Hey guys. Sorry for the delay... I haven't had a very good week :( Just one of those weeks...But I am hopeful that things will get better! I have also been super busy! The weekend seems to be the only time that I have to sit down and write. But hopefully that will change. So instead of doing homework for my classes.. I decided to write this! xD

Thank you all for all of your reviews! They inspire me to write and to find the time to sit down and type!

Chapter 7

Jim was on her way back to the bridge when she heard someone call out her name.

"James!"

Jim turned at the sound of her name, no one on the ship ever called her James, and is met with Charlie beaming at her.

"Oh, hi Charlie. You can call me Jim."

That just made Charlie beam even more and he started to slowly repeat her name until finally she cut him off.

"Are you enjoying your stay on the Enterprise?"

"Yes, I like being around people! I like being able to touch others."

Jim was slightly confused by the boys statement. Surely he has been around other people before. He was transferred aboard from a cargo ship full of people. Charlie broke her thought process when he held up a single red rose.

"This is for you!"

"Oh. Wow. Umm, thanks Charlie." Jim took the rose and tried to hide the shock in her face. How did he get this flower? She knew that Sulu pretty much had an entire greenhouse in his quarters, but there is no way Charlie could have broken into his room. Was there?

"Where did you get this Charlie?"

"I made it for you."

Jim held the flower up to her nose. It smelled just like a real rose. Not one of those synthetic or replicated roses.

"But this is a real flower. How did you make this?"

"I can do many things. Do you like it?"

"Yeah... It's, very pretty Charlie."

Jim was starting to think there was more to Charlie than met the eye. She was also starting to get uncomfortable with his crush on her. She found it interesting how she had thought about the flower she gave Spock earlier, and how nice it would be if he gave her a single red rose. Just a simple fantasy. Shameful and illogical as Spock would say. But she couldn't help it when these thoughts came into her head out of nowhere. But now here she was, holding a red rose that was exactly like the one she had envisioned in her mind.

"I want to spend time with you." Charlie stated, interrupting her thoughts.

"Umm, well... I am on shift right now Charlie."

Charlie looked at her with a crestfallen face. Jim couldn't help feel guilty. The kid was probably feeling lonely.

"How about you meet me in the rec room later? A bunch of us get together after our shifts. You can make some new friends."

"Will I get to spend time with you?"

"Uh, yeah of course Charlie." Once again he beamed at her and she gave him a small smile.

"Where is Yeoman Rand?"

"Oh I left her. She isn't as interesting as you are. I wanted to explore the ship! I like being around people."

"Oh, well I am glad to hear that Charlie." Man this kid must have lacked some serious contact as a child. "But you shouldn't have separated yourself from Yeoman Rand."

"Why not? I don't like her. She looks like all the other women I saw on this ship. She isn't pretty like you. None of the women look like you."

Okay. Now Jim was feeling even more uncomfortable. Was this 17-year-old seriously hitting on her?

"Umm, Charlie. I think you should go down to sickbay to have Doctor McCoy look at you."

"But, I want to explore more of the ship! Can I go to the bridge with you?"

"No, I am sorry Charlie. You are not authorized to be up there." Jim said and she was met with a pair of disappointed eyes.

"Captain!" Jim turned to the sound of Rands voice. She was rushing toward them. "I apologize. He just disappeared on me! One moment he is there, but the next he is gone!"

"That's alright Yeoman. Could you please make sure Charlie gets to sickbay? Dr. McCoy wanted to take a look at him."

"Yes, of course! I apologize again!"

Jim shook her head and patted Rand's shoulder. "Don't worry about it." She gave her a quick smile but then sternly added, "just... keep an eye on him."

"Yes, of course Captain!"

Jim watched as Rand ushered Charlie away. She turned and headed toward the turbolift. She was going to need help letting Charlie down gently.

Jim was sitting on the bridge looking over Charlie's file. It was extremely vague to the point that it seemed to be intentional. Well isn't that just great! Starfleet was on a role with their vague reports lately.

"Captain?"

Jim looked up and her eyes met with those chocolate-brown eyes she loved so much. "Yes Mr. Spock?"

"I was wondering if you would like to play a game chess later?"

"Of course Spock! You want a rematch already?" Jim smirked at the Vulcan.

"Your moves were highly illogical during our previous match."

"You just can't stand that I beat you!" Jim said with a gloating smile. It wasn't everyday that she could proudly say she was better than the Vulcan at something.

"If you are implying I am displeased, I would have to disagree. Displeasure is a human emotion-"

Jim chuckled, "it's okay Spock. I know you are incapable of human emotions." Jim had meant this to be sarcastic but she noticed that a flash of hurt briefly appeared on the Vulcan's eyes.

Huh? That was weird. Usually Spock disregarded her sarcastic comments, never taking notice or offense. Now she is concerned. Jim looked away from Spock as a wave of nervousness and embarrassment hit her. She didn't mean to offend the Vulcan. Crap! Now how was she going to fix whatever just happened?

"I shall meet you in the recreation room after our shift, Captain."

Jim blinked up at the Vulcan. "Uh... yeah. Sounds good!"

Huh. Maybe she just imagined it. She watched as the Vulcan walked back to his station. He stood behind his chair while reading his instruments. Her eyes naturally slid down to the Vulcan's ass. It was a very nice ass. She quickly tried to shake those thoughts away and focus on her PADD. But her eyes kept on creeping back to the Vulcan. She would only allow herself to stare for a few seconds so she wouldn't arouse any suspicion.

"Uh, Captain?"

Jim realized she had been in the process of staring at Spock for the 10th time in the last-minute. She tried to sound as casual as possible when she responded.

"Yes, Mr. Sulu?"

"Is everything alright?"

"Yes, Sulu. Why do you ask?"

"Umm, you look...distracted today."

Sulu looked slightly uncomfortable as he said this and Jim tried her best not to flush. She had obviously been caught. Chekov was also staring up at her, but unlike Sulu, he looked positively pleased about something.

"Everything is fine. Please get back to work."

Without another word, the two men turned back to their stations and resumed working.

She was going to have to be more discreet when she was checking out Spock.

It was five minutes till their shift was over. Jim was filing the last of the paperwork on Charlie's transport when her communicator rang.

"Kirk here."

"Hi Captain, I have Charlie down on deck five, he is insisting on going up to see you on the bridge. I already told him that he cannot go up there but he doesn't listen."

Jim heard movement behind her and turned to find that Spock was already standing right next to her chair. "Captain, it would not be wise to allow Mr. Evans to come up to the bridge."

"Yes, I know Spock."

Jim placed the communicator close to her face, "did Charlie say why he wanted to come up here, Rand?"

There was a brief pause before the Yeoman responded, "Umm, he is saying something about a date, Captain."

Spock tensed up behind the Captain but Jim didn't notice because she was to busy cursing silently.

"Yeoman, would you be so kind as to go with Charlie to the rec room and stay with him until I arrive?"

"Yes Captain."

"Great. Thanks Rand. Kirk out."

Jim closed her communicator with more force than usual. The crush Charlie had on her had been cute at first, but now it was starting to really get on her nerves. She needed to put an end to all this.

"Captain, may I inquire whom Mr. Evan's believes he has a date with?"

Jim sighed, here we go. "Me, Spock. But it's not really a date! I just said I would spend sometime with him in the rec room."

"Even after you had already agreed to partake a chess match with myself?"

"What? No!" Jim sighed, "the kid cornered me in the hallway. I kinda felt bad and I couldn't say no to him. But now I realize that I probably should have turned him down. He has a crush on me... and I might have given him false hopes."

"I see." Spock looked straight forward. Trying to gather his thoughts and come up with the logical course of action.

Jim looked up at the Vulcan. His face was as unreadable as ever, but Jim could have sworn she heard something different in his voice.

"I shall accompany you to the rec room, Captain. There we can determine the best way for you to turn down Mr. Evan's advances."

"Umm, thanks Spock."

"Thanks are illogical. I am merely fulfilling my duties as First Officer."

"Yeah, well I think this goes beyond the duties of a First Officer. I doubt that fending off admirers is listed in the manual."

"Mr. Evan's advances are causing you distress. I am merely trying to help you relieve it."

Jim grinned up at Spock, "whatever you say, Spock."

Once their shift was over, they headed over to the rec room. Spock remained close to her person during their entire walk.

When they entered the rec room, Jim quickly noticed that Charlie was surrounded by crew members, apparently he was showing them some magic tricks. Jim took the opportunity to sneak over to one of the side tables and set up the chess board with Spock. They were just about to begin playing when Charlie ran up to them.

"Jim! Do you want to play cards?"

"Umm, actually Charlie-"

"The Captain is currently partaking in a game of chess with me. I would appreciate it if you would be so kind as to not interrupt us." Spock didn't even bother to hide the bitterness in his voice.

Whoa! Was Spock jealous? Jim had, had her suspicions on the bridge, but this outburst of possessiveness seemed to confirm her original theory.

Charlie glared at Spock and his mouth turned into a pout. "Jim said she would spend sometime with me!" He turned to her and smiled like nothing was wrong, "here! Let me show you a magic trick!"

"I believe that the Captain has already indicated that she is currently occupied."

'I did no such thing.' Jim thought to herself. 'You did that for me!'

"But-" Charlie began to protest but Jim quickly cut him off.

"I am afraid Mr. Spock is right Charlie. We are about to play chess. I would be rude of me to leave Mr. Spock right now. Just like it is rude of you to expect me to do so."

Now Charlie frowned at Jim. "You like him better than me. Why? He doesn't love you like I do!"

Whoa! Wait... what? When did this become love? Jim shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she turned to look at Spock. The Vulcan was trying to remain unexpressive, but was clearly failing. His lips were twitching as he was trying to keep himself in check. Jim realized that Charlie was now glaring at her.

Oh, real smart Jim. Staring at the Vulcan is definitely going to calm the jealous teenager down.

"Charlie , I-"

But Spock immediately cut her off. "You will cease your infatuation with the Captain! She has not expressed any interest in your advances. So it is illogical for you to continue to pursue her."

"No!" yelled Charlie, getting the attention of everyone in the rec room. "I love her! I will have her!"

Spock stood up, "You will do no such thing!"

The human and Vulcan glared at one another. Neither willing to back down. Jim was still sitting down and she was horrified by the scene that had unfolded.

"Spock..." Jim reached out to grab the Vulcan's hand in an attempt to get him to step down. The last thing she needed was a fight. Especially if it was because of her.

The sight of Jim reaching toward Spock seemed to fuel Charlie's anger and without warning, he threw all of his weight toward the Vulcan. Spock was able to stop him and push him away without any real effort. This only made Charlie furious.

Charlie tried to throw himself at Spock again, but two security guards that had been socializing a few tables away, grabbed him before he could attack.

As he was struggling to break free, Charlie's eyes drifted to the chess set on the table. His eyes flew to the back of his head. Jim was still registering this strange sight when she felt a very sharp pain in her hand. She let out a yell as she dropped a black chess piece she had forgotten she was holding.

"Jim!" Spock and Charlie yelled her name at the same time.

Jim held up her hand to inspect it, trying to hold back the tears. Half of the skin on her palm and fingers had been burned. Blisters were already beginning to appear. Spock was immediately at her side. He turned to the security guards and ordered them to take Charlie down to the brig until they could go down and talk to him.

Charlie struggled against the guards, refusing to leave. But through her sharp intakes of breath, Jim was able to order Charlie to go with the guards. Finally, Charlie complied and was taken away without further resistance.

She heard Spock suggest they go to sickbay right away. She merely nodded and let the Vulcan guide her out of the rec room. If she wasn't in so much pain right now, she might have been able to enjoy the feel of the Vulcan's hand against her lower back.

Before they walked out of the door, she turned around and saw that all of the chess board pieces had been completely melted.

Spock escorted Jim to the medical bay, where the Doctor was not pleased to see them.

"Dammit Jim! One day! One day in which you don't come in here injured! Is that too much to ask for?"

"Oh, you know me Bones. I just can't stay away."

Jim tried to throw the Doctor a smile, but it came out as a grimace.

McCoy sighed. "Okay kid, what is it this time?"

"The Captain has suffered severe burns on her left hand."

"Alright, let me see."

Jim held out her hand to McCoy. When the Doctor's hand touched hers a low growl was emitted from the Vulcan's mouth.

"You okay there Spock?" The Doctor asked, with a concerned and confused tone in his voice.

"Yes, Doctor. Forgive me." Spock responded in a completely composed voice.

McCoy just shook his head and proceeded to examine Jim's hand. "Looks like a second-degree burn. Nothing a thermal regenerator can't fix. What the hell were you doing this time?"

"Nothing! That's the thing! The damn chess piece randomly melted in my hand!"

McCoy eyed Jim suspiciously and took out his tricorder to examine Jim's head. "Patient is showing signs of delusion..." McCoy said as he was jotting things down on his PADD

"Dammit Bones! I am serious!"

"I am afraid the Captain is correct in her statement."

Now the Doctor stared at both of them. "What the hell? Chess pieces don't just melt."

Spock raised his eyebrow, "I am aware of that fact, Doctor. Which makes this case much more concerning."

"Hmm.." McCoy remained silent as he ran the thermal regenerator over Jim's hand. They all fell into a silence, until finally Jim spoke up.

"Spock... why did you defend me like that? I could have turned him down myself you know."

"I do not doubt that Captain."

"Then why did you have to go and cause a scene in front of the entire crew? Just think of the rumors that are going to start up because of this!"

"It was not my intention to cause you an trouble, Captain."

"Jim. We are off-duty so it's Jim. And you just defended my honor so..."

McCoy interrupted their conversation. "Alright Jim, you are all set!"

Jim looked at her bandaged hand, she had not even felt when the Doctor put the bandage on her.

"You may feel some slight discomfort in your hand, but you will be able to use it like normal."

"Thanks Bones!"

"Now, I want you to go rest before your next shift. You need it."

"Ugh, yes dad!" Bones frowned and Jim just laughed as she got off the biobed. Spock moved to follow the Captain out of sickbay but McCoy stopped him.

"Hey Spock, could you hold back for a bit. I need to speak to you about something."

Jim stared at Spock and the Doctor before finally shrugging and saying, "Okay, I guess I'll see you later Spock."

"Of course Captain."

As soon as Jim was out the door, McCoy rounded on the Vulcan.

"Okay, what the hell is going on between you and Jim."

"I do not understand what you are referring to Doctor."

"I keep hearing things in the hallways! Did you know that over 80% of this ship is convinced that you two are sleeping together!?"

Spock frowned, "Those reports are inaccurate."

"That's not the point! You have been acting especially cozy with Jim lately! Spock, Jim may look like a woman...but he is a man! I hope you remember this!"

"I am well aware of the Captain's true sex Doctor."

"Well I don't think you are! You break up with your girlfriend and then act all possessive over Jim! I am not stupid Spock!"

"What is your concern Doctor?" asked Spock, keeping his face as expressionless as possible, trying to hide his irritation.

"Well, I couldn't help but notice this all started when Jim became a woman."

Spock closed his eyes. He had just had this conversation with Nyota and he preferred not to discuss such personal things with the Doctor. Finally, he decided he would answer the Doctor's concern without revealing any personal details.

"Doctor, I understand your concern. But I assure you that my behavior toward the Captain has nothing to do with his new sex."

"So you aren't just acting like this because you like girlJim?"

"No Doctor. Now, if you will please excuse me. I must return to the bridge."

McCoy watched as Spock walked out of sickbay. Had Spock just confessed to also liking Jim as a man? Ugh! He needed a drink!

After leaving sickbay, Jim headed back to her quarters. Her shift wasn't for another five hours. She could use the sleep. She took off gold command shirt and just let herself fall onto the bed. Her mind flashed through all of the days events. She thought about Charlie, and what she was going to do about the boy. Then she thought about Spock. In fact, she mainly thought about Spock. The way he acted today, how he had reacted when Charlie tried to flirt with her. Did this mean she actually had a chance with the Vulcan? She thought about this until she finally drifted off to sleep.

"Jim! Answer me dammit!"

Jim's eyes flashed open as she sat up. She looked at the clock, she had been asleep for less than an hour. Well that was better than nothing. She reached over to her drawer and grabbed her communicator.

"What is it Bones?"

"Where the hell are you? It is a madhouse down here!"

"What? What's going on?"

"I have an engineer, whose vocal chords have disappeared! Two lieutenants without faces! Three ensigns were found frozen in place in one of the hallways... and a lizard who bares a remarkable resemblance to Yeoman Rand!"

"What?" How can a lizard resemble anyone? "What kind of prank is this?"

Jim heard shuffling and movement in the background before the Doctor responded, "I wish it were a prank kid! I think we need to put the ship on lockdown until we find out who or what is causing this!"

Jim was out of her bed and putting on her gold uniform over her black undershirt. "Bones, contact the bridge and tell them everything you just told me. I will be right there!" She shut off her communicator as she got the rest of her things together.

Jim quickly threw on her shoes and opened her door, only to find Charlie standing there.

"Charlie?" Jim's eyes went wide. "How did you get out of the brig?"

"I told you. I can do many things." His eyes were different now, they were filled with pure lust. Jim tried to shut the door but he did that weird thing with his eyes and the controller disappeared. She took out her phaser, but like with the controller, it also disappeared.

Jim could only back away as Charlie stepped into her room.

Jim retreated to the back wall of her quarters and placed her hands behind her back feeling the wall for the button she so desperately needed. Finally she felt it and pressed it just as Charlie began to speak.

Spock stepped into sickbay and was immediately met with the chaos and panic in the room.

"Doctor!"

McCoy turned as he was examining one of the faceless lieutenants. "Dammit Spock! Now is not a good time! I just got the lieutenants stabilized! Had to cut a hole in their throats to let in the oxygen. I am having to resort to primitive medical practices!"

"Doctor, do you know what is causing this."

"I don't know for sure, but I have a theory!" McCoy was still running his tricorder over the lieutenant.

"I would be interested in hearing your theory Doctor."

"Well you know how I checked out that kid, Charlie? Well there were some discrepancies and when I ran the test again... more specifically, I discovered that Charlie is not an ordinary boy."

"What do you mean Doctor?"

"It appears that Charlie is a Thasian."

Spock raised his eyebrow, "that is impossible Doctor. The boy is clearly human."

"Yeah, that's what is throwing me off too. But if he were a Thasian, that would explain all of this!"

Spock was about to respond when he was cut off.

"Why don't you look at me the way you look at him?"

Spock and McCoy were suddenly taken aback by the sound of Charlie's voice on the intercom system.

"Charlie, what are you talking about?"

Spock froze at the sound of Jim's voice and immediately proceeded to run out of sickbay with Dr. McCoy yelling after him.

McCoy looked around the sickbay. Dammit! If Charlie was causing this then Jim was in serious danger.

"Chapel! You're in charge!" yelled the Doctor and ran out the door chasing after Spock.

Jim was stalling. Hoping that Spock heard at least some part of this conversation to know to come help her.

"I want you to look at me the same way! I want you to love me! I can make you happy! Why won't you love me?" He took a step forward towards Jim. Jim didn't like the dark gleam in his eyes and took a step backward.

"Charlie! You can't force someone to fall in love with you!"

"Oh, but I can! I can do anything!"

Charlie made a move to grab her but Jim was too fast for him and moved out of the way in time. Charlie lunched toward her again but she slapped him before he could touch her. Charlie's face quickly contorted into one of pure anger and he slapped her across the face and threw her down on the floor.

Spock ran inside the room and Dr. McCoy arrived seconds later. They saw Charlie standing in the middle of the room and followed his gaze to the floor where the Captain was attempting to sit up. A red bruise already forming on her face.

"I am sorry! I didn't mean to! But you shouldn't have done that. That wasn't very nice." Charlie said to Jim as she glared up at him.

Then a loud sound escaped from Spock's lips that caused everyone's attention to shift to him. Jim would have forgotten the situation she was in if it wasn't for the stinging feeling on her face. Had Spock just growled?

"STOP LOOKING AT HIM! YOU ARE MINE!" Charlie yelled at Jim.

"The Captain does not belong to you!" Spock practically spat out the words, not even bothering to contain his emotions anymore. "You will not go near her!"

Charlie actually laughed at the Vulcan's threat. "I can make Mr. Ears disappear you know!" Charlie said as he turned to Jim. "Then you will have to love me!" Charlie looked in Spock's direction and his eyeballs shifted to the back of his head. Jim knew what was about to happen and she would not allow it to occur.

"Charlie, wait!" Jim was briefly able to distract Charlie, but it was enough. All the focus he had been placing on the Vulcan only moments earlier, shifted to Jim.

McCoy could only watch as Jim slowly became transparent while Spock made a move to reach for her. Jim reached up toward the Vulcan, the fear evident on her features. But it was too late, Spock could not grab her. The Vulcan knelt there, trying to grab at where the Captain's body should be. But he was only reaching for air and in a matter of seconds she disappeared completely.

I apologize for any mistakes I may not have caught during editing.

Also... sorry for the cliffhanger! Please don't hate me! xD