Chapter 16: Bond of the Triumvirate

The music was loud and the room was stuffy, packed full of sweaty bodies. It was an anniversary, one year ago today was the day Enterprise started it's five year voyage. The year had been eventful and full of excitement, if this was a precursor (or heaven forbid a warm up) for the coming years McCoy didn't know if he would be able to survive with sanity intact. He didn't let the thoughts bother him though, not tonight. Tonight he was completely relaxed and enjoying the company of those around him.

As he sipped on his mint julep Leonard spied several of his coworkers that he had particular interest in. Chekov was off in a shady corner playing poker while gesturing wildly and exclaiming loudly, the doctor bet the kid was winning. Sulu was grouped with some fellow botanists with his lovely girlfriend, Ensign Fotu, draped on his arm. Uhura was surrounded by a large group of people (mostly men), that woman was always the life of the party. She had admitted to Leonard that she and Spock were taking a break to see where their relationship was actually at, since then she has been flirting with every pretty boy on the ship. Scotty was lurking over by the alcohol and winning as many drinking contests as he was offered. McCoy leaned against the counter and smiled at his fellow shipmates. Somehow these people had gone from coworkers, to friends, to finally becoming one big family.

Leonard had never been more content in his entire life.

"Need a refill, Bones?"

McCoy looked to his side and saw Jim holding out a hand for his drink. This was also something extraordinary: Jim chilling and relaxing on the sidelines instead of hunting the female population in the middle of the party. It seemed like just yesterday that the kid was bursting into his apartment at odd hours of the night looking for medical treatment from his many fights.

"Sure, but I might have to challenge Scotty to a drinking contest soon, so don't fill it up."

Jim grinned, and for once he looked like a man whose life was complete. Jim leaned back and looked around to McCoy's other side, "You want something else, Spock?"

Spock raised an eyebrow, "my Altair water is fine for now, Captain."

Jim rolled his eyes, "Relax, Spock, call me Jim."

Jim got up to refill his and Leonard's drinks. Leaving just the two sitting at the counter. Neither talked, or fought for that matter, they just sat and studied the scene before them. McCoy never thought he would feel this relaxed around the Vulcan, but there were obviously miracles in this universe. The doctor turned to say something to Spock when there was a crash. McCoy couldn't make out what had happened exactly, but it involved Jim, Uhura, and tripping. Everyone was laughing and Jim was picking himself up, grinning, and waggling his eyebrows and Nyota.

Leonard snorted and rolled his eyes. He accepted his drink as Jim sat back down.

"Thanks Jim. You sure you don't want some, Spock?"

"Doctor, if I were to engage in the drinking of alcohol a mint julep would not be my first choice." Spock sniffed primly.

Leonard's eyes narrowed, "You have something against one of the greatest drinks made in all universal history?"

The eyebrow was raised, "You're tendency for exaggeration is quite illogical. I am merely pointing out that your drink is not as well favored as you claim it is."

With a comment like that McCoy felt he had to defend his drink's honor. Jim leaned back and watched the impending duel play out with a knowing and happy grin on his face. Spock sat up straighter, preparing his mental artillery. A few clever comments popped into Leonard's own mind and he launched the first assault.

At the back of his mind he noted the three of them, apart from the rest of the partiers. This bond that connected them, it felt good. It felt right.

Well that's it ladies and gentlemen! I would like to thank all those who have reviewed (you people are the best!), favorited, or followed my story. If you like my writing check out my other stories plus the ones that I'll be posting in the future. Thank you all again and have a wonderful life!