"Is something wrong, Captain?" Asked Spock, coming up behind the Captain's chair.

Captain Kirk looked up, a bit startled.

"Hmm? Oh, no, Mr. Spock, nothing's wrong..I've just been feeling a little reminiscent about my past. I wouldn't suppose you would know anything about that."

"You would be correct in that assumption, Captain."

A tiny smile washed over Jim's face.

"Yes, well...lately I've been thinking about Earth's summers...they were...celebrations, of sorts, for the children- it marked the completion of the year, with no schoolwork, full of warm weather and sunshine."

"Yes, Captain, I myself have studied the history and culture of Earth- this… 'celebration,' you call it, dates back to the ancient agricultural generation of Earth, when children would be dismissed from learning in order to work in their parents' fields."

"I can't quite say that's how I remember it, Mr. Spock."

"I shouldn't expect so, Captain. This tradition quickly ceased when more modern technology was introduced," said Spock, then, after a moment of hesitation, "May I make a suggestion, Captain?"

"Of course."

"We are preparing to pass through Minerva for its routine diplomatic conference, as ordered by the Federation of Planets."

"That's right."

"Seeing as Minerva is well-known for its beaches and warmer weather, two iconic elements of Earth's summer seasons, I suggest that you use it as an opportunity to quell your longing for Earth's summer and take shore leave."

Jim raised his eyebrows a little, but it was clear even to Mr. Spock that he was intrigued at the prospect.

"Well, that's quite a suggestion, but my duty is here, on the ship. Even if I were to agree to go, Mr. Spock, it would be awfully boring to be on shore leave alone."

"Affirmative, Captain. That is why I propose that I accompany you; to subdue your monotony."

"Well," said the captain, a smile slithering onto his face, "In that case…"

"It's wonderful," said Kirk as soon as they had beamed down onto the planet. The early evening breeze danced along their feet. Others had accompanied them to Minerva, but Captain Kirk had insisted that he and Spock beam down separately.

"What activity would you prefer to engage-," Spock began, folding his arms behind his back in a military fashion.

"A boardwalk carnival!" Jim mused, looking up at it with a childlike glint in his eye."They had one in Riverside when I was just a kid. Come on, let's go."

He reached for Spock's hand, but his first officer quickly pulled it away, trying to control his embarrassment.

"Oh, right," said Jim, a smile twitching at the edge of his mouth, "Sorry."

"Quite alright, Captain," said Spock, despite his slightly green face, "However, I fail to see what one is meant to do at a 'carnival.'"

"Well...I suppose it's just for play."

"Vulcans do not play, Captain."

"Then it's for the pretzels. Come on," he said, walking briskly toward the ticket booth as Spock trailed closely behind him. The sun was beginning to dim, leaving pastel yellow and pink hues to wander aimlessly around the sky. There was hardly a chance to see a proper sunset when traveling in space; stars were beautiful, but colorless.

"Captain," Spock said with a twinge of irritation, placing his hand on the ticket booth, "If we are engaging in recreational activities, who will be at the diplomatic meeting with the council of Minerva?"

"I left Mr. Sulu and Bones in charge of that. What do you say we ride the Ferris Wheel?"

"Are you sure that that is a valid decision?"

"What's wrong? It won't break down," said Jim, a look of concern flooding his face.

"I was referring to leaving Mr. Sulu in authority regarding the diplomatic relations with Minerva. He is known for his...enthusiasm of weapons and fighting."

"Well, he has Bones to calm him down."

"There have been very few occasions that I have experienced in which Dr. McCoy had a subduing effect."

"Well," said Jim, unsuccessfully trying to suppress a chuckle, "I trust their judgement. Relax, we're on shore leave. Now let's ride that Ferris Wheel, shall we?"

"Affirmative, Captain," said Spock, a hint of reluctance in his voice.