Vulcan
Gabrielle Carlotti's resignation left the crew in need of a skilled nurse. This is how Spock now finds himself standing on the transporter minutes away from being back on his home planet. This would be the first time since his recruitment that he would get to witness Jamie's method of hiring her staff firsthand. Although, he had advised her not to use her usual methods with his fellow Vulcans. Spock had been warned of her unconventional strategies upon his arrival on the ship, for a race that relied on logical solutions he knew his fellow Vulcans would not approve.
"Are we sure we want to interview T'Lara's too - and risk having another Vulcan on this ship? Isn't one emotionless being enough?"
"She comes highly recommend Bones."
"Because your First Officer recommended her."
That particular statement was true. Spock had mentioned T'Lara's impeccable record as soon as Jamie mentioned in passing that she was having trouble narrowing down possible candidates for the role. Doctor McCoy was just as particular as she was regarding staffing. But since Jamie had revealed to him why she truly handpicked her staff - Spock eyed her, her face light up, eyes twinkling with mischief, her posture relaxed - he did not want to let her down. He had made the recommendation to her before knowing about Garrett.
"She isn't the only one being interviewed today, they've hasn't passed my gut-feeling test so nobody has got the job yet."
"One Vulcan fell through the cracks. I think that's one too many."
Jamie shook her head, smiling widely, "Quit complaining. You like Spock."
"Ready when you are Captain."
"Energise."
Spock watches the shimmering landscape of Vulcan solidify before him. The planet's iconic red sky and jagged mountain ranges, familiar yet perpetually awe-inspiring, spread out in all directions. He wonders what his T'hy'la will think of his home planet. They made their way to the entrance of the Vulcan Science Academy. The halls were hushed and serene, the temperature cool in contrast to the harsh environment outside.
They were greeted by an older Vulcan male in traditional robes. "Captain Kirk, Dr. McCoy, Lieutenant Sa-chin Ta-guy Spock welcome. Please, follow me to the conference room we've assigned for your interviews."
Jamie greeted them with the Vulcan salute and muttered to him. "Please tell me you don't expect me to pronounce that. My Vulcan severely lacks, that's why I hired Uhura."
"No T'hy'la I do not."
The sterile, minimalist conference room on Vulcan's New Medical Institute is an unusual setting for the crew of the USS Enterprise. Bright Vulcan sunlight streams through the high windows, casting sharp shadows on the polished stone floor. At the head of the room, a long, elegant table of dark wood stands, with several chairs neatly arranged.
"Alright, Bones, let's see who's going to be our new nurse. Think they're ready for this?" Jamie says settling onto the stretcher.
McCoy smirks at her, "If they can handle your antics, they'll fit right in."
"The candidates are highly qualified. I see no reason why they should not perform adequately. Shall we proceed?"
Bones taps a button on the PADD and the door slides open. The first candidate, a young Vulcan nurse named T'Lara, steps in. Her expression is serene, her posture perfect. "Nurse T'Lara, thank you for coming. I'm Doctor McCoy, this is First Officer Spock, and acting as our patient today is Jamie who happens to be one of the most complex patients I have ever had to work with."
Jamie gives a tentative smile.
"We're going to run a simulation based on a real advent, and you will access the patient, running any diagnosis you see fit, and inform me of your findings. Is the task understood?"
T'Lara nods. Spock however is not prepared. The simulation shows Jamie swelling up and seizing. He turns his head to McCoy wanting confirmation that the simulation had been a real advent, McCoy just nods his head at him. Spock turns to Jamie who is watching T'Lara closely.
T'Lara approaches Jamie with a scanner. She begins her examination, her demeanor calm and methodical. "Symptoms suggest a severe allergic reaction. However, the specifics need further examination. Doctor, a list of the Captain's known allergies would expedite the diagnosis.
McCoy smirks, looking at Jamie. "You're in for a treat."
Spock looks curiously at McCoy as he hands T'Lara a PADD with Jamie's medical history. "Doctor, how extensive is Jamie's list of allergies?" he whispers.
"Let's just say it's longer than her list of commendations."
T'Lara scrolls through the data, her eyes widening slightly before she regains her composure. "I recommend administering an antihistamine specific to Terran physiology."
"Thank you, that will be all, we will be in touch with the successful candidate once we've discussed the interviews today," McCoy said, grabbing his PADD back. "Do you have any questions?"
"Could you tell me the reason for this small-minded exercise?"
"Because I like meeting potential recruits first-hand, see how they are going to fair on my ship," Jamie said, "Captain Jamie Kirk at your service and the mastermind behind this small-minded exercise today."
"Captain?" T'Lara asked, Jamie nodded her head, "I mean no harm but your method of recruitment-"
"Is not logical at all I'm fully aware. You should know that if I had been left in your care with your result it would have caused me to seize up and turn purple as I'm allergic to antihistamines, it's what caused the reaction in the simulation to begin with. As Doctor McCoy just said, we will be in touch if you're successful. You're dismissed."
When the door shuts behind T'Lara, McCoy mutters to Jamie, "Remind me to never call you small-minded. Has Spock been teaching you how to say bugger off logically?"
"No!" Spock finds himself saying at the same time Jamie, who also punches McCoy in the arm.
McCoy rubs at his arm afterward. "Alright, I get the point."
Jamie, Spock, and McCoy stand around a medical console, reviewing the personnel files of potential candidates for the nursing position. McCoy, with his typical gruff demeanor, leans against the console, arms crossed. Spock stands with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression as logical and impassive as ever.
"So T'Lara is out -" McCoy said. Spock gave him a curious glance. "She said the exercise was small-minded and you think Jamie is going to allow her on the ship."
"No, I did not think Jamie would."
"We've got quite a list to get through here. Have you got standout candidates, Bones?"
"They're all competent, J, but we need more than that. We need someone who can handle the unpredictability of this ship and keep their head in a crisis. From the simulation, we ran today I think they're capable of doing so, it now comes down to you. Who did you like?"
"Jones didn't even look at me. Don't even get me started on Swan."
"OK, so they're out, next."
"Jamie permission to speak openly?"
"Your opinion is always valid and wanted Spock." She replied.
"I believe the Doctor asked who you liked, so why did you start with people you did not."
"Just," Jamie looks lost in thought for a moment, "I don't know. Just happened I suppose. Easier to rule out those who are a complete no for me straight away so that I can focus on who is left."
"Then carry on with your thought process T'hy'la."
Jamie continues, listing the candidates that she was saying a firm no to.
It feels like they have been dismissing the candidates for hours rather than half an hour when Jamie finally said, "I liked Carol."
McCoy's eyes light up. This is the first time Jamie has said a first name when referring to a candidate. Spock taps the console, bringing up a profile on the screen.
"Dr. Carol Marcus. A biologist with a strong background in medical research. She's got the credentials, no doubt about it." McCoy said, "She's sharp. Worked with Starfleet Medical on advanced regenerative techniques. Could be useful, especially out there patching people up. What did you make of her?"
"She's got a no-nonsense attitude."
"Reminds you of someone else we know," McCoy said, shooting Spock a look, he held up three fingers behind Jamie's back who was still reading - her head tilted - Marcus's file, and slowly McCoy started counting down with his fingers. Three - two - then - one.
"Looks like we've got our candidate. Let's bring her aboard and see how she handles the Enterprise."
"I'll send the notification to Starfleet Medical and Carol then," McCoy said grinning.
McCoy had left a short while ago leaving Spock alone with Jamie in the conference room.
"Ashayam, I must apologize for my recommendation of T'Lara for the nursing position. Her comment regarding the simulation exercise was inappropriate and unbecoming of Starfleet standards. I had assessed her qualifications and skills, but it appears I misjudged her capacity for professional conduct under pressure. It was never my intention to undermine your authority or the training process."
Jamie pinched the bridge of her nose, "I'm not mad at you, her record did speak for itself. It was unfortunate she made the comment she did. Dismissing the exercise before seeking to understand it. I fail to see how you can be responsible for someone else's actions -"
"Your ability to prioritize compassion is always outstanding."
For a moment, there was silence.
"There is a gesture that symbolizes this bond, a gesture of profound intimacy. I wish to share this part of my being with you."
Then, Spock lifted his hand and gently placed two fingers against Jamie's, a traditional Vulcan kiss. Jamie's eyes widened in surprise, her breath catching at the unexpected yet tender gesture. Spock's mind reaches out, sending a wave of calm and affection.