Day 2

The issue of chain of command remains unresolved. Kirk insists on referring to himself as the Captain, despite it is Spock who has control of the Vulcan vessel. "A situation soon to change", Kirk insists, followed by frequent bouts of cackling that serves no real purpose. If it was not for the fact that they are scheduled to dock at a Vulcan outpost soon, Spock would feel compelled to meditate on the distinct possibility of a mutiny by his own Captain.

Sometimes, logic fails even Vulcans in close proximity to Kirk.

They dock and return the ship with minimal commotion, and manages to negotiate access on an outgoing ship to Rigel X, departing in three hours. News travel fast: the fact that the command team of the Enterprise is travelling through the Alpha Quadrant via civilian means and without the help of Starfleet, for a wager, has already made interstellar headlines.

"We," Kirk announces, pointing a finger back and forth between him and Spock, "are going to be famous."

"We are not without reputation at the moment," Spock says. "Although the news of our... research - "

"Wager, Spock, you can say wager," Kirk says helpfully.

"Research," Spock enunciates, "will provide us with both an edge and disadvantage."

"Yeah, upside? The whole Quadrant will be watching, so those idiots can't say we cheated or something. The downside, well, the whole Quadrant is fucking watching. We can't really sneak anywhere and it wouldn't look good to - holy shit, when did they take that picture?"

Kirk nearly covers the holovid transmitter with his arms. "That's disgusting. No, that's decidedly not how I look while dancing."

"There were significant amount of paparazzi present in Rigel IV last time we were in orbit, because of the Cardassian General's visit," Spock says after a glance.

"Urgh. Tell me I look better than this," Kirk says.

"That is a particularly unflattering picture," Spock consoles. "Given the right lighting conditions and camera angle, you are an extremely aesthetically pleasing human."

A pause, then Kirk laughs clamourously, drawing the attention of several Vulcan scientists nearby. "How did Uhura ever agree to go out with you?!" Kirk asks, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye.

Spock furrows his brows lightly. "Your face presents very little asymmetrical flaws," he reasons. "Humanoid aesthetics are largely based on symmetry, which denotes healthy genetic - "

Kirk makes a wide swiping gesture that Spock understands to be a universal sign for 'no', in capital letters - "NO," Kirk says, almost hiccuping because of the laughter. "Just, stop. Spock, if you ever want to pick up girls again, just... the less talk, the better, kay? We gotta work your strong point here, and I tell you, talking praises ain't one of them."

Spock falls silent for a few seconds. "I have no wish to 'pick up girls' in our travels," he says in the end, slightly baffled.

Kirk eyes him, then shrugs. "Fine. If you won't, I won't."

"I feel I am no longer in full comprehension of this conversation," Spock says, brows still furrowed.

Kirk barks another laugh, pats him on the arm, then sits up straighter as he catches another image from the holovision. "Hey! That's a picture of us."

Spock follows his gaze: indeed it is.

"The lighting and the background brings out the colour of your eyes," Spock comments. "I believe if there must be a picture to go along with our travels, this one meets your standards?"

"Good one," Kirk says, nudging him and winking conspicuously. Spock gets the distinct feeling that he is not, in fact, referring to the picture. "You look good too. We look good, huh? The best and craziest command team this side of the Quadrant."

Spock's eyebrow flies to the hairline. "Please tell me the choice phrase of 'crazy' is of your own addition and not of popular consensus."

"Pike clearly thinks we are crazy," Kirk reasons.

"I do not find that comforting," Spock tells him.

"Of course you don't," Kirk says inconsequentially. "Food?"

They are approached by several Vulcan scientists in the mess: three asks about their 'research methodology', one asks about 'potential impact' and another questions them about funding. Spock answers each of their questions with a kind of academic rigour that only makes Kirk guffaw in the background.

"I see no merit in your proposed research," one Vulcan tells them. "Civilian routes in the known part of the Alpha Quadrant are well established. It serves little purpose to repeat what has been done, and even more frivolous if it is been done for the purpose of personal gratification."

Kirk uncrosses his legs and pushes himself up in the chair. Spock pushes a carton of juice to his side.

"The key element in our research is, in fact, time, not routes," Spock says calmly. "There is no previous recorded attempt to travel around the Quadrant in a time-sensitive manner. Regional travel routes exist; they are not well linked. If we succeed in our endeavour, it should prove useful in coordinating large scale interstellar travel, thus boosting the regional economies of peripheral federal planets."

After a few seconds of terse silence, the Vulcan inclines his head. "I concede to your logic," he says, and takes his leave.

"Now I know why the science department always gets the most funding from the Academy," Kirk says, a hint of awe in his voice. "Vulcans may not lie, but you can sure bullshit like a king."

"There are no royalties who partake in the activity you have just described," Spock tells him solemnly, and Kirk laughs.

Halfway through the meal, both their communicators ring: Kirk gives one glance at his and discards the call, while Spock stares at his screen mutely.

Kirk pokes his head over, and makes a sound of sympathy. "You gonna take that?"

Spock stands up. "We should go to the waiting room," he says. "Will you not take Dr. McCoy's call, also?"

"Yeah, no," Kirk says, "I'd rather sit in at yours."

"As you wish," Spock says, even though the tone of sarcasm was obvious in Kirk's last comment. Kirk gives him a surprised look, but follows him to the waiting room nonetheless.

"Wagers are illogical," Sarek announces as soon as the comm link stabilises.

Spock inclines his head, and a line appears between Kirk's brows. For the first time since their hurried departure from Earth, Kirk looks somber, the excited gleam replaced by concern.

There is a worrying minute of silence, then Sarek continues. "However, exploration for the purpose of research is not."

Kirk's eyes widen.

"I believe this is a worthwhile endeavour and will assist you greatly in your future as a Starfleet officer," Sarek adds. "Live and Prosper."

"I think your dad just endorsed our crazy stunt," Kirk says with a dazed look, after the comm closes. "He just said 'go and prove these motherfuckers wrong, Spock'."

"I do not think my father endorses such use of language," Spock says. Then, "However, I believe the sentiment is correct."

"Ha! He totally just said 'fuck 'em', cos my son is awesome'!"

"Please refrain from making similar comments in front of my peers," Spock says, but his tone is gentle.

"Whatever." Kirk waves a dismissive hand, and slurps loudly from the canton. "You are ten times more brilliant than any Vulcan you'd find here."

Spock finds the offhand comment pleases him more than it should.