Title: Loyalty
Characters: Kirk, Spock
Rating: K+
Word Count: 400
Summary/Warnings: Just a little fun with the Ultimate Computer episode (which had like the best series-moment-ever in it).
Dinner had been silent due to the lack of crewmen in the mess hall, but not uncomfortably so; he was grateful for the solitude, because that meant he could get away with a public display of gratitude without embarrassing his Vulcan companion.
"For what you said, on the Bridge today, Spock," he clarified simply, in answer to the query. "At that moment, I didn't think anything could make me feel better, but you sure did."
His First Officer barely looked up from his vegetables. "I assure you, Captain, your state of mind was merely a pleasant side benefit. I was simply stating the truth to an audience who apparently was not aware of it."
Kirk smiled, not fooled in the least. "Well, whatever the reason, it made things a lot more bearable."
The Vulcan inclined his head graciously. "I do not profess to understand the feelings you express, Captain, but in that case perhaps it would make you 'feel even better' to know that I have filed a report against Commodore Wesley."
Kirk paused mid-bite, staring. "A report for what?" he asked, incredulous.
Spock calmly finished his last bite before answering. "For inappropriate and insulting verbal conduct toward a Starship Captain, and in front of subordinates."
Kirk's eyes softened perceptibly. "You'll never get that to stick."
The Vulcan's eyebrows inclined in a graceful shrug. "Perhaps not. But at least the protest will be logged in the official record."
"You probably shouldn't have done it, y'know," Kirk added fondly. "Wesley could make it miserable for you; I should know. I hope you weren't too hard on him."
"I believe, Captain, that you would much prefer the phrasing of my report to how Doctor McCoy suggested I word the document."
"Oh?" He hid his grin in his half-filled cup of Vulcan tea; stronger than any coffee the selectors could make, and more soothing after this black hole of a day. "Why didn't you take his advice?"
The Vulcan considered for a moment, face a mask of seriousness. "For one thing, the wording was highly emotional, Captain." Kirk grinned. "For another," his First Officer continued thoughtfully, "I believe it is anatomically impossible for the Commodore to –"
The only other two crewmembers in the mess hall stared bug-eyed as their captain sprayed tea all over his First Officer, hooting with laughter.
Oddly enough, the Vulcan did not seem to mind in the least.