Chapter 2
The guests all made their way through to the theatre and the captain found seats not too far from the front and with a very good view of the small stage. The seats behind them filled quickly, and the whispers of the excited audience grew and then hushed as four stage hands rolled forth a large wooden box that looked like an overlarge steamer trunk. As the men positioned the box in the middle of the stage, the house lights dimmed and the stage lamps sputtered to their full strength. The instant the stagehands exited the stage, a loud clink sounded and the lid of the box slowly opened to reveal a soft glowing blue light. A moment later, the sound of a kinderklavier played an oddly hypnotic tune, and as the lid opened further, two automatons rose from the interior. The audience gasped as the mechanical man and woman opened glass eyes in porcelain faces and turned to face one another. They then opened their mouths and began to sing a song of love lost and rekindled, their metal bodies moving with human gestures. The audience was rapt, and several moments after last note of the melody faded, the assembled guests were on their feet, clapping thunderously and shouting their approval.
Nyota looked over at her cousin, and was not surprised to see Wynn dab a tear from her eye.
The lights rose and the astonished guests made their way to the foyer. Soon the assembled company erupted into lively chatter about the remarkable spectacle they'd just witnessed.
"Who on earth designed that?" Nyota asked the equally impressed Captain Kirk.
"I do not know, but there are whispers that the creator will be at the banquet tonight."
Wynn's eyes sparkled. "It was so intricate and delicate; as if a fairy tale had come to life!"
Nyota agreed. "What amazing technology! Think what the implications are for practical use!"
They were interrupted by Princess Portia, their hostess.
"I trust you were amused by the entertainment?" She asked with a knowing smile.
"Astounded is more accurate, Your Highness!" Nyota replied. "Please tell the artist that it was magnificent."
"You may tell him yourself!" said the princess, quite pleased with herself as she turned to the three guests at her side. "Lady Nyota, Lady Wynn, Captain Kirk, may I introduce Her Highness, the Princess Amanda of Vulcan, Lord Sybok and Lord Spock. Lord Sybok is the inventor of the marvelous spectacle we just witnessed."
"Your Highness," Nyota and Wynn curtsied before the kindly-faced princess.
Wynn turned to Sybok, "M'lord, I have no words to express my admiration for your work. Did you design the contraption yourself?"
Sybok smiled and bowed. "Thank you, m'lady. Yes, I did design the workings of the machine, and built most of it with my own hands."
"First rate work, m'lord," said Captain Kirk.
"And the music?" asked Wynn, "Who composed and performed the music?"
Sybok turned to his half brother. "Spock here wrote the tune," he said, clapping the younger man on the back. "He's quite the composer, my little brother is."
Spock nodded once, but remained silent.
Wynn clapped her hands together. "Ah, Lord Spock, I do not think I have ever heard anything so moving. You have a rare gift, young man."
Something in the man's gaze seemed to soften. He bowed. "I am gratified that the aria pleased you, my Lady."
Nyota noticed that Lady Amanda looked proudly at the younger man, and that he flushed ever so slightly.
The gong for dinner sounded and the assembled guests made their way to the dining room. Princess Amanda turned to Nyota as they walked. "And do you like music, Nyota?"
"I do, very much, your Highness."
Lady Amanda looked as though she was about to speak again, but Sybok moved to her side.
"I hear you arrived in the new Warrick II airship. How did you find the flight?"
"Very smooth," said Nyota. "The amenities are sumptuous and the engine simply purred."
"I should very much like to have a look at that ship," said Sybok, turning to the captain, "If I might be so bold as to beg an invitation."
Captain Kirk smiled with pride. "I'd be happy to show you around the ship, m'lord," he said.
"Wonderful! Shall we say tomorrow after lunch?"
The captain agreed.
As the guests took their seats at the dining room table, Nyota found herself seated between the elderly Earl of Andor and Sybok. While the Earl seemed to doze between courses, Sybok told amusing tales of his many adventures. In addition to building many ingenious devices, he enjoyed racing the steamcar he built and also dabbled in photography.
"If ever you come to Vulcan, Lady Nyota, I do hope you will give me the opportunity to show you my studio and darkroom. Perhaps you will even allow me to photograph you. Your face and figure will make a delightful image in any setting."
"Why thank you, Lord Sybok. I'm sure that a tour of your studio would be fascinating."
Sybok lowered his voice. "It would be a distinct honor, m'lady."
Nyota felt the blush creeping up her neck and gave him a polite smile before turning to the Earl of Andor.
"Sir, who do you favor in the airship races?"
"Wha—eh? What was that?"
She raised her voice. "Who Do You Favor In The Airship Races?"
"Ah! Vulcan will show 'em all a thing or two!"
"Indeed!" laughed Sybok. "And Lady Nyota, will you be going to the races this year?"
"Sadly, no. My father has decided not to attend this year."
"Oh, but you don't know what you'll be missing! It's not just the races of course; there'll be parties and dinners and balls throughout the week." He leaned just a bit closer. "Perhaps we can change his mind." He smiled and gave her a playful wink.
"I would be grateful for any help you can give on the matter," she returned.
Nyota was enjoying Sybok's wit and humor. She tried to remain polite without being too encouraging.
She looked up as the next course was being served, and caught Lady Amanda looking at her stepson with an odd expression. Nyota let her eyes wander to Spock, to find him staring at some point on the wall behind her, his expression as fixed as a statue.
Oh well, she thought. If I must marry into this family, I can certainly deal with a strange mother- and brother-in-law.
She was pleased to find Sybok a capable conversationalist. She couldn't bear the thought of marrying a lout or a bore. He also made it clear that he valued a woman's intelligence, and seemed impressed with Nyota's studies and interests. At the end of the meal, Nyota tried to catch her cousin's eye, but she was talking animatedly with an old friend of hers from the Star Alliance Corps. She couldn't even see Captain Kirk, as he was much further down the table.
Finally the ladies adjourned to the sitting room, drinking "tea" from special cups, as the men smoked and drank the same beverage from crystal tumblers.
Nyota quickly sought her cousin, but was stopped by Princess Amanda.
"Lady Nyota," said the older woman nervously, "Will you sit with me?"
Nyota's mind raced. To be asked to join a princess was a great honor. But her nervousness about what the Princess Amanda might want to discuss made her reluctant to sit down. She hoped her smile appeared as sincere as it was not.
"Why, thank you, Your Highness."
"My dear," Lady Amanda began, "I'm afraid my stepson is a bit of a bull in a china shop. I do hope he did not weary you with his tales of invention and adventure."
"Indeed not, Your Highness," she smiled. "I found him quite fascinating."
Lady Amanda looked surprised. "Did you?" She looked about her quickly before lowering her voice. "Speak honestly, child. I am sure you know that your father and my husband are…discussing the possibility of a marriage between our families. Let me warn you…my stepson is not to be trusted."
Nyota was too shocked to reply, and Lady Amanda shook her head once before continuing.
"You will think me an interfering old fool, putting forth my own son before the heir to the throne. I have no evidence of Sybok's wrongdoing. On the contrary, his work has been regarded as a boon to Vulcan; bringing new trading partners and allies." She took a sip of brandy.
"My son, on the other hand, is seen as cold and distant. The truth is that he pours his emotions into his art. He is inward looking, and knows that he doesn't have the easy manners of his brother."
"Your Highness, I don't know what to say. I…"
"Say nothing, child. Just consider this—I believe Sybok to be a dangerous man. I would not wish to see you thrown into a marriage that would bring you nothing but sorrow. You do not appear to be the kind of girl who seeks a crown for vanity's sake. So if there must be a match, please try to see Spock for the man that he is, and not for what he seems to be."
Nyota opened her mouth to speak, but the princess looked up and smiled.
"Ah! Here is your cousin. Please, Lady Wynneth, do take my seat. I am afraid I find myself much fatigued and will retire early. Goodnight, Nyota," she said with a tight smile. "It has been a pleasure."
"An honor, Your Highness," said Nyota, but the princess was already walking away.
"Well, what was all that about?" whispered Wynn.
"She warned me about her stepson, and I must say … But look, the gentlemen are returning. We'll speak later."
The rest of the evening was spent trying to avoid the Vulcan lords. In light of Princess Amanda's strange speech, she wanted time to speak to Wynn and her father. No, it was best to think of them as pieces on a chessboard that, along with her, were simply moving to the most advantageous position. She just hoped she wasn't to be a pawn in some other player's game.
The hour was growing late and she wanted to leave to speak to her cousin in private. But Wynn was laughing with an old acquaintance at the card table, and Captain Kirk had left her to get a cup of tea. Sybok was flirting with the dowager duchess of Orion, and Nyota's other acquaintances were equally engaged.
"Ahem."
The deep sound of a throat clearing startled her. She turned to find Lord Spock behind her.
"Lady Nyota," he bowed
"L-Lord Spock."
"I understand that you study languages and cultures outside the Star Alliance. That is also an interest of mine."
Nyota relaxed. "Is that so?" She slipped into "diplomat's daughter" mode and held a cordial (if a bit stilted) conversation with the young lord. She discovered that he was as "hidebound" as she, but he also shrank in the shadow of his elder brother.
"And music?" she asked. "You are obviously a great student of the musical arts, m'lord."
"Indeed. I—"
"Spock!" Sybok called, walking over. "Have you not heard? Your mother is unwell."
"No I had not. Thank you, Sybok. Lady Nyota, please excuse me."
"Of course," she replied. "And please give my best wishes to your mother."
Spock bowed and went to see to his mother. Sybok took the seat he vacated.
"Well, m'lady. You were kind enough to listen to me throughout dinner. Now, tell me about you…"
She spent the next half hour talking to the Vulcan lord. It was much easier than with Spock. But…was he leaning in too close? Did his eye fall too frequently to her cleavage?
The Bolian princess rose, indicating the end of the evening. Captain Kirk escorted Nyota and Wynn to their rooms. He took his leave and they found Cassie dozing on the couch.
Cassie stood. "Lady Ny," she said yawning. "I have heard a thing or two..."
Nyota was exhausted. "It seems we all have news to share. Cassie, help me out of these things and tell us what you've heard."
Cassie helped her mistress out of her dress and told them of all she'd heard amongst the servants.
"It seems that all is not well in Vulcan. There are whispers that Sybok and his father are at odds over certain policies, and that Sybok has overstepped his bounds as the heir. It's not as if Sarek were old and sickly. They also say he is all politeness in front of company, but is tyrannical with his servants, is dismissive to his half-brother, and horribly rude to his stepmother."
"And what I've heard from an old friend," said Wynn. "There's even some speculation that Sarek may change the terms of his will, and though Sybok still be the heir, Sarek's trying to do better by his younger son."
Cassie nodded. "As for Spock, they say his distance is none other than shyness. One of the girls said he wears his beard to hide his blushes and that he never puts the servants to trouble. He has proved a capable student in the ways of the principality, and that the people respect him. Sybok prefers to build his engines and fly airships."
Nyota pulled on her robe and sat at the foot of her bed. She told them of her conversations with the Princess and both the Vulcan Lords. "…but a headstrong heir to the throne is nothing new," she said. "That hardly seems as 'dangerous' as the princess says."
"Perhaps she is just trying to push her own son forward," said Cassie.
"But she doesn't strike me as a political strategist," Nyota said, shaking her head.
"Well, my dear," said Wynn, rising to leave, "You have what little information we can offer. It is up to you to plan your way forward."