Prison of the Incomplete

[madimpossibledreamer]

I've gone and gotten myself sick, so this sucks.
~Dreamer~

Main Points:
Star Trek (the 2009!movie verse) Cambion AU
Summary: Jim needs to talk to Prime!Spock...
Word Count: 2543
Rating: Teen, probably

 

        “I’m sorry to bother you during the rebuilding of Vulcan civilization, and I wouldn’t have commed you if it wasn’t important…” Kirk rambles, and Spock takes a moment or two to marvel at the differences between this Jim and his Jim.
        “Please, old friend.  If you need me, then I’ll be there,” the elderly Vulcan insists, and the Captain sighs, stopping his pacing to sit uncomfortably.
        “Okay.  First, I should know how much you know about the differences due to the mind meld.”  He’s, oddly enough, becoming utterly professional, taking refuge in his position.  It’s an awfully Vulcan thing to do.
        “A little, but there was a purpose to our minds joining, and I didn’t wish to pry.”  Spock tries to reassure this younger version of his friend.  It’s a question as to how successful he is.
        “What I’m about to tell you is a secret, even from Starfleet.  You can’t tell them,” Captain Kirk insists.
        Spock thinks about the request and nods with the gravity it deserves.  “You defied orders to ensure I did not die during pon farr—and that is merely one instance of you saving my life.  You have earned my friendship, loyalty, and respect.  I trust the situation is one in which silence is logical.”
        Jim relaxes a little, which only highlights the tense way he’s holding himself.  “All right.  I don’t know how it relates to the time travel, but I’m fairly certain it’s a difference between your universe and ours.  George Kirk is not really my father.”
        Spock reacts with surprise and doesn’t try to hide it.  “How did you learn of this?”  He places a comforting hand on Kirk’s shoulder, which is a very human thing to do, and the man doesn’t try to move away.  How well was he taking this news?
        “Ages ago.  I realized I wasn’t like most people.”  His hands look twitchy.  He never did like sitting still.  “I need sex like most people need food.  Not like I don’t need food, too.  George was likely impersonated by…well, basically an incubus.  I don’t know if you know—”
        “I read about old Earth mythology,” Spock reassures him, before adding, “…Fascinating.  Given George Kirk’s place in this universe, I assume that is merely one reason to keep this from Starfleet.  Is there a way I can help?”
        “Probably not true in your Prime Universe, huh?” Jim sounds a little bitter, but it’s not in Spock to blame him for a perfectly reasonable reaction to the situation.
        “Given how often the Captain was celibate, the situation you describe is unlikely.”  Captain Kirk looks startled, like the thought of celibacy is something so far out of reach it had never occurred to him.  Given Jim’s tendencies toward gentlemanly behavior and romance, the situation must be a painful one.
        “Well, it’s causing a rift with your counterpart.  He thinks I’m just being irresponsible.  I want to explain to him, but I’m not sure that he wouldn’t tell Starfleet.”  The situation pains Spock, but given their current working conditions, the concern is not unfounded.  “If you can find any references to a way I could stop having to worry about sleeping with my crew or random planetary natives, I’d appreciate it.”
        “It is a shame you cannot marry the Enterprise herself.  There are many times throughout the years I have suspected you would have if you could find a way,” the half-Vulcan muses, and is rewarded with laughter.
        “Oh, man, that was a joke.  But seriously, you’re not wrong.”  He sighs again and stares at his hands.  “There’s one other thing I remembered.  I was trying to remember the mind meld to see if there were any clues of people I could try, and all I really got was that my Prime self was unlucky in love?”
        Spock nods.  Back to business.  “A few loves were lost.  One had a mental disability, and as many died as separated and were amicable.  I will not likely listen, when I’m that young, unless I am presented with evidence.”
        Jim’s face twists.  “None of that’s probably all that helpful, then—but I guess I know who not to try this time.  I’ll try telling younger you when it becomes necessary.”  He fidgets again.  “One other thing.  I vaguely remember you showing me a different CMO?”
        “I am unaware of what you mean by ‘different’,” Spock informs him, shocked.  But then, he had never actually visited the Enterprise this time around.
        “I had Boyce.  I’ve had Boyce the entire time, including when I met you.  He and Pike rescued me from Tarsus,” and this time he pauses long enough for the reaction confirming that this is a similarity, not a difference, “…and since then Pike’s been lending him to me when needed to make sure I don’t get myself killed.  He was taken off my ship by Komack,” and, again, he’s shrewdly looking for a difference in reaction, nodding to himself when he gets one, “…but I managed to get M’Benga.”
        Spock nods.  That’s not a bad choice, but there’s still something utterly wrong about the lack of McCoy.
        “There was someone else, though.  A somewhat grumpy Southern doctor, with a killer smile and lovely blue eyes.  Kinda like mine,” Kirk continues.  “You said something about the world trying to fix itself, resulting in everyone being back on the Enterprise.”
        Spock considers the hint for information, thinks about the dangers of a starship without even an emotional man like McCoy, and concludes the result is not worth thinking about.  “His name is Dr. Leonard McCoy.  I am not sure why he did not appear under your command,” Spock confesses.
        “Well, if I run into someone of that name, I’ll try everything short of kidnapping the guy.”  Jim stands, looking far more settled than when he arrived.  “Thanks again.”
        “I wish I could have been of more help,” the elderly Vulcan admits, hand falling into a familiar pattern.  “Live long and prosper, Jim.”
        Captain Kirk smiles back, mirroring the movement.  “You too, you ancient crazy Vulcan.”