Starbase 11 part 2

Jamie takes a seat towards the back, her eyes following Spock as he moves to the front of the room.

Spock begins his presentation one more, his voice calm and precise. "as I was about to say - I am Lieutenant Commander Spock, and today I will present my research on the subspace anomalies recently detected in the Beta Quadrant."

He taps a control panel, and the large screen lights up with a holographic representation of a region of space, highlighting various anomalies. Spock's calculations and theories are displayed alongside.

"As you can see," he continues, "these anomalies exhibit properties that suggest the presence of a previously undocumented form of subspace interference. My calculations indicate that this interference is not random, but rather exhibits a pattern that could have significant implications for our understanding of subspace dynamics."

He delves into the details, explaining his methodology, the data he has gathered, and the mathematical models he has developed to support his hypotheses. The board members listen intently, occasionally nodding or jotting down notes.

Jamie is impressed. She can tell instantly how hard Spock must have researched on this. The time and dedication it had taken. She can see the depth of his knowledge and the precision of his logic shining through in every word he speaks.

As Spock concludes his presentation, he turns to the board. "I am confident that further exploration and analysis of these anomalies will yield valuable insights, not only into subspace physics but also into the potential for new technologies that could enhance Starfleet's capabilities."

The room is silent for a moment, then Admiral Pike, who is chairing the meeting, speaks up. "Thank you, Mr. Spock. Your presentation was thorough and enlightening. I believe I speak for everyone when I say that your research holds great promise."

The other board members echo Pike's sentiments, expressing their appreciation for Spock's work. Spock acknowledges their praise with a slight nod, maintaining his somewhat stiff composure.

Ever since they had bumped into each other Spock had played on her mind. She wasn't sure why that was though. It was not unusual for it to happen. It's how most of her crew got picked. She had a gut feeling. Which was important to her, especially after what happened four years ago, why Pike was now an Admiral, and how she came to be Captain of the first ship she had been assigned to. A member of Pike's crew. It was weird when she thought of it like that. Sometimes she felt like she still did not deserve the title or lived up to it.

"Some people were just born to do the job others rise to the occasion. You were both."

Jamie shakes the words Pike spoke to her when she gained the title of Captain out of her thoughts. Her attention is back on Spock. Uhura had spoken very highly of all his research. "He could give Scotty a ran for his money." Jamie snorted quietly. At the time she did not think much of Uhura's comment. But she had started reading his research and then got engrossed in it for days. Spock's research was unlike anyone else's she had known. So their little meet in the corridor was completely on purpose. Jamie had wanted to size him up herself. Face-to-face. She had not expected to be held within his grasp for so long nor had she expected to see such vulnerability in a Vulcan's eyes. It was only for mere seconds before he closed himself off again.

"What did you make of it?" Pike asks her quietly. Jamie turns her head towards him. She knows she can be honest with him, because when is she not and Pike is also her father figure after her own passed away when she was young.

"Fascinating is an understatement. Did you see his theory on warp speed - if he could work on a ship researching that theory it could change the distance covered - families could be reunited sooner - we could go deeper into charted space."

"And what did you make of him? I know you by now that run-in of yours was on purpose."

"There's something - I just don't know what- can he be trusted? You know I value your opinion."

"Have you read his file?"

"Of course I have. Files only say so much. He's one to follow the rules - makes most of the rules from what I can tell - but can he be trusted? We can't have what happened -"

"And sometimes you question why I made you Captain four years ago. You've been flying with your crew for three."

"Only because you wouldn't let us go on any missions that first year."

"Do you think the crew were ready for it? Or you for that matter -"

"Don't tell Bones I said this," Jamie stated, "but no, no one was. It still, well it plagues my mind sometimes. Especially when you gave me only three years to find a first officer I could trust. And I didn't - I can't choose between my senior crew members - we're family and it will cause -" Pike gives her a look of boredom. "Right shutting up!"

Pike is silent for a moment taking in the atmosphere of the busy room consulting with Spock. "Spock is not only highly logical and intelligent, but he also has a unique perspective that can be incredibly valuable in difficult situations. That is why his research is so good. He is a valid member of the team and any ship would be lucky to have him. His experience and calm demeanor can help balance the dynamic on the bridge. He is loyal and dedicated to his job. If the matter comes down to trust then Jamie that is something you are going to have to build with him, I cannot do that for you. However if you do not appoint him, I will. I get a feeling I'm not going to need to do that though, am I? That gut feeling of yours has not steered you wrong yet."

"What happens when it does?"

"Then logic is what you will need."

They are silent for a moment. The board members are slowly starting to make their way out.

"So can I tell him he's transferred to the Enterprise or not?"

"Under much duress," Jamie teases, "you can appoint him as first officer. I hope you're not wrong about him."

"You say that about all the crew you appointed. Admittedly this is not how I thought our conversation would go. Thought you'd be putting up more of a fight."

"Oh sorry," Jamie apologised, "I can channel rage me if you want - how about - you can't do this to me or how dare you?"

Pike laughed, "Much better. Want to introduce yourself properly to him now or wait until his arrival?"

"Tell him to meet the crew on the last day of rest bite, give him the co-ordinates. You know my rule. No one finds out I'm Captain until they are on my ship."