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]

"Should we be in a similar circumstance, where there was no water available aside from what was contained in your blood, then perhaps it would be logical to drink it. Your urine would likely be more effective, though." How he's keeping a straight face, no one knows. Maybe he's being slightly vindictive in telling him this?

But Vulcans don't feel vindictive. No, never.

[theoriginalcaptain]

Inside, he's cracking up at this, but if Spock isn't so much as grinning, Pike will only return with a small smirk. "Of course. A far more sound choice. Though both of us being from desert climates will hopefully give us a little more time before we resort to such measures."

[logical_hobgoblin]

"I believe humans have the tendency to vomit up blood when they drink too much of it. You may not be able to use such measures at all, save for, perhaps, recycling urine." Perhaps one day it will be prudent to inform Pike that he should not drink Vulcan urine.

[theoriginalcaptain]

"No, our stomachs weren't built to digest blood. Are you insinuating that Vulcan stomachs are?"

Yeah, don't worry, one whiff of Vulcan urine and he'll probably figure it out on his own.

[logical_hobgoblin]

"We have the enzymes to digest Vulcan blood, yes. No Vulcan has attempted to ingest Human blood, so I cannot be certain if the same applies. I suspect it would."

[theoriginalcaptain]

"Let's not test that out any time soon, eh?"

Well, if he has nightmares about Spock turning into a vampire, at least we'll know where it came from.

[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.