A/N: It's been months since I last wrote a story. I think I'm going crazy and my writing skill is completely lost. Maybe this one can help me get back on my track. I've just watched the new Star Trek movie in the cinema and guess what, everyone in the room with me wept like babies while there was a big lump in my throat prevented me from shedding my tears! It was epic! This story happens after Star Trek 2009.

Well, this story of mine is of the time when our favorite crew got to see who Jim Kirk really was, by reading a book about him! Hell, I have no idea how I come up with something like that, I wonder if there was a story like this one out there in this category, but I'm seriously going to try. It's summer and I have time.

Disclaimer: I own nothing, NOTHING!

Chapter 1

Starfleet Academy, 2258

After destruction of Narada, everything passed in a blur. The landing of the USS Enterprise, the mission debriefing, the promotion… Everyone was exhausted and drained, but genuinely relieved and happy to be back. In a blink, it was almost time to go back into space and Jim was apparently excited and nervous. He was going to be the Captain of a starship, taking responsibilities for every single being of the USS Enterprise and unfortunately, "fuck up" seems to be his middle name. But he always managed to beat the odds in every hopeless situation so he dared to hope for greatness.

"Hey kid, you okay?" – Bones was suddenly by his side (or was he just distracted?)

"Fine, Bones. You got any decent rest? I'm thinking about our old time in the bars, maybe tonight's a good time." – Jim put on his arrogant smirk again, looking at his best friend.

"Alcohol's not going to help after what happen, idiot. I don't have the strength for that." – Bones grumbled, scowling grumpily at his idiotic young friend. He didn't know how he was put up with the kid, but Bones wouldn't leave Jim anytime soon, not in this life anyway. – "Pike's gathering us in his office."

"Is something wrong? Can't the heroes get some air?" – Jim was immediately worried, but shielded the emotion with a grin. – "I guess Pike misses my irresistible charm. Let's go, can't let the old man wait can we?"

"In your dreams, Jim." – Bones rolled his eyes, but there was clear fondness on his face. He was fond of the kid, damn, he didn't know if he could graduate without the insane genius, but Jim attracted too many troubles for their own good.

The commanding crew of the Enterprise and Scotty were sitting tensely in Pike's office when Bones and Jim arrived. Jim kept the rebellious smirk on his face while everyone in the room was trying to be neutral though their brains were analyzing the reason behind the meeting. Being called to an Admiral's office wasn't a pleasant occasion. After Bones and Jim settled down, a man stepped inside and closed the door.

"So here are the heroes of the universe. It's a pleasure to be in the same room with all of you!" – The alien looked at them with amazement clear in his sparkling eyes. (This alien is a member of the Arcanian race, from Men in Black 3). He was wearing a woolen hat despite of the warm weather.

"This is a friend of Starfleet, he's under protection because he's one of the last left of his race. He possesses a very fascinating and useful ability that could help us in many occasions, but of course, everything has limits. We can't rely on it too much." – Pike explained, gesturing the alien towards his seat.

"Yes, I'm going to assist you so that your upcoming mission will be easier and more efficient."

Sulu and Chekov raised their eyebrows. The guy looked like a total nerd, and the way he communicated was giving them the urge to burst into a good laugh. Spock as usual was carefully analyzing the strange guest. Uhura, along with her boyfriend tried to detect any unusual parts of the alien's body to know his origin. Scotty didn't mind his manners, stared at the alien without blinking. Bones, on the other hand, didn't care who or where the guy came from, expressed his emotion with a frown.

"Sir, I don't understand how this guy could make our journey in that tin can any easier."

"Dr. McCoy, please be patient." – Pike replied calmly.

Jim was quite shock. According to Pike, this guy was the last individual of his race, but he recalled meeting a girl who seemed to be half human and half this species somewhere before, in his travel around the world. He stood up with a more polite grin on his face and offered the alien a handshake.

"Hi, I'm Jim. And if by any chance you're taking a look at my future, don't bother, all you get is black."

The alien's smile faltered a bit but quickly got back into its place. He shook Jim's hand and said:

"The girl you met died, which is a shame. She showed me how to get to Starfleet before she did and yes, she was a hybrid, a rare beautiful flower. She would have been a fine lady if she had a chance, a man killer, in every meaning that exists. She considered you as her friend and one of a few people who were stubborn enough to climb through her..."

"Thanks for the information, buddy, but I think we should get down to business." – Jim said flatly, still half smiled but the doctor somewhat recognized the struggling effort behind it.

Realizing the confusion of his friends, Jim grinned and explained:

"Our friend here is Arcanian. He has a unique ability to foresee the infinite potential outcomes that are dependent on the actions taken in any given scenario." – Looking at Bones' puzzled expression, Jim added. – "In short, he can predict the future, but the future is complicated and always changing, therefore, he can see various outcomes of different situations."

"Zat's so kool!" – Chekov chirped at Sulu's disbelieved face.

"That's more like a pain in the ass." – The alien and Jim said together, and then looked at each other with unreadable expression. The others raised their eyebrows at them. – "So who would you think will have the most problems during the mission?"

All eyes, including Pike's landed on Jim's face, who chuckled:

"Wow, I'm so good-looking that all of you can't get your eyes off me? Wow, I'm flattered."

Bones whacked Jim's head with his hand.

"Well, but it won't get us anywhere because Kirk… Captain Kirk just said all you get from his future is black." – Uhura tilted her head.

"Sometimes the future isn't the answer." – Spoke stated emotionlessly.

"So are we dismissed?" – Jim was uncomfortable. He knew that Arcanian had no troubles seeing the past, too and there was only one past to look.

The Arcanian put a black book on Pike's working desk and said:

"Don't judge the book by its cover. Good luck, crew of the USS Enterprise."

"Okay, that was weird." – Sulu slowly commented after the Arcanian left the room.

"Are we reading it or not?" – Uhura looked at the book curiously as Pike picked it up. The cover was blank leather black without any letters.

"I don't it's necessary. Seriously, a book?! Guys, I'd rather go to the bar, wanna join me? I mean it's nearly our last night on Earth before the epic journey and…"

"Jim, we have to read this book. It's your first time in command and I think a little help is extremely necessary. Besides, if we read this book together, your crew might work together better." – Pike spoke slowly and clearly, eyeing the young captain seriously but warmly, like a father looking at his son.

"Pike, I'm sure everyone in this room has already had enough history classes for their entire life. Don't kill us before we even step on board!" – Jim argued, glaring daggers at the book. His guts didn't like this one bit and there was some kind of dark aura coming from the book that made his spine chill.

"Captain, I believe that we have time for this and like Admiral Pike has just pointed out, this might lighten our path. It's not illogical to give it some time since the order of time will not be alternated by our interference. The future remains unknown so it's recommended that we should…"

"Okay okay, let's get started, we might have time for the damn book, but I don't have time to listen to your brain-damaging speeches, you pointed ear computer!" – Bones scowled, gesturing at the book impatiently.

"I'll go first. I love to read." – Uhura volunteered and Pike handed her the book.

A/N: Like every author out there, I'm in love with reviews, even critical ones. The Arcanian was from Men in Black 3, but I don't want to mention his name because it can be anyone from that planet, don't have to be that specific guy. The content of the book that our favorite crew's going to read is my plot, not anyone's work. Hope you guys enjoy it. I see how far I'll go with this.