Captain Kirk said goodnight to Dr. McCoy and made his way over to Sickbay, where Dr. M'Benga was alternating Dr. McCoy's shifts with Nurse Chapel. Dr. M'Benga would not start as Dr. McCoy's step in, until after Christmas vacation had started. For the moment, Nurse Chapel was the one on duty; Dr. M'Benga was working quietly in his office with the doors open.
Captain Kirk knocked softly on Dr. M'Benga's doors. He didn't wish to disturb him, if he was too terribly busy. Dr. M'Benga looked up and nodded.
"Good evening, Captain," Dr. M'Benga spoke, smiling.
"You got a minute," Captain Kirk asked, weary.
"Please, have a seat," Dr. M'Benga answered, willingly.
Captain Kirk sat down in the chair across from Dr. M'Benga's desk.
"What's up," Dr. M'Benga questioned.
"It's Spock," Captain Kirk began.
"What about Spock,"
"He's been acting…very…strange, lately."
"Strange as in how,"
"He's been very moody and seemed to look half dead in a way. Another thing, he's become less social than for liking."
"Could be a simple Vulcan bug, but I'll give him a thorough examination."
"Thank you, Dr. M'Benga,"
Dr. M'Benga nodded and dismissed Captain Kirk.
Captain Kirk reported to duty early the next morning. He was greeted by a cheery Scotty. He assumed it was because Christmas was so near, and they would all get a day off to spend it with their friends on the ship.
"Morning, Captain," Scotty spoke, with a smile.
"Morning, Scotty; have you heard anything from Spock?" Captain Kirk questioned.
"Not recently, why, sir?"
"Oh…nothing in particular."
The turbo lift doors opened, and Spock entered onto the Bridge without a word. He had the same glassed over look in his eyes as he had the night before, and his skin was, in fact, more pale for its usual color. He sat down at his station quietly and began working.
Captain Kirk and Scotty stared at Spock then back at each other.
"Scotty…is Spock acting strange to you, or is it just me?" Captain Kirk whispered. He worried of Spock hearing him, considering his recent behavior.
"He does seem a little disconnected, but besides that, I don't see anything wrong." Scotty answered, softly.
Captain Kirk nodded.
"Just watch for a minute, Scotty." Captain Kirk softly, answered.
"Aye, sir," Scotty answered.
Captain Kirk walked over to Spock and lightly tapped the Vulcan on his shoulder. Spock turned around to Captain Kirk, who was forcing a smile on his face.
"Good morning, Mr. Spock; how are we, today?" Captain Kirk asked, sounding as if nothing were wrong.
Spock raised his eyebrow.
"Fine, Captain," Spock answered, somewhat aggravated with Captain Kirk's presence. Without another word, he turned around in his chair and continued work.
"Mr. Spock, when you go on your break, today, I would like you to report to Sickbay for a physical exam." Captain Kirk ordered.
"I'm very busy, Captain," Spock answered, annoyed.
"Spock," Spock cut Captain Kirk off.
"Listen, I said I was busy and that I have work that needs my attention. If you excuse me, I'm off to my quarters for some privacy." Spock answered, harshly.
Spock wandered off to the turbo lift and left the Bridge.
Captain Kirk, shocked, slowly turned back to Scotty.
"He is acting a little weird; Mr. Spock never loses it like that, Captain." Scotty stated.
"So…what's wrong with him?" Captain Kirk asked, still worried.