Jim tells the others of his decision and finds out something he wasn't expecting.
Thank you to T'Arrah for being my fantastic beta. Mistakes are still mine.
Star Trek isn't mine.
/
/
The door to the conference room slides open and all three current occupants turn to it to discover the rest of the crew that was called to the meeting... including XO Spock.
Uhura steps away from the Spock in black and steps over to the Vulcan in blue with a look of stupefaction, one that is replicated on Sulu, Chekov and Scotty's face. Jim rolls his eyes realising that there has been a serious lack of debriefing going on since he has been back.
'What the hell has Spock been doing this whole time when he should have been doing his job as the fucking acting captain?'
Kirk wants to thank god for the fact that McCoy, at least, seems to have his shit together. The look of apprehension on his face can be forgiven seeing as how Jim suspects that he is sporting an identical look. Having two emotionally unstable Vulcan's in a room together tends to bring forth a certain amount of dread.
Black Spock is the first to break the awkward silence that has fallen over the room.
"Lieutenant Uhura, I believe that the Spock who just walked in was the man you were referring to when making demands of your captain. You should apologise this instant for your insulting behaviour towards my bond-mate."
Uhura turns to face the Vulcan that is identical to her husband in every way with complete confusion in her eyes.
"Huh?"
The Spock in blue is by her side in an instant, with one hand on her shoulder, and a glare aimed at the other Vulcan.
"You do not have to do anything of the sort, my wife. You owe the captain nothing."
Jim reaches out for his Spock and takes a hold of his wrist, mentally pleading with him not to do anything that he might later regret. Spock holds himself back, feeling the desperation in his mate's mind, but his eyes narrow murderously on the other Spock.
"If it were not against my t'hy'la's wishes, I would kill you were you stand."
Both Spocks release an identical snarl.
Uhura's hair whips through the air as she spins around to face her Spock.
What is going on, Spock? Why is there another you and why is he saying that Kirk is his bond-mate?"
Near the door, Chekov glances at Scotty and Sulu before raising his hand.
"I believe that ve vould also like an explanation for this."
The two men beside the Pavel nod in agreement as the teenager gestures at the two Spocks.
Jim decides to take this moment to regain control of proceeding. He is still the captain of this ship, after all.
"Look, I know this is all very confusing, and you all are bound to have a million questions, but I think it would best if we all sit down and I will explain a few things. If you still have questions after that then you can ask away."
To show their agreement to the captain's plan, everyone silently moves to the conference table. Jim takes his customary seat with Bones to the left of him. It is only when he is seated that he mentally smacks himself for not seiing the problem before it arises. On his right there are two hands grasping the chair, and those hands do not belong to the same Vulcan. He glances up to find both Spocks trying to stare the other down.
"I believe that as the Captain's first officer that I am the only one permitted to sit at this seat."
The black Spock just smirks.
"I was also James' first officer for a short amount of time, and I am his bond-mate. My relationship with the Captain will always trump yours no matter what... alternatives you might suggest."
Jim rolls his eyes at his lover's fairly obvious dig, but then his sight catches a slight movement where the hands are situated on the chair, and he glances back down. He can see his science officer's hand squeeze the frame of the chair, his knuckles going white and the metal mophing from the pressure. When his head tilts back up, the Spock in blue is regarding at him expectantly.
"Captain?"
Kirk sighs. He sort of hates both Spock's right now for putting him in this situation. Either way he goes, one Spock is going to be seriously pissed off with him. If he has to choose, then he will pick the one that might with hold sex from him. He is only human, and a man to boot.
"Sorry Commander, but seeing as how this meeting greatly affects my Spock, it would be best if he sits by me. I'm sure you can understand the logic in that."
The Vulcan in the blue tunic looks all set to argue, but is interrupted by his wife.
"Spock, it really doesn't matter where you sit, does it. There is a seat by me that is free."
The blue Spock doesn't even acknowledge that she had addressed him, instead he just returns to glaring at his, now smug, twin.
"You heard your Captain. Find another seat, CommanderSpock."
The XO releases the chair as if it has burnt him and quickly makes his way towards the seat next to Nyota. Once he is seated, Jim visibly relaxes and glances around the table at his crew.
Okay guys, here is what happened."
Once Kirk has told the people at the table about the other universe and the decision he has made regarding his position in that universe, he just sits back and watches the many faces around the table morph into an abundance of different expressions.
Chekov's bottom lip is protruding and Jim is sure that he can see tears in the young man's eyes. Sulu is staring at the Spock next to Jim as if examining him. Kirk doesn't know if that is a good thing or not. McCoy is just nodding his head and smiling approvingly. Since Mr Scott is focused intently on his PADD, it is hard for Jim to really gauge his expression, but from what he can see the man looks worried. Jim decides to come back to his engineer and find out what's troubling him, but he finds that he really needs to know how the 'happy couple' feel about this new development.
When he turns to Uhura, he is stunned to find that she isn't even looking in his direction, but he when his gaze shifts to what has gained her attention, he understands. She is watching her husband as he stares at Kirk in what can only be described as devastation. He locks his gaze with his Vulcan first officer for a moment to convey his resoluteness before breaking the contact. He reaches out for his Spock's hand under the table and squeezes it, trying to seek comfort.
Everyone in the room (including the two Vulcans) jump in their seats when Scotty slam his PADD in the hard surface of the table.
"It's nae good! I cannae figure it oot."
Jim glances at his chief engineer in concern.
"What's the problem, Scotty?"
The man in red rakes his hands through his thinning hair and then glances up towards his captain in defeat.
"I have been running through the numbers over and over again and it always comes out the same way. If you go over to tha' other universe, you will not be able to come back."
Everybody in the room demonstrates shock at this new piece of information. McCoy is especially wide eyed.
"We managed to pull him back here once, and then his Vulcan toy-boy followed him through. Why would it be impossible for it to happen again? Can't we just use that goddamn formula you concocted as many times as we want?"
Jim tries to focus intently on Scotty and not the indignation coming through the bond. Apparently Spock does not like the title of 'toy boy'.
'Bigger issues, Spock. Bigger fucking issues.'
Scotty's frown deepens and he shakes his head at the good doctor.
"The thing is that for some reason the ion cloud weakened the 'walls' between universes and tha' is what allowed you to be transported there. It is also what allowed you to be brought back. Since the ion cloud has dissipated, the walls have began to strengthen and soon there will be no possible way to travel between universes... unless we come upoon another ion cloud identical to the one we previously encountered."
Jim laughs humourlessly. "Yeah, what are the odds of that happening?"
Scotty shrugs sadly, just as the Spock next to him answers.
"I believe the odds of that event happening in any of our lifetimes are 8.456 billion to one, t'hy'la."
Kirk turns to his Spock and chuckles. He has always found Spock's extrememly detailed calculations hilarious and his bond-mate has used that knowledge to his advantage. It is his very Vulcan atempt at lightening the mood.
All too soon, the humour leaves Spock's face and it becomes completely serious, as he ensures that his gaze is level with his bond-mate. Jim sees the change and it sobers him up slightly, knowing that what is going to come out his Spock's mouth will not continue to be comical.
"The Mr Scott from my time line also expressed that this might happen and informed me that he would research the possibilities more thoroughly while I am gone. He also strongly recommended that I do not spend an exceedingly long amount of time in this universe if I wished to return."
Jim frowns as he takes this all in. However, his musings are cut short when Chekov's eager addresses him..
"Keptin, this means that you vill stay, da? You can't leave now, knowing that you vill never be able to return."
The hope shining in the young navigator's eyes dim when Kirk averts his gaze. He just can't look into those puppy dog eye and see how he is letting the boy down.
"No, Chekov. I have already made up my mind about going. I have to go where I am needed. If anything this is a blessing. This means that once I'm gone no one can pull me back, which means that Starfleet will have to classify me as dead. It will be easier for you to get assigned a new captain, and resources won't be wasted on a rescue attempt that would be unwelcome."
Sulu bangs his fist on the table and Jim's eyes shoot to his angry face.
"We don't want another captain! You can't just leave. You belong here."
Jim lets go of Spock's hand, stand up out of his seat, and makes his way around to Hikaru's side. He places his hand on the Asian's shoulder just as the man gazes up at him.
"Yeah, I really don't, Sulu. I don't think I have ever really belonged here. This universe puts up with me. It doesn't truly need me, not like the other one does. I can actually do some good there, without having to fight the Admirality every damn step of the way like I do here."
He looks across the table at his Spock who is sending waves of love and support down the link they share.
"Also, I can't not be without my bond-mate and I can't take him away from his home... from a family that loves him. I could never do that to my t'hy'la."
From the corner of Jim's eye he can see Uhura turn to her Spock with a puzzled expression and mouth the word 't'hy'la'. He seemingly ignores her and keeps his stare fixed on his captain.
Jim drops his hand from Sulu's shoulder and snaps his fingers in front of Scotty, successfully pulling the man's attention away from his PADD, where he is still tirelessly trying to figure out a solution to the problem. He is plainly unwilling to admit defeat just yet, even though it does semm to appear hopeless.
"How long do Spock and I have to get back before the walls close up completely?"
Scotty takes a quick unnecessary glimpse down at his PADD before replying.
"24 hours max, but I would nae leave it any later than 20. Better to be safe than sorry."
Jim nods his head, as he walks back round to his chair and sits down in it. He takes his Spock's hand and this time clasps it on the surface of the table to demonstrate to those in the room what, or should he say who, is his number one priority.
"Okay, 20 hours it is. That gives me time to say good-bye to a few people and to ensure that this ship is ready for Spock to take over, Then if all goes to plan we will be gone."
First officer Spock stands from his chair and places his hands behind his back, where they grip each other tightly. His eyes, which have rarely left his captain during this whole meeting, seem resolute. Kirk is pretty sure that the Vulcan is trying to discover a way to keep them there. The mental growl his own Spock shoots down the bond tells him that they are in agreement when it come to the motives of the Vulcan from this universe.
"What am I to tell the rest of the crew when they discover that you are gone, Captain? Have you thought about that, or do you not care?"
Everyone turns to face Spock in shocked astonishment because of the obvious abrasive tone coming from Spock. Nyota starts tugging on his sleeve, silently begging him to take a seat, so that there might be a little less tension in the room, but Spock won't budge.
Jim sees it for the challenge it is and stands to meet it, his hands crossing over his chest.
"Tell them what ever you wish, Commander. You can tell them the truth, that I died in a transporter accident... that I was attacked and killed by a heard of rabid tribble. It's totally up to you. Whatever you say will become the truth seeing as how no one can just skip over into another dimension and ask me to corroborate your story."
Spock's angry glare turns to McCoy, who has been sitting silently during the whole meeting with an almost sad smile on his face.
"You have been unusually quiet, Doctor McCoy. What is you opinion on this matter? Surely as the the Captain's friend, you are against him leaving?"
The sad smile turns into a knowing smirk as the doctor looks up at the Vulcan and waggles his finger.
"You, Commander, have once again shown that you know nothin' of basic human relationships or feelings. A true friend would not hold another back, especially when concerning love and happiness. Also, Jimmy is a big boy. He is old enough to make his own decisions and there is not a goddamn thing I could do to stop him once he has set his mind to something... if I wanted to, that is."
Jim shoots his friend a grateful look. "Thanks, Bones." He then claps his hands to gain the attention of everyone in the room, and to also signal that this meeting is wrapping up.
"Well guys, Alpha shift is going to start soon, so it's best that we end this here so you can head off to your stations. Spock, you are in command because I am still on medical leave, and I don't see myself taking over before I leave, so take this time to get used to the captain's chair. Well meet up for the final... I guess switch over, after I pack a few things and say my good-byes. Dismissed everyone."
Chekov jumps out of his seat, runs over to Kirk and engulfs him in a bone-crushing hug. Jim is shocked for a moment but then regains his wits and hugs the young man back. After releasing the captain, Pavel swipes at his eyes, where tears have formed, and give a regulation perfect salute. Sulu comes to stand next to the Russian and places a hand on the young man's arm. The other hand extends to Jim in invitation.
"Sad to lose you, Captain. I still owe you."
Jim takes the Asian's hand and shakes it firmly. He would disagree with Sulu about being owed anything, but he knows that if someone had jumped off an extremely high platform to try and save him, he would feel indebted also. As he lets go of Sulu's hand, he decides to help the pilot out a little with his predicament.
"Help take care of this ship and it's crew and I'll consider us even."
Sulu nods determinedly and then guides, a still slightly weepy, Chekov out of the door.
McCoy just waves and mouths "later" before he too has gone.
Scotty, whose eyes are still glued to the monitor of his PADD, starts making his way to the exit, but before he leaves he mentions that he will meet up with Jim and the other Spock an hour before departure time to ensure that everything is set.
The only people who are left in the conference room are the two Spocks, Nyota, and Jim, who all are standing kind of awkwardly around the table. Jim is confused as to why his XO and communications officer are still here. There really can't be any more to say.
"Was there anything else, Mr Spock?"
The Spock in blue goes to open his mouth, but quickly slams it shut again. He throws one more glare in the direction of his counterpart before turning on his heels and practically stalking out of the room. All three remaining occupants watch him leave with different feelings. Spock in satisfaction, Jim in relief, and Nyota in confusion. Uhura, with the same look of puzzlement She quickly turns her attention to the captain and his bond-mate, who is indistinguishable from her own husband.
"I really don't know what his problem is, Kirk. It's not like you two were ever close."
Jim shrugs non-committally and mentally begs Spock through the bond to keep his mouth shut.
"Some misguided sense of duty, perhaps."
Nyota hesitates for a moment before gesturing in agreement.
"Yeah, most likely. He is extremely loyal."
Spock laugh out right, but stops when Jim elbows him in the ribs and gives him a sharp look."
Uhura is frozen to the spot, not sure how to react to a Spock openly showing his emotions, but she manages to come back to her senses and address the Spock before her.
"Um... there is one thing I wanted to ask you. What does 't'hy'la' mean? It is obviously Vulcan, but I have never heard of it before until you said it."
Jim and Spock glance at each other, silently communicating, before turning back to Uhura. Spock, with slight reluctance, answers her.
"It is an endearment used when a specific set of criteria are met in a mate. It was used during the pre-reform days of Vulcan, but is now largely neglected. If you wish to know more, I suggest you talk with your husband on the matter. It is his responsibility to inform you in matters such as this."
The communications officer is smart enough to know that she has been given the brush off, and with a small bow of her head, she leaves Spock and Kirk alone.
Spock wastes no time in taking Jim's hand and practically dragging him out of the conference room and towards the turbo-lift. They make the trip to Jim's quarters in silence and both are pleased that they run into very few crew member on the way. Less questions that would need to be answered.
Once inside the room, Spock grabs the bottom of Jim's tunic and under shirt and pulls them over the blonde's head. He then begins unbuckling Kirk's pants, but the Human halts his progress by slapping his hands away.
"Sorry love, but I am really too tired to have sex right now, and I have people to call for final farewells."
Spock grins at him and resumes divesting his bond-mate of his trousers. Jim lets him go because he is just to tired to fight it.
"That is a lucky coincidence, because we will not be having sex. I am undressing you so that you will be comfortable once you get into your bed for sleep. Before you do anything else you must rest. Your good-byes can wait six hours at least. "
Kirk smiles sheepishly as he kicks off his boots and steps out of his pants. Dressed in only his briefs and socks, Jim is led to the bed by his Vulcan husband, who pulls back the covers and gently coaxes the blond to lay down. The moment Jim's head hits the pillow he can feel himself being pulled under by sleep as he rolls on his side, but he fights it.
"Will you stay with me?"
As his eyelids start to drift closed, he can hear the rustle of clothing and then feel as the mattress beneath him dips. Spock's body presses flush against Jim's back, and a heated arm positions itself over the Human's waist. Kirk can feel Spock's warm breath against the back of his neck and it helps to lull him further into slumber.
"Always, James. I will always stay with you. Now rest, beloved."
The last thing Jim is aware before sleep takes him, is the kiss to the back of his neck and the fingers combing through his hair. Content washes through him at the contact.
/
Next chapter Jim tries to say goodbye to a few people, but things don't go as expected.