Bah-Humbug! A Vulcan Scrooge!

by Kim; rated PG-13
Beta-read by Questar--this is my very first!
FB: missionbendwoolery @ yahoo.com
about Spock, Kirk, their not mine unfortunately! :-( I receive no money, Implied male/male...

His seething glare as he continued walking down the hallway caused all he swept passed, to veer their glances quickly away lest they know the sting of his tongue, he was in no mood to rest easy over something as foolishly illogical as this holiday was to his people.

As he entered the engine room to check some variants that had appeared on his screen, he heard the chirping Scotsman call out "Dinna gonna be a Merry Christmas, Sir!" with his annoying cheerfulness and he growled back "Aghhh, bah-humbug!"

It had been slowly getting worse over the last 2 weeks, they had started the 12 days till Christmas in the mess hall. They had placed a tree in the corner with twinkling lights and snowmen beside reindeer pulling a miniature sleigh across the other corner. He soon ceased taking his meals there.

They stopped at the galactic dock to lay in supplies and packages when a small child had came up and tugged on his pants leg, curious about the strange alien it had never seen before, he had snarled and wrenched his pants away from the grimy hands and growled as he turned back the way he had come from.

As the evening came to an end his Captain ran up behind him as he was leaving the fitness room..."I got you the best gift." he said as he handed him the brightly wrapped present. "Aghhh, bah-humbug!" Was his reply as he threw the present to the side, neither noticing the shattering sound nor the crestfallen expression on his friend’s face.

Finally at the close of evening he laid down to sleep, having not even said goodnight to any of the crewmates he considered friends.

He was feeling bitter as sleep claimed him and he slept restlessly, tossing and fretful, until suddenly a strange light brought him awake. He opened his eyes to the image of Surak, dressed in a brightly garbed robe, crooking his finger at him. "What, what do you want?" his voice came haltingly, roughly.

"I am the spirit of Christmas passed. Come,” said Surak who suddenly latched onto his arm with strong, strong hands and then he was flying thru a tunnel that ended in the backyard of the home that he grew up in. He swept his gaze around taking in his childhood haunt before noticing the small boy inside the house. He moved closer to the window and watched as the boy received a present from his mother. The boy stared at the box, and then raised his eyebrows at her.

"This is illogical." was all he said then he turned away, not seeing the tear run down his mother’s face. The man from the future watched with a sense of discomfort, having just recently suffered the pain of thinking he had lost Lady Amanda, this picture tugged deeply at his heart. He finally straightened his face into its normal stoic severe look, and lifted an eyebrow at the spirit. "This has no logical point or meaning." The spirit shook its head then took his arm again and through another tunnel they flew.

Suddenly he was in the engineering room and feeling rather confused he slowly raised his head to stare into the eyes of Mr. Scotty, in full kilt and pipes, who quickly spoke before the man in front of him had the chance to fully recover his wits. "I'm the spirit of Christmas present, laddie" the Scotsman chirped then raised his arm and pointed to a strangely familiar young man who was sneaking into the room. Surprisingly, in his hands was a package that was not a gift, it was a bomb. He placed it into a small cranny at the back of some machinery. Spock could hear the countdown starting to tick. "We must..." he started to protest but silently the Scotsman shook his head, his face showing there would be no warning.

Then the man finally realized the familiarity of the face of the young man he was watching, it was the child he brushed away on the galactic dock. He watched in horror as the young man sat preparing himself to die along with the strangers that had been the catalysts to his family’s downfall.

Just as he heard the detonation, his arm had once again been taken and he was off, flying through another tunnel. This time, when he landed, he was in front of a rough piece of barren ground, strewn with rubbish from a great crash or battle. He didn’t recognize this place but felt shivers of cold fear raising the hair on the back of his neck and whisper down his spine to curl up heavily in his stomach.

Suddenly a new spirit stood at his side, his old crewmate Dr. McCoy. Silently the old man turned him around to see his Captain bending over something, his body shaking with the force of his sobbing, sounding as if his heart was rendered raw, as if pain ripped him asunder. He watched in horror his best friend crying as he had when he lost his brother, but worse. He whirled around to the spirit, "Leonard, Dr. McCoy! We must help. What…” he started to ask....when Jim Kirk stood up, Spock could hear him sobbing, “you cant just leave me! I cant do this alone."

Suddenly they saw in his hands a grenade with the pin half out and beyond him the reason for his mourning. Spock could see the newly erected headstone. Commander Spock of Surak was the epitath and the dates of his birth and death. "What? That's...." Spoke froze as he realized that what he had seen was

“Why? Why are you showing me this? Showing me my friend in such pain? What about the starship? Scotty? WHY?" he finally screamed. The spirit of Christmas future looked at him and smiled. "The result is up to you!" Then roughly the spirit turned him and shoved...

...in a blink, faster than the teleporter, he was back in his room sitting up in his bed, covered in sweat and shaking with emotion. He leapt to his feet and ran barefoot, straight out of his door into the hall towards Kirk's cabin. Not slowing down, knowing it was already programmed to his presence, he never hesitated as he ran thru the doorway and slid to a stop before the bedroom, breathing roughly as he saw Jim raise up in the bed, startled.

"What's wrong?" he roughly got out, his voice confused and groggy. "Are you okay?" he said quickly, awake enough to automatically notice no alarms were going off. His first officer was standing in his bedroom in his black silk pajama's, looking flushed, shaken, almost frightened! "Spock," he started, "Are you..." and he got no further before Spock collapsed to his knees beside his bed. Worried, Kirk sat completely up and reached out for his friends’ solid shoulder and grasped the still trembling form.

Softly he said, "Spock? What is it? What do you need me to do? I will help..." he paused as he felt the silent form take a deep breath, gather himself and raise his face, betraying him outwardly calm, except his eyes. "I'm sorry for disrupting you Sir, I must have had..." Shaking his head, Spock found the words difficult to say,”what I believe in your culture would be called a nightmare." He finally got out. Kirk struggled to withhold the grin he felt starting, as relief flooded him...knowing that the Vulcan’s stoicism would be insulted, he tried to brush it off.

"Hmm, well, these things happen to the best of us, you know..." then he trailed off as he realized how illogical this sounded. Vulcan’s don’t dream! "Spock, you have told me you don’t dream, correct?" Spock's head drooped again; he fought the desire to lie, already embarrassed and unable to speak. Kirk thought for a little longer before speaking. "Well Mr. Spock, it's probably eating that horrid treat while we watched classic film night, that's probably all it is, but to be safe I want you to report to Dr. McCoy first thing in the morning!" he finished firmly.

Noticing the slight tremors still running through the stiff man, he rose quietly and touched his friends arm, "You still need more sleep. Come on, you can bunk here, so no one catches you in your jammies." Levering for a way to lighten the still taunt atmosphere of residing fear, and the Vulcan’s awkwardness. “Come on." he steered the weary man over to the bed and pressed him down..."Go on and sleep a bit, I’m awake now, so I will finish some paperwork and we will worry about this in the morning. He stated firmly, "Sleep! That’s an order!"

He grinned, noting with satisfaction, the easing of the Vulcan’s shoulders. Spock's head swung up for a brief moment, showing the strain in his eyes. After searching his Captain's face he gave a quick nod of agreement and then he eased his head back and steeled himself to shut down his senses; trying not to notice the warmth where Kirk's body had been laying, or the faint lingering smell that was a common signature of the man he called Captain. He laid awake feigning sleep for a long time as he listened to his friend rustle papers, sounding efficient but knowing he was restless as he, himself, was. Eventually he fell in a a dreamless sleep.

Silently he stood with eyes watching the light filtering across the floor, waiting for a caustic joke or remark from the Doctor, whom he had surprised by appearing in his office first thing that morning. He had felt none of the hesitation that he had with the Captain, had explained the night’s activities in complete detail and now waited for the Doctor to take retribution for the many times he had been one upped in their vocal sparring matches.

"Well, I don’t think it was simply one to many treats as you watched an old classic," came the unexpected response. Surprised by this reply, Spock’s eyebrows shot skyward, his dark, solemn eyes staring in bafflement. "Yes, that played some part, but all jokes aside, the items that were brought to your attention are evidently areas that bring you considerable stress or angst," came the low, southern drawl.

“I would think long and hard about each part of this dream and seriously consider why they bother you so and how to ease them from your psyche." Startled he looked into Bones's serious eyes, no jesting or contempt in them, just concern...the eyes of a friend.

Relieved, he gave a slight curve of lips and nodded his thanks as he turned and left. He would go meditate; his logical side spoke of facts, but his curiosity was piqued and he would have answers.

The next day, Spock, with a definite bounce to his steps, found himself reporting to the bridge for duty bright and early. He had meditated long into the night and found the answers he had needed and now was finalizing his solutions.

A slight smile played at the corner of his mouth; 2 more days for all the connections to fall into place. As he entered the bridge, before he could re-align his features, his slight smile was spotted by Lt. Uhura and her own uncertain smile brightened as he passed her and murmured, “Please, no remarks, but Merry Christmas Lieutenant!" He shot one more hint of smile towards her as he took his seat. Once settled, he turned to face the rest of the crew, his face as passive and stony as ever. Uhura did a double take; maybe she was imagining what had just happened? Finally she noticed his eyebrow and knew he was amused at her confusion, grinning she ducked her head in acknowledgement and turned back to work, quietly humming a Christmas carol to herself.

Finally Christmas Eve arrived. After 2 days of waiting he was anxious to settle his past fears and future troubles. He had made the rest of the crew feel unsettled, for he was no longer the cynical grumpy Vulcan. He did not greet one with a smile or a hug, but rather with a pleasant “Good morning.” or “How are you?” “Maybe there are such things as alien body snatchers.” Thought Lieutenant Chekhov to himself as he remembered the horror vid he had watched last night and he shuddered slightly at the strange idea of Spock as an alien Zombie!

Very few of the crew entering the mess hall caught the extra gifts below the tree, the few that did could only sit and wonder and wait for the next morning to open their presents.

Dr. McCoy was surprised and startled to see a big package sitting on his desk with a very neatly written "Thank You" he smiled as he realized it was Spock’s handwriting. “ Why that sneaking green goblin!” He cursed affectionately to himself.

Meanwhile Scotty was being startled by Mr. Spock who had appeared quietly behind him, armed with a heavy box that he pressed into the surprised Scotsman’s hands, saying quietly "Merry Christmas, Mr. Scott." Then with no further explanation he turned and hurriedly exited engineering, leaving the amazed Lieutenant in the process of opening his gift. Inside were a big bottle of fine whisky and the new dynamic workbook on the recently designed fueled engines he had been wishing for.

On the docking bay of the port a small boy had woken during the night to the sight of a tall alien squatting beside him. After some quick research, Spock had discovered that some families were being evicted from locations here close to the docks. He handed the child a box and a key, "What's in the box is for you and,.." the rough, low voice whispered out of the darkness, “the key and envelope is for your parents and community members." Then the mysterious alien was gone! Inside the box was the widely desired acco-toy, hit of the last many seasons, and when his parents opened the envelope they found enough credits to get them thru the child’s teenage years, as well as the title and security key to a small batch of land (No longer used by Starfleet that Spock had purchased two days earlier from a sleazy realtor who was more than glad to part with it for a meager profit.) to build their community on and never have to worry about eviction again!

Finally down to the last 2 gifts, Spock was feeling slightly tired but happy as though a hundred kilo weight had been removed from his shoulders. Yet, his heart lay tight in his chest, for these last 2 gifts bore the greatest mark on him, the greatest accomplishment or the greatest failure. He had already sent one and placed the other, now there was only the nervous pacing as he waited in his room for the call he knew would be forthcoming.

Not long after, his communication buzzer went off. "Spock? May I have a moment of your time please?" came his beloved captain’s frustrated voice. Not taking the time to reply Spock had already exited his cabin... suddenly the doorway to Kirk's cabin opened as the tall, lean Vulcan entered without knocking. Captain Kirk raised his head and exclaimed with frustration, "Why didn’t you answer? What is going on?" He growled, waving his hand towards the huge box with no note or tag. "How did this get in here? Who is...?” Flustered Kirk’s face grew redder by the moment....thrilled to have finally caught his mischievous captain by total surprise, Spock, hiding his smile from his face but not his eyes, quietly remarked, "I believe you will soon be having a communication that will alleviate your concerns and answer your questions, Sir."

Before Kirk could decipher the look on his friends face his computer chirped, "Captain, you have a message, priority 1, from Ambassador Surak,” said Lt. Uhura, "Patching it on thru." Suddenly his screen filled with the solemn, sanguine face of the ambassador. Greetings were exchanged and then Jim asked, curious for answers, "To what do I owe the honor of this call, Ambassador?"

“Spock?” was the Vulcan’s unexpected reply, “Come thee forth while your mother opens her gift, and then we will discuss your Captain’s question together." The Ambassador had already read his private note sent separately from that of his wife's. Spock moved into view of the monitor, all but his eyes unreadable as he faced his father’s chiseled visage, returning look for look with that of his austere father.

Inside he was feeling quite smug, for how rare it was to unsettle these 2 humans with one occasion and if the 2 Vulcan's had been humans there would be laughter and smiles all around. Suddenly his mother was on the view screen holding an archaic looking invitation and letter, with tears flowing down her face. Soft flowing Vulcan sentences were exchanged, and then she said in English, "I love you also my bright one, and I approve of your choosing!" More tears fell as she threw herself into her husband’s arms. Surak's stern voice betrayed the glimmer in his eyes as he ordered his son to finish his gift giving so that he could calm his mother! Almost smiling, Spock caught himself and nodded as he turned to his face his Captain.

"Jim, I finally figured out my nightmare. What things have given me cause to fear and I have resolved all but one…you!" Shocked, Jim who had not realized he had played much of a role in the nightmare just watched Spock in bafflement. Taking a deep breath Spock explained his memory of what he had seen and the grief it had caused him, what McCoy had said and how he had found a solution through meditation. Then he waved his hand to the box.

"This might be presumptuous of me and your decision will not affect my ability to continue as your first officer, it has always been my place at your side, but..." he slowly handed Kirk the invitation, an invitation to a bonding, a wedding. Startled Kirk quickly looked into Spock's eyes "You’re getting married?" he stuttered, "I don’t understand! To who?" Sudden emotions of total loss, fear, pain, affection and despair crossed Jim’s shocked features. Watching these subtle changes on the human's face Spock took his arms and smiled gently down at him, "You, my T'hy'la! You if you will have me." He then opened the box revealing another, which held another, and so on, until he had opened up all but the last small box, which he handed to Jim.

With slightly shaky fingers, Jim complied and found inside an exquisite wedding ring showing the house of Surak symbol. Spock reached out and picked up the ring looking deeply into Jim's eyes, asking the question silently while love, hope, fear and longing all vied for a place in his heart. He watched eagerly as the conclusion finally came over his love's face, then a slightly grinning Jim looked at him, cocked his head and stated..."Well, Mr. Scrooge, if that’s what it takes to make you enjoy Christmas." Suddenly smiling, he grabbed his friend and kissed him deeply, hugging him tight.

With a slight smile, Surak nodded and disconnected the vid conversation. It was private time for both couples he thought as he hugged his wife and with a slight grin he turned her towards their bedroom.

1 week later, in the Ambassador's back yard, the happy couple was joined by their closest crewmates, friends and family, all dressed in their finest clothes to witness the joining of Spock and Kirk. Once the bonding ceremony was completed the newlywed officers were off on a two-week honeymoon. All had turned out better than he could have hoped for, thought Spock as the happy couple headed off on their next adventure.

While sitting by watching, unseen by mortals, were the 3 spirits of Christmas who were laughing as they paid off their bets. "Fine!" Growled the spirit of Leonard McCoy (Who had lost quite a large amount.) I pick next!" as he thrust his hand into the hat holding all the names. "Hmmm I’ll wager on next years chosen one." He grinned mischievously as he picked one to re-enact their Christmas spirit joke on. He peered at the name and moaned.

“Who is it?” asked the other two anxious spirits. Sobbing, the Spirit spoke. "Oh Gawwwd! McCoy! Now not one word or I swear I’ll...!" the rest of his angry comment was lost in the roaring of the other two spirits as they howled with laughter over this piece of coincidence, or was it? They thought not, but wisely chose to remain silent, except for chortling hysterically at the furious ghost as they waited for the next season....

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