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Lieutenant James T. Kirk was hiding.
Well, to be more accurate, he had displaced himself and was in Engineering so that he could put off his final health exam with Dr. Serrik as long as he could.
So there he was waist deep in the guts of the USS Farragut helping Chief Engineer Dally get the computers ready for removal and DATA extraction before the ship was dry docked for a year long refit.
They had been in space dock for only 3 hours and Jim had finished his duties in tactical and practically pranced down into the engine room and pulled on a red jumpsuit the second he could.
"You do know Dr. Serrik's gonna hate you forever if you don't get to sickbay soon." Engineer Dally walked up to Jim as he carefully detached the console from the ship.
"Well ma'am," Jim cast his gaze up and gave her a smile, "I figure I'm not exactly important enough for her to chase down, so It's really no skin off my back."
"Lieutenant," Dally laughed but it sounded reluctant, "Do you have a death wish?"
"No ma'am." Jim continued to smile and work on detaching the computers. Really it wasn't a big deal. Lieutenant Commander Dally only knew Jim because he was an occasional cross over during emergencies.
The Captain knew him because Pike was a loudmouthed piece of work, but that was it. CMO Serrik couldn't give a damn about a Lieutenant who wasn't part of senior staff, she had bigger fish to fry. Like First Officer Reychi who was currently hiding in the botany lab and would probably lock himself in if Serrik found out where he was.
Reychi wasn't even a botanist for crying out loud.
Dally left Jim alone with a sigh and an eye roll, and he was left undisturbed for at least another hour.
When the hour was up he was starting the next console. The sound of the turbo lift doors wasn't odd since officers were coming and going as quickly as they could. Most of them were itching to get planet side.
But this time the sound of the doors was accompanied by shouting, "Where the hell is he?!"
The voice was gruff and Jim knew it so well he kind of had to shudder at the sound of it. Almost instinctively had begun sliding himself behind the console he'd already detached as the familiar sight of Dr. Leonard McCoy entered the Engineering Sector.
"We've finished everyone from command except him and I can't go home until the little bastards gotten a thorough check up!" McCoy's voice carried fire and brimstone and Jim wanted to slap himself over the head.
"Now, now Doctor," Dally's voice was long, suffering and kind and something told Jim that she'd never dealt with McCoy. Of course she hadn't, Lt. Cmdr. Dally was senior staff and her Doctor was the CMO.
Dr. Serrik was known for her soft voice and gentle eyes. Though he was the same age as Serrik, McCoy was one of her understudies which was due to the fact that he was based in his home state of Georgia for most of his career. Now that he was Enlisted though, he needed more experience with the Xeno-Medical field.
Jim peaked out from behind the console to see Dally with her hands up in front of Dr. McCoy, cutting off his access to the deeper sections of her domain, "We got plenty of work down here and only half the hands, if he wants to help I'm not gonna be turning him over to you until he's ready."
"Jim! I can see your smug little face hiding behind that computer, don't think I don't!" McCoy shouted at him from around Dally,
"If you don't come to medical when you're done down here I'm having Serrik write you up for insubordination!"
Jim groaned and stood up, letting himself be seen, "You can't be serious! There's no way she'd let you."
Dally looked between the two and suddenly she seemed tired and Jim felt bad for getting her caught up in McCoy's wild goose chase. Shaking her head the engineer seemed content to leave them to it after casting Jim a rather exhausted look that demanded Jim go with the Doctor.
It's not like he knew that Serrik was going to send that particular Doctor after him. Then again with his history he should have.
"When I tell the amount of times we've had to chase you down through this ship to get a check up she will!" McCoy was practically growling,
"We've been in space for only a year and half the Nurses hate you because you think a summons to sickbay is an invitation for a game of tag!"
"I'm not that bad Bones," Jim huffed out a laugh and stepped out from behind the console in order to make his way to the Doctor, "And besides, don't you think the exercise does me good?"
McCoy rolled his eyes and Jim had seen him do it so many times over the past six months he couldn't help but say,
"Keep doing that and they'll roll all the way back."
"Yeah and if they do, maybe I can retire and not have to deal with punks like you!" McCoy grabbed Jim by the shoulder and he let the older man drag him to the turbo lift,
"Honestly, one would think you were a toddler with the way you run screaming from a little check up!"
The lift doors closed and McCoy let Jim's shoulder go. Jim had to protest though, even if it was only half teasing, "It's not a little check up Bones, it's a full physical."
"Yeah and when it's over you can get out of this godforsaken tin can," McCoy sounded as if he was trying to be reasonable and Jim thought he came off as more paranoid. He cast the Doctor a look that conveyed his feelings and man turned his eyes heavenward,
"Right I forgot, you're one of the lunatics that actually like it out here. Heaven help me, I just hope I'm never stationed with you or Reychi over again."
"You guys catch him yet?" Jim couldn't help the smile in his voice.
"No, and I'm glad I wasn't assigned to get him," McCoy sighed and it sounded as close to defeated he ever got, "That man's part chameleon or something, Nurse Gaval is losing her mind trying to get him off this damn ship."
When the turbo lift doors finally opened, the moved down the hall towards the Doctors domain. Once the doors hissed opened, they revealed sickbay in a state Jim hadn't seen in a very long time.
Nurses were rushing to and fro, CMO Serrik was giving Science Officer Giran his physical and several other members of the crew were getting exams from the various nurses that were trying to clear the ship.
"Alright Lieutenant, take off your shirt and get on the bed." McCoy demanded and now that he was in sickbay Jim didn't see a reason not to comply.
Jim didn't complain as McCoy ran him through the standard procedure. First he was measured, stretched, and ran through the leg machine with a monitor.
When McCoy got him seated for his final scan Jim was practically ready to bolt and McCoy narrowed his eyes and said, "Stop Squirming! If you don't sit still you're gonna end up like him!"
The Doctor then motioned his hand towards the skeleton that Dr. Serrik kept in the corner of her domain.
"Are you actually threatening me?" Jim huffed out a laugh while adjusting his seating on the bio-bed "What is this the dark ages?"
"I said don't move!" McCoy scolded and Jim couldn't help but press his lips together,
"Sure thing Sawbones."
Finally McCoy seemed satisfied with his level of stillness and decided to speak about something that wasn't Jim's physical, "You know where you're being stationed yet?"
"Back at the Academy," Jim confessed, he'd gotten word a week ago and while it was something he had expected, he was in no rush to get to it, "I'll be attending a few lectures through the year, but I'll primarily be serving as TA for one of the Captains that have been roped into teaching Survival Courses."
McCoy stopped the scanner he'd been running over him and frowned, "You. A Teaching Assistant for the Survival Course?
"I'd pay good money to see you and a half dozen Cadets in a Survival Dome. Lord have mercy on those poor kids."
Jim frowned and couldn't help but feel a bit offended. Then again, McCoy wasn't exactly privy to his dense history of unkillability.
"Yeah? Well they'll have it better than most I'm sure," Jim replied easily, it wouldn't due to let hurt feelings over a joke get between them, "Where are you headed after you and Dr. Serrik clear out this ship?"
McCoy tossed Jim his golden shirt and pulled out his PADD to log his final data, "Planet side for a year at least, still need a half year of Xenobiology courses and I'll be free to never step foot in a class room again."
"Unless you decide to teach." Jim pulled his shirt and and cast McCoy a smile, "You'd break Komack's record and make a Cadet cry on the first day I know it."
"Get out of here," McCoy looked up from his PADD to glare at him, "And by here I mean this ship! The next time I see you I want it to be planet side for brunch, not dragging you back out of Engineering."
Jim tossed up his hands, he knew well when he'd been defeated, "Don't worry Doctor, I'll be out of your hair and back with dirt under my feet in less than half an hour."
"You'd better." McCoy kept his eyes narrowed as Jim slid off the bio-bed and made his way out towards the turbo lift but not without giving his friend a small salute.
It was tempting to go back to engineering, but Jim was perfectly aware of the fact that McCoy would actually strangle him. So he did as told and made his way to the transporter room.
There was a single engineer on duty and a line that stretched all the way into the hall. The most senior staff had the privilege of taking a shuttle off the ship at their leisure. Jim was also pretty sure it was also because the Alpha Crew, which consisted of the department heads, tended to have debrief first thing in the morning and everyone else only had show up at 1200 hours in order to sit through a 2 hour lecture then fill out what amounted to three pages of rough review of their year long mission.
It took about 30 minutes of waiting in line before it was finally his turn to beam down. Jim's belongings were already planet side and were probably getting a bit lonely in baggage claim.
With a quick exchange with the transporter attendant, Jim stepped onto the pad and found his skin tingling with the familiar energy of dematerialization. In a moment he was no longer on the Farragut, but in the bustling hub of Starfleet's Loading Dock.
It felt almost strange to step off the transporter and onto his home planet.
Jim had been on several landing parties in the past year but there was nothing like the skin of the Earth, the sights of Officers and Cadets rushing about. Shuttles loading up and emptying out.
He took a breath and made his way to baggage claim.
That only took standing in line for another 20 minutes before he was reunited with his duffel of what few souvenirs and casual clothes he'd been permitted for when he was off duty.
With the duffel slung over her shoulder, Jim made his way back to the central hub and in his head was making plans to commandeer one of the cabs that were no doubt stacked up outside the building when a familiar sight met his eyes.
Nyota Uhura, in her Cadet reds with black leggings and a sturdy pair of boots, while holding a holo sign that said 'HeartBreaker' with cutesy cartoon hearts was waiting at the edge of the reception area.
The swell of emotion in his heart had to be evident in his eyes as Jim rushed to her. Nyota closed the holo, then broke out in a jog to meet him. The moment they were in the same space, Jim wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted his friend off the ground before spinning the both of them in place. Nyota tossed back her head and laughed like a child and he couldn't help but join her.
After a moment he set her down but let their hug linger for a second more before pulling away.
"If I'd known you were waiting I wouldn't have spent so much time hiding from Bones in engineering!" Jim felt the joy at seeing his friend buzzing through his chest.
Nyota rolled her eyes at the comment, "I was trying to surprise you! I have dinner reservations and everything!"
Jim couldn't help but let his smile widen as leaned himself forward and made his eyelids droop in mock seduction, "Are you saying you missed me Cadet?"
"Ugh!" Nyota shoved him back playfully and pivoted on her heel so that she was facing the doors, "C'mon! I'm starving and you took at least 2 hours longer than I expected!"
She then tossed something over her shoulder and Jim cupped his hands to catch the object. It jingled in a way that only metal on metal could and he broke suddenly his love for Nyota grew as he found his hover bike's keys in his hands.
"Oh you must have really missed me!" Jim practically cooed as he chased her out of the building and Nyota led him down the street to where the bike was parked.
It was just as he remembered it, only it had two helmets instead of the one he'd had to buy when he brought it to the city.
Jim immediately placed his duffel onto the seat of the bike and tore off his command yellow shirt before shoving it into the bag without ceremony. Nyota seemed content to watch him in amusement as he rummaged through his bag and pulled out his Father's battered leather jacket and pulled it on.
Zipping up the bag he strapped it to the back of the bike and slid on breezily, popping his helmet on, before turning to Nyota, and offering the second one, "Shall we m'lady?"
Primly, Nyota plucked the helmet from his hands,"I thought you'd never ask!"
She pulled the helmet over her head before situating herself behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Alright then where are these reservations you've made?" Jim popped the key into the ignition and waited for her reply before turning it.
"The Verdant," Nyota leaned into him, "It's under 'Uhura' and if we leave right now we should be just in time."
"Ayw aye Captain!" Jim replied breezily, then it was like he'd never left as he started up the engine then checked for a clearing, before kicking it into gear and peeling off into traffic.
The sound of the city around him clanged against the feeling of his body being pressed between the wind in his face and Nyota tucked safely against his back. Jim had taken a few trips like this while he had been studying at the Academy.
It was a grounding experience to so easily slide back into life at home after an entire year away on a Starship.
Of course things were going to be different, Nyota was about to start her last year, maybe she even had a boyfriend again, and he wasn't going to go back to wearing reds either.
But at the moment he was content to feel like nothing had really changed.
When they pulled up at The Verdant he punched the parking break and when the Valet approached he handed the kid his keys and helmet.
Nyota dismounted first and tied her helmet to his duffel and to his surprise she took his hand and led him into the restaurant.
It was a place they'd been before, normally they only ever came to celebrate birthdays. They even spent their last valentine's day together and drank a whole bottle of wine before they crashed at Jim's apartment because they were both single and really didn't want to be alone.
The Verdant was a bit more upscale than most Cadets could afford, but both of them had come to the Academy as adults so they had a bit more money stashed away than most.
Reaching the host, Nyota simply gave them the name 'Uhura' and they were led to a secluded corner where they could relax and have a quiet time together.
Jim slid into the seat that allowed him to have his back against the wall and see the front door and Nyota sat across from him.
They ordered their drinks and the waiter left them with their menus.
"When do you have debriefing?" Nyota peeked over her menu at him and Jim filled his cheeks with air before letting it out slowly.
"Afternoon tomorrow," He replied, "Then I have the whole 3 days off before I get to find out who I'm working with for the Survival Course this year."
"You're working on the survival course this year? What’s it like as a Teaching Assistant?!" Nyota sounded incredulous and Jim scoffed at her reaction,
"You and Bones both need a bit more faith in me!"
"You just always seemed a little more at home with books over people, let alone the great outdoors." her tone was placating but he let it go because she was right, from the outside it seemed a bit strange.
"Well then," He mentally took note of what he wanted, closed his menu before laying it on the table, and folded his hands over it, "What are you up to this year Cadet? It's a big one for you right?"
"Besides my mandatory courses, I'll be head of the Xenolinguistics club this year," Nyota closed her menu as well, "And maybe I'll even mess around, learn Romulan."
He couldn't help but huff out a laugh at that, because Nyota was exactly the kind of person to learn Romulan for fun on the side.
The waiter arrived with their drinks and both of them placed their orders. When the waiter took their menus Jim took a sip of his Venusian cider and said, "I'm just hoping that when I get home Kevin hasn't burned down the apartment."
"He's fine, I got the bike from him, remember? Both Riley and the apartment were intact." Nyota replied easily but with a touch of humor, "I know how much you like to harass him but he's fine."
"I know, he sent me enough messages while I was gone." Jim placed his drink down and sighed, "I thought he was accidentally sending me his diary the first month or so with how detailed he was getting."
Nyota laughed then and shook her head, "I'm sure you didn't mind."
He didn't, not really.
So he smiled and just let Nyota sit in her state of knowing before he asked, "So, you interested in anyone yet? I know how you've been trying so hard to get over me since I let you down easy all those years ago."
If they weren't in such a nice place Jim had a feeling she would groan but instead she just shook her head again and huffed out a bemused laugh, "No, you know I'm not particularly interested in looking until I'm out of the Academy.
"How about you? Any torrid love affairs after a year in space?"
Jim shrugged and pursed his lips a bit at the question. Turnabout was a fair play and all but he was still feeling raw from breaking it off with Janice when the USS Farragut had left spacedock, after that it was work work all the time.
So he shrugged, "Not really, but if I find someone you'll be the first to know."
"Good." Nyota nodded, "You deserve to be happy."
"So do you," Jim teased her but then grew somber as he said, "I'd just hate to find someone and end up having to leave because of a deep space mission. I couldn't do that to someone, I couldn't leave them behind like that."
"I get that," Nyota agreed and took a sip of her own drink, "I mean, If you want to be a ship Captain that means being away for years on end. There's few people who can deal with that kind of distance."
"Yeah." Jim sighed and thought about his mother who was currently on the Asimov, about to finish up her 3 year mission.
When she'd started, he was living in Riverside and being her perfect and safe little boy. Now though? He was a Lieutenant and had been on his first year long tour and now that he'd tasted it, Jim wanted more.
But his example went on to show how much could change in just a few years. Of course, relationships between officers were permitted. If you were married you would even get stationed together.
It was hard to find someone who shared a dream though, and many officers started their lives on a ship and found new dreams they could chase. Still in the Fleet but not on a ship.
Jim knew from the moment he and Janice had fallen out, that what he wanted was going to be practically impossible.
Janice had wanted to go out there, see it all, the scope of it. To be the first person to lay eyes on new skies and step on new grounds. Jim had loved her and thought that perhaps they could even get married one day.
But Janice had hated herself, instead of daring to dream to be the first Female Captain in history, that hatred turned out and became internalized resentment.
Janice had hated herself so much that she wound up with only hate to give.
Jim couldn't live like that.
Even if he found someone that could share his dream, it would be difficult to get a Captaincy if he was married because his spouse would need to be stationed with him. That meant their relationship couldn't affect their performance.
And Jim knew exactly how deep he could love. He knew he was the kind of man that, should his love grow past its initial bloom in his heart, could burn and salt the Earth for it.
That meant he would need to be alone.
Nyota reached out her hand and laced her fingers with his own and she gave him a gentle smile as if she knew exactly what he was thinking, "I firmly believe there's someone for everyone, we just have to find them."
And in his heart he prayed to whatever deities that might exist that she was right.
For the rest of the meal they spoke of much lighter topics. Mostly small anecdotes they hadn't shared when Jim had been away.
Jim told Nyota what it was like living on a Starship and how it felt to have new ground beneath your feet.
As they ate, the day began catching up to him and Jim knew that he was going to have a hell of a time trying to adjust to life back on Earth. He was mildly grateful that ships ran on the same day to night cycle of San Francisco and that he'd been assigned to Alpha shift.
When they were finished eating he drove Nyota back to the Academy and walked her back to the dorm she shared with Gaila.
No part of Jim missed dorm living as he dropped off his friend and gave her a peck on the cheek in farewell with a promise to drive straight home.
By the time he reached his own apartment the sky was dark and littered with stars.
Jim found the small two bedroom apartment pitch black and he spared little thought for Kevin as he threw his coat and duffle on the couch. It took a massive amount of effort for him to stay awake as he made his way to his room which he eventually passed out in.
It was 0500 hours when Jim was woken up by the sound of his personal Comm Link chirping incessantly.
With a groan and much inner strength, he managed to roll himself out of bed and squint at the chronometer. Sitting up was a slow process, but necessary in order to pull out the Comm screen next to his bed.
Yawning he took a look at the caller ID and cursed.
It wasn't a call he could ignore.
So, he took a breath, filling his cheeks with air and pressed the 'accept call' button as he slowly released the air he'd stored.
Instantly Captain Pike's face filled the screen. The older man seemed to have bright eyes and was sipping a mug of coffee. Since there was a chart that displayed a map of the federation behind him, Jim figured he must be inside his office at the Academy.
"Do you know what time it is?" Jim groaned balefully. Something he would have felt a bit bad about, but if it was official business, Pike wouldn't have called him with a priority flag attached.
He brought himself to full alertness, it wouldn't do to forget something important, even if it wasn't about work. Besides, Jim had always been the type that was unable to go back to sleep once he'd been woken.
"Time for you to be getting up." Pike smiled from behind his coffee mug, his eyes twinkling, "Besides, I'll be in meetings up until 1300 hours and this is my only chance to invite you out for lunch after you've been debriefed."
As Pike spoke, the smell of cooking sausage wafted into Jim's room and he grew curious over it before replying with a smile, "I should disappear into space more often, last night I was taken out for dinner and now I'm getting lunch? Any particular place in mind?"
"Just a little Italian place that's just off campus," the older man placed his mug down on his desk and seemed to look off for a moment before turning his attention back to the comm,
"I'll send the info to your personal comm link and I'll meet you there around 1400 if that's good for you?
"I have a lot I want to catch up on, and a few things to tell you before you get started on your new assignment."
Jim considered the time his debriefing would take and nodded, "That should be fine, if anything comes up I'll send you a message."
"Glad to have you back kid," Pike smiled warmly then, it was much different from the bemused expression he started the conversation with, "See you then. Pike out."
The comm link's connection ceased and Pike's face blinked out of the screen. Now it only displayed the main menu, Jim stared at it for a few moments, still unwilling to leave the comforts of his bed in order to start the day.
He was a bit stubborn like that.
Yawning one more time, Jim began to stretch his arms in order to get blood flowing back into them. After a few moments, he pushed the comm system back to its place flush against the wall and rose to take a shower. He did his best to put as much enthusiasm in his movements, it was a grand feat considering there was no coffee in him yet.
There was no way he was getting back to sleep now that he was up so it seemed Jim would be starting his day a bit earlier than originally planned. As he grabbed a towel from its place stored in his closet, he reasoned that it wasn't surprising that he wasn't going to be capable of sleeping in.
Life on a Starship was a demanding one, and that meant his sleep schedule was trained to that routine. It wouldn't do to break it, especially when he was going to be working with a professor in the coming academic school year.
Jim made his way to the bathroom that his room contained and stripped down before stepping into the standing shower. He turned the tap and jolted at the feeling of real water touching his skin.
Another thing was the fact that he had grown accustomed to the sonic shower systems in a place that water was treated as scarce. Water was for drinking on a Starship, drinking and for the botany lab to fight the Science division for in staff meetings.
Washing his hair, Jim considered his schedule for the day.
Really the only mandatory things on his plate were his debriefing at 1100 hours and then lunch with Pike right after. He wondered if he could indulge in a nap at some point. It wouldn't be too much of a crime to get himself some extra sleep before he was, no doubt, dragged off to dinner with another friend
He was on leave for a few days, and that meant there would be plenty of time to catch up with friends he hadn't seen in a while. Gary Mitchell came to mind just after Kevin.
Kevin was easily more important than Gary when it came to catching up.
Jim would also have to call Bones up at some point before his new assignment started. The Doctor would kill him if the next time that they spoke, they were both too busy to sit down and talk.
His mind wandered then a bit more, Jim had noticed Pike mentioned his new assignment and spared the brain power to consider that maybe lunch wasn't going to be exclusively a social engagement. Pike probably knew who Jim would be assisting. If Jim was lucky, the Captain might just share that information with him earlier than the official channels would.
After washing the rest of himself, Jim turned off the water and smiled to himself a bit as the water cut off. It was an indulgence he had missed in the first few weeks of his assignment on the Farragut, and yet he hadn't even really remembered to look forward to actual water showers.
Bringing his mind to the present, Jim patted himself as dry as he could with his towel before pulling a loose pair of shorts and a worn out shirt out of his dresser. He got dressed slowly and felt the cotton of both pieces of clothing clinging to the small amount of water that remained on his skin.
While a bit uncomfortable, It would be temporary, something comfy to spend the morning in.
When he opened the door in order to leave his room, Jim was hit with the smell of more than just the sausages from before. The apartment smelled like greased fried potatoes along with ham, and the distinct scent of bread toasting.
Jim made his way past the living room then into the small kitchenette, as he suspected, Kevin was wearing his Cadet Reds and in the middle of the small area cooking up a storm.
He smiled at the younger man, because that's what Kevin Riley was, a young man. Kevin was 19 years old, from Ireland, and in his second to last year of Academy. He was specializing in Tactical and communications with a cross in command so that he could one day serve as a department head or, if needed, a Captain.
Yet, Jim would always look at him and see that kid whose mother had shoved him into a teenager's arms and begged for her son to be saved.
Kevin had only been 9 when they met all those years ago and Jim was glad they'd contacted each other again, after all that time.
"Real food Kevin?" Jim couldn't help the teasing tone of his voice as his affection for the younger man bubbled in his chest, "That's impressive."
Kevin turned his attention away from the stove and twisted around just enough for Jim to see that he was wearing an apron which said 'it's not a meal without potatoes' in rather boisterous lettering. There was a smiled in his eyes as he said,
"Well I was gonna make you dinner last night, but Uhura was a few steps ahead. I thought, why not a proper fry up then? You'd love that after nothing but replicated oats every morning."
His Irish accent was thicker than Jim remembered and it was probably Kevin's stubbornness and refusal to let it fade that had caused the phenomenon.
"Need some help?"
Rolling his eyes Kevin turned back to the hash he was frying, "You just sit and wait Jimmy! You've been in the black for a whole year and you'll nary get a rest before the next semester starts.
"Besides, you help enough as it is around here, even when you are gone."
It felt a bit strange to just slide into one of the 3 chairs that were located at a round table just off the kitchen. But Kevin was almost done and plating the food, and if he felt this was needed to repay Jim, then he wasn't gonna argue with the younger man.
The table was already set with silverware and two ceramic mugs. In the center appeared to be a carafe of coffee with a heating plate underneath it. At the base of the plate was a bowl of sugar and a miniature pitcher of creamer. It was a beautiful sight that made Jim feel a wave of gratitude for the young man who had gotten up before 0500 hours in order to prepare it all.
Kevin only took a few moments to finish arranging the food he'd prepared and bring it to the table. Serving it was even quicker as and as a plate was slid in front of him, Jim was finally able to see what his friend had made.
The plate contained two eggs, sausage, a patty of fried hash, a bit of ham, and what appeared to be smoked beans. It smelled more amazing than anything Jim had eaten during his time on the Farragut and he couldn't help but cast a grateful smile at Kevin, who returned the expression eagerly.
Not done yet, Kevin practically skipped back to the kitchen and brought forth a plate of slightly singed toast which had been cut into triangles. The burnt edges betrayed Kevin's carefree nature, he had probably forgotten about it while making something else, but Jim's nose told him they'd been buttered liberally and the flavor wouldn't suffer. When all the food had been placed on the table Kevin only had to pour two steaming hot mugs of coffee.
Jim picked up the mug that had been placed in front of him and took a whiff before taking a sip to test the full flavor of the coffee.
"This is all really wonderful, thank you Kevin," Jim sighed, he felt a level of affection for Kevin that he rarely found with anyone, and with him there was peace. Kevin Riley was like the kid brother he'd never had and while he was headstrong and a bit careless, it was moments like this that Jim caught a glimpse of the man Kevin would become.
Kevin slid happily into the seat across from him and lifted a fork in order to begin breaking up the yolks of his over medium eggs, "What are friends for huh? I mean you've been paying for this apartment even though you didn't even live in it last year, the least I could do is make you a home cooked meal when you get back."
Jim did the same with his eggs and felt the warmth in his chest grow at Kevin's words, "You know you don't own me right? You're like family Kevin."
"C'mon Jimmy it's just breakfast!" Kevin teased but his blush betrayed his real feelings, "You haven't even taken a bite yet ! Might make yah keel over."
Without breaking eye contact Jim took a bite of his food and smiled. Kevin was a wonderful cook. He had learned from the best in the worst of circumstances after all.
Swallowing his bite of perfectly cooked eggs Jim sighed again at the flavor. There was something about replicated food that just couldn't match the real deal.
"As always, a masterpiece Chef Riley." Jim gave his compliments to the cook and fixed his coffee with a dash of cream and a small bit of sugar. He stirred the mug and took a sip of the liquid perfection and wondered if he could live in a moment. Because it really was the best thing to wake up to.
"Don't expect it everyday." Kevin laughed and took a chomp out of a triangle of toast, then promptly took a sip of his coffee to chase it down,"I have classes in two months Mr. Lieutenant!"
"It won't be, Cadet." Jim replied easily, Kevin's usual rhythm of 'bite-drink-bite-drink' felt more like home to him in a way that not even home cooked food could, "Any plans for the day?"
"Just attending the summer circuit on Romulan," Kevin spoke as if he was confessing something, "Tested out of Vulcan, but you know that o'course, so decided to get a jump on the next semester."
"Good for you." Jim felt a wave of pride in the Cadet, "I'm sure you're giving them all hell."
Rolling his eyes, Kevin took a drink of his own coffee that was dressed with far more sugar and creamer than Jim had ever taken in his own, his eyes lit with a devious spark, "Only what they can handle, don't wanna scare any of 'em too bad."
Huffing out a chuckle, Jim continued eating, "What time is that circuit anyways?"
"0700 hours." Kevin replies easily as he practically shoveled his food into his mouth before taking an unhealthy swig of coffee, Jim would scold him but knew that when the Cadet was in the cafeteria he was a perfect gentleman.
Jim took a glance at the chronometer, and felt a spark of amusement, "Well it's 0635 so you better finish up soon."
Quick enough to give most whiplash, Kevin took a look at the chronometer and cursed in Irish Gaelic before quickening the pace which he was eating.
"Don't choke." Jim spoke and it would have sounded like a reprimand if his own affection for the Cadet hadn't bubbled up in the moment, "I'll clean up, I don't have to live until much later."
Kevin cleared his plate and pulled off his apron which he had kept on through the meal, ostensibly to keep his Cadet Reds clean.
"Thanks Jimmy, I'll see you for dinner OK?"
Jim took another sip of his coffee, "Sure thing Kevin."
Kevin stood quickly and tossed his apron over the back of his chair before rushing towards the door and grabbing his satchel which was on a small table by the exit. He opened the door and paused for a second before he stuck his leg out, then pulled it back, causing a box that had been outside the door to be pushed into the entrance of the apartment.
"You got a package!"
Jim had a good idea of what it was so just waved Kevin off and let the guy finish rushing out of the apartment they shared. It wouldn't do for him to be late, even if the cause was a bit understandable.
Practically flying down the hall Kevin was gone, not to be seen again until the evening when Jim would probably harass him to order pizza. Because he wasn't going back to replicated food before he really had to.
After finishing his plate and another mug of coffee, Jim gathered the dishes and put the stopper in the drain before placing the plates and cutlery in the sink so that he could wash them. pouring a bit of soup over them, he turned the water on and allowed the sink to begin filling so the dishes could soak for a bit.
While the sink was being prepared he grabbed a leftover sausage and took a bite before bringing out a few containers to store the leftovers. It would be nice to warm them up the next morning and have something that was semi-fresh.
Once the food was all packed up and stored in the cooler, Jim turned the water off, grabbed a scrubber then proceeded to wash the dishes.
After the plates and silverware were scrubbed down and placed into the other side of the sink, he got to work on the pans that Kevin had used to fry everything up. Of course he first poured the leftover grease into the recycler and only then did he dip the pans into the soapy water for cleaning.
It was mindless work and Jim lost himself to the motions of it.
There were plenty of machines that could get the plates cleaned and disinfected much quicker, but Jim preferred the old style. It reminded him of being home before it all went wrong.
So once the dishes were all cleaned and rinsed, only then did he pile the ensemble into the disinfector for a round of sanitizing.
Grabbing a dish towel Jim dried his hands up to his elbows before drying off the counter and tossing the towel into the designated bin beneath the sink.
Once that was done he made his way to the living room, where the package Kevin had carelessly kicked into the room was laying on the floor. Jim picked it up lazily, it was a 2 x 2 foot square and roughly a foot thick. The package was addressed to him from Starfleet HQ.
He grabbed his hover bike key from the dish and used it to break the synthetic seal before popping the package open he found almost exactly what he was expecting.
Reaching in, Jim pulled out the jacket for the Starfleet Blacks of a member of the Academy's staff, and beneath it was the formal Black uniform for officers. Taking inventory he found there were roughly 4 uniforms that had been vacuum sealed into the box, 2 of each.
What he wasn't expecting was that the uniforms had no ranks attached to it. Jim dug through the box and pulled out each uniform but found nothing.
It was a mystery he'd have to ask Pike about over lunch he supposed. If the Captain didn't have an answer Jim would simply have to put in a request for his lieutenant stripes.
With all the uniforms unpacked, Jim placed them in the cleaner so that they'd be ready for his trip to debriefing later.
Sighing Jim checked the chronometer and found it only to be a quarter to 0800 hours.
He supposed he could always read until it was time to leave.
1100 hours was the time Jim ended up leaving for his debriefing in his formal Blacks.
Considering how close the apartment was to the Academy, Jim knew it was a bit early and he was just being restless. If anything, he would at least get a good seat to fill out his paperwork and listen to whatever Rear-Admiral had been assigned to his sector's meeting.
On his way in, he greeted as many shipmate from the Farragut as he could. None of them were particularly close, but it was a given that a group who had spent a year in space together would have a sense of camaraderie.
They all piled into one of the general briefing rooms and began filling out their final reports for the log. Starfleet had provided PADDS for each of them, so it was with great efficiency they each grabbed a device from a dock and got to work.
The silence reminded him of being back in the Academy. Since this was the debriefing for the USS Farragut's tactical division, there were just under 80 officers that had reported.
Jim wondered how chaotic the Engineering and Science division's meetings were; their staff made up a far larger percentage of the roughly 600 crewmen it took to run a Constellation Class ship at full capacity.
Once he was done with his report, he sent it off and placed the PADD back in the dock it had been waiting in when he arrived. Then he sat patiently at the desk he had filled his report in.
At 1300 hours Rear-Admiral Cartwright entered the room and, after confirming all the PADDS had been docked, began giving his speech which thanked each of them for their service.
It was basic and nowhere near as flowery as the speech Jim suspected the Command Crew received. But that was the way of things. The Command Crew may take credit for all the achievements for a mission, but they also are expected to do all the heavy lifting as well as take responsibility for every mistake and death.
There were few who would desire such glory when it came with so much gore.
So when they were released at 1330 hours, Jim wasn't surprised.
He would have lingered and maybe shook a few more hands, but Pike was expecting him for lunch and after checking the address on his portable Comm Link, the restaurant was just far enough away that Jim would have to leave immediately to make the date.
That's just how it was sometimes, he supposed, as he made his way out of HQ and towards the small parking area that he'd left his hoverbike waiting in.
Jim secured his hat to his bike and kicked it into ignition.
Pike was waiting at a table by the window when Jim arrived at the rather quaint Italian bistro that was labeled 'Isla Bella'.
Jim entered the small hole in the wall of a restaurant and Pike stood then waved him over with a smile and a friendly call of, "Jim! You came just in time."
"I haven't kept you waiting too long?" Jim smiled and made his way over to the Captain, who greeted him with a firm handshake and half hug, before breezily sliding back into his seat. Jim took his place across from the older man.
"Nah, I've been here long enough to order myself a soda, got you a lemonade because I'm sure you've had enough caffeine to last an Engineering Cadet an entire semester."
Jim huffed out a laugh but couldn't argue the point, lemonade was perfectly fine.
"It's good to see you, Captain." Jim said instead. Pike had been the reason he'd enlisted and Pike was the reason he had reclaimed the star dust in his soul. He owed the man a lot.
"It's good to see you too...," Pike sounded as if he'd paused in the middle of a sentence before pulling out a small box and sliding it across the table towards Jim, "Lieutenant Commander Kirk."
Jim stared at the box frozen and then looked back up at Pike, unsure if he heard the man right.
Pike just sent him an expectant look, so Jim reached towards the box and opened it slowly. Sure enough, it contained the braiding for a Lieutenant Commander.
Jim choked on his own breath, "You're joking."
Air was feeling like it was in short supply as he gently lifted the braiding from the box and looked between the ornament and Captain Pike, "I've only been-"
"Lieutenant for a year, I know." Pike smiled, "It was actually Captain Garrovick recommended you for promotion and Commander Reychi also gave high commendation.
"I simply asked to be the one given the honor to award the braiding. You earned this."
Air was finally coming back into his lungs and Jim didn't know what to say. He felt like he was going to cry from the pure unadulterated bliss of being promoted.
Reverently, Jim clipped the braiding onto his uniform. One set on each sleeve, it sparkled and Jim felt like he was something bigger than human.
"I noticed my braiding didn't come with the uniform but I had no idea that this was why," Jim finally huffed out a desperate laugh, because if he didn't he'd probably cry, "Thank you Sir, I'll do my best to live up to it."
"All I ask." Pike smiled a little too brightly, "Besides, I'll get to watch you."
"Sir?" Jim frowned at how sure the man sounded, as he asked their drinks came and Pike simply replied,
"I'm running Survival Courses this year."
Jim let his head drop, the wave of incredulousness he felt at the man was too much as he laughed openly, "Of course you are, Sir."
Culture and propriety dictated that Pike order for them both. Jim was just lucky to have a mentor who was above ordering food he found distasteful. So they ended up requesting a simple pepperoni pizza and that was that.
When it was served their conversation turned towards Jim's time on the Farragut and finally Pike seemed to get around to his announcement and what it meant.
"Jim," Pike's voice was gently probing, "I just want to be sure, as your Mentor and friend I have to ask; Will you be OK running the Survival Dome with a bunch of kids?"
Taking a sup of his lemonade Jim gathered his thoughts and said, "You know, maybe before serving on the Farragut I'd have said 'No', but after serving and actually facing survival situations, I'm 100% sure of my nerves.
"I know how I'll behave when faced with actual danger, and I can take on a bunch of Cadets in a highly controlled environment."
"Good." Pike nodded, he seemed pleased in his own reserved way, "I knew a year in service would do you wonders, you're a rare breed and It'll be a privilege to see you rise higher."
Jim bore the compliment as best he could and felt his cheeks warm, "There are some Admirals that wouldn't agree, especially after the Kobayashi Maru incident from my last year."
"Well," Pike's voice took on a teasing tone, "Even they were forced to give you a recommendation."
Shaking his head he was startled as Pike suddenly laughed, "Did I tell you they got my other protege' to work on it?
"Mr. Spock was pleased as a Vulcan could be when he was assigned the program!"
Mr.Spock had been mentioned by Pike once or twice and Jim really only knew of him as the first Vulcan that had ever enlisted. Science and Linguistics were Spock's major focus, so Jim had never had the opportunity to meet him, much to Pike's chagrin.
"Were they that angry?" Jim winced a bit but couldn't help but feel a bit smug, "They got a Vulcan to lock the program tighter?"
Pike shook his head, "Yes, he apparently failed to understand your logic but after review of your Academic Hearing, he deemed your ultimate fate 'satisfactory'."
Jim laughed then and shook his head, "I'm glad he was happy I wasn't expelled."
"I'm hoping you'll meet him this year." Pike confessed, "I really want you two to meet, I have a feeling you'll get along."
Whenever people tried to introduce Jim to their other friends it either ended badly or neutrally. But for Pike's sake Jim did hope that he and Spock could be friends.
Jim absently wondered why Pike was so eager for them to get along but really if he was overseeing both of their careers personally it made perfect sense.
Taking a bite of pizza Jim mulled over everything he'd learned and their conversation turned to lighter topics.
"I can't believe you're dragging me out bowling," Bones grumbled and scowled but Jim knew he didn't actually mean it. One did not drag Leonard McCoy anywhere he didn't actually want to go, "I'm 34 not 80, for crying out loud! I can still have a good time."
Jim shook his head and smiled in what he thought probably came off as indulgently, "Well for us bowling is a good time, just be glad I'm not the kind of person to drag you to nightclubs where all they play is Andorian Electronica."
Dr. McCoy looked around the bus they were riding and huffed, "I'm not sure this is much better!"
The two of them were taking public transport because Bones would rather take a flying leap out of an airlock than ride what he had deemed Jim's death trap of a hoverbike. The only reason Jim hadn't fought harder was due to the fact that the bowling alley served alcohol and he wasn't the kind to drive home after even just a single drink.
"C'mon," Jim presented the same arguments as before, "I want you to need my other friends before the Semester starts, and you get so busy your brain is projected all the way to the Beta Quadrant."
"Ha.Ha. You're hilarious." Bones rolled his eyes and said but stopped complaining about their destination. Dr. McCoy had been avoiding Jim and other friends for their entire leave. Now the Semester was upon them and the man had no choice but to let it happen. Jim had no idea why the older man was so unwilling to meet his friends but he was sure it would be fine.
The ride was filled with the hum of conversation from the other passengers and Jim was unbelievably relieved when their stop lit up the destination banner that was cycling around the top of the bus.
McCoy practically tumbled out in his eagerness to remove himself from public transport and Jim could sympathize. They were both dressed casually, this was a night out and neither of them were willing to be out on the town and representing Star Fleet, even if they were just going bowling.
Both of them ambled down the street with several other pedestrians and Jim kept his eyes moving and noticed a few uniforms, some were Cadets but there were also Officers rushing from one place to another. They had to be off duty judging by the locale, Jim personally didn't like running round the city in uniform unless he had to but everyone was different.
"Stop looking around like we're gonna get jumped," Bones hissed, "It's freaking me out."
Jim stopped his ever moving eyes and looked at Dr. McCoy who seemed genuinely upset by his actions, "Sorry, just a habit I guess."
"I'm sure acting like a paranoid idiot is great for work but on the street it makes you look like you're gonna be causing trouble." Bones replied as if to soothe his feelings, but none were hurt so Jim just let it slide.
There were some habits that just didn't die, and that was one he was completely fine being looked at strangely for.
After a brief walk the duo finally reached the bowling alley and Jim couldn't help but smile as he saw the neon lights that lit it up like a Christmas tree. Bones grumbled again about how disorientingly bright the whole building was but Jim just dragged his friend into the lobby.
As they entered, Jim scanned the area and found Nyota at the counter scanning her Credit chip, she was in casual clothes, but Gaila who was next to her and distractedly looking around was in her Cadet Reds.
"Look alive Cadet!" Jim called out teasingly with, what was no doubt, an extremely wide grin on his face.
Gaila jumped in surprise and turned to him, her eyes held some confusion for a split second before she broke out into a bright smile of her own, "I think you'll find, Lieutenant, that I am off duty!"
The two men drew closer, and when he was in range, Jim gave Gaila a friendly hug before pulling away and saying, "That's Lieutenant Commander to you!"
"Hell no!" Gaila practically squealed and from behind him Jim heard Nyota say,
"You're kidding me?!"
Jim turned to find her finished with her business at the counter and frowning, "At this point you're going to be a Captain before I can even manage a spot on a Bridge!"
They hugged and Jim pulled Bones forward, "Nyota, Gaila, this is Lieutenant Leonard McCoy M.D., I call him Bones."
He then gestured to his friends, "Bones this is Nyota Uhura who is majoring Communication and Linguistics, and Gaila Vro who is majoring in Engineering and Tactical."
McCoy shook both ladies hands and then turned to Jim with an expression that read something along the lines of 'What the hell?'.
Because Bones probably thought Jim was introducing him to a couple of men, which was unfair because Jim had only really Called them Cadet Vro and Cadet Uhura. Those kinds of assumptions wouldn't do in their line of work.
So Jim just winked at his friend and turned to Nyota, "You buy some games already?"
"3 we're on lane Delta,"Nyota smiled and began walking out to the lanes, casting a look over her shoulder she said "I want nachos by the way, and a Strawberry Daiquiri."
"Any other requests?" Jim asked as they reached their lane. Nyota rushed to the scoring console only to begin tapping away at it and Gaila hummed before she replied,
"A Fuzzy Navel, a BIG one, and those tiny cow patty things-"
"Hamburger sliders." Jim cut her off, "Cow patties are something else, remember it's called beef on Earth."
"It's cow." Gaila rolled her eyes good naturally, "I don't get why every other meat product is named for its source except cow."
"Ham and pork." Jim argued with a smile and a laugh,"And if you don't want anything else I'll be on my way."
"That should be it," Gaila nodded, then she gave Jim an almost shy smile,"I'll go with you so you can carry it all."
His heart warmed at the gesture she was offering and wondered how he, Jim Kirk, ended up surrounded by so many good people.
"That won't be necessary," Bones smiled at her, his expression betraying his lack of awareness of the blunder, "I'll help Jim with the food."
Gaila looked at Jim and pressed her lips together in a way that she was either upset that he was cutting her off, or that she was trying no to laugh and call Bones 'adorable'. Regardless she nodded in assent before Jim could explain to Bones that he was being rude.
Since Gaila seemed ultimately unoffended by the incident, Jim decided he'd scold his friend later and so he said nothing as they made their way to the concession area.
Once they were out of earshot McCoy turned to Jim and hissed, "You didn't tell me your friends were a couple of women! What is this?!"
"This is us, hanging out. Relax Bones." Jim tried his best to speak soothingly, "I'm not trying to set you up or anything, we're really just here to have a good time."
"Then why are we buying their food?" Bones grumbled and Jim just laughed at that. McCoy had some pretty old fashioned notions but they were generally the harmless ones. Nothing like the people he used to work with back in Riverside. Every blunder he made was out of ignorance and he was a person who was willing to change.
Jim simply patted McCoy's shoulder and replied, "Because they paid for the games, the first round is on us."
The Concession Worker came over at that moment and took their order, Jim added a Cardassian Sunrise to the list for himself and Bones ordered a mint Julep and a mini pizza.
It wasn't long before the food was ready and Jim scanned his credit chip. Together they brought the food and drinks over to the small table next to Delta Lane. After placing them all safely Jim looked to the screen and found Nyota had punched all of their names in for the game.
She was 'Ny', Gaila was listed as 'Gal', Jim had been labeled 'Capt. Irk' and finally Bones was just 'Dr.Bones'.
McCoy took one look at the screen and turned to Jim, murder in his eyes, "This is your fault."
"Hey, at least you're not Capt. Irk," Jim turned to Nyota, "It's honestly insulting that you'd treat a superior officer in such a way."
Nyota shook her head and just laughed, "For my next trick I'm gonna wipe the floor with you."
Then she grabbed a ball from the ball return and entered the approach. With a mighty swing she delivered the ball and got a 3-10 baby-split.
Reluctantly she turned around and narrowed her eyes at Jim as he only laughed and said, "Very impressive. I'm absolutely terrified now."
They took turns bowling and between turns took sips of their drinks.
Jim was stealing some of Nyota's nachos when Gaila joined him in the seating area, she grabbed one of her sliders and took a bite while Bones took his turn in the approach.
"Your new friend is interesting," Gaila observed after taking a sip of her drink to chase down her food, "He's a bit..."
"Bones'd never left Earth before his assignment to the Farragut," Jim replied easily, "He's a good guy though, learns pretty quick."
"Good," Gaila nodded, then with a smile and a salacious wink said, "If he needs lessons I won't mind teaching him."
Jim huffed out a laugh as Bones finished his turn and Nyota started the rotation over again. McCoy made his way to the seating area and took a slice of pizza, "What are you two gossiping about?"
"How culturally insensitive you are." Jim smiled brightly, and Bones almost choked on his pizza.
"Dammit, Jim!" McCoy looked between Jim and Gaila, before fixing his gaze on the former, "Did I do something to offend you ma'am?"
"You just told me I couldn't help Jim with the food," Gaila replied unoffended, "It happens a lot on this planet, but next time just let me get it if I offer."
With that she took Nyota's place at the approach. Nyota joined them at the Seating area and smacked Jim's hand as he reached for another one of her nachos,
"Get your own chips!"
"Yours always taste better," Jim replied easily as he quickly grabbed a chip anyways, "It's a psychological thing, I'm sure."
He took a bite and McCoy seemed to still be confused, "Why did me helping you offend her?!"
"She wasn't offended!" Jim sighed and Nyota groaned,
"This always happens." Taking a breath Nyota fixed him with an even stare, " It's just that due to the common treatment on the Orion homeworld, when an Orion woman willingly offers assistance in a task it's seen as a gesture of trust and friendship.
"So Gaila was just trying to say 'we're still friends even though you've been gone for a year' to Jim and you kinda cut her off."
McCoy looked horrified at the notion so Jim decided to drive it home, "If you were Orion, your actions would have been the equivalent of saying you didn't appreciate that she was friends with me."
With a sigh Bones pressed his thumb and forefinger to the bridge of his nose, when Gaila approached he spoke, "Listen, I'm real sorry miss, I didn't know that my actions could be seen as offensive. Where I'm from, what I did is seen as a gesture of kindness."
Gaila laughed and Jim didn't get to hear the rest as it was his turn to bowl.
It wasn't his favorite game, Jim would always prefer mental exercises like chess and Catan, but bowling was nice for when you wanted to let the mind rest. He wasn't the best and he certainly wasn't the worst. So Jim wasn't exactly surprised that he didn't pick up his spare on the second delivery.
What also wasn't surprising, was that Gaila was on the way to a Perfect game.
Jim walked over to the sitting area as Bones went to play his round and he picked up his drink for another taste when Gaila nudged him,
"You're right he's not so bad."
Nyota let him steal a chip this time and he wondered if it was actually stealing if she allowed it, "People like him never really are."
It takes a lot to be the kind of person to change and make an attempt to understand another Race's culture and take it upon yourself to put it above your own. It's why there was such a shortage for Doctors in Starfleet.
Other Divisions could slide by as long as they left their bigotry in their quarters, a Doctor was required to live and breathe for their patients. To hold even an ounce of prejudice made them useless in an organization whose human percentage was finally beginning to reach an acceptable low.
"Let's keep him." Nyota declared and really if she was saying it then it meant Bones was never going to escape them.
The rest of the evening passed in much of the same way, it was easily one of the most relaxing evenings of Jim's life.
A perfect end to his short leave.
The next morning the Semester began and Lt. Cmdr. Kirk donned his Black Uniform, then proceeded to burst into Kevin Riley's room while shouting, "Up and at em Cadet! It's 0400 and you need to be at orientation in 2 hours! "
"Dammit, Jim!" Kevin screamed and proceeded to grab a small wooden figurine off his night stand, only to throw it at his friend.
Jim easily dogged the projectile, "Light's 100%"
Kevin groaned again and rebelled by ducking under the covers.
"C'mon Kevin." Jim laughed at the younger man, "You told me to wake you up when I left and that's what I'm doing."
"I take it back," Kevin declared, "It was an awful idea."
"Well it's already been done," Jim shrugged and not only did he lack remorse, he was more than marginally amused at the turn of events, "There's some breakfast in the hot box and some coffee still in the carafe."
Jim then pulled Kevin's covers off of him and continued to smile at the other man and he just knew it was going to drive the Cadet crazy.
With a sigh Kevin pulled himself into the sitting position, "Fine. Thanks. Your job is done. If I'm late now it's my fault."
"You said it." Jim nodded and made his way out of the room, "It's on the record now and you can't blame me if you go back to sleep and don't manage to get your Syllabus."
Kevin shouted after him, frustrated, "OK DAD!"
Jim just laughed and grabbed his satchel which contained his PADD and several pieces of equipment Pike demanded he have on him during lessons. With that he was on his bike and making his way to the Academy.
As Jim made his way through the veritable sea of Cadet Reds, he felt a wave of giddiness overcome him. Many of the students who passed him in the courtyard gave him respectful nods which he returned with what just had to be an insane smile that was threatening to tear his face in half.
It was a combination of the familiarity, yet alieness of the Academy that had him feeling so strangely. Jim had never been on campus at such a busy time of day while wearing the Blacks of an officer. The Black uniform that most Cadets viewed as those of an instructor.
Which, technically, he was.
Of course he was assisting Captain Pike, but that was only due to the fact that Jim had never formally instructed anyone. That meant this would be his crash course so that, should Starfleet have need, Jim could teach a few courses.
It was normal for an officer to cover courses while waiting for a particularly long set of repairs or a full Refit. In Pike's case, he was waiting for his brand new ship to be ready.
The very same ship Jim had worked on in Riverside.
It was really a pretty tiny Galaxy, wasn't it?
So Pike was dragging Jim into his waiting game and he had a feeling that the Captain had something else up his sleeve. One did not simply request to be the one to privately promote an officer.
It meant Pike was trying to keep Jim's rising rank quiet, it meant Pike was trying to keep him from being dragged into space at the drop of a hat to be someone's chief of tactical or something.
Because a divisional Chief he would be. Jim had been put in charge of Tactical on too many occasions during his time on the Farragut. It was simply because he was the superior choice, even over the Chief officer at the time.
But pure skill didn't get you far, Jim had proved himself on the Farragut plenty of times and on the rare occasion Jim performed well, First Officer Reychi had half teasingly called Jim 'Number Two', which drove Second Officer Tinsley nuts in the worst way because Captain Garrovick said nothing and would just smile.
It had been made clear that Jim was very much wanted on the Farragut, and it was apparently a very real possibility that should Jim end up back on that ship, he would be put in charge of something, most likely tactical considering that was what he had been utilized for.
It was so likely that Pike had requested help with the Survival Course for a whole year.
The implications of it all had Jim's skin feeling stretched too tight over his bones.
Because if Jim was being poached by Captain Pike, he didn't mind one bit.
When he swept into the classroom Pike had been assigned, Jim found only the Captain. The Opening ceremonies would be starting soon and they had a little time to convene before the room was filled with their students.
"So, you go high, I go low then?" Jim smiled as he caught Captain Pike's attention. The man in question had been pouring over the display board that was positioned just beside his podium and desk.
"Lt. Cmdr. Kirk, you have excellent timing!" Pike replied easily, "We've got a few last minute changes to the roster, 3 Vulcan students have decided to undertake the Survival Course."
The news was rather surprising and Jim knew his face had to betray his incredulousness, "3 whole Vulcans? That's a surprise."
"Your's and mine." Pike sighed, "I'm gonna have to ask you to do some last minute adjustment so that we can issue them the proper infopacks. The only Off Worlder I was expecting was a quarter Betazoid and even then they heavily favor their human genetics."
"Yes sir." Jim accepted the assignment and tried not to sigh. Sounded like he'd be having his first late night.
The infopacks that had been prepared had only been slightly altered from last year's course, but to be getting a Vulcan pack together would take a lot. There weren't many Vulcans in Starfleet, with Commander Spock being the first, and there were even less who took the Survival Course. Most were interested solely in science or engineering.
That meant they weren't actually required to take the Survival Course. The class was only mandatory for Security and Command Cadets.
"I'll get you in touch with Lt. Cmdr. Spock," Pike suddenly sounded sly, "He took the course when he was in the Academy and I'm sure he has plenty to say about the infopack he'd been given."
"Please tell me they gave him a custom pack," Jim closed his eyes in horror at the notion that whoever was in charge hadn't done exactly that.
"Mr. Kirk, you know I can't be lying to you while I'm on duty." Pike sounded almost amused and Jim realized he'd probably gotten an earful from Spock when it happened. Because Pike had been in charge of the Vulcan's education back then.
Oh, to be a fly on the wall when all of that went down.
Pike took out his portable Comm Link and after a few presses to the screen Jim's own buzzed.
"That should be his info," Pike said, "I'm actually thinking about pulling him in to help with overseeing the Cadets. They're the only Off Worlders with biological distinctions in this batch."
Which wasn't a surprise, Starfleet was doing better with it's percentages but it was still not that good, "I wouldn't mind, he'll be pretty useful to have even if it was just to touch bases.
"I don't know nearly enough about Vulcan biology to write an infopack at the moment and there's no way I can make one in the next 48 hours and also sleep."
Because Jim liked sleeping when he could manage it. It was a luxury he was very happy to have when he could afford it.
"Well he's required at the Opening Ceremonies. So, for now until the Cadets arrive, just start researching what you can." Pike replied in understanding. Because it was ridiculous for them to be asked to do this on such short notice.
Jim slid himself into a chair that was placed just next to Pike's desk and pulled his PADD from his bag. Turning the device on, Jim made a new file and named it 'Darwin Initiative: Vulcan Edition', then he got to work filling the file with as much information he could find. Which wasn't saying much, Vulcans were tight lipped about anything that didn't involve the writings of Surak.
Looking for any kind of information for what they could eat in times of famine and survival was pretty impossible, but Jim hadn't got where he was by giving up.
Meaning, that by the time the Opening Ceremonies had ended and the Cadets began filling the classroom, Jim had roughly 4 pages of notes on the subject in question. Which wasn't a lot, but it was a definite start.
Jim watched as the Cadets in their almost hideously red uniforms slowly trickled in and cleared his PADD's screen. Pike seemed content to continue going through his own PADD while the students filed in.
They were responsible for 1 of the 5 groups this semester. Jim had gone over the rosters and was happy to see that Starfleet had kept these particular classes down to about 60 students.
The buzzer sounded, Jim felt a bout of nostalgia at the sound of it, and Pike gently lay his PADD down on his desk before rising. Making his way around to the front, Pike began to speak,
"Greetings Cadets, I am Captain Christopher Pike and I would like to welcome you to Starfleet's Survival Course."
Silence reigned and Pike sent Jim a glance and he had to do his best not to laugh openly at the Captain's expression. The Captain folded his hands behind his back and turned back to his new students.
"This is Lt. Cmdr. Kirk, but because that's a mouthful you can just call him Mr. Kirk like I do."
A few of the humans gave breathy chuckles and Pike seemed happy with that, "This course is no joke. I have 2 months to impart as much practical knowledge as I can to you.
"Some of you are here because you are required to due to the fact that you are studying on a particular track, others have decided that a course that only lasted 1 semester would be easy padding while you researched your other options.
"None of you are prepared for the realities of this course."
Jim swallowed as silence once more engulfed the room. Absently his eyes roved over the students and he found the 3 Vulcans that Pike had spoken about earlier. All scattered through the front row. There were 2 young women and 1 young man, none of them looked any older than Kevin.
"But that's OK." Pike declared easily, almost effortlessly, "Because my job is to make sure that by the time you finish, you will be prepared for even the most dire of circumstances.
"This course may only be 1 semester, but a passing grade is required in order for you to be allowed on the roster for Survival Tactics 101 which is 2 semesters and, should you pass this course, you will automatically be taking for the rest of the Academic year."
"Both the Survival Course and Survival tactics are mandatory for you to be permitted into Advanced Command, Advanced Medical, and Advanced Security.
"Regardless of your Track, I have the power to say if you have what it takes to continue here at Starfleet Academy."
He let that sink in, and several of the students were looking at each other as if they were ready to revolt.
Good.
"But sir!" One male Cadet spoke up in distress, his skin was dark brown, but his hair seemed to be bleached blonde. Jim couldn't help but think he'd probably slept through orientation if he was interrupting like that, "I'm here for communications! I'll never be on a landing party!"
Pike replied with easy authority, "What's your name Cadet?"
"Lester Ivanov Sir." The Cadet replied unawares.
Pike nodded as if mentally taking note, "Then you shouldn't have signed up for this class then Cadet Ivanov."
Cadet Ivanov flinched at the words before Pike Continued,"Now if anyone else speaks out of turn you're going to find yourself with an extra project like he has."
After the entire class save for the 3 three Vulcans cringed back the Captain continued, "After 2 months of in depth research of survival techniques, you will be broken up into 4 groups of 12.
"Those groups will then be assigned to a Survival Dome where your knowledge will be put to the test in a practical simulation lasting up to 1 week.
"This test will be closely monitored, but make no mistake, you will be experiencing the closest thing to a desperate situation that we can legally allow."
Several students swallowed and Jim continued to observe each of them in turn.
"Now if you have any questions, I'll be giving Mr. Kirk the floor." Pike finished his speech and stepped behind his podium as Jim rose to his feet and took the center floor.
"Raise your hands and I will point to you. When you answer, give your name, track, then question," Jim instructed.
Immediately several hands went up and Jim pointed to a ginger teenage girl.
"Cadet Penda Okafor, Command Track," the girl began, "Mr Kirk, if this class is so dangerous why is it only a semester long?"
"That is an excellent question," Jim couldn't help but smile, "To put it simply, it's a crash course, Cadet Okafor. The ultimate test to see who is capable of absorbing and integrating new information. You'll find that the older Cadets will refer to this course as 'The Darwin Initiative'.
"Life on a Starship is hard and you're going to be learning new and strange things everyday, you're going to need to be capable of accepting and applying that knowledge as soon as you learn it."
Okafor seemed pensive and other Cadets seemed to buzz with nerves as Jim selected the next Cadet. Which to his surprise was one of the Vulcan women.
"Cadet T'Rena of the house of Rovak, Engineering Track" she spoke evenly as one would expect of a Vulcan, "Mr. Kirk, I find myself in need of knowing why this course is not required of all students.
"Logically it would be best to equip all Cadets with such vital knowledge."
Jim had to stop himself from saying 'girl me too' because honestly she was absolutely right,
"You are correct T'Rena and I agree that this course would be beneficial to every Cadet. But the reality is that those who are required to take this course will be responsible for the survival of their landing parties.
"Not because they have superior knowledge, but because it is what is expected of an officer in their line of work. Still though, this class is open to Cadets in every Track, the choice of whether or not to be prepared is in their hands."
T'Rena nodded and Jim took the next question. It was an awful truth, but it was true nonetheless.
The first day of class was spent answering questions, distributing the infopack containing the syllabus, and going over said infopack.
All in all it's a light day that is no way a benchmark of what is to come for the Cadets under their care. Because Jim remembers taking the course himself.
And yeah, OK, he didn't have to take the Survival Course. Jim was part of a group of 9 people for which the Survival Course was optional, but when he was in his first year he desperately needed to prove to himself that he wasn't made of glass. That he was still stronger than fear itself.
In the end it was difficult, but it prepared him for the realities of what he eventually faced while aboard the USS Farragut. So much so, that when Kevin asked if he should give the whole thing a hard pass, Jim told him to really consider it.
Kevin ended up not taking the course and that was his right. Jim was just glad he'd actually thought about it.
They weren't kidding when they said this course was important and Jim just hoped they did their jobs well enough that the Cadets understood that as well.
Sweeping into his apartment Jim took a glance at Kevin, who was laying belly down on the floor of the living area while scrolling through his PADD, "How was your first day back?"
"Boring as usual," Kevin replied without looking up, "I've already got about a million pages to read and memorize, I think Commander Xin'Do is going to test us on the damn syllabus."
"She probably will," Jim laughed and made his way to his room, "I have a call to make so I'll be in my room, any ideas for dinner?"
"I'm actually going out with a few people," Kevin was easy about it and Jim figured he was just trying to make friends, which was good. Because heaven knew that Kevin needed more friends his own age.
"Alright, I'll probably just replicate myself something. Just don't stay out all night." Jim gave an easy reply and entered his room, making sure to close the door behind him. But that didn't mean he missed Kevin's call of 'OK Dad!'
He pulled out his Official Comm Link and dialed the number Pike had given him. Jim checked the chronometer and hoped he wasn't calling at a bad time. There was really no time like the present and he'd like to get working on the infopack as soon as possible.
It was just past 1700 hours and most people were either doing paperwork or eating dinner.
Thankfully the call was picked up after only 2 buzzes. There was not picture, which made sense since Jim had never called before but the voice that picked up was smooth an silky and there was a quality to it that was difficult to place as the call's recipient spoke,
"This is Lt. Cmdr. Spock. As I do not recognize this number I will ask you how my information was obtained."
Jim breathed out a sigh of relief that Pike had given him the proper number, which was strange since he didn't think he'd had any doubts until then, "This is Lt. Cmdr. James T. Kirk, I was given your information by Captain Pike. It was his hope that you could assist me in compiling information for an infopack.
"We have 3 Vulcan Cadets taking the Survival Course this semester and since they were added to the roster last minute we're on a bit of a time crunch."
There was a pause, and for one inane moment Jim thought the Vulcan was going to hang up on him. Finally Spock replied, "I see the value in such a request and I am amenable to assist you in compiling the necessary data. Is there a particular time you wish to convene?"
It was Monday and the first real class would be happening on Wednesday so Jim admitted, "I have all of tomorrow to get it ready so I can get a media room reserved for whatever time fits into your schedule."
There was another beat and Jim realized this was Spock taking small moments to think.
"I will be finished with my own duties at 1300 hours tomorrow, you may reserve a room for anytime you see fit after." Spock's reply was even as any Vulcan's and Jim found a level of comfort in it. It was interesting, since the Cadets who were also Vulcan provided him with no such thing.
Then, as if remembering something long forgotten, Jim placed it. There was something about Spock's cadence that reminded him of T'Sar's. Perhaps they were from the same region.
"Alright," Jim replied, grateful the Vulcan was willing to help him. Because there was no way he was going to get the information he needed in time without Spock's help, "I'll make the call and send you a message with the time and which media room by mid morning."
"I look forward to working with you Mr. Kirk," Spock spoke in a way that Jim knew he was saying his goodbye, "We shall meet when you arrange."
With that Spock ended the call and Jim couldn't help but smile, he too looked forward to meeting Pike's other protege.
The First Vulcan in Starfleet who finished the curriculum in 3 years without being a post-grad student. Jim himself had taken 2 years, but he had taken the accelerated curriculum on top of having a couple of degrees. Spock had come straight from the Vulcan Learning center and absolutely proceeded to demolish his entire course load.
It was the kind of thing that would be going into the history books and Jim would give anything to pick the guy's brain. He had known that Captain Pike was mentoring him, but Jim wasn't the kind of person to beg for an introduction. Even with Pike's weird desire for them to meet.
This felt a bit more natural than any other circumstances, the only exception being if they had just happened to meet while on assignment.
Smiling to himself Jim closed his Comm Link and sighed.
Hopefully, with their powers combined, the two of them could tackle this and have an infopack that was worthy of Starfleet's reputation.
Now that the call was done, Jim began making his way to his bathroom in order to shower and change. If Kevin was going to be gone, he might as well spend the rest of the night looking for a few more scraps of information.
As he climbed into the shower, Jim thought he should at least make a rough outline for the infopacks so that when he and Spock did get enough information, he could simply plug it into a pre-established template.
It would be the simplest route to take. Thankfully it was also the most efficient.
By the time he had finished washing up and made his way to the living area, Kevin had seemed to have left to meet his friends.
So, it was in relative silence Jim spent the next few hours constructing a template for the Vulcan Survival guide. He opened the Human guide and used it as a frame of reference so that the categories would be similar enough that the Vulcans could still study with their Human classmates.
It was well into his studies when the alarm on his Portable Comm went off that told him it was time to eat. So Jim brought his PADD over to the kitchen and punched a quick code into the replicator.
While it constructed itself Jim began plugging in whatever information he'd gathered earlier into the template he'd created. It wasn't much but it was an excellent starting point and he wouldn't feel like an idiot when he actually met with Spock.
When the replicator buzzed Jim pulled his chicken sandwich and tea out of the compartment and slid it onto the counter. It felt like he was a Cadet again as he hopped onto the small stool they'd placed near the kitchen counter for this very purpose.
Eating and working was a common occurrence in the Kirk-Riley residence and Jim wasn't about to break that tradition.
Jim propped his PADD onto the counter and began eating while reviewing the work he'd already accomplished. While he was scrolling his Portable Comm buzzed. Jim froze, finger hovering over his PADD as he glanced at his Comm and hoped it wasn't anyone important.
'Nyota Uhura' the screen mocked him and so Jim simply sighed and flipped open the Comm in order to receive the call.
"Do you have any idea what time it is?" Nyota's voice was scathing as she filled the holo screen.
Swallowing his food Jim frowned, "You're the one who called me."
He took a glance at the chronometer and could feel his frown deepen, "But if you absolutely must know it's 2100, why?"
"I wasn't talking to you Jim." Nyota sounded exasperated, "But I'm calling to ask if I can stay the night at your place."
"Two questions," there was a wave of confusion threatening to wash Jim away but he kept it together, "1. Why do you need to sleep at my place and 2. Who were you talking to?"
"The answer to 1 is that Gaila's decided she's letting her new boyfriend stay over for the night in our damn dorm." Nyota was agitated and Jim really looked and it seemed she was outside of the dormitories and walking.
In the middle of the night.
Jim grabbed his jacket, then his Comm, "I'll go out and meet you, what the hell is she doing bringing people over so late?!"
He slipped on his shoes and snagged his keys from the dish before heading out, Nyota was still on, "You know how she gets! She lost track of time and by the time she realized it, instead of kicking him out, Gaila called and told me to crash somewhere else."
Getting into the lift, Jim ordered it to reception then sighed as Nyota continued, "As for who I was talking to it's Hendorff. Say hi Hendorff."
Nyota moved the camera and the screen suddenly filled with a man Jim didn't know, but he was in his Cadet Reds just as she was.
"Cadet." Jim nodded at him and the lift opened letting him out into the ground floor. Making his way to the outside he could feel his annoyance building.
The thing was, he couldn't be angry at Nyota. It wasn't her fault that Gaila was being, he hesitated to think the word, selfish. But that was the one that fit the situation the best.
"I'd put her up man, but I'm still in the dorms too." Cadet Hendorff shrugged and Jim wasn't on duty so he didn't correct the guy. It wasn't like Nyota advertised his rank.
"Thank you for walking her." Jim said instead, and it was sincere, "San Francisco may be relatively safe but I'm not about to test the odds with a friend's life."
Hendorff shrugged and Jim continued, "Well I'm out front waiting Nyota, see you soon."
With a 'see you soon' Nyota hung up the call and Jim kept an eye out for the two Cadets.
It wasn't even 10 minutes before he caught sight of them making their way up the street just across from the apartment. Nyota seemed to be practically stomping and Jim wondered how often this happened in the year he was gone, and she hadn't told him.
Gaila and Nyota had seemed to be just fine when they were all together. Were they just pretending so that he wouldn't worry? It was a thought that he shouldn't chase, because it would only lead to a world of frustration.
With a wave Jim signaled them and did his best to shove down the contentious feeling that had suddenly blossomed inside his chest. Nyota would need a friend, not an interrogation.
As they reached him Jim couldn't help but let his eyes rove over his friend to make sure she wasn't injured in any way physically.
"I'm fine Jim." Nyota assured him, she smiled but it was a sad and weak thing.
"You're not, you were forced out of your dorm." Jim replied, shaking his head, then looked to Hendorff, "Thank you again for helping out."
He offered the Cadet a hand to shake and Hendorff took it, "It's not a big deal."
"Still, thanks." Nyota repeated and then gave the man a hug before making her way over to Jim and looping her arm with his.
"You take care of yourself too Cadet, it's late and Curfew is almost up." Jim said as he gave Hendorff the best smile he could muster and led Nyota into the building.
"She does this to you often?" Jim had to ask as they made their way into the lift. Nyota took a deep breath and filled her cheeks with air before exhaling slowly.
"It only started in the past few months or so." To make the confession Nyota had to look at her boots, "I always just stayed with another one of the girls, but Leila shipped out with her dad when she graduated last year and ...."
"You didn't have anywhere else to go." Jim sighed and Nyota finally looked at him, her eyes were sad in a way he wished they weren't.
"Yeah."
The lift opened to reveal the floor which contained Jim's apartment and he moved into the hall, Nyota followed him easily. His heart was aching for his friend and he knew that she needed someone, she had chosen him. Swallowing back his own feelings he promised her in his heart to make her choice the right one.
As they reached his apartment he punched in his code, then proceeded to scan his key in order to open the door. Jim allowed Nyota to enter first, he followed her and locked the door behind them.
"Feel free to crash in my room, I'll take the couch. Kevin should be back soon." Jim smiled at her softly, "If you're not tired, you can pull up a chair and I can make you some tea."
He gestured to the workstation he'd made for himself at the counter and Nyota glanced at it, "I think I want some tea."
"Anything particular?" Jim asked as Nyota made her way to the dinning table before dragging one of the chairs from said table, over to the counter and sitting on it as if she belonged.
"Nothing with caffeine."
"Chamomile then, Kevin and I drink it when we have a hard time sleeping." Jim had gone over to the replicator when Nyota got her chair. He punched in the code easily and in seconds the tea was ready to be served to his guest.
Nyota took the cup of tea with an almost tired smile and a 'thank you' before Jim moved to take his place on the bench he had previously occupied.
"Have you guys talked about it?" Jim asked as he began putting his work away. It was late and he needed to get some sleep if he was going to get up and call the Academy's Library office in the morning.
Nyota took a sip of her tea and her face hardened, "What's there to talk about? Gaila's promised not to bring guys back to the dorm but she just keeps doing it.
"It's like she doesn't care that it's against dorm regulations. Like she's alright with just throwing away her career! If she gets caught, she's going to get kicked out."
Taking his own mug Jim looked inside and weighed Nyota's words before taking a drink of his own tea. It was no longer anywhere near as hot as his friend’s was at the moment and Jim was able to take a hefty gulp.
The warmth of it was soothing as it filled his mouth.
While it wasn't against regulations to have intimate encounters in the dormitories, it was prohibited to do so after curfew in the shared dorms. Gaila and Nyota were both in their last year at the Academy and had been roommates for all 4 of their years in attendance.
Gaila had always been affectionate as well as a being who enjoyed the carnal pleasures a bed mate could bring. Jim wasn't a saint, he understood the gratification that an intimate encounter could bring.
He knew for a fact from their little talks that Nyota did as well.
But to pursue such fleshly desires to the point of harming a friend was something Jim could never understand. While sex was a pursuit he could appreciate, it was the intimate connection of laying yourself bare to another, someone you could trust your essence to, that gave him his greatest gratification.
Gaila always seemed to pursue the sensation over all else. And while it wasn't a crime or a moral failing on her part, the fact that she had been breaking regulation while seeking such satisfaction wasn't something that was healthy or good.
His mind produced everything he knew about Orions, first the knowledge that was basic came, then he discarded all the so-called 'facts' that he knew were stereotypes disguised as 'trustworthy patterns'.
Then came the information that was deeper, which he'd learned specifically because he was friends with Gaila.
"So you think she's trying to shut you out? Or is it something simpler?" Jim asked, because the first thing that came to mind were her hormone blockers.
Gaila had been on a regimen for a very long time so that she could go through schooling without being harassed. But now that she was in her final year and her first commission was close, it was a real possibility that she'd stopped taking them.
Because Gaila hated her hormone blockers and it was likely she had been planning to get off of them once her peers could no longer claim 'not knowing' and other such bullshit when they caught her pheromones.
"I don't know?" Nyota frowned, "I mean, I feel like she keeps doing it to rile me up! Every time I get after her she just calls me a prude and says I'm being 'culturally insensitive' when she's the one kicking me out of my own dorm every other week!"
The Cadet had caught some momentum now and kept going on almost icily, "I mean, I get it! She's Orion! She has different needs! But can't she just stay over at theirs?! Go to a hotel?
"I don't know! Something that doesn't get me kicked to the curb and banging on the door of every friend that might just put me up for the night?"
Jim took another drink of his tea as Nyota let out a low, almost snarl before looking to him with eyes that were wide and shining, "I mean, I know you're her friend too but I don't know why she's stopped caring about how safe and comfortable I feel in my own space!"
JIm sighed and looked up at the ceiling before turning back to his friend, "I get it, you feel like the boundaries that the two of you have set have been deliberately breached repeatedly."
Nyota nodded and Jim was glad he was understanding her feelings as he continued, "Is that what you told her? Or did you tell her to stop bringing guys over?"
She looked at him as if he were stupid, "I'm a communications specialist."
"Even if you did tell her exactly that, that doesn't mean it's what she heard."Jim reminded her, but when Nyota began to look incredulous he felt the need to clarify, "Now don't get me wrong. You have a right to be mad, Gaila made a promise and didn't keep it, then she started kicking you out.
" You're right to be angry. I'm only trying to help you see there's still some hope, break it down further. Make her explain why she's breaking your agreement."
"Not everyone likes talking about their feelings Jim," Nyota took a sip of her tea, she was no longer upset with his words and her tone was soft, "What if she just brushes me off again? I mean, I can't communicate with someone who doesn't want to."
"I can't tell you what to do beyond that," Jim replied, "Your relationship with her is your own, unless this is an official complaint, then I can log it."
It was half serious but only half.
Nyota seemed to pick up on that and placed her mug on the counter, "I don't want to be the reason she gets in official trouble, Gaila is still my friend, yours too."
Then she seemed almost upset, "How could you say that?! She'd think we conspired to get her kicked out!"
Jim leveled a stare at Nyota, "We're friends, but I'm also a Superior Officer. The only one you would probably feel alright with logging such a sensitive complaint with. I had to offer, it's my job."
Filling her cheeks with air she exhaled slowly before closing her eyes, "Right. You're right.
"I'll talk to her again."
That's all Jim could hope for at the moment. In his head he wondered how to approach Gaila in an easy manner that was unaccusing.
Then he had to break his own heart and say, "And, Cadet Uhura, I'm sorry, but if this happens again you can't come here. I'm in a position of authority over you and having you in my home, like this, won't look good."
Nyota's face pinched bitterly as he tried to soothe her, "I just mean, I don't want people to question your academic integrity. We can still be friends and talk like this, but not here.
"Hell, I'll even make a couple calls and find someone to put you up."
In her eyes Jim could see her heart cracking, but she nodded and said,"I get it."
It wasn't very long after that discussion that Kevin came ambling through the door and it was time for everyone to get to bed.
Well, to the couch for him.
It wasn't as comfortable as his own bed but it had a plushness to it that was better than the bunk he'd had to sleep in while on the Farragut.
Fortunately he managed to wake up on time.
The first thing he did was use Kevin's bathroom to shower. Since Nyota was in his room it wouldn't do to disturb her. Kevin's bathroom was technically the guest bathroom since it was in the hall so this way, Jim wasn't in danger of waking anyone up before they needed to be.
By the time he was showered and dressed it was 0430 hours. So Jim began pulling out supplies from the cooler in order to make breakfast for 3.
First he prepared the carafe of coffee, so that it would be hot and waiting on the hot plate by the time the apartment’s other occupants woke. Then it was quick work to make a few sausages and eggs. Jim added a few whole cherry tomatoes to the ensemble for good measure.
Toast was popped into the toaster and he served himself at the table before checking the chronometer.
Taking out his PADD Jim read the news feeds until he had finished his own portion of breakfast with a mug of coffee. When he was finished he put his dishes in the sink and served himself another cup of coffee in silver thermos that possessed the Starfleet Command insignia.
It was just past 0500 so Jim went to the hallway and knocked on Kevin's door twice before calling out, "Hey, It's 0500 and breakfast is ready, this is the only wake up you're getting."
Instead of Kevin answering, Jim's own room door swung open so fast he had to blink. Nyota stood in one of Jim's own t-shirts, it was the Black one which read 'Property of Starfleet'. Jim supposed her uniform was in the cleaner since she hadn't arrived with any other clothes and his own Cadet Reds were far too big for her tiny frame.
"Did you say breakfast?" Nyota's voice was tired but she seemed alert enough, even if the question was punctuated by a yawn.
"Yeah it's ready and waiting." Jim smiled and she frowned in response,
"Are you dressed already? What the hell Jim?"
"I have to leave right now." Jim replied easily, "I'm a Staff now."
"Good lord," Nyota mumbled, then spoke up, "Alright, I'll see you later then."
"Sure thing," Jim nodded, then began to leave, suddenly he felt a bit mischievous before shouting back, "Keep the shirt if you want."
"Goodbye Jim!" Nyota replied less than amused and with that he was out of the apartment.
Jim flipped open his personal Comm Link and called the Academy Library to reserve one of the media rooms. Once that was done, he reached his hover bike and sent the information regarding his reservation to Mr. Spock.
Sweeping into Captain Pike's office, which was located in the faculty wing of the Academy, Jim tossed his bag in the Corner of the room and said, "Just so you know, Nyota Uhura slept in my apartment last night because her roommate had an intimate friend over."
"This isn't an official complaint?" Pike didn't even look up from his holo screen while Jim settled in a chair that was located by the window.
The window which consisted of the entire wall and looked out over the entirety of Starfleet HQ, just beyond that was the bay.
"Nope," Jim pulled out his PADD, "Just something to be noted Sir."
Pike hummed then said, "We've been assigned Dome 23 for this semester, it's located on Garrihk IX in sector 12."
Jim took a moment to think on the information, "Forestry? That's good, at least it's not a plains environment."
"Well we might get plains next semester so don't get too happy," Pike replied but he also seemed pleased by the fact they were getting a forest environment. Garrihk IX wouldn't be like any forest the Human Cadets were used to on Earth either, so that was also a pleasant plus.
"Any ideas for the scenario Sir?" Jim pulled up a file on his PADD to take notes on the project and wrote down the new information he'd already been given.
"Standard search and rescue simulation," Pike replied and finally looked away from his holo screen and towards Jim, "The details are for us to shake out, that's actually why I wanted you here this morning. You have any suggestions?"
Jim considered that for a moment then smiled, "Actually Sir, I do."
At 1400 hours Jim found himself pulling out tome after tome on Xeno-Nutrition and dietary restrictions and piling them on the table of Media Room Gamma.
Mr. Spock had replied with a simple 'affirmative' to Jim's message that morning and so he figured it would be good to have at least a little bit of research material read for when the Vulcan arrived.
Each tome was organized by the quantity of relevant Data contained within and Jim had to frown at the few that seemed to just contain redundant information. There was so little in them that if someone told Jim that Vulcans only ate for kicks he wouldn't actually be able to argue.
He was frowning at the pile of books when the door to the Media Room hissed open and Jim laid eyes on Mr. Spock for the first time.
The Vulcan was pale, as many were, and had the standard bowl cut and deep black hair. Mr. Spock seemed to cut a proper and sharp figure in his Black Staff uniform, his posture was everything a Vulcan's should be and his face was as smooth as stone.
His eyes though, they were brown and warm like hickory and when Jim looked into them there was something deep inside his bones that felt like it loosened.
Beautiful was the first word that came to mind as Jim took a spare moment to take the Vulcan in.
"You must be Mr. Spock." Jim smiled warmly and lifted his hand in order to spread it into the traditional Vulcan Ta'al, "I'm Lt. Cmdr. James T. Kirk, but since we're the same rank, I give you my name to use freely: Jim."
Spock returned the Ta'al and gave a shallow dip of his head, "I am gratified that you should offer, in return I give you my own."
Initial greetings finished Jim clapped his hands together, "Well then, I have a little bit of information on my PADD but it's not much."
Jim then took his PADD from its place on the table and offered it to Spock, it was accepted. Spock skimmed through the information and tilted his head slightly. Suddenly Jim felt nervous, as if he hadn't spent the past day scrapping together as much as he could.
"This is an impressive amount of Data Mr. Kirk." Spock spoke and there was a shift to his tone and he couldn't help but think the Vulcan sounded impressed.
"It's really not, but that's all I could find on the servers," Jim laughed but it barely contained any real humor, "Y'know, considering the Vulcan race practically took the Human's by the hands and taught them to walk in a post-warp society, it's really surprising we don't know more about your dietary and survival needs."
Spock handed the PADD back, "Since humans were already capable of walking, I'm assuming you were implying a metaphor for my race's guidance of your own."
Jim took the PADD and nodded, "That is correct Mr. Spock, and the point stands regardless of the metaphor."
"Those in charge of information distributions have always deemed it unnecessary to share such information with the Human race, all Vulcans are taught survival skills at a young age and know how to care for their own needs, " Spock explained,
"But I have found in my own service in Starfleet, that there were situations which my own training on Vulcan had not prepared me for and the Survival Course should have."
"So," Jim did his best to understand, "You're saying to scrap the template and make it more like a supplemental packet."
"I said nor implied such a thing," Spock replied, "But the conclusion you have come to is a logical one."
That was the closest thing to a compliment Jim knew he was going to get so he smiled at the Vulcan and said, "Excellent, do you mind sharing what parts of your Survival training you found lacking, then we can figure out how to supply training for the Vulcan Cadets."
"I find your proposition agreeable." Spock replied and so Jim sat at the table while putting out hand to offer Spock the seat next to him,
"Well let's get settled then I have until 2200 hours to get this packet assembled and sent to Captain Pike for approval."
Spock took the offered seat and examined the books Jim had set out so he explained to the Vulcan, "They're arranged by year and quantity of relevant Data."
In return Spock looked at Jim and his face would have been neutral if it wasn't for the fact the Vulcan had raised a single angled eyebrow at him. Jim wondered what his expression meant and something told him that Spock was surprised at how reasonably the books were organized.
Jim was surprised at how expressive he was. T'Sar had been expressive after some time, but that was extenuating circumstances and she had gone back to the stone face that practically all Vulcan's possessed in the end.
But Spock, while his face was just as stoic as the other Vulcans Jim had met, there was something in his eyes that seemed willing to be known.
"I defer to your superior knowledge for where to begin," Jim smiled and Spock gave a shallow nod.
"Then we shall begin in scenarios regarding unidentified plant species which cannot be scanned," Spock then launched into what would have seemed like a lecture if it wasn't so interesting, regarding how Vulcans can identify foliage that was edible to them on uncharted planets.
Jim took extensive notes on it.
When he was finished with that Spock explained further on Vulcan requirements for shelter in environments that his own education hadn't prepared him for as well as a few more niche requirements for his species survival.
It was easily the most interesting information dump Jim had ever listened to.
In the middle of explaining how to identify suitable liquids on water-less planets Spock stopped and asked, "Will it be possible for you to send me the final version of the packet you are constructing? I would be gratified to see it completed."
Jim stopped his note taking and replied, "Of course, you're going to be credited on it so there's really no reason to keep it from you."
Then he couldn't help but smile, nor the teasing tone that his voice took on as he said, "Why? Are you worried It won't be up to your standards?"
"Vulcans do not worry," Spock informed him evenly, "Though you raise a valid point. I am not acquainted with you and while I am aware of your history of performance, it is debatable whether or not you will have the packet containing a sufficient amount of the relevant data.
"Simply because you yourself are not Vulcan and would not know how to prioritize it. Perhaps I should also aid you in the packet's construction."
Jim pressed his lips together and could feel his own suppressed laugh caused his chest to rumble. Yet, he contained himself enough that he was only smiling like an idiot.
Apparently, Spock wasn't the kind to take prisoners.
"I'd better do my own work for myself," Jim replied once the humor of it had passed, "But how does me sending my final version to you first sound? I can wait before you approve it before sending it to him.
"I'm sure Captain Pike will approve of quality over timing."
"I will not ask you to risk the penalty of the project being late," Spock replied, "If I find any crucial information lacking you would be better served creating an updated version to be issued to the Cadets at a later time."
It was reasonable so Jim nodded, "Alright Mr. Spock, if there's not enough time for you to read it and approve it I'll send it off to Pike and tell him there might be revisions depending on what you think of it."
"That would be more favorable than having the infopack reach Captain Pike late," Spock agreed easily.
With that decided, Spock finished supplying Jim with the information he felt would supplement the Vulcan Cadets.
Once they were finished Jim stood and reached to grab one of the tomes in order to place it in the proper return basket. Except Spock also reached for the same tome and Jim found their hands brushing ever so slightly.
At first, the contact caused an almost electrifying tingle to shoot its way through Jim's nerves. It was such a unique sensation, that it was enough to cause him to flush. Only a second after it happened though, Jim realized it was a major faux pas he had made and jerked his hand away from its path.
Spock did the same with such violence it startled Jim. The Vulcan turned his eyes to the other man and they seemed to be searching.
"Forgive me," Jim tried to keep his voice steady but the event had caused all the air to rush from his lungs, "I didn't see you reaching for the book, this was my fault. I did not mean to touch you."
There was a moment of silence until Spock finally spoke, "There can be no offense where none is taken. It is normal for mistakes to occur with a tactile species such as yourself. "
A wave of relief washed over Jim and he let out a sigh, his shoulders slumped, and his body relaxed even though he hadn't realized it had gone tense.
Then there was another surprise as Spock looked at his hand that had been touched and back to Jim, "Though I must ask what you have been rated on the Psionic Scale."
Most humans, like Nyota, Kevin, and even Bones rated a big fat 0. They were Psionically Null and viewed as 'mind blind' to the species which possessed telepathic abilities.
"I'm a 1," Jim replied, always one to break the mold, according to some he was a freak, "I'm receptive to telepathic contact but any empathy I might have just reads as being good with people. I don't have any real abilities.
"Did I hurt you?"
"No harm was done to my person," Spock replied and it seemed to be intended to reassure Jim that he didn't need to keep apologizing.
Jim nodded, accepting Spock's words and moved to pick up a different tome. He couldn't help but feel bad about the entire thing but Spock seemed unbothered, if anything he was almost humming with curiosity over the small exchange as they put the tomes in their proper baskets.
Later, he would look back and realize that the exchange had been far from ordinary. That Spock had known that. But at the moment he was intent on getting the hell out of Media Room Gamma before he made the Vulcan even more uncomfortable than he probably already was.
Except Jim knew somehow that Spock really was unharmed and lacked any upset at the mistake.
It was strange but Jim just pushed it all away so that he could get out of the library and be embarrassed in peace.
He just hoped that if Pike decided to bring Spock on to be an extra aide for the Vulcan Cadets, that Jim would be over whatever guilt he was feeling for accidentally touching the poor guy's hands.
Jim knew what Vulcans hands touching meant, he knew. T'Sar had been sure he knew by the end of it all and yet he'd made a foolish mistake because what? He was tired?
If Spock felt Jim's breach was intentional he could file a complaint.
But he didn't', he was unbothered and completely alright with the mistake. So why did Jim feel so bad?
As they parted at the library doors Jim hoped that Spock did end up working with the Vulcan Cadets. Not only so that they would be prepared by someone who knew beyond a shadow of a doubt what they needed, but also because Jim really felt the need to make it up to him.
Jim sighed and watched the Vulcan make his way across the courtyard and vanish into the faculty buildings located just past the statue of Zephrame Cochrane.
It was then that his portable Comm Link decided to buzz.
He began walking towards the lot where he'd parked his hover bike and pulled his Comm Link off his belt and flipped it open to find the caller ID declaring 'Gaila Vro'.
Accepting the call, Gaila's face appeared on the screen and he greeted her, "Cadet Vro, to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"
"I was hoping we could go out for drinks or something," Gaila replied easily, before squinting, "Are you still at the Academy?"
"Just got out of a research meeting," Jim informed her as he reached his hover bike and attached his bag to the back of it, "I'll be pretty busy for the rest of the night, maybe we can go out together tomorrow night."
Gaila's expression seemed less than pleased as he mounted the bike but didn't put his helmet on or make any move to start it, "What, you can drop everything for Nyota and not me?"
So that's what this was going to be about then. Jim tried his best to keep his smile as he internally wished that Gaila hadn't decided to have this conversation over Comm.
"Gaila, I have a project due at 2200 tonight," Jim did his best to sound reasonable, he was worried that she might not see it that way,
"If I could, I'd be happy to talk to you right now, you're my friend, but tonight I'm ona time crunch and it's very important I meet my deadline."
"I just want to know if Nyota filed a report," Gaila was apparently done dancing around the subject she was interested in and grew very grave.
"The answer to that question is confidential," Jim was gentle in his tone, "Cadet Vro, you're going to have to talk to Cadet Uhura about this.
"I'm sure she'd be more than willing to discuss the issue with you in detail."
"Yeah but she's a prude who's gotten about 4000% less fun since you left," Gaila crossed her arms and let out a sigh, "She's always holding me to human standards when it comes to space sharing and I'm sick of it."
"Then tell her that." Jim replied, and Gaila rolled her eyes, so he continued gravely,"I'm serious. You need to understand that you're the one breaking regulations. Whatever issues you two are having aren't worth getting kicked out over.
"If you feel she's being intolerant or insensitive to your needs after you've talked, then you can file a complaint."
"Really?!" Gaila sounded so frustrated Jim couldn't help but wonder at it as she said, "That's all you're gonna say?"
He wondered why he was the only one that realized the precarious situation he found himself in, because both of his friends that were still Cadets really seemed genuinely surprised by his behavior.
"Cadet Vro," Jim tried to help her understand, "This isn't something purely social, like you accidentally using Cadet Uhura's toothbrush or her forgetting to meet you for a lunch date.
"This is an actual Rooming Issue and I'm a member of Staff. I can't advise you further unless you wish to log a formal complaint."
Gaila stared at him as if he had lost his head until she finally said, "Fine, I'll talk to her."
"Good, I'll see you tomorrow for drinks. Just send me a time and place." Jim replied and Gaila hung up. The ball was in her court at this point really.
When he made it back to his apartment, Jim set the replicator for a personal pizza and got to work on completing the new infopack with the information he'd gotten from Spock.
It was good busy work that helped him keep his mind off what was going on with his friends but by the time he had eaten his food and finished the packet, it was only 1900 hours.
So with time to spare he sent the infopack off to Spock for review. Hopefully if the Vulcan had time he could get some notes on the thing before he had to send it off to Pike.
But as he just sat there waiting for a response the situation between Gaila and Nyota weighed on him. It was between them, but since both women had come to him Jim felt guilty for not being able to help anymore than he had.
They were his first friends when he entered the Academy and while he knew graduating before them was going to change things, Jim hadn't realized how hard it was going to be for him to hold back when they were asking for help.
Giving them the advice to talk was really all he could and should do.
Jim sighed in relief when Spock responded with minimal notes on the infopack and he was actually able to polish it up just as his deadline rolled around. Kevin had come home while Jim had been working and the Cadet had eaten and immediately crashed.
Thankfully, now that the infopack was ready and sent, Jim could do the same himself.
When morning came again, Jim repeated his new routine of showering, cooking, eating, and waking up Kevin before departing.
It was nice to have something from before re-institute itself into his life back on Earth.
This time when Jim entered the classroom designated for the Survival Course Pike greeted him by saying, "So, what did you think of Spock?"
Jim, who had been placing his back under his designated chair, froze at the question. For one mind bogglingly insane moment he was about to answer by saying 'he's beautiful'. As if Pike had been setting them up on a date.
It settled badly in his heart. That the first thing which came to mind when asked about Spock was his looks. Yet, that wasn't quite what Jim meant.
Spock was beautiful in how he moved and spoke about his culture with a stoic face and eyes on fire. He was beautiful in the knowledge that seemed to pour forth without reference, all of it neatly ordered.
"He's fascinating." Jim ended up saying, because there was no other word he could use to describe the Vulcan that didn't sell him short, "I find him extremely intelligent and easy to speak to."
"Good." Pike smiled from his place seated at the large desk, "Because I've decided to bring him on after all, after reading the infopack I realized it would be best for him to be hands on."
"Great because as wonderful as the infopack he provided data for is, most of it's just supplementary and Spock wasn't about to tell me anything beyond that," Jim replied with a sense of relief. With Spock on for the Survival Dome, Jim wouldn't be unduly stressed with his ability,or lack thereof, to properly help the Vulcan Cadets.
Captain Pike gestured to the PADD on his desk, "You two did some good work."
"It was mostly Spock, I just took notes and organized them." Jim smiled, and he felt a bit lighter, "He even sent me feedback on it before I sent it to you, helped me polish it up."
Tilting his head Pike seemed amused by the whole thing, "Well when I send the infopack to the Humans I want you to send the Vulcan one off from your PADD."
"Yes Sir." Jim nodded and pulled his PADD out and prepared for the DATA transfer. Pike provided him with the Cadets information and Jim input the information.
The classroom began filling up then, and by the time the buzzer sounded it seemed their entire group had arrived and were preparing for the day's lesson.
"Welcome to your first official day enlisted in the Darwin Initiative." Pike announced as he came forward, he was in full lecture mode, "For our first week we'll be discussing shelter in various climates and conditions.
"Some locations and situations will require you to construct or locate shelter."
Pike pulled out his PADD and sent the Human infopack, Jim followed his lead.
"You Humans have just received an infopack that contains the Starfleet equivalent of 'Survival for Dummies' and you Vulcans have received one containing a supplemental packet made to build on your existing training."
All but one of the Vulcan students seemed to accept the new and activated their PADDS in order to open their packs. It was T'Renn who seemed surprised by the information. One of her perfectly manicured eyebrows raised into her bangs as she eyed Pike before doing the same as her fellow Cadets.
Jim couldn't even begin to guess what she wished to say with such a display but whatever it was it apparently brought Pike a bit of amusement since the Captain simply smiled at her until she opened her infopack.
Pike continued, "Now that you each have the appropriate material I ask you access the table of contents and open to the section relevant to this week's lesson."
The Cadets moved and class continued as Pike lectured on shelters made of leaves and suitable cave shelters.
He even quizzed each of them on what type of shelter different scenarios called for and why each was important. The Cadets floundered in the first half, after all they'd only just been given a lecture and the beginnings of the important information.
The Vulcans performed almost flawlessly and Jim couldn't help but think that their people seemed ready for literally anything. It was no wonder that T'Renn had seemed surprised by the fact they'd prepared a packet.
It was no wonder that Spock had been dissatisfied with his own education in the Survival Course.
Vulcans just assumed they knew what they needed because they received basic training, and the Starfleet Staff tended to assume that if they thought they were fine then they must be.
There had been a time that Jim had accepted it just like most people. He was glad that he knew better. It had been an ignorant assumption that was just as bad as any other stereotype.
At the end of the lesson Pike assigned a section of reading and then he dismissed the Cadets in turn. Most of them readily bolted out of the room, ostensibly in order to get to their next class.
Surprisingly one of the Vulcans approached Pike, Jim recognized him from the information Pike provided earlier for the DATA transfer.
"Mr. Sordik, did you have a question?" Pike smiled at the Vulcan male that appeared unaffected.
"The supplemental packet you have provided implies such a knowledge of our own training I was curious as to who created it." Sordik replied.
Jim pulled his bag out from under his chair and couldn't help but listen to the conversation as he put his PADD in its place.
"Well that would be Mr. Kirk's doing." Pike sounded almost proud as he gestured to Jim. For his part Jim turned to the Cadet and Pike with an easy smile.
"I just put it together," Jim confessed, "The information itself came from Lt. Cmndr. Spock, I believe he's assisting Professor Calem with Advance Xeno-Linguistics this semester."
Sordik replied first with an arched eyebrow then a shallow lilt of his head, "I see, Lt. Cmdr. Spock is known to me."
With that the Cadet left along with the rest. Jim couldn't help but wonder if that was a positive or a negative response. Spock had been much easier to read and Jim almost felt lost after the interaction with the Cadet.
Once Sordik had cleared the room Jim turned to Pike and huffed out a quiet laugh, "Tough crowd."
"How do you know he's helping Calem?" Pike jibbed back, it was teasing but a partial reprimand.
"I'm a curious man," Jim offered only a single shoulder shrug in apology, "I was just curious what a brilliant mind like that was doing grounded on Earth."
"Patiently waiting to be my Chief Science Officer when the Enterprise leaves dock," Pike replied, this time he was practically radiating his smugness over the fact. Even if it was only his eyes that twinkled, Jim knew the truth.
"That'd do it." Jim laughed and shook his head. The Enterprise was enough to tempt anyone.
"That it did." Pike agreed.
"An adult Vulcan can go more than a full week without food or water, they will of course function sufficiently, but less than is optimal," Spock spoke easily as if he was simply talking about the weather.
It was just data to him, Jim supposed. Spock probably had no reason to go anywhere near that long without food unless he was fasting as some Vulcans chose to do.
They were in Media Room Delta today and while Spock was sitting primly in a chair parked next to the central conference table, he was facing Jim. Who was lounging in a giant bean bag chair that was mostly utilized by the children of Staff or particularly young Cadets.
"Well what qualifies as an Adult? Because the youngest of the group is Cadet T'Sel and she's 17, Sordik is 18 and T'Rena 21." Jim replied easily.
"Then Cadets T'Sel and Torvik will require some of the rations we provide," Spock said easily, "The older Cadet will not need to eat should food run low during the simulation."
"Right," Jim frowned at his companion, "But what if food does run low and they don't come to the same conclusion as you? We can't mark them down for a difference of opinion."
"Their logic may differ from my own," Spock conceded, "Yet there is only one truth, the older Vulcan Cadets will not be in need of nutrients."
It was impossible to know if the Cadets would be capable of gathering enough food for the entire group. But that wasn't the point of this discussion.
Pike was well equipped with a grading rubric for the Human Cadets of their group, yet there was no Vulcan one. That left it up to Jim and now Spock, who had agreed to help with the Vulcan Cadets, to create a rubric from scratch.
The pressure was on because this would provide the base for, not just their own Cadets but, all future Vulcans who would one day take the same course.
"I'll concede to your greater knowledge," Jim replied, "But you're going to have to put a cut off age so anyone that's too young to hold off doesn't get marked down for eating more than they should."
Spock suddenly seemed uncomfortable with this and if he was any other race Jim would have expected the other man to squirm.
"This, and the healing trance, is not something we speak of to offworlders and it would not do to put it down in writing," Spock sounded like he was making a confession of some sort and was almost guilty.
"So we'll put it vaguely," Jim sighed and gave a shrug, "Maybe say Vulcans can go longer without food so they need less sustenance. You don't have to put any real numbers."
Spock let out a puff of air that Jim realized was a sigh and appeared to be relieved at the suggestion.
"Now I don't mean to sound ungrateful Mr. Spock," Jim began as he sat up in his place on the beanbag chair, "But why do you keep telling me this stuff if I'm not actually allowed to talk about it?"
Because Jim knew he wasn't allowed to talk about it, if Spock said he himself wasn't allowed then the Vulcan was obviously making an exception for some unknown reason. One Jim was hoping to learn at the moment.
Instead of causing Spock to draw inward, this brought an unexpected light to the Vulcan's eyes and Jim would say he looked almost pleased with it.
"I have found that it would not do to keep the particulars of my biology from you Mr. Kirk," Spock spoke and it almost sounded shy, "Though I am pleased you have realized on your own that you must keep them to yourself."
Something about those words,or perhaps how they were spoken, made Jim's chest fill with warmth. If he didn't know any better he'd say Spock was flirting with him.
But Jim wasn't an idiot, Spock was simply seeing the logic in sharing potentially vital information with a person who would be directly in charge of Vulcan Cadets in a survival simulation.
"I appreciate your honesty," Jim smiled warmly in appreciation, "And I guarantee you that it will be as if I haven't heard a word you said."
Spock once more seemed happy with this reply and the corner of his mouth twitched in an almost smile. Jim couldn't help but think the Vulcan was handsome when his eyes were shining with hidden mirth.
"Now, Vulcan strength, while a useful resource, cannot be allowed to be taken advantage of," Jim tried to move on to a different subject, one that didn't make him feel drawn to Spock in inadvisable ways, "Should we grade on how it's employed?"
"You suggest listing it as a resource to be utilized" Spock replied but his eyes were still shining.
"Everything is a resource Mr. Spock," Jim informed him, but he was still smiling too.
Working together, they created something that resembled the beginnings of a suitable rubric. Once all of their parameters had been decided on, it was left to Jim to create the final rubric that would be sent to Spock for approval. The moment it was approved it would be added to Pike's pile of resources.
As they were getting ready to leave by placing their references in the designated bins, Jim was surprised when Spock suddenly said,
"I have found satisfaction with working alongside you Mr. Kirk."
"I've enjoyed it too," Jim smiled, "I'm sure spending a week in a forest with you and half a dozen Cadets won't be too hard."
"I find myself with the desire to meet you in a more social setting that does not qualify us to compile research," Spock almost seemed nervous as he spoke and Jim had to turn fully to the Vulcan to make sure he was reading him right.
"Perhaps an afternoon meal, or if you play chess I would not object to a recreational game."
A companion, Spock was seeking him out as the Vulcan equivalent of a friend to pass time with. It was a compliment to Jim's intellect and professionalism that Spock would offer such a thing. That had to be what he was offering because they had met for work a grand total of 2 times and spoken over Comm only to arrange those meetings.
There was nothing more to read into this.
"I'd love to have lunch with you," Jim replied, the warmth from before that had infected his entire demeanor, "Is there a day that's best for you?"
As he was speaking, he reminded himself that this was exactly like going to brunch with Bones or like when he took Gary to dinner before he'd set off on the USS Bradbury. Normally it wasn't that hard for Jim, but something about Spock was standing with nervousness buzzing just beneath the surface made it difficult.
Jim didn't believe in love at first sight. Love was earned through trust and growing together. But there was something undeniable in the way Spock just seemed to move that made Jim want to think there was a chance.
Except he knew better than to fall for a Vulcan.
"Friday, perhaps at 1300 hours, we may meet at a small cafe I have found myself a patron of since I myself was a Cadet," Spock replied and it would seem calm and collected, but something told Jim he was jittery.
"Just send the address over and I'll be happy to meet up," Jim then moved to put his PADD into his satchel, "Until then, I have a rubric to make."
"I am certain it shall be approved swiftly," Spock said and he seemed calmer now, the Vulcan was once again smiling with his eyes.
"Yeah well," Jim huffed out a laugh, "That makes one of us."
"You speak as if you are unsure of your own ability," Spock's words were reassuring as he said, "Though, if you cannot be confident of your work, be assured I have no such reservations.
"Captain Pike chose his assistant well."
"You've done all the work," Jim shook his head, "I just organized it all. Really if you weren't helping Professor Calem, Captain Pike would have chosen you for this.
"As it is, he's already commandeered you because I was lacking."
"In knowledge that few Humans are privy to," Spock was insistent, surprisingly so, "Be assured that I have found the infopack you produced far more logical and efficient than any of the data I was given in my own time in the Survival Course.
"Additionally you are pleasing to work with and have provided a work environment that is far more gratifying than any other I've taken part in while on Earth.
"Have I not made my satisfaction with you and your work clear with my invitation for a meal?"
Jim was suddenly completely confused.
It felt like they were having 2 completely different conversations and he really had no idea where Spock's sudden conviction came from.
"Thank you Mr. Spock," Jim spoke slowly while trying to suss out what was going on, "You have my compliments as well.
"I'm just surprised because we've only met twice and your overture seems sudden. From what I know of Vulcans they don't take their association lightly."
"Ah," Spock relaxed and blinked slowly, but his intensity remained as he replied, "You are not mistaken, my people do not make friends in the Human sense."
With that he dipped his head in a shallow nod before saying, "I will send you the address to the establishment this evening."
Then he left and Jim felt even more confused than before.
Shaking himself from the odd energy that had filled the room as Spock had made his final declarations, Jim pulled his satchel over his shoulder and made his way out of the library.
They were still at the very beginning of the semester, and most classes were year long courses. So it was a surprise when Jim arrived at the apartment and found Kevin at the table with his PADD and a holo screen. Around the Cadet was scattering info discs and a touchpad for typing.
"You're home." Jim was just coming in the door and tilted his head, "I feel like the only time I see you is when you drag yourself home at 2200."
Kevin lifted his head to look at Jim and frowned, "Yeah but class is in full swing now so time to actually do shit.
"How was your meeting?"
"Still got some work to do, the project isn't due till Friday though," Jim shrugged, "It's for the final."
"Ya have a dome assigned then?" Kevin raised his eyebrows and pursed his lips. Jim assumed the strange face he was putting on was to convince him to tell Kevin which location this semester's group was assigned.
"Kevin, you're a menace and there's no way I'm telling you the location." Jim smiled and tossed his satchel onto the couch as he removed his Black coat.
"C'mon! I could make rent off it," Kevin pleaded and it would have been cute if he was 9 and not 19.
Jim raised an eyebrow and allowed his disbelief to show plainly as he turned to the Cadet, "You really think telling me you'll sell the information is going to convince me to hand it over? "
Then he fully processed the stupidity of Kevin's statement, " And you live here for free!"
"Only 'cause I'm not able to make rent," Kevin assured him with exaggerated graveness and Jim just rolled his eyes at the younger man.
"I'm sure."
At once, both of their alarms beeped and Kevin groaned, "Who has time to eat?! I have to write an essay on the difference between High Golic and Ancient Romulan!"
"I'll order a pizza," Jim made his way to his room, "Any requests?"
"You orderin from that place with that baked potato fare?" Kevin's tone was optimistic and Jim huffed out a laugh and called back,
"Yeah, Kevin," Jim shook his head and closed the door to his room before tossing aside his coat and sighing.
If he didn't order now they'd both forget so Jim took a breath and pulled out his Comm System from the side of his bed and made the call.
After ordering two personal pizza's, one baked potato and one ham and olive, Jim pulled up his messages.
Gaila had yet to send him a meeting place for drinks. It had been roughly two weeks since Nyota had spent the night and he had only exchanged messages with one of them. Nyota to inform him that she and Gaila had talked, and another message exchange that had nothing to do with the issue and just a catch up.
As he was scrolling, Jim found a voice memo from Commander Reychi, the USS Farragut's first officer wasn't someone was expecting calls from. So immediately he brought up the message with a modicum of apprehension.
Jim pressed play and the man's voice filtered out of the speakers.
"Lt. Cmdr. Kirk, this is Commander Reychi of the USS Farragut. I have a proposition for you and I would very much appreciate if you called me back the moment you had time," Reychi sounded confident with the kind of assurance that being an experience officer brought,
"Reychi Out."
Jim couldn't help but smile at the screen. The eagerness he was feeling at the prospect of Reychi having.not an assignment but an offer was almost too much to handle. They were barely into the semester and that meant that Captain Garrovik was very eager to play his hand and snatch him up.
The fact that it wasn't Garrovik himself didn't bode well, sure Jim was better acquainted with Reychi, but if Garrovik was serious he should have made the call himself. Well, it was time to see what the Farragut was putting on the table.
Taking a breath Jim immediately pressed a finger on the 'call' button and watched the Comm Link ring.
In moments the line was picked up and Reychi's face filled the screen.
"Mr. Kirk! It's good to see you call back so soon!"
"Commander," Jim nodded in greeting, this was a negotiation and he was the prize. There was a level of respect and nonchalance to be maintained, "I'm surprised to hear from you so early."
The line needed to be walked carefully, and there was nothing Jim did better than walk it.
Reychi seemed startled by his words and Jim just smiled. Good, let him know how telling it was that the Farragut was playing their cards so early. How bad it looked that they were having their XO do it.
"Well you know how it is Number Two! Garrovik is eager to get back out there," Reychi smiled back easily, "He's got an 8 month mission lined up once the Academic Year ends and the Ensigns start piling in.
"I've got my hands full with staffing paperwork!"
"Oh?," Jim replied curiously, he knew the Commander was just trying to soften the blow of this call not coming from Garrovik himself, "Is that much of the crew switching out?"
"Not that much," Reychi laughed, "Just a lot of the lower ranked kids, a lot of them aren't patient enough to wait a year to ship out."
"I get that," Jim agreed, he could remember his second year when he was taken on a 2 week training cruise with the USS Shelly, once you get the hum of a Warpcore in your veins you can't shake it.
"Speaking of waiting," Reychi trailed off slyly, "How long are you going to be helping Pike with that Course of his?"
"Signed on for the full Academic Year," Jim replied, then rather threateningly added, "Might teach it myself next year, we'll see how everything goes."
It was time to stop beating around the bush, and for Reychi to lay whatever offer Garrovik was giving on the table.
"Well you might not have to," Reychi's smile broadened, "Captain Garrovik has Authorized me to offer you the position of Secondary Tactical on the bridge."
Jim didn't let his smile falter as he said, "That's a solid offer."
Because it was. Secondary Tactical was a great offer for someone who had only been in Starfleet for 3 years. 1 year on a ship took him all the way to the bridge.
But the fact was, Garrovik had so little confidence in his own offer he'd played his hand early. That meant there was someone else who was ready to toss Jim a bigger piece of the pie.
"Good I'll tell Garrovik the news," Reychi nodded but Jim laughed,
"Hold on, I haven't answered."
Reychi was still smiling but Jim could see him start to sweat as he replied, "Mr. Kirk you've only been on a Starship for a year, this is the best offer I've ever seen for a person in your position."
"I'm a Lt. Commander now," Jim replied, "And it's too early to be accepting commissions. Tell Garrovik I'll think on it and once I make my decision, you'll be the first to know."
"Jim, Garrovik and I recommended you for that rank," Reychi was still smiling but it was failing, "I'm sure if you stay on board the Farragut you'll be Chief of Navigation in no time, maybe even another year or two.
" If you say no, you're going to end up as someone's Gamma Crew Navigator."
They may have recommended it, but Pike had been the one to present it. Which wasn't lost on Jim.
"I didn't say no," Jim reasoned, "I said I had to think about it."
Reychi nodded but his smile was now tight,"Right, well it was good talking. You think on it and you come right back and say yes y'hear."
The Commander laughed and Jim feigned a quiet huff along with him, "I'll give you my answer once I know."
With that the call ended and Jim smiled ruefully to himself over the offer. What was Garrovik so afraid of that he'd play his hand so early and demand an answer so soon? Especially since the Farragut wasn't leaving until the end of the year.
Whatever it was, Jim couldn't wait to find out.
Pushing the Comm Screen back against the wall, he yawned then got back to his regular routine of changing into a pair of sweats, before making his way back out into the living room.
Jim turned on the holo screen and shoved his satchel aside so that he could lay back on the sofa. Kevin was still working on his essay so Jim kept the volume low while he sifted through the news channels.
By the time their Pizza arrived at the door, Kevin was packing up his class work and so Jim paid for the food and brought it inside.
Kevin returned wearing the same t-shirt and shorts he'd done his homework in and crashed onto the couch just as Jim was bringing the boxes towards the table.
"For the love of all that is good and green can we please eat in the living room?" Kevin groaned and Jim rolled his eyes but indulged the kid, because he'd just spent who knew how long in the dining room.
"Just for tonight," Jim sighed and placed the pizza boxes on the small coffee table in front of the couch, "You wanna watch a movie? I'm done with the news."
Kevin, as if suddenly filled with new life, scrambled to his feet and grabbed the box of holo chips they owned from its place next to the screen, "I'm putting on something good before you play another one of those documentaries on extinct wildlife!"
Jim really did laugh then as he made his way to the kitchen to grab a couple of plates ,"Kevin, you do whatever you want because after I eat I'm going straight to bed."
So, he grabbed a pair of plates along with two bottles of strawberry water and came back to the living area where Kevin was snapping a holo chip into the screen. Jim moved his satchel to the floor and sat down with a sigh, placing Kevin's plate and their drinks on the table and opening his own pizza box, "What'd you decide on?"
"Not an old man movie," Kevin replied with a smile, then rose to his feet, "It's a romance."
Jim closed his eyes and reminded himself he was going to bed once his pizza was gone and was not obligated to sit through an awful romantic comedy with Kevin, "Please tell me it's not 'The Blessed Stars of Rigel'."
"No," Kevin sat on the couch and began filling his plate with pizza, "It's the sequel where she finds out the guy was really just trying to become King and she meets her REAL true love."
Kevin took a smug bite of his baked potato pizza.
"Right," Jim smiled and shook his head before taking a bite of his own food, it tasted amazing, far better than pizza from a non-Italian place deserved to be.
"I think I waited too long to eat," Kevin said suddenly around his mouthful. Jim turned to him, and stared the Cadet down. Worry was flaring in his belly but he needed to make sure Kevin was alright.
"Swallow it Kevin," Jim commanded as he put his food aside and grabbed one of the flavored waters, he cracked it open.
Kevin pursed his lips together and inhaled sharply through his nose before swallowing it and Jim shoved the bottled drink into the younger man's hands. Instantly Kevin grabbed it and took an enormous gulp of the water to chase his food.
Jim watched as the Cadet heaved out a breath that would have sounded as if he was refreshed to anyone else.
"Kevin, when was the last time you ate?" Jim spoke gently, the younger man had been eating breakfast, there hadn't been left overs so it couldn't have been too long.
Kevin cringed as the noise of the movie's opening sequence filled the room, "Yesterday at dinner?"
Jim took a breath and Kevin swallowed, his voice small as he tried to explain, "I know you made breakfast and I wrapped it all up into a butty cause I got up late! But Halli hadn't had time to swing by the cafeteria so I gave it to her!
"I was gonna eat lunch Jim, it wasn't a big deal! Except Lilthan wanted to use the labs and the only time they weren't booked was during lunch so I thought just once would be fine!"
Jim focused on Kevin, everything was about Kevin at this moment. Not his sudden anger and disappointment that was rushing past his ears like a hurricane, "You know it's a big deal Kevin, for us it's a big deal."
Looking down at the cushions of the couch Kevin exhaled, "I thought, maybe I was going to be fine this time. I thought, I just thought-"
"I know," Jim put a hand on the younger man's shoulder in a gesture of comfort, because he did know, "But you know that's why we have the alarms.
"You need to eat Kevin, if this happens again I'm going to have to start calling you at meal times again. You know that right?"
"I don't want you to worry Jim," Kevin sighed and it sounded like he was going to cry, Jim wasn't going to have that so he brought the younger man closer and hugged him. Tucking Kevin's head below his chin.
"I'm going to worry anyways," Jim replied as Kevin returned the hug. Suddenly Jim felt his chest constrict, and he needed to know, "Did you ever- Has this happened when I was gone?"
"No," Kevin replied and tightness loosened in Jim's chest as the Cadet assured him,"I used to eat meal bars for breakfast but since you've been back I've been leaving them in the box."
The box, referring to the stash of non-perishable foods they each kept under their beds.
Jim pulled away then and Kevin moved back to his seat on the couch, "Alright, lets try this again."
"I'm sorry Jim," Kevin suddenly choked and his eyes were red, filled with tears.
"Don't apologize to me Kevin," Jim tried to sound soothing as he rubbed the younger's shoulder, "It's OK, you just need to eat."
Kevin nodded and moved to grab his food, slowly he took a small bite and chased it with a drink of his flavored water. Jim watched carefully and ate his own pizza. Kevin kept an eye on the movie and moved in his normal pattern of eating and drinking until he was once more relaxed.
Jim kept watch until the Cadet was finished.
Spock hadn't wasted time in sending Jim the location of the cafe for their lunch appointment.
Having finished the Rubric, with Spock's approval, the project had been turned in without any issues. So Jim was at a loss for why the Vulcan had wanted to meet.
T'Sar, when Jim had known her, had informed the entire group that the Vulcan equivalent of a friend was someone they didn't mind meeting outside of work in order to discuss their projects. A social encounter with the purpose of information exchange.
So, when Friday arrived, Jim entered the Cafe and took a seat in the corner booth in which Spock had been patiently waiting. He expected questions about his other projects for the Survival Course. Perhaps even an inquiry after which guest lectures Jim was planning on attending. Hell, Jim was ready to have a discussion about Linguistics and Spock's projects for Professor Calem.
What he didn't expect was for Spock's opening line to be, "It is pleasant to have met you again outside of a working environment. This perhaps is selfish on my part, for I find that now that we find ourselves in a social setting, I cannot but wonder at where a Human such as yourself was raised.
"As long as you believe this is an appropriate question. If it is not, you need only tell me so."
The waitress placed water in front of him and Jim took a moment to ask for lemonade. Spock requested tea, and suddenly Jim was left having to reply to the question that he was 100% not prepared for.
"Riverside, Iowa. It's in the Midwestern section of the United States of North America," Jim replied after overcoming his disbelief and decided that turnabout was a fair play,
"You didn't happen to grow up in Shi'Kahr, did you Mr. Spock?"
Spock was startled by the inquiry, Jim could only tell because the Vulcan tilted his head in a slow and methodical way while his eyes widened marginally. For a Vulcan he was practically leaping in surprise.
"You would be correct in your assumption, though how, only you could know." Spock replied and Jim smiled at the Vulcan's tone and suddenly he felt warm in the way only intelligent conversation accompanied by a beautiful face could do.
It was stupid but Jim didn't care, he wasn't going to act on his little crush. Because that was what it had to be. After all, he barely knew Spock.
"Your accent, though light, combined with your cadence reminds me of a Vulcan girl I once knew by the name of T'Sar." Jim answered easily, it was hard to think on her sometimes but with Spock it seemed simple,
"She's a woman now of course, but she was from Shi'Kahr region as well."
Spock did not ask about why they were no longer acquainted. Yet somehow, Jim knew that if the Vulcan had, he would understand. Would be the first to understand.
"Judging by your ability to identify my place of birth through my speech, you must be a skilled linguist," he said instead, "Though you are not studying communication, is there a reason why?"
"I'm not a skilled linguist," Jim huffed out a laugh at the assumption, but didn't want to say that he was only good at identifying the accent of Vulcans from Shi'Kahr, "I know Standard Vulcan and the most basic principles of High Golic.
"I'm lost when it comes to any other languages. But on the other-hand, you are a linguist, what languages can you Speak?"
Spock seemed to weigh the words before answering, "My native tongue is Standard Vulcan and I have learned High Golic beyond what is deemed necessary. Along with this I have taken the time to educate myself in the way of Romulan, Klingon, Andorian, Betazoid, and the most basic aspects of Orion."
Blinking Jim couldn't help but think that such an array of languages was impressive for someone whose focus was not Xeno-Linguistics, "That's quite the line up for someone who's a member of the Scientific Division."
"My father is an Ambassador," Spock replied as if that answered everything. Jim supposed it kind of did.
At that point the waitress arrived and Jim ordered a white potato soup, while Spock requested a vegetarian chili.
"Did you travel with him much?" Jim was surprised to find himself asking. Spock on the other hand was more than willing to answer,
"My Mother and I traveled with him most when I was very young. By the time I was fully enrolled in the Vulcan Learning Center, it was necessary for the two of us to accompany him less for the sake of my education.
"When I became old enough to care for my own needs, my mother continued to travel with him while I stayed at our home in Shi'Kahr to continue my schooling."
While surprised by the level of detail Spock provided, Jim wasn't going to question it. Getting information from T'Sar had been like pulling teeth, even then he was sure he barely knew her in the end.
"That sounds very logical," Jim smiled teasingly and Spock simply gave a small nod before saying,
"My Father has always been an admirable example of one who lives by the teachings of Surak."
Jim took a sip of his drink and was once more surprised when Spock continued, "Your Mother is a well known member of Starfleet, was this cause for travel in your childhood Mr. Kirk?"
"Not much," Jim didn't feel right lying, but he wasn't going to open himself up to deeper questions on the subject, "I was raised with my feet firmly on Earth by my grandparents and Uncle."
"I see," Spock accepted the information and Jim found that their conversation was more like a first date than a meeting of colleagues which caused him to take another sip of his lemonade and push such idiotic thoughts aside.
When their food arrived Jim tore a piece of his bread and smiled at his companion, "Mr. Spock, I have to confess something."
Spock lifted his spoon from beside his bowl and simply lifted a singular brow as if to say 'go on'. Jim was surprised with how pleasing he found the expression and gave a quiet laugh as he said,
"I was expecting to talk about work with you. Not that I'm complaining, I've enjoyed our conversation, but I was led to believe Vulcans don't really share more than what is necessary with their companions."
He had chosen his words carefully because, as Spock had agreed, Vulcans do not have friends.
Spock seemed confused by the statement, and Jim watched as his face remained still but he still somehow went through the full gambit of emotions that came with being absolutely horrified you've made a mistake.
"Have I found myself in error? Is this not what is expected of human courtship?" Spock's voice sounded almost broken to Jim's ears.
In his head it was like a hover car had slammed itself into a concrete wall. Jim could only stare at Spock as the words echoed around in his head like it was some sort of empty cavern. Instead of warm, Jim's chest felt cold and tight while his throat was closing.
Immediately he coughed and had to take a few small sips of his drink to soothe his constricting throat before he could finally gather his wits to reply,
"Spock you're married."
Impressively, Spock's jaw dropped.
The Vulcan sat with his mouth opened for a beat then shut it with an almost audible click.
"How are you aware of my arrangement with T'Pring?" Spock's voice was quiet but absolutely demanded an answer.
It was all too much.
Taking a deep breath Jim brought his hands to his face and rubbed both of his eyes, then exhaled slowly, "Because I know Vulcans all get bonded before they turn 10."
It came out like a hiss, because Jim was trying to retain a bit of dignity. He didn't know the details but he knew that he really wasn't supposed to know. Just like he wasn't supposed to know all the things Spock had been telling him during their Rubric Building.
"The Vulcan woman T'Sar shared this with you?" Spock's voice was tense and also came out as a quiet whisper, the anger it contained was not heard but Jim could feel it prickling against his own skin, causing the hairs on his arms to raise.
Jim was glad they were ensconced in a quiet corner because really it was the best place for their brand new friendship to just go up in flames.
"We were about 13 when we met and-," Jim cut himself off, because he'd never actually told the story. Kevin knew because he'd been there, and it would never matter to anyone else who hadn't lived it.
He swallowed back the wave of confused emotion he felt whenever he thought deeply about the entire experience, "I fell in love with her the way any 13 year old boy could love a girl who never gave him the time of day until she absolutely had to.
"We weren't even really friends, we just happened to be in the same colony at the same time. Something happened and she found out how I felt."
She had taught them all to fight, in exchange Jim had taught her how to shoot a phaser rifle they'd stolen from one of the Death Squads. T'Sar had been having trouble meditating, due to the fact that she had been forced to begin eating small amounts of meat because there was no more edible plant life left.
T'Sar had touched him, her hand on his face in a moment of shared suffering and Jim's mind had told her how he truly felt. His 13 year old heart couldn't help but fall for the person who helped him care for the kids. It was puppy love born from blood and pain.
"She informed me that not only was I an illogical choice for a mate due to the fickle nature of my adolescent human feelings, but she was married at the age of 7 to a boy in Shi'Kahr. That all Vulcans were matched and bonded before they reached the age of 10, " Jim kept his voice low as he closed his eyes and explained,
"Of course when I left the colony my feelings for her faded. I was just a kid, and love can only survive if it's fed by that which it desires."
Jim opened his eyes to find Spock's brown ones completely focused on him. He couldn't help but sigh as he finished by saying, "I moved on and I think of her sometimes because in the end she was important to me."
"The fact that she shared such delicate information with you indicates that she returned the sentiment," Spock's voice sounded hollow, "In light of this it is surprising that you did not remain in contact."
"We did until she was 18," Jim felt his eyes burn suddenly but he swallowed back the tears he refused to let fall, "She completed Kol'i'Nahr 3 years ago."
T'Sar had made her choice when they left Tarsus. She had made it clear to all of them what she planned, but it was like death to have her accomplish her goal. It hurt, but only because they were human and she was not. Something deep inside their very DNA just couldn't comprehend letting go of all the pain which bound them together.
"Then she is worthy of honor," Spock was beginning to sound more himself now, "I understand that it can be hard for humans to comprehend the choice to undergo such a ritual."
"No," Jim shook his head, "I understood, I was just sad that she felt it was her only choice."
"For some, it is their only means of peace," Spock replied and proved Jim's earlier musings correct.
Then in what was probably an attempt to give Jim whiplash the Vulcan said, "The Bonding of Children is less than a marriage, but more than a betrothal.
"This grants us the option to choose a new partner should one of higher compatibility appear.
"T'Sar was correct in her conduct due to your young age at the time of your meeting. But now that you are an adult, my own Conduct is also without shame."
Jim couldn't help it as he hissed a quiet, "Shit."
"I do not see how fecal matter is relevant to this conversation," Spock replied without missing a beat and Jim actually laughed.
The tension that had clouded their conversation was clearing, "This got a bit more personal than you were probably expecting a first date to be."
"It is vital we clear the air of any ambiguity," Spock made it sound so simple, perhaps to him it was the most logical thing in the world, "In order for you to view me as a romantic prospect it was necessary to disabuse you of the notion that I am unavailable to pursue."
And yeah, he was right. Suddenly Jim realized that he wasn't an idiot and Spock had been flirting with him both times they'd met.
"Well for our next date we can talk about something a little lighter," Jim forced himself to smile, because Spock was attractive and intelligent. It might not work out, like all the other loves Jim had before, but maybe it would.
Spock, who had hunched forward just slightly in order to preserve their privacy when they were discussing the delicate topic of bonding, sat up sharply at the indication of interest.
"Perhaps we may attend a lecture before an evening meal," Spock offered, "Then we may simply discuss our personal views on its contents."
"That sounds like my kind of date Mr. Spock," Jim smiled, and it was real this time.
The end of the first month of the semester hit Jim like a bottle rocket. It meant plenty of things for everyone. For Jim it meant that Offers for his next Commission were set to start trickling their way into his inbox.
He still hadn't answered Commander Reychi, and Jim didn't expect the next offer he received to be any more impressive than the one he'd received from the Farragut.
That was why he froze like a criminal when he entered Pike's office and the Captain didn't even look up before saying, "I heard you turned down Garrovik, shame."
"First off, It was Commander Reychi who made the offer. Second, I told him I'd think about it," Jim replied with a shrug, "If I don't get anything better I'll say yes out of loyalty to the Crew I've served with."
Pike looked up then and smiled, it was menacing, "How do you feel about replacing Rotham as my Chief Engineer."
Jim swallowed down the lump that had suddenly formed in his throat. He always knew Pike would be the kind of man who went straight for the jugular.
"Sir?" Jim was embarrassed to say his voice cracked.
"You're wasted as a helmsman and I've got tactical filled by a specialist. You've been an engineer since you could walk," Pike continued to look like an evil genius, "Besides, I need you on the Enterprise as my Second Officer and the only person I can think of replacing is Rotham."
Jim almost choked on his own spit, he didn't of course, but it was a near thing.
"Permission to speak freely Sir?" Jim made sure his voice was even, but the moment Pike said,
"Permission granted Mr. Kirk."
Jim, more enthusiastically than originally intended, shouted, "Hell yes!"
"That's what I like to hear," Pike finally smiled warmly at him and stood up before offering his hand. Jim took it immediately then gave it a firm grip and steady shake.
"It will be an honor to serve with you Sir," Jim could hardly contain himself but needed to because office hours were about to begin and Pike needed him, "If I may ask, who will be the other members of Alpha Crew?"
"Number One will be serving at the Helm she'll be my XO, Tactical will be a Mr. Chekov who is yet to graduate, Lieutenant Garrison will be on Communications, Dr. Puri will be CMO and Mr. Spock will be my Science officer," Pike rattled it off like he had recited it a thousand times,
"It's a solid crew with plenty of experience alongside new blood."
"With all due respect Sir," Jim calmed himself and offered an even expression, "Why is Rotham being replaced?"
"Because Rotham is retiring and his only candidate is his student Clive Olson," Pike sounded indignant and while Jim had never met Mr. Olson, Pike's distaste for the idea was telling.
"How long will it be before I can get to know her then?" Jim took his normal seat by the window and probably seemed a bit over eager as he shuffled about but the idea of it all had him buzzing with excitement.
A part of him was practically quaking to be the man in the machine who was in charge of making her go, and another part of him was bursting with the thought of having the same commission as Spock.
"You'll get to spend a month with her before the shakedown cruise," Pike assured him, his tone was not a bit indulgent, "You have a Second in mind?"
"I'd have to get back to you on that," Jim knew choosing a Second would be important, especially if he was going to be serving as Second Officer. There would be times he was needed on the bridge.
In the Chair.
He sighed and probably looked like a teenager with a crush, Jim didn't even care that Pike rolled his eyes as he said, "Get a hold of yourself, you're going to have to be telling a lot of people no in the next year or so."
"Starting with Reychi," Jim collected himself for a second time, "That'll be a fun conversation."
"Garrovik practically came storming in here when you all got back. He didn't quite like that I'd requested you as an assistant," Pike shrugged but it was almost cavalier, "Accused me of poaching."
"That's exactly what this is Captain," Jim snorted and Pike just shrugged, truly smug,
"It worked right?"
Rolling his eyes Jim didn't reply because a Cadet made their way into the office and it was time to dispense some aid.
Cadet T'Sel marched into the office briskly and immediately her eyes landed on Jim and then moved to Pike, "Sir, I am here to express an issue with the Infopack which was given to me."
Pike, who had immediately become the image of cool and collected the moment the door had begun to move, replied, "I didn't create it but I'm sure Mr. Kirk will be happy to answer any of your questions."
The Captain then gestured to Jim who offered the young woman a nod, "Go ahead and have a seat."
T'Sel's movements were stiff as she marched towards the chair and then placed herself into it. Jim couldn't help but compare it to the way Spock seemed to glide around as if he weighed nothing.
Her Black eyes moved to Jim once more, but after a beat of silence she stole a quick glance at Pike, "Mr. Kirk how knowledgeable are you on the information you have excluded from the provided packet?"
"Not much, I mostly just formatted the information," Jim admitted without shame, and while he knew quite a bit from his talk with Spock, T'Sel may not be pleased with his knowledge, "Lt. Cmdr. Spock was the one to judge what material would be the most beneficial."
"Perhaps a meeting can be arranged with Lt. Cmdr. Spock for my query to be answered sufficiently," T'Sel was asking a question without actually asking and Jim had to look at Pike for a moment. The Captain seemed content to see how Jim would handle the situation.
This was all him.
Good.
With a bit of concentration, Jim switched to Vulcan.
"Before I arrange a meeting, maybe I can see if I'm able to answer your question," Jim smiled easily at her, he knew for humans the expression would be reassuring and it was really all he could do, "It would be unwise to waste an officer's time with a question I may be able to answer. If you must be vague to honor your culture I understand."
"Your logic is sound," T'Sel gave another small nod. Jim wish he could read her a bit better. All he was getting was a smidgen of apprehension that was twisted into a bit of curiosity.
"In a scenario where one was injured and took action to recover, who would be the optimum candidate to petition for assistance," T'Sel asked just as vaguely as he expected her to, and from the corner of his eye Jim could see Pike looking on with curiosity.
She was talking about entering a healing trance, Jim realized fairly easily, T'Sel wanted to know who should be trusted with hitting her to help draw her into wakefulness when it was over.
It sounded like a basic question to anyone who wasn't knowledgeable in such things. But it was also information Jim could have known simply from his time on Tarsus with T'Sel. So he answered, "If your party doesn't contain a medical officer that is capable of waking you from the healing trance, then it would be up to your discretion.
"A ranking officer you trust would be best, but in the end it would be whoever you find most logical and able to keep your confidence. The ideal scenario is being with another Vulcan but there are so few Enlisted then this can't be helped."
"You speak of knowledge not permitted to offworlders," T'Sel was intense with her gaze.
"I was a trusted officer in a particular case," Jim replied smoothly, and it wasn't a lie. Spock had trusted him with the knowledge of his people. Even if Jim wasn't quite sure why at the moment. He would have to ask him about that.
T'Sel stared at him evenly, "What is, is. You have my gratitude for your assistance I have much to meditate on"
With that she stood and offered Jim a ta'al, he returned it easily with a nod. Once their farewell had been observed, T'Sal mechanically turned on her heel and left the office.
"That was interesting," Pike's voice was stark against the atmosphere that had formed, "You obviously knew what she needed. Why wouldn't she ask in standard?."
Jim shrugged and replied in Standard this time, "Yeah but Vulcans are really private, I don't blame her for her reluctance."
"Well if Spock needs anything I'll send him your way," Pike joked easily and Jim shook his head at the thought of Spock being nervous to ask for anything.
It pulled a small chuckle from him.
Spock had learned to be very self-sufficient in an environment that was tailored towards Humans.
Jim hadn't been lying to T'Sel, the likelihood of her being stationed with another Vulcan was very low. That meant they would all have to learn to rely on the members of the other Species which surrounded them.
"I think we should put the Vulcans in different groups," Jim suggested in a small fit of brilliance, "It will be more accurate to their future postings and it will help them learn to rely on Humans better."
"Way ahead of you," Pike smiled and Jim nodded, the man was good at his job and it wasn't surprising that he'd seen it too.
"It'll do all of them a bit of good," Jim turned to Pike with a smirk, "It will also be very interesting to watch."
"Sometimes I think getting you to Enlist was a mistake," Pike replied his tone was grave while his eyes betrayed his amusement.
Jim just rolled his eyes as the Human student walked in.
Jim found his way into Pike's office, as he normally did in the morning hours before class, but this time the Captain himself was absent.
Jim was set to care for the lesson for the day. Something about an issue with the Enterprise's systems. The poor lady had so many setbacks in the recent weeks that Jim was sure Engineer Rotham was going to get his head rolled by Pike before the semester was through.
So, Jim loaded up whatever lesson updates Pike had set up onto his PADD and rolled out of the Office in record time to meet with Spock at the classroom.
The Vulcan was to be introduced to the class and Jim was the one who had been given the honors. Last minute of course.
"Mr. Spock, you're looking lively," Jim smiled as he entered the room practically skipping. Spock's eyes were shining in a way that Jim could see he was eager to take part in the lesson.
"I am highly anticipating meeting with your group," Spock replied, "This may be mistaken for the human feeling of enthusiasm."
"That's what I just said," Jim laughed as he placed his satchel on Pike's desk chair, "I mean who wouldn't be 'highly anticipating' meeting a group of kids they're going to have to live in the forest with for a week."
"Are you aware of the composition of the groups we shall be aiding for the simulation?" Spock posed the question casually, and Jim figured it wouldn't hurt to answer,
"Yeah, actually. Pike just sent them to me yesterday," Jim used his PADD to connect to the holo screen, "We've decided to separate the Vulcans, one in each group. But we're not going to start telling the Cadet's who they're grouped with until the first of next month."
"I can easily appreciate the wisdom in both of those decisions," Spock tilted his head slightly in approval and Jim just let his brand new but growing affection for the Vulcan to watch over him.
Pulling the necessary files up on the holo screen Jim tossed a smile at Spock, "Can you believe we only have 3 weeks left to get these Cadets ready for the Simulation?"
"To believe otherwise would be illogical," Spock replied, "As the time frame which this Class was assigned has remained unaltered, there is no basis to believe that the preparation will not conclude on schedule."
"Of course Mr. Spock," Jim just kept smiling as the Cadets began piling into the classroom. A few of the humans cast a confused gaze between Jim and Spock but none of them actually spoke up about the lack of Captain Pike's presence.
Class began as it always did, with the sound of the buzzer.
Spock had swept into Jim's usual chair, and just as the signal sounded he cast the Vulcan a wink before turning on his heel to face the class.
PADD tucked under his arm Jim greeted the class, "Welcome back! I'd like to introduce you all to Lt. Cmdr. Spock."
Jim gestured to Spock, who stood and gave a light nod in greeting before taking his seat once more.
"He's the genius responsible for 89% of the Vulcan infopack and will be assisting Professor Pike and I on your practical exams next month," Jim let that sink in for a moment and continued,
"Mr. Spock is very busy but will attend one or two more classes in order for you to get familiar with him.
"Are there any questions before we begin?"
Instantly several hands shot up and Jim scanned each Cadet, finally he chose, "Cadet Belize, I trust your question is not about Professor Pike's location."
"It was sir," Belize called back and put her hand down, "Sorry."
"I was not offended," Jim smiled as most of the other hands went down. He was glad to see a few remaining.
"Mr. Ivanov, you have a question?"
Ivanov spoke so that his voice would carry from the back of the hall where he was seated, "When will we receive our group's assignments?"
"Well," Jim clapped his hands together and held them in front of himself, "As I was telling Mr. Spock before you all arrived, you'll be getting your assignments as late as possible.
"Landing Parties are formed as needed, usually in a moments notice. We can't have you making plans with your group mates before you're in the fray."
Jim took one more question then began the lesson on crafting crude tools.
It was something he knew well and was a topic he was comfortable giving a lecture on while carefully observing the many Cadets' reactions.
To all of them the lesson was theoretical and would be until the simulation. Even then, the likelihood of them needing this information to survive, while significant, wasn't guaranteed.
Jim spoke from intimate experience.
Perhaps that was why Tarsus had been at the forefront of his mind for the past few weeks. It wasn't as aggressive as when he'd taken the course for himself in his first year, but it was still notable.
While in his second year and during his year on the Farragut, Jim had thought of it only when his normal triggers had brought it to the forefront of his mind. Which was to say it was a rarity.
The class wasn't affecting his eating habits and it wasn't causing him emotional distress, Jim simply found it had a more pronounced place in his mind than it usually did. Tarsus had been relegated to simply a part of his life that had shaped certain behaviors.
Jim supposed it was only natural for him to think of the time he was responsible for others when he would once again lead children. This time it was through a simulation of what was once his very own reality.
It just made imparting his knowledge even more urgent.
Once his lecture came to a close, Jim and Spock took turns answering questions that may have lingered in the minds of the Cadets. They did so until the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of another lesson.
The Cadets rushed out of the room and Jim took the time to disconnect his PADD from the holo screen before packing it away into his satchel. Spock seemed content to switch between watching the Cadets flee, and stealing glances at Jim himself.
Once the last Cadet had exited the room, Jim pulled his satchel over his head so that strap sat across his body.
"Mr. Kirk," Spock spoke up as they made their way together towards the classroom doors, "Jim, It has occurred to me that after we have completed the mandatory office hours Captain Pike has assigned, we may dine together."
"Did you want to go to the Cafeteria?" Jim asked, it was a good idea he supposed. His alarm would be going off just as office hours ended, "Or were you hoping for something fancier?"
"As I Vulcan, I would not hope," Spock corrected Jim but it was almost teasing, "But I do hold higher expectations regarding a location for our next date."
"Well if it's a date you want," Jim smiled as he considered the possibility, "We can go to the Verdant, it's an Italian place with a whole vegetarian menu."
"That would be agreeable," Spock gave his equivalent of a nod and they made their way to Captain Pike's office.
As they walked Spock drew closer to Jim's side to the point that their shoulders brushed and he had to stop himself from gasping at the sensation. Jim bit the inside of his lip, but only slightly and continued to walk with Spock at his side.
Everything with Spock was still brand new, they had been on the one date so it wasn't something to declare yet. But with every extra second Jim spent with the Vulcan he kept thinking that he couldn't wait until it was.
It had been so long since Jim had been practically eager to fall into someone else. He knew how to do this right though, Jim's heart could already tell that Spock was precious and they were going to go slow.
Jim had been looking for guest lectures for them to attend but had come up short for anything interesting.
Spock's suggestion for dinner was more than welcome though, it was nice being pursued for once. Jim had spent his life chasing after a connection to someone else.
Having someone else broach the subject of romance was so surprising Jim still couldn't believe it. To be desired enough for initiation, it was something exhilarating that he'd never felt before in his life.
It was nice to feel wanted.
They reached Pike's office and Jim punched in his own code which allowed access. Opening the door, he let Spock enter first and then followed him in.
Without being told Spock took the chair by the window before pulling his PADD from his bag and beginning work on it.
Jim slid into the chair that Pike normally occupied and leaned back into it. Office hours were usually quiet, so it wasn't really a surprise that Spock had decided to bring work. They had a grand total of 1 class, and while the other Survival Students were permitted to come to them, it wasn't a common occurrence.
At some point during the silence, Jim's portable Comm Link beeped and he cast Spock an apologetic look before taking it off his hip to check it. He stared at the notification for a solid 10 seconds before he frowned at it.
Nyota had sent him a message.
Jim clicked the alert and opened the message to find a simple 'let's meet for brunch tomorrow! 1000 hours at Doyle's good?'
Filling his cheeks with air, Jim then exhaled and replied with an agreement.
It would be nice to get an update on what the hell was going on with those two. He had gotten busy with work and they were avoiding him.
The only people he felt like he talked to anymore were Spock, Kevin, Bones, and Pike. With Bones it was mostly over Comm messages but they were at least still communicating.
Gaila and Nyota had seemed content to drop off his radar entirely since their rooming issues began. Jim hoped they had solved their problem.
"Is something troubling you?" Spock spoke up and Jim turned to him with a light smile as he tried to put what he was feeling into words.
Spock was cradling his PADD in his lap and it seemed he'd sensed Jim's mood.
"Just arranging brunch with a friend," Jim replied, "The last time I spoke to her she was fighting with her roommate, who is also a friend of mine. I couldn't help because it was a rooming issue and neither wanted to file a formal complaint."
"They are Cadets?" Spock seemed curious and Jim figured it would do well to inform him of his social life.
"They'll be graduating soon, they actually started at the Academy when I did," Jim replied with a smile.
"Do you have many associates that are still attending the Academy?" Spock's interest made Jim feel a swell of warmth.
"Three Cadets, one Post Graduate who's already earned the rank of Lieutenant," Jim informed him, "Kevin, one of the Cadets, isn't really a friend though, he's more of an adopted brother, we share an apartment."
"I see," Spock took in the information easily and Jim felt the need to ask,
"Do you happen to have any companions you share your research with?"
"No," Spock's reply was matter of fact but Jim felt a sharp pain at the thought of Spock lacking friends.
"What about back home?" Jim coaxed him, "You must have some friends on Vulcan."
"I have always been considered an oddity," Spock confessed, his words sounded carefully chosen, "On Vulcan it was due to the fact that I am half human, on Earth many find my Vulcan demeanor unpleasant."
Jim's brain had latched onto the fact that Spock was half human, but he stored that information to the back of his head for later as he let the tone of his voice drop, "Well I find your company far more than pleasant Mr. Spock.
"In fact, there is something I find extremely pleasurable about the time we spend together."
It was a blatant flirt, and he felt so alive as he said it that Jim was sure he was going to get scolded. Yet Spock's eyes sparkled almost mischievously as he replied, "You may find, Mr. Kirk, that the experience is mutual."
And suddenly Jim felt like his insides were going to melt as the corner of Spock's mouth twitched in the echo of a smile.
Jim felt like a child, and it made his heart feel like it was being squeezed to think that he might just make Spock feel the same way.
When office hours ended Jim led Spock to the lot he always parked his hoverbike in,"How do you feel about motorbikes?"
Spock , who followed him easily after being told that Jim had a mode of transport, seemed completely unsurprised by the question, "With proper safety equipment they are a suitable means of transportation."
Jim couldn't help but smile at the tone Spock had taken. It was as if the Vulcan was reluctant to admit that they were permitted at all.
They reached the lot and Jim grabbed the extra helmet he carried on the back and offered it to Spock, "Well I have that so If you like we can avoid public transport."
Spock looked at the helmet as if he was weighing it in his mind, then his eyes met Jim's. There was something in them that reminded Jim of a volcano, all fire and molten magma.
Reaching out, Spock grabbed the helmet, somehow it was like he had also grabbed Jim's heart as he placed it on his head and over his pointed ears. Extremely delighted by the choice, Jim placed his satchel in it's place and mounted his bike.
Spock hesitated a moment, so Jim continued to beam at the other man and say, "You look good."
With a light nod Spock took his place on the back of the bike and slowly wrapped his arms around Jim's waist. Then suddenly, the thing that had loosened inside of Jim when he had first met Spock, was suddenly smashed open.
It was easily the most enjoyable second date he'd ever experienced.
In the morning Jim woke up before his alarm and stared at the ceiling, all while wearing a ridiculous grin on his face.
Since it was a Saturday, the only reason he got out of bed before 0900 was the fact that at 0800 his Comm started beeping.
So, Jim sat up and pulled the screen out of the wall and sighed as he read the ID. With the press of a button he answered the call.
The Image of Captain Pike flashed onto the screen, he was in uniform and wearing a pair of sunglasses. Behind him the open fields of Riverside stretched out and Jim recognized that he was just outside the shipyard.
"You're in bed kind of late," Pike observed, it lacked judgment and only contained a bit of curiosity.
"I was out kind of late last night," Jim admitted sheepishly, he and Spock had spent the evening talking. It was nice,
"Is everything going alright Sir?"
Pike's grin in response was wry, "Yeah, we're getting things back in shape over here. How was class with Spock?
"I know you said the two of you didn't mind working together, but I won't really believe it until I see it."
Pressing his lips together Jim wondered what he was supposed to say to that, because working with Spock was kind of the last thing on his mind now when he thought of the Vulcan.
Which would worry him, after all, they were going to be stationed together on the Enterprise. Except Jim and Spock would both be in charge of their Respective Divisions, and Spock wasn't in the chain of command so it wouldn't be an issue if what was starting became something that lasted.
"It went fine," Jim replied, because it had gone perfectly alright, "Spock even stayed for Office Hours."
Pike's eyebrows shot up but he just continued to smile as he nodded, "Good, good, you holding up alright? I know I asked already but that was before the lessons actually started."
"Yeah!" Jim exhaled a breathy laugh and found he was surprised that the words were true, "Yeah I'm great, I mean way better than I thought I'd be."
"Alright," Pike seemed satisfied, "Just checking in to make sure my Cadets are all still in one piece. I'll talk to you some more about the Simulations when I get back."
"Yes Sir," Jim gave a casual salute and Pike closed out the call.
With that, he dragged himself out of bed and kneeled to the floor. Reaching underneath his bed, Jim pulled out his small wooden box and slid the lid off just enough for him to be able to reach in and pull out a protein bar.
Once he'd grabbed it, Jim closed the box and slid it back under the bed.
It was too late to be making breakfast and Kevin had probably already eaten for himself so Jim just unwrapped the protein bar and ate it in silence. It would be enough to hold him over until he met Nyota for brunch in a couple hours.
Once he was finished eating he tossed the wrapper in the receptacle and took a shower.
Doyle's was a restaurant that claimed its specialty was crepes. Jim would contest that claim, simply because he felt the best thing they made were their yogurt parfaits.
But this was brunch, so when he entered the restaurant he planned on getting the standard breakfast fare with some of their chocolate mousse crepes on the side. Absently he wondered if they had any vegetarian options.
He hadn't come to Doyle's often enough to know, so he'd have to check. Jim couldn't help but think of Spock trying the crepes.
Jim ran his gaze over the establishment and was surprised to see not only Nyota, but Gaila as well. They were seated together by the window at a round patron table.
When Nyota caught sight of him she smiled and he offered a wave. Gaila too cast him a grin as he made his way towards them. Jim casually slid into one of the remaining chairs and greeted them,
"It's good to see you two together! It seems like it's been forever since I've been able to pin either of you down."
Nyota pressed her lips together and glanced down at her hands before once more meeting his gaze. Gaila just rolled her eyes.
"Yeah well," Gaila was trying to be blase but was absolutely failing, "We figured we shouldn't drag you into our drama or you'd get us separated."
It was an obvious jab but Jim was more than willing to let her get away with it, "Good, I'm glad you decided to talk to each other and deal with your problems like actual adults."
Gaila pursed her lips indignantly and Nyota snorted before saying, "That's exactly why we left you out of it."
Elbowing the other woman, Gaila changed the subject, "So, how's your Doctor friend?"
"Extremely busy," Jim replied, but wasn't quite ready to move on, "But that's not going to distract my Gaila, are you two really good? You're not just pretending so I don't intervene?"
"We're fine Jim," Nyota nodded and her expression was genuine, "We wrote a new roomie agreement and everything."
"I'm glad to hear that," he smiled and was finally ready to move on, "How are your lessons going?"
"I'm going to kill my Advanced Engineering professor before midterms," Gaila sighed dramatically, then batted her eyelashes at Jim, "Do you think I'll get my very own commendation for original thinking if I do it?"
He could only roll his eyes in response as the waitress to their drink orders.
"I'm having the time of my life!" Nyota added smugly, "Professor Calem is just a good as the rumors say.
"He has a Vulcan TA too, I've talked to him a couple times an-"
" 'He's gorgeous!' " Gaila cut the other woman off with a sarcastic tone, causing Jim to press his lips together in order to suppress a noise that would have been less than dignified.
"He speaks 6 languages," Nyota countered seriously, "And Calem says that next year he'll be taking over Vulcan and Andorian for Post Grad Xeno-Linguistics."
Gaila turned to Jim as if she was spilling secrets, "Nyota's asked him to lunch 3 times and he keeps telling her to shove it."
"He said he believed my advances were inappropriate," Nyota grumbled, "But that's only because I'm a Cadet."
The waitress delivered their drinks and they each placed an order for breakfast foods.
Jim had no idea what to say in the face of the current topic. He knew it was way too soon to start advertising their budding relationship, and Jim would prefer to speak to Spock before he told his friends about them.
So, he took a sip of his coffee and replied diplomatically, "You're throwing yourself against a brick wall Nyota."
His tone was teasing and she glared at him, "I wasn't trying to flirt with him! He's handsome and all but he's Vulcan."
Suddenly he felt offended on Spock's behalf as Jim asked, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"They're not exactly the most romantic species," Nyota replied evenly, causing Gaila to snort as she drank her tea. Nyota continued,
"He's handsome and probably a genius but he'd probably prefer the company of a computer to an illogical human. A girl has needs Jim, and Vulcans haven't written poetry since the Pre-Surakian age."
Jim had to take another sip of his drink before saying, "That's a bit racist, I think."
"It's just the vibe he gives off. I'm sure the cold fish act is good for someone," Nyota sounded as if she was trying to soothe, "But I thought you'd understand what I meant."
Now Jim was properly confused, "Sorry but I don't understand what you mean."
"She means you're both the type who like to be romanced and wooed within an inch of your lives," Gaila laughed, "Honestly both of you watched too many romance holos as kids."
Nyota rolled her eyes but didn't contradict the other woman as she said, "Exactly, I need a bit more spice in a partner! I know you do too.
"I mean you chased Ruth around like a cat chased a mouse! Then Janice and you were always doing crazy things, remember when she sent you that bouquet of roses in the middle of class because you got tickets to Romeo and Juliet for your anniversary?
"For people like us love means catching on fire!"
The observation had him at a loss.
Jim's love language had always been mirroring. Of course he was the kind of man to burn slow and silent, he made love from a distance until they were both ready to go all in.
From there his gestures were made based on what he felt his partner needed to be sure of his affections. Sure, he enjoyed when they reciprocated in their turn, but that was because he knew that's what their love languages were.
That they were expressing their affections and he was the one they'd chosen to offer them to.
The thought came to him unbidden.
If Spock wanted to burn silently, to simply brush shoulders and share glances, then he could be happy. Even if in private if their affections were reserved to gentle touches and words, then Jim would be alright with that.
As long as he could cherish and be cherished, then Jim would be happy. Because that's all he'd ever wanted.
To be somebody to someone, to be known.
"A slow kindle is still a flame," Jim replied as he mused further, "But I get what you're saying."
Nyota was the kind of woman who deserved to be treated like a queen, she wanted a partner who could roll out the figurative red carpet every time she entered the room.
It was a simple case of 'to each their own'.
He was surprised to have such deep thoughts regarding Spock after only 2 dates, but Jim knew what he liked.
Beautiful eyes with a passion for knowledge and the unknown, all paired with the desire to experience everything that was out there just waiting to be discovered.
Spock had it all in spades.
Jim also knew that Ruth, Janice, and even T'Sar had possessed those qualities. Those very qualities took them all away.
But Jim knew that even Spock left one day to follow his own destiny. One that departed from Jim's own, then any time they had spent together would always be treasured.
It was all still so new, but somehow Jim was sure of it.
Sure as he was of his own name.
Starfleet's Loading Dock was just as lively as Jim remembered it being when he arrived back on Earth. It had already been 2 months since that time and so much had changed.
Jim had a PADD tucked into his left elbow and in his right hand there was an apple he was taking bites from a small interval. He cast a small glance at Spock, the Vulcan was standing at attention as one of the Dock attendants spoke about loading weight and departure times. Spock was wearing his regulation Science Blues, just as if they were departing on a real Mission. Jim found himself wearing Engineering Reds.
The very sight of the other man made Jim smile, two months and Jim was falling at record speed for a person he hadn't even kissed yet. But Spock was receptive to all his light and casual touches, all looks of longing cast the Vulcan's way were returned in full force.
There was something beautiful about having spoken of your intention to fall slowly into another person, and to spend weeks speaking and flirting with a clear cut agreement that this was a romance.
For there to be no question of intentions or goals. They were together with the intention to love one another, and yet they had yet to even kiss.
Jim felt chills and savored the experience. The first time they kissed, they would know one another and be sure of what they had in a way he had never experienced.
All of Jim's relationships tended to start with a few longing glances accompanied by words that culminated into a kiss which marked a begging.
He couldn't help but think that Spock's way, while sometimes beautifully frustrating, was somehow superior.
Pike clapped him on the shoulder and if he wasn't so well trained, Jim would have jumped as the Captain said, "You OK? You looked like your head was all the way in the Neutral Zone."
Jim turned to the older man, and gave him a grin, "Just appreciating the view on the ground."
He found it was rather strange not to be wearing the same Gold that Pike was in.
Following Jim's abandoned line of sight, Pike found Spock at the end of it and his brows furrowed, "Jim, please tell me you're talking about the Dock attendant and not the Vulcan you're about to spend a week in the Forest with."
His voice had an almost warning tone as Jim's smile broadened, "With respect Sir, I'm shocked that you would even imply that I'd do something unprofessional or inappropriate during a training exercise."
Rolling his eyes Pike gave him a light shove before letting go of Jim's shoulder, "Good, because Spock's has 3 times your strength and he'd kick your ass if you tried."
Jim opened his mouth to protest then shut it with a snap as he realized that yes, Pike wasn't aware that they were dating. They still had a little over a month to disclose their relationship since the limit was 90 days, but Jim was more surprised with how unsettled he was by the fact he couldn't lay claim to their relationship yet.
That meant he would have to discuss declaring it with Spock.
He shook his head as he felt an overwhelming sense of joy at the idea of Spock meeting Bones, Gaila, and Nyota. Jim wondered what Pike would say when he knew.
Spock's conversation with the Dock Attendant ended and the Vulcan made his way over to Jim and Pike saying, "It seems everything is in order for our departure, we need only wait for the Cadets assigned to this week's simulation to arrive."
"Good," Pike nodded and checked the chronometer in the station before saying, "We have about 15 minutes before they get here so I have a few things to say."
Jim turned to face Pike completely and came to attention with Spock, their shoulders brushed and he had to hold back a smile as coyness practically radiated off the Vulcan.
"Firstly, even though you're of equal rank, I'm putting Jim in charge," Pike informed them as if he was reporting the weather, "Jim here is going to be serving as my Second Officer so you're going to have to get used to him taking the lead on these things."
Spock tilted his head in agreement and replied, "That is acceptable and welcome news."
The only thing Spock seemed to be feeling beyond surprise was genuine happiness that shone through his eyes and Jim was grateful. Not only was Spock a member of Starfleet, he was Vulcan. That meant he understood that Jim couldn't talk to anyone about his upcoming commission.
Spock then turned to Jim with a small almost invisible smile and said, "I look forward to furthering our professional exchange on the Enterprise Mr. Kirk."
Returning the grin Jim replied, "The feeling is mutual Mr. Spock."
Pike looked between them with narrowed eyes and they turned their attention back to him as he continued, "If anything that requires medical attention occurs you keep moving unless it's life threatening, then you make contact with Starbase Salem and you get that Cadet out of there. Once they're safe you continue on with the simulation.
"Should circumstances turn dire, these Cadets are to be protected. You are their commanding officers and this is their first mission. You are responsible for what happens to them.
"That being said, until such a time as death is a true possibility, you are not to interfere with their survival methods or choices. You are there to observe them and grade them on their ability to apply what we have taught.
"Only contact me if it's a priority 1 issue, we need to ground this test as deeply into reality as possible, am I understood?"
"Yes Sir!" Both Jim and Spock responded as officers readied themselves to embark on a mission.
"Good." Pike gave them a nod, "That will be all until our arrival and the Cadets are informed of the parameters."
Slowly but surely the 12 Cadets assigned to the first round of testing arrived.
Cadet Okafor was the first to find her way to the rendezvous point. She arrived in her Cadet reds and nothing else as requested. Her brows crumpled in disappointment as she approached them and her feelings were made clear as she asked,
"Am I the first one to arrive, Sirs?"
"You are," Pike gave a nod, "You'll have to wait a bit longer to find out who else is in your group."
Pike had only sent out the meeting date, time, and location to the Cadets in his Class. Even then he only sent the information to the first group. The next group would receive their information while the first group was still partaking in their simulation.
Of course their other teachers had been informed of their test dates weeks before, but for the Cadets it would be as close to the last minute as regulations regarding final exams permitted.
The group's Vulcan arrived next. Sordik fell into place next to Okafor and after cursory greetings he quietly waited for the rest of the Cadets to join them.
In the end all 12 Cadets managed to arrive before the set 0800 hours, which was commendable. Jim and Spock stood aside as Pike greeted them and instructed each of them to load into a shuttle that had arranged to deliver them to the USS Defiant.
Pike led the way, while Jim and Spock followed just behind him. The Cadets entered then and began seating themselves as they desired. As soon as everyone was situated Pike gave the order for take off to the Dock Attendant who took his place at the helm.
Take off was smooth as silk but Jim had to fight back a smile as the Cadet's eyes widened in awe during their ascent.
The majority of this group had never left Earth in their lives. Sordik of course was unmoved but the others seemed to be wiggling around in their seats in an attempt to get a peek out the windows of the shuttle.
Pike began speaking and the Cadets did their best to imitate stone, "The Trip to Garrihk IX will take a very brief 3 hours.
"You have been assigned Dome 23 for your simulation. I ask you to keep to yourselves and let the good Crew of the Defiant do their work.
"Further information will be dispensed when we board Starbase Salem."
The Cadets gave a united, "Yes Sir."
Boarding the Defiant was reminiscent of boarding the Farragut and the moment Jim stepped out of the Shuttle behind Pike, his heart swelled as the subtle vibration of the ship's warp core traveled up his feet and into his bones.
Captain R'quin was pleased to greet them all and a member of security led them to the recreation deck where the small group could pass the time for their very short trip.
The Cadets were more than happy to entertain each other with all the games a Starship provided. Pike pulled out his PADD and seemed content to read for the duration of the trip but Jim had other ideas.
"Mr. Spock," Jim saddled up to the Vulcan and his voice dipped low, soft and teasing, "What would it take for you to partake in a game of chess with me as your opponent?"
He gestured to three empty tables which had 3-D boards mounted on them. There were small drawers on the sides of the table which no doubt held the pieces needed for a game.
Spock who had begun to give his version of a smile at Jim's tone replied in much the same way, "Well Mr. Kirk, it would require only a request from you and a set that was available for our particular purpose."
Jim looked up at Spock and grinned, "I seem to have met your needs, let's play a game shall we?"
Replying with only a tilt of his head, Spock moved towards the table of his choice. One which was notably at the furthest distance from the Cadets and Captain Pike. Jim followed him and pressed his lips together suppressing his giddiness at their small flirtation.
It always gave him a bit of thrill when Spock responded in turn. That he could make the Vulcan feel so at ease did something to Jim's heart.
They took their seats at opposing sides and Jim offered Spock first pick of pieces. Choosing White, Spock began gathering his little army and they each set up their respective sides of the board.
Spock made his first move and Jim laid the game out in his head. He knew Spock's strategy would be 100% logic based so that allowed him to narrow down the potential strategies of his opponent. The pawn he chose was also a factor.
Jim looked at his own pieces and knew that his only chance was to adapt his approach as Spock's own moves blew a hole in his approach. It would only take a couple moves for Jim to figure out what Spock's entire trajectory was. This would be enough.
Moving his own piece he turned his eyes back to Spock and smiled, "You once told me your Father was an Ambassador, I've been wondering what your Mother did for a living. Is she a diplomat as well?"
"She is a linguist," Spock replied as he eyed board, "While she was a teacher when she lived on Earth, most of her work focused on improving the Universal Translator.
"She continued her work when she married my Father and moved to Vulcan."
So Spock's Mother was the Human then, Jim reasoned as he watched his opponent move his chosen piece.
"She must be a remarkable woman," Jim replied honestly, it took a special type of someone to uproot their entire life and move 16 light years away onto a planet that possessed a culture that was completely opposite to the one you belonged to.
"You are correct in your observation," Spock observed but he seemed pleased by Jim's assessment, "I am confident you and she will approve of one another when you have the opportunity to meet."
Pressing his lips together Jim fought back a blush at the implication of the words, "I look forward to it."
Casting his gaze up and quickly around Spock seemed to find whatever he was looking for and offered his hand to Jim. But not to hold, no, he presented his forefinger and middle finger together while the rest of his digits were folded closed. The hand was slightly hidden from the general view by the table they were using for chess.
Jim lowered his voice to a whisper, "What is that?"
Spock moved his hand as if in offering and whispered his reply, "A secret."
Realizing what was being requested, Jim folded his own hand into the same gesture and brought it next to Spock's own.
"This is how my people kiss," Spock informed him in a reverent and quiet tone, then the Vulcan moved his offered digits and ever so gently touched them to Jim's own.
Just as in the media room when their hands brushed, the contact caused a slight but pleasurable tingle to move its way up Jim's arm. Suddenly Spock pushed and his fingers ran the length of Jim's own. The sensation was no longer slight, it grew and buzzed shooting right into Jim's very soul.
He had to hold back as gasp as he very eagerly returned the motion.
Spock inhaled slightly and blinked, and Jim knew he'd done it right. The Vulcan then pulled away and unfolded his hand.
Jim smiled brightly as the sensation faded and a sense of warm affection bubbled up in his chest.
"It's beautiful," Jim sighed, happily.
Spock flushed, but only a slight green tinge appeared. Quickly it faded but the image was ingrained in Jim's mind, because Spock blushing was easily the most beautiful thing he had ever known.
Jim won their match but at the end of their trip Spock seemed smug anyways.
Transferring over to Starbase Salem was done with little fanfare. Their group moved among the officers who were switching out or had been granted shore leave for the week.
Commander Al'lon greeted them all diplomatically, and led them to Transfer Room Delta. Small cubby-like stalls lined the walls of the room and a conference table surrounded by chairs was placed dead center.
It was a room specially equipped for the Survival Cadets to change into their uniforms and receive their parameters.
"Ah memories," Jim sighed and shot Pike a smile. The Captain practically glared back as he said,
"You were a menace and Commander Ge'l was ready to kill you by the end of it."
"I got us to the rendezvous point in 4 days," Jim smiled smugly, "Not my fault he couldn't handle my efficiency. He shouldn't have handed me the damn bag."
Jim's 4 days was in no way a record, it was top 20, but it wasn't a record. No that went to some poor team whose assigned leader had them all jump into a river to shave off 3 days of travel. That team had the #1 spot at a whopping 2 days, they all failed, but it was something.
Pike rolled his eyes and addressed the group, "Cadets, there is a cubby along the wall with your name on it. It contains a uniform, change into, then wait at the conference table."
All 12 Cadets proceed to obey and enter the cubbies without so much as a peep in protest of the small space.
Instead of the Standard Starfleet Division colors, the Cadets would be wearing washed out Black uniforms that followed the same design.
Pike sat down and waited patiently at the head of the table, Jim was at his right and Spock was sitting at his left. Rather efficiently, each Cadet emerged wearing their new uniform and took a chair.
When the table was filled by eager Cadets, Pike began, "As of right now, all 12 of you have begun your week-long test.
"I will inform you of the simulation parameters and you will have a week to execute them or you will fail and, depending on your performance, you may be removed from the Academy."
Jim paid close attention to the dozen Cadets and found that several were sweating due to their nerves. One in particular, B'Elize was their name, and they kept rubbing their palms together.
"Your group will be cut in half, 6 of you will be going with me to landing point Delta and the other 6 will be going with Mr. Kirk and Mr. Spock to landing point Epsilon," Pike informed them. There was some surprise in the Cadet's eyes at the news.
The Captain showed no sign having seen the reaction and kept on, "This is the scenario: We are a research team who, due to the natural materials and ores in the zone of interest interfering with our sensors, were forced to take a shuttle down to the planet.
"We crashed due to a heavy atmospheric Ion storm and the shuttle split in two causing us to be separated.
"We must clear the zone of interest and activate a distress beacon which will allow us to be rescued by our ship.
"Each party of 6 will be given half a survival kit that is normally located in a shuttle. Unless you are at risk of death or life altering injury, Mr. Kirk, Mr. Spock, and I will remain impartial observers to your plight.
"You will be, for all intents and purposes, alone. Are there any questions?"
There was a beat of silence when finally Cadet Okafor spoke up, "Are there ways to get extra credit?"
"Yes," Pike answered simply to Okafor's utter disappointment. Jim shared an amused glance with Spock at the audacity of the Cadet to think the Captain would just tell them how to get extra points in an exercise meant to measure the closest thing to their genuine reactions to a survival situation.
"Is there a possibility that we may automatically fail the simulation?" Sordik spoke smoothly and broke the awkward tension that was forming after the last answer.
"Touch one of the instructors' supply bags and you will," Pike replied with the same easy expression that he wore when answering the first question.
The bags Jim and Spock were being equipped with were identical to what you would find in a Kelvin Pod kit along with enough rations to last them a week. It wasn't fancy and it wasn't any better than the rations the Cadets were being given, but the fact was Jim and Spock weren't being tested.
So that meant they had everything they needed but the Cadets wouldn't.
Cheating was a huge no-go for these kinds of tests, Jim had actually managed to sneak extra meal bars in his boots during his simulation but that was neither here nor there. His own actions had little to do with cheating and more to do with having anxiety over whether or not his team could be trusted to share or properly ration their food.
While a wily Cadet may want to steal some food, the reason they weren't allowed near the pack was due to the fact that both Jim and Spock would have a PADD containing a map of the entire dome so they could all meet at a designated location should a real emergency happen and Salem couldn't help.
And should things go to hell in a handbasket, Spock's kit would have an emergency beacon that was powerful enough to break through the disruption field.
So yeah.
There was that.
Cadet B'Elize then spoke up with a surprising sureness," Am I correct to assume that you, Mr. Kirk and Mr. Spock will be equipped with phasers for emergency use?"
"You are correct, but unless it's an emergency you will have to act, they simply don't exist," Pike gave her a nod in approval. Jim was secretly pleased as well, they were the first one to ask about something that didn't pertain to their grades.
When it became apparent that there were no more questions forthcoming, Pike stood and pulled out his PADD. Jim and Spock followed his lead as the Captain said,
"Alright, if that is all, I'll be separating you into your groups. If I call your name I want you to stand and go to the front of the room."
Pike scrolled through his PADD, "Cadet Okafor, Cadet Ivanov, Cadet Torres, Cadet Sordik, Cadet Grove, and Cadet B'Elize."
The 6 Cadets rose obediently and moved to the front of the room near the door. Pike then turned to Jim and smiled, "Go on then, take your kids and I'll see you at the end of the week Lt. Cmdr. Kirk, Mr. Spock."
Jim gave Pike a nod before grabbing the bag his group had been assigned in a coin toss while they'd eaten tuna sandwiches, and made his way out the door following Spock close behind.
"If you're not behind Mr. Spock and me when we reach the transporter room you're getting left behind and failing this test," Jim called out without looking back as he entered the hall. He smirked to himself as he could hear the mad scramble of the Cadets who had been standing as they tried to catch up to him and Spock.
They reached transporter room 1 and Jim greeted the technician with a smile, "Hello Lieutenant, I'm Lt. Cmdr. Kirk and I've been told you have a package for me and my friend here?"
The Lieutenant checked his itinerary and nodded, "Yes sir!"
He then reached under the transporter panel and handed Kirk and Spock their survival kits along with a pair of communicators and fully charged phasers.
As he and Spock were equipping their gear, out of the corner of his eye Jim saw the Cadets enter the transporter room, "Mr. Spock, who do you say is best qualified in our group to be in charge of the kit?"
Whoever was in charge of the kit, would be the designated commander. There was a lot a stake here for the group and it was in Jim's hands. With, of course, recommendation from Spock.
The Cadets didn't even try to hide their interest in the conversation as their wide and curious eyes all darted to Spock. All except Sordik's eyes of course, he was more subtle in his interest as he turned his head so that his ears were practically aimed at Spock so that he could hear every syllable of the older Vulcan's reply.
"Overall, Cadet Sordik has the highest grade and efficiency rating of the group," Spock gave him a look that, to Jim, said that while Sordik was great, he wasn't suited to lead.
"Right well, he's a Communications student, so perhaps we should hand the situation over to someone on the Command Track," Jim replied and Spock gave a lilting nod.
"There are only 2 command Cadets in our ranks. Cadet Okafor and Cadet B'Elize both show promise, but seeing as I am primarily a Science Officer, I will defer to you on this matter," Spock's tone said that he really didn't care who Jim handed it off to because he thought both were fine.
Well, Okafor had been more interested in extra credit so his choice had already been made for him.
With a smile Jim didn't bother to break eye contact with Spock as he said, "Cadet B'Elize, would you mind taking your group's supplies?"
He then turned to the huddle of Cadets, making sure he looked directly at B'Elize, "You'll be responsible for every piece of food and equipment in the bag, you have your orders."
Then Jim slid the strap off his shoulder and into his hand, arm stretched out in order to offer the supplies to B'Elize.
"Sir," B'Elize gave a salute and took the bag eagerly before slinging it around themself so the strap was across their body.
Jim tossed one more smile at Spock before they stepped onto the transporter pad together. Taking the hint, the Cadets piled into the transporter.
"That's all the kids loaded up," Jim announced before giving the transporter technician a nod, "Energize."
It was time to put the fear of god into some poor souls.
Landing point Epsilon consisted of some heavily rocky terrain at the mouth of a mountain range. So, once they materialized Jim found a nice rock and promptly sat on it, earning a surprised but curious look from Spock . The Cadets were watching him like he'd grown another head as Jim patted the free space of his sitting rock and said,
"Mr. Spock there is room for two on this rather lovely perch, that is, if you are so inclined."
Raising an eyebrow, Spock seemed to want to sigh before he finally made his way over to Jim and sat next to him on the rock. Jim smiled at the Vulcan brightly before crossing his arms and turning his attention back to the Cadets.
After an awkward beat, B'Elize gently placed the kit they'd been given on the ground then proceeded to unzip it and began removing the supplies one by one. They handed the sealed supplies to Cadet Okafor and Cadet Ivanov ostensibly so that the packaging wasn't exposed to the dirt.
"Should you really be taking everything out?!" Cadet Okafor seemed scandalized as she looked between the officers, the Cadet they had put in charge, and the supplies that were slowly filling her arms.
Instead of replying, B'Elize turned to Torres and Sordik who were both watching from their place just next to Jim and Spock, "Get over here I need more arms."
Sordik compiled, so Jim assumed the Vulcan had either figured out what B'Elize was up to or he just didn't see the logic in questioning B'Elize's orders.
Torres on the other hand was an idiot and said, "I'm with Okafor, I don't think we should be taking things out until we need them.
B'Elize who began handing things to Sordik and shared a look with him and Jim found himself completely chuffed at the fact that B'Elize, who was a quarter Betaziod, had made friends with a Vulcan.
"Is it not logical to inspect what we have access to?" Sordik replied instead, "How are we to use supplies 'as we need them' if we do not first take inventory of what we have been equipped with?
"Is that not one of the pillars of this course? To know your assets?"
"Right...,"Torres gave a quick glance to the officers who were observing, then rushed to help carry the supplies.
Jim cast a look that contained his amusement at Spock, the Vulcan slowly turned his head so that their eyes met. The level of exasperation that Spock was broadcasting within just a few minutes of beaming down had Jim holding back a snort.
"They're not that bad," Jim whispered quietly, he knew Sordik could probably hear him but the Humans and B'Elize could not.
Spock continued to meet Jim's gaze and whispered back, "You clearly designated a leader and two have already displayed blatant acts of insubordination."
Well, he was right, this wasn't a fun little camping trip. They'd have to knock a few of them down for that.
"Grove, Ivanov," B'Elize called to the two Cadets who had not been handed supplies, "I need Grove helping me separate edibles from the lot and I want Ivanov cataloging the other supplies by use."
With that Grove and Ivanov, probably not wanting a Vulcan dressing down, obeyed.
Once they were done cataloging their supplies, it was Sordik who came to the conclusion that Jim and Spock had been patiently waiting for them to come.
"The rations we have been provided are sufficient for only 3 days. We must forage as we make our way out of the disrupted area."
"We still need to find which way we're going to go," Okafor frowned and put her hands on her hips, "Does the tricorder even work within the disruption field?"
The tricorder in question had been handed off to Cadet Grove, who was a science track cadet with a focus on botany. Jim took note of the decision. The group had no medical students but there was one other science track Cadet and it was Torres. B'Elize seemed content to look him over since he'd been more keen to agree with Okafor.
It was a decent call but, in Jim's opinion, B'Elize should have been more considerate of the fact that Torres' specialty was geology. But, just as with Jim's own call at making B'Elize the designated leader, there was more to consider than just a Cadet's specialty.
Grove squatted and used the scanner to take a reading of the dirt and proceeded to take a look at the readings on the tricodrer as she said, "If I can isolate the compound I might be able to use it to figure out which way and how far we need to go."
"Torres," B'Elize addressed their other Science Cadet, "You help Grove, do you think the two of you can do that on the move?"
"We'll just need a small sample I think," Torres shrugged as he moved to join Grove, "Why?"
"Simple. Shelter is a vital necessity," Sordik informed him in a rather superior tone, "We are currently out in the open thus vulnerable to dangers such as wildlife and even exposure."
Jim had to press his lips together in order to prevent himself from giving an actual laugh at the candid delivery of such a morbid fact. Sordik was right though, and Jim held back a snort as Torres pursed his lips in agitation.
"Exactly, thank you Sordik," B'Elize smiled at the Vulcan and Sordik gave a small nod back. Unlike Spock, Jim observed, Sordik did not smile with his eyes but there was an easing of his features that revealed his preference to B'Elize.
Turning his attention back to the leader, Torres' expression didn't brighten a single bit, "We should head deeper into the hills and hope to find a defensible cave or crag."
He then gestured to the area just behind Jim and Spock's sitting rock. Jim couldn't help but twist a bit to get a good look at the land behind them as it rose slowly into several rocky mounds.
B'Elize cast a look at Jim, which he met evenly before they turned back to their group and declared, "Alright, who's up for a little hiking then?"
Deciding rather quickly B'Elize would lead the group and ordered Sordik to bring up the rear.
As they organized, Jim rose to his feet and offered Spock a jaunty hand with a smile which the Vulcan took with a raised eyebrow and light smirk.
"Mr. Spock, how do you feel about accompanying Cadet B'Elize at the front of the conga line?" Jim asked lightly as Spock pulled himself to his feet.
"If by the term 'conga line' you are referring to the contingent of Cadets, then I shall oblige you," Spock replied almost breezily, "Though I do not see why you would believe a hiking group to be similar to Cuban novelty line dance."
"I just have a bad sense of humor," Jim allowed himself a small laugh at Spock's bewilderment.
Spock tilted his head and both of his brows raised as if to wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment before making his way to join B'Elize at the head of the group.
In an act that was nowhere near surprising B'Elize ordered Sordik to the back of the line with Jim. Sordik though, seemed to look his commanding officer up and down as if Jim was a particularly difficult math problem before voicing his conundrum,
"Why is it that you are in the back of the contingent? Are you not in charge?"
He couldn't help it then, Jim barked out a laugh which caused Spock to dart his head back around towards them. Waving his friend off, Jim turned back to Sordik and did not hold back a smile as he replied, "Yes but B'Elize is leading so I feel it's more important for me to be at your rear.
"Since they've been differing to your wisdom I knew they'd have you bring up the back, and having a Vulcan at each end is really the optimum positioning for a hike such as this."
Sordik seemed to take the information in without protest and didn't speak again until they began their trek through the rocky hills.
"I have found the parameters of the simulation much more problematic that I believed they would be," Sordik confessed unprompted, "I was erroneous in my supposition that you and Professor Pike had engaged in the Human practice of exaggeration when speaking of the level of difficulties we would be facing."
Holding back a smile he considered the Cadet's words. It was still a very novel experience having Vulcans ask him things, it seemed when they viewed you as an instructor they became extremely chatty.
Jim supposed that Sordik's assessment was fair, Humans did tend to over sell things a bit when they wanted to instill fear or respect into people.
"That's true, we Humans do tend to overstate things," Jim did his best to compliment the Cadet's reasoning, "But Captain Pike is one Human in a small category who doesn't like overstating things.
"You may have noticed his lack of embellishment during his lectures. Captain Pike speaks in facts and isn't inclined to exaggerate."
"And you Sir? Are you inclined towards such hyperbolic statements?" Sordik asked reasonably.
"While I like a good metaphor, I personally don't believe I exaggerate things," Jim smiled softly at the Cadet before circling back to the original point of their conversation,
"As demanding as the situation may seem, I have every confidence your group will perform admirably."
Sordik seemed to take the words in before replying, "It is a trial I am prepared to undertake Mr. Kirk as is B'Elize who, in my assessment, was the most logical choice to lead out contingent."
Jim let out a quiet chuckle, "Well I'm glad my decision meets with your approval."
Simply raising one eyebrow Sordik turned forward effectively ending their conversation until he decided to speak again.
Which was often considering the fact that walking was a mind numbing exercise. Sordik talked about several articles in recent journals that he'd read on a few breakthroughs on the Universal translator as well as inquiries over what linguistic classes Jim himself would recommend for a cross education Command and Communications.
It was exactly what Jim would consider a 'friendly' conversation with a Vulcan to be like and nothing at all like the conversations he and Spock exchanged.
After a few hours of observing their Cadets, Jim had to admit that their group was pretty amusing.
They had reached Garrihk IX at midday planet time so by the time their contingent of Cadets found a crag suited for their temporary lodgings, it was already nearing the early evening hours and Okafor was the first to complain,
"How many times can we eat per day? Because I'm starving already."
B'Elize, who had found the crag, rolled their eyes and began designating duties, "Okafor, you and Ivanov can go gather some wood for a small fire. The rest of us will set up camp for the evening. "
The quarter Betazoid then turned to Sordik while offering him the supply kit, "Measure out enough rations for dinner, we'll take the time to discuss our greater plan after everyone is fed."
Sordik gave a shallow nod and took the proffered kit as ordered.
As the Cadets set camp Jim pulled out the thin insulated blanket that was tucked into the corner of his survival kit and laid it down on an area he'd cleared with his boot. Sensing Spock's approach, Jim turned to the Vulcan only to find him clearing his own spot only about a yard away.
A fluttering feeling refused to be stamped down inside of Jim's stomach as he turned back to his own area and set it up for the night.
Once he was finished, Jim made to sit on the insulated blanket with his legs folded and couldn't help his amusement that Spock had decided to do the same.
"How have you found Cadet B'Elize?" he couldn't help but make a bit of conversations. Spock didn't even hesitate before replying,
"They are not an avid conversationalist and I found myself disappointed in the lack of mental stimulation over the course of our trek."
Jim smiled then, he knew it had to be full of the affection he felt at Spock's particular brand of complaining, "Well, Sordik had enough to say for the both of them. I think I learned more about the Universal Translator in the last hour than I ever learned in my time at the academy."
"You specialized in Command, Engineering, and Navigation. It is not so remarkable that you lack knowledge in such an area," Spock replied, then his voice took on a strange quality that Jim couldn't name as he said, "Though I am surprised Cadet Sordik was so keen to share his interests."
"He was just bored," Jim shook his head, "And probably wishing that he was talking to someone that wasn't his instructor."
"While I am compelled to remind you that Vulcans do not 'wish', I understand the desire to have spent the trek with a different party," Spock's voice was light and warm and his eyes sparkled as he spoke, causing Jim to let out a huff.
His cheeks were warm and Jim knew he was probably blushing like an idiot as he replied, "Well, you're not the only one."
Then after a moment Jim took a breath and moved forwards,"I've actually been meaning to ask you about attending a lecture on warp mechanics and interplanetary beaming at the end of the semester."
"It is an interesting subject I would be amenable to attending such an event," Spock gave a small nod, "I ask only that I subsequently be permitted to prepare you a meal at my place of residence."
Jim had bitten the inside of his own goddamn lip so that he didn't give an over enthusiastic reply to being invited over for dinner.
"That sounds wonderful," Jim nodded with what was probably a too wide smile, then spared a glance for the Cadets. They were separating rations and designating jobs for the next day.
So he lowered his voice and said, "I know we've only been courting for a short time but I was hoping to introduce you to my friends before the declaration period ends."
They hadn't really talked about the declaration period ending, but it was something that hovered around the edges of their very few and very polite dates.
"They are your associates," Spock tilted his head and seemed almost confused, "I do not see the import of such an introduction."
"AH, but Human friendships are different than Vulcan ones," Jim gently reminded him with a smile, "It's an important milestone in Human relationships for a partner to be introduced to friends.
"It shows that I intend for you to be invited to social outings with them and that our relationship is being built to last."
A smile graced Spock's features then as he replied in a voice soft and laden with affection, "If this is an important milestone for you, then I will be willing to partake."
Jim had to take a breath to ground himself then. His growing feelings for the other swelled up in his chest and an indescribable sense of pride filled him at the thought that he, Jim Kirk, was the one that could move Spock.
That Spock could already, at such a short acquaintance, move Jim as well was a foregone conclusion.
Reaching out Jim offered his hand in a kiss and was inordinately pleased when the tips of Spock's ears tinged green before he returned the gesture. Their fingers touched for only a moment but the sensation of it went straight to Jim's heart.
They parted and turned their attention back to the Cadets who seemed content to grumble amongst themselves about what duties they'd each been assigned.
If they were smart foraging would start marrow and if they were skilled their direction would also be chosen with the help of the tricorder.
Jim noticed his skin tingling as if energy was flowing around them and turned to Spock who met his gaze. The Vulcan too seemed intent on examining the sudden feeling. Their unspoken question was answered as a flash of electricity filled the otherwise clear sky and crackled loudly. The light of it illuminated the glass like energy field that contained their dome.
Spock clamped his hands over his ears and Jim immediately looked to Sordik who did the same. In the face of such an enormous racket it was all they could do for their sensitive ears. After adjusting, Spock reached for his survival kit and pulled out his tricorder.
Jim immediately stood and turned his gaze to the sky which had begun to tinge orange where the lightning like energy had traveled. Another surge came and left another streak.
"Lt. Cmdr. Kirk what is that?!" Cadet Okafor was far too panicked for his taste and Jim quietly thanked B'Elize as they shakily replied,
"Calm yourself, we're in a survival dome and that was clearly outside."
"Though we are safe, it can still affect us," Sordik spoke quietly and sounded as shaken as a Vulcan could get, "Should the energy storm affect our equipment then we may be in a less than ideal situation."
Jim turned to the Cadets as the storm picked up outside the dome and knew Sordik was right. The dome only prevented organic life forms from entering and exiting so that anything too dangerous living on Garrihk IX couldn't harm the Survival Students.
But this storm was pure energy and was in no way organic.
"Mr. Spock, readings?" Jim turned his gaze to Spock who's eyes were fixed on the tricoder.
"It is the beginning of ion particle storm Sir," Spock replied with a grim expression, "Cadet Sordik was correct to question the Dome's ability to protect our equipment.
"If the storm forms past level 3 our long range communication equipment will not be able to contact Starbase Salem or Captain Pike. My readings are already being obstructed, due to this it is logical to conclude it has at least reached level 2."
"How long will the storm last?" Jim frowned and measured out his options as Spock answered,
"Two days at most, but it will not matter. While Salem will be capable of repairing their equipment we will lack the adequate supplies."
"Unless we sacrifice the tricorder and the bone knitter," Jim took a breath and folded his arms in thought, "We'll be able to cannibalize them and repair long range function for at least one communicator."
"We do not have a bone knitter, " Sordik piped in and Spock cast him an almost reproachful look as the older Vulcan said,
"No, but Captain Pike's team is in possession of one and has most likely come to the same conclusion as Mr. Kirk has."
Sordik bowed his head almost shamefully as if in apology for his interruption.
Jim clapped his hands together, "First things first!"
He turned to B'Elize, "Cadet, what shall we do to protect us from the storm before it reaches us?"
Their eyes widened and their mouths fell open as Jim could practically feel Spock's incredulousness rolling over his own amusement at the Cadet's reaction.
"Everyone into the crag," B'Elize ordered once they gathered themselves, "Sordik you will be stationed in the rear and I'll keep an eye on the storm from the mouth."
As the Cadets gathered their things Jim and Spock did the same. Once packed Jim turned his attention to Spock,
"Normally I'd station you with B'Elize and I'd be enjoying Sordik's company once more, but I feel we need to discuss a plan and so we must both enjoy front-of cave duty."
"While the situation is less than ideal I find myself pleased by the news that you will be joining us," Spock answered and seemed to relax.
The Cadets filed into the crag as the wind picked up and the storm slowly inched towards their area. Jim spared a thought for Pike's group but knew if they were incompetent or lacking the Captain would have taken charge.
They rebuilt their camp for the night in the crag and Jim once more set an area up for himself, but this time it was at the mouth of the opening. Spock settled next to him, though only a half yard was between them due to the now constrained space.
B'Elize set their area on the right side of the entrance, directly opposite to the officers.
Cadet Grove pulled one of the small gravity lights from the kit and turned it on before releasing it. The small orb like device lit up their alcove like a night light and began to hover around 6 feet off the ground.
"Good thinking Grove," B'Elize offered her fellow Cadet a nod and Grove smiled in response.
Jim settled onto his blanket and threw Spock a smile as the Vulcan once more joined him sitting on the ground.
"If our little troop is anything they're quick," Jim observed as the Cadets finished settling and went back to eating whatever rations they've been allotted.
"As you and Captain Pike observed before we left Salem, speed is not the only quality one must possess to survive," Spock replied almost slyly and Jim almost had to double take before he laughed.
"Was that a joke Mr. Spock?"
"Merely an observation, it is your own preference whether you find it humorous or not, " Spock replied in an even tone but his eyes, oh there were laughing and so Jim continued to smile and shake his head.
B'Elize made a slight noise as if to remind the two that they were present and Jim gave them a small glance. They were pointedly staring out of the mouth of the crag and Jim wondered if he and Spock were really that obvious.
Then again B'Elize was a quarter Betazoid and registered as slightly emphatic, even if their eyes were crystal blue. Jim had to suppress a snort as the thought occurred to him that they were picking up his and Spock's 'romance vibes'.
"Observation or not you are correct," Jim was all business now, it was important not to ogle Spock too much in front of the Cadets, "Just like you were correct about our equipment. When the storm passes we'll have to test the communicators."
"If they do not work, it would be logical to cancel the Cadet's planned route and head towards the emergency meet up location," Spock observed.
"Pike will be heading there too," Jim agreed, landing point Delta was just on the other side of the hills after all, "There's no way he won't if communications are down between us and Salem."
B'Elize seemed not to have learned from Sordik's display earlier and butted in, "But what if Professor Pike's group isn't affected by the storm?"
Spock gave them the same look he'd unleashed on Sordik just earlier and B'Elize cringed.
Insubordination, it seemed, was something Spock would endure when the temporary authority of a Cadet was questioned but the Vulcan was not going to let their contingent get away with it in regards to himself and Jim.
Jim reached out and laid a gentle hand on Spock's forearm, the Vulcan was not stressed or angry. No he seemed more along the lines of appalled.
"Cadet B'Elize, Mr. Kirk and I are your superior officers and as such we possess data that you do not," Spock practically spat the words in his own Vulcan way,
"You were not asked for input nor did we request your attention. Such signs of insubordinate behavior is to be put on record."
B'Elize seemed to want to protest but whatever they wanted to say was swallowed back with a brave face.
"Be assured that for us it is a foregone conclusion that Pike's team are just as affected as we are," Jim's voice was softer, mostly because he was trying to be calm for Spock's sake. The Vulcan seemed extremely put off by the last two displays in a way Jim found concerning.
He slid his hand off of Spock's arm, "You'll have to remember that while you Cadets are in a survival simulation, we are Starfleet officers who have been charged with caring for you.
"The measures we have taken are none of your concern until we make them so."
B'Elize seemed to relax at that before they replied, "Yes, Sir. Sorry."
Then they turned to look at the Cadets that were deeper in the cave, "I'm going to make sure they're still alright."
With that B'Elize rose and moved towards the others and Jim looked to Spock, his heart was disquieted by the Vulcan's reactions.
"Forgive me for not allowing you to chastise the Cadets," Spock almost whispered, "I find myself most disturbed by my reaction to their displays of insubordination towards you."
Jim swallowed back whatever words were on the tip of his tongue at the new information. His chest grew tight and a fire ignited deep in his belly at the thought of Spock being protective of him.
"You were within your right as their superior officer," Jim said, his tongue felt heavy and his mouth was impossibly dry, "They were disrespecting you too."
Spock blinked slowly then gave a small nod, "Perhaps."
The word was heavy and Jim could hear what was left unsaid echoing in his head.
That Spock would have been gentler with the kids if it hadn't been Jim they had questioned.
The light touch of someone's knuckles caressing his cheek pulled Jim out of his slumber.
He had taken first watch with Sordik and Spock had replaced him in the dead of night while Sordik was relieved by Okafor. That indicated dawn had crept its way over Garrihk IX.
Eyes fluttering opened with a protest on the tip of his tongue, Jim choked back the words and they tumbled as they receded into his throat.
Above him Spock hovered, his brown eyes soft and his voice like honey as he spoke, "It is time to rise Jim. Ivanov has gone to wake the others."
Spock was positioned in such a way that if any of the Cadets glanced over, the Vulcan's body would block their view of his actions. That was why Jim allowed himself to bring his hand up to gently clasp Spock's own. Their fingers mingled together sensuously and Jim slowly smiled up at the other man. It would be so easy to love Spock.
He couldn't help but think that Spock was a vision straight from an old Earth classic as he addressed Jim so intimately. His name was something Spock rarely used, even when they were out together on a date, the Vulcan seemed reluctant to call him anything other than 'Mr. Kirk'.
"Good morning Spock," Jim sighed as he gave his companion a bleary smile, and spared the mind power to ponder what he might give to wake up to Spock more often.
"We shall see if it can be considered as such once we look over the communication devices," Spock replied, his tone light and casual as if he'd replied with his own words of greeting. Light from the mouth of the crag was hitting him just so, and Jim could swear Spock was glowing.
Jim released the hand he'd captured, "A man's work is never done it seems."
Pulling away, Spock moved to stand and Jim covered up a yawn with his hand before joining the other man. Once Jim was on his feet his eyes turned towards the Cadets, Ivanov was making quick work of poking and prodding each of them awake.
While not as polite as Jim would have instructed, it was an effective method and the Cadets were already grunting and groaning as they sat up. Cadet Grove in particular seemed completely disgruntled by Ivanov's method but settled on glaring at him rather than speaking up on the matter.
Fortunately, B'Elize was the first one to be fully cognizant and took it upon themselves to wake Sordik. Jim watched in amusement as they made their way towards the young Vulcan and gently shook him awake. It was much less violent than Ivanov's method and Sordik seemed to wake much quicker than the others.
Finally all the Cadets were up and putting away their bedrolls. Jim had done so while he observed Ivanov's methods of waking the others. Spock it seemed had packed his own supplies while Jim himself was sleeping.
"Ivanov, if you're all packed up I want you to help Mr. Spock examine the communication equipment," Jim called out to the Cadet who had finished his rounds and then proceeded to hand Spock his communicator.
"Yes Sir!" Ivanov saluted but Jim couldn't help but think the Cadet would rather be anywhere else.
B'Elize, after a short and whispered conversation with Sordik, approached Jim briskly, "Sir, if we still have contact with Salem, then according to Grove and Torres we should be heading north east to escape the disruption zone."
It was good to see that the two Science Cadets had still taken the time to examine the soil properties and filtered out the disruptive influence for their tricorder. Jim would have to take note that they'd stayed on task regardless of the sudden upset.
"Good," He nodded at the Cadet, then spared a glance out of the mouth of the crag, "It looks like the storm has died down a bit."
From what Jim could see it had become some minor winds with a few energy flashes now and again.
"If you had any plans for the contingent it would be wise to either cancel or execute them before it gets bad out there again," He advised the Cadet and privately hoped they'd cancel because having two kids trapped out in the middle of a forest during an ion storm was beyond intolerable.
At Least they all had trackers on them.
B'Elize didn't seem to agree though and to Jim's slight disappointment they called Okafor over and said,
"You and I are going to scout for the best route through the forest and maybe do some foraging."
Okafor looked like she wanted to argue but instead she took an excessively deep breath and said, "Yes Sir."
She then turned to Jim as if asking him to commiserate and Jim just met her gaze evenly and unbending. Because really he wasn't going to let them know his opinion on the decision until their grades were being handed out.
Or until they got stuck out there and he had to activate their trackers and mount a search and rescue.
Okafor turned away disappointed and grabbed her supplies with a bit more aggression than necessary. B'Elize rolled their eyes and grabbed their own things for the trip.
As the two Cadets made their way to the front of the crag Spock moved from his place next to Ivanov and gestured for them to halt. Then the Vulcan turned to Jim, handed back his communicator, then spoke,
"Long range communications are indeed no longer functioning," Spock glanced at the Cadets then back to Jim, "There will be no need for the Cadets to search for a route of their choosing."
Jim nodded, he and Spock would be in charge of leading their little contingent to the emergency meeting location.
"Well if that's the case then they'll still need to forage," Jim replied with a frown, "They have roughly 2 days of food left and I'd like to wait out the storm before we head out."
"If that is your decision then perhaps I could accompany them," Spock offered and having the Vulcan with the kids would actually ease Jim's nerves regarding their safety.
"An excellent suggestion," Jim agreed with a smidgen of relief, "We wouldn't want any Cadets trapped alone out there if the storm picks up. I'll leave it to you then."
With a slight tilt of his head, Spock accepted the task and proceeded to turn to Cadet B'Elize and Okafor.
"Cadets, it seems you are to follow me," Spock then pivoted on his heel and marched his way out of the crag as the two Cadets scrambled after him. Jim wished he could just sigh in exhaustion over the whole thing.
Spock would observe and keep them safe but, as instructed at the beginning of the whole trip, he wouldn't interfere with the Cadet's own decisions unless they were deadly.
As the trio vanished into the forest just past their rocky climb, Jim turned his attention to the remaining 4 Cadets in his care. Ivanov seemed content to just stare at the communication device they had been left with in their kit.
Sordik was with Grove and Torres. The three seemed to be examining the readings they'd gotten from the soil the previous day. Jim smiled to himself.
If they continued taking readings and logging them, there was a good chance the Science Cadets were going to make it out of this with a solid passing grade.
"Ivanov, you have anything interesting to share?" Jim prompted the Cadet who had seemed the least enthusiastic about being on another planet. Then again, Ivanov was a Communications Cadet and probably regretted joining the Survival Course from the beginning.
"No Sir," Ivanov seemed wary to be speaking to him and Jim wondered if B'Elize had complained about being scolded. Sordik, as a Vulcan, probably wouldn't have said anything but there was no telling what B'Elize may have shared. It all depended on their own feelings regarding the matter.
Jim looked at the Cadet expectantly and he seemed to get the message as he continued, "I'm just trying to figure out how you plan on using the tricorder and the bone knitter to fix the communicator."
Not being able to help it, he smiled then as he replied, "I can show you when we get all the components but you really won't be learning how to do repair work until your second year when you have to take the mandatory Engineering course.
"No doubt the Engineers in Captain Pike's group will want to see what I have planned too."
All Officers were expected to be capable of repairing and maintaining their consoles in a time of emergency. Of course Engineers were responsible for maintaining the entire ship, but it was nice to be prepared for the inevitability of them being too busy to be everywhere at once.
"Sir, I too would find it useful to take part in such an opportunity to observe you," Sordik chimed in politely and Jim gave him a nod too.
"This whole thing is for you to learn survival techniques so I'm sure Captain Pike will be alright if I turn it into a bit of a practical lecture," Jim smiled and thought it was something for them to look forward to.
Something to keep them from panicking and realizing that there was currently no way for Salem to know if they were alive or not. The Cadets would have to be kept from the realization that if the ion storm was wreaking havoc on their long range scanners like it was on their own equipment, Salem might be sending their own party to the Emergency meeting location.
That was something Spock and he would have to deal with alongside Captain Pike, if the man got to the meeting place before them. Jim absently wished they could forgo the whole thing and just trek over the hill to landing point Delta.
But there was no telling how far Pike's group had moved and if they'd even stayed to wait out the storm like their own. Perhaps they hadn't even moved since landing.
There were far too many variables to account for, so they would just have to follow protocol and go to the damn designated spot.
What a way to kick off the first outing for the Survival Course. Less than 2 days in and they faced an ion storm that really had come from nowhere. Had Salem known about the thing they'd have sent them to a different Dome or landing point.
Allowing himself a small chuckle, Jim shook his head. The Cadets all turned to him curiously and Sordik seemed more confused.
"Well it looks like you Cadets are getting a pretty much more authentic experience than we were hoping for," Jim smiled and Ivanov cradled his head in his hands while Grove and Torres seemed content to just tentatively smile back.
"Perhaps it is for the best," Sordik was the one to reply, "The more authentic our experience, the better prepared we shall be for an assignment with a landing party."
"That's the spirit," Jim replied in amusement, because really it's what he was leaning towards at this point. The other groups would have an easier time of their simulations, but this one would most likely have a higher performance rating in Survival Tactics the following Semester.
"If that's the case Sir," Ivanov perked up from his place examining the communication equipment, "Can you tell us how we're doing?"
"Not a chance," Jim replied with an even broader smile causing Ivanov to shrug as if to say asking was at least worth a shot. The Cadet's action surprisingly reminded him a bit of Kevin so he shook his head and turned to look out at the storm again.
The wind was kicking up again and dust was beginning to swirl more aggressively than when Spock's little trio had departed. Jim's heart clenched in worry over their condition. Hopefully they were making their way back to the crag by now.
Jim turned his attention back to the Cadets and-
His heart was in his throat as a surge of anxiety overtook him. Crackling over his skin to the point that the hair on the back of Jim's neck was on end and he felt like he was going to vomit. Then, it cut off like a faucet that had been hastily twisted shut.
Swallowing he blinked and had to take a few breaths before he could get his bearings once more. A thousand questions barged their way into his head.
All of them centered around the same worry: What the hell was that?
Jim focused in on himself and knew instinctively that the anxiety was not his own. The only telepaths on Garrihk IX were Spock, Sordik, and B'Elize.
Since Jim registered a psionic rating of 1, he had to take a low level psionic training course before being permitted a travel ID. So he knew a few things regarding psionic abilities and ratings.
"Sordik, did you feel that?" Jim spoke evenly and Sordik turned to him with an even face as he replied,
"I felt nothing Sir."
So it wasn't a general empathic wave, it was focused on him. Sordik was nearest, but Jim just knew it wasn't him. Because if it was, Sordik would have had to drop his control and mental shields to achieve contact at their current distance and the Vulcan Cadet hadn't moved from his place next to Grove and Torres.
B'Elize was too weak of a telepath to reach out like that at all, so they were immediately struck off the list.
If it was Spock, that opened a new can of worms.
Vulcans with shields were incapable of broadcasting that powerfully without touching their target. Even then they would have to be extremely close.
Except that changed if a bond was in place.
While Jim's brain was perfectly capable of supporting a telepathic bond, he wasn't able to actually create one without the help of a stronger telepath. He couldn't even create basic links with others.
Now Jim's own anxiety was starting to prickle at his skin.
Because clearly multiple things were wrong here and he didn't want to come to any conclusions that could implicate anyone. Not without more information.
It was minutes later that the storm grew exceptionally more violent, and B'Elize came barreling into the crag and panicked. They no longer wore the silver uniform shirt and seeing the regulation black undershirt kicked the other Cadets into gear as they all rushed forwards.
Jim's anxiety, which had been slowly simmering, grew to a crescendo as Spock, stone faced as ever, followed behind the frightened Cadet.
In the Vulcan's arms was Cadet Okafor. The Cadet wore the biggest grimace Jim had ever seen and her arm was tucked against her chest. A large strip of bark was tied to it with, presumably, Cadet B'Elize's uniform shirt.
All questions regarding his telepathic experience were shelved as Jim had to stop himself from groaning at the sight of Spock slowly placing Okafor on the ground.
"Report," Jim ordered, his voice was tight and his tempest of emotions was no doubt plain to see on his face.
"Without permission or supervision, Cadet Okafor decided to climb a tree and promptly fell out of it," Spock's voice sounded like he was about to actually lose his mind and Jim knew the feeling.
Spock Continued, "She broke her arm and sprained her ankle, since the storm picked up I decided it would be prudent I carry her so that we may not be trapped."
Nodding Jim took a breath, "You're alright?"
Spock gave a small dip of his chin and Jim then turned to Okafor, crossing his arms he frowned, "You know Mr. Spock probably won't' be too kind with your grade after this."
Okafor winced, "I know Sir."
"Good," Jim's voice was clipped, "Then I won't yell at you until this is all over."
He moved to turn away but then focused back on Okafor, who looked pretty pathetic in her makeshift sling. Ivanov had dropped his own project and was trying to make her more comfortable.
"What were you even doing climbing a tree while foraging?"
Okafor's gaze shifted towards the ground, "I thought I saw some nuts."
"You thought you saw some nuts." Jim repeated, his disappointment had vanished and now all he was feeling was cold astonishment. Okafor blushed and Jim just shook his head as he turned to Spock,
"Mr. Spock, how did Okafor manage to escape your notice?"
"The Cadets and I were gathering peki berries, Okafor was assigned to pick them from the bush behind me. She apparently never picked any and immediately decided to partake instead in other activities," Spock reported and Jim felt almost bad for him.
"Such as tree climbing," Jim sighed and Spock replied his own incredulousness seeping out,
"Exactly."
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Jim took a deep breath, "How long until she can walk on that ankle?"
"A day and a half without use," Spock estimated, "If you still plan to depart tomorrow, I believe myself capable of carrying her."
"If that's you volunteering then I can't argue," Jim did his best not to sigh. He would be much angrier if he wasn't so sure that the heart stopping panic he'd felt earlier was Spock's own reaction to Cadet Okafor falling out of the tree in question.
They would still have to discuss that. Because Jim had suspicions as to why it was so, but wasn't going to start interrogating his fellow officer about intimate matters in front of their apparently motley crew.
"Well?" Jim looked then to B'Elize then gestured to Okafor, "Any orders?"
"Ivanov, keep her comfortable," B'Elize once more took charge, then turned to Sordik and handed their bag of berries and various other edible findings to him, "Put this with the rations and factor them in before serving everyone their lunch for the day."
Sordik took the bag and gave a 'Yes Sir' before carrying out the order.
Spock moved from his place near Okafor and went closer towards the mouth of the crag. Jim took a moment to steady himself and followed.
Their shoulders and hands brushed as Jim saddled up next to Spock and cast him an unsure look. Spock, for his part, seemed to return his gaze with apprehension. Though the Vulcan's face didn't show it.
"How are you holding up Mr. Spock?"
Spock's wariness seemed to grow as he said, "I am adequate and only find myself unsatisfied with my own ability to keep a watchful eye on Cadet Okafor."
"Accidents happen," Jim did his best to offer a modicum of comfort as he laid his hand between Spock's shoulder blades, "Even if she were to have asked to climb the tree, B'Elize may have agreed. We are not to interfere unless there is real danger of death or life altering injury.
"Our interference now is only due to a breakdown of communication devices."
"Your words are logical," Spock agreed, "They have aided."
Jim could tell Spock was truly relieved by his words. He must have been truly upset by the situation if he had failed to see the logical view of it.
Suddenly Jim wondered if his instinctual ability to understand Spock wasn't a strange coincidence. That perhaps it was more than natural empathy and his own knack for simply being 'good' with people.
Had he always picked up on Spock's feelings so clearly?
If that was the case then what did it mean?
Jim wasn't sure what Vulcans believed, but he figured it had to be something a bit different.
"I must confess I did not believe you to have approached me to ascertain my well being," Spock's words were coated in nerves and Jim realized he must know that he had broadcast his distress.
That meant Spock knew about whatever connection they shared and was afraid of Jim's own reaction to it. Taking a breath Jim shook his head gently,
"We can talk about that when we have a bit more privacy."
"I offer my gratitude at your discretion," Spock seemed to still hold some level of fear and It was really starting to worry Jim.
"Is it really so awful?" he had to ask, if this was something that Spock truly detested he could understand the feelings the Vulcan was currently experiencing. But Jim was sure that whatever had happened was accidental.
"It is not," Spock acquiesced, "Though I-"
Spock stopped and his quiet tone was now a whisper, "I feel ashamed that I have not informed you of it sooner."
"I'm not angry," Jim soothed and moved his hand from its place on Spock's back to his shoulder, "I just want to understand. Patience isn't my best virtue but I'm capable of it, but understand that I find it captivating."
Spock pressed his lips together in thought and Jim watched as he considered all that had been said on the matter. Of course, Jim didn't have all the facts just yet. But he would eventually and this was only his initial feelings on the matter.
At that moment Jim realized that, unlike all the other times before, he'd fallen completely in love without even noticing. That this was it, Spock was already everything and it had taken such a short amount of time.
It was strange that loving Janice, Ruth, and even T'Sar had been this battle to prove his affections. To show them in their own language what he felt for them was real and lasting.
All of them had deemed his feelings insufficient for their needs.
But loving Spock was as easy as breathing. Jim only had to be himself and Spock would know that he was cherished. Yet, it didn't matter, because Jim was ready and willing to give whatever Spock asked for.
It was something bright and new to him, loving someone without any strings attached.
Spock demanded nothing but Jim would give it all. He'll burn it all down and salt the Earth where it once stood if Spock only asked.
The knowledge of it would frighten him if he wasn't already so content to have been tossed into it.With the others there had always been an edge that Jim had eyed and tested the limits of. Janice and Ruth were the ones who told him not to even think about jumping off.With Spock though, Jim had suddenly found himself careening off without a thought.
It was breathtaking and he was mad with it.
Spock suddenly turned to him so quickly it almost gave Jim whiplash. The Vulcan's eyes were wide and there was a sheen to them that was indescribable. He realized then, that Spock had felt what Jim himself had in that moment. The love he already felt. Their relationship was so new that the feelings should be frightening. Jim withdrew his hand from Spock, suddenly he was unsure that his powerful affections were welcome. There had been so many who had called him too much and too little.
It would be worse than death to hear Spock say such a thing.
To be rejected by only being he'd ever carved out a place deep in his heart and his bones for, Jim wasn't sure he could weather it. He was strong but he was only a man.
But, without even a single warning, Jim was flooded with such an intense love and longing that he could drown in it. The power of it made his very heart ache.
It wasn't his own.
Tears. They stung as the corners of Jim's eyes as he felt all the burning adoration that Spock held for him. He had to swallow it all down as it crashed against his own feelings for Spock.
Whatever this was, they would be alright.
Jim could feel it.
"I don't believe this," Okafor grumbled quietly as Sordik carried her at the back of their marching line.
Jim suppressed a smile at her complaints. It seemed that Sordik was not very keen on Spock himself carrying his group mate when the older Vulcan and Jim were only supposed to be observing. Thus, with a very logical argument, Spock allowed the Cadet to carry Okafor in his stead.
Morning had dawned and the dust had settled just as Spock had projected, so their little contingent had packed up their bags and, with Jim's instructions, began making their way to the emergency meet up point.
This didn't mean that the Cadets were going to be let off the hook though, the manner in which they carried themselves for the trek would be used to grade them. Jim wasn't about to screw up their whole schedule because of 1 misfire.
It was the logical conclusion to come to it seemed, and that was why Sordik had decided that he himself was the optimal option to carry Okafor. Spock wasn't about to complain, nor did he seem to exude any disappointment with that development.
Jim had to wonder what kind of trouble Okafor was when Spock carried her back to their base that the Vulcan was 100% a-OK with shirking his responsibilities off onto Sordik.
Apparently Jim's amusement was far more immense than he thought, and Spock didn't find it anywhere close to charming because the Vulcan had cast him a single neutral expression that exuded displeasure for a solid 10 seconds from his place in the front of their line.
Of course Spock's reaction just entertained Jim even more.
Which apparently confused Sordik who was positioned right next to Jim and casting almost obvious glances between his two Superior Officers.
Honestly though, Jim had to laugh at the situation or else he was going to cry about the levels of disaster his first outing as a TA had reached.
He's survived much worse but that obviously wasn't the point. The point of this simulation was a perfect balance of controlled chaos. The Officers in charge were in control and the Cadets were to be faced with absolute chaos.
They weren't supposed to actually use the back up plan.
But here they were, trekking across a god forsaken forest planted by the powers that be so they could actually contact someone who could get them the hell off of Garrihk IX.
"Can you at least stop holding me like I'm a carton of eggs?!" Okafor hissed and squirmed in Sordik's arms. Yet he bore it with the grace of Kings.
Not once did he seem like he may drop her as he adjusted his hold and replied, "I would not struggle so if I were to find myself in the same position as you.
"If I had been a member of a less coordinated species you would have fallen from my hold near the beginning of our journey."
"Then drop me you asshole!" Okafor growled and Jim had to press his tongue into the inside of his cheek to prevent himself from laughing as Sordik replied,
"Since I find that I do not resemble an anal orifice, please refrain from such illogical statements or I will have to conclude that you have become delusional due to the Human inability to handle pain as efficiently as Vulcans."
Finally though, B'Elize turned around from their place next to Spock and called back, "Will you quite it?! If this were an actual survival situation you'd have attracted so many predators by now it wouldn't even be funny!"
"I fail to see how attracting any sort of predators would be amusing." Sordik replied evenly and B'Elize gave him a leveled stare before he and Okafor gave a simple 'Yes Sir.'
It was about time. Jim shook his head in mild exasperation at their antics, he wasn't sure how long he could go before having to actually laugh, then scold them.
Okafor pursed her lips and remained silent but stewing in her displeasure. As for Sordik, he remained as serene as any Vulcan ever was.
The journey to the emergency location would take roughly 2 days of hiking , so that meant they would have to take some time to forage again or a hunting party would have to be formed. Jim knew if the kids decided to hunt, then he'd have to be the one to accompany them.
It would also require the Cadets to put their crafting skills to use. After all, they would need to hunt with something besides their bare hands.
Which brought their trip time up to a whopping 3 days. It wasn't bad actually.
The group would be finished with their simulation in about 6 days which was average. It was fortuitous that the ion storm hadn't come near the end of their allotted time. Then they'd be in a pinch if the Cadet's chosen route had taken them an extensive distance from the emergency site.
Okafor would be walking by then at least, which was a comfort. Jim's only real concern was the fact that she might have to get her bone re-set. There was a medical Cadet with Pike who already possessed a nursing degree so hopefully they could help out with that.
"Mr. Kirk Sir," Okafor suddenly piped up in the silence that had formed and persisted after B'Elize's scolding, "What are we going to do if Professor Pike isn't there when we arrive?"
It was a real possibility and Jim spared a glance up to the front of their procession at Spock, who had been pointedly not looking at him. But, it seemed the Vulcan sensed Jim's earnestness and threw an inquisitive look back.
Jim wasn't sure how he hadn't noticed the fact they were linked before now. It was so painfully obvious it was almost stupid. He did his best to convey his apprehension and was not disappointed when Spock responded to the feeling with the soothing balm of his own confidence along with a small amount of comfort and affection.
It was the work of a moment, but he was able to take assurance from the small exchange. Jim turned back to Okafor, "Then we'll have to wait for them. Mr. Spock and I have been given a fail safe should the other group fail to meet us.
"Don't worry about it, we'll get back to Salem before our allotted simulation time is up."
Okafor seemed unsure but Jim gave her his best attempt at a smile of assurance and she appeared to relax into Sordik's arms.
"While your human tendency to worry is understandable, you should not question our Superiors ability to care for our needs," Sordik spoke rather pointedly and earned a glare from the Cadet in his arms. Jim just shook his head and was glad they didn't start arguing again.
They trudged on for a while longer before finally B'Elize ordered a halt to their hike.
"Looks like we've hit the creek," B'Elize called back to their contingent. The Cadets responded to the announcement with sighs of relief and Ivanov even threw his arms up in excitement.
The opportunity to refill the purification canteens they'd been allotted as well as partake in a bath seemed to bring up the morale of their small troop.
Slowly their entire group made their way to the shoreline of the creek.
According to the map, the waterway flowed directly through the radius of the dome and it dropped off into a series of small falls which fed a river. In the center of the dome the river cascaded down into a rather enormous lake.
They would be following the creek north all the way to the river's drop off.
"Those of you that are comfortable with co-ed bathing will go first, private baths will be coordinated while you do so," B'Elize announced easily as they placed the kit on the grassy area that lined the creek,
"So first things first, who would like to bathe alone?"
Sordik ever so gently placed Okafor on a particularly lush patch of grass and proceeded to raise his hand.
"Alright," B'Elize nodded, Jim and Spock shared a glance and so he immediately protested.
"I understand your need for privacy," Jim interrupted, "But I can't allow you to enter the creek without supervision."
"I will be amenable to bathe at the same time as Sordik," Spock informed their group, "As both of us are Vulcan, and require the same level of privacy and increased need for caution when entering such conditions."
"I concede to the logic of this," Sordik nodded in acceptance. There was no way Jim was going to let a Vulcan Cadet enter any body of water on their own.
B'Elize blushed as they realized their mistake but recovered easily, "Anyone else?"
It was Cadet Torres' turn to raise his hand, "I'd prefer a bit of privacy."
"Alright," B'Elize nodded, "Then if that's everyone, I want Sordik to coordinate bathing arrangements while you lot and I find a place that's suitable."
"And who is to care for and carry Cadet Okafor?" Sordik posed a very permanent question and B'Elize seemed taken aback by it.
"I'll carry her," Jim volunteered, their location wouldn't be far and he was in good enough shape for it. He then turned to Okafor, "That is if you don't mind it."
Okafor smiled up at him and she seemed to be blushing a bit as she replied, "I don't Sir... Mind that is."
Jim felt like looking up to the sky and asking 'why'.
Instead he just smiled back kindly as B'Elize asked her, "Is there anyone you'd feel comfortable with helping you wash up?"
Okafor turned to B'Elize and frowned at them, "You, I guess."
"Good, then let's head out," B'Elize nodded, then turned to Sordik, Torres, and Spock, "We'll be back in about 20 minutes."
Spock gave a glance to Jim as if to say 'and?' but he just smiled back and raised a single brow at the Vulcan in reply. To which he was given the Vulcan equivalent of an eye roll in the form of Spock's slightly widened eyes as he turned his attention back to Cadet B'Elize.
With that, Jim settled Cadet Okafor into his arms and set off with the 4 Cadets who would be bathing first.
As they marched along the creek their small band slowly rounded their way behind a rather sizable cropping of bushes and trees. Okafor made no conversation as she pointedly looked anywhere but at Jim, except for a few moments when she sneaked a glance or two before blushing and turning away in haste.
Jim silently prayed to be saved from teenage Cadets and their hormones for the next 3 simulations.
After roughly 5 minutes of walking they managed to find an area where the current was calm enough for them to wade in and clean up all the grime that had gathered after the past few days.
Jim very gently helped Okafor down so that she could lean against a rock while B'Elize made their way over to help their fellow Cadet undress down to her underthings. They would each have to wash their uniforms as well, but that would come later. Probably a long while after they themselves were a bit more presentable.
Once Okafor was safely handed off, Jim made his way towards the spot that Grove and Ivanov had practically leaped into after stripping down to their skivvies at warp speed.
He very gingerly pulled off his regulation golds and his black undershirt before doing the same with his boots and slacks.
Taking a breath he braced himself as he waded into the chilled water of the creek, it flowed freely and had no chance to heat up in the perpetual early fall like weather of this sector of Garrihk IX.
Wading into the creek, in the same way you'd rip off a band aid, Jim dunked himself into the water until he was fully submerged. Quickly he stood up and gasped at the sensation of the cool water and the brisk air against his bare skin.
The sound of squealing reached his ears, so with his hands Jim slicked his hair back so that it was out of his face and turned to the Cadets to make sure they were alright and hadn't injured themselves horsing around.
Instead of a horrible accident, Jim found himself smiling at the sight of Ivanov and Grove splashing each other like children.
The water of the creek came up to Jim's waist, which meant Grove and Ivanov were submerged up to their belly's. Jim had to take a breath at the sight of the Cadets unwinding and playfully chasing one another in the water.
His eyes tracked over towards the others and was glad to find that Okafor was not giving B'Elize a hard time. There seemed to be only mild grumbling coming from the injured party as B'Elize just rolled their eyes and helped her clean up.
With that, Jim turned his focus to himself and began washing himself up. Absently he thought of how nice it would have been to have Spock with him. The Vulcan would have probably bathed with quick efficiency but Jim would have tried to splash him.
Spock would probably, very logically, argue against such frivolous activities and Jim would try to tackle him into the creek.
Jim smiled to himself at the thought of it, perhaps they could go somewhere together and live out his little day dream. While a bit unlikely, since Vulcans kind of hated getting into bodies of water, it was a nice thought.
Once he was done, Jim made his way to the shore and moved towards his uniform. It was too late in the day to consider washing it but he decided to wait until he was a little dryer before putting it back on. They'd have to wash their uniforms in the morning so that they would have a longer time to dry in the sun.
If they went hunting the next day, whatever group stayed behind could probably manage their own. The next day the rest of the Cadets could do so.
It's how Jim had decided himself and Spock were going to get them cleaned up. How the Cadets actually did it would really be up to B'Elize.
When Grove and Torres climbed their way to shore, Jim began dressing back into his uniform. He cringed a bit as the Cadets immediately dressed into their own, but ultimately Jim said nothing.
He stared out at the creek towards the other side of the forest and kept his senses keen.
"Sir, how long until we move out?" Grove asked and Jim turned to find her pulling her boots on.
"Still have a good 5 or 10 minutes," Jim estimated as he noticed that Okafor and B'Elize were barely starting to removed themselves from the water,
"Depends on how long it takes those two to get dressed."
"Penda will need another dose of painkillers soon," Ivanov informed them. Jim was happy to hear that they'd been giving their small supply to the injured girl.
"Well let's hope they get dressed quick," Jim smiled and Ivanov nodded in agreement while Grove continued to stare at Okafor and B'Elize for a beat, then she tore her eyes away and adjusted her own uniform.
It wasn't too long before the last 2 Cadets were dressed and raring to go.
Jim once again lifted Cadet Okafor into his arms and carried her back to their camp while B'Elize led the way. Grove and Ivanov shared a whispered conversation, a few chuckled were heard and Okafor continued her silly behavior from the initial trip to their bathing spot.
As they arrived it was Sordik who immediately stood up from his place sitting on a rock across from Spock and said, "You took exactly half a standard hour, that is 15 minutes longer than you told us to anticipate."
"Well it was only an estimate Mr. Chronometer," Okafor argued from her place in Jim's arms.
"I'm sure you and Mr. Spock will be more timely," B'Elize smiled at the Vulcan Cadet all while ignoring Okafor, "Will the two of you be going first or will Torres?"
"After some discussion Torres had decided it will be more agreeable to bathe with Mr. Spock and I," Sordik replied softly, "I am amenable to this only if he does not stare as some Humans tend to."
"Is that so?" Jim asked Spock as he sat Okafor down on one of the rocks. Spock turned to Jim and gave a shallow nod,
"It seems Cadet Torres was less inclined to accompany the first group due to his refusal to partake in human bonding rituals such as 'getting dunked'. "
"Well I'm glad he'll not be venturing out alone after all," Jim smiled and Spock seemed to convey his agreement with only his eyes. Taking in the campsite fully, Jim was pleasantly surprised that Torres and Sordik had gotten to work with the supplies they had on hand.
The two had managed to strip some of the heartier grass down to its fibers, foraged for a few good sized sticks, and created 2 A-line tents. They lacked insulation at the bottom but the returning Cadets could no doubt finish the work.
"How long do you think you'll be gone?" B'Elize asked Sordik who took a moment to calculate whatever variables he deemed necessary before he replied,
"We will be gone 20 minutes and no longer," Sordik informed her and B'Elize snorted and their voice was teasing as they said,
"Alright, go prove a point Cadet Sordik."
"My estimate nor our efficiency will be due any such emotional motivations," Sordik replied but Spock made to leave then and so the younger Vulcan followed with Cadet Torres hot on their heels.
Jim watched as B'Elize noticed the A-line tents. Thankfully the Cadet immediately knew what to do as they turned to Grove and Ivanov.
"Looks like Sordik and Torres kept busy, let's not let them down."
The two others took in the sight of the camp and nodded in agreement.
"We'll need to build one more tent and since we have 6 blankets we can lay the other three down inside them," Grove rubbed her chin as she examined each construct.
Jim, on the other hand, figured it was a pretty brilliant Idea and said, "Well if you need more supplies I'm going to go just a bit into the forest and get my own for me and Mr. Spock."
Because there was no way Spock would have built his own tent first, not after how guilty the Vulcan had felt over his reactions to the kid's insubordination.
B'Elize made the call swiftly, "Grove can go with you while me and Ivanov set up the ground layers. We're going to need leaves to increase the insulation."
"Just don't go climbing any trees," Okafor suddenly spoke up from her place perched on a rock and the other Cadets actually laughed. Jim could only shake his head as he gestured for Grove to follow him into the tree line.
They walked in almost silence, occasionally they'd pluck an especially robust tuft of grass but mostly the two kept their eyes peeled for the sticks required for the framing of an A-line tent.
"Um..." Grove's voice was small and she sounded like she was hemming and hawing so Jim turned to look at her to assure the girl she had his attention.
"If it's not a weird question," Grove fidgeted with the grass in her hands and Jim got a feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach as she asked, "How old are you Mr. Kirk?"
He felt like a deer in the headlights when a concern that was not his own washed over him and Jim had to collect himself and send Spock a wave of assurance that he was alright.
When Spock was no longer worried Jim took a breath and replied, "While it's not an inappropriate question on its own, I have to wonder why you thought it was."
Grove seemed like a smart girl and cringed as she said, "I'm not asking for that! I just think you look a bit young for being a Lieutenant Commander."
Jim couldn't help it then, he actually laughed and didn't actually mind if his humor got sent to Spock, "Well Mr. Spock holds the same rank and he's only 3 years my senior."
Pursing her lips Grove frowned and picked at some of the grass, "But that's different, he's a Vulcan."
Then she stared at him expectantly as if that was a reason enough and Jim supposed it was as he said, "Well, I'm 24 and while it's on the young side for my rank it's not exactly record breaking."
"Right," Grove nodded and Jim turned his attention back to the forest floor and was happy to find his first stick suitable for the job they were required for,
"Is there a particular reason you asked?"
"It's just-," Grove stopped then sighed as Jim handed her the stick he'd found. It would be important for the kids to be sheltered before he and Spock were.
The Cadet took the stick and gripped it tightly as she gathered her thoughts. Finally she spoke again, "I'm not exactly a genius. I work hard and that makes me good enough to be here.
"But what If I don't graduate to be an officer? What if I get stuck being a midshipman on my first commission into space? What if I graduate as an Ensign?"
"And what if you're a Yeoman?" Jim frowned but he understood what she was trying to say. He didn't like it one bit, "It's bitter work but someone has to do it. Everybody has to start from somewhere."
"I bet you graduated as a Lieutenant," Grove sighed as if he would never understand her if he had.
"I did," Jim confessed, "I also joined the academy with more degrees than you can shake a stick at.
"It's not about your rank. It's about your ability Cadet, and when you're out there in the black Ranks only start to mean something more than just whose in charge."
"I'm not sure I understand," Grove met his eyes and she seemed truly determined to get the sense of what he was saying.
So Jim turned the full force of his attention on her, "I'm going to tell you something a very wise woman once told me when I was 13 years old and lost in a way most people can't even imagine. Are you ready?"
Grove nodded so Jim took a breathe and blinked slowly before he looked the young girl in the eyes and spoke,
"The only real rules are the ones that nature gives us. Yes, we obey Starfleet regulations to prevent ourselves and our crew from getting in trouble but that doesn't make them sacred.
"Don't be afraid to bend the rules until they're close to breaking.
"Dance on that line the Federation draws for us because Space doesn't care about their rules, only it's own.
"And if you live by that then you'll be one of the finest damn officers the fleet's ever seen."
Grove seemed to weigh him then, and whatever she saw she approved of as she finally smiled gravely and nodded,
"That's actually terrifying but really cool advice."
Jim returned her nod and went back to searching for sticks. It was the advice that had kept him alive this long. Given to him by the same woman whose blood he's made an oath upon to never let the hatred and bitterness of the world turn his heart into stone.
She was really the reason he was in Starfleet and not a complete mess of an officer. Why he'd kept fighting.
Those words had been an inspiration to all the kids who made up the Tarsus IX.
By the time Spock's trio returned from their allotted bathing time, Jim's group had finished constructing the A-Line tents.
Spock seemed to rove an appreciative gaze over the campsite and Sordik immediately turned to B'Elize and declared, "The work your half of the contingent is acceptable."
To which B'Elize just smiled and said, "I'm glad our work meets with your approval Captain."
The Cadets then proceeded to eat their allotted rations. Jim too ate the food he'd set aside for the day and watched as Spock inspected his work on their tent.
"It is sufficient for a night's rest," Spock approved of the structure and then moved to sit inside of it. Jim suddenly felt unsure but after a moment, he steadied himself enough that he could follow Spock into the tent.
The structure provided a modicum of privacy and Jim knew that they wouldn't be left alone for an especially long duration. Night watch would have to be set up soon and Jim knew one of them would have to sit up with one of the Cadets.
Nevertheless, Jim followed Spock into the safe haven the tent provided and found the Vulcan sitting with his legs folded beneath himself. Jim settled into his own side of the tent and figured now was the best time before they returned to Salem to have a discussion.
"Are we bonded?" Jim knew it was tactless but it would prevent any beating around the bush that Spock might be planning.
"Not in the traditional sense," Spock replied cryptically and Jim realized whatever preemptive strike he'd been planning had failed.
"Then can you explain it?"
Spock nodded slowly and seemed almost reluctant as he asked in a whisper, "Are you familiar with the Vulcan term 'Ni'Var?"
It sounded familiar and so Jim racked his brain for a moment before he nodded before whispering his reply, "Literally it translates to 'Two Form' but it's when an art piece is examined by comparing it's contrasting attributes."
"That is the contemporary definition, yes," Spock seemed relieved by Jim's basic knowledge of the word as he continued in a quiet tone, "But its origins are based in a concept that Humans would consider similar to Soulmates.
"The idea that a single Katra can exist in more than one physical form at once. Those who existed in such a way became known as T'Hy'Lara, each one T'Hy'La.
"Both bonded in a way that could never truly be created, only awakened and made stronger."
Spock maintained eye contact and Jim took a breath to ground himself in the moment because it was a lot to take in.
It was so much he almost regretted not waiting until they were safe on Salem and Jim could do more than just stare dumbly and do breathing exercises while faced with a Vulcan who had just informed him that they may be soulmates.
Finally after much too long Jim asked, "And you're sure? That we're Ni'Var?"
"We have the privilege of referring to ourselves as T'Hy'Lara, you are my T'Hy'La," Spock replied quietly and Jim was getting the point. It was all conjugation in the form of High Golic,
"And yes, there is no mistaking it. Our bond awakened the moment we first touched and has only grown since we've increased our association.
"I have blocked it for the most part and it is not a full marriage bond, but it easily could become so were we to meld deeply."
"Can you unblock it?" Jim needed to know, because good lord if what they shared at the moment was a blocked bond, what would it be like fully opened?
Spock truly frowned then, "You are not angry?"
"Spock," Jim smiled and tried to send Spock his assurance, "I know bonds are important to almost every telepathic species, I also know that bonds don't just randomly happen.
"I knew what was between us was either very shallow and accidental, or something really important. I'm not angry, just very surprised by it."
Spock seemed to relax and accept the answer, his eyes softened and they were filled with so much love Jim actually blushed at the sight of it.
"So can you open the bond?"
"Negative," Spock was frowning again, "To do so would allow you such deep access to my emotional state that you may accidentally come in contact with my connection with T'Pring."
"Right," Jim inflated his cheeks with air and slowly exhaled, "And that would be really inappropriate because she didn't consent to that.
"How is this different from a marriage bond?"
"In a marriage bond it is common to be capable of sharing full ideas and concepts," Spock explained, "The last recorded set of T'Hy'Lara were said to be able to communicate full concepts even across light years in desperate times.
"At this time, even if the bond were to be fully accessible, you and I are only capable of communicating emotional states and well being."
That was quite the feat actually, Jim was extremely impressed. From what he actually was able to read, most bonds stretched and weakened with distance. Most of the time pairs were left with a simple awareness of one another when they were world away.
To be capable of full ideas across such distances was the kind of thing straight out of a fairy tale. Then again so was the concept of soulmates.
Most races had such a concept, but to think that Vulcans had proof of such a thing yet kept it private was actually startling. He wondered if other telepathic species had confirmed cases of the same nature.
"So, what do we do?" Jim tried his best to smile but it was scary, in the best way possible to know that this was happening and they were in the middle of actual nowhere with their communication equipment completely bricked.
"When we are ready, we may go to Vulcan and declare our bond," Spock was trying his best to sound calm and logical but his excitement was buzzing over Jim's skin like electricity, "Once it has been proven we will be free to divorce T'Pring and marry."
"We'll divorce T'Pring?" Jim smiled but his question was genuine, Spock's ears tinged green and he admitted,
"We are two forms. You are my Human half Jim,"
Jim felt butterflies in his stomach at the declaration and he couldn't think of anything more perfect than offering Spock his fingers for a kiss.
It was to his extreme pleasure that as Spock's fingers met his own, the Vulcan leaned forward. Eyes drooping and Jim eagerly surged to meet him halfway in order that they could share their first Human kiss alongside their third Vulcan one.
When Jim looked back on that night he would describe it as close to the feeling of 'coming home' he had ever known.
In the end their band of Cadets reached the emergency meet up point in the middle of the 6th day.
Their journey was not really anything more difficult than what would have needed to transpire had the simulation not hit a snag. It was even complete with Jim supervising a trapping and hunting trip that Spock and Sordik were insistent on referring to as 'A Hunting Trip for Carnivores'.
Jim was pretty sure they were determined to call it that because of some weird shared sense of humor. He didn't mind, Jim actually found it adorable that the two who had seemed keen on avoiding association outside of the necessary moments, seemed to bond over such a simple and strange thing.
Okafor, though her arm was still in a sling, was able to walk and didn't need to be carried anymore. B'Elize looked like they were about ready to start pulling their own hair out because around the middle of day 4 Ivanov had taken to complaining about everything from the stringiness of the meat the'd caught all the way down to the speed they were hiking at.
The guy wasn't about to get a tremendous amount of points for maintaining morale but, according to Spock, Ivanov had performed all the tasks he'd been assigned 'within an acceptable degree of accuracy'. Except the way Spock said it had Jim thinking the kid was on thin fucking ice.
Grove and Torres were much easier to handle since they both seemed to actually want to be partaking in the Survival Simulation. The two never let up taking scans and even gathering a few samples and storing them to the best of their ability with the supplies they had.
Jim supposed that's why he wasn't so surprised that the moment they came into view of the falls, Ivanov threw his arms up and cried out, "We're saved!"
"Be quiet," B'Elize hissed through gritted teeth and Sordik closed his eyes in, what Jim assumed to be, horror at Ivanov's inability to be sensible.
Grove ignored them and began stripping off her clothes and promptly waded into the river with her arms in the air in a victory pose.
Torres, who had been assigned to carry the sticks and grass fibers for the tents, dropped everything onto the ground and let out a sigh as loud as any middle aged man that had just gotten off work from his factory job, before actually laying down on the nearest patch of grass that could fit him.
Okafor, immediately plopped herself down onto the best sitting rock that availed her access to the river and began filling the purification canteens one handed. The one she wasn't filling was tucked into her make-shift sling and Jim at that point started to wonder if their Cadets had actually caught something.
"They seem pleased we've made it," Jim said instead of questioning their sanity, because he was polite, "Though I'm a bit concerned that the Captain's group didn't reach it first."
Spock, like a reasonable being, placed his supplies on the ground gently and turned to Jim thoughtfully, "There is no telling what ailments or injuries may have plagued his group. However small, there is a chance they were not as skilled as our group."
It was strange hearing the word skilled associated with their bunch but Jim supposed that it fit. For all their flaws they'd borne every trial well and, save for Ivanov, without complaining.
Jim placed his own supplies down and leaned them up against Spock's, "We'll wait a day or so before we use the beacon. It wouldn't do to use it without reason."
"And if Captain Pike's group does not show up within your time frame the situation may call for its use," Spock finished and gave a light nod in agreement.
Jim crossed his arms and watched as B'Elize made their best attempt to wrangle together the other Cadets. Eventually they ended up dragging Okafor, and Ivanov over where Grove was already bathing and had them do the same.
Sordik made his way over to Torres and carried out what seemed to be a rather stilted conversation with the Human Cadet on the ground before the two began working together to reassemble the tents.
"I keep forgetting they're just kids," Jim shook his head as he watched the kids and fought a smile. The group was made up of teenagers mostly, it shouldn't have surprised them how casual they behaved with one another. Technically they were all the same rank so there wasn't a problem, it was just amusing to observe.
"If you are referring to their tendency towards informality, I must agree it is surprising," Spock had been exasperated since they began and Jim wished they had a bit more privacy so that he could ask how he was holding up.
"I find myself with the unrealistic expectation that the next group will behave with a higher level of decorum," The Vulcan confessed and Jim snorted at his refusal to say he 'hoped' for better.
"Yeah well, next time they'll have to do this will be when they're about to graduate," Jim shrugged, "I'm sure they'll be in much better form for that, thankfully I don't plan on seeing it."
That was a year end final for the graduating Cadets and was supposed to last for 2 weeks. Jim had used his file to get out of that hell fest, there was no way he was going to walk in and be in charge of it.
"I share the sentiment," Spock cast Jim a look which he received with all due affection before the two of them began setting up their own tent.
By the time they were finished with their tent, Sordik and Torres had completed their own and moved onto the next one. Jim settled onto one of the rocks large enough to perch onto. Spock was content to plant himself on the grassy patch of said rock's base while he oversaw the Cadets at camp and Jim occasionally cast a watchful glance at the Cadets who were washing up.
B'Elize proved themselves a good leader as they practically dragged Okafor, Ivanov, and Grove back to the shore in order to get dressed and help with the tents.
Sordik cast a glance at Spock as the B'Elize's group returned and the older Vulcan brought himself to his feet. It was time for Spock's trio to take their turn in the lake and Jim realized he'd missed his chance to wash up.
He didn't mind though, there was less than a day left so he was content to watch the returning Cadets relieve Sordik and Torres of their duties.
No one seemed to want to ask what the plan was and Jim was content to let them enjoy their time before any decisions were made. He watched B'Elize corral the others and finish assembling the tents as they had for the past couple days and Jim felt a bit of pride over it.
Spock was right, their group was skilled. They were lucky that this was this motley crew they ended up losing communications with.
When night came and everyone had eaten and met their nightly needs, Jim gave Spock a cursory and publicly appropriate goodnight. Spock then crawled his way into the tent in order to get as much rest as he could manage before Jim woke him to take a second watch.
Jim positioned himself primly on the same rock as he had before and cast an easy smile at Cadet Grove as she yawned and chose her own perch.
The Cadets were fortunate there were more of them and they could rotate through the 6 of them. Spock and Jim had taken to switching who took which watch, since whoever was stationed at first was technically allowed to sleep in just a bit longer than the other. It was a compromise because Spock had wanted Jim to be perpetually assigned to first watch. Jim on the other hand wasn't going to have it.
He was an adult and would easily get his needed sleep despite the watch he took.
"It's really quiet," Grove whispered and Jim could hear the rushing river flowing in the night as the stars shone above them like a halo encircling the two moons of Garrihk IX.
"I find it strange," Jim replied just as softly, "Back on Earth crickets would be singing and I've come to associate that with the dark."
Grove smiled but nodded in agreement,"I guess some people would, but I'm used to the noises of the city."
"AH," Jim shook his head, he still had a hard time when he wasn't in a place with windows and walls built to shut out all the bustle. Well, every location that didn't have the benefit of the hum of a warp core, "It must be especially alien to you."
"Yeah," Grove turned her gaze out to the stars and her smile was bright, "It's pretty wonderful."
When morning came Jim was ensconced in his tent and perfectly content with his location. Jim had the uncanny ability to sleep anywhere especially if it was on the ground, but he also managed to sleep light enough so that any sudden sounds would instantly wake him.
That was why Jim shot upright at the sound of something being tossed into the river.
First he thought of Spock who was still on watch and immediately Jim pulled his phaser from its place next to his head and crept out of his tent.
Light was barely creeping over the planet and Jim took in the campsite, the moment he did all tension left his body and he actually smiled.
Spock was perched on the same Rock Jim had chosen for his watch and Torres was standing just off to the side.
What really caught Jim's eyes though was the 6 cadets he hadn't just spent a week in the forest with who were splashing around like hooligans in the river.
Captain Pike was in conversation with Spock, the older man looked exhausted and his arms were crossed as he spoke and kept his gaze on the kids who had tossed themselves in the river.
Jim moved fully out of the tent then and strapped his phaser to his hip, then proceeded to make his way to the Captain, "Well looks like we don't have to send out a search party."
Pike's gaze immediately snapped towards Jim and the Captain grinned, "Yeah well, I wasn't about to let 6 Cadets kick my ass."
"Well they outnumber you so excuse me if I'm surprised Sir," Jim replied and offered a hand which Pike immediately shook.
"Please tell me you have a way to get our communications back online," Pike sighed as he released Jim's hand from their shake, "Because I don't want to be the first group in 10 years to have to use a beacon just because Salem's weather sensors are off."
Jim cast a look of surprise at the fact that Spock hadn't informed Pike of their plan, which the Vulcan responded to by saying, "The Captain, upon arriving, found it more prudent to inquire after the well-being of our contingent than any plans we may have to achieve communication with Salem."
"That's reasonable," Jim smirked and turned his focus back to Pike, "We do have a plan but I'll need to bone knitter and the tricorder.
"Grove has the second, and the first is needed to repair Okafor's broken arm before we tear it up."
"Dio'gin should be able to reset the bone and fix the Cadet up," Pike mused and glanced over at his Cadets, "After that, feel free to destroy whatever you want if it means getting back to Salem."
Jim nodded, "I was hoping one of your medical Cadets could help."
With that he turned to Torres who seemed to very pointedly trying not to listen to the conversation that the officers were having. Jim called out to him,
"Torres, go wake up the others. When you get to Okafor, send her over to us."
Happy to have a task, Torress gave a jaunty salute and 'yes sir' before taking off towards the tents. Jim shook his head at the over eager manners of the Cadet and turned his attention back to Pike.
"So you're Cadets seem to be in pretty good shape," Pike observed then corrected, "Well except for the one with the broken arm."
Spock's guilt was keenly felt before Jim sent him a bit of assurance and responded with every ounce of incredulousness he could muster, "Well she went tree climbing without anyone's permission or knowledge.
" You'll find Okafor is our most rebellious for the sake of rebelliousness and Ivanov would rather be on Qo'Nos than taking here."
Pike snorted then and looked up at the sky with amusement, "Yeah I got a couple of those with me."
The Captain then looked to Spock, "We Humans haven't been giving you too much trouble I hope Mr. Spock."
"While several of the Cadets have presented themselves as a study in illogic, all of them have performed adequately," Spock conceded with the ghost of a smile. Jim wondered if Spock wasn't just a little bit proud of their kids.
"Jim wasn't too much for you to handle?" Pike's words were teasing but there was some seriousness in them. Spock's single brow raised in disbelief, there was a beat of silence before he replied,
"If I found Lt. Cmdr. Kirk's presence distasteful it would hardly be logical for me to pay court to him for the past 3.5 weeks."
During the pause before his reply, Torres and Okafor arrived and both of the Cadets froze like a pair of deer in a set of headlights while Jim choked on his own saliva.
As for Pike he looked like he was about to hit Jim so hard he'd end up in the next quadrant as he took a breath and said, "We'll talk about that later."
Jim pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes and took a very deep breath as he sighed, "Spock, was now really the best time?"
"You claimed declaring ourselves to friends was Human tradition to indicate an intention of permanence," Spock very logically responded with a look on his face that, Jim just knew, said that he just wanted to see how Pike would respond.
"Or now," Pike sighed and Jim shook his head.
"Is this you two making a declaration?" the Captain pressed, "Because If it is we'll have to really sit down when we get to Salem."
Spock turned to Jim and seemed to ask only with his eyes what he wanted and he had to smile back, because really what better time than now?
"Yeah, this is," Jim smiled at Pike, "Sorry for the suddenness of it all."
"Kid, I ought to smack you over the head for the headache this is going to cause me," Pike gave an exasperated laugh and turned to Spock, "You too! I thought you'd be the last person I'd have to worry about!"
Spock gave the equivalent of a noncommittal shrug and Pike continued to shake his head, "I'm really too tired for this right now.
"Jim fix our shit and then we'll talk."
"Aye Aye Captain," Jim gave a salute and pressed his lips together so that he wouldn't laugh as Pike made his way over to the tent he and Spock shared and crawled in.
"Repairing the equipment will not afford Captain Pike a suitable rest period," Spock observed and Jim snorted.
"Yeah normally, but I kind of promised a demo to the Communication and Science Cadets," Jim shrugged and Spock just seemed to accept that it was a suitable pursuit.
By the time Pike's Cadets pulled themselves from the river it was fully morning.
Jim immediately requested Nurse Dio'gin's skills for Okafor and the Medical Cadet performed admirably. Okafor needed to bite down on her own belt, but in the end even she handled the whole ordeal like a trooper. It was worth having the kid hale and whole.
Finally when Okafor was fully knit back together Jim retrieved the bone knitter and the tricorder from their assigned holders.
"If you're a Communications Specialist, Engineer, or are just plain curious, gather around! I'm about to demonstrate how to repair a burned out communicator with these," Jim announced as he waved the two devices, one in each hand, and stood in the center of their camp.
Spock, who already knew what Jim was about to do, was content to speak with Captain Pike regarding the future schedule of the next few rounds of Simulations.
From their own contingent of Cadets, Grove, Torres, Ivanov, and Sordik followed Jim and were content to plop down in a patch of grass just outside the camp. From Pike's group there were 3 more Cadets that Jim recognized as Sakurai, Nibolt, and Furr'ai, all of them were Engineers and practically bouncing in place as Jim began the demo.
The first thing Jim did was crack open each device, beginning with his own communicator and proceeding with the tricorder and bone knitter.
Wide eyed the Cadets watched and probably took as many mental notes as possible.
All in all the entire demonstration, due to questions, comments, and tangential observations, took an hour and a half.
Which was plenty of time for the Cadets to learn their way around the emergency methods of cannibalizing equipment.
On test 3 the communicator finally picked up a signal and Jim felt a rush of satisfaction that his handy work was functional. Once the functionality of the thing was confirmed, the Cadets began buzzing amongst themselves and shared ideas on how to sustain such repairs long term, or even boost the signal in a more desperate situation.
Jim, on the other hand, lifted it over his head and turned to face the section of camp where Spock and Pike were, "I've got it working!"
Pike was instantly on his feet with Spock hot on his heels. The Captain very gingerly took hold of the communicator and inspected it for himself. When he was satisfied he shook his head and smirked a Jim,
"You're honestly something else."
"I try," Jim shrugged with a bit of teasing false modesty, to which Pike responded with a shake of his head.
"All right kids, everyone gather around!" Pike called out to the kids, "We might only have one shot at this so get in formation for beam up."
Immediately the Cadets scrambled into position, all of them holding their gear nervously.
Jim and Spock took their places at Pike's right an left as the Captain adjusted the frequency on the communicator and spoke into it,
"Starbase Salem, this is Captain Pike of the Simulation Team, both groups are gathered at the emergency location and are ready to beam up."
He waited a beat and repeated it once, twice more before a voice crackled across from the other side,
"Captain Pike this is Starbase Salem, ready to beam up 15, are you hale and whole?"
"All party members are healthy, but I request a medic on standby to inspect a repaired injury," Pike responded as a wave of relief crashed through their party.
"Confirmed, ready on your signal," the Salem officer replied and Pike looked to Jim, then Spock before giving the order.
"Energize."
At the end of the Semester Jim felt like he'd spent a month in the forest, which was closer to true than it wasn't.
Fortunately that first week out had been the most eventful and the proceeding 3 were basically what he'd experienced during his own time as a Cadet in the Survival Dome.
Now though, it was time to face a whole new challenge.
Jim lay across the rather plush couch in one of nicest apartments he'd ever been in. The wall facing the street was floor to ceiling glass and could functionally black out if they needed to. Located near the bay, the view afforded by the transparent aluminum wall was gorgeous.
The whole place was floored with reddish brown ceramic tiles and the walls were the brightest creme Jim had ever actually seen in the city. It was decorated in a modern fashion while maintaining the character and tradition one would expect to find in a Vulcan home.
It was Spock's place and Jim felt like being inside it gave him a glimpse into the Vulcan's soul.
"It is illogical for you to have left your home only to return to it," Spock announced his presence as he came from his bedroom where he'd been changing out of his Black Uniform.
Jim sat up from his place on the sofa and took in the beyond gorgeous sight of Spock in a set of mahogany and white robes in the traditional style of those who lived in Shi'Kahr.
"I wanted a moment to ourselves," Jim replied softly as he climbed over the back the couch, nearly falling in the process. He managed it though and once he was upright offered Spock his fingers for a kiss,
"You look amazing in that."
Spock returned the gesture and pressed their fingers together, as Jim slid his pair down his partner's, the Vulcan leaned in and they met in a gentle press of lips.
Inhaling through his nose, Jim deepened the passion of their meeting which Spock met with enthusiasm. As they pulled apart Spock seemed to turn Jim over in his gaze and gave a smirk.
In a pair of acid wash jeans along with a black and gray plaid shirt over a white T, Jim was happy to find he met with Spock's approval as the Vulcan replied, "I too find you particularly aesthetically pleasing in your current ensemble."
Jim moved his arms and slowly, gently wrapped them around Spock's waist as he leaned his head into the crook of the other's neck. Spock was only about an inch taller than himself but it wasn't an uncomfortable position.
"Can we just put this whole thing off and stay here? Order in?"
Spock pressed a gentle kiss just behind Jim's ear and placed welcoming hands on his hips, "This entire venture was planned by you as an attempt to introduce me to your friends, and action which I have been informed is necessary before we fully realize our bond."
Jim pulled away slowly and Spock let him. Most of their physical contact was initiated by the Human half of their relationship and even then it was only in private. Vulcans didn't do PDA Jim liked the idea that what they had was theirs and not to be seen by others.
He knew Spock loved him, and could feel it through the small amount of leakage in their walled up bond. It was all he'd ever wanted, to be known.
"Yeah," Jim sighed and released Spock fully, "Can't just show up married one day."
"Indeed," Spock replied but it was coated with amusement, then after a beat, "If you are prepared then, shall we depart?"
"Yes, we shall," Jim smiled and he knew it was soft with all the affection and love he felt for the other.
Together, they made their way to the lift which would take them directly to the hover car park that was located in the underground level of the apartment building. Jim had arrived via public transport so that they could take Spock's vehicle.
After all, Spock wasn't one to enjoy public transport and he also needed to turn in early so he could help with grading the tests from the Xeno-Linguistic course he assisted with.
Standing close enough together that their shoulders brushed the two enjoyed a companionable silence on their way down. Once the lift reached their destination, the moved as one before loading into Spock's hover car, which was also rather luxurious compared to what Jim had grown up with.
His mother may be a Commander, but Winona Kirk was a country girl to the core.
Winona Kirk, that was another person he'd have to inform of his current status as 'Technically Engaged to a Vulcan'. That wasn't a conversation he wanted to have.
Jim buckled himself in and sighed, "Do you think I should invite my mom to the ceremony?"
"It would be Ideal," Spock replied, "Though only the head of your family will be necessary should your brother not be capable of attending."
"She's still upset over me joining Starfleet," Jim chuckled but it lacked any real amusement. Spock started the car and began pulling out of the car park.
"I do not know if my Father will attend due to his own disappointed expectations regarding my chosen career," Spock replied and sent a small wave of comfort which Jim found buoyed him.
"Will that be a problem?" Jim couldn't help but feel a microscopic bit of concern over that bit of information.
They hit the street and Spock replied, "No, not for us. Our bond will come to fruition regardless of any approval from our parents.
"Their presence, if possible, will largely be symbolic of their approval of our union and have no bearings on whether or not our bond will be recognized by my people's law."
"Good," Jim sighed and took Spock's free hand that sat between them on the arm rest, "I'm glad."
Spock twined their fingers together and Jim was happy.
It didn't take long for them to make the drive to Jim's apartment. Spock had only made the journey once but somehow he'd not managed to meet Kevin. This was the night that was all changing.
Together, after parking in the reserved spot next to Jim's hover bike, they made their way out of the parking garage and into the lobby. Their hands were no longer laced together and hadn't been since they left the car, but Jim found comfort in the close proximity they kept as they entered the lift.
Spock was practically humming with nerves, and since they were alone, Jim brushed the back of their hands together in a show of solidarity and was thanked with a simple soft glance.
Dinging, the lift opened and revealed the floor on which Jim lived. Shuffling out Jim led the way.
As they reached the apartment door Jim turned to Spock and really took him in, "Are you ready?"
"I find that I am adequately prepared," Spock replied stiffly and Jim gave his partner a reassuring smile before punching in his security code,
"They'll love you."
The doors hissed opened before Spock could reply and Jim smiled at the group that had gathered in his absence.
Kevin was playing host and serving drinks, from the look of it he was mixing up a strawberry margarita for Nyota who was sitting at the counter with Gaila.
Bones was in the kitchen with Kevin and helping himself to a platter of sandwiches they'd ordered for the occasion while sipping on what looked like a glass of brandy.
"Who's driving you all home tonight?" Jim laughed at the sight of all of his friends and all of them greeted him in turn.
"I am!" Gaila raised her glass of what had to be juice, "Honestly, if I wasn't you make us all sleep on the floor."
"No, you and I would be in his bed," Nyota snorted, "He'd be on the floor."
Bones laughed at that, "Ain't that the damn truth."
"Who's your friend?" Kevin was the one to notice Spock of course. The youngest Cadet in the room offered the Vulcan a smile.
"Whoever you are, you're welcome to the veggie rolls we ordered," Bones drawled and looked Spock up and down, "Gaila hates deli meat so we got a whole platter of them."
Jim smiled, grateful his friends were welcoming as he made a gesture towards Spock, "Guys, this is Spock. We've been dating for almost 2 months and I decided it was time for you all to meet him."
Nyota choked on her drink but recovered decently before smiling and offering a Ta'al "We've met actually! You're aiding Professor Callem right?"
"Correct," Spock inclined his head in a nod and Jim smiled brightly as he continued,
"Well you know Nyota Uhura then! Next to her is Cadet Gaila Vro, serving drinks is Cadet Kevin Riley, and the old man with the sandwiches is Dr. Leonard McCoy."
"A pleasure I'm sure," McCoy practically huffed, and Kevin smacked his arm,
"Be nice!"
"What?!" McCoy growled and took a bite of his sandwich, Jim rolled his eyes at the display before turning back to Spock.
"The veggie rolls have parchment wraps," Jim informed his companion, "You want anything to drink? Tea? Juice?"
"I'm drinking gingi juice," Gaila informed them, "Kevin brought it fresh."
"I shall partake in the same," Spock replied to Jim then turned to Gaila, "I thank you for the suggestion, it was most welcome."
"No problem," Gaila winked and Spock would have seemed affronted if he wasn't so unimpressed with her teasing flirtations.
Jim made his way into the kitchen to serve Spock his juice and was happy to see the Vulcan pull up a chair next to Nyota. The two began to discuss linguistics casually and it made Jim's heart swell with affection.
He grabbed a glass from the pantry and Kevin sidled up to him before saying in a hushed tone, "Jim, what is happening right now?"
"I'm serving my new partner gingi juice," Jim replied with equal quiet as he took hold of the glass bottle of juice and poured it.
Kevin smiled falsely and nodded slowly, "Right, your partner the Vulcan. The Vulcan you never mentioned because I doubt he's one of your Cadets."
Jim stopped pouring and returned the smile, he felt almost desperate for Kevin to understand as he said, "You'd be correct, Spock's a Lieutenant Commander and I'm very much gone on him so please be nice."
"Alright," Kevin dropped his smile and sighed, "If you really like him and this isn't like T'Sar than I can get behind it."
"It's not," Jim replied with conviction, "He- Spock's already talked to me about all that and arrangements are being made."
"JEsUs!" Kevin squeaked then and brought his volume back down, "Jim!"
"Kevin," Jim pleaded with the damn kid with only his eyes, "Spock's it. If there's anything after him it's game over."
Kevin swallowed and seemed to accept the seriousness of Jim's feeling as he finally conceded, "Alright. Just invite me to the wedding if you can."
With a wide smile Jim gave Kevin a hug, "Thank you."
Releasing Kevin, Jim grabbed Spock's juice off the counter and brought it out to him at the bar-like area. He placed it in front of the Vulcan and smiled, Spock returned the gesture with only his eyes.
"Jim!" Nyota broke their exchange with a wide grin reminiscent of the one Kevin had just been wearing, "Mr. Spock and I were just talking about how surprised I was to find out you were dating someone so seriously and soon after you said you weren't going to be looking anytime soon."
"If I remember correctly," Jim tried to keep his tone casual in response to the tension in her's, "I said It would be hard to find someone and leave them behind when I got another commission. I never said I would stop looking."
"It was implied," Nyota stopped hiding the tightness in her voice and Spock took a sip of his drink casually from his place between them. Jim had to suppress a laugh at that, he didn't want Nyota to think he was laughing at her.
"Well even if I had decided to stop looking," Jim did his best to sound reasonable, "Meeting Spock would have changed it."
He then cast a soft and gentle smile at the man in question, Jim's affectionate expression was met with a neutral expression and a raised brow.
"After all, he's the one who did all the pursuing," Jim grinned and showed teeth causing the tips of Spock's ears to tinge green.
Jim wondered what it would be like to kiss them.
Nyota took a big swig of her drink, "Can we talk? Privately?"
Jim looked to the others, Kevin rolled his eyes and Bones just shrugged. Gaila though was not content to stay quiet,
"Ugh the only thing we should be talking about is how Jim bagged a Vulcan!" the Orion woman laughed, "You deserve a medal!"
Spock closed his eyes and Jim was 100% sure it was in horror at the comment.
"Gaila leave the poor guy alone," McCoy groaned, "He has to put up with Jim as it is."
"We can talk," Jim ignored Bones and Gaila in favor of answering Nyota, he then turned to Spock, "Will you be OK?"
"I shall not notice your absence," Spock replied easily, "As you are routinely keen to rejoin my side."
"Did you just call Jim clingy?" Bones laughed and shook his head, "I think I like him Jim!"
Jim rolled his eyes as Nyota stood and took her drink with her as she made her way towards the hall.
"Bones," Jim laughed, "I don't think I can handle you and Spock teaming up on me."
McCoy simply raised his brows in interest and Jim had to follow Nyota to what he was sure was his own bedroom.
Jim reluctantly trudged his way across the apartment and made his way into his room and found Nyota sitting with her legs crossed on his bed.
"What happened to needing passion and fireworks?" Nyota frowned and placed her drink on his night table so that she could cross her arms, "Seriously! Were you dating him when you told me that we couldn't date people who were anything less than willing to woo us within an inch of our lives."
It was Jim's turn to cross his arms, "That was you. I never said I needed any of that!"
"You didn't disagree when I said you did!" Nyota hissed, "Jim Vulcans are serious business! He's probably already planning your wedding! I don't want you trapped with someone you cant be content with."
"You're making a lot of assumptions," Jim frowned and couldn't shake the anger that was slowly building, "1. I know exactly how serious Vulcans are. 2. Being with Spock is nothing like being trapped, he makes me happy and I like to think I make him happy too."
He actually knew for a fact that he made Spock a bit overwhelmed with joy sometimes but Vulcan bonds weren't exactly discussed with those not involved with them.
"I'm just concerned," Nyota sighed and all the fight seemed to seep out of her, "I know what you're like and I know what Vulcans are like too. I know you, you're tactile and I haven't seen you touch him once!
"I don't want you changing and compromising who you are, or feeling like he doesn't love you enough.
"Those are all common problems with Human/Vulcan relationships. The Humans involved frequently feel like their emotional needs aren't being met and I don't want to see that happen to you. "
Jim wondered about that, because Nyota wasn't someone who spoke out of her ass. Was it possible Vulcans hardly ever made it to the point that bonding was agreed upon? Then again there were a lot of humans who thought the whole telepathy thing was terrifying and probably wouldn't even allow a meld, let alone a full bond.
A meld, Jim had been practically starving for one since their first week in the forest of Garrihk IX. But Spock had said they couldn't risk him touching T'Pring's mind accidentally, which was still a startling possibility.
"I'm happy," Jim assured Nyota as he pulled himself back to the conversation at hand, "And that day we talked I realized that I only ever did all those things because it's what those partners needed.
"I'm perfectly happy to be what Spock needs, and he's done amazing and being what I need too."
"Good," Nyota uncrossed her arms and grabbed her drink before standing, "But if you start having problems I want you to talk to me OK?"
"I will," Jim assured her and together they walked back to the kitchen. Nyota took a new seat on the other side of Gaila and Jim felt a wave of fondness as he found Spock eating one of the veggie rolls the McCoy had insisted he eat.
Taking Nyota's old seat, Jim settled next to Spock and grabbed one of the roast beef sandwiches off the platter on the counter, "Is your wrap alright?"
"It is sufficient," Spock inclined his head in acceptance of the meal and then lowered his voice, "Is your status adequate? I experienced a minute amount of your distress."
"I'm alright," Jim assured him, "I just had to clear up a misunderstanding."
Spock accepted that with another shallow nod and took a bid of his roll.
After everyone had eaten and the conversation in the kitchen had dwindled down, Kevin decided it was time to bring their little gathering to the living area.
"Well who here is ready for a classic holo that will bring tears to their eyes?" Kevin practically swooned and Spock raised a single brow as he replied,
"Seeing as I am Vulcan, I highly doubt such a phenomenon will occur."
"What? Don't you cry for a good movie?" Bones suddenly sounded affronted as if he was the one who'd suggested the activity.
"No Doctor, Vulcans do not cry at all. We lack the tear ducts," Spock informed him primly and Jim had to press his lips together as McCoy looked shaken to his core,
"What kind of species doesn't damn well cry?!"
"If you possessed any sort of intelligence required of a medical professional you would have been capable of drawing the logical conclusion that Vulcans are such a species," Spock replied stone faced, "I did mention so explicitly."
"Why you-!" McCoy was pink in the face and ready to throw down so Jim intervened,
"Bones, do you want to watch a movie or not?"
The Doctor narrowed his eyes at Spock then at Jim before deciding, "Why the hell not."
Kevin whooped happily and swept his way over to the data chips that stored the holos. Gaila and Nyota piled themselves onto the couch with Bones and Spock watched them all adjust to the small space with open curiosity.
"I am unable to join for the next portion of the evening," Spock announced but his focus was on Jim. He smiled at Spock and sent him a bit of understanding.
"You did say you wouldn't be able to stay long," Jim accepted his announcement, "I'm just glad you were able to meet everyone."
Inclining his head Spock replied, "I have found the evening interesting."
"Would you like me to walk you to your car?" Jim offered but knew it was just him trying to get a goodbye kiss.
"Negative," Spock seemed almost sad at his own answer, "Such an action is not required."
Bone mumbled something that suspiciously sounded like, 'just fucking kiss and be done with it' but Jim couldn't be sure and if Spock heard it he wasn't telling.
"I'll see you on Friday then," Jim was happy to find Spock agreeing to the statement before making his way out of the apartment. Friday was when they would finally have their lecture date that they'd been planning since their first time out.
Part of him truly wished he could reach out and kiss Spock in the Vulcan way, but they were not yet officially bonded and such a public display was a privilege which was afforded only to those who had a fully realized bond. Otherwise such an action was highly scandalous.
He couldn't wait until they could though. Part of Jim was nervous to acquaint himself with Spock's clan but he was also thrilled at the prospect of meeting the Vulcan's very Human mother. She had to be a remarkable woman of rare qualities. Her and her husband must also be very much in love to have made it so long.
After Spock left, Jim and Kevin were both settled in chairs just behind the couch as the opening credits to the holo that had been chosen had begun to roll. No doubt an over dramatic romance had been chosen, they were Kevin's favorites and the young man was not going to give up his favorite genre anytime soon.
He'd lost track of how many movies about romantic mix ups and royal misunderstandings he'd viewed since Kevin moved in. Jim knew there had to be a definite up tick in that sort of thing in his life. Sure, he loved a good romance! His human heart practically burned at the thought of them. But Kevin's favorites were usually less than art and more of a campy romp through unlikely scenarios.
They were practically modern fairy tales with less substance and devoid of style.
Everyone had their own tastes though he supposed and as entertainment Kevin's movies kept you busy.
"Your boyfriends a piece of work," Bones grumbled but Jim just knew it was directed at him, "I just hope you know what your getting into! Honestly! Vulcans!
"What even made you think dating a Vulcan was a good idea!?"
"Contrary to popular belief," Jim frowned, Bones was the kind to complain about people he liked but that usually came a lot later in a relationship with him. This seemed more like him complaining just to complain. Either that or he actually didn't like Spock for some reason, "I'm not actually an idiot and I know how serious Vulcans are when it come to relationships."
"You're the dumbest smart person I know," McCoy sassed him but there was a bit of a smile that eased Jim's nerves. It seemed the Doctor was just worried. Which became even more obvious as his tone lightened while he said, "And If you keep him around he's gonna be a pain in my ass. I can tell."
"I thought you liked him," Jim teased and McCoy rolled his eyes but he seemed content to bicker,
"That was before he opened his mouth."
"But you guys can live with him?" Jim really needed to know the answer, these people had filled a space in his heart he hadn't known was gaping and empty since he was a child. They had arrived in his life and suddenly he had people who loved him in a way that didn't require him to sacrifice his own happiness.
"I like him," Gaila sighed happily, and Kevin nodded in enthusiastic agreement,
"He's the good sort. I'm sure he can make you happy."
Nyota was reluctant but she did add, "As long as he does make you happy I'm good with him. Might have to give him a talking to though, just to make sure he knows what dating a human means for him!"
They all turned their eyes on McCoy who after a short time of resisting, groaned loudly, "Fine! I'll live if you really actually like the guy! It's not like I'm the one dating him! I don't see how my opinion even matters!"
Jim sighed in relief and smiled at his small patchwork family,
"Good because I don't want a fuss when we get married at the end of the year."
Which started a whole round of shouting from everyone.