DISCLAIMER: The Star Trek characters are the property of Paramount Studios, Inc. The story contents are the creation and property of Djinn and is copyright (c) 2000 by Djinn. This story is Rated PG-13.
An Accident of Diplomacy
by Djinn
CRASH! The vase of Dorelian orchids went
flying past Christine's head. *Dammit!* she thought frantically, *when I said I
wanted him to be more emotional, this is not quite what I had in mind.*
Ducking to avoid a poorly thrown wineglass,
Christine scooted behind one of the pillars in the living area she was sharing
with Spock. She peeked around the corner, only to find herself in danger from a
bunch of roasted kaspaki tubers.
"Spock, for god's sake. Calm down! And
stop throwing things."
Her request was met with heavy breathing but
mercifully no more projectiles. She moved cautiously out from her hiding place.
Spock was sitting on the floor, knees drawn up to his chin, arms wrapped around
them. He was rocking back and forth, muttering.
*This is not good.* Christine thought
desperately back over the past few days on the planet trying to pinpoint the
cause for this outburst. It had been nothing more than a routine diplomatic
stop for the
"Christine, m'dear, tell your old friend
Leonard that you'd love to take his place on this courtesy call to yet another
"we just got warp capability and we want to be your friend" planet.
Please?"
She looked at him puzzled. "You usually
love these things. You always bitch and moan about going, but you invariably
come back relaxed and smiling. So why don't you want to go?"
"I just think it would be good if you
had the chance, that's all."
Christine racked her brain for an explanation
as to why McCoy would prefer to stay on the ship. She started to chuckle as she
visualized about 5 foot 4 inches of red-haired reason. "You finally got a
date with Carol Sauers didn't you? For tonight, you sly devil!"
McCoy spread his hands in innocent defeat.
"You got me, Chris. She said yes, after weeks of resisting my not inconsiderable
charms I might add. And it just so happens that our schedules work best
tonight. Please say you'll go. Jim needs a medical representative on the
delegation, but it doesn't have to be me. It'll be a nice break for you."
"I don't know, Leonard. I don't really
enjoy these things..."
McCoy nodded in defeat, but continued to
wheedle as he said, "Ok. If you don't want to. I don't suppose it will
sway you in the least to say that Mr. Spock is leading the mission? Three days
on a planet, with him?"
"With him and about 10 other people, you
relentless jerk!" A smile softened her words. "All right, I'll go.
But for you and Carol. Not because Spock is going. He won't even know I'm
there. Or at least he'll never show he knows I'm there. Just once I'd like to
see him express some emotion!"
"Wouldn't we all, darlin'." McCoy
steered her toward the door. "You have some packing to do, I
believe?"
She mock scowled at him. "Yeah. And
don't think you don't owe me, buster!"
He stood beaming at her as the doors closed
behind her. *Well,* she thought, *at least one of us should get lucky once in a
while!*
Squaring her shoulders she made her way to
her quarters. She wasted little time in packing her dress uniform, some
off-duty apparel, and the few toiletries she would need. She assessed her
satchel, *This is a dull assortment of clothing.* Mentally shrugging she closed
up the bag and made her way to the transporter room.
As the door opened she saw that most of the
landing party had already assembled but the First Officer had not arrived yet.
She smiled at several other members of the team then turned as the door opened.
Kirk and Spock walked in. Kirk looked puzzled at seeing Christine there.
"I was expecting Dr. McCoy to be on this
mission, Miss Chapel. I trust he isn't ill?"
"No sir. He was kind enough to give me
this opportunity. Unless you object?" She knew he wouldn't and his hasty
assurances ended the matter. The landing party split into two groups for beam
down. Christine found herself in the first one, standing next to Spock.
"Mr. Spock," she deliberately
caught his gaze.
"Nurse," he acknowledged, then
turned away.
*Like I don't even exist,* she inwardly
fumed, even as she kept her expression even. *What would it take to break
through that wall of Vulcan control?*
As the Captain wished them a safe trip and
gave the command to transport them to the planet surface, Christine snuck
another look at Spock. *What would it take?* she wondered again.
***********************************
"What the hell is this?"
Christine's turned her gaze from Spock to see
a human female striding angrily toward their landing party. Glancing at Spock
she saw momentary confusion in his expression. The woman walked up to
Christine, barely sparing a look at the others in the party.
"What the hell were you thinking?
Bringing all these men? And why are you in your uniform. I told you to wear
pants or robes. Didn't you even read my reports?"
Christine knew her mouth was open but she was
unsure how to respond to the woman. Spock saved her the trouble.
"I am in charge of this delegation,
ma'am. I assume you are Ambassador Mara Wilcox? I am Commander Spock, first
officer of the USS Enterprise."
"*You* are in charge? Oh this is great.
Just great. I can't believe this! They didn't even read my reports did they?
And none of you have a clue what I'm going on about, right? Stupid,
bureaucratic, stuffed shirts wouldn't know a cultural specificity report from a
stick up their ass. God I am so sick of this."
*Wow,* Christine thought, impressed with the
woman's ability to rant. She could see Spock readying a response. Knowing from
experience the effect his words of reason could have, she decided to act before
he could say anything. He gave her a startled look as she took the Ambassador's
arm and moved her away from the landing party. She stopped once she was out of
range of everyone's hearing but Spock's.
"Mara? I can call you Mara, right? I'm
Christine Chapel. I'm second in command on this mission," from out of the
corner of her eye she saw Spock react to this exaggeration. "You're
absolutely right. Those idiots at Command didn't give us the full poop. But we
can work this. Just tell us what we need to do."
The ambassador sighed heavily.
"Christine, I sent four volumes worth of material on the Dorelian social
structure. I have spent two years observing this planet's culture, researching
their customs. I sent it all in. I can't believe they didn't even read
it."
*This is going nowhere, fast,* Christine
realized. She motioned Spock over. His look when he came up to stand next to
her was uncertain. *Well, at least I surprised him. Surprise is an emotion,
right?*
"Mara," Christine brought the
Ambassador's attention back to the matter at hand. "Tell us what we need
to do to make this work?"
"First off, this is a matriarchal
culture. You are no longer second in command, Christine, you're in charge.
Commander, I'm demoting you. And secondly, all these other men, they just won't
do. I want them sent back up to the ship."
"Ambassador," Spock protested.
"They are all professionals, they will conduct themselves in a seemly way
I assure you."
"No." Wilcox said firmly.
"I'll have my hands full bringing you and Christine up to speed. They must
go."
"I don't think..."
She interrupted his argument. "Either
they go, or I go. It's that simple."
Christine watched as the two appeared to have
an old fashioned stare-down. Then Spock reached for his communicator.
"
"
"This is Commander Spock, Ensign Ward.
Do not send down the second part of the team. And beam up all members of the
first team except for Miss Chapel and myself."
"Sir?"
"You have your orders, ensign."
"Aye aye, sir." The familiar hum of
the transporter sounded as the rest of the landing party disappeared.
Christine could have sworn she heard sarcasm
in Spock's voice as he said, "Is there anything else required before we
proceed, Ambassador?"
She shot him an irritated look. "Yes,
her uniform is completely wrong."
"What precisely is *wrong* with
it?" Spock sounded annoyed now.
"Four frigging volumes of
information," Wilcox muttered. "There is nothing really wrong with
the uniform itself. It is the fact that it shows so much of her body and yours
shows so little of yours, which makes it appear that you have more power. That
will never do. The two of you need to be similarly attired. It will show you
are equals. So either she changes into pants, or you both wear robes, or *you*
could try wearing that short skirt, Commander Spock?"
Christine laughed out loud before she could
stop herself. A half glare from Spock only set her off more. "I think
you'd look lovely in high heels, Mr. Spock."
"Somehow, I doubt that, Nurse." He
spoke into his communicator. "Prepare to beam up Miss Chapel."
She looked at him uncertainly, *Is he sending
me to the woodshed?* she thought irreverently.
"Go and procure a standard male
officer's uniform, Miss Chapel. Make sure to put Commander's insignia on it.
And please hurry."
The Ambassador interjected, "You better
get used to calling her Christine, Spock. The Dorelians aren't big on titles.
And while you're at it, call me Mara."
"As you wish." Spock was stiff as
he turned to Christine. "*Christine,* you are ready?"
She nodded and he gave the order. Once back
on board she rushed off the transporter pad and made her way to ship's stores.
The confused yeoman helped her find a uniform that would fit her and outfit it
to be a duplicate of Spock's. As she made her way to the changing room, the
young man said, "I don't understand, ma'am."
"I'm sorry, yeoman, I don't have time to
explain."
She rushed back to the transporter room and
ordered the bewildered Ensign Ward to send her back to the planet. Ambassador
Wilcox nodded approval when she saw her. She motioned them toward the buildings
in the distance. As they set off, she began to brief them, "Christine,
you're going to have to really be in charge for this to work. Don't look at
Spock for approval, or you'll give the whole thing away. There won't be any
major decisions required. You are purely representational so you only have to
get through three days of feasting and ceremonies. Just watch how the Dorelians
treat each other. Take your cue from them. And Spock, loosen up a bit." At
his sound of protest, she continued, "I know you're a Vulcan, but just
try, ok?"
Christine looked at Spock in sympathy. He
visibly sighed. "I shall try, *Mara.*"
"That's good, Spock, it almost sounded
natural." Christine tried to encourage him. She got a severe look for her
trouble.
The ambassador ignored them as she continued,
"Oh and just one more thing. The Dorelians are very strict about
interactions between women and men. To allow you to attend all the ceremonies,
Spock, you and Christine will have to pretend to be married."
Wilcox kept walking, oblivious to Spock and
Christine who had both stopped dead in their tracks.
"Married?" Christine gulped.
"*How* married?" Spock asked.
The ambassador looked at him incredulously,
"Well for god's sake, Spock, I don't mean you have to make a baby while
the two of you are down here. You'll just have to share a room, which tend to
be enormous here, so you probably won't even have to lay eyes on each other if
you don't want to. Just make sure that the morning and evening maids don't see
any evidence that you two aren't sleeping together. The Dorelians place a
premium on intimacy, they won't trust you two if they think you sleep
apart."
Both Spock and Christine still looked
somewhat shell-shocked. Wilcox urged them impatiently, "Come on. You two
are Starfleet professionals. You are trained to deal with difficult situations.
Well this is one, so deal with it. Now let's go!"
The ambassador set off. Christine looked at
Spock. "Say something?" she asked somewhat desperately.
He took a deep breath. "We will get
through this, Christine. We will do fine. And, it could be worse."
"Yeah," Christine offered
helpfully, "I could be McCoy."
She could have sworn that Spock's eyes
glimmered for a moment with humor before a stern look took over his features.
"Yes, that would be worse. Now, I suggest we catch up with the
Ambassador."
They both jogged up to Wilcox. "All set
then?" she asked quietly.
"As set as we're gonna be,"
Christine muttered as the gates of the Dorelian capital approached. A group of
people stepped out from the doorway of the nearest building. A woman of
indeterminate age and regal bearing began to speak.
"Mara, you bring us the federation
delegation? We are honored. But we are surprised to see only two people?"
The ambassador struck a tone halfway between
conciliatory and imperious. "May I present, Christine Chapel of Earth,
commander of this delegation and noted healer and her spouse, Spock of Vulcan,
skilled science officer and second in command to his wife. Christine, Spock,
may I present Herlama, head of the Dorelian ruling council. Herlama, the
delegation is small in number because between them Christine and Spock have the
talents of scores of lesser Federation officers. I have faith that you will
find them more than sufficient as representatives of the Federation."
Herlama stepped closer to Christine, who
forced herself to present a relaxed and confident demeanor. Her eyes met
Herlama's and she concentrated on not looking away from the other woman's
powerful gaze. *I'm in charge, I'm in charge, I'm in charge,* she repeated as
if it were a mantra. Finally, satisfied, Herlama put her hand on Christine's
shoulder.
"It is a pleasure to welcome you and
your spouse to our planet. I would be pleased to show you to your rooms where
you can rest for a bit before the official ceremony of welcoming begins."
Christine nodded her assent and they followed
Herlama and the group through several levels of the building until they finally
were led into a huge room, luxuriously furnished and filled with food and
drinks.
Herlama after a cursory check to make sure
the arrangements met with her approval turned back to Christine and the
ambassador. "Christine, Mara, I will see you at the ceremony."
Completely ignoring Spock she left the room, her retinue following after her.
*Now it's as if *he* doesn't exist,*
Christine thought gleefully. Then felt guilty for the sentiment.
Mara seemed to read her mind. "It's
natural for them to ignore the husbands. While they serve varied roles in the
home, in public men are largely decorative and are rarely acknowledged when
there are no other spouses present." She turned to Spock, "It's their
way."
"I find it somewhat difficult to accept
being irrelevant," Spock admitted.
*You'll get used to it,* Christine thought
somewhat bitterly. *I did.*
Mara nodded. "I'll leave you then. You
have roughly three hours to rest up. Don't try to find your way around the
building at first. It's a total maze. Ring this bell about five minutes before
you are ready to leave. A maid will come up to escort you to the festival site.
I'll be waiting there for you."
She considered them, "It would help if
you two could try to look at each other every now and then. Christine you have
the power here, you should make an effort to touch him to show that you are
including him in your activities. And try to look...I don't know... more like
you two like each other."
Both Christine and Spock looked uncomfortable
with her suggestion. "Look, I know this is tough. But just watch Herlama
and her spouse, Mantim. She is quite fond of him and will be a good person to
mimic. And while you're at it, check out the outfits people are wearing here.
There will be time to go shopping tomorrow before the second ceremony. I think
it might be more comfortable for the Dorelians and for you if you were dressed
in their fashions." She saw the skepticism in both sets of eyes,
"Just observe tonight, ok? Maybe you'll feel perfectly comfortable in the
clothes you have on. But maybe, just maybe, I'm right. Observe, yes?"
They both nodded obediently as she left the
room. Christine marveled at the woman's ability to make Spock mind. *I wonder
if she gives lessons?*
***********************************
Christine started to explore the room they
had been assigned. Mara had not been kidding. They could have slept at least
twenty people in the space given to the two of them. The luxury was unexpected
and Christine found herself looking forward to relaxing in the room. She
glanced over at Spock, who was still standing where Mara had left them.
"Spock, we've got three hours to kill
before the ceremony. You might want to rest or something?"
"I am fine, Nurse. You do not need to
give me orders in private."
"I wasn't aware I had given you *any*
orders yet, Spock? And call me Christine. You heard what Mara said?"
"Indeed." Spock seemed to gather
his thoughts, then moved to join her. "I apologize Christine. I am finding
this situation more difficult than I originally anticipated. I am not
completely sure why."
"From what I understand of Vulcan
culture...the role of women, I mean...this must be asking you to act completely
counter to what you know?"
He looked at her puzzled, "I do not see
the logic in your statement. T'Pau is the leader of our house. I am quite
accustomed to deferring to the directions of a woman."
"Yes, but if I understand correctly,
T'Pring should have become your property? You gave her to Stonn, right? As
property. And I have observed Sarek and Amanda, she defers to him. So I think
you take that for granted. That in most situations you will be the one in
charge."
"This is a very personal subject,
Christine. I prefer not to discuss it further."
She shrugged, "Fine. I was just trying
to say that I understand if this is hard for you."
She moved toward the sleeping area of the
room. A huge mattress was covered with soft blankets and more pillows than
Christine had ever seen in one place. She sat down on the bed and yelped as she
felt it move underneath her. Spock moved quickly to help her but stopped short
when she started to laugh.
"You've got to try this, Spock! Sit
down!"
He moved gingerly to the edge of the bed
nearest him. His finger pushed down on the mattress. His eyebrow raised as the
mattress rolled at his action. "Curious."
"Sit down, Spock. It is the strangest
sensation."
He turned and lowered himself onto the bed.
"Fascinating."
Christine started to bounce up and down. She
saw him react as his side of the bed started to move. "It's water, Spock.
A *water* bed." She threw herself backward, laughing as the waves began
again. She looked up and was shocked to see someone on the ceiling. *Oh my
god...*
"Spock?"
He was still sitting on the edge of the bed.
Bouncing slightly to test the wave patterns.
"Why would you put a mirror on the ceiling?
I mean hypothetically?"
He turned to look at her. Then followed her
glance to the ceiling. "I imagine it is covered somewhere in the
Ambassador's four volumes. I admit, I am at a loss to explain it."
"It's somewhat disconcerting, actually.
I mean staring at your self like this. Watching everything that goes on in
bed...oh..."
Spock had gone back to bouncing lightly.
"You have arrived at a conclusion?"
Christine sat up and slid off the bed.
"You don't want to know, Spock."
She ignored his raised eyebrow and moved to
the other side of the room. There was a simple bathroom off to the side, but
the bulk of the space was dominated by a sunken bath. A fountain in the middle
kept the water fresh and provided a soothing sound. Ledges submerged at different
heights rimmed the edge of the pool. *Somehow I doubt this is strictly for
bathing.*
She heard Spock's footsteps as he approached.
"We will have no difficulty staying clean," he noted. "It would
appear that the Dorelians do not require much privacy."
"Spock, I have a feeling there is
usually more than one person in this bath."
He appeared to give it some thought. Suddenly
he looked back at the mirror over the bed. She thought his complexion darkened
slightly. "I see."
"Mara said the Dorelians were into intimacy.
I guess this is just evidence of that." His look was forbidding. Eager to
change the subject, she turned to the table laden with food. "So who's
hungry, huh?"
With a last glance at the bath, Spock joined
her at the table. It was spread with delicacies. The smell of the food made
Christine's mouth water. She hadn't realized she was hungry. She pulled out her
medical tricorder and gave the food a quick scan. She took a plate for herself
and handed one to Spock. "We may as well eat something. Who knows if this
ceremony includes food."
She began to load up her plate. She was
halfway down the table when she realized Spock was staring at her with alarm.
"What?"
"You have not eaten in a while?"
She snorted in derision. "Of course I
have. I like to eat, Spock. Get used to it."
Wisely he decided not to pursue the topic and
began to help himself to the vegetarian offerings on the table. He protested as
she poured herself a glass of the local wine. "I do not think it is wise
to drink an intoxicant, Christine. We could have a long night ahead of
us."
"I scanned it, Spock. It is only
slightly intoxicating. Besides I need to relax. Maybe you should think about
having some too?"
"I think I will meditate after I finish
this meal. That will help me far more than that wine."
"As you wish, Spock." She took her
food over to one of the many couches scattered around the room. He sat across
from her and they ate in silence. Christine found the food incredibly good, and
pondered the wisdom of going back for seconds. Looking at Spock's spartan
selection of food, she decided to forego another trip to the table. She settled
back against the pillows and studied Spock for a minute.
*This is too strange,* she thought as she let
her eyes close. "Wake me when it's time to go, Spock?"
She heard his assent as she drifted off.
***********************************
Christine heard a voice calling her name. She
groaned and turned to the pillows, snuggling deeper into the couch.
"Christine, it is time to get
ready."
"Just a few more minutes, Mom," she
mumbled.
"Miss Chapel. I must insist you wake
up."
She opened her eyes to see Spock leaning over
her, a severely displeased look on his face. "Five more minutes?" she
pleaded.
"Now." His tone brooked no
argument.
Muttering, Christine got off of the couch,
grabbed her toiletries kit from her carryall, and went into the bathroom.
Staring into the mirror she did a quick assessment. Her hair hadn't become too
mussed, she touched the back of her head and confirmed that she had avoided bed
hair. *Good job, Chapel. But the face...argghh.* In about five minutes she had
repaired the makeup that sleep had smeared and was ready to go.
Spock was standing near the door. "I
took the liberty of ringing for the maid."
"Good thinking." The doorbell rang
and she moved to follow Spock out as they let the young Dorelian lead them to
the festivities. Christine found herself grateful for the young man's
assistance, she and Spock would never have found their way out of the building
in time. He left them at the entrance to the grounds, bowing slightly as they
thanked him.
"Right on time. Excellent." Mara
walked up to them. Christine felt her mouth drop open as she took in the other
woman's appearance. The ambassador was wearing an extremely short skirt, flat
leather sandals, and a top that left considerably more uncovered than covered.
Judging from her tan, and the lack of any lines, Christine surmised that she
normally wore much less. Wilcox caught her inspection and grinned. "I told
you that you were gonna want some new clothes before this was over."
Spock was maintaining an air of disinterest.
"Ambassador Wilcox..." she moved to correct him and he continued
before she could say anything, "Mara. I fail to see why it is appropriate
for you to wear such abbreviated attire when you made Christine change out of a
uniform that was the same length and was considerably more modest."
Mara sighed, "I never said these people
were prudes, Spock. If you thought that was what I meant, then you weren't listening.
I just said you two needed to be dressed alike, or at least needed to be
showing the same amount of skin. The fashions here tend to be quite scanty.
Your current dress will be considered extremely dowdy and may be construed as a
gesture of mistrust that you will not "bare" your skin with your
hosts."
Spock continued undaunted. "Herlama was
wearing robes earlier, as was her retinue. There was little that could be seen
of them this morning. Are we to believe these same people will be dressed as
you are now?"
"This planet has frequent afternoon dust
storms during this time of year. They wear the hooded robes so they can keep
the dust off. Underneath, I assure you they were much less prudishly dressed.
Anyway, it will soon be a moot point. Here comes Herlama now."
Christine and Spock turned to meet their
hostess. She felt Spock stiffen in surprise and barely managed to restrain an
exclamation herself. Both Herlama and her mate, Mantim, wore short kilts of
some very sheer white fabric. They had the same sandals on that Mara favored,
only theirs laced up nearly to their hips. Similar lacing served as what could
only jokingly be called covering on their torsos. Herlama's long hair partially
covered her breasts, in much the same way that the kilts only partially
concealed what she and Mantim were not wearing underneath.
*Eyes up,* she thought desperately.
Herlama leaned forward to embrace her.
"Christine I thought perhaps you would have changed out of those rather
comprehensive uniforms. But perhaps you are not comfortable sharing your man
with us just yet. We will make allowances, as you are still strangers here. I
am sure that you can learn to be as comfortable as Mara here is with our dress
code."
*Or lack thereof.* Christine nodded gamely at
Herlama. "Mara offered to take us shopping tomorrow. We look forward to
trying some Dorelian fashions."
"We do?" she could hear the shock
in Spock's voice even as he tried to maintain his dignity.
"We do," she said firmly. *God help
us both.*
"Wonderful," Herlama clapped her
hands together with pleasure. "And let me introduce my spouse, Mantim. He
is the father of my four children and a wonderful husband. I would be lost
without him." Herlama touched him on the cheek.
Mara looked meaningfully at Christine then at
Spock.
*He's going to kill me when this is over,*
she thought as she reached out and stroked Spock's arm. "Mantim this is
Spock, my beloved mate. I am sure the two of you will have much to talk
about."
Spock did not pull away from her hand as he
nodded to the other man and said coolly, "A pleasure." But she could
feel his annoyance.
*He may kill me *before* this is over,* she
realized as Herlama led them to a tent set up in front of a cleared area. Three
large chairs were laid out for them. Mantim directed Spock to some cushions set
up behind the chairs. Christine nearly giggled at the look on Spock's face as
he was led to the back of the tent.
"I trust your room is comfortable?"
Herlama asked politely.
Christine rushed to assure her that it was
very much to her liking.
Mara leaned forward conspiratorially.
"The room you have is really quite restrained, shall we say. Herlama
didn't want to overwhelm you."
*Our room is restrained? Good god.* Christine
let her thoughts go for a moment then decided that was too dangerous. She
peeked around her chair to check on Spock. He was sitting with Mantim and
another Dorelian male.
"Yours?" she asked Mara, who nodded
happily.
Christine studied the three of them. *Could
Spock look any more bored?* The Dorelians were in an animated discussion but
were talking too quietly for her to hear the topic. Whatever it was, it wasn't
anything that interested a Vulcan apparently. She wanted to invite him up with
them but could see from Mara's expression that it would not be a good idea. *Oh
well, this won't kill him,* she thought unhappily.
Mara called to the newcomer. "Kiloma,
why don't you pour some Casca wine for Spock. I think he would enjoy it."
"I am quite fine, Mara."
"Nonsense," she gave him a stern
look. "You *really* should drink some. It is very relaxing."
*He's looking really stiff,* Christine
realized as she watched him. *Maybe some wine would be good.* She tried to make
her tone gentle as she ordered, "Humor Mara's young man, Spock. Drink the
wine."
He looked at her in surprise. She saw
rebellion in his eyes as she tried to send him a message in hers. *Don't fight
me on this, Spock. We can hash this out later, just don't fight me.*
Gratefully she saw him concede. He looked at
Kiloma, "I would be pleased to try some Casca wine."
As Mara turned back to Herlama, who had been
largely ignoring what was going on with the men, the ambassador whispered,
"Well done, Christine. Just keep this up and we'll be fine."
Christine glanced at Spock before turning
around. His expression was neutral but his eyes burned into hers. *This is not
going to be pretty,* she thought uneasily.
***********************************
Three hours and fifteen dancing and singing
acts later, Christine was beginning to wonder if she should just kill herself
and save Spock the trouble. She reached for her glass of Casca wine and drank
deeply. *This is the best stuff. It is almost worth sitting through this
torture. Almost.*
She glanced back at Spock. He was sitting
quietly listening to the duo singing Dorelian folk songs. He seemed much more
mellow than earlier. She found herself grinning stupidly at him. *He's so
handsome. I can't wait to see him in one of these outfits.* Her grin got wider
as she tried to stifle a laugh. He caught her gaze and she realized his
mellowness was more contrived than real.
*Uh-oh,* she thought, draining her glass.
*Someone's in trouble.*
She looked over at Mara. The ambassador had
Kiloma leaned up against the front of her chair and she was absentmindedly
running her fingers through his hair as she listened to the music. Herlama had
allowed Mantim to sit next to her chair and rest his head on her legs. Their
hands were intertwined. Christine looked back at Spock and almost motioned him
to come sit in front of her until she looked in his eyes again. *Don't push
your luck, Chapel.*
When the duo finished, Herlama turned to her
and said, "I think that is enough for tonight? You have enjoyed yourself
yes?"
Christine mustered enthusiasm as she lied,
"It was most interesting. I really enjoyed myself."
Herlama beamed at her. "Tomorrow should
be even more interesting. First thing in the morning we will have a tour of the
city. Then you and your mate can shop for clothing. I'll expect you back to
join Mara and myself for lunch. Then your time is free," at this point she
smirked somewhat, "to spend together until the dancing begins tomorrow
evening."
"Dancing?" Christine asked, trying
to hide her dismay. *One more folk dance and I'll scream...*
Mara interjected, "A dance. You know the
kind where everyone dances. You do like to dance, right?" She included
Spock in her warning glance.
"I love to dance, and so does
Spock."
Christine wouldn't have thought it was
possible for Spock's expression to get any darker, but it did. *Ok then, if you
can't be nice, there will be no dancing for you, mister. So there.*
Rising out of her chair, Christine found
herself swaying. She put her hand out to steady herself only to find that Spock
had moved up behind her and had a firm grasp on her shoulder. Very firm. Too
firm. *Hey, that hurts!*
He leaned into her and she thought for a
moment that he was going to nuzzle her ear. Instead he growled, "Say
goodnight, Christine."
Christine felt him turn her toward Herlama.
"Well, we're going to go now, Herlama. Spock and I. To our room." She
laughed conspiratorially and leaned toward the other woman. "I really like
the waterbed, but I think I might get seasick..."
"Excuse me?" Herlama asked puzzled.
Mara laughed out loud. "Casca wine,
dear. Remember how long it took me to get used to it?"
Herlama smiled. "It does pack quite a
punch." She looked at Spock for a moment. "Make sure she gets plenty
of water before she falls asleep. Dehydration leads to a nasty morning."
He nodded firmly. "I will make sure she
gets exactly what she needs."
Herlama smiled approval and led the rest of
the group off.
"Spock, why is the ground
spinning?" She felt his hand tighten and he pulled her toward their
building. "Ooooh, slow down, Spock."
The maid from earlier emerged and showed them
to their room. Spock thanked him and closed the door firmly. Christine took the
opportunity to move away and pour herself a big glass of water. She drank it
down and then nearly fell as the room started to spin. Spock's hands on her
arms kept her upright.
He led her to the bed and dropped her
unceremoniously onto the mattress. The waterbed bounced roughly. "Ohh god,
make it stop..." She struggled to a sitting position.
He thrust another glass of water in her face.
"Drink this."
She took a big gulp as he sat down next to
her. "Don't want a hangover. That would be," she leaned into Spock,
"very bad."
He glared at her.
"You're really mad at me, aren't
you?" She poked him in the chest. "Spock doesn't like being ignored.
No sirree. He likes to have everything his way."
"Drink your water, then we will
talk."
She drank some more. "We don't talk,
Spock. We never talk. Talk is baaaadd. Cuz then you might have to hear me say
"I love you," and that makes you so nervous."
"Christine please, you are
intoxicated."
"Yes I am. And if you would let me
finish, I'd say that maybe you wouldn't hear me say that. Cuz maybe I don't
love you anymore, mister! Didya think of that, huh? Maybe I'm sick and tired of
always hanging around waiting for you to notice me. Well not anymore, fella.
This is a new Christine Chapel you're looking at."
"Yes, a drunk one."
"That wasn't very nice, Spock." She
lifted the glass, noticed it was empty. "Could I have some more
water?"
She watched him walk over to the table to
refill the glass. It was suddenly too much effort to sit up so she curled up on
the mattress. Letting her eyes close she felt blackness descend. She barely
heard Spock calling her name before she passed out.
Spock stood over her and watched her for some
time. Then he moved her away from the edge of the bed, took off her boots, and
covered her up with a blanket. Sighing slightly he grabbed another blanket off
the bed and made himself comfortable on one of the couches. It was some time
before he slept.
***********************************
The sound of a communicator woke Christine.
The previous night came rushing back to her. She opened her eyes cautiously,
expecting the light to be far too bright but it seemed fine. Gingerly she
lifted her head off the pillow and waited for the throbbing hangover headache
to set in. She was pleasantly surprised to find herself feeling normal. No
nausea, no headache, no fuzzy tongue. *McCoy would kill for this stuff. I've
got to bring him back a case.*
"You're sure you don't want another team
to come down, Spock?" The captain sounded concerned.
"No, Captain. Additional personnel would
undoubtedly complicate matters. Miss Chapel is doing fine as team lead."
Spock glanced at her as she made her way to
the table that had been laid out for their breakfast. *The maid has already
been here. I didn't even hear him.* She wasn't sure where Spock had slept,
there was no sign that he had stayed on one of the couches. She glanced back at
the bed. She was normally a restless sleeper and last night had been no
different. The covers were all over the place. It looked like they had been
very busy.
"Well then I'll leave you to your day.
We are doing some overdue diagnostics while we wait for you. I was hoping to
approve shore leave, but from what you've said, this isn't the kind of planet
that the crew would enjoy."
*Well the women would,* Christine laughed as
she helped herself to a hearty breakfast.
"A wise decision, Captain. Spock out."
He turned to study her as she made her way to the couch opposite his and began
to eat hungrily. "You appear to be fully recovered if your appetite is any
indication?"
"I told you, I like to eat. And yes, I
feel fine. I guess as long as you drink lots of water, Casca leaves very little
in the way of morning after traces."
"Physical traces in this case. I
remember quite well your behavior last night, as I am sure you do?"
She shifted uncomfortably, "You heard
Mara. The Casca wine just takes some getting used to. I'll pace myself better
tonight."
"Perhaps you should abstain
tonight?"
She remembered how liberally Herlama and Mara
had imbibed. "I'll try, Spock. But it might not be possible. I think
drinking is a national pastime here."
"Among other things," Spock
observed wryly.
She looked at him in shock. His only reaction
was to raise an eyebrow. Neither of them said anything more as she finished her
breakfast. As she ate she noticed a smell in the room that had not been there
before. It was a sweet odor, strong but not unpleasant. She saw vases of small
white and yellow flowers scattered around the room. "Did those come with
breakfast?"
Spock nodded. "They are Dorelian
orchids. A gift from Herlama. The smell is quite strong."
"Does it bother you?"
"No, but I am intensely aware of it. An
unusual sensation."
"I can smell them. And it's nice. But I
can't say they are overwhelming. I haven't seen them displayed with any of the
other flowers that we've been around. Perhaps they are rare?"
"Perhaps. I'm sure Ambassador Wilcox can
tell us. And it will shortly be time to join her for the tour, I assume I am to
be included?"
"That was my understanding, Spock. I
guess we wear the same thing until we get a chance to get something else."
"Yes. About that. You are not seriously
considering dressing in the fashions of this planet are you?"
"Not just me, Spock. Both of us. Our
uniforms are simply not suitable. I'm sure we can find something that won't be
too bad."
"I am not convinced of that."
She sighed as she rose to take a quick
shower. "We have to try, Spock. I don't think Herlama will accept us
wearing these tonight. Especially for dancing."
As she reached the bathroom she heard him
say, "I do not dance, Christine."
She poked her head out, "Naturally,
Spock. To be honest I can't see you on the dance floor."
As she closed the door she could have sworn
she heard him mutter, "I didn't say that I couldn't dance."
*I'm losing it. I've got to go easy on the
Casca tonight.*
***********************************
The tour was interesting at first. But after
the fifth building, Christine found herself wishing it would end sooner rather
than later.
"It does get rather repetitive,"
the Ambassador whispered.
Nodding, Christine glanced at Spock. He too
seemed to be distracted. *Probably worried I'm going to make him wear a
loincloth.*
"Mara, we got some flowers from Herlama
this morning. Orchids I think?"
"Really? She must like you. They are
extremely dear. The smell is considered a mild aphrodisiac by the Dorelians,
although I've never noticed them being that. Did you find them arousing?"
Christine shook her head. "I mean they
smell heavenly. Sort of like the tuberoses my grandma used to grow in her
greenhouse. But they don't *do* anything for me."
Mara laughed as she looked over at Spock.
"Well it's certain they aren't turning him on. How did you sleep?"
Christine groaned. "Fine if you consider
passing out like a light sleeping well? I took Herlama's advice and had a bunch
of water and felt fine. Hard to imagine being that inebriated and not paying
for it the next day."
"You actually didn't seem that
affected."
Christine gave a bitter laugh, "Oh my
dear, you should have been in our room last night. I said some really stupid
things before I hit the wall."
Mara smiled gently, "To Spock, I take
it? You have feelings for him?"
"I used to," Christine said
resolutely.
"Uh-huh." Mara studied her.
"Take my advice, Christine. Tonight at the dance, hook up with one of the
local boys. They are wonderfully sweet. Just the thing to take your mind off
things that...well...aren't so sweet."
Christine smiled at her. "Maybe I
will."
Mercifully the tour ended at the next
building. Mara led Spock and Christine off to the merchant area. Entering a
small building she explained, "This is my favorite designer. Her stuff is
so original."
Spock interjected, "We are trying to
blend in, Ambassador, not win a fashion award."
"You, Spock, are a stick in the mud.
Live a little. Here, what about these?"
Christine looked aghast at the matching
outfits Mara was holding up. She glanced at Spock who was getting a steely look
in his eyes.
"Those are not clothing, they are
handkerchiefs. We require something that provides more coverage."
"This is the latest thing, Spock.
Christine would look fabulous in it."
Spock took the items from her and put them
back on the rack. "No doubt she would. However the universe will have to
live without seeing her in it."
Christine spotted some items on the far wall
that appeared to have more substance. *Perfect,* she thought, as she held up
the soft fabrics. They were matching his and hers as so many of the outfits
seemed to be. She handed the ensemble to Spock, who looked approvingly at her
choice. "This might do, Spock. Let's try it on."
The shopkeeper had come over to greet Mara
and offered to show them to the dressing room. *She said room,* Christine
thought, *Singular.*
She managed not to react as the shopkeeper
opened the door to the fitting room and motioned them both in. Momentary
confusion showed in Spock's expression. Christine pushed him into the room,
"I know you want to look at all the other things, but we really don't have
time, dear. In we go."
The door shut behind them. Christine looked
around the small space. There were mirrors on every side. *Great, just great!*
"How do you suggest we change?"
Spock asked reasonably. "In this case it will do no good to face the other
way."
"Elementary, Spock. I'll go first."
She scowled as he looked confused. "Close your damn eyes and we won't have
a problem."
He did as she said and she quickly stripped
off the uniform and pulled the dark red fabric over her head and let it fall
around her. It was very simple but the effect was incredible. The fabric
managed to hang elegantly while at the same time clinging to curves she had not
even known she had. "Wow," she couldn't help but exclaim.
Spock opened his eyes and inspected her. His
eyes held hers for a long moment before she allowed her eyelids to close.
"Your turn," She prompted and heard
the sounds of him getting out of his uniform and then the same shiver of the
soft fabric being pulled on.
"This is acceptable."
She opened her eyes and admired the sight of
him. The soft fabric hung just as nicely when cut into loose trousers and a
tight shirt. *Wow again.*
They stood awkwardly for a moment then she
said, "Well that was easy."
He nodded, holding the fabric up, "This
is the color of my House on Vulcan. We call it Sun's Blood. My mother called it
Claret."
"It is beautiful." A knock on the
door surprised them both.
Christine cracked the door open and a hand
thrust another set of outfits, this time in a subdued print, and some sandals
at them.
"You'll need something for tomorrow's
events," Mara's voice came from outside the door, "This is what
everyone will be wearing. . And try the sandals. Your boots would look
ridiculous."
Christine looked at Spock, "It's just a
robe, we can try it on over these."
"Logical," he agreed as they both
slipped the garments on. They fit well and the colors flattered them both.. The
sandals also proved comfortable.
"Fine. We're done then." Christine
found herself unaccountably relieved to have this over with. They both pulled
off the robes and sandals and she waited for Spock to close his eyes so she
could finish getting undressed.
His eyes met hers steadily and for a moment
she was uncertain what he was thinking.
"Spock," she said somewhat
unsteadily, "Close your eyes."
He looked at her for several more seconds and
then shut his eyes.
*What the hell was that?* Christine wasted no
time shedding the outfit and putting her uniform back on.
"Ok, you can open them." She closed
her eyes quickly and listened for the sound of him changing. There was only the
sound of her heart beating unnaturally loud in her ears. She nearly jumped when
something touched her. She felt his fingers arranging her hair, mussed from her
quick change, back into order. *This isn't happening,* she repeated to herself
as she kept her eyes tightly shut. She felt his fingers leave and then heard
the sounds of him changing.
"I am ready." His voice was even.
She almost believed that she had imagined his soft touch. *It's got to be the
Casca. It must have some hallucinogenic properties.*
She grabbed their items and shouldered him
aside to get out of the suddenly too small space. "These are
perfect," she announced to Mara and the shopkeeper.
Mara came up with a bottle and handed it to
Christine. "Smell this. It's a scent made from the orchids. For the room
or for your skin. It's what makes this shop always smell so good. You should
buy it, Christine. A souvenir of the planet."
"I think the outfits will be
enough." Christine put it back on the display.
"I will buy it for her," both women
turned with astonishment to look at Spock as he handed the bottle to the
shopkeeper.
"What's with him?" Mara mouthed to
Christine.
Looking mystified, Christine mouthed back,
"I don't know."
Spock for his part stood impassively waiting
for their purchases to be wrapped. The shopkeeper handed them over and the
three of them walked back to the building that Spock and Christine were staying
in. Mara led them to their room, saw Spock settled, and got ready to take
Christine off to lunch with Herlama.
Christine looked at Spock. "You'll be
alright?"
He looked at her evenly, "Of course.
Enjoy your lunch."
*Like nothing happened. It's got to be the
wine. I'm going to do a full analysis when I get back.*
***********************************
Lunch was a relaxed affair. Herlama had
invited a few other women to eat with them. The conversation was congenial and
Christine enjoyed herself to the point that she didn't notice the hours roll
by. She was pleasantly full by the end of the lunch, having found the food
delicious, especially a vegetable dish that had been roasted in a savory oil
until soft.
"You like the kaspaki?" Mara helped
herself to more. "It's my favorite thing about eating at Herlama's. Nobody
else fixes it the way she does. She's noticed that you like it. A dish of it
will probably show up in your room before you know it."
"I'll look forward to it."
Christine became more serious, "Mara, I have a question about Casca. Have
you ever found yourself hallucinating after you drank too much of it?"
"Hallucinating?" The other woman
was puzzled.
"Thinking you saw or felt something that
really wasn't there, or really didn't happen?" Mara shook her head.
"Maybe it only happened when you first started drinking the wine. Try to
think back."
Mara shook her head again, "That's one
of the great things about Casca, Christine. As long as you drink lots of water
there are no side effects, no hangovers, no nasty mornings. And the longer you
drink it the less wallop it packs. I hardly ever get drunk on it now, and
you've seen how much I drink."
Christine looked troubled.
"Why do you ask about it?"
She sighed. "Just some things that have
been going on that didn't seem real to me. I assumed it was an aftereffect of
the wine. But maybe not." Christine noticed the rest of the guests were
preparing to leave. *I'm still going to analyze the wine as soon as I get
back.*
After they thanked Herlama for the meal and
promised to see her in a short while at the dance, Mara walked Christine back
to the room. "I can't wait to see the two of you in those clothes! Herlama
will be so pleased. Till later, Christine." She gave her hand a squeeze
then was gone.
As Christine opened the door the smell of
orchids hit her full force. "What the hell?" The number of vases had
tripled. "Where did they all come from?"
Spock's voice sounded from the far corner.
"I took the liberty of asking the maid to bring some more if they were
available. This is all he could find."
Christine looked around the room, but could
not locate Spock. "You really like the smell, don't you?"
"I do."
Christine followed his voice. *He's in the
bath?*
He looked up at her from where he sat on one
of the lower ledges. The water completely covered him. It was all that did.
"Oh god, I'm sorry, Spock. I didn't realize." She turned around to walk
away.
"Why are you sorry, Christine?"
"I didn't realize that you were in
there. Like you are. In that state of dress. Which is to say not dressed. At
all."
"Ah. I am naked."
"Yes, thanks Spock. That's what I was
trying not to say."
She could hear a slight splashing. His voice
suddenly sounded closer. "Christine? You can turn around now."
He had moved to the near side of the bath and
was leaning up against the wall. He had successfully hidden the front of his
body from her. The back however, was another story. "Why don't you come in
for a while?"
"In there? With you?"
"Yes."
"With you naked? That wouldn't bother
you?"
He seemed to ponder this. "I assume you
would be naked too. I have not seen you in that state. I must confess to some curiosity.
So no, it would not bother me."
*This isn't happening.* She turned away from
the bath, stomped to the food table, grabbed some Casca and furiously began
analyzing it.
"Christine, what are you doing?"
"I'm working, Spock."
"Hmm. I believe that bathing would be a
better use of your time."
He began to paddle around the pool. She did
her best to ignore him as the tricorder read out data. *Nothing here. The wine
is perfectly harmless.* She looked over at Spock who was at the moment more out
of the water than in. *This is really happening then. Unless I've gone crazy.
Maybe this is all a dream and we never really came here.* She poured herself a
glass of the wine, grabbed her new outfit, and headed for the bathroom.
"Christine, come and swim with me."
"I don't think so, Spock. I'm going to
shower and change. I suggest you get ready as well. We need to leave in an
hour."
"You do not wish to share my bath?"
He actually sounded sad to her.
"Spock, believe me, it's nothing
personal." She fled into the bathroom. She stood for a moment in front of
the mirror, then turned around and locked the door. *What is going on here.?
And did I just turn down an offer to take a bath with Spock? I really have gone
crazy.*
Drinking deeply from the Casca, Christine
stripped off her uniform and stepped into the shower, hoping that the warm
steam would clear her head.
***********************************
Christine finished her makeup and hair and
studied her reflection in the bathroom mirror. *Nice, even if I do say so
myself.* She reached for the dress, luxuriating in the whisper of the silky
fabric as she pulled it over her head. Her full length reflection from the
mirror on the door showed her looking sleek and feminine. *I love this dress.*
Not sure if Spock had ever left the pool, she
opened the door and peeked out. He was standing by the food table, fully
clothed in the new outfit. *He looks great.* As he turned toward her she
realized he also looked angry.
"Spock? What's wrong?"
"Nothing." His voice was clipped.
He indicated a plate of Kaspaki. "Herlama's servant brought this by."
"That was nice. Did you try it? It's
wonderful."
"I am not hungry."
She walked toward him but stopped midway when
she realized he was staring at her. His look was incredibly intense.
"Spock?"
"You are beautiful. The dress is perfect
on you." He moved to the table, picked up the bottle of orchid fragrance.
"I want you to wear this."
"Spock, I can't. I'm sorry, I know you
like the flowers. I just really don't feel like it tonight."
"You will not wear it? But I bought it
for you. For you to wear."
She looked down, "I'm sorry. I don't
want to wear it. If you must know I'm utterly sick of the smell of those
orchids."
CRASH! A vase of Dorelian orchids went flying
past Christine's head. *Dammit!* she thought frantically, *when I said I wanted
him to be more emotional, this is not quite what I had in mind.*
Ducking to avoid a poorly thrown wineglass,
Christine scooted behind one of the pillars in the room. She peeked around the
corner, only to find herself in danger from a bunch of roasted kaspaki tubers.
"Spock, for god's sake. Calm down! And
stop throwing things."
Her request was met with heavy breathing but
mercifully no more projectiles. She moved cautiously out from her hiding place.
Spock was sitting on the floor, knees drawn up to his chin, arms wrapped around
them. He was rocking back and forth, muttering.
*This is not good.* Christine thought
desperately back over the past few days on the planet trying to pinpoint the
cause for this outburst.
She moved to Spock's side. "Spock?
Please talk to me."
His voice was so low she could barely make
out the words. "You reject me."
"What?"
He looked up at her. "You won't share my
bath, you won't wear the perfume, you tell me that you don't love me anymore. I
feel such emotion. Such pain."
Christine thought furiously. This could not
be the Pon Farr, they had just been through that last year. And she didn't
think it was alien possession. *I am such an idiot!* She glanced at the
orchids. *Mara said aphrodisiac. Must be his Vulcan physiology.*
"Spock, listen to me. You are not
yourself. I think you are being affected by these orchids. We need to get you
out of this room." Christine knew that what Spock really needed was to be
sedated and observed aboard the Enterprise. But she also knew he would never
forgive her for humiliating him in that manner. *I guess this is my problem.*
"Spock?" She grabbed his shoulders,
shook him hard enough to make him look at her. Before she could speak he
reached out for her, rested his palm on her cheek.
"So beautiful...and I've lost you."
He began to caress her hair and neck.
"Spock you can't lose me. I'm right
here. Ok?"
"Mmmmm," he murmured as he pulled
her close into a slow kiss.
"No!" she pushed away from him. *What
are you doing?* part of her screamed. *I'm sorry,* the other part replied.
"Spock, no. Kissing is bad. Very bad. We need to get up now. We need to
get outside. Fresh air is good. It's our friend. Let's go outside, ok?"
Spock pouted, "You don't love me here,
you won't love me there." But he let her pull him to his feet. He tried to
catch her up in his arms but she slipped away.
"Let's go outside, huh? Let's go
dance."
"You will dance with me??" When she
nodded he smiled smugly. "I will hold you close and make you love me. That
is a secret weapon of men, you know." He actually leered at her. "I
shall use the dance floor. And my secret weapon. That's what Jim says."
She rang for the maid then turned back to
him. "The Captain says the dance floor is a secret weapon?"
"No," he stalked up to her and
pulled her close to him. Leaned her back into a tango dip, then pulled her back
up. "The floor is the arena, the body is the weapon." He pulled her
even closer. "Can you not feel it?"
*Where is that damn maid?* Christine thought
desperately as she noticed that Spock was indeed well armed. *Why can't I just
be a bad person? I could have so much fun with him this way.* She pushed him
away as a knock on the door sounded.
Opening the door she shoved Spock into the
hallway and turned to the maid. "My mate is having an allergic reaction to
your wonderful orchids. I do not wish to offend anyone, because I know how
precious they are, but I need every single one of them removed from this room
and the entire place aired out. If you can't get rid of the smell totally, then
we need to be moved to a new room. I am sorry to put you out like this, but he
is going to get very sick if they aren't removed."
"Of course, ma'am. But there's no use in
trying to air out the place. The smell is pervasive. I believe a new room would
be the easiest answer. I will move your things while you are at the dance. It's
a shame, he seemed to really like the orchids." The young man turned to
enter the room to begin collecting their things.
"Oh and get rid of that perfume while
you're at it," she hissed.
"Yes, ma'am." He nodded.
Spock was staring at her mournfully. "I
heard that, Christine. You hate my gift."
"I don't hate it, Spock. It's just bad
for you. You remember the spores on Omicron Ceti III? The orchids are like
that." Christine led Spock down the stairs to the dance.
"I remember that planet. And
Leila," he sighed "Leila loved me. Do you remember Leila, Christine?
She was so nice."
*The bitch deliberately exposes you to the spores,
and you call her nice?* But Christine just nodded agreeably.
"I didn't love her like you, Christine.
Those plants made me do things I wouldn't have done otherwise. But I really,
really love you." He pulled her into his arms again, tried to kiss her.
*Sure you do.* Christine tried to get away
from him but he was too strong. "Spock, let me go."
His lips met hers and for just a moment she
gave in. *I don't care if I burn in hell for this,* she thought as she kissed
him back passionately.
His arms relaxed as he felt her response. He
pulled away to look at her, his finger tracing her cheek.
"I do love you," she whispered as
she spun away from him, out of his reach, "I always have and I always
will. Now let's go dance before the orchids wear off completely."
She held out her hand and he quickly grasped
it. His hand was warm and the unaccustomed feeling of this simple contact made
her shiver. *I may be good, but I'm not a saint.*
They walked slowly to the clearing where
Herlama had told Christine the dance would be held. While part of her mind
worked on determining how long the orchids' effect would last, another part
reveled in just touching Spock. His grip was firm and at times he would swing
their arms in a whimsical way that she would never have suspected he was
capable of. *You're just full of surprises, Spock. What a shame that none of
them are real.*
"You are quiet tonight, Christine."
"I am preoccupied with the orchids,
Spock." She gave his hand a little squeeze, felt him return the action.
"Why worry about them now? You have
taken steps to negate their effect. Can you not try to concentrate on me for
tonight?"
*This is so unfair,* she thought as he swung
their arms again and pulled her faster toward the music that was becoming
louder. *But at least the fresh air seems to be doing him good.*
"Hey, wait up!" Christine and Spock
turned to see Ambassador Wilcox and Kiloma rushing to join them. The ambassador
and her chosen looked gorgeous in matching, and very skimpy, outfits.
Christine heard some of the normal Vulcan
dignity in Spock's voice as he greeted the pair. The effect was somewhat
negated by the fact that he was still holding tightly to her hand and had
pulled her in closely next to him.
The ambassador's eyes widened as she watched
the two of them. "Are you feeling all right, Spock?"
"Fine, Ambassador, why do you ask?"
In answer she glanced down at their clasped
hands. "I don't know Spock...you just seem a bit more tactile tonight than
usual?"
His answer was calm. "Oh that. It is
simple. I am in love with Christine."
Wilcox's jaw dropped open. "You
are?"
Christine rushed to explain, "And he
also is having a major reaction to those orchids. You remember how we weren't
affected?" She laughed bitterly at Mara's look of understanding,
"Yeah. Vulcans aren't so lucky, it would seem."
"Oh my."
Spock pulled Christine toward the dance area.
"I am functioning perfectly. I do not know why you are so worried about
this, Christine." He stopped at a refreshment table and handed her a glass
of Casca. "Drink some. We *know* it will make you relax."
Christine desperately wanted to drain about
three glasses, but refused his offer. "I think one of us should have a
clear head tonight, Spock."
"There is nothing wrong with my head,
Christine." He pulled her toward the dance floor. "We must dance now.
You will excuse us Mara? Kiloma?"
The other couple nodded, the ambassador
mouthing "Good luck," to Christine before turning to get some Casca.
With Spock pulling her to the dance floor,
Christine barely had a chance to register Herlama and Mantim standing near the
edge of the group of dancers. She tried to get him to stop to say hello but he
was intent on making it into the mass of swaying couples. Herlama took in their
outfits and smiled her approval as Christine disappeared after Spock into the
dance.
"I thought you didn't dance,
Spock?" Christine couldn't help teasing him. "What's your rush?"
He cocked an eyebrow at her, "You said
you wanted to get here before the orchids wore off. Since you have not fully
calculated the duration of their effect, I thought haste would be
prudent."
*Well, at least he's starting to sound like
his old self.* She gasped as he pulled her very tightly against his body. The
thin fabric of their clothes was little barrier to the feeling of his body
against hers. *Well, not quite like his old self.*
"I am fully capable of dancing,
Christine. I just prefer to not engage in the practice because physical contact
is required."
"That being a bad thing."
He nodded, "Yes. Until now. I find that
physical contact with you is something to be desired." He moved her around
the dance floor with some skill. Then began to twirl her forcefully, and
repeatedly. "Is my technique having an effect on you?"
*Yeah,* she thought as dizziness began to
take her, *I'm going to throw up.*
Mercifully he stopped and pulled her back
into his arms. His voice was low, "I'm sorry. I can sense your distress.
That was perhaps not a move I should repeat."
*Good call.* She allowed her head to rest on
his chest as the dizziness abated. She could feel the heat radiating off of
him, smell the spiciness of his skin. *I could stay like this forever.*
*Yes, it would be pleasant.*
She pulled away in reaction to the sound of
his mind-voice in hers. "Spock! What the hell do you think you're
doing?"
He looked at her in some confusion. "I
wish to be close to you. As close as I can be. I have two options open to me
and you have indicated that physical intimacy is unacceptable to you at this time.
And we are in public. I thought it more seemly to seek mental intimacy. You did
not like the sensation?"
*I liked it too much.* She allowed her body
to relax. "Just don't do that again without asking, ok?"
He nodded. "As you wish." He pulled
her back into his arms. "I am at somewhat of a loss, Christine?"
"What do you mean?"
She could feel him sigh. "I have spent
most of the time that I have known you avoiding you and the way you felt about
me. It was the simplest thing to do."
"Yes, I imagine it was." She could
hear the bitterness in her voice.
"But now I find that when I want you
more than anything, you are impossible to catch. It is not what I would have
expected."
*Not what I would have expected either,
Sherlock!* Christine wanted to throttle him but knew that she shouldn't blame
him for the things the orchids made him say or do. No matter how much they
hurt. "Life is funny that way, Spock. Nothing ever goes as planned."
He thought about this for a while. Then he
turned his concentration back to her. "Next time I will just have to plan
better."
He swayed gently with her. She could feel his
hand at the small of her back, the other was tangled in her hair. He seemed to
be respecting her request for no more kisses. But his touches were making her
shiver in a not unpleasant way. *It's going to be a very long night. So
unfair...*
***********************************
The night was indeed long. Dancing gave way
to dinner and conversation with Herlama. "Your dress is gorgeous! I knew
you would look beautiful in our fashions. And it is obvious your very handsome
mate approves as well." She favored them both with a fond smile. "It
is nice to see two people so in love. Reminds me of how Mantim and I were when
we were younger." She squeezed her husband's hand and he smiled back at
her.
*You couldn't get more wrong,* Christine
thought sadly.
As if sensing her thoughts, Spock began to
gently caress her neck.
Herlama continued, "If you know love as
we have and for as long, you will be lucky. Now shall we return to dancing?"
They all rose and made their way back to the
floor. Spock pulled her to him but not as close as before. He reached down and
tilted her chin so their eyes would meet. "You are sad now. Very sad. Have
I done something wrong?"
She found herself blinking back sudden tears.
"No, Spock. You haven't done anything wrong." He pulled her in close
again. She relaxed against him. "This just isn't real. And that's sad to
me. Because it feels so right. And I've wanted it for so long."
"I could show you that my feelings are
real. If you would let me touch your mind."
She shook her head. "I don't doubt that
you believe that you feel these things. Or that you maybe really do feel them
right now. I'm not sure how far the orchids' effects go. The only thing I do
know is that either tonight, or tomorrow, or the next day, or the day after
that you'll come to your senses and this will all end and everything will be
like it was."
"It doesn't have to be."
She didn't answer him. Just hugged him a
little closer and tried not to cry.
"I am serious, Christine. It does not
have to be. We could bond. Tonight. Then, no matter what happened, we would be
together. Really together. Forever. We would not be alone anymore."
She stiffened in his arms, stopped dancing
altogether. "You can't be serious, Spock?"
"I am."
She pushed him away angrily. "This has
gone far enough," she hissed. Grabbing his hand she dragged him off the
dance floor. And ran right into the ambassador and Kiloma.
"Christine, what's wrong?"
"Spock isn't feeling well. He needs to
go back to our room. Our new room not the old one. Can Kiloma see that he gets
there?" She felt anger war with sorrow. *I have to stay here. I don't have
the strength to be around him like this.*
"Christine. Do not send me away. We
should discuss my proposal. It has merit."
"Go to bed, Spock. You're sick. You need
rest."
He tried to argue. She didn't give him a
chance. "Commander Spock. Your judgment is impaired. I am taking medical
command of this mission. You *will* return to our room, and you *will* rest. We
will not discuss your proposal again tonight, is that clear?"
His face became stony. He stubbornly stared
at her and did not move.
"That was an order, Spock. Go to our
room. Stay there. I will see you when I get back."
He stared at her for a few minutes then
turned on his heel and started back angrily toward their building. Kiloma ran
to catch up with him.
Mara moved close to Christine. "Are you
ok?"
Christine turned back to her. She fought back
tears but still managed to give a credible imitation of a Vulcan. "I am
fine."
Mara touched her arm, "You're
sure?"
She nodded and headed for the table of Casca
wine. Grabbing a glass she downed it in one gulp. *How can it hurt this bad?*
She reached for another glass but Mara
stopped her. "That's not the answer, Christine."
She glared at the ambassador. "Oh I
think it is the answer, Mara. I just did the most noble thing I've ever done.
And I will probably hate myself for it for the rest of my life. I think this is
exactly what I need."
Mara shrugged and let go of her hand.
"Fine, but don't blame me for what happens."
"Nothing will happen, Mara. I've seen to
that." *Nothing will happen ever again.*
***********************************
The Casca was not the solution. Despite her
best intentions, Christine could not bring herself to get drunk. *Just don't
trust myself not to go to him.* She sat for hours watching the dancers and
sipping at the wine, occasionally talking to Herlama or Mara but mostly just
trying to forget that Spock was waiting for her in their room.
The dancing didn't break up till the early
morning hours and she almost asked Mara if she could stay with her as they
approached the split in the trails that would take them their separate ways.
*No, you can do this.*
She found the maid, and he led her to their
new room. It was dark and quiet when she opened the door. Only a few candles
lit the way through the unfamiliar surroundings. Spock was sitting on a couch,
meditating. He looked up at her as she came in. His expression was even as he
noted the time.
"I'm going to bed," she announced
and hurried into the bathroom.
When she emerged, Spock was still sitting on
the couch. "We should talk about this, Christine."
She did not turn to look at him as she made
her way to the bed. "We are not going to talk about this, Spock."
"But I wish to discuss this."
"No!" she fairly screamed at him.
He recoiled at her reaction. "You want to discuss this. Fine. Discuss it
with me when you aren't stoned out of your mind on chemicals. Discuss it with
me when we are back on the Enterprise and you are feeling normal. Discuss it
with me then, Spock. For now, I don't want to hear another word about it. I
just want to sleep."
"As you wish, Nurse."
Wincing at the title she pulled the covers
down and climbed into bed. *This is how it will be from now on. This is how it
will always be.* She lay in bed and tried not to cry. Sleep abandoned her and
she tossed and turned all night. She was intensely aware of Spock, who had not
left his place on the couch and did not appear to be even trying to sleep.
When full morning finally came, Christine got
out of bed and fled to the bathroom. Changing into a set of the casual clothes
that she had brought she went for a long walk. It was hours before she returned
to the room. The maid had delivered breakfast so she fixed a small plate and
ate it in silence, barely looking at Spock who was standing by the window.
When he turned around his face was the normal
Vulcan mask she was used to. *So, he is gone, this Spock that loved me.* She
finished her meal, went into the shower and changed into the robe they had
bought for today's event. Spock used the shower when she finished and also
emerged in his robe. He did not say anything to her as they left the room and
made their way to a large meeting room.
The ambassador met them at the door.
"Well, this is the last of it. You'll be out of here in just a few
hours." She took in Spock's blank expression and Christine's exhausted
look. "I imagine it can't be too soon for either of you?" Christine
closed her eyes and sighed, Spock did not react to her statement. "Well,
let's go in then."
The final ceremony was thankfully very brief.
Christine fought to keep her eyes open. Several times she became lost in
thought. Spock was seated behind her but she did not turn to look at him as she
had the first night. When it was over, he made his way to her side and they bid
Herlama and Mantim goodbye.
"Will you ever make it back to our
planet? We would be pleased to see you and your mate again." Herlama asked
politely.
"It is doubtful, Herlama. But thank you.
I will never forget the days I have spent on your world." *That at least
is not a lie.*
Mara gave Christine a quick hug. "It'll
be all right, Christine. You'll see." She nodded at Spock, who opened his
communicator.
"Enterprise, two to beam up."
Christine smiled goodbye at Mara before the
transporter beam took her away. When the transporter room solidified around her
she was surprised to see Kirk and McCoy waiting for them.
Kirk walked forward, taking in the matching
robes they had not had time to change out of. "Welcome back. I was told by
Ambassador Wilcox that the mission was a success and we're free to go."
Spock nodded. "I will have a complete
report for you." He started to move toward the door and Christine followed
a little behind him.
McCoy smirked as he shot back. "Very
complete I hope. I'd like to know the story behind those outfits."
Christine turned around, gave him a hard
look.
He tried to play innocent, "What? I'm
interested in cultural things like clothing...and other rituals." Again he
smirked.
"Oh go to hell." Ignoring the shock
on both his and Kirk's face, Christine turned around and made her way to her
quarters.
Kirk looked at Spock. "Do you have
anything to add to that, Spock? Or should I wait for the report?"
Spock appeared to give the matter some
thought. "No sir, I believe Miss Chapel summed it up quite
adequately."
With that he turned on his heel and exited
the room, leaving behind a stunned captain and chief medical officer.
***********************************
As soon as Christine was out of sight of the
transporter room she hurried back to her room. Stopping only to set the lock on
her door, she fell into bed and slept for eight straight hours. When she got up
her console light was flashing. There was a message from Spock.
"Miss Chapel. I presume you are getting
some much-needed rest? I have drafted a report but would like your input as you
were the true lead on most of the mission. Please annotate the draft I have
attached and send it back to me at your earliest convenience."
Christine opened the report, thinking to
herself sarcastically, *This ought to be fun reading.* To her surprise, Spock
was fulsome in his praise of her handling of the mission. He gave her high
marks on judgment, initiative, flexibility, adaptability, creativity, and
integrity. She raised an eyebrow at the last one but decided not to contest it.
Let the readers try to figure out what that meant. She added her information to
the report and sent it back to Spock.
For the next few weeks she went out of her
way to avoid him. He did not frequent sick bay so her work hours were
uncomplicated by sightings of him. But during her free time she was constantly
trying to not meet up with him in the mess hall, in the rec lounge, or in the
corridors. Twice she went in to eat and left when she saw him sitting there.
And several times she saw him coming down the corridor and fled back the other
way to keep from running into him. She knew it was stupid, but for now she
really could not face seeing him.
McCoy had at first treated her gingerly but
she had told him she had been hung over and he had accepted that explanation.
She filled him in on the mission as much as she could. Leaving out the more
interesting bits of course. And he filled her in on how his courtship of Carol
Sauers had fizzled after what had seemed a promising start. Their relationship
quickly returned to normal.
She was just about to end her shift one night
when she saw Spock enter the sick bay. He ignored Dr. M'Benga and headed
straight for her. "Mr. Spock," she greeted him cautiously.
"Miss Chapel," he replied. His face
gave nothing away.
*What the hell does he want?* Mentally
shrugging, she went back to finishing the report in front of her.
A cough made her look up. "Did you want
something, Spock?"
He nodded slightly. "I need to speak to
you."
"Well M'Benga's here, wouldn't you
rather speak to him?"
He seemed to shift a bit uncomfortably.
"This is not a medical issue. It is you I wish to speak to. In private. I
was hoping you could come to my quarters tonight. If you do not already have
plans?"
*Yeah, right. My social calendar is just full
to the brim.* She studied him. He seemed quite serious. The Spock she had
always known. "Can't you just tell me now? M'Benga can't hear us from his
office."
"I believe it might take some time. I
shall expect you in thirty minutes. Feel free to change to off duty clothing if
you wish. I shall." Without waiting for her assent, he turned and left
sick bay.
*It would serve him right if I didn't show
up.* She closed the report and said goodnight to M'Benga. Once back in her
quarters she took a quick shower and changed into pants and a loose top. Her
hand brushed the red dress she had worn to the dance. *I don't know why I'm
keeping this. I really should get rid of it.*
She made her way to Spock's cabin. Ringing
the chime she heard him tell her to enter. The lights were dimmed and the
temperature was up, as she knew he preferred. He had put some food and wine out
on the small table near his couch. Mimicking him, she raised her eyebrow,
"Wine, Spock?"
"It is not Casca. But I hope it will
do."
"If I remember correctly, Spock, you
didn't like what wine *did* to me." She sat where he indicated and
accepted a glass from him.
"That would depend on which day you are
referring to. I remember urging you to have some of the wine on one of the
days."
She looked at him in surprise. She had
thought he would want to avoid any mention of their experience down on the
planet.
He noticed her reaction. "Do you think
that just because I am somewhat embarrassed by my own behavior, I would pretend
as if the whole thing had not happened?"
"Yes. That's precisely what I thought
you would do."
He poured himself a glass of wine. "You
do not know me very well."
She chose to say nothing, just drank from her
glass.
He turned on the couch so he was facing her.
"I asked you here because I wish to discuss what happened."
She nodded uncertainly.
"First. I wish to tell you how I admire
your behavior throughout the mission."
"Casca incident notwithstanding?"
Christine found herself smiling at him.
His expression lightened, " Casca
notwithstanding. And I also wanted to say that I admire you for your integrity,
for the way you did not take advantage of the situation."
She kept her expression carefully neutral.
"Of course, Spock. What else would I have done?"
He shifted uncomfortably, "Yes.
Indeed." He appeared to be lost in thought for a moment, then he met her
eyes with a very intense gaze. "Do you not love me anymore?"
She felt herself rooted in place. *Careful
how you answer this.* She took a sip of wine before answering. "I don't
understand your question."
"It is a simple query. I fail to see how
its meaning could be lost on you. You stated during the Casca incident that you
did *not* love me. You stated that you *did* when you were trying to get me
away from the orchids. Neither time were you exactly in a normal frame of mind.
So I want to know, do you love me?"
"Why does it matter?" She knew the
words came out more bitterly than she intended but she could not help it.
He searched for the correct answer. Finally
he said, "You turned down the opportunity to bond with me. I wish to know
if it was because you were not interested, in which case turning it down was an
easy and inconsequential decision to you. Or if you still are interested, in
which case you turned down that which you want most in this life. That is why I
want to know. Now please answer my question."
Christine sat for a long time looking into
her wineglass. He did not hurry her. A thousand answers ran through her mind. A
thousand things to say to him. Finally she chose simplicity...and honesty.
"Yes, I still love you."
He leaned back in his chair. Did not say
anything for some time. "It was difficult, then, what I put you
through?"
*See nothing changes.* She drank some more
wine. "Yes, Spock. It was very difficult."
He nodded. "I remember everything that
happened. I remember you telling me that I would feel differently once the
orchids wore off. You were correct. I do feel differently."
She put down her glass and walked quickly to
the door. "Well that's great, Spock. I'm so glad we had this little
talk." She wanted to say more but she felt the tears coming. *I will not
break down in front of you, you cold-hearted bastard!*
"You did not let me finish. I feel
differently because I am no longer...how did you put it...stoned out of my mind
on chemicals."
"Good for you, Spock, glad you're back
in control."
Before she could take another step he was in
front of her. "You would run away?"
"Oh go to hell, Spock!" She tried
to go around him. "Just go to hell!"
"It is getting crowded there. I prefer
to stay here. With you." He pulled her into his arms.
"Damn you! I hate you!"
She was struggling wildly, and her emotion
made her strong. If Spock had not been Vulcan, she would have broken away. As
it was he had a hard time holding her. Finally she gave up, slumped in his arms
and repeated brokenly, "I hate you. I hate you. I hate you."
His hands held her tightly as he whispered,
"That is too bad, Christine. Because I believe I love you."
She got very quiet and stiff in his arms as
he continued, "I don't know when I started to feel for you. But I have
always had a great fondness for you. It was impossible though for me to indulge
those feelings. I was promised to T'Pring. I had to honor that commitment. And
you deserved better than what little I could give you. So I avoided you. And
even after I was free I still was unsure. I admired you, but you were human. I
was not sure that I wanted to be involved with a human."
She spoke so low he barely heard her,
"But that's changed?"
He pulled away from her, made sure she was
looking at him. "Down on the planet. I had the chance to really see you. I
found many more things to admire about you. And I could finally tell you. That
night of the Casca," he half smiled at her, "I stood over you as you
slept. And later, I spent many hours considering, thinking. But before I could
do anything the orchids arrived. I stopped thinking and started feeling. I
acted out of character, but I did not lie to you."
She waited as he paused. His fingers found
her face, traced her features. She closed her eyes and shivered at his light
touch. "You could have had me, Christine. I would have been yours forever.
But you turned that down. Why?"
"It would have been wrong. It would have
been cheating. And I would never have known if you really loved me."
"Let me show you." He leaned in but
stopped when his lips were just shy of hers. "Is kissing still bad?"
She laughed. "No, it's our friend."
"One can never have too many
friends," he teased as his lips found hers in a gentle kiss. His arms
pulled her close as his kiss became more insistent. His fingers found her face
but he did not force the meld. "You said to ask first? Let me show you how
I feel? Let me know how you feel?"
She kissed him again and whispered through
the kiss, "Yes." She felt the same shock of presence as when they had
been dancing. Then he opened up his mind to hers. She felt everything that had
happened, on the planet, and before that on the ship. Saw how he had tried to
spare her. Experienced his regard, his fondness, his lust. She sensed his
questions for her. Sent him all the things he needed to know. Sent him her
love. Felt his own come back to her.
*Do we wait?* she heard him ask.
*What would be the point?* she replied.
*Logical,* he commended as he scooped her up
and carried her into the bedroom.
*********************
The next morning, after much loving and very
little sleep, Spock and Christine ran into McCoy as they came out of Spock's
room.
McCoy stopped in astonishment. "Well
this is a surprise. Anything you two kids want to tell me?"
Spock looked at Christine and she nodded,
grinning evilly.
"Yes, Doctor," Spock said evenly.
"Go to hell."
Fin