Star Trek © Gene Roddenberry. The rules belong to one Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

AN: Once again, inspired by a photoset I found on Tumblr. The Gibbs Rules as they relate to Kirk and Spock, because I love them. A series of one-shots. Consequently, this one is inspired by a roleplay my friend and I are doing. So here we go.

Rule 1 – Never screw over your partner

After everything the command team of the USS Enterprise has been through, one would think everyone would recognize the unbreakable bond that has formed between the two.

Or rather, that's what McCoy thought. Sure, they don't show it in the human sense of friendship, but it's there if you know to look for it. Vulcans don't allow just anyone to touch them (and McCoy has seen Kirk touch Spock, and Spock even returns the touch) and anyone who knows Kirk knows how much the man hates to listen to reason (but he does listen to Spock, sometimes only to Spock, and that's something at least). And these are only two examples. There are others.

It's obvious, really.

Or maybe not.

The Gorgions are an interesting race, McCoy has to admit, looking much like Orions and not entirely unpleasant. They want to join the Federation, and the Enterprise was sent to orbit their planet, entertain their dignitaries, and evaluate their readiness for what the Federation means. McCoy is not surprised that Kirk is throwing everything he has at the Gorgion President.

If there's one thing that even Spock admits is beyond logic, it's Kirk's ability to tell when something is just not right. He doesn't always pick up on it, but when he does, he's never wrong. Obviously, something is not right with the Gorgion President, and Kirk is trying to figure out what. They haven't reacted to the usual bad things they find in other races – well, not yet.

Surprisingly, it happens when Spock comes up to Kirk and hands him a report. The two exchange a few words, and Spock makes to leave. He doesn't get far before the Gorgion claps his hands together delightedly.

"A Vulcan! But they are extremely rare, yes – tell me, how was it procured?"

McCoy's jaw drops. It's no surprise that some species indulge in slavery, but no species that enters the Federation condones it so openly. McCoy watches with interest as Kirk holds up one hand to stop Spock's indignant response. "I wouldn't know, President." he says smoothly. "Tell me, are Vulcan traders common?"

"Not so much, yes, but there. Always there, if you know where to look." The Gorgion leans forward, a broad smile on his face. "I take the Vulcan, I can fetch you a good price, yes. Very good price. I know all the places to look."

Kirk meets his smile with one of his own. It's not a pleasant smile, and Spock exchanges looks with the doctor. McCoy just smirks. Kirk speaks, oblivious to the audience he now has. The entire crew is watching.

"No."

The Gorgion blinks. "But – good price, yes? What is it worth to you?"

The only hint of Kirk's fury lays in his deadly quiet voice. "His name is Spock, and he is my Commander." he says. "So he is worth more than you can pay." He turns his attention to Spock, and McCoy swears the Vulcan is smiling. "Mr. Spock, I do not believe the Gorgions are ready to join the Federation." he says with the weight of a law. Spock nods.

"I agree with your assessment, Captain."

Kirk nods and turns his focus to Uhura. "Lieutenant Uhura – while you are at your duty station, keep an ear out for these traders. I want to know where they are." Nyota nods and leaves the room. Kirk returns his gaze to the Gorgion. "I think it's time you left."

The Gorgion President goes from confused to angry in about three seconds. He takes a step towards Kirk, fists clenched, only to find his path blocked by a rather irritated Vulcan. The Gorgion, wisely, decides against whatever was inside his mind. He simply turns, gathers up his people, and walks back to the transporter room.

Once the initial threat is gone, Spock relaxes and turns his attention to Kirk. "I believe that last order to be excessive." he says. "He may have been bluffing."

"I doubt it." Kirk mutters darkly. "People suck that way."

Spock nods. "Still – "

"Rule #1, Spock." Kirk cuts him off with a grin. "Remember?"

"Ah yes. That rule must be more encompassing than I first thought."

"Things usually are when I'm involved."

The two leave the rec room. McCoy and Chekov watch them go. The young Russian turns to McCoy. "Vat is rule number one?" he asks.

McCoy just grins. "Never screw over your partner."

Chekov blinks. "They have rules now? Vy?"

"I think Jim did it to make Spock feel like he was on more even ground with him." the doctor admits. "At least now he has a set of rules to fall back on when things get too illogical or emotional for him." Kirk wants Spock to stay around, and he's scared the Vulcan may just up and leave if he doesn't have some kind of logical groundwork. McCoy can only imagine the late-night conversations that had to happen to make a Kirk-spawned list sound logical to Spock. "Don't worry about it, Chekov. Some things weren't meant to be explained."

Kirk and Spock wind up back in Kirk's quarters, the temperature a little warm for Kirk and a little cool for Spock, a 3-D chess board set up on the table. Spock reaches for his piece, then hesitates. "I still do not understand your reasons." he says quietly.

The captain nods. "There's more than one way to screw someone over." he replies. "I can hurt you myself, or I can let someone else hurt you, and neither are acceptable."

There is a long pause while Spock puzzles that out. He finally reaches out and moves a pawn. "In that case, it seems highly illogical that we have even managed to become friends." he says.

Kirk laughs. "Wanna know how Bones and I became friends?"

"How?"

"Drunk fight. He broke a bottle over my head then stitched me up when we were both sober enough to see straight." Kirk shrugs and moves his own pawn. "It's always the first rule to be broken when you're getting to know someone, and the only rule that will never break when that friendship is established." He smiles at his Vulcan comrade. "You see?"

Spock studies him for a moment before the faintest hint of a smile crosses his face. "Yes, Jim. I believe I do."