A Surprising Visit

[mirroredcommand]

Time passed without any true indication of its movement except for the occasional checks to the padd that was his single form of outlet. It was difficult to suppress the desire to lash out against anything, including his captors, but suppressed it was. He was no heathen as they seemed to believe of him, like he knew some of his crew to be. His mind trickled to thoughts of the young brat determined to remove him from command and had been successful until his first officer had dealt with the situation. Loyal as always, Spock.

His mind consistently returned to the conversation with Spock, both Spocks together in the same mind-field, and if he had proved his point. Truly, he would not have normally cared in the least how his Spock came to this verse and freed him, be it by secrecy, force, command, or blood, but in this case he had specifically chosen to tell his Spock to come in a way that would not harm this crew. Chosen because it would add to his words and actions in order that his second-hand persuasion to the surprisingly young Captain of this Enterprise would be that much stronger. The Spock currently residing in this universe, one way or another, would be forced to support him, but done in such a fashion that Spock would believe his own words instead of being forced to speak them.

It would work well, Pike decided. All he had to do was wait.

Comments

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"I'd rather do that than be sitting here, devoid of any chance to have a say of my potential future. There are many possibilities, including that you and I could never leave this universe. The idea of being here," He gestured about his cell, "If that was the truth is worse then death, and indeed would turn me to forcing my way out instead of remaining as I have. It could be days, weeks, years until my Spock finds a way."

For just a moment, his eyes dropped. Only a single moment, then lifted again. The pain of the bond throbbed like a constantly bleeding wound in his mind - he could not last like this for too long without the half of it. Spock, Jim's Spock, had ended up in sickbay in a comatose state after only a short time, the bond so new.

This separation had been like tearing out flesh, an organ, instead of newly placed stitches.

[original-fine.livejournal.com]

Jim had no window into this man's mind. But his instincts were intact, and given his own recent experience he was not unaware of some of what the man must be going through. And would continue to. Despite everything, he had sympathy. Even if trust of a man so different in principle was difficult.

"You have been patient," Kirk acknowledged. "I can only say that I, for one, have not and would not advocate this as a permanent solution. And trust that we can indeed find something that works. With compromise on both sides. I would not like to be trapped here forever, either. And I am not nearly so far displaced as you."

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"I will continue to be patient for however long it requires." Pike's gaze tilted down to his gloved hands, thinking in silence for a moment. How could he say something that spoke of such weakness to who might be the enemy? Probably because he would rather it be known then himself collapsing and the knowledge of it going unknown.

So he looked to Jim again, "I'll tell you that this current solution will not last much longer before it takes its toll."

The bond's pain was getting force, multiplying since the contact with his own Spock. He knew he already find himself deteriorating as it was, having dreams of things that could not exist but seemed incredibly real. He had not been separated from Spock like this before, even when he had been captured by another enemy in their own universe.

[original-fine.livejournal.com]

That was an admission of some cost, Kirk knew. He was silent a moment, watching Pike seriously and not without understanding. Spock had trusted this man, to some extent, even knowing what he did. And while that, too, smelled suspiciously like undue influence, Jim couldn't ignore it. Nor could he ignore the landscape of Spock's mind, when Bones had been separated. Madness was not only certain--it was a miracle Pike was still standing.

He nodded. "I understand that," he said, his voice laced with understated compassion. "Is there anything you know of that will reduce the effect?"

Even free--which Jim could not foresee happening--this would be an issue. Pike was condemned already.

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

"I've already done what I can to reduce the effect, or I would've already been mad, unconscious, or dead." Pike also admitted, remaining calm in body and tone, fingers lacing together. "This isn't something I'm familiar with, because even when Spock and I've been separated in the past, the bond still remained and didn't feel like this. Perhaps your Spock would know more."

[original-fine.livejournal.com]

Jim watched him again for a long moment. "I'll talk to him about it," he said at last. He'd already decided to, but he thought this man should know. His feelings, after this meeting, were little less confused than before. He had all of Spock's memories, and the other Spock's, too, surrounding this prisoner rattling around in his brain with no real context to latch them on to. Trying to supply it now was a process, not an instant fix. And he was even further resolved to learn as much as he could about the bond. They'd been separated--in exactly this manner--before. Would he have survived this long?

Somehow, Jim doubted it. And that was a liability.

He straightened, feeling he'd learned what he could for now. "I'll do everything I can," he said. "I appreciate your courtesy and your candor." Jim could exhibit both as well, whatever his distrust. "It was interesting meeting you, Captain."

[iron-command.livejournal.com]

The title was an interesting pleasure he had not expected. Pike gave a slight nod of his head, a thank you perhaps, and a departing for sure. "And yourself." To meet a James Kirk that was someone to be respected as much as possibly feared was almost enjoyable.

At least now, maybe, there was a slim chance. The bond throbbed like an open wound, and Pike could only hope that the chance was enough.