Fruit of the Tree of Life 1/4 - for myjadedhavok
Author's name : creampuffsteph
Written for: myjadedhavok
Pairing/characters: Kirk/Spock, Kodos
Rating: PG-13
Prompt: Spock and Kirk must survive Tarsus IV together.
Warnings: mentions of death (though nothing explicit)
Disclaimer: Don't own. But I wish I did.
A/N So RL and too many fic commitments are to blame for posting this later than I was supposed to. And as usual, this blew up into more than I expected because I just could not stop. 12k words later... not the typical Tarsus fic (at least I hope not). Ages for this are Jimmy: 11, Spock: 14
Jimmy doesn’t want to leave. He wants to stay at home. With Sam and Mom and his new dad Frank. But Mom and Frank want to go away on a honeymoon, just the two of them, and they can’t do that if they’re worried about Jimmy and Sam. No matter how many times he tells them he’s old enough to stay at home by himself, take care of himself, Mom insists he go to stay with Aunt Linda and Uncle Jeffrey at their place on Tarsus IV. He wouldn’t really mind going if only Sam were too. But Sam’s old enough to go to Starfleet Prep for the summer. So Jimmy has to go alone. Stay with “family” he doesn’t really know and help work on a farm all summer long instead of hiking and camping and playing sports like all the other boys his age.
Truthfully, though Jimmy’d never say it aloud because he’s eleven and much too old to be so, he’s scared. He’s pretty sure if he admitted as much to Mom she’d do something. Maybe ask Sam to stay home with Jimmy. Or even not go away at all. But Mom is so happy now. Smiling like she hasn’t in so long. Jimmy doesn’t want to be the reason her smiles disappear. Not again. And Sam would probably punch him for being a wuss and screwing up his chance at “getting the hello outta here” anyway if Jimmy did say something.
So he keeps his mouth shut and packs. Shirts and jeans, socks and underwear, boots and shoes. He hides Thelonius, his teddy bear - only cooler because it has fangs - that he’s had since he was a baby and no one knows he still sleeps with at night, under his clothes. And finds room for some real, paper comics, ones hard to come by and that Sam would beat him for taking. Jimmy figures he has everything he needs to survive the most boring summer of his life. And as he zips his luggage shut, sends a silent plea to anyone listening for some excitement and adventure while he’s off world.
--
Linda and Jeffrey are nice. But old. They don’t have good food, like cookies or chips or those awesome energy drinks Mom brings back from different space stations. And they don’t have any toys; no game sims or hover scooters, not even cards or board games. It’s like they don’t know what it is to have kids. And Jimmy’s starting to think his mom had no idea what she was doing when she planned his stay here.
Jimmy complains that he’s bored one day and is sent to clean out the stalls in the stable. After that, he knows better than to whine. Still, most of his day is spent tending the rows of duo...duo...something. Jimmy calls it wheat to himself because it looks just like the stuff growing everywhere back in Iowa.
One day he makes the mistake of calling it wheat in front of Uncle Jeffrey. Who gets a little wild eyed, crazy, and preachy as he yells, “this isn’t wheat, Son, it’s the future!”
Jimmy doesn’t see how a grain can be the future, doesn’t see what the big deal is. So he smiles and nods. Then escapes as soon as possible to his small bedroom to read Captain Super Nova, for the hundredth time since he’s got here. But who’s counting?
--
It’s raining when Jimmy wakes up; murky, fat drops hitting the window with loud splats. The sky is a weird grey-green that makes the outside look almost sick. Jimmy’s glad for the rain, even if it’s unlike anything he’s ever seen, because that means he doesn’t have to tend to the animals. Uncle Jeffrey has no doubt already put them in the stables
He won’t get to play outside today, and that sucks, but he figures it’s one day of nothing to do - which means he can do whatever he wants - so he should take advantage. Somehow he manages to fall back asleep, head buried under his pillows and dreams of traveling through Deep Space with humans and aliens alike. All of whom he knows as family.
When Jimmy finally rolls out of bed, hair flattened out and hanging in his eyes, he shuffles down to the kitchen in search of breakfast. Or maybe lunch. He’s not sure what time it is.
He walks in to a scene that makes him really uncomfortable. Uncle Jeffrey is...crying. And rocking back and forth in his chair at the table. And Aunt Linda is just sitting there. Staring out the window. As if she doesn’t see a thing.
Jimmy doesn’t know who to question, both look pretty messed up. But at least Aunt Linda isn’t crying, so...
“Auntie Linda?” She doesn’t even acknowledge his presence. “What’s going on?”
It surprises Jimmy that Uncle Jeffrey is the one to answer.
“The grain, Jimmy, the crops! They’re ruined, dead, from some fungus!” Jeffrey turns those wild eyes on Jimmy again. “What are we going to do?”
“Uh, replant?” He has no idea what to say or do. Or why it’s such a scary thing that their crops have some kind of fungus thing. It’s not like the whole planet’s infected.
“You don’t understand, Jimmy. Kodos will -”
“Stop, Jeff.” Aunt Linda has finally moved to turn and look at what’s inside the kitchen rather than out. She’s looking at Jimmy a little weird. Like she’s scared crapless too, but also like she feels real affection for her nephew. “Don’t scare the poor child. We’ll figure something out.”
“But Linda, it’s not just here. I got a call from Joe Benedict. He said his crop’s all the same. And so’s -”
“I said stop, Jeff.”
Jimmy’s never seen Aunt Linda so mean to Jeffrey before. He doesn’t know what to make of it and feels awkward in the small, now overheated room. He slowly backs away, hoping to avoid any kind of confrontation. He doesn’t like fighting. Whether he’s involved personally or just an innocent bystander.
“It’s okay, Jimmy.” Linda’s voice is softer now, soothing. “Go on up to your room and play. I’ll make us a nice dinner.”
But as he runs upstairs he can still hear Uncle Jeffrey’s frantic voice. “He’s gonna skin us alive, Linda...”
--
Nothing more is said on the matter of the lost crops for close to a week. But Uncle Jeffrey’s eyes are red rimmed and blood shot, like he hasn’t slept the entire time. And Aunt Linda is so focused on distracting herself she’s almost negligent; forgetting to turn off the stove and setting a pot on the burner Jimmy tries to move in order to make something...because she’s forgotten it’s dinner time. He burns himself, but doesn’t say anything. Jimmy’s pretty sure neither his aunt nor his uncle would do much if he did anyway.
Well, he’s not sure what they’re waiting for, because surely they’re waiting for something to happen - why else all this drama? - but he hopes it happens soon. Because while life with his aunt and uncle hadn’t been glamorous before, now it’s downright hellacious.
It surprises him that later that night he comes downstairs to the dining room set up with the fine china and flowers in a vase and the smells of delicious food wafting towards him. Are they having a party he didn’t know about? Jimmy feels excitement at what he thinks must be a change in pace, for the better, and runs to his aunt with a grin on his face.
“Whatchya cookin’ Auntie?” Jimmy wraps one arm around her waist and tries to peer into the mixing bowl she has out.
“Not now, Jimmy.” She sounds scared, angry, but still somehow is smiling at him. “Go get cleaned up for dinner. We;re having someone very special join us tonight!”
He thinks her words are meant to excite him, but all Jimmy does is dread having to do his hair and wear his nicest clothes for someone he doubts he’ll even like. Or like him in return. But he doesn’t want to make his aunt even more upset than she already is. So he runs off and only half asses getting ready. Not like it’ll matter.
When Uncle Jeffrey calls him down to meet their guest, Jimmy has a hard time containing a grimace. He wonders why he has to join the adults when he’ll most likely be left out of the entire conversation anyway. He’s just a kid after all.
But as Jimmy bounds down the stairs, he sees a tall figure, wearing jeans and a t-shirt, brown hair messier than Jim’s, and thinks maybe this guy won’t be so bad. Then he sees the men in black suits and dark glasses on either side of the guy, phasers visible beneath their jackets, and Jimmy thinks cool. He’s never met anyone important enough to have body guards.
“Jimmy!” Jeffrey looks nervous as he spots him on the lower landing. And he sees the obviously very important guy turn his head to see who’s coming down the stairs. “I’d like you to meet Governor Kodos, son.”
This is Kodos? Jimmy is seriously surprised. The governor holds out his hand, wanting to shake Jimmy’s. “Nice to meet you, Jimmy.” He has a friendly smile and sure grip on Jimmy’s smaller hand. His eyes never leave Jimmy’s. But instead of being unnerving, the action makes Jimmy feel noticed, like he’s important, and more than just a kid.
Jimmy makes up his mind instantly. That he likes Governor Kodos. Especially when he offers Jimmy the seat to his right at the dinner table, engaging him in conversation by asking him all sorts of things. And showing interest in what Jimmy has to say.
They’re almost done with dinner - the bodyguards haven’t eaten anything, just kept standing behind Kodos the entire time - and Jimmy can’t help but notice how little Kodos has spoken to his aunt and uncle.
It’s odd, but Jimmy’s too caught up in sharing his passion for the stars, the boundless expanse of space itself, and the many thing he wants to explore. He doesn’t really notice anything other than the here and now. And right now he’s excited and happy.
“What do you think about Starfleet, Jimmy?”
Something hard in Kodos’ expression worries Jimmy, but it’s gone too fast, a blink of an eye really, and Jimmy’s not really old enough to fully understand how to read people yet. So he beings to respond with his usual fervor, hero worship for the father he’s never known lacing his words.
“Oh yes. I mean, my dad - ow!”
He feels a foot stomp down on his and looks up to see his uncle staring him down. Now that look he understands. It’s the cut it out, kid look Uncle Jeffrey gives him every time Jimmy is about to do something incredibly stupid. Or dangerous.
“Uh, um, I mean...I’ve thought about it, Starfleet, but I don’t know if it’s for me.” he’s not sure Kodos believes the switch in enthusiasm. Especially when the once crinkling eyes narrow and dart to Jimmy’s uncle.
“And what was that about your father, Jimmy?” he sounds suspicious.
“He told me he’d be okay with whatever I wanted?” It comes out as a question because he’s too busy looking at his uncle, trying to gauge his reactions so Jimmy knows if he’s saying the wrong thing.
And with the way Jeffrey’s lips thin, Jimmy’s pretty sure he did.
“I see.” Kodos pushes away from the table abruptly and instantly the two bodyguards are at his side again.
“Wait! You can’t leave yet!” There’s panic in Linda’s voice. “Jimmy’s a good boy. A good boy! And you...” She turns to look at Jimmy as if noticing him for the first time. “haven’t had dessert yet.” Jimmy is surprised to see tears rolling down her cheeks. “Please.” She moves to stand next to Kodos and is stopped by one of the men.
Kodos holds out a hand and the men immediately steps back, letting Linda approach him. She’s shaking all over and near hysterical.
“Please,” she repeats. “He’s a good boy! You can see for yourself. Just what you’re looking for!”
Jimmy doesn’t like being talked about as if he’s not even here. He makes a loud grunt of disapproval, rolling his eyes before muttering, “I’m still standing right here, ya know.” Of course, he hadn’t intended on anyone hearing him say that, but he sees Linda suck in a breath before shuddering violently.
He also hears laughter, loud and unexpected, from Kodos.
“Maybe not such a good boy.” Kodos eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles indulgently at Jimmy. “Why, this young man reminds me of myself when I was his age.” he slaps a hand on Uncle Jeffrey’s shoulder - who flinches visibly. “Kid’s got potential.”
“So...” There’s a question there, lurking under the one word slowly gusting out of Linda’s mouth.
Kodos nods. “have his things packed and ready by eight o’clock.”
“Eight? In the morning?” Jimmy shouts before he realizes it.
There’s another burst of unexpected laughter from Kodos. “Okay, ten then.”
Kodos and his men leave quickly, without dessert Jimmy notices. He’s sad to see them go. It’d been kind of exciting with them around. Then again, he hadn’t really stopped to think what “have his things packed and ready” really means. Not until Linda near faints against Jeffrey’s rigid body.
“Oh thank God. I need to comm Winona.”
Winona? His mom? But...
“You know he won’t allow it, Lindy..” Jeffrey’s voice is small but hopeful. “Better to get Jimmy’s stuff boxed up.”
They’re doing it again. Talking about him as though Jimmy isn’t there.
“Where am I going?”
They both turn to look at him with sad eyes. Both open their mouths, as if to answer, but it’s Aunt Linda who manages to croak out, “to live with Governor Kodos.”
--
Despite Jimmy’s previous annoyance at having to stay with his Aunt and Uncle, he’s gong to miss the house. The blue siding and white shutters. The third step from the bottom that always craked when Jimmy tried to sneak downstairs after bedtime to watch a movie. The smell of baking cookies when Linda decided they all deserved a treat. Or freshly cut grass wafting through his open window. Even the more pungent aromas of farm animals and all that entailed Jimmy finds he’ll miss.
And of course Linda and Jeffrey, he’ll miss them the most. It seems as though their goodbyes are a final parting as Linda throws her arms around Jimmy and feels hot tears soak into his hair. She whispers “tell your mom I tried, I tried so hard,” before letting go so Jeffrey can say goodbye. he’s not crying this time, for which Jimmy’s immensely grateful, but he is crushing Jimmy to him so hard his back pops.
“You can’t understand now,” and Jimmy gets a bit ticked because why can’t he? “but this is for the best. I hope you can forgive us for sending you there, with that monster, but if we didn’t... Just promise me you’ll stay out of trouble. Keep your nose down and out of where it don’t belong.”
There are a lot of things Jimmy wants to say back. Why is he a monster? Not like I purposely get in trouble. Why am I leaving anyway? But when he looks up, Jeffrey’s grey eyes are so solemn, all Jimmy says is, “ok.”
That earns him another back popping hug. “Atta boy.” Jeffrey moves back, hugs Linda to him and sighs deeply.
“Do I still get to come and visit you sometimes?”
He sees the two exchange a wary glance and in that moment, Jimmy can honestly say he’s scared for the first time since arriving at Tarsus IV.
“I don’t think so, Sweetie.”
Written for: myjadedhavok
Pairing/characters: Kirk/Spock, Kodos
Rating: PG-13
Prompt: Spock and Kirk must survive Tarsus IV together.
Warnings: mentions of death (though nothing explicit)
Disclaimer: Don't own. But I wish I did.
A/N So RL and too many fic commitments are to blame for posting this later than I was supposed to. And as usual, this blew up into more than I expected because I just could not stop. 12k words later... not the typical Tarsus fic (at least I hope not). Ages for this are Jimmy: 11, Spock: 14
Jimmy doesn’t want to leave. He wants to stay at home. With Sam and Mom and his new dad Frank. But Mom and Frank want to go away on a honeymoon, just the two of them, and they can’t do that if they’re worried about Jimmy and Sam. No matter how many times he tells them he’s old enough to stay at home by himself, take care of himself, Mom insists he go to stay with Aunt Linda and Uncle Jeffrey at their place on Tarsus IV. He wouldn’t really mind going if only Sam were too. But Sam’s old enough to go to Starfleet Prep for the summer. So Jimmy has to go alone. Stay with “family” he doesn’t really know and help work on a farm all summer long instead of hiking and camping and playing sports like all the other boys his age.
Truthfully, though Jimmy’d never say it aloud because he’s eleven and much too old to be so, he’s scared. He’s pretty sure if he admitted as much to Mom she’d do something. Maybe ask Sam to stay home with Jimmy. Or even not go away at all. But Mom is so happy now. Smiling like she hasn’t in so long. Jimmy doesn’t want to be the reason her smiles disappear. Not again. And Sam would probably punch him for being a wuss and screwing up his chance at “getting the hello outta here” anyway if Jimmy did say something.
So he keeps his mouth shut and packs. Shirts and jeans, socks and underwear, boots and shoes. He hides Thelonius, his teddy bear - only cooler because it has fangs - that he’s had since he was a baby and no one knows he still sleeps with at night, under his clothes. And finds room for some real, paper comics, ones hard to come by and that Sam would beat him for taking. Jimmy figures he has everything he needs to survive the most boring summer of his life. And as he zips his luggage shut, sends a silent plea to anyone listening for some excitement and adventure while he’s off world.
--
Linda and Jeffrey are nice. But old. They don’t have good food, like cookies or chips or those awesome energy drinks Mom brings back from different space stations. And they don’t have any toys; no game sims or hover scooters, not even cards or board games. It’s like they don’t know what it is to have kids. And Jimmy’s starting to think his mom had no idea what she was doing when she planned his stay here.
Jimmy complains that he’s bored one day and is sent to clean out the stalls in the stable. After that, he knows better than to whine. Still, most of his day is spent tending the rows of duo...duo...something. Jimmy calls it wheat to himself because it looks just like the stuff growing everywhere back in Iowa.
One day he makes the mistake of calling it wheat in front of Uncle Jeffrey. Who gets a little wild eyed, crazy, and preachy as he yells, “this isn’t wheat, Son, it’s the future!”
Jimmy doesn’t see how a grain can be the future, doesn’t see what the big deal is. So he smiles and nods. Then escapes as soon as possible to his small bedroom to read Captain Super Nova, for the hundredth time since he’s got here. But who’s counting?
--
It’s raining when Jimmy wakes up; murky, fat drops hitting the window with loud splats. The sky is a weird grey-green that makes the outside look almost sick. Jimmy’s glad for the rain, even if it’s unlike anything he’s ever seen, because that means he doesn’t have to tend to the animals. Uncle Jeffrey has no doubt already put them in the stables
He won’t get to play outside today, and that sucks, but he figures it’s one day of nothing to do - which means he can do whatever he wants - so he should take advantage. Somehow he manages to fall back asleep, head buried under his pillows and dreams of traveling through Deep Space with humans and aliens alike. All of whom he knows as family.
When Jimmy finally rolls out of bed, hair flattened out and hanging in his eyes, he shuffles down to the kitchen in search of breakfast. Or maybe lunch. He’s not sure what time it is.
He walks in to a scene that makes him really uncomfortable. Uncle Jeffrey is...crying. And rocking back and forth in his chair at the table. And Aunt Linda is just sitting there. Staring out the window. As if she doesn’t see a thing.
Jimmy doesn’t know who to question, both look pretty messed up. But at least Aunt Linda isn’t crying, so...
“Auntie Linda?” She doesn’t even acknowledge his presence. “What’s going on?”
It surprises Jimmy that Uncle Jeffrey is the one to answer.
“The grain, Jimmy, the crops! They’re ruined, dead, from some fungus!” Jeffrey turns those wild eyes on Jimmy again. “What are we going to do?”
“Uh, replant?” He has no idea what to say or do. Or why it’s such a scary thing that their crops have some kind of fungus thing. It’s not like the whole planet’s infected.
“You don’t understand, Jimmy. Kodos will -”
“Stop, Jeff.” Aunt Linda has finally moved to turn and look at what’s inside the kitchen rather than out. She’s looking at Jimmy a little weird. Like she’s scared crapless too, but also like she feels real affection for her nephew. “Don’t scare the poor child. We’ll figure something out.”
“But Linda, it’s not just here. I got a call from Joe Benedict. He said his crop’s all the same. And so’s -”
“I said stop, Jeff.”
Jimmy’s never seen Aunt Linda so mean to Jeffrey before. He doesn’t know what to make of it and feels awkward in the small, now overheated room. He slowly backs away, hoping to avoid any kind of confrontation. He doesn’t like fighting. Whether he’s involved personally or just an innocent bystander.
“It’s okay, Jimmy.” Linda’s voice is softer now, soothing. “Go on up to your room and play. I’ll make us a nice dinner.”
But as he runs upstairs he can still hear Uncle Jeffrey’s frantic voice. “He’s gonna skin us alive, Linda...”
--
Nothing more is said on the matter of the lost crops for close to a week. But Uncle Jeffrey’s eyes are red rimmed and blood shot, like he hasn’t slept the entire time. And Aunt Linda is so focused on distracting herself she’s almost negligent; forgetting to turn off the stove and setting a pot on the burner Jimmy tries to move in order to make something...because she’s forgotten it’s dinner time. He burns himself, but doesn’t say anything. Jimmy’s pretty sure neither his aunt nor his uncle would do much if he did anyway.
Well, he’s not sure what they’re waiting for, because surely they’re waiting for something to happen - why else all this drama? - but he hopes it happens soon. Because while life with his aunt and uncle hadn’t been glamorous before, now it’s downright hellacious.
It surprises him that later that night he comes downstairs to the dining room set up with the fine china and flowers in a vase and the smells of delicious food wafting towards him. Are they having a party he didn’t know about? Jimmy feels excitement at what he thinks must be a change in pace, for the better, and runs to his aunt with a grin on his face.
“Whatchya cookin’ Auntie?” Jimmy wraps one arm around her waist and tries to peer into the mixing bowl she has out.
“Not now, Jimmy.” She sounds scared, angry, but still somehow is smiling at him. “Go get cleaned up for dinner. We;re having someone very special join us tonight!”
He thinks her words are meant to excite him, but all Jimmy does is dread having to do his hair and wear his nicest clothes for someone he doubts he’ll even like. Or like him in return. But he doesn’t want to make his aunt even more upset than she already is. So he runs off and only half asses getting ready. Not like it’ll matter.
When Uncle Jeffrey calls him down to meet their guest, Jimmy has a hard time containing a grimace. He wonders why he has to join the adults when he’ll most likely be left out of the entire conversation anyway. He’s just a kid after all.
But as Jimmy bounds down the stairs, he sees a tall figure, wearing jeans and a t-shirt, brown hair messier than Jim’s, and thinks maybe this guy won’t be so bad. Then he sees the men in black suits and dark glasses on either side of the guy, phasers visible beneath their jackets, and Jimmy thinks cool. He’s never met anyone important enough to have body guards.
“Jimmy!” Jeffrey looks nervous as he spots him on the lower landing. And he sees the obviously very important guy turn his head to see who’s coming down the stairs. “I’d like you to meet Governor Kodos, son.”
This is Kodos? Jimmy is seriously surprised. The governor holds out his hand, wanting to shake Jimmy’s. “Nice to meet you, Jimmy.” He has a friendly smile and sure grip on Jimmy’s smaller hand. His eyes never leave Jimmy’s. But instead of being unnerving, the action makes Jimmy feel noticed, like he’s important, and more than just a kid.
Jimmy makes up his mind instantly. That he likes Governor Kodos. Especially when he offers Jimmy the seat to his right at the dinner table, engaging him in conversation by asking him all sorts of things. And showing interest in what Jimmy has to say.
They’re almost done with dinner - the bodyguards haven’t eaten anything, just kept standing behind Kodos the entire time - and Jimmy can’t help but notice how little Kodos has spoken to his aunt and uncle.
It’s odd, but Jimmy’s too caught up in sharing his passion for the stars, the boundless expanse of space itself, and the many thing he wants to explore. He doesn’t really notice anything other than the here and now. And right now he’s excited and happy.
“What do you think about Starfleet, Jimmy?”
Something hard in Kodos’ expression worries Jimmy, but it’s gone too fast, a blink of an eye really, and Jimmy’s not really old enough to fully understand how to read people yet. So he beings to respond with his usual fervor, hero worship for the father he’s never known lacing his words.
“Oh yes. I mean, my dad - ow!”
He feels a foot stomp down on his and looks up to see his uncle staring him down. Now that look he understands. It’s the cut it out, kid look Uncle Jeffrey gives him every time Jimmy is about to do something incredibly stupid. Or dangerous.
“Uh, um, I mean...I’ve thought about it, Starfleet, but I don’t know if it’s for me.” he’s not sure Kodos believes the switch in enthusiasm. Especially when the once crinkling eyes narrow and dart to Jimmy’s uncle.
“And what was that about your father, Jimmy?” he sounds suspicious.
“He told me he’d be okay with whatever I wanted?” It comes out as a question because he’s too busy looking at his uncle, trying to gauge his reactions so Jimmy knows if he’s saying the wrong thing.
And with the way Jeffrey’s lips thin, Jimmy’s pretty sure he did.
“I see.” Kodos pushes away from the table abruptly and instantly the two bodyguards are at his side again.
“Wait! You can’t leave yet!” There’s panic in Linda’s voice. “Jimmy’s a good boy. A good boy! And you...” She turns to look at Jimmy as if noticing him for the first time. “haven’t had dessert yet.” Jimmy is surprised to see tears rolling down her cheeks. “Please.” She moves to stand next to Kodos and is stopped by one of the men.
Kodos holds out a hand and the men immediately steps back, letting Linda approach him. She’s shaking all over and near hysterical.
“Please,” she repeats. “He’s a good boy! You can see for yourself. Just what you’re looking for!”
Jimmy doesn’t like being talked about as if he’s not even here. He makes a loud grunt of disapproval, rolling his eyes before muttering, “I’m still standing right here, ya know.” Of course, he hadn’t intended on anyone hearing him say that, but he sees Linda suck in a breath before shuddering violently.
He also hears laughter, loud and unexpected, from Kodos.
“Maybe not such a good boy.” Kodos eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles indulgently at Jimmy. “Why, this young man reminds me of myself when I was his age.” he slaps a hand on Uncle Jeffrey’s shoulder - who flinches visibly. “Kid’s got potential.”
“So...” There’s a question there, lurking under the one word slowly gusting out of Linda’s mouth.
Kodos nods. “have his things packed and ready by eight o’clock.”
“Eight? In the morning?” Jimmy shouts before he realizes it.
There’s another burst of unexpected laughter from Kodos. “Okay, ten then.”
Kodos and his men leave quickly, without dessert Jimmy notices. He’s sad to see them go. It’d been kind of exciting with them around. Then again, he hadn’t really stopped to think what “have his things packed and ready” really means. Not until Linda near faints against Jeffrey’s rigid body.
“Oh thank God. I need to comm Winona.”
Winona? His mom? But...
“You know he won’t allow it, Lindy..” Jeffrey’s voice is small but hopeful. “Better to get Jimmy’s stuff boxed up.”
They’re doing it again. Talking about him as though Jimmy isn’t there.
“Where am I going?”
They both turn to look at him with sad eyes. Both open their mouths, as if to answer, but it’s Aunt Linda who manages to croak out, “to live with Governor Kodos.”
--
Despite Jimmy’s previous annoyance at having to stay with his Aunt and Uncle, he’s gong to miss the house. The blue siding and white shutters. The third step from the bottom that always craked when Jimmy tried to sneak downstairs after bedtime to watch a movie. The smell of baking cookies when Linda decided they all deserved a treat. Or freshly cut grass wafting through his open window. Even the more pungent aromas of farm animals and all that entailed Jimmy finds he’ll miss.
And of course Linda and Jeffrey, he’ll miss them the most. It seems as though their goodbyes are a final parting as Linda throws her arms around Jimmy and feels hot tears soak into his hair. She whispers “tell your mom I tried, I tried so hard,” before letting go so Jeffrey can say goodbye. he’s not crying this time, for which Jimmy’s immensely grateful, but he is crushing Jimmy to him so hard his back pops.
“You can’t understand now,” and Jimmy gets a bit ticked because why can’t he? “but this is for the best. I hope you can forgive us for sending you there, with that monster, but if we didn’t... Just promise me you’ll stay out of trouble. Keep your nose down and out of where it don’t belong.”
There are a lot of things Jimmy wants to say back. Why is he a monster? Not like I purposely get in trouble. Why am I leaving anyway? But when he looks up, Jeffrey’s grey eyes are so solemn, all Jimmy says is, “ok.”
That earns him another back popping hug. “Atta boy.” Jeffrey moves back, hugs Linda to him and sighs deeply.
“Do I still get to come and visit you sometimes?”
He sees the two exchange a wary glance and in that moment, Jimmy can honestly say he’s scared for the first time since arriving at Tarsus IV.
“I don’t think so, Sweetie.”