Two Captains

Chapter 20

We're hustled into the elevator.

"Natasha," Jim says quietly to me. "Remember what Spock told us?"

"I think so, yes. But he told us many things, you're going to need to be more specific." I answer just as quietly.

"Don't do it. Leave it to me, okay?"

I look at him and we lock eyes. "Jim, don't." I say.

"I have to."

"No! He's going to-"

"I'll do whatever I have to do as long as it's the right thing."

"So what? He's gonna end up hurting you, you know that, right?"

"He's gonna end up hurting somebody, so it might as well be me."

"No. He's gonna end up fighting you, trying to hurt you."

"Yeah, I realize that."

"You also have to realize that this isn't any bar fight." I say a little louder, looking him directly in the eye. I pause. "Jim, I can't let yo-"

"As long as it's not you in the fight, then I'm fine with it." He interrupts.

I stare at him again, my brows furrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Don't be stupid. Natasha, I've known you since I was around nine. I can't let you get hurt. Even if you are a better fighter than I am. Like you said, he's gonna end up hurting someone, I can't let that be you."

"Jim-"

"Whatever you do, don't get involved. Promise me that."

"Jim-"

"Promise me."

The doors open, and we arrive on the bridge. Jim and I lock eyes for a moment longer before the security guards push us out.

"So what was that all about?" Mr. Scott asks me.

"You'll see." I answer back just as quietly.

Everyone turns and stares at us, some with shocked or surprised expressions as we enter the bridge. Spock steps forward a second later.

"Who are you?" He demands.

"I'm with them." Mr. Scott answers as Jim answers,

"He's with us."

"We're travelling at warp speed. How did you manage to beam aboard this ship?"

"You're the genius, you figure it out." Jim responds.

"As acting captain of this vessel I order you to answer the question." He says, looking at Jim.

"Well I'm not telling, acting captain. And she's not gonna either. Or him. So don't bother asking."

Spock slightly glares at Jim for a moment.

"What. Did-? What, now that doesn't frustrate you, does it? My lack of cooperation, that-that doesn't make you angry?"

Spock looks away and at Mr. Scott. "Are you a member of Starfleet?"

"I'm, um, yes. Can I get a towel, please?"

"Under penalty of court martial, I order you to explain to me how you were able to beam aboard the ship while moving at warp?"

"Well-"

"Don't answer him." Jim interrupts quickly.

"You will answer me." Spock says, enunciating every word and speaking slowly and clearly. He stares at Mr. Scott with a stern expression.