[k/s] turning hours into centuries (1/3)
title: Turning Hours Into Centuries
pairing: Spock/Kirk, side Bones/Carol, Scotty/Uhura, Sulu/Chekov
rating: pg
genre: humor, fluff
series: st:xi, post!stid but can be read without watching the movie
wc: 20,882 w
summary: The crew is sent to Ardana for a routine check-up. Spock and Jim spend time there, come to terms with their feelings, help push a planet to democracy, and witness their relationship bloom into more than they could have ever asked for.
note: For startrekbigbang. This is a rewrite of the TOS episode The Cloud Dwellers and this is actually my first time writing something for this fandom that isn't a drabble. /o\ Thanks to perlukafari for the wonderful and very helpful betareading.
It was really awesome working on this! There's art by reni_m and a mix by shadesofblurple so go check them out as well. :D
[stardate 2260.17]
"Status report?"
"All systems normal, Captain."
"Very good, Lieutenant Sulu. Ahead, warp factor four."
"Aye, Captain."
Jim shifts on his chair, uncomfortable and still unable to relax. Their previous mission with the Kzinti was successful. A reasonable compromise was reached and for the duration of the impending Klingon war, Kzinti will be an ally of the Federation. It’s what the Enterprise was sent to accomplish and accomplish they did. What Jim doesn’t like is the price they had to pay. He was always bad at diplomacy but he’s never felt more disappointed in himself than their first attempt to reach out to the Kzinti. So many lives were lost and he has no one to blame but himself.
Now, he wants nothing more than to go to his quarters and get a good night’s sleep but there’s still a couple of hours left before alpha shift ends and Rand has just forwarded him an unbelievable amount of paperwork. Add that to the lengthy mission parameters Starfleet just sent them, then Jim won’t be getting much sleep for the next few days.
What makes it worse is that when he does get some sleep, it’s muddled with images of Khan, of the Enterprise, broken and vulnerable, of Spock, on the verge of tears and looking like he’s lost everything. Every time, he can’t move, can’t do anything to stop Khan, can’t do anything to stop the Enterprise from taking hits, shedding its beauty off bit by bit, can’t do anything to comfort Spock, hold him, tell him everything’s gonna be okay you’re safe I’m here for you because he’s about to die and he can’t breathe--
"Captain, are you alright?"
Spock is tense as he hovers near the captain, his lips slightly pursed as he examines Jim’s pallor and trembling hands. Any other day and Jim would have said no because, yes, he’s just that stubborn. Today, though? He may have reached his limits.
"Actually, Mr. Spock, I’m thinking of heading down to Medical Bay before Bones gets the chance to stick me with a hypospray unexpected."
"Would you like me to accompany you, Captain?"
"Sure thing. Sulu, you have the conn."
"Yes, sir."
Jim shuts his eyes when the turbolift door closes, listening to his ship’s engines, taking comfort in it. He tries to convince himself that Spock isn’t still tense beside him, like he has something to say but is unsure of how to approach the topic.
"Captain, I have told you this before but you do not need to be on the away team every mission we have."
"Hey, as the captain, I should know the risk I'm putting my crew in. And my plans always work, don’t they?"
"Perhaps, but there are always alternatives."
"So, what, you could go out there and die? I’m not having that on my conscience, Spock. Not you."
"While I appreciate your concern, Jim, I do not understand why you hold my life above yours."
Jim knows that since Khan, Spock's been more confused, more protective than usual. He has come to terms with his human side and now, he’s starting to acknowledge their friendship. He struggles with the idea of Jim's death. Frankly, the whole crew's struggling and Jim understands. He actually did die. If not for his naturally stubborn and determined personality, he would be strapped to his chair and treated like a god whose feet aren't meant to touch the ground.
"I don't want to talk about this right now, Spock." Because he really doesn't. He has answers for all of Spock's questions, spoken or not, but he's not yet ready to say them out loud, not when he doesn't have answers to his own.
"Then, would you at least be open to, as humans say, sitting out during our mission on Ardana?"
"Oh come on, Spock. It's a routine check. I'm not going to get shot or kidnapped or locked in a torture chamber."
"Still, Captain." Spock pauses, and Jim readies himself with excuses. Ardana is ruled by people who take pride in their intellect, their rich arts and culture. He can handle himself, damn it, he's not some piece of china. If the need arises, he can pull rank. "The knowledge that you are safe on the ship will be... comforting to the crew. Especially Doctor McCoy and myself."
Jim doesn't speak for a while, turning over his options even though he knows that he's too tired right now. He's sold. Spock wins this round.
"Fine. Just this once, all right? And you should be glad I don't have enough in me right now to reprimand you about your little stint with the Kzinti."
"Stint, Captain?" Spock replies as innocently as a Vulcan can, and Jim swears he doesn't know whether he wants to laugh or knock his first officer on the side of his head. "I do not know what you are referring to."
Jim laughs because even if he knows Spock can beat his ass to oblivion, that has got to be the most adorable thing a Vulcan has done. The turbolift stops and Jim's still smiling as he gets out.
"Come on. You won't be all sunshine and flowers as you are now when Bones gets a hold of us."
"Jim, I am hardly--"
"Spock, just let it go."
"Of course, Captain."
***
"About time! I thought I was gonna have to come and get you myself."
"Well, good morning to you too, Bones!"
"There's nothing good," Jim doesn't know how but Bones manages to stab his neck with a hypospray without pausing, "about my goddamn morning, especially when I have to monitor your sorry ass after what you pulled on that planet infested with furry lion men I like to call allergy triggers!"
"Ouch! Fuck, Bones, can't you be gentle for once? I didn't even give you any trouble this time." Jim grimaces, clutching his neck and eyeing Bones' hands for more hypos.
"No way in hell, Jim and especially not when I have to put up with this crap for the next five years."
"Oh come on! I brought Spock with me."
"The hobgoblin would've come anyway. He might be an idiot but he's a model patient compared to you." Bones scrunches his nose at the data PADD in his hand. "And since you so kindly ignored my orders for light duty back at Kzinti, it'll be one week of bed rest for you, Jimmy boy."
"Wha--"
"I think you will be satisfied to know that Jim will not be participating in our next mission, Doctor. Also, Yeoman Rand has agreed to minimize the Captain's paperwork so that he will be able to rest sufficiently," Spock says. Bones takes a moment to scrutinize him before nodding his approval.
"Hey, that's not fair! Spock was worse and you're not telling him to keep his hands off the science labs," Jim whines, glaring at both his best friend and his first officer. "Also, you got Rand to agree to that? Spock, you charmer!"
"As much as I hate to admit it, Spock doesn't need my constant attention because he has that Vulcan mind voodoo thing," Bones mutters, throwing Spock a disdainful look. "So stop complainin' will ya, because I will strap you to that biobed if I need to."
"I hate you both." Jim crosses his arms and gives them his best pout. "You know, just to remind you, I still am your commanding officer."
"And I'm as good as your guardian angel so shut up and find yourself something to do for a week that does not involve this ship." Jim probably won't win with Bones and Spock tag-teaming so he just snorts in response. He'll just find other ways to tick Bones off since he apparently has a whole week free now. Jim's eyes narrow as he watches Bones scanning Spock with a tricorder, the screws in his head turning as he wonders how he can get even in the future.
"You're good to go." Bones grunts as he turns the tricorder off, glaring at Spock for his perfect health and the lost chance to torture him via extended medical bay confinement. Then, he turns to Jim. "And you! I'll know if you go straight to your room or not so don't even try, Jim."
"Heh." Jim sticks his tongue out at them as he walks out of the medical bay. Spock catches up with him easily, looking not even a bit flustered or out of breath.
"Why must you be so stubborn, Captain?" he asks, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Hey, you're just as stubborn as I am," Jim grumbles. "You just have the advantage of your intimidating and sassy Vulcan attitude."
"Vulcans are not sassy, Captain."
"Could've fooled me."
Spock raises an eyebrow. "You have already agreed to my request. What purpose does it serve when you provoke Doctor McCoy?"
Jim snorts at this. "As if you don't enjoy arguing with him, Spock."
"Ah." Spock tilts his head, understanding dawning on him. "Doctor McCoy has a very interesting way of forming friendships. Though, I admit, I am not adverse to it. The debates I have with him are most enlightening."
"What, even more enlightening than ours?" Jim clutches a hand to his chest, gasping. "You wound me so, Spock."
"I assure you, Captain, I hold our conversations above most."
"Really?" Jim laughs. "Even Scotty and Chekov and Sulu?"
Spock keeps his eyes straight ahead of him but Jim can still see the corner of his mouth quirking upwards. "Perhaps."
***
Jim groans when he hears the buzzer. He hopes to god it isn't Bones as he crosses his room. His back is aching and he doesn't want Bones finding out and using it as leverage to extend his bed rest.
"Uhura." Jim's eyes widen when he opens the door and sees Uhura standing with her head raised high and her hands behind her back. "It's just you."
"Yep. Just me." Uhura sighs and when she lets her arms fall to her sides, Jim can see her hands tightened into fists. "Can I come in?"
Jim steps out of her way and follows her to his sitting room, settling on an armchair once she's comfortable on the couch.
"So, to what do I owe this pleasure, Lieutenant?"
Uhura hesitates. She looks torn, as if she isn't really sure she should be here, so Jim waits. He's worked with Uhura long enough to know not to push her. "Look, I know this is weird. I mean, me being here, but I'm just really worried about Spock. I've accepted that his job entails risking his life, Jim, but not blatantly running into death's arms."
"I'm not really sure I'm the one you should be talking to, Uhura," Jim says, unsure of what to do.
Uhura sighs, reaching out and laying her hand on Jim's arm. "He won't listen to me, Jim. I avoided him because of our break up and now I feel like I'm not even his friend anymore."
"I'm not... I'm not really sure what you want me to say, Nyota."
"I just want you to talk to him, Jim. He'll listen to you. Make him stop throwing himself in the line of fire for you." Uhura's breath catches and all Jim can do is pat her hand awkwardly. "Please, Jim? I know you're worried, too. Probably more than I am."
Jim can't stop the laugh that's bubbling inside him. "Believe me, Uhura. I've tried, but he's one stubborn Vulcan."
"I guess it doesn't help that you don't hesitate to return the favor, does it?"
"Yeah," Jim replies. They're both smiling now, fondly yet painfully. "Tell you what, I'll keep trying if you keep trying."
"Should we get the crew's help too?"
"Sure. Why the hell not?"
Jim and Uhura shake on it, faces serious. They last five seconds before bursting into giggles. When Jim gets over it, he looks Uhura in the eye, searching but he isn't sure for what.
"You know, I thought you'd hate me more for this. Spock taking bullets for me, I mean."
Uhura takes a deep breath, exhaling it in one puff. "I understand why he does it but that doesn't mean I approve of it."
"Huh."
"You don't get it, do you?" Uhura looks at him with a knowing smile and Jim wonders what she's seeing that he isn't.
"No," he admits. "I don't."
Uhura's smile only widens. "Which is why you're going to talk to him."
She stands up, straightening her skirt before walking herself to the door. Before leaving, though, she turns back to him, lips pursed and eyes narrowed as if she's sizing him up--a gambler scrutinizing his winning horse.
"Good night, Captain, and good luck."
***
"Did you even sleep last night?"
"Yes, I did!"
"For one hour, maybe."
"Russians do not need sleep."
"Hey, guys. What's up?" Jim plops down on a seat beside Scotty, across Sulu and Chekov who, right now, are arguing quite heatedly.
"Captain," they greeted him, voices clipped, before going back to glaring at each other, hands fisted around their spoons and their food untouched.
"Uh." Jim, suddenly wishing he didn't get breakfast in the first place, turns to Scotty who's looking just as horrified as he feels. "Hey. I didn't know you still ate up here. Scotty."
"I might just start avoiding this part of the ship after today, Captain."
"What are the lovebirds fighting about, anyway?"
"We are not lovebirds," Sulu and Chekov quip. Jim jumps in his seat, not expecting that they're actually listening to him through their argument. He breathes a sigh of relief when he sees them go back to arguing.
"The laddie's been spending a lot of time reading and following me around in Engineering," Scotty whispers. "Hasn't been getting much rest, from what Sulu says."
"What?" Jim turns serious, eyebrows furrowing. He hasn't heard about this before. "When did this start?"
"Ever since, you know," Scotty purses his lips and his hesitation alone tells Jim just what he means. "He still feels guilty about what happened."
Jim allows this to sink in. He watches as Sulu tries to convince Chekov to take a breather, looking as if he's doomed to fail.
"You don't have to study all that now," Sulu's saying. "Besides, you'll get sick drinking all that coffee."
"I told you, Hikaru, I will be fine."
"If I may," Jim interjects, his worry washing over his initial reluctance, "I think Sulu's right. There's no need to rush, Chekov. You shouldn't be putting so much pressure on yourself."
"As I have observed you this past week while you visited the science labs, Mr. Chekov, I must concur." Spock sets down his tray next to Jim and frankly, he couldn't be any happier to see his first officer. Chekov looks up to Spock, even more than Scotty. "In rushing yourself, you might forget that the reason why a scientist pursues education is because of his thirst for knowledge, not because he feels that he is required to do so."
"See? Even Mr. Spock agrees," Scotty says, pushing Chekov's plate closer to him. "Eat, laddie."
Chekov scrunches his nose and they're all waiting, hoping for him to say yes because he's kind of everyone's little brother and the whole crew can't help but feel protective of him. A little bit of their troubles lift when he nods slowly. "All right, I will try, then."
***
Jim's on his way to the medical bay to bother Bones because it's only been three hours since he had breakfast and he's already done with paperwork. He found himself lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling and wondering what the heck he's supposed to do for the rest of the day, and decided to get up and let his feet take him around the ship. He greets the officers he passes, and some ensigns, mistaking his sulkiness for dissatisfaction, are trembling so bad that Jim actually cheers up a bit.
"Boooones," Jim calls. "I'm bored."
"Well, then, you better get the hell out of my medbay because no one's gonna entertain you here." Bones is glaring at the data PADD in his hand and Jim can't really blame him because he's seen a CMO's daily paperwork and it's just as bad as his, if not worse.
"But I have nothing to do," Jim whines.
"That's the goddamn point, Jim. I put you on bed rest so you could lie down on your bed and sleep!"
Jim grimaces. "Yeah, that's not working out for me."
Concern creeps into Bones' features and he immediately reaches for a tricorder, not even bothering to listen to Jim say that he doesn't need to. "Do you want me to give you pills for this?"
Jim smiles at Bones' unusually gentle bedside manner. "Nah. I never thought I'd say this but I think a hypo should do the trick."
"I'll stop by your quarters later tonight."
"Thanks, Bones." Jim claps his best friend on the back and makes a beeline for the door.
"Hey, Jim!"
"Yeah, Bones?"
"Don't think you can go to the gym because of this."
"The gym? Heh, the thought never even crossed my mind!" Jim yells, cringing. He should have expected that Bones wouldn't let his guard down so easily. Damn it, that's as subtle as he can get and Bones still got onto him. Jim sighs. He'll win one of these days.
When Jim arrives in the weapons lab, it's empty. Of course, Jim feels that’s reason enough to pick up a prototype phaser and start pointing it all around the place, while providing himself with the appropriate sound effects.
"Captain, what are you doing?"
"Carol." Jim jumps in surprise, almost dropping the phaser in his hands. "I was just, uh, you know, admiring your handiwork."
"Of course you were, Jim." Carol's amusement is obvious in her eyes and Jim hasn’t felt this embarrassed in weeks. "Is this part of your rounds? Or does it have something to do with Mr. Spock asking me to keep an eye on you when you visit the labs?"
"Spock told you that?" Jim groans. "I swear, I am never going to let Spock and Bones agree on something ever again. They're unstoppable!"
"I can't blame them, Captain. You do need to be controlled sometimes," Carol says, her features looking graceful and smooth despite the smirk on her lips.
"So are you supposed to kick me out now?"
"Sadly, no. I'm supposed to find you something to tinker with that won't explode in your face." Carol laughs. "Though I don't know if that's possible in a weapons lab."
Eventually, though, Carol digs up some malfunctioning phasers and puts Jim to work. She never lets him out of her sight, not even when Jim shows promising instinct for the task at hand. Surprisingly, Jim doesn't get tired of the work. He stays until he has to leave for chess with Spock. He regretfully sets down phaser number 14 and promises Carol that he'll come back to finish his work sometime this week. She actually looks up from her tricorder to smile at him before he leaves.
It kind of makes Jim sad to know that in just a few weeks of staying on the Enterprise, Carol's probably going to be as obsessive about her work as Spock and his legion of faithful science officers are.
Jim has paced his room countless times when Spock arrives.
"Spock! I was beginning to think you weren't gonna show up," Jim says as Spock enters his room. He tries not to fuss, instead taking the chessboard from Spock to set it up.
"That is illogical, Jim. I would have notified you beforehand if it were so." Spock sits down, immediately taking a black pawn once Jim finishes.
They start their game with Jim feeling more energized than ever. "So what's the ETA for Ardana?"
"We will arrive there in ten point three hours, Captain."
"Just in time for alpha shift," Jim says, approving. "Who are you planning to include in the landing party again?"
"Lieutenant Uhura and Lieutenant Sulu," Spock replies. "Nyota has volunteered to select more officers from Communication. They wish to see firsthand the culture of the Ardanans."
"Well, to be honest, a city on a cloud, just floating in the sky? I'd like to see that too."
"Perhaps you will, Captain. I estimate that there is a 97.38% chance that the High Advisor will invite the crew to beam down for a gathering."
"Awesome!" The light in Jim's eyes dim when he realizes something. "Bones won't dare ban me from that, right?"
Spock's mouth twitches, probably to suppress a smile, Jim thinks. "While I am sure that he would like to, he cannot control your social activities."
"No, he can't," Jim says, smug. "Thank god Starfleet's finally giving us a break, though. It's not shore leave but it's something."
"Indeed. The missions they have been giving us are long-winded and tiring. There has been a decline in crew morale and efficiency." Jim eyes Spock's next move, hoping that the plan he's formed can be put into action. "Though, I admit that the crew’s performance is still very much above average."
"Well, the Enterprise has a fine crew, Commander," Jim says, and he barely keeps the excitement from showing in his voice when Spock makes his move and does exactly what Jim wants him to do.
"It has a fine captain as well," Spock says, eyes warm when he looks at Jim.
"Spock, you're making me wonder if I should still check you in three moves."
"Three moves, Jim? I doubt it."
Jim actually ends up winning and breaking Spock's five-win streak. Spock, the good sport that he is, congratulates him, and Jim, the smug idiot, gloats.
"The day will come, Spock, when I'll be the one having winning streaks."
"Of course, Captain," Spock replies, though Jim can tell he's probably just being humored. Spock bows his head and wishes him a good night before heading to his quarters.
"Night," Jim murmurs. He jumps onto his bed and stays there, looking at the ceiling, just trying to figure out what's going on with himself and where he wants his life to go and what he’s going to do tomorrow because apparently, it's all he can do at night when he's deprived of work and he's surrounded with insane people and Spock. He feels exhaustion seeping into him and he tries, he tries so hard to stay awake but when he closes his eyes to rest for ten seconds, he gets stuck inside his nightmare.
He dreams of endless darkness and a vortex of nothingness, of eternal solitude and gradually depreciating sense of self. He doesn’t know how much times passes but soon enough, he finds it hard to breathe, as if the space around him is constricting, forcing the air in his lungs to disintegrate, to leave him hollow.
He wakes up screaming, grabbing at a stunned Bones.
"Damn it, man. Maybe I should just give you those pills."
Jim smiles and waves his hand, as if it could get rid of Bones' worries. "Sure, Bones."
"You look like shit, Jim," Bones says, shaking his head as he replicates the meds. "Take one pill for lunch and sleep, all right?"
"Dreamless?"
Bones nods. "Like you've been knocked out with a bat."
"Well, who can say no to that?" Jim laughs, clapping Bones on the back. "Thanks, Bones."
"No problem, kid."
***
Jim almost screams in relief when his comm light blinks. He just woke up a few minutes ago, courtesy of his alarm. He got dressed in a rush only to fall back into his bed, sprawled as he waits for news of the away team's arrival.
"Scotty, please tell me that they're back and we can go down there and party," Jim says, almost desperate.
"They're on board, Captain, and I think Mr. Spock can answer that question himself." Jim hears fumbling in the background, amidst soft sound of murmuring and the hum of the transporter running.
"Captain, you are awake," he hears Spock say.
"Spock, get over how many hours I sleep at night and just tell me." Jim's practically begging now and that probably looks bad for him as a Captain but one, his crew's used to him by now, and two, just two days of bed rest has driven him crazy, what more if he actually has to go through with the rest of the week?
"Captain." Jim swears he can hear the controlled exasperation in Spock's voice. "The High Advisor Plasus has invited the whole crew over for a party. It will last three days."
"Three days?" Those people can party, Jim thinks, but he isn't going to complain. "Thank God. Have Uhura come up with a duty roster?"
"I will assist her as well."
"That's good," Jim says. "I'll see you later for breakfast?"
"Affirmative, Jim."
Jim smiles. First, a night of decent sleep, and now, a three-day party? He feels absolutely spoiled. Of course, now he has to fuss about his hair before he heads to the mess, but he's not complaining.
***
Jim double checks his uniform, smoothing the creases in it and trying to make his hair less of a mess.
"Captain, please refrain from touching your hair," Spock says as he steps on the transporter pad beside him.
"What? Why?" Jim panics, trying to remember if there was something in the briefing about it. He really doesn't want to offend an Ardanan when he's going to be in their territory. "Is it bad in their culture?"
Spock doesn't respond, instead he's emanating that irritating yet adorable Vulcan smugness of his.
"You're playing me," Jim murmurs. "Oh my god, Spock, you've been spending too much time with the crew!"
"Is that not what you requested of me, Captain?"
"I didn't know we'd be such a bad influence on you," Jim says, chuckling.
"Indeed, I have noticed an increase of sarcastic remarks and references to human folklore this past week," Spock says. "Perhaps, I should revert to spending more time at the labs instead of joining the crew's social activities."
"Oh, come on, the only time you actually stay is during chess competitions and even then, all you do is make the junior officers cry because of your ruthlessness." Jim shakes his head, remembering the expressions of shock and fear on lieutenants and ensigns alike when Spock beats them in five moves or less. It's sad, funny, and adorable all at the same time.
"The transporter's ready, Sir," Scotty says from where he's standing by the controls.
"You're not getting away from this conversation, Spock," Jim warns. He rolls his eyes at his first officer's look of innocence and turns to Scotty. "Energize."
The scene shifts from the transporter room to an expanse of blue sky and structures with details so delicate, Jim doesn't even know how to begin describing them. He looks at his feet excitedly and he isn't disappointed. It's so weird, to know that he's standing on a cloud and to see it swirling around his feet, but to feel as if he's on solid ground.
"This is amazing," he says, laughing as he takes one step after another slowly, as if he's afraid his foot's going to fall through and moment now. "Spock, this is amazing."
"Indeed, Captain." Jim barely hears his reply, too taken with the beauty around him. If he had more control over his thought processes, he would be wondering how the hell the Ardanans managed all this, but right now, he's just wrapping his head around the fact that he's kilometers above the ground and that he's literally on a fucking cloud.
"Captain James T. Kirk, I presume?"
Jim stumbles as he attempts to straighten up and control his expression when he faces the High Adviser. Thankfully, Spock's there with a firm hand on his arm to steady him. "High Adviser Plasus, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"And you, Captain. Mr. Spock." Plasus bows in greeting. Then, he steps back and reveals a woman dressed in blue silk that flows over her curves and covers an insanely small amount of skin. "May I introduce to you this city's most beautiful work of art, my daughter, Droxine."
"You're very beautiful, lady Droxine." Jim takes her hand to kiss it, admiring her beauty and the obvious care she takes of her appearance.
"Thank you, Captain." She smiles politely, but she barely looks at him, which makes Jim's eyebrows shoot up higher than they ever have before. Usually, girls would be all over him by now but then Droxine's obviously not into him. When he follows her gaze to a very rigid, blank-eyed Spock, he can't help the strangled sound that leaves his lips.
Jim's face flushes when everyone turns to look at him. He coughs awkwardly, avoiding their eyes. "Uh. So, maybe I could go to my room and set my things down before we tour the city?"
"Of course." Plasus leads them into the building in the middle of the city; a tall and handsome structure that Jim's sure is covered in engravings that the Communications and Science departments are going to love. For some reason, though, he can't really concentrate on his surroundings. His gaze keeps on going back to Droxine, who really is supposed to be looking in front of her or else she might just trip and embarrass herself. Instead, she keeps on stealing looks at Spock, who, by the way, is still very tense beside Jim. It's just so weird for Jim that he actually feels something tighten in his stomach whenever he sees the look on her face.
Relief floods him when they finally stop in front of an orange door. Plasus faces them with a friendly smile on his face, gesturing to the room. "Captain, you wouldn't mind sharing a room with Mr. Spock, would you? I'm afraid it's the best we can offer right now."
Jim waves his hand, dismissing the High Adviser's worries. After all, 428 people is a lot. "We'll be fine, right, Spock?"
"Affirmative," Spock says. Jim can see him relaxing a bit, his back a little less stiff and his face less set.
"But, Father, you know there are other rooms Mr. Spock can stay in. The Captain can have this room all to himself," Droxine says, placing an arm on Plasus' shoulder. Her smile sends shivers up Jim's spine.
Thankfully, Spock speaks before Plasus can even get a chance to open his mouth. "While I appreciate your offer, this room will be satisfactory."
"Oh. All right then, but if you change your mind, I think I can come up with something." Jim swears her expression is purely predatory now and honestly, he's kind of horrified by it. He excuses himself and practically rushes into their quarters.
"Captain, do you require medical assistance?"
"What? No, I'm fine," Jim says, laughing and immediately wincing at how forced it sounds.
"Captain. Jim, you are shaking."
"I am?" Jim swallows the lump forming in his throat and looks at his hands. They really are shaking, he realizes, so he lets them fall to his sides, fisted. "Fuck."
"What is wrong?" Spock's eyebrows are furrowed, his mouth set in a slight frown.
"I..." Jim closes his eyes, concentrates on controlling himself, tries not to freak out because just what the fuck is wrong with him? "I'm not sure. Maybe I'm just overwhelmed?"
Spock doesn't let his gaze stray from Jim as he assesses the Captain's well-being, contemplating whether he should comm Doctor McCoy or not. "Perhaps you should rest, Jim."
"But what about the tour?"
"I will inform the High Adviser and his daughter that we will not require their services anymore," Spock says, finality in his tone.
"I still do want to see the city, though," Jim says, disappointed.
"Then I will give you the tour when you are ready, Jim." There's affection in Spock's eyes that Jim can't bear to see right now so he takes his shoes off and lies on the bed. The sheets are soft, made of blue silk that feels like heaven against Jim's skin.
"What about you?" Jim asks.
"I will meditate," Spock assures him, dragging a chair to his side. "Sleep, Jim."
And so without hesitation, Jim lets exhaustion take over his body. He slips into the welcoming hands of sleep.
one | two | three
pairing: Spock/Kirk, side Bones/Carol, Scotty/Uhura, Sulu/Chekov
rating: pg
genre: humor, fluff
series: st:xi, post!stid but can be read without watching the movie
wc: 20,882 w
summary: The crew is sent to Ardana for a routine check-up. Spock and Jim spend time there, come to terms with their feelings, help push a planet to democracy, and witness their relationship bloom into more than they could have ever asked for.
note: For startrekbigbang. This is a rewrite of the TOS episode The Cloud Dwellers and this is actually my first time writing something for this fandom that isn't a drabble. /o\ Thanks to perlukafari for the wonderful and very helpful betareading.
It was really awesome working on this! There's art by reni_m and a mix by shadesofblurple so go check them out as well. :D
[stardate 2260.17]
"Status report?"
"All systems normal, Captain."
"Very good, Lieutenant Sulu. Ahead, warp factor four."
"Aye, Captain."
Jim shifts on his chair, uncomfortable and still unable to relax. Their previous mission with the Kzinti was successful. A reasonable compromise was reached and for the duration of the impending Klingon war, Kzinti will be an ally of the Federation. It’s what the Enterprise was sent to accomplish and accomplish they did. What Jim doesn’t like is the price they had to pay. He was always bad at diplomacy but he’s never felt more disappointed in himself than their first attempt to reach out to the Kzinti. So many lives were lost and he has no one to blame but himself.
Now, he wants nothing more than to go to his quarters and get a good night’s sleep but there’s still a couple of hours left before alpha shift ends and Rand has just forwarded him an unbelievable amount of paperwork. Add that to the lengthy mission parameters Starfleet just sent them, then Jim won’t be getting much sleep for the next few days.
What makes it worse is that when he does get some sleep, it’s muddled with images of Khan, of the Enterprise, broken and vulnerable, of Spock, on the verge of tears and looking like he’s lost everything. Every time, he can’t move, can’t do anything to stop Khan, can’t do anything to stop the Enterprise from taking hits, shedding its beauty off bit by bit, can’t do anything to comfort Spock, hold him, tell him everything’s gonna be okay you’re safe I’m here for you because he’s about to die and he can’t breathe--
"Captain, are you alright?"
Spock is tense as he hovers near the captain, his lips slightly pursed as he examines Jim’s pallor and trembling hands. Any other day and Jim would have said no because, yes, he’s just that stubborn. Today, though? He may have reached his limits.
"Actually, Mr. Spock, I’m thinking of heading down to Medical Bay before Bones gets the chance to stick me with a hypospray unexpected."
"Would you like me to accompany you, Captain?"
"Sure thing. Sulu, you have the conn."
"Yes, sir."
Jim shuts his eyes when the turbolift door closes, listening to his ship’s engines, taking comfort in it. He tries to convince himself that Spock isn’t still tense beside him, like he has something to say but is unsure of how to approach the topic.
"Captain, I have told you this before but you do not need to be on the away team every mission we have."
"Hey, as the captain, I should know the risk I'm putting my crew in. And my plans always work, don’t they?"
"Perhaps, but there are always alternatives."
"So, what, you could go out there and die? I’m not having that on my conscience, Spock. Not you."
"While I appreciate your concern, Jim, I do not understand why you hold my life above yours."
Jim knows that since Khan, Spock's been more confused, more protective than usual. He has come to terms with his human side and now, he’s starting to acknowledge their friendship. He struggles with the idea of Jim's death. Frankly, the whole crew's struggling and Jim understands. He actually did die. If not for his naturally stubborn and determined personality, he would be strapped to his chair and treated like a god whose feet aren't meant to touch the ground.
"I don't want to talk about this right now, Spock." Because he really doesn't. He has answers for all of Spock's questions, spoken or not, but he's not yet ready to say them out loud, not when he doesn't have answers to his own.
"Then, would you at least be open to, as humans say, sitting out during our mission on Ardana?"
"Oh come on, Spock. It's a routine check. I'm not going to get shot or kidnapped or locked in a torture chamber."
"Still, Captain." Spock pauses, and Jim readies himself with excuses. Ardana is ruled by people who take pride in their intellect, their rich arts and culture. He can handle himself, damn it, he's not some piece of china. If the need arises, he can pull rank. "The knowledge that you are safe on the ship will be... comforting to the crew. Especially Doctor McCoy and myself."
Jim doesn't speak for a while, turning over his options even though he knows that he's too tired right now. He's sold. Spock wins this round.
"Fine. Just this once, all right? And you should be glad I don't have enough in me right now to reprimand you about your little stint with the Kzinti."
"Stint, Captain?" Spock replies as innocently as a Vulcan can, and Jim swears he doesn't know whether he wants to laugh or knock his first officer on the side of his head. "I do not know what you are referring to."
Jim laughs because even if he knows Spock can beat his ass to oblivion, that has got to be the most adorable thing a Vulcan has done. The turbolift stops and Jim's still smiling as he gets out.
"Come on. You won't be all sunshine and flowers as you are now when Bones gets a hold of us."
"Jim, I am hardly--"
"Spock, just let it go."
"Of course, Captain."
***
"About time! I thought I was gonna have to come and get you myself."
"Well, good morning to you too, Bones!"
"There's nothing good," Jim doesn't know how but Bones manages to stab his neck with a hypospray without pausing, "about my goddamn morning, especially when I have to monitor your sorry ass after what you pulled on that planet infested with furry lion men I like to call allergy triggers!"
"Ouch! Fuck, Bones, can't you be gentle for once? I didn't even give you any trouble this time." Jim grimaces, clutching his neck and eyeing Bones' hands for more hypos.
"No way in hell, Jim and especially not when I have to put up with this crap for the next five years."
"Oh come on! I brought Spock with me."
"The hobgoblin would've come anyway. He might be an idiot but he's a model patient compared to you." Bones scrunches his nose at the data PADD in his hand. "And since you so kindly ignored my orders for light duty back at Kzinti, it'll be one week of bed rest for you, Jimmy boy."
"Wha--"
"I think you will be satisfied to know that Jim will not be participating in our next mission, Doctor. Also, Yeoman Rand has agreed to minimize the Captain's paperwork so that he will be able to rest sufficiently," Spock says. Bones takes a moment to scrutinize him before nodding his approval.
"Hey, that's not fair! Spock was worse and you're not telling him to keep his hands off the science labs," Jim whines, glaring at both his best friend and his first officer. "Also, you got Rand to agree to that? Spock, you charmer!"
"As much as I hate to admit it, Spock doesn't need my constant attention because he has that Vulcan mind voodoo thing," Bones mutters, throwing Spock a disdainful look. "So stop complainin' will ya, because I will strap you to that biobed if I need to."
"I hate you both." Jim crosses his arms and gives them his best pout. "You know, just to remind you, I still am your commanding officer."
"And I'm as good as your guardian angel so shut up and find yourself something to do for a week that does not involve this ship." Jim probably won't win with Bones and Spock tag-teaming so he just snorts in response. He'll just find other ways to tick Bones off since he apparently has a whole week free now. Jim's eyes narrow as he watches Bones scanning Spock with a tricorder, the screws in his head turning as he wonders how he can get even in the future.
"You're good to go." Bones grunts as he turns the tricorder off, glaring at Spock for his perfect health and the lost chance to torture him via extended medical bay confinement. Then, he turns to Jim. "And you! I'll know if you go straight to your room or not so don't even try, Jim."
"Heh." Jim sticks his tongue out at them as he walks out of the medical bay. Spock catches up with him easily, looking not even a bit flustered or out of breath.
"Why must you be so stubborn, Captain?" he asks, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Hey, you're just as stubborn as I am," Jim grumbles. "You just have the advantage of your intimidating and sassy Vulcan attitude."
"Vulcans are not sassy, Captain."
"Could've fooled me."
Spock raises an eyebrow. "You have already agreed to my request. What purpose does it serve when you provoke Doctor McCoy?"
Jim snorts at this. "As if you don't enjoy arguing with him, Spock."
"Ah." Spock tilts his head, understanding dawning on him. "Doctor McCoy has a very interesting way of forming friendships. Though, I admit, I am not adverse to it. The debates I have with him are most enlightening."
"What, even more enlightening than ours?" Jim clutches a hand to his chest, gasping. "You wound me so, Spock."
"I assure you, Captain, I hold our conversations above most."
"Really?" Jim laughs. "Even Scotty and Chekov and Sulu?"
Spock keeps his eyes straight ahead of him but Jim can still see the corner of his mouth quirking upwards. "Perhaps."
***
Jim groans when he hears the buzzer. He hopes to god it isn't Bones as he crosses his room. His back is aching and he doesn't want Bones finding out and using it as leverage to extend his bed rest.
"Uhura." Jim's eyes widen when he opens the door and sees Uhura standing with her head raised high and her hands behind her back. "It's just you."
"Yep. Just me." Uhura sighs and when she lets her arms fall to her sides, Jim can see her hands tightened into fists. "Can I come in?"
Jim steps out of her way and follows her to his sitting room, settling on an armchair once she's comfortable on the couch.
"So, to what do I owe this pleasure, Lieutenant?"
Uhura hesitates. She looks torn, as if she isn't really sure she should be here, so Jim waits. He's worked with Uhura long enough to know not to push her. "Look, I know this is weird. I mean, me being here, but I'm just really worried about Spock. I've accepted that his job entails risking his life, Jim, but not blatantly running into death's arms."
"I'm not really sure I'm the one you should be talking to, Uhura," Jim says, unsure of what to do.
Uhura sighs, reaching out and laying her hand on Jim's arm. "He won't listen to me, Jim. I avoided him because of our break up and now I feel like I'm not even his friend anymore."
"I'm not... I'm not really sure what you want me to say, Nyota."
"I just want you to talk to him, Jim. He'll listen to you. Make him stop throwing himself in the line of fire for you." Uhura's breath catches and all Jim can do is pat her hand awkwardly. "Please, Jim? I know you're worried, too. Probably more than I am."
Jim can't stop the laugh that's bubbling inside him. "Believe me, Uhura. I've tried, but he's one stubborn Vulcan."
"I guess it doesn't help that you don't hesitate to return the favor, does it?"
"Yeah," Jim replies. They're both smiling now, fondly yet painfully. "Tell you what, I'll keep trying if you keep trying."
"Should we get the crew's help too?"
"Sure. Why the hell not?"
Jim and Uhura shake on it, faces serious. They last five seconds before bursting into giggles. When Jim gets over it, he looks Uhura in the eye, searching but he isn't sure for what.
"You know, I thought you'd hate me more for this. Spock taking bullets for me, I mean."
Uhura takes a deep breath, exhaling it in one puff. "I understand why he does it but that doesn't mean I approve of it."
"Huh."
"You don't get it, do you?" Uhura looks at him with a knowing smile and Jim wonders what she's seeing that he isn't.
"No," he admits. "I don't."
Uhura's smile only widens. "Which is why you're going to talk to him."
She stands up, straightening her skirt before walking herself to the door. Before leaving, though, she turns back to him, lips pursed and eyes narrowed as if she's sizing him up--a gambler scrutinizing his winning horse.
"Good night, Captain, and good luck."
***
"Did you even sleep last night?"
"Yes, I did!"
"For one hour, maybe."
"Russians do not need sleep."
"Hey, guys. What's up?" Jim plops down on a seat beside Scotty, across Sulu and Chekov who, right now, are arguing quite heatedly.
"Captain," they greeted him, voices clipped, before going back to glaring at each other, hands fisted around their spoons and their food untouched.
"Uh." Jim, suddenly wishing he didn't get breakfast in the first place, turns to Scotty who's looking just as horrified as he feels. "Hey. I didn't know you still ate up here. Scotty."
"I might just start avoiding this part of the ship after today, Captain."
"What are the lovebirds fighting about, anyway?"
"We are not lovebirds," Sulu and Chekov quip. Jim jumps in his seat, not expecting that they're actually listening to him through their argument. He breathes a sigh of relief when he sees them go back to arguing.
"The laddie's been spending a lot of time reading and following me around in Engineering," Scotty whispers. "Hasn't been getting much rest, from what Sulu says."
"What?" Jim turns serious, eyebrows furrowing. He hasn't heard about this before. "When did this start?"
"Ever since, you know," Scotty purses his lips and his hesitation alone tells Jim just what he means. "He still feels guilty about what happened."
Jim allows this to sink in. He watches as Sulu tries to convince Chekov to take a breather, looking as if he's doomed to fail.
"You don't have to study all that now," Sulu's saying. "Besides, you'll get sick drinking all that coffee."
"I told you, Hikaru, I will be fine."
"If I may," Jim interjects, his worry washing over his initial reluctance, "I think Sulu's right. There's no need to rush, Chekov. You shouldn't be putting so much pressure on yourself."
"As I have observed you this past week while you visited the science labs, Mr. Chekov, I must concur." Spock sets down his tray next to Jim and frankly, he couldn't be any happier to see his first officer. Chekov looks up to Spock, even more than Scotty. "In rushing yourself, you might forget that the reason why a scientist pursues education is because of his thirst for knowledge, not because he feels that he is required to do so."
"See? Even Mr. Spock agrees," Scotty says, pushing Chekov's plate closer to him. "Eat, laddie."
Chekov scrunches his nose and they're all waiting, hoping for him to say yes because he's kind of everyone's little brother and the whole crew can't help but feel protective of him. A little bit of their troubles lift when he nods slowly. "All right, I will try, then."
***
Jim's on his way to the medical bay to bother Bones because it's only been three hours since he had breakfast and he's already done with paperwork. He found himself lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling and wondering what the heck he's supposed to do for the rest of the day, and decided to get up and let his feet take him around the ship. He greets the officers he passes, and some ensigns, mistaking his sulkiness for dissatisfaction, are trembling so bad that Jim actually cheers up a bit.
"Boooones," Jim calls. "I'm bored."
"Well, then, you better get the hell out of my medbay because no one's gonna entertain you here." Bones is glaring at the data PADD in his hand and Jim can't really blame him because he's seen a CMO's daily paperwork and it's just as bad as his, if not worse.
"But I have nothing to do," Jim whines.
"That's the goddamn point, Jim. I put you on bed rest so you could lie down on your bed and sleep!"
Jim grimaces. "Yeah, that's not working out for me."
Concern creeps into Bones' features and he immediately reaches for a tricorder, not even bothering to listen to Jim say that he doesn't need to. "Do you want me to give you pills for this?"
Jim smiles at Bones' unusually gentle bedside manner. "Nah. I never thought I'd say this but I think a hypo should do the trick."
"I'll stop by your quarters later tonight."
"Thanks, Bones." Jim claps his best friend on the back and makes a beeline for the door.
"Hey, Jim!"
"Yeah, Bones?"
"Don't think you can go to the gym because of this."
"The gym? Heh, the thought never even crossed my mind!" Jim yells, cringing. He should have expected that Bones wouldn't let his guard down so easily. Damn it, that's as subtle as he can get and Bones still got onto him. Jim sighs. He'll win one of these days.
When Jim arrives in the weapons lab, it's empty. Of course, Jim feels that’s reason enough to pick up a prototype phaser and start pointing it all around the place, while providing himself with the appropriate sound effects.
"Captain, what are you doing?"
"Carol." Jim jumps in surprise, almost dropping the phaser in his hands. "I was just, uh, you know, admiring your handiwork."
"Of course you were, Jim." Carol's amusement is obvious in her eyes and Jim hasn’t felt this embarrassed in weeks. "Is this part of your rounds? Or does it have something to do with Mr. Spock asking me to keep an eye on you when you visit the labs?"
"Spock told you that?" Jim groans. "I swear, I am never going to let Spock and Bones agree on something ever again. They're unstoppable!"
"I can't blame them, Captain. You do need to be controlled sometimes," Carol says, her features looking graceful and smooth despite the smirk on her lips.
"So are you supposed to kick me out now?"
"Sadly, no. I'm supposed to find you something to tinker with that won't explode in your face." Carol laughs. "Though I don't know if that's possible in a weapons lab."
Eventually, though, Carol digs up some malfunctioning phasers and puts Jim to work. She never lets him out of her sight, not even when Jim shows promising instinct for the task at hand. Surprisingly, Jim doesn't get tired of the work. He stays until he has to leave for chess with Spock. He regretfully sets down phaser number 14 and promises Carol that he'll come back to finish his work sometime this week. She actually looks up from her tricorder to smile at him before he leaves.
It kind of makes Jim sad to know that in just a few weeks of staying on the Enterprise, Carol's probably going to be as obsessive about her work as Spock and his legion of faithful science officers are.
Jim has paced his room countless times when Spock arrives.
"Spock! I was beginning to think you weren't gonna show up," Jim says as Spock enters his room. He tries not to fuss, instead taking the chessboard from Spock to set it up.
"That is illogical, Jim. I would have notified you beforehand if it were so." Spock sits down, immediately taking a black pawn once Jim finishes.
They start their game with Jim feeling more energized than ever. "So what's the ETA for Ardana?"
"We will arrive there in ten point three hours, Captain."
"Just in time for alpha shift," Jim says, approving. "Who are you planning to include in the landing party again?"
"Lieutenant Uhura and Lieutenant Sulu," Spock replies. "Nyota has volunteered to select more officers from Communication. They wish to see firsthand the culture of the Ardanans."
"Well, to be honest, a city on a cloud, just floating in the sky? I'd like to see that too."
"Perhaps you will, Captain. I estimate that there is a 97.38% chance that the High Advisor will invite the crew to beam down for a gathering."
"Awesome!" The light in Jim's eyes dim when he realizes something. "Bones won't dare ban me from that, right?"
Spock's mouth twitches, probably to suppress a smile, Jim thinks. "While I am sure that he would like to, he cannot control your social activities."
"No, he can't," Jim says, smug. "Thank god Starfleet's finally giving us a break, though. It's not shore leave but it's something."
"Indeed. The missions they have been giving us are long-winded and tiring. There has been a decline in crew morale and efficiency." Jim eyes Spock's next move, hoping that the plan he's formed can be put into action. "Though, I admit that the crew’s performance is still very much above average."
"Well, the Enterprise has a fine crew, Commander," Jim says, and he barely keeps the excitement from showing in his voice when Spock makes his move and does exactly what Jim wants him to do.
"It has a fine captain as well," Spock says, eyes warm when he looks at Jim.
"Spock, you're making me wonder if I should still check you in three moves."
"Three moves, Jim? I doubt it."
Jim actually ends up winning and breaking Spock's five-win streak. Spock, the good sport that he is, congratulates him, and Jim, the smug idiot, gloats.
"The day will come, Spock, when I'll be the one having winning streaks."
"Of course, Captain," Spock replies, though Jim can tell he's probably just being humored. Spock bows his head and wishes him a good night before heading to his quarters.
"Night," Jim murmurs. He jumps onto his bed and stays there, looking at the ceiling, just trying to figure out what's going on with himself and where he wants his life to go and what he’s going to do tomorrow because apparently, it's all he can do at night when he's deprived of work and he's surrounded with insane people and Spock. He feels exhaustion seeping into him and he tries, he tries so hard to stay awake but when he closes his eyes to rest for ten seconds, he gets stuck inside his nightmare.
He dreams of endless darkness and a vortex of nothingness, of eternal solitude and gradually depreciating sense of self. He doesn’t know how much times passes but soon enough, he finds it hard to breathe, as if the space around him is constricting, forcing the air in his lungs to disintegrate, to leave him hollow.
He wakes up screaming, grabbing at a stunned Bones.
"Damn it, man. Maybe I should just give you those pills."
Jim smiles and waves his hand, as if it could get rid of Bones' worries. "Sure, Bones."
"You look like shit, Jim," Bones says, shaking his head as he replicates the meds. "Take one pill for lunch and sleep, all right?"
"Dreamless?"
Bones nods. "Like you've been knocked out with a bat."
"Well, who can say no to that?" Jim laughs, clapping Bones on the back. "Thanks, Bones."
"No problem, kid."
***
Jim almost screams in relief when his comm light blinks. He just woke up a few minutes ago, courtesy of his alarm. He got dressed in a rush only to fall back into his bed, sprawled as he waits for news of the away team's arrival.
"Scotty, please tell me that they're back and we can go down there and party," Jim says, almost desperate.
"They're on board, Captain, and I think Mr. Spock can answer that question himself." Jim hears fumbling in the background, amidst soft sound of murmuring and the hum of the transporter running.
"Captain, you are awake," he hears Spock say.
"Spock, get over how many hours I sleep at night and just tell me." Jim's practically begging now and that probably looks bad for him as a Captain but one, his crew's used to him by now, and two, just two days of bed rest has driven him crazy, what more if he actually has to go through with the rest of the week?
"Captain." Jim swears he can hear the controlled exasperation in Spock's voice. "The High Advisor Plasus has invited the whole crew over for a party. It will last three days."
"Three days?" Those people can party, Jim thinks, but he isn't going to complain. "Thank God. Have Uhura come up with a duty roster?"
"I will assist her as well."
"That's good," Jim says. "I'll see you later for breakfast?"
"Affirmative, Jim."
Jim smiles. First, a night of decent sleep, and now, a three-day party? He feels absolutely spoiled. Of course, now he has to fuss about his hair before he heads to the mess, but he's not complaining.
***
Jim double checks his uniform, smoothing the creases in it and trying to make his hair less of a mess.
"Captain, please refrain from touching your hair," Spock says as he steps on the transporter pad beside him.
"What? Why?" Jim panics, trying to remember if there was something in the briefing about it. He really doesn't want to offend an Ardanan when he's going to be in their territory. "Is it bad in their culture?"
Spock doesn't respond, instead he's emanating that irritating yet adorable Vulcan smugness of his.
"You're playing me," Jim murmurs. "Oh my god, Spock, you've been spending too much time with the crew!"
"Is that not what you requested of me, Captain?"
"I didn't know we'd be such a bad influence on you," Jim says, chuckling.
"Indeed, I have noticed an increase of sarcastic remarks and references to human folklore this past week," Spock says. "Perhaps, I should revert to spending more time at the labs instead of joining the crew's social activities."
"Oh, come on, the only time you actually stay is during chess competitions and even then, all you do is make the junior officers cry because of your ruthlessness." Jim shakes his head, remembering the expressions of shock and fear on lieutenants and ensigns alike when Spock beats them in five moves or less. It's sad, funny, and adorable all at the same time.
"The transporter's ready, Sir," Scotty says from where he's standing by the controls.
"You're not getting away from this conversation, Spock," Jim warns. He rolls his eyes at his first officer's look of innocence and turns to Scotty. "Energize."
The scene shifts from the transporter room to an expanse of blue sky and structures with details so delicate, Jim doesn't even know how to begin describing them. He looks at his feet excitedly and he isn't disappointed. It's so weird, to know that he's standing on a cloud and to see it swirling around his feet, but to feel as if he's on solid ground.
"This is amazing," he says, laughing as he takes one step after another slowly, as if he's afraid his foot's going to fall through and moment now. "Spock, this is amazing."
"Indeed, Captain." Jim barely hears his reply, too taken with the beauty around him. If he had more control over his thought processes, he would be wondering how the hell the Ardanans managed all this, but right now, he's just wrapping his head around the fact that he's kilometers above the ground and that he's literally on a fucking cloud.
"Captain James T. Kirk, I presume?"
Jim stumbles as he attempts to straighten up and control his expression when he faces the High Adviser. Thankfully, Spock's there with a firm hand on his arm to steady him. "High Adviser Plasus, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"And you, Captain. Mr. Spock." Plasus bows in greeting. Then, he steps back and reveals a woman dressed in blue silk that flows over her curves and covers an insanely small amount of skin. "May I introduce to you this city's most beautiful work of art, my daughter, Droxine."
"You're very beautiful, lady Droxine." Jim takes her hand to kiss it, admiring her beauty and the obvious care she takes of her appearance.
"Thank you, Captain." She smiles politely, but she barely looks at him, which makes Jim's eyebrows shoot up higher than they ever have before. Usually, girls would be all over him by now but then Droxine's obviously not into him. When he follows her gaze to a very rigid, blank-eyed Spock, he can't help the strangled sound that leaves his lips.
Jim's face flushes when everyone turns to look at him. He coughs awkwardly, avoiding their eyes. "Uh. So, maybe I could go to my room and set my things down before we tour the city?"
"Of course." Plasus leads them into the building in the middle of the city; a tall and handsome structure that Jim's sure is covered in engravings that the Communications and Science departments are going to love. For some reason, though, he can't really concentrate on his surroundings. His gaze keeps on going back to Droxine, who really is supposed to be looking in front of her or else she might just trip and embarrass herself. Instead, she keeps on stealing looks at Spock, who, by the way, is still very tense beside Jim. It's just so weird for Jim that he actually feels something tighten in his stomach whenever he sees the look on her face.
Relief floods him when they finally stop in front of an orange door. Plasus faces them with a friendly smile on his face, gesturing to the room. "Captain, you wouldn't mind sharing a room with Mr. Spock, would you? I'm afraid it's the best we can offer right now."
Jim waves his hand, dismissing the High Adviser's worries. After all, 428 people is a lot. "We'll be fine, right, Spock?"
"Affirmative," Spock says. Jim can see him relaxing a bit, his back a little less stiff and his face less set.
"But, Father, you know there are other rooms Mr. Spock can stay in. The Captain can have this room all to himself," Droxine says, placing an arm on Plasus' shoulder. Her smile sends shivers up Jim's spine.
Thankfully, Spock speaks before Plasus can even get a chance to open his mouth. "While I appreciate your offer, this room will be satisfactory."
"Oh. All right then, but if you change your mind, I think I can come up with something." Jim swears her expression is purely predatory now and honestly, he's kind of horrified by it. He excuses himself and practically rushes into their quarters.
"Captain, do you require medical assistance?"
"What? No, I'm fine," Jim says, laughing and immediately wincing at how forced it sounds.
"Captain. Jim, you are shaking."
"I am?" Jim swallows the lump forming in his throat and looks at his hands. They really are shaking, he realizes, so he lets them fall to his sides, fisted. "Fuck."
"What is wrong?" Spock's eyebrows are furrowed, his mouth set in a slight frown.
"I..." Jim closes his eyes, concentrates on controlling himself, tries not to freak out because just what the fuck is wrong with him? "I'm not sure. Maybe I'm just overwhelmed?"
Spock doesn't let his gaze stray from Jim as he assesses the Captain's well-being, contemplating whether he should comm Doctor McCoy or not. "Perhaps you should rest, Jim."
"But what about the tour?"
"I will inform the High Adviser and his daughter that we will not require their services anymore," Spock says, finality in his tone.
"I still do want to see the city, though," Jim says, disappointed.
"Then I will give you the tour when you are ready, Jim." There's affection in Spock's eyes that Jim can't bear to see right now so he takes his shoes off and lies on the bed. The sheets are soft, made of blue silk that feels like heaven against Jim's skin.
"What about you?" Jim asks.
"I will meditate," Spock assures him, dragging a chair to his side. "Sleep, Jim."
And so without hesitation, Jim lets exhaustion take over his body. He slips into the welcoming hands of sleep.
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