SULU. 

         “ yes, sir. ” a nod, before he turns to face the viewscreen.

like a slow chord in a piece well rehearsed, fingers reach and press with steady rhythm. he plays that tune with natural gift — instinct, and a comfort in which he’s settled in. eyes sharp, the pilot looks ahead. not long now.

maneuver critical ; numbers illuminate the corner of screen — the russian waits, his hands steady. his voice is calm ; soothing in a sense. he gives the orders : impulse then, and the use of thrusters. now. he’ll handle it from here.

breath comes, and not a moment too early, or late. shoulder loosen from their tense form as he stabilises her behind the moon. a success. and he nods towards the navigator. good job. head turns then, towards the captain. expecting, almost.

“ — i’m with you? ”

                             AS    GENTLE    AS    EXPECTED.   fingers    splay    across    a   hand    rest   ,    body    pushed    from   the    captain’s     chair    with    ease.    a    fluid   movement   ,    ANTICIPATION    runs    cool    shivers   down    his   body.    an    almost    FOREIGN    FIXATION.    he   can    only    withhold    seeping    vexation    for   so   long   ,     before    it    bursts    from    vulcan    veins    and    suffocates    surroundings    within   an    unbridled    grip.      A   QUESTION    reels    him    back    in    ,    an    expecting    beckon.    it    was    illogical    to    pursue    vengeful    thoughts     ——–     a    duty   ,    ACTING    CAPTAIN    ,    called   to   him.  

                   ‘         yes    ,    mr  .   sulu.    i    have    heard    of    your     combat    experience.    should    we    need    to    defend    ourselves    ,    your    assistance    will     be     of     great    help.    captain    kirk    should    return    shortly     ——–       mr  .    chekov    will     alert    of     our    depart.     ‘     a    nod    towards    sulu    is   all    he    offers    ,    his    steps    readily    carrying    him     to    the    transport    room.