He did not check his appearance, as he knew it was satisfactory. He simply exited his quarters and headed to shuttle bay 4.
It was not a mandatory function hence the dress code - formal civilian attire.
The official decommissioning ceremony had taken place yesterday evening.
The shuttle bay had been transformed into a grand ballroom, complete with chandeliers brought via shuttle from Earth. Starfleet Quartermaster had not wanted to risk even a single molecule out of place. There was also a decadent buffet of what appeared to be every possible Terran food and alcoholic beverages from every continent on the planet.
It was a grand affair.
The entire crew, it would appear, had decided to remain on board for one more night in honor of the occasion.
A full orchestra was positioned against one wall in a specially constructed bandstand. Thick red carpet had been laid everywhere but the dance floor. Mr. Scott had worked many long hours on the project.
The partygoers included family and friends of the Enterprise crew as well as dignitaries from various districts on Earth. This morning the announcement had come in that the Federation's President would be attending as well. The additional security necessary had almost precluded his attendance. However in the end, Federation security had stepped in and taken over, and for once Spock was grateful. He and Sulu had coordinated ship's security with Federation forces to make for a seamless and secure party.
He thought again about his own plan for the evening.
It was not logical. That much was certain.
Perhaps it was the illogic of it that appealed to him so much. It had become somewhat satisfying to take his friends by surprise with an uncharacteristic display.
He had decided that tonight was the night to - how had McCoy put it? Oh yes – 'pay up'.
Although he had never been able to prove his contention that the good doctor had cheated, he would not break his promise.
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
"Full House, Mr. Spock! That's just great! You're really getting the hang of this game."
"Thank you, Doctor. Now if you will excuse me."
"Not so fast there, Son. I think it's a mighty fine hand, but I'm afraid it just doesn't beat a Royal Flush."
# # # # # # # # # # # # #
The image of the cards spread neatly on the round green table was still as fresh in his mind as that day only 2.6 months ago.
He did not sigh, however.
The doctor had won, and this was his final chance to "pay up".
So tonight, Spock would dance.