We are beautiful in every single way
Yes words can't bring us down
So don't you bring me down today

The next days were an excited blur for most cadets as they packed and made arrangements to check into their new posts. Some had the opportunity for shore leave first, but others were not so lucky. For some, it was a time to say good bye, and kissing couples line the corridors.

“There are some things you don’t need to see,” McCoy complained as he turned away from a couple in a corner. They were on their way to the shuttle station to catch their ride to the Enterprise, which was in orbit. Gary had already left.

“Are you sure you know where we are, Bones?”

“Shut up Jim,” McCoy growled in response.

They took their seats on the Academy shuttle near a window, and McCoy insisted on taking the aisle seat.

“What’s so special about that particular seat Bones?”

“I want to make a quick escape if something goes wrong,” McCoy explained, as if it were obvious.

“In the event of a crash, an escape would prove unlikely.”

“Thanks Spock,” McCoy drawled, grabbing the seat convulsively as he sat down. “I can always count on you to make a dismal situation a lot worse than it already is.”

“I was merely stating the facts.”

“Well please don’t.”

“Spock, can we swap seats? I want to be near the window,” Kirk asked.

“Of course.” Spock moved into the middle and Kirk sat near the window.

“Thanks a lot, Jim.”

“What?” Kirk asked, trying hard to look appropriately innocent. “I like looking out windows...”

“You abandoned me to Spock for the journey.”

“That had nothing to do with it.”

McCoy rolled his eyes. “You know we’ll rip each other to shreds.”

“Verbally of course,” Spock muttered under his breath.

McCoy glared at him. “If I had a sword Spock, mark my words, I would use it,” the doctor threatened.

Kirk grinned happily and settled himself more comfortably into his seat. “You have to admit it’s entertaining to watch. Now all I need is some popcorn.”

“That’s because you’re not involved in it. Is this revenge for all those hypos I gave you when you ran over my bike?”

“You’re close. Do you remember the first time I saw you on a shuttle?”

“Vaguely,” McCoy replied, deep in thought. “That was right after you got over from the flu, wasn’t it? I ran into you on a public shuttle and you practically crushed my toes with your suitcase.”

“That was an accident. Anyway, do you remember saying something like ‘I may throw up on you’?”

McCoy grinned impishly. “Definitely.”

“Well you did, and it ruined my shoes, so I’m keeping my distance. Sorry Spock,” he added sheepishly to the Vulcan.

“I’m used to shuttles now,” McCoy protested.

Kirk’s eyes narrowed. “Why do I have trouble believing you?”

“No idea,” McCoy replied innocently.

The shuttle jerked. “Off we go,” Kirk announced.

“That statement was unnecessary,” Spock pointed out.

Kirk shrugged. “I felt like saying it anyway.” He glanced at McCoy, who was muttering under his breath. “Bones, are you praying?”

“No, I’m actually threatening anything I can think of.”

“Are you being sarcastic?”

“No, Jim.”

Kirk turned to Spock. “You know, I can never tell when he’s actually serious.”

“I believe he was serious.”

“Thank you!” McCoy breathed. “Someone who isn’t paranoid about sarcasm.”

“Bones, anyone in your company would be paranoid about sarcasm.”

“I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.”

Kirk grinned. “Is that because you can’t think of a good enough reply?”

“No,” McCoy snarled. “Now let me be petrified in peace.”

“Suit yourself.”

The Academy disappeared on the horizon, and Spock was not sorry to see it go. His only worry now would be how he would be treated on the Enterprise under Captain Pike.

He, Kirk, McCoy and Gary were the only ensigns, freshly graduated and likely to be patronised by older officers. Word would have travelled by now that he was a ‘vampire’, and if it was as bad as at the Academy, his life would be miserable. Presumably everyone would know as it was on his file. Would he be feared? Would he step aboard the ship and find that he would be constantly guarded by security guards, or would he be treated like every other person aboard the ship?

One thing was certain, his low status and reputation as a Kesarahn would ensure that officers might find more reasons to discipline him, as it had been while he was a cadet. He did not think it likely that he would be completely accepted. He had tried to get used to the idea since he had endured it since his birth on Vulcan, but it was difficult. Every time he saw people like Kirk who were accepted and loved without question, his own faults were highlighted and even more obvious than before.

He would have to work twice as hard to prove himself if he were to rise in rank, and win the trust of over 400 people on the entire ship. The odds were fairly small, he knew that, but he was strangely determined that he should do well and set the path for Kesarahns to follow him.

They exited the Earth’s atmosphere and the shuttle’s artificial gravity system kicked in quickly, so that the transition was barely noticeable. Behind them, the planet Earth loomed like a magnificent marble, the countries safely contained by the swirls of cloud and soft blue sky. Small stars glittered behind it and around it, so that the planet and its people were surrounded by vigilant suns. It was hard to believe how ancient Terrans had thought they were alone in space. Now, that very same race was a member of the United Federation of Planets and took part in their ever continuing search for new life. It was a dramatic change to say the least.

In front of them, the Enterprise began as a small dot miles away, gradually growing bigger as they drew closer. Its sheer size was astounding, and it was hard to see it as anything other than an engineering miracle.

Spock turned and saw that Kirk was staring at it with reverence, seemingly awed by its sleek beauty. Its light tones juxtaposed the black backdrop of space, and every twinkling light was clearly visible. The engines were below and behind the hull of the ship, emphasising that those lucky officers on the Bridge really were at the head of the system. He had never seen anything like it.

“We’re home,” Kirk whispered.

Thank you guys for reading. Does anyone want a sequel? I have a rough idea for one, but I'm only going to start writing it if enough people think it's worth a shot. (Be prepared to wait for a while for it though... I might not have much time what with schoolwork and exams) If not I can just leave it here if you want. Please tell me what you think and I'll see where to go from there.