A day read in a personnel file and memorized just like every other crew member's is when they begin life aboard the Enterprise. The difference is in the utilization of the information β Spock knows Yeoman McKnight's birthday because it may one day be of some indeterminate significance, a piece of trivia unactioned but nevertheless retained. Jim's birthday is remembered because it is something he wishes to know, and while Vulcans may acknowledge the passing of such a date amongst themselves with little more than a comment or gesture Spock finds himself planning on the acquisition of a gift for his captain several days in advance.
Smuggling the β handsome, oak-finished, custom-made β three-dimensional chess set into the townhouse without being seen requires skill but he approaches the task the same way he approaches all others: seriously. It is waiting innocuously on the dining room table, pieces perfectly positioned, long before sunrise, absent any sort of note or message. None is needed, he believes, and certainly none that he wishes to spell out plainly.
Just as telling, perhaps, is the fact that he's conspicuously absent their shared living space that morning, leaving Kirk to have his own private reaction he doesn't dare to witness as he busies himself with their shopping instead. ]
he wakes with the thought at oh six hundred, well before an optimistic alarm, eyes remaining shut until the silence of the foreign room presses in on him with a sudden vertigo that forces him to rise. there, centre floor, begins his start-of-day routine, performed for years with very little deviation: he performs a round of stretches to shake his mind and limbs of sleep; relieves himself; strips, showers, and shaves; dresses in a pressed, pre-chosen outfit while his hair dries; and then preens in the mirror before breakfast. it's always in these moments, about to turn away, when he meets his own indurate gaze, and remembers how things are and how they ought to be.
white-knuckled, anchored to a damp counter, he feels vulnerable. they have no ship and no crew, which makes him a captain only to spock and the other half of his soul. to his acquaintances it's an unprovable fact they know to accept on his word, while any expectations they have for what the title truly means pass as easily as sand between parted fingers; his clay-like resolve is as permanent an impression to them as the grains left stuck to their palms. what is a badge with no context but a novelty pin? who is he without a starship but jim kirk, the thirty-seven-year-old something-or-other?
clairvoyant, he foresees that by march twenty-second's end he'll have ceased his senseless self-doubt; by the twenty-third, he'll have forgotten his birthday ambivalence entirely. yet his gift to himself is this lonely second, knowing that once he's pried himself away he won't allow another.
when he descends into the foyer, he stops on the landing three stairs from the bottom. across the hall is the living room and across the living room is where their walnut dining table sits, rich wood faded from direct sunlight and infrequent use; currently, it's occupied by a three-dimensional chess set, the only item his shared space with spock lacked to make it feel as though it were a piece of home. the care in its careless position, effortlessly thoughtful, encourages the sun to rise in his expression, smiling as his last steps down are taken jauntily. this present is one of a kind, but chess has never had the ability to make his morning scruples feel like the unrelatable brooding of another manβwithout question, that power has always belonged to his first officer, his brother, his friend.
a badge with no context is still a badge; he is still james tiberius kirk, the thirty-seven-year-old, twelve times decorated captain of the uss enterprise.
[ The message arrives one minute and thirty-seven seconds before Spock has calculated it will, and he almost takes a moment to appreciate the significance of the number. He will not admit to this. ]
I would not care to see your skills diminish from disuse, Captain. As such, it is incumbent upon me to accept.
You are as conscious as I am of the fact that I do not compete against you simply to emerge as the victor, regardless of the quality of the game. You, likewise, do not challenge others for the sake of hubris.
[ The addition of "your company" dulls the blade of wit and sharpens that of true, obvious, unrelenting affection. Normally they are not quite so blunt when it comes to matters of attachment, but perhaps his sense of sentiment is increased on a day like this one. Spock allows it, but does not allow his mind to finish processing a feeling it engenders. ]
I will have time very shortly. I have taken it upon myself to requisition more supplies though our funds are unexpectedly limited. Engagement in the game may rectify the issue.
(addressing their synchrony has had a variety of results. kirk's found that when approached at a practical angle, or brought up by spock, the subject is perfectly welcome. it must be a challenge for him to accept without careful study.
[ Already Spock is mentally preparing for the possibility of placing a hand overtop Kirk's forearm while the game is in progress. It is an acceptable, friendly gesture, though he must take care to read not even the scantest of his thoughts β that would render the game unfair.
It should be no trouble with how often he is already blocking their connection. ]
(yes, always. but first, tell me your plan to touch my arm and we'll see how much manna that alone generates.)
And yet it's the most accurate word I can think to use at the moment.
This whole Synchrony business is unreliable. We both benefit from routine, so why don't we discuss the possibility of a schedule? In the interim, I'd like to find a more lucrative line of work.
Shuttling civilians, maybe. Have you found anything to do?
(piloting a shuttle is way easier than driving a car. hrm.....)
[ No I can't β just verbalizing that would get us a ton of money and I don't know if I'm ready to confront that reality. ]
Are you suggesting a Synchrony routine or a routine set apart from this limitation? [ Calling it a limitation somehow makes it easier to discuss. Thinking about why is equally unwise. ]
What I have found to do is committing myself wholly to my work on scanners and possible offworld transportation for us. I can, however, divide my time between this assignment and civilian labor if you believe it prudent.
We're not accustomed to dealing with currencies of any kind, so it'd make more sense for us to have a lot of it. We must be able to afford any equipment and materials you need for the scanners.
(and for heartier meals. his nuisance stomach growls.)
A Synchrony routine would pay off. Generating manna is provably the quickest way to make a lot of currents. If we're not doing that, then we should be finding high-paying positions in this society.
[ The "but" here is unavoidable, as much as he wishes it weren't. Of all days, today he should be supportive and alleviate his captain's burdens. ]
I am ill-positioned to prepare such a schedule. I would advise you be placed in charge of determining such matters.
In the meantime, I am willing to review your resume and also write my own. It will be useful for us to obtain a sample from the local populace so that we might know the fashion in which they prepare them here.
I understand, Spock. I'll take care of it, but you must approve the schedule for it to take effect.
(he won't go pressuring him into an amount that will make him uncomfortable. if an issue arises that involves him directly, kirk has another point ready: synchrony can happen with anyone. so long as they stick to the schedule, it doesn't matter who they generate manna with.
never mind that that thought sits strangely in his chest.)
Let's take a look at prospective positions this evening. That way we can tailor our qualifications to suit the place of employment.
I am prepared to accept my duties as they are, Captain, regardless of my views on the ease of their performance. If there are unforeseen difficulties, I will inform you at that time.
[ To anyone else it might seem cold to refer to an embrace or deep connection as a "duty", but he has never feared misunderstanding from Kirk. Certainly it occurs, but that is something they speak of logically and calmly until they come to an agreement. This, he believes, will not even require that. ]
Are you not then fully settled upon the driver position?
(to kirk, the message is entirely expected. if it'd said anything different, his brow might've creased in concern, but it's his own indecision that causes the furrow.
hrm.)
I would appreciate that, thank you. Let's hope there are none.
Unfortunately, they won't allow Gembonded to apply for government positions just yet; the idea of becoming a driver was a fall-back plan. The freedom is appealing, and I wouldn't have to chase down any more bugs, but I question the job's usefulness.
I would sooner trust our futures to our own efforts than to hope.
[ His own way of reaffirming his resolve and communicating as much to his captain.
... his well-meaning, noble, terrible driver of a captain. ]
Are you asking for my suggestions for jobs to which you are better-suited or suggestions for ways in which you can improve as a driver before you take this ill-advised position?
At present, I'm not asking for your suggestions for self-improvement, no.
(my pride.............. obliterated on my own birthday)
I wouldn't be on solid ground, Spock, this is a shuttle "driver" position. In other words, I'd be a pilot. If you have other job recommendations, I'll hear them, but Sigma Iotia II is not the topic of discussion.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
don't @ me
A day read in a personnel file and memorized just like every other crew member's is when they begin life aboard the Enterprise. The difference is in the utilization of the information β Spock knows Yeoman McKnight's birthday because it may one day be of some indeterminate significance, a piece of trivia unactioned but nevertheless retained. Jim's birthday is remembered because it is something he wishes to know, and while Vulcans may acknowledge the passing of such a date amongst themselves with little more than a comment or gesture Spock finds himself planning on the acquisition of a gift for his captain several days in advance.
Smuggling the β handsome, oak-finished, custom-made β three-dimensional chess set into the townhouse without being seen requires skill but he approaches the task the same way he approaches all others: seriously. It is waiting innocuously on the dining room table, pieces perfectly positioned, long before sunrise, absent any sort of note or message. None is needed, he believes, and certainly none that he wishes to spell out plainly.
Just as telling, perhaps, is the fact that he's conspicuously absent their shared living space that morning, leaving Kirk to have his own private reaction he doesn't dare to witness as he busies himself with their shopping instead. ]
1/2
he wakes with the thought at oh six hundred, well before an optimistic alarm, eyes remaining shut until the silence of the foreign room presses in on him with a sudden vertigo that forces him to rise. there, centre floor, begins his start-of-day routine, performed for years with very little deviation: he performs a round of stretches to shake his mind and limbs of sleep; relieves himself; strips, showers, and shaves; dresses in a pressed, pre-chosen outfit while his hair dries; and then preens in the mirror before breakfast. it's always in these moments, about to turn away, when he meets his own indurate gaze, and remembers how things are and how they ought to be.
white-knuckled, anchored to a damp counter, he feels vulnerable. they have no ship and no crew, which makes him a captain only to spock and the other half of his soul. to his acquaintances it's an unprovable fact they know to accept on his word, while any expectations they have for what the title truly means pass as easily as sand between parted fingers; his clay-like resolve is as permanent an impression to them as the grains left stuck to their palms. what is a badge with no context but a novelty pin? who is he without a starship but jim kirk, the thirty-seven-year-old something-or-other?
clairvoyant, he foresees that by march twenty-second's end he'll have ceased his senseless self-doubt; by the twenty-third, he'll have forgotten his birthday ambivalence entirely. yet his gift to himself is this lonely second, knowing that once he's pried himself away he won't allow another.
when he descends into the foyer, he stops on the landing three stairs from the bottom. across the hall is the living room and across the living room is where their walnut dining table sits, rich wood faded from direct sunlight and infrequent use; currently, it's occupied by a three-dimensional chess set, the only item his shared space with spock lacked to make it feel as though it were a piece of home. the care in its careless position, effortlessly thoughtful, encourages the sun to rise in his expression, smiling as his last steps down are taken jauntily. this present is one of a kind, but chess has never had the ability to make his morning scruples feel like the unrelatable brooding of another manβwithout question, that power has always belonged to his first officer, his brother, his friend.
a badge with no context is still a badge; he is still james tiberius kirk, the thirty-seven-year-old, twelve times decorated captain of the uss enterprise.
he feels younger than he ever has.)
2/2, un: kirkjt
no subject
I would not care to see your skills diminish from disuse, Captain. As such, it is incumbent upon me to accept.
no subject
You could widen the gap so that I'm never able to catch up.
no subject
You are as conscious as I am of the fact that I do not compete against you simply to emerge as the victor, regardless of the quality of the game. You, likewise, do not challenge others for the sake of hubris.
no subject
(the truth of the matter, laid bare. now, more than ever, he needs their bonding time.)
Come on back when you have the time, Spock.
no subject
I will have time very shortly. I have taken it upon myself to requisition more supplies though our funds are unexpectedly limited. Engagement in the game may rectify the issue.
no subject
perhaps they can remedy that.)
That seems likely. What have you've picked up?
no subject
It should be no trouble with how often he is already blocking their connection. ]
Oat milk. [ It is very expensive. ]
no subject
Will the plurality of "more supplies" factor into it soon, or was oat milk the only item on your list?
(FEED ME)
no subject
[ DRINK THE MILK ]
1/2
the fridge at least isβ)
2/2
I can't eat another salad.
(I WILL FAINT IN THE STREET)
no subject
I am doing what I can presently, Captain. When we have obtained more funds, I will return to the store.
[ Do you want to meet me for a hug or something. ]
no subject
And yet it's the most accurate word I can think to use at the moment.
This whole Synchrony business is unreliable. We both benefit from routine, so why don't we discuss the possibility of a schedule? In the interim, I'd like to find a more lucrative line of work.
Shuttling civilians, maybe. Have you found anything to do?
(piloting a shuttle is way easier than driving a car. hrm.....)
no subject
Are you suggesting a Synchrony routine or a routine set apart from this limitation? [ Calling it a limitation somehow makes it easier to discuss. Thinking about why is equally unwise. ]
What I have found to do is committing myself wholly to my work on scanners and possible offworld transportation for us. I can, however, divide my time between this assignment and civilian labor if you believe it prudent.
no subject
(and for heartier meals. his nuisance stomach growls.)
A Synchrony routine would pay off. Generating manna is provably the quickest way to make a lot of currents. If we're not doing that, then we should be finding high-paying positions in this society.
I even drafted a new resume for myself.
(he's pretty proud of it, actually............)
no subject
[ The "but" here is unavoidable, as much as he wishes it weren't. Of all days, today he should be supportive and alleviate his captain's burdens. ]
I am ill-positioned to prepare such a schedule. I would advise you be placed in charge of determining such matters.
In the meantime, I am willing to review your resume and also write my own. It will be useful for us to obtain a sample from the local populace so that we might know the fashion in which they prepare them here.
no subject
(he won't go pressuring him into an amount that will make him uncomfortable. if an issue arises that involves him directly, kirk has another point ready: synchrony can happen with anyone. so long as they stick to the schedule, it doesn't matter who they generate manna with.
never mind that that thought sits strangely in his chest.)
Let's take a look at prospective positions this evening. That way we can tailor our qualifications to suit the place of employment.
no subject
[ To anyone else it might seem cold to refer to an embrace or deep connection as a "duty", but he has never feared misunderstanding from Kirk. Certainly it occurs, but that is something they speak of logically and calmly until they come to an agreement. This, he believes, will not even require that. ]
Are you not then fully settled upon the driver position?
no subject
hrm.)
I would appreciate that, thank you. Let's hope there are none.
Unfortunately, they won't allow Gembonded to apply for government positions just yet; the idea of becoming a driver was a fall-back plan. The freedom is appealing, and I wouldn't have to chase down any more bugs, but I question the job's usefulness.
Any suggestions?
no subject
[ His own way of reaffirming his resolve and communicating as much to his captain.
... his well-meaning, noble, terrible driver of a captain. ]
Are you asking for my suggestions for jobs to which you are better-suited or suggestions for ways in which you can improve as a driver before you take this ill-advised position?
[ Guess who's not holding back, SHUTTLE OR NO ]
no subject
(my pride.............. obliterated on my own birthday)
I wouldn't be on solid ground, Spock, this is a shuttle "driver" position. In other words, I'd be a pilot. If you have other job recommendations, I'll hear them, but Sigma Iotia II is not the topic of discussion.
no subject
[ ... well. Logicallyβ ]
You have been a teacher before, Captain. Perhaps you might revisit the occupation during our time here.
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