smartass_captain

From:

Of course, Jim's got no idea just what Spock's pulling. He's also got no idea just how difficult these kal-toh configurations are supposed to be. More than once Spock's asked him about his technique, but every time Jim just shakes his head. It's not about one single technique. If he saw the same configuration more than once he might try to improve by getting the set solved in as few moves as possible, but for these new ones? Adaptability is his friend more than any predetermined plan.

He has to take in the whole puzzle. He also employs something very few Vulcans do. Jim's not afraid to make mistakes. He has gotten very skilled in moving pieces back two, three, even four moves at a time until he can get back to a state where progress might be made again. This allows him to cut his time drastically by testing out a strategy while paying enough attention that he can backtrack and try again without just sitting and inspecting the set for hours at a time trying to find the one perfect move.

Jim seems startled to see Spock put in a proposal without telling him. Maybe since it hadn't gone anywhere he didn't find it worth talking about. But then he keeps going and...uh? Holy shit? Spock doesn't sound like he's fluffing Jim up. Did he make a lab report out of this?? He wants to ask questions but when the board looks at him and asks him if this is the case Jim just nods with as serious an expression as he can manage.

Whatever Spock is playing at, Jim's not about to ruin his chances by opening his mouth.

"You're looking to persuade us with a Game you've been playing in your free time...?" One of the professors starts, and this time Jim does step forward.
"My attendance and grades are perfect so i believe you'll find this hasn't been affecting my studies, sir."
"That isn't the point."

Jim can't quite hold in his scowl entirely. This is bullshit.