Star Trek 2009: Infected

Now wearing the golden shirt that gave him his new title, James T. Kirk looked quietly over the Bridge.

His Bridge, and his Crew.

He smiled brightly, not able to hold it back anymore. Everyone was at the ready, waiting for his orders. Including his best friend Leonard "Bones" McCoy, who stood beside his chair. His usual smirk on his face. "Bones!" With a hop and a skip, he made his way over and patted Bones hard on the shoulder. "Buckle Up!" As he planted himself in his chair, he couldn't help but laugh as Bones followed with his gaze, rolling his eyes along as he did.

Taking one last look around, Kirk couldn't help but linger on the empty seat of the Commanders chair. His heart racked with guilt, as he gripped the arms of his chair it began to feel different to him. He never dreamt of being Captain like this...he imagined going through school, graduating, and promoting his way to the top. Instead he snatched it away by pushing. He lifted his hands up and clasped them together, turning away as he did.

A few clicks and beeps later, Hikaru Sulu turned himself towards Kirk with a nod. "We are ready for warp, at your command sir!" Kirk glanced up at him. This was it...bound to travel space for five long years, Captain of the best damn ship ever made! Only a few words would get this show on the road.

All eyes on him...waiting.

Kirk opened his mouth to speak, but then came a swoosh of the lift. All eyes on him had shifted and he nearly spun himself completely around turning to face whoever had entered. His eyes brightened.

Standing tall, hands held behind his back was Spock. "Permission to board?"

Kirk slowly stood up, forcing himself not to jump up and hug the Vulcan like a crazed fangirl. He did all he could, without seeming like an idiot, and smiled. "Permission granted." Spock nodded and made his way over. "You have yet to choose a First Officer, after much consideration, if you so wish it, I will gladly take the position. I have much to give as I'm sure you have as well..." Kirk could do nothing but continue to smile.

In his mind he saw no one else at his side but Spock...the thought made no since and thinking otherwise always brought him back to the older Spock. He had a great friendship with his alternate self...in the cave it, didn't mean anything to him, but after talking and learning more, it sank in. He wanted nothing more but the same thing.

"It would be my honor, commander." With a nod to each other, both returned to their rightful places. Kirk nodded towards Sulu, gripping the chair once more. Beside him, Bones stood tall nodding and sharing a smile. "Full speed ahead!"

With a flick of Sulu's wrist, The Enterprise sprang to life and launched itself forward. Vanishing into Warp Speed, to begin it's journey into the unknown.