“Spock?”

The inside of the barn was dark, shadowy, and it caused Jim to feel very uneasy. He raised the disruptor weapon, his heart thumping hard in his chest.

If he really was a captain of a starship as McCoy said, wouldn’t that make him a badass? He shouldn’t be afraid, right?

It was a lot to take in and even more to believe, but maybe Jim wanted to believe it. Because his life here in Riverside didn’t seem to make sense.

“Here, Captain. Jim.”

He turned slightly to the right and yes, there was Spock within arm’s reach.

“I apologize. I wanted to spend time searching the barn fig signs of our missing Klingon or perhaps instability in the portal we all went through.”

“McCoy told me some of that.” Jim frowned. “And was there? Instability, I mean.”

“None that I could detect. I fear that we are running out of time to make our escape though.”

“By your calculations, assuming I believe any of this is true, how long have I been here?”

“Six months.”

“That long? How long have you been here trying to reach me?”

“We couldn’t calculate the exact month and time you appeared in 1980s Riverside, so we had to estimate. We’ve been here only three months.”

Jim nodded. “So during that time, I what? Established some kind of relationship with Becky. And who am I supposed to be here?”

Spock gestured to the barn entrance. “Let’s return to restrain the Klingon. Then I have an idea that may help both of us reach clarity.”

They exited the barn where McCoy stood next to the still unconscious Klingon. Spock bent down to tie him up and Jim noticed him squeeze his hand next to the Klingon’s neck. Which reminded him of his own bruise.

“How do the Klingons fit into all this?”

“They chased you through the portal,” McCoy answered. “They were on the planet with the Guardian.”

Jim shook his head. “I definitely need to know more.”

Spock straightened. “Yes. I suggest a meld.”

“A meld?”

“Between our minds. We’ve done it many times.”

Jim looked doubtful. “We have? Just what is our relationship?”

“I think you know,” Spock said softly.

“Maybe. I’ve had…dreams.”

Spock came closer until he stood right in front of Jim. He raised his hand toward Jim’s face. “I will not hurt you.”

“Okay. Do it.”