In S'ylik's expert opinion, the soil here was much more difficult to manipulate. Dispersing the hardened clump and sand and clay between his fingers, he brought a hand back up to examine his work space. The climate, while still insufferably hot to most, was not nearly as detrimental as the unbearable heat of the old world. While his plomeek crops would, undoubtedly, do well he was eager to see how some of the seeds he imported from Earth would fare. Pomegranates, figs, dates, artichokes- all plants he had never heard of but that were deemed acceptable for desert growing; not to mention the exoticism of the yields would lend a nice profit in the markets.
Upon thinking of the planet so far away, yet so deeply entrenched in all of their survival, S'ylik's recollection returned to the young woman under Lars' employ. The whole situation did not sit well with him. Slaves on Neo-Vulcan was something he never would have expected, and he wondered how it would effect the ability of those who were there legally to find work. Further more, what kind of repercussions would it have for their home if it ever got out that slave labor was making its way to this new, reformed, paradise?
Best to not dwell on it. With this new life came new opportunities and S'ylik set about digging through the pile of bulbs next to his greenhouse; the growing season would soon kick into full force. The suns of dusk felt comforting against his skin and he set rhythm as he began turning each calculated square into a trench. This was going to be a very long night.
"Chekov!" Kirk swaggered to the Captain's chair, plopping down unceremoniously. "Set our course for the Orion sector. We'll have to make a stop at Solaris V of course, but let's get this show on the road."
"Yes Captain but..." Chekov started anxiously, his fingers pausing.
"What? Spit it out." Kirk's brow creased. The entire bridge crew watched their exchange.
"We should probably wait for Mr. Spock and Sir." Pavel finished quickly, his sentence let out in one long breath that left him red by the end of it.
"Right you are!" Kirk pressed his hand to his com-link just in time for the turbo lift doors to slide open and the missing officers in question to enter the bridge. "You're late!" He accused the pair.
Nyota lowered her eyes instantly and shuffled quickly to her seat, ignoring the slight brush across her back by Spock's fingers as he took his position. Embarrassment would not be the correct word to express how they both felt at the moment. Having tossed an extra two hours of sleep to the wind, the couple were exhausted, but sated; ready to begin their current mission and face what ever dangers lay ahead of them.
"My apologies Sir." Nyota offered, inserting the COMbud into her ear. "It will not happen again."
Spock's eyebrow quirked up and a slight smirk graced the corner of his lips. Kirk stared at both of them momentarily before giving the order to engage thrusters and pull out of the bay. He would press Spock further once they reached deep space. For now, it was more important that he maintain some form of good humor. The entire ship was tense. Their current course could take them, not only into territory they may have been ill equipped for, but into war.
The Earth's government promised full cooperation with Starfleet, urging them only to engage in discussions with the syndicalist they had contacted for this meeting. The Enterprise and her crew were guaranteed diplomatic immunity within the Orion Sector and promised that legislators would, in no way, interfere with the negotiations process. The rules of engagement were simple; attempt to get the informant to divulge information about slave traders trafficking humans from Earth, in exchange for any number of economic benefit or leverage options.
The Syndicate, itself, was new and struggling to assert it's position as a viable galactic force. If there was some way for this entire issue to be resolved peacefully, than the entire situation could be effected as painlessly as possible. Kirk squirmed, uncomfortably, in his seat. He knew these kinds of missions could go sour without a moment's notice and thought back to stories he had heard of Orion treachery.
Pirates were known to hijack ships and take inhabitants hostage in an attempt to use their lives as bargaining chips. Original terms could be shredded with the mere flick of a wrist- The Klingons had lost a valuable player in their politics a few years prior during such an incident, and while they depended on Orions to provide them with valuable imports, they never trusted them again.
The bridge stayed in relative silence for a few moments, before the Communications station let out it's sharp trill, signalling an incoming transmission.
"Captain sir. We have an incoming transmission from Congressman Eldrich Shaw." Nyota pursed her lips. What could a congressman possibly have to say to them? Especially so early in their trip.
"Put him through Lieutenant."
"Captain Kirk." An older gentleman with a care worn face and kind eyes beamed widely at the young crew before him.
"Greetings congressman, that I am and this is my bridge crew. How may we be of assistance to you?" Kirk clicked the end of the pen he held in his hand, a nervous habit he picked up in academy. Since then, he always kept one resting on the arm rest of his chair, in case he needed it.
"I am merely wanting to wish your crew good luck in these endeavors and offer you my assistance in any way possible." Kirk smiled gently and motioned towards Uhura.
"I thank you sir, but as you see, we have one of the best linguists on Earth with us. She's also very adept in the studies of cultural nuance and influence. I'm sure we'll be fine and, worst case scenario, we can simply contact Earth's ambassador and arrange for him to meet us at the rendezvous location."
Shaw followed the broad, sweeping, motion of Kirk's hand until his eyes finally settled on the young Uhura. They took in her countenance and it became quite evident to everyone on the bridge that he was not impressed.
"I'm sorry Captain. I do not mean to downplay the young woman's accomplishments, but we must bear in mind what is in Earth's best interest in regards to these matters." He shifted in his seat, his face losing the soft lines of gentility and replacing them with the hardened planes of a politician.
Kirk raised in eyebrow in silent challenge. This was merely a negotiatory meeting, meant to find out if the Orion Sydicate could do anything to stop the blight that was currently rearing its head on Terran soil.
"I guess I fail to understand what you mean Mr. Shaw. We are under the impression that these are talks, meant to create solid foundations between the Orions and ourselves, while also protecting our people."
The bridge grew deathly silent. The breath of the room seemed to leave in that fleeting instant, replaced with the monitoring sounds of navigation and the occasional shuffling of clothing.
"While I understand that your crew is young and therefore, naive to the realities of interstellar politics, these talks need to end with Earth receiving the most for its cooperation with these...criminals. And they are criminals Captain." Shaw spoke the title with an air of distaste. "They have no culture. Not one worth catering to or preserving for that matter. My constituents and I look to bring these Orion savages to heel by any means necessary. Yes, talk to them, attempt to placate them with small offers of amnesty for past crimes or insignificant trade agreements, but remember your place as well Kirk. You serve Earth and her allies, these negotiations must not put any of us at risk or deprive us of the station that we've fought so hard to maintain. Costing Earth, could cost more than you think."
Kirk's eyes narrowed dangerously and he raised a finger, signaling to Uhura that, soon, their communication with their 'willing helper' would be coming to an end.
"While I appreciate your concern in regards to how we conduct this mission, I must remind you of your place . You are a politician, temporarily put into office by god knows who and why. You have no say in these affairs and if you have issue with how Starfleet and the Terran government has opted to handle this endeavor, than I suggest you take those issues to them. Else, why don't you leave the intricacies of this tenuous situation to us? I'm sure you have some black tie dinner to attend where your talents would be much more recognized. Thank you sir. Kirk out."
The screen went blank and he sat for a few moments to collect his thoughts. The first shift would be coming to an end, all the better considering he needed a short break and a chance to speak to his second in command.
"Scotty, Chekov, keep her going steady until your replacements arrive. Spock, may I have a word with you?" He stopped by Spock's console on his way out, the pen still clutched nervously in his hand. Spock nodded curtly and followed him out, but not before he cut his eyes to Uhura and gave an imperceptible acknowledgment that he would fill her in on everything he knew as soon as he was able.
The turbo lift ride was silent, save for the occasional moments when Kirk would open his mouth, as if to say something, only to close it firmly and go back to rocking on his heels and studying the bland patterns of the wall.
Upon entering his office, he felt it was necessary to get the first issue out of the way first.
"You two were late. I know it was an accident and something that will never happen again, but you need to make sure it never happens again. If my two best are noticed to be slacking, even once or twice, the whole crew will follow."
"Of course Captain." Spock agreed. Folding his hands behind his back, he observed Kirk for a few moments before speaking again. "But that is not the only reason you have brought me here."
"No! Of course it isn't! What the fuck was that!" Kirk exclaimed, walking to the nearest cabinet to pour himself a small sip of brandy. The burning liquid soothed the discomfort he felt in his gut and he turned around, bracing his hands against the head of his leather chair. "Since when are politicians involved in the goings on of a Federation vessel Spock? It doesn't make any sense."
"That it does not." Spock noted. He allowed his eyes to fall to the carpet while his mind processed the encounter. They'd be arriving in the region of Solaris V in a little more than 25 hours. It would the last chance the Syndicate had of backing out, changing its terms, or attempting to reschedule. They would maintain orbit for one day after that and then proceed to Orion itself. "There is probably more to this than we know. Perhaps it would be best to contact Starfleet and find out which government officials are aware of this mission. I believed we performing this in complete secrecy from outside influence."
Kirk nodded, "I did too. Shit. How deep do you think we've gotten ourselves into this?"
"With all due respect Captain, if you knew would you abort this mission?" Spock raised an eyebrow and took a few tentative steps towards the door.
"Of course not." Kirk replied with a slight laugh, "You know I don't believe in no-win scenarios Spock."
Nyota paced her room, fervently wringing her hands and almost bowled Spock over as he entered.
"So what did he say?" She asked, her body language showing a state of excitement too powerful for her to offer the soothing embraces he had, quietly hoped, would await him.
Spock disentangled her fingers from his arm and brought her palms to his side, pulling her close.
"The Captain wishes that we do not become repeat offenders when it comes to tardiness." Hoping she was satisfied he lowered his head, his lips seeking at least one small kiss to start their evening, but Nyota was not to be distracted.
"I'm not talking about that." She said, pecking him quickly before putting an extra three inches of distance between them so that she could look him in the eye. "What did he say about that assho- I mean, congressman."
So yes, she was definitely still upset about him insulting her prowess. Spock mentally shrugged and accepted his fate of having to deal with this Klingon Inquisition before he might even be able to enjoy a moment of tender silence.
"He is, as Terrans would say, as much in the dark as the rest of us. He has no idea how Shaw knew we were heading for talks with the Orions in the first place. He will be speaking with someone from Starfleet tomorrow."
"That's it?" Nyota looked deflated, but noticed that Spock too seemed to be a bit disappointed. Closing the gap between them she walked two fingers up his abdomen and chest before pressing them to his lips. "Thank you."
She studied his eyes, now half closed and his features showed the pure, unadulterated, enjoyment he got out of the simple act. She knew they were both exhausted, but that he also had probably been looking forward to more than an interrogation upon returning to her and she was determined to thank him for his patience.
Author's Notes:
Smut will definitely be appearing in the next chapter you horn dogs so be patient with me.