At 0800 hours every day, the officers of the USS Enterprise drift up to the bridge, take up their posts, and begin placing bets.
Sulu leans back in his chair and announces, "0810. No earlier than that."
"No, he will try to make up for being so late yesterday." Chekov tells him, "By 0810."
"It'll be much later than that. 0825." Uhura's voice rang clearly from the back.
"What makes you so sure of that?" Sulu swivels absently in his chair.
Uhura smirks, "He was with May last night."
"May? May Chen? The one with purple-black hair and legs that take up 75% of her height?"
Spock has never joined in on the bet-placing. That doesn't mean he doesn't listen though. It was logical to be aware of one's surroundings. "I believe Ensign Chen's legs only account for 67.8% of her height."
"Oh vell, you vould know, Commander." Chekov stifles his laughter as Uhura glares at him.
Sulu sighs as his chair tilts dangerously back. "Fine. 0820. I'll do someone's midnight shift."
"0815" Chekov counters, "I'll give you the access code to Scotty's stash of liquor."
"You know the access code?" Sulu brightens considerably.
"It ees a simple mathematical algorithm. All you haf to do is..."
"0818." Spock surprises them and for a moment the bridge is silent.
"What're your stakes?" Sulu grins cheekily. This should be interesting.
Spock considers for a moment, then tells them, "I can rearrange your schedule to your wishes for the next week."
"You're on."
**
At 0818 and 24 seconds, Captain Kirk strides through the doors and sits down at his chair, looking rather flustered but wearing a smile all the same. "Morning, crew." He receives a few greetings in reply, but Sulu ignores him.
At 0820 Spock breaks the silence. "Chekov, send me the code. Sulu, I am sending you your revised schedule for the week. You will be replacing Lt. Uhura on her midnight shift tomorrow."
Kirk frowns, "Why is he doing that?"
Spock does not even glance up from his station. "Because Captain, you arrived when anticipated."
Uhura chortles and ducks her head down to hide from the Captain's line of vision.
**
The next morning, no bets are placed. Kirk arrives at 0811, and no one laughs or does a silent victory dance.
At 2300 hours, Uhura wakes up to find Spock sitting in a chair with a PADD in his hand.
She yawns and reaches over, fingers brushing his knee. "Come back to bed."
"I received a message from the Captain."
"What is it?" She crosses the small distance between them and sits in his lap, her legs haphazardly slung over his.
Pressing his forehead against her cheek, he says, "Though it is understandable, it is sent at a most inconvenient hour. I believe the captain's sense of humor is rather intrusive."
Uhura laughs as she reads it. "Both of you are too sly for your own good."
Subject: RE: RE: Gambling Issue
To: Cmdr Spock
From: Capt. Kirk
Thanks. Have fun. :P
A/N: Just for kicks and giggles, rate and review! :)