Author's Note:This is a short Star Trek story, it's meant to explore the relationship between Spock and Doctor McCoy. At times, they do not seem to be friends, at times they seem to be very good friends, and at times, no one is sure if they are sure…. While Spock thinks he is sure, his Captain advices him to take an action that shows another side of the matter.

Also, this was written while at work, when there were delays and I had nothing to do but twiddle my thumbs or write stories on my fancy doohickie phone, in lack of a PADD. Since I felt the latter was more productive, that's what I did, but the style of writing might be a slight more cramped for it.

Warning: This is a general alert for thosewho wanted a spew warning here, claiming it might be a bad idea to drink while reading the funnier parts. So please keep in mind that drinking any kind of beverage while reading this, might be hazzard'ous to the health of your screen.

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek, I make no money and boy does that make it hard to afford to pay for all the letters and words I'm using… No permanent harm will come to anyone that can't be undone by a bit of Scotty magic or a well placed hypo…

A Madness to the Method

Chapter 1

"Captain, I wish to speak with you on a matter regarding the crew," First officer Spock stood in front of his Captain, hands folded behind his back.

"Alright," Jim Kirk, new Captain of the starship USS Enterprise nodded. The previous Captain, Pike, had spoken very highly of his first officer and Jim had quickly seen that it was justified.

"It would be best if it was in private, sir," Spock stated and Jim nodded again.

"Mind if I grab a cup of coffee on the way?" conference room two was the best place to use. Close to the bridge, private and not too large.

"Not at all Captain," Spock inclined his head.

"I'll meet you there then," he had noted that the Vulcan did not drink coffee but out of sheer manners he brought a cup of tea that he placed in front of him.

"Captain, while appreciated, it was not needed," Spock gave the cup a frown. "I was not thirsty and it is therefore not logical to bring me tea."

"Call it pointless human politeness Mr. Spock," Jim smiled. "Now what can I do for you? You had concerns about this crew I believe?"

"Indeed sir," the Vulcan nodded. "I regret it since I am aware of the friendship between Doctor McCoy and yourself. Yet I can not ignore the fact that he is ill suited to his position. I must request Captain that he is either transferred or demoted."

"I see," Jim gave the tabletop a restless tap. "When I asked Doctor McCoy to take the position as our CMO it was not because he's my friend Mr. Spock. We needed a new CMO and I fully believe he is qualified for that position."

"Sir, I must advise that qualified does not equal suitable," Spock objected.

"Alright, so what, specifically has he done that you want to take such drastic measures?" Jim queried. "I knew there would be some friction between McCoy and parts of the crew. But I did not expect you to find it that difficult to work with him."

"Doctor McCoy is in constant if not severe breach of protocol," Spock decided. "He frequently appears on the bridge though he has no reason to be there. He is argumentative, quarrelsome, most often bordering on vulgar and I believe he does not treat his patients with respect. Further, at any time I have approached him about this, he states he is a doctor and tells me to allow him to continue in this position. I can however not in good conscience do so."

"You've put some thought into this," Jim mused. "And put that way, it does make sense. But if I demoted him now, or have him transferred, you are aware how it will affect his Starfleet record?"

"I am," Spock confirmed. "And I do not take this matter lightly. I do however believe it must be addressed."

"Well, you are most certainly right about that," Jim nodded, tapping a stylus thoughtfully against a PADD as he considered his option. "Spock, you are an excellent First Officer, and I find your advise invaluable. At the same time I have worked with McCoy and found him to be an equally excellent medical officer. If the two of you can not function together, then something must be done, for the good of the crew. I'd have an easier time finding a competent medical officer than First Officer and science officer. However, if I demote McCoy, or have him transferred, I will be the one who most likely ends his career, and I do not take that lightly for he has done his duty to this ship and this crew."

"That Captain, is the matter that concerns me," Spock stated, his tone perfectly even. "Doctor McCoy may treat the crew, but he does not do so with respect. I have, if you will, noted several such incidents in my report. I did not take this action lightly, Captain."

Studying the report on the PADD Jim sighed, contemplating his options. "Well, it's clear to me I have to do something, but then I will need something from you as well Mr. Spock."

"Sir?" the Vulcan raised an eyebrow.

"I'm not trying to barter with you, if the situation can't be resolved, it can't be resolved," Jim sighed. "And then no matter my personal feelings I'll have to let McCoy go. But if it comes to that I will do my best to ensure he still has a career in Starfleet, understood?"

"Perfectly, Captain," Spock inclined his head. "It is satisfactory."

"In the meantime I will study your report very carefully, but while I consider why he can not hold his position as our CMO, I want you to tell me why he should."

"Captain," Spock frowned. "Your request is, unclear…"

"I know you have not done this lightly," Jim decided. "You studied McCoy, and you based your report on that study, and no doubt you made an excellent job. But I want you to take the same care and tell me why I should keep him. Surely you must be able to find at least one thing he does right."

"Your request is strange, but not unreasonable…" Spock finally decided.

"If I'm to possibly end his career, or anything so drastic, I want us both to be very sure of what we are doing," Jim nodded.

"When do you wish to have my report?" Spock queried.

"When you are satisfied will do," the Captain decided. "I trust you to be efficient and fair. In the meantime I will consider this," he tapped the PADD.

"Very well Captain, then I shall return to my duties," Spock left the conference room and Jim sighed. It was the curse of McCoy, all over again. It has been the same on the Hotspur. McCoy was brilliant, a genius and the most caring and compassionate man Jim has ever known. He was also horrible at interactions with the crew. For some reason he would not let them see how he cared, so they thought he was nothing but a curmudgeonly irritable doctor. He could read anyone he met like a book and know what they needed, but he did not know how to talk to someone over a lunch tray.

It was in large why it had taken Jim a long time to get to know him, and now a few months on the Enterprise and he was obviously the only one who knew him. Jim sighed, the curse of McCoy indeed…...

TBC

Thank you for reading, please review, the cricket is hungry….