The Aftermath

[logical_hobgoblin]

Spock is not pleased.

Pike is not pleased.

There might not be yelling, but the silence is deafening.

Spock has been decontaminated and taken out of the suit, but he's still locked behind an airtight barrier to ensure he's not still able to infect anyone else with whatever it is he came into contact with on the planet. So far, he's not exhibiting any symptoms, but it's unknown whether that's due to humanoid biology, or Vulcanoid biology, or because the virus is ineffectual in an oxygen atmosphere.

Despite all the people poking and prodding at him, he's still working away silently on his PADD, filling out reports. He might as well make use of his time.

Comments

[logical_hobgoblin]

"There would be no need to test it, Captain. There are far more nutritious and more common alternatives than human blood." He's also relatively certain he'd rather simply die than resort to drinking blood to survive.

[theoriginalcaptain]

"And we'll be sure to pack extra hydration tablets in away mission kits from now on."

[logical_hobgoblin]

"That will not be necessary if you simply have me drink a glass of water before we go. That will last me for several days." So amused, yet so blank-faced.

[theoriginalcaptain]

"Is Vulcan biology really that efficient?" Now he's just really really curious.

[logical_hobgoblin]

"It is. We have evolved to cope with a desert planet that has very few sources of fresh water. It is also much hotter than Earth. We do not sweat, we are better able to regulate our internal temperature, we excrete less water, and our skin greatly reduces water loss through evaporation."

[theoriginalcaptain]

"Really?" He's not a doctor, that's Boyce's department, so he's never really concerned himself with Vulcan physiology. Maybe he should start to concern himself with this a bit more. "Well, Spock, I think you just signed yourself up for every away mission until the semester's over."

[logical_hobgoblin]

"It is the logical choice. My hearing is more acute, I have excellent vision in the dark, and my physical strength and endurance could prove useful. I would also appreciate the opportunity to gain as much experience on board the Yorktown as possible." He's not bragging, honestly. He's just stating facts, even if humans tend to take that as bragging.

[theoriginalcaptain]

Surprisingly enough, Pike doesn't take it as bragging. Spock really is just stating fact.

"What kind of posting are you looking for after graduation?" After all, if Pike knows what Spock is working towards, he can better tailor his time aboard the ship. Some of the cadets that are onboard will be little more than worker drones in their department - and that's fine. Starships work because of drones like them. Not everyone is meant to be a shining star, some people are destined to simply be good enough. Spock doesn't really seem to be a worker drone, though.

[logical_hobgoblin]

"Originally, my goal was to serve on board a Federation science vessel. I have, however, since revised that goal. I would now like to eventually serve as Chief Science Officer on board an exploratory vessel, such as this one. I believe I will be able to learn much more in the undiscovered regions of space than I will confined to what is already known."

[theoriginalcaptain]

"Ambitious." Well, color him impressed. He didn't think Spock had it in him. "We're really going to have to work on interpersonal skills, then."

He doesn't mean that as a slight against Spock, but the likelihood - right now, at least - of Pike being Spock's future captain is pretty slim.

[logical_hobgoblin]

"Indeed. I am aware of my shortcomings in this regard and have, as I have made you aware, been attempting to correct them. Whatever suggestions you have in this regard would be welcomed." He also realizes that the chances of being put under Pike again later are low.

[theoriginalcaptain]

"They are not your shortcomings, Spock." He will keep beating this point into him until Spock realizes it's true. "The last thing we need is for you to become more human."

[logical_hobgoblin]

He tips his head to the side quizzically. "Your sentiment seems exactly opposite to that of most others." How many times now have humans told him he needs to 'loosen up' and be more like them?

[theoriginalcaptain]

"And how's that sentiment working out?" *insert sassy gay captain face*

[logical_hobgoblin]

Spock blinks at him, thoroughly confused by the question. Or, rather, by the expression that comes with it. "Not well."

[theoriginalcaptain]

"Then perhaps it's not the best way for you to fit in."

[logical_hobgoblin]

"How do you suggest that I fit in, then? Generally, the best way to fit in is to be cohesive with one's coworkers. I have not achieved this."

[theoriginalcaptain]

"That... we're still working on, but I can tell you, changing who you are isn't going to work in the long run."

[logical_hobgoblin]

"Given that I have no logical solution at this time, I will defer to your judgment." Spock only hopes that some sort of solution will be reached before his internship here is over and he's forced to solve things on his own again.

[theoriginalcaptain]

"We'll figure something, don't worry." He glances at his chronometer just then, and gets up from his chair. Looks like this dinner date has come to an end. "Unfortunately, it won't be tonight, I have to be up for a conference call in six hours."

[logical_hobgoblin]

"My apologies for taking an undue amount of your time, Captain." He stands, as well, leaving the rest of his martini on the desk. He's still not sure what to make of it. "The conversation was enlightening."

He'll consider himself excused and head for the door, though he pauses when he reaches it. "Would you like me to take the chair with me now?" He does, after all, have the strength to haul the sturdy thing down to the science labs without assistance.

[theoriginalcaptain]

"No, that's okay, someone from operations is due to pick it up and install it before you start your shift. But if it's not there in the morning, let me know and I'll take care of it."

[logical_hobgoblin]

"I am certain it will be there, Captain." After all, it's a simple enough task. Even the least-capable person on this crew (who would still be a fairly capable person) could complete the task. The trick is for them to get there before Spock arrives, which Spock realizes is unlikely to happen, since he gets there much earlier than his shift actually starts.

But the captain did stipulate that it would be there at shift-start, so that also does not pose a problem. Unless the person responsible for installing it will mind Spock's presence.

Regardless...

"Good night, Captain." He inclines his head politely, clasps his hands behind his back, and strides out of the room. He may do more research on the martini before he sleeps.