“If we actually get out of this,” Jim paused, as he fired his phasers at the village’s invaders, “we should get married.”

Spock broke his concentration to glance briefly at his captain. “What?”

“I said, if we actually get out of this, we should get married.”

“Yes, that is what you said,” Spock agreed. “You and me?”

Jim fired again. “Well, yeah, obviously.”

“Why is that obvious?”

“Who else would I mean?”

Spock stopped to fire his own phaser and then duck behind a boulder. “We are not engaged in a relationship.”

“Well, if we were married, we would be, wouldn’t we?”

“I cannot argue with that logic.”

Jim grinned. “I think you just called me logical. Coming from you that is a love confession.”

“I believe,” Spock said dryly, “I said I could not argue with you. And that is because there is no point.”

“Exactly.” Jim’s grin widened. “And by the way, I love you too.”

Spock frowned. “I did not say I love you.”

“But you do.”

“Captain—”

“Scott to Captain Kirk.”

Jim paused as he flipped open his communicator. “Go ahead, Scotty.”

“Ready to beam you and Mister Spock out now.”

“Great. Energize.”

Spock felt the disorienting sense of his particles breaking up and being transported back to the Enterprise.

He glanced at his captain as Jim stepped down and greeted Mr. Scott.

“That was a close one. Thanks, Scotty.”

“Aye, Captain. Glad to have you both safely back aboard. Admiral Lowinsky awaits your report.”

Jim nodded and turned to Spock. “Well, Commander, what’s your answer?”

Spock arched a brow. “I believe the proper response is, I do.”