String Theory (Spock/Kirk AOS)

The Jim Kirk Experience

aka, how Spock is subject to astonishment, bemusement, contempt, irritation and dislike all in one afternoon. Pike swears he had nothing to do with it.

—~—

2257.04

Spock repeats the request slowly, still trying to comprehend the words. "The cadet intends to retake the test?"

"Yessir. When informed that it isn't routine, I'm told he spent over an hour citing Academy regulations in support of his case. Apparently the rubric doesn't strictly forbid retaking the exam."

"When did he originally run the simulation?"

"0800 this morning."

"This morning," Spock repeats, for lack of anything more insightful to say.

The lieutenant shifts her weight from one foot to the other. Spock recognizes it as a sign of discomfort. "He seems... determined for his petition to be granted, regardless of the protocol."

Spock considers refusing, but it may be easier to approve the request and be done with the issue. It is not as if retaking the test will produce an alternate result. Perhaps a second run will enlighten the cadet more efficiently regarding the true purpose of the program.

"Very well," Spock says, taking the PADD from the lieutenant and signing off his approval. "Schedule it. Monday afternoon is preferable. I wish to be present."

"Will that be all, sir?"

"Yes, thank you."

Taking the PADD back, the lieutenant salutes before turning to leave. Spock returns to his computer, but pauses as the door to his office slides open. "Lieutenant."

She pauses at the door, turning back to face him. "Yes, sir?"

"What is the cadet's name?"

She glances at her PADD. "Kirk," she says. "James T."

—~—

2257.07

Kirk, James T. appears precisely thirty seconds before the test is scheduled to begin.

While waiting, Spock has taken the time to review his peers. It is clear that Kirk has chosen his bridge crew with care; Cadet Uhura is at the communications post, and Spock knows from her performance in his advanced xenolinguistics course that she is unrivaled in her abilities. McCoy is already a Lieutenant, and while perhaps not the best choice for First Officer as a medical professional, Spock is aware that he is a close associate of Kirk's. The same can be said for the cadets; Boma, Kirk's chosen pilot, Gaila, slotted as his CEO, and Mitchell, seated at navigation. All are exceptional in their chosen fields, and — he is aware after reviewing Kirk's file over the weekend — individuals the cadet trusts.

From a Command perspective, it is an expertly crafted team. It is essential to be able to trust one's crew when out on an expedition, especially during combat situations. Combined with Kirk's aptitude tests on recruitment, the high scores he has accumulated during his first year and a half on the Command track, as well as a sound recommendation from Captain Pike, Spock expected to see a serious, skilled individual with real command potential.

Ten seconds after swaggering into the simulation, Kirk is sitting sideways in the bridge chair and winking at Cadet Uhura.

She makes a gesture with her right hand that Spock recognizes as rude, to which Kirk responds with a laugh. Spock is confused by her reaction. Kirk's appearance is, insofar as Spock will allow himself to judge, aesthetically pleasing; surely, such an advance would be received favorably? Then again, Uhura herself is quite attractive, and perhaps her preferences lie elsewhere. Spock puts it aside; perhaps it is a strange form of Terran courting beyond his knowledge. Either way, it is unimportant.