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No one could say that Spock had not devoted himself fully to his duties as Science Officer under Captain Pike. However, his former duties could hardly compare with his new assignment as First Officer; to serve as the right hand of the captain and to take almost equal responsibility for the ship and its crew. He had not expected the new captain to select him from what was surely a competitive pool of candidates, but he had, and Spock intended to prove himself more than equal to it.
“Computer, display record of Captain James T. Kirk, to be assuming command of the USS Enterprise.”
Spock had heard occasional rumors of the promising young officer and his rapid rise through the ranks, and Captain Kirk’s record was as would be expected of such a young man deemed qualified to captain the Enterprise. His scores at the academy were nearly impeccable, and his service record swiftly proved remarkable.
It was Spock’s duty as a legacy officer and now First Officer to be the first to greet Captain Kirk and welcome him aboard to assume command. Chief Engineer Scott energized the transporter and the new captain materialized in a column of golden light, which faded to reveal a young man in command yellow with the shining accents of the standard dress uniform and a gleam in his eyes.
“Lieutenant Commander Spock, I presume.” Captain Kirk stepped forward to greet him, a hand outstretched.
Spock dutifully accepted the captain’s hand despite the customs of his Vulcan upbringing. He did not need to feel the new captain’s thoughts to know his satisfaction at having been awarded such a command and his determination to be equal to it.
“Your report on quasar-like emissions was very interesting,” Captain Kirk said, apparently genuine rather than merely trying to prove himself or attempting flattery. “Have you been able to test your hypothesis with the new model of sensors?”
“The opportunity has not yet presented itself, but that is my intention.”
“I look forward to it.” Captain Kirk gave Spock a very human smile and then relinquished his hand to allow Spock to introduce him to the other senior officers.
“I can’t believe you opened with ‘I read your report,’” Gary said, downing the remainder of his glass in a single gulp. “It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book, but knowing you, you really have read it and had something halfway intelligent to say for it too.”
“I would hope so,” Jim said.
Gary gave him a dubious look. “No wonder you were begging me to join you; no one else on this ship is going to remind you that you’ve got the job, passed the test. Now’s the time to kick back and stop trying too hard, not to give a Vulcan a run for his money.”
Jim just smiled. “According to Mr. Spock’s record, he has one of the highest chess rankings in Starfleet. I wonder if I could interest him in a game.”
Gary rolled his eyes. “Chess? You and that Vulcan really are two of a kind.”
As a Vulcan among a crew of Humans, it was difficult not to be aware of everything happening on the bridge. However, as First Officer, it was now Spock’s duty to not only be aware but to ensure that everything proceeded smoothly so that the captain’s orders could be carried out efficiently to the highest standard.
It was an inevitable consequence that, from the moment Captain Kirk boarded the Enterprise, Spock was acutely aware of where the captain was and what he was doing, whether he was sitting on the bridge overseeing their departure or in some other part of the ship, evaluating operations and making decisions.
Captain Kirk was strikingly human, but Spock found he bore the responsibilities of command admirably, marred only by an occasional streak of restless impatience. For his part, Spock could only endeavor to meet the captain’s high expectations—which the captain applied to himself as much as those around him.
The captain never left duty precisely at the end of his shift and so Spock lingered behind as well in case there was anything the captain required of him. This was one such occasion, at the end of a briefing which had gone long, as they often did. All of the other senior officers had left, but the captain remained and so Spock followed suit.
Captain Kirk’s eyes were on Spock as they frequently were; likely evaluating his new first officer, as Spock evaluated his new superior.
The captain motioned toward the door with a wry smile. “We’ve spent too long in here already, wouldn’t you say, Mr. Spock?”
Spock quirked an eyebrow at the captain but obliged and stepped forward into the corridor, and Captain Kirk followed him.
“Could I interest you in a game of chess? I have yet to make my rounds of the rec room.”
The captain was watching Spock intently again, however, this question was one Spock could answer easily, “Certainly.”
Spock had noted that Captain Kirk had an only slightly lower ranking at chess than his own, and Spock had wondered if they might eventually have the chance to play.
The recreation room was comparatively quiet when they arrived, and all conversation ceased at the entrance of the captain and first officer, though a few words from Captain Kirk were enough to put the junior officers at ease. While the captain made his rounds, Spock found a three-tiered chess board and began setting it up on an empty table, and all the pieces were in their place by the time Captain Kirk sat down across from him.
“Efficient as always, Mr. Spock,” the captain remarked with an easy smile.
The words could have been easily dismissed as the polite flattery which humans occasionally employed, but Spock had already found that the captain was disinclined toward such empty praise.
They both said little as the game began, their attention occupied by the board. The captain’s approach to the game was not at all what Spock had expected for someone of approximately equal proficiency to himself, and he was so surprised by the unconventional strategy that he was forced to surrender the first match.
Far from appearing disappointed in Spock’s performance, the captain eagerly accepted a rematch. Again, the captain’s play was unpredictable until the end, and Spock was almost surprised when he finally succeeded at attaining checkmate. The captain had persistently refused to surrender, but he congratulated Spock on his victory with a smile that Spock could tell was genuine even before he accepted a sporting handshake.
Playing chess quickly became as much of a routine as it was possible to keep as captain and first officer of a starship. However, no matter how many times they played, the captain’s often apparently illogical play still managed to catch Spock by surprise, even as it soon became apparent that the captain was rarely so focused upon the game as in their first match.
“Captain.” Spock drew Captain Kirk’s attention from whichever matter of ship’s business it was that presently preoccupied his mind.
Kirk looked up and regarded Spock with a crooked smile. “We’re off duty.”
Spock raised an eyebrow at the assertion.
“My friends call me ‘Jim.’”
It was hardly logical, but Spock could not find a reason to deny the captain anything.
“As you wish, capt-“ Spock corrected himself, his voice low, “Jim.”
Jim smiled back at him.