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Captain Pike strolled along the sparse corridor with purpose, finally able to seek out his own shore leave on Starbase 1. The diplomatic negotiations had been, interesting, to say the least, not to mention tiring. He was glad he’d still got the afternoon available before Enterprise was ready to head back out, he was in desperate need of some greenery, even if the forest was surrounded by space. Pike adjusted his rucksack on his shoulder and smiled at a couple of passing ensigns, who were laughing at some joke or another. At least most of the crew had gotten some well-earned time to kick back.
Chris sidestepped a busy line for a sushi restaurant and went to turn off to the eastern side of the base, where he had a particular biosphere in mind. A familiar figure at the end of the corridor stopped him short though. A tall Vulcan stood rigidly in a blue science uniform staring out into space, fixed on a point out of the view-screen where ships were busy departing in droves. Spock.
Pike lowered his gaze to the floor, chiding himself for forgetting about the young Vulcan. He’d meant to catch up with Spock after the whole body-swap thing, but what with the R’ongovians, April and dealing with a group of wayward crewmen who’d gotten themselves into trouble-
No, that was no excuse. He should have made the time. Well, the universe was giving him that time now.
Chris changed tracks and headed toward his science officer. He winced halfway there when he realised that he hadn’t even confirmed if Spock and T’Pring had managed to switch back.
“Spock?” He probed, hoping that some of his people had at least been somewhat competent.
His fears disappeared when Spock turned to him, all of his mannerisms and movements familiar. Including the twitch at the young Vulcan’s lips, betraying Spock’s desire to tease him. “Chris.” He tried, his voice nowhere near as pitched as it should be.
Pike laughed whilst shaking his head, “Nice try Spock, but T’Pring sounded different.” He noted Spock’s usual stance and added, “and no offence, but she’s a lot more graceful.”
The Vulcan’s brow rose as he catalogued the criticism. He broke out into a rare smile, lasting only a few seconds like a B’Saarian Orchid, fleeting yet magnificent and well worth the wait.
Spock tried out one of the many human idioms that he had been cataloguing. “It was worth a shot.”
How had he not seen the differences earlier? Spock and T’Pring were like night and day. It had been foolish to get them to be each other, even for just a short while. Spock appeared so Vulcan compared to his mostly-human crew, but having T’Pring in that room with the R'ongovians… It just highlighted how different Spock was, Pike was relieved that his science officer was back.
Now that was a sobering thought, what if this had been more permanent?
“I’m glad you’re yourself again, Spock.”
Spock folded his hands behind his back and returned his gaze to the starscape beyond the glass. “As am I.”
Pike filed in next to Spock, he dropped his rucksack on the floor and gazed out at the traffic outside. His eyes followed Spock’s gaze and he spotted a Vulcan scout ship manoeuvring away from the starbase. T’Pring.
“I’m sorry for interrupting you two again.” Pike coughed a little awkwardly, he hadn’t known what he had been interrupting earlier. “You deserved some time off.”
“It was unavoidable, Captain. I would never shirk my duties.”
“You have more than just a duty to Enterprise now Spock.” The Captain shifted his gaze from the stars to the Vulcan. “I’m just sorry that Starfleet has no sense of timing.”
“That is for me to manage, you have nothing to apologise for Captain.”
“Still, the last thing I want to do is come between you two.” He sighed, leaning against the railing as his shoulders sagged. “God knows this life is a hard one, if you can find someone to share that burden with then take them and run.”
Pike noticed Spock stiffen next to him, and he mentally back-tracked through the conversation. Personal, way too personal. Cross with his diplomatic stumble, Chris went to grab his bag and leave the poor kid alone.
"Sorry Spock, it's not my place to comment on your personal life-"
Spock's hand shot out to grab his arm before he could move even a step away. "That is not... I.."
Spock lowered his hand as he tried to find the right words, whatever he wanted to say was troubling him greatly. Pike waited patiently, expression earnest and open. Eventually, Spock met his gaze again, a renewed determination there.
"I would like to request advice, it is personal and you are of course within your rights to decli-"
Ah, this explained why Spock looked more spooked than when Tango spotted that Gila Lizard back in Mojave.
Pike interrupted before Spock spiralled any further. "I'd be happy to help if I can, shoot."
Spock looked like he was halfway between a decision, whether to go forward or retreat. He steeled himself and carefully guarded his facial expressions, which was usually a sign that he was about to get very personal.
"The advice I require pertains to relationships, specifically where one or both parties are dedicated to other duties."
"Ahh."
"I assume you have had prior relationships, Captain."
Wow, Spock didn't waste time in getting to the good bits.
"Ahh, yeah I have." He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Although, the fact that I am not currently in a relationship should probably tell you that I'm not the best person to ask for relationship advice."
Spock looked puzzled. "Apologies Captain, I thought you the best candidate considering your vast experience."
Pike choked on a breath, what the hell kinds of rumours were spreading about him? "What?" He spluttered.
Spock noted the offence, his eyebrows drew together as he tried to clarify. "You are the Captain. I can think of no other person with more duties than you, Sir."
"Ah, right." Of course, Spock meant that kind of experience. Chris felt his cheeks begin to redden. He indicated with his hands for Spock to go on.
"T'Pring does not entirely approve of my career in Starfleet. She believes my duties with Starfleet will always come between us. How do I convince her otherwise?"
Pike understood T'Pring's reluctance to embrace Starfleet, she'd been interrupted by it more than once. Was it any wonder she feared the same for the future?
"Won't they?" Pike held steady eye contact, hoping to offer some comfort that way. He could empathise with the demands of Starfleet after all.
"I don't understand, Captain."
"In an ideal world, shore leave would be fixed, vacation allocated in advance and no emergencies would ever pop up. But we both know that's not how this job works, Spock. I could lie to you and promise that another situation like today will never reoccur, but that's simply not true. We live an unpredictable life, and flexibility is part of that."
Spock's lips pressed tightly into a grimace and he broke eye contact. He looked crestfallen, as he should.
"My advice Spock? Don't promise things you can't deliver, that's a sure way to end a relationship for good."
Chris wanted to offer the kid some hope, even if he didn't have any for himself anymore. "I have seen relationships work, long-term. It requires great patience, sacrifice and understanding from both sides. I wish you and T'Pring the best of luck with yours."
Spock met his gaze, a determination to rise to the challenge there. "Thank you, Captain."
"Sorry I couldn't give you a magic answer," Pike shrugged bashfully. "I haven't exactly had a high success rate."
"Your honesty is far more valuable to me than a 'magic answer'. Your advice was sound."
Pike exhaled, relieved to have said the right thing. It was humbling to be sought for advice in the first place. The last thing he wanted was to lead anyone astray.
Chris thought the conversation over so allowed his interest to get filled by a passing cruiser, all sleek lines and shiny paint, likely never seen any action in her life. His attention snapped right back to Spock at his next question.
"Is your lack of recent relationship due to a lack of suitable candidates or an increase in duties with Starfleet?"
Chris blinked a few times, taken aback. He stumbled over his words as he tried to answer such a loaded question. "Uhh, a little bit of both I guess." Spock really made you see yourself, whether you wanted to or not.
Spock filed the information away, not sensing or maybe caring that his questions were so to the point.
Chris stared at his reflection in the glass, realising another home truth in the moment. "I guess it's hard to think about relationships after..."
Spock stared his way after he trailed off. He finished his sentence with a sarcastic flair. "After a Klingon Monk made you touch a time crystal which gave you a vision of your future."
He looked at Spock helplessly, his gut-churning at the memory. Spock did not relent one bit.
"I have some advice for you, Captain. 'Right up until the very end, life is to be worn gloriously'."
"Smart-arse." Chris parried back, not quite able to keep the smile off his face.
Spock looked very pleased with 'his' advice.
Chris squinted at the Vulcan suspiciously. "Now I'm wondering if you needed advice from me at all."
Spock's eyes danced. "A conversation can have two purposes, Captain."
"Yep, definitely a smart-ass." Pike surmised, his namecalling lacking any real bite.
An announcement over the station's comm system brought the two of them back into the present. Pike checked his watch and realised he had better get going if he was to have time to do the whole trail.
He picked up his bag and went to say goodbye when a thought came to him. "Hey, Spock. We've got a few hours of leave left and I was going to use them over in biosphere 7, fancy joining me?" He suddenly beamed, excited as a child on Christmas morning. "They have horses."
"I do not wish to intrude on your leave, Captain."
Pike smiled easily. "No intrusion Spock, the company would be welcome, but feel free to say no, I don't want to intrude on your time with horse-riding."
Spock's brow rose, he hadn't made the connection that the presence of horses equalled riding. In fairness, not many others went to that biosphere for equestrian affairs.
"I have never attempted to ride a horse before, I am unsure If I am able."
"It's pretty easy stuff if you're willing to learn."
Spock contemplated for a short time, his eyes brightened as he made a decision. "I would be honoured, Captain."
Pike waved him off. "No honours here Spock, and you should call me Chris on leave."
Spock noted that Pike was out of uniform. "Do I need specific equipment or clothing Chris?"
Chris grinned, Spock wasn't comfortable with using his first name but he tried all the same.
"Nah, you'll be fine like that."
He made a gesture to Spock and they both headed off out of the corridor into the main throng of the space station.
"Besides," Chris continued as they joined a line for one of the lifts to the lower levels. "The biosphere matter-replicators will provide all the equipment we need."
Spock frowned at the comment. "How much equipment does one need to ride a horse?"
Chris threw his friend a grin. "Oh, you have no idea what you've let yourself in for my friend. First, we're going to need to measure you for a saddle..."
It was safe to say that Spock's lack of knowledge around horses was about to be filled.