No one could ever accuse Leonard McCoy of giving up easily, but during what had thus far proven to be a decidedly unlucky night, he was granted an opportunity to launch another jab at Spock much sooner than he expected.
Watching the captain — back in the game after folding early in the last round — deal out the cards gave him an idea.
"So, Jim," he said as casually as he could manage (which was very), "you send out this month's away assignments yet?"
Kirk wasn't the least taken in and looked distinctly reluctant to enter the fray, but was saved from answering by the door chime, He called "Enter," and a small whirlwind in red came sweeping into his quarters, brandishing a yellow duty sheet.
"Spock handled the assignments," Jim said before Uhura could issue a verbal protest.
Her large, dark eyes snapped over to the first officer. He cut her off, as well.
"Lt. Uhura," began Spock's preemptive strike, "I am aware that you asked to be in charge of the repairs at Deep Space Three, however the work can easily be completed by a single member of Mr. Scott's staff under my direction. While it is true that, in the absence of other needs, you are the person most qualified for the assignment, the deterioration of the communications systems on Trartarius is dire and requires a more deft hand."
She was clearly not entirely mollified, McCoy was pleased to see, but she was also forced to accept the superior officer's logic. He was willing to bet what was left of his steadily diminishing pile of loot that the two of them would be sleeping separate in quarters tonight.
But Spock wasn't finished addressing the communications chief.
"Under other circumstances, Lieutenant, I would not be averse to having you serve under me," he told her. "Just as, should the situation — or you — warrant it, I would not shrink from serving under you."
Lt. Uhura gave the Vulcan a sharp look, then her generous lips slowly curved into a satisfied smile.
"I'll hold you to that, Mr. Spock," she said.
"I have no doubt you will, Miss Uhura," he said, and Bones could have sworn the over-grown pixie's eyes were glittering.
A/N: Spock 2/ Bones 0.
Disclaimer: I do not own any Star Trek concepts or characters and I don't profit from writing about them.