Work Text:
First Impressions
Jim
“Lieutenant Kirk,” Captain Tevis waved Jim over from his station on the bridge, “Walk with me to the Ready Room. I have a little errand for you.”
Jim got up and in a couple of strides, he was walking with Captain Tevis toward the turbolift. “An errand? That’s a new one.”
“Let’s just call it a little diplomatic mission. I need you to take a shuttle down to Lamorak, to the city space dock, and collect Tavalik, he’s a representative from the Vulcan Science Academy and he’s going to be our guest of honor for our Science Division’s Conference on Integrating Xeno-Tech.”
“Glad to do it, sir.”
“I had been going to collect him personally, but I’m afraid my dance card is full for the next two hours before the conference. Commodore McCammon apparently can’t postpone a conference call with myself and Captain Pike. Something about Starbase 10’s new protocols. Leave it to Admiral April to roll out new policies at the worst possible time.” Captain Tevis let out a long-suffering sigh and then side eyed Jim. “For the record, you didn’t hear that from me.”
“Didn’t hear what, sir?” Jim said with a wink.
“That’s why you’re my favorite. Please give Tavalik my apologies, but don’t lay it on too thick. He’s not one for demonstrative behavior. He actually seems to hate it.” Captain Tevis stopped at the entrance of the Ready Room. “He’ll be expecting you in an hour. Don’t be late.”
“I’ll see you at the conference,” Jim said with a nod.
“With Tavalik,” Captain Tevis added.
“With Tavalik,” Jim agreed.
Jim turned away from the Ready Room doors and made his way to the turbolift. He needed to get down to the shuttle bay. He’d rather be early than late. His PADD glowed with a new missive from Captain Tevis. The subject was Tavalik. Jim decided he’d read it once he’d landed at the Lamorak Dock.
Commander Vee Vian stepped into the hallway and walked beside Jim. “Where are you off to?” She asked in her usual brisk manner.
“The shuttle bay. I need to fly down to Lamorak. Want to come for the ride?”
“So you get the honors of collecting Tavalik?” Commander Vian smirked at Jim.
“Yes…” Jim did a double take, noticing the knowing expression on his commander’s face.
“Have any hot tips, Commander?” Jim asked in a light tone.
“Don’t wear your uniform. He thinks the Federation is too militant.”
“How can he believe we’re too militant when his own people practically founded the federation?”
“Free thinker, I guess. He also thinks humans are idiots.” Vee waggled her eyebrows at him.
“Really?” Jim found that discouraging but not at all hard to believe. “I’ll pretend I don’t know he has that opinion of humans.”
“Frankly, he’s kind of an asshole.” Vee said thoughtfully and then added, “that’s off the records.”
“Yes, Commander. Is there anything else I should know?”
“Hmm, dark hair, dark eyes, disturbingly straight posture,” she squinted at the top of Jim’s head and added, “And he’s a smidge taller than you.”
“So when you say he’s kind of an asshole, which technically you never said.” Jim cleared his throat and continued, “You’re saying this from personal experience? I take it.”
“We met. A few years back. He was just a kid then. Now he’s a big shot in the world of Vulcan and Federation engineering and computer programming. I’m sure it’s done wonders for his attitude.”
“Great.”
Commander Vian stepped in a turbolift and turned to face Jim. “You don’t need to sweet talk this Vulcan. He agreed to come, so if he complains that you’re not Captain Tevis, just use the old Jim Kirk diplomacy you’re so good at.”
“Commander,” Jim had questions.
“See you at the conference. Don’t forget to change. Just put on some nice civies.” Vee said with a bright smile as the turbolift doors closed in his face.
Spock
Spock stood in front of a long mirror. The tailor who had just finished adjusting the front closure on his jacket stepped out of the way so he could inspect his reflection. Spock studied the fit of his new clothing in the mirrors.
“I have completed the adjustments. You will find these garments suitable for travel, as well as comfortable for more leisurely activities,” T’Shol said.
“This clothing is finely made. I will find many uses for it,” Spock said, running a hand over the soft woven fabric of the sleeve.
T’Shol nodded, “Do you wish to wear your new garments, or shall I pack them for you?”
Spock considered her question. He had been wearing his uniform for months on end. This was an agreeable change. “I will wear them out. Thank you.” Spock walked to the dressing room where he’d just changed. He collected his uniform, folded it neatly, and placed it in his satchel.
Spock had searched for a clothier that sold Vulcan clothing for some time. Getting tailored traditional Vulcan clothing was not a simple task. Spock couldn’t just synthesize a new pair of pants, shirt, and jacket, not if it was to be authentically Vulcan.
Lamorak was the first city the Enterprise had been close enough for him to beam down to that had exactly what he was seeking. T’Shol was a talented sewer and tailor. Spock believed she would hold her own if she were to set up shop in Shi’Khar. He stopped to admire the fine pleat work on his jacket in the mirror one more time. Spock walked to the front of the shop where T’Shol was arranging bolts of hand-woven fabric.
“Do you weave as well as sew and tailor?” Spock asked.
“No. My spouse Velik is the weaver.”
“It is masterful work.”
“Yes,” T’Shol agreed.
Spock heard the shop doors slide open. He looked over and saw a pair of humans and one Orion walking in. The Orion was wearing a shirt that was a bright, supple-looking silken teal. The humans were women, and they also wore teal articles of clothing. The petite auburn-haired woman wore a clinging teal skirt. The other woman, who was much taller, wore a teal shawl. Spock found this curious.
“Welcome,” T’Shol said to the newly arrived shoppers.
The new customers returned her greeting and went about browsing and admiring the shop’s wares. Spock turned to T’Shol and was about to bid her farewell when the tall woman with a teal shawl stepped in front of Spock and purred at him, “Why, aren’t you dressed to kill?”
“Respectfully, I ask you not to solicit clients in my shop,” T’Shol said to the woman.
“Oh, yes. Of course not.” The tall woman adjusted her shawl and produced a slim card. “Please, take my card.” She slid a slim metal plate small enough to fit in the palm of Spock’s hand, into the pleats of his jacket. “Vulcans are so enigmatic. Very enticing. My name is Suiram. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr?”
“Spock,” Spock said. He glanced at T’Shol with a raised brow.
Suiram turned away and slunk back to her friends. The trio of them went about their shopping. Spock plucked the card out of the pleat in his jacket and glanced at it.
“The sex workers of Lamorak are treated with respect. Some consider them holy.” T’shol watched as the trio of teal clad browsers walked over to where the scarves and cloaks were on display.
“How do you know she is a sex worker?” Spock asked.
“They all wear teal garments when their services are available. It helps the more reserved clientele to find them.”
Spock nodded. Lamorak was a city traversed by many peoples, most of them traveling great distances on interplanetary missions. The presence of sex-workers was only logical.
“I am satisfied with my garments and shall return to acquire more when next I am near Lamorak.” Spock transferred the agreed amount of credits. “Live long and prosper.” He raised his hand in the Vulcan salutation.
“I will be pleased to see you again, Spock,” she glanced down at the screen on her counter and saw she had received the payment. She lifted her eyes to Spock’s and raised her hand in salute. “Peace and long life.”
Lamorak City Space Dock
Jim got to his quarters and changed his clothes before flying down to the Dock. He had ten minutes to spare. The landing pad area was open-air. He was so accustomed to landing on Starbases that he’d almost forgotten what it was like to walk out of a shuttle straight into a real atmosphere. A cool breeze greeted him. It was thick with the scents of cooked food, burnt fuels, and the local flora. It was a heady aroma after the sterile air in the Farragut.
Jim walked along the neatly paved path from the shuttle docking areas. Waxy-leaved trees shaded the path. He reached up stroking their leaves, finding their proximity irresistible. The trees reminded him of Ficus trees on earth. Jim spotted An Orion stationed at a console that led to the entrance of the Dock’s interior.
“Hi.”
“Welcome to Lamorak. How may I assist you?” The Orion did a double take and then looked Jim over from head to toe rather brazenly.
“I’m picking someone up.” Jim gestured over his shoulder at the shuttle, making it clear he was with Starfleet.
The Orion glanced at the shuttle. “Starfleet, interesting…” The Orion, who was androgynous, pursed their lips as if they were sharing an inside joke with Jim. “Well, the passengers wait in the Travelers’ Atrium. Just follow the path straight down and then take the branch of the path to the left. The doors to the entrance are clearly marked Travelers’ Atrium. There are also Inquiry Screens available at every entrance.”
“Easy as pie, thank you,” Jim said with a smile and turned to go.
“You’re welcome. I hope I see you around, preferably when you’re not booked, or rather tied up with your Starfleet duties.”
“Right, uh. Thank you.” Jim walked up the path. He glanced back at the friendly Orion over his shoulder and saw them wink at him. Jim nodded once and continued walking. He felt odd being out of uniform while being in the Lamorak City Space Dock on Starfleet business. He trusted Vee though, and if she advised him to wear his civies, then he believed it was the right choice.
When Jim reached the entrance to the Travelers’ Atrium, the double glass doors moved soundlessly open. He looked around the wide court. It had a tall burbling fountain in the center of it, which was ringed by a beautiful pond with plants and colorful fish darting about in the crystal clear water. Colorful glass tiled the ceiling, giving the space a cathedral like feel. He reminded himself he was short on time, and it was then he realized he’d left his PADD in the shuttle. Jim let out a long, exasperated breath of air. He didn’t have time to retrieve it. He’d make himself late. Now unable to look up the file on Tavalik, he didn’t know what the man looked like. Well, Jim thought, not exactly. He scanned the space, looking for a male Vulcan with dark hair and eyes, who was a little taller than him and youngish. Jim decided it would be easy to find the Vulcan Science Academy representative, as there weren’t many Vulcans there. Jim scanned over several faces, and while there was a mix of humanoids, he’d yet to spot a single Vulcan. Tavalik had to be here somewhere, and he shouldn’t be too hard to pick out of a crowd.
Spock
Spock’s communicator chirped with an incoming call. He snapped it open as he walked along a tree-lined avenue.
“This is Spock.”
“Spock, it’s Chief Kyle. We need to make some unexpected repairs on the main transporter, as well as the one in sickbay. We’re getting some bizarre readings. It shouldn’t take too long. I hope you don’t mind waiting?”
“Understood. Spock out.”
Spock continued walking. He moved around the people that meandered in and out of shops. His eyes briefly locked on a man in a teal jacket. Now that he knew the sex workers wore specific colors, it was hard not to notice them. Spock slowed his pace. He realized he was now stuck in a kind of limbo. He did not know when he would be beamed back to the enterprise and that was as distracting as knowing he’d be beamed back at any second. Spock thought he should find a park, a quiet place to meditate. Scanning around to orient himself, he noticed that the small flocks of tourists and shoppers had thinned out. He found this curious and looked up at the sky. Thick slate grey clouds were moving in and blocking out the warm sunlight. A chilly breeze ruffled his hair. A fat cold drop pelted his cheek, and then another kissed him wetly on the nose. Spock wiped the rain from his face and maneuvered himself under a shop awning. He looked up and down the walkways and decided that his best plan of action would be to go to the Space Dock. He knew the Travelers’ Atrium had a large fountain ringed by a pond that boasted a variety of plants and aquatic creatures. It would be a good place to wile away time and stay dry.
Jim
Jim had walked the circumference of the Traveler’s Atrium three times. By his clock, Tavalik was forty-five minutes late. Jim reached for his communicator at his hip, only to feel his fingers pass through the air. He tried the opposite side, knowing it wasn’t there.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” He let out a frustrated little chuckle. Jim rested the heels of his palms on his temples briefly and then dropped his arms down by his sides. He’d left his communicator along with his PADD in the shuttle. Shaking his head he admonished himself for burning the candle at both ends. It was making him sloppy.
Jim hadn’t seen a single Vulcan that matched the description Vee had given him. Jim groaned inwardly. There was nothing for it, he decided. It was time to go back to the shuttle and retrieve his PADD and his communicator. He’d let Commander Vian know that there was no sign of Tavalik and ask her what she advised him to do about it. Jim frowned. He’d always imagined that Vulcans would be sticklers for punctuality. Not this one. Apparently.
The sound of heavy rain drummed on the high domed ceiling. The colorful stained glass was now muted as thick storm clouds had crowded the sunlight out. Jim sighed, knowing that he’d be walking in the downpour to reach his shuttle. He looked out the glass doors, hoping to see some sort of cover going up over the paths to the docked shuttles. No such luck. It wouldn’t be so bad, he tried to reason. If he wasn’t there on business, he’d be all too happy to walk in the rain. That thought made him smile.
Jim turned and scanned the Atrium one more time, hoping to spot his missing guest speaker. There were more people now in the Atrium, driven in by the pouring rain. Jim wondered if he was just procrastinating having to reach out to Vian or Tevis to tell them that the much-anticipated lecturer was a no-show. Turning to walk out of the atrium, his eyes rested on a tall figure in black standing near the lip of the pond. Their back was to Jim, but he could see the graceful curve of Vulcan ears. Black hair. This Vulcan appeared male and looked to be Jim’s height, or a hair taller. Jim smiled in relief. He was going to complete this mission. This was cutting it close. They would barely arrive in time for the conference to start on schedule.
Spock
Spock watched a large bioluminescent fish move lazily in the pond. Its fins were nearly transparent and quivered like the fans of a dancer. He’d never seen anything like it. The sound of rain on the domed ceiling became deafening. Thunder rolled across the sky, causing a few travelers to squeak and squeal in fright. The light precipitation was now a deluge. The noise of the sheeting rain was hypnotic.
Spock noticed a blur of motion out of his peripheral vision. He turned to face them. It was a young human. He was lean and square-jawed. He had dark, expressive brows and was smiling at Spock as if they knew one another. Spock arched a brow. He’d never met this man. Spock was certain because he’d remember him. Then he noticed the man’s clothes. Under his grey jacket was a bright teal shirt. Ah, Spock thought.
“Hello, hi.” Jim stopped himself and remembered the Vulcan salute. He held up his right hand, splaying his fingers with care.
“Live, long and prosper,” Spock said.
“I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” Jim said. The acoustics in the building were terrible. The noisy storm was drowning out his words.
“I do not know why that is.” Spock stared cooly at this rather attractive sex worker. This was a strange way to engage a potential client, he mused.
“Right.” Tavalik, Jim thought, was trying to make it sound like he’d been there the entire time and put the onus on Jim for getting them to the conference late. “Well, I’m very honored to meet you and I’m here to give you a ride,”
Spock puffed out a tiny breath of air. “I do not require your services.”
Jim clasped his hands behind his back. “How else do you expect to get aboard the ship?”
“I’m not familiar with that euphemism. However, I assure you I have no intentions of docking in your port.” Spock stepped forward, making sure he was heard over the heavy rainfall. Spock found this man’s tenacity and aggressive approach surprisingly arousing. “I expect you will find many who wish to bed you.”
“What?!” Jim interrupted. “I’m not trying to fuck you. I’m trying to get you to the conference, Tavalik.”
“Tavalik? I am not Tavalik. Do you believe all Vulcans look alike? Are we interchangeable to you?”
Jim stood up straighter. He had the wrong man.
Shit.
Jim parted his mouth to speak, but Spock cut him off.
“While I take no issue with your profession,” Spock’s tone while neutral registered in Jim’s ears as condescending.
“Hold on,” Jim raised his hand. He didn’t know how this guy knew he was Starfleet, but he wasn’t about to stand there and listen to someone that thought he was trying to cruise them in a space dock talk shit about his career choices. “What exactly do you think you know about my profession?” Jim stepped forward. They were now inches apart.
“Prostitution is an ancient service,” Spock began.
“I’m not a prostitute!” Jim blurted.
“Then why are you wearing that shirt?”
Jim looked down at his teal shirt. It was just a shirt? “Is this some kind of Vulcan prank?” Jim remembered Commander Vian stating that Tavalik thought humans were idiots. Maybe this Vulcan had the same bigoted ideas.
“I assure you it is not. You’ll forgive me if I don’t feel compelled to explain the nuances of Vulcan culture to you.” Spock was running out of patience.
“I’m,” Jim looked around, hoping he’d spot Tavalik, he could feel his cheeks flushing, “I’m Lieutenant James T. Kirk of the USS Farragut, I’m here to collect Tavalik for a conference that’s going to be held on my ship.”
“If you’re here on Federation business, why are you out of uniform?” Spock found this man’s behavior highly suspicious. He rested a hand on his communicator. It was common knowledge that the Farragut and the Enterprise were in orbit. Anyone could lie and say they were there to collect an unsuspecting ambassador.
“Because my commander advised me against it.”
“That is not protocol.” Spock paused, recalling the name of the Commander on the Farragut, “Commander Vian,”
“How do you know my Commander?” Jim felt his hackles rise.
Who is this guy?!
“I do not know her personally,” Spock said. Spock’s communicator chimed. Spock took a step back before answering it, keeping his eyes on this, James T. Kirk. Kirk. The name struck him like lightning. This was Sam Kirk’s brother. Jim was a diminutive of James.
Of course, he is a Kirk!
“Spock here.” Suddenly, this human’s bizarre behavior made much more sense.
“Spock, we’re still having trouble with the transporters. The good news is I’ve just been in touch with Chief Kostenko of the Farragut. He informed me that their Lieutenant Kirk is at the Lamorak Space Port now. He was sent to pick up a speaker for a conference or something. I don’t know all the details, but Kostenko is trying to reach him now.”
“I have eyes on him,” Spock said dryly.
Jim and Spock stared at one another.
“Great. Hitch a ride with him to the Enterprise. The transporters are going to take hours to get up and running safely again. Kyle out.”
“Chief Kyle,” Spock said quickly, but not quick enough. Chief Kyle had disconnected.
“My shuttle’s right out those doors. It’s a bit of a walk. We’re going to get a little wet. Unfortunately,” Jim said.
“I am aware of the effects of exposure to rain, Lieutenant Kirk,” Spock said stiffly.
Jim wasn’t sure he liked this guy even a little, but he was going to keep it professional. “So, you know I’m Lieutenant Kirk of the Farragut. And you are?”
“Lieutenant Spock, First Science Officer of the USS Enterprise.”
“That means you work with…” Jim was cut off by his brother’s boss.
“Lieutenant Sam Kirk, your brother the xeno-anthropoligist,” Spock headed for the doors, heading in the general direction of where the shuttle and a few other crafts were docked.
“My brother speaks highly of you. He says you’re a genius. It’s a pleasure to put a face to the name,” Jim said, trying a little charm, although he was fairly certain it was too late for that.
Spock glanced at Jim but said nothing.
Sam had said Spock was a genius. Jim wasn’t going to mention that Sam had also said Spock had an entire yardstick up his ass and was a neat freak.
“Sam Kirk has a creative approach to his work. It is admirable,” Spock said, choosing his words with care. Creative in his mind was interchangeable with unorthodox, unconventional, and sometimes bordering on the absurd, because the man couldn’t keep his lab space in any state of cleanliness and seemed to leave a trail of chaos wherever he went, much like a snail left mucopolysaccharide in its wake. It was astounding Sam Kirk got anything done. Yet despite his chaotic nature he completed all of his tasks, which was admirable.
The pair of them walked on in mutual silence.
Jim hoped Sam wouldn’t laugh himself to death when he heard about them meeting for the first time. Icy rain was coming down in sheets. A few drops slid down the back of his collar and made him shiver. Jim walked quickly. He was tempted to run, but he didn’t know if Spock would do that. He didn’t seem the type to ‘run through the rain’. To hell with it, Jim thought.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to run ahead. You’re welcome to keep up. If you can.” Jim smiled and then started running. It felt pretty good, he went from three jogging strides into an actual run. While he couldn’t outrun his problems, which today was dealing with Vulcans, he could at least burn off some steam. In a matter of seconds, on his left Spock was beside him stride for stride. Jim kicked it up a bit and ran faster. His regulation Starfleet boots kept him from slipping on the wet path.
Spock hadn’t run in a long time, and feeling the stretch in his legs and the lift in his pulse was satisfying. There was only one Starfleet shuttle at the far end of the landing docks, so he knew where they were headed. With ease, he began to outstrip his fellow Lieutenant. A small smile ticked at the corner of his lips.
Jim realized Spock was passing him. He told himself that it didn’t matter. Spock wouldn’t be able to board the shuttle without him. And yet, Jim found it irritating. Jim picked up the pace and sprinted ahead of Spock. Soon the two of them were running at full speed. Spock never gave up his lead. Before Jim knew it, they were practically at the Shuttle’s doors. He came to a skidding stop and had to do a short loop back to not stumble. Spock elegantly turned on his heels and came to a full stop.
Jim, trying his level best to breathe evenly, walked over to the touchpad and opened the doors. What first started as an amusing little jaunt now felt like salt rubbed into a wound. “After you,” Jim said a little breathlessly.
“Thank you.” Spock sounded like the sprint across several meters had been as easy for him as strolling across the bridge of a ship.
Jim’s jacket squelched with water when he took his seat. His pants were sodden and getting cold quickly. He pulled lightly at the front of his shirt. It was stuck to his skin. He frowned and focused on the control console, preparing the shuttle to take off. He located the Enterprise in its orbit and adjusted his destination on the shuttle’s log accordingly. Spock approached the chair next to him, scooped up Jim’s communicator and PADD, and held them out to him. “It appears you have incoming missives.”
Jim reached over and took them without looking at Spock. “Thanks,”
This guy.
Jim opened the messages in his PADD. There were two messages from Commander Vian informing him that Tavalik had canceled at the last minute and that he should return to Farragut. The second message had been sent thirty minutes later asking him to confirm he had received the first message and if he was on his way back to the Farragut. The third and final message was from Chief Kostenko informing him he was to meet with Lieutenant Spock, the First Science Officer of the USS Enterprise, and to deliver him to his ship. Jim typed out brief replies to both of them while Spock sat silently beside him. Jim could feel his cheeks burning. Leaving his communicator and his PADD on the ship was a rookie mistake, he wouldn’t think twice about it if he was there alone, but of course, he had the first Science Officer of the Federation’s flagship sitting right next to him. He assumed Spock would mention this whole fiasco to Captain Pike. Jim felt his stomach flop. Jim decided he’d feel better when he was back in his quarters and in a clean, dry uniform, and Spock was back on the Enterprise. Far away from him. He felt a brief flash of sympathy for Sam.
“I do not believe the Lamorak Port Controller is going to permit us to take off in this weather,” Spock said, his voice tense.
“The Shuttle can handle this weather,” Jim said, powering up the shuttle. Jim wondered if Spock was a nervous passenger. That was if Vulcans actually got nervous. “I’m a very experienced pilot, for what it’s worth.”
“I don’t doubt your skills. I’m merely thinking of the rules and regulations of older docks such as this one.”
Spock was practically speaking through clenched teeth. Jim blew out air from his nostrils and was about to notify the Dock Controllers that he was prepared to takeoff when he got an incoming communication. He opened the message on screen. It was as Spock had predicted, a notification that all vessels were being asked to remain docked until the worst of the storm had passed from Lamorak Dock Controllers.
“This is ridiculous,” Jim said, sitting back. He immediately sat forward, feeling the cold wet cloth of his shirt plaster itself to him. “Ugh,” He grunted.
“I concur,” Spock said through his teeth.
Jim looked over at Spock. His shoulders were high, his back was straight, and his hands were gripping at the armrests. Jim frowned, taking in Spock’s compressed lips. They were looking a little pale. That was when he realized Spock wasn’t angry, although he sounded like it. Spock was freezing.
“Spock, maybe you should change out of your wet clothes?”
Spock remembered his uniform in his bag. “Yes.” Spock stood up. There wasn’t a private space to change. He decided it didn’t matter. He stood up and walked behind the chair he’d been sitting in. Without further ado, he stripped off his wet clothes.
Jim was getting cold too. He adjusted the shuttle’s temperature controls. He glanced over at Spock as he was stepping into some regulation Starfleet trousers. Jim looked away again quickly. Spock had opted out of wearing underwear. Jim smiled to himself and then laughed softly.
“Do you find something amusing?”
“No, well. No, not really. I was just wondering.” Jim stood up and pulled off his jacket. There was no reason to sit around in soggy clothes. He could feel Spock watching him, waiting for him to continue speaking. “Why did you think I was a prostitute?” Jim peeled his damp shirt off over his head.
“You do not know?” Spock paused. “The sex workers of Lamorak all wear teal. It’s an unspoken way of advertising their services.” Spock’s eyes traveled over Jim, who was now shirtless. Jim was raking his fingers through his hair. After a brief moment of thoughtful silence, Kirk barked out a loud laugh.
“I had no idea.” Jim glanced at Spock and smiled at him broadly. Spock averted his eyes and knelt on one knee to pull on his boots.
Jim stripped off the rest of his wet clothes and pulled out a loose knit sweater and pants from a small locker where other emergency supplies were stored. “I thought today was going to be so simple.”
“As did I.” Spock commiserated.
Both Jim and Spock settled back into their seats.
“I don’t think all Vulcans look alike. You just fit the description I was given of Tavalik. I couldn’t pull up his likeness because I left my PADD here on the shuttle. I know. It was a rookie mistake.”
“I’m familiar with Tavalik, we studied together. He and I are similar in appearance.” Spock said matter of factly.
Jim picked up his PADD and opened the file on Tavalik. Jim looked at an image of Tavalik, his eyes weren’t just cold, they were lifeless. His mouth was tight like a closed fist, and his chin was as narrow as a knife point. “I disagree.” Tavalik looked, Jim mused, like a man who had never tasted anything sweet or kissed anyone he loved. “You two do not look alike at all.”
“Why is that?” Spock’s brows twitched.
Jim smirked looking at the screen, “He’s not as handsome as you are.”
Spock’s cheeks grew warm. “It is a subjective description, to be handsome. One based on opinion. We are close in height and age. We both have dark hair and eyes.”
“He doesn’t have your full lips or expressive eyes,” Jim said, looking Spock in the eyes.
“He does not have the benefits of my mother’s human genes. Perhaps that is why you find me handsome.” Spock sniffed lightly and seemed very interested in the screen on the console in front of him.
“You’re half human, yeah Sam mentioned that. That could be it. I think it’s the combination of being Vulcan and human.” Jim leaned his head back on the headrest of his chair and kept his eyes on Spock. Spock sat back and rested his hands in his lap. He turned his head, glanced at Jim, and then looked straight ahead.
Jim sat forward and turned in his chair. He held out his hand. “Lieutenant Jim Kirk of the Farragut. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lieutenant Spock.”
Spock looked at him curiously. Jim had his hand held out, expecting a handshake. After a slight hesitation, Spock reached out and shook Jim’s hand. “Why are you doing this?”
“Because I want a second chance at making a first impression.” Jim’s hand gently gripped Spock’s.
“That is impossible.”
Jim smiled and said, “Not for me.” Jim punctuated the statement with a wink.
The corner of Spock’s mouth ticked up a fraction. He narrowed his eyes in thought. “I might be persuaded to believe you, Jim.”
Spock felt Jim’s warm hand close firmly around his.
Oh, was Spock’s only thought for the duration of the simple and strangely profound first contact between them.