Part Two: But, wait! There's more.

16. McCoy, it's not the years, it's the mileage

"You're not serious?" Bones said, shaking his head and taking a pull from the beer in front f him. "You can't be. It is utterly ridiculous."

"Why?" Kirk replied, one elbow on the bar, resting his beer glass on his knee. "You think you have the corner on misery, there Doctor?"

"I don't know anyone who can claim the most misery, but I've had my share."

Kirk shrugged. "Me too."

"You're still a Kid, pardon the expression, and can't have too much to complain about. I've had more years of marriage that you have of rational thought. And I'm not sure what's worse: reckless thrill seeking or being married to Satan herself."

"Just because you drew the Queen of Spades, doesn't mean you're misery is greater than mine. I've been without a father for 26 years and that includes my stepdad."

"It's not the years, Jim, it's the mileage."

64. Kirk, Spock and McCoy, landing party

As soon as they materialized, Spock's tricorder was scanning the surrounding area. He looked intently at the readout screen.

Kirk decided to use his senses and scanned the area for signs of life, while McCoy folded his arms and frowned.

"Lighten up, Bones," Kirk said jovially. "I'm sure Spock didn't really mean for you to relieve yourself from duty?"

"Indeed, I did, Captain," Spock replied. "In fact, the Doctor might want to give himself a sedative to improve his general disposition."

McCoy fumed. His face reddened and Kirk thought there might be more than a verbal retort. He put a hand up to stop McCoy and looked to Spock. The Vulcan had a silly grin on his face. Kirk was momentarily shocked at the sight. He turned back to McCoy and saw that a vein may well burst in his friend's head. He heard Spock start laughing.

"Sed-a-tive," the Vulcan repeated through his laughter.

"Air lock!" McCoy shouted and lunged past Kirk toward Spock.

"Aw, Hell," Kirk said in frustration. "Not another one of those planets."

87. Kirk and Uhura, truce

"Why don't you like me?"

"Because you're an ass."

"When you say ass can you be more specific?"

"Jack ass."

"Ok. Good. We're getting somewhere. So you think I'm like a donkey's behind?"

"You got that right."

"What about the donkey reminds you of me?"

"Well, the hind end not withstanding, its stupidity comes to mind."

"Donkey's aren't dumb."

"We're getting off the subject. You call me here for a reason. What is it, Captain?"

"I want to declare a truce."

"A truce?"

"Yes. A truce. A cease fire. An amicable working relationship."

"You're not known for your diplomacy. How do I know I can trust you?"

"Trust me to what?"

"You called the cease fire; you must have an idea of why we're constantly butting heads."

"My attitude toward women?"

"Is that a question?"

"No."

"I'm listening."

"I promise not to date…er, sleep with more than one crew person a month."

"…"

"Joking! In fact, I think I'm in love. The real thing this time."

"Really. Who? She needs to be warned."

"You would ruin my first chance at true happiness?"

"No. I would prefer to insure that she has a chance at happiness in the future."

"This truce needs work. What are you going to do for your side of the bargain?"

"I will not call you anything but captain on the bridge and I will endeavor to see value in your judgment."

"Ouch."

"Those are major concessions...Captain."

"Ok. I will do my best to deflect most of Bones' snarky comments toward Spock."

"Spock is a grown man. He can handle himself. This isn't about him."

"Fair enough. Though it was an honest effort."

"I know."

"Perhaps, we should just try to be nice to each other."

"Nothing wrong with that."

"Perhaps we both need to settle down."

"Ok…"

"This isn't the academy anymore. This is the real thing."

"Yes, it is. I know what you mean…Jim."

"Sounds weird doesn't it."

"Very weird."

"Truce?"

"Truce."

96. Spock Prime and Uhura, what might have been

She was a friend. Nothing more. A good, trustworthy, thoughtful, and compassionate friend. But the thought of her as a lover, much less my one true love, never crossed my mind. Was there something there, something I missed? Probably. She was a beautiful woman; striking in an exotic, sensual way. I never thought about it at the time. I was too busy being a Vulcan. Too busy with science and being first officer. I am a Vulcan. I am logical. But age has mellowed me. And now I have time to reflect; even to wonder wistfully: what might have been.