Disclaimer: Star Trek is not mine.

A/N: So yeah apparently Tarkalean flu is code for the "other thing"… I checked on Memory Alpha.

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Target Acquired

Chapter Two: Expect The Unexpected

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The Next Morning

When Jim checked his email, he received a message sent at midnight from Professor Spock that read, I will meet with you to discuss your 3D chess strategy after the chess club meeting today.

"Yes!" Kirk pumped his fist in the air. "I got a date with Spock!"

"What does it say?" said McCoy, sounding tired because Kirk woke him up early and McCoy was not a morning person.

Kirk read the message to the doctor.

"It's not a date, moron," Bones grumbled. "It's an appointment with your instructor."

"Yeah? We'll see," Kirk mused.

"Just don't get yourself kicked out of the 'fleet, please," said Bones. "One more demerit, Jim, and I swear to you I will kick your-"

"I know, I know," Kirk interrupted. "I'll watch what I say. And do. I promise."

"Good," Bones grunted, and then he turned over and went back to sleep.

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Later

But when the chess club met that afternoon, Spock didn't even show up.

"Hey, do you know where Professor Spock is?" Kirk asked his TA, Cadet Uhura. "He promised he was going to talk to me about my strategy after the meeting."

Uhura glared at Kirk. "You didn't get the campus wide message? His classes are cancelled for the rest of the week. He's out with Tarkalean flu."

"Oh," said Kirk, disappointed. "I must have missed it. Well, I'm sure we'll reschedule for another time, then. Thanks for not biting my head off this time for asking a question."

"You're welcome," said Uhura. "I'm in a good mood today."

Kirk gave her a lopsided grin. "At least I didn't call you by your first name."

Uhura just shook her head at him and crossed her arms over her chest.

Kirk took that as his clue to leave. He'd waited this long, what was another week? He returned to his dorm to sulk and play video games. He decided to play Galaxian XII – that was always fun and diverting.

"How'd it go?" Bones asked as Kirk entered the room. He was engrossed in his computer.

"He didn't show. He's out with Tarkalean flu," said Kirk. "Huge bummer, man. Oh well. I'll just try again next week."

McCoy froze. "Say that again, Jim."

"Spock's out with Tarkalean flu," Kirk repeated, oblivious to McCoy's reaction because he was pulling up his video game on his computer.

"Shit," McCoy muttered.

"What? Is it serious for Vulcans or something?" Kirk asked, turning to look at his roommate.

"It could prove to be deadly," was McCoy's carefully worded answer.

"WHAT?" Kirk cried. "No! Oh my God, I have go visit him. Right now. I could cheer him up, we could play chess-"

"I don't think that's a good idea," McCoy interrupted.

"Why not? Is it contagious?"

Bones looked like a deer caught in the headlights. "Possibly. I'm not entirely sure but it would be good to be cautious."

"Look, he could be dying!" Kirk fretted. "I have to see him, Bones. What if he really did die without knowing how I really feel about him?"

"NO, Jim. Leave it alone." McCoy clenched his fists, as if tensing for a fight.

"What, are you going to beat me up? You'd lose and you know it," said Kirk.

"This is way out of your league, Kirk," McCoy warned. "You're barking up the wrong tree, trust me."

"Fine. Then I'm going to ask Dr. M'Benga. He interned on Vulcan. He'll know." Kirk rushed out of the room before McCoy could say another word.

End Chapter Two

A/N: Questions, comments, requests? Let me know!