Chapter 12: Trouble

The collar felt tight and restricting as Jim jerked it away from his neck. He hated wearing the stiff Starfleet dress uniform, with its high white neck collar, and itchy black dress pants. A warm hand grasped his wrist and pulled his hand away from his mangled collar. Long slim fingers carefully straightened his collar as Jim’s eyes turned green in surprise. It still caught Jim off guard, when Spock would occasionally touch him. It was highly unusual for Spock to touch anyone much less him. In fact, they had started to touch each other a lot more recently since there recent visit to Vulcan. A slight flush stained his cheeks red as Jim felt a slim finger brush his neck. He wanted to lean into the touch, savor it, and perhaps smile up at his friend. A discreet cough caught his attention. McCoy regarded both of them with a speculatively gleam in his blue eyes. There still hadn’t been time to tell Bones about his changing feelings towards Spock, although he sometimes caught the Doctor looking at him in that knowing manner of his. Perhaps McCoy had already figured out something was going on between them with there touches; there chat in the bar about Spock, and of course his confession about his sexual dreams.

Jim decided to ignore these thoughts for now and looked at Spock in exasperation. “Is that really necessary Commander?”

Spock calmly finished straightening Jim’s collar. “It is necessary Captain, unless you wish to appear rumpled in front of the dignitaries?”

“He has you there Jim,” McCoy said with a touch of humor.

Jim mock glared at his two officers before tossing back his Saurian brandy. It burned pleasantly. The U.S.S Enterprise along with another ship the U.S.S Falcon had been sent on a mission to welcome the planet H'Aqyiha into the United Federation of Planets. H'Aqyiha was a Class M planet, or Earth-type, and was known for being one of the most relaxing and entertaining planets for shore leave. Of course it was also known for having some of the most brilliant scientist and engineers in there sector. There were many ambassadors in attendance and Spock’s father was one of them. The Enterprise had been ordered by Starfleet Command to escort Sarek for the ceremony, since they had currently been on shore leave on Vulcan II. The crew had not been pleased at having there shore leave time cut in half, but when you were apart Starfleet, sometimes the unexpected could occur.

Jim set down into his empty glass on a table next to him. He pondered if he wanted to risk walking across the room to get a refill. It was a risk in doing so; many of the dignitaries would accost him for small talk. He hated small talk. “Can anyone tell me why we have been on so many diplomatic missions lately?”

McCoy patted Jim on the arm sympathetically “Because we just have bad luck?”

“It is our duty as Starfleet officers Jim.” Spock gave a small shrug. “As you humans say you can’t have fun all the time.”

“Why Spock did you just make a joke?” McCoy asked in amazement.

“I most certainly did not Doctor, I was quoting one of your own words back to you.”

Jim smiled as his two officers began to argue or as Spock would say have an illogical conversation. He was glad that Bones and Spock had joined him for this function or else he might have been extremely bored. A friendship was developing between his two senior officers ever since they had visited Bones quarters. Of course Spock’s gift of Romulan ale had probably kicked off there friendship. Jim couldn’t help but wonder when or even were Spock had gotten the illegal substance. Not that he cared to much, it had helped him get back into Bones good graces. He highly doubted his groveling and the expensive brandy he had bought would have gotten him back in favor with Bones so soon without Spock’s help. A flash of red caught Jim’s attention and he narrowed his eyes. The woman was tall and willowy in a slim fitting green dress that shimmered in the light, long red hair cascaded down her back, and her skin was milky white. She was highly attractive but something seemed vaguely familiar. It was the sudden piercing ice blue eyes that stared into his own that made him start in surprise.

Spock was jolted out of his conversation with McCoy when Jim’s intense feelings almost overwhelmed his shields. Analyzing the feelings, he was surprised by the anger and pain radiating from Jim. Concerned Spock asked, “Are you alright Captain?”

McCoy who had been startled at Spock stopping mid sentence during there conversation, looked at Jim as well. He noticed that the Captain’s amused expression had turned grim and wondered why. Following the Jim’s gaze, he grimaced when he saw the woman headed towards them. “Is that who I think it is Jim?” he asked quietly.

Jim gave a bitter laugh, “Yes it is. Too bad really I might have found this function more bearable without her.”

Spock was surprised by the bitterness in Jim’s voice. He had never heard the Captain speak in such a manner before especially towards a woman. From McCoy’s response, it appeared that both of them knew her, but did not appear to be fond of her. Just who was this woman to Jim and why did he feel a bit apprehensive the closer she came to them?

The lady came to a graceful stop before them and her companion stopped next to her. Her full red lips curved into a seductive smile, before she raised her hand to the Captain. “Hello Jim, it has been a while.”

Jim regarded her for a moment in silence, before grasping her slim pale hand and placing a kiss on it. “It has been several years Sophia.”

“That it has been.” Her ice blue eyes settled on Spock for a moment before looking at her companion. “You remember Captain Monroe don’t you Jim? I am his First Officer.”

“Hello Kirk it has been ages!” Captain Monroe said cheerfully. He was a tall man with military cut hair, a short mustache, and had an ample belly.

Jim shook Monroe’s hand firmly. Motioning his hand towards Spock, he smiled, “This is Spock my First Officer and Leonard McCoy my Chief Medical Officer.”

McCoy smiled politely and shook Monroe’s hand firmly.

Spock inclined his head and was relieved when neither of the two humans tried to shake his hand. A strange tension still radiated off of Jim and even McCoy. He did not like it.

Captain Monroe turned his head when he heard his name called. He smiled at them apologetically. “I am sorry but it appears duty calls.”

“Go on David I want to catch up with Jim, I will join you shortly.” Sophia said with a coy smile.

“Very well my dear,” with a slight wave Monroe was gone.

An awkward silence fell over the group, with the three humans assessing each other, and Spock watching there interactions in curiosity. Spock eyebrow went up when Sophia place a hand on Jim’s shoulder. He could see Jim tense slightly and heard McCoy mumble something under his breath.

“What do you think you are doing Sophia?” Jim said quietly.

Sophia slid her arm through his, “Nothing Jim I just wanted to touch you it has been a long time.”

Jim’s eyes turned gold in anger. “Not long enough for me.”

“Now don’t be that way Jim darling, we both ended our relationship in mutual understand.”

A surprised sputter had McCoy almost choke on his brandy. He couldn’t help but look at Sophia in disbelief.

“Mutual?” Jim’s voice rose slightly in anger. “There was nothing mutual about it Sophia! You grew tired of me quickly enough when you decided I was not going to help you climb the career ladder. Remember Admiral Gerald Buccanon? Once he made his interest known to you, I was dropped faster then a hot potato.”

Both of Spock’s eyebrows went up. A hot potato?

Sophia laughed. “Oh Jim you exaggerate.”

“Now Jim don’t blow your top.” McCoy placed a gentle hand on his friends shoulder. He could feel Jim trembling with rage. “Remember were you are and why we are here.”

With a visible effort Jim reined in his temper. If McCoy hadn’t stepped in a few choice words would have been heard by all and that wasn’t a good idea. Taking a deep breath, he faked smiled at the woman and politely shook her off him. “I am sorry Sophia, but Mister Spock and McCoy need to accompany me on something urgent, I hope you don’t mind?”

“Not at all Jim, if I can see you later?” Sophia countered.

Jim nodded quickly and motioned for his two officers to follow him. Stepping away from the woman, he stalked across the room and towards the bar.

“Looks like that woman hasn’t changed, she is still a scheming evil witch.” McCoy exclaimed sarcastically.

“Yes I noticed,” Jim reached the bar and ordered a stiff drink. Looking over at McCoy and Spock, he smiled half-heartedly, “If I had to stay there much longer I might have been tempted to give her a verbal lashing.”

“Haha which would have been so worth it, but not here.”

“Yes it’s too bad it would have made me feel better.”

--

Uhura spun on one booted heel as she dodged a drunken man and a tray laden waitress. The drinks in her hands sloshed a bit, but did not spill. Chekhov grinned at her when she sat down at there table in the crowded room. She had come to this bar with Chekhov after there rotation slot for shore leave had been granted. The crew had been given permission by the Captain to take a day of shore leave while the ship resided in orbit around H'Aqyiha. It wasn’t as long as the crew should have been granted since there shore leave had been interrupted on Vulcan, but it was better then nothing.

The capital city Xantra was said to have many forms of entertainment and was well known for its shopping areas. Uhura had been excited about being able to replace a few items and Chekhov had been resigned to being dragged along. Lucky for him, Uhura never took long to decide on what she wanted to buy and the shopping spree had not lasted long. Of course after the hectic shopping trip, Chekhov had needed a drink and had dragged her into a bar. It wasn’t too bad of a bar with its polish wooden tables, litter free floor, and cheerful waitress. The only problem Uhura had was the place was too small and maneuvering around people was not easy. Still it was better then most seedy bars she had been dragged into by McCoy and Scotty so she couldn’t complain.

“Do you think the Keptain is enjoying himself at the welcoming ceremony for the H'Aqyiha, Nyota?” Chekhov asked curiously.

Nyota chuckled. “I highly doubt that Pavel. Our dear Captain hates these types of functions with a passion, and would rather be sitting here with us, rather then making small talk with diplomats.”

“I had forgotten about that.” A smile lit up the Russian’s face. “I bet the only one would be enjoying that function is Mister Spock.”

“Yes I did hear there were going to be some of H'Aqyiha top scientists and engineers there as well.” Chekhov nodded slowly. “One of there engineers named R’Unga is said to be studying new ways to make Transporters beam downs smoother and safer.”

“I bet Scotty will be sad to have not gone to this function.”

“True but it is quiet difficult to get him to leave the Enterprise for any length of time.” Pavel grinned. “His wee bairns might miss him if he left them alone.”

Nyota let out a delighted laugh.

“Would anyone like to buy a Tribble?” Yelled a loud cheery voice.

The conversation stopped in the bar and all eyes turned to stare at the newcomer. He was a short chubby man, with a scruffy face, twinkly blue eyes, and dressed in mismatched clothes. An ample belly jiggled a bit as the man chuckled and his smile showed even white teeth.

“The name is Cyrano Jones and I am selling Tribbles today for a decent price.” Jones held up his hand and showed a small furry shape. It began to purr loudly. “They are easy to take care of and children love there calming purr.”

Nyota glanced at Chekov. “What do you think Pavel, a pet would be nice to have on the Enterprise.”

“I do not know Nyota,” Chekhov eyed Jones in amusement. “The man looks like a jolly Saint Nick or a scam artist.”

Cyrano Jones approached there table. “Would you like to see my Tribble, pretty lady?”

Nyota looked at the purring Tribble and shrugged. “Sure.”

Cyrano grinned and placed it in her hands. He watched as her lovely features lit up in delight. The purr of a Tribble could soothe any human and there might be profit to be made tonight. If the pretty lady wanted the Tribble then perhaps the other people in the bar might. He could feel there eyes watching them and he wanted to rub his hands in glee.

Nyota couldn’t help but hug the creature closer. The fur was a dark pink with little white streaks. She couldn’t tell were the eyes or mouth were at since its whole body was covered in fur. All-in all it was darn cute.

Cyrano grinned charmingly. “For you pretty lady I will give you this Tribble for free.”

“Oh no I couldn’t possibly take it.” Nyoto said with a touch of sadness.

“And why ever not?” Cyrano pulled out another Tribble. He stroked it slowly to cause it to purr. He could feel more eyes watching them in interest. “It is an easy pet, hypo-allergenic, not picky about what it eats, and is not heavy maintenance like a dog or cat would be. Plus it’s free!”

Chekhov couldn’t help but smile at Jones comments. The man reminded him of the infomercials he use to watch back at home in Russia on the vid-screen. There was always some cheesy seller on the infomercials who would try anything to get you to buy there product.

“I don’t know.” Nyota said quietly as she stroked the Tribbles fur. She looked over at Chekhov helplessly. “What do you think Pavel?”

Chekhov shrugged. “I don’t think it would be a good idea Nyota, there maybe regulations against bringing pets on board the Enterprise.”

“That is true.” Nyota gave the Tribble one more hug before returning it to Jones. “I am sorry Mister Jones but unfortunately I can not take this gift.”

Cyrano frowned. “Very well pretty lady but if you change your mind I will be returning here tomorrow.” Gathering up his Tribbles he went to another table.

Nyota watched him go and sighed. “It would have been a nice pet.”

Chekhov patted her gently on the arm. “Perhaps a drink will help?” Raising his arm he motioned the waitress over. “Another round of whiskey please!”

--

“I think that Starfleet will be highly interested in the new weapon system my people are developing for starships Captain Kirk.” said the Andorian ambassador.

“It is way more advanced then the current weapons on your Enterprise.” Jim smiled in humor at the comment.

Luckily Scotty had not been here else those words would have ignited a diplomatic incident. The ambassador continued to drone on about there new weapons as Jim surveyed the room. He could see McCoy drinking next to a beautiful H'Aqyiha scientist and hoped the good doctor watched his liquor intake. Spock was leaning against a pillar surrounded by a group of scientist. It looked like the discussion going on over there was way more interesting then what he listening to, judging by the intense gleam he could just make out in those dark brown eyes. He would love to know what Spock was talking about, but it would be rude to abandon the Andorian ambassador.

“There you are Jim; I have been looking for you everywhere!”

Although, now that he heard that familiar voice, he would rather listen to the Andorian ambassador talk all night then deal with her. Resigning himself, he turned and looked at the speaker. “Hello Sophia why were you looking for me?”

Sophia smiled charmingly at the ambassador before looking back at Jim. “I have some information I must share with you from Starfleet. That is if you do not mind ambassador Lei?”

The Andorian ambassador shook his head. “No, no it is quiet alright. I will talk to you later Captain.”

“Thank you, ambassador.” Sophia said with a smile.

Jim followed her as she led him through a set of balcony doors and out into the gardens. Lanterns glowed softly to light the way and he followed her over to the fountain. He waited till she stopped before he asked quietly, “I bet there is no information from Starfleet am I right?”

“You guessed it Jim,” Sophia shrugged. “You looked really bored talking to the Andorian Ambassador so I decided to save you.”

“I thank you for the save but it wasn’t necessary.”

Sophia shrugged. “Well next time I will remember that.”

An awkward pause in the conversation had Jim shifting from one foot to the other impatiently. He did not want to be out here with this woman who he despised. Opening his mouth, he was about to speak when warm lips were suddenly on his own. Jim froze in astonishment and taking that as a signal of encouragement; Sophia threw her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss.

Spock, who had been speaking to his companions, stuttered to a stop in mid-speech. He ignored the bewildered looks of his companions and concentrated. A feeling of disgust and something more was leaking through the shields. Dropping them, he felt Jim’s shock and anger. Saying a hasty apology to his companions, he quickly strode across the room and out into the gardens. Spock hesitated at the scene he saw before him. On the ground was Sophia looking up at his Captain in outrage.  Jim looked enraged with his glowing golden eyes and tightly clenched fist.

Sophia angrily leaped to her feet. “How dare you toss me to the ground Jim!”

“Well if you had let go of me when I was trying to pry your tentacle arms off, then you wouldn’t have been tossed to the ground Sophia!” Jim snarled back.

McCoy slowed to a stop besides Spock and whistled lowly. “I haven’t seen Jim this angry since the last time he talked to Komack.” He had followed Spock after he had seen him race out of the room like a bat out of hell. And boy was he glad he did because this fight was going to get ugly soon. “Spock I suggest you round up Jim before things get ugly and ruins out little event.”

“I agree Doctor if you will take care of Miss Davis then I will try to calm down the Captain.”

Pasting on a fake smile, McCoy strolled over to Sophia and grasped her arm firmly. “Hello Sophia, Captain Monroe is looking for you.”

“What but….” “Come along my dear.” McCoy drawled. “You can’t keep the Captain waiting now can you?” Before dragging her away, McCoy quickly winked at Jim.

Spock walked up to the Captain and placed a calming hand on Jim’s shoulder. “Are you alright Captain?”

Jim gripped and un-gripped his hands. “No I am not. I should have tossed that vile bitch into the fountain instead of the ground.”

“What happened Jim?”

“What happened?” Jim let out an angry laugh. “She thought by leading me out to this fountain she could kiss me and that would make it all better between us. That I would forgive her for breaking my heart a long time ago.”

“Jim…” “I bet she was scheming again,” Jim pulled back from Spock’s touch. “Since the Enterprise is probably being promoted by Starfleet back on Earth, she thought that by trying to get back with me, it would help her climb the career ladder again.”

Spock grabbed Jim’s wrist to stop him from pacing. Looking down into angry gold, Spock carefully caressed his cheek. “Jim you must calm down, she is not worth this aggravation.”

Jim blinks up at Spock. His eyes changed from gold to dark green. He was surprised by Spock’s touch and lets out a small gasp. The Vulcan’s touch felt like a trail of fire on his cheek.

Spock was a little surprised by his own boldness. He couldn’t help but look into Jim’s changeable eyes. Jim’s eyes reminded him of the deep forest that they had seen on Vulcan II. Mysterious and full of life. He could feel sexual tension building between them. Spock watched as Jim’s eyes slowly closed and he started to lean forward.

“Well I got rid of the girl for you two, but she sure is an annoying complainer.”

Hearing McCoy’s sarcastic voice, Spock takes a hasty step back and looked away from his Captain. His ears began to flush green in mortification. He could not believe what he was about to do and in public of all places. Where was his control?

Jim was just as startled by the interruption and tried to pull himself together. He couldn’t help but stare at Spock in confusion and watch his friend try to regain control of himself. It was the first time since Mount Hashun that Spock had shown any interest in him. He couldn’t help but wonder if McCoy hadn’t shown up at that moment would Spock have kissed him?

McCoy sensing the sudden tension looked at them both suspiciously. “Did I interrupt something?”

“Oh no McCoy. We were….um…..just waiting for you to return.” Jim said quickly. “Indeed. If you will excuse me Captain, Doctor, I must return back to my companions.” Spock said calmly although behind his Vulcan façade his thoughts were in turmoil. Since Mount Hashun he had not let the feelings he had felt for Jim emerge but now it was changing. His feelings for his bond-mate were slowly growing beyond friendship and becoming something more. Spock wasn’t to sure what he thought about it, but he wasn’t to displeased by it. Pushing these thoughts aside for now, he left and went back inside the building.

Jim watched Spock leave and smiled. Looks like things between them might be developing better then he hoped. Walking over to McCoy, he grasped his friend’s shoulders and said cheerfully. “Lets go back to the party and have a drink Bones.”

--

TBC