Enterprise Bridge

When the Captain arrived for his shift, it only took a quick glance for Chekov to notice that something was wrong.
First he was limping slightly – although obviously trying to hide it. Second his head was bowed down (something
very uncharacteristic of him).

Uhura scowled and hissed something at him as he walked by, which made him wince.

Sulu rolled his eyes in amusement. "Probably having a hangover," he whispered. "And Uhura's voice is not
the best for it."

Chekov hesitated but repeated the eye roll – after all that was what friends did.

When the Captain sat down, he abruptly straightened and hissed in pain. Everyone's eyes turned on him
and there were more frowns and rolled eyes.

Chekov ducked his head feeling embarrassed.

As the Enterprise prepared to disengage from Spacedock, Chekov lost himself in pre-launch calculations
and preparations. And as they prepared to go to warp he felt, as he always did, a thrill of joy and excitement.

He was on the Enterprise, the greatest ship in Starfleet and the Flagship of the Federation. And not only that,
he was Chief Navigator.

It was the fulfillment of a dream.

During the rest of the shift, he noticed that the Captain was unusually quiet, which wasn't like him at all;
Kirk was normally very gregarious and talkative. Once when he glanced back at him he noticed him slumping
in his chair. He almost asked him if he was all right.

But he didn't. Everyone on the bridge was annoyed with the Captain for acting unprofessionally and he didn't
want to stand out.

When Alpha shift finally ended the Captain got up and started to speak, "Guys, about last night…"

Spock interrupted him. "With all due respect, Captain," the Vulcan said in a cool voice; "I believe that your
personal affairs should remain exactly that– personal."

The Captain stiffened, then left without another word. Chekov noticed that he seemed upset. When his replacement
arrived he thought about going after him to ask if he was alright.

But he didn't.

After all Commander Spock had said that one's personal affairs should remain personal. And he couldn't be wrong
could he?

And Sulu had once said that if you screw up it's only fitting that you pay the piper.