They were both busy men with daily schedules that demanded a great deal of their attention. Spock Grayson, an instructor at Starfleet Academy. Leonard McCoy, practicing medicine nearby at Starfleet Medical Center. For that reason they rarely saw one another during their duty hours, yet today Leonard had asked Spock to meet him for lunch. And curiosity had elicited the desired response.

What was it that could not wait? That could not be said over the phone or slipped into a text message?

Spock sat waiting in the medical center's cafeteria, all but oblivious to the appetizing midday aromas, or even the feta salad on his own plate. He had his own problem to consider, having just received word of an impending transfer to the starship Enterprise. Excitement over that long-desired prospect warred with a grim sense of practicality and logic.

He was 29 years old. Each passing month brought the probability of pon farr ever closer. Here on Earth his stepfather, Dr. David McCoy, would be willing and perhaps even able to help him weather the hormonal storm. But a long space voyage presented serious difficulties.

"You made it."

Spock glanced up as his brother set a plate of food on the table and slipped into the chair across from him. Leonard's white medical uniform contrasted sharply with Spock's academy grays. Yet they were both Starfleet lieutenants.

Leonard took a bite of his tuna sandwich, a swallow of coffee, and then asked, "What do you know about Captain James T. Kirk?"

Startled, Spock replied, "He entered the academy at a later age than most. He maintained excellent grades while accumulating a sizeable amount of demerits. He is considered brash by many, including myself, and yet has such a talent for command that he has recently been awarded a starship."

Leonard nodded. "The Enterprise. The best ship in the whole damn fleet, or so the sayin' goes."

Spock's curiosity deepened. "What interest have you in Kirk?"

Lounging back, McCoy swore under his breath. Since his divorce, it was becoming a habit. "Hell…but this awkward. Spock, you've always wanted a starship post, and here you are, stuck teaching for the past four years. And here I am, barely a year out of officer's trainin'…"

"I…do not understand," Spock admitted.

Leonard sighed. "Spock, the chief surgeon aboard the Enterprise wants me on his staff. The Enterprise, mind you!"

Spock came close to smiling. "You have been a physician for twelve years, and with your off-world experience, I believe you are well-qualified."

"Yes, but…you're the one who should be going!"

Spock took a leisurely bite of his salad and chewed it thoroughly as he considered the situation. Biological concerns had made him hesitate to accept a starship assignment. But with his brother on board to assist him, if need be…

"Well?" Leonard pressed with some asperity. "What do you have to say?"

Spock could not help but loose a smile. "I say…that I will be seeing you aboard the Enterprise…as the ship's new science officer."

Leonard's eyes widened. Breaking into a grin, he slapped the table and said, "Hot damn!"

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