Shot in the Dark: Chapter Twenty-two

Jim Kirk sat in his cabin, staring blankly at his holo-screen. He didn't know if he could handle another movie about giant space bees. He had already watched three—and there were three more in the series. Throwing the remote control onto the couch next to him with an annoyed huff, he looked around the room to try and find something to keep him occupied.

He scanned the bookshelf on the far wall, squinting to see the titles. When he was almost positive he had read every single volume, he sighed and tried to locate another activity. The chess board sat on an end table, pieces ready for an epic battle of minds. Problem was, there was only one of him—and he was pretty sure playing chess against himself would be pretty sad.

Reaching forward to rifle through the vid chips on the coffee table, he briefly contemplated watching another film—possibly space spiders this time—but quickly shot his own idea down. He collapsed back into the plush cushions of the sofa and let out an audible groan.

Boredom was definitely starting to set in.

Bones wouldn't let him out of his cabin without an escort; even then, it was only to Sick Bay. He desperately wanted to go to the bridge, to see his crew—to get back to work.

His body felt fine, his mind sharp. There we no nightmares, no flashbacks, nothing that could hamper his ability to command. Nothing Jim said or did seemed to convince his CMO that he was fit for duty.

McCoy, he decided, was just being mean.

Pouting even though no one was around to see it, Kirk finally rose and stretched his arms over his head. He shuffled over to his small kitchenette and rooted around in the cabinets. He scowled as he found none of the treats and little nibbles that he had acquired from the last supply delivery. Captain's prerogative ensured that he always had his favorite junk food items on-hand.

That was, until McCoy had purged his kitchen and hiding places of anything unhealthy. The Doctor had claimed it was for his own good, but Jim disagreed.

Reaching into the very back of the highest cupboard, he raked his fingers over the smooth—and very empty—metal. With a growl and an expletive, he resigned to the fact that Bones had cleared out even his best hiding places.

But the young Captain would not be deterred.

Smirking with determination, he realized he could outsmart his adversary. He padded over to the replicator and activated it.

"Computer, hot fudge sundae with whipped cream and peanuts."

The device buzzed angrily and the screen turned red. "Item not authorized."

Jim smiled slyly and tapped his fingers together. He knew just what to do in this situation.

"Computer, override. Authorization Kirk-three-nine-delta."

"Authorization denied. Medical override."

"You have got to be kidding me!" Kirk stomped his foot. This little trick of his always worked. He could feel his face flush at the fact that he had been bested. Flipping the defenseless computer the bird, Jim trudged back to the couch and plopped down. Disappointment set in as he realized that he would probably never again be able to eat forbidden treats.

He sat in silence for a long moment, wallowing in his sadness for his loss. Jim vowed to get even with McCoy.

The door chimed and, looking at his chronometer, Kirk surmised it could only be one person.

"Dammit, Bones…you had better have a good explanation for the replicator! Door's open!"

It slid open and, to Jim's surprise it didn't reveal Leonard McCoy.

There, standing in the corridor—actually standing—was Christopher Pike.

He held a silver-tipped walking stick tightly in his right hand, steadying himself.

"Admiral! I'm…so sorry about answering the door like that!" Kirk moved to stand.

"Don't get up, James." He slowly moved into the cabin, the door swooshing closed behind him. He motioned to the chair beside the couch with his cane. "May I?"

"Of course."

Pike eased himself into the chair with a slight wince, followed by a sigh. He leaned the walking stick against the armrest before turning his attention to the young Captain. "Do I even want to know about the 'replicator thing'?"

"Probably not." Jim leaned forward to shake Pike's hand. "Admiral, forgive me if I sound disrespectful…but what are you doing here?"

"I hitched a ride on a freighter. 'Snuck on board at the space station. I was getting tired of talking to you over subspace frequencies."

"A freighter? Not very befitting of an Admiral." Jim smirked.

"Well, when situations involve you and the need to get to you…one can't be picky. Besides, I didn't want the rest of the Admiralty up my ass, if you know what I mean."

Jim chuckled. "It's good to see you, Sir."

"Likewise. You look like you're on the mend."

"I could say the same of you. It's…wonderful to see you out of that chair."

Pike tapped his fingers on the handle of his cane. "It's wonderful to be out of the chair. My legs and spine are still weak, and will more than likely never recover fully—but that's just something I'll have to live with." He inhaled deeply before letting out his breath. His expression was stern, but caring. "But that's not what I came all this way to talk about."

Jim's shoulders drooped. He knew the lecture was coming—and that he deserved it. "Admiral, I…"

Pike held up a hand. "Don't talk, James. Just listen."

Kirk's mouth snapped shut and he obeyed.

"I've read all the reports. I've talked with McCoy. I know what happened down there. I know why you did what you had to do."

"I'm so sorry, Admiral. Some of my actions down on the surface were rooted in personal emotions, and it almost got me and my entire team killed."

"Now, I'll be the first to admit that I was mad as hell when I first found out what you did. I mean, surrendering to a maniac just to go after a member of your crew? You do realize just how many rules you broke just by doing that, right?"

Jim nodded solemnly.

"But…after talking with your CMO, I came to realize you actually performed with the utmost valor and sacrifice I think I've ever seen in an officer—or man." Pike stared at him silently for a moment.

"I let my emotions get the better of me, Sir."

"James, someone you care about deeply was ripped away from you. And then on top of it, you were tortured and left for dead. I can't say I wouldn't have acted the same way." Pike leaned forward to look his young protégé straight in the eyes. "Ka'al was a tyrant. He needed to be stopped. He genuinely threatened your life and those of your away team in his office. While the manner in which he died is, shall we say—cloudy…" Pike's eyes hinted at his implied deception. "…the fact of the matter is that he needed to be removed from power. You could have showed a little more self-control in doing so, but the job got done and the people of Xentia have been saved."

"It still doesn't change the fact that I acted irrationally. It's no excuse, and I'm prepared to take responsibility."

"Listen, I know about war. I know about split-second decisions. I know that in the heat of battle, shit happens—pardon my French." The older man's eyes twinkled as he smiled. "You were under the influence of a mind-altering device, flooded with adrenaline and doing what you thought was best to save not only your crew but an entire city as well."

"I killed Ka'al in cold blood!" Jim's face flushed red and his voice echoed off the walls. He immediately regretted losing his cool in front of his mentor and friend—not to mention one of the most influential Admirals in the entire fleet. "Admiral, please forg—"

"James…it's been taken care of." Pike's voice was calm and matter-of-fact.

Kirk licked his dry lips. His expression was one of confusion and relief. "I don't understand. How?"

"Don't underestimate the power of clout, kid."

"Clout?"

"Yes. As in 'I have a lot of it'. I made sure the brass saw it my way."

Kirk was in absolute shock. The moment he saw Pike enter his cabin, he thought for sure he was on his way out the door for his actions. "Your way?"

"I put my own ass on the line and agreed on your behalf that you'd have a complete medical and psychological workup. You'll also have to undergo a competency hearing, per standard procedure. It shouldn't take more than a day and Starfleet has agreed to let you do it over subspace channels."

"But what if they don't clear me?"

"They will."

Jim's voice shook slightly. "But…"

"They will."

In an instant, Kirk felt at ease. Maybe it was Pike's tone, maybe his words—hell, maybe it was just the sheer fact that he was sitting right there in front of him—but he knew everything was going to be alright. Kirk felt it in his bones that the Admiral spoke the truth, and that he wouldn't be losing his commission. The man's soft voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"As far as I'm concerned, this agreement with Starfleet for check-ups is just a formality. The only thing that matters here is that you are alive and well, the ship is safe and was never damaged and the Xentians have their planet back. You acted well within your rights—and the tenets of Starfleet regulation." Pike sat back in the chair once more, draping his arms on the armrests. "You and your CMO did one hell of a job down there. You should be proud."

Jim couldn't help the small smile that crossed his lips at the mention of McCoy. He figured from Pike's comment earlier about 'someone he cared about being ripped away' meant that the older man knew about their relationship, but he couldn't be sure. He decided to tread lightly until he could confirm it.

"I would be dead if it weren't for the heroism of Doctor McCoy. I hope Starfleet will consider a commendation for him for his actions. I would be more than happy to write any letter of recommendations that are needed."

Pike shook his head and smiled. "Listen to yourself, Jim. I know you're trying so hard to be professional when it's written all over your face."

Kirk tried to play it cool. "I don't understand what you're getting at, Sir."

"You and Doctor McCoy are in a relationship. And I want you to know that I'm totally supportive of it—as long as you keep your personal lives personal and professional lives the same."

Jim was dumbfounded, even though he knew deep down he shouldn't be. Christopher Pike was a kind and understanding man, and a good friend. If anyone would be alright with them, it would be him. But it was apparent from his tone with the last phrase that he also meant business when it came to Starfleet.

"I don't know what to say, Admiral. Thank you."

"You don't have to say anything. Love is powerful and ultimately needed in our lives. It makes us who we are and we can't deny it—even when we want to. Just don't let it interfere with any Federation business." Pike pointed a warning finger at the young Captain. "Because if it does, I'll deal with you both…and you won't like it."

Jim smiled appreciatively. "Understood, Admiral."

"Good." Pike stretched his back into the plush chair. "So, I'm on board for a few more hours before I can catch a proper ride back to Earth…what do you do for fun around here?"

Kirk smiled broadly. "How's about a game of chess?"

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The Next Day

"God, this uniform never felt so good."

Captain Kirk straightened his gold command tunic as he readied himself to leave for his first day back on duty in more than two weeks.

"Just make sure you take it easy, alright?"

Jim turned to look at Leonard, lounging on his couch. His arms were crossed over his stomach, his brows furrowed.

"I'll be fine, Bones. I'm just going to be sitting in a chair the whole time. What could go wrong?"

"Would you like me to list everything? Alphabetical order or by the type of injury you might sustain?" McCoy rose and moved towards the young Captain. The Doctor came around behind him and wrapped his arms gently around his waist. "I mean it; go slow today…and for the next week. I don't want you back in medical for anything other than what I'm sure will be countless annoying visits."

Jim swiveled around to face him. "It wouldn't be the same if I didn't." He placed his lips lightly on that of his CMO. They stayed that way for what seemed like eternity to Kirk before the older man pulled away and released his embrace.

"You're a fucking infant, you know that?"

Kirk winked. "That's 'Captain Infant' to you."

"Shut up and let's go. You're going to be late." McCoy walked to the door and opened it. "And wipe that shit-eating grin off of your face. You look like a fool."

Jim stuck his tongue out at the Doctor, causing the older man to roll his eyes as they made their way into the corridor. As they walked to the turbolift, crew members stopped to salute their Captain, or welcome him back to duty. Kirk acknowledged them with smiles and thank-you's, and a few firm handshakes.

Everyone seemed genuinely happy to see him back in the saddle.

They stopped at the lift and waited for it to respond. The doors swooshed open and McCoy ushered him inside. They both took a deep breath—in unison—when the doors closed.

"You sure you're ready, kid? I'd be more than happy to authorize another day or two off."

"I've never been more ready in my life. I need to get back into the swing of things." Kirk inhaled deeply and closed his eyes, letting his head thump against the metallic wall of the lift car. "I'm a Captain…I need to be in my chair."

"Just promise me—"

Jim's eyes snapped open and he stopped the lift with a swipe of this thumb. He moved towards Leonard. "I'm not going anywhere, Bones. I'm not going to get hurt. I'm going to pace myself. Everything's gonna be okay." He quickly kissed him before resuming the lift's movement.

"You certainly know how to charm a guy, you know that?" McCoy's hand lingered in Jim's for a few seconds, only removing it right before the doors opened.

Kirk smirked and took a deep breath as he strode out of the cab.

"Captain on the bridge!"

XxX XxX XxX XxX XxX XxX

Epilogue

"When are you going to come to bed?"

Kirk's fingers flew over his keypad, his eyes flitting back and forth as he scanned the planned agenda of the next few months. Planetary surveys, supply runs, and even a little bit of shore leave for the crew. After all, after what happened over the last few months—it was well deserved.

"I'll be there in a minute."

"You said that a half hour ago." The voice from the bedroom sounded annoyed—and exhausted. McCoy had spent the better part of the last forty-eight hours in Sick Bay thanks to a plethora of ailments from crew members, the worst of which required him to be in surgery for more than half a day. Kirk knew he was tired.

But he also knew he wouldn't sleep until he joined him.

Even though he still had a few files to look over, he decided it could wait until morning. The prospect of a warm bed—and an even warmer bed-mate—was too inviting. And he hated to admit it, especially to Bones, but he was completely knackered.

"I'm shutting down now, I promise."

Kirk powered down and rose from his desk chair, popping his neck with a side-to-side roll. Padding into the small bedroom, he found McCoy lounging with a PADD resting on his stomach, fighting to keep his eyes from fluttering shut. He approached the bed and pulled back the sheets. Leonard's eyes shot open.

"Hey, you're letting the cold air in!"

Jim hurriedly scrambled under the covers and he curled up next to his partner. He devilishly pressed his bare feet up against McCoy's legs.

"Goddammit, Jim! Your feet are like ice!"

The young Captain giggled like a child. "I know…"

"You bastard. Get away from me." Leonard pushed him from his personal space as he tossed his PADD to the carpeted floor.

Kirk just laughed as he commanded the lights off. After a moment, he tried to snuggle back into McCoy's arms—and was successful. They pair laid in the darkness until McCoy broke the silence.

"Just what were you looking at, anyway?"

Jim sighed. "Just the next few months' worth of paperwork. It seems like we're going to be seeing some pretty interesting places."

"Oh yeah, like what? I'm guessing its planets where you can get yourself into all kinds of trouble."

Kirk snorted. "You're always looking for the worst-case scenario."

"That's because you're a walking worst-case scenario." He hugged Jim close to his body before leaning over to plant a kiss on the man's forehead. "But you're my worst-case scenario."

"You wouldn't want it any other way."

"I beg to differ." Leonard exhaled deeply and let his eyes close. "So, tell me a bedtime story of all these fantastic and I'm sure allergy-inducing worlds."

"Well, there's this one called Nibiru…"

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Author's Note: Well, here it is. It took me the better part of seventeen months, several temper tantrums and a much needed break to get mojo back—but this series is finally finished.

I want to thank my beta, QuietRaine for all her hard work and support. This is a journey we made together and I'm so thankful for everything you've done for me!

Thank you to everyone who has reviewed/followed/favorited. I know that there were some big gaps in updates, but you know—life happens. (And for those of you who are interested, Dissociation is up next and will be finished…hopefully quickly, because…)

My next writing venture will be starting soon—a piece of original fiction. I'm both excited and terrified. Don't worry, I won't abandon my fanfic writing, but don't expect any multi-chap stuff anymore (or at least for a very long time.) I have a number of oneshots in various stages of completion that will make appearances from time-to-time, probably when I need a break from my novel.

If you want to keep up with my writing progress and journey, you can follow my blog. (check my profile for the link) I swear a lot—and write about the band A-ha (my other passion.)

Thank you again to everyone. Your reviews were wonderful to read and so very kind, and they meant the world to me. I'm so happy that you all could enjoy this adventure, and that you all were so supportive.

All my love,

Bebedora.

and