Series: TOS; Romance Code: K/C; Rating: NC-17

Warning: This story contains m/m sex. If you are offended by this or under age, please move on. Disclaimer: Copyright 1999 by Skazitelnitsky. This original work of amateur fiction based on Star Trek makes transformative use of Star Trek for noncommercial purposes. This work makes "fair use" of Star Trek copyrighted material; intended not to infringe on the intellectual property rights of Paramount, Viacom or other owners of Star Trek copyright or their assignees or licensees. Author's copyright extends only to the original material in this work.

The Green-Eyed Monster

By Skazitelnitsky

"You're too hard on him, Jim."

Kirk rolled his eyes and mentally growled at the hand of fate that had placed his chief medical officer within earshot while he gave his navigator a dressing down for having turned in a report fifteen minutes late. "If I had a credit for every time you've said that..."

"You'd be rich," McCoy finished, as the two of them entered Deck Five's Officer Lounge. "Well, we have gone through quite a few people in the navigator's position recently -- Riley, Styles, Bailey..."

The captain narrowed his eyes at this violation of their tacit agreement not to discuss these sometimes spectacular lapses in his normally excellent skill at judging personalities.

Undaunted, McCoy punched in an order for two coffees. "Garrovick wasn't a navigator, but..."

"It's not me, Bones." Kirk impatiently took his cup before the compartment was fully open. "It's Chekov. For the past two weeks, he's been walking around with his head in a nebulae. He's probably started dating someone."

McCoy followed him to a corner table. "Really?"

"He's never going to get very far in the ranks if he lets his ability to concentrate go on shoreleave every time he gets into some girl's pants," Kirk predicted sourly.

The doctor felt it unwise to point out that this was a rather blatant case of the pot being bothered by the fact the kettle was black. "Hmm. I've not seen him with anyone new."

"Oh?" The captain was surprised. Sickbay tended to be an active and accurate source of gossip.

"Nope. The only person he's been spending a lot of time with is Sulu."

Kirk frowned and turned this notion over in his mind. The navigator and helmsman had always been good friends -- on and off duty. Lately, they had seemed particularly chummy. He had caught the two of them whispering or laughing together at the helm. On long deep space missions, it wasn't at all unheard of for close friendships to develop into something more...

Looking at his CMO's face, he could tell that the two of them were simultaneously coming up with a new interpretation of his best helm team's relationship. "You don't think that the two of them are...?"

"I didn't say anything," the doctor protested.

"But they're..." The captain shook his head. "They're not... Chekov has always seemed so..."

McCoy shrugged. "At that age, everyone experiments."

Kirk raised and eyebrow and wondered what sort of "experimenting" the doctor had done... until he realized he was getting exactly the same sort of look back from McCoy.

"Oh, by the way." he began, hoping his change of subject didn't seem suspiciously hastily, "you're going to be with me for the Ravad mission."

"Oh, joy," the doctor said dryly.

"That is, if they decide to let any of us go at all," Kirk said sourly. "Right now, we're limited to you, me, an aide, and two guards."

"Hmm." McCoy nodded. "So we are just going to be there for show after all?"

When first presented, it had seemed that the Enterprise was going to be given sole responsibility for conducting the proposed peace talks between the natives of Ravad and representatives of the confederation of Delgian warlords. As the summit drew nearer, however, the Federation's diplomatic corps had incrementally taken complete control of arrangements. At this point, it seemed clear that Star Fleet's iron hand was going to be all but shrouded within their velvet glove for this operation.

Kirk was less than pleased to be forced to waste time planning a mission it now appeared no one ever expected him to implement. However, it was a relief not to have to worry about a task that the Enterprise seemed ill-equipped to accomplish on her own.

"You should take Chekov," McCoy said.

"What?"

"As your aide," the doctor explained. "You should take him. He's got a good head on his shoulders and it would give him something to focus on other than whoever's... distracting him."

"Hmm." The captain considered. He hadn't thought of the ensign for this assignment before because Chekov didn't have the experience in diplomacy that made other officers more qualified. However, it was rapidly becoming apparent that Star Fleet wanted them on Ravad to display braid, not brains. The navigator could wear a dress uniform as well as anyone else on the ship. The idea of having the ensign where Kirk could keep and eye on him was also appealing. The captain knew that Chekov was an adult and his personal affairs were strictly his own business, but still...

"Well," he said at last, shrugging as if he were only agreeing because of McCoy's insistence. "I suppose it couldn't hurt."

*** ** ***

"Ryton," Ga Rul Ioisan, unacknowledged leader of the Delgian Confederation drawled, rolling his luminous green eyes at the littering of stars on the viewscreen that dominated one wall of his personal quarters, "I'm bored."

First Tepk Soa Ryton swallowed uncomfortably, knowing these were the most dangerous words in his leader's vocabulary. He carefully turned away, pretending to check something on the notepad he was carrying. It was not a good idea to let Ga Ioisan know that something bothered you. Such knowledge only seemed encouraged Ioisan's more unfortunate tendencies. For example, Ryton believed that had he not been so adamantly against fraternization, there would not at this moment be so much evidence of the crewmember the Ga had entertained in his quarters last night.

Ioisan tossed his long mane of black curls and frowned. "If this is any indication of what peace is going to be like, I'm going to start another war."

Tepk Ryton once more carefully controlled his automatic reaction to this frighteningly real threat. "The peace talks themselves should provide some entertainment," he said, as if speaking of the weather.

"I don't see how." Ioisan discontentedly used one foot to fish through the pile of clothes beside the divan he reclining upon. "The Ravadians will give into all our demands if they know what's good for them. The only suspense I foresee is trying to predict who one my so-called allies will try to assassinate this time."

Ryton picked up the boot his leader seemed to be searching for. He took note, while seeming not to, of items of apparel that told him the identity of the captain's current paramour. "Perhaps these aliens who are sponsoring the talks -- the Federation, I think they call themselves -- will prove amusing."

Ga Ioisan sneered at the stars in front of him as he pulled on his boot. "They'd better."

*** ** ***

McCoy pulled peevishly at his dress uniform collar. "Haven't we been here an hour already?"

Kirk unobtrusively dumped an unidentifiable hors d'oeuvre into a conveniently located potted plant. "Feels like four."

"Wish Mr. Wonderful would show up so we could leave," the doctor grumbled, following his lead. "Mr. Wonderful" was their private nickname for one of the leaders of the Delgian delegation. The Delgian had decided to show up a little more than fashionably late for this reception being held in his honor.

Kirk was not in a good mood. The peace conference was going well... for the Delgians. Any objections the Ravadians had to the treaty tended to mysteriously disappear overnight. The captain had a strong suspicion that this flexibility was being forcibly encouraged by the absent guest of honor and his operative.

"Oh, good." McCoy craned his neck to see in to a disturbance at the other end of the banquet room. "Here he comes now."

The Delgians were a rag-tag lot. Ga Ioisan stood head and shoulders over most of them. He was a humanoid with a pointed, elfin face, enormous green eyes, and long black hair. Most of his confederates were of other species. His chief aide had the face of a toad. Kirk wasn't sure what the group held in common other than the fact they were warlords masquerading as businessmen and political leaders -- with a few businessmen and political leaders posing as warlords thrown in for good measure.

The captain shook his head. "I can't believe Star Fleet is catering to this bunch of pirates."

"Rather discouraging to hard-working, honest citizens of the galaxy like us, isn't it?" McCoy discarded another inedible appetizer. "I can see now why they eased you out of this job, though. Instead of getting concessions, Ga Ioisan would be getting..."

"... a swift kick in the teeth," Kirk finished.

"Or thereabouts."

Ensign Chekov walked up with brace of brimming glass mugs. "Would you like a drink, sir?"

McCoy groaned. "I don't think I can bear any more of the punch."

"No, sir, since their leader has arrived, the Delgians are serving the Talkian brandy."

"Ah." Captain and doctor reached for the beverage eagerly. "Good man."

"What do you make of the Delgians, Chekov?" McCoy asked conversationally.

"Cossacks," the ensign replied unhesitatingly, but without rancor. "It's fortunate that I like their brandy."

The doctor lifted an eyebrow. "And why is that?"

The navigator shrugged. "Everyone should be good for something, sir."

"And there he is -- the thorn in my instep." Ga Ioisan narrowed his impressive eyes at the Federation delegation.

Tepk Ryton, who Kirk thought toad-like, handed him a brandy. "You were hoping that the peace talks would be interesting."

"Interesting, yes. Not a damned frustrating nuisance. If Kirk keeps on talking, the rest of these dullards will figure out they've been doing my bidding for years."

Ryton considered a moment. "He's a challenge, then, sir?" he asked blandly.

The sparkle immediately returned to his leader's eyes. "Yes," he said, smiling slightly. "Yes, he is. What we seem to need is something to occupy the good captain's mind..."

Ioisan sighed thoughtfully. He tilted his head to one side as watched Chekov point out an empty table for his party. "With a sweet little morsel like that at arm's reach, no one would have to provide a diversion for me."

"Don't look now, Chekov," McCoy warned, "but Ioisan's putting the eye on you."

The ensign glanced over at the Delgian delegation briefly. "Well, his records show he is a native of Junia IV."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Junian's are bipedal humanoids," the navigator informed him with a scientific detachment that would have made Spock proud. "There are enough physical and cultural parallels to Humans to make an interspecies attraction plausible."

"Gentlemen, I remind you this is supposed to be a peace conference, not a meat market," Kirk snapped irritably.

McCoy only lifted an eyebrow while Chekov replied with an abashed, "Yes, sir."

Kirk wasn't sure which reaction aggravated him more.

"When was the last time you cut your hair, ensign?" he asked peevishly, settling on the navigator to bear the brunt of his displeasure. "My God, you look like one of them. You should be fully aware of Star Fleet's regulations regarding the appearance of officers."

"Yes, sir," the ensign replied dutifully. "I'm sorry, sir... I'll attend to it."

A further displeased glare from his commander apparently convinced the navigator he should do something about the matter post haste. "If you'll excuse me, sirs," he excused himself, rising.

After the ensign's departure, Kirk endured the deafening silence from his CMO as long as he could. "What?"

McCoy leaned back in his chair. "I don't think it's him. I think it's you."

Kirk frowned.

"When I was a kid," the doctor said, sipping his brandy, "a friend of mine had a cute little puppy. At first that dog just adored him. But every time any of the rest of us tried to play with that pup, the kid would kick it. Pretty soon, that dog hated him."

The captain's frown deepened. "What are you saying?"

"You mean you don't get it? Hmmm. Gonna have to work on being more obvious with my metaphors."

"You're saying I'm jealous?"

McCoy shrugged. "If you're not, you're doing a great imitation of it."

"That's ridiculous," Kirk scoffed, crossing his arms. "Just ridiculous."

Across the room, Ga Ioisan smiled. "Ryton," he said, motioning to his aide, "I just had a wonderfully wicked idea..."

*** ** ***

"He wants what?" Kirk demanded.

Tepk Ryton admiringly stroked the fine fabric of the armchair in the Federation captain's assigned quarters. "As you know, the negotiations are at a delicate juncture. Ga Ioisan would like this... personal concession from your delegation as a show of good faith."

"Good faith," the captain repeated dubiously.

"Yes." Ryton primly straightened the tunic of his dress uniform. "If the young man will come to the Ga's quarters tonight..."

"He wants to screw Chekov," Kirk clarified, not believing the Delgian had the gall to come to him this time of night with such proposition, "and in return he promises to sign some papers?"

"To put it bluntly, yes."

The captain frowned. "You may not appreciate this, but in my culture, this is a completely inappropriate and unethical request."

"Well, to be truthful, it wouldn't be countenanced easily in our culture either. This is why we are approaching you privately. We hope to make these arrangements discretely."

Kirk rubbed a hand across his mouth to prevent him from telling this alien to go to hell. "No, " he said firmly instead. "It's impossible."

The Delgian sighed resignedly, but did not rise to go. "Very well. Of course, the Ga's good will could be very beneficial to you now -- and not only in the peace talks. Not all of our colleagues are so well disposed towards Humans. There have been rumors of plans for violent disruption of the conference -- even murders..."

The captain's eyes narrowed at this threat. "My answer is still no."

"Very well." This time the Delgian did rise. "The Ga will be disappointed that you were not amenable."

"Tell the Ga he can..." Kirk stopped himself. "...get a good night's sleep."

*** ** ***

"The Ga is satisfied that his demands have been met."

"What?" Kirk stood blinking in his doorway, initially too amazed that this toad-faced alien was rude enough to disturb him for the second time that night to comprehend what the Delgian was saying.

Ryton handed him a tape. "Your officer performed admirably."

The captain accepted it warily. "What?"

The Delgian adjusted the finely tailored yellow gloves covering his thin, six-fingered hands. "Since you were intractable on the matter, we were forced to approach your underling directly."

"What is this?" Kirk asked, turning the cassette over.

"A recording of ... the proceedings. Your little fellow was rather adamant about the fact that you knew nothing of his actions. The Ga was equally determined that you should be fully informed."

Kirk frowned at the tape in his hand.

The Delgian seemed to be waiting for something. After a moment, he smiled. "Well, no thanks are necessary. My job is it's own reward."

Kirk resisted the urge to slam the door in the sycophant's face with difficulty. By the time he put the tape into a reader, his temper was already at a boiling point. His mouth was set into a grim line when he hit the play button.

The reader displayed an image of Chekov walking into an opulently appointed bedroom. Ioisan was waiting for him. The ensign was clad in a long robe made of a plush material. His hair looked wet.

"My men didn't hurt you, did they?"

"No," the ensign answered shortly, not meeting his eyes.

The Delgian stepped forward and lifted his chin. "They were only making sure you were all nice for me."

The ensign stepped back. "Let's get this over with," he said, nodding resolutely towards the bed.

"Oh, no, no." The Ga shook his finger mildly. "I've gone to some trouble to arrange your little visit here. We'll go at the pace I set. Understood?"

Chekov didn't meet his eyes.

The Delgian took the young man by the chin again. "Understood?"

"Understood," the navigator agreed reluctantly.

"You seem nervous. Haven't you ever done this before?"

The ensign only shrugged.

"What does that mean?"

"I'm not certain what you're asking. It doesn't matter anyway."

Ioisan lifted an eyebrow. "Surely you've been with a man before?"

"Yes," the ensign mumbled.

"A long term relationship?"

"No."

"Why, you're blushing." The Ga ran a finger down the navigator's pink cheeks. "You're practically a virgin, aren't you?"

"I don't see why any of this is relevant," Chekov said, pulling back.

Ioisan caught him around the waist and pulled him in close. "Well," he smiled. "that just goes to show how terribly inexperienced you really are."

The ensign struggled instinctively in his grip, but Ioisan held him fast. Giving his captive enough time to realize that he couldn't resist, the Delgian put a hand behind the young man's neck and pulled him into a kiss.

Chekov rebelliously kept his eyes open, staring pure disgust at the alien.

"You're going to have to do better than that," Ioisan scolded, releasing him. He walked over to a table near the location where the camera was positioned. "We have a potion that could ease this experience for you somewhat," he said, pouring a few red capsules out of a tall blue bottle. "Make you a little... less inhibited?"

Chekov wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "That will not be necessary."

"As you wish." The Delgian seemed to pour all the capsules back into the bottle. However, when he turned back to the table, the camera's eye could see where the ensign did not and recorded the Ga dropping two red tablets into a glass he then filled with a native liqueur. "You won't refuse a drink as well?" he said, turning back to the Human with the drugged drink and an untainted one for himself.

When Chekov folded his arms stubbornly instead of accepting, Ioisan placed the glass on a cabinet near the ensign as if it were of no consequence. Sipping his own drink, he crossed to the room's large bed. "I'm surprised your captain allowed you to come to me."

The ensign shifted uneasily. "I am here without his authorization. And as I told your men, I would prefer he did not find out."

Ioisan grinned as he sat down on the soft mattress. "Is he so jealous?"

"What?"

"You fear what he will do when he finds you've been with another?"

A light seemed to come on in the ensign's brain. "Oh, so you think that he and I... No, you're completely wrong. I'm nothing to him."

"Nothing?"

"No, nothing." Chekov smiled with relief as he picked up the drink and took a sip of it. "I'm merely another officer. There's nothing between us. In fact, he's been very unhappy with me recently. I'm not a particular favorite of his in any way."

"Really?"

"Truly," the ensign confirmed. "Is that why you did all this? Hoping the Captain would be jealous?"

The Delgian released a long, thoughtful breath. Finally he smiled and said, "No. I'm genuinely interested in you ... even if your captain is not."

The ensign's cheeks went pink again as his hopes of reprieve vanished.

Ioisan crossed to him and tapped the glass in his hand. "Finish it," he ordered. "You look as though you need it."

Chekov obeyed warily. When he was through, the Ga removed the glass from his hand, uncurling each finger patiently.

The Delgian's hands moved to the sash at the ensign's waist. "I think it's time to see what's under here."

When Chekov moved to stop him, Ioisan caught the young man's wrists.

"A little late for second thoughts now," he said, firmly returning the ensign's hands to his sides.

The navigator bit his lip and looked away, but remained obediently still as he was stripped.

"There now." Ioisan smiled admiringly at the young Human's naked body. "That wasn't so bad, was it? I don't know why you're so modest. You have nothing to be ashamed of, dear."

The ensign squeezed his eyes closed. His skin went a shade more flushed as the Ga ran his hands over the navigator's bare shoulders and chest.

"What a child you are," Ioisan said, lifting the Human's chin once more. He pulled his thumb slowly across the ensign's lower lip, appreciating its fullness. He pulled the navigator forward into another kiss.

Chekov pulled back. "Is that necessary?"

"Oh, yes." The Delgian caught the ensign's wrists and placed them around his neck. "It helps you realize that I am in control and you are not."

The navigator's gaze was still rebellious, but he didn't remove his hands.

"And now," Ioisan said, letting his own hands rest easily on the ensign's hips, "you've made your point. I know that you're here against your will. I know you are only submitting to me because you feel it is your duty to do so. You've made your objections quite clear."

"So?" Chekov asked. The ensign's cheeks were flushed and his voice was beginning to turn husky.

"So," the Delgian replied, kissing him on the neck. "There's nothing more you can do, is there?"

The navigator's head dropped back. He released a long, shuddering breath as the Ga licked at the base of his throat. "No," he whispered.

"Then it's time to move on to other matters." The Delgian caressed the ensign's backside. "Time to consider other questions. For instance, I've never had a Human before. I'm sure how to please you. I'm not certain that you'll be able to please me." The ensign bit back a moan.

Ioisan smiled. "I am gratified to see that you're now in the mood for trying."

The Human was having a hard time remaining still beneath his touch.

"We'll begin with the basics..." Ioisan pulled open his robe and pushed the unresisting navigator down to his knees. "... and see how you progress."

Kirk snapped off the player. He couldn't remember ever having been so mad at one of his officers. As McCoy had said, everyone did a little experimenting, but this... This was completely unacceptable.

The captain pulled on a uniform and stormed to the ensign's cabin.

Chekov answered his door dressed in a Star Fleet robe rather than a Delgian one, but his hair was still a little damp at the ends. Ioisan's underling must have delivered the tape of his tryst immediately after the completion of their lovemaking.

The captain strode into the ensign's quarters, resisting the urge to grab the young man by the shoulders and shake him. "What the hell were you thinking, Chekov?"

The navigator blinked, still foggy from sleep. "Sir?"

This was enough to convince Kirk to yield to temptation and give the Russian a good hard shake. "What did you think you were doing -- going to Ioisan like that?"

"Oh..." Chekov's eyes got very round. "You know that?"

"Yes, I know that. The Delgians considerately made a tape of your little rendezvous."

"Oh." A hot blush crept up the ensign's cheeks. "A tape?"

Kirk gave him another shake to make him stop repeating. "What the hell did you think you were doing?"

"I... They... They said the peace talks were in jeopardy..."

"To hell with the peace talks," Kirk replied harshly.

"And that there might be assassination attempts..."

"And what if they were lying?"

This idea had obviously not occurred to the ensign. "Well... they didn't sound like they were lying..."

"Why didn't you come to me?"

"I... I..." Chekov shrugged as best he could underneath Kirk's iron grip.

The captain examined the young man's face. "You do think I don't like you, don't you?"

"Sir, I.. "

"Well, I do like you. I like you too much to want to see you whoring yourself -- even if it's supposedly for the greater good of the Federation."

The word "whoring" seemed to hit the ensign like a blow. "Sir," he began, looking at his feet. "Sir, I should tell you..."

"Yes?"

"I... They... I think Ioisan gave me something to make me more... cooperative."

"He did. He slipped it in your drink while you weren't looking. You're lucky he didn't do something worse."

"Sir," the ensign began in a very small voice. "I'm still... It still... The effects haven't worn off yet."

Kirk looked down. The navigator's robe had fallen open. Seeing the evidence of the ensign's arousal, suddenly made him aware of his own. Taken aback, he loosened his grip on Chekov's shoulders. Somehow he couldn't completely let go of the young man, though.

He realized with a shock that McCoy had been right. He *was* jealous. Insanely jealous. How dare Ioisan try to take what was rightfully his?

Chekov looked up at him, abashed, vulnerable, and pleading.

Kirk couldn't resist that look. He pulled the ensign to him in a manner that he initially intended to be comforting. When he kissed the navigator, however, it was undeniably an act of possessiveness. He needed to reassure himself that the young man was still truly his to command.

Chekov accepted his embrace with what seemed like relief. He timidly kept his hands at his sides, touching his captain only with his fingertips, until Kirk wrapped his wrists behind his neck as Ioisan had done.

The thought of the Delgian inflamed Kirk. "What did he make you do?" he demanded, pulling the ensign's head back.

"But you said there was a tape..." the navigator gasped.

"I couldn't stand to watch it all," he growled, running his hands beneath Chekov's robe.

"He didn't hurt me," the ensign assured him.

"Good." Putting a hand under each arm, Kirk lifted the smaller man. The captain silenced his subordinate with a kiss as he carried him to the bed. "What did he make you do?" he asked again, after sitting the ensign down on the mattress.

"He made me... do things for him," Chekov answered hesitantly, as Kirk knelt down in front of him.

"Things like this?" Kirk speculated, claiming the flesh between the navigator's legs.

The Russian moaned as his captain's lips moved powerfully against him. "Oh, yes..."

Kirk replaced his mouth with his hand. "Did you enjoy it?"

The ensign's head was thrown back and his eyes were closed. "Yessss."

"As much as you're enjoying this?"

"No... no.. no.." the navigator gasped.

"And what else did he do?" Kirk demanded, withdrawing his hand.

Chekov's eyes glittered feverishly when they opened. "He made me take off my clothes -- like this," he replied, shedding the robe. "And then lay on his bed --like this."

The ensign spread himself face down on the mattress, propping his hips up with one thick pillow and resting his flushed cheek on the other.

"And then he used me," the navigator reported, spreading his legs, "very, very hard."

"Really?" Kirk grabbed a bottle of something that looked like it could be used as lubricant from the nightstand. "Very hard?"

"Oh, yes," the ensign confirmed, squirming a little as he tried to hold his position. "Very hard."

The captain crawled up onto the mattress behind him and unfastened his pants. "And for a long time?"

The navigator bit down on a moan as Kirk positioned himself against him. "A *very* long time."

"And did you enjoy it?" the captain asked, entering him.

"YES."

"As much as you're enjoying this?" Kirk persisted, penetrating his subordinate a little more deeply.

The ensign groaned ecstatically. "Not so much as this, I think."

The captain smiled. "You mean, I'm better than he was?"

"Yes... yes... yes.." the navigator answered in time to his thrusts. "You're much... much... much... much... much... MUCH... MUCH... BETTER!!!"

*** ** ***

"You delivered the tape?" Ioisan asked, relaxing in a warm bath.

Ryton carefully removed the yellow gloves. "Yes."

"And he touched it?"

"Certainly, sire," the Tepk replied, disposing of them. "These Humans don't seem to be at all familiar with our aphrodisiacs. I doubt he realized it might come as a topical preparation."

Ioisan smiled. "And did it take effect?"

"I think so, sir. He dashed immediately to his crewman's quarters in a state of strong emotion, lingered there for several hours, then retreated in the early morning looking tousled and sheepish." Ryton poured a celebratory brandy for his leader and another for himself. "I think it's safe to say that the peace conference is yours, sir."

"Not just the conference, Ryton." Ga Ioisan swirled his brandy contentedly and sunk a little lower into the pleasingly warm water. "I think I've given Captain Kirk something to think about for a long, long time to come."

*** ** ***

"Come."

Kirk knew even before he looked up that visitor to his quarters was going to be Chekov. The ensign had been very subdued during the closing ceremonies of the peace conference and had said nothing beyond the most minimal requirements of duty upon their return to the ship. The captain knew it was only a matter of time before the navigator was going to want to discuss what happened on the planet. "Yes, Ensign?"

"Sir," Chekov began resolutely, focusing on a point above and to the left of his captain's head. "I wish to apologize for my actions on Ravad. My conduct was most unprofessional...."

"Chekov," Kirk interrupted, reaching out to touch the ensign's arm. "I've been considering the matter as well."

The navigator looked at his captain's hand on his arm, swallowed hard, then finally lifted his eyes to Kirk's face.

The captain patted the ensign's arm reassuringly before releasing him. "We both behaved... impulsively on the planet. I still feel you could have shown better judgment in going to Ioisan's quarters. However, you disobeyed no order in doing so. The talks were completed successfully. No damage was done. We should simply put the matter behind us."

Chekov considered this for a moment. His chocolate eyes were full of an unspoken intensity. His teeth pulled at his sensuous lower lip. "Sir," he said, his voice breaking with emotion, "should I request a transfer?"

Kirk stood and put his hands comfortingly on the younger man's shoulders. "As I said, we both behaved impulsively on the planet. But as long as we both make sure nothing like that ever happens again, I don't see any reason for you to leave. Do you?"

Chekov lowered his dark eyelashes and nodded dutifully. After a moment, though, he stole a questioning glance at his captain.

The play of emotions behind this look moved Kirk powerfully. "Perhaps," he said, turning the navigator around and steering him towards a chair that looked to be about the right height, "You do need something to help make this clearer for you."

The ensign's eyes went wide with surprise as his captain forced his hands down onto to grip the chair's seat, leaving him bent over its back. "Sir..?"

"Our respective positions on this ship make any sort of liaison between the two of us unthinkable, correct?"

Chekov thought he could hear a drawer being opened. A firm hand on his shoulder prevented him from looking around.

"Correct?" his captain repeated.

"Yes, sir," the ensign answered slowly, hearing what sounded like clothing being unfastened.

"Good," Kirk said, coming to stand behind him. "Now I want you to repeat after me --- This..."

"This," Chekov echoed obediently.

"Will.."

Hands reached around the navigator's waist and began to unfasten his trousers.

"Repeat it, Ensign," Kirk ordered. "This will..."

"This w-w-will..." Chekov stammered as his pants were loosened and pushed down his thighs.

"Never..." The captain firmly spread his subordinate's legs.

The ensign gasped as he was treated to a liberal application of lubricant. "N-never..."

Kirk centered himself for entry. "Happen..."

"Happen..." The navigator's voice sounded thin and choked as he leaned a little more forward and braced himself.

"Again," the captain concluded, entering smoothly.

"Again," the ensign moaned ardently. "Again... again... again... again..."

*** **** ***

THE END

OR IS IT?