Scotty sulked in his spot, unsure of what move to make next. He didn't know whether to go barricade himself in his quarters or go back to his station and remain silent for the rest of the day. Captain Kirk turned to Scotty and noticed his sad and ashamed look on his face. He put a comforting hand on his Chief Engineering Officer's shoulder.
"Don't worry, Scotty; just give Bones a few days to cool down, and he'll be alright, again." Captain Kirk said, kindly.
"Oh, I blew it, Captain; I blew it big time. Worse than firing a phaser beam at a Klingon battleship!" Scotty moaned.
"Mr. Scott, may I say that humans make logical assumptions and errors in their lifetime. Many more men have made worse errors than you have made." Spock commented.
"And worst yet; I exploited Dr. McCoy. A man I trust, a man I look up to, someone I turn to in need of help...I've ruined it all. I've lost not only my doctor, but my friend, as well!" Scotty cried.
"Dr. McCoy may have a short temper, but he'll forgive in no time, Scotty. How could anyone not forgive you, Scotty; you're one of the nicest, honest men I know." Captain Kirk answered.
"Oh, it doesn't matter, Captain; I'm ashamed of my actions. Never once had I listened in on a conversation in me whole entire life!"
"You're not the only one that's made mistakes, Scotty; lot's of people make worse one's than you did."
"Except Mr. Spock,"
Spock cocked his head to the side.
"Logically, Mr. Scott; Vulcans do not make errors based off our ways of life." Spock replied.
"I feel terrible, Captain!" Scotty exclaimed.
"It was an honest mistake, Scotty; you did what you did out of the concern and respect you have towards Dr. McCoy. No one can blame you for caring for him." Captain Kirk stated.
"Except when one thing turns into another and suddenly the whole entire ship's playing telephone with one another, spreading awful tales about Dr. McCoy. Sure, I'd understand if it were one of us, but Dr. McCoy, Captain!"
"I understand you're feeling guilt," Captain Kirk was cut off by Scotty.
"Guilt...I'm way past guilt, Captain! If there was a worse word for 'guilt', that would be it!" Scotty replied.
"Mr. Scott, you're being irrational." Spock commented.
"Like yah would say such a thing, Mr. Spock! Probably have no contradiction of what guilt even feels like!"
Spock simply looked at Scotty, as if he were saying his point had been proven that Scotty was acting irrational.
Scotty sighed and sulked his way to the Bridge doors.
"Where do you think you're going, Mr. Scott?" Captain Kirk answered, sounding angry.
"I'll be back, Captain...there's one last thing I need to do, before my conscious is clear...and even then, I'll still feel horrible." Scotty answered.
"Which is what,"
"First...I have to apologize to me beloved friend, Captain...after that...I don't know for sure."
Scotty was silent for a moment longer, heaved a sad sigh, and left the Bridge. Captain Kirk and Spock turned to face each other.
"Let's follow him, Spock," Captain Kirk softly ordered.
"Yes, Captain," Spock answered.
"Mr. Sulu, take command of the Bridge."
"Aye, sir," Sulu answered.
Captain Kirk and Spock both chased off after Scotty, who was on the prowl to set things right...and hopefully win his old, country doctor and friend back.