COU CH2: Of Vulcans and Ponies

Spock arched and eyebrow in curiosity as Jim Kirk moved his knight from the top tier of the Chess board to a rather poor strategic position. 1

“Are you certain that is a wise move, Captain?” The Vulcan asked in his typical stoic manner. Jim Kirk only smirked at his first officer and friend and waited for him to make his move. 2

Spock lifted his hand in the direction of the boards ready to make a move when suddenly he heard the brilliant jingling of tiny bells just outside the Captain’s door accompanied a deep ringing sound, half way between the donging of temple bells and the sound of horses’ hoof beats. 3

“Do you hear that too?” Jim asked. 4

“I do, Most curious, Most curios indeed.” He said, as the human moved to his feet and drifted to the door. Captain James T. Kirk was suddenly face to with—a horse? The creature was as black the velvet carpet of space with eyes like the deepest oceans of the earth. Eyes that swallowed him whole, drawing him in like a lover’s embrace…calling to him the way the stars themselves did, only…comforting and fulfilling. 5

: James Kirk. Never will you be alone again because I love you and I choose you.: He heard the voice in his head, Kind and warm. He believed it with all of his heart. :My name is Zeframe, Chosen.: The horse told him. Vaguely he heard Spock Behind him, advising that he’d best exhibit more caution with the strange creature. 6

“It’s alright Spock,” He said dreamily “Zeframe Isn’t going to hurt anyone.” He reached out and touched the horse’s nose with his open palm. 7

:I’m not a horse, I’m a Companion. But I’ll explain that later.: Kirk’s Companion told him, tossing his great head casing his bridal bells to chime festively. 8

"Come on Spock, he's harmless" he stroked the black stallion’s velvety nose affectionately. The Vulcan was still wary. 9

"Does it not seem at all odd to you that this animal is aboard a starship that formerly had no such creature?" 10

:I'm not going to bite him for calling me an animal, because he is obviously uninformed. This time.: the companion stated. Kirk stepped out into the corridor where there was more room for him to admire his new found friend's flawless conformation. Jim knew a little bit about horses from his childhood in Iowa, enough to know that although equine, this was more than any ordinary horse. He estimated that Zeframe stood about sixteen two hands high. His glossy coat shone with the obsidian luster of health from pole to croup. His tack was white and blue leather chased in silver and decorated with shining silver bells that chimed like a Christmas song every time he moved. James Kirk was in fact so engrossed in admiring his steed that he didn't notice the second white-tacked black stallion until he shouldered past them.11

: Surok that was rude!: Zeframe's comment was accompanied by a loud snort and a rough paw at the deck plates with one silver hoof. 12

Spock was taken aback by how bold the horse had been in approaching Jim so suddenly and allowing the human to touch its face in such a familial manner without spooking as many large herbivores were wont to behave. It concerned him deeply that these animals were here, on the enterprise. There were two of them? The second horse was slightly taller than the first but otherwise completely identical except for some un-identifiable trait that separated them from each other.13

:Spock. With your logical mind, I know this will come with some difficultly to you. However, I promise that all will be explained soon. Now we have little time to stand and explain.: he paused and touched his nose to the Vulcan’s cheek. : This you must know now and always remember. I choose you. I love you.: said companion Surok. :Now follow your captain’s wise example and get on my back!: Spock, unlike Jim wasn't at all surprised by hearing the his companion's mind voice. And staring into Surok's eyes he felt all of his confusion melt away. The stallion danced sideways so Spock could get into the saddle. 14

"Where are you taking us?" he asked. 15

: The planet Velgarth,: Surok answered.16