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Jim noticed it immediately when Spock came to the bridge. It wasn't that difficult, really. Spock looked nearly the same each and every day – same immaculate uniform, same bowl cut, same expression. Thanks to the 'unchangeability' (and that is so a word), any actual change was extremely noticeable.Like, for example, a golden ring on a long chain hanging around the Vulcan's neck.“I never pegged you as a jewellery type of a guy, Mr. Spock.”“A logical conclusion, Captain.”“Then what do you call that?” Because he never could pass up on a chance to tease somebody. “Are you sure that's allowed by the regulations?”“I would refer to this as a 'ring'.” A pause. “And as you should be aware, Captain, it is against regulations.”Jim gave a slow blink. “Do tell, Mr. Spock.”“I assumed that you would allow it, considering you do not maintain a strict adherence to the uniform code among the crew. Should I remove the ring, Captain?”Jim blinked in surprise. Then he grinned – Spock was breaking regulations for that ring. Must be seriously important to him. “Just hide it under your shirt if there's a surprise inspection.” He winked. “But c'mon, you gotta tell me about the thing.”“If I must. I believe it is made of a metal alloy with a high concentration of gold-”“Vhy do you vear it, Zir?”“Doctor McCoy informed me it is expected of me to wear it on my person in a visible location, so as to notify the beings in my environment that I have accepted the Doctor's offer of marriage. I believe it is intended as an effort to discourage possible suitors, however I find it slightly illogical considering I assume my relationship with the Doctor is of a public knowledge on the ship.” Spock looked across the gaping bridge crew, nodded once, and went to his station.