The Enterprise

Spock stood in awe as he beheld the starship Enterprise for the first time. Its sleek design and imposing size were a testament to the technological prowess of Starfleet. As he stood on the observation deck, absorbing the sight, when a woman in a red uniform approached him.

"Welcome to the USS Enterprise, Lieutenant Commander Spock," she greeted him with a warm smile. "I'm Lieutenant Uhura, and I've been assigned to help you get situated."

"Thank you, Lieutenant Uhura," Spock replied, his tone polite but reserved. "This vessel is quite impressive. I am eager to begin my duties."

"Well, those duties do not start until tomorrow, Mr Spock. Captain Kirk will have my head otherwise. Believes new members of the crew need to be well rested, have a tour of our ship as well, and meet fellow crew members, especially those they will be working closely with."

"Considering Kirk hand-picks all the crew I would say your head is very safe where it is."

Uhura stops in her tracks. "Sorry, I was joking Mr Spock, we're mostly human on this ship and I forgot myself. Our human ways or sayings might take some getting used to for a Vulcan. You'll learn we don't always say what we exactly mean. I know it's not logical. It's just how we form bonds with others, especially on this ship. We're more like family and we like to keep it that way."

Spock had of course had multiple run-ins with humans before now during his research, however their interactions and forming relationships had never been explained in such a manner before.

"Shifts are strictly ten hours apart unless there's an emergency and your senior crew like ourselves. I'm the polyglot, translator, and communications officer, so we'll be seeing a lot of each other. Off shift most of the members of the crew will refer to each other by using first names, Captain believed it to bring us closer together. I prefer to use my last. We're a bit unconventional on the ship as you do not need to be in uniform when off shift. Another thing our captain added to help us all relax between shifts and boost working morale."

"I prefer to be known as Spock. My Vulcan name is long and difficult to pronounce for humans."

"Good to know," Uhura said, as she gestured towards the ship. "Shall we then? I'll show you the way to your quarters first, then the traditional tour around the ship. Might meet some more of the crew whilst we are at it."

Spock followed behind her.

"May I inquire about Captain Kirk? What are your thoughts?"

"As a Captain? Do you mean?"

"I am to be the first officer. I have yet to meet the Captian and first impressions are important."

Uhura coughed. "Sorry, don't mind me. Something funny came to mind," she cleared her throat, "Captain Kirk is one of the most dedicated and courageous leaders I've ever served under. Passionate about crew members and every mission. Has a way of inspiring those onboard this ship to perform at their best. Will promote those who deserve it."

"Then why have the senior members been looked over for the last three years?"

Uhura stopped abruptly. "No one wanted to fight over the job. Kirk couldn't choose between us and we wouldn't let Kirk make the choice. Doctor McCoy did Kirk the favour of acting as the first officer for a year but that's because they are best friends and we were grounded that year. It is not that the Captain thinks any of the team is incapable Mr Spock. Kirk just had too many people in which to choose from."

"I did not intend to offend. I was simply curious. The regulations are quite clear and when Admiral Pike informed me such one had been broken -"

"Delayed Mr. Spock. Not broken. Kirk had permission. Do you think we would have been allowed to have any missions without it?"

"No of course not."

Uhura began walking again, pointing out the deck levels as they went. "There is one thing you should know before working with Captain Kirk."

"What is that precisely?"

"Our Captain loves to use unconventional strategies and quick thinking in difficult situations."

Spock raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Unconventional strategies, you say? That suggests a certain level of unpredictability."

"Indeed," Uhura nodded. "But it's precisely that unpredictability that often turns the tide in our favor. Kirk trusts their instincts and encourages the crew to think outside the box. You might find Kirk's methods different from what you're used to, but they have a way of working out."

"I see," Spock responded thoughtfully. "It will be... enlightening to observe that command style firsthand."

"I'm sure it will be, Mr. Spock," Uhura said. "And I think you'll find that the Captain values and respects the unique perspectives and expertise of every member of the crew, including yours. Besides it's not the Captain you should worry about. It's us."

"What do you mean?"

"I told you. We are like family here. We have the Captain's back. Doctor McCoy will be harder to impress than others and he won't let anyone hurt Kirk - which most of the time includes the Captain hurting themself - but I digress."

"Uhara!" Came a thick Scottish accent. "Arh this must be our new first officer."

"Lieutenant Commander Spock this is Lieutenant Commander Montgomery Scott."

"Welcome aboard the Enterprise! Call me Scotty; everyone does. I work in engineering."

"Scotty keeps the Enterprise running -"

"And you would all be lost without me. The Enterprise is a fine ship, but she's always got a few surprises up her sleeve. Keeps us on our toes."

"Don't let Kirk hear you talking about the ship like that. You two always get into a fight over who loves her more."

"It's not even close lass, not even close. I best be off. Engine to check and a departure to prepare for."

"I'll leave you to get settled in. The mess hall is up the -"

"I am fully aware of the route in which we took and remember where you said it was located."

"If you have any questions, please just use the comms."

Spock had no intention of resting however, one had made sure his belongings were in his assigned room, he made his way through the corridors of the Enterprise, familiarizing himself with the layout and the various sections of the ship. And to see if he could find out where Jamie's post on the ship was. He wondered if they would be working closely together.

Spock enters the mess hall with a clear purpose and logical intent to locate Jamie. His expression is calm and composed, his posture straight and methodical. As he scans the room he fails to find her insight. He was sure Admiral Pike said that today was the last day the crew of Enterprise had to rest. Other members of the crew were joking around in the mess hall, all in civilian clothing.

"Can we help you Lieutenant Commander?" came a friendly voice from close by. "Food, drink? Replicator is over there."

"I am fine for the moment thank you -" Spock gestured towards the man.

"Doctor Leonard McCoy. Though the Captain tends to call me Bones because you will in doubt hear it being shouted across the halls over the comms, through the corridors and most importantly the medical bay, however, only the Captain can do so. We go way back and the nickname just won't budge no matter how much I ask it to."

"Uhura mentioned you were very well acquainted with Captain Kirk."

"If you tell Kirk I said this, you are in big trouble. We're best friends. We were like family before the Captaincy. So yeah we're acquainted."

"I have yet to meet with Captain Kirk today."

"Oh, you won't. Just the way Kirk is. First meet is always on the bridge."

"That is a rather intriguing approach."

McCoy shrugs his shoulders. "When you've worked with Kirk as long as I have nothing is surprising. Welcome to the team. Have a great first shift. Eat, rest, and get to know a few others. That's what the Captain wanted you to do today and that's what you shall do."

Spock finds himself detained in the mess hall for over an hour whilst McCoy introduces him to Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu and Pavel Chekov. Jamie does not enter the mess hall the entire time he is there. Spock will just have to wait for another opportunity. Now he is on the same ship as his T'hy'la he will be able to locate her easier.

A.N. Yes the whole crew abides by Captain Kirk's rule of not informing anyone that she is the captain of the Enterprise until well she does. Because they know exactly what she is like and well they happen to love their captain and indulge in her ways. Hence Uhura's cough for she knew Spock would not be on the ship without Jamie meeting him.