1686 lines
87 KiB
Plaintext
1686 lines
87 KiB
Plaintext
Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
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Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!uwm.edu!spool.mu.edu!news.cs.indiana.edu!noose.ecn.purdue.edu!mentor.cc.purdue.edu!neale
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From: neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Neale Davidson)
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Subject: STTUQ 1-5/15 repost
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Message-ID: <Bu23Ez.JzI@mentor.cc.purdue.edu>
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Organization: Purdue University Computing Center
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Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 13:42:34 GMT
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Lines: 613
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- STAR TREK ---------------------------------------------------
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- THE UNFAIR QUO ---------------------------------------------------
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Part One through Five of Fifteen
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Disclaimer : This is fan-zine material, which means that it's
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neither cannon nor seeking to be. I'm doing this for fun.
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This story takes place three weeks AFTER the events chronicled
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in THE RAVEN'S ROAR. It is my first "controversial" story to
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date, so I hope someone, somewhere, might take notice.
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--------------------------------------------------------------------
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CHAPTER ONE
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The place stank with old liquor and old people drinking
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liquor, yet Riley was as comfortable here as he was anywhere
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else. His hulking form was enough to intimidate most people
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from harassing him, but the large phaser rifle strapped to his
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side did the brunt of the warning for him.
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"Romulan ale," Riley commanded to the bartender in a deep
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voice which sent shivers up other patron's spine.
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The bartender, a tall Tellarite snarled, apparantly put
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off by the newcomer's demand. "Romulan ale's illegal, Captain
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of the ENTERPRISE."
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Riley clinched his fist, keeping his free hand close to
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the phaser rifle. "So am I," he warned with a fierce look in
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his eye.
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Then the two men died laughing. "Jesus, man, how the hell
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have you been?" the bartender cracked, putting the room into a
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small state of confusion.
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"I've been busy," Riley answered, the look of anger
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vanishing from his face. "Fleet's given me a lot of work to do
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lately."
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"I've heard," the Tellarite answered. "The ENTERPRISE and
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her three battles of late have gotten you and your ship quite
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well known Earthside."
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"Really, Tago?" Riley smirked, "Who'd be interested in a
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guy like me?"
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"Well," the Tellarite began with a wide smile, "about
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half the cadets over at the academy ask about you, particularly
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the girls," he added with a wink.
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"Yeah right," Riley smarted back. "You know how much luck
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I've had with women. I've got all the charm of a Denebian Slime
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Devil in heat."
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"And the smell," Tago snapped back. "Sounds like you've
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got yourself a problem, my friend."
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"I'm in love with my First Officer," Riley admitted as
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Tago grabbed a bottle of neon-blue liquid.
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Tago smiled, "I'm sure he's a very nice guy," he said,
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forcing Riley to give a hurt expression. "Just kidding,
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everyone knows about Saavik's and your unusual relationship."
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"Everyone?" Riley asked gaping. "You've got to be kidding
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me? You are, right?" he pleaded.
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"Well, let's just say that you're not the only ENTERPRISE
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crewman to drink here," Tago replied flatly. "I overheard some
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of your ensigns in here a few hours ago. They're visiting their
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friends in the Academy now."
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"Luck them," Riley replied, taking the drink from the
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table. "So what'd they say, that the Captain and the lovely
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First Officer have stayed in the observation deck too long?"
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"Hardly," the bartender smiled, "they make a lot of jokes
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about the two blind rats caught in a maze."
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Riley sighed. "Is it that obvious? I guess it is that
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obvious. I'm in love, Tago. In love with a very beautiful,
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very," he paused again, looking for words to complete his
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thoughts. There were none. "Sometimes I envy Vulcans."
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"Where are you staying, Thomas? Have you found a room
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yet, or did you plan to stay on ENTERPRISE?" the Tellarite
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asked, changing the subject.
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"Um," Riley replied, lost, "I haven't found a room yet. I
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haven't actually looked."
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"I've got a room upstairs, it's not much, but it's yours
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if you want it."
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"Thank you," Riley replied, taking a large sip of his
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Romulan Ale.
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"I am impressed, Commander," the Vulcan replied in his
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characteristically cool voice. "Your professionalism aboard the
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ENTERPRISE in the times of crisis you have faced has been
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remarkable."
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"Thank you, sir," Saavik replied honestly. "Though I must
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admit that I had some difficulty during those times. My loss of
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command, then the battles, then Thomas, it was all very
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tiring."
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Spock was dressed, as was usual of late, in his Vulcan
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robes. His face was a bit more worn than Saavik remembered, but
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it had been three years since the two of them spoke. He had
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aged somewhat, but his look had grown stern, and truly
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respectful. "I well understand the difficulties you've faced,
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Commander. I can appreciate your difficulty."
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Saavik looked out of her borrowed apartment, into the San
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Fransisco skyline. "I've tried, very hard, to keep control of
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my emotions, Spock. But I still have them, escpecially towards
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Thomas. It is not logical that I should want to pursue a
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relationship with him, yet that is what I want."
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"Logic alone does not answer all problems, Saavik Kahm,"
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Spock replied. "As Jim would say, 'You must rely on your
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instincts as well.'"
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"My instincts? I do not understand them," Saavik replied
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flatly. "I'm angry with him, and I am drawn to him. I haven't
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felt this way since," she faded off, drawn into memories she
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tried so hard to forget.
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"David Marcus," Spock completed. "I apologize, I did not
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need to state his name, I was completing the thought."
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"It's all right," Saavik replied. "I've shut it out so
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long that I didn't remember how much it hurt me. Maybe that's
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what's been bothering me."
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Spock raised an eyebrow. "Indeed, but it has been my
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experience that the emotion of love is not as simple as what
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you would prefer to believe."
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Grissom entered her temporary apartment, a small room in
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San Fransisco's bay towers. It was a dim place, but it was
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going to be home for the next three weeks.
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"Lights," she commanded to the room's computer system.
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Instantly the dark areas of the room brightened, revealing a
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long, tall package in the far corner.
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She went to it, the candy-striped red-bowed package had a
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simple note to it. It read "From an admirer" in flawless
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calligraphy.
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She opened it eagerly, revealing three red roses inside.
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"Gahrut," she laughed as she sniffed the intoxicating scent.
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Her best friend was trying to cheer her up already. God knows
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that she would rather be on the ENTERPRISE when the ship needed
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her most.
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The door chime beeped quiety. Grissom loosened her hair a
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bit as she strolled to the door. Gahrut and Campbell were
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waiting on the other side. Campbell was carrying a dozen roses.
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"We wanted to welcome you Earthside," Campbell explained.
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"It was Gahrut's idea."
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"Sorry I couldn't carry the roses," Gahrut explained.
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"I've got a little trouble in that department. Who sent those?"
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"You mean you didn't?" Grissom asked, taken aback by his
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question. "I don't know, it was from an admirer it said."
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Campbell smiled. "Yet another man to fling off. God I
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wish I had your problems," she laughed, letting herself into
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the tiny apartment.
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"Really?" Grissom replied, smiling, "I thought you and
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Tiber were getting along well."
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"Oh yeah?" Campbell smiled. "He hasn't had much time
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for me lately. It's the bad thing about being a helmsman."
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"I never thought of that," Grissom grimaced. "Well, I
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haven't gone shopping yet, so I'm out of absolutely everything.
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You'll have to make do with ordered-food."
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"Gotta be better than the ENTERPRISE's idea of food,"
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Gahrut muttered.
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"This from someone who eats pebbles for breakfast,"
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Campbell smiled. "How about some Mandarin, ENTERPRISE does a
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lousy job with spices."
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Grissom walked to the aparment's computuer console
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and entered the request. A few minutes later, the food arrived
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and the trio began their shoreleave party.
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CHAPTER TWO
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Tago had lied when he said the Riley's room wouldn't be
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much. It provided a spectacular view over the entirety of Star
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Fleet Academy, and of the Golden Gate bridge. The night image,
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filled with so many lights both on ground and in space,
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captivated Riley's attention. He could have even sworn that he
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could make out the outline of the giant spacedock orbiting
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overhead.
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Tago walked in, carrying a glass of Romulan Ale to his
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friend, and wearing a large, fiendish smile. "So, Captain, what
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do you think of the room?"
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"Awesome view," Riley confided. "Is that spacedock up
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there?" he asked, pointing to a distant shadow in the heavens.
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"Yeah, that's it," Tago replied, "It's at her far point
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in orbit. She'll show up better in a week or so, and that's a
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sight to behold."
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"I bet it is," Riley smiled.
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"I got something for you," Tago said, handing over the
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drink. "A friend of mine, a regular, got me Saavik's address.
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The Doctor was very helpful."
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Riley sighed heavily, mainly to demostrate effect. "Why
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did you go and do that, Tago? I wanted a vacation, not
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frustration."
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"You've been frustrated for thirty-five years, Captain,"
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Tago laughed. "Don't you think it's time, man?"
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Riley stood from his bed, taking the drink. "I don't
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know, Tago. Conflict of interest and all that," he added.
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"Look, Tom," Tago responded, "in all of the years I've
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known you, not once have you comprimised your job. The truth is
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you're scared. You've never been in love, never even dated. And
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now you've got a First Officer who reminds you of Venus."
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Riley frowned. "I've never had time for any of that," he
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explained. "I've always had a mission to perform, or a job to
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do. My personal life came last."
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"You've got three weeks before the ENTERPRISE is ready to
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leave, Tom," Toga retorted. "You've got time now. And you'll
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have time on ship. What's wrong in giving it a chance?"
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Riley paused a long second, lost in thought. "You drive,"
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he decided, before taking a sip of his ale.
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Riley walked to the door just as it had opened. He had
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expected Saavik's beautiful visage to appear in front of him,
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but the Vulcan who stood there was much taller, much older, and
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decidedly male.
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Riley had inadvertantly, and almost literally, stumbled
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into a legend. "Ambassador Spock," Riley blurted in disbelief.
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"It's a honor to meet you, sir."
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"Likewise, Captain," Spock replied with a lift of his
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eyebrow. "Indeed, your reputation proceeds you. Star Fleet has
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informed me of your outstanding success in the Neutral Zone,
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you should be congradulated."
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"I could have handled it better," Riley admitted,
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remembering Deuce's death. "But thank you, your words mean a
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lot to me."
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Spock nearly smiled. The new Captain of the ENTERPRISE
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was humbled, even though his carreer had been quite impressive
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on its own right. It was the first time Spock realized that he
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was a legend. "I am flattered, Captain," he replied cooly.
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"Peace and long life, Ambassador," Riley responded,
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giving Spock the Vulcan salute.
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"Live long and prosper, T'Salek," the Ambassador
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responded, citing Riley's Romulo-Vulcan name. "I look forward
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to discussion with you at the awards ceremony."
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"I am honored," Riley replied with a bit of shock. "I
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hope I won't disappoint you."
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"Good day, Captain," Spock completed quiety, leaving
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Riley and Saavik alone as he left through the wooden door.
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"Ambassador Spock?" Riley asked, impressed. "I wasn't
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aware that he was even on Earth."
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"He has been discussing matters with the President,"
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Saavik answered flatly. Riley was already feeling unsure as to
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why he even bothered to show up. "He has been in touch with
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Senator Pardek of Romulus. They are working on peace
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negociations," Saavik continued, not even looking at him.
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Riley fully stepped in, tired of waiting for an
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invitation. "Saavik, I know things haven't been well between
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us," he began nervously.
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"We have performed well," Saavik responded even more
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distantly. "As Captain and First Officer, our efficiency
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rating has been well into the ninetieth percentile."
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"That's not what I meant," Riley argued. "I didn't come
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here to discuss politics, or our efficiency rating."
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"Then what reason do you have for being here, Captain,"
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Saavik responded coldly, causing Riley to draw a deep breath to
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regain his courage.
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"I needed to talk to you," Riley admitted. "Actually,
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Tago felt that I needed to talk to you."
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"What is there to discuss?" Saavik curtly asked. "We
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both have been very hesistant to adress the matter at hand.
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Obviously, we are not yet ready to admit our feelings."
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"I can say it to your face, Saavik," Riley replied. "I
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love you. I know that as your Captain, I'm facing a serious
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conflict of interest. But I can't ignore it." It was obvious
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that he was having difficulty with the statements. He voice
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quaked, and his hands shook. It was the first time she had seen
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him scared.
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Saavik sat down, unable to answer or reply for a few
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moments. "It's worse for me, Thomas," she finally spoke,
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breaking the uneasy silence that had settled into the room.
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"I'm Vulcan, I don't act on my emotions. It goes against
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everything I've learned."
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Riley frowned, regretting his decision. "I should have
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realized that. I'm sorry to bother you," he continued, heading
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to leave.
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"It doesn't mean that I don't love you, Thomas," she
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quickly added, not allowing him to leave. "I do love you. I
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just didn't want to admit it to myself."
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Riley turned, not looking relieved. "What do we do now?"
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he asked. "Can I be an effective Captain with you as my First
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Officer? Can I be that detatched when duty calls?"
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"I think you can," she replied. "It's like you're two
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different people, A cold calculating ship's Captain when you
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need to be, and a caring man when you can be."
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"My two halves," Riley added, a bit disturbed. "It would
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seem to be the case."
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The two sat silent again for several moments. It was
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painfully obvious how lacking in experience the two were in
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dealing with these types of emotions.
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"Saavik," Riley finally dared, "would you do me the honor
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of being my date for the awards banquet Wednesday?"
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Saavik smiled, for the first time that Riley could
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remember. "It is I who would be honored," she answered.
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Riley beamed, the knotting is his stomach working its way
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straight. "Then I'll pick you up one hour beforehand."
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"Tom," she interrupted, "Ambassador Spock will be our
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chaperone. Does that bother you?"
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Riley nodded the negative, his eyes showing a mild
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contentment. "Nothing bothers me right now, Saavik. For once."
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Grissom returned with yet another box of goods which
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needed to be immediately packed. Her family had already begun
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providing her with replacement stuff for the things lost when
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her quarters left the ENTERPRISE.
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The box she carried was quite heavy, but wasn't worth
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attaching the expensive av-grav units for a three minute trip.
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Her tiny form was withering under the strain, however.
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Her temporary apartment had three boxes in it already,
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and no furniture other than a bed, chair, and table. The
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kitchen had no supplies in it. She cursed herself for
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forgetting, knowing she would have to order-out again.
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"Message for Miss Paula Grissom," the computer blurted
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out once it had succeeded in defining who had entered the room.
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"Audio message for Paula Grissom."
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"Play it, please," she responded, letting the large box
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crash at her feet.
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"Hello, pistol," the computer played, and Paula froze in
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terror. "Do you remember me?" the disguised voice continued,
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taunting her. "It's been a long time, but I'm so pleased that
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you came back to visit me. I just wanted to tell you that I was
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thinking about you."
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Like a machine she walked to the computer bank, lifting
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her finger ever so slowly to the controls. "I've missed you,
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Paula," the maniacal voice continued. "I've wanted you for so
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long, I can't tell you how pleased I am that you a nearby."
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Desperately, she hit the erase command, which abruptly
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killed the message. "Where did that come from?" she demanded.
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"Voice message did not have address trailer," the
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computer answered in its ever-cheery tone. "Trace is
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unavailable."
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She quiety went to her supply bag, removed the phaser
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from within, and strapped it to her side. "Refuse all messages
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without trailers, computer," she commanded with a failing
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voice.
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It was happening all over again.
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CHAPTER THREE
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"Miss Campbell," Saavik began with a bit of nervousness
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in her voice. "I didn't expect that you would have any company.
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I can return later if you would like." The shower was running
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in the other room, leaving Saavik to feel like she had
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interrupted someone else's affair.
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"It's all right, Commander," the younger officer replied.
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"Tiber's just getting cleaned up for shopping later, he'll be
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out of here in a few minutes anyway."
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It was unusual for a high-ranking Star Fleet officer to
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visit the private apartments of her command, but Saavik was
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having difficulty with her own personal situation, and Campbell
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seemed to be the most qualified to discuss it. It had been no
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secret that Tiber and she had been seeing each-other regularly,
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and that the two were intimate. It was a logical decision to
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ask her about such matters, since she seemed to be having
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success and experience. "I wanted to discuss a personal matter
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with you," she stammered, mildly failing to keep her
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emotionless facade.
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"Oh," Campbell said exitedly. "In that case I insist that
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you stay," she continued with a smile. "Would you like a drink?
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I have some herbal tea brewing. I know it isn't traditional
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Vulcan teas, but I think it's quite good."
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"Thank you," Saavik replied, even though Campbell was
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already heading to the kitchen area. "I did not know with whom
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I should discuss this, I hope I am not inconviencing you."
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"Not at all," Campbell replied as she could hear the
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shower water being turned off. "Is this about the Captain?"
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Saavik nearly flushed. "You know about us?" she replied
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in disbelief. "Have we been that obvious?"
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"Yes," Campbell admitted. "Not to a major point, but it's
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obvious that you two liked each other since he came aboard. You
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held hands a little to long, stood a bit too close when
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talking, that sort of thing."
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"How does standing close together denote affection?"
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Saavik asked innocently enough. "I understand the tradition of
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holding hands, but I was not considering affection for Thomas
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until recently."
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Campbell returned with a large glass of herbal tea. The
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scent was most pleasing. "It's not something you think about,
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it just happens. It's like, well, Tiber and I were friends a
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long time before we became a couple. Until someone else
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mentioned it, we never even really gave it much thought."
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"Fascinating," Saavik replied cooly. "It has been so long
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since I felt these feelings, I had forgotten what it was like.
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It was easier then, with David."
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"David?" Campbell asked, not knowing how thin the ice was
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where she treaded.
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"A scientist, a very kind, resourceful man," Saavik
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explained. "It was years ago. We were in love, at least for a
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short while. He was killed before we could pursue a long-term
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relationship."
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"I'm sorry," Campbell replied, sitting across from
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Saavik. "I didn't mean to push."
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"I've accepted it long ago," Saavik admitted. "I have
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been reminded of his loss as of late, but I have accepted the
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fact he is gone."
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"What do you feel about the Captain?" Campbell inquired,
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half out of curiousity. "If you don't mind my asking."
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"I respect him," Saavik confessed. "He intrigues me, and
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excites me. I want to be with him," she slowly continued, "as
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much as possible."
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Campbell's eyes widened. "I'd say that qualifies as
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love," she commented with a wide smile. "Have you talked to him
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about it?"
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"We have been having difficulty," Saavik admitted. "He is
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concerned about a conflict of interest, as am I. But we have
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agreed to go to the awards ceremony as a couple."
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"That's great," Campbell announced. "So, are you all
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prepared for your date? I mean, have you picked out your dress
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and everything?"
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Saavik was floored by the question. She had expected to
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have a long, drawn out conversation about what she should do
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about being with Riley, and Campbell had abruptly switched
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subjects. "Dress? I was planning to wear dress uniform, as
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dictated by regulations."
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"You can't dance in those uniforms," Campbell protested.
|
|
"Besides, they're not flattering. Regulations state that formal
|
|
attire is to be worn, not neccessarily uniform."
|
|
Campbell had already stood up, gathering some odds and
|
|
ends. "Tiber," she called into the closed bedroom.
|
|
"Yeah?" the Andorian's muffled voice came back.
|
|
"You're taking me and Commander Saavik to Los Angeles?
|
|
Comprennez?" Campbell commanded with a smile.
|
|
"Oh I am?" Tiber began to protest. "Oh, you and
|
|
Commander Saavik? Sure, yeah, right away," he replied as he
|
|
mentally replayed the message.
|
|
|
|
"She said 'yes', Tago," Riley muttered. "Now, I've
|
|
officially got a date for the awards ceremony. I now get to
|
|
look like a total fool in front of Admiral Sulu and Ambassador
|
|
Spock. Thank you so much for talking me into this."
|
|
"You'll be fine, Tom," Tago retorted, taking the
|
|
cramped hovercraft into a mild climb. "All you need to do is
|
|
change your looks and personality and you'll have no problem."
|
|
"Oh thanks," Riley returned. "And I suppose that you've
|
|
been with every woman on the planet by now, right?"
|
|
"No," Tago admitted with a smile. "But they all wish that
|
|
I had."
|
|
Riley sighed heavily. "Right, yeah. Tell me, Tago. Have
|
|
you ever thought about counselling for that huge ego of yours?"
|
|
"I will when you feel comfortable without that phaser
|
|
rifle on your leg," Tago blurted. "Why do you always have to
|
|
carry that damn thing around anyway? It makes me nervous."
|
|
"That's why," Riley smiled. "Actually, I'm just more
|
|
comfortable with it. Ten years of working Star Fleet
|
|
Intelligence has made me a bit paranoid."
|
|
"Yeah," Tago agreed. "But that's behind you. You've got a
|
|
decent future ahead of you. You're the Captain of the starship
|
|
ENTERPRISE."
|
|
Riley sighed again. "Yeah," he muttered. "I suppose
|
|
that's why I've got this awards ceremony tomorrow. I just hope
|
|
I don't fluster up."
|
|
"You've got a Vulcan girl to say 'yes' to you for a
|
|
date," Tago laughed. "What could go right?"
|
|
|
|
CHAPTER FOUR
|
|
|
|
The trip from the shops of Los Angeles to the rooms of
|
|
San Fransisco was frustratingly slow. Grissom never realized
|
|
just how much she was used to the transporters aboard the
|
|
ENTERPRISE. But the trip was over, and her clothes for the
|
|
awards ceremony later had been bought.
|
|
She had about four hours to get herself ready for it, and
|
|
then she would move into her new room aboard the ENTERPRISE,
|
|
away from the problems of Earth.
|
|
"Well then," Gahrut announced as the two left the
|
|
turbolift and stepped to her apartment doors. "I need to
|
|
properly fix myself up for the awards ceremony later."
|
|
"Right," she replied. "I suppose that you want to hide
|
|
all those embarrassing cracks in your hide, and those unsightly
|
|
crystal growths."
|
|
"Hey, we men have to primp just like everyone else," the
|
|
Horta retorted. "Anyway, I've got to get going. Are you sure
|
|
that you're going to be okay?"
|
|
"Thanks," Grissom muttered, embarrassed by her fear. "The
|
|
streets aren't very safe at night, and I didn't really want to
|
|
be alone."
|
|
"No problem," Gahrut replied. "My room's three floors
|
|
above and about three-hundred feet south. If you need anything,
|
|
talk, movies, granite, don't hesitate."
|
|
Grissom gave a nervous smile in reply, letting Gahrut
|
|
shuffle off into the nearest turbolift. She sucked in her
|
|
breath, trying to regain her composure.
|
|
Grissom entered her room again, shaking. Her previous
|
|
encounter within had nearly frenzied her, and it had taken all
|
|
of her courage to re-enter the room. She had decided to move
|
|
out, to try and run away again.
|
|
"Computer, messages?" she asked, praying that he hadn't
|
|
called again.
|
|
There was no reply. It was then she noticed that her
|
|
computer system had been shut down. The room was black and
|
|
silent. In one smooth action she drew her phaser and manually
|
|
turned on the lighting system.
|
|
The lights came on, illuminating the dark corners
|
|
of the room. She scanned it over, looking for things out of
|
|
place. Other than the computer, everything appeared untouched.
|
|
Hesitantly, she paced to the door to her bedroom. It had
|
|
been opened, a small crack was between the door and the wall.
|
|
Someone had been inside.
|
|
She gathered her strength, raising the phaser to the room
|
|
on the other side of the door. In one swift action, she threw
|
|
the door aside, and froze in abject terror.
|
|
Her clothes had been thrown on the bed, where someone had
|
|
indulged themselves in the most perverse way. The perpetrator
|
|
was long gone, but he had left his presence behind.
|
|
She collapsed, dropping the phaser to the ground, going
|
|
nearly catatonic. There was a note on the bed, written by
|
|
computer. "See you tonight," it began. "I'm waiting for you."
|
|
|
|
CHAPTER FIVE
|
|
|
|
"Well, Ambassador," Hikaru Sulu began polite as he
|
|
assumed his table near the stage. "It's a pleasure to see you
|
|
again. Three years, has it?"
|
|
"Three years," Spock replied, setting down his warm
|
|
herbal tea. "Indeed. Three years too long, Admiral," the Vulcan
|
|
finished. "Congradulations on your promotion, Sulu, you have
|
|
been deserving of it for some time."
|
|
"Thank you," Sulu agreed as he slid the seat back under
|
|
him. "And congradulations on your new carreer. I know how
|
|
anxious you are to path things up with the Romulan Senate."
|
|
"All wounds need to be healed," Spock cooly replied. "I
|
|
believe that the time has come for our common hostilities to
|
|
come to an end."
|
|
Sulu nodded in the affirmative. "That's your official
|
|
reason for being here, is it?" he asked with a smile. "I would
|
|
have sworn that you're here to see how Saavik is getting along
|
|
aboard the new ENTERPRISE with a Captain you're uncomfortable
|
|
with."
|
|
Spock went silent for a moment. "You have been speaking
|
|
to Doctor McCoy, have you not? He does exaggerate matters
|
|
somewhat."
|
|
"Actually," Sulu began, "it was a bit obvious even before
|
|
I walked into Tago's. It's too bad I missed Riley though, I
|
|
would've like to meet him."
|
|
"Your fascination with war heroes, Admiral?" Spock
|
|
queried. "I agree that Riley's experience in tactical affairs
|
|
is without question, though his dealings in other areas I have
|
|
found to be lacking."
|
|
"Really?" Sulu smiled, noting that a new waves of guests
|
|
were arriving. "I take it that you've met the Captain lately?"
|
|
"I have," Spock replied, sipping again from his tea. "He
|
|
seems an honorable man. But he is emotionally disturbed. His
|
|
presence is highly cluttered with regrets and pain."
|
|
"This uniform hurts," Riley muttered as Tago led him into
|
|
the doors. "I never did like full dress," he added, tugging at
|
|
his neck. "And the idea of tying something tightly around your
|
|
neck to look good never made much sense to me."
|
|
Tago laughed, thankful that the dress code had been a bit
|
|
more lenient on him. "Didn't you wear dress uniform when you
|
|
got aboard your ship?" he asked with a smile.
|
|
"I haven't worn a dress uniform since I graduated from
|
|
the Academy, Tago," Riley snapped back. "You don't usually wear
|
|
uniforms in the Intelligence branch, must less dress ones."
|
|
"Yeah," Tago muttered. "I just think you're upset that
|
|
you can't wear that damn rifle in here," he replied with a
|
|
faint smile. "Formal occaisions were never your strong suit,
|
|
were they?"
|
|
"I guess not," he sighed. "But then, that's not why Star
|
|
Fleet wanted me was it?"
|
|
"Star Fleet wanted him for his knowledge of the
|
|
Romulans," Sulu argued. "And he has proven himself a capable
|
|
Captain on three occaisions, despite his setbacks."
|
|
"He behaves more emotionally than Doctor McCoy," Spock
|
|
retorted. "And his relationship with his First Officer makes me
|
|
apprehensive."
|
|
"Ah," Sulu smiled, "the old fatherly instinct. My father
|
|
once told me that his father-in-law made a habit of cleaning
|
|
his katana in front of him whenever he asked to see my mother."
|
|
"Your implication?" Spock asked noncommitedly.
|
|
"You're worried about Saavik falling in love with Riley,"
|
|
Sulu replied. "Well, from what I hear, that's already happened.
|
|
It's just sentient nature."
|
|
Spock noticed two arriving gentlemen entering the room.
|
|
He recognized the larger as Captain Riley, the other was a
|
|
Tellarite wearing what seemed to be a business suit. "Perhaps,
|
|
Admiral," Spock continued. "Perhaps I do feel paternal
|
|
instincts toward Commander Saavik. After all, I did raise her
|
|
after the V'Ger incident until I died."
|
|
"There's a unique claim," Sulu laughed.
|
|
"I never claimed to be a dancer," Riley argued, stunned
|
|
by the news he had heard. "Besides, I don't think she's going
|
|
to want me to dance."
|
|
"All women want to dance," Tago countered with a devilish
|
|
smile. "Granted some in different ways, like the Orion Women,
|
|
but they all do."
|
|
"Well, I didn't expect that," Riley admitted. "Maybe I'll
|
|
be lucky and she'll change her mind and stay home."
|
|
"You're getting the medal of valor, and the distinguised
|
|
arrowhead," Tago replied. "I doubt that she's going to stay
|
|
home. Face it, you're on your first date, Captain."
|
|
"Great," he replied with some loathing. "What if I screw
|
|
this up?"
|
|
"Are you expecting that he'll screw up somehow?" Sulu
|
|
asked. "His psyche profile is top-notch. I have to agree
|
|
with Sonak's recommendations about him."
|
|
"I agree," Spock replied. "My regret," he cotinued, "lies
|
|
with the knowledge of Rliey that I have, that both he and
|
|
Commander Saavik do not."
|
|
Sulu gave a concerned look, but Spock's expression made
|
|
it apparant that he would divulge no further on the subject.
|
|
"Well, he's here anyway, the newest Captain of the ENTERPRISE.
|
|
I wonder what Jim would say."
|
|
Spock raised an eyebrow at the thought. "I believe that
|
|
he has other, more pressing, concerns on his mind at the
|
|
moment."
|
|
"She'll be here any moment," Tago prodded. "She's
|
|
arriving with some of your crewmates. You can't duck out on
|
|
her. If she doesn't kill you the Admirals will."
|
|
"I'm not ducking out," Riley argued. "I'm just nervous.
|
|
Okay, I'm very nervous," he smiled.
|
|
Tago pointed towards the door, making Riley turn to face
|
|
the most lovely picture he'd seen in quite some time.
|
|
Saavik entered, escorted by Tiber and Campbell. She was
|
|
wearing a glistening red dress, cut low. She was adorned by
|
|
long pearl earrings and a magnificent pearl necklace. Her hair
|
|
had been neatly primped, and her makeup had been perfectly
|
|
placed.
|
|
Riley drew in a deep breath, suddenly realizing that he
|
|
was staring at her glamorous beauty. "Tago," he managed though
|
|
a mild shock, "I believe my date has arrived."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
--
|
|
|
|
"Our crew's living quarters have left the ship."
|
|
- Secundam Yto aboard the IRON CLAW II
|
|
Neale Davidson, another writer wanna-be. neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu
|
|
|
|
Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
|
|
Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!wupost!spool.mu.edu!sdd.hp.com!news.cs.indiana.edu!noose.ecn.purdue.edu!mentor.cc.purdue.edu!neale
|
|
From: neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Neale Davidson)
|
|
Subject: STTUQ 11-15/15 repost
|
|
Message-ID: <Bu26MH.CxK@mentor.cc.purdue.edu>
|
|
Organization: Purdue University Computing Center
|
|
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 14:51:51 GMT
|
|
Lines: 533
|
|
|
|
|
|
- STAR TREK ---------------------------------------------------
|
|
- THE UNFAIR QUO ---------------------------------------------------
|
|
|
|
Part Eleven through Fifteen of Fifteen
|
|
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
|
|
CHAPTER ELEVEN
|
|
|
|
Gahrut emerged from the room after another three hours.
|
|
Seeing her, his guilt was even more intensified. Matthews was
|
|
still there, along with two security officers, phasers ready.
|
|
"It's not your fault, you know," Matthews tried when
|
|
seeing the young Horta emerge. "There was nothing you could
|
|
have done for her."
|
|
"The hell there wasn't," Gahrut chided himself. "I should
|
|
have known there was trouble when she called up to escort her.
|
|
I should have been ready."
|
|
"There was no way, Gahrut," Matthews tried again. "You
|
|
did your best. That's all anyone could have given to her."
|
|
Gahrut turned, unconvinced. "Look, Captain Riley's doing
|
|
everything he can do at the moment, maybe you can help him out?
|
|
I'm sure he would appreciate it."
|
|
Gahrut stirred. "Any ideas on who the bastard is?" he
|
|
queried with a dark overtone. "Any clues yet?"
|
|
"Not yet," Matthews replied honestly. Thankfully, without
|
|
clues, Gahrut would have little to vent his anger upon as yet.
|
|
"The genetic traces we've found on her have been tampered with.
|
|
Whoever did this had access to a lot of expensive equipment."
|
|
"He was a Star Fleet officer," Gahrut muttered. "Of
|
|
course he'd have access to equipment. He could have just
|
|
authorized it away and no one would be the wiser. Damn him,"
|
|
Gahrut concluded with a grunt.
|
|
"Look, is there anything you can add?" Matthews tried
|
|
again. "If you want to help Paula, you need to clear your head
|
|
so you can think straight."
|
|
Gahrut stopped moving. "If your wife was raped while you
|
|
were knocked unconscious, would you be so calm and rational
|
|
about it?" he dared, giving away too much.
|
|
"My wife?" Matthews flustered for a moment. "No, if
|
|
anything happed to Jean, I'd been wanting to kill something
|
|
right about now," he admitted. "It doesn't mean that it's going
|
|
to help anything."
|
|
Gahrut turned again. "But at least you can appreciate how
|
|
I feel? Can't you?" he pleaded for understanding.
|
|
Matthews fell silent, taken aback by the innuendo that
|
|
Gahrut was trying to convey. "She means that much to you,
|
|
Lieutenant?"
|
|
"I've known her all my life," Gahrut replied, quietly.
|
|
"In a way, we grew up together. The longest we've been apart
|
|
was when she served at Starbase three after graduation and I
|
|
got an early transfer to the ACUTIS. That was about three
|
|
months."
|
|
"And," Mathhews dared, "You feel like she's your mate or
|
|
something?" He forced himself to forget the absurdity of the
|
|
notion.
|
|
Gahrut came close to sigh, at least as close as a Horta
|
|
was capable. "Sort of. I know it's physically impossible, but
|
|
it still doesn't mean that can't have feelings for her does
|
|
it?" he asked with a bit of reluctance. "I mean, there's more
|
|
to care and affection than mating, isn't there?"
|
|
"Yes," Matthews admitted. "Yes, there is. But you do
|
|
realize that sometime, eventually, she'll want another
|
|
humanoid," he carefully added. "Just as you will want another
|
|
Horta, at some point in your life."
|
|
"I want to be human," Gahrut confessed. "Just so I be
|
|
with her. I love her so much, I can't stand it sometimes," he
|
|
confided. "We've been so close."
|
|
Matthews smiled knowingly. "I think that's a bit out of
|
|
my league, Lieutenant," he joked. "But anything's possible.
|
|
Maybe a tour on the holodeck?"
|
|
Gahrut said nothing, taking mild offense at the remark.
|
|
"I guess you can't understand, Doctor. I guess it really is
|
|
absurd to even contemplate," he added, sliding down the hall.
|
|
Matthews stood, a bit remorseful about his comments.
|
|
"Sorry," he muttered as he watch the young Horta slowly leave
|
|
his sight.
|
|
|
|
CHAPTER TWELVE
|
|
|
|
"I need to go inside," Saavik indicated as she entered
|
|
the cooridor. "Captain Riley's orders," she continued after the
|
|
guard hesistated.
|
|
"Doctor Matthews told me not to let anyone inside," the
|
|
Guard stammered in reply. "He said that that order included
|
|
anyone, regardless of rank."
|
|
"I outrank the Doctor," Saavik reminded. "And Riley
|
|
outranks you. Should I inform him of your disobedience?" she
|
|
asked flatly. "Or will you let me inside? It would be wiser to
|
|
obey me, would it not?"
|
|
"Yes, Commander," the guard admitted. "But Matthews said
|
|
that she wouldn't be available for statement for a few hours,"
|
|
he tried again, fully obeying the Doctor's orders.
|
|
"Then," Saavik replied, "tell the Doctor that I will not
|
|
verbally discuss matters with her. But I still need the
|
|
information the Captain Riley has requested."
|
|
There was no way that the guard was going to win, and he
|
|
realized it. "Yes, Commander. I will inform him of your answer
|
|
when he returns."
|
|
Saavik nodded her acknowledgement, and ordered the door
|
|
to let her in. Complying, the doors parted to reveal the dimly
|
|
lit hospital room. Grissom was lying on the bed, unmoving. Her
|
|
expression was only given away by the few tears rolling from
|
|
her eyes.
|
|
Saavik looked down at the petit woman which lay beneath
|
|
her. She seemed so young, so very fragile. How could anyone
|
|
seek to destroy this innocence? How could anyone be so
|
|
corrupted with evil? she asked herself.
|
|
"Paula," she gently began, moving closer to the bed,
|
|
"It's Commander Saavik, do you recognize me?"
|
|
Grissom slowly nodded the affirmative. "Commander," she
|
|
painfully spoke. "ENTERPRISE, I remember." She was waking, but
|
|
it was obvious that she was still heavily in shock.
|
|
"I need to talk to you," Saavik tried again, sitting down
|
|
at Grissom's side. "I need to know what happened."
|
|
"It's cold," Grissom said, not hearing. "It's so cold in
|
|
here." She was losing it now, her clinging reality slipping
|
|
away under the torrent of emotional pain. "What happened? Why
|
|
is it so cold?"
|
|
"It isn't cold," Saavik replied, raising her hand slowly
|
|
to Grissom's face. "It's warm in here, Paula. We're here to
|
|
take care of you."
|
|
"Take care of me?" Grissom replied. "Saavik? ENTERPRISE,"
|
|
she continued, trying to piece together her thoughts. "Gahrut,
|
|
sweet Gahrut."
|
|
Saavik let loose a small smile, having learned a little
|
|
more about the strange pair's relationship. "Lieutenant
|
|
Grissom, this is Saavik. We are in an emergency and need your
|
|
help. Can your help us?" she asked carefully.
|
|
"Emergency," Grissom trailed. "Red alert?" she managed,
|
|
her mind still not bringing anything together. "ENTERPRISE
|
|
under attack," she continued, "I must help."
|
|
"One of our crew has been attacked," Saavik continued
|
|
carefully, readying herself. "We need to know who did it,
|
|
Lieutenant. We need to know before he does it again."
|
|
"Under attack," Grissom muttered, "ACUTIS attack?" She
|
|
semmed to tense up at saying that. "Attacked on ACUTIS," she
|
|
finally considered. "I was on the ACUTIS."
|
|
"Yes," Saavik replied with anticipation. "We're on the
|
|
ACUTIS. Can you tell me what happened?"
|
|
"ACUTIS," she babbled inconherently. "Attacked on the
|
|
ACUTIS," she trailed. Then she was gone, her mind lost to
|
|
reality, refusing to accept it.
|
|
Saavik stood over her, making her final commitment. She
|
|
parted her hand, and gently placed it on Grissom's brow.
|
|
"Your mind," Saavik slowly began, gathering her courage,
|
|
"to my mind. Your thoughts, to my thoughts." She reached out,
|
|
mentally, looking into the Grissom's tortured soul. "We are
|
|
merging, you and I. We are thinking as one. There is nothing we
|
|
need to hide from one-another."
|
|
"Please," Paula managed even as her world turned about
|
|
her. "I don't want to remember."
|
|
|
|
Saavik transported aboard the empty decks of the USS
|
|
ACUTIS. Every detail was vividly depicted, though somehow, she
|
|
could tell that everything was distorted as well. The halls
|
|
were too dark, too long. There was a sour smell to the air,
|
|
something she could not recognize. "Paula," she cautiously
|
|
began to the image around her, "this is Saavik. I'm here to
|
|
help you."
|
|
She walked through the cooridor. Though her bearings
|
|
weren't entirely accurate, she judged that she was walking on a
|
|
quarters deck aboard Grissom's memory of the ACUTIS. She
|
|
reached out to the walls, they were ice cold. "Please, Paula,
|
|
let me see you. We can work through this."
|
|
Saavik walked to the turbolift. The doors opened with the
|
|
familiar hiss. "Level, bitch?" the male computer's voice asked
|
|
fiendishly.
|
|
"Grissom's quarters," Saavik replied warningly.
|
|
"Wouldn't you rather go to mine?" the turbolift ventured.
|
|
"I could ride your in shaft instead," it laughed. Saavik
|
|
punched the console, letting her mind dominate the imagry
|
|
somewhat. The doors opened again, revealing the interior of
|
|
Grissom's cabin.
|
|
"Paula," Saavik asked again, "I know you want to show me.
|
|
I know that you want to let go of the pain." She looked around,
|
|
and outside the window. There were no stars outside, though she
|
|
could faintly see the image of the EXCELSIOR in the distance.
|
|
It seemed to be Grissom's single beacon of hope. "Please, let
|
|
me in. Let me know."
|
|
"Ensign Grissom," someone called from the door which
|
|
Saavik had answered. "I need to discuss some things with you
|
|
that I find disturbing."
|
|
The figure was dark and distorted, the voice was too deep
|
|
to be real. She was still sheilding herself, but at least the
|
|
memories were playing. "What is it, sir?" Saavik found herself
|
|
answering. "I understood that Lieutenant Jackson was pleased
|
|
with my work."
|
|
"He was," the figure replied, moving closer,
|
|
uncomfortably close. "I just wanted to talk to you about a few
|
|
things. Wouldn't you like to sit down?"
|
|
Saavik found herself unable to fight the impulse of
|
|
sitting, as Grissom must have done so long ago. She didn't
|
|
remember if the chair had been there before, but it was
|
|
somewhat solid now. "I need to be returning to engineering in a
|
|
few minutes."
|
|
"This won't take long, Ensign," he replied. His voice
|
|
seemed to lighten somehow. It was becoming a bit more
|
|
recognizable, a bit more notable. "I just wanted to ask you a
|
|
couple of questions."
|
|
"Questions, Captain?" they countered in unison. "What
|
|
do you want?" Captain? Saavik wondered even as they said it.
|
|
Captain Heito?
|
|
"I was wondering," the Captain replied, stepping forward
|
|
a bit, his face still distorted by the vision. "I was wondering
|
|
had badly you wanted me."
|
|
"Excuse me, sir," the two repsonded, stepping away from
|
|
him. "I don't think I heard you properly," they tried again as
|
|
he still move closer.
|
|
"Oh," the Captain replied with a twisted grin, "I know
|
|
you want me. You're not the first. It just takes time for you
|
|
to realize that you're already mine."
|
|
Grissom slash Saavik stepped back more, "I think you need
|
|
to leave, sir. This is not appropriate conduct." But the
|
|
Captain was quickly on her, grabbing her breast.
|
|
She, they, slapped him with nearly inhuman strength. The
|
|
Captain slapped back, angrily, throwing them on the floor. "You
|
|
can't deny me," he goaded, his accent becoming clearer. "You
|
|
know you want me," he said again, ripping the communicator from
|
|
her chest.
|
|
They tried to break free from him, but his weight was
|
|
greater than hers. Saavik concentrated on the image, trying to
|
|
make it more clear. The feature seemed more defined, but it
|
|
still wasn't enough.
|
|
And, more importantly, she was unable to break free of
|
|
the mind meld. They screamed as he ripped apart their uniform's
|
|
top, revealing the breast he had fondled. A small amount of
|
|
blood dripped from where he had scratched her. "Come on,
|
|
Ensign, I know you've been dreaming of this," he said in a
|
|
self-assured tone which sent shivers up their spine.
|
|
The feature became more clear, and there was no doubt.
|
|
Captain Heito was above them, raping them. Saavik and Grissom
|
|
fought on, trying to change the relived nightmare, but the
|
|
reality, the memory was too strong. He had stripped them enough
|
|
now, permitting the rape to run its course.
|
|
But there was a new form in the room. A tall, dark
|
|
Captain carrying a phaser rifle. "Saavik, Grissom," he cooly
|
|
said as he aimed it at his target, "You are free. This is the
|
|
past, and it is over."
|
|
The image of the wicked Captain faded into nothingness,
|
|
and the two female's combined form recovered in appearance.
|
|
They stood, confused. "Captain," they said in their mixed
|
|
voice. "Is that really you?"
|
|
"Yes," Riley commented. "I'm here, with the both of you.
|
|
It's over." The room changed around them, and Saavik seemed to
|
|
detatch herself from Grissom's image, then resolidfy.
|
|
The two were standing in the hospital room, with Riley at
|
|
the door. "Captain," Grissom managed through her tears. "You
|
|
know? I mean, you saw it?"
|
|
"I saw your memory of it," Riley replied, walking over to
|
|
her. "I saw enough," he quietly said, taking her in his arms
|
|
and hugging her as she cried. "He won't get away from us, now.
|
|
He will be punished, and it will be over."
|
|
She cried, but her nightmares would finally cease.
|
|
Someone else had experienced her pain with her, making it
|
|
almost bearable.
|
|
|
|
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
|
|
|
|
The ladies had been beamed in, one at a time, in front of
|
|
Riley and Sulu. The Star Fleet office was sparse, except for a
|
|
few notable pieces of antique weaponry that Sulu had been
|
|
allowed some time to pack in. But the newest Admiral hadn't yet
|
|
been given proper time to dress his new workplace.
|
|
It had taken only a few moments for the Admiral to summon
|
|
them here, much to the relief of Riley, who had expected the
|
|
women cringe at the thought of discussing the matter amoungst
|
|
themselves.
|
|
But cicumstances were different than normal. The
|
|
women didn't have to take it upon themselves to report their
|
|
incidents, they were being asked. Perhaps, it helped as
|
|
well that the three of them had suffered the same fate and
|
|
Grissom, and that there were understanding souls who could
|
|
share and relate their experiences.
|
|
The first, the one sitting most to Riley's left, was
|
|
Lieutenant Commander Tierra Washington. She was rather
|
|
smallish, and almost fatally attractive. "Admiral," she greeted
|
|
as she took her seat. "Captain Riley, it is a pleasure to
|
|
finally meet you."
|
|
"I am flattered," Riley answered flatly, thankful that
|
|
Saavik was elsewhere.
|
|
The second was Lea Thomas, considerably older than her
|
|
Star Fleet visual records, but no less pleasant in expression.
|
|
"Hello, Captain, Admiral," she greeted nervously, having
|
|
forgotten Fleet protocol.
|
|
Last came Mary Quix, who said nothing as she took her
|
|
seat. Of the three, she seemed the most hesitant to be here.
|
|
Understandble, considering the circumstances, but Riley
|
|
needed her to be somewhat talkative. She had to at least tell
|
|
them all what had happened aboard the ACUTIS.
|
|
"The first thing I want all of you to know is that you
|
|
are not alone," Riley began, trying to sound as relaxed as
|
|
possible. "No one here is going to force you to speak. But I
|
|
want you all to know that there is a young woman resting on the
|
|
ENTERPRISE who's gone through the very same thing that you
|
|
have. And I don't want it to happen again."
|
|
"Heito," Tierra began coldly, "Captain Heito should be
|
|
punished for what he did to me. But I couldn't report it, I
|
|
tried," she continued painfully. "Admiral Keyan told me that
|
|
reporting the incident would hurt my career."
|
|
"At least you got that far," Mary Quix snorted. "I just
|
|
left the ship and tried to forget about it." She let out a
|
|
breath, forcing her body to relax.
|
|
"No one's blaming any of you," Sulu replied caringly. "I
|
|
know that this must have been difficult for you," he began.
|
|
"How could you know?" Lea suddenly snapped. "No one ever
|
|
did anything like that to you. No one forced themselves inside
|
|
of you, Admiral. No one told you how you were supposed to
|
|
feel, and how cheap you were because you wanted it." Her temper
|
|
flared, causing her stern face to redden.
|
|
"No he didn't," Riley snapped back in reply. "And maybe
|
|
he can't relate with the experience. I can, I've seen enough of
|
|
it on Hellguard to know exactly what it is. You've got the
|
|
chance to stop it now, and all I'm asking is for your help. How
|
|
many more is it going to take before Heito is stopped?"
|
|
"If you know what he did," Lea replied, "then why aren't
|
|
you prosecuting? Why do you need us?"
|
|
Riley sat back, trying to calm himself, cursing himself
|
|
for never dealing with other people's feelings more often. "I
|
|
need you because this is mainly a case of word against word.
|
|
Grissom's got a bad reputation in Star Fleet, and Heito has a
|
|
chance to get off the charges."
|
|
"You want us to testify," Quix contiuned for him. "You
|
|
want us to go to court." The thought, for the trio of women,
|
|
was disturbing. It was hard enough to relieve the experience
|
|
here, nevertheless in front of a review board, in front of
|
|
their aggressor.
|
|
"I do," Riley admitted, "I do want you to help me
|
|
prosecute Heito. With your help we can put him away." The women
|
|
hesitated, unsure of themselves. "Look, I think he's done this
|
|
to eight women already, and he's still in charge of that ship.
|
|
I don't want someone else to get hurt."
|
|
"I'll do it," Lea muttered. "Since it's not a secret
|
|
anymore, I'll help you." Riley offered his hand to hers,
|
|
shaking it firmly. "It's been hard living with myself since
|
|
then, but maybe I can make it up to myself."
|
|
The other two were more hesitant, but more receptive
|
|
after Lea's decision. "I'll prepare a statement," Quix
|
|
responded. "I don't want to sit in a courtroom. I can't take
|
|
that," she admitted, with a bit of shame.
|
|
Tierra was the last to agree, pressured by the weight of
|
|
the room. "I'll take him to court with you, Captain," she
|
|
decided with a wavering voice. "It won't be easy for any of us,
|
|
but you're right. More people are going to be hurt if we don't
|
|
do anything."
|
|
Riley crossed his arms. He had his suspect, and now he
|
|
had three more victims, ready to tesitfy against him. All he
|
|
needed to do now was to confront and capture Captain Heito
|
|
before the ACUTIS left orbit.
|
|
|
|
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
|
|
|
|
"That gun isn't allowed on this ship," the Lieutenant
|
|
nervously protested shortly after Riley emereged from the
|
|
transporter beam. Riley, Saavik, and Gahrut had just beamed
|
|
aboard at the ENTERPRISE's Captain's insistance, their leader
|
|
having blood in his eyes.
|
|
"Where's Captain Heito?" Riley demanded, refusing to
|
|
relenquish his weapon, particularly not to someone beneath him
|
|
in rank. "I'm here to place him under arrest for sexual assault
|
|
and nine counts of rape."
|
|
The words hit hard, and the Lieutenant stammered under
|
|
their weight. "This is a joke, right?"
|
|
"Negative," Saavik coldly responded. "Send your security
|
|
teams to corner Captain Heito at once, or be dismissed from
|
|
duty," she commanded.
|
|
It only took a second for the Lieutenant to make his
|
|
decision. "This is Lieutenant Harbringer to Security," he
|
|
shook, fearful of the grim trio.
|
|
"Security here," repsonded a deep, husky voice.
|
|
"Can you," the young Lieutenant couldn't believe he was
|
|
actually saying this. "Can you place the Captain under arrest?"
|
|
"You want me to what?" came the somewhat shocked reply.
|
|
"Have you been drinking something, Max?"
|
|
"This is Captain Riley under orders from Admiral Sulu,"
|
|
Riley finally interrupted, none too politely. "Get me your
|
|
Captain now, mister, or kiss your Fleet career good-bye."
|
|
"Yes, sir," the answer came in a disturbed voice, "right
|
|
away, sir."
|
|
|
|
Riley, Saavik, and then Gahrut entered the room to the
|
|
observation deck where Heito and three security guards awaited
|
|
them. It was an uneasy moment for the younger Captain. After
|
|
all, here stood the man who presented him his medals. But duty
|
|
demanded that Riley arrest him, duty and something more.
|
|
"What is the meaning of this?" Heito demanded as his own
|
|
security guards held him in check. "You're arresting me,
|
|
Captain? Do you know how rediculous that sounds?"
|
|
"I'm not laughing," Riley muttered, moving closer to the
|
|
ACUTIS Captain. "I'm charging you with nine counts of rape, and
|
|
I have four persons willing to prosecute, with more putting in
|
|
their statments."
|
|
Heito smirked. "Disgruntled ship-mates who couldn't hack
|
|
it aboard the ACUTIS. They'd say anything to cover their
|
|
careers. You of all people should appreciate that."
|
|
"I was in a mind meld with Grissom last night," Riley
|
|
stated coldly. "I know exactly what you did, where and when.
|
|
And I don't care if I put my career on the line so long as you
|
|
go down with me."
|
|
Heito stammered. "You're serious about this, aren't you,
|
|
Mister Riley?" He shook his head, shocked.
|
|
Riley walked up, almost in Heito's face. "You are under
|
|
arrest for the rape of Lieutenant Paula Grissom. By order of
|
|
Star Fleet Command, you are relieved of duty indefinately
|
|
pending trial. Your command of the ACUTIS will be handed over
|
|
to your first officer."
|
|
It was foolish for Heito to resist, but he did. He lunged
|
|
at Riley, hoping to catch the ENTERPRISE Captain off guard.
|
|
Riley let him jump, slamming his fist into Heito's chest as he
|
|
came near. The cracking of bone was all too audible for
|
|
everyone's benefit.
|
|
In another second, the barrel of the phaser rifle was
|
|
levelled at Heito's forhead. "I should just shoot you," Riley
|
|
warned. "After what you did, you deserve it."
|
|
Blood began slowly dripping from Heito's lips. He had
|
|
never before been dispatched so easily. He braced himself for
|
|
inevitable death.
|
|
"Security," Riley commanded after a pause that lasted far
|
|
too long for comfort. "Get this shit off of Federation
|
|
property," he ordered.
|
|
The guards complied, lifting the broken form from the
|
|
floor and out of the door. "I would have shot him," Gahrut
|
|
admitted as the guards carried the form away. "After what he
|
|
did, I wouldn't even have hesitated."
|
|
"There was a time," Riley muttered, "when I wouldn't have
|
|
hesitated either. But now we need to place our faith in our own
|
|
legal system. We've got enough against him to send him away."
|
|
|
|
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
|
|
|
|
Riley sat in his apartment, once again putting off
|
|
packing his things. He sat alone, thinking of his shore leave
|
|
and wondering when his vacation would start. Saavik had already
|
|
returned to ship, to prepare for Riley's inspection. Most of
|
|
the local crew were disembarking as well.
|
|
ACUTIS had set sail earlier, for the first time with a
|
|
new Captain at the helm. The trail had taken all of a single
|
|
day. Heito was found guilty and decided not to appeal. The
|
|
blemish on his reputation was too great to allow him to retain
|
|
a command.
|
|
Things had worked out, somewhat. But Riley was tired, and
|
|
not actually eager to return to fleet duty. The truth was, he
|
|
didn't know exactly what to do.
|
|
The door chime went off again, with the final note being
|
|
just a hair too flat. "Come," Riley replied to it as he winced
|
|
from the sound.
|
|
Saavik entered, casually dressed in a sweater and jeans
|
|
that Campbell had bought for her. "Captain," she began flatly,
|
|
"I wanted to personally inform you that the ENTERPRISE will be
|
|
ready for your inspection tomorrow. The crew eagerly awaits
|
|
your return."
|
|
Riley said nothing, but stood and walked over to her. He
|
|
gently placed his arms around her waist and hugged her.
|
|
"Captain?" Saavik asked distantly. "I do not think that this
|
|
behaviour is appropriate for Star Fleet officers," she replied
|
|
coldly.
|
|
"Kiss me, Commander," Riley commanded mockingly. Saavik
|
|
replied, giving a very gentle kiss on the cheek. Riley sighed
|
|
in reply. "Try it again, Commander. Let's see how motivated a
|
|
Star Fleet officer can be."
|
|
This time, Saavik allowed a more passionate kiss,
|
|
pressing hard into him. "Does the Captain approve? Or should I
|
|
engage in more practice?"
|
|
Riley smiled, his mood broken a bit. "I didn't think that
|
|
you really had a sense of humor," he confessed as he tightened
|
|
his hold on her. "God knows I don't," he added.
|
|
Saavik smiled a bit. "You haven't even packed yet. You're
|
|
supposed to be on ship in five hours," she protested.
|
|
"You're supposed to be on ship now, aren't you?" Riley
|
|
countered. "Anyway, I'm glad you're here. I've been a little
|
|
worn out from everything that's happened."
|
|
"I can tell," Saavik replied, letting go of the hold.
|
|
"Tago tells me that you haven't slept once since you beamed
|
|
down. Since your physical needs are substantially higher than
|
|
mine, I would have assumed that you would have reached
|
|
unconsciousness by now."
|
|
Riley smiled. "Physical needs? And what would you know
|
|
about that?" he goaded.
|
|
"You are not speaking logically, Captain," Saavik replied
|
|
flatly. "I am well versed with you biological data as provided
|
|
by Doctor Matthews."
|
|
"I bet," Riley muttered. "Care to help me with this
|
|
packing?" he offered. "I'm not use to having this much stuff
|
|
around."
|
|
Saavik agreed, and started carefully placing his things
|
|
into boxes. He watched her, knowing how difficult a time the
|
|
two of them would have in dealing with their feelings. They
|
|
were both so very inexperienced in these matters, and Saavik
|
|
had a very powerful ghost in her past. He was going to have a
|
|
very long voyage ahead of him. He just hoped that he would find
|
|
some of it enjoyable.
|
|
|
|
"Paula," the woman began slowly, "this is Counselor
|
|
Joanna Rogers. I've been assigned to your ship, and I thought I
|
|
would start things by seeing how you are doing."
|
|
"Is what happened public knowledge, Counselor?" Grissom
|
|
retorted angrily. "Does everyone know what happened?"
|
|
"No," she replied cooly, "your Captain told me what
|
|
happened, and ordered me to keep my mouth shut about it to
|
|
anyone else but you." She walked in the room, which had already
|
|
been filled with packing boxes. Grissom was going to the
|
|
ENTERPRISE early. "As the new ship's Counselor it's my duty to
|
|
know the details of most of the crew, yourself included. Just
|
|
remember I'm only here to help."
|
|
"I'm sorry, Counselor," Paula offered, letting out a deep
|
|
breath. "I've been very tired and strained since all of this
|
|
began. I just want to forget about it and get on with my life."
|
|
Rogers looked around for a place to sit down, and found
|
|
one atop a large box casually placed in the center of the
|
|
room. "Do you think you will be able to? What you went through
|
|
takes a great deal of time and effort to recover from. You may
|
|
want to talk things over with me. I'm a very good listener."
|
|
"Would you like some coffee?" Paula offered, changing the
|
|
subject. "I haven't packed the kitenette yet, so I've got some
|
|
floating around somewhere."
|
|
"If it isn't any trouble," Rogers replied. "If you don't
|
|
want to talk," she began again, trying to help once more.
|
|
"Not yet," Grissom replied, taking the coffee bag from a
|
|
overly crowded shelf. "I'm not ready yet. I'm sorry, but I have
|
|
to think about things for awhile."
|
|
"I understand," the Counselor replied. "Tell you what,
|
|
we'll have some coffee, and then I'll help you move your stuff
|
|
aboard the ENTERPRISE. You can tell me when your ready."
|
|
"I appreciate it," Grissom replied with a smile. Maybe
|
|
things wouldn't be so bad after all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
--
|
|
|
|
"Our crew's living quarters have left the ship."
|
|
- Secundam Yto aboard the IRON CLAW II
|
|
Neale Davidson, another writer wanna-be. neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu
|
|
|
|
Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
|
|
Path: moe.ksu.ksu.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!darwin.sura.net!wupost!spool.mu.edu!sdd.hp.com!news.cs.indiana.edu!noose.ecn.purdue.edu!mentor.cc.purdue.edu!neale
|
|
From: neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Neale Davidson)
|
|
Subject: STTUQ 6-10/15 repost
|
|
Message-ID: <Bu24y3.5Gz@mentor.cc.purdue.edu>
|
|
Organization: Purdue University Computing Center
|
|
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 14:15:38 GMT
|
|
Lines: 509
|
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|
|
|
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- STAR TREK ---------------------------------------------------
|
|
- THE UNFAIR QUO ---------------------------------------------------
|
|
|
|
Part Six through Ten of Fifteen
|
|
|
|
--------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
|
|
CHAPTER SIX
|
|
|
|
Wether she intended to or not, Saavik had already
|
|
recieved several stares, which did nothing for her nerves.
|
|
While she wasn't overdressed for the occaision, she certainly
|
|
was the best dressed of everyone there.
|
|
Riley walked over, fighting the butterflies in his
|
|
stomach and the urge to run for his life. "You look," he
|
|
stammered as he finally caught up to her, "incredible."
|
|
"Thank you, Thomas," she replied cooly. "Miss Cambell
|
|
aided me with the wardrobe and makeup. She deserves the proper
|
|
credit."
|
|
Tiber and Campbell, however, we spiralling off from
|
|
Saavik already, leaving her more or less alone with her
|
|
captain. Riley smiled at his Lieutenants' playing. "I doubt
|
|
anyone here could look so remarkable," he added with a smile.
|
|
He offered his hand to hers, and she took it.
|
|
"Well, Tom," Tago smiled, "I think you have matters here
|
|
pretty much in control. Good day, Commander, Captain," he
|
|
finished, leaving for the punch bowls.
|
|
"Good day," Saavik replied politely, paying more
|
|
attention to how well Riley looked in his dress uniform.
|
|
Granted, he was notably uncomfortable, as was she, but he did
|
|
look quite impressive. "I am supposed to meet with Ambassador
|
|
Spock as soon as I arrived."
|
|
Riley changed his pose, providing a more formal escort.
|
|
"I saw him and Admiral Sulu near the stage," he explained. "I
|
|
get the distinct impression that your mentor doesn't approve of
|
|
me," he added.
|
|
"He doesn't have to," Saavik replied, taking Riley's
|
|
offered arm. "Be fortunate that I do," she added, giving a
|
|
faint hint of a smile.
|
|
They walked for a moment to the stage, not actually
|
|
realizing that the people in attendance were literally making a
|
|
path for them.
|
|
"Captain Riley," Sulu eagerly offered. "I've heard a lot
|
|
about you. Congradulations on your missions, and on your
|
|
medals."
|
|
Pleasant fellow, Riley confided in himself. "Thank you,
|
|
Admiral. But to be honest, my crew should share the credit more
|
|
than I."
|
|
"Really?" Sulu smiled. "I think that you had more to do
|
|
with it than you realize. Paula told me a lot about you, she
|
|
had only good things to say."
|
|
"Miss Grissom?" Riley asked, a bit quizzed by the remark.
|
|
"That surpises me. I had been thinking that I'd done something
|
|
in a past life." Riley pulled out the seat in front of him,
|
|
letting Saavik rest from standing. "Actually, she did an
|
|
excellent job against RAVEN and CLAW. I'm surprised you let us
|
|
have her."
|
|
"Well, I'm going to Star Fleet Academy as an instructor
|
|
next month," Sulu admitted with a sorry look. "I'll be teaching
|
|
navigation and tactics. Something about a little experience I
|
|
had a few years ago. EXCELSIOR will be getting a whole new crew
|
|
as a result."
|
|
Riley smiled, pushing Saavik's seat gently under the
|
|
table. "It seems congratulations are in order for you as well,"
|
|
he commented. "And to you, Ambassador. I understand that you
|
|
will be acting as special envoy to Romulus after these
|
|
proceedings."
|
|
Spock nodded. "I will. A peace with Romulus has been a
|
|
life-long dream of mine, Captain," Spock answered cooly.
|
|
"Really?" Riley finally took his own seat, sitting across
|
|
from his date. "I have to admit that seems unlikely in the near
|
|
future. Hard-liners are taking the helm again."
|
|
"Indeed," Spock replied with a certain cold. "As
|
|
evidenced with your encounters with the renegade Romulan fleet.
|
|
But I am confident such a peace is possible, in time."
|
|
Riley grimaced at that, knowing how difficult a struggle
|
|
such a peace would be. "You have a long carreer ahead of you,
|
|
Ambassador. I hope that it will be fruitful as well."
|
|
Spock nodded in quiet agreement. "Tell me, Captain. Why
|
|
did you forgo your training on Vulcan? Sonak informed me that
|
|
you were one of his best students."
|
|
Riley looked in disbelief, at least now he knew the
|
|
source of Spock's apprehension. "You are direct, aren't you?"
|
|
Riley muttered.
|
|
"Very direct," Sulu smiled, "unless you ask him
|
|
something, then he'll quote theory." Of course, Sulu's attempt
|
|
at being light-hearted fell flat.
|
|
Riley sipped on his tea, stealing a glance at Saavik who
|
|
was already more than interested in the conversation. "I had
|
|
difficulty shutting out emotions," he confessed. "After tree
|
|
years, it was obvious that the path of Kohlinar was closed to
|
|
me. Besides, I don't have Vulcan blood, and I believe that
|
|
you know how difficult it is to be accepted there if you're
|
|
not a true Vulcan."
|
|
Spock drew in a breath, Riley's words were very sharp
|
|
indeed. "True, Captain, I do understand. I was curious," Spock
|
|
replied, revealing nothing.
|
|
"Of course," Riley added, taking a large swallow of his
|
|
own tea. "Curiousity is the path to knowledge," he completed,
|
|
letting no more than his words cause injury.
|
|
"Ladies and gentlemen and others of the room," a tall
|
|
Malaysian Human began from on stage. "I hate to interrupt such
|
|
a wonderful party, but unfortunately duty dictates that I had
|
|
out three medals to the Federation's two newest heroes."
|
|
There was a small bit of applause, and Riley felt his
|
|
stomach churn. The big moment was about to arrive, his first
|
|
public presentation of a medal.
|
|
"Captain Thomas William Riley," Captain Heito continued
|
|
upon the stage, "and Commander Saavik of Vulcan. Would you mind
|
|
coming upon the stage for the presenation please?"
|
|
Riley stood with Saavik, and the two walked to the stage
|
|
for the formal ceremony. This time, however, they walked in
|
|
military fashion, not touching except for when Riley helped her
|
|
walk up the small set of stairs. If she weren't half-Vulcan,
|
|
she'd have cursed the high-heels she was wearing.
|
|
"Captain Riley, Commander Saavik," Heito spoke, "it is
|
|
with great honor that I present the two of you each the
|
|
gold cluster of valor." He presented two navy blue ring boxes
|
|
from his pocket. He opened each and handed one to each of the
|
|
two ENTERPRISE crewmen.
|
|
"Also," Captain Heito continued, "to Captain Riley, the
|
|
distinguished Arrowhead, the insignia of the Federation. This
|
|
is for protecting our interests so valiantly."
|
|
Riley took the medal in hand. "Thank you, Captain," he
|
|
responded. After that Heito started the room's applause,
|
|
somewhat embarrasing the two officers.
|
|
"Spock," Sulu replied, smiling and clapping as much as he
|
|
could, "You could have been easier on him, at least for her
|
|
sake."
|
|
Spock said nothing, keeping the words to himself. He did,
|
|
however, applaud the both of them for their efforts.
|
|
|
|
CHAPTER SEVEN
|
|
|
|
Gahrut had been late, and the two of them were more than
|
|
likely going to miss the entire ceremony. Not that the tought
|
|
of missing seeing Riley and Saavik making puppy-dog-like
|
|
expressions towards one another wasn't appealing, though she
|
|
did want to congradulate her former Captain on his promotion
|
|
to the Admiralty.
|
|
"Look," Gahrut argued as Grissom's dress uniform
|
|
seemed to cut into her a bit too tightly, "it isn't my fault
|
|
that the traffic out of your complex was so tight. I told you
|
|
to make reservations for the transporter pad, but no, you
|
|
wouldn't listen to me."
|
|
"Yeah," she snapped back, "you're the one who said he
|
|
knew a short cut." Her face was genuinely upset now, she didn't
|
|
want to miss Sulu before he accepted his new carreer. "You took
|
|
us well into Oakland with your stupid directions."
|
|
"Well," Gahrut muttered back, "at least you know why I'm
|
|
not the navigator."
|
|
The duo had wandered into the deepest parts of San
|
|
Fransisco, a far cry from bayside. They weren't far from the
|
|
hall, however, and at least they might make it on time.
|
|
"Miss Grissom," someone called darkly from behind. Gahrut
|
|
and she turned, but Grissom froze, unable to move, unable to
|
|
act. "It's a pleasure to see you again. Is this your
|
|
bodyguard?" the man questioned, indicating the Horta.
|
|
"Who are you?" Gahrut asked in a confused voice, noting
|
|
how quickly Grissom seemed to freak. But the intruder had been
|
|
prepared, had been observing them for some time. In a swift
|
|
move the shadowed figure raised his phaser at the Horta.
|
|
"Okay, rock," the figure demanded, "One sound and the
|
|
both of you are ash." He then fired, slamming into the Horta's
|
|
armored hide. The rock form ceased its intricate movements.
|
|
"No," Grissom panicked, stepping backwards. "Stay away
|
|
from me. I got away from you," she pleaded. "You can't be
|
|
here."
|
|
"Ah, dear Paula," the figure daunted, "You can never
|
|
truly get away from the one who loves you," he muttered, moving
|
|
closer to her. "It's been so long since I've seen you. You've
|
|
been in my dreams for so long. You are mine, and always will
|
|
be, sweet, innocent, little Paula."
|
|
She was shaking now, raising her phaser at him. "I'll
|
|
shoot, I'm warning you," she shook nervously. All it would take
|
|
was a flinch in the wrong direction.
|
|
But he fired first, using the cutting beam against her
|
|
hand. She cried out, pain ripping though her arm as the skin
|
|
blackened on her hand. Instinctively, she dropped her phaser,
|
|
and ran. Her adrenaline carried her far, but her tiny form was
|
|
no match for the behemoth laying chase.
|
|
He shoved her, face first, into a old brick wall. The
|
|
grout ripped slightly into her skin, cauing intense pain. "Get
|
|
away from me," she screamed. "Someone please help me."
|
|
He forced her against the wall, not so carefully
|
|
unzipping the back of her uniform. "No one can help you, no one
|
|
cares. You're dealing with the dregs of society here, little
|
|
miss."
|
|
She struggled again, slapping him with her injured hand.
|
|
She scratched into the side of his eye and he withdrew to cover
|
|
the it. She took the opportunity to run again, desperately
|
|
trying to activate her communicator.
|
|
Quickly, though, the pain returned, another burn blast
|
|
from her attacker's phaser ripped into her leg. She fell, pain
|
|
overcoming her. "It's impolite to refuse a request from a
|
|
superior, bitch," he commanded. "You're mine, don't you get it?
|
|
I can do to you whatever it is I want. Right now, I want you."
|
|
Grissom's face reddened, "You can't do this," she
|
|
pleaded, even as he removed the belt from his uniform. "Don't
|
|
do this to me again, please don't."
|
|
He didn't listen.
|
|
|
|
CHAPTER EIGHT
|
|
|
|
Riley had to almost physically keep himself from kissing
|
|
the beauty he held in his arms. He was already borderline with
|
|
dancing with Saavik in front of the Admiralty, even though it
|
|
was a celebatory party, but a kiss would be more than frowned
|
|
upon.
|
|
He remained content holding her warmth next to his own,
|
|
realizing how comfortable it was to have her there. "I've never
|
|
danced before," he admitted, looking deeply into her eyes. "I'm
|
|
surprised I haven't stepped on your feet."
|
|
"The night's still young," Saavik replied with a mostly
|
|
hidden smile. "But I am confident that you are improving," she
|
|
added, hugging tighter against him. "After all, practice always
|
|
is for improvement."
|
|
He gingerly stroked her back, memorizing every curve. He
|
|
had never before been in this position. Granted, he'd slept
|
|
with more than a few while on some missions in godforsaken
|
|
hellplanets. But he never could say he loved a woman, he could
|
|
never truthfully say that we wanted one above all others.
|
|
The idea was at once frightening and exciting, a
|
|
combination of emotions that Riley seemed to revel within. He
|
|
looked into her eyes once more, seeing the beauty of them, and
|
|
then dared to look inside them, beyond into the soul.
|
|
Saavik realized what was happening as he started. It was
|
|
obvious that he didn't intend harm, and she let him in. Their
|
|
minds touched as their bodies danced together. Images of
|
|
realities gone by swept through, revealing dreams and passions
|
|
long forgotten.
|
|
In this union, the two half-worlders sought each-other.
|
|
There was no logic to this place, no reason, only pure,
|
|
unbridled emotion. They carressed in this place, gingerly
|
|
exploring one-another with child-like curiosity.
|
|
But there was another in this mind-reality. A tall
|
|
blondish man wearing a scientist's uniform appeared, looking
|
|
hurt and betrayed. Saavik withdrew from Riley, looking and
|
|
apologizing to the figure whom had emerged from some forgotten
|
|
past memory.
|
|
"David," Riley said softly, reasserting the two of them
|
|
into the dance's reality. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done
|
|
that," he added.
|
|
"It was enjoyable," Saavik confessed for a moment with a
|
|
sad look across her face, "for a time. I wasn't aware you could
|
|
do that, I wasn't prepared."
|
|
"Nor was I," Riley admitted. "I've never wanted to
|
|
before," he added, noting Saavik's confused look. "But it's
|
|
wrong of me to push. I just never knew how empty I had been.
|
|
And now I can't help my desires." Riley's communicator chriped,
|
|
irratating him somewhat as it destroyed the moment.
|
|
"There will be time, Thomas," Saavik answered, reassuming
|
|
her emotionless facade for the room's benefit. "We have a long
|
|
tour ahead of us. We'll both have a chance to be ready."
|
|
Again, the communicator chirped. "I know," he softly
|
|
replied. "I'm just very new at this," he confessed.
|
|
The communicator beeped for the third time, and it was
|
|
obvious that it wasn't going to disappear. "Excuse me," he
|
|
offered to Saavik as he regretfully let go of her. "Riley here,
|
|
this better be good."
|
|
"It's not, sir," R'Ress replied through the pin.
|
|
"Doctor Matthews is here. Something's happened to Paula," he
|
|
continued, wavering.
|
|
"Explain," Riley demanded, "Doctor, what's going on?"
|
|
"I'm sorry to interrupt, Captain," Matthews voice came
|
|
over the communicator, "But Grissom's been attacked. She's in
|
|
Bayside, in critical condition."
|
|
Riley's eyes widened, hardly the news he had expected to
|
|
hear. "Get over there as soon as you can. Saavik and I will
|
|
be on our way directly."
|
|
"Yes, sir," Matthews replied.
|
|
"Get security on her door, noone goes in without proper
|
|
authorization," Riley saw fit to add, motioning to Tago, who
|
|
was trying miserably to mix it up with some of the ladyfolk.
|
|
Tago came over, to the delight of the ladies he left
|
|
behind. "Leaving so soon? I thought the party was going well,"
|
|
he protested.
|
|
But there was something different in Riley's eyes this
|
|
time. Tago recognized it, Riley was on business once more. "We
|
|
need a ride to Bayview Hospital. And get my rifle from my
|
|
apartment."
|
|
|
|
CHAPTER NINE
|
|
|
|
Riley stood at the foot of Gahrut's bed. He noted the
|
|
giant blisters on his Lieutenant's armored hide, and wished
|
|
that there was something he could do to help. But there wasn't,
|
|
all he could do was try to find out what happened. "Tell me,"
|
|
Riley commaned softly to the Horta's damaged form.
|
|
"It didn't know what hit me, Captain," Gahrut moaned. "I
|
|
asked who it was, and he fired at me. I didn't have a chance to
|
|
react." Gahrut was still slowly leaking fluid, the makeshift
|
|
silicon patches were having difficulty holding him.
|
|
"What do you remember?" Riley tried, staying as
|
|
matter-of-factly as he could. "Did you get a look at him?"
|
|
"He was in shadows," Gahrut replied. "It looked like he
|
|
was wearing a Star Fleet uniform, but it was to dark to see
|
|
anything visually. From his heat pattern, I'd say he was a
|
|
human, but I can't be any more specific."
|
|
Well, that narrows it down to six billion, Riley fumed to
|
|
himself. "Has Paula ever asked you to escort her to places
|
|
before?"
|
|
"A few times, sir," Gahrut strained. "She was usually
|
|
tripped out about someone when she'd ask."
|
|
"Tripped out?" Riley responded with interest.
|
|
Gahrut shifted somewhat, exposing more of his uninjured
|
|
areas. "Yeah, she'd be scared of guys. It'd usually happen
|
|
after someone hit on her and wouldn't take 'no'. I'd walk her
|
|
to her quarters and that would be it."
|
|
"Has she ever carried a phaser in public before?" Riley
|
|
asked flatly.
|
|
"Never to my knowledge, sir," Gahrut asked. "Why do you
|
|
ask?" Gahrut was concered, something terrible had to be going
|
|
on, and he felt responsible.
|
|
"Security force recovered a phaser from a streetman who
|
|
tried to sell it from there," Riley explained. "It was issued
|
|
to the ENTERPRISE."
|
|
Gahrut was taken aback. "Sir, no one's told me. What
|
|
happened to her? What's going on?"
|
|
Riley paused for a moment. There was no way to smooth out
|
|
the harshness of the news. There was no way to sugar-coat it.
|
|
"She was raped, Lieutenant."
|
|
"No," Gahrut trailed. "No," he said again, his voice
|
|
breaking under the emotional deluge.
|
|
Riley gently tapped the rocky form on the bed. "It's not
|
|
your fault, Gahrut. You did what you could."
|
|
Gahrut didn't reply. Sadness and guilt consumed him.
|
|
Riley waited for several seconds, trying to find more words to
|
|
ease the pain. There were none. He quietly left to the
|
|
hospital's large cooridor where Matthews and Saavik had been
|
|
waiting for him.
|
|
"I told him," Riley admitted with regret. "He didn't
|
|
take it well, but I can't say that I blame him."
|
|
"He needed to know, Captain," Matthews replied, his mood
|
|
not lightened. "It's not going to be easy. Security's got no
|
|
leads yet."
|
|
"You mean there were no clues left behind?" Riley
|
|
demanded, upset by the assertation.
|
|
Matthews sighed. "The doctors here said that she was
|
|
clean of usable evidence," he explained mornfully.
|
|
"No semen samples?" Riley queried.
|
|
"The assailant failed to climax," Matthews responded. "It
|
|
isn't uncommon. Generally, rape is a crime of agression or
|
|
domination, and not sex."
|
|
Riley nodded, understanding all to well. "So, whoever did
|
|
this, didn't leave traces of himself behind? That's a bit
|
|
unlikely, don't you think?" He was frustrated now, wanting to
|
|
do more, wanting to have a target for his agression.
|
|
"Well, there are genetic traces from several individuals
|
|
on her," Matthews offered. "It isn't conclusive as yet. Whoever
|
|
did this took some great pains to ensure that they wouldn't be
|
|
easily caught."
|
|
"Of course," Riley muttered with distaste. "When Paula
|
|
comes to, I'll need to ask her some questions. Will that be
|
|
alright by you?"
|
|
"No," Matthews protested lightly. "She'll be in shock for
|
|
a while. Maybe in a couple of days, when she's more relaxed.
|
|
But she'll need time to recover."
|
|
"In a couple of days, Doctor," Riley retorted, "the
|
|
bastard could be half-way to the Neutral Zone. I want him, and
|
|
I want him as soon as I can have him. Is that understood?"
|
|
Matthews grimaced, knowing that Riley was barely managing
|
|
his temper. "I'll see what I can do, but I can't promise that
|
|
she'll be receptive. We're dealing with a deep psychosis here,
|
|
Captain."
|
|
"And a deep psychotic," Riley countered. His patience was
|
|
wearing extremely thin.
|
|
"There's more, Captain," Matthews continued cautiously.
|
|
"Judging by her past injuries, I'd say that this has happened
|
|
once before."
|
|
Riley fell silent, sitting down on a nearby chair as if
|
|
the strength had been sapped from him. "Before? Her hatred of
|
|
men, it came from a rape?" he asked tiredly.
|
|
"It is consistant with common cases," Matthews replied.
|
|
"The victim will associate all men as threats, particularly
|
|
those with authority over her."
|
|
"And she has been afraid of you, Thomas," Saavik
|
|
commented. "She was afraid with no logical reason, citing a
|
|
psychomatic, or phobic, reaction."
|
|
"Jesus," Riley muttered distantly. "Is it possible," he
|
|
slowly began. "Is it possible that the rapes were by the same
|
|
person?"
|
|
"Rare," Matthews commented, "but definately possible.
|
|
Once someone has asserted his dominance, he may wish to
|
|
continue it."
|
|
"You suspect a connection, Captain?" Saavik asked as the
|
|
Captain stood up. "There is no evidence to support such a
|
|
claim at this time."
|
|
"No evidence," Riley muttered. "That's why I need to
|
|
question Paula as soon as I can."
|
|
|
|
CHAPTER TEN
|
|
|
|
The fact the Saavik had, for that night, decided to
|
|
accompany Riley would have been more appealing if Riley's mind
|
|
hadn't been so pressed on Grissom's case.
|
|
The two were in his apartment now, studying over records
|
|
and reports about Grissom from over the past six years. Riley
|
|
was determined to find something, anything, that could give
|
|
clues.
|
|
Saavik watched him with a sense of wonder. Riley was,
|
|
perhaps even more that she, comprised of two distinct sides.
|
|
Sometimes Riley was the soft and caring companion she had been
|
|
seeking, and at other times he was he stern and determined
|
|
Captain she respected.
|
|
He was almost two different people, and she decided that
|
|
she was in love with them both. "Thomas," she began, looking
|
|
through her makeshift terminal's records, "You have been
|
|
looking over her files for over three hours. You do need some
|
|
rest at some point."
|
|
"Not now," he replied, turning to her. "One of my crew's
|
|
been attacked, and I want the bastard that did it."
|
|
"I understand," she offered. "I am concerned about you,
|
|
and your sudden shift in behavior. I appreciate that it is
|
|
largely an emotional concern."
|
|
Riley lightly bit his lower lip, reaching out for her
|
|
hand. "If it is a Star Fleet officer, he's going to be gone
|
|
as soon as his ship is ready to disembark. I've got to get
|
|
through this bureaucratic mess to get some answers."
|
|
Saavik gently accepted the offered hand. "Personell files
|
|
of the EXCELSIOR?" she quizzed when she looked over his
|
|
shoulder into his monitor.
|
|
"Yeah," Riley explained. "It was her last assignment
|
|
before the ENTEPRISE. Sulu's ship is in drydock, so her crew is
|
|
planetside along with us." Riley tumbled through record after
|
|
record, looking for descrepancies or conduct reprimands.
|
|
"If you don't find anything there?" Saavik asked
|
|
curiously. "Where will you look?"
|
|
"Then I will look through the ACUTIS's files," he said,
|
|
suddenly taken by realization. "Grissom got defensive last time
|
|
I brought up the ACUTIS with her," he trailed.
|
|
"Defensive?" Saavik asked with her trademark raised
|
|
eyebrow. "When did you bring it up with her?"
|
|
"When I was looking for Romulan spies," Riley answered
|
|
cooly. "She had abruptly transferred from ACUTIS to EXCELSIOR
|
|
for no apparant reason. When I asked about it, she tensed up in
|
|
a major way."
|
|
"Someone on the ACUTIS then?" Saavik pondered, punching
|
|
up the data on her own terminal. "Some of higher rank than she,
|
|
then?"
|
|
"Everyone was higher rank than she was," Riley reminded
|
|
her. "But it was someone in charge of her, I'd imagine. Someone
|
|
she was too afraid to report or fight back."
|
|
"Apparantly," Saavik commented as the new data flooded
|
|
her screen, "she wasn't the only one. There have been six
|
|
abrupt personnel transferrs from the ACUTIS in the past seven
|
|
years. No explanation was given, though they were all approved.
|
|
All six of the cases involved human females with an ensign
|
|
rank," she explained. "Of them, three of which are still in
|
|
service. Lieutenant Kala Marshall aboard the CUTLASS,
|
|
Lieutenant Janis Oyoto aboard the BEHEMOTH, and Lieutenant
|
|
Commander Tierra Washington of Star Fleet Command."
|
|
Riley cracked a small grin, he had gotten what he wanted.
|
|
"What of the other three? Where are they now?"
|
|
"Former Ensign Lea Thomas has retired and is living in
|
|
Bonn, Germany. Former Lieutenant Mary Quix is living in Mexico
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City. Former Ensign Uteo Jasala was killed in a shuttlecraft
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accident two years ago," Saavik answered flatly.
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"Get their detailed adresses and hand them to me," Riley
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ordered. "I'll talk to them about their experience," he
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explained. "I need you to talk to Paula when she's ready."
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"I understand, sir," Saavik countered as Riley sipped on
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his Mister Pibb that Tago had so politely brought him a few
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moments before.
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Riley raised Saavik's capture hand to his lips and gently
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kissed it. "Thanks for putting up with me during this, Saavik.
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I know I should be spending more time with you instead."
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"No you shouldn't," Saavik countered. "You are showing
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your repsonsibility as captain of the ENTERPRISE. I cannot
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|
fault you for that."
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And for the seventh time that day, Riley seemed to have
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run out of words. He quietly took the list that had been
|
|
printed out, and headed for the door.
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She slept, knowing of the world around her but helpless
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|
to take part in it. Her body lay still, unmoving, unwilling to
|
|
move. There is nothing but pain in the world, she told herself,
|
|
it is better to retreat to within.
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|
But she was cared for in the world, by one completely
|
|
alien to her. She could see him off the side of her bed, his
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|
injured rocky skin covered by makeshift patches. He was in
|
|
pain, yet he made his way to see her.
|
|
How could she know, he thought to himself, just how much
|
|
I want to hold her. Could she know how much I curse the fact
|
|
that I don't have hands to hold hers, eyes to meet hers, or
|
|
even lips to kiss hers.
|
|
And she still looked at him, for once finally
|
|
comprehendinng his feelings for her all this time. She had
|
|
attached to him because she thought him harmless. They had
|
|
served together for six years on three starships, and had been
|
|
through battles and peace and had struggled through it all.
|
|
They had always been together, she realized during these
|
|
moments. He had been closer to me than anyone in the worlds.
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|
How could I have been so blind, Gahrut? she asked, though her
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|
lips refused to say the words.
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|
But her hand moved, slowly over to the Horta's injured
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|
body. Carefully, she carressed his hide. This mismatched pair
|
|
had been through so much, and there still would be so much to
|
|
go through. He would help her through this suffering. She could
|
|
tell him, if only she could speak.
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|
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|
--
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"Our crew's living quarters have left the ship."
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- Secundam Yto aboard the IRON CLAW II
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Neale Davidson, another writer wanna-be. neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu
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