Spock stood at attention, his arms neatly folded behind his back, eyes fixed forward as the scene unfolded before him. Captain Kirk had just delivered the reprimand to Lieutenant Damian, and despite the gravity of the situation, Spock felt an unexpected flicker of something he struggled to suppress. The lieutenant, so often impulsive and quick to defy orders had finally been called out for their reckless behavior—a rarity in their line of duty.

Kirk's words were firm but not overly harsh, the captain's usual blend of discipline and understanding tempered with a hint of exasperation. But as the lieutenant's face darkened and their jaw tightened in anger, Spock allowed a subtle smirk to cross his features. It was a fleeting expression, one that spoke not of cruelty, but of quiet satisfaction. The Lieutenant’s reckless tendencies had caused enough disruption on the ship to warrant such a reprimand. Their actions had often clashed with Spock’s logical approaches to problem-solving, and while he didn’t relish their discomfort, there was a certain satisfaction in seeing them finally face the consequences of their behavior.

"Lieutenant Damian..," Kirk said as he approached the door, his voice filled with finality. "You’ll report to the brig at 1800 for your shift. And once that’s done, there’s a stack of reports with your name on them."

As the doors slid shut behind the captain, Spock’s gaze lingered on the lieutenant. The glare they directed toward him was unmistakable. Looking at him as if he had been the one to reprimand them, a perception that amused him more than it should. The lieutenant’s resentment simmered, their frustration evident, but it was nothing more than an expected reaction—one Spock could easily endure.

"Do not allow your emotions to cloud your judgment, Lieutenant," Spock remarked coolly, his voice smooth with a touch of quiet authority. "The needs of the many demand it." He stepped forward, his shadow falling across their workspace. "I will ensure your progress is monitored closely."