Title: Ghosts

Author: Takada Saiko

A/N: Okay, I'm at a standstill at my other Star Trek fic, so I'm working on this because I've got a better idea how to go from point A to point B on this one… I think. This is movie based, with the exception of the Spock and Uhura action. That disturbed me like none other. I, personally, am a UhuraXScotty shipper, myself, but alas. I would have been OK with it if they had either explained something more about it or perhaps made it either Christine Chapel or that one chick that I've totally blanked out on the name of from the spores episode. Or drugged him, because all fans of the original series know that Spock must be drugged or something to that extent to show attraction to the opposite sex. It's okay, Uhura, you're wonderful and I still think you and Scotty belong together!!

Okay, this takes place directly after the movie. Bear with me, I know what I'm doing. Honest. Truly. Maybe.

Onward!

Chapter One.

He had saved Earth, and this was the thanks that he got. True, he'd been allowed to graduate and promoted straight to captain – unheard of in the history of Starfleet – but he was sure that some in the higher-ups was after just one more good jab at Jim Kirk. As strange as the situation had been to start, they had made it stranger. Not only had they claimed that he had one more test to take before officially being allowed to leave out in command of the Enterprise, but they had informed him that the young half-Vulcan that he had gone from hating to a budding friendship with was going to give him the test. It was almost a sure fail without actually taking Spock's class, but there was no time for a semester-long course, was there? Not with the Enterprise scheduled to leave out in less than a week and the teacher in question having joined the crew as science officer.

"I'm not asking you to give me the answers or anything," Kirk grumbled, leaning back against a table and watching his first officer jot down a few last notes.

"Of course not, Captain," Spock answered, shooting the blond man a look that told him he truly didn't believe what he had just said.

"Spock, I can't fail this. We leave out in less than a week."

"I am aware of this, Captain."

"And technically I've already graduated."

"Technically, yes, but they will not give you the Enterprise without fulfilling the credit for the last class." The Vulcan glanced back at the Human and barely kept himself from sighing. "We will leave out on time, Jim."

"It's just… abnormal. They acknowledge everything we did, honoured us with our positions in Starfleet, but they're still requiring that I take one final test for the credit, and they're asking you to give it to me. Even Pike thought it was weird."

There was a glint in Spock's dark eyes that Jim would swear years later was a Vulcan smile. "Is there a problem with your first officer giving you the test?"

"No, it's just… Damn it, did you volunteer to do this?" He glared evenly at the dark haired hybrid.

"Of course not, Captain. Our academic superiors merely realized I was one of the few remaining teachers here that could administer the test without biased. You've created quite a stir. For the better, obviously." He reached out and handed his superior officer the papers he had been writing on.

"Obviously," Kirk grinned and took the notes. His eyes widened when he saw what it was. "Spock I'm not asking-"

"I would not help you cheat, Captain," the alien assured him. "That is only a guide to help you. Starfleet's attempt to delay is should not be given in to, though I have received orders that this test is to assess your full understanding of the subject. This is my… compromise, as it stands."

"No rest," Kirk answered with a grin. "Alright, Spock, thanks then."

The Vulcan arched an eyebrow. "You are welcome, I believe is the correct response, is it not?"

"It is. Say, Spock, after I pass this test, you'll go out to celebrate with Bones and me before we leave, won't you?"

Spock looked wary at this. "I believe that is better suited to you and Dr. McCoy's tastes."

"C'mon, if I get an A in your class."

"You have not taken my class, Captain, and I assure you that if you did you would not receive an A for it."

"They always said you were a pain-in-the-ass teacher, Spock. I'll see you tomorrow for the test."

"I won't be administering the test. I have prior commitments, but I assure you that I will have it graded in time for us to leave on time, sir."

"I have no doubt in your capabilities, Mr. Spock," Jim answered and clasped in on the shoulder. "I'll just feel better when we're out there. You know what I mean?"

Spock stared at him for a long moment before the Human shook his head, murmuring something about the fact that Spock would understand someday and left to study. The Vulcan remained in once had been his office for a long moment before stepping out, locking it for the last time. He pulled a communicator from his pocket. "I will be arriving at the embassy. All is still as it was?"

"The funeral has not been changed."

The young Vulcan clenched his teeth, forcing control over his emotions. "Very well then," he managed and closed the communicator. His father would be waiting for him at the embassy and he would attend the funeral that should have been performed on Vulcan. Many had already been carried out after the destruction of his home planet, but even Starfleet's orders regarding his captain could not keep him from his own mother's funeral. He would attend, with the utmost control that he could have, and then he would return, pass Kirk, and they would leave this planet for regions unknown. Set in this, Commander Spock turned on his heel and started for the transporter that would take him to the Vulcan Embassy.

A/N: That's the beginning. I'm a review addict, so please, feed the addiction.