Chapter 12.
The Choice
Spock's requests to be checked out of Sick Bay were driving Mark Piper positively mad. He tried to reason with him first, but to beat a Vulcan in logic was about as possible as making the Earth square. He then tried to bring his patient to order by sheer power of authority, but although Spock complied, he was restless – and just as disturbing. About midday, the Doctor finally gave up on one condition. Spock would have to go to his quarters and stay there for the remainder of the day.
"Resting, Lieutenant. Do I make myself understood?"
"Yes, Doctor."
Piper sighed heavily, dismissing him. For the countless time he thought sympathetically about his successor. Whoever becomes CMO here next would have to find a way to deal with Vulcan stubbornness, which seemed to have no limits.
Spock was pleased to get to the familiar comfort of his own quarters. Captain Kirk's behavior intrigued him. Whenever Spock had calculated the consequences of his actions, the Captain's reaction was always something of a constant. For a human, James Kirk had an incredibly logical mind – playing chess with him only proved it. According to Spock's analysis, he should have been adamant in his desire to talk to the only witness of such a dreadful accident. Yet, he refused to talk to him last night and even now as he was definitely feeling better he was still not summoned to make the report. That had been completely illogical.
Some light on the mystery, however, was shed, when he entered his quarters and saw Lieutenant Quaint's report waiting for him on his desk. Spock inspected it carefully. Her analysis proved to be solid and quite enlightening. Surely, after reading this, the Captain realized that he was responsible for the destruction of a priceless artifact. Spock relaxed slightly. The Captain was simply being kind and letting him regain some of his strength before having to answer for his unforgivable actions. It seemed all he could do now was waiting. He might as well use the time for meditation.
The door chimed when he was about to enter the third level of concentration. He stood up instantly and answered it. To his surprise, which was so great that he wasn't sure if he managed to suppress it entirely, it was Commander Mitchell. The First Officer had never paid Spock a visit before. Was the Captain so angry with him that he couldn't even talk to him? For some unidentifiable reason, the thought was disturbing.
As if solely for the purpose of adding to his puzzlement, Commander Mitchell was more than usually polite to him. He informed Spock that they had altered course – now that there was no precious cargo to deliver there was no need for them to arrive at a Starbase ahead of schedule. They were ordered to chart the nearest star system. Mitchell asked Spock to brief Lieutenant Quaint on the mission. He didn't say anything, but it was clear that had the decision to relieve Spock of duty not been made, he would not have been asked to relinquish his responsibilities. He accepted the news calmly.
"The Captain was up most of the night, talking to Starfleet Command," Mitchell said as he was about to leave Spock's quarters. "He's still not quite through with them, but he would want to talk to you some time later today."
That was what he had been expecting.
"Yes, sir."
Mitchell looked at him intently, smiled for some reason, clapped Spock on the shoulder somewhat awkwardly and left.
Spock stared at the door for several seconds, dumbstruck. Was his weakened state playing tricks with him? Or was it Commander Mitchell who was ill? Granted, he was never particularly logical in his behavior, but that was a little bit too much even for him. Was he perhaps feeling sorry for Spock, now that it was clear he would be leaving shortly?
Spock shook his head slightly in order to achieve some clarity. It was a human trait, something he hadn't done since he was a child. He looked over his quarters, picking up every familiar detail. This cabin had been his home for more than ten years now. It was probably the most personalized room on the ship. And yet, his analytical mind had no trouble seeing it as it once was - without his possessions, Vulcan artifacts, the firepot, the lute. It was merely a standard crew quarters and it would be again soon. To feel remorse about the necessity to leave it was exceptionally illogical.
Spock sighed all the same and returned slowly to his meditation mat. More meditation was obviously required.
--
The Captain, however, took his time before sending for Spock. Just as Mitchell predicted, Starfleet Command was not happy upon hearing the news, but Kirk was in such a good mood he found it hard to get upset over it. His little talk with Commander Sithor had not been in vain – he was much more observant in his conversations with his superiors. What he noticed put him even more at ease, for it was clear that although he had been chided for sloppiness aloud, he was quietly thanked for eliminating the mighty temptation. Overall, he thought his first mission aboard the Enterprise went pretty well.
There were those letters that had to be recorded, of course. He postponed the unsettling task for as long as he could, but there seemed to be no time left. Alone in his quarters, he fulfilled for the first time the most unpleasant of the captain's duties.
He didn't feel like staying in the room after he was finished. Checking the ship's status with the Bridge, he ordered to reduce speed in accordance to his schedule, and asked Uhura to page Mr. Spock to the Briefing Room. Something told him talking to the Vulcan would not be an easy task, either.
He didn't turn around when he heard the doors hissing open. Not until he heard the calm even voice announcing, "Science Officer Spock, reporting as ordered, sir."
He did turn then, looking at the rigid Vulcan standing close to the doorway still. Collecting himself inwardly, Kirk faced him with a rather forbidding expression on his face.
"Lieutenant. Have you read the report on the accident?"
"Yes, sir."
"And how would you assess your performance?"
"Sir, I made a critical error due to unforgivable negligence. Sir."
Despite the seriousness of the topic, Kirk had to fight down an upsurge of amusement. It was strange and a little eerie to hear such rigidly formal answer more commonly used by those of the lower decks from his Vulcan Science Officer. He was, of course, a member of the same military structure as the rest of them and there was no reason why he should not be using the traditional form of address, which conveys obedience to orders of a superior officer more than anything else. Still, it didn't go that well combined with his calm emotionless demeanor. It sounded very much like a programmed computer response.
"You made an error," Kirk stressed pointedly, watching him.
"Sir, yes sir."
Again, total lack of vehemence behind the counterchallenge. The form but not the substance. The Science Officer was looking at him steadily, no expression on his face whatsoever. Kirk sighed.
"I'm glad we agree on that. Do you have anything to add, Lieutenant?"
"Sir, I regret my actions resulted in producing a position of disadvantage and inconvenience for my shipmates. That was never my intention, sir."
Kirk's eyebrows climbed up – just a little.
"No, that would not be logical, Lieutenant, would it?"
"Sir, no sir."
"Anything else?"
"Sir, with your permission I shall immediately render my services to rectify that error. Sir."
"No, Lieutenant." The Captain's timing was sharp. His face was now as stony and impassionate as that of his officer.
For the first time during the conversation a hint of disturbance registered on the Vulcan's features. It was a flicker, a mere shadow, fleeting in passing, but it was definitely there.
"Sir?"
"I said you don't have my permission to take part in the repairs."
"May I respectfully ask why not, sir?" Spock said cautiously. "The mistake I had made did not disable the skills necessary to take part in this activity."
I'm not asking for anything else, Kirk translated to himself, just let me help with the mess I've created.
"It's not a question of your skills, Lieutenant," the Captain stated matter-of-factly. "I have different orders for you."
"Yes, sir."
"You will pack whatever things you need for leave and take a shuttle to Starbase 19 and you will do so immediately while we're still in the sector. Once there, you will report to Commodore Zhang."
There was a pause while the two men watched each other silently across the room. Again a flicker of emotion made it to the surface, animating for an instant the carefully shielded gaze of the Science Officer. Giving no sign, Kirk held his breath, waiting to see the outcome of his gamble. Finally, Spock acknowledged his orders.
"Yes, sir."
He shifted almost imperceptibly, expecting to be dismissed. The Captain, however, took his time, regarding him coolly.
"Do you have any questions concerning your orders, Lieutenant?" Kirk asked finally.
"Sir, no sir."
"Why not?"
"Sir?"
"They do not strike you as unexpected?"
"Sir, unexpected - perhaps, sir, but not inexplicable."
Frank, Kirk thought, shaking his head slightly. Frank. He can't lie to me, can he? Or to anyone, for that matter. Not even if this proves to be a disadvantage.
"Explain your orders to me, will you, Lieutenant?"
Spock's eyebrow rose a bit, as if he found the request illogical.
"Sir, it is my understanding that I am being transferred off the Enterprise to join the Starbase 19 personnel. Evidently, until my new orders arrive."
That was exactly what the Captain expected to hear, yet he allowed an expression of mild surprise to appear on his face.
"Transfer off, Mr. Spock? When did you receive a recorded order for a transfer?"
"Sir, I assumed you would give me the order sometime before I debark. Permission to make an observation, Captain?"
"Granted."
"Sir, it would be more logical to relieve me off duty and permit to stay aboard until the Enterprise comes to the Starbase in accordance to its schedule. Otherwise you will be one shuttle short for a considerable amount of time. We are not scheduled for crew rotation at the moment, therefore, there will be no one to take the shuttle back to the ship from the Starbase. Sir."
"Observation noted, Mr. Spock. However, my order stands."
That drew no reaction as if expected.
"Yes, sir."
"The Enterprise is scheduled to be back in this sector in three weeks. I fully expect you to bring the shuttle home at that time."
This time Kirk was sure he saw a glimpse of evident confusion in the Vulcan's eyes. He grinned wryly.
"I believe now you have some questions regarding your orders, don't you, Lieutenant?"
Spock looked interested enough to let some of the rigidness fade from his expression.
"A most logical assumption, Captain."
Kirk nodded, tired but genuinely pleased with himself. For the first time he heard the familiar notes in his officer's voice, not the words of a stranger.
"Lieutenant," he paused, fighting to keep his tight composure. He could not say what he had to say otherwise. "What you did was a crucial mistake. Culpable negligence. Unforgivable and unworthy of any Starfleet officer. As a captain of this vessel I cannot commend you for what you did, I must reprimand you severely and I'm doing so right now."
"Yes, sir."
"I'm doing this as your captain," Kirk reiterated pointedly, holding the Vulcan's gaze. "But as Jim Kirk from Iowa, Earth, Solar System, United Federation of Planets, I can only say that I admire what you did and that I am grateful."
There was a momentary flash of understanding in the Science Officer's eyes, as he watched his Captain scrupulously across the room. This time Kirk was sure he did not imagine anything. Spock knew exactly what he was telling him and acknowledged his words for what they truly were.
"Sit down, Lieutenant," the Captain gestured to a chair and sank into one himself.
The Vulcan obeyed though somewhat hesitantly. His eyes surveyed the Captain with tamed curiosity, much more natural for him than the look of blind obedience.
"Have you ever asked yourself why you are still a lieutenant, Spock?" Kirk asked, dropping the formal tone as a worked-out tool. "Has it ever occurred to you that you should have been promoted years ago?"
The question caught him by surprise, that much was certain.
"I must confess, Captain, that thought did not cross my mind on a regular basis," the Science Officer replied, recovering from his amazement.
"If ever, I'm betting," Kirk nodded, expecting this, too. "Well, it did occur to me after I'd studied your record. It is my estimation that you should have been promoted to Lieutenant Commander at least five years ago. I mean five years ago would have been the upper level of the due time frame. I've studied the Enterprise's missions. If I were your commander back then, I'd recommended promotion much earlier."
There was a definite note of disapproval in his voice and Spock shifted uncomfortably, registering it.
"Sir, I do know that Captain Pike recommended me for promotion – against my expressed wishes – several times."
"Twice, Mr. Spock," Kirk's voice was stern. "Twice, when it should have been five times at least and it's a crude estimation only. Do you know that you happen to be the most decorated Lieutenant in the Fleet? That not as many officers who outrank you had received as many citations?"
"No, sir, I did not know," Spock stated evenly. "However, I fail to see the significance of this fact."
"You'd better, mister. There are not nearly enough capable officers of command grade in Starfleet, yet there we have you – expressing wishes – not to be promoted and a captain who did not take the necessary steps to make it happen when he should have."
Spock frowned slightly, his eyes darkening with disapproval.
"Permission to speak freely, sir?"
Kirk measured him up with a critical gaze.
"Granted."
"My wishes are subject to my superior officers, sir, since the day I had joined Starfleet. I would never have disobeyed a direct order from my superiors or refused to comply and take whatever position they saw fit for me. It is obvious, however, that Starfleet Command does not find me a valuable candidate for promotion. It would not be logical for Captain Pike to insist on the issue that had been discharged twice. To suggest that he was negligent in his duties to Starfleet concerning myself would be most illogical and unfair. Sir."
Kirk couldn't help smiling. Spock's voice never rose, his tone was as precise and polite as ever, yet there was no mistake that his speech was as heated with what could only be called indignation as Vulcan desert with the rays of its merciless sun.
"Spock, I wouldn't dream of shattering your loyalty to Captain Pike, which I'm sure he deserved. He is an example of everything a starship captain should represent. However, in this particular issue he was, yes, pardon me, he was negligent. He had no business keeping you down when he should have been pushing you up all the way."
"Captain, respectfully, Starfleet Command--"
"Starfleet Command had their own reasons, Mr. Spock, and sadly as it is, they were beyond my understanding and most certainly beyond any logic imaginable. I am not in a position to tell you those reasons. I can only say that I despise them, for they had absolutely nothing to do with your professionalism, skills or personal qualities, if one doesn't count your total lack of ambition. I am still amazed and upset, to put it mildly, that such reasons ever came to consideration and effectively stalled your career. It was unfair and it was stupid and it was damaging to the Fleet in more sense than one. Now, however, they have been finally and dully dismissed."
A new round of silence encircled them, as Spock contemplated the Captain's words, especially those which he never said. At last he spoke, still frowning.
"What exactly do you mean by that, Captain?"
"I mean, Mr. Spock, that when you will be taking that shuttle back to the Enterprise in three weeks, you will be carrying the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Starfleet Command," his lips twitched with disgust, "admitted they had been wrong about you and approved your promotion. However, this is the first rank of command grade and one and the same commanding officer can't promote you to more than one of those. The Board of Promotion agreed to consider your three weeks assignment as a full tour of duty under another commander due to special circumstances."
"Captain, it is still not logical that I should take this assignment," Spock objected thoughtfully. "If my promotion seems so vital to you – as is your prerogative as my commanding officer – why do you not promote me here, on the Enterprise?"
"Because, Mr. Spock," and he couldn't help grinning broadly, "I most certainly intend to be the one who promotes you to full commander in a year from now. This way you won't have to leave the ship permanently."
The Vulcan raised his eyebrows slightly. "I see."
Something about his grave expression made Kirk extremely uneasy.
"Hell, when it comes to going any length to keep capable officers with me, I'm no better than Chris Pike, am I?" he realized softly. "And I'm no better for what's good for you, either. Let me try to remedy this, Spock, we all owe you that much. How about I make it your choice? You can either go to Starbase 19 and be promoted there to be returning to the Enterprise to conclude her five year mission with us, or you can stay and be transferred off in a year when the time for your next promotion comes. How about that, Spock? What will you choose?"
The Vulcan looked tentatively at him.
"Will you really accept my choice?" He asked curiously. "Captain."
A shallow smile flickered in the corners of Kirk's mouth.
"Yes, Spock, I will. Your fate is in your own hands for the moment as well it should be."
"That is most generous of you, Captain. And most… unusual for me."
"I won't order you, Spock," Kirk said quietly. "But I do wish you'd choose to stay with us."
"If I may ask, Captain, why?"
The Captain shrugged, a small smile returning to his lips.
"For one thing, you're one hell of a science officer. For another, it's been a while since I'd had a worthy opponent at chess."
Spock cocked an eyebrow at him, allowing some of his amusement to show.
"So that is how the Fleet is run?" He asked.
"Essentially. Then, there's that part about the root beer."
"Most illogical."
"No argument on that one."
"Captain, it was most gracious of you to leave the choice to me, however, it was not a hard one to make," Spock said seriously. "If that is acceptable, I, too, would prefer to stay with the Enterprise crew for the whole duration of the five-year mission."
"I'm glad, Mr. Spock," Kirk smiled widely at him. "Then, I suppose you'd better hurry up to the shuttle bay while we're still in the system."
"Yes, sir."
"And Spock," Jim called after him when he was almost at the door. "Congratulations… Commander."
The Vulcan looked at him serenely and inclined his head ever so slightly.
"Thank you, Captain."
--
When he entered the Bridge, Mitchell turned to look at him questionably. Kirk nodded, still smiling easily, as he strode to the central seat.
"What's our position, Mr. Kelso?"
"Heading 852 mark 8, Captain. Space normal speed."
"We're ready for full warp, Captain," Scotty reported from the engineering station.
"Good work, Mr. Scott."
"Captain," Kelso spoke again. "Mr. Spock's shuttle has cleared the hangar deck."
"Lieutenant," Kirk turned to Uhura. "Signal the shuttle. My compliments and let him have a safe flight."
"Aye, sir. The shuttle's acknowledging."
"Captain?"
"Yes, I know, Mr. Scott. Don't worry, Spock has your shopping list. I'm sure he'll find everything you asked for."
"Aye, Captain," the Engineer went slightly red. "Just checking."
Mitchell snorted at his station. Scotty was 'just checking' for the fifth time by his count.
"Are we far enough from the shuttle to go to warp?" Kirk asked him.
"Yes, Captain."
"Then, Mr. Kelso, ahead warp factor one."
"Warp one, sir, aye."
Kirk stood up and walked along the Bridge stopping every now and then to say a couple of words to his officers. He ended up at Communications.
"Lieutenant, we had a bumpy take off, wouldn't you say?" He asked her, smiling.
"Well, sir... Not the smoothest ride in my tour of duty," she admitted ruefully.
"Nor in mine. I'd say the crew's entitled for a little cheering up."
"That's always a good idea," she replied enthusiastically.
He looked at her with mock seriousness.
"Do you happen to know where I can find a person to organize such an activity?"
She returned his gaze steadily.
"Captain, are you making me moral officer?"
"I think you've just volunteered," he grinned, patting her on the shoulder. "Three weeks from now would be fine for a major party, don't you agree?"
She rolled her eyes and smiled, letting him see how pleased she was with the assignment. "Absolutely, sir. You wouldn't mind if I borrow some personnel to get ready?"
"By all means. Take Scotty here. He seems to be through with repairs."
"Captain!" The Chief Engineer exclaimed indignantly, coming closer. "I have no time for some stupid... party... thing..." His voice trailed off as he met Uhura's shining gaze and fell silent, mesmerized.
"Good," Kirk clapped him on the back. "That's settled then. Mr. Mitchell."
"Captain?"
"You have the Bridge."
"Aye, sir."
Indeed, Jim thought disappearing into the turbolift, they were the finest crew any captain could wish for.
"Thank you, Chris," he muttered softly, hoping that his gratitude could somehow be conveyed through the emptiness of space. "Thank you."
End of Part 1
