Holodeck 1 # The Rollercoaster
"Whose idea was this again?" Kirk frowns as they approach the rollercoaster that has recently been programmed into the holodeck simulation.
"I do believe it was yours Captain" Spock returns impassively.
"No, it can't have been –"
"Oh it was so!" Bones confirms, Spock half chancing to dart a look at him that suggests he is just as nervous when the doctor agrees with him than vice versa.
"Sorry as I am to confirm the doctor's opinion –" Bones shoots Spock a glare right back – "You did indeed say - and I believe this is verbatim "It'll be great fun! It's a great way to relax!"
"Spock don't repeat my tone as well as my words it's very disconcerting."
"I am sorry captain. Though I have to say I fail to see the appeal of this activity and am uncertain as to how it works."
"What do you mean "How it works?"" frowns Bones.
"For example – how long does this thing you call a ride last?"
Kirk shrugs enormously.
"How long is a piece of string?"
Spock stops walking as the captain and doctor carry on, reaching the start of the ride. He frowns, looks thoughtful and says –
"Surely it would depend upon the piece of string?"
"What?" Kirk calls back over his shoulder.
"Moreover I do not see the relevance of your question at this time."
Kirk sighs, not quite as deeply as Bones.
"It's an expression Spock it means – well, as you say it means it depends upon the event itself."
"Captain a piece of string is not an event –"
"God damn it Spock just get in a seat!"
Spock watches the others get mistrustfully for a while and eventually gets in after them carefully. Seconds later they clatter down the tracks at a rate of knots, Kirk whooping, Bones yelling "THIS IS NOT RELAXING!" and Spock sitting placidly watching the tracks go by with a continuously contemplative and utterly placid expression.
"Why?" Bones wails as they get off – "Why do I let you talk me into these things? I'm gonna die."
"Come on Bones! That was fun! Let's do it again!"
"Not on your damned life!"
"Spock? Oh why am I even –"
"On the contrary Jim I will join you in repeating this experience."
Kirk's eyes widen in delight –
"Spock? Did you actively enjoy so illogical an experience?"
It is highly possible that Spock makes one of those barely perceptible smiles that only Kirk can see.
"I am not certain Captain" he replies smoothly, utterly deadpan – "Hence the necessity to try it again."
Kirk grins with no attempt to hide it, deciding to himself that before the day is out he will have brought Spock round to the concept of waving one's arms in the air and screaming as they go round.
_x_
I've not been around for a while due to holidaying at the best theme park ever in Holland….needless to say I just got back today and HAD to write this! :-)