McCoy watched quietly as his two friends argued. Well, it couldn't really be called arguing, but it was, dare he say, fascinating to watch. Spock stood, stiff and cold, with a slightly amused expression on his lean face, as Kirk vented his frustration on him. But Kirk was too busy yelling to notice that his ever stoic, Vulcan First Officer was slowly creeping toward the verge of smiling at him. The captain was not really mad, couldn't ever be mad at Spock, and the doctor had serious doubts about Spock even being able to be angry.
"What do you mean you'd come to that conclusion days ago?" Kirk asked accusingly.
"Exactly as I stated and you just restated, Captain, I had come to that same conclusion approximately 3.82 days ago." Spock replied coolly.
"Approximately," McCoy chuckled, speaking for the first time since joining Kirk on his quest for the science officer. They'd succeeded in finding him in his quarters, where they now stood.
Kirk ignored McCoy's input into the conversation. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I had no concrete evidence with which to back it."
"No concrete evidence?"
"Yes, Captain. I am still unsure about the evidence I have since received."
"Spock there is never going to be any concrete evidence for such a conclusion!"
"Indeed," Spock matched Kirk's heated frustration with his own calm, "unless, of course, there are witnesses."
Kirk exploded, "There won't be any witnesses as long as she's locked herself in her quarters and changed the override code! We can't get to her, damnit!"
Taking a step back, Spock closed his eyes, Kirk's loud assault beating fiercely against his sensitive eardrums. "Then I believe this argument is irrelevant," he stated, opening his eyes and looking straight at Kirk.
Kirk immediately quieted as the reason for Spock's reaction registered in his mind. "I'm sorry, Spock," he apologized, "I believe you may be right. How did she know to change the override?"
"That, Captain, is also irrelevant. The questions now are, what means are currently available to Lieutenant Montgomery to allow her to accomplish her task, how do we reach her, and if we fail to reach her, how do we cut off such resources?"
"Thank the lord for logic," McCoy murmured before slumping, uninvited, into the chair behind Spock's desk.
"Your gratitude is unfounded, Doctor," Spock reprimanded him, "there was no deity involved."
McCoy scowled.
"Okay then, Spock," Kirk cut in, "one step at a time. Is there a way to know what she's doing in there? Maybe a way to see into the room?"
"None that I am aware of," Spock replied.
"How about a list of standard items in a guest cabin? She didn't bring anything on board with her."
"Probable, Captain."
"All right," Kirk smiled, happy to finally be getting somewhere, "Get on that as soon as we're done here." Spock had the most detailed knowledge of the ship's computers. "Analyze everything for potential danger."
"Aye, sir."
"Bones," the captain shifted his gaze to the doctor, "I need you to go over absolutely everything you know about Lieutenant Montgomery."
"I've already been through her medical files, Jim," McCoy replied, sitting straighter and placing both hands fat, palm down on the deck, "they're all a lie."
Kirk seemed unfazed by the profound uncovering. "Everything, Doctor, personal history, psych files…whatever you can find. Have Uhura help. She might be able to contact past commanders or something. Just not," Kirk's expression hardened, "Admiral Connell. He doesn't need to know."
"Captain," Spock spoke up, "he is…"
"I know, Spock," Kirk replied quickly, "he doesn't need to know."
"All right, Jim," McCoy changed the subject, "I'll get right on it, though it may take a while."
That's fine, Bones, report any findings. Perhaps with some information, we can dissuade her. I'll talk with Scotty to see if there's any way to get in." Kirk sighed.
"One question, Captain, if I may," Spock said.
"Go ahead."
"How can we be so sure she is planning to end her life at this moment?"
The doctor scoffed, "I think it's a little obvious."
Spock looked at McCoy, his face expressionless, his voice a little more forceful. "On my planet, Doctor, such emotional turmoil is rare, but I assure you, it happens. On such occasions, we have certain meditations to regain control. Interruption is mentally and emotionally dangerous."
"Great, Spock!" McCoy exclaimed, "If you're ever in the same situation, we'll know what to do!"
"Lieutenant Montgomery had had extensive Vulcan training."
"I understand what you're getting at, Spock." Kirk looked to the door. "But from the erratic display of behavior, I think that's a risk we'll have to take."
"Understandable, Captain, but may I suggest an open mind," Spock paused unnoticeably and looked at McCoy, "form all parties."
"Of course," Kirk replied.
McCoy scowled.