chaletian: (star trek cadet review)
[personal profile] chaletian
Title: You Can Choose Your Friends
Author: [livejournal.com profile] chaletian
Fandom: Star Trek XI
Rating: PG
Spoilers: None
Summary: Further to It Takes A Village, Birds Do It…, Faites Vos Jeux…, and This Story Is Not Humorous: Enterprise is like one big happy family (except for those people who really hate each other).



It would be totally awesome to say that Enterprise was like one big, happy family, but it would be a giant lie, and not just because Transporter Chief Litton is a royal douche whom Kirk would like to space except – get this – apparently, even though he rules the ship, he’s not allowed. Yeah. He’s not sure he believes it either.

(“Are you sure?” he whines.

“Yes,” says Spock, the giant hypocrite.)

The fact is, despite most people getting along most of the time, there are also what can only be described as disagreements on Enterprise. Actually, ‘disagreements’ is a little too mild. ‘Bitter, violent death-feuds’ would probably be more accurate.

(i) Uhura v. Hawkins

Chekov comes rushing out of the mess just as Jim and Spock are heading that way.

“Sorry, Keptin,” pants Chekov.

“Hey, kid,” says Jim, as ever blithely overlooking the fact that a) he’s only a few years older and b) some (fine, all, whatever) of the admirals keep calling him ‘kid’ and he hates it. “What’s up?”

Chekov glances awkwardly at Spock. “It is Lt Uhura,” he says reluctantly. “She is having… discussion with Lt Hawkins.”

Jim frowns. “Hawkins – isn’t he one of the comms guys?”

“He is,” concurs Spock. “He was the Bridge officer under Captain Pike.”

“Right,” says Jim. “I see.” And he does. The news nets might have latched onto the youngest crew ever™, but there were plenty of people who weren’t so keen, including some of the mid-grade officers already assigned to Enterprise. But Jim wasn’t prepared to compromise on having the best crew, whatever their age, and that was that.

They enter the mess, and it is immediately apparent that ‘discussion’ was putting it mildly. Uhura and Hawkins seem to be having some kind of stand-up Klingon duel, which continues until Hawkins yells something, Uhura sneers, and everyone becomes aware that the Captain and First Officer have somehow appeared.

“Someone want to tell me what’s going on here?” Jim asks. Everyone just stares at him for a moment.

“It’s nothing, Captain,” says Uhura. “Lt Hawkins just said I looked like a tribble wearing a shiny star.” Hawkins looks chagrined. Everyone else tries not to laugh. Uhura sweeps out with a derisive glare at her unfortunate colleague.

Jim and Spock stand silently for a moment. Then Jim glances across. “Remind me not to get on her bad side,” he says.

Spock’s face is impassive. “That would be… wise, Captain,” he says. “Lt Uhura can be extremely vocal when roused.”

Manfully, Jim doesn’t snicker. He’s a captain, not a schoolboy.

(He grins a little.)

(ii) McCoy v. Winters

“I HAVE SMALLPOX!”

“SMALLPOX DOESN’T EVEN EXIST ANY MORE!”

“I’M GONNA HAVE YOU BROUGHT UP ON MALPRACTICE CHARGES!”

“YOU JUST TRY IT, YOU CRAZY BRITISH HYPOCHONDRIAC!”

(McCoy never treats him; Winters never gives up.)

(iii) Scott v. Hamley

Hamley glares poisonously at the back of Scotty’s head. “I just think Jonathan Archer’s contribution to Starfleet and its program is immeasurable.”

“Ha!” snorts Scotty. “The man’s a lunatic. And a vindictive one at that.”

“You just don’t understand him.”

“Aye, and I’m quite happy about it. Now hand me that wrench.”

(“You suck,” says Hamley, but only when Scotty’s already gone.)

(iv) Kirk v. McKinley

Theirs is a silent battle of loathing. Simple. Straightforward. Kirk hates McKinley because he was a bully at the Academy. McKinley hates Kirk because Kirk never let him get away with it, not since that first time at the bar in Iowa. He hates Kirk even more now that he’s the captain.

(Jim thinks it’s hilarious.)

(v) Chekov v. Rodriguez

“Wassup, dude!” says Rodriguez, swiping Chekov on the shoulder as he passes him in the mess. Chekov glares after him.

“I hate him,” he says, eyes narrowed.

“No kidding,” says Sulu, not looking up from his padd.

“I hope he dies,” Chekov continues, happily imagining a fiery, violent death.

“Maybe he’ll go in a freakish warp explosion,” offers Sulu, still not bothering to look up.

Chekov considers this, then nods. “Would be good. A tragic wictim.”

“And then Miya will go out with you and everyone will live happily ever after, right?”

Chekov pouts. “Is not about that.”

(It totally is about that.)

(vi) Spock v. McCoy

McCoy is already red in the face. “Do you not have an ounce of feeling in your entire green-blooded body?!”

Spock raises an eyebrow. “I am surprised you are not aware of the basic tenets of Vulcan society,” he says. “Perhaps a course in comparative xenosociology might be of benefit?”

“Oh, I’ll give you a course in comparative xenosociology, you pointy-eared calculator!”

Spock merely cocks his head slightly. “Your input into my continuing education is, of course, always welcome, Doctor. I should, however, point out that my grades in that area were above reproach and it might perhaps be redundant for me to continue.”

“Well, let me tell you this, Spock, you’ve got a damn lot more to learn about humans than you ever…”

“Guys! Get a room!” Jim massages his forehead. McCoy scowls. Spock looks as confused as it is possible for him to do.

“We already have this room, Jim.”

(And Jim leaves them to it.)

oOo


Jim sighs sadly into his drink. “I want us to be all one big, happy family,” he slurs.

Scott stares at him. “Captain, have ye met any big, happy families?” he asks. “My uncle Malcolm is a bastard, cousin Trevor – on my father’s side – is a raging kleptomaniac, and my mother, God bless her soul, needs three bottles of Scotch just to get through Christmas.”

“Huh,” says Kirk.

“In fact, laddie, I reckon we’re as close as we’re gonnae get.”

“Woo,” says Jim, pumps his fist, and falls out of his chair.

Scotty sighs. “Just like my poor second cousin Roger.” He shakes his head. “A sad day that was.”

A hand appears above the table. “I’m fine,” says Jim.

“Eh,” says Scotty, and pours another drink.

THE END

Date: 2009-06-01 02:55 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kiarasayre.livejournal.com
Can I just say that I absolutely adore your take on the Enterprise and its crew?

(And was that possibly a Life on Mars reference I saw in the beginning?)

Date: 2009-06-01 03:16 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] chaletian.livejournal.com
*g* Thank you very much!

And no, sadly. Unless subconsciously, which is possible...

Date: 2009-06-01 02:56 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] igrockspock.livejournal.com
I really love the way you've envisioned all the day to day interactions on the Enterprise. You give it a really homey feel.

Date: 2009-06-01 03:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] chaletian.livejournal.com
Thanks! Glad you like it!

Date: 2009-06-01 03:18 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] saavikam77.livejournal.com
*cackles* XD Too brilliant. Wouldn't be the Enterprise without some intra-crew conflict. :p And I so love Jim falling out of his chair! Priceless.

Date: 2009-06-01 03:52 pm (UTC)
scarfman: (Default)
From: [personal profile] scarfman

This is charming. I always like seeing another in this series.

Do you have a source for Mckinley's name, or did you have to assign it yourself?

Date: 2009-06-01 04:17 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] chaletian.livejournal.com
Made it up - I don't think it's been referenced. I could be utterly wrong though.

Date: 2009-06-01 10:00 pm (UTC)
scarfman: (Default)
From: [personal profile] scarfman

It's all good. I only asked because I have a short bit with the character I may post one day, so I was curious.

Date: 2009-06-01 04:01 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] penknife.livejournal.com
Hee! This is just charming.

Date: 2009-06-01 04:38 pm (UTC)
ext_41564: (rofl)
From: [identity profile] shighola.livejournal.com
Wonderful! Never stop this series.

Date: 2009-06-01 04:52 pm (UTC)
shinealightonme: (st anton!chekov adorable)
From: [personal profile] shinealightonme
I absolutely love this series and your take on the Enterprise crew; it's so fun and in character. I especially love how you write Kirk and his attitude without making him too smug or unlikeable (he's not my favorite, so it stands out a lot to me how wonderful he is here). It's amazing that you can get so much humor and insight into so few words! You rock ^_^

Date: 2009-06-01 05:42 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mithrel.livejournal.com
This fic is made of awesome. And now some specific feedback.
Foreign language duel: Best. Idea. Ever.
Hypochondiac LOL. That would so be McCoy’s reaction to someone wasting his time. (And Winters reminds me a little of Barclay.)
Aww, Chekov! Also, LOL at the random stoner dude.
Spock/McCoy! Yay! Of course if you’re writing about the rivalries on the Enterprise you have to put that in there! And they so should just have sex and get it over with
And LOL, Scotty’s so right. There’s no such thing as a “happy family.” In fact, I think it might well be a contradiction in terms.

Date: 2009-06-01 05:50 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] selenameeka.livejournal.com
I read this and lawl'd so hard at work. This is the bestest series ever. BESTEST.

Date: 2009-06-01 05:51 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] stexgirl2000.livejournal.com
I just want to say that I adore this series. I love the way you write everyone. And Kirk's desire to have his crew get along and like each other is really touching. I can see how he'd want a happy family given that he didn't get one in this universe.

Date: 2009-06-01 06:38 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sevendayloan.livejournal.com
Love this! You are seriously my new hero. :D

Date: 2009-06-01 07:01 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] illariy.livejournal.com
*giggle* Very funny take on the Enterprise-crew-as-family trope. Funny and insightful, too. Thanks for sharing. :D

Date: 2009-06-01 07:50 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] electrumqueen.livejournal.com
this is absolutely BRILLIANT.

Date: 2009-06-01 08:26 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] hempfandango.livejournal.com
This story was great. This series is great.

I also like that Sulu is too cool for petty feuds. B)

Date: 2009-06-01 08:57 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] osprey-archer.livejournal.com
EEEEE!

My favorite is McCoy vs. Winters, because it made me laugh out loud. Oh McCoy, never change.

Also, poor Chekov. I bet he's cute when he pouts.

Date: 2009-06-01 09:46 pm (UTC)
ext_2888: (Default)
From: [identity profile] kitrona.livejournal.com
Ohhhh, I love this! Don't ever stop writing! Write more! Faster! I'll get the whip! XD

Date: 2009-06-01 10:37 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] juniper200.livejournal.com
The coda with Scotty and Kirk is the best thing ever.

Date: 2009-06-01 11:25 pm (UTC)
cordeliadelayne: (team trek)
From: [personal profile] cordeliadelayne
Hee! Utterly adorable :D

Date: 2009-06-01 11:58 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] citharadraconis.livejournal.com
Wheeee! I love this whole series to death. To me, Star Trek has always been about a big, happy, slightly dysfunctional family in space, and you've got the dynamic spot-on.

Date: 2009-06-02 12:00 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] citharadraconis.livejournal.com
Also, I love that McCoy is in there twice. I half expected to see "McCoy v. Everyone" in there somewhere. Oh Bones.

Date: 2009-06-02 02:10 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tafkarfanfic.livejournal.com
I liked this a lot - but it was the McCoy vs. Winters part that made me laugh the most.

And this is oddly like Star Trek run through "Better Off Ted." Which is not at all a bad thing!
Edited Date: 2009-06-02 02:11 am (UTC)

Date: 2009-06-02 06:51 pm (UTC)
alyse: (tardis)
From: [personal profile] alyse
Oh, that was hilarious. Thanks for sharing.

(here via a rec from [livejournal.com profile] tafkarfanfic)

Date: 2009-06-02 10:58 pm (UTC)
ext_1770: @ _jems_ (fandom: st smug bastard)
From: [identity profile] oxoniensis.livejournal.com
This series makes me happy! If it weren't nearly midnight, I'd detail how happy and why, but it is nearly midnight, and my brain turns into a pumpkin at twelve on the dot.

Date: 2009-06-03 07:05 am (UTC)
bluemeridian: Blue sky with fluffy white clouds through a break in the tree tops (Default)
From: [personal profile] bluemeridian
So much fun and Scotty's comments at the end really made it!!

Date: 2009-06-04 04:24 pm (UTC)
skybound2: (ST Kirk & Spock Badasses)
From: [personal profile] skybound2
I'm just LOVING THESE! I love the bits between Winters and McCoy in this one and the other one. And anything having to do with Archer and the Beagle. And Chekov and, yeah. These just ROCK.

Date: 2009-06-06 01:44 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] yetunknown.livejournal.com
possibly my favourite series of ensemble fic yet *g*

they really are like a village in that ship.

Date: 2009-06-09 12:56 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mhgood.livejournal.com
This is just perfect--I am so loving this series. I really like how you weave in subtle references to the other "chapters" throughout this one. Very nicely done!

Date: 2009-06-09 02:52 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] selinamoonfire.livejournal.com
It would be totally awesome to say that Enterprise was like one big, happy family, but it would be a giant lie, and not just because Transporter Chief Litton is a royal douche whom Kirk would like to space except – get this – apparently, even though he rules the ship, he’s not allowed. Yeah. He’s not sure he believes it either.

(“Are you sure?” he whines.

“Yes,” says Spock, the giant hypocrite.)


I fell out of my chair laughing over that. *g*

Date: 2009-06-11 09:31 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] redbrunja.livejournal.com
Kirk would like to space except – get this – apparently, even though he rules the ship, he’s not allowed. Yeah. He’s not sure he believes it either.

(“Are you sure?” he whines.

“Yes,” says Spock, the giant hypocrite.)


I literally laughed out loud at this line. Rock on. I'm loving this verse.

Date: 2009-06-12 04:12 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] tooright99.livejournal.com
Words cannot express how much I love this series. I was seriously laughing out loud, especially during the "conversation" between McCoy and Spock. Gah, too funny.

You have everyone's voices down SO well. I love it!

Date: 2009-06-18 03:52 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] loneraven.livejournal.com
That was ridiculously wonderful. I especially like McCoy's CAPS LOCK SHOUTING and lovely, pragmatic Scotty. So much love.

Date: 2009-06-23 06:51 pm (UTC)
ext_29272: (New Star Trek // McCoy)
From: [identity profile] sunnyrea.livejournal.com
I know i am comment spamming you but jsut deal with the praise.

I love how you have made all these little side characters feel so real with just little tiny bits of information, little traits or likes or idiosyncrasies. Its always nice to see other characters than the main branch and you weave them all together so well. Its just a joy to read!

Date: 2009-06-24 01:27 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mcmuffins-js.livejournal.com
This is some damn fine hilarity! I read portions of it out loud to my non-fic reading boyfriend, and he totally laughed too :)

Date: 2009-06-30 04:48 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] crimsonquills.livejournal.com
This fic has brought me to the realization that MCCOY IS THE EMBODIEMENT OF CAPSLOCK. *laughs* I love it. *grins* Also, Scotty's bit at the end is love. Well, the whole story is love, but that bit is extra love. :-D

Date: 2009-07-09 06:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] shadowclub.livejournal.com
This whole series is hilarious!!! LOVE IT!

Date: 2009-08-26 01:35 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] secretsolitaire.livejournal.com
The ending is made of win. :-D

Date: 2010-01-08 09:36 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] stars-inthe-sky.livejournal.com
I cannot be reading this series at work. LOLing not appropriate.

Date: 2010-01-09 10:44 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] a-decembrist.livejournal.com
SO MUCH FUNNY. I think too much Spock v. McCoy might make Bones' poor head explode. And that's a sweet piece of wisdom Scotty lays on Kirk at the end.

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