Maybe Jim was just starting to learn Spock's ways as they spent more time together, but he actually glanced over his shoulder towards his first officer for just a second at the threat he was pretty sure he was hearing there. Was Spock just backing him up? Or did Spock mean it, angered by Mercado's indifference?

He turned back to look to Mercado, "Some people on this ship are happy actually doing their job and proud of it, despite the insanity that's been going on since we left Earth. I think more than anything, Security is sick of their officers being able to do their own jobs. Consider your resignation accepted, and you can leave ship when we reach New Vulcan. I think less of security will leave than you'll think, if any at all."