"The imposter had some interesting qualities, wouldn't you say, Yeoman?"
This memorable example of Spock's ability to be cruel colors how I interpret the following scene from Miri:
KIRK: Miri? Come here. You want to go some place with me?
MIRI: Sure. (They leave, holding hands)
RAND: That little girl---
SPOCK: ---is at least 300 years older than you are, Yeoman. Think about it.
What does Spock mean, "Think about it"?
Ultimately, Miri is another female Kirk woos for information. But Kim Darby's fine acting combined with Shatner's ability to have chemistry with a wall makes their brief attachment, such as it is, one of the most convincing relationships of the series, right up there with Edith Keeler and the Gorn.
The fact that Miri is a "little girl" makes Kirk's genuinely warm way of saying "I like your name. I like you" a bit unsettling.
And it seems to unsettle Rand too.
When she says to Spock, "That little girl---", she seems to be hoping to confirm that Miri is, despite her technical years and her thing for Jim, a child. But Spock offers no comfort in his answer, and suggesting Rand "think about it" only unsettles her further by her look.
I don't blame Spock's cattiness on anything very slashy, though.
Rather, I think he's simply a territorial watchdog when it comes to the Captain. He doesn't want his favorite superior officer getting up to anything improper, and Rand is Kirk's ongoing opportunity for such things.
That, and he occasionally enjoys being mean.
My fellow Trekkie roommate wonders if the Captain is aware of such Spock/Rand scuffles. I don't think so. The naughty child always hits the other child when mom is looking away.
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