Kirk

As Spock entered the bridge of the Enterprise for the first time, he observed the commanding presence of the Captain's empty chair. The hum of the ship's systems and the focused activity of the crew filled the air. Spock, known for his logical demeanor and keen observational skills, took in the scene with a measured gaze.

The captain's chair, positioned centrally and prominently on the bridge, symbolized the authority and responsibility that came with command of the starship. For Spock, a Vulcan officer whose logical mind was tempered by a deep respect for hierarchy and protocol, the sight of the empty chair was a reminder of the chain of command and the critical role of leadership in Starfleet operations.

Despite the absence of Captain Kirk at that moment, Spock understood the importance of maintaining order and readiness on the bridge. His presence added to the sense of discipline and focus among the crew, reflecting his commitment to duty and his readiness to assume any role required for the ship's mission.

As Spock stood on the bridge, his sharp eyes taking in every detail, he embodied the spirit of Starfleet: steadfast, disciplined, and prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead in the vast expanse of space.

This was not exactly how he thought his introduction would go even though he had met two of his fellow crew members on the bridge he met yesterday either in the mess hall or Lieutenant Uhura who escorted him around the ship.

It was his Captain's job to introduce him and Kirk was nowhere to be seen. Spock has calculated that Kirk is exactly running twelve minutes late. Spock looks around at the team who seem unfazed by the empty chair.

Uhura is seated at the communications station, monitors incoming transmissions, and ensures the ship's communication systems are functioning flawlessly. Her sharp ears and quick reflexes make her indispensable, ready to relay any critical information at a moment's notice.

Sulu is at the helm hecks the navigation systems, adjusting their course as needed. His skillful handling of the ship's controls ensures a smooth journey through space. He takes a moment to exchange a knowing glance with Chekov, the young and enthusiastic navigator beside him, who is busy cross-referencing star maps and planetary data.

Scotty, the chief engineer, isn't physically present on the bridge, but his presence is felt through the intercom. His voice crackles through the speakers, updating the bridge on the status of the warp drive and other essential systems.

McCoy briefly announces over the intercom that all medical personnel, stock, and systems are ready.

Yet there was still no sight of the Captain. Just what was keeping Kirk? Had some type of unknown emergency come up? Why had he not been involved if there was one after all he is the First Offer.

As the crew carries out their duties with precision, the sound of the turbo-lift doors swishing open captures their attention.

Sulu announces to everyone, "Captain on deck!"

The crew quickly stands at attention.

Spock has no idea what he should expect from the captain Uhura told him so much about. Spock straightens himself out. What he doesn't expect is to see his T'hy'la walking onto the deck dressed in the Captain's uniform.

Jamie smiles broadly at the whole team. "At ease, everyone. I'd like to introduce you all to our new science officer and First Officer, Lieutenant Commander Spock. He'll be joining us as part of our family."

Jamie was Kirk. His T'hy'la was Captain Kirk. No one had informed him that - not even Pike. Spock could think of no reason why Jamie would not introduce herself properly when they had bumped into each other. But then Spock recalls his conversation with Uhura. 'Our Captain loves to use unconventional strategies.' Spock realises that this is just another one of her strategies.

"Thank you, Captain. I look forward to working with you."

Spock stares at his T'hy'la in wonder. She has given him much to think over. They will be working closely together. He will have to make sure he as the human expression goes treads very lightly into having the conversation he needs to have with her. Now is not the time. The matter is private. A topic completely for her ears alone.

Spock schools his feature once more, focusing on his duty to the mission once more. Jamie's attention is now on her PADD.

"Sulu?" she asks.

"All systems are functioning within normal parameters, Captain," Sulu replies, his tone calm and precise. "We are ready to proceed on your orders."

Jamie nods, taking her seat in the captain's chair, storing the PADD away. She looks around at her crew, a sense of pride and trust evident in her eyes. With a subtle smile, she gives the command.

"Engage."

It's been four weeks and Spock has not gotten a chance to engage in a private conversation with Jamie. Kirk has the senior members of the crew rostered onto four days working, two days off pattern between the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma shifts and it continues in that rotation. Spock has yet to fathom why the pattern is so, it is unnerving walking into the science labs never knowing who exactly is on shift for the first few weeks. It does mean he learns his fellow officers' names rather quickly.

However in those four weeks, most of the staff nod at him respectfully, but Spock sees the untrustful look in their eyes. He is not sure what he can do to change that look other than get on with his duties. He understands his demeanor comes across as a little harsh, his expectations of his staff and their knowledge are high and he wants them to work to the best of their abilities. But he does not think that is a reason for the staff members to not trust him. Spock cannot think of a logical reason why his colleagues do not trust him.

Spock is back on the bridge waiting once again for the arrival of Jamie. The first thing Spock learns about Jamie is that she is always late for her shift. He knows Jamie is aware of her time keeping she mentioned it to him when they first met. Sometimes she'll be over an hour other times she'll be twenty minutes. The latest Spock has calculated her to arrive late to shift was thirty seconds short of three hours. She gave no reason for her lateness, updated herself with their mission, and sat in her chair. Yet, no one demands an answer from her.

His T'hy'la puzzles him so.

Today though Spock decides that enough is enough. Jamie is now five hours late for her shift.

Spock opens up his PADD to find the location of their current missing Captain. Her location puzzles him. She is currently on the science deck near his lab. He most certainly would have been notified of an emergency there. Spock needed to find out what was going on once and for all.

Spock entered the Science deck and headed in the direction of his lab. His brisk pace got him to his destination in under five minutes. Spock halts the moment he rounds the corner, he hears her before and sees her with a young male science technician.

"Lieutenant Junior Tormolen!"

Jamie's tone demands attention. Even he snaps to attention. The young man abruptly stops talking, standing to attention.

"Now that I have your full attention, would you like a cup of tea or a different hot beverage - coffee is my go-to?"

"Captain?" Tormolen questions.

Jamie laughs, patting his shoulder. Spock feels a spark of jealousy.

"We've all been where you are Joe. Young, wanting to impress. Rushing to the wrong conclusions."

Tormolen looks rather sheepish. "Slight oversight on my part Captain I should have seen that it was such a simple error. Please don't fire me. You only gave me this promotion a week ago - I will learn I promise -"

"And here I thought I talked far too much," Jamie laughs, "I'm not going to fire you because you called me down here when you thought there was a technical failure. That's my job. You see a problem I come along to fix it. I go where I'm needed. I can do that Joe because I have faith in my crew to do their jobs without me telling them and directing them all the time. This includes my senior members currently on the bridge."

"But there wasn't one and I wasted -"

"You did not waste my time."

"The mistake was so simple. I feel like I let you down -"

"Do you know why I ask my crew to hail me if they think they spot a problem? Because believe me, it's not because I like the stress it causes. It is not because I do not think my technicians cannot do their jobs either. I do so because I do not want my crew terrified of notifying me when something major does go wrong. What if we had to switch the air supply - would you be feeling like you're wasting my time then?"

Tormolen goes to answer her but Jamie stops him. "Rthertoical question Joe. Don't answer it."

"My point is I like my crew knowing I'm approachable no matter what the situation is - for that is what I should be approachable: you want to request leave, fine I'll give it to you, you need advice - sure step into my office. There's an issue to deal with that needs my attention - I'm there. So dust yourself off. Learn from the mistake and get back to it. That is an order, Joe."

"Yes, Captain," Tormolen states firmly. "And Captian?"

"Yes, Joe?"

"Thanks."