A/N- First, thank you very much to all who reviewed and or added this story to your favs or anything else of that nature. It brought me great joy! Secondly, This is about building a relationship, which takes time. Please bare with me, I know it seems to be moving slow but I will get there I promise. Also I may be doing a little editing on this chapter soon. I wanted to go ahead and post it since you guys have all already waited long enough for it. The next chapter I promise will not take nearly as long to be posted.

Beginnings of a Lifetime

Chapter One

The next evening Jim walked into the nearly empty Rec room once again to look for Spock. He had been looking forward to their game after a long day on the bridge preparing for the upcoming mission. What ever that is, Jim thought to him self with irritation. Through the dimmed lights he made his way to the chess table. He could see the chess board and two very empty seats. Jim began to panic. Perhaps he had been too hasty to think that Spock really wanted his company? Jim had never even gotten around to apologizing for the things he said to Spock to provoke him now almost four months ago. He hoped that he didn't still hold it against him. After all Spock hadn't even brought it up. It was as if there was a silent understanding between them. They both knew that what Jim had done was for the best and that Spock had indeed been too emotionally compromised to be in command. However, that didn't mean that the encounter hadn't left scars that could hinder their growing friendship. It didn't help matters that Jim still felt guilty over the whole thing.

"Captain?"

Jim nearly jumped as he turned quickly and saw Spock directly behind him.

"You almost gave me a heart attack!" Jim admitted with a smile.

"I did not intend to startle you. I apologize for not arriving sooner, I was needed at the science lab,'" Spock said as he took a seat with feline like grace that Jim loved to watch and admire.

How does he do that? Ok enough gawking at the first officer, Jim thought to himself.

"Don't worry about it. I just got here not too long ago my self," Jim said as he tried not to show the relief in his voice. He took his own seat across from his first officer. Spock did not reply but made his first move on the board. Jim analyzed it for a moment and then countered. His mind was still troubled by his thoughts from earlier.

Spock seems completely relaxed. The tenseness that was there before has dissipated a little, thank god. Perhaps this would be a good time to discuss some deeper issues with Spock. I have to know how he feels about being under my command, if he can handle it, if I can handle it. With those thoughts Jim decided to end the silence that had formed between Spock and himself.

"Spock--- do you trust me?" Jim asked without looking at Spock but at his hands.

Spock took a deep breath and moved his knight to take Jim's pawn.

"I do not believe we know each other well enough for me to properly answer your inquiry Captain," Spock answered dryly.

"I don't mean personally I mean as your Captain, do you believe I have what it takes to keep us alive for the next five years?" Jim asked, not really knowing why he was baring his insecurities to Spock of all people. Jim thought about all his mistakes as a child and adolescent, no matter how many times Pike or others told him that he had potential it only served tomake him feel even more insecure. He knew he had potential to be awesome and badass, but through his experience he also knew his deep emotional outburst had a way of making him a potential screw up as well.

How does Spock see me? Of all people, Spock will tell me the truth, and that's what I need right now, He thought as he watched for a response.

Spock looked thoughtful for a moment as he watched Jim counter his knight's attack. He made his own defensive move before answering.

"From my observation of your performance during the Vulcan crisis as well our missions over the past few months; I believe you to be a more than capable Captain. You are better fit to command than I had been or ever will be. I would not have returned to the Enterprise if I had felt differently." Spock replied as he looked at Jim with his deep dark eyes intently.

"You would make a fine Captain. I do not want you to think that what happened reflects on your capabilities at all Spock. I just wanted to be sure that you were with me on this all the way. I have to be able to count on you," Jim replied, shocked by Spock's praise. Jim then took Spock's Rook that was protecting his king.

"Check" Jim informed him with a smug look on his boyish face.

"If it is my support you are asking for, you have it, though I had believed that was already apparent. As for my command abilities, it is not only recent events that had led me to that conclusion. I have never desired Command. I have always known that my place was at the science station and not in the captain's chair. It was my rank and experience that has led to become first officer, not ambition." Spock said honestly as he did a move that made Jim gasp in surprise at the board.

I bet he had that move planned twenty minutes ago, Jim thought with exasperation. Jim countered with a last minute attack that sealed Spock's fate on the board.

"Check mate"

"I appreciate that Spock, it means a lot to me that you trust my command abilities. I am sure that you will get plenty of your own command opportunities before this voyage is through," Jim replied frankly, as he took in how quickly he had been beaten. He must have been really distracted tonight, Jim thought.

"I hope not Captain," Spock said quietly.

He took this sentiment and their conversation as a whole, as a good step towards the friendship that Jim had been working towards. They now knew exactly where they stood with one another. Jim realized as he took it all in that this was something that had been missing and badly needed between them.

________________________________________________________________

Jim sat in his chair and took a deep breath of contentment. The air was no longer thick with fear and awkwardness. Things were back to normal and Uhura and Spock were at the communications station deciding the best translation for a subspace message she had picked up. It had taken a few days but it seemed Spock and Uhura were patching together at least a good working relationship, slowly but surly. That was good news to Jim as he hated to see a good friendship die out. After all, he didn't know what he would do without Bones. The academy certainly was made more bearable because of his southern, dirty mouthed best friend.

As if Bones had heard his thoughts, the doctor barged through the turbo lift doors and on to the bridge. His lips were tightly pressed together and his fists were clinched at his side.

"Yep, a scolding is on the way and a bad one, Jim thought with a wicked glint in his eyes.

"Damn it Jim, I've been lookin' for you! You have a physical to complete remember! I want it done before we get to wherever god forsaken place we are suppose to be going to." Bones said grumpily.

"I know, why do you think I ignored your Comms?" Jim said with a smirk. He could see Bones face actually turn a nice shade of purple.

"That's not funny Jim, my patients are under orders not to ignore me and that includes you! I've gotta do my job as well as you have to do yours! If you don't come to sick bay with me right now you will never see an away mission again if I have anything to do with it! And that goes for you too!" Bones hissed as he pointed at Spock. Spock only slightly nodded and raised an eyebrow and then went back to his own work without a word. Jim sighed, he knew that his chief medical officer could indeed keep him on the ship. He also knew that Bones did have to do his job, whether Jim liked it or not.

"Alright Bones, you win. After my shift sickbay will be our next stop but you owe me a drink," Jim said as he patted Bones on the arm. Spock looked a Jim with a look that Jim had learned to interpret as his version of a glare, but said nothing once again. Jim realized that he could order Spock to go, but he hoped saying it this way would prevent that.

"Now you're talkin," Bones replied with a big grin.

The doctor didn't budge from the bridge after their loud conversation. Jim was amused, it seemed Bones intended to stay to personally escort both Jim and Spock to sickbay after their shift. Jim took his attention away from his best friend. Jim had things that needed to be done. Something about this mission didn't sit right with him and he needed someone else's perspective.

Jim watched Spock from the corner of his eye to see if he was too busy to interrupt. His tall slender form was bent over Uhura as the spoke quietly. Jim grinned, he couldn't help it. The site of Spock more relaxed and working things out with his ex made him feel good about their conversation during chess.

Well, well Mister Spock it seems you really do care about friendship, Jim thought as he watched their comfortable interaction. Jim brought his thoughts back to his original reason to looking over at Spock in the first place and got back to business. First, he needed to know exactly how much time he had.

"Sulu, what is our ETA?" Kirk asked

"Eight hours and thirty three minutes sir,"

Jim was hoping for a shorter time frame, he hated waiting for the unknown, especially when there was little else that could be done to prepare for it. He had to wait before he could plan anything until they communicated with the science vessel. This was their territory. Jim still didn't know why the Enterprise was even involved. His guess would be protection. But from what or who Jim wondered? It was highly unusual to not give a heads up about what they were going to face. When Jim brought this up to Starfleet Command the condescending Admiral just told him that they would receive further orders once the Enterprise arrived at the given coordinates. Jim did not like the idea of sending his ship and people into a dangerous situation unprepared. His crew was his responsibility and Jim wanted them all to come home at the end. Despite the fact that Spock's reports on the planet made it seem safe enough, he still didn't like it. The atmosphere was similar to earth and had very little animal life to speak of.

Am I overreacting to this situation? I mean this is the first mission where things have been a little on the secretive side. Perhaps it was for their safety? Being an inexperienced Captain sucks! Well, there is one member of this crew who is not inexperienced, and I need him Jim thought as he tightened his lips and straightened his posture in agitation.

"Mr. Spock, do you have a minute?" Jim asked as he spun his chair around to look at Spock. Spock politely finished his conversation with Lieutenant Uhura before giving Jim his attention.

"Of course Captain," Spock replied tilting his head slightly.

Huh, Spock only does that when something intrigues him and the word fascinating is coming in the not too distant future. I wonder, does this mean talking to me is intriguing to Spock? Ok, this is weird, why am I even noticing stuff like this, I don't watch Spock that much do I? Jim thought bewildered as he stood up and walked over to Spock so that conversation would be easier. Jim collected him self and forced him self to be focused on the job at hand.

"What do you think about Starfleet Command sending us to help in what is clearly the science vessels line of work?" Jim asked his tone now serious.

"There is not enough relevant data to give a precise answer," Spock replied. Jim was expecting this response so he went in for another try.

"Do you have any speculations or theories Mr. Spock?"

"You want me to 'guess' Captain?" Spock replied. As Jim suspected it would, Spock's eyebrow shot up.

"Yes, I want you to guess. It is a useful skill to learn. It is after all how I beat your enormous intellect at chess. I guessed what your 'logical' move would be and mess it up with my human and not at all logical chaos," Jim replied with a grin.

Spock's lips rose ever so slightly, almost too quick and subtle to be seen. Jim however did see it. He suddenly felt a powerful warmth flow through him. It was a smile, or Spock's emotionally suppressed version of a smile. Not only that, but Jim was the cause. His breathing quickened a little as he awaited Spock's response. Jim was also brought to the realization they were leaning in quite close to each other now. Spock's high body heat radiated towards Jim like a furnace and his scent of spice was heavy in Jim's nostrils.

"Indeed, I find your strategy illogical and inefficient but also …fascinating," Spock replied as his eye lifted to Jim's. Spock's expression was neutral as ever but his dark eyes betrayed the warmth and amusement smoldering beneath. Spock looked away when he realized he had been staring too long.

Jim didn't quite know how to respond to Spock's statement. His mind reeled at the possibilities as he stood there for a moment staring at Spock and put his hands through his hair as he always did when he was nervous.

Why do I get the feeling I have been insulted and praised at the same time? Damn, Spock was good at that.

Spock's sudden informal manner was also more than unexpected. Jim liked it. Now if only the stubborn Vulcan would call me Jim, he thought. Jim knew that it would happen eventually because when he was determined, he always got what he wanted. It would be no different than when he against all odds retrieved his underwear from his stalker in high school, he would not accept defeat now either.

"In that case Captain, my speculation on the matter is that we are to assist in some sort of rescue or dissipate some type of hostile situation that has occurred," Spock said finally answering Jim's question.

'Yeah that's what I thought too. I just don't like being kept in the dark," Jim said bitterly with a sigh, gaining his coherency again.

"It is odd behavior by Starfleet Command. Is there anything else Captain?" Spock enquired.

"No that's all Mr. Spock, thank you," Jim said and he made his way back over to his chair. Spock then made his way back to his own station.

Jim saw Bones give Jim a questioning look as he stood by the command chair. Jim realized suddenly that his whole conversation with Spock had been watched very carefully by his Chief medical officer. This made him uncomfortable.

This is ridiculous, what the hell was that look for Bones, it's not like we were talking about anything inappropriate, Jim thought to himself wishing he could yell it to his friend. However, being on the bridge and being captain had its drawbacks. Jim took a deep breath to remain calm.

I need to just to put the whole thing out of my mind. A close conversation with my first officer shouldn't distract me in such a way, Jim thought with determination.

After the Alpha shift was over Spock and Jim made their way from the turbo lift to sickbay. Spock was rigid, and didn't walk in his normal pace. Jim knew he just as thrilled by the idea of going to Sickbay as he was.

"Sorry to do this to you Spock but Bones did have a point after all," Jim said with a sympathetic look on his face.

"No need to apologize Captain. A physical has to be done within the next four point three hours to meet Starfleet regulation," Spock replied staring at the floor.

"Oh good grief you two, am I really that bad? Do I smell of rotten eggs in sickbay or something?" Bones asked as he threw his arms up in frustration.

"No bones, it's not you, it just being poked and prodded in general we don't like," Jim answered not wanting to hurt his friend's feelings. It was the truth… mostly.

"Doctor, I am Vulcan, and as such am very in tuned with my body. I assure you I am in perfect health," Spock explained as he put his hands behind his back.

"Yeah so you've told me before but how am I suppose to learn about your green blooded backwards physiology if I don't study it for my self?" Bones asked his voice raising a little.

"I am not a specimen to be studied doctor," Spock protested calmly. His dark eyes slowly looked over at Bones with a hint of challenge in them.

Jim had a feeling that Bones was about to beg to differ on that point so he decided to step in. He put a hand on each of his friends arm to distract them.

"Let's just get this over with you two," Jim said shaking his head as they entered sickbay.

A few hours and a couple of exhausting test and hypo sprays later, Jim was sitting in Bone's office nursing his promised drink. Spock left as soon as the doctor released him to go back to the bridge.

"So when did you and the pointy eared computer get so friendly?" Bones asked abruptly taking a swig of his own brandy.

"Jealous Bones?" Jim replied with his large self assured grin on his face.

"No but it got me curious. One minute I have to keep him from killing you, the next you're all 'buddy buddy' in a corner talking to him like you've known him forever," Bones said as he sat down his now empty glass.

"We play chess together, I guess that helped. We had to learn to get along to work together Bones," Jim said a little defensively. He didn't want to have to explain his motives for being friends with someone.

"Now don't get all fired up, I was just making an observation. If you want to be friends with Spock that's your business, I just don't get it is all. You two are like night and day."

Jim was spared the rest of the uncomfortable conversation by the whistle of the Comm.

"Bridge to Captain Kirk, we are closing in on our destination," Uhura sent over the Comm. Jim got up and pressed the button to respond.

"Kirk here, Acknowledged, on my way."

"Bye Bones," Jim said and with a wave left sickbay.

"Spock, status report," Jim ordered as he entered the bridge and took the command chair from his first officer.

"The Science Vessel USS Artimus has opened communications and wait to speak to you Captain," Spock reported as he stood beside the command chair.

"On screen"

Immediately a bright red headed woman with freckles appeared on the view screen. Her hair was tumbled and her uniform was in need of washing.

"Captain Kirk, I appreciate your prompt arrival. I am sure you're wondering why you have been asked to come here. It seems that this planet has some new and will soon to be quite valuable materials. We don't know what we are dealing with yet but we are attempting to find out. The planet is devoid of sentient life as far as we can tell. Your job captain is to provide man power and protection. I am certain I do not have to tell you how much the some other of the races would like to get their hands on these materials. Also, I was made aware that Commander Spock is your second in command and science officer, is that correct?"

"Yes, that is correct" Jim confirmed coolly his eyes narrowing a little. This woman gave Jim the creeps and it had nothing to do with her racist language. There was nothing in her outwardappearance that would make him feel this way. Perhaps it was the secretive guise this mission had over it as a whole, Jim didn't know. He did know that there was more to this than what this captain was telling him.

"Good, he will be a tremendous help to our science team. Please have your self and Commander Spock along with an away team beam down the planet at the coordinates sent to you by our ships computer, Captain O'Neil out."

Jim did not like this at all, it was against protocol for both he and Spock to be a part of the away mission when there was a potential danger to the ship.

"This is most irregular Captain," Spock said voicing what Jim was thinking.

"That it is Mr. Spock, and I intend to get to the bottom of it" Jim replied with confidence, as if by his will alone he could unravel this mystery. He had a bad feeling about the whole thing and he did not want to send Spock or any other of his crew to the planet. That didn't change the fact that he had to which made him all the more frustrated.

"Uhura, contact Starfleet Command and tell them what Captain O'Neil has suggested. Ask them for confirmation of their orders."

Uhura's normally confident face went from confused to thoughtful within a seconds time.

"Aye Sir," Uhura said and turned around to implement the order.

"Mr. Spock, get your team together and report to the transporter room, and… take your time." Jim commanded with more confidence than he felt. Spock only tilted his head and raised an eyebrow in response. Jim could almost here the unspoken 'Indeed'. Jim grinned as he watched Spock leave the bridge.

The transporter room was filled with ten scientist, Spock, and Scotty when Jim walked in. Jim nearly snickered as he saw that the away team stood at attention as Spock was relaying their orders to them. Jim watched the whole thing with interest. Spock paced with his hands behind his back as he addressed the crew.

"Your orders are to beam down to the planet surface for scientific research of unknown and possibly dangerous materials. You are to keep in contact at all times and travel in teams of two or more. Are there any questions?" Spock asked as he scanned his team with his sharp hawk like eyes. There was silence, the team just stood up straight and looked dead ahead. Jim had to admit, Spock had his scientist well trained for such a short amount of time working with them.

As Jim leaned against the wall with his hands wrapped around his chest, he realized that he liked to see Spock using his authority. It made Jim feel secure in a way. Jim knew that his inexperience would not harm his crew or his ship as long as Spock was by his side. This was not yet proven of course but Jim couldn't shake the feeling that it was the way things were suppose to be. Of course Jim realized that they had only begun hanging out outside of the bridge over the past month. They could hardly be considered good friends yet. However, his thoughts were always traveling to Spock and how to get him to be more open towards him. Jim liked a challenge, and trying to be friends with Spock was definitely that.

Spock looked expectantly at Jim to see if he had anything to add.

"Thank you Mr. Spock," Jim tore his eyes away from his first officer and faced his awaiting team.

"I expect every member of the away team to be careful and alert. Your safety and the safety of your fellow crewmen are your first priority, is that understood?" Jim said with his newly acquired command tone. His face now serious and stern as a captain's should be while giving important orders.

"Aye Sir" His team responded in unison. Jim smiled as he felt a wave of the control freak within him surface.

I love my Job Jim thought grinning wildly within.

Jim then went to the comm, and turned it on.

"Kirk to the bridge,"

"Bridge here captain," Uhura replied

"Any word from Starfleet Command?" Jim asked hopefully.

"It just came in sir. They only repeated their previous orders," Uhura replied.

"Thank you Lieutenant, Kirk out," Jim's fingers turned off the comm. briskly in agitation. There was no way around it, he had to follow orders.

"Alright, we know what we have to do, let's get down there and do our job." Jim said with as much enthusiasm as he could conjure.

"Scotty you have the Con, Energize," Jim commanded his chief Engineer.

"Aye Sir"

After a few moments Jim felt the familiar tingling sensation and saw the bright light that told him he was on his way to the planet surface.