Ty Mira Black-Snape for beta
Note: /…./ means mental talk
Jim could no longer hide his status… Every time a crew member was near him, he would get sympathetic looks. The younger members were almost tip-toeing around him. Not that he was often seen around the ship. Three days after the incident, they decided to tell the crew and the admiralty.
The crew was the easiest. Instead of wide-ship communication, the captain opted to get them in a cargo bay. Fortunately, all of them were understanding and supportive. He had some offering him support in alleviating his pain with massages, others asked to be allowed to get time with him, to play games or just listen to music. Medicals agreed they were all to be called any time of the day for anything he would need. They never ceased to amaze the young man. He was so proud to have the best crew ever.
The Admiralty was a different kettle of fish. His superior, Admiral Josè Nogura, was a total jackass. He hated Jim with every fibre of his being. He thought Kirk was only a spoiled brat, worth nothing.
The Admiral called first, with a new assignment.
"Listen very carefully, Captain. This mission is very important to Starfleet. They want Nero incident's heroes, or I would have sent in another ship, you can't screw up this."
McCoy was seated next to Jim, biting his tongue. This time he could not speak. Under the table, out of view, he squeezed Kirk's knee in support. Spock was the one speaking.
"Admiral, with all due respect, I am sure you know the success rate of this ship. Our crew is the best. I do not see how we could 'screw up' a diplomatic mission. According to your intel, there are no threats on the planet, their government simply wants to meet us, for a reason I don't see. As usual, we will do our best."
/ Time to dance. / Jim thought.
"However, Admiral, I was going to call you to inform the Admiralty about my medical condition. I am pregnant, for a lack of a better word. I'm almost 5 months along."
"Are you fucking joking with me Kirk? I'm tired of your bullshit."
This time McCoy stepped in.
"Admiral, the captain would not joke with a fact so important. I can confirm after the encounter with that light life-form, he was made able to conceive."
"And why am I informed just now about this shit? When are you going to get rid of it?" The angry Admiral accused. It took as much strength as he could not tell the Admiral to fuck off right now.
/Is it bad that I want to murder this idiot in front of us, Spock? / James though.
/Not at all Jim, I myself am having some difficulty keeping calm. Do not worry, I will speak with Father later tonight./ Replied Spock.
Instead, calmly, Jim retorted:
"With all due respect, Admiral, it was not something I planned to. The news is still pleasant from my point of view, and no, I'm not going to have an abortion. You know very well that Vulcans are an endangered species, so my children are protected by Vulcan laws, the father being my first officer Spock."
The Admiral was visibly fuming, without words.
"This is not the end of this shit. You will pay for your mistake. Nogura out."
The screen went black, and Kirk could finally relax.
"Nogura will take the ship from me, I'm sure, or he will make our lives pure hell." Stated the captain.
McCoy squeezed his shoulders.
"How many times do we have to tell you: YOU are not alone in this. The whole ship is on your side. Screw the Admiral. And keep in mind: day by day. Do not get stressed over something that is not happening. I'm not happy about you going down any planet at the moment, but I am the first to admit that I cannot overlook such important orders. We will study together any away mission not avoidable, hell I will even come down with you if I can."
The trio left the ready room, heading towards Jim's quarters after a short trip to the bridge.
STSTSTSTSTTSSTSTSTTSTS
On papers, the mission was simple: keep up a treaty with a planet full of minerals, also interested in entering the Federation. The Government wanted to meet in person those who defeated Nero and saved Earth before deciding. AKA Starfleets golden boy. Beam down, shake some hands, small talks, and an easy banquet. Five to seven hours tops. The captain and first officer were a must. McCoy would follow to monitor Kirk, Giotto and two more red shirts as security detail.
The doctor fixed the PN to allow Jim to beam down the planet, ran some exams and hypoed the man with medications. Kirk managed to stay as long as possible in bed, then prepared with a new dress uniform.
The group was in the teleporter room, waiting for the OK from Scotty. Kirk was playing with his shirt nervously, while McCoy kept touching the collar of his.
"I damn hate the dress uniform, you owe me big time Jim for this" he said, laughing.
"Don't whine Bones, it's not like I'm loving this either." Said the captain.
"All ready, sir." The Scottish said. The team moved on the pad.
"Well, we can't screw up this one, so, be careful. See ya later Scotty. Energize".
STSTSTSTSTTSSTSTSTTSTS
The higher ranks were all gathered around the landing site. The natives, while humanoids, had orange skin and small eyes. Intricate dresses around them. A tall woman stepped in front of her group.
"Greetings, Captain Kirk. I am Alakar, the President of Lartas III. This is my entourage, and he is-" pointing at a man on her right dressed in yellow "–Vice President Kjort. It is an honour to have such a hero on our planet."
"The honour is mine, President Alakar," replied the captain, bowing his head in respect. The handshake was not permitted.
"This is Spock from Vulcan, my First Officer –" pointing to his husband "-and this is Leonard McCoy, our Chief Medical Officer. Behind, Lieutenant Giotto and our escorts. You have an amazing planet."
He commented as he looked at the green sky above them, and pink mountains around.
"That must be a compliment coming from someone who runs around the galaxy like you," the President replied.
"Come, my friends. We will show you around while we reach the Main House to speak about the treaty, and you must tell us all about Nero's incident and your unclassified missions. I would like to know more about the Federation."
STSTSTSTSTTSSTSTSTTSTS
Five hours later and the treaty signed, much to McCoy's surprise, a tired captain was giving out another story. The bracelet was telling him the stress levels of Jim were a little worrisome, so he excused himself from the Minister of health and headed toward his friend.
"Excuse me, Madam President, can I borrow the Captain?"
"Of course, Doctor. I will go checking when the dinner will be ready. Captain, Commander, Doctor, see you soon." The President dismissed herself, leaving the trio alone.
"Oh my God, I forgot how tiring treaties are," the blonde stated. He shifted to a more comfortable position in the chair, closing his eyes.
"My feet are killing me. Don't even think to use that tricorder Bones, this is not the time," he said in advance, meanwhile Vulcan kissing his husband.
/I look forward a good massage later hun./ he thought.
/Sure Jim, it will be a pleasure. You did an amazing job today. I was not sure they would sign the papers after the Prime Minister started yelling around how precious their minerals are to be sold to the Federation./ The Vulcan replied.
"Ehi lovebirds! You are not alone! I really hate you two when you do this Vulcan voodoo," grunted the doctor. They could see Vice President Kjort moving in their direction.
"Oh please, I'm so tired of talking." Sighed Kirk.
"Do not worry ashayam, I will take care of him. Rest." And the Vulcan left.
McCoy and Kirk, instead, were approached by the President's attendant.
"Sirs, the President said the banquet will be ready in 15 minutes. I will take you to the room. Would you like something in the meantime?"
"Yes, Mr Paskjua, can we have some water, please?" Bowing his head, the orange man left.
"Bones, can you please go check with Giotto and tell him the dinner is almost ready?"
"Sure Jim."
The captain was finally alone. The pain in the right part of his abdomen was quite annoying, but he couldn't do much on the planet. A young woman, around 30 Terran years, holding a tray with glasses on it, approached him.
"Here your water Sir," placing a silver glass on the table. It happened like in slow motion: worst time ever! A tearing pain from his middle made Kirk double in pain, almost hitting the table with his head. At the same time, the twin bracelets sent a high sound and the two owners immediately turned their heads and moved to the captain's aid.
"You are carrying," the woman said. A cold shiver ran down the captain's spine. It wasn't a question.
"I saw a bulge from your belly."
Showing her own, continued. "I'm 8 months, and I'm due in 10 more. I didn't know in humans' men are carriers, it's so fascinating! I wish my husband would try what it is to have to carry since this is my third pregnancy," she continued.
Kirk, terrified, took her from the forearm, eyes pleading.
"Please, don't tell anyone. Human men are not meant to carry children, this was unexpected, but a miracle. I don't want to offend anyone of your people, same-gender relationships are not always welcome."
"Don't worry Captain, here at least one-third of the population is same-gender, every couple has the same rights." The woman said understanding.
Kirk visibly relaxed.
"I know nothing about your species, but our babies start kicking around 10 months. How far are you sir?" She asked out of curiosity.
"Well, human pregnancies are 9 months only, while Vulcans are 10 months. I'm almost 5 months, but my doctor is not sure how far I will be able to carry. Men are not equipped to carry a child, let alone twins."
Fast steps approached them: "Captain, are you all right?" His first officer asked with worry, looking between the two at the table.
"Sure, Mr Spock. Our kids apparently decided to start kicking." Said Kirk with a smile.
"JIM!" McCoy yelled a few feet behind them. "What's wrong?"
"Bones, calm down! Nothing wrong. Just the babies kicking."
Taking her clue to leave, the woman directed her interest in some of her people.
STSTSTSTSTTSSTSTSTTSTS
The evening passed without a problem. Kirk was able to keep the food down, surprisingly. Speaking to the woman next to him, the captain, rising from the chair, said:
"Madam President, I am very glad about this day. We will stay in orbit for two more days, so you and your people can decide to join the Federation. This banquet was amazing, but it's time for us to get back onboard the ship."
All Starfleet personnel bowed in respect, saying their good-byes.
Hidden from prying eyes, McCoy put his arm under Kirk's right one. His friend was sweating and was unsteady on his feet. The reading from the bracelet was bad.
"I'm here Jim, 10 more minutes and you will be able to lay down in your bed."
He said, worried. The Vulcan was on the left, ready to catch his husband if needed.
Four minutes later they were beamed onboard.
"Welcome back Sirs," an ensign greeted.
"Thanks, ensign," said the captain, leaning against his husband's arm. They looked at each other.
To his horror, the Vulcan saw his husband's eyes roll back, his knees gave away. The quick reflexes of the doctor and the Vulcan accompanied the fall.
The captain was convulsing.
Notes: next in 10 days ^_^