Disclaimer: Star Trek does not belong to me. Thank you for reading the first chapter!

Uhura sighed as she sat at her station, idly flicking her eyes over the patterns of the screen. She pretended to be engrossed, trying to avoid conversations with other crew members. She could feel Sulu's eyes glance at her. Suddenly, her tablet flashed, causing her to twist in her seat.

Sickbay please. Please?

Uhura got up without a word, not even acknowledging Spock. As she walked past him, the First Officer observed her with his usual cool demeanour, not betraying a hint that there was anything unusual.

"Captain on the bridge", Sulu announced. Spock turned, coming face to face with Jim. "Captain."

"Commander." Kirk nodded. "Where are we?"

Spock looked at the captain. His scrutinising gaze was noted by Kirk, who shifted slightly. "Is something wrong, Spock?"

"No, of course not." Spock turned away, focusing on the screens. "I'll show you our co-ordinates. I have been waiting to do so."

Kirk blinked. "I'm sure you have...I had to go down to the sickbay-"

"Are you ill?"

Kirk smiled in spite of himself. "No. Bones wanted a chat."

"Dr McCoy chooses very inopportune times," Spock said calmly. "I need to speak to you here."

"Of course, Spock."

"Lieutenant?"

Uhura had barely entered the sickbay to be approached by the doctor. His face was carved into a frown, and he spoke before she could utter a greeting. "I owe you an apology."

She blinked. "For what?"

"You're right. Jim - its as though he's not here." McCoy shook his head. "I just pulled him down here, it was as though I was dealing with a ghost."

She swallowed. "You're exaggerating."

"Uhura. You wanted my opinion on the captain. I'm now telling you." Bones was frowning openly. "If I told you that you were mistaken, you'd still be upset, and accusing me of not seeing reality. Well, I have seen reality, and I'm telling you that you were correct."

"So, what's wrong with him?"

"Well, he is exhausted." Bones nodded. "I'll wager he hasn't slept a full night for a while. And he's lost weight. Though he seems OK with that."

She nodded. "Fine. So what you're really saying is not to worry."

"No." Bones looked at her. "I'm saying that we do."

"The co-ordinates indicate that we should be able to land on this planet in another two days, Captain. That means we can leave to attempt an exploration-"

Jim's mind was wandering, away from the monotone tones of his First Officer. He looked around the ship. Carol Marcus stood randomly tapping out data. He blinked.

Suddenly, he was there. Lying on the floor, saliva and blood drooling from his mouth. At the feet of a man who would only regret that he had not killed him. Who kicked him harder than though he was a dog. Who had moved over, menacingly, to another man that lay on the floor. A man whose control had shattered and was left flailing, helplessly.

"You should have let me sleep-"

"Do you need to sleep, Captain?"

Jim blinked, suddenly his mind awake with a shocking jerk. Spock was looking at him, his face creased slightly. Kirk studied the Vulcan's smooth features.

Was that concern in his eyes?

"Sleep?" Jim chuckled, a sound which rang false even to his own ears. "No, I'm fine. Wide awake."

Spock arched an eyebrow. "You do not look it." He did not avert his gaze. "You look tired."

"Thank you Spock," Kirk said, his tone sharper than he intended. "Remind me next time I need a self esteem boost-"

"I do not think you would ever need one, Captain. You sometimes give the impression that you are too self-confident."

Kirk's mouth twisted. "Spock, are you actually going to show me something useful, or is this just a character assassination?!"

"I do not mean to upset you," the Vulcan said, clearly puzzled. "I am merely being honest."

Kirk stood up. "Spock. When you have something useful-"

"Please, Captain-"

"No." Jim turned to him. "I am going to ask you for the final time. Do you have something useful to tell me, or not?"

Spock blinked, then stood up, straight. His calm composure was a stark contrast to the visibly stressed man opposite him.

"Captain. When you start behaving in a manner I can communicate with, yes. Until then no."

Furious, Jim turned away.

"Are you all right Sir?"

He blinked. Carol Marcus was standing in front of him.

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