video;

[inferable]

[The feed opens on a sideways view of a certain, familiar landscape. Or rather, one that once had been familiar. The disappearance of a certain building that Spock had once called home has left the cliff near-indistinguishable from any other. It makes no sense to him yet though. As far as he was concerned, he was being beamed across to the Republic

Comments

[locked]

[goldn_boy]

Spock.

[There's a pause, as he takes that in. He knows he shouldn't be grateful for anyone to be stuck here, and Spock less than some. But Uhura needs him. And Jim...]

Spock... you went home?

[locked]

[inferable]

Jim. [Yes, he's finally getting a first name again.]

It appears that way. Though I can assure you, it wasn't by choice.

[In other words, all that research and hard work hadn't made the slightest bit of difference.]

[locked]

[goldn_boy]

Uhura will be glad to know that. [Hint, hint.]

Are you all right? How long were you gone?

[locked]

[inferable]

[He doesn't say a thing about Uhura. She's already at the top of his list of people to seek out.]

It had only been eight days. Though it seems as though far more time has passed here.

[locked]

[goldn_boy]

Eight days. Yes, it has. But... were McCoy and Uhura and Jim missing? Did you remember Bete Noire?

[locked]

[inferable]

No, to both questions. It appears that I had been returned to the same point in time that I had first been taken from. The same will likely be true of the rest of the crew.

[locked]

[goldn_boy]

Kind of makes you wonder what the point of it all is, doesn't it?

[Still. It's the first time Jim has concrete proof of what happens--or might. He could go back to that desk, to Spock and Bones being gone. Which means there's a chance to fix it--except for the fact he won't remember the things he's learned here, about himself.]

I'm sorry, Spock. You'd escaped.

[locked]

[inferable]

Of being brought here? There are a number of theories already in place as to why our presence here is required. I had thought you were already aware of them.

[Because otherwise, Jim's being overly human and philosophical again, and he has no idea what to say to that.]

Your apologies are unwarranted.

[locked]

[goldn_boy]

[Spock's right. He is being overly human and philosophical again, and Jim seems to realize it at last.]

Yes. Yes, I am. And I'm not claiming responsibility, so I don't care if it's warranted. It's good to see you, but I'm sorry you're back.

[locked]

[inferable]

[Were he anyone else, this would be the point where he admitted that he was grateful at least one other familiar face was still there. Instead though, he just nods slightly, expression softening for the briefest of moments, before he's taking a look back toward the empty space again.]

I believe I may require a room at the mansion once again.

[locked]

[goldn_boy]

[Jim just nods, smiling for both of them. Even if it is rueful.]

There's one for you, I'm certain.

[locked]

[inferable]

Understood. I'll be there shortly.