Chapter Text
Jim’s legs were cramping, and he got up and traversed the small chamber they were in. Stupid hieroglyphics. Like they said anything. His stomach growled and a memory echoed in his mind. He held onto the hunger. As long as he was hungry, he was alive.
He was about to lose his mind when he heard a beeping on his communicator. They were hailing him!
“Enterprise! Come in!”
“Captain? Are you alright?” It was Scotty.
“Spock’s hurt, can you find us? McCoy’s above us. We’re like ten meters down in a hole.”
“Gimme a second, Captain. I’ll get you right out.”
Jim was so overjoyed he wanted to kiss Spock but thought the better of it. Better to not be beamed up in a compromising position.
Lights danced around him, and he felt himself dematerialize and then reappear in the transporter room. Spock was lying beside him, and Bones was on the pad beside them.
“Give me a stretcher. We’re going to have to lift him carefully -- I don’t want to aggravate that break. Get me Chapel.”
People burst into action, and Jim stepped down to give Nurse Chapel and McCoy room to get the stretcher up there. He watched protectively as they moved Spock out of the room and to Sickbay. Then he was lost. He wandered out of the room and towards his quarters.
Inside, he looked around. The more he thought about it, the more he realized Spock was just hurt really bad and didn’t mean anything he said. He would regret it once he was healthy again, and Jim knew his place. He lay down on his bunk and fell asleep.
He was awoken by his door signal. Not getting up, he called for the computer to open the door and saw McCoy standing there grinning. It must have been good news.
“Spock’s fine. We regenerated his leg and everything else is bumps and bruises. He’s asking for you.”
Jim winced. Here it comes. He got up and followed the medic to Sickbay. Spock was sitting up in bed. Jim approached him warily.
“Captain.” So, there it was. They were back to titles.
“Commander. Feeling better?”
“Indeed. I have drafted a letter to Starfleet Command concerning our experience, and I would appreciate your input.”
“What’d you say?”
Spock cleared his throat. “Team building is important for command, however, having the top three officers of the flagship in one location is not optimal and should be avoided in the future.”
Jim nodded. “Good idea. When are you getting released?”
“I will be released shortly. I wished to engage you in a game of chess, if you are not too fatigued.”
Jim’s feeble heart gave a little leap of hope. “Where would you like to play?”
Spock’s eyebrow rose. “I am to understand you are in possession of your own 3D board in your quarters.”
“Spying on me, Commander?”
“Certainly not. As a leader, it is my duty to keep up with what you term ‘scuttlebutt’. As such, I have learned from Ensign Chekov that you play him regularly in your quarters.”
At this, Jim laughed. “Well then it’s a date, Commander.” Then he realized what he had said and covered his mouth.
“Indeed, Captain.” And the way he said it, there was no doubt as to his frame of mind upon awakening.
They waited for McCoy to be satisfied and then went to Jim’s quarters. He nudged up the temperature, and when Spock looked at him, he winked at him. They sat at the table, and Jim turned the board around.
“It’s your move.” He laid his hand on the table, and Spock took it in his.