When Spock emerged from the turbolift, his eyes flicked up and stayed where they fell—directly on the surprised blue ones of his Captain. Jim felt a surge through his body, like he was frozen for a spilt second. He stopped walking immediately and stood there. Spock didn't move either. He remained still.
They faced one another, not speaking. This was a little awkward.
"Captain," Spock started at length. If Jim had been frozen, upon hearing his title, he melted and could move again. "I thought you should know that I have spoken with Dr. McCoy and Leonard."
"Yes?" Jim didn't need to lead Spock into his details, but he just felt he needed to say something. Anything. Spock continued.
"We have come to an agreement that we should not inform the crew of the passengers' person, but we should let them know that they are being looked after and are in care. This, mind you, only to lessen the tension of 'bad omens' and 'death' as the crew has been speaking profoundly about."
"Uh, yes, good, Spock. That is a good idea. I agree." He shuffled for a moment. Was he the only one feeling weird about this? Trying to bring back some captaincy air, because, you know, acting like an embarrassed school girl was not included in the Captain's manual, he began a new topic.
"I need your opinion." He said. Spock looked up, a ridged texture forming over his person. "I was thinking that we need to stay around the anomaly as long as we can manage. We're already ahead of schedule by two days and in that time we can see if we can send our counterparts back to their time. I mean, if they came through by it, why can't they go back by it?"
"An astute observation, Captain." Ouch. Was that sarcasm? "Younger and Older McCoy also mentioned that observation and the Science team and I have been working steadily to see if we can find a way to utilize the strange magnetic pulses."
"Any luck so far?" Spock gave a small sigh.
"'Luck' has no bearing on this matter." Right, Vulcan here. Doesn't believe in luck.
"The only data we have acquired is that the anomaly is unlike anything we have observed in space. It has a high density like a black hole—but absorbs no matter, it pulses magnetic radiation like a magnetar—but no quasar similarities. We have come to the conclusion that it is most similar to a neutron star, sans the light on all spectrums but appears to have a rotation and two funnels of spurting radiation." Jim sat back and absorbed the information. This was a strange anomaly indeed. What kind of star would shine no light on any spectrum? And what kind of star would act as a black hole and only vomit alternate reality space vessels?
Well, they didn't call these things anomalies for nothing.
"We have two days," Jim said. "We need to figure something out in that time, because quite frankly, I don't want to screw up our mini missions and leave a bad taste in Starfleet Command's mouth. The absolutely last thing I want to do is contact them and say 'Hey guys, you're not going to believe this, but look! Now there's two of me'!" Spock shifted and clasped his hands behind his back.
"Indeed. It would not appear favourable upon our records. This is a most unfortunate time to obtain such timeline disturbances."
"No kidding. If one more of you shows up I'm going to have a Spock-overdose. Come on, you stupid universe, don't you think three Spock's in one timeline is enough?" He had intended to say that in his head, but from the look on Spock's face he knew that wasn't how it panned out. He clapped a hand over his mouth quickly, like the motion would put the words back. Spock was only aware of two Spocks at the moment. Himself and the older one. Damnit. Great time to fuck that up. The look on his First's face didn't change, but then again, it wouldn't. What was he supposed to say now? 'Sorry Spock, I'm not only a shitty liar but I can't count either.' Yeah, better idea: 'Spock, what would you say if I said I knew you 100 years from now and I'm totally not lying about it?' Not much better. This sucks.
No, really.
Sucking the cock of every admiral he knew was better than this situation. At least he wouldn't have to talk during the fellation.
"Do not worry yourself, Captain. You are correct. Three Spock-counterparts in one timeline is two more than this universe requires, but, that is not how it has worked." Jim stopped mid-thought and looked up. Had Spock just conceded to the idea of three Spocks? Okay, he totally wasn't expecting that reaction, but it was better than a Vulcan going crazy over the idea that there was another him. Seriously, if Spock was so pissy about an eight-year older version of himself, what the fuck would he do to a hundred-year older one?
"You…know about the other one?" Spock's eyes sent daggers into his skull, but then the intensity subsided. He walked over to one of the empty rooms and opened the door. Before he went in, he turned to Jim with his usual exterior.
"Shall we continue this conversation in private rather than in the corridors?" He nodded and followed the younger Vulcan into the room. When he was inside, he watched his First shut the door and lock it with a First Officer and Captain Only code. He didn't remove himself from the door, he only stood there afterwards and eyed Jim who had sat down at one of the available chairs in the room. It was a small office. Unused, but there for anyone who wanted to use it.
A thick tension suddenly filled the room as Spock's hands left from his back and went to his sides. Fists. Was he angry?
"Captain," he started with a bit of gritted teeth, "what you did to me 6 weeks, one day, 12 hours and 26 minutes ago was undeniable proof that you were a blunt, self-absorbed, dim-witted imbecile, who couldn't captain his way out of a paper bag, let alone a star system."
Oh. Ouch. That hurt a little.
"You cheated on my test, you ingenuously insulted me in front of the Starfleet Academy Head Councilmen, and then you had the impudence to stow away on the Enterprise, jeopardize our mission, embarrass Captain, now Admiral, Pike. You did not obey proper protocol, you refused orders, performed several accounts of mutiny and Federation offenses, started a brawl on the Bridge, refused to comply with authority on several accounts, and then by the grace of some cosmic being, you were kept alive and returned to my ship where you revoked my title of Acting Captain and gained everything in favour to your selfish, pompous career!"
Ow.
Okay, now it was obvious. Spock might be acting all cool, but Jim was pretty sure that last winded paragraph was pure anger.
Pretty sure.
Spock then heaved and sighed, turned around and placed his hands firmly on the door, like he was trying to feel for the words to say next. No one spoke, Jim realized the seriousness of the situation and remained silent. Really, what could he say? It seemed like all that pent up rage had been inside his First Officer for a while. Maybe it was best to let him get it all out.
"However," Spock sighed as he tried to regain himself and turned, looking as normal as though he didn't just spit a string of vulgar insults at his Captain, "though I might have held a form of human resentment towards your person, it was upon meeting my Elder counterpart that I lost my hatred." Spock walked forward and sat in the chair next to Jim. "Unbelievable and illogical was my first impression, but it was no doubt that the Elder was in fact myself." A sigh. "He spoke of our needing of one another and encouraged me to remain in Starfleet. He held a higher regard for you than I could understand. I realized in that moment that a person of great significance could only sway a Vulcan to reconsider his priorities and remain in this position. You were of that significance and I 'took a shot in the dark' as the Earth saying goes."
Spock looked up for only a moment and then turned himself away. "It was not all for naught. I have enjoyed our company together and have admitted to myself that you are my friend." Silence. "And Jim?" Jim looked up, startled by the use of his first name. "I would like to remain as such, even if you do not 'trust me' or you find me disgusting in comparison to my more fortunate counterpart." Jim stared at the Vulcan.
He stared.
He stared.
Then…he smiled.
He clapped a warm hand on Spock's back. The First Officer looked up in response and allowed Jim to see for a brief second the real, inner Spock showing through.
"Hey, contrary to popular belief, I do trust you and I like you a lot more than middle-aged Lt. McStoic-Pants." A brow tilted. "Listen, I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I didn't mean a lick of it. You're an awesome First Officer and an awesome friend." He scratched his nose for a moment, "I mean, hell, you're one of the bestest friends I've ever had, minus Bones of course, that guy has a whole new level of awesome about him. You're witty, sarcastic (like me), and you can definitely make a guy put his money where his mouth is (or his foot.). You're really cool." Spock tilted his brow and looked away from his Captain. He seemed to be concentrating on what he had said, like it had been some trivial game Jim was throwing about.
"You are serious?" Spock asked.
"Well, duh!" Jim chuckled a bit. "Do you really think I'd just say that stuff to anyone? Hell-to-the-no!"
"I see." Spock stood and was at full height. "So, I am to assume that our Chess game tonight will not be cancelled?" Jim flashed a huge perverted grin.
"Cancelled?" he laughed and leaned back like he was the most mother-fucking coolest guy on the entire starship. "Do you really think I'd let you off that easy? I'm going to mop the floor with you tonight!" Spock stared at Jim and deep down he knew the emotionless Vulcan was smiling. He could see it behind those dark eyes, peeking, ever-so-slightly. This was great. Jim had apologized, he didn't have to lie about the Elder Spock, he still had his friend First Officer—so all that left was figuring out how to send the counterparts back and this shit would be perfect.
They exited the room, heading for the Bridge, promising one another that the Chess game was going to happen and be quite exciting (more like Jim proclaiming his 0 to 500 billion score to change in one night) and entered the turbolift.
When the turbollift opened, Spock exited for the Bridge, but Jim held back saying he was going to go check on the docs in Sickbay and for Spock to announce to the crew about the 'passengers'. Spock obliged and Jim made his way out.
God, things were good again. He felt like he had just taken a breath of fresh air from the usually shitty mess he was forced to ram into his nostrils. It was good. Between doing mini missions, having an alternate timeline open up and throw shit in your blender called 'life' and ramming puree until the button broke took a lot out of him. Good news was a rarity at this point.
When he arrived at Sickbay, he didn't find Bones in the rooms and figured the man was in his office with his counterpart, and if there was one thing Jim knew about Bones was that when he was secluded in his office, that meant he was whipping out the booze, and if he was whipping out the booze, then he was totally getting in on some of that shit. He could use a good drink after this frustrating evening.
He knocked on the office door. "Hey, Bones, open up! You in there?" He heard some muffling and rather than just being a 'good Jimmy boy' (as Bones had called him once or twice) and walking away, he put his ear to the door out of curiosity.
"Who is it?" He heard someone muffle.
"It's probably Jim."
"Should we, you know, let him in?"
"Are you kidding? He'll drink all our ale!" He heard a barrage of muffled drunken laughter. Both doctors were obviously getting put on their asses in there. Jim snickered and used his access code to open the door. When it opened, he entered looking as though he had ever right to be in there but stopped short as he took in the scene.
Younger Bones was sitting in a chair but leaning on his older form in a drunken state who was also in a drunken state. Their cheeks were slightly red and appeared to have been in there for some time.
"You know," Older Bones began, "I always knew that the only intelligent conversations I would ever have would be with myself." He laughed.
"I," Younger Bones said with a snicker, "completely agree! My good sir, you are a man of worthwhile company!" They began laughing again. The scene was hilarious. Jim couldn't help but to laugh with them, he didn't even think they had noticed him yet.
Taking both their cups away, he changed that. Both looked up immediately in his direction and in unison both snarled: "Damnit, Jim, you better be dying!"
"You don't just take a man's liquor away!"
"I was about to say the same thing." They looked at one another and laughed.
"You're awesome."
"No, sir, you're awesome."
"You're both wrong," Jim said while trying to contain his own chuckles, "the only one on this ship qualified to be awesome would be me." Both doctors looked at him with sarcasm. Older Bones was first to give up.
"Alright, Jim, you win! Party's over. Hand me that sobering hypo, would ya?" Jim did and the two of them sobered up quickly without a fuss. Younger Bones was first to speak.
"We were having a good time until you arrived. What are you? Sick? Dying? You don't look to be suffering from any sort of aliments."
"I'm not." Jim smiled smugly.
"Then why the hell did you—" Older Bones placed a hand on the younger one's shoulder and shook his head.
"Get use to it, my friend, he's going to do that a lot."
"Are you shitting me?"
"I shit you not. Also, you might want to consider having a special medical bed made just for him. This one," he said while pointing in Jim's direction, "likes to go on away missions and come back horribly mangled on a regular basis. Oh, and make sure there's a chair too, Spock's known to come in and check on him, like, all the time—and by all the time I mean 'remain in the room until Jim is coherent enough to fucking say something stupid'." Both doctors smiled at one another. Jim guessed they had been doing a lot of Jim-bashing in their time together.
A lot.
As Jim looked at them, he made a sudden comparison. They were like those old gum commercials you would see with the with the twins in them, except that instead of a pack of gum in their hands with the promise of minty breath, these two were sporting hypos with a promise of neck injury. Jim cringed. One crazy hypo-wielding doctor was enough, and now there's two.
Suddenly, Young Bones interrupted his thoughts. "So, if you're not sick, or on the verge of sudden insanity, what are you doing in here?" Why had he come in here?
Woo! Bullshitting time again!
"I came to check up on you guys and see if you had any information for me." The doctors looked at each other and then looked at Jim. They could evidently see through him like he was a crystal window pane and just as breakable.
"You had no reason." The both said flatly in unison.
"Hey, don't go tag teaming on me, I was really interested to see how you two were handling one another." Quickly, make an astute observation! "I mean, with Spock being all pissy towards his counterpart I was a little worried." Nice. That was good.
"Jim, it's natural for a person to find another person with similar qualities to their own annoying."
"Yeah," Younger Bones interjected, "the green-blooded, hobgoblin needs a taste of his own medicine. Let's see how he likes to be the butt end of Vulcan retorts."
"Cheers to that one, friend."
"I'm glad you approve." Jim was getting a stomach cramp from the doctor bonding time. These two were obviously enjoying each other's company too much.
"So, I'm to believe that at some point you two will get annoyed with one another?" Jim asked innocently. Both doctors looked at one another.
"Nah." Was said in unison again.
"With all the ale we have in here, hating each other will be the last thing we do."
"Here here." They gave each other a fist pound and smiled with a twinkle in their eyes, like they had some private joke only they were understanding. Jim rolled his eyes and smirked.
"Okay, you guys win. I'm outta here. You're getting along great and that was all that concerned me." Jim turned to leave and let the two doctors do doctor things like playing with hypos and doing more doctor stuff. Like, doctorly things. Shit, Jim didn't know what doctors did in their spare time. Cut the guy some slack.
"Wait, Jim." Younger Bones called to him suddenly. Jim turned and his curiosity was met with that of two dark-brunettes eyeing him. "There is one thing I did want to tell you."
"What's that? You want your new buddy to stay in this timeline?" He meant it as a joke but no one laughed.
"No, Jim. In all seriousness, we do need to get them back to their own time." He sighed and crossed his arms before continuing. "What I wanted to tell you was to be careful. Leonard informed me that there are some things about the future you might not want to know yet so be cautious when you're speaking with your counterpart." Jim smiled and shrugged.
"You act like I'm going to ask about my future wife or something." He shook his head and decided then to make his exit. He was so preoccupied with the insanity of the warning that he didn't see the two doctors make eye contact with one another and appear worried. Nope. Didn't see it.
Jim returned to the Bridge where he finished his shift with Spock and his typical crew. Everyone seemed to be feeling relaxed and at ease. It was nice. A few times Jim caught Spock looking his direction. He figured it was because the Vulcan was antsy for that Chess match. Jim was too, but, really, Spock loved that game too much.
When the shift ended, everyone filed out as the night crew came in to take their place. Spock and Jim were the last ones to leave. They entered the turbolift together, silence filling them but a smile plastered on Jim's lips.
He then leaned over to one of those pointy ears and whispered. "I'm going to kick your ass, you know."
"That is unlikely, Captain. Considering that in the past games I have won with 100% accuracy, I find the logic that tells you that you shall win to be mistaken." A challenge. Jim liked that.
"That's just going to make beating you even better. I like serving epic fail with a hard slice of in-your-face. I hope you're hungry." The turbolift opened and both stepped out in the same stride.
"I am not in require of sustenance at this moment, Jim," Spock said in step, "however, I am positive that you are, for the only eating to be done around here will be you 'eating your own words' as the saying goes." Jim smiled. Oh, it's on now.
In the days that they had been playing Chess, it had been in the rec rooms, but as the games became more frequent between the two, they had started playing in one of the private rooms on the deck where their rooms were. Jim wanted to name it 'Jim and Spocky's Happy Play Time Room' but Spock said that name was illogical and so the name they went with was 'Private'. So uncool. At least Jim's name was fun. Stupid Vulcan and his stupid easy naming systems. Jim liked being difficult about it, though. He just wasn't known to back down from anything he wanted.
When they reached the room, 'PRIVATE' was clearly seen beside the door, but right under it was a note taped and written in a certain Captain's handwriting 'Jim and Spocky's Happy Play Time Room'.
Jim = 3
Spock = 0
Eat it, bitch.
With the Vulcan equivalent of an eye-roll, the door was opened and the two entered. They had set the room up how they both preferred it. A table, some chairs, a small couch, a shelf full of real books and tapes, and two gentlemen sitting at their table playing with their Chess set.
Wait.
Hold on.
That wasn't right. Jim thought he would have remembered including two more people playing with their Chess set in the agreed plans. He looked down at Spock who seemed as surprised as he was, though more subtle.
At their table, where they typically sat, was Older Spock and Older Kirk playing a game of Chess with their Chess set.
Dude. You just don't go playing in someone else's turf. That's like, a breech in the bro-code or something. Jim was sure. But, does it count if they're technically you? Jim smiled at that thought, he wasn't really angry, but it was certainly a surprise. Seeing them sitting so still in concentration was kind of interesting, though. He was unaware that the older counterparts liked to play.
Older Kirk sat up as he made his turn and allowed Mr. Spock some time to predict a move.
"Hello, boys. I hope you don't mind the intrusion, but when we saw that this room was called 'Jim and Spocky's Happy Play Time Room'," a death glare from Spock, Jim gave a 'it's your fault anyway' look in response, "we just couldn't resist the urge to play a few games ourselves. Isn't that right, Mr. Spock?" Mr. Spock was in complete thought, a hand on his chin and the other supporting that arm delicately. He didn't raise his gaze as he studied the board.
"Indeed." He said after a moment.
"Oh, well, Spock and I were actually coming in to play a game ourselves." James looked up at him and smiled, an obvious 'oops' written on his features.
"Do you boys play every night?"
"Correct." Spock was quick to say. "However, I am interested in witnessing a game between you and my counterpart. I would like to observe and see if our game play is similar."
"By all means," James said with a wave of his hand, "we'd be honoured." Jim gave a grin to the sarcasm, but Spock didn't seem to notice it. Both younger ones grabbed a chair and sat around the table to observe. Mr. Spock finally made a move and James was quick to make his.
It went on like this for a while, Mr. Spock taking his time with each turn and James getting his over with like if he took too long the 3D board would combust or something. As Jim watched, he noticed that James wasn't making just random moves, it was like he had rehearsed them in advance and was merely playing a well-thought-out strategic plan. Admirable.
It looked like the game was going to be stalemate (not like Jim would really know since he'd never actually had gotten to that point, ever) until James spoke up on Mr. Spock's turn.
"You are no match for me, Mr. Spock." James said with an air of authority. "You might as well make your move so we can end this quickly. I'm sure the boys here want their board back." Two brows rose. It was so funny that the same reaction came in unison with the two Vulcans.
"Undoubtedly, James, but your attempt to impair my logical move is in vain." Mr. Spock moved his queen across the board. James smiled and in one quick motion, moved his pawn into the top 8th position, called it a queen and had successfully cornered the black king. The game was won. Checkmate. James was the winner.
"Fascinating." Spock said as Mr. Spock could only sit back and analyze what had just happened. Jim had been watching James as he secretly moved the pawn in from behind other pieces to come unnoticed by the tyrant player which was Mr. Spock. It was tactical and something Jim had never thought or considered.
"Splendid game." The older Vulcan said.
"I agree." James said with a radiant smile. Mr. Spock began to reset the board pieces. "I think we should let the youngsters play the game they intended now. No need to bore them with ours."
"I found the game stimulating and most intriguing." Spock said as he laced his fingers in his lap. He appeared content to just sit there for the rest of the night if given the chance.
"I did too." Jim added. "You may have just given me the answers on how to beat this Chess-whore at his own game."
Spock raised a brow as if to ask 'Chess-whore, Jim?' and he gave a tainted grin in response like to retort 'You know you like it…Chess-whore'.
"You haven't won a game yet?" His counterpart asked and broke the silent eye cursing that had playfully fallen between the two younger versions. Jim shook his head.
"Nope. We've been playing every night for the past month and each time Spock has kicked my ass. He beat me the first time in six moves." He represented the number visually by lifting up six fingers. James leaned forward, interested in what Jim had just told him.
"Your first time playing was only a month ago?"
"Yuppers."
"Hmm, interesting. I've been playing nearly my whole life." Jim choked a bit and coughed to try and clear things up.
"Seriously? Dude, am I a nerd in that timeline or what?"
"You may not find the significance of such a tactical game and its strategical nature," younger Spock said, "but it appears your counterpart has. It has many benefits to an open mind and may prove a challenging game to those in commanding positions."
Jim slightly pouted and folded his arms, "If you like it so much why don't you play against him instead of me?" The younger Vulcan's eyes drifted for only an instant and fell on those of Older Kirk. The older Captain appeared to be thinking the same thing Spock was.
"Well," he started, "why not? I'm game if you are." Three brows rose, except Jim's fell quicker than the others.
"I accept your challenge." Spock stood and switched seats with his counterpart. Mr. Spock didn't show any signs of resentment towards the action and simply sat beside the younger Captain and laced his fingers just as his younger self had done before. Jim wasn't sure why, but he was sure he could see a slight disturbance in those older, dark eyes.
"Would you like to go first?" James asked.
"White always goes first." Spock said flatly. James nodded and said under his breath 'silly me' and began by moving his first piece. The game was quiet and tense. Jim sworn it looked like Spock was more determined to beat James than he had ever with himself. He could absolutely see why, James was obviously better at the game than he was and proved a better opponent.
Jim felt a slight tinge of jealousy.
Just a little.
After an hour, Jim felt he couldn't take anymore. He was fidgeting and trying to reposition himself several times. It never took Spock this long to beat him. James was giving Spock a run for his money and proving himself an awesome player. Folding his arms again, he knew he couldn't do anything about it. What would he accomplish by telling them it's game over and to let Jim have his play time with his Spock? He'd appear rude and maybe protective.
Bad idea, Jim, he said to himself, just play nice and sit a little longer. It'll end soon.
That was a lie. After another twenty minutes, he was just about to stand and frustratingly walk from the room. Why was it irritating him so much to see his Spock having fun with someone…else? Jim looked at Spock's face, it was emotionless, serene, but behind those eyes he saw determination, passion, and excitement. He never saw those when Spock played with him. He looked down and began twiddling his thumbs.
"Captain," Mr. Spock said, making both the younger and older Kirk look up. When those older eyes were looking at the younger Captain, both knew whom he was referring to. "I would be interested to see your observation deck if you would not mind. Until we are returned to our proper timeline, I would like to observe the differences."
Spock to Kirk translation: You look bored and so am I. Entertain me. Now.
Saved, Jim stood and agreed to take Mr. Spock to the deck. He asked if the two in their heated game would mind being alone, and they agreed they would be fine. James seemed to like the idea more than Spock, but Jim didn't care at that point. If he had to sit for one more minute and watch those two make love with their eyes over a fucking Chess match anymore he was going to go insane—and apparently Mr. Spock felt the same way because he was quick to try and usher Jim from the room.
As the two walked towards the door, Jim felt a warm hand pool across his back and thought nothing of it. It was a simple gesture that he was familiar with. Of course, that wasn't necessarily the same when it came to Vulcans, but Jim had forgotten about that. So as he left, he paid no attention to the sudden furious gaze that formed in his Spock's eyes. But why would he? Spock was obviously enjoying his time with older Kirk so he could just suck it.
And that was that. They left and behind them sat a smiling James and a slightly irritated looking Spock. The last thing Jim heard before the door shut snugly behind them was James reminding Spock that it was his turn.
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A/N – Sex-u-al Tension! Lol, I wanted Bones in this chapter, dern it, and I gets what I wants! *giggles cutely* So, what do you guys think? What do you want to happen next? I'm open for suggestions. :D
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Side Note – Thank you to all of you who have favourited this story, story alerted it and reviewed. It brings a smile to my face every time I read your opinions. It means so much to me! Thank you!