The Vulcan Changeling Project

Loyalty

Kirk paced back and forth, pausing only when the sound of his door signal chimed; normally it was not an abrasive sound, however this time all it did was irritate Kirk’s already agitated state of mind. “Come in,” he growled.

McCoy grinned at Kirk as he scowled back, “Jim, if you couldn’t sleep you should have come to see me earlier.”

Kirk sighed for there was no reason to take out his churlish temper on McCoy, “I don’t need to sleep, Bones, I need to think.”

McCoy’s expression sobered, “It’s about Spock isn’t it?”

Kirk nodded and began to pace again. “There’s something he’s not telling us about our guest.”

McCoy sat down on the edge of Kirk’s bed. “There’s a lot he’s not telling us, Jim. I suppose you heard about the incident at the pool?”

Kirk stopped pacing and sat down next to McCoy. “Yes, I heard about it. Bones, I’ve got to talk to Spock, but I’m not sure how to do it diplomatically.”

McCoy snorted. “You must be in bad shape if you’re coming to me for diplomacy lessons. However, in the past Spock has always been honest with you, so maybe you should let Spock come to you.”

Kirk jumped up off the bed, clearly conflicted as he always was when confronted with loyalty to the Enterprise and her crew and friendship and loyalty to an individual. “Bones, I’m the Captain and whatever information Spock is withholding could endanger the Enterprise and her entire crew.”

McCoy lowered his head, “Jim, Spock will come through, he always does, why don’t you sleep on it? Spock is not as resilient as he would have us believe and I wouldn’t want you to jeopardize your friendship over it.”

Kirk glanced over at McCoy, squinting at him as if the Doctor were a miniature Jiminy Cricket, “Your recommendation is duly noted, Doctor.” Then without another word or a backwards glance, Kirk strode out of the room and hoped that for all their sakes McCoy was correct in his assessment of Spock’s character.