Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek. I do, however, own an overactive imagination, and the ability to never write seriously.

Apologies for the long absence. I'm still not entirely sure what happened. Oh yeah - I wrote a Britchell fic over on AO3. I think that's the best excuse I can come up with... Enjoy!

"Spock! You have to leave now! That is an order."

Spock regarded the officers in front of him cooly. It had been 24 hours since Captain James T. Kirk had ventured down to the unknown planet below, and 23.95 hours since anyone had heard from either him or his security team. The Commander had therefore been advance to Acting Captain whilst Kirk was off the ship (and missing), which was why he was currently dealing with some very annoying council members.

Not that Spock would ever admit to being annoyed - the pointy-eared hobgoblin was too goddamn suave for that.

Spock mentally shook himself. His time with Doctor McCoy was clearly wearing off on him. He would have to curb his inner monologue until this development could be studied further. In the meantime, he had a missing captain and an irate council to deal with.

"With all due respect, sirs, it is not necessary for us to return home for debriefing. We have no information for you that I have not already given. I do not understand your motivation."

Archer leaned forward. "Listen Spock," he whispered conspiriately , "we need you back here now. Kirk is missing, and it's not a task for you. We need the Enterprise. War's gonna break out of you don't haul your ass back here quick."

Spock cocked his head. "It would be stupid to travel without our captain, and would break further Starfleet regulations if we were to abandon him withou-"

"Goddamnit Spock!" Pike exploded. "I know it's hard to leave Jim, but we need you all here. You're second in command, you can take over. After all this is finished, you can look for him. He'll be fine. You know as well as I do that he can survive whatever this universe throws at him. But we can't. You have to head back to Earth. That's an order. It's final. The council has made their decision."

"And I recognise that the council had made a decision. However, seeming as it is an illogical one, I have elected to ignore it." Spock spun on his heel, signalling to Uhura to terminate the transmission before addressing the bridge. "In accordance with Starfleet regulation 1472 section b, I hereby authorise the use of a shuttle on a class M planet. I will need a volunteer squad. Who wishes to assist?"

As every hand in the room was raised, Spock was sure he could here a grumble from Doctor McCoy's corner.

"Damnit man, I'm a Doctor, not Indiana Jones.