Acerbic – (adj.) having a sour or bitter taste or character
Kirk Stood in the shuttle bay trying to awaiting the arrival of the Andorian diplomat Commander P'Trel, silently deciding if Bone's constant bitching could be construed as mutiny.
On one hand, McCoy had been right. There was no one on the ship qualified to negotiate with this life form if things went sour. On the other, it was his damn ship. He'd had extensive first contact training before the Enterprise had even left orbit on their five year mission. Granted, he didn't have a great track record, both the negotiations he'd lead, first against the renegade romulans and then Khan, had turned most of San Francisco into a rubble heap.
Whatever. If Bones can't-The thought was interrupted by the sharp swwweeerr of the shuttle bay door opening behind him.
"You're late, Commander." Kirk announced as Spock joined the rest of the senior officers in the shuttle bay.
"My apologies, Captain." Spock replied as he moved to stand next to Kirk. "Lieutenant Uhura required my assistance in the communications lab."
I'm sure, thought Kirk giving the Vulcan an incredulous look.
Kirk returned his attention to the airlock, a soft beeping indicating that it had been properly re-oxygenated and pressurized. The thick metal doors swung open, the acerbic tang on shuttle fuel settling unpleasantly on the back of his palette.
Plastering on his most charming smile, Kirk bowed his shoulders in the traditional andorian greeting, "Welcome aboard the Enterprise, Commander."