James T. Kirk

Chapter 22: Paralysis Through Analysis

Chapter 22: Paralysis Through Analysis

Spock sat in his home office, using the time most people would be sleeping to get some work done. There was much that demanded his attention and for the past month his focus had been mainly elsewhere. He tried not to berate himself over his wandering mind although it had gotten him behind in some of the work his father expected from him.

When he went to check some figures in an email sent by the CFO, he could not fail to notice that the tiny green light next to James Kirk's name was illuminated. Jim was on his computer. At 3:45 in the morning.

Spock theorized that Jim had not read the email he had sent as no response had yet been received. Did he want to take advantage of the instant chat feature embedded in their common email program?

Rather than consider it further – what was it Jim had said at some point paralysis through analysis? – Spock clicked on Jim's name.

Jim.

Spock waited, watching the response box and willing the program to indicate that the recipient was composing a reply.

After a nearly interminable delay, one came:

Hey.

Are you unable to sleep? Spock typed. Not remotely close to what he really wanted to say but easing into the conversation seemed appropriate.

Again, he had to wait until a reply was even composed.

Are you?

Well. This was not going especially well, Spock acknowledged to himself. Perhaps he should simply give up and go back to the work awaiting his attention.

I was working when I noted your on-line presence.

What is it you want? Jim sent.

That was direct at least. Spock considered the question. Not just the immediate answer to it. The long term from now until forever part.

To talk with you. Preferably in person.

Is that a good idea? Jim returned.

I was overly hasty in my evaluation of your… connection to the Consortium.

There was a pause in the activity box, Spock wondering if Jim had left the program. But his indicator light remained illuminated.

I am still who I am Jim finally responded.

I acknowledge that. I have acquired new information that has put your involvement in a different light.

Who were you talking to? Jim asked. Spock could practically see the anger in those pixels.

Is that important? I have a deeper understanding of all that it means.

It's important that what you learned is true. Since you seemed disinclined to discuss it with me.

That was an error on my part. Spock did not think that it was error to not discuss it. It was an error not to ask the questions of Jim rather than his grandmother. May we please meet in person and have this conversation?

This request was met with an even longer delay. Spock unconsciously checked the green light several times, needing the reassurance that Jim was in fact still there. Electronically at the very least.

When? came the response. Finally.

Are you free tomorrow for lunch?

Tomorrow as in Monday? Or tomorrow as in later today?