A/N: You'll notice this chapter is much shorter. Not every episode has the same level of K/S development be it friendship or more. So, this chapter is not as in-depth as the last. It does however show the progression from Pike to Kirk's command style and how it is still a work in progress.


When Captain Kirk returned to the Enterprise minus Bailey he found Spock waiting for him in the transporter room. Spock just raised an eyebrow at him in question and Jim shrugged, a wide grin on his face. "What can I say, Mr. Spock. We passed the test."

"Test, Captain?" Spock asked, following Jim out into the corridor. "I take it the mission went well? And where is Mr. Bailey?"

The doctor smirked. "Oh, getting filled to the gills with Tranya I'd wager. We left him behind for a cultural exchange. Jim thinks it'll do him good."

"And you agreed, Doctor." Jim smacked the CMO on the back and the group split, the doctor heading for sick-bay while Kirk and Spock continued to the officer's quarters. They entered the turbolift and Kirk flipped the com switch and gave orders to the bridge to depart to their next coordinates to continue the star mapping.

"Well, Mr. Spock. Quite a day." Jim grinned but felt his smile falter at the look on the Vulcan's face. "What is it?"

Spock drew up straight and quirked his eyebrow. "I am not accustomed to being left behind when the captain goes to 'face the unknown.' I must admit that I do not relish the experience."

Jim frowned. "I needed you here, Spock. If it had been a trap I'd have needed you to take care of the Enterprise, get her out off here. I couldn't have trusted her to anyone else." Jim smiled at his fellow officer and risked a hand on his arm. "You are the best first officer in the fleet and there will be times when you'll have to take command over an away mission."

They exited the turbolift and Jim still had a hold of Spock's arm, nearly forcing him into his quarters. "Don't tell me you're jealous, Spock!" Jim smiled softly at the incredulous look on Spock's face. "I know, you don't like to be left behind, can't say I blame you. I take point when regs say it should be the first officer because I can't bear to sit back and wait myself."

Spock sat down stiffly. "It is not the waiting, Jim. It is the danger you faced alone. I could not assist you from the bridge. Even without my presence the Enterprise would have been commanded well enough by either Mr.'s Scott or Sulu to disengage and leave the area. You did not have adequate assistance should a problem have arisen while on Balok's ship. The doctor is not security trained and Mr. Bailey had already proven his tendency to panic."

Kirk took out two glasses and poured them both a drink. "Good thing Balok was really a small funny little fuzzy eye browed alien then. I really hope he's not like your father. Sort of the anti-Vulcan really."

Spock's eyebrow rose again and shook his head. "I will look forward to reading your report."

"No need." Kirk flipped a switch on his desk. "Captain's log..." He began his report letting Spock listen to everything live rather than making him wait till later for answers.

When he got done dictating his report he refilled both their glasses. "So, what do you think? Second big crisis of my command. How am I measuring up?"

Spock leaned back in his chair and contemplated his answer. "Your respect for life is admirable. Your handling of the situation with Mr. Bailey was interesting."

"Meaning?" Jim leaned across the desk.

Spock took a moment to answer. "You entered the situation with what appeared to be amusement and what my mother would have called a peaceful joy. You seemed excited by the prospect of an adventure and found Mr. Bailey's attitude to the probe to be entertaining." Spock gave a small frown. "When Balok failed to behave as you expected him to, against what you saw as logical for a being in his position, you became quickly agitated."

Jim nodded. "He pissed me off. Here I am trying to teach Bailey a lesson and the damn object of that lesson won't behave himself."

Spock's eyes positively twinkled. "Jim, you are an unorthodox captain. That being said, I do believe you will do well. You need to stop questioning yourself after every mission, however."

"Oh I'm not questioning myself. I'm questioning you." Jim smirked at Spock's raised brow. "Look, you've been on this ship for years. Everyone knows you. The easy comradery you have with Sulu and Scotty is palpable. Newbies like Bailey and I, well we don't fit into the picture yet. I know that in order to win over the rest of the crew I've got to win over you. I'm just getting a progress report on that. After all, I've only been here about a month. Most of the crew had been with Pike for several years."

"There is no comparison between the two of you, Jim." Spock sipped his drink. "Pike was an officer first, a friend second if at all. You command with more personal attention, more care. It is difficult for some to adjust to, but once the switch is made the crew will respond favorably to you. Have you been given any reason to believe otherwise? It has been my observation that the change of command has gone smoothly and that any resistance to your style of command has been put to rest, with the noticeable exception of Dr. McCoy. Although from his StarFleet record it would appear this is his normal behavior pattern."

"No, no I haven't." Jim smiled softly. "Just want to make sure. You're a hard man to get loyalty out of, Spock. I've heard tell of those that have tried and failed to gain your respect."

"You have already gained my respect and my loyalty, Captain. You need no longer question it." Spock stood up from the table. "At some point we will need to discuss this game of poker you mimicked today. I believe it may be in my best interests to learn when you are bluffing. You appear quite skilled in the art."

Jim laughed and shook his head. "Act of desperation I assure you. Still can't believe it worked."

"Luck is not logical." Spock looked away. "But I find that when dealing with humans it is often the only logical explanation."

"Thanks, I think." Jim smiled and Spock started to turn to leave. "Oh, and Mr. Spock?"

"Yes, Captain?" Spock turned back and raised a brow in question.

"Can you get the crew to stop yelling orders back and forth across the bridge? I'm not deaf and I don't need information parroted back."

"It is regulation." Spock cocked his head. "However, it is also your bridge. I will pass your request on to the rest of brew crew. So long as StarFleet does not lodge a complaint at the lack of decorum the crew will most likely be willing to comply." With that, he stepped out into the corridor letting the door swish shut.

Kirk sat at his desk for a long moment before shaking his head. That Vulcan still confused him.