DISCLAIMER: The Star Trek characters are the
property of Paramount Studios, Inc and Viacom. The
story contents are the creation and property of Djinn and are copyright (c)
2013 by Djinn. This story is Rated R.
Demote in Haste, Repent at Leisure
by
Djinn
Kirk
watched as Vendella Prime began to fill the viewscreen. He
was in for a very long, very boring day being wined and dined by this worldÕs
leaders.
Uhura
said softly, ÒTheyÕre ready for you, sir.Ó
He
sighed in an overly dramatic way, and she laughed. HeÕd missed space every day heÕd spent at
his desk in Command, doing things an admiral should do. But heÕd glamorized parts of it in his
mind: these diplomatic functions could be a bore whether you did them from a
ship in deep space or from an office in San Francisco.
ÒMister
Spock, you have the conn.Ó He tried
not to glare at Spock for getting out of this. The Vendellans
had extremely high-pitched voices and part of the day would be a presentation
of their version of singing. Which
consisted of noises that made a phaser on overload sound pleasant. Spock had begged off for the sake of his
hearing.
ÒPerhaps
Doctor McCoy will provide unobtrusive earplugs,Ó Spock said as he took the
center seat.
ÒGood
idea. Then you can go, too.Ó
ÒI
am not certain earplugs would protect my hearing. After having been temporarily blind, I
am not eager to try deaf.Ó
Kirk
shook his head at the logic that could get his friend out of anything he didnÕt
want to do. He was too damn glad to
have him back to fight him. But a
few months from now, those excuses would no longer work. ÒFine, enjoy my ship while IÕm going
deaf and being poisoned on behalf of the Federation.Ó
He
got on the turbolift, turned and watched his bridge disappear behind the
closing doors. What he wouldnÕt
give for a red alert about now.
The
doors opened, and he walked down to sickbay. McCoy was working with a patient, and
Kirk frowned at how slowly he was moving.
ÒYou about ready?Ó
ÒHold
that thought,Ó McCoy said to the young man on the table and motioned Kirk into
his office. ÒIÕm not going. Christine is.Ó
ÒChapel
is? I want you to go.Ó
ÒVendellan singing gives me a migraine. And IÕm not the only doctor in sickbay.Ó McCoy leaned back against his desk.
ÒSo
you pick the one with the worst attitude to go? Or are you just sick of dealing with
her?Ó
ÒFrankly,
IÕm sick of you not dealing with
her. I appreciate that you donÕt
micromanage, but since you were the one who demoted her, you can repair the
relationship. Remember, she can
still relieve you of command in the deputy role.Ó
Kirk
sighed. This day was rapidly going
to hell. ÒShe hates me.Ó
ÒSheÕs
mad as hell at you. ThereÕs a
difference.Ó
ÒShe
was WillÕs girl.Ó Not in the sense
of being his lover—at least Kirk didnÕt think she was. But sheÕd made it clear that she didnÕt
think much of the way Kirk had gotten his ship back.
Even
if he had saved them.
Damned,
obstinate woman.
ÒBones,
have mercy. ItÕs going to be a long
day in the hot sun with shitty food and that god-awful caterwauling. DonÕt make me take her.Ó
McCoy
patted him onto the shoulder. ÒWith
great power comes great responsibility.Ó
ÒQuoting
Voltaire? HowÕs this one: a witty
saying proves nothing.Ó
ÒOkay,
this may be more in your wheelhouse:
It is not enough to conquer; one must also know how to seduce.Ó
Kirk
laughed. ÒYou want me to seduce
her?Ó
ÒUse
charm, Jim. I know you have it in
you.Ó
ÒIÕve
tried. SheÕs immune. Bones, please.Ó
McCoy
shook his head. ÒHave a great time
with her. SheÕs got earplugs. Make sure she doesnÕt conveniently
forget to give you a pair.Ó
ÒI
hate you. Just so weÕre
clear.Ó Kirk stood up straight and
took a deep breath, then he walked out of McCoyÕs office and over to ChapelÕs
and coughed gently.
She
ignored him. It was a gift how
effectively she ignored him. He
coughed a little louder.
She
turned. ÒI guess youÕre stuck with
me.Ó She didnÕt look any happier
about it than he did.
ÒThereÕs
more than one doctor on my ship.
YouÕll do.Ó That last part
didnÕt come out the way he wanted it to.
Her
expression, if anything, got stonier.
She stood and handed him a pair of small earplugs. ÒTake these now—IÕm sure by the
time we get to the singing, I wonÕt feel like giving them to you.Ó
He
took a deep breath. Then
another. ÒChristine, letÕs just try
to get along, all right?Ó
ÒIÕll
be a model officer. We arenÕt
friends—letÕs not pretend we are.Ó
She crossed her arms over her chest and stared him down.
ÒWe
used to be.Ó
ÒNo,
we werenÕt, sir. Friends call each
other by their first names.Ó She
smiled but the expression didnÕt reach her eyes. ÒWeÕll be late if we stay here debating
how close our relationship was.Ó
ÒFine.Ó He turned on his heel and walked out,
not really caring if she was following.
Hoping,
if he was honest, that she wouldnÕt.
But
he could hear the stamp of her boots on the floor. Jesus, even her walk was intimidating
these days. They rode the lift to
the transporter room and beamed down without saying another word to each other.
The
Vendellans were waiting. They had gathered some singers to
serenade them as they beamed in—could you really call that music? There were very large smiles on the
faces of their nearly identical hosts—they were bald with skin the color
of an old terracotta pot and dark brown eyes—and he tried to return the
smiles in kind. Saw that Chapel was
smiling, and this time it was a real expression.
She
was too smart to give him a reason to boot her off his ship—damn her.
ÒI
am Tolfeyan.
I will be your host. We are
so happy to have you here, Captain.
And this is...?Ó
ÒThis
is my deputy chief medical officer, Doctor Christine Chapel.Ó
ÒHonored
to be here, sir.Ó Her voice was
warmer than it ever was around him these days.
ÒYou
eyes are the most intriguing color, Doctor. Blue is not one of the colors we are
used to.Ó
Kirk
glanced at her eyes—yeah, okay, they were a pretty shade of blue. When they werenÕt delivering the Chapel
death glare.
She
smiled again, showing perfect white teeth.
ÒThank you for the compliment.
IÕm afraid blue eyes are fairly common for humans. Our chief medical officer has them,
too.Ó
ÒWe
are used to brown eyes like the CaptainÕs.Ó
ÒWe
call his color of eye hazel. That
little bit of green makes them different than brown.Ó
She
cared what color his eyes were?
The
Vendellans moved uncomfortably close and stared at
KirkÕs eyes until he felt embarrassed, as they murmured, ÒYes, greenÓ and ÒI
see it, not quite brown.Ó
She
was smirking as she said, ÒInteresting mix of colors, no?Ó
He
stood and waited until their hosts were done examining his eyes and then
smiled. ÒWell, now that thatÕs out
of the way...Ó
ÒWe
have a wonderful afternoon planned, Captain. Please, you and the doctor come this
way.Ó Tolfeyan
led them off.
ÒNot
much personal space needed here, I guess,Ó she murmured as she fell into step
at his side. ÒWas that
uncomfortable?Ó
ÒYep. Did you do it on purpose?Ó
She
shrugged and gave him a smile he couldnÕt read.
It
was going to be a long damn day.
--------------
Chapel
followed Kirk as they were treated to a tour of the city. It was, as cities go, pretty standard,
but they oohed and ahhed appropriately. Len had said the Starfleet brass were
anxious for Kirk to make nice since the Vendellans
had a dilithium-rich moon and they were willing to trade unlimited access to it
for provisional Federation membership.
They
rounded a corner and found yet another choir waiting to serenade them. She moved closer to Kirk, murmured, ÒIf
you donÕt have your earplugs in, now would be a good time,Ó right before Tolfeyan turned to tell them of the origins of the
song. Or what passed for a song on Vendella.
She
looked their host in the eye, saw him once again seem mesmerized by hers. Baby blues had never been so useful. She even batted her eyelashes a little
and didnÕt stop until Kirk had the earplugs in. Then she lowered her gaze and Tolfeyan, after a moment, turned back to Kirk.
The
louder the choir got, the more her earplugs blocked the sound, and she was able
to smile as if she was actually enjoying the music. She saw Kirk do the same, then he turned
an assessing glance on her.
As
the choir wound down and their host led them off again, the earplugs returned
to their normal neutral state. She
heard Kirk murmur, ÒThank you.Ó
ÒCanÕt
have you go deaf on my watch.Ó
ÒWhen
did you put yours in?Ó
ÒWhen
they were so busy studying your eye color.Ó
He
laughed—a quick bark of sound—causing Tolfeyan
to turn around. Kirk smiled at the
man until he started walking again, then leaned in. ÒSo thatÕs why you did that.Ó
ÒThey
seemed mesmerized by my eyes. I was
afraid IÕd give offense if they caught me putting the earplugs in when they
were watching—and they seemed like theyÕd always be watching.Ó She took a deep breath. ÒDid you really think IÕd do that to you
just to be petty?Ó
ÒWell,
you did seem to enjoy my discomfort.Ó
ÒSure. Once I was committed, no reason not to
enjoy it.Ó She met his eyes. ÒBut I wouldnÕt do it just to be a
bitch.Ó
ÒOkay.Ó
ÒYou
donÕt sound convinced.Ó She wanted
to push past him, but there was protocol to think of. He was her captain, much as she resented
that fact. Decker was supposed to
be. There wasnÕt supposed to be
hide nor hair of the holy trinity of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. And yet, here they all were.
What
the hell was she still doing here?
She knew Kirk wanted her gone, but he couldnÕt get rid of her himself,
not without cause—not after having demoted her the way he had. Especially since, if her contact at Command
was right, Nogura was looking for a reason to take
the ship back and give it to someone else.
Kirk had, from all accounts, played on NoguraÕs
feelings of relief and appreciation—feelings which hadnÕt lasted long
once heÕd realized heÕd been snookered out of his flagship by a man who was
supposed to be grounded from here on out.
Nogura had made the demotion to captain
permanent—but she didnÕt think that bothered Kirk much.
But still, why the hell was she staying?
Was she that much of a masochist?
She wasnÕt staying for Spock, that was for damn sure. SheÕd moved on—although she wasnÕt
going to think of that because it would make her even more of a bitch than she
was already being.
ÒDoctor?Ó
Kirk said in the tone that meant heÕd asked her something once already.
ÒSorry?Ó
ÒOh,
if only you were.Ó He gave her a
smile that was more a grimace. ÒTolfeyan asked if we were hungry.Ó
She
wanted to shake her head and run screaming. Vendellan food
was widely known to be some of the worst in the quadrant. Instead, she gave Kirk and their host
her most pleasant smile and said, ÒIf you are, sir.Ó
He
gave Tolfeyan the trademark Òlight up the galaxyÓ
James T. Kirk grin. She saw the man
melt under its weight. He tried to
turn it on her, and she let one side of her mouth go up.
ÒTough
crowd. Jeez.Ó He strode off without her.
She
followed at a more leisurely pace, and they were soon in a grand square. Tables that were overflowing with dishes
were in the center, and a great many Vendellans were
already seated. Another table sat
on a dais—everyone would be watching them eat. Grand.
She
hurried to catch up with him as she saw him eye a dish that looked
appetizing. Before he could grab
the serving utensil, she murmured, ÒNo.Ó
He
turned to look at her. ÒNo?Ó
ÒNot
unless you enjoy projectile vomiting.Ó
She leaned in. ÒI read up on
the foods. I know which ones are
not going to make us want to throw up.
Take what I take.Ó
He
eased her in front of him. At TolfeyanÕs look of confusion, Kirk said, ÒWe have a saying
in our culture. Ladies first.Ó
ÒAhhh. Most
remiss of me to not know that.Ó
She
took very small portions of the safe foods and made her way around the table,
managing to still have plate showing when she got done. Kirk followed her lead exactly.
Tolfeyan surveyed her plate with some
consternation. ÒSuch small bites of
each.Ó
ÒThe
better to savor each one,Ó she said, heard Kirk make a sound that seemed like a
stifled laugh.
She
was very glad sheÕd taken only small bites as she pretended to enjoy what truly
was the worst food sheÕd had in a long time. She snuck a look at Kirk, saw that he
was struggling to get what looked like some kind of potato-ish
dish down.
ÒAnd
now, while you enjoy our most famous dishes,Ó Tolfeyan
said with an engaging eagerness, Òwe will serenade you with our most
accomplished singers.Ó
The
screeching was horrendous; her earplugs drowned out much of it. She glanced at Kirk, and he smiled at
her as if he was enjoying the music, but she knew it was more likely he was enjoying
how well the earplugs did their job.
--------------
Kirk
saw McCoy in the mess the next morning, hurried over to him and set his tray
down. ÒNext time, you have to go
represent us at a Vendellan event. All by your lonesome. Or hell, maybe IÕll send Spock for good
measure. Those earplugs would have
protected his hearing just fine: they were outstandingly effective.Ó
ÒI
heard all about it from Christine.
Who was in a surprisingly good mood. I didnÕt mean to really seduce her,
Jim.Ó
Kirk
laughed. ÒI didnÕt. I think it was good for us to suffer
together. It was a bonding
experience on the one hand, but also you were right, Bones: I have been playing
favorites taking you on all the landing parties.Ó
ÒYes,
I am often right. You usually donÕt admit it.Ó McCoy studied him. ÒWell, whatever you did, you played it
just right. SheÕs far more pleasant
to be around. Not that sheÕs ever
unpleasant to the staff or the patients.
ItÕs usually me who gets it.Ó
ÒDo
you think maybe weÕre projecting?Ó
ÒHuh?Ó
ÒShe
did something yesterday and I read it all the wrong way. And I think maybe itÕs because I feel
guilty over having demoted her, so I assume everything she does is driven by
anger. When this time what she did
was purely logical.Ó
McCoy
seemed to think about it. ÒI guess
itÕs possible. I do feel pretty
crummy about taking away her opportunity.
IÕve been walking on eggshells around her, to be honest.Ó
ÒAnd
maybe sheÕs reacting to that. You
certainly never did that before.Ó
ÒNo,
I didnÕt.Ó McCoy frowned. ÒDamn it all, Jim. I hate it when youÕre insightful like
this.Ó
Kirk
grinned and poured syrup over his pancakes—too much syrup, but he was
trying to forget how awful the Vendellan food had
been and maple-smothered pancakes with a side of bacon seemed a good way to do
it. ÒListen, weÕre going to attend
a change of government ceremony on Belletia in a few weeks. Normally IÕd ask you, but I think it
would be good if I include her in the entourage this time.Ó
ÒFine
by me. You know those ceremonies
bore the living shit out of me.Ó
ÒItÕs
their first democratic election and it will get them in the Federation finally. The old government is stepping down
willingly. ItÕs a big deal, Bones.Ó
ÒOh,
hell, I know that, Jim. But that
doesnÕt mean I want to sit through parades and speeches. Take her to all those events. IÕll go to the ones with the drinking
and the ladies.Ó
ÒYou
realize that sounds incredibly shallow?Ó
McCoy
just laughed. ÒI retired, my
friend. I was done with boring ceremonies
forever until you pulled me back in.
I think it only fair that I boycott them now on general principle. Especially when I have a deputy who is,
to be fair, more charming than I am when bored.Ó He began to laugh. ÒAnd easier on the eyes, too—and
donÕt tell me you havenÕt noticed.Ó
ÒMe? Pffff.Ó But Kirk had noticed. HeÕd never been drawn to her when she
was on his ship the first time. The
elaborate hairdos, the makeup, the long colorful nails. It looked like she was...trying too
hard. But her look had changed over
the course of the mission. SheÕd
changed her hair color frequently, but it had tended to get darker the longer
she was on the ship, the style more low maintenance, as sheÕd become less the
woman who joined Starfleet to find her fiancŽ and more an officer. HeÕd seen the same thing happen with
Rand—another one who hadnÕt been happy to see him in charge. SheÕd done something about it. Requested transfer and hightailed it off
the Enterprise.
Chapel
hadnÕt done that but could have. He
should cut her some slack.
Especially now that she was almost fresh scrubbed. Her nails short, her makeup
subdued.
Not
that he normally spent this much time thinking about it. But since Bones had brought it up. Why had Bones brought it up? He grinned. ÒYou sweet on her, my friend? This why youÕre so concerned with her
mood and making it better?Ó
ÒSheÕs
like my kid sister, Jim.
Please. I just donÕt want
her unhappy. Or I donÕt want to be
the cause of her unhappiness, I guess.
Hell, I just want it to be like the old days.Ó
Kirk
laughed. ÒMe, too. So no boycotting boring events.Ó
ÒThatÕs
not what I meant.Ó McCoy leaned
back. ÒI hate to admit this, Jim,
but retirement was starting to bore me almost as much as change of government
ceremonies do.Ó
ÒYeah?Ó
McCoy
nodded. ÒYou can only sit on your
front porch or go fishing for so long.
I was seriously considering signing on for a humanitarian mission.Ó
ÒWell,
then, IÕm glad I rescued you.Ó Kirk
felt a pang he hadnÕt been aware heÕd been feeling die down. He hadnÕt shanghaied his friend back
into service. Or he had, but it
wasnÕt necessarily unwelcome. ÒI needed
you, Bones.Ó
ÒI
probably needed you too, you sneaky son of a you-know-what.Ó McCoy shook his head. ÒGod help me, but this damn ship is
home.Ó
Kirk
grinned. ÒI never thought IÕd hear
you say that.Ó
ÒAnd
I never will again so enjoy it now.Ó
McCoy stood. ÒYou want some
more coffee?Ó
Kirk
nodded, and as McCoy took his cup and walked to the beverage station, he sighed
happily at the lovely taste of maple syrup infused pancakes. HeÕd go back to the much healthier
oatmeal tomorrow.
--------------
Chapel
wasnÕt overly surprised to be included in the landing party for the change of
government on Belletia—she knew Len hated these type of events. She was surprised at how comfortable she
felt with Kirk, or maybe it was at how comfortable he seemed to be with
her. His smile was easier than it
had been on Vendella, his humor unforced. She found herself relaxing around him,
enjoying the cocktail hour with the main players in the party that was stepping
down as well as the party taking over.
Of
course it helped that unlike on Vendella, here the
food on the expansive buffet table was exceptional. The booze even more so. She had to remind herself to go
easy. SheÕd forgotten to bring antitox.
Stupid.
Kirk
finished the appetizers heÕd loaded up on and gave his plate to a passing
server. ÒDamn good. So much better than the Vendellans.Ó
ÒAmen. And the music is actually music.Ó
ÒIt
certainly is.Ó He seemed about to
say more but then was distracted by something to her left.
She
turned and saw a woman working the crowd, clearly a personage of some
importance—or thought she was. She was lovely. Tall. Auburn hair. Lush figure. A way of moving through the crowd as if
she barely touched the ground.
Chapel always felt awkward around women like that. They were so graceful and left her
feeling as if she was galumphing around them like a draft horse around an
Arabian.
TomÕs
fiancŽe had been like that. Pretty
and—no. She was not going to
think about Tom and Renee. No
matter what today was.
She
took a deep breath and heard Kirk say, ÒYou okay?Ó
ÒJust
dandy.Ó
ÒI
wonÕt ask.Ó He seemed to stand up
straighter as the ethereal redhead came toward them. ÒGood evening.Ó
ÒHello,
Captain.Ó The woman ignored Chapel,
her focus all on Kirk. ÒIÕm
Ambassador Levesh. The new representative to the
Federation.Ó
Oh,
holy shit—the Federation wouldnÕt know what hit it. Chapel tried not to roll her eyes. Were courtesans the road to power in
this place?
ÒVery
pleased to meet you. This is my
deputy chief medical officer Doctor Chapel.Ó
Levesh turned her smile on Chapel. ÒA scientist. I do adore science. Studied it at the Sorbonne along with
history and economics.Ó
ÒAn
overachiever,Ó Kirk said, admiration clear.
ÒHardly.
IÕm a career diplomat unlike the old men that used to be assigned
ambassadorships—usually for doing very great favors to the blind and
stupid people in charge.Ó
ÒYou
donÕt think much of the current government?Ó Chapel asked.
ÒThey
lost by a landslide. No one does.Ó
ÒBut
they let there be an election.
Surely that is commendable?Ó
Chapel wasnÕt sure why she was arguing, but she couldnÕt stop herself.
ÒThey
let there be an election because free elections are the only way Belletia would
get into the Federation. And the
only reason they suddenly were so keen on membership was because the Klingons
were sniffing around, talking partnership.
Read: annexation. Even blind
men can hear the wolf at the door.Ó
She said the last in perfect Standard.
ÒVery
poetic.Ó KirkÕs grin was on full
blast.
Chapel
smiled, the kind of smile that meant nothing. ÒYour Standard is wonderful.Ó
ÒOh,
I speak ten other Earth languages also.
And IÕm studying Vulcan and Andorian.Ó She gave Chapel a smile that clearly
meant ÒAnd what do you speak?Ó
ÒI
was so busy getting multiple science degrees that I never had time for
electives.Ó It was a catty reply;
she couldnÕt honestly say why she did it.
She
heard Kirk chuckle. ÒOkay, Doctor,
IÕm going to let you go get your blood sugar up at the buffet, and Levesh and I will...Ó
Levesh didnÕt miss the invite. ÒTake a walk.Ó
ÒTake
a walk. Perfect.Ó They moved off together with the
confidence of knowing they were the two prettiest people in the room.
Chapel
closed her eyes for a moment and tried not to see Tom and Renee in their place.
She
didnÕt want to go to the buffet.
She needed to get the hell out of here while she could still be civil. She had a padd in her room filled with
news articles from home that she was behind on. She hated to admit that she still had
ÒThomas FrellÓ as a search alert term.
She
hated to admit it, but it was true.
After tonight, sheÕd remove it.
After she had time to mope for a while. At least there was a beautiful beach in
front of the villa theyÕd been assigned as guest quarters. SheÕd mope in style.
--------------
Kirk
lay in bed next to Levesh, wondering why he didnÕt
feel more satisfied. The sex had
been outstanding. The woman
sparkling and free with herself.
She
leaned in to kiss him. ÒI must say,
the rumors about you donÕt even come close. That was wonderful.Ó
He
hated when women brought up the damn rumors. ÒWhat do the rumors say?Ó They seemed to change daily.
ÒThat
you are skilled in bed—so skilled that some women never want another
lover.Ó
He
had to fight to not roll his eyes.
Yes, he thought he was a tiger in the sack, but that hadnÕt kept a hell
of a lot of women from leaving and finding other, seemingly much happier,
relationships.
ÒThey
say youÕve had so many lovers that you canÕt remember them all. That those you remember must be very,
very skilled to make the list. I
wish to be among the handful who were memorable.Ó
She
had seemed to be pulling out all the stops; now he knew why.
ÒIÕve
dreamed of this for a long time.
Things to do before I die.Ó
He
took a deep breath before he said, ÒWe call that a bucket list.Ó At her look of confusion, he said, ÒDying
is also called Ôkicking the bucket.Õ
So you want to fill the bucket with accomplishments not regrets before
you go.Ó
ÒMmmm, bucket list.
I like that.Ó
He
really didnÕt. ÒSo how high on your
list was I?Ó
ÒOh,
darling, on a world like this? With
Klingons breathing down our neck?
My role as ambassador is a dicey one. The bucketÓ—she smiled as she said
it, as if pleased by the idea of adding a new idiomatic gem to her
lexicon—Òlooms large. You
were at the top, of course.Ó She
nuzzled his neck. ÒAnd will you
remember me when they ask you to name your most memorable?Ó
Yes,
as the one who was dumb enough to be this honest. ÒSure.Ó He realized there was way too much
rancor in the way heÕd said that because she pulled away. ÒI mean, of course. This was truly outstanding.Ó He pulled her back and gave her the
trademark James ÒT is for TalentedÓ Kirk kiss—it was what she wanted,
after all.
ÒMmmm. You are
the best kisser. But—and
please donÕt take this the wrong way—IÕm not much of a cuddler. And I
have a meeting in the morning before the ceremony.Ó
Kirk
was dozing off and only sort of took in what she was saying.
ÒDarling,
I learned from a young man at the Sorbonne that the secret to a great seduction
is a speedy exit.Ó
What? He opened his eyes. All tenderness had fallen out of her
expression. She looked at him the
same way he might look at the person doing maintenance in his apartment back
home. The ÒArenÕt you gone yet?Ó
stare. ÒAh.Ó
ÒI
donÕt really like men to stay the night,Ó she murmured. ÒItÕs just... I mean nothing personal, you know?Ó
He
smiled as if her comment hadnÕt gone straight to his gut. Perhaps that was why he wasnÕt more
satisfied: it was nothing personal, just a goddamned notch on her belt—or
fucking bucket. He leaned over and
kissed her quickly then got up and pulled on his clothes. ÒI completely understand.Ó
ÒI
thought you would.Ó She grinned at
him, the kind of grin that he hoped to God he had never given a woman after
sex. Triumphant and so very empty.
As he slipped his boots on, he wondered when the hell that had started
bothering him. HeÕd just met this
woman, had he really expected any kind of intimacy?
ÒI
look forward to tomorrow,Ó she said as he walked to the door.
He
wasnÕt sure if she meant the ceremony honoring the new government or him
leaving. He decided not to ask.
As
he walked back to his room in the villa, he saw someone sitting on the
beach. He had to get much closer to
realize it was Chapel. He was going
to ignore her until he heard what sounded like a sob.
He
stopped and stared at her. She
clearly had no idea he was around.
The light from the dual full moons lit the sand, but she was looking
down, and a soft glow told him she was holding a padd.
He
knew he should just go inside and get some sleep, but he walked out to her,
apparently not having had his ego shredded enough for one night. She was sure to be angry if he was
catching her crying; he knew he was far from her favorite person these days.
She
sat up straight as he approached, hearing his footsteps in the sand
probably. ÒGo away.Ó
He
ignored her and settled in next to her, leaving enough room to be safe, but not
so much that it wasnÕt clear he knew she was hurting. ÒLovely night to be out here. But you donÕt seem to be noticing
anything but that padd. Care to
talk about it?Ó
ÒTo
you?Ó
He
didnÕt answer. HeÕd expected that
response.
ÒI
didnÕt figure you for a flee after it was over type of guy.Ó Her voice was hard and bitter, but she
wasnÕt looking at him.
ÒIÕm
usually not. She pretty much told
me to clear out.Ó He wasnÕt sure
why he was being honest with her, why he was giving her ammunition to attack
again.
But
she didnÕt attack. She just said,
ÒOh. IÕm sorry.Ó And then she handed him the padd.
It
was a wedding announcement—the ceremony had been earlier in the day. A Doctor Thomas Frell. ÒShould I know him?Ó
ÒNope.Ó
ÒBut
you did?Ó
She
nodded and finally turned to look at him.
ÒSometimes, when things donÕt work out, we tell ourselves stories, you
know? Like that the person isnÕt
capable of love. IsnÕt the kind to
settle down. ItÕs never us, itÕs
them.Ó
He
didnÕt look away, just waited to see what else she needed to say. He had a good idea, though. HeÕd felt that way when Lori left
him—and then immediately hooked up with someone else.
ÒClearly
Tom could settle down. Just...not
with me.Ó
ÒIÕm
sorry.Ó He looked at the article
again. It said the happy couple had
met at a benefit. It happened while
the ship was in refits. ÒIs this
why you accepted DeckerÕs offer?Ó
She
nodded. ÒI knew I wasnÕt ready to
be CMO. But I thought it would be
so challenging I wouldnÕt have to think about Tom and how he probably had never
loved me. I thought it would suck
up everything I had so I wouldnÕt have to hurt anymore.Ó
ÒAnd
then I took it away.Ó
ÒNo. Well, yes, you did. But it wasnÕt working even before we
left. I was in over my head, but
that didnÕt stop me from obsessing over what I could have done better, how I
could have made Tom love me.Ó She
took a deep breath. ÒHow I could
have been the woman he wanted to stay with, not leave.Ó
ÒSometimes
we just arenÕt the one they want to stay with.Ó It wasnÕt Lori he was thinking of this
time, it was Carol, and he felt the pang he always did when he had to push
David—the very idea that he had a son—to the back of his mind. Buried under a mountain of reasons he
couldnÕt see him, but never forgotten.
ÒSays
the man who has been left so many times.Ó
She made a disparaging sound that he realized just might be a laugh.
ÒIÕve
been left.Ó Presented with a choice
that was untenable was more like it.
Forced to choose to leave rather than stay. CarolÕs way—never be at
fault. Janice Lester had done it
too, with her constant suspicion of him.
HeÕd loved her but it had never been enough. Lori, however, had left him, so he did
know all the ways a person could get kicked to the curb. ÒI know how much it hurts to watch
someone move on.Ó
ÒIÕm
sorry.Ó She did sound sorry.
He
stood, held out his hand to her.
ÒCome on.Ó
She
frowned.
ÒPut
the padd down. WeÕll get it when we
come back.Ó
ÒWhere
are we going?Ó
ÒFor
a walk. On this gorgeous beach. Under two amazing full moons.Ó He stared pointedly at his hand, and she
finally took it and let him pull her up, then he let go of her hand. ÒDrop the padd, Chris.Ó
ÒNobody
calls me that anymore.Ó She did
drop the padd onto the sand, he was happy to notice.
ÒDo
you not like it?Ó
ÒI
do. ItÕs how I know who knew me
when I was in high school. I went
by Chris then.Ó
ÒNot
Chrissy?Ó
ÒI
gave that up when I was fourteen and too sophisticated for such a frivolous
name.Ó
He
smiled. ÒI gave up Jimmy at
twelve.Ó And if he hadnÕt, Tarsus
IV would have scrubbed that nickname out of him. ÒSo when did you meet Tommy?Ó
She
laughed softly. ÒHe never went by
that, IÕm sure. Too full of
himself.Ó She stopped and pulled
her boots and socks off, letting them fall into the sand. Then she walked into
the surf.
He
pulled his boots and socks off, too, and followed her. The water was colder than he expected,
but it felt great on his skin. He
rolled up his pants, saw her do the same.
ÒI
met him in med school,Ó she said as they started walking again, splashing
softly through the water. ÒWe were
vying for top in the class.Ó
ÒWho
was in the lead?Ó
ÒI
was. He was never very happy about
that.Ó She laughed, and it was a
bitter sound. ÒHis
fiancŽe—wife, I mean—isnÕt quite so smart. I looked her up because I canÕt leave well
enough alone. SheÕll never give him
any kind of run for his money in the brains department. Pretty, though. Much prettier than I am.Ó
He
wasnÕt going to disagree with her.
The woman in the wedding picture had been stunning. A little vacant looking
though—something in the too-wide smile told him she was the arm ornament
type, not someone youÕd have a great after-sex discussion with. ÒAre you sorry you met him?Ó
ÒYes. No.Ó She laughed a little helplessly. ÒI mean, I am because I donÕt like
hurting like this. I donÕt like how
unpleasant itÕs made me—to Len, to you, to everybody.Ó
ÒI
thought it was the demotion, to be honest.
I never guessed you were heartbroken.Ó
ÒI
didnÕt tell anyone about it. Except
Jan, but sheÕs gone.Ó
ÒYou
didnÕt tell Uhura? I thought you
two were close.Ó
ÒShe
was busy on the ship and I was busy with school. We sort of lost touch during that
time. WeÕre close again now, but I
havenÕt wanted to rehash yet another romantic failure, you know?Ó
ÒI
do.Ó
ÒIÕm
not sorry I felt something for him.
I was a little worried, frankly, that the feelings I had for Spock were
all I could—would ever feel.
And SpockÕs never going to love me back so that would be sad if thatÕs
all I had, wouldnÕt it?Ó
ÒDamn
sad.Ó
ÒSo
it was a positive thing, to be able to move on. To be able to really love someone. But...IÕm not very good, I guess, at
reading the signs. I missed the
fact that he didnÕt love me back.
That it was just sex. Or
maybe...Ó She shook her head and
walked deeper into the water.
ÒMaybe
what?Ó
ÒHe
broke up with me right before finals, sir.Ó
ÒChris,
call me Jim.Ó He studied her. ÒYou think he did that to shake
you—to make you do badly on the tests?Ó
ÒSometimes
I do. Joke was on him. I threw everything I had into
studying. I cried after the tests. I was way ahead of him by the time we
graduated. ItÕs why I thought the CMO job would be good, that IÕd be able to do
the same thing. But you can only
sublimate for so long.Ó
ÒThis
is true.Ó
She
turned to look at him. ÒI can
really call you Jim?Ó
He
smiled gently. ÒWhy the hell
not? ItÕs my name. I donÕt hear it much when IÕm on the
ship, to be honest. All the sirs
and captains get old sometimes.Ó He
waded to where she was standing.
ÒPart of me just wants to dive in.
Uniform be damned.Ó
She
laughed softly, and this time there was some actual amusement in the
sound. ÒPart of me does, too. But my room is sadly absent a
refresher.Ó
ÒMine,
too.Ó He reached down, took her
hand and squeezed. ÒI think TomÕs
an idiot, for what itÕs worth.Ó
ÒYou
donÕt know me. Not really. I may be the worst girlfriend ever.Ó
ÒYou
havenÕt once called him an asshole.Ó
He grinned. ÒOr any other
colorful name. YouÕre very fair.Ó
ÒIÕm
too rational about it. I donÕt know
if IÕm fair. I kind of hate him
right now. And for what itÕs worth,
IÕve called him an asshole in my mind many a time.Ó She looked down at where he was still
holding her hand. ÒIÕve called you
that, too. And IÕm sorry. ItÕs not your fault that I needed you
and Spock and Len to not be on the ship.Ó
He
made a face. ÒNo, but itÕs my fault
that Len and I are on it. Spock I
take no credit for.Ó He realized he
should let go of her hand, but it felt good to hold it, so he pulled her back
to shallower water and set off down the beach, acting as if the two of them
walking hand in hand was perfectly normal.
She
moved closer, put her head on his shoulder for a moment and murmured, ÒThank
you. I was hurting. I felt so alone. And then there you were.Ó
ÒAn
answer to prayer.Ó He looked at her
and rolled his eyes, so sheÕd know he was kidding.
ÒDonÕt
sell yourself short. Compassion is
a rare commodity sometimes. And
IÕve been such a bitch to you.Ó
ÒI
wonÕt argue with that.Ó He grinned
at the look she shot him. ÒLetÕs
start over. Chris, IÕd love for you
to be deputy CMO on my ship. Would
you like that post?Ó
She
studied him, as if unsure what he was doing.
ÒI
mean it. I inherited you. Now IÕm asking you. For me. Do you want the job? Because you could have your choice of
ships at this point and we both know it.Ó
ÒI
could.Ó She tightened her hold on
his hand. ÒI think IÕll stay on the
Enterprise and be your deputy CMO.Ó
ÒGood.Ó
She
sighed. ÒIÕm suddenly very tired.Ó
He
turned them back toward where theyÕd left their boots and socks. He had to fight a yawn as he did
it. ÒMe, too. And we have a big day in the morning.Ó
She
let go of his hand as she bent to pick up her boots. ÒWas it your idea or LenÕs that I come
with you to this?Ó
ÒMine.Ó
She
smiled. ÒI like that.Ó
ÒI
thought you might.Ó
--------------
Chapel
stood outside the door to KirkÕs quarters, trying to steel her courage.
ÒIÕm
not in there,Ó a voice said behind her.
She
whirled, found herself facing a grinning Kirk. ÒOh.Ó
He
eased past her to hit the door panel, then motioned her in. She wasnÕt sure if she should sit at his
table or stand—she wanted to pace, but that would not be good.
ÒYou
okay?Ó
ÒNo. The other night, on the beach...Ó She met his eyes, decided to just say
what she came to say. ÒI...I may
have spoken too soon. About
staying.Ó
He
narrowed his eyes, then walked over to his credenza and poured two glasses of
amber liquid. He handed her
one. ÒDrink, then talk. ItÕll make it easier.Ó
ÒTo
get it out?Ó
ÒTo
be honest.Ó He sipped his
drink. ÒWhat changed your mind in
the day and a half since our talk?Ó
ÒI
was in a strange place that night.
I mean emotionally, not just the planet. And you were so...kind. I didnÕt expect that.Ó
ÒYou
think I canÕt be kind?Ó
ÒOf
course I know you can be kind. I
remember how you were when we found Roger.
But that was years ago. And
now, with all thatÕs happened—IÕm DeckerÕs person and I know that. And I think both of us were acting on
impulse on the beach. You asking me
to stay and me agreeing.Ó
ÒI
donÕt make crew decisions on impulse, Doctor.Ó He smiled gently, and she realized he
was using her title not to distance them but to make some kind of point.
ÒDo
you hold hands on impulse? Wade in
the surf?Ó
ÒI
would have asked you to stay on the ship once we got back if we hadnÕt been
talking about it that night—maybe I should have waited. But I thought you needed to hear it
then, and maybe I needed to say it.
I donÕt know if I made it clear, but my pride took a bit of a beating
with Levesh.
She kicked me out a little perfunctorily. Maybe I wanted to know youÕd be there.Ó
He waved his hand to the side, as if he could wipe the words away. ÒWhatever my reason, it was not an
impulse.Ó
ÒYou
just said it was, sir. ÔMaybe you
wanted to know IÕd be thereÕ?Ó
ÒI
told you to call me Jim, not sir. And
telling you to call me that was not an impulse either, Chris. Jesus.Ó He turned away from her, walked to the viewscreen and stared out at the stars. ÒDo you want to leave the ship? Have I done something to make you
uncomfortable?Ó
ÒNo.Ó
ÒDo
you really think CMO on another ship will be a better posting than deputy on
this ship, the flagship?Ó
ÒYour
ship, you mean?Ó
ÒItÕs
the same damn thing and we both know it.Ó
He glanced back at her. ÒI
stole it from the man who put you in the job. I stole your job along with it and gave
it to one of my best friends. And
now I want you to stay. On the finest
ship in the goddamn fleet.Ó
ÒNot
that youÕre biased.Ó She took a
long sip of the scotch—at least she assumed it was scotch. It had the smoky richness of a very good
single malt.
ÒOf
course IÕm biased. SheÕs the best
ship and only the best officers serve on her. End of story.Ó He threw back his drink and turned to
the stars. ÒWhatÕs really bothering
you, Chris?Ó
ÒI
donÕt want to get stuck here, the same old Christine. People will think I stayed for Spock.Ó
ÒSo
date someone else.Ó He turned to
look at her. ÒShow
them—whoever they are—that youÕre not interested in him.Ó
ÒYou
make it sound so easy.Ó
ÒMaybe
because it is.Ó He put his glass
back on the credenza, then said softly, ÒHave you eaten yet? Because IÕm starving.Ó
ÒYou
want to have dinner?Ó
ÒItÕs
usually what I do after shift, yes.Ó
ÒWith
me?Ó
ÒIÕm
not asking you to marry me, Chapel.
IÕm asking you to sit with me in the mess and eat the not very good
stuff that passes for food there.Ó
ÒItÕs
better than the Vendellans.Ó
He
laughed. ÒI donÕt think thereÕs
much that isnÕt. So, was that a
yes? And if so, drink up so we can
go. I skipped lunch and I get
cranky when I donÕt eat.Ó
ÒOh,
is that your excuse?Ó She threw
back her scotch, handed the glass to him, then followed him out to the corridor. ÒCan I ask a stupid question?Ó
ÒSupposedly
there are no stupid questions.Ó
She
grinned. ÒWe both know thatÕs not
true.Ó
He
laughed. ÒSure, ask away.Ó
ÒIs
this a date?Ó She blushed just
asking it.
He
glanced over at her. ÒDo you want
it to be?Ó
ÒThat
is unfair.Ó She sighed.
ÒChris,
I donÕt know what the hell this is other than dinner. And maybe people seeing you with me so
they donÕt think youÕre after Spock.Ó
ÒBecause
going for you is so much more logical, Mister ÔNot in the Nest.ÕÓ Jan had left because of that very rule.
He
led her onto the turbolift, waited for the doors to close before he
murmured. ÒThat may have been the
old me. At any rate, act like a
doctor and attend to your captain when his blood sugarÕs low. Make sure I get some chow.Ó He grinned but it didnÕt go all the way
to his eyes, and she realized he looked very tired.
ÒAre
you sleeping?Ó
ÒDonÕt
take the doctor thing too far.Ó
ÒIÕm
serious. Are you?Ó
ÒIÕm
fine. ItÕs just been a long
week.Ó He let her get off the lift
first. ÒDo not think you are going
to tuck me in and give me a hypo of anything.Ó
ÒYou
really are the worldÕs worst patient.Ó
ÒSomeone
has to keep you on your toes.Ó He
looked over. ÒDoes this mean youÕre
staying?Ó
ÒI
donÕt know, Jim.Ó His name came out
without thinking, and he smiled and looked very satisfied. As if that was all the answer he needed. ÒDonÕt push me.Ó
ÒWouldnÕt
dream of it. WeÕll stick to safe
topics for dinner.Ó
He
was as good as his word. They stuck
to things they were both interested in, and the meal passed much more quickly
than she thought it would. She was
sorry when it was over.
--------------
Kirk
sat with Spock in the rec lounge, trying to pay attention to the chess board
but distracted by Chapel, apparently taking his advice and going on a
date. Or something. She and Lieutenant Dempsey looked very
chummy.
Spock
murmured, ÒShe has changed a great deal since she left the ship the first
time.Ó
ÒYes,
she has. Not being interested in
you is a biggie.Ó
Spock
frowned slightly, and Kirk couldnÕt tell if the statement bothered him for the
actual content or for the slightly snotty way heÕd said it.
ÒSorry,
that came out wrong.Ó
ÒIs
she truly no longer interested? VÕger has left me...open to new possibilities.Ó
ÒTrust
me, Spock. SheÕs over you.Ó He saw Dempsey put his arm around her,
wondered why she thought she had to let him move so fast.
ÒAre
you interested in her, Jim?Ó Spock
was studying him, an almost amused expression on his face. ÒThe look you had just then was
most...enlightening.Ó
ÒNo,
IÕm not interested in her.
Chapel? Come on.Ó He forced himself not to look over when
a burst of laughter from the group Chapel and Dempsey were with sounded. ÒShe can date whoever she wants.Ó
ÒWould
that include you? You have always
been quite stringent about that in the past.Ó
ÒWould
it be a bad thing if I said that I see now that my rule was perhaps a little...rigid?Ó
ÒIt
would depend on the person, whether she was in your direct chain of command.
Doctor Chapel is more or less independent.
She can, after all, relieve you of command. You are, of course, my supervisor and I
am her secondary rater so there is the question of undue influence, but we both
know that would not happen. I will rate
her as she deserves no matter what your preference.Ó Spock let his eyebrow go up. ÒAnd you know that Doctor McCoy is her
primary rater. And he will do
exactly as he sees fit, no matter how much you or I try to influence him
because he is extraordinarily stubborn.Ó
ÒSo
I have your blessing, mother?Ó
ÒI
am unsure, Jim. In all seriousness,
I was considering the wisdom of pursuing her.Ó
ÒDonÕt.Ó It was out before he could stop it. ÒI mean—Ó
Spock
held up his hand. ÒYou are quite
vehement. I shall respect your
wishes.Ó
Kirk
nodded. ÒGood. Then itÕs settled.Ó
Spock
studied the board for a moment then eased a pawn forward, a move Kirk hadnÕt
seen and that threatened any number of key pieces. Shit. Rookie mistake.
ÒJim,
I must note, however, that if you opt not to pursue her, I will.Ó
ÒAre
you kidding? How much time you
going to give me?Ó
ÒYou
normally need very little to get what you want from a woman.Ó Spock seemed to realize how that came
out. ÒI mean, you are quite adept
at charming females.Ó
ÒI
got what you meant. This isnÕt a
simple hook up. If I were to decide
to consider to pursue her, it would be a slow thing.Ó
ÒSo
many caveats.Ó Spock almost smiled. ÒI have never heard you so cautious
before when it came to matters of romance.Ó
Kirk
shrugged, not willing to tell Spock he had it all wrong. HeÕd never heard him so cautious when it
came to matters of sex. His last
romance had ended up in a term marriage that ended abruptly—heÕd only
found out it was over when the moving company came to pack up LoriÕs things. And people thought he was love Ôem and leave Ôem? Romance was
not something Kirk considered himself good at. Lust, he got. Love...that was so much harder.
But
he wasnÕt sure he was going to do this.
Chapel might have been right.
They both might have been in a vulnerable state that night on the
beach. And when he asked her to the
mess for dinner, heÕd done it because sheÕd made him mad. It had been a challenge, and he could
never resist those.
Did
he even like the woman? Did she
like him? Did one lovely night
sharing pain on a moonlit beach qualify as a good start? Did a decreasingly awkward dinner in the
mess equal a first date?
He
looked over at her again, saw Dempsey grab her a bit roughly, try to kiss her
when she clearly did not want to be kissed. He started to get up, was surprised by
SpockÕs hand on his arm.
ÒJim,
she is fully capable of handling that.Ó
He
realized his fists were clenched, sat down slowly. ÒYouÕre right, Spock. IÕm not sure what I was thinking.Ó
He
saw Chris get up, say something that looked rather cutting to Dempsey, and
storm out of the lounge. He
couldnÕt hide the smile on his face.
Spock
lifted an eyebrow slowly, then went back to the chess game. Kirk realized he was in check no matter
which way he turned.
Damn
it all. Women, as wonderful as they
were, at times could be a curse.
--------------
Spock
was meditating when his chime sounded, and he forced his mind up from what had
been a very productive session to say, ÒCome in.Ó
It
was Doctor Chapel. She looked
uncomfortable.
He
decided to make her more at ease by using her first name. She might soon be with his best friend,
so he should probably become accustomed to a less formal mode of address for
her. ÒYes, Christine?Ó
She
frowned.
ÒDid
I say something wrong?Ó
ÒYou
called me by name. You never do
that.Ó Her eyes were hard. It was difficult to see the nurse heÕd
known before—the woman who had adored him no matter how he dismissed her.
As
she continued to stare at him in a rather hostile manner, he found himself
growing defensive. ÒYou came to me,
Doctor. Why?Ó
She
laughed, a tiny puff of air that was filled with a bitter confusion even he
could recognize. ÒWell, the captain
told me I should. He said I should
talk to you. Said maybe you had
something to tell me.Ó
Why
would Jim send her to Spock when heÕd made it so clear the night before that he
wanted Spock to keep his distance?
Unless—Jim was a man of good character and strong conscience, and last
night he had decided for Christine what was to be without giving her any choice
in the matter. That would weigh on
him. Jim would not like to think he
had deprived her of something—or someone—she really wanted. ÒJim said you should do that?Ó
ÒNo,
the other captain told me to do it, Spock.
Yes, of course it was Jim.Ó
She said his first name with no apparent difficulty. Interesting.
ÒDid
he say why?Ó
ÒIf
this is a goddamn practical joke, I will kill both of you. Just so weÕre clear.Ó
He
did not doubt her. He had seen that
look in his motherÕs eyes and it never bode well for his father.
ÒWas
he wrong or what?Ó She crossed her
arms over her chest and stared at him with eyes that had never seemed so
piercing before.
ÒYou
have changed a great deal.Ó
ÒIs
that what you wanted to tell me?
Because I know that.Ó
Changed
too much. He did not know how to
deal with this much anger—this much bitterness. The woman heÕd been considering pursuing
was the one he remembered. Soft and
willing and...sweet.
ÒI
did express regret to Jim the other night, Christine.Ó He took a deep breath. Lies were problematic; he must phrase
this in a way that, while not what he might have wanted to tell her before,
still held some semblance of truth.
ÒIn the past, I was dismissive of you.Ó
ÒIn
the past, I stalked you like a crazed teenager. You had your reasons for being
cold.Ó
He
was not expecting her to give him an out.
Or to still look so angry when doing it. ÒNevertheless, if I was ever...unkind to
you, I wish to apologize. The meld
with VÕger left me wishing to make amends.Ó
She
looked surprised. ÒSpock, you were
the victim, not me. I chased
you. Like a wise antelope seeing a
lion approaching, you ran.Ó
He
was not sure he thought the analogy apt, but decided to keep his mouth shut and
listen.
She
looked down. ÒIÕve also had a lot
of time to think. I want to
apologize for how I acted during our first voyage. I imagine my rather embarrassing welcome
when you showed up last month made you think nothing had changed. But it has. IÕve moved past that crush. Things have happened and...Ó
ÒThings?Ó Was she referring to Jim?
She
met his gaze. ÒI fell in love
before I reported to the Enterprise. He left me. But the point is more that I fell in
love, not that it didnÕt work out.
I finally moved on. Enough
to have my heart broken, which never happened before. IÕd find someone and not really care
very much what happened, because I only saw you.Ó
ÒI
see. Then we are fine?Ó
ÒWe are perfectly fine it would seem.
No more apologies needed on either side?Ó
ÒAgreed.Ó He saw she was about to go and said
softly, ÒChristine?Ó
She
turned.
ÒIs
Dempsey someone you could fall in love with?Ó He saw her frown and before she could
react, he said, ÒLast night, Jim seemed especially interested in who you were
with.Ó
ÒJim...the
captain did?Ó
ÒI
believe we have established that is the Jim we are talking about.Ó He lifted an eyebrow at her. ÒHe does not normally become so
distracted during chess.Ó
ÒWhy
are you telling me this?Ó
ÒBecause
he is my friend. Because he sent
you here and I am not sure why, but I think it may have been to make sure you
were not still in love with me. He
would not want to get in the way of what you really desire.Ó
ÒDid
you say something to him?Ó
His
eyebrow went up again, this time against his will. He did not expect her to make that leap
in logic.
ÒSpock? Why else would he send me here? Even I can tell you pulled that apology
out of your oh so logical Vulcan ass.Ó
And
he had thought heÕd done rather well—clearly, he was rusty on
prevarication. ÒI may have
expressed interest in you last night.Ó
ÒHmm.Ó She was frowning. ÒIÕm over you.Ó
ÒSo
you have said.Ó
ÒWhat? You donÕt think I am?Ó She took a step toward him.
ÒI
was not disagreeing.Ó He suddenly
wanted to move back; she looked rather fierce.
ÒI
am fucking over you, Spock. Check
your goddamn ego at the door.Ó
He
decided not to try for a reasoned response. ÒI am sorry. I was presumptuous.Ó
ÒDamn
straight. And so was he. IÕll be with whoever I want to be with. You two donÕt get to decide that for
me.Ó
ÒOf
course not.Ó This was going rapidly
downhill. ÒChristine, I do not
think he was trying to decide anything for you. I think he sent you here because he was
sorry for warning me off you.Ó
He
regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth, but they seemed to calm
instead of infuriate her.
ÒHe
warned you off?Ó There seemed to be
amusement and admiration in her voice.
ÒIndeed. In no uncertain terms.Ó He would go down this path since it
seemed to promise the least vitriol.
ÒHmm.Ó This time her voice was appraising. ÒWell, this has been very
enlightening. Thanks for the talk.Ó She turned and walked out.
He
stared at the closing doors: it was after interactions such as these that he
feared he would never understand humans.
--------------
Chapel
decided not to do anything about what Spock had told her. For all she knew, heÕd completely
misunderstood KirkÕs intent. And
sheÕd meant what she said—if anyone was going to decide who she was going
to see socially, it was going to be her, not these two yahoos.
And
was she supposed to believe James T. Kirk, Casanova of the quadrant, was
suddenly interested in her? Or that
even if he was, heÕd relax his Òno fishing in the crew pondÓ stance? Because if that was the case, Chapel
should call Janice and tell her to haul ass back to the ship, not jump at the
hook herself.
No
matter how nice that walk on the beach had been. No matter how kind heÕd been to
her. No matter that sheÕd occasionally
found herself watching him when he played chess with Spock. Fortunately, Ny never noticed—she
just thought Chapel was mooning over Spock again. Especially now that Chapel had told her
about Tom. SheÕd warned Chapel not
to let heartbreak send her back into a hopeless crush.
Well,
according to her former hopeless crush, the person she just might be obsessing
a bit over actually liked her back.
How fucking novel.
Her
comm channel was flashing when she got to her
quarters after shift. Dempsey. The man was relentless. The more she said no, the more he
pushed. She sent back a reply to
his invitation to dinner that said ÒSorry, IÕm busy,Ó when what she really
wanted to tell him was to pound sand.
Why
was she being nice? The man was an
ass. Spock had said sheÕd changed,
but she didnÕt think sheÕd changed enough.
She
headed down to the main mess to grab something to take back to her office; she
had evals to finish. She was in line trying to figure out
what to have when she heard, ÒThought you were busy?Ó
DempseyÕs
voice was a long way from seductive.
She
didnÕt turn around. ÒI am. IÕm getting dinner to go.Ó
ÒWhatever
youÕre doing can wait.Ó
She
turned to stare at him. ÒAre you
for real?Ó She saw Kirk and Spock
walk in, turned back around before they could all make eye contact.
ÒChristine,
does this hot and cold routine work on other men? Because where I come from, we call a
woman like you some rather harsh names.Ó
Hot
and cold? When the hell had she
been hot? Lukewarm at best. She ignored him and prayed heÕd take the
hint.
He
finally seemed to. ÒI think IÕll go
where IÕm welcome. There are some
nice women in the auxiliary mess who wonÕt ignore me.Ó
She
resisted the urge to send him off with a snotty comment. What the hell had she been thinking even
saying yes to him? Was it that after
being with Tom, someone who was so clearly ready to pursue her felt good? Even if he was a jerk?
She
got her meal and turned to leave, greeting Kirk and Spock with a smile and a
murmured, ÒHave a good evening.Ó
Spock
merely nodded, but Kirk gave her a searching look and she realized heÕd been
watching Dempsey and her.
ÒEverything
okay?Ó His voice was pitched low,
only for her—and Spock with his damned Vulcan hearing.
ÒEverythingÕs
fine.Ó
ÒHe
wasnÕt bothering you?Ó
ÒIÕm
hardly going to say yes, sir. YouÕd
have to do something about it, wouldnÕt you?Ó She saw him frown and wondered if it was
because sheÕd used his title instead of his name. Had he meant she could call him Jim in
the middle of a crowded mess hall?
SheÕd thought he just meant in private.
Not
that they had that many private moments.
She
laughed, tried to make it a real one but it came off brittle. ÒHeÕs gone now. ItÕs handled. IÕm going back to sickbay. Goodnight, sirs.Ó
He
frowned again but said, ÒGoodnight, Chris.Ó
She
hurried away before the conversation could devolve into God knew what. And she had to force herself not to look
back at him when she got to the entrance.
She
was not goddamn interested in the captain of this ship. And he was not interested in her.
But
if that was true, why did she suddenly feel like she was back in her high
school cafeteria finding out that the cutest guy in school had a thing for
science fair winners?
--------------
Kirk
waved off the doctor on duty and walked to ChapelÕs office. The door was closed; she was probably
working on evals like every other manager on his
ship. Hell, he should be working on
them, not lurking outside her office working up the courage to hit the chime.
Oh
for GodÕs sake, why did he need courage to talk to his deputy CMO? He hit the chime a little more
forcefully than was necessary.
Great, now everyone is sickbay was probably staring at him. Were they staring? He glanced around, an innocent smile
ready, but no one was paying him any attention.
ChapelÕs
door slid open and she looked up from her desk. ÒSir?Ó
ÒAre
you boycotting my name?Ó He walked
in and sat on one of her guest chairs before the moment turned awkward and heÕd
be stuck standing in the doorway looking stupid.
Now
he could look stupid in comfort.
ÒI
guess I wasnÕt sure if you really meant for me to call you by your first
name...on the ship.Ó
ÒWhat? Only on moonlit beaches.Ó He grinned, was happy to see her
expression soften. There was the
woman heÕd come to see, not the daunting one who didnÕt seem to give a ratÕs
ass that he liked her.
Then
again, maybe she hadnÕt figured that out?
He hadnÕt really told her.
And heÕd sent her off to Spock like an idiot—but his damn
conscience hadnÕt been going to give him any rest if he told Spock to leave her
alone and never gave her any choice in the matter.
Spock
had mentioned sheÕd stopped by.
HeÕd said they had an odd conversation and apologized for past
misunderstandings. Then heÕd stared
pointedly at Kirk and asked if he had expected more from the visit than
that. Kirk had tried very hard not
to let relief show, but he knew Spock missed nothing—and his damn meld
with VÕger seemed to have left him more savvy to
social interactions and the intricacies of same.
He
heard Chapel start laughing softly and realized heÕd sort of zoned off and left
her hanging. ÒWhat?Ó
ÒI
asked you what youÕre doing here?Ó
She looked entirely too amused.
ÒI
donÕt know.Ó There, see what she
did with honesty.
Her
amusement seemed to grow. ÒSo I
take it you donÕt have a medical problem?
Maybe something the lovely Levesh left you
with?Ó
ÒMrowww.Ó He
started to laugh. ÒAnd if I did, I
think I would not tell you.Ó
ÒWhy
not? IÕm a professional. I wonÕt treat and tell.Ó She narrowed her eyes, seemed to be
studying him the way she would something in a petri dish. ÒSeriously, Jim, what do you want?Ó
Such an excellent question. He saw
an eval up on her screen and smiled gently. ÒTo rescue you from those?Ó
ÒRescue
me how?Ó
ÒIÕm
not sure. A walk maybe?Ó
ÒThereÕs
no beach here.Ó
ÒThere
are however many corridors.Ó He
looked down, then back up and held her eyes—an old trick that usually
worked. ÒUnless you donÕt want to
take a walk with me?Ó
ÒOoh,
that was good.Ó She grinned and the
look was infectious—and made her look years younger. ÒThe little shy thing with the staring
at the ground and then wham! Intense eye contact. Practice that in the mirror, do you?Ó
ÒI
may have practiced it a few times.
IÕve got a reputation to uphold.Ó
He frowned. That was
probably not the smartest thing to say.
His reputation was that he was a big man slut.
She
leaned in. ÒI will go for a walk
with you on one condition.Ó
ÒIÕm
listening.Ó
ÒIÕm
having trouble with this eval. The doctor in question has gotten
stellar marks from previous supervisors but IÕm not seeing the same behaviors
that they did.Ó
ÒHave
you talked to him or her about it?Ó
She
nodded. ÒI know that an eval should not be the first time he hears about deficient
performance.Ó
ÒIf
itÕs truly deficient and he hasnÕt shown any improvement, write it up as
such. If he just isnÕt living up to
his potential, put in the eval what you want to see
from him over the next six months as well as what heÕs doing right. That way youÕre not an ogre, you give
credit where itÕs due, and youÕve documented growth areas as goals—but
itÕs also clear those growth areas are verging on deficiencies for next time if
they arenÕt met.Ó
ÒClever.Ó
ÒDo
you want my other secret?Ó
She
nodded.
ÒShow
him the draft informally. DonÕt put
it in the system until youÕve done that.
That way you can work out any issues ahead of time. Save yourself the back and forth of
objections. Better for you, better
for your subordinates.Ó
ÒI
actually do that already.Ó She
grinned at him. ÒI like to give an
option to let me know if IÕve missed any accomplishments I should have
highlighted. This is the first
not-so-great one IÕve had to write.Ó
ÒWe
donÕt get that many mediocre performers on this ship, fortunately. But I remember what it was like on the Farragut. And I was new at the whole evaluation
game. Had no idea what I was
doing. Probably ticked off a whole
lot of people. Till I realized I
didnÕt have to be so formal about it.
Sure, once it was in the system, it was formal, but up to that point, I
could do what came naturally—talk to someone, not at them.Ó
She
was smiling. ÒYep, thatÕs why I do
it, too. ItÕs tricky with the
nurses—some of them were peers before.Ó
ÒThatÕs
always weird.Ó
ÒI
went through this when I was with Roger, too. Bypassed some fellow grad students to
become part of his staff rather than just a postgrad slave, and then had to
write the postgrad evals. Only that time, I had the added stigma
of being the bossÕs lover and everyone knew it. Even if he legitimatized it with a ring
eventually.Ó
ÒStigma. IÕve never heard you refer to your
relationship with him as something you werenÕt proud of.Ó
She
laughed, and it was a strange laugh.
ÒI didnÕt say I saw it as a something to be ashamed of. But others probably did.Ó
ÒAh.Ó He sat back. ÒDo you ever feel like he gave you
preference?Ó
ÒRoger? Oh my God, no. I mean sure, he took me home at night,
but he ate students for breakfast, Jim.
He did not suffer fools—even the mostly competent were let
go. He wanted the best and if you
didnÕt perform, you were out. I
could have been the best lover ever and it wouldnÕt have helped me progress
under him if he hadnÕt thought I was brilliant. He still might have proposed, but I
certainly would not have been working in his lab.Ó She seemed to think about it. ÒAnd actually, he probably wouldnÕt have
proposed. Might have kept me around
for recreational fun until he found someone smarter he could marry. I donÕt think Roger could have stood a
stupid wife.Ó
ÒWell,
you are certainly not stupid. He
had good taste.Ó
ÒWell,
I thought he did. And thank you for
being so careful about not mentioning the little mechanical geisha.Ó She smiled, a rueful expression. ÒI knew her, did I ever tell you that?Ó
ÒKnew
Andrea? There was a real one?Ó
ÒOh,
yes. Another grad student. One he got rid of after her first week
in the lab because she just didnÕt cut it.
But I have a feeling she cut it in other ways. Why else make her when it came time to
design a blow-up doll?Ó She looked
down. ÒDo you know how much it hurt
to know his fantasy woman was the polar opposite of me?Ó
ÒIÕm
sorry.Ó
ÒAnd
those ridiculous coveralls with the straps and nothing else. What the hell was he thinking?Ó She seemed to take in his expression as
he remembered that intriguing outfit of AndreaÕs. ÒNever mind. Clearly itÕs a guy thing. I would not have looked as good in it.Ó
ÒAre
you offering to model it?Ó
Whoa—that was probably not a good thing to say.
But
she burst out laughing and leaned over to save and close the eval sheÕd been working on. ÒLetÕs get out of here. But instead of a walk, can we just go to
the lounge? I could really use a
drink.Ó
ÒThe
lounge it is.Ó He wondered if she
was testing him, seeing if he was willing to be seen with her. But her expression stayed even and he
realized she might really just need a drink. ÒSo what is going on with Dempsey? Is he the reason hooch sounds good?Ó
ÒHooch
always sounds good.Ó She followed
him out of her office and to the lift.
ÒAnd you should quit worrying about Dempsey. HeÕs not going to bother me. IÕm too much work.Ó
ÒAnything
worth having is worth working for.Ó
ÒHe
missed class the day they were teaching that. And I really donÕt care one way or the
other about him. IÕm not sure what
I was thinking when I said yes to his first invitation.Ó She bumped up against him, a move that left
him feeling warmer since it seemed to be spurred by nothing more than
affection.
ÒI
like talking to you,Ó he said, blurting it out like a stupid teenager and
feeling his face turning red as he did it.
So much for finesse.
But
she just smiled at him. ÒI like
talking to you, too.Ó
--------------
Chapel
was sitting with Nyota at lunch when she saw Jim walk into the mess. He walked over to their table, gave her
a sweet smile and she knew she was smiling back without the sneer sheÕd been
wearing lately.
ÒLadies,Ó
he said, the smile growing bright.
ÒEnjoy your lunch.Ó He was
smiling at them both, and then he met her eyes and the smile changed right
before he turned and headed for the line.
ÒOkay. Spill,Ó Nyota said. ÒFirst I see you at the bar last
night—and why am I noticing you, you should be asking yourself, when I
was on my third date with the very handsome new deputy chief of engineering?Ó
ÒHow
was Commander Stevens? And third
date—did you...?Ó
ÒDelightful. And what I do with the divine Russ is
none of your business. Do not
change the subject.Ó
ÒThat
was the subject. Or part of
it. You should use simpler
sentences.Ó Chapel laughed softly.
ÒMy
point is that you just got the smile I love the most. And yes, I have inventoried the captainÕs
smiles because sometimes itÕs really boring on the bridge. He has the fake ones and the real ones
and then thereÕs that one. The Ôaw
shucks, IÕm really happy to see youÕ smile. What is he doing giving you that one,
missy?Ó
ÒNy,
itÕs probably nothing.Ó
ÒWere
you looking at the same smile I was?
And oh by the way, you were giving him the same damn smile back, Miss
Call Me Grumpy.Ó Nyota narrowed her
eyes. ÒSomething else you forgot to
tell me along with Tom? Like maybe when
you were both on Earth, you and the captain...?Ó
ÒNy,
no. I swear. This is new. And IÕm not sure what it is.Ó She looked over at where he was
standing; he was joking around with some crewmen—damn, the man was
handsome when he laughed like that.
ÒI donÕt want to read too much into it. He may just be sorry he demoted me. I think heÕs on a Ômake Christine happy
despite the fact I took her job awayÕ kick.Ó
ÒYouÕre
an idiot. And Jan is going to kill
you when she finds out.Ó
Chapel
sighed. ÒI know she is. What would you do?Ó
ÒIf
he was interested in me? Oh, honey,
Jan has surrendered the field as far as IÕm concerned. She shouldnÕt have transferred
off.Ó Nyota frowned. ÒBut IÕll let you tell her that if you
end up with him. Because sheÕs not
going to take it well.Ó
ÒI
really donÕt think thereÕs anything to take.Ó She saw Jim walking back with his
lunch. As he passed her, he gave
her another smile.
She
grinned back like a goddamned fool.
ÒNo,
thereÕs nothing at all going on.Ó
Nyota smiled. ÒWell, at
least youÕre not mooning over Spock anymore. You can start the discussion with Jan
that way. IÕve got good news and
IÕve got bad news...Ó
Chapel
shook her head. ÒSheÕs going to
kill me.Ó
ÒYep. She sure is. YouÕre lucky Russ is such a very good lov— Oh
wait. I said that wasnÕt any of
your business, didnÕt I?Ó NyÕs smile was evil.
And very satisfied. ÒYouÕre
lucky I like him, or IÕd be pretty put out with you, too.Ó
ÒEnd
the friendship level of put out?Ó
ÒNyah. No guyÕs
worth that.Ó Nyota grinned at her. ÒBesides I canÕt remember the last time
I saw you actually look happy. This
is a nice change. And you know heÕll be better in the sack then
stupid Tom. I canÕt decide if I
want gory details or not.Ó
ÒIf
he and I get to that point, which as I said we might not, I doubt heÕd want me
sharing the details.Ó
ÒYeah. But IÕll worm some of them out of you
anyway. If I decide I want to
know. Sometimes itÕs good to
preserve the mystery. I mean...what
if heÕs terrible?Ó
Chapel started to laugh. ÒThe odds
of that are pretty low given how often heÕs seduced us all to safety.Ó
ÒWhatÕs
that going to be like?Ó
ÒWhatÕs
what going to be like?Ó
ÒWatching
him do that? Shit. I didnÕt think of that when I made up my
secret fantasy life where he and I are married with five beautiful kids.Ó
Chapel
chuckled. ÒAt least, unlike Roger,
heÕll be doing it for a good cause.Ó
Nyota
smiled but didnÕt look convinced.
Chapel
shrugged. She remembered the look
on his face when heÕd told her Levesh had kicked him
out of her bed. SheÕd felt for him
that night; she knew how it hurt to be made to feel like a thing. Despite his reputation, he seemed like a
man who craved intimacy and didnÕt find it very often.
And
heÕd never given Levesh the smile heÕd just given
Chapel. Because fool that she was,
she was starting to inventory his smiles, too.
--------------
Kirk
walked into sickbay, trying to act casual, like he didnÕt mind getting yet
another physical. He suspected Nogura was ordering these just to tick him off. And because he knew Kirk tended to put
on weight when he was happy and on his ship.
There
was a price for stealing a ship, even if heÕd done it in the open. Nogura didnÕt
like being snookered and Kirk had sold him the ÒWhy donÕt I take on VÕger for you?Ó plan as a temporary gig. HeÕd only been able to keep the ship
because Will had merged with the big killing machine and Kirk had gotten the
credit for coming up with the idea.
Nogura couldnÕt very well take the ship back
when the entire Federation wanted to cover him with laurel wreaths. But he could order extra reports,
special physicals for the captain of the vessel, and any other damn thing he
could think of to make KirkÕs life a living hell.
Then
again, if rumors were true, Nogura was going to
retire in two months and Kirk could finally rest easy. And gain some damn weight if he wanted
to.
ÒBones,
IÕm here as ordered.Ó
McCoy
looked over at him from where he was working with a patient and gave him a Òoh
my God, look who darkened my doorÓ look.
ÒGo talk to Christine. IÕll
be with you when IÕm done here.Ó
Kirk
had figured heÕd hear about drinking with Chris at the bar in full view of
McCoy. This was actually pretty
mellow compared to the teasing he expected.
Could
his friend be in favor of this match?
McCoy had given Chris such crap over her crush on Spock, but maybe he could
tell Kirk liked her back. He
wondered what McCoy would say if he knew Spock was interested in her—or
had been. Spock didnÕt seem to be showing
signs of wanting to pursue Chris since theyÕd had their talk, a fact Kirk found
comforting on several fronts. He
didnÕt want to lose Spock over a woman.
He also didnÕt want to deal with a woman who would rather be with
another man. HeÕd had his fill of
that with Lori, who heÕd kept seeing at functions after sheÕd moved out,
generally on the arm of the same admiral.
It
wasnÕt that Lori didnÕt want to be in a relationship: it was that she didnÕt
want to be in a relationship with Kirk.
HeÕd known exactly what Chris was saying that night about her former
beau getting married and why it hurt.
It was so much easier to think it wasnÕt personal, that the other person
couldnÕt love. But then to see that
they could, to know you were wrong.
It stung.
HeÕd
heard Lori was engaged to the admiral.
A real engagement, not some term marriage crap.
That
hurt, too.
He
realized Chris was standing in her doorway, watching him as he obsessed over
his ex-wife. ÒHey,Ó he said
softly. ÒIÕm supposed to talk to
you per your boss.Ó
ÒPoor
you.Ó Her smile was exactly what he
needed. ÒYou okay? You looked so...well, I hate to use the
word pitiful, but it sort of fits.Ó
She moved aside so he could come in.
ÒI
was thinking of my ex-wife. SheÕs
engaged.Ó
ÒOh. IÕm sorry.Ó She touched his hand for a moment. ÒYou know I can sympathize.Ó
ÒI
do know that.Ó He sat down. ÒIf only I were just the man the rumors
make me out to be.Ó
ÒThe
shallow, will screw anything with a pulse man? You want to be that guy?Ó She laughed gently.
ÒNo,
the ÔcanÕt be hurtÕ guy. I want to
be him.Ó
ÒI
think if you canÕt be hurt, then you canÕt feel. And then how would you love?Ó She took a deep breath. ÒI had to have this very same talk with
myself after Tom. Because it hurts
to be the one left behind. But
maybe we learn something? ThatÕs
what IÕm hoping, anyway.Ó
ÒI
hope so, too. I know what Lori
taught me—donÕt move so damn fast.
And I stayed with Janice too long—I kept trying to explain away
her moodiness and jealousy. But IÕm
not sure what I was supposed to learn from Carol.Ó
ÒHer
decisions, Jim—I donÕt understand them. How can she keep your son from you? I mean, sure, people fall out of
love—my parents divorced, so IÕm no stranger to that. But they both stayed my parents. To not even give you the chance to be in
his life...Ó
ÒI
know. IÕve buried it for so long,
it feels weird to talk about it.Ó
ÒWe
donÕt have to. IÕm sorry if I went
too f—Ó
ÒNo. ItÕs fine. Weird isnÕt bad. I like being able to talk about it with
you.Ó He studied her. Just being with her soothed him in ways
he wasnÕt sure he could explain.
Especially since sheÕd intimidated the hell out of him when heÕd been
feeling guilty over demoting her.
ÒDo
you think everyone has the capacity to be happy in a relationship?Ó She looked away, her eyes narrowed. ÒIs being compatible with someone else a
talent you either have or you donÕt?
Or is it a skill that some people are just more developed in? But the rest of us can get better at?Ó
ÒWell,
youÕre assuming the onus is all on you.
That being compatible is a matter of will not of chemistry.Ó He reached out, twined his fingers with
hers, and smiled at her look of surprise.
ÒI decided to reach out—so thatÕs a matter of will—but IÕm
feeling some things I didnÕt expect.Ó
Especially in parts of him that these new uniforms did not hide very well.
ÒSo
thatÕs chemistry?Ó she asked. ÒNot
just your desire to find that feeling?Ó
ÒI
donÕt think you can manufacture that feeling.Ó He let go of her hand. ÒBut it can be one sided. Was I the only one feeling it?Ó
She
didnÕt look away as she said very softly, ÒNo. I was feeling it, too.Ó
ÒGood.Ó He knew his look was intense, was
interested to see what sheÕd do about it.
She finally smiled and looked away, as if a little embarrassed at the
attention. He found that
charming. ÒWhat about Spock? Do you still feel it with him?Ó
ÒYou
need to stop worrying about him. He
and I are just fine being basically nothing to each other except
colleagues. Maybe friends someday,
if we work really hard at it.Ó She
winked. ÒI canÕt believe youÕre
threatened by him.Ó
ÒI
didnÕt say I was threatened.Ó
ÒOh. My mistake. Only you arenÕt asking me about any
other man on the ship and how I do or donÕt feel about him.Ó
ÒShould
I be?Ó He grinned.
She
shrugged and gave him a very mischievous look.
McCoy
popped his head in the door. ÒYou
ready, Jim?Ó
ÒDo
I have to, Bones?Ó He screwed his
eyes shut and murmured, ÒThereÕs no place like home. ThereÕs no place like home.Ó
Chris
laughed. ÒSweetie, thatÕll take you
to Kansas, not Iowa. And anyway,
you donÕt want to go home. Or maybe
itÕs more accurate to say you are home.
DonÕt you like it here best?
Among the stars?Ó Her voice
was so sexy—why had he never noticed that? Especially when she was saying he loved
the stars and not sounding jealous about it the way Carol had—the way
Janice had, too. And Lori at
times.
ÒYouÕre
right. You know me quite well,
Doctor.Ó He opened his eyes and
stood, giving her the best grin he could before following McCoy out to the
diagnostic bed.
ÒAre
you going to ask my permission to court her?Ó McCoy asked with a laugh.
ÒYouÕre
okay with it?Ó
ÒOh,
hell yes. SheÕs been so damned
pleasant the last few days, IÕve felt like I had the old Christine back. Only without the annoying hopeless
crush.Ó
ÒWhy
did that bug you so much?Ó
ÒBecause
she deserves a real relationship.
With someone who can love her back.Ó
Kirk
studied him. ÒYouÕre sure youÕre
not interested in her?Ó
ÒJim,
get up on the table and stop asking stupid questions.Ó Once Kirk was lying on the table, he
leaned in and said, ÒCourt away, my friend. IÕve got my eye on a lovely lieutenant
in hydroponics. Or
astrophysics.Ó He grinned. ÒThere are several, letÕs say, in the
running. And Christine is not one
of them.Ó
ÒGood.Ó Kirk smiled and tried to relax. And he succeeded until McCoy murmured
his weight—heÕd gained two pounds.
Damn it all.
ÒOops,Ó
McCoy said. ÒFumble fingers me just
entered your old weight in. Oh
well, I doubt Nogura reads these medical reports.Ó He winked at Kirk. ÒBut just between us, I want to see some
salads on your lunch tray.Ó
Kirk
made a face.
ÒBig
baby. IÕm not going to lie for you
forever.Ó
ÒRumor
is NoguraÕs retiring soon.Ó
ÒYeah,
I heard that one, too. From the
doctor whoÕs going to give him his exit physical in three weeks.Ó
ÒThree
weeks? I heard two months.Ó
ÒWell,
glory be. I have better sources
than the great James T.Ó McCoy
laughed softly and patted him on the shoulder. ÒWhy do you think IÕm willing to lie for
you? Will you finally relax once
heÕs gone? HeÕs not going to take
your girl away from you.Ó
Kirk
smiled and felt something inside him finally settle down. Not just because Bones was right, but
because his girl could mean two things now—both of them nice.
--------------
ÒYou
ready?Ó Jim asked her, and she stared at the trail—the thing he called a
trail, anyway—with dismay.
Why
the hell had she agreed to go hiking?
Why couldnÕt she have countered with shopping? Or eating—they both liked to do
that.
But
there heÕd been, standing in the door to her office, wearing that damn sweet
smile, and asking her if she had shore leave plans. And then heÕd said he wanted to go
hiking the first day.
And sheÕd said yes. Not knowing
that one of the requirements was to be part mountain goat.
ÒChris?Ó
he asked as she stared up at what might be her doom. ÒAre you okay?Ó
ÒItÕs
a lot steeper than I expected.Ó
He
handed her one of the two walking sticks he carried. Then told her to lift her right foot up
and he affixed some kind of sticker to it, then did the left. ÒFor traction,Ó he said. ÒYouÕll be fine. IÕve seen you in the gym. You have plenty of stamina.Ó
ÒYou
watch me in the gym?Ó She grinned
at that idea.
ÒI
particularly like those dark blue shorts you wear. They curve just perfectly on the
backside.Ó
She
laughed. ÒIÕll remember that.Ó She eyed the trail again. ÒSo...whatÕs at the top.Ó
ÒIÕm
not going to spoil it. But part of
the fun is the journey, not the destination.Ó
ÒBut
there is a destination, right? A
reason to go up?Ó
ÒOh,
yes.Ó He grinned. ÒCan we head up now?Ó When she nodded, he started up the
trail. ÒItÕll be an easy grade for
the first quarter mile.Ó
Easy? This was an easy grade? Oh, holy shit. ÒGreat,Ó she managed to squeak out. Then she shut up, quit thinking about
how awful this might be, and concentrated on putting one foot in front of the
other without killing herself.
The
stick helped a lot. So did the
little stickers heÕd put on the sole of her boots. She started to relax, started to climb
with more assurance.
He
glanced back, and she saw approval in his eyes.
The
trail grew steeper and she saw that the first part had, indeed, been much
easier. But she was in good
shape—possibly the best shape of her life since sheÕd thrown herself into
working out when Tom dumped her—and she found the climbing sort of
therapeutic. Plenty of time to
think—or just be.
Time
to talk if they wanted to also, but no energy to do it when all her breath and
intent were going into climbing.
She could tell Jim didnÕt mind.
She could also tell he was looking out for her, occasionally slowing to
make sure she navigated a difficult patch without trouble, then calling for a
rest stop at a bluff that looked out over the valley.
As
they sipped water and munched on some nuts and dried fruit, she marveled at how
far she could see.
ÒItÕs
beautiful, isnÕt it?Ó He was standing
very close to her. Almost
touching.
ÒItÕs
glorious.Ó
ÒGreat
word for it.Ó He
sighed—happily, she thought—and rested his head against hers.
ÒIÕve
never done this before,Ó she said softly.
ÒWhy havenÕt I done this?Ó
ÒIÕm
glad your first time is with me because IÕve never had anyone to take hiking. And I love having you with me.Ó
She
turned to look at him and grinned.
ÒAre you saying you like me?Ó
ÒI
like you very much.Ó His smile was
so gentle and amused she had to reach out, to touch his cheek, trace his lips.
His
look changed and he pulled her closer and kissed her slowly and very
thoroughly. ÒI have been wanting to
do that for a while now.Ó
ÒI
have been wanting you to do that, so weÕre even.Ó She leaned in, kissed him the same way
heÕd kissed her. ÒAnd do that.Ó
ÒKissing
you feels right, Chris.Ó
She
nodded. He went in for one more
quick buss, then turned back to the trail.
ÒCome
on, lazybones. WeÕve got miles to
go.Ó
ÒAnd
then we have to come down again?Ó
She knew downhill was way harder on tired legs than up.
ÒItÕs
possible IÕve arranged for another way off the mountain.Ó
She
looked at him suspiciously.
He
shrugged. ÒYou have to get up there
to find out.Ó
ÒI
may officially hate you by the time we get up there.Ó
ÒI
accept that.Ó
They
spent the morning climbing and stopping to check out breathtaking views. It only made the hike more pleasant that
kisses were included at each break.
He never pushed it, never manhandled her the way Dempsey had. But he also managed to drop the wall she
was starting to realize Tom had always kept between them. SheÕd thought they were close, but had
he ever really let her in?
This
man was letting her in. The way he
looped his arm so casually around her shoulders, the way he pulled her in and kissed
her on the forehead at one particularly stunning vista. The way he looked at her when heÕd
glance back to make sure she was still doing okay, the hearty grin the closer
they got to what she hoped to hell was the last big push.
They
were both breathing hard and sweating when she crested the rise and
saw—people. People
everywhere. In front of a huge
building on top of the mountain. A
building that had a big transport sitting in front of it.
ÒThereÕs
a bus up the mountain?Ó She turned
to him.
He
was laughing. ÒIt also goes down
the mountain. We can sit in the
back and make out.Ó
ÒWhy
the hell did we climb if we could have ridden?Ó But she was laughing, feeling a sense of
superiority over the clean and sweat-free people getting off another transport
that had just pulled up. ÒBet they
couldnÕt climb.Ó
ÒSee,
now youÕre getting it.Ó He pulled
her close and they walked to the building, sitting outside and taking in the
view of the mountains as they cooled down.
ÒThereÕs
a really good restaurant here.
Casual, obviously, but delicious food. This trail mix is great and all, but I
bet youÕd like a real meal?Ó
ÒI
would love a real meal.Ó
ÒOoh,
theyÕre daring.Ó He pointed to the
other side of the building, where a couple was emerging from the woods. ÒThat path is probably ten times harder
than the one we just did.Ó
ÒYouÕve
done it?Ó
ÒOnce
or twice.Ó
ÒWith
someone?Ó
He
gave her a serious look. ÒI told
you. I donÕt usually hike with a
partner.Ó
ÒYou
mean IÕm the first woman dumb enough to agree to your death march?Ó
He
nuzzled her neck, then whispered in her ear, ÒI mean youÕre the first woman I
wanted to bring on my death march.Ó
ÒI
like the way you put it.Ó She
sighed happily as he went back to nuzzling. ÒAnd I must note we agree on the death
march concept. Surely there are
some less vertical hikes in our future?Ó
She
realized that could be taken a couple of ways and started to blush. She heard him laughing as he kept
kissing her neck, then he murmured, ÒThinking about getting horizontal?Ó
ÒWill
it get me out of hiking?Ó
He
laughed again. ÒNot a chance. But IÕm still very interested in the
idea.Ó He pulled back, met her
eyes. ÒIÕve taken this really
slow.Ó
ÒYes,
you have. And for what itÕs worth,
IÕve done the same.Ó
ÒI
know. I like it.Ó
ÒMe,
too. I rushed in with Tom.Ó
He
nodded. ÒI more than rushed in with
Lori. I think we were married
before the sweat dried from our first time in bed.Ó He shook his head. ÒStupid.Ó
She
decided he deserved some nuzzling, and found a particularly good spot on his
neck that if she combined with rubbing underneath his hair made him moan in the
most lovely way. ÒCan I point out
that I took my time with Roger, knew him for a year before I did anything, and
that still ended badly? Maybe itÕs
not the time you take but who you take it with?Ó
ÒOr
maybe weÕre both just doomed?Ó He
was laughing and leaning back into her hand. ÒDamn that feels great. Are you this good in bed?Ó
ÒThatÕs
so subjective. One personÕs best
lover ever is another personÕs ho hum.Ó
She pulled away. ÒI donÕt
think youÕd be ho hum.Ó
ÒI
donÕt think I would either.Ó He
laughed, a funny high-pitched laugh that she realized was him being really
amused. And silly.
She
grinned. ÒThe right response
is...? Class? Anyone?Ó
ÒOhhhhhh. I
meant to say I donÕt think you would
be ho hum, either.Ó He laughed
again, the silly little giggle she would have bet money he couldnÕt make.
ÒI
love that laugh.Ó
ÒI
canÕt fake that one.Ó He sighed and
it was a sound of pure contentment.
ÒHungry?Ó
ÒYes. For multiple things.Ó
He
stood up and pulled her up with him.
As they walked to the entrance, he said very softly, ÒIÕm tired of going
slow? Are you?Ó
ÒOh,
God, yes.Ó
ÒGood,
weÕre on the same page.Ó He took
her hand, pulled away a little bit with a very wicked grin.
ÒDoes
that mean weÕre going to...?Ó
He
shrugged and dodged when she tried to whap him. ÒI didnÕt say we were going to stop
waiting. I just wanted to know you
were ready.Ó
ÒYou
are so bad.Ó
ÒNo,
Chris. IÕm actually really
good.Ó He pulled her a little
faster. ÒNow, come on. I see another bus coming and I want to beat
them to the restaurant or weÕll be waiting for a table forever.Ó
--------------
Kirk
had his arm around Chris and was dozing in the back of the bus as it wound its
way down the mountain when his communicator buzzed. He pulled it out of his pocket, saw that
it was a text from Command and sighed.
Nogura needed him at a meeting tomorrow. So much for breakfast at his favorite
diner followed by wandering the city.
ÒBad
news?Ó
He
loved that she didnÕt try to read what it said. ÒMeeting tomorrow. Right in the middle of the damn morning,
too. God knows how long it will
run. This is what I hated about
being an admiral. The endless
meetings.Ó
ÒWe
can meet up afterwards. IÕll
probably still be sleeping off this hike.Ó
She snuggled in closer.
He
realized she wasnÕt mad. Carol and
Janice would have been livid: Starfleet taking personal time away. Lori would have understood, but then by
the end she hadnÕt seemed to care if he even came home.
ÒI
really wanted breakfast at ZelliniÕs.Ó
ÒOh,
I love that place. I used to go
there to study late at night.Ó She
nuzzled him in a spot on his neck that seemed to have an effect on other parts
of his anatomy. Her voice was very
husky as she said, ÒI bet I could convince Daniel to make you breakfast any time
of the day. He always let me order
it whenever I wanted.Ó
ÒDaniel,
is it?Ó He grinned. Mister Zellini
was in his sixties. ÒIs he sweet on
you?Ó
ÒItÕs
possible. Or he just wants to know
a doctor owes him a favor or two?
ThereÕs some odd stuff going on in the back of that place. IÕm not sure what all heÕs up to.Ó
Kirk
laughed. HeÕd always wondered about
the weird deliveries heÕd seen when heÕd wandered into the place late at
night. ÒIf you can get me breakfast
for lunch there, IÕll be in your debt.Ó
ÒI
like the sound of that.Ó Her voice
grew even huskier. ÒDo I get to
pick the method of repayment?Ó
ÒIf
you like.Ó
ÒIÕd
tell you what it is, but since youÕre so keen on waiting...Ó
He
laughed, louder than he meant to, and saw a couple of people turn around. Chris was a surprise. Sexier than heÕd ever given her credit
for. He imagined he was sappier
than sheÕd expected—it wasnÕt something he liked to advertise. ÒI wouldnÕt say waiting is in my top ten
things to do.Ó
ÒThey
why are we? There are lots of
lovely hotels with big bathtubs we could soak off the hike in.Ó She whispered in his ears. ÒNaked soaking.Ó
He
smiled. ÒTell me more.Ó
ÒWell,
I hate to expend all this effort and creativity if youÕre just going to tell me
patience is a virtue.Ó
ÒI
would never tell you that when the words Ônaked soakingÕ are in play. Please, proceed.Ó
She
gave a low, throaty giggle that he decided was the sexiest sound heÕd ever
heard. ÒI bet they have beds in
these hotels. Soft, fluffy beds in
which two people, if they really liked each other, could put their heads
together. Maybe other parts, too,
if the man was really, really lucky.Ó
ÒDo
you have a hotel in mind?Ó
She
didnÕt answer right away and he pulled back so he could see her
expression. She shook her head, her
smile slipping a little. ÒI was
doing so well at femme fatale up to that.Ó
She sighed. ÒI must confess
I donÕt really know if the hotel rooms have big bathtubs or not.Ó
ÒItÕs
not a bad thing that you donÕt know that.Ó
He kissed her gently. ÒI do
know a few that do. Is that a turn
off?Ó
ÒNo.Ó But there was something in her
expression he didnÕt like.
ÒWhat?Ó
She
suddenly looked out of the window, as if she couldnÕt say what she wanted to
say to his face. ÒSeductionÕs a
tool for you. I guess IÕm going to
have to get used to that. Seeing
you with women like Levesh.Ó
He
had wondered when this would come up.
SheÕd managed to not touch it for a very long time. ÒFor the record, women like Levesh will not even be a factor. They might hit on me, and I might flirt
back because IÕm afraid flirting comes as natural as breathing at times. But if IÕm with you, Chris, IÕm with you.Ó
ÒBut
if the safety of the crew requires you to sacrifice your virtue?Ó Her smile was a little off still.
ÒIÕll
try to fight my way out rather than seduce. HowÕs that?Ó He touched her cheek. ÒI know what people say about me, Chris. I know what people think I am. But maybe theyÕre wrong.Ó
ÒIÕm
willing to believe they are. I
guess...things got serious just then.
Me trying to be sexy...not sure that works.Ó
ÒOh,
believe me, it works.Ó He glanced
down at his lap, was happy to hear her laugh. ÒBut maybe itÕs scary? Opening up means risking being hurt
again, right?Ó
She
nodded.
ÒSo
do you want to wait on that hotel room?Ó
She
shook her head slowly then leaned in and kissed him. It was a different kiss than before, the
lightness was gone. This kiss was a
promise.
He
touched her cheek. ÒI will try to
never hurt you with what I do or with how I act. Accept most of what you hear and see as
what it is, Chris—a big act.
You have the real me.Ó
She
didnÕt answer right away, seemed to be processing the idea and he loved that
about her. If she agreed, it would
mean something. She finally said, ÒOkay.Ó
Then she snuggled in again, took
his hand in hers, and asked, ÒWhich hotel.Ó
ÒI
like The Sunset. They have amazing
views from the bed and very big bathtubs.Ó
ÒSounds
good.Ó
He
pulled their joined hands up, kissed the top of her hand, letting his lips linger. She let out a little sound, somewhere
between a sigh and a moan. She
sounded happy and sleepy...and more than a little aroused.
He
suddenly wanted to tell the transport driver to stop, to let them off right
there where he could push her into the trees and make love to her. But she was falling asleep in his arms
so he let her doze as they made their way down the hill to the transporter
station.
He
would let her rest now; he did not plan on ether of them sleeping much that
night.
--------------
Chapel
had never stayed at The Sunset but sheÕd met Tom for drinks at the bar there a
few times. HeÕd told her he always
wanted to stay there but it was too rich for his blood. She was very glad it wasnÕt too rich for
JimÕs.
He
checked them in, then reached for her hand as they moved to the elevators. SheÕd never have imagined how sweet he
could be—passionate, sure, but this easy affection she felt coming from
him was more alluring, after all sheÕd been through, than he could possibly
know.
And
the thing was, she didnÕt think he was actually trying to be that way. He just was that way. When he
let his guard down, anyway, which he clearly had with her. How had he put it? She was getting the real him.
And
she was rapidly falling hard for the real him.
He
opened the door, let her go first, then locked it after them. She suddenly felt awkward so she walked
to the floor to ceiling windows and stopped, caught off guard by the amazing
view.
And
also by the complete lack of curtains.
He
came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. ÒThe windows are specially treated. We can see out, no one can see in. And there are blinds that come down if
you want it dark.Ó
ÒCome
here often?Ó She thought that came
out wrong. ÒI donÕt mean with
someone. I mean—Ó
ÒI
know what you mean. I used to stay
here sometimes once Lori moved out and I didnÕt want to be in our apartment. I liked the bathtubs and the
view—and the total lack of anything personal.Ó
ÒSo
youÕve never had a woman here?Ó
He
seemed to tense. ÒI didnÕt say that
exactly.Ó
She
turned and stared up at him.
ÒRelax. I know that I
brought up other women on the transport, but IÕm not going to obsess over
things that happened before we were even together. We both have a past and it includes
other people. You think I didnÕt
make some bad choices after Tom?Ó
He
relaxed against her. ÒSorry. I just...I would like this to be
special.Ó
ÒIt
is. But weÕre both adults and weÕll
probably run into ex lovers from time to time. And we can be idiots about that or we
can just acknowledge the elephant in the room and move on.Ó Even if in his case, it might be a whole
herd of elephants.
Not
that she hadnÕt had her wild periods.
Before Roger and after Tom.
ÒGood
plan.Ó Jim pulled her away from the
window and into the bathroom.
She
started to laugh at the enormous tub.
ÒI think thatÕs technically a small swimming pool. You could fit five people in there if
they were very close.Ó
ÒThey
cater to Deltans.Ó
ÒI
see.Ó She checked out the various
bath accoutrements while he got the tub filling. The first one was too girly, the second too
stinky, but the third was just right.
She held it out for him to smell and he nodded.
ÒHinoki.Ó She
poured in some bath crystals, let the smell of Japanese cypress fill her
nose. ÒI spent time in Kyoto when I
was an undergraduate. ItÕs against
my religion to get in that bath without a shower first. You soak a clean body, not a dirty one.Ó
ÒThank
you for putting that so gracefully.
ÔHey, fella, you stinkÕ would not have gone over as well.Ó He turned the hot water up a
little. ÒThisÕll keep it warm while
weÕre in the also very nice shower, then.Ó
He set it to shut off when it was done filling then turned to her. ÒSo. Doctor.Ó
She
laughed, suddenly nervous.
ÒSo. Captain.Ó She moved closer, wrapped her arms
around him. ÒHave I told you how
much I enjoyed the day?Ó
ÒYou
have not. I enjoyed it, too. You think weÕll enjoy the evening?Ó He began to unbutton her shirt.
ÒOh,
yes.Ó
ÒI
do, too.Ó He eased the shirt off,
then her bra and looked at her.
Really looked and she could feel herself blushing. ÒLovely,Ó he finally said as he pulled
her to him and kissed her.
She
pulled his shirt up, made him stop kissing her long enough to put his arms up
so she could get the shirt off him.
Then he pulled her back so they were skin to skin. She reached down and unfastened his
pants, felt him doing the same to her.
Underwear was torn off and he was pushing her back against the counter,
then hiking her up.
ÒI
donÕt want to wait,Ó he said and she managed to get out, ÒI donÕt, either,Ó as
she pulled him back for a kiss, as he pushed into her, and they both
groaned. He began to move, and she
wrapped her legs around him, smiling as he said her name over and over as he
thrust.
He
reached between them, found the sweet spot and she was gone, crying out his
name—although rather inarticulately—as she came. He was smiling fiercely as he finished,
too, as he clutched at her and cried out.
He
collapsed against her and she held him tightly.
He
started to laugh. ÒThat was really
not how I planned to do this. I was
going to seduce the hell out of you.Ó
ÒSeduce
the hell out of me later,Ó she said as she kissed his neck. ÒI like that you had to have me.Ó
ÒYou
have no idea how much IÕve been thinking of this.Ó He eased out of her, helped her off the
counter.
ÒIt
may have crossed my mind a time or two also.Ó She followed him into the shower.
He
got the water going—there were nozzles and body sprays everywhere, and
she relaxed into the streams. He
pulled her closer, began to rub soap across her body. ÒWere you doing anything in particular when
you were thinking of being with me?Ó
She
bit her lower lip, smiled and nodded.
He
turned her so her back was to his chest, then reached around. ÒWere you doing...this?Ó
Her
legs nearly buckled, but he supported her.
ÒYes, I believe I was doing that.
Please donÕt stop doing that.Ó
ÒI
have no intention of stopping.Ó And
he didnÕt, not until she had cried out again and leaned hard against him. He went back to soaping her up. She turned, found the shampoo and washed
his hair, then they traded and she soaped him while he lathered her hair.
She
kissed him as they let the multiple streams of water rinse off all the soap and
shampoo. With her eyes closed, she
got to know the feel of him, heard him laugh as she reached down for one
particular part of him. Then his
laugh changed to a moan, then to something more strident as she didnÕt let up
on what she was doing until he relaxed against her.
They
finally left the shower and made it to the huge bathtub, where they made love again
and then soaked and talked for several hours, until she warned him they were
going to prune up forever if they didnÕt get out.
There were bathrobes hanging on the back of the door, and he wrapped her up in
one, the thick fabric absorbing the water from the bath, then he slipped the
other one on.
He
put his arm around her, drew her with him to the desk, and called up the room
service menu. ÒI donÕt know about
you but IÕm hungry.Ó
She
nodded, helped him pick out some things that looked good, and smiled when he
added a bottle of very expensive champagne to the order. With a grin, he turned off the terminal,
bent her over the desk and pulled up her robe and took her that way, taking his
time, making her feel everything he did, then finishing a few minutes before
the door chime sounded.
He
adjusted their robes, then let in the server, who made a production out of
opening the champagne and explaining each dish. Jim finally grabbed the padd out of his
hand, added what looked like a huge tip, and hustled the man out of the
room. ÒJesus, I think he wanted to
be invited to join in. No one has
that much to say about room service.Ó
She
laughed and held up her champagne glass.
ÒTo us. Just the two of us,
not him, too.Ó
Jim
grinned. ÒTo us, Chris.Ó
--------------
Kirk
woke up to Chris cuddled against him, her hand on his thigh. He studied her as she slept; she looked
peaceful.
He
glanced over at the clock on the nightstand, saw that they had very little time
if he wanted to make it back up to the ship to get his uniform and then get to
his meeting. HeÕd been so focused
on her—on what they were doing—last night that heÕd forgotten to
set the alarm.
ÒWake
up, Chris,Ó he said as he kissed her gently.
ÒMmmm, nooooo.Ó She batted at him and he laughed. Someone was waking up a little cranky.
So
he abandoned her face and slid under the covers, finding another place to kiss.
ÒOhhhhh.Ó This
time the sound was a happy one and she didnÕt try to knock him away.
A
few seconds later, she seemed to be fully awake, writhing underneath him and
calling out. He grinned as he
crawled out from under the covers, eased her legs up onto his shoulders, and
pushed into her.
She
closed her eyes, murmured, ÒNo by your leave. No—Ó
She
quit talking when he started thrusting.
ÒDid
you want me to stop, Chris? IÕm not
quite clear on that.Ó
ÒStop
and IÕll kill you.Ó She had her
eyes closed, her head thrown back, mouth slightly open.
Sexy
as hell.
He
couldnÕt last, collapsed on her and let her move her legs. ÒGood morning.Ó
ÒGood
morning, Jim.Ó She pulled him down
for a kiss. ÒWhat a wonderful way
to wake up.Ó
ÒI
wish we were going to ZelliniÕs. Breakfast would be wonderful, too.Ó
She
glanced at the clock. ÒNo
time. We need to get you to your
meeting.Ó She gave him a quick kiss,
then got out of bed and went into the bathroom, coming out with a handful of
clothes—hers and his.
They
got dressed, fixed the extreme case of bed hair he was sporting, and headed for
the transporter to beam back to the Enterprise. Once they got up there and on the deck
their quarters were located, he pulled her to him for a quick hug.
ÒIÕll
see you at lunchtime.Ó
She
nodded. ÒPing me when you want me
down there. IÕm going to sleep a
little bit more.Ó
ÒLucky
girl.Ó He turned and headed for his
quarters, took the worldÕs shortest shower and got ready in record time. Then he was transporting directly to
Starfleet Command, and to the conference room outside NoguraÕs
office.
A
conference room that was empty save for Nogura and...Levesh?
ÒAh,
Jim, you remember the Belletian ambassador?Ó
He
nodded, held his hand out to Levesh and she laughed
and knocked it away, pulling him instead into a very tight hug. ÒOh, okay. A hug is fine.Ó
Nogura gave Levesh a real
smile, but the one he turned on Kirk was definitely for show. ÒAmbassador Levesh
is just settling in. She told me
what an impression you made on her and here you are, on Earth, ready and
willing to show her the sights as she gets settled.Ó
ÒReady
to...what now?Ó
ÒI
need a guide to get acclimated, Captain Kirk.Ó One side of her mouth went up—the
side Nogura couldnÕt see. ÒI want you to be that guide.Ó
Kirk
met NoguraÕs eyes. ÒIÕm honored, but Protocol has people
much better versed in transitioning diplomats to Earth.Ó And he was on leave,
he wanted to say.
Nogura waved off the idea of having an actual expert
on relocation relocate the ambassador.
ÒJim, I love how you step up.
Go have fun, you two.Ó He
motioned for Kirk to move closer.
ÒI expect you to give her all your time until you ship out again. Got
it?Ó
He
was going to have to spend all four remaining days of his shore leave with this
woman? And not with Chris?
Levesh took him by the arm. ÒAdmiral Nogura
was telling me how you love to eat breakfast at ZelliniÕs. IÕm famished. Why donÕt we go?Ó Her smile was a winning one—the
smile of a woman used to getting her way.
Nogura was watching him. He murmured, ÒIÕm not gone yet, pardner.Ó
Kirk
nodded and led her out of the conference room. As soon as he got her around two
corridors, he stopped and said, ÒGive me a moment, okay?Ó
ÒYou
can have as many as you need. IÕm
going to monopolize you as soon as we leave this place.Ó The way she said monopolize sounded far
too sexy.
He
was not going to sleep with her.
But he had a feeling he was going to have to play this carefully. Levesh was not
going to want to hear the truth.
ÒKirk
to Chapel.Ó He was speaking into
his communicator very softly. Heard
her come on just as softly, ÒChapel here.Ó
ÒDo
we have privacy?Ó
ÒYep.Ó She sounded happy.
IÕm
going to be...detained.Ó
ÒOh,
so no lunch? Well, IÕll see you
when youÕre done, then.Ó He could
hear the good humor in her voice—good humor that would soon be draining
away.
ÒNo,
Chris, Nogura assigned me as escort for Levesh. Full
time escort. She apparently sort of
asked for me to help her as she transitioned to her post as Federation
ambassador.Ó
ÒHelp
how?Ó
ÒNot
like that. But, he expects me to
spend my entire leave at her beck and call.Ó
ÒOh.Ó She sounded like she was trying to be
sympathetic, but some anger came through.
ÒSo, no breakfast for lunch?Ó
ÒIÕm
going to get breakfast for breakfast.
She wants to go to ZelliniÕs.Ó
ÒTake
her someplace else.Ó
He
took a deep breath. ÒChris. I canÕt. She mentioned it by name. This wonÕt happen again—this is
just Nogura using his last week to torment me.Ó
ÒYes,
because escorting a beautiful woman around is such torment.Ó She was definitely angry. Shit.
He
wasnÕt sure what to say to make it better and was pretty sure whatever came out
of his mouth would make it worse.
ÒIÕve got to go, honÕ.Ó
ÒAre
you coming back here to sleep?Ó
ÒOf
course I am. IÕll see you
tonight.Ó He pitched his voice even
lower. ÒI miss you already.Ó
ÒRight. Okay.Ó There was an awkward silence and then
she said, ÒIÕll see you when I see you, I guess?Ó
ÒTonight,
Chris. It may be late, though.Ó
ÒWake
me up if you want. IÕm fine with
that.Ó She didnÕt sound fine.
ÒOkay.Ó He heard Levesh
calling him, hoped Chris didnÕt hear her, too. ÒIÕve gotta
run. Kirk out.Ó He closed the communicator before he
could make her any madder—or disappoint her even more.
ÒReady,
darling?Ó Levesh
probably would not take KirkÕs sudden unavailability well—might even go
to Nogura about it and Kirk wasnÕt sure what Nogura would do.
He
took a deep breath. He could flirt
and evade. Should be easy. ÒReady,Ó he said.
--------------
Chapel
had given up waiting for Jim, was half asleep in bed when her chime rang. ÒCome,Ó she mumbled.
ÒIÕm
sorry,Ó was the first thing out of his mouth. ÒThis is not how I wanted our first
shore leave to go.Ó
ÒCome
to bed,Ó she said, moving over and opening the covers to him. The fact that she was naked seemed to
make him happy.
He
stripped off his clothes, crawled into bed, and pulled the covers back over
them. ÒMissed you,Ó he said as he
leaned in to kiss her.
She
pulled him onto her. He was already
hard. His kisses were fierce. She kissed him back, trying—and
failing—to get the image of Levesh out of her
mind.
That
beautiful woman. That beautiful
woman heÕd been with all evening.
That beautiful woman who had kicked him out of her bed before he was
ready to go the last time heÕd seen her.
Chapel
let go of him, and he seemed to sense her change of mood immediately, eased
away and studied her.
ÒIÕm
sorry. Please donÕt be mad.Ó She tried to look away, but he said
ÒChris, look at me,Ó in the most gentle voice possible.
ÒI
donÕt know who youÕre seeing when you look at me right now.Ó
He
closed his eyes.
ÒI
trust you, Jim. I do. But youÕve been with her all evening and
you come to me ready for sex. Is it
because of me or her?Ó She ran her
fingers through his hair as he slid off her. ÒIÕm not saying I think you cheated on
me. IÕm not saying that at
all. IÕm just saying...Ó She sighed and tried to turn away but he
held her.
ÒYouÕre
just saying...?Ó
ÒThis
is new. And IÕm not at my most confident
after Tom. IÕm not saying IÕll feel
this way every time. But I know myself,
and IÕll doubt, and IÕll question, and itÕll start to be a problem.Ó She nuzzled into him, trying to show him
she wanted him in her bed, in her arms.
ÒMake love to me in the morning, when Levesh
isnÕt so fresh in my mind.Ó
ÒIn
your mind, not mine?Ó
She
nodded. ÒI mean it when I say I
trust you. I wouldnÕt have opened the door if I didnÕt—I would have just
pretended to be asleep. But I donÕt
trust myself not to obsess. Why go
there if we donÕt have to? Sleep
with me. Kiss me if you want. Hold me. Just donÕt fuck me right this
minute.Ó She pulled back so she
could see his face. ÒHave I lost
you?Ó
ÒNo,
you havenÕt lost me.Ó He smiled
gently. ÒI was thinking of you—IÕm
seeing you—but I can see how
that might not be clear. If you
spent the evening with Spock and then wanted to screw me before weÕd even said
ten words to each other, I might be a little insecure, too.Ó
ÒReally?Ó
ÒYes. Do you know why I sent you to talk to him?Ó
ÒI
have some idea.Ó
ÒLet
me make it crystal clear. He said
he was interested in you and I told him to back off. And then I felt bad about it—you
loved him first; who was I to take that away from you?Ó
ÒHe
and I...weÕre nothing.Ó
ÒAnd
Levesh and I are nothing. But tell that to wounded hearts,
eh?Ó He pulled her closer, kissed
her tenderly—quick, soft kisses that didnÕt promise sex was in the
offing. Darting touches that made
her feel more loved than aroused.
ÒIÕm sorry this got so screwed up.Ó
ÒYou
know, I heard through a friend of mine at Command that Nogura
was mad at you for finagling the ship after VÕger. I guess he really is, huh?Ó
ÒHeÕs
livid. I know he wanted to give it
to Caruso—that was his second pick after Will—but I came back a
hero and when the Council asked me to name my next posting, I said I wanted the
Enterprise. You should have seen his face.Ó
ÒIÕm
still unclear how Levesh is a punishment. Does he know weÕre together—or
that she kicked you out of bed?Ó
ÒI
donÕt think it has anything to do with her, and IÕm relatively sure he doesnÕt
know about us—not that IÕm going to hide that weÕre together, in case you
were worried?Ó
She
had been wondering. She kissed him
slowly, trying to say thank you with the caress.
ÒHe
knows that shore leave is when I decompress. I climb mountains and ride horses and
find a deserted beach—and I do it alone. Or sometimes I take Spock and Bones and
we go camping. But shepherding a
needy diplomat around the city I hated living in when I was assigned here? He knew thatÕd be torture. Does that make sense?Ó
ÒIt
makes perfect sense. IÕm sorry IÕm
so—Ó
ÒBelay
whatever youÕre going to say. DonÕt
be sorry because I think youÕre wonderful.
And youÕre honest. I may not
like hearing that you arenÕt sure who IÕm thinking of, but I do like knowing
youÕre going to tell me hard things.
Lori never did— she kept things from me right up to the moment she
walked out. Carol didnÕt
either—I didnÕt know she was pregnant until she started showing. Honesty means everything to me.Ó He brushed back her hair, stared at her
in a way that made her feel safe.
With
a smile, she pushed him to his back and climbed on top of him.
ÒI
thought you said...?Ó
ÒMaybe
a little conversation is all we needed.
Conversation about us. Conversation
that grounds us. Does that make sense?Ó She positioned him where she wanted him,
but held herself off him.
ÒThat
makes perfect sense.Ó His smile was
a beautiful thing—and it grew more so as she slid down onto him.
ÒOh,
holy shit, Chris. You are all I was
thinking about, I swear to God.Ó
She
moved on him the way sheÕd learned he liked when they were in the bath, and he
played with her chest, sending sensation everywhere. Then he dropped his hands lower and she
was lost.
He
was grinning when she finally opened her eyes, then he pulled her down for a
kiss and held her on top of him.
They lay like that for a long moment and then he pushed up, hard and the
next time he did it, she met him.
He didnÕt let go of her, held her upper body immobile as they thrust
together and kissed. Then he was
gone, his fingers digging into her, murmuring, ÒChris, Chris, ChrisÓ as he
came.
She
lay enveloped in his arms, groins still pressed together, and he said, ÒDonÕt get
off me just yet,Ó so she relaxed, let him and her knees support her.
ÒI
had nice things planned for us this weekend,Ó he said softly. ÒI promise this wonÕt—Ó
She
put her hand over his mouth. ÒDonÕt
make promises you canÕt keep.
Command may do this kind of shit again. IÕll learn to be flexible. Especially if shore leave isnÕt all we
have.Ó
ÒItÕs
not all we have. But I donÕt want to never have time with
you off the ship.Ó
He
rubbed her back gently, and she sighed and said, ÒScratch it?Ó He began to run his nails lightly over
her skin and she closed her eyes and smiled. He was so tactile. So affectionate.
So
fucking good.
ÒWhat
happens if I fall in love with you?Ó she asked softly enough that he could
ignore it if he wanted to.
He
grinned. ÒI fall in love back?Ó
ÒThatÕs
a very good answer.Ó She could feel
her eyes closing and eased off him, ended up cuddling in his arms. ÒI could get used to this.Ó
ÒDo
get used to it. I will, too.Ó He took a deep breath. ÒWhat are you doing tomorrow?Ó
ÒNy
and I are meeting Jan. I need to
tell her about us. I donÕt want her
to hear it from anyone else.Ó
ÒI
like that you werenÕt so annoyed with me you donÕt want to tell her.Ó He grinned.
ÒIÕm
annoyed with Command, not with you.Ó
ÒToo
bad that wonÕt always be the case.
Or can I blame them whenever I tick you off?Ó He laughed, then he grew more
serious. ÒJanÕs not going to be
happy with you, is she?Ó
ÒNo,
probably not. The real question is
will she be happy for me, I
think. I hope she can get past the
hurt to be a supporter.Ó She
studied him, decided to ask him something that she maybe didnÕt want to know
the answer to. ÒDid you have
feelings for her?Ó
ÒNot
the kind she wanted me to have. I
certainly wasnÕt going to break my rule about sleeping with crew for her.Ó
ÒThe
way you are for me?Ó
ÒExactly. Try not to rub that in when you tell her
about us.Ó He smiled sadly. ÒSheÕs a good person. She just wasnÕt for me.Ó
ÒYouÕre
a good person, too.Ó She let her
smile grow teasing. ÒEven if you
did go to ZelliniÕs without me.Ó
ÒIf
itÕs any consolation, I was so irritated the food didnÕt taste very good.Ó
She
laughed. ÒIt is a consolation.Ó Which meant she was doing exactly what
she was hoping Jan wouldnÕt do—be happy when things didnÕt turn out so
great. She needed to give Jim a
break, this was who he was. If she
wanted someone who wasnÕt social, she should have stuck to mooning over Spock.
ÒAre
you meeting Jan at ZelliniÕs?Ó
ÒNope. IÕm saving that place for you, my dear.Ó She kissed his cheek. ÒWeÕre meeting Jan for lunch at FusaichiÕs.Ó
ÒLove
their sushi.Ó
ÒMe,
too.Ó She shifted so she was more
comfortable next to him—she had always thought that was the most
difficult part of a new relationship: finding out how you fit when the sex was
over and the cuddling began. ÒIÕm
not just going to sit and mope when Command interferes with our personal
time. IÕm a big girl and can amuse
myself.Ó
ÒI
love that.Ó He laughed softly. ÒAs long as you donÕt amuse yourself
with Spock.Ó
ÒI
told you—Ó
ÒI
know what you told me. But IÕm
still jealous. DonÕt you kind of
like that?Ó
She
laughed softly. ÒYeah, I kind of
do.Ó
--------------
Kirk
woke and for a moment had no idea where he was. Then he felt Chris next to him,
remembered that he was in her quarters.
He smiled when he saw she was still asleep. A quick glance at the chrono told him they had an hour or so before he had to get
up and get back to Levesh.
Damn
the woman for making so much over him that Nogura had
been able to do this. SheÕd come on
strong last night, too. Had wanted
him to do more than just walk her back to her hotel, had rubbed up against him
and kissed him goodbye the way an old lover would.
HeÕd
said no. It hadnÕt been a
question. But Chris had been
right. HeÕd come up to her aroused
from what Levesh had done. Just because he didnÕt want her didnÕt
mean he wasnÕt human—that she wouldnÕt have an effect on him.
That other women wouldnÕt, either.
He
had to remember not to bring that back to Chris. To connect with her the way they had
last night when they were just talking before he ever touched her if heÕd been
with someone else. But hopefully,
in time, she wouldnÕt care about the other women he might have to spend some
time with. Hopefully in time, sheÕd
know he was with her.
SheÕd
recovered pretty damn fast last night.
He smiled as he thought of her straddling him, that smile he loved on
her face. SheÕd let her hurt go
quickly.
He
loved her for it.
HeÕd
probably be in love with her very soon—if he wasnÕt already. He liked how she made him feel; he liked
how she smiled when they were together, like she was finally having fun again.
And
he loved this, waking up next to her, just watching her, leaning in and waking
her with slow kisses.
ÒMmmmm,Ó she said, her lips curling under his own. ÒSomeone woke up happy.Ó She was already reaching to see just how
happy and he laughed as she made contact.
He
was very, very happy if that was how you defined it.
ÒSo,
Captain Kirk, if I wanted to make you think about me all day while youÕre with
that annoying woman, what should I do with this lovely part of you? Where should I put it?Ó
He
laughed. ÒOh, so many options.Ó
ÒI
have an idea.Ó She patted her
chest. ÒSit right here.Ó
He
did as she said, adjusted himself forward when she asked, so she could take him
in her mouth and—oh, holy God.
ÒChris.Ó
He
tried to reach back to touch her but she grabbed his hands and made a noise
that was clearly a ÒNo.Ó
ÒYou
donÕt want me to help you out?Ó
She
let go of him long enough to say, ÒEnjoy the show,Ó and then recaptured him.
And
a hell of a show it was. He was in
the perfect place to watch himself disappear into her mouth as he thrust
gently. It was so sexy; he knew
heÕd be thinking about it for longer than just today.
He
didnÕt last long, and he wasnÕt sure if he should pull out but she held him in
place, let him finish where heÕd started.
He sat for a moment, eyes screwed shut, breathing a little hard.
She
released him and laughed gently.
ÒGood morning, sir.Ó
ÒYou,Ó
he said, as he got off her, as he kissed his way down her body, Òare
wonderfully skilled.Ó
ÒSo
youÕll think about that?Ó
ÒI
will.Ó He grinned at her. ÒLet me give you something to think
about.Ó
She
was writhing in no time, arching and crying out and he teased her a little
after, licking gently where she was sensitive, causing her to buck beneath him.
ÒIÕm
a lucky girl,Ó she mumbled—at least he thought that was what she
said. He liked the sentiment, so he
decided to keep thinking that until he found out otherwise.
She
pulled him up to lie next to her, kissed him lazily and he relaxed and stroked
her hair. She had such soft skin;
he liked that about her. It felt
good to touch her.
She
glanced behind her at the chrono and pouted. ÒItÕll go off soon. And then youÕll be gone.Ó
ÒYes,
that is how mornings work.Ó He
rubbed noses with her. ÒBut then
the day ends and IÕll be back. Or
youÕll be in my quarters.Ó
ÒYour
quarters are nicer.Ó
ÒThese
arenÕt bad. You did keep the CMO
suite, after all.Ó
ÒNobody
told me to move.Ó She grinned at
him.
ÒOh,
hell. You think Bones and I were
going to go there? YouÕre very
intimidating, you know?Ó
ÒMe? Pfffff.Ó She laughed at his expression. ÒYouÕre serious?Ó
He
nodded. He didnÕt find her very
intimidating at the moment, all naked and happy from his touches and
kisses. ÒBones never said anything
about it. He may not realize he has
the deputyÕs quarters.Ó He
frowned. ÒWho should have had those
quarters?Ó He suddenly realized it
wasnÕt just her he demoted. HeÕd
never considered that there must have been a ripple effect.
ÒDoctor
Patel. He left the ship,
though. He was WillÕs friend.Ó
ÒAh.Ó There had been several whoÕd done
that. Conveza
in Engineering had done the same thing, which meant Kirk could transfer Stevens
on. The man had impressed him and
Scotty liked him a lot.
Nyota
seemed to like him a lot, too, if he was reading the signs right. Good for her—she needed to grab
some happiness. HeÕd never figured
out why she hadnÕt found someone to nest with; she seemed like the nesting
type.
He
hoped she wasnÕt waiting for him.
He loved her but not that way.
ÒI
didnÕt really care for Patel,Ó Chris said.
ÒDidnÕt
you pick him?Ó
ÒI
did. Sort of. Will had served with him and I had less
choice than you might think.Ó
He
knew how that went. ÒWell, then
good thing he left.Ó
ÒIÕll
say.Ó She cuddled in. ÒI was thinking of leaving, too. IÕm glad I didnÕt.Ó
ÒIÕm
very glad you didnÕt, too.Ó Jim
Junior was also chiming in approval of her continued presence, so Kirk pushed
her to her back and followed her over.
ÒWe still have a little bit of time if you want to make some more
memories?Ó
ÒOh,
if we must.Ó She laughed as she
rolled her eyes.
ÒI
know. ItÕs a trial.Ó He began to move a little more roughly
than he had before, watched her carefully, ready to back off if she didnÕt like
it.
She
seemed to really like it.
ÒYouÕre
a saint, Chris, for indulging me.Ó
ÒYes. IÕm a saint. Harder, please.Ó
He
smiled and obliged her. Not the
request one expected from a saint.
What would she be the patron of?
Naughtiness?
He
shifted so he was hitting a little differently, saw it work as her breathing
changed, as she began to clutch the covers and did that sort of freeze that
meant, ÒStop what you are doing, and I will kill you, because IÕm about to go.Ó
And
then she was arching up, going very loudly, clutching him as he finished while
she was still coming down from the place heÕd sent her to.
She
smiled, a silly, happy smile of the recently orgasmed. ÒI hope these walls are more soundproof
than on the last ship.Ó
He
laughed. He hadnÕt been quiet,
either. ÒMe, too, Chris. Me, too.Ó
--------------
Chapel
and Nyota walked down to FusaichiÕs from the
transporter station. They saw Jan
waiting for them, and Nyota waved.
ÒYou
nervous?Ó she asked and glanced over at Chapel.
ÒNo. Why should telling her that I am seeing
Jim make me nervous?Ó She closed
her eyes for a quick moment. ÒOh,
God, can I throw up?Ó
ÒSheÕll
be an adult about it, Christine. Eventually...Ó At ChapelÕs look, she grinned. ÒJust get some food into her before you
tell her. You know how bitchy she
gets when she hasnÕt eaten.Ó
Chapel
nodded and took a deep breath. This
would be okay. Jan would not stab
her with chopsticks. But it might
be how Jan would feel, so Chapel had to think about that—how to say this
best.
SheÕd
practiced it about ten times in the mirror. It was not a good talk no matter how she
broached it with her reflection.
What
was so bad about letting Jan find out on her own?
ÒBreathe,
Christine. I am not going to pick
you up if you pass out.Ó
ÒSome
friend.Ó But she laughed at NyÕs expression and nodded. ÒThis will be okay.Ó
They
got to Jan and there was a round of hugging before they went in and got a table. They ordered and then Jan started
telling them the latest from Command.
Chapel heaved a silent sigh of relief—the longer she could put
this off, the better.
ÒAnd
oh yeah, I saw our fearless captain.
With a woman—what a shock, I know.Ó
Chapel
stiffened. ÒHeÕs not with her. Not really.Ó
ÒShe
was hanging on him but now that you mention it, he didnÕt look that into it. Who the hell is she? Not a flavor of the week?Ó
Nyota
looked at Chapel. ÒYes, Christine,
tell us who she is.Ó She knew,
having heard the story—a discreet version, anyway—the day before at
dinner.
ÒSheÕs
the new ambassador from Belletia.
She likes him. He doesnÕt
like her. But heÕs stuck
shepherding her around until leave is over. HeÕs not happy about it because...Ó Oh God. This was it. ÒBecause he and I were supposed to spend
some time together.Ó
That
was worse than any of the practice sessions in the mirror. Why did she just blurt it out like that? She should have softened Jan up a
little. Talked about feelings and
chemistry and how things just happened sometimes.
ÒYouÕre
with Jim Kirk?Ó Jan looked at
Nyota. ÒIs she serious?Ó
ÒShe
is. Not delusional in any
way—or yanking your chain.Ó
Jan
didnÕt seem upset, more confused.
ÒWhat happened to Spock?Ó
ÒI
got over him.Ó Chapel slowly let
the breath sheÕd been holding out.
No explosion so far. This
was going better than sheÕd thought it would.
ÒI
meant more with the captain. I
always thought the two of them...?Ó
Jan looked from her to Nyota. ÒNo?Ó
ÒWell,
unless theyÕre carrying on really stealthily, IÕm pretty sure theyÕre not
together.Ó
ÒShit. I left because I couldnÕt compete with a
guy—especially a Vulcan guy.
Especially that Vulcan guy. But I could have competed with you,
Christine.Ó
Chapel
wasnÕt quite sure how to take that.
She decided not to get offended unless Jan got meaner than that. Her blood sugar was probably
low—what the hell was taking the waiters so long? Edamame didnÕt take that long to
prepare.
Jan
was studying her as if she couldnÕt quite figure out whether what Chapel was
saying was the truth. ÒYou?Ó
ÒHe
does like scientists,Ó Nyota said, her tone at its most helpful.
ÒThatÕs
true. Except for that lawyer woman,
they were all scientists, werenÕt they?
Well, I was doomed then. No
way IÕm going back for a degree.Ó
Jan shook her head. ÒI gotta tell you, Christine. IÕm not sure youÕre going to enjoy being
his girl. I mean...if what I saw
was any indication, youÕre going to be living with a whole lot of jealousy.Ó
Chapel
tried to keep her face as expressionless as Spock would have. ÒI trust him.Ó
ÒWell,
trust only goes so far once your heart gets broken. What happens the first time he has to
seduce some alien to save his real love: that damn ship?Ó
ÒJan,
donÕt be so negative.Ó NyotaÕs voice was the one they didnÕt argue with. ÒChristine knows what sheÕs doing. And if you saw them together, youÕd see
that he really likes her.Ó She
sighed. ÒThis was really hard for
Christine to tell you about. She
knows how you feel.Ó
ÒWhat
are you? Her interpreter? Jesus.Ó Jan looked up at the waiter who had
finally appeared with the edamame and bowls of miso
soup for each of them. ÒÕBout damn
time.Ó
ÒAre
you really mad?Ó Chapel ignored her
soup, just focused on the friend she felt like sheÕd let down.
ÒReally
mad? No. Irritated? Yes. You were always after Spock. Wrapping my mind around you being a
rival for the captain—that just hurts my head.Ó
Chapel
started to say something but felt NyotaÕs hand on her
leg, squeezing in a way that clearly was saying, ÒLet it go.Ó
So
she did the smart thing and kept her mouth shut.
They
all managed to find other topics to talk about for the rest of lunch.
--------------
Kirk
sat watching Levesh dance at the club sheÕd insisted
they come to and thanked every deity he could think of that this was his last
day of shore leave. She shimmied
over to him, started to crawl onto him—what the hell? Did she think she was going to give him
a lap dance?
Not
that it would be that unusual in this club. The patrons were all over each other.
He
pushed her away. ÒLevesh, youÕre a nice woman.Ó That was stretching it. She was smart and funny at times but
probably not in the vicinity of nice.
ÒBut sex is not happening.Ó
She
cocked her head to the side and studied him. ÒYou liked me a lot the first time. And I kicked you out of my place. That usually ensures a man will want to
get back in.Ó She smiled coyly when
she said Òget back inÓ but he ignored it.
ÒMy
situationÕs changed. IÕm with
someone.Ó
ÒWell,
what she doesnÕt know wonÕt hurt her, Jim.
Besides, didnÕt Admiral Nogura order you to show me a good time. WhatÕs he going to think if I tell him
you left me high and dry?Ó
He
sipped his drink and then said, ÒI donÕt really care what he thinks. IÕve shown you around the city. For hours longer than is
reasonable. IÕve eaten with
you. IÕve taken you to the goddamn
park and the waterfront and anywhere else that seemed like a place you should
see. I got your Federation
credentials expedited. Seems to me,
IÕve left you very far from high and dry.
IÕm a starship captain, lady.
Not a damn gigolo. You want
to find someone to go home with, start working the crowd—IÕm sure there
are a few men here who wonÕt say no to a gorgeous woman like you.Ó
ÒWow.
That was quite a speech. You should transfer to diplomatic.Ó LeveshÕs
expression changed and she sat down in the chair next to him. ÒYouÕre with someone?Ó
He
nodded.
ÒWho
is it?Ó
ÒRight. I tell you and you tell Nogura.Ó
ÒHeÕs
kind of a pompous ass. I donÕt
believe IÕll be telling him anything except that you showed me a wonderful time
and were a perfect gentleman.Ó She
sighed. ÒWhy didnÕt you just say
you were with someone? IÕd have
backed off.Ó
ÒI
didnÕt think you cared.Ó He took a
deep breath. ÒLook, this kind of
thing is part of my job. I just
didnÕt expect to have to do it here.
Giving a tour of my ship is so much easier.Ó
ÒWhy?Ó
ÒBecause
I love the ship—and thereÕs only so much of her to see. The tourÕs over pretty quickly.Ó
She
laughed. ÒOkay, so clearly we need
to work on our communication skills when we run into each other in the
future. Maybe you wonÕt be with
whoever youÕre with when that happens.Ó
ÒI
wouldnÕt bet the farm on that.Ó
ÒBet
the what now?Ó
He
laughed. ÒA saying I heard growing
up in Iowa. ThereÕs a lot of
agricultural production there.Ó
ÒAh.Ó She said it in the way that meant she
still didnÕt get what he was saying, but wasnÕt going to probe any further—although
sheÕd probably look it up later. She
glanced at her watch and said, ÒYou know, there are still some hours left in
the evening for fun.Ó
He
nodded, resigned at this point to whatever she picked.
ÒYou
should call that person youÕre with and do something fun.Ó She stood up, leaned over, and kissed
him gently on the cheek. ÒI did
this because I wanted to make up for asking you to leave that night on
Belletia. I was kicking myself that
next morning.Ó
ÒYou
donÕt have to apologize for that.
It probably got me the person IÕm seeing.Ó
ÒAhhh. Doctor
whatever her name is. SheÕs not as
pretty as I am. Is she smarter?Ó
ÒWell,
youÕre pretty smart, my dear, but yes, she has you beat.Ó And for the record, he thought Chris was
more appealing than Levesh, even if Levesh won on looks alone. But everyone was a mix of personality
and looks. HeÕd known beautiful
people that became less attractive the more you got to know them, and the
reverse held true also: plainer people began to sparkle if they had wit and
charm. Not that Chris was plain.
ÒThank
you for showing me around, Jim.
Stay safe out there in space.Ó
He
nodded and watched her leave, then found a quiet spot to comm
Chris. ÒKirk to Chapel.Ó
ÒChapel
here.Ó
ÒWhat
are you wearing?Ó
She
laughed. ÒJust a few more hours and
youÕll be free to come see for yourself.Ó
ÒIÕm
free now. Levesh
turned in early. We can do anything
you want until morning.Ó
ÒReally?Ó
ÒYep. SkyÕs the limit. Well, all right, so is my credit
balance, but mostly the skyÕs the limit.Ó
Her
laugh was a beautiful thing. ÒWhere
do you want to meet?Ó
ÒAre
you hungry?Ó Levesh
liked to eat late so they hadnÕt gone to dinner yet.
ÒI
am.Ó
ÒZelliniÕs? You
can sweet talk him into breakfast for me.Ó
ÒIÕll
meet you there. Oh and IÕm sending
you something I think will make you happy.Ó
He
saw an article attached to her text, opened it and saw that Nogura
had retired, effective noon today. Monroe
had replaced him. Monroe who liked
Kirk a lot and had grinned when the Council had decided to give him his ship back.
ÒThis
is great. Thank you.Ó
ÒIÕll
see you soon.Ó
He
left the club, ignoring the very pretty women—and some not-so-pretty
ones—who tried to catch his eye.
He was meeting his woman at his favorite diner. And then he would take her back up to
his ship and make love to her, and talk to her, and fall asleep next to her.
They
would be together. On his ship.
Life just didnÕt get any better than that.
FIN