He grabbed his keys off the counter. Sun was slowly creeping in the window. It was 6:45. Jim sighed and looked around the house he’d grown up in. He reached into his wallet and pulled out the picture of his father. He was a good looking man, Jim couldn’t deny it. His smile was wide and he looked so happy. He had just graduated from Star Fleet. Jim hung his head and put the picture on the counter. It was time to let go. He couldn’t go around carrying a picture of his father his whole life.
He walked outside and clambered on his bike. He got to riverside shipyard at around 7:43. He sat there, looking at it. Ships flying around, smoke billows filling the skies. He looked around and then thought back to his old life. He was 22 years old, it was time to do something. He couldn’t just stay at home with Bill and his Mom his whole life. But the thought of Emily all alone, left a pang in his heart. And it wouldn’t go away. He sighed deeply and pressed the gas and drove forward. He left it just outside the ship, gave it to a random worker.
Christopher Pike welled with satisfaction. Jim came forward and said, “4 years, huh? I’ll do it in 3.” And he climbed on board. He looked around, and missing the whole ceiling he ran into it completely.
“Nice.” Came a loud, sarcastic voice. He looked over to see the girl he’d talked to the night before.
“At ease, gentlemen.” He said to the men he’d gotten into a fight with the preceding night.
He took a seat directly across from the girl and smiled at her. She just sat there. Hiding back a grin, however, Jim noticed. He knew she liked him; and she knew he liked her. She was beautiful. Why hadn’t he realized it before. He looked across at Uhura. “Never did get that first name!” She shook her head and smiled.
“Why are you here?” The woman asked.
Jim shrugged,” Not really sure. Captain Pike said they needed me. So…Here I am.”
“It’s not easy.” She said.” You’ve got a lot of work to do.”
“Yeah, I know. You think I’m slow?”
“Sometimes I wonder.” She said moodily. Shifting in her seat, and looking to her left.
“You barely know me.” Jim said indignantly.
‘Oh, I know you.” She retorted.
“What’s my first name?” Jim mused.
“James T. Kirk.” She said expertly.
“Hah. Good one. What’s yours then?”
“Michelle.” She replied.
Jim smiled.” That’s pretty.”
She laughed, “Oh fuck off!”
“Sir! Sir, get back to your seat, please!” A woman was yelling in the background,
“I had a seat! In the bathroom!” A man hollered back. “And it had no windows!”
“You need a doctor!”
“Dammit, I don’t need a doctor I am a doctor!” He snarled at her.
“Then you need to get back to your seat!”
“I suffer from Aviophobia, it means fear of dying in something that flies!” He sounded like a mad man! Jim and Michelle looked over at him. Completely unsure of how to feel about this current situation.
“Sir, sit down. Or else I’ll make you sit down!”
He glowered at her then snapped, “Fine.”
He sat beside Jim, Michelle and he exchanged looks and smirked. The man leaned over near Jim and said, “I may throw up on you.”
“Um, I think these things are pretty safe.” Jim said.
“Don’t pander to me, kid, one tiny crack in the hull and our blood boils in 15 seconds. Solar flare might crop up, cook us in our seats. And wait till you’re sitting pretty when a case of Andorian shingles. See if you’re still so relaxed when your eyeballs are bleedin’.” Jim looked at him as if he was crazy. “Space is disease and danger wrapped in darkness and silence.”
“Well, someone’s pessimistic.” Michelle sighed.
“I hate to break it you, but Star Fleet operates in Space.” Jim told him.
The man sighed and said,” I know. I’ve got nowhere else to go. The ex-wife took the whole damn planet, and all I’ve got left is my bones.” He took a sip of the tiny bottle of vodka he’d brought along. Offered it to Jim, and Jim took a sip.” Name’s McCoy. Leonard McCoy.”
“That’s Michelle, and I’m Jim. Jim Kirk.” Jim said, handing him back the vodka.
“How come this is all you have to go to?” Michelle asked.
McCoy sighed,” Well, since we’re in for a long flight. I suppose I might as well tell you.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Jim said, tossing Michelle a dirty look. He really didn’t want to hear about anyone’s else’s hardships.
“It’s fine. I’ve got nothing else to do anyway.”
--
“Jessica was my everything.” McCoy began as the shuttle lifted for takeoff. She was beautiful, charming, sweet, and funny. Everything you wanted in a wife. All you ever wanted, really. Well, one day she just up and left me. I was coming home from work. And all of the sudden she was just gone. I looked for her everywhere. Then I heard someone coming down the stairs. It was Jessica, with two bags. She was leaving me. Times had been hard, money was scarce. I tried, dammit, I tried. And I begged I said, ‘Baby, please don’t leave. I love you with my whole heart.’ She told me she didn’t think it would work anymore. This made sense to me, in a way. I hadn’t been the biggest bag of sunshine at the time. I saw her hop into a convertible with some guy. And they drove off.
So, I went back inside and almost drank myself to death. I OD’d on some pills. All of that stuff. I’m ashamed to admit it, really. It was a mistake, I swear. I didn’t wanna be that way. But I walked outside--figuring I could clear my head. Some guy was selling coke on the pavement.” He chuckled, it made the irony more sweet. “I took it. With what little money I had, I told him I’d be interested in helping him, since he casually mentioned it. So, I started my business of selling coke. Just coke, no crystal or Mary Jane none of that shit. That stuff’s dangerous, crystal. Just the soft-core stuff. Then, I got caught one day, by an undercover police officer. My mother paid bail.
She was, understandably, very upset. She sent me to rehab, and I’m better.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out some pills.” These are anti-depressants.”
“Shit.” Michelle said, stunned.
“I don’t take ‘em. I don’t need ‘em.” He said this more to himself than anybody else.
“I think you do.” Michelle said frankly.
McCoy glanced up at her and said, “Really?”
“You’re upset.”
“No I’m not . I’m just fine. I just don’t wanna be here. My mother said it would be the best thing to do.”
“It is. If you’re ever in any trouble. They work wonders. Right, Uhura?” Michelle asked
Uhura tossed her a frantic look and cleared her throat,” I guess.”
“What kind of trouble were you in?” Jim asked.
“That’s none of your business.” Uhura said stiffly. “Nor yours, Michelle.”
“I’m sorry. I was in some trouble, too. Too much bar hopping and bed hopping.”
“Sex addict?” Jim giggled.
“Hah! No. You wish…I was just a whore.” Michelle said.
“Were you in any trouble?” McCoy asked Jim.
Everyone was so honest, Jim wanted to say,” My mom neglects me.” But he couldn’t find the heart to say it. That was too much information. He shook his head slowly.” Nope. Captain Pike wanted me to come.”
“Ah.” McCoy said.
--
San Francisco was beautiful from the air. The golden gate bridge was amazing to witness for Jim-being such a small town guy. Uhura didn’t talk much during the flight. But Michelle and McCoy and him all became such good friends. They had to decide their dorms when they got there. McCoy and Jim chose each other, while Michelle chose Uhura. They had classes that evening. Just one. Which really annoyed Jim seeing as he was so drowsy.
They got in and he collapsed on the bed. “Fuck, I’m so tired.”
“This is so cool, the sink runs by itself. Everything is automatic.”
“What were you expecting, Bones?” Jim asked.
“Bones?”
Jim laughed,” Yeah. Seeing as that’s all you got left.”
Bones grinned,” Bones. I like that. Bones.” He walked over beside his bed and looked at it and sat down.” You like Michelle.” He said after moments of silence.
“Hm?” Jim said, half asleep.
“You like Michelle.”
Jim laughed, “What makes you think that?”
“It’s pretty obvious, man. Plus, she’s a cutie. You don’t want her, I’ll take her.”
“She’s not a prize, Bones.” Jim said protectively.
“A woman like that is a prize.”
“Yeah, well, it’s Uhura I’m after.”
Bones laughed,” She doesn’t even like you, dude!”
“She will!” Jim said indignantly.
“Surrrrre. You might wanna rethink there.”
“Well, should I go for Michelle?” Jim asked.
“I would.” McCoy said honestly.
“Dude, how old are you…35?”
“I’m 28 and a half, thanks very much.” Bones said airily.
Jim chuckled,” I’m gonna sleep.”
“Me too, class starts at 6. And it’s already 2:30.”
“Set the alarm for 5:15.”
--
This class was the basic learning of space. It was taught by Montgomery Scott. Or, as he was called by everyone, Scotty. He was an okay looking man. But he made his way around campus with the young ladies. It was obvious when he was flirting with you, and he wasn’t ashamed to show it. Jim learned this immediately when he caught Scotty staring at Michelle’s chest. He sat by a little boy that looked very young.
“Woah dude, how old are you?” Jim asked him as he answered two “pop questions.
“14, sir.” The boy replied with a thick Russian accent.
“Holy shit, why are you here?”
“I vas transferred here.” The boy replied simply.
“Damn. You’re smart.”
“That’s a compliment, right?” The boy asked.
“Haha, yeah.” Jim nodded. “My name’s Jim.”
“My name is Pavel Chekov.” The boy replied.
“Nice to meet you.” Jim said.
“This is my friend, Sulu.” Chekov replied to an Asian man sitting next to him. Starting straight ahead and taking notes.
“You guys take this seriously, don’t you?”
“Not really.” Sulu said. “My Dad’ll kick my ass if I don’t get good grades or become a pilot of a star ship.”
“Man, you’ve got it made.” Jim said.
“Definitely. And this kid’ll get kicked in the balls if he doesn’t do good.”
“My momma sent me all the vay here from Russia.” Pavel said.
Jim nodded. “I’m from Iowa.”
“Contrary to popular belief I’m from here.” Sulu said with a grin.
Jim laughed at this. He was making friends already. And he couldn’t help but be grateful for this. He didn’t know the answer to any of these questions Mr. Scott would ask. Chekov, of course, would always raise his hand. After awhile, he had competition. A pointy-eared fellow with a bowl cut would raise his hand. Sulu was making fun of him, as well as Bones. He later learned his name was Spock. And he was Vulcan. And he was after Uhura. He noticed this, as every now and then he would glance over at her. Jim suddenly had competition.
He later met two other people, a green woman named Gaila. She was charming and had flaming red hair. She seemed very interested in Jim. However Sulu seemed more interested in her. And Michelle. It was a never-ending circle, Jim realized. Everyone was interested in one another. And someone had their eyes on Spock. He wasn’t sure why. The guy was nothing special, big nose, big ears, big brain. He was nothing. Young, Christine Chapel. Who was majoring in medical training-like Bones. Maybe everyone would get each other and they could all go out on double-dates. Or. Octo-dates.
There was a bar on campus, Jim stopped at the end of class to go get one. Uhura and Michelle were sitting there. Having a very animated discussion about someone. Jim could only hope that it was him. He smiled and strolled over to where they were.
“Hello ladies.” Michelle turned around and smiled, whereas Uhura looked upset that he had dropped by. “Can I get you a drink?”
“You never stop, do you?” Uhura asked.
Jim shook his head, “Nope.”
“Well, no thank you. I’m going to bed. It’s been a long day.”
“It’s only 8:15.” Jim said.
“Good night.”
“See you back at the dorm!” Michelle called after her.
“What were you two talking about?” Jim asked. Michelle gave him a look and he said,” Aren’t we friends now?!”
“I guess.” Michelle shrugged. She then looked around and said, “Fine. Spock.”
“Why were you-”
“Uhura likes him.”
Jim snorted, “you’re kidding!”
“Nope. I think they’d be cute together. Seeing as she’s ‘stunning’” Michelle glared.
“You’re not so bad.” Jim said.
“You’re a fantastic liar, farm boy.” She laughed.
“I’m not lying.” Jim insisted. “You’re lovely.”
“What are you after, me…or my tits?” Michelle asked.
“Both.” Jim said.
She looked at him and burst into laughter. “And aren’t you after my big cock, right?!”
“Yeah…Sure. That’s what I want!” She said sarcastically.
And they both laughed so loud, everyone looked over at them. She said through laughter that they should leave. They laughed all the way over to the edge of the bay. There was a perfect view of the bridge from where they were. They sat down laughing. She leaned against him, and he snaked an arm around her.
“You’re hilarious.” Michelle said, finally once the laughing had ceased.
“Thanks.” Jim said.
“Why are you here, really?” She looked up at him curiously.
“My mom hates me.” Jim said.
“That’s it?”
“Yeah, she doesn’t give a fuck about me. So, I left. She didn’t try and stop me.” Jim said.
“Didn’t your Dad die?”
“Yeah.”
“My mom’s dead, too.” Michelle said.
“I’m sorry.”
She looked up at him and kissed him on the cheek. He looked at her and then kissed her square on the lips, and she kissed back. She wrapped her arms around him, and they stayed like this for several minutes. “She died of cancer.” Michelle said when they broke apart. “I was two.”
“I was barely even out of the womb.” Jim sighed.
“I know all about it.” Michelle said.
“Really?”
“Who doesn’t!” Michelle said.
“I’m talked about?”
“Your Dad is. He’s a legend.” Michelle said.
Jim looked stunned and fell back on the grass and exhaled loudly.” Damn.”
“It’s a hard life.” Michelle said, laying down beside him.
“Pft, yeah.”
“So, your Mom doesn’t like you. Does this have something to do with your Dad?”
“She says it doesn’t. But I know it does.” Jim said.
“You look a lot like him.”
“I guess.” Jim said.
“You do! Look, your Dad was great. But you don’t have to be like him. I mean, hell, you could take Scotty’s job if you ser your mind to it.” Michelle said.
“You think?”
“I do. Anyone could take his job. He’s gonna get fired soon, anyway.” She said absentmindedly.
“Why is that?”
“Have you seen the way he is with chicks? It’s unbelievable. Court Martial has already given him 5 warnings. He doesn’t have much time.”
“I like you, Michelle.” Jim said.
She laughed, “It’s not gonna happen.”
“Why?”
She just lay there. And it was silence. Jim didn’t push it, that would be a mistake. He waited for her to speak and when she finally did, she blew him away, “Because, I’ll break your heart.”
“Maybe I’ll break yours.”
“No, because nobody breaks your heart. And, anyway, why would I want that?”
Jim shrugged, “I’m worth it.”
“Are you?”
Jim rolled over on his knees and his face was hovering from hers. “Oh yeah.” And he leaned down and kissed her. Sweet at first, then more demanding and fast. It was sweet, the waves coming in, along with the chirping of crickets in the distance. All the night sounds of San Francisco.
He pulled away and she looked at him and said, “We wouldn’t be good together.”
“Why?”
She sighed, “We’re too much alike. I’m typical for girls, you’re typical for men.”
“So, let’s be typical together.”
She laughed, “You’re silly.”
“You’re cute.”
She leaned up and kissed him. Pulling him back down. He didn’t dare pull anything on her. He wanted to make this last. To be with her. Just like this. It was sweet and serene. She was amazing. He didn’t get why it had never worked before. With anyone. It al seemed so simple with Michelle. And suddenly, he didn’t miss Emily at all. Or his mother, or Bill. He missed that warm, fuzzy feeling when he went back to lay in his bed. His heart hammering. Bones was in his bed already. Softy snoring. Jim could still taste her mouth. He could still feel her body beneath his. Her soft hair on his fingers. And wondered how he’d been living his life.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
The Final Frontier--Jim(part 1/2)
--JIM EPISODE 1--
Jim woke up on a rainy afternoon. He began his morning routine; working out as soon as the alarm went off. He wanted to look good and maintain his good physique. After he was done working out; he was just about to put on his clothes when his alarm on his watch went off. He smirked and went over to the window. He opened the curtains and looked across the street. You could clearly see a naked woman in the house directly across from his. Jim’s smirk got a little bigger. She looked across at him; and there smirk was shared. He could see her so clearly as she got ready for work each morning. Then something caught his eye and he looked down. There was a girl with light blonde hair that had botched up hair and makeup smeared across her smoky green eyes. She was flawless. Even in her disheveled state.
It was Jim’s job to let her in each morning. He shared one more smirk with the woman across the street than turned to his iPod which was in his stereo. He found the loudest song he had. It had a rockin’ base. He smirked as her heard Bill’s loud obnoxious voice yell his name. He proceeded to open his drawer and browse for a clean shirt. He then heard loud stomps up the stairs, the door opened, and he motioned for the girl to come in, ” FOR CHRST’S SAKE, JIM!” He bellowed. “JIM!” “JIIIIM! YOU LITTLE FUCKER! TURN IT DOWN!” Jim finally turned to him and yelled back,” WHAT?” “TURN IT DOWN!” “I’M TRYING! THE VOLUME’S BUSTED!” “JESUS CHRIST! FUCKING TURN IT DOWWWWWWWWN! JIM! JIM! OH SHIT!” Then the door slammed shut. Jim sighed and said,” Jesus…” Then found his clothes for the day.
Later Jim was using the bathroom when Bill, again, knocked on the door.” How long are you gonna be in there?!”
Jim turned away from his book and said,” Not long now,” to the closed door.
“Oh fucking hell.” Bill snapped.
Jim finished and flushed the toilet, washed his hands. And grinned as Bill began to curse & pound on the door once more. He began to brush his teeth. Then he opened the bathroom window, grabbed onto the pole adjacent to it, and slid down. He finished brushing his teeth and spat out the remaining tooth paste and looked up just to see the woman from across the street, whom he’d been watching earlier. They shared a smile then Jim went inside.
“Hello.” His mother said, a bit more brighter than usual. The sun looked radiant, shining through the window, on her blonde hair. “Would you like some eggs. Emily’s having some. She didn’t sleep too well.”
Jim looked over at Emily and she gave him a look as if to say; “don’t tell or I’ll kill you” He said, “No thanks, Mom.” Emily never talked. She’d been living in this house for 3 months; and barely a word had been exchanged between the two. But, he often would look out for her. He loved her. And at 22, he remembered what it was like to be 17. She often would tease him for still living at home; but it was what his mother wanted. Although she had her slew of boyfriends(Bill being the latest) she still needed Jim at home. It could be because his father had died the day Jim was born. Jim had never met him. Nor had he ever wanted to. He was fine without a father. Would be fine without a mother. He often told Emily that they would move away some day when he got enough money. Just him & her. He really cared for her; his little sister. None of his mother’s other boyfriends had children.
“What the fuck is taking him so long, Winona?” Jim heard Bill say loudly as he was coming down the stairs. He and Emily shared a grin. “I mean seriously, what is he doing?! Trimming his fucking pubes or something. I mean, Winnie, what is he-”
He came down and saw Jim eating some cereal and daggers were shooting from his eyes. Winona gave a look of contempt for Bill. Jim was always playing tricks on him. Every morning. “I think that lock is messed up again. The drill is under the sink.”
“You take me for a complete retard don’t you?” Bill growled.
He bent down and opened up the cabinet under the sink and cursed, “Oh fucking shit wang twat, where is the fucking thing?!”
“Bill!” Winona snapped. “Do you have to curse every morning?!”
“I have to fucking piss.” Bill snapped back.
Jim giggled. And Emily rolled her eyes at him, but she found it as funny as Jim. He was always funny.
Bill slapped the back of Jim’s head as he walked past, “Fucker.”
“Whatever.” Jim said.
“Jim, you shouldn’t be so rude!” His mom scolded. “Bill does a lot for you!”
“Oh, bullcrap!” Jim objected. “He doesn’t give a rat’s ass about me!”
His mother frowned,” Now you know that’s not true!”
“And neither do you! You never have!”
“Jim…Stop.”
“You have no pictures of me in the house! You have more pictures of Emily then me! I can’t even believe that you sit here, and call yourself a mother! You barely even know Emily-and you love her more than me! I’m your son! Don’t I matter?”
“Jim…”
“Fuck you.” Jim spat it out before he could think.
Her eyes widened, “What did you just say!”
Jim turned and ran up the stairs and slammed his door.” Fuck!” He yelled and sat down on his bed. There was a knocking,” Go away!”
“It’s Emily.” Her soft voice called.
She came in and looked at him, and said sympathetically. “Jim.” She said this softly. Almost so softly, he couldn’t hear her properly. She sat down beside him and wrapped an arm around it.
“They fuck you up.” Jim sighed.
“They don’t mean to.” She entwined his hand in hers.
“But they do…They really do. Especially her.”
“She loves you. She just doesn’t know how to show it. Plus, she had you so young. 19... She didn’t know what do to. All by herself. No George. No one. And a little baby. I mean, what would you do if you had a baby right now?”
“I would love it do death.” Jim said tersely.
Emily sighed.
“Look, Ems, I love you! I barely even know you-and I love you! You never even talk to me- and I care about you so much!”
Emily swelled with pride.” Wow…Thanks.”
“See? I mean.. It’s not that hard. Love.”
“It is for them.” Emily gestured towards the door.
--Later that night--
Jim often went to the bar on Tuesdays. There really wasn’t anyone there. But tonight was a different story. He’d asked around and it turns out it was bunch of cadets for Star Fleet. It was the final call and for some reason it was in Iowa. The final shipment left tomorrow and was heading to the main Star Fleet base in San Francisco. He was having a drink when all of the sudden he peeked over and saw a very attractive woman ordering several drinks.
“What do you think sounds good?” The woman asked her friend.
“Um. I don’t know. I don’t see anything that…”
“The translusho looks good.” Jim offered.
“Yeah, one of those. Thanks. And 2 Cardassian sun rises.” Her ebony skin seemed to glow in the lamp hanging overhead. Her dark black hair fell to her shoulders, she was gorgeous.
“That’s a lot of drinks for one woman.”
“Actually there’s two of us…” Her friend said. Jim looked over she was blonde. Typical. She looked boring. The other one looked feisty.
“And two shots of jack straight up.” The feisty woman finished.
“Those are on me.” Jim smiled.
“Um, those shots are on her. Thanks, but no thanks.”
Jim slumped a little. “Don’t you at least wanna know my name before you completely reject me?”
She waved her hands and said, “I’m fine without it.”
Jim laughed,” You are fine without it!” She had a grin on he face and he proceeded, “It’s Jim…Jim Kirk.” She just stood there. “If you don’t tell me your name I’m gonna have to make one up!”
She rolled her eyes a little and said, “It’s Uhura.”
“Uhura! No way, that’s the name I was gonna make up for you!” The guy next to him shook his head in disbelief. Then he pried, “Uhura, what?”
“Just Uhura.” She nodded.
“They don’t have last names in your world?”
“Uhura is my last name.”
“So…They don’t have first names in your world?” She shook her head and sighed. He grinned and slid on over towards her and her friend and said, “Sooo, you’re a cadet. You’re stunning, what’s your focus?”
Uhura turned to him, she looked bored and replied,” Xeno linguistics. You have no idea what that means.”
“Study of alien languages.” Jim said expertly. “Morphology, phonology, syntax. Means you’ve got a talented tongue.”
She smiled brightly and said, “I’m impressed. For a minute there I thought you were a dumb hick who only has sex with farm animals.”
“Well…Not only.” He replied playfully.
She laughed and someone came over, “This townie isn’t bothering you?”
“Haha. Beyond belief!” She picked up her glass and took a sip and shrugged,” But it’s nothing that I can’t handle.”
“You could handle me, that’s an invitation.” Jim said suggestively.
“Hey, farm boy!” The man said.” Watch your manners!”
“Easy, cupcake, it was a joke.” Jim said.
“Well, maybe you haven’t counted, but there are four of us and only one of you!”
“Well, get two more guys-make it an even fight.” Jim said. And he patted the man on the cheek.
This was a mistake. The man soon punched him in the face; and an epic bar fight broke out. It was one of those kinds. Jim fought back admirably. Fists and glass were flying. He was sprawled out on the floor soon enough, they picked him up and lay him across the table. Jim got his ass handed to him. The blonde rolled her eyes and whispered to Uhura,” Fuck this. I’m out of here. I don’t wanna get in trouble with Captain Pike. Just because of this loser.”
“Michelle! Don’t go!” Uhura pleaded. She then yelled as Jim got punched in the nose. Blood gushing from his mouth,” HE’S HAD ENOUGH GUYS!”
“Yes. I’m sick of this.. I get rejected every time. He was the one guy, I thought I could have a good time with. And he couldn’t take his eyes off of you.”
“He offered to pay for your drinks!” Uhura insisted.
Michelle shook her head and stalked off. Uhura yelled again, ”STOPPIT GUYS! I SAID THAT’S ENOUGH!”
Just then a loud whistle came through the doorway and everything stopped. A man of about 45 or so was standing there, observing the scene. “Get out of here, all of you!” All the cadets marched forward and the man looked at Jim and said,” You okay, kid?”
“You can whistle really loud!” Jim slurred. “You know that?!”
--
“I couldn’t believe when the bartender told me who you were.” Captain Christopher Pike said, looking hopefully at Jim.
Jim laughed and said,” Who am I, Captain Pike? I don’t get what makes me so special.”
“Your father’s son.” He said. “I was assigned from my dissertation the USS Kelvin. And that’s something I admired about your father-he didn’t believe in no win scenarios.”
“And that worked out so well for him. He won in the end, didn‘t he? ” Jim said, with a tone of irony to his voice.
“Depends on what you mean by winning, you’re here aren’t you?” Captain Pike said. His words were barbs. Sent to hurt him, meant to make him feel something. What, compassion?
“I looked up your file, while you were drooling on the floor. And your aptitude tests are off the charts. So what is it? Do you like being the only repeat offender in the Midwest?”
“Maybe I love it.” Jim said sardonically.
Captain Pike ignored this statement. After all, he had to deal with this all the time. “Look, so your dad dies. You can settle less for a normal life…Enlist in Star Fleet. .”
Jim scoffed, “Enlist?! Damn, man, you must be way down on your-”
“If you’re half the man you father was, Star Fleet could use you.”
Jim shook his head. It was always about his father. “Yeah, well, he sure learned his lesson.”
Captain Pike ignored this again.” You do understand what the Federation is, don’t you? It’s a peace keeping armada. Look, Jim, you could be an officer in 4 years. Have your own ship in 8. W-”
“We done?” Jim had had enough. Every time someone brought up his father, a part of him died inside. It was as if that’s all people could think of when they saw or heard Jim Kirk.
“I’m done,” Captain Pike stood up and continued,” Riverside Shipyard-a ship leaves for new recruits at 0800.”
Jim raised his glass. “Your father was captain of a star ship for 12 minutes. He saved 800 lives. Including your mother’s. And yours. I dare you to do better.”
Those words rang in Jim’s ears as Captain Pike exited the club. Jim shook his head. It was bullshit. He didn’t want to be like his Dad. He wanted to be Jim. He couldn’t ever not go a day without hearing something about his father, and how amazing he was. Sure, maybe he was amazing-but he was someone Jim never knew. Or cared to know. He honestly wish his mother had never told him that crisp March day, 2 weeks after had turned 7. He’d wished he’d never asked. He’d wished the boys at school had never asked or teased. Or why he didn’t know how to throw a football till he was 12. He drank the last of his beer and grabbed his jacket and walked out.
There was the blonde. He didn’t realize how beautiful she was. Curvy, in a bright, red dress that hugged her in all the right ways. Her hair curled around her shoulders. And she smoke came out of her mouth in curls. She looked over at him, and her green eyes slanted into a glare. She wasn’t pleased, and Jim chuckled at this.
“Hey there.” He flirted.
“What do you want?” She spat at him suddenly.
“I just wanted to talk to you.” He said meekly.
“You didn’t seem to want to talk to me in there.” She said, she was hollow. Maybe she was feisty. Maybe she was the girl of his dreams.
“I didn’t…see you.” Jim said. This was semi-true. She didn’t really make the effort.
“I was right there!” Michelle said angrily. “How could you not see me?!”
“I dunno. I’m asking myself that right now.” Jim smirked.
She rolled her eyes and took the last puff on her cigarette and threw it on the ground and stamped it out. She turned to Jim.” I know you. I know how you think you are going to lure me in and sleep with me later tonight, right? Hah, well I don’t think so farm boy. You think you’re so amazing. So suave. And you think your cock’s so big, well listen to this, I’m not going anywhere near you or your crayola-ed dick, ever!”
She then turned and walked off. Jim watched her as she walked. She was good. Real good. He didn’t know what he had been expecting. But it certainly wasn’t that. He was proud, though. And he felt good. He felt like he got her. She was a cadet, maybe he’d go and surprise her tomorrow. It was getting late, already. Maybe he’d better head home. He looked at the dried blood on his shirt but he shrugged and climbed on his mo-ped and drove off into the distance.
--
“Where the fuck have you been, Jim? God dammit, we were worried sick!” Bill bellowed. Just then, Emily floated down the stairs.
“My God! Jim! Why is there blood all over you, and your shirt! Oh God, sit down.” Jim sat down on the kitchen table while his mother got a wash cloth with warm water. Bill just stood their against the wall, frowning. Waiting for an answer. But Jim just sat there. Emily’s face was full of concern.
“Take your shirt off.” She said. Jim obliged and she said,” Tell me what happened!”
“I got into a fight.” Jim said.
“Well, that’s fucking obvious.” Bill said heatedly.
“Where?!” Winona said frantically. Siphoning off the dried blood with the warm wash cloth.
“At the bar.” Jim said.
“Oh, Jesus! Are you alright?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Oh, good. I told you to stop this, Jim. You worry me sick!”
“I’m enrolling at Star Fleet.” Jim said without warning.
She stopped suddenly and looked at him and said, “You’re joking..”
“No.”
“Wh-Why?” She stammered.
“Because…I want to. Some guy came and talked to me. Said it would be good for me. They could use me. Because of Dad.”
“I don’t think you should.” She said abruptly.
“What? Why? That’s so selfish mom. I’m not gonna die like Dad. He was stupid.” Jim said angrily.
“He didn’t want to lose you. Neither do I!” She protested. She looked stressed and unhappy. She looked pathetic.
“You won’t. I’ll be fine. And you and Bill and Emily can all be a happy family. Just like you wanted.” Jim said bitterly.
“Jim!” His mother called after him as he slumped up the stairs.
He heard someone following him and turned around and saw Emily. She looked desolate and lonely. Like everything was leaving her, all at once.
“What do you want?”
“To talk.” She said. She had tears in her eyes.
He walked in his bedroom, leaving the door open for her. “You’ll be fine, you know.” Jim said.
A single tear escaped, “You can’t leave me here. With them.” Her voice was shaky.
“I-I have to. It’s the only way I can get out of here.” Jim said.
“But. Without you…I won’t survive!” Emily cried.” I won’t be able to be here without you, Jim!”
He walked over and put his arms around her, “Yes you will. I love you Ems. Don’t be afraid. Okay? Never be afraid.”
“Okay.” She sobbed into his shoulder. “Okay.”
“I promise, I’ll be fine. And I’ll be back for you?”
“When?”
“Soon! I promise…” He assured her.
Jim woke up on a rainy afternoon. He began his morning routine; working out as soon as the alarm went off. He wanted to look good and maintain his good physique. After he was done working out; he was just about to put on his clothes when his alarm on his watch went off. He smirked and went over to the window. He opened the curtains and looked across the street. You could clearly see a naked woman in the house directly across from his. Jim’s smirk got a little bigger. She looked across at him; and there smirk was shared. He could see her so clearly as she got ready for work each morning. Then something caught his eye and he looked down. There was a girl with light blonde hair that had botched up hair and makeup smeared across her smoky green eyes. She was flawless. Even in her disheveled state.
It was Jim’s job to let her in each morning. He shared one more smirk with the woman across the street than turned to his iPod which was in his stereo. He found the loudest song he had. It had a rockin’ base. He smirked as her heard Bill’s loud obnoxious voice yell his name. He proceeded to open his drawer and browse for a clean shirt. He then heard loud stomps up the stairs, the door opened, and he motioned for the girl to come in, ” FOR CHRST’S SAKE, JIM!” He bellowed. “JIM!” “JIIIIM! YOU LITTLE FUCKER! TURN IT DOWN!” Jim finally turned to him and yelled back,” WHAT?” “TURN IT DOWN!” “I’M TRYING! THE VOLUME’S BUSTED!” “JESUS CHRIST! FUCKING TURN IT DOWWWWWWWWN! JIM! JIM! OH SHIT!” Then the door slammed shut. Jim sighed and said,” Jesus…” Then found his clothes for the day.
Later Jim was using the bathroom when Bill, again, knocked on the door.” How long are you gonna be in there?!”
Jim turned away from his book and said,” Not long now,” to the closed door.
“Oh fucking hell.” Bill snapped.
Jim finished and flushed the toilet, washed his hands. And grinned as Bill began to curse & pound on the door once more. He began to brush his teeth. Then he opened the bathroom window, grabbed onto the pole adjacent to it, and slid down. He finished brushing his teeth and spat out the remaining tooth paste and looked up just to see the woman from across the street, whom he’d been watching earlier. They shared a smile then Jim went inside.
“Hello.” His mother said, a bit more brighter than usual. The sun looked radiant, shining through the window, on her blonde hair. “Would you like some eggs. Emily’s having some. She didn’t sleep too well.”
Jim looked over at Emily and she gave him a look as if to say; “don’t tell or I’ll kill you” He said, “No thanks, Mom.” Emily never talked. She’d been living in this house for 3 months; and barely a word had been exchanged between the two. But, he often would look out for her. He loved her. And at 22, he remembered what it was like to be 17. She often would tease him for still living at home; but it was what his mother wanted. Although she had her slew of boyfriends(Bill being the latest) she still needed Jim at home. It could be because his father had died the day Jim was born. Jim had never met him. Nor had he ever wanted to. He was fine without a father. Would be fine without a mother. He often told Emily that they would move away some day when he got enough money. Just him & her. He really cared for her; his little sister. None of his mother’s other boyfriends had children.
“What the fuck is taking him so long, Winona?” Jim heard Bill say loudly as he was coming down the stairs. He and Emily shared a grin. “I mean seriously, what is he doing?! Trimming his fucking pubes or something. I mean, Winnie, what is he-”
He came down and saw Jim eating some cereal and daggers were shooting from his eyes. Winona gave a look of contempt for Bill. Jim was always playing tricks on him. Every morning. “I think that lock is messed up again. The drill is under the sink.”
“You take me for a complete retard don’t you?” Bill growled.
He bent down and opened up the cabinet under the sink and cursed, “Oh fucking shit wang twat, where is the fucking thing?!”
“Bill!” Winona snapped. “Do you have to curse every morning?!”
“I have to fucking piss.” Bill snapped back.
Jim giggled. And Emily rolled her eyes at him, but she found it as funny as Jim. He was always funny.
Bill slapped the back of Jim’s head as he walked past, “Fucker.”
“Whatever.” Jim said.
“Jim, you shouldn’t be so rude!” His mom scolded. “Bill does a lot for you!”
“Oh, bullcrap!” Jim objected. “He doesn’t give a rat’s ass about me!”
His mother frowned,” Now you know that’s not true!”
“And neither do you! You never have!”
“Jim…Stop.”
“You have no pictures of me in the house! You have more pictures of Emily then me! I can’t even believe that you sit here, and call yourself a mother! You barely even know Emily-and you love her more than me! I’m your son! Don’t I matter?”
“Jim…”
“Fuck you.” Jim spat it out before he could think.
Her eyes widened, “What did you just say!”
Jim turned and ran up the stairs and slammed his door.” Fuck!” He yelled and sat down on his bed. There was a knocking,” Go away!”
“It’s Emily.” Her soft voice called.
She came in and looked at him, and said sympathetically. “Jim.” She said this softly. Almost so softly, he couldn’t hear her properly. She sat down beside him and wrapped an arm around it.
“They fuck you up.” Jim sighed.
“They don’t mean to.” She entwined his hand in hers.
“But they do…They really do. Especially her.”
“She loves you. She just doesn’t know how to show it. Plus, she had you so young. 19... She didn’t know what do to. All by herself. No George. No one. And a little baby. I mean, what would you do if you had a baby right now?”
“I would love it do death.” Jim said tersely.
Emily sighed.
“Look, Ems, I love you! I barely even know you-and I love you! You never even talk to me- and I care about you so much!”
Emily swelled with pride.” Wow…Thanks.”
“See? I mean.. It’s not that hard. Love.”
“It is for them.” Emily gestured towards the door.
--Later that night--
Jim often went to the bar on Tuesdays. There really wasn’t anyone there. But tonight was a different story. He’d asked around and it turns out it was bunch of cadets for Star Fleet. It was the final call and for some reason it was in Iowa. The final shipment left tomorrow and was heading to the main Star Fleet base in San Francisco. He was having a drink when all of the sudden he peeked over and saw a very attractive woman ordering several drinks.
“What do you think sounds good?” The woman asked her friend.
“Um. I don’t know. I don’t see anything that…”
“The translusho looks good.” Jim offered.
“Yeah, one of those. Thanks. And 2 Cardassian sun rises.” Her ebony skin seemed to glow in the lamp hanging overhead. Her dark black hair fell to her shoulders, she was gorgeous.
“That’s a lot of drinks for one woman.”
“Actually there’s two of us…” Her friend said. Jim looked over she was blonde. Typical. She looked boring. The other one looked feisty.
“And two shots of jack straight up.” The feisty woman finished.
“Those are on me.” Jim smiled.
“Um, those shots are on her. Thanks, but no thanks.”
Jim slumped a little. “Don’t you at least wanna know my name before you completely reject me?”
She waved her hands and said, “I’m fine without it.”
Jim laughed,” You are fine without it!” She had a grin on he face and he proceeded, “It’s Jim…Jim Kirk.” She just stood there. “If you don’t tell me your name I’m gonna have to make one up!”
She rolled her eyes a little and said, “It’s Uhura.”
“Uhura! No way, that’s the name I was gonna make up for you!” The guy next to him shook his head in disbelief. Then he pried, “Uhura, what?”
“Just Uhura.” She nodded.
“They don’t have last names in your world?”
“Uhura is my last name.”
“So…They don’t have first names in your world?” She shook her head and sighed. He grinned and slid on over towards her and her friend and said, “Sooo, you’re a cadet. You’re stunning, what’s your focus?”
Uhura turned to him, she looked bored and replied,” Xeno linguistics. You have no idea what that means.”
“Study of alien languages.” Jim said expertly. “Morphology, phonology, syntax. Means you’ve got a talented tongue.”
She smiled brightly and said, “I’m impressed. For a minute there I thought you were a dumb hick who only has sex with farm animals.”
“Well…Not only.” He replied playfully.
She laughed and someone came over, “This townie isn’t bothering you?”
“Haha. Beyond belief!” She picked up her glass and took a sip and shrugged,” But it’s nothing that I can’t handle.”
“You could handle me, that’s an invitation.” Jim said suggestively.
“Hey, farm boy!” The man said.” Watch your manners!”
“Easy, cupcake, it was a joke.” Jim said.
“Well, maybe you haven’t counted, but there are four of us and only one of you!”
“Well, get two more guys-make it an even fight.” Jim said. And he patted the man on the cheek.
This was a mistake. The man soon punched him in the face; and an epic bar fight broke out. It was one of those kinds. Jim fought back admirably. Fists and glass were flying. He was sprawled out on the floor soon enough, they picked him up and lay him across the table. Jim got his ass handed to him. The blonde rolled her eyes and whispered to Uhura,” Fuck this. I’m out of here. I don’t wanna get in trouble with Captain Pike. Just because of this loser.”
“Michelle! Don’t go!” Uhura pleaded. She then yelled as Jim got punched in the nose. Blood gushing from his mouth,” HE’S HAD ENOUGH GUYS!”
“Yes. I’m sick of this.. I get rejected every time. He was the one guy, I thought I could have a good time with. And he couldn’t take his eyes off of you.”
“He offered to pay for your drinks!” Uhura insisted.
Michelle shook her head and stalked off. Uhura yelled again, ”STOPPIT GUYS! I SAID THAT’S ENOUGH!”
Just then a loud whistle came through the doorway and everything stopped. A man of about 45 or so was standing there, observing the scene. “Get out of here, all of you!” All the cadets marched forward and the man looked at Jim and said,” You okay, kid?”
“You can whistle really loud!” Jim slurred. “You know that?!”
--
“I couldn’t believe when the bartender told me who you were.” Captain Christopher Pike said, looking hopefully at Jim.
Jim laughed and said,” Who am I, Captain Pike? I don’t get what makes me so special.”
“Your father’s son.” He said. “I was assigned from my dissertation the USS Kelvin. And that’s something I admired about your father-he didn’t believe in no win scenarios.”
“And that worked out so well for him. He won in the end, didn‘t he? ” Jim said, with a tone of irony to his voice.
“Depends on what you mean by winning, you’re here aren’t you?” Captain Pike said. His words were barbs. Sent to hurt him, meant to make him feel something. What, compassion?
“I looked up your file, while you were drooling on the floor. And your aptitude tests are off the charts. So what is it? Do you like being the only repeat offender in the Midwest?”
“Maybe I love it.” Jim said sardonically.
Captain Pike ignored this statement. After all, he had to deal with this all the time. “Look, so your dad dies. You can settle less for a normal life…Enlist in Star Fleet. .”
Jim scoffed, “Enlist?! Damn, man, you must be way down on your-”
“If you’re half the man you father was, Star Fleet could use you.”
Jim shook his head. It was always about his father. “Yeah, well, he sure learned his lesson.”
Captain Pike ignored this again.” You do understand what the Federation is, don’t you? It’s a peace keeping armada. Look, Jim, you could be an officer in 4 years. Have your own ship in 8. W-”
“We done?” Jim had had enough. Every time someone brought up his father, a part of him died inside. It was as if that’s all people could think of when they saw or heard Jim Kirk.
“I’m done,” Captain Pike stood up and continued,” Riverside Shipyard-a ship leaves for new recruits at 0800.”
Jim raised his glass. “Your father was captain of a star ship for 12 minutes. He saved 800 lives. Including your mother’s. And yours. I dare you to do better.”
Those words rang in Jim’s ears as Captain Pike exited the club. Jim shook his head. It was bullshit. He didn’t want to be like his Dad. He wanted to be Jim. He couldn’t ever not go a day without hearing something about his father, and how amazing he was. Sure, maybe he was amazing-but he was someone Jim never knew. Or cared to know. He honestly wish his mother had never told him that crisp March day, 2 weeks after had turned 7. He’d wished he’d never asked. He’d wished the boys at school had never asked or teased. Or why he didn’t know how to throw a football till he was 12. He drank the last of his beer and grabbed his jacket and walked out.
There was the blonde. He didn’t realize how beautiful she was. Curvy, in a bright, red dress that hugged her in all the right ways. Her hair curled around her shoulders. And she smoke came out of her mouth in curls. She looked over at him, and her green eyes slanted into a glare. She wasn’t pleased, and Jim chuckled at this.
“Hey there.” He flirted.
“What do you want?” She spat at him suddenly.
“I just wanted to talk to you.” He said meekly.
“You didn’t seem to want to talk to me in there.” She said, she was hollow. Maybe she was feisty. Maybe she was the girl of his dreams.
“I didn’t…see you.” Jim said. This was semi-true. She didn’t really make the effort.
“I was right there!” Michelle said angrily. “How could you not see me?!”
“I dunno. I’m asking myself that right now.” Jim smirked.
She rolled her eyes and took the last puff on her cigarette and threw it on the ground and stamped it out. She turned to Jim.” I know you. I know how you think you are going to lure me in and sleep with me later tonight, right? Hah, well I don’t think so farm boy. You think you’re so amazing. So suave. And you think your cock’s so big, well listen to this, I’m not going anywhere near you or your crayola-ed dick, ever!”
She then turned and walked off. Jim watched her as she walked. She was good. Real good. He didn’t know what he had been expecting. But it certainly wasn’t that. He was proud, though. And he felt good. He felt like he got her. She was a cadet, maybe he’d go and surprise her tomorrow. It was getting late, already. Maybe he’d better head home. He looked at the dried blood on his shirt but he shrugged and climbed on his mo-ped and drove off into the distance.
--
“Where the fuck have you been, Jim? God dammit, we were worried sick!” Bill bellowed. Just then, Emily floated down the stairs.
“My God! Jim! Why is there blood all over you, and your shirt! Oh God, sit down.” Jim sat down on the kitchen table while his mother got a wash cloth with warm water. Bill just stood their against the wall, frowning. Waiting for an answer. But Jim just sat there. Emily’s face was full of concern.
“Take your shirt off.” She said. Jim obliged and she said,” Tell me what happened!”
“I got into a fight.” Jim said.
“Well, that’s fucking obvious.” Bill said heatedly.
“Where?!” Winona said frantically. Siphoning off the dried blood with the warm wash cloth.
“At the bar.” Jim said.
“Oh, Jesus! Are you alright?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
“Oh, good. I told you to stop this, Jim. You worry me sick!”
“I’m enrolling at Star Fleet.” Jim said without warning.
She stopped suddenly and looked at him and said, “You’re joking..”
“No.”
“Wh-Why?” She stammered.
“Because…I want to. Some guy came and talked to me. Said it would be good for me. They could use me. Because of Dad.”
“I don’t think you should.” She said abruptly.
“What? Why? That’s so selfish mom. I’m not gonna die like Dad. He was stupid.” Jim said angrily.
“He didn’t want to lose you. Neither do I!” She protested. She looked stressed and unhappy. She looked pathetic.
“You won’t. I’ll be fine. And you and Bill and Emily can all be a happy family. Just like you wanted.” Jim said bitterly.
“Jim!” His mother called after him as he slumped up the stairs.
He heard someone following him and turned around and saw Emily. She looked desolate and lonely. Like everything was leaving her, all at once.
“What do you want?”
“To talk.” She said. She had tears in her eyes.
He walked in his bedroom, leaving the door open for her. “You’ll be fine, you know.” Jim said.
A single tear escaped, “You can’t leave me here. With them.” Her voice was shaky.
“I-I have to. It’s the only way I can get out of here.” Jim said.
“But. Without you…I won’t survive!” Emily cried.” I won’t be able to be here without you, Jim!”
He walked over and put his arms around her, “Yes you will. I love you Ems. Don’t be afraid. Okay? Never be afraid.”
“Okay.” She sobbed into his shoulder. “Okay.”
“I promise, I’ll be fine. And I’ll be back for you?”
“When?”
“Soon! I promise…” He assured her.
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