Big One Happy Family

First Officer’s Personal Log
Stardate: 5098.1

The Enterprise is 365.1 Standard Earth days into our five year mission. Last night the crew of the ship engaged in a celebration of the one year anniversary of our assignment to the Enterprise.

The celebration commenced at 19:30 hours. The Captain and I arrived at 20:15 hours. His hair was still damp from the shower but if anyone noticed, they chose discretion over vocalization of the fact.

When we arrived, the party was, as Jim mentioned to me, already in full swing. There was music playing, crew members dancing, tables covered with food, champagne freely flowing. Jim accepted a glass from a passing yeoman who was distributing it to anyone interested in partaking.

“Bout time the two of you decided to show up,” Leonard said when we arrived at the Captain’s table. He was sitting pressed close to Nyota, his arm around her shoulder.

“We got…distracted,” Jim said with a shrug, not looking at me so that the color did not rise any further on his cheeks.

“I bet you did,” Leonard said with a laugh.

“You’re looking especially lovely, Nyota,” Jim said to her. She was extraordinarily beautiful in her luminescent red dress, her hair swept up in a most appealing fashion.

“Thank you,” she said with a smile. “You’ll save me a dance?”

“Of course,” Jim agreed, smiling over at her. “Everyone’s having a good time, right?”

“How can they not?” Leonard asked him. “Food. Music. Friends. Drinks. We’re on shoreleave tomorrow so we can drink as much as we want.”

“Are you implying that I shouldn’t?” Jim laughed.

“Yeah. But it won’t do any good. I know you’re going to tie one on,” Leonard told him.

“I may. And might I remind you that I haven’t even been tipsy since we were thrown off Galcyla. If I do drink too much tonight, don’t bother telling me Chris said I have to go to bed. I’m wise to you. To you both,” Jim said, giving us what Leonard refers to as ‘the evil eye.’

“I do not believe it will take Admiral Pike’s persuasion, real or fabricated, to get you into bed,” I said quietly, Jim nodding in agreement.

“You got that right,” he said with the smile he generally reserved only for me. Not that I pay particular attention to the various smiles he employs. Or those occasions on which they appear. Or who may be the recipient of those expressions.

“Captain, Commander,” Lt. Sulu said to us as he and Pavel came to join us at the table. “Fabulous party.”

“You’re having a good time?” Jim asked them.

“Ve are,” Pavel agreed enthusiastically. “Karu and I are leaving tomorrow. Noon. You are certain you are not minding, sir?”

“We’re all on shoreleave, Pavel. You can go wherever you want,” Jim assured them.

“Where are you going?” Hikaru asked me and Jim.

“Can’t say,” Jim responded with a wink. “Bones’ll know how to reach us if you need us.”

“And Admiral Pike,” Leonard added, making Jim laugh.

“Yes. Chris will know too. I don’t recommend calling him.”

We all turned to look toward the doorway as Scotty and Keenser entered, Scotty’s voice raised in his usual irritation at his diminutive companion. “I donna want to hear it.”

“What’s wrong now?” Jim asked Scotty when he arrived at the table.

“Keenser’s bein’ stubborn, sir. Much as you’d expect. I told him I didna want to leave the Enterprise. But he’s insistin' we need to visit Earth.”

“He’s never really been, Scotty,” Leonard said. “Seems only fair.”

“You can come to Earth with us,” Hikaru said. “We’re going to San Francisco. Then Russia.”

“San Francisco you say, laddie?” Scotty replied.

“We’re leaving tomorrow at noon,” Pavel said. “You are velcome to be coming vith us.”

“San Francisco?” Scotty asked Keenser.

“Yeah,” he agreed, nodding.

“Fine. It’s settled then,” Scotty said, looking over at Leonard and Nyota. “Where are you going?”

“The opposite direction of these two,” Leonard said, nodding his head at me and Jim. “The further I get from them, the better.”

“You’re going to miss us, Bones. You just like pretending you aren’t,” Jim told him, laughing.

“Yeah. Like I miss the migraine I had last week. Oh wait. You were the reason for that too.”

“How can you talk to your BFF like that?” Jim asked.

“BFF? What are you? Fourteen?” Leonard demanded because everyone expected him to.

“Maybe,” Jim responded.

“If you are leaving for a secret location, how will we be able to find the Captain?” Hikaru asked Leonard.

“What will you need him for? Help you get thrown in jail?” Leonard demanded.

“Len. Don’t be so cranky,” Nyota said, kissing his cheek. “We’re going to Alaska. Because neither of us have ever been. And we will have our communicators. Just like Jim and Spock will.”

Jim shrugged, accepting more champagne from a passing yeoman.

“You need to eat something,” Leonard said with genuine warmth in his voice.

“I will,” Jim assured him, looking over at one of the laden tables.

“Vhat vould you like, Captain? Karu and I will get it for you. And you, Commander.”

“You are free to choose for me,” I said, Jim agreeing with that sentiment. “Are you planning to address the crew?”

“Yeah. In a few minutes. I better eat something first,” Jim said, sipping more champagne.

“There’s surely no hurry,” Leonard agreed, refilling Jim’s glass without his prompting.

“Thanks,” Jim said. “So when are you leaving?”

“Noon tomorrow,” Nyota said. “We’re taking the same shuttle as Hikaru and Pavel. I’m hoping it will prevent certain people from complaining as much as he usually does.”

“I’m sittin’ right here, darlin’,” Leonard remained her, kissing her lightly.

“Oh. So you are,” she laughed, a most delightful sound.

“Just watch out for him throwing up on you,” Jim warned.

“I will,” Nyota assured him. “I’m sorry you have to wait an extra day.”

Jim shrugged at that. “We’re officially off tomorrow. But Starfleet prefers we wait until everyone else is safely away. Which is fine with me. I can tell you we have no plans to get up at the crack of dawn.”

“You could if you were in bed by Captain’s time,” Leonard told him.

“Don’t even start,” Jim said in a good natured manner. He accepted the plate from Hikaru while Pavel presented one to me which was equally loaded with appropriate party fare.

When we had both eaten some of the delicious food, Jim said he thought it was getting on to the time when he would speak with the crew. Leonard said he needed to wait at least until the next song finished because the crew was busy dancing and did he really want to interrupt their good time? Jim agreed to wait until they had finished and chatted with the crew who came by our table.

A buzz began at the doorway to the rec room and as our backs were to it, we were unaware of the reason until it grew closer, at which time we turned to find Admiral Pike in the center of a small crowd.

“Admiral,” Jim said, standing happily and smiling at Pike.

“Captain Kirk,” the Admiral said. “What is the meaning of this bacchanalia occurring on what is claimed to be the flagship of the fleet?”

“I have no idea, sir,” Jim said in mock surprise, looking around as though he just realized he was in the heart of a celebration. “I understood we were having a staff meeting. Where did these balloons come from, Commander?”

“I do not know, sir,” I responded. “I will investigate if you like.”

“I apologize, Admiral. The crew has become lax. It’s a good thing you chose to attend the staff meeting. I trust that you will set them straight as I have been unable to make a change in their behavior,” Jim said, shaking his head in supposed dismay.

“Well,” Pike said, looking around and studying the food tables. “As the meeting has already started, and there seem to be plenty of refreshments, you may as well carry on, Captain.”

“Very good, sir. Carry on,” Jim said to those gathered, all of whom responded with ‘Aye sir.’ Jim really smiled at Pike who embraced him in a warm hug. “What brings you to our humble starship?”

“I was invited to a party,” Pike explained, winking at Dr. McCoy. “Something about celebrating the first of many successful years. And helping keep you out of trouble.”

“You sneaky devil,” Jim said to Leonard. “I can’t believe you did this.”

Leonard shrugged and handed the Admiral a glass of champagne.

“Did you know?” Jim asked me.

“I did not. Apparently there was some concern that if I knew I would be unable to keep it a secret from you,” I said, conveying the information Leonard had just provided to me.

“I see,” Jim said with a broad smile. “I was going to say a few words to the crew, Chris. Will you speak as well?”

“I’d be honored,” Pike agreed, going with Jim to the dance floor which was conveniently unoccupied. A hush immediately fell over the room, all attention focused on the two of them.

“This isn’t a time for long speeches,” Jim said, smiling at those who were listening with rapt attention. “But there are some things that deserve to be said. Over the past year, I have had the honor and privilege of serving with the finest crew in all of Starfleet. I could not have asked for any better beings by my side as we have explored, journeyed, learned, grown. Who but us could have encountered real life Ewoks, found the planet inhabited by talking birds, stopped four wars from continuing, learned that prejudice does still exist, and grown into more than just a crew, to become a true family? We have mourned those we have lost - those we love and will never forget. We have rejoiced in the love that has bloomed and flourished between members of our family. We have celebrated every milestone there is to be celebrated in the course of lives. And we are gathered here to acknowledge and rejoice in the one year anniversary of our departure from Earth.

“Of all the things that we have learned over the past year, the most important is that together there is nothing which we cannot accomplish. If we are tired, there is someone to provide us relief until we can resume our duties. When we are sad, there is someone to lend a shoulder, an ear, and a Kleenex. When we are hungry, someone will make sure we eat. Because that is what families do. They guide, cajole, love, fight, work, play, argue, forgive, grow. And there is not a family that I would choose to be a part of other than the one right here.”

This statement was met with much applause and some scattered whistles. That the crew shared Jim’s sentiments was clear even before he had articulated them. Putting them into words crystallized for all gathered how we viewed ourselves and one another.

“And before we return to our party, our family celebration,” Jim said when the room was once more quiet. “Admiral Pike has a few words to share.” Jim stepped away from the center of the floor, leaving it open for the Admiral.

“Thank you, Captain,” Pike said to Jim with a warm smile. “There aren’t too many things I can add to what Captain Kirk has already said. You are the finest crew in all of Starfleet. An credit to the organization, to the Federation, and to yourselves. I have watched many of you grow from wet-behind-the-ears cadets to exemplary crewmembers. And I have been consistently pleased and proud to be associated with each and every one of you. Especially your Captain,” he said, stopping as the crew cheered once again.

“Captain Kirk obtained his position under some admittedly unusual circumstances. He has since proved that he is more than deserving of his position. I suspect many of you have had a hand in guiding, advising, and generally keeping him out of more trouble than he manages to find on his own. And to that I can only say thank you. To those who may have been withholding the truth about some of his more colorful behavior, I also say thank you and keep up the good work.” He had to stop to allow the laughter to die down before he could be heard as he continued. “A special word of thanks to Commander Spock and Dr. McCoy. The two of you have been the finest First Officer and CMO I have ever encountered. And I appreciate your work tremendously.” This earned cheers and applause as well, which Leonard and I both attempted to ignore.

“The entire crew of the Enterprise is the benchmark to which all other crews strive to equal. None have done so and I thank you for setting the mark high in inspiration to the others.

“Now – this is a party. Let’s have a good time before your shoreleave.” This brought additional cheers before the crew returned to their socializing.

The Admiral joined the Command Crew at our table, a full plate appearing before him along with a flute of champagne. “Thank you, Chekov.”

“Da. You are most velcome, sir,” Pavel said before sitting back by Hikaru.

"Why are there so many M&Ms on all the tables?" Pike asked in curiosity, reaching over to take a handful.

"They are an apt symbol of our crew," Jim explained, throwing a green one into the air and catching it in his mouth with no effort. He smiled me as he chewed it, his thoughts clearly on his face.

"They are quite symbolic," Pike agreed, eating several more before surrendering all of the green ones to Jim without protest. "You all packed?" Pike asked Jim, including me in the statement as well.

“Nearly,” Jim said, glancing at me briefly. “We still have time since we can’t leave until day after tomorrow.”

“There is that,” Pike agreed. “Would you mind if I stayed aboard with you?”

“Of course not, Chris. You are always welcome. You know that,” Jim assured him.

“Good luck, Admiral,” Leonard said with a typical roll of his eyes.

“Thanks,” Chris laughed. “Surely he can’t get into too much trouble.”

“We talking about the same Jim Kirk?” Leonard asked, Chris laughing even more at the question.

“Well, you do have a point,” Chris agreed, accepting more champagne.

“I can leave if you want,” Jim said, trying unsuccessfully to sound wounded.

“Nah. We talk about you to your face all the time. Where’s the fun in doing it when you can’t hear?” Leonard asked.

“Hmph,” Jim responded, refilling all the champagne flutes. “You want to dance?”

“I would enjoy that,” I agreed, going with him to the dance floor. We joined the crew in one of the line dances that were always popular during these parties. I was afforded the opportunity to enjoy Jim’s technique and his lithe body as he moved to the music. I had already had the opportunity to learn that he was flexible and nearly tireless when engaged in other activities. Watching him dance reinforced those concepts. I looked forward to the time we would have on shoreleave to learn of other of his physical attributes not readily apparent.

When the song ended, we returned to the table, Jim eating and drinking his champagne and talking with all those who stopped by. He spent much of his time talking to me and the Admiral, including the Command Crew in his reminiscing of the missions we had completed during our first year in space.

“You’d have been sooooo proud, Obi-wan. Spock talked ‘em into signing and I talked ‘em into not killin any of us,” Jim told the Admiral after finishing a story about a particularly difficult negotiation.

“You are a very good Jedi,” Pike assured him. “I’m proud of you 95% of the time.”

“And the 5% when you’re not?” Jim asked with a laugh.

“Oh no. You don’t want me discussing those times right now, do you?”

“I s’pose not,” Jim agreed. “Well, we done good, didn’t we?”

“You’ve done very well,” Pike said with a nod. “How many glasses has he had?”

“One too many, probably. Just wait, Admiral. You ain’t seen nothing yet,” Leonard warned him with a laugh.

Pike looked at me with a measure of concern. “Do you think we should cut him off?”

“He will strenuously object. And he does not become belligerent,” I assured him.

“Helllloooo…right here,” Jim said, waving at Pike.

“So I see,” Pike said. “I think you’ve had plenty of champagne already.”

“Not yet yet. There’s no Captains bein in bed time tonight. Shoreleave. Holiday time. And ‘sides, they made it all up. Used your name in vanity.”

“In vain, Jim. They had my permission get you in bed by evoking my name. And my authority.”

“Right right. Lots of ‘thority. That’s you Obi-one. Yeppers. You know the ways of the force. How’s Yoda?” Jim asked, laughing at his own cleverness.

Pike could only shake his head. “You sure you want to be stuck with him?” the Admiral asked me.

“I could not be more pleased by the prospect,” I told him.

“Better you than me,” Pike said, laughing. “Yes. I know you are still here, Jim.”

“Kay. You won be forgettin right? Cause iffn you wanna talk bout me, me and Pock can go to the observatorium. Go and be kissin.”

“We will not be going there tonight,” I told him quietly.

“Kay kay. Quarters. Dollars. We’ll be kissin kissin there. Maybe others things too, huh? Fun things.”

“Possibly. If you are not overly inebriated,” I said.

“In-brated? Noppers. Not me. I’m not so think as you drunk I am,” he said, his blue eyes barely focusing on me.

“I believe you are more inebriated than you realize. As is usually the case,” I told him.

“Oh no no no, Pock. You mad?”

“I am not. I am only concerned that you may be about to say something that you will regret.”

“Shhh….” he said, one finger over his lips. “I wonn. I promise Pock. And we wonn tell Chris, kay?”

“You won’t tell me what, Jim?” Chris asked, surprising Jim.

“Oh yeah. He’s here, Pock. Obione came to our party. Idn’t that nice, Pock?”

“It is very nice that the Admiral came to celebrate with us,” I agreed.

“Celebratin,” Jim agreed seriously. “Pock?” he said, indicating I should lean closer.

“Yes Jim?”

“I fink maybe I had some too more much ‘pagne. The floor isn waning to stand still. Not good, huh?”

“Not good,” I agreed, helping him to his feet. “I will escort you to quarters.”

“I’ll come with you,” Pike offered, smiling as Jim swayed next to me.

“Have fun,” Leonard said as he followed Nyota to the dance floor.

“Oh lookie. Nones and Bota are dancin dancin. Can we be dancin dancin Pock?”

“Not at this time.”

“Oh kay kay. Not dis time,” he said, leaning against me to remain upright. “Hey Obione?”

“Yes, Jim,” Pike responded with an affectionate laugh.

“You have some much too ‘pagne?”

“I did not,” Pike told him.

“Kay kay. Can you comin to Hi-wa-e wif me and Pock?”

“Three’s company, Jim,” Pike said.

“Oh yeah yeah. Bones says too. He’s goin go to Laska with Nota. I said tole him itd be four not free. But he says nope. Noppers. He’s not mad wif me, right, Pock?”

“He is not, Jim. He is not coming so that we may have the time alone.”

“Kay kay. So long as Bones’ is not mad.”

“Is he always so worried about friends being angry?” Pike asked me as we continued to gently guide the Captain down the corridor.

“When he drinks too much. Leonard and I theorize that some of his inner insecurities rise to the surface.”

“Ah,” Pike said in understanding. “The alcohol releases some inner demons.”

“In a manner of speaking,” I said.

“What manner peakin Pock?” Jim asked. “Bulcan? Cause I don unnerstan it yet mostly.”

“No, Jim. I was only explaining a theory to the Admiral. I was not planning to speak to you in Vulcan.”

“Good good. Cause there’s now a big roar in my head. A big big roarin roar. ROARRRRR,” he said in demonstration, startling a member of the engineering crew who was slightly ahead of us in the hallway.

“As you were,” the Admiral said in sympathy.

“As you were, Obione,” Jim repeated. “Were wha? Walkin? Talkin? Wha?”

“Walking and talking,” Pike agreed, sighing in relief when we reached our quarters.

“Walkin walkin,” Jim said as he tried to continue down the corridor.

“Come back, Jim,” Pike said, going after him to gently guide him back.

“Oops. Sorry Obione. Missed da door, didn I?”

“You did. But it’s okay. Spock and I will make sure you enter the right quarters.”

“Kay kay. Fanks, Obione. Yep yeppers. Dis is it,” Jim said, heading for our bed. “Nighty night time.”

“You need to get out of your jeans,” I said, sitting next to him.

“Mmm…too muchly trouble. It’s a funly fun party, huh?” he asked, leaning up against me.

“It was a very fine party,” I agreed. “The crew very much enjoyed it.”

“Uh huh. Fun fun. For eberbody. Cause we’re big one happy family, huh?”

“We are, thanks to you,” I said.

“Fanks. Fanks to you,” he said, moving around me enough to lay down. “Sleepin now. Comin?”

“Yes, I will join you shortly. Then I’ll help you undress.”

“Mmm…naked sleepins best,” he agreed, smiling into his pillow. “Pock?”

“Yes t’hy’la,” I responded, stroking his cheek.

“Make the roarin roar stoppin, kay?”

“I will when we are both in bed,” I promised.

“Im in bed ‘ready, right right?”

“Yes you are. As I will be very shortly.”

“Kay kay. Sleepins kay?”

“Of course you should go to sleep. I will be as well.”

“Kay kay. Tell Obione nighty night, kay?”

“Good night, Jim,” Pike said, smiling down at him.

“Mmm… nows Obiones in my head, Pock. But es not yellin yellin like Bones doos sometimes when es upset at me cause I maybe have been drinkin little bit much more.”

“The Admiral does not yell,” I agreed. “Go to sleep. And then I will join you.”

“Im fallin part?” he laughed.

“No. I will come to bed as well,” I explained.

“Kay kay. Hurry, kay kay?”

“I will,” I promised, kissing him before standing. I walked with the Admiral to the door, where he stopped to smile at me.

“You are very good for him,” Pike said warmly.

“As he is for me,” I agreed. “I am very fortunate.”

“You both are. And I couldn’t be happier for you both.”

“Thank you, Admiral.”

“Well,” Pike said, straightening slightly. “I’ll see you both at breakfast. Or lunch.”

“Very good, sir,” I agreed, seeing him out before returning to undress and lay down next to Jim. There is no harm in allowing him to sleep in his jeans, I decided, when I saw how deep and peaceful his sleep was already. After kissing his head and pulling him close, I too fell asleep.