(no subject)

[narrowly]

It does seem logical that you would become more interested in us by revisiting our voyages. What does not seem logical is your interest in the alternate realities we encountered during those voyages. My behaving more human or my Terran Empire counterpart are simply different possibilities.

Though I suspect that logic will not factor into your decision.

Comments

[smartass_captain]

You know, considering how Our timeline came about, you'd think they'd be a lot more wary of that sort of thing.

[narrowly]

Indeed. They only seem to delight in these alternate realities.

It's not a problem I can stop any time I want

[smartass_captain]

Delight might be an understatement. I don't know about your writer but mine has a literal cataloging system for them. And both of the ones you mentioned sound pretty ah.

Uncomfortable. For you.

You gonna be okay, Spock?

But why would we want to stop?

[narrowly]

My comfort hardly factors into this, Captain. Though since you asked, I have no particular feelings toward my alternate selves. They are versions of me who lived differently, after all. I find it fascinating how our lives can take so many different paths.

What about you? Some of your alternate selves are... interesting, to say the least.

[original_fine]

Logic may not be a common human trait in your opinion, Spock, but curiosity it. And it's not simply limited to humans, either.

[narrowly]

Indeed. Were it not for curiosity, my people would have never met yours. [A pause as he does his version of a smile] And of all the possibilities, I do not think I would want to see a world where you and I did not meet, Jim. Your friendship has meant a great deal to me, and did to Ambassador Spock.

[smartass_captain]

Well I mean it should if you're actually meeting them. Some of them can be dangerous. I've seen that first hand. Not every world is as peaceful as our own.

[Not that theirs is particularly peaceful these last several years but it's better than so many alternatives.]

Plus. Well. You know me.

[A magnet for trouble, this one.]

It's nothing I can't handle.

[Reassuring, right?]

[narrowly]

I suppose the one who has chosen his human half could be dangerous due to his emotions.

[He nods with a Spock version of a smile] I do know you, Jim, and I am glad that I know you as well as I do. You are the only version I would ever want to stand beside.

[smartass_captain]

All due respect, Mister Spock, he wasn't the one I was particularly worried about. You don't want to mess with those Empire folks.

[Plus, meeting his own would probably end in him meeting that verse's Jim and that's a thought that makes a man wince.]

Feeling's mutual, you know. If I had to work with a different you I might not ever win at chess. It's taken years to even get close with you.

[He's trying and failing to hold in a laugh at his own joke but the amusement shows in his face plain as day.]

[narrowly]

No, I do not. Although, if I grew out my facial hair, I would easily resemble my counterpart from that universe. [He strokes his chin like he's considering it. He's joking... maybe]

I'm glad to hear my chess skills are a deciding factor. [Sarcasm, he knows it]

[original_fine]

That's almost downright sentimental, Mr. Spock.

But not unwelcome, for all that. You know that I feel the same way.

[narrowly]

I suspect my time spent in yours and Nyota's company has made me more open to sentimentality.

I do. And so did he.

[maythrowuponyou]

Logic ain't all it's cracked up to be, m'boy.

[smartass_captain]

I'm sure you would. How long do you think it'd take for the others to stop bothering you about it though?

[Jim certainly takes it for a joke. He's beyond gleeful that Spock's playing along in his own way. It's a rare thing but one the captain gets no shortage of fulfillment from.]

I suppose you can consider yourself an exemplary teacher then for helping me hone my game. [A small pause.] Actually, I"m just glad that after this long you haven't gotten tired of playing with me.

[narrowly]

An excellent point. I will stay clean-shaven.

[He smiles] You and Nyota are the only opponents I have found who are still challenging to play against.

[narrowly]

I understand you do not uphold the Vulcan views of logic. However, I would think even you can acknowledge its merits, doctor.

[maythrowuponyou]

[Eyes twinkling, always ready for a bicker]

It has its place, sure. That's a very small place. Maybe an inch or so wide. Behind the refrigerator. Out of the way.

[narrowly]

But doctor, do you not need logical deductions in your work as a medical officer?

[maythrowuponyou]

Nope. Emotion and intuition, all the way.

[Spock is right, of course, but McCoy isn’t about to tell him that.]

[narrowly]

[He doesn't understand why McCoy is being stubborn, but he'll let it go]

As you say, doctor.

[maythrowuponyou]

[He likes to bicker, sometimes. Another of those illogical human impulses. He gives Spock a sudden grin.]

Thank you.

How're you doing, anyway? Considering growing a beard and turning evil?

[narrowly]

My Terran Empire counterpart is not "evil", Doctor. He simply exists in a reality where he must adhere to a different moral code than what we observe.

[maythrowuponyou]

Oh, sure, sure. That's not answering the question, though.

[There's concern in his eyes. Not too deeply hidden. He likes to give Spock shit. He also, by now, has a measure of respect and even affection for him.]

[narrowly]

No, Doctor, I have no intentions of becoming like him or any of my alternates. But thank you for your concern.

[original_fine]

'Did'? Then he's...