Chapter 4: Detailed Arrangements

Jim paused in his eating to take note of Spock. He was sat cross-legged on the floor, just like Jim except his back was straight; his head tipped downward instead of slouched casually, concentrating on the food before him.

He seemed to be avoiding eye contact with Jim for reasons unknown to him and so he broke the silence by clearing his throat. Spock's head snapped up at the sound.

"Everything alright Mr Spock, you're awfully quiet?" Jim asked, concerned by the odd behaviour.

"Merely lost in thought Captain, I am fine." Spock replied in his soft voice.

Jim smiled, "Glad to hear it." but his concern did not dissipate, it was rare for Spock to get lost in his own thoughts like that. After several more minutes of silence he tried again, "Something on your mind Spock?" Jim queried when Spock's eyes once again glazed over and he began to chew more slowly, thoughtfully...

"Nothing of importance sir." Spock replied.

"It's Jim, Spock and you can tell me, I am your friend!" Jim laughed amiably.

"Jim it is a trivial matter, not particularly troubling just... Intriguing." Spock concluded.

"Whatever you say Spock." Jim said, shaking his head in disbelief. He would never understand why Spock was so closed. Sure he had to keep up the Vulcan facade but surely he felt comfortable enough to let it drop around Jim? They had been very close for a long time and he had seen Spock's human side more times than anyone else. Why did it still seem as though Spock didn't trust him?

"What time will you be back on the bridge today?" Jim asked, diverting the conversation.

"I will return after lunch with you and remain there until the conclusion of my shift." Spock explained.

"Oh good! Is everything sorted here then?" Jim questioned, taking another bite from his sandwich.

"The repairs are almost complete. I shall return after my shift to assist in the final stages."

Jim looked at Spock.

"Wait, so you are going to pull a double shift?"

"Essentially." Spock nodded.

"But you won't finish your bridge shift until 8pm, how long will you be working here?"

"I estimate that my assistance will be necessary for 5.8 hours."

Jim's eyes widened. "No. Spock! You can't work for that long! Bones is right you are working too damned hard! You need to take a break, get some sleep, relax y'know?"

"Vulcan anatomy does not demand the same amount of rest as a human to-"

"Spock don't give me that." Jim waved away the excuse. "When did you last sleep?"

Silence.

"Spock. Don't make me make it an order."

"2.57 days ago."

Jim nearly dropped his sandwich into his coffee.

"What?!" he yelped.

"2.57 days a-"

"No I heard you Spock I just couldn't believe it!" Jim said, waving him down.

Spock remained silent. He simply looked at Jim with an annoyingly blank expression.

"I am fine Jim. If I were not it would be illogical to continue to attempt to function as if I were. I will rest when it becomes necessary."

"Are you sure?" Jim said, not at all reassured.

"Quite certain."

Another few moments of silence echoed around the room while the gentlemen finished their meals.

Suddenly…

"Captain?" Scotty had appeared and was smiling widely. "What are ye doin here?" he asked.

"Well Mr Spock and I are eating lunch Scotty! Care to join us?"

Scotty laughed, "No thank ye sir! I was just lookin fer ye Mr Spock. I've repaired the fault so ye're no longer needed. Thank ye very much fer ye help though."

"Thank you Mr Scott." Spock nodded solemnly.

"I'll leave ye ter ye dinner lads!" Scotty said before wandering back into the smokey depths of Engineering.

"Well Spock," Jim said, wiping his face on the napkin. "Looks like your evening just freed up! Interested in a game of chess in my quarters?"

"Yes sir. At what time should I arrive?"

"9 ish?"

"Sir that is hardly a precise request."

"Well Spock, It means that you can't be late!"

"I had no intention of being so Captain."

"It's Jim."

"As you wish sir."