Title: The Tripping Place 4/9
Characters/Pairings: Spock/Jim, Jim/Bones, future Jim/Spock/Bones, Pike, Archer, Uhura, Scotty
Warnings: kinky/rough sex, mentions of past rape/abuse, minor character death, a bit of self harm, Tarsus and everything related to it, accidental bonding, major angst
Disclaimer: I don't own them. I just like to play with them.
Summary: Following the defeat of Nero, the trip back to Earth is full of surprises. After the destruction of Vulcan, Spock begins experiencing odd, unexplainable symptoms that have him questioning his sanity and his ability to hold his position. When Spock is no longer able to hide his problems, Dr. McCoy's diagnosis comes as a shock to all. Secrets of the past come to light, discoveries ensue, and no one is prepared for the ramifications.
Notes: This is a slight crossover with The Sentinel. No knowledge of the series is needed to read this.

Classes started up again shortly after they arrived back to Earth, and they were a nightmare. Sure, he had his fair share of attention before, but the whole savior-of-the-Earth poster boy thing got old real fast, and there was no way for him to avoid it. The once-packed lecture halls were now so empty that after the first few awkward sessions they were moved to small classrooms, but that only helped to serve as an even greater reminder of the reason why so many were absent.

Out of Jim's eight classes, only three of them were taught by the same teachers that had taught them before they'd been called away to Vulcan. The instructors that were left were doubling and sometimes even tripling or quadrupling their class loads to pick up the slack of the missing professors. A number of civilian instructors were even brought in fill the gaps that the current faculty could not.

The grief was a constant bombardment to his shields, and at the end of the day he was left drained and exhausted. After the second sleepless night filled with tears and nightmares, Bones told him to stop being an idiot and get into his bed, so they could both get some sleep. Jim did as he always did and swallowed his pride and did as he was told, knowing that the other man was hurting too, but had too much pride to ask for help. If Bones had taught him one thing, it was that there was no shame in needing someone.

One of his classes had been postponed for a week for unknown reasons, so he was shocked when he walked into the room to find Spock of all people standing at the front of the room. But when he thought about it, it made sense. The man had needed time to be debriefed and questioned, as well as time to prepare for the new classes he had to teach. He knew that despite the man's resignation, he was still bound by his contract to teach the remainder of the semester.

When he arrived, the class was too full for Jim to say anything, but the fact that the Vulcan didn't acknowledge him, not even for to call on him for answers, ticked Jim off to no end. When the bell finally rang announcing the end of class, he stayed in his seat as the rest of the room's occupants hurriedly gathered their materials and all but ran from the room. While it was true that Commander Spock's way of teaching was a bit differentthan that of most professors and his intolerance of rule breakers was legendary, Jim didn't understand the fear that so many had for him. Jim mused that maybe it was him that was weird since Spock had tried to expel him and then kill him, and he didn't hold an ounce of fear for him.

Seeing the shadow pass over his desk, he looked up to see Spock standing over him, face as impassive as ever. "Is there something you needed, Cadet Kirk?"

Jim knew the title was a jibe and from most anyone else would have commented on it, but didn't see the point here. "Oh, so you do remember me. And here I was thinking that you'd forgotten me already. Or maybe I'm just special, and that's why you've chosen to ignore me today."

"While there is no need to inflate your overgrown ego, it would be unlikely I would ever forget you. Given that you have had firsthand experience with much of the material that we covered today, I thought it was best to challenge those that did not already know the answers. As you say I was not 'ignoring' you. Now if that is all you wished to discuss, then I suggest you hurry to your next class or you will be late, and I will not provide you with a pass." Spock turned away before Jim could answer, and before he thought it through his hand shot out, grabbing the Vulcan's bare wrist, ignoring the way the man tensed.

"Oh yeah. I'm sure that's the only reason. It has nothing to do with your feelings for me. Our time together on the Enterprise meant nothing to you. Of course not. You never do anything that's not proper and logical, do you?" Jim cursed his foot in the mouth syndrome as Spock tensed even more. He felt the sudden rage radiating from the Vulcan and fought not to flinch back from the intensity of the feeling.

"As your view of me is quite clear, remove your hand this instance, or I shall remove it for you." Spock's voice was so icy despite the overpowering heat of his rage, and fought the urge to shiver.

But Jim didn't let go. "Look, shit, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I didn't come here to fight you. I thought we'd made progress. I'm just pissed that you ignored me. I don't do well being ignored."

"Obviously a skill you should begin to foster," the Vulcan intoned, and while he did not relax at all, he did attempt to pull away. "Again I ask: was there something you needed?"

Jim ducked his head sheepishly and cursed himself an idiot. This wasn't how he's planned this. Well he hadn't really planned this, but none of his outcomes went like this. Straightening himself to his full height, he met the Vulcan's eyes unflinchingly. "As Captain of the Enterprise, I formally request your presence aboard as my First Officer and lead Science Officer."

Jim could almost imagine the slight crinkle of surprise at the corner of those expressive eyes, or maybe Jim was just picking up on the man's surprise through his touch, but either way he didn't expect Spock to flat out refuse so fast.

"Thank you for the offer, but I regret to inform you that I cannot accept the position. I have already presented my resignation to the Admiralty, and shall take my leave to help with the rebuilding of Vulcan civilization as soon as classes are finished."

"Oh, bullshit. I've seen how they treat you, like a pariah because of your mixed blood. Do you think I didn't see it on the ship? Even with so much death, they still couldn't accept you. Do you really want to martyr yourself for them? You have so much more to offer here. Starfleet can offer you so much more. We were a great team. You can't deny that. We can do great things together. What kind of life would you lead there? Your skills would be wasted. You wouldn't be happy there."

"Be that as it may, it is unrelated to the situation. My happiness is irrelevant. I have long since come to terms with how others view me and it is of no consequence. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one. I shall fulfill my duty to my race. I do not want to hear anymore on this subject. Now if that is all, I shall take my leave."

Before Jim had a chance to protest, Spock pulled his wrist from Jim's grasp as though it was nothing, which to the Vulcan it probably wasn't, and was out the door faster than Jim had thought possible. Jim just blinked and cursed aloud. That could have gone better. But then it could have gone worse.

Still grumbling, Jim gathered up his books and went to meet Bones, who was probably pissed that he was late. It wasn't anything new, but this time he really had a good excuse. When he saw Bones across the quad and the scowl that the older man wore, he briefly considered turning tail and running because it wasn't often that he saw the doctor's face so dark, and as far as he knew he hadn't done anything to deserve it for once. But Bones saw him while he wasted time being indecisive and it was too late, so Jim walked over to his friend with all the enthusiasm of a man about to meet the firing squad.

Jim opened his mouth to voice a greeting, but abruptly closed it as Bones grabbed his arm and started pulling him along.

Bones' growled, "God dammit, Jim. If you're going to convince that copper-blooded machine to be your First Officer, you need to not get yourself kicked out of his class."

Jim stumbled as his feet tried to stop in their place, but Bones continued dragging him along, as he squawked, "What?"

"Commander Spock wanted me to inform you that he was giving you an automatic pass in his class, as you had proven you had already mastered all the material and that there was nothing more that he could teach you, so there was no reason for you to return to the class. He informed me that all the paperwork would be taken care of before the evening. Dammit, man, what did you do this time?"

Jim knew he was doing a great impression of a fish, but couldn't help it. He hadn't expected this. He hadn't thought that he'd upset the Vulcan this much and didn't understand why he would do this. "Um, I may have put my foot in my mouth." A Bones' dark look, Jim hurriedly continued on. "But I apologized! It didn't go that bad. I just need to work on wearing him down. I know that given time, I'll be able to convince him. He'll see."

Bones didn't look so convinced. "Well, given his actions, I don't think he's impressed, or planning on changing his mind anytime soon, so you better start thinking about changing your strategy. Come on. I'm starving. You can discuss your mad genius plans over dinner."

Jim sighed and agreed. But they didn't talk about it over dinner. The mood in the mess hall was too depressing, and he did more playing with his food than actual eating. He wasn't sure if he even managed more than a bite or two. After ten uncomfortable minutes, he abruptly stood and deposited his tray in the receptacle, telling Bones that he "needed some air."

The doctor looked ready to follow or argue, but gave in, but not before giving Jim the look that said that they'd talk later. Jim nodded, knowing his friend would hold him to it and not wanting to argue right now.

Jim just walked, not paying attention to where he was going until one of his professors addressed him in greeting. Startled, he looked around and realized he'd walked farther than he'd realized and was outside the apartment set aside for instructors. He turned a circle wondering why his feet led him here, of all places, as he'd never been here before.

Suddenly seeing Uhura stepping out of one of the buildings, he wasn't sure who was more surprised, him or her. She flushed under her dark complexion, but didn't act ashamed and gave him a look that dared him to say anything. Jim just inclined his head in greeting and gave her a small sad smile. She looked startled, but returned it. He didn't expect her to walk towards him and wondered what she was doing.

He wasn't sure what surprised him more, her words or the following actions.

Stepping in front of him, she tilted her chin up to look at him before saying, "While I don't like everything you did, and am still pissed at you, I never got a chance to thank you." His eyes went wide as she leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, Jim." And then she turned and walked away, back straight and head held high.

A motion in a window above him caught his eye. Glancing up, he froze as he met Spock's unreadable gaze, wondering how much the Vulcan had seen and what the man was going to do about it. When he disappeared from the window, Jim did a quick count and mental measurement and entered the building. Knocking on a door, he held his breath and hoped he'd chosen right. A full minute passed with no sound or motion from inside.

Sighing in defeat Jim turned around, not letting himself give into the urge to just break in, particularly since he knew Spock was inside. He gasped as the door suddenly sprung open and then yelped as a hand landed on his shoulder and yanked him inside. The door was ceremoniously closed and locked and he barely had a chance to draw a breath for words, before he was slammed back against the wall of the hallway and the breath whooshed out of him just as quickly.

He squeezed his eyes shut expecting a punch, but as the seconds ticked by and none came, he hesitantly opened one eye and then the other. Spock was standing stoically before him, hand still slightly gripping his shoulder, eyes drilling into him as though searching for all the answers in the universe, and finding him lacking.

When Spock made no move to talk or let him go, his voice cut sharp through the growing tension, "If you're going to hit me, can you get on with it. This waiting in suspense thing is not cool."

Jim felt Spock's already racing heart increase through the touch on his shoulder, and the man released him suddenly as if he'd been burned, taking a step back.

"Why would I hit you?"

Jim couldn't stop the words. "Because your girlfriend kissed me?"

Jim gulped.

But Spock didn't react. "What she is to me is of no concern to you. Her actions are her own."

"So does that mean you aren't mad?"

"Vulcans do not get 'mad'."

Jim just stared at him in disbelief. "Then what do you call what happened on the bridge?"

"A momentary lapse of control."

Jim just stared at the Vulcan as though he'd grown a second head, not believing how full of shit the Vulcan could get. Impulsively he asked, "Want to play chess? You do have a chess board, right?"

Jim almost laughed as he picked up on Spock's surprise and intrigue.

"Very well. Follow me."

Jim followed Spock down the hall into the main living area, and stood awkwardly as he motioned him to stay. The man disappeared through a doorway only to reappear a moment later with a 3D chess set. Jim grinned at the prospect, not having played that version of the game in years and then wondered what the hell he was doing here.

The game was quickly set up, and Spock said, "I believe it is your turn to begin."

Jim nodded and took the first move. As usual there was very little talking except the occasional comment on a certain move from Spock and Jim's crowing when he took a piece. Also as was usual with their games, he didn't notice how much time had passed until Bones' called his comm and asked where the hell he was.

Jim looked at the time was shocked. "Shit, Spock, I'm sorry. You probably had plans or things to do tonight, and I wasted your evening."

Spock just stared at him across the board. "As a Vulcan I am always conscious of the time. I had no plans and no work that was of high priority."

Jim unexpectedly yawned hugely, and had the grace to look embarrassed, but Spock just continued on.

"I also do not require nearly as much sleep as humans, so I have a number of hours before I need to rest, and thus a number of hours in which I can still work."

Jim's eyes widened at the man's next words. "Seeing the late hour, if you so desire, you can sleep on the couch. I have extra blankets."

Jim didn't know what to make of the offer or how to respond, but finally found himself rejecting the offer. "Wow, sir, thanks for the offer. But I really do need to get back to my place. Bones will probably have a cow if I don't, and I still have a paper I need to finish." He winced as he remembered. "Shit, I'm not going to get any sleep."

"Procrastination is not an exemplary skill of a Captain. I hope you hasten to rid yourself of such a weakness. If you wish to get back to your residence before curfew, I suggest you leave now, as I will not offer an excuse for you. And do not think that your status would keep you out of trouble. As a student of this Academy there are no exceptions."

"There are alwaysexceptions. And of course you won't," Jim just grumbled and scowled at the man, who had no place to talk as he didn't know the details or what it was like to take so many classes at once. Walking towards the door, he paused at Spock's next words.

"Seeing as how I have not had a chance to file the paperwork with your course waiver yet, I expect to see you in class tomorrow."

Jim grinned hugely. "Of course, sir!"

Opening the door, he stepped into the hall and was about to close the door behind him, when Spock's voice made him pause again.

"I also expect to see you here at the same time tomorrow evening to continue our game."

Jim stuck his head back in the door and shot off a mock salute. "Yes, sir!"

Jim practically skipped his way home, and even Bones' scowl couldn't keep the spring out of his step or deflate his sails, not even when the man started growling.

"You should have called."

"Jesus, Bones. Calm down. I told you I just lost track of time."

Bones just looked at him skeptically, and then gave him thatlook. "So who was she?"

Jim rolled his eyes. "Who was who?"

"God dammit, Jim. Don't play games right now. You know I worry about you."

Jim suddenly felt guilty because it was true. His friend put up with more than his fair share of shit, and still hadn't run off yet, which Jim was thankful for, but couldn't help but wonder when the other shoe would drop as had always happened in the past. Turning to face Bones, he said, "I wasn't out with anyone."

He continued despite Bones' disbelieving gaze. "Not in the way you mean. I was with Spock."

Jim eyes went wide, and he fought the urge to cover his ears as Bones exploded, "What?"

"Fuck, Bones! Not like that! We just played chess, same as we did on the ship. It was great. We mixed it up this time and played 3D chess. First time I've played it in years."

Jim suddenly stopped talking and backed up as a tricorder suddenly appeared in McCoy's hand and the doctor moved towards him. "What the hell, Bones?"

"I need to check and make sure you aren't suffering from a brain parasite because you're talking crazy."

"Haha, very funny, Bones. Seriously quit it. I have a plan."

Bones reluctantly lowered the device and looked at Jim skeptically. "You have a plan," he repeated.

Jim just laughed and said defensively, "Hey, they aren't all bad. Look at the last one. We managed to save the planet."

"Uh huh," McCoy nodded, still skeptical. "So tell me this all powerful, master plan."

"I'm going to be his friend."

Bones waited.

And waited.

And finally. "That's it?"

Jim looked uncomfortable. "Um, yeah."

"Wow. That's lame even for you."

"Hey!" Jim protested. "That's not nice."

"When have you even known me to be nice?"

Jim laughed. "Point." Looking at the time he groaned. "Shit. I still have to finish that paper."

Bones laughed. "I told you putting it off was going to come back and bite you in the ass. I'm going to bed, so keep quiet."

"Gee, thanks for the support, asshole."

"Anytime."

"Love you too."

"Back at you."

The following day sucked hard. He hadn't realized how sleep deprived he'd been lately until he got even less sleep than normal. He wondered when almost no sleep had become 'normal' and if he should be worried. He knew it was a stupid move to fall asleep when he had to be up two hours later, but even knowing that he'd probably feel like crap, the prospect of some sleep was just too tempting and gave in. He'd looked forward to the reprieve that Spock's class would be, but again he couldn't be that lucky. Today Spock, being the evil slave driver that he was, called on Jim every chance he got, and then told him to stay after class.

Ignoring the sympathetic glances of his classmates he did as he was told, too tired to care what sort of reprimand the Vulcan would bestow on him. He was surprised when the Vulcan instead told him to go home and sleep, and that they could finish their game at a later date. Jim of course protested, saying some food and coffee would do him good, and before the Vulcan could dissuade him went off to do just that.

The food and coffee hadn't helped him as much as he'd thought and he'd brushed off Bones' hounding about getting some sleep, and the dangers of consuming so much caffeine. He was a big boy. He'd been taking care of himself for years. Standing outside Spock's door, he knocked quietly, debating the smartness of this, even the saneness of this, if he shouldn't have just gone home and slept it off. But he said he was going to be there, and he wasn't one to go back on his word.

Spock opened the door the instant his hand met the wood this time, and he blinked stupidly at the man. It was the first time he'd seen the Vulcan out of uniform. The t-shirt wasn't surprising, and while his bare feet were slightly more so, they were not the draw of Jim's fascination. No, it was the sight of the faded blue jeans that encased that man's impossibly long legs, threadbare in a way that only long use and many washing could provide.

Not realizing that he'd been staring so long, he dragged his gaze up to Spock's face and the man's almost defensive words.

"They are comfortable and were a gift from my mother."

Jim raised his hands in surrender. "Hey, man no need to be defensive. Your mother had good taste. It's just I've never had the good fortune to see a Vulcan wearing them. They look great. You should wear them out sometime."

Spock stared at him for a moment, before backing into the apartment, giving Jim room to enter. "I am unsure if you are being facetious or serious. The subtleties of human humor are beyond me."

"Hey, I don't lie." At Spock's droll look, he continued. "unless the situation calls for it, which it does not. Hey, I could teach you about humor."

"Others have attempted to do so in the past and have failed. While I do believe you are capable of it, I do not see the necessity for me to learn such a skill."

Jim whistled. "Wow, I never thought I'd see the day that a Vulcan would pass up the chance to gain more knowledge."

Spock's brow rose, and he said, "Very well, but at a later time. We have a game to finish." He motioned towards the still set game from the night before.

Jim grinned at his luck. This was going to be fun. "I'll hold you to it."

Sitting down, they picked up where they'd left off the night before, but between the increasingly frequent, massive yawns that escaped him despite his best efforts to smother them, Jim realized that he was doing extremely poorly, and between one move and the next he closed his eyes for a moment. He startled when he felt himself being lowered but was hushed as his head hit the pillow and his legs joined him on the couch. He had a brief moment to realize a blanket was being tucked around him before sleep swept him away.

When he next awoke, he was disoriented and the first thing he noticed was that he was massively hot as he struggled to get rid of the offending blanket. He realized he wasn't in his bed at the same instant he realized he was still fully clothed and he rolled off the couch to hit the floor with a painful thud.

Groaning as the air was knocked out of him, he froze when he saw a pair of feet appear before his eyes. Following those feet up, he winced in embarrassment as he realized that it was Spock. He couldn't believe he'd fallen asleep like that in the middle of the game. He struggled to get to his feet, but the blanket was still wrapped stubbornly around them.

He froze as Spock crouched down next to him and deftly untangled the offending blanket. When his feet were free, he was surprised when Spock straightened and offered him his hand. He stared dumbly at the proffered hand for a minute before he took it and was swiftly pulled to his feet as though he weighed nothing. But then again, Vulcans were three times stronger than humans.

"I'm so sorry for falling asleep on you like that. You should have kicked me out." Jim said, still embarrassed over the situation.

"It was no hardship for you to sleep here. Why would I 'kick you out' when you were comfortable where you were?"

Jim sighed, in no way awake enough for this conversation. "Look, I get the logic, but people do not usually let strangers sleep over."

Spock just stared at him. "You are not a stranger."

Jim bit back a growl. "Don't be obtuse. You know what I mean. You don't know me."

"I know you," Spock replied.

Jim's brow raised in challenge.

And Spock surprised him, "You are the son of George Kirk, but do not wish to be shackled to his name. You wish to be known for your own prowess. You are a genius that hides behind masks of careless promiscuity and easy smiles. Your record as a ne'er do well is the result of boredom and wasted talents. You—"

Jim felt himself go pale at the man's words, how apparently transparent he was to the Vulcan. And then the anger set in. "That's enough!" he demanded. "You're one to talk about wasted talents. What do you think you'll be doing wherever the Vulcans decide to settle? They'll have you calculating crop chances and weather cycles for the rest of your life. Is that really the life you want? I at least realized that I was wasting my life. I can't let you do the same."

Spock didn't so much as blink during Jim's tirade. "You do not allow me to do anything. My choices are my own."

Jim opened his mouth to protest but paused as Spock continued.

"However, I will agree to think more on the matter if you will agree to not bring it up again."

Jim eyed him suspiciously. "How do I know you haven't already made up your mind on this?"

"Vulcans do not lie."

Jim was not impressed.

"There is no such thing as a certainty."

That sounded better to Jim's ears and he nodded.

"Very well. Would you care for some breakfast? I am currently making Krentjebrij. I believe you will find it pleasing."

"Krentjebrij?" Jim questioned, proud that he didn't completely butcher the foreign word.

"It's a kind of fruit soup from the Netherlands made from berries and barley cooked to a mush. It has the consistency of oatmeal. Please take a seat. I do not have coffee, but can offer tea."

Jim sat and while he wasn't sure about the 'fruit soup', it smelt good at least. "Tea's great, thanks."

Spock went into the kitchen and began rummaging around, and Jim was left to his own devices and became lost in thought. Jim wasn't sure what was going on here. He was used to being in control, and things here were rapidly spiraling out of control. Yes, the plan was to make friends with Spock, but he hadn't expected the man to know him so well already, to be so good at observing people. Jim counted on people underestimating him. He knew that wasn't possible with Spock and that scared him.

He jumped and then smiled sheepishly in thanks as Spock set a cup of steaming tea in front of him. Taking a tentative sniff, he risked a small sip when nothing overpowered his nose. Well, the tea was weaker than he normally cared for, but it was hot and had caffeine so he couldn't complain. When a steaming bowl of purple mush appeared in front of him a moment later, his stomach suddenly made itself known by growling hungrily in approval.

As Spock took the seat across from his and began eating his meal, Jim hesitantly poked at his, as though expecting it to poke back. Giving in, Jim dug his spoon in and took a hesitant bite. He was pleasantly surprised. It wasn't bad. The texture wasn't quite like anything he'd ever had before. The closest thing he could come up with was rice pudding, but even that wasn't right, so he gave up trying to classify it and just enjoyed it.

When the bowl was empty he looked at it rather sadly for a moment. Spock finished his own, then taking both bowls disappeared into the kitchen for a moment, only to reappear with bowls full again.

"Thanks!" Jim said as he grabbed his and dug in. Now that his hunger was satisfied he took his time to savor the meal. It was growing on him, and he decided that he needed to get the recipe from Spock and if nothing else, program his replicator to make it. He frowned in distaste at the thought as he was one of the people that found the food and drink it produced to be lacking. He wasn't sure that he bought into the hype that 'love' was missing from it, but there definitely was something missing from replicated consumables.

When they both finished this time, Jim gathered up the dishes despite Spock's attempts to try and help. "You cooked, so I'm cleaning. Don't argue."

Jim knew there was something strange going on with his First Officer (he couldn't allow himself to believe that Spock wasn't going to fill the position), had been for months now. It was nothing major, never anything worth commenting about, but Jim felt he knew Spock well enough to know that something was going on with the Vulcan. While he had nothing to go on but his gut instincts, something told him that this was important. He asked Bones to keep an eye on him and his habits, but the doctor saw Spock even less than Jim did and so far he hadn't been able to pinpoint anything that could be wrong or that was significantly different. There were little shifts in diet, sleep time, rec time, and work output, but even all put together it wasn't enough to raise the alarm.

But still Jim watched. When the night came that Spock was late for their usual chess game he grew worried and those worries were not staunched by the Vulcan's obvious distraction during their game. After that Jim really began to watch him, taking note of his actions and being careful not to be too overt in his observations. He began to notice the way that the man would occasionally scrunch his nose up as though in distaste or the small tilts of his head as though he was listening or looking at something far away. Then there were the small pauses, barely noticeable, that occasionally happened when called on for a report, but they were there.

Taking his concerns to Bones, his friend just laughed at him, and told him maybe it was time he started looking for another habit because Spock-watching had obviously begun to addle his brain.

The following two months flew by quicker than Jim imagined they would, even as impatient as he was to get back on the Enterprise. Classes were a breeze, but the number of papers and assignments he had to write were ridiculous. He didn't understand why he had to work out the same type of problem hundreds of times when he had proven himself capable of answering them the first few times. Repetition had its uses, but it was a waste of time here. When he wasn't in classes, working on assignments, or sleeping, he was over at Spock's, or trying to drag Bones over to Spock, but so far the man had begged off every time, conveniently getting called away to the point that Jim knew that it was more than a mere coincidence.

Jim kept his word and didn't bring up the matter of Spock as his First Officer as he'd promised, but it was often at the forefront of his mind. While they often played chess, that wasn't all they did. Jim had known the man was smart; despite his dislike of the Kobayashi Maru, he had to admit it was a masterpiece. When he'd gone over the programming to insert his subroutine he might have drooled a little. Spock was a Vulcan after all, but Jim knew that Spock also wouldn't have made it as far as he had at such a young age without being exceedingly gifted.

So Jim was pleasantly surprised when he found out the man had a great deal of knowledge on Earth's history. Not only could he hold conversations with Spock about the newest warp technology, quantum mechanics, and astrophysics, but also on mythology, philosophy, psychology, and even music and the arts. He was delighted to learn that the Vulcan enjoyed reading paper books as much as he did, despite the illogicalness of them taking up so much space when a whole library could fit onto a PADD. Jim just smiled and said that things didn't need to be logical for you to enjoy them.

Finals were a joke, and Jim wasn't even attending his own graduation as the Enterprise was scheduled to ship out the day after finals ended. He took his seat with equal parts excitement and apprehension. Spock had never given him an answer, but Archer hadn't sent a replacement, so Jim knew there was still a chance. He couldn't help but smile as Spock walked onto the bridge, and his grin threatened to split his face as the Vulcan offered to provide character references. Jim shared a conspiratorial smile with Bones and couldn't help but feel that things were finally as they should be.