Shall always be your friend

[Gothicruby]

While Kirk couldn't say he cared for the incorrect term of address, he was wise enough to know when to take even the smallest of victories where he could. It was in this moment that he paused to look at the young man's features and with it, let out a heavy though considerate sigh "You...claim to be Spock, my first officer Spock from the sound of it, correct?" he questioned carefully so as to not drive Spock into any more distress than was needed "If that's so, where do you come from? How did you get here? Why?"

Now it was Jim's turn to raise a surprised and confused brow at the older Spock's mentioning of a 'sore bottom'--the mental image could not possibly imply what crossed his mind "I'm not sure I'd consider him all that safe by the sound of it," he couldn't help remarking again as he straightened a little in his chair "Besides, I wouldn't consider him safe until he's back where he belongs. You mentioned a worm-hole being created through a...red matter error?" he had to make sure "Is there enough left in your hull to recreate the accident, do you think?"

[KingCrowley]

The younger Spock stared at the man through questioning eyes as he mentioned him claiming to be Spock, he nodded his head. "Yes, my name is Spock. Son of Sarek and Amanda." he explained calmly, though there was slight irritation to his voice. "I come from a parallel universe, it is similar to this world, however Jim Kirk is much...." he paused, giving Jim a cheeky smirk, only for a few seconds. "Much, much younger than you are." he sighed. "I had disobeyed my own Captain Kirk, taken a shuttle out to survey the storm, there was an error with a large amount of red matter, a worm hole was created and I was pulled inside." he explained.

"Surely you're no' insinuating actually trying to re create a worm hole Jim!" Scotty's voice rang out over the noises of the crew and bridge. "I can guarantee we'd all be dead!" he informed and shook his head, "It canne' be repeated Jimmy, I'm sorry."

Spock glanced to the overemotional Scotsman and nodded his head, "Mr. Scott -- I presume -- is correct Captain, the risk of ending all life as we know it, is incredibly high." he informed and then folded his arms across his chest. "And I can not allow you to attempt such an illogical risk." there was an air of sternness to his tone as he explained this. Not willing to let the youngster put his life in danger for something that seemed to great to put on the line in the first place. "I mentioned him having a sore bottom, I assure you, the Captain would never abuse your First officer, he is safe where he is. Just as I am."

[Gothicruby]

Now, Kirk mentally noted, even though the boy was obviously exaggerating the age gap between , he couldn't deny that wasn't just a little below the belt. But even so, he couldn't say that was his immediate concern
"Disobeyed?" he repeated with a look that betrayed how unbelievable he found that to be from even a younger version of Spock "Surely you must have realised how fool-hardy a stunt that was?" he motioned briefly to the bridge "Now more than ever?"

"Not for the ship, Scotty, for Spock's shuttle craft," Jim clarified as he made his way over towards the doors of the bridge, assuming that atleast one of them would follow; although he heard the elder Vulcan's voice of concern, unfortunately, if he had any chance of bringing Spock back to his own reality then he couldn't afford to listen "Surely if it's been done once on such a small craft without any fatalities it can be done again?" there was a determination ringing in the young captain's reserved for one of two things; the loyalty to his ship and the loyalty to his crew--he was not going to allow any one to come between that.

[KingCrowley]

"I saw it logical to properly survey the danger of the storm so as to protect the crew, and of course the Captain." Spock answered and shook his head, "Even now, I stand by my decision, I would go to any lengths to protect and serve the crew of the Enterprise. Surely as a Captain, you understand the need?" he challenged, mirth in his tone as he mentioned his title.

Scotty shook his head, "No Jim! Not just the shuttle, the ship, but the universe itself, it could collapse, like the Spock look alike said, life wouldn't exist!" He shouted, ready to tear his hair out because the young James Kirk hadn't realized the severity of the situation. "Jim! Are ye listening laddie?! It canne' be repeated!" he said firmly, looking into his eyes.

"Calm yourself Mr. Scott." Spock spoke firmly, nearing the distraught young Captain and placing a hand on his shoulder. "This cannot be repeated, your officer was foolish, he should not have entered such a storm. You may not see him again, however you must know that he is safe, Jim." he explained, looking into his eyes. "He will gain the discipline he needs, which will benefit his future actions."

[Gothicruby]

"I understand your concern, Spock, all too well; infact I feel that is what gives me authority to inform you that such a need was none of your concern." It was at the young Vulcan's attempt to challenge that Kirk felt it necessary to remind him of his place through a stern tone of his own "It is the captain's duty to protect his crew, every single member, which includes the first officer." muscular arms folded simply across his chest "A responsibility, I realise, has now fallen from your own James Kirk to me; now I suggest, Spock, you make peace with that fact as quickly as possible."

The hand placed atop Jim's shoulder froze the young captain; not out of fear, or anger or even frustration, but out of necessity. He listened, calm and collected for as long as he needed to endure Spock's explanation but he made no secret of his disapproval once the lecture had ended "You can't possibly be suggesting I just leave him stranded out there?" he whirled back around, a hair's breath away from fully snapping at the intruder before him "You of all people?" the young captain was able to stop himself from completely falling off the edge of his temper, catching himself with a quiet growl and determined glare "No. I'm getting you both back where you belong even if I have to grab a space-suit and jump through a whole trail of worm-holes." the glower darkened "And as captain, I order you to leave the matter be."

[KingCrowley]

"I will never allow you to take the place of Captain Kirk, the real Captain Kirk." Spock answered, slight venom in his tone and he glowered at the older man. "I do not need to take orders from the likes of you." he maintained before simply huffing and moving past the man stood before him, as though he was no longer there. He no longer had Spock's attention. If he was going to be trapped here...he was not going to follow orders from that old man.

"I am afraid there is no other option Jim. Spock is alive where he is now, correct?" Spock asked and when he got the nod, he continued, his voice firm. "If you attempted the risk you are insinuating, his life would most likely be lost due to the collapse of the universe." he explained calmly and rationally. "Spock would not want you to do that, as well as risk your own life. And I can confirm, young Captain, he will not be the only Spock sorely disappointed in your actions." he sighed. "I realize you wish to have Spock at your side once more, I must admit I feel the same longing for my own Captain, but I must accept the circumstance as it is." He then stepped forward and took Jim's wrist firmly. "However, you are not my Captain, young man. And I believe it is time, that you saw sense."

[Gothicruby]

Though this may have come as a surprise to the young Vulcan, even in such a petulant state, but the distress and, dare he think, the grief was not lost on Kirk; the captain was sure infact that he didn't need a mind-meld to estimate just how much of a blow this must have been for him. But as a captain and concerned onlooker, he couldn't allow Spock to fall into such disrespectful behaviour. So he allowed Spock to pass and infact followed him slowly up towards the doors of the bridge before taking him firmly by the upper arm "You may not want to follow orders, or look upon me as captain, and that's just fine," he quietly started "But as long as you are on my ship you are my responsibility; and I will not tolerate such an attitude, Spock."

It could have been the circumstances, the knowledge of losing his best friend and officer and maybe even the fact that he had been 'replaced' of a sort by such a stoic, arrogant doppelganger that made Kirk feel what he felt and, more importantly say what he said "And just how is such a sorry replacement supposed to make me see that?"

[KingCrowley]

The young Vulcan was not about to listen to anything the man had to say, sure it went against Spock's nature, but he'd just lost everything he considered dear to his half human heart. Even the annoying Doctor McCoy he sort of pined for. As he felt the hand clamp on his arm, he turned and frowned. "Release me." he growled, eyes burning with unholy fire. "I shall do nothing you desire me to, you are not Jim Kirk."

An eyebrow rose out of shock, he had not come across such petulance within James T Kirk and even though this was not the same one he knew, it was still very shocking. "Now, now." he said calmly, though his grip on Jim tightened slightly. "I do not believe I deserve such a blatant display of disrespect. You are Captain of this vessel, as such you should conduct your behavior accordingly. As it seems you are unable to do so, I shall assist you." with that said, Spock dragged Jim from his current position and into a secluded room. "Respect was forced upon me as a child, and aboard the Enterprise by James Tiberius Kirk. It seems I should adopt such methods in order for you to properly act as the Captain of the Enterprise should."

[Gothicruby]

"No Spock, I am Jim Kirk." Captain James coolly countered against the venom young Spock was proverbially spitting "And you may not want to listen to me, but that won't stop me from teaching you to mind your manners."
He didn't wait any longer to pull Spock down the corridor and into one of the conference rooms sitting at the far corner of the deck; he sighed as they marched through the doorway "I have to say, Spock, up to now I'm not impressed with your attitude; a shame considering what I'm assuming is still an exemplary record?"

It was only when the two of them were away from the prying eyes of the crew that Jim finally gave in to the burning urge to pull his hand out of this replacement Spock's grasp; atleast he attempted to, and even despite initial failure he continued with such savage vigour that any passer by could have mistaken him for a man facing the gallows "There is nothing you can teach me that's going to make up for Spock's loss!" he snarled, his entire form burning alive with such an unbridled temper "And there's certainly nothing you could ever do to account for that! It's your fault afterall!"

[KingCrowley]

"And it shall remain untarnished." Spock countered quickly, not giving the man the satisfaction of a struggle. He did not know what was about to happen, perhaps the man was going to sit him down, force him to read over a Star Fleet manual on obeying the Captain or something. It was unclear to the Vulcan. However what James T Kirk was about to do, was the furthest thing from Spock's mind at that point. "And I have perfect manners, I am Vulcan."

"No James, this is the fault of your first officer, and perhaps if you had instilled discipline onto him, from your own hand. We would not be in this situation. Unfortunately you have failed to properly keep control of all crew members, something that is expected of a Captain. Furthermore, your mannerisms and unnecessary insults, have also put you in this position, and very soon, a position I assume you will find yourself in quite often." That explained, Spock sat down on one of the straight backed chairs before calmly, yet effectively yanking young Jim Kirk over his broad lap. "James Tiberius Kirk, I am going to spank your bottom, as punishment for not only such disrespect, but also because you failed to properly execute your role as Captain." Spock then landed a firm smack down across Jim's trouser-clad backside. His Vulcan strength certain to cause an impression upon the young man.