[NVC Day 27] -- [Open Office] -- [Open to All]

[kirktastic]

With the sentencing over, the Enterprise would soon be leaving Sha'Kwai and returning to its original mission. By this point, Jim was ready for it. He wanted off the planet, his wanderlust getting the better of it. It was the longest stretch of time he had spent in once place minus his years at the Academy - always moving, always traveling, wanting

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[lt_paula]

What with one thing and another, Paula hadn't seen Jim or Leonard since she'd snuck out of their quarters that morning nearly two weeks ago. She wasn't particularly worried that seeing either of them would be too awkward, so when she received Jim's message she decided to stop by.

The door was open when she arrived, and she could see Jim sitting out on the deck.

"Hello," Paula called out.

[lt_paula]

"Commander Spock." Paula returned the nod, noting the cool, assessing glance that accompanied it. She'd been the recipient of several such looks since arriving here, most in the first few days when she was more conscious about trying to suppress her tendency to use her hands when talking. In keeping with the informal setting, she was content to remain seated while Jim introduced them.

"I know of you from the Academy, though I don't believe we ever met. It's a pleasure." His reputation was well known, of course, and not only for having programmed the Kobayashi Maru.

[cso_spock]

"Likewise, Miss Collins." He took one of the empty chairs across from the two of them, pulling slightly at the front part of the tunic so that it would be unwrinkled.

"Which did you specialize in at the Academy?"

[lt_paula]

"Biology," she replied as he settled himself in a chair. "More specifically, microbiology, though I've had practical experience in a variety of disciplines. Most of my work since graduating involved assisting Commander Salaamon with his research at the Academy. I was reassigned to the Defiant last year, and supervised beta shift in addition to my other duties."

She paused to take a sip of her drink. The sun was high in the sky, and despite the breeze off the water it was still quite warm.

[kirktastic]

"Microbiology?" That was a very curious subject, one he was definitely curious about. "What in particular about it?"

He could feel it, Spock being this close. A faint... flickering feeling at the back of his head. Spock felt like a coolness instead of the heat he normally associated with the Vulcan.

[lt_paula]

"The project we were working on was primarily environmental," Paula explained. "We examined soil and water samples from several planets, identifying pathogens, looking for suitable remedies both for cleanup and, when necessary, to prevent or treat illness."

The last part, in particular, had sparked her interest in studying more about pharmacology.

[cso_spock]

He nursed Jim's bond here in particular thanks to their proximity, not so much tugging at it as he was trying to glean some feeling from it. Not that there was much to take since Jim was relaxed now but the static was nice, with little sprinkles of curiosity and interest mingled in.

However, Spock also felt...distracted. Something about this woman felt familiar, not her face but just her presence. And that had him studying her with more interest than he probably should have.

"And what encouraged you to seek transfer to the Enterprise?"

[lt_paula]

"Defiant's five year tour was coming to an end soon," Paula began. "While I was encouraged to sign on again there, I chose to explore my options before making that decision. The opening on Enterprise seemed to be the better opportunity from a professional standpoint."

Paula eyed him as she took another sip of her drink. Perhaps it was her imagination, but he seemed to be regarding her rather intently.

[kirktastic]

"No better place than the Enterprise, in my humble opinion," Jim teased himself, preening a little. He loved his ship, and was damn proud of it. "Sorry you'll have to be serving under him, though." And teased Spock in turn.

[cso_spock]

Humble indeed. He half expected Jim to take one of the padds off the table so he could show her pictures and blueprints of the ship for all he doted on it.

He arched an eyebrow at Jim's tease, attention temporarily shifting. "Any individual competent enough to specialize in microbiology is more than capable of working in my department." Spock looked back to Paula again. "I apologize, Miss Collins--my captain can be intimidated by the fastidious nature of our work."

[kirktastic]

Jim coughed, sitting up more. "Excuse me!?" He burst out laughing at that. Well shit, Spock was teasing him right back. "Don't you listen to him for a second, Paula."

[lt_paula]

Paula laughed at that. So Commander Spock had a sense of humor, too. She was glad of it, and pleased that her accomplishments were well received. "Please, call me Paula," she told Spock with a grin.

"I've heard a great deal of praise for your department," she continued. "I look forward to contributing in whatever way I can."

[cso_spock]

"You will not be without work if you are willing to accept it. Your particular talents may also contribute to our overlapping projects with the medical department, which are projected to grow in the next quarter." Spock tilted his head slightly, looking over at Jim again. "Have you introduced her to Leonard?"

[kirktastic]

"Yea, they've met before," Jim couldn't even believe how calm and cool he managed to keep his voice. "I'm sure they're going to work well together." Though inside, he was laughing his head off thinking just how well they worked together.

[lt_paula]

"I think you'll find I'm more than willing to work," Paula replied. "I've spent most of my time here either attending lectures at the Science Academy or working on supplemental coursework. I'm intrigued by these overlapping projects, as my own research crosses over as well."

"Yes, Doctor McCoy and I met at the Academy." Paula sipped her juice slowly, pleased that she'd managed to sound so detached. She didn't dare look at Jim after his last comment, though, forcing herself not to laugh. Work well together, indeed.

[cso_spock]

There was some unexpected amusement coming from Jim's end. Spock was curious as to what it was, but he didn't question Jim right there, seeing as there was one outside their bond here.

"You are fluent in technical Vulcan, then?" Spock asked, surprised but curious. While every other scientific university decided to switch to Standard, he knew the Science Academy (then, and now) chose to remain with their native tongue as they had for thousands of years. While it may have been tedious to translate, it did effectively keep their research secret when desired.