Fic: Kings and Pawns - Chapter 4/22
Title: Kings and Pawns
Author: jlneveloff
Movie Adapted: The Count of Monte Cristo
Fandom: Star Trek (TOS Reboot)
Genre: Drama, Action/Adventure, Romance, Angst
Characters/Pairings: Spock/Uhura, Kirk, Pike, McCoy, Gaila primarily & Scotty, Chekov & Sulu to a lesser degree...Oh, also Nero, Spock Prime, Sarek and even Admiral Barnett has a part to play...So pretty much everyone.
Beta: slwmtiondaylite
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: ~2520
Warnings: Language, mild adult situations, violence and the occasional plot hole
Disclaimer: Star Trek and associated characters created by Gene Roddenberry. I own nothing at all. …which makes me all kinds of sad, ‘cause I really wanna borrow Spock for a while. Based upon the film The Count of Monte Cristo, written by Jay Wolpert (based upon the novel by Alexandre Dumas père) and directed by Kevin Reynolds.
Summary: In a Universe that has always known power and corruption, it is only a matter of time before the power takes over once again and innocent people are sacrificed. Spock/Uhura. Alternate MirrorVerse.
written for the LJ community reel_startrek, Round Two.
Author's Notes: This is my first...well, novel length story, so there is the chance that I may have plot holes...You have been warned ;)
This is also based on the film more so than the novel. I've never read the novel, but I am aware that the film diverted from it greatly.
CHAPTER FOUR
ON THE ROCK
"Make love to me, Beulah."
Kirk was sitting on the ground, leaning lazily against the concrete wall, feet stretched out before him facing the serene San Francisco Bay. He turned and tilted his head up to look at Uhura on his left, a smile on his face. Her back was against the wall as her eyes scanned the PADD in her hands, studying for an exam.
She and Kirk were on The Rock, officially known as Alcatraz Island, overlooking the bay. Originally used to house a prison where isolation reigned supreme several centuries ago, today, the island was now primarily used as a nature reserve for the unique species native to the island due to the remote location. In the past, tours had been given for those who wished to explore firsthand the history of the site, but by the early 22nd century, the tourism had all but ended as the small island was mostly left to its own devices, so to speak.
Spock, Uhura and Kirk had been using the island as a meeting place for the last year. At a mile and a half away from the mainland of San Francisco, The Rock was just far enough away when they wished to be alone yet close enough to quickly arrive back to Starfleet should the need arise. Kirk had come to learn of the island’s existence when he was a cadet. He had ‘inherited’ the knowledge from a graduating cadet who told him it was the perfect place to ‘get away from it all’ - code word for entertaining women. He had seized the opportunity and had more than his fair share of trysts with women on the island. He had eagerly shared the place with Spock, who, despite his initial reservations, had shown Uhura.
At Kirk’s words, Uhura’s nose scrunched up in disgust. “Ugh,” she gagged, her attention pulled from her studies. “Not even close.” Turning her head to look at the ever present thorn in her side, she sighed heavily. “Will you ever give up? On both counts?”
Kirk shrugged. It was worth a shot. Ever since he met her in the bar in Iowa a little over two years ago while on a recruiting mission he had made it his goal to win her over. There was a small part of him that was unwilling to admit that he was jealous of Spock’s relationship with Uhura. He was James T. Kirk; he could have any woman he wanted. Any woman, except Uhura. Spock, who hadn’t even been looking for love, moved in and swept the one woman he could never sway off her feet, despite knowing Kirk’s desire for her.
“Probably not,” Kirk responded matter-of-factly to Uhura’s question. He turned a smile to her. “But that’s why you love me.”
She scoffed. “Hardly.”
He chuckled, knowing that was coming. Nonchalantly, he ran his hand up her arm, under the guise of brushing off some lint. “Come on, he wouldn't know. It'd be our little secret,” he said conspiratorially. The smirk never left his face, telling Uhura that despite his words, he wasn’t entirely serious. Only a little.
She glared at him. “I don't believe in secrets.”
“Oh, that's why you keep your name a secret from everyone else but Spock?” Kirk asked, trying to make her crack, but she remained silent, suddenly focusing her attention back to her PADD in a feeble attempt to try and stop the conversation. Kirk, realizing he that might have taken it too far, backtracked. “I’m sorry…I get it.” And really, he did, even if he liked to annoy her about it. “It's a boundary thing; can't let anyone get too close, right? Well, asides from Spock…”
She nodded, mumbling her affirmation; her gaze still on the PADD. Kirk remained silent, looking out to across the bay. A flock of seagulls flew around; some of them fluttering down, snatching up fish. On the other side of the island, in the direction of the Golden Gate Bridge, the sun was beginning its descent, coloring the rock with rich reds and oranges.
“You think Spock doesn't have secrets?”
Uhura’s attention remained focused on the translation on her PADD. She had been expecting Kirk to speak again, knowing that he wouldn’t simply let something go. “Not from me, he doesn't,” she replied evenly.
“He does, ask him.”
She shook her head. “He doesn't keep secrets from me. I don’t keep secrets from him.”
He shrugged, “Okay, if you say so.”
She rolled her eyes, tossing the PADD down and crossing her arms over her chest. She turned to Kirk, “You know, having grown up being friends with Spock, you seem to actually know very little about Vulcans.”
“What do you mean?”
She sighed. “The whole touch telepathy thing? Mind melds?”
Kirk nodded impatiently. “Yeah, yeah, I know about mind melds. I’ve seen what Spock can do with them. He can manipulate people; pull information from them and whatnot. It seems kind of dangerous.” A second later, “He uses them on you?” His eyes widened at the thought.
“It’s not the same thing,” she reassured him. “I know out in the field, it might seem ruthless, but between us it’s gentle, intimate.” She stressed the last word. Ignoring Kirk’s slight grimace at the thought, she continued. “He never looks into my mind without my permission, but I don’t hide anything from him and he never hides anything from me. I'd know if he did. He doesn't.”
Kirk thought for a moment, letting this information wash over him while trying not to let his mind wander to the more ‘intimate’ moments between Uhura and Spock. “But he’d be more skilled with those telepathy things than you right? Being able to do them inherently?”
“Right, what’s your point?”
“He could probably block something from you…” he trailed off as she glared at him, silently demanding that he explain where he was going with this. “Okay, okay. I’m sorry. I just never thought of mind melds being anything more than a weapon we could use on the enemy.”
Uhura, unable to concentrate any longer, pulled herself to her feet. She walked to the edge of the walkway, arms crossed over her chest. “I know what you want.”
“Oh, you do?” His voice was tinged with a hint of faux curiosity. He knew that she was perfectly aware of his intentions, always had been. She’d just been excellent at avoiding them. But, if at first you don’t succeed…well, just keep trying; someday you may just whittle their defenses down.
She remained quiet for a moment, looking across the bay. Sighing, shaking her head slightly, she turned around, a small wry smile on her face. “I’m not going to be your next conquest, James.”
“Oh,” he replied, grabbing his chest as though he was in pain. “You wound me with your words.” She was unable to keep the laugh from bubbling to the surface. He beamed, pleased with himself. He stood and walked towards her. “What if I were to change to be with you?”
She smiled, finding his charm adorable despite herself. She rolled her eyes, giggling. “We both know that would never happen, Jim. You are who you are and that’s enough for Spock. And me, I guess. Even if you are the most annoying man I have ever met,” she assured him, yet giving him a fake glare.
He smiled in response, knowing that she was teasing him, but decided to milk it. “Hey, it could happen,” he replied, his tone artificially defensive.
Laughter bubbled from her. “Even if that were remotely possible, I'd still say no.” Her tone shifted from mirth to seriousness. “I love him, completely.”
“I know,” Kirk mumbled.
She continued. “And I know he doesn’t show it very well, but I know he loves me. And as soon as that damned law is abolished and I graduate we're going to be bonded.”
Kirk leaned against the rail next to Uhura, suddenly serious. Bonded. Now that was a word Kirk had heard before. As he understood it, being bonded required some sort of mental connection but as Uhura had said earlier, he didn't really know much about Vulcans. But he had heard the word in relation to marriage, but being more so. They would be connected, utterly, completely. Forever.
He swallowed thickly. It was suddenly becoming all too real. He had always known that Spock and Uhura would take their relationship to the next level if the law had allowed them to even be together without fear, yet he had secretly hoped that one day she would grow tired of waiting and come to him. He hated himself for thinking that, but he could no longer deny it to himself now that things really were changing. "It could take years before that happens. You're willing to wait?"
Uhura sighed softly. "Yes, I am," she replied with conviction and no hesitation.
Kirk shook his head. "Maybe I'm an impatient man. But I couldn't wait that long for you."
"James," she pleaded, not wanting to go down this path again.
Kirk caught her desperation. "Not that I would ever get married," he added off-handedly not wanting to make her uncomfortable. He may want more than friendship between the two of them, but he certainly didn't want to alienate her and Spock.
The two fell into a companionable silence, Uhura facing the bay, watching the shadow of the island grow larger as the sun set lower and lower behind them, while Kirk stood with his back leaning against the rail, facing toward the inside of the island. In front of him stood the tall abandoned prison cells from years past, the winding dilapidated pathway surrounded with plant-life, long forgotten, that had grown wild.
Suddenly, Uhura straightened herself and peered down to the water, having seen movement. "Look!" she cried out brightly, pointing towards the dock. "There he is!"
Kirk turned to his head to her to see the direction she was pointing out. He looked to see Spock tying the small speedboat he had taken to The Rock next to the one he and Uhura had taken. Having been abandoned years ago, there was no other way to the island other than manual transportation. It was not the most efficient method of travel and it took longer, but it also ensured their privacy on the island.
Laughing, Uhura ran down the overgrown pathway towards her lover. Spock, having caught sight of her, quickened his pace to meet her. Kirk lingered behind, not wanting to stand around awkwardly during their reunion.
As Uhura reached Spock, he held his right hand out, two fingers extended. She, in turn, mimicked him and touched her fingers against his, forming the ozh'esta, a move that had always confused Kirk but, now he assumed had to with touch telepathy. He didn't want to know what they were transmitting.
From the ozh'esta, Spock grasped Uhura's hand fully and pulled her close. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers. She inhaled deeply, allowing her eyes to drift closed, enjoying the feeling of being in Spock's arms once more after so long apart.
As Uhura tilted her head up and kiss Spock gently, Kirk averted his eyes. It was more for their privacy than anything else. He knew that Spock was stepping out of his comfort-zone by being openly affectionate with her but, if he was being completely honest with himself; there was a slight case of the green-eyed monster hovering around.
"I missed you so much," Uhura whispered against Spock's lips, kissing him once more. "I was so worried about you."
"And I you, k'diwa," he replied. "But there is no longer reason to."
Kirk turned away from the scene, the feeling of being the third wheel taking over. He wished he had a beer. Anything to make this moment more comfortable for him.
Uhura pulled back slightly from Spock, concern on his face. "You were with Barnett for a while. Are you in trouble?"
Spock shook his head. "No, I am not. I am captain now." He turned on his heel, holding a confused Uhura's hand and walked towards Kirk.
"Jim," Spock said with as much enthusiasm as he could carry. "Admiral Barnett gave me the Enterprise."
Shocked, flabbergasted at this turn of events, Kirk jerked away from the railing to stand straight. This wasn't supposed to happen. Sure, Spock did the right thing in going against Sulu's orders but Kirk never imagined it would lead to a promotion, by two ranks.
"Spock!" Uhura exclaimed in glee.
Kirk stood staring at the two of them, not quite grasping these turns of events. Spock faced his friend, the barest hint of a smirk on his face. "I believe you could now say that the King is mine, Jim."
Kirk chuckled, though it lacked humor, more sardonic in nature. "Well," he said, clicking his tongue. "You really do have the best luck, don't you?"
If Uhura noticed Kirk’s sudden shift in mood, she gave no indication, her attention solely centered on her lover. Kirk was aware that Spock, however, had detected the mood shift. He felt the Vulcan’s eyes burning into him, studying his actions, when he bent down and picked up his uniform jacket. “Jim?” Spock asked, his brow wrinkling in confusion.
Kirk did not respond, nor did he toss Spock the King as he walked down the path towards the docks. He knew he was being unfair, but he was unable to suppress his feelings of shock and… the disappointment he felt.
Ignoring Uhura pulling on his arm urging him to follow her, Spock called out to Kirk. Without turning around, Kirk tossed over his shoulder, “Go celebrate with Uhura.”
Spock, still perplexed, watched his best friend morosely tread the pathway, walking further away from them. He did not understand why Kirk withdrew from him, why he did not share the enthusiasm of Uhura or himself. Wasn’t that what friends did? Be proud of the others’ accomplishments? Spock knew that had the situation been reversed, he would have felt pride for Kirk. Perhaps there was something else at play here, something he was not aware of. Spock supposed it was probable, but he did not have enough information to go on.
Uhura’s voice broke into his thoughts, trying once more to urge him to follow him, a laugh on her voice. As she tugged his arm once more, he succumbed to her, allowing her to lead him up the walkway. He decided not to let Kirk’s dour mood get in the way of what was his reunion with Uhura. They had been apart for so long, so much longer than they ever had before and he wanted to spend the time he had with her with happiness on his mind, not negativity or worry.
But as he followed the ecstatic young woman around the island, he found he was still unable to shake the feeling that something had forever changed between him and Kirk.
Just how much things had changed and how they would affect their lives would soon become clear.
Author: jlneveloff
Movie Adapted: The Count of Monte Cristo
Fandom: Star Trek (TOS Reboot)
Genre: Drama, Action/Adventure, Romance, Angst
Characters/Pairings: Spock/Uhura, Kirk, Pike, McCoy, Gaila primarily & Scotty, Chekov & Sulu to a lesser degree...Oh, also Nero, Spock Prime, Sarek and even Admiral Barnett has a part to play...So pretty much everyone.
Beta: slwmtiondaylite
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: ~2520
Warnings: Language, mild adult situations, violence and the occasional plot hole
Disclaimer: Star Trek and associated characters created by Gene Roddenberry. I own nothing at all. …which makes me all kinds of sad, ‘cause I really wanna borrow Spock for a while. Based upon the film The Count of Monte Cristo, written by Jay Wolpert (based upon the novel by Alexandre Dumas père) and directed by Kevin Reynolds.
Summary: In a Universe that has always known power and corruption, it is only a matter of time before the power takes over once again and innocent people are sacrificed. Spock/Uhura. Alternate MirrorVerse.
written for the LJ community reel_startrek, Round Two.
Author's Notes: This is my first...well, novel length story, so there is the chance that I may have plot holes...You have been warned ;)
This is also based on the film more so than the novel. I've never read the novel, but I am aware that the film diverted from it greatly.
CHAPTER FOUR
ON THE ROCK
"Make love to me, Beulah."
Kirk was sitting on the ground, leaning lazily against the concrete wall, feet stretched out before him facing the serene San Francisco Bay. He turned and tilted his head up to look at Uhura on his left, a smile on his face. Her back was against the wall as her eyes scanned the PADD in her hands, studying for an exam.
She and Kirk were on The Rock, officially known as Alcatraz Island, overlooking the bay. Originally used to house a prison where isolation reigned supreme several centuries ago, today, the island was now primarily used as a nature reserve for the unique species native to the island due to the remote location. In the past, tours had been given for those who wished to explore firsthand the history of the site, but by the early 22nd century, the tourism had all but ended as the small island was mostly left to its own devices, so to speak.
Spock, Uhura and Kirk had been using the island as a meeting place for the last year. At a mile and a half away from the mainland of San Francisco, The Rock was just far enough away when they wished to be alone yet close enough to quickly arrive back to Starfleet should the need arise. Kirk had come to learn of the island’s existence when he was a cadet. He had ‘inherited’ the knowledge from a graduating cadet who told him it was the perfect place to ‘get away from it all’ - code word for entertaining women. He had seized the opportunity and had more than his fair share of trysts with women on the island. He had eagerly shared the place with Spock, who, despite his initial reservations, had shown Uhura.
At Kirk’s words, Uhura’s nose scrunched up in disgust. “Ugh,” she gagged, her attention pulled from her studies. “Not even close.” Turning her head to look at the ever present thorn in her side, she sighed heavily. “Will you ever give up? On both counts?”
Kirk shrugged. It was worth a shot. Ever since he met her in the bar in Iowa a little over two years ago while on a recruiting mission he had made it his goal to win her over. There was a small part of him that was unwilling to admit that he was jealous of Spock’s relationship with Uhura. He was James T. Kirk; he could have any woman he wanted. Any woman, except Uhura. Spock, who hadn’t even been looking for love, moved in and swept the one woman he could never sway off her feet, despite knowing Kirk’s desire for her.
“Probably not,” Kirk responded matter-of-factly to Uhura’s question. He turned a smile to her. “But that’s why you love me.”
She scoffed. “Hardly.”
He chuckled, knowing that was coming. Nonchalantly, he ran his hand up her arm, under the guise of brushing off some lint. “Come on, he wouldn't know. It'd be our little secret,” he said conspiratorially. The smirk never left his face, telling Uhura that despite his words, he wasn’t entirely serious. Only a little.
She glared at him. “I don't believe in secrets.”
“Oh, that's why you keep your name a secret from everyone else but Spock?” Kirk asked, trying to make her crack, but she remained silent, suddenly focusing her attention back to her PADD in a feeble attempt to try and stop the conversation. Kirk, realizing he that might have taken it too far, backtracked. “I’m sorry…I get it.” And really, he did, even if he liked to annoy her about it. “It's a boundary thing; can't let anyone get too close, right? Well, asides from Spock…”
She nodded, mumbling her affirmation; her gaze still on the PADD. Kirk remained silent, looking out to across the bay. A flock of seagulls flew around; some of them fluttering down, snatching up fish. On the other side of the island, in the direction of the Golden Gate Bridge, the sun was beginning its descent, coloring the rock with rich reds and oranges.
“You think Spock doesn't have secrets?”
Uhura’s attention remained focused on the translation on her PADD. She had been expecting Kirk to speak again, knowing that he wouldn’t simply let something go. “Not from me, he doesn't,” she replied evenly.
“He does, ask him.”
She shook her head. “He doesn't keep secrets from me. I don’t keep secrets from him.”
He shrugged, “Okay, if you say so.”
She rolled her eyes, tossing the PADD down and crossing her arms over her chest. She turned to Kirk, “You know, having grown up being friends with Spock, you seem to actually know very little about Vulcans.”
“What do you mean?”
She sighed. “The whole touch telepathy thing? Mind melds?”
Kirk nodded impatiently. “Yeah, yeah, I know about mind melds. I’ve seen what Spock can do with them. He can manipulate people; pull information from them and whatnot. It seems kind of dangerous.” A second later, “He uses them on you?” His eyes widened at the thought.
“It’s not the same thing,” she reassured him. “I know out in the field, it might seem ruthless, but between us it’s gentle, intimate.” She stressed the last word. Ignoring Kirk’s slight grimace at the thought, she continued. “He never looks into my mind without my permission, but I don’t hide anything from him and he never hides anything from me. I'd know if he did. He doesn't.”
Kirk thought for a moment, letting this information wash over him while trying not to let his mind wander to the more ‘intimate’ moments between Uhura and Spock. “But he’d be more skilled with those telepathy things than you right? Being able to do them inherently?”
“Right, what’s your point?”
“He could probably block something from you…” he trailed off as she glared at him, silently demanding that he explain where he was going with this. “Okay, okay. I’m sorry. I just never thought of mind melds being anything more than a weapon we could use on the enemy.”
Uhura, unable to concentrate any longer, pulled herself to her feet. She walked to the edge of the walkway, arms crossed over her chest. “I know what you want.”
“Oh, you do?” His voice was tinged with a hint of faux curiosity. He knew that she was perfectly aware of his intentions, always had been. She’d just been excellent at avoiding them. But, if at first you don’t succeed…well, just keep trying; someday you may just whittle their defenses down.
She remained quiet for a moment, looking across the bay. Sighing, shaking her head slightly, she turned around, a small wry smile on her face. “I’m not going to be your next conquest, James.”
“Oh,” he replied, grabbing his chest as though he was in pain. “You wound me with your words.” She was unable to keep the laugh from bubbling to the surface. He beamed, pleased with himself. He stood and walked towards her. “What if I were to change to be with you?”
She smiled, finding his charm adorable despite herself. She rolled her eyes, giggling. “We both know that would never happen, Jim. You are who you are and that’s enough for Spock. And me, I guess. Even if you are the most annoying man I have ever met,” she assured him, yet giving him a fake glare.
He smiled in response, knowing that she was teasing him, but decided to milk it. “Hey, it could happen,” he replied, his tone artificially defensive.
Laughter bubbled from her. “Even if that were remotely possible, I'd still say no.” Her tone shifted from mirth to seriousness. “I love him, completely.”
“I know,” Kirk mumbled.
She continued. “And I know he doesn’t show it very well, but I know he loves me. And as soon as that damned law is abolished and I graduate we're going to be bonded.”
Kirk leaned against the rail next to Uhura, suddenly serious. Bonded. Now that was a word Kirk had heard before. As he understood it, being bonded required some sort of mental connection but as Uhura had said earlier, he didn't really know much about Vulcans. But he had heard the word in relation to marriage, but being more so. They would be connected, utterly, completely. Forever.
He swallowed thickly. It was suddenly becoming all too real. He had always known that Spock and Uhura would take their relationship to the next level if the law had allowed them to even be together without fear, yet he had secretly hoped that one day she would grow tired of waiting and come to him. He hated himself for thinking that, but he could no longer deny it to himself now that things really were changing. "It could take years before that happens. You're willing to wait?"
Uhura sighed softly. "Yes, I am," she replied with conviction and no hesitation.
Kirk shook his head. "Maybe I'm an impatient man. But I couldn't wait that long for you."
"James," she pleaded, not wanting to go down this path again.
Kirk caught her desperation. "Not that I would ever get married," he added off-handedly not wanting to make her uncomfortable. He may want more than friendship between the two of them, but he certainly didn't want to alienate her and Spock.
The two fell into a companionable silence, Uhura facing the bay, watching the shadow of the island grow larger as the sun set lower and lower behind them, while Kirk stood with his back leaning against the rail, facing toward the inside of the island. In front of him stood the tall abandoned prison cells from years past, the winding dilapidated pathway surrounded with plant-life, long forgotten, that had grown wild.
Suddenly, Uhura straightened herself and peered down to the water, having seen movement. "Look!" she cried out brightly, pointing towards the dock. "There he is!"
Kirk turned to his head to her to see the direction she was pointing out. He looked to see Spock tying the small speedboat he had taken to The Rock next to the one he and Uhura had taken. Having been abandoned years ago, there was no other way to the island other than manual transportation. It was not the most efficient method of travel and it took longer, but it also ensured their privacy on the island.
Laughing, Uhura ran down the overgrown pathway towards her lover. Spock, having caught sight of her, quickened his pace to meet her. Kirk lingered behind, not wanting to stand around awkwardly during their reunion.
As Uhura reached Spock, he held his right hand out, two fingers extended. She, in turn, mimicked him and touched her fingers against his, forming the ozh'esta, a move that had always confused Kirk but, now he assumed had to with touch telepathy. He didn't want to know what they were transmitting.
From the ozh'esta, Spock grasped Uhura's hand fully and pulled her close. He leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers. She inhaled deeply, allowing her eyes to drift closed, enjoying the feeling of being in Spock's arms once more after so long apart.
As Uhura tilted her head up and kiss Spock gently, Kirk averted his eyes. It was more for their privacy than anything else. He knew that Spock was stepping out of his comfort-zone by being openly affectionate with her but, if he was being completely honest with himself; there was a slight case of the green-eyed monster hovering around.
"I missed you so much," Uhura whispered against Spock's lips, kissing him once more. "I was so worried about you."
"And I you, k'diwa," he replied. "But there is no longer reason to."
Kirk turned away from the scene, the feeling of being the third wheel taking over. He wished he had a beer. Anything to make this moment more comfortable for him.
Uhura pulled back slightly from Spock, concern on his face. "You were with Barnett for a while. Are you in trouble?"
Spock shook his head. "No, I am not. I am captain now." He turned on his heel, holding a confused Uhura's hand and walked towards Kirk.
"Jim," Spock said with as much enthusiasm as he could carry. "Admiral Barnett gave me the Enterprise."
Shocked, flabbergasted at this turn of events, Kirk jerked away from the railing to stand straight. This wasn't supposed to happen. Sure, Spock did the right thing in going against Sulu's orders but Kirk never imagined it would lead to a promotion, by two ranks.
"Spock!" Uhura exclaimed in glee.
Kirk stood staring at the two of them, not quite grasping these turns of events. Spock faced his friend, the barest hint of a smirk on his face. "I believe you could now say that the King is mine, Jim."
Kirk chuckled, though it lacked humor, more sardonic in nature. "Well," he said, clicking his tongue. "You really do have the best luck, don't you?"
If Uhura noticed Kirk’s sudden shift in mood, she gave no indication, her attention solely centered on her lover. Kirk was aware that Spock, however, had detected the mood shift. He felt the Vulcan’s eyes burning into him, studying his actions, when he bent down and picked up his uniform jacket. “Jim?” Spock asked, his brow wrinkling in confusion.
Kirk did not respond, nor did he toss Spock the King as he walked down the path towards the docks. He knew he was being unfair, but he was unable to suppress his feelings of shock and… the disappointment he felt.
Ignoring Uhura pulling on his arm urging him to follow her, Spock called out to Kirk. Without turning around, Kirk tossed over his shoulder, “Go celebrate with Uhura.”
Spock, still perplexed, watched his best friend morosely tread the pathway, walking further away from them. He did not understand why Kirk withdrew from him, why he did not share the enthusiasm of Uhura or himself. Wasn’t that what friends did? Be proud of the others’ accomplishments? Spock knew that had the situation been reversed, he would have felt pride for Kirk. Perhaps there was something else at play here, something he was not aware of. Spock supposed it was probable, but he did not have enough information to go on.
Uhura’s voice broke into his thoughts, trying once more to urge him to follow him, a laugh on her voice. As she tugged his arm once more, he succumbed to her, allowing her to lead him up the walkway. He decided not to let Kirk’s dour mood get in the way of what was his reunion with Uhura. They had been apart for so long, so much longer than they ever had before and he wanted to spend the time he had with her with happiness on his mind, not negativity or worry.
But as he followed the ecstatic young woman around the island, he found he was still unable to shake the feeling that something had forever changed between him and Kirk.
Just how much things had changed and how they would affect their lives would soon become clear.