Title: Stalemate
Rating: PG, because somebody is a potty-mouth.
Universe: Star Trek IX - The Original Reboot (which, obviously, I don't own. Durrr.)
Warnings: I don’t know a damn thing about Chess. It’ll show, believe me.
Summary: I was given a prompt by sjen which was “Spock, 3D Chess.” This kind of got away from my control, but I’m pleased with it. :) There are, however some parts that are a little retarded and I apologize. XD;;;


“…Captain.” It was a quiet, barely noticeable inflection in Spock’s tone that no one outside of Uhura would probably have noticed, but it made Kirk twitch instinctively. It never meant anything good, and this time was no exception.

“I seem to recall hearing that Vulcans have amazing eye-sight. Can’t you see I’m busy here?”

Spock raised his head slightly, chin somewhat jutted out as his lips pursed. It was the Vulcan equivalent of a smirk and Kirk had gained immense experience with regards to it. “It cannot be called a game - an activity extensively designed to amuse and exercise the brain - if one party does not participate.”

Kirk slammed his fist down on the table, causing the Chess pieces on the elaborate, multi-levelled board to wobble slightly. “Damnit, Spock! I’m the Captain, not a chess master!”

“Perhaps you should spend less time with Dr. McCoy. Your voice does not lend itself well to his verbal habits.” Spock’s pursed-lips-which-is-totally-a-goddamn-smirk “non-expression” hadn’t left his face. In fact, it had become more noticeable. “The longer you take, Captain, the easier it is for myself to postulate several different move sets.”

Pulling what was a less than mature face, Kirk drummed his fingers on the table, and stared almost blankly at the pieces. “Enlighten me again as to why I’m even playing Chess?”

“The human brain can recall the most fascinating things,” was Spock’s seemingly idle reply.

Kirk jutted his jaw out and slightly to the side as his piercing blue eyes narrowed slightly at his 1st Officer. “It’s recalling right now that you’re still a smug jackass.”

“Your negotiation skills will benefit from a seminar, Captain.”

“I already told Starfleet I wasn’t teaching material.”

“It seems to me you greatly enjoy hearing yourself speak.”

“Who doesn’t like to hear me speak?” Kirk grinned.

Spock sighed shortly and softly, and finally glanced at him. “I meant to take one.”

“Don’t be so down on yourself, Spock! Get that stick out of your ass and I’m sure you could negotiate your way out of a paper bag.” Kirk smirked and gave Spock a cheeky wink.

Were he an expressive individual, Spock would have rolled his eyes so hard they sunk back into his skull. Instead, he lightly tapped the table with his right index finger. “Make your move, Captain.”

“No, I think I’m done for today. Thanks for the verbal sparring, Spock! I think I’m getting the hang of talking to you.” Kirk stretched languidly and promptly rose.

He was nearly out the sliding door when he heard Spock’s calm, never-rising-in-volume voice: “Will you enlighten me then Captain on how you will earn the respect and trust of the Zyrankar if you cannot play and win at their favourite game?”

Kirk, not missing a beat, turned around and put his hands on his hips and faced Spock with a grin on his face. “I’m going to use my infamous charm and dazzling wit to win them over. No reason why it shouldn’t work this time.”

“A brilliant plan if the Zyrankar were known for getting into brawls in drinking establishments. However. Seeing as how they are an intelligent people …” He gestured very slightly with a tilt of his head to the seat Kirk had vacated. “Back into the chair.”

There was a momentary pause before Kirk groaned loudly in defeat before practically stomping back over to the chair and flopping down in it like a petulant child. “Green-blooded hobgoblin…” He muttered bitterly.

“Again, I humbly request you desist in spending so much time with Dr. McCoy, Captain.” Spock gently lifted a black piece, tapping it against the mid-level of the board to indicate it was the last piece moved.

Kirk unfolded his arms after staring at the current layout of the pieces and sat up. Spock watched, vaguely intrigued as there was that tell-tale spark in the Captain’s eyes when he’d gotten a fool-worthy idea into his head.

As he gently lifted one of his white pieces and lifted up to the highest level, Spock interrupted: “That will not work.” There was no spot that he could think of that would work in Kirk’s favour should he decide to put his piece there.

“Shut up, Spock.” Kirk eyed a few spaces and exhaled softly. “Not everything goes the logical route.”

“We are engaged in a game of Chess, Captain. There are only so many ways to move; fewer still where you are currently.”

Kirk placed his pieced down and pushed Spock’s piece out of the way, picking it up. “Checkmate, Mr. Spock.”

“--Impossible.” Spock sat up straight and closely inspected the board. After several long moments and finding no fault in Kirk’s move, Spock sat back and had genuine shock on his usually stoic face. Quickly, he pursed his lips and regarded Kirk. “While this is an impressive move with surprising ingenuity, Captain, it could be seen as nothing more than luck. A second game will determine whether or not you have the skills necessary to head this diplomatic mission.”

Kirk smirked and leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Spock... if you want a rematch, just say so.”

Spock said nothing and began to reset the pieces with unsurprising efficiency and speed. Once the pieces were in place, Spock regarded his Captain. “…Ready, Captain?”

With a grin on his lips, Kirk nodded. “Always.”

=END=

Note: I have no idea if Zyrankar are a real species, and if they are smart. Hopefully that does not take away from everything else. XD; I hope I got Kirk and Spock’s voices even a little bit from the reboot. Please be kind, but tell me what you think. : )