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Title: The Flavor of Laughter, Part One Chapter Five
Series: Star Trek XI
Pairing: Kirk/Spock
Rating: PG-13
Words: ~6,500
Summary: He is Starfleet’s youngest captain. But he is untried, and inexperienced. What kind of captain will James Tiberius Kirk become? A story in three parts. Slow-building, will eventually be K/S.
Previous Chapter
Part One, Chapter One
Chapter Five
When he awakens in the morning, it is to a head trying to split itself in two. Directly down the middle. With a nail file. They had made it to the bar for the celebration the night before, and now Kirk is thoroughly regretting it. Not the going itself; he had been able to cast off any lingering feelings from his encounter, and he had genuinely enjoyed himself. His officers are just so full of life – even quiet, sullen Spock – that he couldn't help but unwind around them. Which led to much laughter, and a few too many drinks.
Typically, too many drinks are never a problem Kirk has to deal with. But this morning there is a meeting scheduled with Admiral Barnett at 0800 hours, and he finds it far too early, especially considering the hangover.
Even greater offense is given when Bones whistles as he walks over to the window by Kirk's bed, and opens the curtains. A harsh ray of sunlight streaks in and attacks Kirk's pillow, haloing his head in golden light.
He lets out a squeal, scrunching his eyes up and trying to hide hide hide under his sheets.
"Bones!!" he complains, petulant as any child awoken before they're ready.
"Come on kid, you know as well as I do how important this meeting is. Up and at-'em!" and Kirk can swear Bones is enjoying this a bit too much. He rolls over, away from the offending light, and hunches his shoulders.
Before he has a chance to defend himself, he is viciously assaulted for the second time in as many minutes. He lets out another squeal, furiously batting away Bones' hands and the hypo that has just violated the sanctity of his neck.
"Ow. Ow. Ow." Kirk turns to his friend with an abused expression, Chekov-pout in full force, "I don't even know what that was for. Aren't I suffering enough?!?" he complains, as he rubs the offended patch of skin on his neck.
"My own special remedy. You should be feeling better in a couple minutes." Bones quips, before he trots off to whatever dark evil place he appeared from.
Kirk gives up on the last few minutes of sleep that were stolen from him, and sits up in his bed while he tries to process what the whole encounter was about. All he knows is that his neck hurts and it's not fair and – his head no longer feels like it's going to explode. The light is no longer piercing directly to the back of his eyeballs. His tongue feels the proper size, and no longer has the texture of sandpaper. And now he knows. The bastard has been keeping this secret from him for three years!! Bones had a hangover remedy, has been using it on himself, and was just watching Kirk suffer after their drinking binges. Injustice!!
He grins to himself, really feeling much better as he plots his revenge, and goes about beginning his day.
(*)
"You do know why you're here this morning, don't you, Captain?" he is asked, and his chest inflates a little at the title. He can definitely get used to that.
"Yes, sir, I believe the Admiralty has finally decided what the Enterprise's 'official' maiden voyage is going to be?" Kirk replies, easy confidence broadcasted in his posture. In his mind play flashes of death-defying stunts and dangerous missions deep into the heart of unknown territory.
Barnett nods, seriousness on his face and in his eyes.
"We have." he simply says, and passes Kirk the PADD that was sitting on his desk.
He takes possession of it with excited hands, skimming through the data contained within. Vulcan survivors….escorts…building supplies…. His fingers stop their hasty scrolling of the data as the implications sink in. He doesn't look up, as he hides the confusion from his voice, "Sir, this looks like orders to bring the Vulcan survivors to their newly selected homeworld, and help them with any preparations that they need for the time span of…" and he pauses as he finds the pertinent entry, "a month."
Only then does he look up at the Admiral, allowing some of his confusion to enter his expression. He has the flagship of the entire fleet, the best crew that Starfleet can put together, and their first mission is….babysitting the remains of the Vulcan race. All hopes of a daring and exciting year are dashed to pieces, and he feels horribly let down.
This really is not fair, not in the least bit. At all.
"That is correct, Captain." He puts emphasis on the word, perhaps in response to what Kirk can't keep out of his tone, "As our first and strongest allies, the survival of the remaining Vulcans is our top priority. With so few of them left, they desperately need assistance getting set up on the planet they have chosen. As a gesture of good faith and trustworthiness, we are sending the flagship to show how important we consider their continuing support."
Kirk squirms uncomfortably in his chair; he can see the Admiral's point. But still…how is he supposed to prove that he's ready for the Captaincy if all he gets to do is tame missions that don't show off his strengths?
"Not only that, but we must show our enemies that we defend our own. We cannot simply send the Vulcans off and expect them to be fine. We assume that there is going to be some testing of the waters, some stealth infiltrations perpetrated to see if the Vulcans can be picked off completely while they are still vulnerable. Your mission, while primarily diplomatic in nature, is also vital to the defense of our allies." the Admiral continues, again bringing his point home to the reluctant newly-appointed captain.
Well, at least there is the promise of some kind of action. He straightens in his chair, effectively squelching his frustrations, "Yes sir, I understand."
"Good. I thought you would."
(*)
He is still in a daze when he meets everyone at the appointed hour, in a little bistro across from the campus. They have pulled several of the small tables together, and all five of them are chatting together. There are still signs of awkwardness in their interactions, but as each day goes by they are more and more comfortable in each other's presence. Kirk stands at the doorway, observing them together for a few moments more, before making his way to the chair left empty for him.
Chekov is the first to see him, and literally bounces up and down in his chair like a puppy in his excitement. "Keptan!! We hawe been waiting, so patiently!"
Their conversation comes to an abrupt end, as they all lean excitedly forward. Kirk knows what they are waiting for, but doesn't know quite how to put it.
"Are ye gonna tell us? I dinnae think I can handle any more!" Scotty complains, even more eagerness in him than in Chekov. The Chief Engineer has had enough sitting around and waiting, and is anxious to be off and doing. Kirk can understand; after being on Delta Vega for only a day, he had been in the process of going crazy. And Scotty had been there for…months.
Kirk leans forward, increasing the feeling of secrecy and confidentiality around the little table. Everyone hushes expectantly, focused on his face. He should be enjoying this, but he's still kind of bewildered, and can't muster up his typical cocky attitude. Instead of drawing out the moment, he just tells them what has happened, "Our first mission will be to transport the Vulcans to their new homeworld, and provide manpower and defense for them for an entire month, until we are relieved by another starship from the Fleet."
Much to his confusion, their response to the news is nothing like his. Scotty and Sulu cheer – it looks like, if they weren't in a public place, they would have even chest-bumped it – while Bones and Chekov grin like idiots, and Uhura laughs in enjoyment and surprise. He can't imagine why they would be so happy – again, babysitting? – but tries to shake off some of his funk so he doesn't ruin their mood. And he is excited, just not as much as he would have been if daring and adventure had been part of their orders.
His efforts are fruitless, as a moment later Uhura says, "This is going to make Spock so happy! I'm sure he'll love the chance to see New Vulcan and help his people!"
To which Kirk cannot formulate a reply. He still hasn't gotten any type of response from Spock, and now the Admiral is pressuring him to select a First, and a separate Science Officer. And he refuses to pick anyone but the half-Vulcan; no one else fits with the crew, no one else could possibly take Spock's place. His head falls forward, and with a thump lands on the table before him. A small hand touches his shoulder, and he looks up into Uhura's worried face.
"He hasn't chosen yet, has he?" she asks him, and frowns after she studies his features. Looking up at the others, then back down at him, she promises, "I'll talk to him. This is getting ridiculous!"
Kirk grumbles something about bastard uncaring Vulcans under his breath. Such a short time left, now. He has decided that if Spock doesn't agree before they leave spacedock, he'll just depart without a First – they can use one of the Lieutenants to temporarily man the Science station – and then Starfleet will be forced to make Spock join the Enterprise's crew. Kirk just hopes they decide to court martial the pointy-eared one, or something equally reprehensible.
Uhura seems to pick up on his mood, her eyes narrowing slightly, "How long?"
He shifts his head away from her, so his forehead is resting against the smooth coolness of the tabletop. The others shuffle around him, their joy now tempered by his frustration. Bones especially cannot see why Kirk cares so much that Spock comes with them. And if he's honest with himself, Kirk isn't sure either. He just knows, in his gut, that Spock as his First Officer is the only right thing to do. Even discounting the prophecy of one alternate-reality time traveler, he finds himself attached to Spock and determined to have him aboard.
"Admiral Barnett said that the Vulcans would be on ship and prepared to leave in forty eight hours. We leave two days from now, at 0900 hours. I need his response by then, or we'll have to depart without him."
All of his people have been preparing to leave since they accepted their assignments, and can depart at a moment's notice. The forty eight hours is just a courtesy, as far as they are concerned; they can now inform family and say final goodbyes.
Uhura sucks on her bottom lip for a moment as she considers his words, and their implications. He is watching her from an angle, his forehead still cushioned by cool metal. All at once, she makes up her mind, and nods to herself.
She stands, brushing invisible lint off her skirt with delicate fingers, "I'm sorry boys, but I'll have to excuse myself from the rest of lunch. I must find Instructor Spock and get to the bottom of this. He will give me an answer. And it better be the one that I want to hear." Her shoulders are set, her face determined; Kirk does not envy Spock his encounter with her in this mood.
Chekov gulps, and scrambles to get out of her way as she disappears from the bistro. "Now zhat, zhat is more terrifying zhen anything I'we seen in Russia!"
All four men chuckle weakly in response, grateful that they are not the focus of her ire. Kirk, now confident that his problem is in capable hands – delegating! Oh, it's great to be captain! – turns his attention instead to getting some food in his belly, and enjoying the company of his officers.
(*)
When they're done with lunch, he still hasn't been contacted by Uhura. Sulu has promised to send a blanket notification to the crew, so they are all aboard Enterprise at the designated time. This leaves Kirk with a free evening, and he grumbles quietly to himself as he makes his way to the library. He is still caught up in Spock's refusal to come with them, and can't understand why it's so hard for the blasted Space Elf to make a simple decision. With nothing else to do with his time, he decides he'll research the whole Space Elf species and see if there's anything that might give him more of an insight into Spock's behavior.
Kirk pauses to chat with the librarian on duty, making small talk with the tiny old woman who has so many great-grandchildren that Kirk has lost count. With a parting comment about child number fifty two, he disappears down the aisles. He has seen so much of this building the past three years he feels more at home here than he does in the dorms. So quiet and comfortable, and always welcoming.
He makes his way to the terminals against the wall; the information he is searching for is old, and most of the physical books present are current titles. The older books are too precious, and have been scanned into the database so the actual copies can be ensconced in storage. The chairs are old and comfortable, and he sinks inside one as he settles into a cubicle in the back corner. It's his favorite spot, and the seat of the chair has been molded after many hours, perfectly fitting his form.
His fingers flying over the keys, he begins searching for any pertinent information. He's looking for details on the Vulcans as a race, how they differ from Humans both physiologically and psychologically. The first entries pulled up are from the initial contact made so many years ago, when the Vulcans introduced themselves to humanity. It is utterly fascinating, and Kirk finds himself forgetting what his original intent was, instead getting lost in the knowledge.
The hours pass like water through a sieve.
Even Nyota Uhura is unable to wrangle an answer from her significant other, and the days pass uneventfully as final preparations are made. Kirk is consulted periodically by the engineers stocking Enterprise, to give suggestions on what he wants included in her cargo. The main bulk of space is given to the Vulcans, and the materials they will need to build a home on their new world, but there is some space left over for other necessities.
He spends some time considering what resources can and cannot be replicated, and builds up his list accordingly. There are two items that he includes that are atypical, but considering what he knows of the previous Vulcan homeworld, he can make assumptions about the conditions on their new one. And hot, dry air combined with high rocky cliffs makes the perfect climate for what he has in mind.
When asked if he agrees, Sulu's eyes light up with contemplation. "I think it's a great plan, Kir-Captain." He grins as he says it, comfortable in Kirk's presence, "Are you sure there's room for them on the ship, with everything else we have to bring with us?"
Kirk matches his friend's grin, "You must not have seen these new models. They fold up to about the size of a duffle bag, frame and all. It's really an impressive design."
He can already see the expedition flashing behind the Japanese's eyes, as Sulu agrees wholeheartedly, "Then as long as we're not kicking a Vulcan to the curb to make room, I'm definitely in! I've never gotten a chance to, being from San Francisco. I can't wait, but…do you have any idea where we're going to do it?"
Kirk rubs his hands together in glee, not phased a bit, "Oh, I was thinking Chekov could help us with that. Being the physics genius that he is, I'm sure he can calculate the best drop point for us."
Here Sulu's face falls a little, and he scratches his scalp in embarrassment, "I know you like Chekov and all, but…Isn't that kid a little bit crazy?"
Immediately, he waves off Sulu's concerns, "Nah! He's just trying so hard to impress that he comes off a little…focused. Are you questioning my judgment, as the only captain you're willing to serve under?!" he wiggles his eyebrows at Sulu, who shrugs, then breaks out in another grin.
"I knew I shouldn't have told you that," he says, as he punches Kirk lightly in his arm, "You're never gonna let me live that down, are you?"
Kirk finds it best not to dignify that question with an answer – and therefore not incriminate himself – so instead changes the subject with his customary smile, "What other supplies do you think we'll need for this to work?"
Completely sober for this early morning meeting, he steps onto the bridge. His bridge. The crisp golden tunic feels strange on him, but the admiring glances of his crew show him that it compliments him well. He is the last to arrive, everyone waiting expectantly at their stations. Well, almost everyone – he spares a glance for the Science station, which is ominously empty. The frustration has given way to sadness, and his staunch refusal to have anyone but Spock still stands.
Striding forward purposefully, he seats himself in his chair, observing his domain. At his signal, they report off; first Sulu, then Chekov, Scotty and Uhura. All systems are at optimal, and there can be no more delay; they must leave the spacedock.
Bones, standing between the lift door and the captain's chair, comments, "Same ship, different day."
It elicits a smile from his friend, but it doesn't last as his eyes are drawn yet again to the empty station. Everyone else on the bridge avoids looking at the spot Spock should occupy, hope warring with resignation on their faces. They had all expected to have a full compliment when they left the dock, and are as disappointed as Kirk that Spock is not one of them. But they can't wait forever.
Sighing, Kirk turns to his helmsman, "Sulu, prepare to engage forward thru– "
The soft whirr of the turbolift doors opening interrupts him. He freezes, his heart literally stuttering in his chest. He whips around to see who the last to arrive is, and he refuses to believe that it could be –
But it is. Spock strides in, tall and lean and somehow exuding humor even though there isn't an ounce of expression on his face. He requests permission to board, and Kirk answers in a daze. He is so happy that his friend is finally where he's supposed to be, that he can barely form coherent responses to their customary banter. The entire bridge crew is grinning just as hugely as he is, and Chekov even lets go a quiet cheer from his seat at the navigation panel.
After a moment, there is a discreet harrumphing from Bones' direction, and Kirk is brought back to the present. There is still a task that must be accomplished before he can relish Spock's acceptance. He turns to address the helm.
"Maneuvering thrusters, Mr. Sulu – take us out!" he orders, pride and pure joy suffusing his features. Now it is how he imagined it, and he wouldn't have it any other way.
Sulu spins in his chair to manipulate the controls of his helm, his sure fingers speeding across the panel. Everything in readiness, he disengages the inertial dampener and eases them out of the docking station.
His own delight rings through his voice, as he responds; "Aye, Captain!"
(*)
At top speed, it will take the Enterprise a little more than a day to reach New Vulcan. After the course is plotted in, and they reach maximum warp, there isn't much to do. At these speeds the ship handles the actual piloting, and all the Bridge Officers have to do is keep an eye out for possible…interference. But Sulu, Chekov and Uhura are constantly scanning space and communication frequencies for signs of any visitors, and Kirk is left watching stars rush past them in the view screen.
He's able to tolerate waiting patiently for about thirty minutes before he needs something to do, and desperately. His eyes alight on Spock's straight back; the Vulcan is focused on the Science station before him.
Grinning, Kirk saunters over.
"What took you so long to decide?" he asks, deciding to get the question out of his system. Spock starts at his voice, and turns to address his superior officer.
"I must admit, Captain, that I had not come to a decision before this morning. There were many factors involved that delayed my response, and I must apologize for not informing you previously." Spock responds, with an inclining of his head.
Kirk reaches forward, intent on squeezing Spock's arm – a typical gesture for him. He stops himself with an effort, remembering something he read a few days before. No physical contact unless required. Instead, he returns Spock's nod, "It's okay, Spock. What matters is that you made it. I can't imagine what it would have been like to start this journey without you here."
The impression of a frown flits across Spock's features, "I still fail to understand. Why is my presence on this vessel such a requirement? I am simply one of many who could have admirably filled my position."
The hand that wants to reach out is forcibly brought back in, and Kirk rubs the base of his neck, "Trust me, Spock. Someone else could stand where you are, but no one can take your place."
Spock considers for a moment, then his face softens minutely – as close to a smile as Kirk has yet seen him accomplish.
"Thank you, Captain. That admission further confirms that I have made the correct decision."
A blush runs across the tops of Kirk's cheeks, but thankfully before things can get even more awkward, their conversation is interrupted.
"Captain?" chirps the intercom, as the disembodied voice of the engineer assigned to the transporter rooms fills the bridge.
Immediately, Kirk's attention is focused on the voice, "Yes, ensign?"
"Something has…happened…in transporter room three that requires your attention."
Kirk frowns, then glances at Spock. At the Vulcan's nod of affirmation, he responds to the voice, "The Commander and I will be there momentarily."
"Yes, sir."
As they stride to the elevator, Kirk throws over his shoulder; "Sulu, you have the conn."
Transporter room three is relatively close to the bridge, and it only takes a moment for them to reach it. Once inside, they enter a whirlwind of activity. There is a small, quick form darting between pieces of equipment, and a herd of mixed security guards and engineers chasing desperately behind. Just when it looks like one of the crewmembers is going to capture whatever – it – is, it slips out of their grasp and disappears behind another bit of machinery.
It is crossing the floor when it catches sight of the two of them, and Kirk identifies two floppy ears, a round belly, and small gyrating legs before the creature ducks behind him. A trembling form is pressed against the back of his legs, and a small head peeks out from behind the safety of his shins.
"Fascinating." Spock says, his attention riveted on the small creature behind Kirk. Standing still, Kirk swivels so he can view the being that has caused so much commotion.
"It appears to be a specimen of Canis Familiaris."
Not wanting to bowl over their captain, the security team and engineers have all stopped their mad running, and they mill about panting as they try to catch their breathes. The small creature looks up at Kirk, all lolling tongue and floppy black ears. Its tiny tail flops happily against the floor, and its spotted sides heave as it also tries to get some air back in its lungs.
"It's a beagle. But how?" he says in surprise, and he swears those peculiar ears look awfully familiar.
The engineer that originally requested his presence takes a gulp of air, and replies to his captain's question, "We don't know, sir. We got no notification that anyone was beaming aboard, the transporters did not even register receiving a signal. The only notice we got that he was here is that the little guy activated one of the proximity sensors set up on the perimeter."
One of the security personnel speaks up; "That's why we're here, Captain. We came to investigate the unknown presence."
Kirk nods, his attention on the idea that appeared in his mind. It seems unlikely, but then again, all of them have seen stranger things.
"I think I may know where he came from." He says, still looking down at the puppy. The beagle's tail thumps even louder, and his head tilts to the side as he stares up at Kirk. Out of the corner of his eye, Kirk sees Spock give him a peculiar look at the statement. He ignores it, focused more on getting to the bottom of this situation.
Pressing lightly on his communicator, he activates it, "Kirk to bridge."
"Yes, Captain?" the answer is immediate, Sulu's voice crackling through the air.
"Have Ensign Chekov meet me in Engineering."
"He's on his way."
"Great, Kirk out."
The communicator goes silent, and Kirk is left with considering how he's going to get the dog to Engineering. It doesn't seem like a good idea for him to move, as the beagle is currently sitting still behind the shelter of his legs.
"Mr. Spock, can you try to slowly reach down and pick him up?" he doesn't want any of the others to move, so they don't startle the puppy into action again. Thankfully, Spock should be close enough to be able to grab the little thing.
Spock opens his mouth, as if to protest, and then immediately closes it again. He then reaches out a reluctant hand, bending slowly to retrieve the dog. When his fingers are about two feet away, the growling begins. The puppy does not try to run out of his reach, but presses himself against the back of Kirk's calves as it tries to put more distance between itself and Spock. He continues forward, determined, until the little jaws snap shut just millimeters away from his fingertips.
"Hey!" Kirk admonishes, putting his hand on Spock's shoulder to stop his forward momentum. It is only there for a moment before he remembers about Vulcans, and removes the contact. "That's not very nice, you, you!" Before anyone can get hurt – namely, Spock – Kirk sinks down himself and gathers the puppy into his arms without a second thought.
And instead of vicious teeth gnashing against his skin, his face is instead attacked by a small pink tongue. Grinning at the display of affection, he rights himself again. "Well, Spock, it seems he doesn't like you."
Silence from the Vulcan for a moment, as he observes the puppy wiggling in Kirk's arms, "Perhaps the dislike is mutual. The creature even smells offensive."
"Awwww, Spock, that's puppy breath! It's one of the best smells ever!"
A raised eyebrow, which highlights Spock's disapproval perfectly, "I see."
"Are you telling me you've never seen a dog before?" Incredulous, he looks at his First Officer for confirmation.
"Affirmative. My stay on Earth has been limited to the Academy campus and the surrounding environs, and I have not been exposed to the other inhabitants of the Earth biosphere."
"Wow. I can't imagine spending so many years on another planet and not wanting to explore as much as I could…you really need to get out more."
"Indeed." The other eyebrow joins its fellow in hovering near Spock's hairline, "I had much to occupy myself with, and do not regret my stay in the Academy."
Kirk shrugs – it's not his place to try to tell Spock how to spend his time – and turns to the teams awaiting his orders, "I believe I can handle this – situation – from here on out. You're dismissed to continue the rest of your duties."
The security team salutes him, the engineers nodding before they disperse to their respective assignments.
"Come on Spock, let's get this little guy to Engineering and see if my hypothesis is correct." The eyebrows that had just returned to their normal position shoot upward again, and Kirk reacts, "And yes I do know what the word 'hypothesis' means. Jeez."
The eyebrows lower quickly, causing a slight crease to appear between them, "I was not doubting your intelligence, Captain. I was merely indicating surprise that you could formulate an explanation for this seemingly inexplicable occurrence. I was simply impressed."
Kirk let's a grin spread across his face, mollified, "Wait until you find out what my explanation is…if this is inexplicable, you're gonna love what's actually happened."
(*)
Scotty's jaw drops nearly to the floor, and he doesn't bother to retrieve it. He's staring at the dog in Kirk's arms, which is now whimpering and trying to hide under Kirk's shoulder. The puppy has managed to shove its muzzle into Kirk's armpit, but his prominent ears and distinctive markings are easily distinguished.
Scotty stands up slowly from where he was discussing points on transwarp theory with Chekov, wonder evident as he makes his way to their small group.
"A cannae believe it, captain! Where did ye find the wee mite?"
This is approximately the response Kirk was expecting, but he needs to know one more thing before his hypothesis is proven, "Before we explain, can you tell me if you've seen this dog before?"
Spock's eyes narrow in speculation, as he tries to determine where Kirk is headed. Kirk can pinpoint the exact moment that Spock figures it out, as the Vulcan's eyes light up from within.
"Aye, captain. This is the wee doggy that caused a heap o' trouble for me, by nae reappearing where he was meant to." Scotty runs the silky ears through his fingers, the wonder still shining from his face, "Archer's gonna be mighty happy he came back. But I cannae believe it! He's exactly the same as he was when he went poof! A'd say he's nae a day older."
Chekov rounds the table and comes alongside the group, "What you are saying is zhat zhis dog has been gone for sewen months and is still zhe same?!?"
"Aye, laddie. A trapped him transwarp with a faulty calculation. Am I wrong, or did he just poof inta the transporter room?"
Kirk nods, trying to cajole the puppy into removing its muzzle from a very uncomfortable position, "You're right. And I wanted Chekov here so you two can brainstorm, to try to find out how that happened. And if possible, if it can be replicated."
Scotty looks aghast for a moment, and Kirk hastily corrects his misinterpretation; "Not that we'd try something like that again – I wouldn't want to risk something not coming back! But all information is important, and I'm sure Starfleet will want to know everything you can find out."
Chekov and Scotty exchange glances, then they jump right into complex warp theory that leaves both Kirk and Spock behind.
Grinning at his First, Kirk says, "I guess that's our cue to leave them to it."
"A logical conclusion, Captain." Spock replies, without his usual eyebrow raise, and they make their way back to the bridge – a puppy in tow.
(*)
A squeal had greeted him when they returned to the bridge. Uhura and the others had gone crazy at the sight of the puppy, and the monotony of a dull shift had been drastically reduced as they all crowded around the new arrival. Kirk is still unable to find anywhere suitable to drop the dog off, and finds himself carrying it as he makes his way to Chekov's quarters.
Their shift is over, and Kirk has already made sure the puppy has food in its belly. Over the past several hours, the sleeping ball of fluff has wormed its way into Kirk's heart, and he's made an executive decision – his right as captain, after all – to take ownership of the animal. Shifting the puppy's position so it only takes up one arm, Kirk knocks on Chekov's door.
He's immediately admitted, and enters to find Chekov digging through the books coating his walls.
"Oh, hello Keptan! I am trying to find one of zhe books zhat I know has information zhat Mr. Scott will find useful…but it seems to hawe disappeared."
Kirk waves away the concern, "I'm sure you'll find it eventually. I was actually coming for something else, if you have time to help?"
At that, Chekov turns and gives his captain his full attention, happiness in every line of his body, "Sure!"
"Well, I brought these charts –" he indicates the rolls beneath his arm. Somehow, he's managed to hold both the puppy and the papers with the same hand. Chekov quickly removes them from his grasp, and spreads them on the table in the corner.
"Zhese are maps of zhe air currents on New Wulcan." He says, curiosity plain in his voice.
Kirk grins, "Yup. Hikaru and I have this idea…and we were wondering if you'd be able to help us find out where the best location would be."
At the mention of Sulu's name, Chekov's head jerks up to meet Kirk's eyes, "Lieutenant Sulu? I am sorry Keptan, but isn't he crazy?"
Kirk is able to look into Chekov's eyes for precisely five seconds before he begins laughing so hard he has to put down the squirming dog.
"He…said…the same…about…you!!" he manages to gasp, as he's rolling-rolling-rolling on the floor, giggles overflowing. The young man looks offended for a moment, and then his expression slowly changes to one of consternation. As the hilarity sinks in, he also begins giggling uncontrollably, and ends up gasping on the floor next to Kirk.
The captain lets out one more burst of giggles before he's able to gain control of himself, Chekov not far behind. They lay there, letting their sides heal for a minute or so, before Chekov turns to his friend.
"So, what is it you two are planning?"
Kirk's grin returns, and he rolls over to face his friend.
"So, we thought that it would be a perfect opportunity for…" and he tells Chekov what they want to do.
A/N: You didn't think it was gonna happen, did ya? Yes, they did spend…a night…in the Enterprise. Before they left again. For an extended time away. But they were THERE and that's what counts!!!!
The puppy is really the only difference anyone will be able to tell that I'm carrying over from the book. At the end of the novelization, the beagle does really appear on the Enterprise as they're leaving the Spacedock for the first time. I think the movie is the "official" version, so it's not canon. But I liked it. And now it's MINE!! XD
Also, for some unknown reason every time I read this chapter the line "Bones quips, before he trots off to whatever dark evil place he appeared from." I giggle. Uncontrollably. Like a little school girl. And I'm the one that wrote it x_O
It pops out a mental image of Bones all red with little horns and a tail, hunched over with a hypo in his hand and snickering as he trots off.
But that's probably just me.
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"Trust me, Spock. Someone else could stand where you are, but no one can take your place." awww!! I loved that.
I read the book and thank you for bringing Porthos back.
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And I'm happy you loved that line!!!
Isn't puppy AWESOME?!? Your welcome for bringing him in!!! He's so much fun!!!
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