"Well, treasured garbage indeed."
Spock nodded his head in agreement with McCoy.
"It is dilithium." said Spock.
Kirk, Spock, and McCoy just stared at the crystal sitting innocuously in the captain's hands. The small chunk of crystal in his hand was the reason there was warp drive and people went to war. This was a significant find and Kirk was a bit at a loss as to what he should do. He glanced over at Spock who looked up from where he was examining the crystal and arched an eyebrow questioningly.
"So dilithium is their trash?...Do they happen to have a place where they store their trash?" Kirk asked Spock.
"I am under the impression there is some sort of location, however, I do not know where exactly." Spock answered. He shifted his gaze to the native eagerly leaning forward and softly touched its paw. After a few seconds of silence, Spock broke contact and addressed the captain. "Yes, there is a garbage collection facility. Burr is willing to show us."
"Burr?" McCoy and Kirk asked simultaneously with tiny grins.
Spock pointedly ignored their amusement and explained with a light huff,
"That is as close to saying his name as I am able. It is far better than referring to him as 'it.'"
Holding his hands up in mock surrender, Kirk valiantly fought back a grin and accepted his first officer's explanation. Spock did not look all that mollified.
"Okay, okay. Burr. Sounds good to me…not like I can even communicate with them, so good work, Spock."
McCoy focused intently on the young child clinging to his head trying not to laugh at how quickly Kirk relented and tried to backtrack. He was next to certain no other captain had to answer to their first officer in such a manner. Then again, no other captain had Spock as their first officer. As he idly stroked the soft fur on the child's head, McCoy wondered how Pike and Spock had gotten along.
"Yo, Bones, let's go!"
Knocked out of his musings by Kirk's loud voice, McCoy whipped around to glare at him.
"Hold your horses, Jim. Some of us have furry little moles attached to them."
"It would be prudent to have those examined." Spock retorted smartly.
A sputtering noise escaped Jim's lips as he failed to hold back his growing amusement. McCoy stared wide-eyed in disbelief at Spock who simply regarded the doctor with a bland expression.
"You choose now to make a joke?!" he stalked over to where Kirk and Spock were waiting for him, dragging the small child on his leg. "Is your humor bipolar or something?!"
"I do not know what you are rambling on about, Doctor. Shall we proceed?" Spock monotonously replied.
Kirk patted his friend's shoulder and shook his head with a grin.
"Sorry, Bones. Spock won that round."
McCoy shook his head and limped after Spock and Burr who was leading the way down a new tunnel.
Once more, the darkness thickened and the walls became narrower. It was quite claustrophobic and McCoy was relieved that claustrophobia was not one of his phobias. Of course, he may not have feared tight spaces, but he sure as hell despised his inability to see anything in front of him and his lack of grace due to a still clingy mole child. Grumbling quietly to himself, he did not realize the people in front of him stopped, so he wound up ramming into Kirk who stumbled forward into Spock. It was brief and faint, but Kirk definitely felt Spock tense up considerably at the sudden contact. While he knew the Vulcan did not enjoy casual touching, he usually seemed capable and willing to indulge the habits of the more tactile crewmembers, Kirk included. To test his growing suspicion, he kept his hand on Spock's shoulder a bit longer than necessary. Spock felt like he was going to snap his muscles were wound up so tightly. Afraid he would snap, either figuratively or literally, Kirk released his hands and shot his first officer an apologetic smile, before realizing it was probably too dark for Spock to even see the gesture.
He mentally filed his observation away for a later time. Right now, Kirk was trying to not trip again as he attempted to get through a small opening. When he managed to squeeze through, the first thing that greeted his eyes was a giant pile of dilithium crystals of varying sizes. They were in another large cavern, but unlike the central one, this one a bit smaller and there were a few more holes of light puncturing the ceiling.
"Wow…Scotty would love to see this…" Kirk mused in awe. And then suddenly, he came to a realization. "Shit. It's no wonder these guys were attacked. Whoever the invaders were, they wanted all this dilithium."
McCoy let out a low whistle.
"I don't blame 'em. This is enough to run the entire fleet, Jim."
"I believe there is more." Spock interrupted the two humans' mutual awe party. "When this storage area becomes too full, it is emptied at the surface, much like a landfill."
"So wait, there's just a bunch of dilithium sitting happily in a pile on the surface somewhere? No wonder they got attacked." McCoy reasoned with slight exasperation.
"Spock. Is there any way the Talpidae would be willing to enter trade agreements with the Federation?" Kirk suddenly asked Spock.
Thinking over the captain's words carefully and reasoning through the presented evidence, Spock slowly nodded his head.
"I believe they would be willing to do so. I assume you mean to offer them protection against any other potential invaders?"
Kirk nodded his head eagerly, the pieces of the puzzle coming together in a rapid fashion.
"Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. I don't know what the Federation would do exactly, but I'm pretty sure we can make this beneficial for both parties."
"Indeed. When we return to the Enterprise, I will send word to Starfleet of our situation." Spock then turned to Burr. "I shall try to communicate our intentions."
This time, Kirk made sure to observe Spock closely. Spock brushed his hand across Burr's paw and then held it in place. It was subtle, but Kirk noticed the intense look of concentration on Spock's face. As he watched, he became aware that this was the third time he saw Spock do this during their stay on the planet. Somehow, his first officer was communicating with the planet's inhabitants through physical contact. Memories of his marooning on Delta Vega and an elderly Vulcan sharing his mind came back to Kirk like a hammer. He jerked in surprise when he felt a hand land on his shoulder.
"You okay, Jim?" McCoy asked with audible concern. "You suddenly looked a little pale."
Kirk brushed the hand away with a quick, reassuring grin.
"Yeah, don't worry. I'm fine, Bones. Just trying to process everything and not screw anything up."
"You have yet to give any indication you will 'screw up.'"
Both Kirk and McCoy were surprised by the sudden interruption from Spock. He and Burr were watching the other two curiously. Rolling his eyes, McCoy resumed petting the furry head rubbing against his leg while Kirk cleared his throat with an unusual case of embarrassment and stepped closer to his first officer.
"So what's the verdict?"
He was thankful when Spock agreed to the change in topic.
"Burr agrees that there is potential for a relationship between his people and the Federation."
It may not have been the most captain-like thing to do, but Kirk could care less. He smiled in total satisfaction. Barring any sudden changes or catastrophes, the mission was a better success than he could ever have imagines. Sure, it did not go according to plan, but where was the excitement and satisfaction with expected monotony?
"That's great. Let's get back to the Enterprise and set things in motion with Starfleet. Meanwhile, I want Uhura and some of your science people of your choosing to hang out down here and try to learn some more about the Talpidae." Kirk ordered with confidence.
"Understood, Captain." Spock acknowledged.
Burr trundled over to McCoy with little grace and gently prodded the child on the head. It let out a reluctant squeak before slowly removing itself from the doctor's leg and clambering up onto the back of Burr. McCoy shook out his leg, feeling the beginnings of pins and needles as blood resumed flow.
"Thought the little bugger would never let go." McCoy grumbled fondly.
He joined Kirk and Spock as they once again traversed the dark tunnels. This time though, they were a bit more prepared for the terrain and McCoy decided it was much easier to maneuver without a little furball attached to his leg.
By the time they returned to the central cavern, a full security detail was waiting eagerly for them.
"Hey, Cupcake. Miss me?" Kirk called out to the large man standing with his arms crossed.
Lieutenant Commander Giotto was not amused in the least bit. His frown remained prominent, even as he blandly reported that he was happy to see Kirk safe. In retrospect, Kirk supposed he should stop antagonizing his chief of security, or at least not as much. He did not think he would be able to eliminate all his fun.
"We're awaiting your orders, Captain." Giotto ground out.
"Right. Well, I'm going to head back to the Enterprise and inform Starfleet of what's happening. I want you to leave a few of your people to keep an eye on things, but you yourself get the pleasure of my company as I debrief you." Kirk said with a cheeky grin.
McCoy rolled his eyes and grumbled about maturity.
"Now how do I get out of here?" he asked to no one in particular.
"Burr will show us out now." Spock answered anyways.
Sure enough, the large anthropomorphic mole toddled off towards the entrance. Giotto gave a few of his men orders to remain before joining the captain and the others. In all honesty, he was glad to be going back to the ship. His size was not conducive to a smooth trip through the narrow tunnels.
When they reached the surface, everybody had to blink a few times to adjust to the sudden increase in light. Giotto drew in a deep breath and rolled his shoulders to loosen the kinks. Kirk took out his communicator and checked the signal.
"Kirk to Enterprise, can you hear me?"
There was a brief moment of static before Scotty's voice came though loud and clear.
"Aye, Captain. I read you."
"Great. Get ready to beam up five at my command." Kirk ordered.
He snapped the cover shut and turned towards Burr.
"Thank you. I'll be back later, okay?" he said as he stuck out his hand.
Burr sniffed the air around him and leaned forward until his nose brushed against Kirk's outstretched hand. He made a bark of recognition before sandwiching Kirk's hand in between his paws. Just like he had been taught, Burr began moving his paws up and down in a handshake. A small, genuine smile graced Kirk's features as he let Burr enjoy the moment.
Finally, Burr let go of his hand and took a step back. Kirk flipped his communicator open again.
"Alright Scotty, beam us up."
"Aye, Captain."
As the party waited for the familiar electric feeling, the child on Burr's back dropped off and leaped forward. Just as streams of light began to engulf their beings; it latched onto McCoy's leg. Before anybody could do anything, it was too late and a sixth party member was beamed up to the Enterprise.
When the light faded away and they reappeared on the transporter pad, McCoy was horrified at the little ball of fur nuzzling his leg. Scotty watched the doctor with thinly veiled amusement.
"That be a cute little thing there, Doctor." he pointed to the doctor's leg.
McCoy grumbled as he tried to pry the child off his leg.
"Dammit. It's not my fault if Burr thinks we just kidnapped his kid."
"I do not believe he will come to that conclusion. Despite what their appearance might imply, the Talpidae are highly intelligent and logical." Spock reasoned.
He stepped off the transporter pad and almost stumbled. Kirk instinctually reached out and steadied Spock. Before he could assure Kirk he was well, McCoy was in full doctor mode.
"Aw hell. I forgot about your concussion…How the hell are you still up and about like that anyways? Actually, know what? Don't answer that." he ordered.
Even though a Talpidae child was clinging to his leg, McCoy was ever the efficient doctor.
"It's sickbay for you, and I won't hear otherwise. Now you," McCoy whirled around to jab a finger into Kirk's chest. "You find somebody to take the kid back down. I'm going to have my hands full with this stubborn Vulcan."
"Sure thing, Bones." acquiesced Kirk. He knew better than to argue with McCoy when he was in doctor mode.
"I'll take him…or her down, Captain."
All the men turned to face Uhura. She stood with her usual grace and confidence. The minute she heard there were new life forms on the planet; she was just twitching at the opportunity to translate the new language that the universal translator could not. Kirk grinned at her enthusiasm and nodded his head.
"You got it, Lieutenant. I'm positive that talented tongue of yours is going to get a workout." he said with a smug smirk.
Uhura rolled her eyes, but the barest hints of smile played at the corners of her mouth. As she passed by Spock, who was still standing still and letting McCoy run a medical tricorder over him, her hand intentionally brushed past Spock's. Normally, he would have responded with a raised eyebrow that was not quite approving, but not quite disapproving. However, this was not the case.
It was blatantly obvious when Spock jerked his hand closer to his side and almost flinched. What was originally an excited and jovial atmosphere suddenly became thick with tension. Scotty looked like he did not know where he should be looking, while Kirk and Giotto stared. There was a brief flash of hurt that marred Uhura's fine features before being covered up with a forced, thin smile. McCoy glanced at her, then at Spock who, in all his Vulcan stoicism, recognized that his action hurt her feelings. If it were not such a complicated moment, McCoy would have taken the opportunity to point out Spock's show of emotion, no matter how small. In this instance though, the look of frustration and misery on Spock's face kept him silent.
"Er, c'mon little guy. Time to let go and see your daddy again, okay?" McCoy desperately tried to keep his voice comforting for the sake of the young child stuck to his leg and trying to ease the tension out of the room.
With a little bit of effort and a gentle pat on the head, McCoy was finally able to get the child off his leg and into Uhura's arms. Despite the previous tension, a tiny smile grew on her face as the Talpidae began to nuzzle her neck. She laughed when the whiskers began to tickle her neck.
"I'll let you know when I find something out, Captain." Uhura said formally.
Instead of a quip, Kirk simply nodded his head.
"Good luck, Lieutenant. Energize."
Scotty happily went back to work and in a few seconds, Uhura disappeared. The minute she was gone, Spock marched stiffly out of the transporter room followed closely by McCoy who was still trying to herd him into sickbay.
"Good work, Scotty." Kirk said with a quick pat on the engineer's shoulder.
He immediately went after his two friends and officers. It was surprisingly difficult to catch up with Spock and McCoy as the Vulcan was walking with large strides and a brisk pace. At least they were heading in the direction of sickbay. McCoy was happy about that at least.
"Would you slow down? We're not racing to sickbay." McCoy grumped.
"I am not racing anybody, Doctor. I am merely walking at an efficient rate." Spock responded blandly.
"Yeah, well, you're efficient rate is really hard to keep up with." Kirk huffed out as he finally caught up with them.
Spock remained silent even though he looked like he really wanted to say something about that. However, he remained determinedly silent about it and stepped into sickbay.
McCoy continued to grumble under his breath as he recalibrated the biosensor over the bed. After finally inputting the correct sequence, McCoy motioned for Spock to lie down. The biosensor immediately beeped to life. Kirk leaned against a wall and tried to read the biosensor, but could not make any sense of it. Vulcans' life readings were drastically different from humans and Kirk had no idea whether everything was the way it should be. However, McCoy was pleased enough and shut the machine off.
"Congratulations, you're going to live."
Spock propped himself up on his elbows and spared the doctor a curious look.
"I never had any doubts, Doctor." Spock replied.
Rolling his eyes, McCoy grabbed a penlight from the medical tray and told Spock to sit up. He resisted the urge to help Spock sit upright when the Vulcan teetered just so slightly. When Spock sat upright, McCoy, without any warning, flashed the penlight in his eyes. Kirk coughed to cover up his laugh. Spock flinched away and blinked rapidly from the light and for the briefest moments, looked absolutely scandalized.
"So 'yes' to the light sensitivity?" McCoy asked sarcastically.
"I do not suggest doing that again." Spock said with deliberate intensity.
McCoy shook his head and tossed the penlight on to the medical tray.
"Well the pupils are even…How bad is the headache? And don't you dare try to deny it, Spock." McCoy warned.
"It is manageable." Spock answered flatly.
"…It's manageable? That's it? Could you be any more vague?!" yelled McCoy.
"I answered your question, Doctor."
Kirk watched the epic staring showdown with mild amusement before finally snapping his fingers loudly and getting their attention.
"I call this one a tie." he pushed off the wall and walked over to the bed. "So, Bones, how is he?"
McCoy shot Spock another glare before giving his attention to the captain.
"It's like I thought, just a concussion. However," McCoy pinned Spock to the bed with a warning glare. "He pushed it with whatever Vulcan voodoo he used down there. Since I know he isn't going to follow my doctorly advice, you need to make sure he's on half duty until I say so."
Not even waiting for Kirk to acknowledge him, McCoy held his hand up to cut off whatever objection Spock had.
"Don't argue with me. And make sure you sleep, and whenever you're not doing whatever Vulcan-y things you do, rest. I also want you to tell me if you have any difficulty sleeping or any of your symptoms worsen, capiche?"
"Very well, Doctor. I will defer to your opinion on this matter."
"Opinion? Did you hear that? Opinion my ass! That is legitimate medical advice. Where the hell does your vindictive humor hide?!" McCoy growled as he crossed his arms and frowned.
"I do not have a 'vindictive humor,' Doctor, and I have agreed to your terms." Spock pointed out.
"Yeah, well…good. Now hold still."
Even as he spoke, McCoy jabbed Spock's neck with a hypospray. Kirk inwardly cringed. He really wanted to know how his CMO did that with so much speed and stealth.
"There. That should do something for the headache. Now get out of here and get some rest." ordered McCoy.
Not paying attention and reacting on instinct, McCoy grabbed Spock's upper arm to help him off the bed. Both he and Kirk were surprised when Spock jerked away. It was only for an instant, but just like in the transporter room, it was very noticeable. Spock stood stiffly at attention and pointedly avoided eye contact with either the captain or the doctor.
"Okay, I know you don't like people touching you, but that was a little overkill, and I know we're all wondering about the transporter room." Kirk said a little hesitantly. "Come on, Spock, you got to let me work with something here. Is something wrong with your mind-reading telepathy thing?"
The muscles in Spock's jaw tensed, and if it were even possible, he stood even straighter and stiffer than usual. McCoy arched an eyebrow expectantly and Kirk just tapped his foot impatiently.
"Crudely put…but essentially correct. The problem was exacerbated by my communication with the Talpidae. However, with meditation and rest, I will be functioning normally by next shift." Spock explained stiffly.
"Alright, that makes sense, but what does that have to do people touching you? I mean, I think you kind of hurt Uhura's feelings back there."
Spock fixed Kirk with a pointed glare and answered with tense reluctance.
"Vulcans use telepathy through touch. As for Lieutenant Uhura, that is not your business."
Throwing his hands up in the air, McCoy plopped down on the bed.
"The man answers with no answers at all."
"That is illogical, Doctor." Spock retorted.
"Alright, before this escalates into another Spock-McCoy bitch-fest, let's just leave it." Kirk interrupted, his hands up in a placating manner. "Spock, you're free to go and get some rest."
Whether it was from the concussion or he was just getting better at reading Spock, Kirk was amused at how easy he was able to see the look of pure relief on his first officer's face. He watched as Spock swiveled on his heel and marched smartly out of sickbay. When the doors shut behind him, Kirk turned to McCoy who was watching him suspiciously.
"What do you know that I don't?" McCoy asked suspiciously.
"Not a whole lot actually. How about you?"
McCoy shook his head and shifted his weight.
"Are you sure about that guy as your first officer? In the long run, I mean." he asked casually enough even though it was far from a casual question.
Kirk opened his mouth to say something, but then shut it. His shoulders drooped ever so slightly.
"I don't know, Bones. I really don't know…it's hard to imagine us as a good team, huh?"
Studying Kirk with a sharp eye, McCoy shook his head with a small, rueful smile.
"Well, I've seen better." he replied. "But that's what we get for having our kind of crew. Even our captain and first officer aren't experienced officers…We're screwed, aren't we?"
He looked at Kirk with mock horror causing the captain to laugh despite himself. Humor and easy companionship settled between them. It was this content feeling that Kirk missed with Spock. As he basked in his best friend's casual ease, Kirk became all the more aware of how different and far apart he was from his first officer. He did not want to leave the doctor's presence.
"Alright, I gotta go and keep our death bucket running." Kirk clapped McCoy on the shoulder. "And you know, once Spock meditates, he's going to be all over you to get back on full duty."
"Oh, let him try. I'll be waiting." McCoy openly challenged.
Kirk hesitated the briefest of moments before tearing himself from the ironic comfort of sickbay. He walked the hallway slowly and thoughtfully. There was a divide between him and Spock that he wanted to bridge. And when he wanted something, Kirk was never passive.
With his mind made up, Kirk detoured until he was marching resolutely to Spock's quarters. He had no clue as to what he would say, but Kirk figured he could make things up as they go. He wanted whatever was between him and Spock cleared up as soon as possible. What he was not expecting was the first officer in question to be approaching his quarter at the same time. A PADD was tucked neatly under his arm. Kirk grinned and thought of the doctor blissfully ignorant in sickbay.
"Maybe my memory's faulty, but I'm pretty sure Bones told you to rest, not do work."
Spock snapped to attention when he heard Kirk's amused voice. Kirk, for his part, was not only amused, but slightly concerned that he was able to sneak up and startle the Vulcan when he was not trying to. Even though he had not known Spock for very long, Kirk correctly figured that a preoccupied Spock was not a normal Spock, and that just would not do. He needed a normal Spock, as much as did not and would not admit it.
"Captain? Are you well?"
Spock's question knocked Kirk from his reverie. Realizing he had been silently staring blankly at his first officer for some time, Kirk quickly gathered his wits and deflected the question.
"I should be asking you that." said Kirk with a tiny grin.
A single eyebrow arched upward marginally and Kirk got the impression Spock was amused.
"I am well enough. There are multiple projects requiring my authorization. Since Doctor McCoy insists on my convalescence, I plan to get some work done." explained Spock.
"Basically, you're blowing off Bone's orders." Kirk clarified.
"I believe I just said that."
This time, there was a definite tone of amusement. Kirk grinned.
"Well, you're secret's safe with me. But if Bone's finds out, I'm denying everything." Kirk quipped.
Spock lightly bowed his head. Now, Kirk had no idea what to say. Normally, he had no problem saying anything to anybody. However, Spock never responded to his usual comments and quips, and if he did respond, it was often a subtle gesture. Kirk had no idea what those gestures meant.
They settled into an awkward silence. At least, Kirk assumed it must be awkward for Spock as well since he just stood there as if he did not know if whether the conversation was over or not. Sighing inwardly, Kirk decided he would have to try to reach his first officer some other time.
"So, I guess I'll let you go back to 'resting' then."
When all else failed, humor was the best way to deal with things. That was one of the philosophies Kirk lived by. He thought it was a shame Spock probably did not appreciate the tactic.
"I will assume your statement was meant to be ironic?" he asked.
"…Yeah. Way to pick up on that. At least get some rest, alright?"
Kirk waited for the affirmative nod before continuing on his way. As he walked down the empty hallway wondering how he totally failed at his intended goal, he stopped dead in his tracks when he heard Spock call out for him.
"Captain."
Trying not to appear overly excited that his first officer called for him; Kirk turned around to face Spock with careful calculation. It was a shame that the effect was ruined when he elegantly stumbled over his own feet. Once more, Spock's eyebrow arched upward.
"Are you alright, Captain?" Spock asked slowly.
Catching himself and quickly straightening his uniform out, Kirk crossed his arms and acted like nothing happened. Spock stared at him curiously for a moment before following his lead and pretending like he saw nothing.
"What's up?" Kirk asked with forced casualness.
Spock hesitated a moment before asking, "When Lieutenant Uhura returns from the planet, I…will you…"
Kirk watched with growing amusement as Spock, usually so eloquent, embarrassingly struggled to find the right words.
"I'll send her your way." Kirk finished with a wink.
The tension lining Spock's features seemed to lessen marginally.
"Thank you, Captain."
"We're off duty. Call me Jim." Kirk corrected cheerfully.
Spock considered it a moment before softly shaking his head and made a move to step into his quarters. Kirk violently squashed the sudden nagging feeling of disappointment gnawing at the edge of his mind and gut. Slowly turning back to face the way he was originally heading, Kirk began to trudge away.
"Your concern is appreciated, Jim."
By the time Kirk whipped around to check if he was hearing things, the door was already shut to Spock's quarters. Despite his best efforts to control himself, and silence the little voice in his head telling him he was being awfully bipolar about Spock, Kirk broke out into a grin. Perhaps, his efforts to reach his first officer were not such a lost cause after all.
A/N: I don't know how I feel about this chapter. I like some parts better than others. Oh well. That's what re-editing is for. Anyhoo, this chapter was written over the course of many days, so let me know if something just stuck out as odd or didn't fit. Other than that, I have nothing left to say that doesn't result in long-winded rambling. So, I hope you enjoyed reading and by all means, let me know what you think.
There are no scissors, but there is tape,
~Tofu