The evening ceremony was both a joyous occasion and a solemn one. Honors were celebrated by those alive, and those still alive mourned all the lives that had been lost. Not only did many Starfleet personnel die, but majority of the graduating cadets. There had been some survivors; however, the loss was still noticeable.
After the mass funeral ended, everybody's spirits were lifted during the graduation ceremony. The most notable honor was one, James Tiberius Kirk. While news of his captaincy was well-known, the evening's ceremony revealed his captaincy of the U.S.S. Enterprise. Majority of the instructors were proud to have put up with him for those three long years and some could only shake their heads in disbelief.
The reception hall was packed with officers, cadets, family, and friends. Kirk's mother, Winona, was currently squeezing the life out of her son and murmuring how proud she was. Sam helped pry away his younger brother only to embrace him in the same manner.
"I can't believe it. My baby brother Jimmy is a captain now! What the hell are these people on?"
Kirk slipped free of his grip and punched him playfully in the shoulder.
"Nothing. You sat there and listened to them. I'm an asset to Starfleet!" Kirk preened.
Same rolled his eyes, but remained grinning. His grin faltered a bit when their stepfather stepped forward. There had always been friction between all of them, but over time, it no longer resulted in a yelling match. It usually resulted in tense and awkward silences.
"I know we haven't been friends…or even gotten along…" Frank trailed off and shifted his weight. "But regardless of all our fights, I'm proud of you…and for you."
It was awkward and jerky, but Frank thrust out his hand. Sam and Winona held their breath. Kirk looked at the outstretched hand for a moment before grasping it firmly.
"Thanks. Maybe we can both start over." Kirk said calmly.
The relief was visible. It would not be immediate nor smooth, but the determined open hostility between Frank and Kirk was resolved. Sam was proud of how his brother had changed over the past three years.
"So this is where you've been hiding."
Doctor Leonard McCoy seemed to pop up out of nowhere. With a glass of booze in one hand, he shook all of the Kirk's hands, even Frank. He had heard stories from Kirk about the infamous stepfather. McCoy had seen him and Kirk shake hands so he guessed he would not have to break up any fights.
"Leonard! It's good to see you again." Winona greeted cheerily.
"Ma'am." he said as he accepted her hug. After surviving his own hug of suffocation, McCoy shook Sam's hand." Good to see you too, Sam."
"Glad to see you're still keeping my brother alive."
"Don't thank me yet. We haven't even gone into space yet!"
Kirk rolled his eyes while Sam and McCoy shared stories about all the stupid stunts he had ever pulled and how he was lucky they had been there. When the two met on rare occasions, it became their favorite past time, especially because they knew it annoyed Kirk. But in the long run, he had also been glad one of them had been there whenever his curiosity and/or rebellion got him into situations. While he listened to his family tell tales, and smiling in fond remembrance for most of them, he caught sight of Spock generally keeping to himself near the exit of the hall.
Seeing as he was not needed for anything, Kirk decided it was as good a time as any to renew his pestering. He wondered if Pike's wife had spoken to him yet. Kirk slowly made his way towards him, politely accepting congratulations and paused when he was a short distance away. Appearing from somewhere, Chekov managed to greet Spock first. He was going to join them, but something in the way Chekov was standing told Kirk to hang back and just listen.
"Commander Spock." Chekov greeted with the utmost propriety.
Spock bowed his head slightly.
"Ensign Chekov."
A heavy silence settled between the two, affecting mainly Chekov. Spock watch mildly curious as Chekov suddenly began to shift his weight nervously. He arched an eyebrow when Chekov straightened and stood resolutely.
"I am sorry." he declared fairly loud in his nervousness.
It took a few moments on Spock's part to determine what the ensign was apologizing for. Realization dawned on him and he softly shook his head.
"There is no logical reason for you to apologize, Ensign." Spock replied gently. "Were it not for you, many more would have died. You performed admirably in a situation that was not required of you. I expect you to continue to exceed expectations."
Understanding the human need to reinforce a statement with physical contact, Spock extended his hand. Chekov stared wide-eyed at the hand for the briefest of moments before accepting the handshake. He shook vigorously and stood at attention.
"Thank you, Commander! When we begin our travels, you will see. I will continue to exceed expectations. By your leave."
Kirk stifled a laugh when Chekov did not even wait for a response before taking off with renewed energy. Spock watched him leave with a curious tilt of the head.
"Captain, forgive me if I am incorrect, but is it not impolite to eavesdrop?"
Quickly grabbing a champagne glass off a passing tray and looking as casual as possible, Kirk strolled up.
"What are you talking about? I don't eavesdrop. It's not captainly."
"You do many things 'not captainly,' Captain." Spock retorted.
Holding his hands up in surrender, Kirk took a big gulp of the champagne and smiled.
"Okay. You caught me. But it wasn't like I was trying to." he defended.
"Indeed. I would hope you would be more silent should you ever do so intentionally. Lieutenant Uhura is correct about your breathing."
Kirk scratched his head.
"How the hell do you people hear me? You know what? Don't tell me." Kirk interrupted when he saw Spock open his mouth to explain. Instead, he grinned and changed topics. "So, it looks like Chekov expects to be seeing you…in Starfleet…on my ship."
"So it would seem…" Spock trailed off.
There was less conviction in his voice than he usually did when talking about anything. Kirk latched on to it.
"You're considering it, aren't you!" he stated more than asked.
"The option has been a part of my considerations from the beginning."
"But now you think it might be a possibility." pressed Kirk.
Silence was his answer and Kirk knew he was right. What caused the sudden change in attitude, Kirk did not know. All he cared about was that Spock was one-step closer to becoming his first officer.
"Better face it, Spock. You're going to be my first officer, and again, I'm not the only one." Kirk vaguely motioned to where Chekov disappeared to. "I'd hate to see Chekov cry if you don't show up."
"I highly doubt Mister Chekov would experience sufficient amounts of grief to the point of a physiological reaction were I to decline your offer." Spock dryly noted.
"Okay, maybe you're right." Kirk conceded, amused at how seriously Spock took his words. "But I know for a fact Bones would cry."
As he hoped, Spock cocked an eyebrow and stared at Kirk suspiciously.
"You are, once again, making a joke." Spock tilted his head ever so slightly. "Doctor McCoy would, instead, undoubtedly cry with joy at my absence since he is emotional enough to experience such a contradiction of emotions."
Kirk spit out the gulp of champagne he had in his mouth and spluttered out laughing. Spock was quick enough to avoid the spewing champagne and calmly handed Kirk a napkin from a nearby table. Too fixated on his mirth and stinging sensation of champagne going up his nose, Kirk did not notice when McCoy walked up.
"What's your problem?" he asked gruffly.
"I got champagne up my nose." Kirk explained.
McCoy rolled his eyes.
"Of course you did. What else do you do with champagne but snort it?"
Kirk blew his nose into the napkin, but managed to point at Spock.
"It's his fault. He made me laugh."
"…Alright. Enough snorting champagne." McCoy grabbed the empty glass from Kirk and handed it off to a passing waiter. "Next you'll tell me Spock has a great sense of humor."
Kirk looked at Spock, then McCoy, before stating in a matter of fact way.
"But he sort of does. It's a little off, but it's there."
Both Spock and McCoy regarded Kirk with a raised eyebrow.
"You sure champagne was the only thing you snorted tonight?" McCoy asked dubiously.
"I am uncertain, Doctor. Captain Kirk just came over here to tell me how you were prone to tears when I am absent." Spock calmly explained.
Kirk pointed at Spock and shook his head when McCoy considered him with an un-amused expression.
"I didn't say that! Spock!" Kirk whined.
"Is that so? Well, if you will excuse me. Gentlemen."
Spock bowed lightly and took his leave. Kirk and McCoy watched him traverse the crowds and walk towards a proper and imposing woman.
"I'm prone to tears over his absence? What the hell did I miss?" McCoy asked genuinely confused.
"You just missed Spock completely, and deliberately I might add, misinterpret what I said." Kirk answered vaguely amused.
They stood in silence as they watched Spock engage the woman in conversation. He stood tall and straight, but there was something more relaxed and comfortable about him that was not present with others.
"Hey, isn't that Pike's wife?"
Kirk nodded his head at McCoy's question.
"Yeah. Number One, also name Eunice Robbins to people who know her well."
"Didn't you try flirting with her once?" McCoy looked at Kirk out of the corner of his eye.
"Yeah." Kirk grinned at the memory. "I've never been shot down that fast, that coldly before."
"She still tells me about that time, you know."
Both Kirk and McCoy were surprised when Pike came up beside them.
"Admiral, how are you doing tonight?"
"Very well, thank, Doctor McCoy." Pike answered with a small smile.
He looked over to where they were staring. By now, Spock and Number One were making their way to the outdoor veranda where it was much more silent.
"Huh, aren't they a cozy pair." McCoy wryly commented.
"Think she'll get him to stay?" asked Kirk hopefully. "It's weird, he already seemed to be less sure than he was earlier today."
"Really now? I wonder what happened." Pike mused.
Kirk actually had a feeling what happened, and it involved an elderly Vulcan ambassador. He remembered what Ambassador Spock told him; to trust Spock. Originally, Kirk had assumed the ambassador was not going to get involved. But then, he was supposed to trust Spock, and the ambassador was also Spock. He supposed he would trust both of them. With any luck, the ambassador would accomplish it without causing the universe to implode.
And as always, Kirk's feeling was right. Spock had spoken with his elderly counterpart earlier. The conversation had left him conflicted and frustrated. He understood his duty to his people and history to Starfleet. While originally joining Starfleet was an act of rebellion of sorts, he had grown to respect the institution and even admire some of the humans. Plus, his opportunity to explore first hand and learn new things was unmatched in Starfleet. More than anything, Spock wanted to stay with Starfleet and join Kirk in what would surely be a new experience. But his people, they needed every Vulcan, even half-Vulcans. True, his counterpart was available, but years of training and upbringing could not so easily tossed to the side. Besides, he was concerned for his father. The loss of a bonded was hard on any Vulcan, and his father was not young. If not his people, then his only remaining family deserved his loyalty and service.
"Have you spoken with your father about this?" Number One asked.
"No. This must be my decision." Spock answered distractedly.
"There is nothing illogical about asking for advice or an opinion…especially from one's parent." she countered softly.
Spock remained silent as he processed her words. It was logical, but it was also logical to fear his father's opinion. Even though Sarek admitted having feelings, love and gratefulness, Spock was afraid he would disapprove. He did not believe he would be able to go against him, not now.
"Spock, look at me." Number One commanded gently.
Turning his attention from inward to outward, Spock slowly brought his gaze up and looked steadily in her blue eyes. Her perceptive gaze searched Spock's. It did not require her to look very hard to find sadness, uncertainty, and even hope. Eunice Robbins always did find Spock to be one of the most expressive Vulcans she had ever met. It filled her with joy and broke her heart that he was now seeking her guidance and advice.
Years ago, she would have come up with some logical argument over-analyzing the situation and maintain a distance. Now, after years of loving her husband and learning how Spock was just like her, Eunice approached the whole thing differently. Smiling and moving gently, Eunice pulled Spock into a comforting embrace.
Spock did not fall back or even hesitate. He leaned into her embrace and allowed himself a moment to feel. His forehead rested on her shoulder while his arms wrapped around her back. Through the contact, Spock could feel her controlled, but open-ended acceptance. It was peaceful and more satisfying than any other sentiment.
"I will be proud of you, no matter what you choose."
Eunice's words mirrored the words his mother years ago when he rejected his acceptance into the Vulcan Science Academy. It had been a source of considerable tension between him and his father, but after a long and logical discussion, they had come to tentative understanding. His mother literally locked them in a room together and forbade them to leave until they had at least talked it out. Amanda was very smug as she served them dinner that night. Spock supposed that he was grateful for his mother's stubborn insistence. Because of her, Spock and Sarek remained on speaking terms. His heart pounded in his chest and his stomach churned. He tightened his grip fractionally.
"If choose to do what…feels right, how do I know it is the right choice?" Spock asked into her shoulder.
"You don't. That's why we say, 'feels right.' We can only act and then deal with the consequences."
She gave him a light squeeze and they slowly separated. Spock's expression was neutral, but Eunice could tell he was still uncertain, but much calmer. They resumed their formal dispositions.
"Hm, it would seem like we have an audience."
Spock looked over to where Number One motioned. Standing awkwardly and pretending like they had not been spying was Kirk, Pike, and McCoy. They were talking animatedly with each other and generally failing at subtly.
"Captain Kirk is most persistent that I remain and serve aboard the Enterprise. He is, I believe the term he used was, 'banking on your efforts.'" Spock explained.
Nodding her head in understanding, Number One smiled.
"Interesting. Christopher told me the same thing." she crossed her arms. "It would seem a lot of people are 'banking' on you remaining in Starfleet."
"…Indeed…If you will excuse me."
Number One watched Spock walk back inside and weave in between the crowds. He moved swiftly and quietly until he was able to appear behind the three men still trying to feign disinterest.
"While I understand the doctor's lack of skill in subtly, one would assume Captain Kirk and Admiral Pike would be above spying."
"It's not spying. We don't know what you were saying." Kirk defended.
"Your powers of debate leave something to be desired." Spock retorted.
"More importantly, how the hell does he keep insulting me without outright insulting me?" demanded McCoy.
"And how are you able to be that loud? I can hear you from across the hall."
All heads turned towards the speaker. Lieutenant Nyota Uhura stood with her arms crossed and a small smirk. Kirk slid over to her and draped an arm over her shoulder.
"Uhura, how are you enjoying the party celebrating my captaincy of the Enterprise? Have you been putting that talented tongue to use tonight?"
She rolled her eyes at the playfully smug tone of his voice and the way he waggled his eyebrows at Spock, who just stared at him blankly. Shrugging his arm off her shoulder, Uhura poked him in the chest.
"Oh, it's a great time. But you know, I thought you'd be out with some farm animals."
"Well, you know, these city animals aren't high class like the ones back in Iowa." Kirk retorted.
"Good god, man. You snort champagne and hit up farm animals?" McCoy asked horrified.
Shaking his head, Pike leaned back in his wheelchair and smiled. The times had been changing and giving a twenty-five year old a captain's position on the flagship of Starfleet was as good an indication as any. And after watching these people interact and carry themselves in a professional environment, the admiralty was going to be doing a lot of work in the near future. He looked over at Spock who was studying the interactions with a critical eye and he sincerely hoped the Vulcan would remain in Starfleet. Of course, there might be a few more instances of strangulation before he and Kirk could function as an effective pair, but he had a gut instinct telling him the Enterprise and Federation were in good hands.
"I swear. I never had sex with an animal before. Seriously, Spock, I haven't, so you can stop looking at me like that."
"I have no idea what you are speaking about, Captain."
"Bullshit."
Yes, the galaxy was definitely in good hands. The reception, well, that could go many different ways with this crowd, but this was their night; Starfleet needed the positive atmosphere.
"Fine. You wanna be that way? Get me a pig up here right now with some peanut butter and popcorn and I'll prove it to you." Kirk challenged.
Pike furrowed his brows. He really needed to pay better attention to their conversations. Clearly, he missed something.
"Okay, before this conversation goes somewhere that's going to inevitably offend me, I'll take my leave." Pike backed his wheelchair up. "And I swear to whatever deity you pray to I better not find a pig here."
He gave a pointed glare to all of them before going off to find his wife. Everyone save for Spock grinned. He was still trying to figure out how the conversation resulted into teaching pigs skateboarding with peanut butter and popcorn.
"Hey, I've seen like, everybody today expect for Scotty. Where is the crazy bastard?" asked Kirk as he scanned the crowds.
"I believe Mr. Scott was concerned about the Enterprise and is currently overseeing the repairs." Spock answered promptly. "I received a call earlier today from a group of technicians claiming Mr. Scott was harassing them."
Kirk could easily imagine the Scotsman constantly over the technicians' shoulders and complaining that they were not treating her right.
"What did you do?"
"Mr. Scott is a lieutenant commander of Starfleet, not a cadet. As such, I have no technical authority over him as he is not under my command." explained Spock.
"Sooo, you did nothing." Kirk translated with a grin.
"Essentially."
This caused the others to start laughing. Kirk had a feeling he was going to get an earful later when he took control of the Enterprise. It would be worth it though; he wanted nobody else to be his chief engineer.
"Hey, Spock."
"Yes, Captain?"
"You free tomorrow? I need to get started assigning posts and I have no clue how anything works." Kirk admitted sheepishly.
Spock nodded his head.
"If you are asking for my assistance, then yes, I am free tomorrow."
Kirk slapped his hands together and rubbed them eagerly.
"Great. There are a lot of positions to fill so that means all of you better be super nice to me."
He made a point to linger his gaze on Uhura who rolled her eyes good-naturedly.
"And you better remember my talented tongue." she ordered more than stated with a small smile.
"And you better remember how I keep you alive through all your stupidity." McCoy slapped Kirk on the shoulder.
"It would appear the others have more input than you do, Captain." Spock pointed out dryly.
Kirk rolled his head in feigned annoyance before staring up at McCoy.
"See? How can you say he doesn't have a sense of humor? He's just a sadist with his."
Spock cocked an eyebrow while Uhura grinned. She lightly tapped him on the shoulder.
"Hey, I'm going to get out of here. Are you going to stay much longer?"
"Yes. There are several others I wish to speak to before the night is through. Have a good evening Lieutenant Uhura."
She gave a small smile and nodded.
"Okay. You too, Commander."
She hesitated a bit before she said goodbye to the others and making her way through the dwindling crowds. McCoy watched her leave and then glanced over at Spock.
"I think that was your cue to go with her." he suggested.
"If she desired my company, would it not be logical to state as such?" Spock asked.
McCoy looked over at Kirk, asking silently for help in explaining.
"Well, you would think, but see, girls use girl logic, which is different from regular logic." Kirk explained.
"Logic is logic. There are no subcategories." Spock interrupted.
"Yeah, yeah, sort of…Okay, not getting into psychology and shit, we'll leave it at, girls often say one thing, but mean the complete opposite."
Spock just stared at him. Kirk could practically hear the gears grinding away in his head and ultimately breaking down.
"That is…illogical." he settled on.
"No kidding." McCoy growled as he took a large swig of his drink.
"Yeah, well, point is, she wanted you to go with her." Kirk pointed out. "But then again, after dating you, I would have thought she'd know something like that would go over your head."
"Indeed." Spock said absent-mindedly. "If you will excuse me, Gentlemen."
He did not wait for either man to acknowledge before marching off. Kirk and McCoy watched him leave with a shared amused glance.
"I really want that guy to stay. It's going to be damn fascinating watching him, Uhura, and their mismatched relationship." said McCoy.
"I hope it works out though. They're kind of a cute couple…in a weird sort of way." Kirk admitted.
McCoy shot him a mildly surprised glare.
"Turning into a romantic, are we?"
"Turning into a bitter old man? Oh wait, you already are." Kirk shot back.
Shaking his head in disbelief and amusement, the doctor finished off his glass with one final gulp.
"I do not have a high enough blood alcohol content to be witty." he said sarcastically. "Alright. I glad handled enough tonight. This old man is turning in for the night. I suggest you do the same. Knowing Spock, he's expecting you early."
He patted Kirk on the shoulder a few times before tossing his glass at a passing waitress and leaving the hall. Kirk looked around for the others. Sulu, Chekov, and Cupcake were loitering in the corner while Spock was talking with Pike and Number One. His family was chatting with Admiral Barnett. Hopefully the admiral had something good to say about him and hopefully, his mother was not telling him embarrassing stories. Deciding that the chances of embarrassing stories were fairly high, Kirk trotted over to his mother and attempted to salvage any damage to his ego and reputation.
And so the night wore on, people continually congratulating him and many others trying to get him to remember their names. Kirk figured they wanted on the Enterprise. He did not blame them. His ship was going to be awesome.
Of course, that was what he had in mind that night. When morning came, however, things were not looking so awesome. There were over one thousand positions to be filled on the ship and Kirk did not know where to begin. He just scrolled through the long list of positions despondently. At least he was consoled with the fact that Spock was also involved.
"Captain, it would be better served if you tell me names rather than re-read the list of positions for the twelfth time." Spock interrupted his dreary thoughts.
"Right. You tell me a position that needs to be filled and I'll toss you a name?" Kirk suggested.
"Very well. Chief Security Officer."
"Cupcake. We don't get along, but that overbearing hulk is totally what our ship of awesome needs."
Spock set the PADD down and stared at Kirk questioningly.
"Cupcake? I am unaware of any individual by the name of Cupcake."
Kirk made an "ooh" noise. He had no idea what Cupcake's name was. He was always Cupcake and probably always would be.
"I…don't know his actual name." admitted Kirk.
Suppressing a sigh, Spock pulled up the files of the entire roster of Security personnel. The list was long.
"Oh wait. You probably remember him. He was the guy who arrested me and Scotty when we beamed aboard! Big guy, scruffy goatee?" Kirk attempted to describe him.
"I believe you are referring to Lieutenant Commander Giotto."
Spock pulled up the image of Giotto and showed it to Kirk who eagerly nodded.
"Yeah, that's the guy."
Spock nodded his head and filed the name. Kirk reclined back in his chair.
"Congratulations, Captain. You have filled one position. There are one thousand, ninety-nine others." Spock noted dryly.
A dull thud echoed in the empty office as his forehead met the desk. Kirk mumbled into the wooden desk.
"How long is this going to take?"
"If you can manage to name chiefs of departments, they will see to the rest." Spock explained.
Kirk's head jerked up as he glared at Spock.
"What the hell? You just let me think I had to fill over a thousand positions for shits and giggles?"
Spock regarded him with a calm and blank stare.
"That is obviously untrue as I am neither defecating nor giggling."
Shaking his head ruefully and smiling, Kirk crossed his arms.
"You really do have a wicked sense of humor."
"I assure you, I do not know what you are referring to since Vulcans do not have a sense of humor." Spock immediately responded.
It was hard for Kirk to determine if Spock was being serious or not at this point, but he would like to think Spock was comfortable enough with him to joke around. At least, he hoped it was joking. He decided he would have to re-examine his entire life if Spock had been serious every time. Kirk doubted it though. Spock was smart and observant enough, even if he missed most of the jokes thrown his way.
"Huh, you better mark that down as a character reference, Spock." Kirk said with an amused smirk.
"If you are interested in character references for each position, I will provide them for you." Spock answered.
Kirk vigorously shook his head. They both knew that he could and he would.
"That's okay. I trust you'll stop me from assigning anybody unfit for the job."
"Affirmative. Shall we continue?" pressed Spock.
Kirk nodded his head. They continued to throw around names for each position, debating on a few of them, but eventually creating a roster of the department heads.
"Of course Bones is going to be CMO and Scotty is the Chief Engineer."
"Mr. Scott is an excellent engineer with the needed experience and Doctor McCoy has proven to be a capable medical officer." agreed Spock.
"And then I want Sulu as pilot. He did some pretty skillful stunts…Oh, and Russian whiz kid is the navigator." Kirk continued. "Uhura is definitely one of the best linguists around, plus she'll probably kick my ass if I don't put her somewhere on the Enterprise."
"Indeed. She is a skilled and confident individual." Spock said as he recalled the events leading to her appointment to the Enterprise during the Nero incident. She proved before, then and again that she had the skills deserving their use on the flagship of the Federation.
"And of course, that leaves one last place. I'm missing a science and first officer." Kirk implied not so subtly. He stared expectantly at Spock who actually sighed audibly. It was soft and Kirk would have missed it were he not currently leaning forward on the desk.
"Who are you considering?" Spock asked.
"You." Kirk answered with a tone that suggested he just answered a stupid question.
Spock resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
"I have not agreed to remain in Starfleet thus I encourage you to fill the spot now."
"Nope. You're going to be there. I just know it, Spock." Kirk pressed.
Spock remained silent. Sleep continued to elude him and the words of his counterpart continued to echo in his mind. He surmised that the ambassador convinced Kirk they were meant to become some sort of great team. Spock squashed a brief surge of envy at Kirk's and Ambassador Spock's confidence in each other, themselves, and in him.
"So you continue to claim." argued Spock.
"It's not a claim. It's a matter of fact."
It was impossible to move Kirk from this position. They both knew it and also both knew Kirk had the advantage now. Spock had shown his hesitation and that was all Kirk needed. He was nothing if not resourceful and blunt as a boulder. While every other major decision and change in Spock's life had occurred slowly and without his knowledge, that was not the case now.
"Well then, I guess that means we're done here." Kirk said as he stood up. He walked towards the door to the office and called over his shoulder, "I'll see you on the Enterprise!"
Since he had no answer, Spock remained silent and stared intently at Kirk's retreating form. When the door shut and he was left alone, Spock closed his eyes and leaned on his desk.
The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.
Spock knew who he was. He had dealt with that issue his whole life. What he could not imagine was what he could or would become if he went against everything logic was telling him to do. Ambassador Spock told him that he and Kirk would develop a relationship defining them both, but there was a difference between something that would happen and what could happen. His timeline was already drastically altered from his counterpart's and who was to say that he and James Kirk could be nothing more than acquaintances? The possibilities were endless and so many things could occur. The variables were not defined and completely unknown. Spock did not know if he was able to sacrifice who he was. There were already so many things lost already.
Though those words had been spoken years ago, he was reminded of them by his father. He had spoken to Sarek last night and expressed his doubts and concerns. All Sarek told him was that old Terran quote.
Checking his schedule for the rest of the day, Spock found there was nothing left for him to do. Never one to stay idle, Spock gathered his belongings and determined his time would be best served meditating.
By the time he had reached a state of peace through meditation, the days had passed and it was the day for the Enterprise to begin its first five year mission. Spock, in an unusual display of tardiness, was on the last shuttle to the space dock and the last person to arrive at the bridge.
Stepping off the turbolift, Spock glanced around the bridge. The others were already in position at their stations and staring with admiration. Kirk walked over to him with a small smile.
"Permission to come aboard, Captain." Spock asked crisply.
"Permission granted, Mr. Spock." Kirk said while suppressing the growing grin building up inside.
"As you have yet to select a first officer, I would respectfully like to submit my candidacy. Should you desire, I can provide character references."
One of Spock's eyebrows rose prominently while Kirk used all his self-control to keep from laughing. However, his eyes reflected his mirth and distinct pleasure.
"It would be my honor, Commander."
Every officer on the bridge smiled. Spock calmly ignored the attention and sat straight and formal at the science station. He briefly glanced out of the side of his eye and nodded almost imperceptibly at Uhura who smiled in joy and relief.
"Sulu, maneuvering thrusters. Take us out." Kirk commanded.
"Aye, Captain!" Sulu responded with enthusiasm matching the others.
I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better.
As the U.S.S. Enterprise pulled away from the dock and jumped into warp drive, Spock had to agree with his father's parting words. He turned in his chair slightly to look over at Kirk. The captain lounged confidently in the command chair with a bright grin and mischievous glint in his eyes. Swiveling his command chair ever so slightly, Kirk matched Spock's gaze with a smug grin. No further words needed to be spoken.
A/N: It's been a little longer between updates. This chapter was difficult to write and sort of all over the place. Should classes not get completely in my way, again, updates should be a little faster now that this prequel of sorts will become some plotty action thing. Speaking of which, I'm lazy and don't know if I want to set up a new story to continue with the main part or just keep it going with this one. This is more What works best for everybody here though? It's late and I'm tired. I can't think for myself right now. Dear readers, be my brain. Continue on here, or continue with a new title? Your opinions and insight with the whole K/S vs. K&S thing have helped tremendously. So I thank you for that and bother you again with this. But, enough of this, I mainly hope you enjoyed the story and thank you for reading. Send me your reviews and thoughts. I will hoard them like a chipmunk on speed. Btw, the first italicized quote is from Charles Du Bos and the second one is from Georg C. Lichtenberg.
Fuzzy legumes are not your friends,
~Tofu