Chapter Text
“I don’t believe in no-win scenarios,” he states, lounging in his seat. He’s not nearly as calm as he looks. And he can see, just a hint of frustration in Commander Spock’s eyes.
“I expected you, of all people, to know better,” Commander Spock remarks, and Jim shifts. He’s never spoken to Commander Spock before. Never said a word to the man, and yet he thinks he knows him.
Jim takes a moment, forcing himself not to scan the room. He already knows where all of the exits are. Instead, he takes in his opponent, the man who would dare to bring up his past without knowing him.
“What?” He snaps, voice cold. “You think because I was on Tarsus IV, I should understand the need for your stupid test?” The Vulcan blinks at him stupidly, and he forces himself to remain where he is, despite the urge to stalk towards him.
“I was-” The Vulcan opens his mouth to argue, Jim doesn’t care to hear his words.
“You think your little test can prepare anyone for the reality of facing impossible decisions?” He asks, climbing to his feet. He can see the stubborn set in his enemies jaw. Can hear the shuffle of someone to his right. “I wonder Commander Spock,” he spits the title like a curse, “how blessed your life must be to think your test is any reflection of a true impossible choice.”
He can picture the Commander, safe and warm in fed, in the ambassador's big house while he starved and fought for his life on Tarsus IV. The commander still looks ready to argue. Jim isn’t inclined to let him.
“No,” he shakes his head, “your test doesn’t create good Captain’s, Commander Spock.” He breaks eye contact for a moment.
“Therefore, I have no alternative but to sentence you to death. Your execution is so ordered, signed Kodos, Governor of Tarsus IV.” Kodos voice rings in his memory. “ I have no alternative,”
“Your test creates Kodos’,” He pauses, trying to push past the voices in his memories. The room is silent, despite all of those in attendance, and when he looks up Commander Spock meets his eyes.
“Explain yourself Cadet,” Commander Spock orders, as if he has a right.
“You want to teach Command Staff that there are no-win scenarios,” Jim explains.
“What about Starfleet?” Aunt Sarah whispers, as he hides around the corner. “They can help?”
“Our comm relays are down, and no one’s supposed to check-in for months,” Uncle Barry replies in a hushed whisper. “Our last report said we were doing fine.” His aunt cries, “they aren’t coming.”
“Situations where Starfleet is six months out, comms are down,” He blinks, shakes his head, “and there’s only enough food for half the population to survive.” He scoffs, taking a moment to scan his captive audience. Glances at the stony faces of the Admirals. “You teach Captains to give up hope.” He meets their eyes, and each of them looks away.
“That’s not-” except for Commander Spock. Jim turns to him, rage burning in him like fire.
“I wasn’t done Commander,” Jim scolds, gesturing towards the simulation room. "Your test is carefully configured so that there's no way out. You ignore Starfleet procedures, such as Article 14 section 7 which states that all escape pods be equipped with gear necessary to survive on an L-class planet. You ignore Klingon culture, and offer no chance for diplomacy to succeed, or be used to manipulate your enemies. Your test ignores reality."
“Now that’s-” someone else starts, but he doesn’t bother to look at them.
“Run,” Aunt Sarah’s voice rings in his memory. “Live.”
“I know that there is always a way out,” He growls, “It may be unpleasant, or difficult, or hard to identify.” He shakes his head.
“Give up kid,” Kodo’s guard yells. “Don’t you want to rest,” and he does. He’s so tired. “Just give up, just come out.”
He considers it. Considers stepping out, but he promised Aunt Sarah. He’s going to survive this, and then he’s going to live.
“Your test wants me to give up before I start,” He tells commander Spock, voice like steel. “I won’t.” He stands straight. “I’ll keep all 8,126 colonists alive, we will research, send distress signals, repair comms equipment, fight the blight, forage for food.” He lists off, “I will find a way, and if there isn’t one, I will make one.” He breathes out, forces himself to sit back into his chair, stiffer than he would prefer to be.
“Just like I made a way to beat your impossible test,” He says, forcing a smirk on his face, as he looks at the commander, “You think, because I made a way to win, I failed to understand the test's purpose,” he shakes his head. “I understand it perfectly, and I think it does a grave disservice to every member of Starfleet.”
“Cadet Kirk!” Admiral Marcus finally manages to find his voice. Jim barely suppresses the urge to roll his eyes, as he turns to the Admiral. “You have-”
“I rescind my accusation,” Spock cuts the admiral off, and Jim almost laughs at the shock on the man's face. He turns to the Commander as Spock bows his head slightly. “You have given me much to think on, Cadet Kirk,”
Jim smiles at the Commander, ignoring the bustle around him, as Pike speaks up. Perhaps, Commander Spock isn’t so bad after all.