(no subject)

[boldygoing]

Jim Kirk enters the Nexus in a mild daze, still a little stunned at the news he's just received from Command. He doesn't look like he's shaved for a few weeks, but his black Starfleet Academy instructor's uniform is clean and his hair is neatly combed, so it's not like he's been letting himself go or anything.

He gets a cup of coffee on autopilot, before finding a seat to really think over what the hell just happened, a look of hopeful disbelief on his face, like he's been told something that's too good to be true.

"Have you ever had a dream job you never expected to get?" he asks after several minutes, looking up. "For those that haven't, if you knew you wouldn't be home for a couple years, what would you not leave without?"

Comments

[losthunter]

"That sounds good." And it is something that Hunter can handle, without feeling the distance between them. He takes another bite of his chocolate cake.

"I have a few goals of my own, that I would like to accomplish in the next five years. It is good... to have something to work towards."

[boldygoing]

"Oh yeah?" Jim asks, interested. His apple tart is mostly gone, and he uses the last bits of pastry to mop up the crumbs. "Art stuff or personal goals?"

[losthunter]

"Well, I have found a location for that art gallery, that I want to build as an extension to the Foundation. And as my new residence in New York."

Hunter takes another strawberry, eating it with some cake.

"We also have some interest for the Foundation to have more locations, so it is a State-wide organization, instead of just serving New York."

He toys with his fork for a moment. He doesn't want to bring down the mood, but Jim would want to know. "And that private detective I hired has traced Austin. At least enough that I could look into dealing with him."

[boldygoing]

Jim nods along as Hunter describes the fruits of his labors, interested to hear what progress has been made on that front. He stills when Hunter mentions Austin, his brow furrowing a little. "That guy who cursed you?"

[losthunter]

"Yes him." Hunter takes another bite from his chocolate cake.

"And no, I am not going to try to talk to him alone." He figures that might as well be addressed.

[boldygoing]

"I didn't think you were," Jim answers, but it's good to know regardless. He knows that Hunter isn't stupid or impulsive, unlike certain starship captains.

Pastry gone, Jim leans back slightly in his chair, sipping at his champagne. "Do you know what your next move is?"

[losthunter]

"I have no idea."

"The last time I had to deal with someone who was threatening... it didn't go that good." He went in without a plan.

"I need a game plan."

[boldygoing]

"Is there some kind of magic we can use to shield you from another attack like the one before?" Jim asks, uncertain how that works. "We don't want to go in vulnerable."

[losthunter]

"I don't know. I am just beginning to figure out how to use the magic that Kendra left me as a gift. I have no idea how the magical gifts that others were given work. Or how to stop it."

"I wish I knew someone who is more adept at this kind of thing."

[boldygoing]

"I know someone who might have some ideas," Jim says, frowning in thought. "Her name's Hermione Granger, and she actually went to a boarding school for people with magic. The only kind of shield she showed me was more like a... bubble, I guess, so it might not help, but there could be other kinds of protection she'd know about."

ROFL

[losthunter]

"If you think she might be someone who could give me some advice... that would be great."

"Maybe she would be willing to come with me, next time I have to face Austin."

Hunter finishes up his chocolate cake. And uses a strawberry to get the last few drops of chocolate syrup off his plate.

"A boarding school for magic. Wow..."

Weren't expecting it? :P

[boldygoing]

"I'll send her a message, see what she thinks," Jim promises. It doesn't seem like Hunter is rushing to get everything together to do it now, though, so he doesn't pull out his PINpoint to text her right away.

"We could take a look around in the Nexus, too," he suggests. "See if maybe someone is selling enchanted items that might help."

More guests for the Burrow

[losthunter]

"You are full of good ideas." Hunter smiles at Jim.

"But nothing needs to be rushed. I would rather celebrate your success."

[boldygoing]

Jim smiles at him. "Didn't necessarily mean right away. I've got a few months to spare."

[losthunter]

"Would you like to be there, during the day when we go talk to him?" Hunter asks softly.

[boldygoing]

He frowns a little, reaching his free hand over to touch Hunter's. "Do you want me to be?" he asks. "It scared the shit out of me last time. I don't want you getting hurt again when I could do something to help."

[losthunter]

"God yes..." Hunter breathes it out quickly. And gently grasps Jim's hand in his. "I want you there."

"You being there... would make me feel... protected."

[boldygoing]

"Then I'm there," he promises. Hunter's done so much for him already, and though he knows they're not keeping score, he needs to help the other man in return. He can't just leave him to face this sort of thing alone.

[losthunter]

"Thank you." Jim was one of the people who broke Hunter out of the curse the last time. And it would be a great comfort to know that Jim would be there, in case anything happened again.

Hunter smiles. Time to change the subject back to a happier subject. "So... will there be an official Starfleet ceremony for the launch of the Enterprise? Do I finally get to see you in your dress uniform?"

[boldygoing]

Happier subject indeed, and Jim is content to steer things back in that direction. "Oh yeah, probably a rechristening and everything. I'll have to give a speech, probably. One thing's for sure, we're going to have a going-away party for the whole crew, even if I have to arrange it myself."

[losthunter]

"Would it be in bad taste to kidnap the host, and the captain, during this going-away party?" Hunter teases.

[boldygoing]

Jim's eyebrows go up. "That depends on whether or not this is going to cause a panic and start a manhunt," he says, lightly teasing.

[losthunter]

"Oh I would be careful. After all, I don't want to cause a panic." Hunter lightly runs his fingers through Jim's hair. "I know how much this particular captain is beloved by his crew."

"Just at the end of the night, when the party is done, and the host can disappear with good graces."

[boldygoing]

"Well if that's the case, I'm sure the opportunity will come up to steal me away," Jim says, a little amused by the idea.

[losthunter]

"Six months..." Hunter shakes his head with a slight smile.

"It is going to go by so quickly."