before storming out of the transporter room.
Spock felt the bond restrict until he could no longer feel Jim.
"You really thought he would let you die?"
Spock turned and stared the doctor.
"You better fix this," McCoy told him before storming out of the transporter room as well.
.
Three angry glares from Jim, seven from the doctor, two questioning looks from Nyota and five hours later they were both finally 'off shift'. As off shift as the Captain and First Officer ever were. Spock made his way to Jim's quarters. He took a deep breath trying to center himself as much as he could. Letting himself inside Spock found Jim sitting quietly on the edge of his bed. Jim didn't turn or even acknowledge his arrival.
"Jim?"
When Jim didn't respond Spock sat on the edge of the bed next to his mate.
"Please talk to me."
"I can't. Not yet."
"Would you like space," Spock asked quietly.
Jim shook his head.
Spock covered one of Jim's hand with his own. Sighing Jim turned and finally looked over at Spock.
"I'm just not ready to talk about it right now. Okay?"
Spock nodded. "Jim?"
"Yeah?"
"Are you... can you..."
"The bond?"
"Yeah," Spock acknowledge quietly as he dropped his eyes to floor..
"I'm not quite sure how to feel right now, I was just trying to process everything. I wanted to know how I felt before I had to talk about it."
"Understood."
"Stay?"
"Of course." If he was going to be allowed the choice, of course he would stay. It was too diconcerting not to 'feel' Jim through the bond. Physically touching him was the next best thing.
.
"Spock, I'm telling you, this is why he called. I can feel it."
He didn't want to dampen Jim's enthusiasm but he honestly couldn't believe they would be selected for this. At this point he was just grateful that Jim had unblocked the bond. Through the bond he could tell Jim was still angry about the incident involving the volcano but was merely choosing not to acknowledge those feelings for now. "Your feeling aside, I consider it highly unlikely that we will be picked for the new program."
"Why else would Pike want to see us? Forget about seniority, they gave us the newest ship in the fleet. I mean, who else are they gonna send out?"
"I can think of numerous possibilities," Spock told his mate.
"A five-year mission, Spock! That's deep space! That's uncharted territory! Think how incredible that's gonna be!"
.
"Uneventful."
Spock and Jim shared a look.
"Admiral," Jim asked.
"It's the way you described the survey of Nibiru in your captain's log."
"Yes, sir, I didn't want to waste your time going over the details."
"Tell me more about this volcano. Data says it was highly volatile. If it were to erupt, it would wipe out the planet."
"Let's hope it doesn't, sir."
"Something tells me it won't.
"Well, sir, volatile is all relative. Maybe our data was off.
"Or maybe it didn't erupt because Mr. Spock detonated a cold fusion device inside it right after a civilization that's barely invented the wheel happened to see a star ship rising out of their ocean! That is pretty much how you describe it, is it not?
"Admiral," Spock began.
"You filed a report," Jim asked incredulously. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I incorrectly assumed that you would be truthful in your Captain's log."
"Yeah, I would have been if I didn't have to save your life!"
"A fact for which I am immeasurably grateful and the very reason I felt it necessary to take responsibility for the actions-"
"Take responsibility? Yeah that'd be so noble, pointy, if you weren't also throwing me under the bus."
"Pointy? ls that a derogatory reference to-"
"Gentlemen." Pike paused to make sure he had their attention. "Starfleet's mandate is to explore and observe... not to interfere."
"Had the mission gone according to plan, Admiral, the indigenous species would never have been aware of our interference," Spock stated.
"That's a technicality."
"I am Vulcan, sir. We embrace technicality."
"Are you giving me attitude, Spock?"
"I am expressing multiple attitudes simultaneously, sir. To which are you referring?"
"Out. You're dismissed, Commander."
Spock glanced over at Jim who glared back at him.
*Jim*
"You have any idea what a pain in the ass you are," Pike asked.
"I think so, sir."
"So tell me what you did wrong. What's the lesson to be learned here?"
"Never trust a Vulcan," Jim grumbled angrily.
"Now, see, you can't even answer the question. You lied. On an official report, you lied. You think the rules don't apply to you because you disagree with them."
"That's why you talked me into signing up in the first place," Jim replied heatedly. "It's why you gave me your ship."
"I gave you my ship because I saw a greatness in you. And now, I see you haven't got an ounce of humility."
"What was I supposed to do, let Spock die?"
"You're missing the point."
"I don't think I am, sir. What would you have done?"
"I wouldn't have risked my First Officer's life in the first place! You were supposed to survey a planet, not alter its destiny! You violated a dozen Starfleet regulations and you almost got everyone under your command killed."
"Except I didn't! You know how many crew members I've lost? Not one!"
"That's your problem, you think you're infallible! You think you can't make a mistake. It's a pattern with you! Rules are for other people!"
"Some should be," Jim argued.
"What's worse is you using blind luck to justify your playing God! Given the circumstances, this has been brought to Admiral Marcus' attention. He convened a special tribunal, to which I was not invited. You understand what Starfleet regulations mandate be done at this point?"
Pike paused and the implications began to sink in.
"They've taken the Enterprise away from you. They're sending you back to the Academy."
"Admiral, listen."
"No, I'm not going to listen."
"I can justify-"
"Why should I listen," Pike asked cutting him off. "I'm not going to listen to you. You don't listen to anybody but yourself!"
"I understand regulation, but every decision I've made-"
"No, I can't listen! You don't comply with the rules, you don't take responsibility for anything, and you don't respect the chair. You know why? Because you're not ready for it."
*Spock*
Spock sat in a chair just outside of Pike's office staring at the door. When Jim's outrage shifted to shock Spock sat up straighter. The shock was quickly replaced with a sense of mourning and anguish and Spock fought to stay seated. After what felt like an eternity, Jim stepped out of the office and slowly closed the door behind himself. Spock rushed over to his mate. Any words he would have said died on his lips the second Jim looked up and met his eyes.
"They took the Enterprise away," Jim began quietly. "I was demoted," Jim told him, his voice getting louder. "I'm being sent back to the academy and you've been reassigned to teach... All because you had to file that report."
"Jim-"
"No! I'm familiar with your compulsion to follow the rules but you see, I can't do that. Where I come from, if someone saves your life, you don't stab them in the back."
"It was never my intention-"
"I saved your life, Spock. You wrote a report and I lost my ship... Damn it Spock!" Jim closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. "I can't deal with this right now. You said tell you what I need? Well, here's what I need. I need to go out and get drunk. I need time alone to process this crap. I promise I won't go home with anyone and I promise I won't close down the bond but right now I just need some time to myself. Got it?"
Unable to speak Spock merely nodded.
"I'll see you back at your apartment later. I don't know how long this will take so I can't give you a time. Sorry."
Spock watched as Jim left and finally slumped back down into the chair.
*Jim*
Busted back to a cadet, seriously? All because of a stupid report. Jim stared down into his Saurian brandy. From the corner of his eye he caught someone watching him. Turning Jim noticed a woman two seats over flirting with him. He looked away and rolled his eyes. The last thing he needed or wanted right now was some woman flirting with him. He looked back to tell her, politely, he wasn't interested when Pike sat down between them. Just great...
"How did you find me?"
"I know you better than you think I do. The first time I found you was in a dive like this. Remember that? You got your ass handed to you."
"No, I didn't."
"You don't remember?"
"No, that's not what happened."
"That was an epic beating."
"No, it wasn't."
"You had napkins hanging out of your nose, did you not?"
Jim thought back remembering the fight and smiled. "Yeah, that was a good fight."
"'A good fight.' I think that's your problem right there." Pike paused for a moment. "They gave her back to me, the Enterprise."
"Congratulations."
"You're going to be my First Officer."
First Officer? "How did you manage that?"
"Marcus took some convincing but every now and then I can make a good case."
"What did you tell him?"
"The truth. That I believe in you. That if anybody deserves a second chance, it's Jim Kirk."
"I don't know what to say."
"That's a first."
Yeah, it wasn't Captain, but it was better than the Academy. Much better. It was... a problem, Jim realized. There was no way he could be away from Spock that long.
"I can't," he told Pike.
"I got Spock assigned as my Science Officer."
"You what?"
"It's going to be okay, son."
Before Jim could formulate a response, Pike's comm beeped.
"Emergency session, Daystrom. That's us," Pike said. "Suit up."
.
"You go ahead," he told Pike. "I'll be right in."
"We need to get in there right now, Jim."
"I know. It won't take that long, I promise."
"It better not. Two minutes, Jim, no more."
"Got it."
As Pike entered the conference room Jim moved to the side of the hall and pulled out his comm. Pick up, pick up, he mentally ordered Spock urgently.
*Spock*
Spock opened his eyes and frowned. He had been meditating trying to sort through his emotions to better control them when he heard his comm beep. It was then that he realized the change in Jim's emotions. Spock was suddenly apprehensive. Something drastic had happened, he was sure of it.
"Jim?"
"Hey, I can't talk long. Something happened and they called an emergency Daystrom session."
Spock frowned at the news. "Only captains and first officers generally attend emergency sessions."
"They gave the Enterprise back to Pike. He made me his First Officer and you his Science Officer. I have to go. I'll contact you when I know more."
As Jim cut the transmission Spock stared at the comm. Reinstated as Science Officer on the Enterprise? Jim reinstated as First Officer? Those things were more than enough to think about... Emergency Daystrom Session... He definitely wasn't going to be able to meditate any more.
*Jim*
Admiral Marcus stood at the head of the table watching the various Captains and First Officers files in.
"Thank you for convening on such short notice. Be seated. By now, some of you have heard what happened in London. The target was a Starfleet data archive. Now it's a damned hole in the ground and forty-two men and women are dead. One hour ago, I received a message from a Starfleet officer, who confessed to carrying out this attack. He said he was being blackmailed into doing it by this man, Commander John Harrison. He's one of our own. And he is the man responsible for this act of savagery. For reasons unknown, John Harrison has just declared a one-man war against Starfleet. Under no circumstances are we to allow this man to escape Federation space. You here tonight represent the senior command of all the vessels in the region. In the name of those we lost, you will run this bastard down.
This is a manhunt, pure and simple, so let's get to work. Earth's perimeter sensors have not detected any warp signatures leaving the system, so we know he can't be far. You will park your ships in a blockade formation, then deploy search vehicles and landing parties to run down every lead. This man has shown willingness to kill innocent people, so the rules of engagement are simple. If you come across this man and fear for your life or the lives of those nearby, you are authorized to use deadly force on sight."
Jim studied the image and frowned. "What's in the bag," Jim whispered.
"James, not now," Pike shushed him.
"It doesn't seem odd to you that he'd target an archive? It's like bombing a library."
"Chris? Everything okay there," Admiral Marcus asked.
"Yes, sir. Mr. Kirk is just acclimating to his new position as First Officer."
"You got something to say Kirk, say it," Admiral Marcus ordered. "Tomorrow's too late."
"I'm fine, sir. My apologies."
"Spit it out, son. Don't be shy."
"Why the archive," Jim asked. "All that information is public record. If he really wanted to damage Starfleet, this could just be the beginning."
"The beginning of what, Mr. Kirk," Marcus asked.
"Sir, in the event of an attack, protocol mandates that senior command gather captains and first officers... at Starfleet H.Q... right here in this room," Jim finished haltingly as the words sank in.
"It is strange Harrison would commandeer a jump ship without warp capabilities," someone started to say.
"Clear the room," James yelled a split second before the first blast came through the window.
"We need an air defense team," Pike yelled into his comm. "Daystrom Conference Room!"
Turning sideways, Jim watched a security officer get shot. The man's phaser rifle slid out of his hands and across the floor. Jim made a mad dash for the rifle. Snagging it on his way past, he dodged both incoming and outgoing blasts - finally he took cover behind a wall between two windows. Peering cautiously around one he waited until the ship was facing away from him. Firing several shots at the ship he realized the weapon wasn't causing anywhere near enough damage. He needed a plan and fast. Jim's eyes were drawn to one of the ship's engines. If he could get some thing lodged inside the engine it might provide enough damage to disable the ship. Rapidly scanning his surroundings he spotted an emergency fire hose cabinet.
Dropping the rifle he ran to the cabinet and yanked the door off. Grabbing the hose he ran back to the window skidding on his knees as he dropped down to retrieve the rifle. He wrapped the hose tightly around the rifle. Standing up, he took aim and hurled it at the ship's engine. He glanced back just before the spool ran out of hose. He barely managed to drop to the ground as the cabinet broke free and flew over his head barely missing him. As soon as the cabinet was past, he jumped back up. Despite the mayhem taking place all around and the ship spinning out of control he did manage to get a good look at the occupant. It was definitely John Harrison. As the ship rotated around once more Jim saw the tell-tale signs of a transporter at work. By the time the ship rotated around again Harrison was no longer aboard.
*Spock*
A loud crash and the sound of weapons firing had Spock suddenly on his feet. Without a second thought he ran forward and yanked the door open. Chaos reigned all around him. As he scanned the scene looking for Jim, he caught sight of Pike struggling to stand. A split second later a stray blast of incoming phaser fire hit Pike and he was down again. Heedless of the danger Spock rushed forward and dropped next to the man. As he inspected the damage he realized Pike probably would not survive.
Acting purely on instincts Spock reached out and, before he knew what he was doing, melded with Pike. The pain was staggering but what hit him the hardest was the loneliness. He remained melded with Pike until he felt Pike's heart finally stop. Staring at Pike's body Spock hardly noticed Jim's arrival. Jim stood for only a few seconds before he dropped down, feeling for a pulse Spock knew he wouldn't find. He knew the second Jim realized Pike was gone. Jim's sadness was almost a mirror to his own. Suddenly Jim's emotions shifted. Determination replaced the sadness.
"No," Jim shouted.
Reaching out Jim began chest compression. C.P.R... Spock inspected Pike's injuries once again. There was no way Pike would survive this. Even if Jim got Pike breathing again, which was highly unlikely, it would only prolong the inevitable. Still, he couldn't bring himself to stop his mate. Spock sat all but paralyzed as he watched Jim trying to revive Pike; compression, breathing, compression, breathing. The desperate hope he felt in Jim tore at Spock. Spock and Jim both jumped a little when, miraculously Pike gasped; his head tilted backward as his back arched briefly.
"Breathe," Jim told Pike. "Just breathe."
Pike's mouth moved and Jim shook his head.
"It's okay, it's over. He's gone. Just breathe."
Pike was alive. Somehow Jim had done it. If Pike had any chance to stay that way he was going to need help. Immediately. Spock checked the room until he found a group of E.M.T.'s. Standing he called out and signaled them over. When two of the med techs arrived and started to get close to Pike, Spock felt Jim's defensiveness flare. Jim moved between the pair and Pike as if he had to defend him.
"They are just med techs, Jim. You need to let them do their job," Spock spoke calmly.
"Medical?"
"Yes."
Jim glanced up at the pair. "What are you waiting for, help him," Jim ordered them.
Spock carefully placed his hands on Jim's shoulders. Jim tried to shake him off but Spock refused to allow it.
"You have to back away Jim. They need room so they can help him."
Jim glanced back and forth between Pike and Spock. Spock carefully but firmly eased the two of them backward. As the med techs worked Jim pulled against Spock's grip instinctively trying to return to Pike's side.
"You need to let them have space Jim," Spock repeated. "If he is to have any chance you need to let them do their job."
Jim turned back to Spock and shook his head. He opened and closed his mouth several times. With full access to Jim's emotions Spock understood exactly what Jim was unable to say. Pulling Jim close he wrapped his arms around Jim and held him. Jim's arms wrapped tightly around Spock.
"Shh," he comforted Jim.
"What if..." Jim trailed off, unwilling to speak the words aloud.
Spock struggled to find something comforting he could say. He desperately wanted to reassure Jim that Pike would be fine but he would not lie to his mate. "We will deal with that when it happens, not before," Spock finally said. "Come on Jim, we should go home."
"I want to stay," Jim protested.
"Medical will most likely be filled with people needing attention. It would be better if we went back to the apartment."
"I don't want to leave him alone. I keep thinking if I let him out of my sight I'll lose him."
Spock rubbed a hand down Jim's back. "The doctors will do every thing they can. We would only be in the way at Medical. Do not mourn him before he is lost, Jim." It was the best Spock could do. He could not honestly say Pike would be fine when he did not truly believe it. "We should go home now," Spock insisted.
Jim turned and inspected the dead and wounded all around them. Finally he gave a wooden nod and let Spock lead him out of the conference room.
.
Spock sat on his couch with Jim's head in his lap. Neither had said a word since they entered the apartment. There was nothing to be said. One of Spock's hands idly stroked Jim's hair as the other held onto Jim's hand. Holding onto Jim's hand gave Spock the connection he needed to center himself. Stroking Jim's hair helped calm Jim. After about an hour Jim fell asleep. Spock continued stroking his hair until, not long afterward, he drifted off into sleep as well. When the comm beeped Spock's eyes jerked open and Jim sat up quickly. Spock reached forward and grabbed his comm.
"Hello?"
"I've been trying to reach the Captain but he hasn't been answering his comm," Scotty's voice said over the comm.
Spock looked over to Jim who winced. "Lost it in the attack," he whispered.
"You don't think he was injured in the attack do you," Scotty asked.
Spock took a second to be grateful that Jim hadn't been injured during the attack before answering. "I am sure the Captain is fine."
"I hope so. If you can find him I'd like to see you both. I found something in the wreckage of Harrison's ship I think you two should see."
"Acknowledge. Spock out."
.
"Captain! I found this in the crashed jump ship, sir." Scotty held up a black, oblong, odd looking device. "This is how the bastard got away."
"What do you mean?"
"It's a portable trans warp beaming device," Scotty explained.
"Can you figure out where he went?"
"I already did, sir. And you're nae gonna like it." Pressing a few buttons Scotty brought up the coordinates on a display.
"He's gone to the one place we just can't go."
*Jim*
"Admiral, sir, he's not on Earth." Jim stated breathlessly as they rushed into Admiral Marcus' office. "He's on Kronos, sir. I request my command be reinstated and your permission to go after him."
"Give us a minute," Marcus ordered. The other people present complied and filed out of the office. "Kronos?"
"Yes, sir."
"So Harrison's gone to the Klingon homeworld? ls he defecting?"
"We're not sure, sir."
"He has taken refuge in the Ketha Province, a region uninhabited for decades," Spock informed the Admiral.
"He's gotta be hiding there, sir! He knows if we even go near Klingon space, it'd be all-out war. Starfleet can't go after him, but I can. Please, sir," Jim pled.
"All-out war with the Klingons is inevitable, Mr. Kirk. If you ask me, it's already begun. Since we first learned of their existence, the Klingon Empire has conquered and occupied two planets that we know of and fired on our ships half a dozen times. They are coming our way. London was not an archive. It was a top-secret branch of Starfleet designated Section Thirty-One. They were developing defense technology and training our officers to gather intelligence on the Klingons and any other potential enemy who means to do us harm. Harrison was one of our top agents."
"Well, now he's a fugitive and I want to take him out," Jim insisted.
"Pike always said you were one of our best and brightest. You should have heard him defend you. He's the one who talked you into joining Starfleet, wasn't he?"
"Yes, sir."
"Did he ever tell you who talked him into joining?" Marcus paused slightly before continuing. "His death is on me, yours can't be."
"Sir, please. All I-"
"Mr. Spock, you said the province where Harrison is hiding is uninhabited?"
"Affirmative, sir," Spock confirmed.
"As part of our defensive strategy we developed a new photon torpedo. Long-range and untraceable, it would be invisible to Klingon sensors. I don't want you hurt, but I want to take him out. You park on the edge of the Neutral Zone, you lock onto Harrison's position, you fire, you kill him and you haul ass."
"Permission to reinstate Mr. Spock as my First Officer," Jim asked instantly. Please, please, please.
"Granted."
The relief he felt was so intense he could't tell if it was from him, Spock or both of them combined.
.
"Jim!"
Jim glanced back at Bones' voice. The doctor rushed to catch up with him.
"Where were you," Bones asked.
"For what?"
"Your medical exam. Ten hours ago, you were in a damn firefight. Now it's my duty as ship's-"
"I'm fine, Bones," Jim replied.
"The hell you are."
"I'm fine." He turned to address Spock. "Status report, Spock."
"The Enterprise should be ready for launch by the time we arrive," Spock informed him.
"Good, good."
"Captain, thank you for requesting my reinstatement."
Jim fought not to roll his eyes. "You're welcome," he said. Even if they weren't bonded he would have asked for Spock as his First Officer. The two of them always made a good team.
"As I am again your First Officer, it is now my duty to strongly object to our mission's parameters."
"Of course it is."
"There is no Starfleet regulation that condemns a man to die without a trial, something you and Admiral Marcus are forgetting. Also, preemptively firing torpedoes at the Klingon home world goes against-"
"You yourself said the area's uninhabited. There's only gonna be one casualty. And in case you weren't listening, our orders have nothing to do with Starfleet regulation."
"Wait a minute," Bones interrupted. "We're firing torpedoes at the Klingons?"
"Regulations aside, this action is morally wrong," Spock stated.
"Regulations aside, pulling your ass out of a volcano was morally right. And I didn't win any points for that," Jim reminded his mate. He couldn't help still being upset at how easily Spock was willing to let himself die.
"Jim, calm down," Bones began.
"I'm not gonna take ethics lessons from a robot!"
Bones leaned forward and continued the examination.
"Reverting to name-calling suggests that you are defensive and therefore find my opinion valid."
"I wasn't asking for your opinion," he told Spock. "Bones, get that thing off my face," Jim growled.
"Captain, our mission could start a war with the Klingons and it is, by its very definition, immoral. Perhaps you should take the requisite time to arrive at this conclusion for yourself."
"Captain Kirk."
The three men looked up at the new arrival.
"Science Officer Wallace," the woman said introducing herself. "I've been assigned to the Enterprise by Admiral Marcus. These are my transfer orders."
"You requested an additional science officer," Spock asked.
"I wish I had. Lieutenant Carol Wallace, doctorate in applied physics, specializing in advanced weaponry."
"Impressive credentials," Spock stated calmly.
"Thank you," Lieutenant Wallace replied.
"But redundant now that I am back aboard the Enterprise."
"And yet, the more the merrier," Jim interjected. "Have a seat, Doctor."
"Thank you."
"Shuttle crew, stand by for lift-off."
*Scotty*
"No! I'm not signing anything! Now, get these bloody things off my ship," Scotty ordered. "Captain," he called out when he spotted Jim.
"ls there a problem, Mr. Scott?"
"Aye, sir. I was just explaining to this gentleman that I can't authorize any weapons on board this ship without knowing what's inside them."
"Mr. Scott raises yet another point-" Spock started before the captain cut him off.
"Report to the bridge," Jim ordered Spock.
"Captain," Spock acknowledged stiffly before departing.
"Mr. Scott, I understand your concerns, but we need these torpedoes on board."
"Due respect, sir, but photon torpedoes run on fuel. Now, I cannot detect the type of fuel that's in the compartments of these torpedoes because it's shielded. Now, I asked for the specifications, but he said," Scotty trailled off and hooked a thumb behind himself.
"It's classified," the man answered.
"It's classified," Scotty repeated. "So I said, "No specs, no signature!""
"Captain," Sulu said interrupting. "Flight check's complete. We're good to go, sir."
"Thank you, Mr. Sulu."
"Yes, sir," Sulu replied as he turned and left.
"Now if you'll excuse me, sir," Scotty continued. "I have a warp core to prime." Stalking off he noted Keenser had climbed on top of something else yet again. "Get down," Scotty snapped on his way past.
*Jim*
"Jim, your vitals are way off," Bones informed him.
"Report to the med bay," Jim snapped. "Scotty!," Jim yelled trailing after the engineer. "I need you to approve those weapons."
"Do you know what this is, Captain?"
"I don't have time for a lecture, Scotty."
"Do you know what this is?"
"It's a warp core."
"It's a radioactive catastrophe waiting to happen. A subtle shift in magnetic output from, say, firing one or more of six dozen torpedoes with an unknown payload could set off a chain reaction which would kill every living thing on this ship. Letting those torpedoes on board the Enterprise is the last straw!"
"What was the first straw," Jim asked.
"What was the... There are plenty of straws. How about Starfleet confiscating my transwarp equation? And now some madman's using it to hop across the galaxy! Where do you think he got it from?"
"We have our orders, Scotty!"
"That's what scares me. This is clearly a military operation. Is that what we are now? 'Cause I thought we were explorers."
"Sign for the torpedoes, that's an order."
"Right, well, you leave me no choice but to resign my duties."
"Come on, Scotty."
"You're giving me no choice, sir."
"You're not giving me much of a choice."
"I will not stand by-"
"Will you just make an exception and sign-"
"Do you accept my resignation or not?"
"I do!" Jim sighed heavily before continuing. "I do. You are relieved, Mr. Scott."
"Jim..." Scotty hesitated. "For the love of God, do not use those torpedoes," Scotty warned before finally leaving.
"Attention. Warp core anti-matter containment check in three minutes."
.
His first day back on the Enterprise and already he was fighting with Spock and Scotty had just resigned. He had a sinking feeling every thing was only going to get worse. Making his way from Engineering to the turbo lifts, Jim ran through the crew members qualified to 'replace' Scotty. As the doors to the turbo lift opened he noted Uhura already inside. Entering the lift the two stood in an awkward silence.
"Captain, I'm so sorry about Admiral Pike," Uhura said finally breaking the silence.
"We all are," he replied.
"Are you okay?"
"Fine," he lied. "Thank you, Lieutenant... Actually, Scotty just quit... And Spock keeps second-guessing me every chance he gets," James said scowling. "I'm sorry," James mumbled. "That was inappropriate. It's just sometimes I want to rip the bangs off his head... You know, maybe it's me. Maybe..."
Uhura sighed. "It's not you."
"It's not? Wait, are you guys... Are you guys fighting?"
"I'd rather not talk about it."
"I wish you wouldn't fight with him," Jim said quietly. Uhura cocked her head at him and Jim sighed. "I want to make sure he has a friend he can talk to, you know?"
The door to the turbo lift opened and the pair came face to face with Spock.
"Your ears burning," Jim asked impertinently as he walked past Spock.
"Captain on the bridge," Chekov announced.
Making his way accross the bridge he waited for Chekov to acknowledge him.
"Captain," Chekov inquired.
"Mr. Chekov, you've been shadowing Mr. Scott. You are familiar with the engineering systems of this ship?"
"Affirmative, sir," Chekov replied.
"Good. You're my new Chief. Go put on a red shirt," Jim ordered.
"Aye, Captain," Chekov responded as he made his way down to engineering.
"Retract all moorings, Mr. Sulu."
"Yes, sir."
"Docking clamps one, two, and three are released. All moorings retracted."
"Lieutenant Uhura, open a shipwide channel."
"Yes, sir."
"Mr. Chekov, how we looking down there?"
"All systems nominal, Captain."
"Copy that."
"Warp available at your command."
"Thank you, Mr. Chekov. All right, let's ride."
"Yes, sir."
"Channel open, sir."
"Attention, crew of the Enterprise. As most of you know, Christopher Pike, former captain of this ship and our friend, was critically wounded. The man responsible has fled our system and is hiding on the Klingon homeworld, somewhere he believes we are unwilling to go. We are on our way there now. Per Admiral Marcus, it is essential that our presence go undetected. Tensions between the Federation and the Klingon Empire have been high. Any provocation could lead to an all-out war. I will personally lead a landing party to an abandoned city on the surface of Kronos where we will capture the fugitive, John Harrison, and return him to Earth so he can face judgment for his actions. All right, let's go get this son of a bitch. Kirk out."
"Captain, I believe you have made the right decision. If I can be of assistance, I would be happy to accompany you on the away team," Spock said.
"You? Happy?"
"I was simply attempting to use your vernacular to convey an idea."
"Thank you, Mr. Spock."
*Spock*
If asked Spock would have said he was merely double checking the ship would continue to run smoothly. In reality some thing about the new science officer troubled him. He decided to try to ascertain the reasons behind the uneasy feelings. As he entered the cargo bay where the torpedoes were stored he found Dr. Wallace inspecting one of the new torpedoes. Walking up behind her Spock cleared his throat startling her. As Dr. Wallace jumped Spock put a hand on her arm under the pretense of steadying her. Several images instantly passed through his mind leading him to a startling revelation.
"Mr. Spock. You startled me."
"What are you doing, Doctor?"
"Verifying that the torpedo's internal-"
"You misunderstand. What are you doing aboard this ship? There is no record of you being assigned to the Enterprise."
"Really? That must be some sort of mistake."
"My conclusion as well, Dr. Marcus. Except that you have lied about your identity. Wallace is the surname of your mother. I can only assume the Admiral is your father."
"Mr. Spock. I'm aware that I have no right to ask this of you. But please, he cannot know that I'm here-"
Whatever she would have said was cut off by the ship suddenly lurching sideways.
*Jim*
"Engineering manually dropped us out of warp, sir," Sulu announced.
"Mr. Chekov, did you break my ship," Jim asked briskly.
"Sorry, sir, I don't know what happened! The core overheated, I had to activate the emergency stop. It must be a coolant leak. I need time to find it. Sorry, Captain."
"Damn it. Mr. Sulu, time to our destination?"
"Twenty minutes, sir. That's twenty minutes in enemy space we weren't counting on."
"All right, we better hop to it. Where's Spock?"
"Here, Captain."
"You're coming with me to Kronos."
"Lieutenant, how's your Klingon?"
"It's rusty, but it's good."
"Good, you're coming, too. This isn't going to be a problem, is it? You two working together?"
"Absolutely not," Uhura assured him.
"Unclear," Spock stated, uncertain.
Jim almost rolled his eyes. "I'll meet you in the shuttle bay."
"Jim, you're not actually going down there, are you," Bones asked alarmed. "You don't rob a bank when the getaway car has a flat tire."
"I'm sure engineering will have us all patched up by the time we get back. Isn't that right, Mr. Chekov?"
"Yes, Captain. I'll do my best, sir."
"Mr. Sulu, you have the conn. Once we're en route, I want you to transmit a targeted comm burst to Harrison's location. You tell him you have a bunch of real big torpedoes pointed at his head and if he doesn't play nice, you're not afraid to use them... Is that a problem?"
"No, sir. I've just never sat in the chair before."
"You're gonna do great."
"Jim wait! You just sat that man down at a high-stakes poker game with no cards and told him to bluff. Now Sulu's a good man, but he is no captain."
"For the next two hours, he is. And enough with the metaphors, all right? That's an order. Mr. Sulu, make sure that K'normian ship is ready to fly."
.
"Acting Captain Sulu to Shuttle Bay two. Please have the trade ship we confiscated during the Mudd incident last month fueled and flight ready. Captain Kirk is en route to you now."
"Ready to deploy, Captain."
"Lieutenants, lose the red shirts. You are K'normian arms dealers. Put those on."
"Sir?"
"Look, if this thing goes south, there can be nothing tying us to Starfleet. Unless of course you want to start a war, Mr. Hendorff."
"No, sir."
"No, sir."
"Good. Me, neither."
*Spock*
"I am detecting a single life sign in the Ketha Province. Given the information provided by Mr. Scott, this is most likely John Harrison."
"Mr. Sulu, I think we found our man. You let him know you mean business."
"Aye, Captain."
*Sulu*
"Attention, John Harrison, this is Captain Hikaru Sulu of the U.S.S. Enterprise. A shuttle of highly trained officers is on its way to your location. If you do not surrender to them immediately, I will unleash the entire payload of advanced long-range torpedoes currently locked onto your location. You have two minutes to confirm your compliance. Refusal to do so will result in your obliteration... If you test me, you will fail."
"Mr. Sulu, remind me never to piss you off," McCoy said arching an eyebrow dismayed.
*Jim*
"We will arrive at Harrison's location in three minutes, Captain. It is unlikely that he will come willingly. I calculate the odds of him attempting to kill us at ninety-one point six percent.
"Fantastic. Good thing you don't care about dying," Jim muttered.
"I am sorry, Captain, I could not hear what you said."
"I didn't say anything... Actually, I'd be happy to speak if you're willing to listen to me."
"Guys," Uhura began.
"Captain, I would prefer to discuss this in private."
"You'd prefer not to discuss this at all," Jim bit out.
"Our current circumstances-"
"Are you really gonna do this right now," Uhura asked.
"I'm sorry, Lieutenant, just two seconds."
Uhura shook her head and continued monitoring the controls.
"At that volcano, you didn't give a thought to us. What it would do to me if you died, Spock. You didn't feel anything, you didn't care. And I'm not the only one who's upset with you. She's upset with you too."
"No, no, no. Don't drag me into this... Actually, he is right."
"Jim, your suggestion that I do not care about dying is incorrect. A sentient being's optimal chance at maximizing their utility is a long and prosperous life."
"Great," Uhura muttered under her breath.
"Not exactly a love song, Spock."
"You misunderstand. It is true I chose not to feel anything upon realizing that my own life was ending. As Admiral Pike was dying, I joined with his consciousness and experienced what he felt at the moment of his passing. Anger. Confusion. Loneliness. Fear. I had experienced those feelings before, multiplied exponentially on the day my planet was destroyed. Such a feeling is something I choose never to experience again. Jim... you mistake my choice not to feel as a reflection of my not caring. I assure you, the truth is precisely the opposite."
*Sulu*
"What the hell was that?"
"What happened? Where's their signal?"
"It cut out. I'm working to get them back."
*Jim*
"We are being pursued by a D-four class Klingon vessel," Spock stated.
"I thought this sector was abandoned," Jim yelled.
"It must be a random patrol."
"Hold on!"
"This ship has no offensive capabilities," Spock reminded them.
"It's got us. Give me all six fuel cells," Jim ordered Spock.
"Aye, Captain," Spock replied.
"Damn it," Jim cursed.
"They're closing fast, bearing two eight five," Uhura informed them.
"All right, there! We can lose them there."
"If you are suggesting that we utilize the passage between the approaching structures, this ship will not fit," Spock stated.
"We'll fit," Jim insisted.
"Jim, we will not fit."
"We'll fit, we'll fit!"
Turning the ship sideways Jim flew between the two cliffs. The Klingon cruiser stopped short of entry, too large to fit between the cliff walls. The ship struck one of the walls and bounced. Crashing back and forth between the walls the ship finally exited out the other side.
"I told you we'd fit."
"I am not sure that qualifies."
"Any sign of them," Jim asked.
"No, which worries me," Uhura replied.
"We lost them," Jim declared triumphantly.
"Or they're jamming our scanners," Uhura said.
"Or we lost them," Jim repeated.
From out of nowhere the Klingon ship reappeared behind them. Over the comm the Klingon's growled out orders.
"They're ordering us to land," Uhura informed them. "Captain, they are going to want to know why we're here... And they are going to torture us, question us, and they are going to kill us."
"So we come out shooting," Jim suggested.
"We're outnumbered, outgunned. There's no way we survive if we attack first. You brought me here because I speak Klingon. Then let me speak Klingon," Uhura insisted.
.
"This isn't going to work," Jim announced.
"It is our only logical option. If you interrupt her now, you will not only incur the wrath of the Klingons but that of Lieutenant Uhura as well," Spock informed Jim.
From where they sat they couldn't hear anything that was being said. If anyone had a chance to talk them out of a fight it would be Uhura. Even giving her that much credit, the chances of her succeeding? Jim rushed to the back of the ship and grabbed several phasers.
"Lieutenant," Jim said handing a phaser back as he continued watching Uhura talk with the Klingons.
"Thanks, Captain."