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«In vino veritas, in aqua sanitas» ("In wine is truth, in water is health")
O0O
Jim, Spock and Bones, the three musketeers of deep space, were attending a gala dinner at a diplomatic mission. The setting was grand, with representatives from various planets mingling in a room adorned with interstellar decorations, the air filled with a mix of exotic music from different galaxies.
As long as the evening progressed, the trio found themselves in a somewhat unusual situation. The hosts, known for their traditional hard liquor, had insisted on several toasts to celebrate the new alliance. While Spock, ever the Vulcan, politely declined and stuck to his water, Kirk and McCoy, with their human enthusiasm, mbraced the custom wholeheartedly.
Within a few drinks, the effects of the liquor became evident, especially on Jim and McCoy.
"Jim," McCoy slurred his words slightly, softening his usual grumpy attitude from the drink, "I must say, this is a fine spirit. It reminds me of my younger days on Earth."
Kirk, equally affected but still trying to maintain his captain's composure, chuckled. "Bones, if your younger days were anything like this, I'm surprised you ever made it to Starfleet!"
Spock, surveying the scene with a raised eyebrow, interjected, "Doctor, I think it would be wise to limit your consumption. The physiological effects of this beverage do not appear to be.... beneficial."
"Spock, my pointy-eared lover," McCoy waved a hand dismissively, "you've got to learn to relax. It's a celebration!"
Kirk laughed good-naturedly, then tried to stand, wobbling slightly. "I think it's time we showed our hosts some good Earth traditions. How about a song, Bones?"
McCoy smiled. "Only if you lead, Jim!"
When Kirk cleared his throat, ready to begin a probably off-key rendition of an old Earth tune, an unexpected turn of events interrupted his merriment.
The festive atmosphere in the place changed subtly as the doors opened to reveal Sarek, Spock's father and the esteemed Vulcan ambassador. His presence was imposing, and his arrival, though late, did not go unnoticed. He moved with a grace that was distinctively Vulcan, his eyes scanning the room until they settled on his son and his companions.
Spock, immediately straightening at the sight of his father, excused himself from Kirk and McCoy to greet Sarek with a traditional Vulcan salute. "Father, your presence honors us," he said, his tone respectful but tinged with surprise.
Sarek returned the greeting, his face betraying no emotion. "Spock, I was detained for matters of diplomacy. It is only logical to attend such meetings to further interstellar relations."
James Kirk, still a little drunk but aware of the gravity of the moment, approached Sarek with a friendly smile. "Ambassador Sarek, we are honored by your presence. I trust the journey here was comfortable."
Sarek nodded curtly. "Indeed, Captain Kirk. I trust you're finding the event? Attractive?"
Before Kirk could respond, Leonard, leaning in slightly for support, interjected with a smile, "Oh, we were just about to partake in some earthly traditions, Ambassador. Care to join us?"
Spock, a bit mortified by the doctor's condition, quickly interjected. "Doctor, perhaps this is not the appropriate time..."
Sarek, however, held up a hand to stop Spock. "On the contrary, I find it enlightening to observe human customs. Please continue."
Kirk's blue eyes twinkled mischievously as he looked at McCoy. "You heard the ambassador, Bones. Looks like it's time for that song!"
When McCoy began a slightly off-key rendition of an old Earth ballad, the attention of the room focused on the unlikely trio. Spock stood next to his father, offering hushed explanations of the lyrics, while Sarek watched with a rare hint of curiosity in his eyes.
Sarek leaned toward Spock. In a low voice, addressed only to his son, he asked, "Spock, are your companions drunk?"
Spock, maintaining his composure despite the unexpected event, subtly nodded. "Indeed, father. It is an unfortunate side effect of participating in local customs."
Sarek looked at Kirk and McCoy with a faint hint of disapproval. "The human predilection for impairing cognitive functions with alcohol is...illogical."
The son offered a diplomatic response. "It is a cultural practice, Father, one that fosters bonding and camaraderie among humans."
Sarek remained, looking contemplative and somewhat puzzled by the unique dynamic of Starfleet officers. He found himself watching the remaining guests, who were now a mixture of curiosity and concern at the sudden interruption.
Dr. McCoy, pausing a moment longer and still feeling the effects of the alien liquor, spotted Sarek alone and decided to engage him in conversation. Approaching with a slightly unsteady gait, he greeted the Vulcan ambassador with a crooked smile. "Ambassador Sarek, sir, you really should have joined us for a drink. It's an excellent way to... What do the humans say? ah yes, break the ice!"
Sarek turned to McCoy, his expression as impassive as ever. "Dr. McCoy, I believe the practice of consuming alcohol for social purposes is a curious human custom. It seems to impair judgment and logical reasoning."
Leonard let out a chuckle, unfazed by the comment. "Oh, come on, Ambassador! It's not about logic. It's about feeling good, making friends! You know, human stuff!"
Sarek looked at the surgeon with a mixture of curiosity and mild concern. "It's a perspective I find intriguing, but difficult to align with Vulcan principles. However, I respect your cultural practices."
While the conversation continued, McCoy, in his inebriated state, became bolder in his attempts to lighten the mood. He jokingly suggested that Sarek could benefit from a little "human fun" to better understand his son.
Sarek, while maintaining his stoic demeanor, couldn't help but be a bit taken aback by McCoy's candor. "Dr. McCoy, while I appreciate your perspective, I must decline. My personal duties and beliefs do not align with such...activities."
McCoy, realizing that perhaps he had gone too far, excused himself with a sheepish smile, leaving Sarek.
Kirk, ever the charismatic leader, found himself surrounded by a group of admiring female delegates, many of whom were beautiful women from various planets. They were clearly enchanted by his charm and stories of his adventures across the galaxy. Despite the attention, Kirk's eyes occasionally wandered to Spock, a silent communication passing between them.
Meanwhile, McCoy, his inhibitions lowered by the alien liquor, continued to indulge, his demeanor becoming more boisterous. His laughter echoed throughout the hallway, eliciting a mixture of amusement and bewilderment from the other guests.
Spock, watching the scene from a distance, felt a pang of concern. He knew his father's views on decorum and emotional control, and the current display of his human friends was anything but restrained. Sarek's opinion mattered to Spock, not only as a Vulcan ambassador, but as his father. The idea that the behavior of his companions might reflect badly in his father's eyes was disturbing.
Sarek, for his part, watched the interactions with a mixture of fascination and mild disapproval. The stark difference between Vulcan restraint and human expressiveness was never more apparent to him than in those moments. He couldn't help but wonder about the influence these humans had on his son.
Spock considered it prudent to keep Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy from the public eye, considering their inebriated state and the impression they were leaving on his father and the other guests. With a mixture of concern and duty, he gently guided them back to their quarters for some rest.
The relationship between the three men was a closely guarded secret, known only to them and a select few. Their bond was deep, transcending the typical norms of friendship and duty, and they had established a unique dynamic that balanced their professional roles with their personal connections.
Upon arriving in the room, the mood shifted from the formalities of the gala to a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere. The room had a large mattress that accommodated their shared sleeping arrangements.
Kirk, though still a bit drunk, smiled at Spock as they entered. "Well, I must say, our quarters are always a welcome refuge!"
McCoy, with a playful twinkle in his hazel eyes, interjected, "Yes, Spock, it's the only place you can let your hair down, figuratively speaking, of course."
Spock, maintaining his composure despite his teasing, replied with his usual calm. "I think you would both benefit from rest. The effects of alcohol do not contribute to optimal health."
Kirk, now seated on the mattress, patted the space beside him, looking at Spock with a soft expression. "Come on, Spock, join us!"
The CMO, already lying comfortably, added, "Yeah, Spock, no ambassadors, just us!".
Spock, watching his human boyfriends with a fondness he rarely showed to others, agreed. He sat beside him, allowing himself a moment of vulnerability and relaxation that was rare for a Vulcan, especially in the presence of others.
In the quiet of the quarters, the events of the night began to catch up with Captain Kirk. His energy, sustained by excitement and liquor, waned rapidly, and he soon found himself succumbing to exhaustion. He collapsed on the large mattress, almost unconscious, his breathing dying away as he sank into a deep sleep.
Dr. McCoy, still riding the crest of the wave of his inebriated state, felt a sudden urge to rejoin the party. With a mischievous gleam in his eye, he stood unsteadily, trying to slip out of the room. "I think the evening still calls for a little Bones charm!" he said, slurring his words.
Spock, ever vigilant, quickly intercepted McCoy. "Leonard, I believe your present condition requires rest, no more social engagements."
McCoy, playfully defiant, tried to fend Spock off. "Oh, come on, Spock, the night is young, and so am I!"
However, Spock, understanding the doctor's condition better than himself, guided McCoy back toward the mattress. "Leonard, your health is paramount. Rest is the logical course of action."
Realizing that further resistance would be futile and perhaps even illogical, McCoy finally relented with a sigh, though his eyes still glittered with mischief.
Spock then knelt down to remove McCoy's boots, ensuring his comfort. McCoy watched him, his expression softening. "You always take such good care of us, Spock," he said, his voice tinged with affection.
Spock, as he continued with his task, replied, "It is my responsibility and my choice. I love you both."
When he finished, he helped McCoy lie down next to Kirk, making sure they were both comfortable and safe. Spock took a moment to watch them, a rare sense of contentment coming over him.
The quiet of the moment was interrupted by a soft but distinct knock on the door. Spock, startled by the unexpected interruption, stood up and cautiously approached the door. He opened it and found his father, Ambassador Sarek, standing in the hallway with his usual serene demeanor.
Spock, momentarily speechless, managed to pull himself together. "Father, this is unexpected, is there something you need?"
Sarek entered, his gaze flicking briefly over the figures of Kirk and McCoy before settling back on his son. "You did not intend to intrude. However, I have observed something tonight that requires discussion."
Spock felt a surge of apprehension, wondering if his father had discerned the true nature of his relationship with Kirk and McCoy. "What is it you wish to discuss, Father?"
Sarek, in a measured tone, revealed his observations. "Throughout the evening, I have noticed a particular dynamic between you, Captain Kirk, and Dr. McCoy. It is not my intention to pry into your personal affairs, but as your father, I must ask you: are you in a relationship with them?"
Spock, surprised by his father's frankness, hesitated. The truth of their relationship was something he had never imagined discussing with his father, given the Vulcan tendency to avoid discussing personal matters, especially those involving emotions.
After a moment of silence, Spock replied with careful honesty. "Yes, we have developed a bond that goes beyond friendship."
"I do not need to be the most intelligent Vulcan on our planet. This is a logical appreciation on my part, I have just learned that you will be sleeping with both of us in the same bed. So, I guess there are things that can no longer be hidden. Your mother has to know."
He looked at his son with an unreadable expression. "Such a relationship is unusual, Spock, not only by Vulcan standards, but also within Starfleet. However, I have observed that humans often form complex emotional connections. It is not for me to judge, but to understand."
Spock, a little relieved but still wary, nodded. "Thank you, Father. I appreciate your understanding in this matter."
The conversation between Sarek and his son reached an unexpected turning point. Sarek, having acknowledged the unique relationship between Spock, Kirk and McCoy, took a moment before speaking again.
"I'd like to extend an invitation to you and your companions," Sarek said, his voice firm but with a hint of frankness. "I wish you to visit Vulcan. It would be an opportunity for me to better understand your connection with Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy, preferably in a... more sober setting."
Spock, surprised by the invitation, took a moment to process the offer. "That is most unexpected, I'm sure Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy would appreciate the opportunity to visit Vulcan and get to know you better."
Sarek nodded, his expression still neutral but with a slight softening in his eyes. "It would be beneficial to all involved. Understanding is the cornerstone of diplomacy and family ties."
With a final glance at the sleeping figures of Kirk and McCoy, Sarek prepared to leave. "I will take my leave now. We will discuss the details of your visit to Vulcan at a more appropriate time."
Spock escorted his father to the door. "Thank you, Father. Your understanding and invitation are most.... gratifying."
When Sarek left the room, Spock stood for a moment, contemplating the events of the evening. The unexpected turn of events had brought a new dimension to his relationship with his father and potentially opened a path to a deeper understanding between their worlds.
Returning to Kirk and McCoy, Spock sat beside them, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The prospect of visiting Vulcan with them, under such personal circumstances, was both intriguing and encouraging. It would be a journey not only to their home planet, but to deeper interpersonal dynamics. Spock considered how to approach Kirk and McCoy with the invitation, anticipating their reactions and the possible implications of such a visit.