Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek or any of its characters.
Please refer to the Author's notes in Chapter 1.
Thank you to Just a Crazy-Man, Obsessive66, AngelQueen, Ataxia O'Rourke, and Kushina98 for the reviews and all of the readers following this story!
The Ripple Effect
Chapter 4
0750 - Starfleet Advanced Academy
Ambassador Spock approached the building quietly as he gazed over the Academy Green. He nodded as he recognized Commander Donovan already waiting for him. "It is pleasing to see you this morning." he stated.
Commander Kaitlyn Donovan smiled as they sat down on a bench outside the building, "I hoped that my revelations last night had not permanently damaged our relationship." she admitted.
Ambassador Spock looked at her closely, "I researched your past life before I meditated last night. You were instrumental in many important events at the beginnings of the Federation. I believe that if you had told me of your past when we met in the future, I would not have imparted my knowledge to you - I would have been seeking your guidance. That is not what you wanted. I believe I understand your reasoning." he said.
"Thank you for understanding." Kaitlyn pulled out her PADD and handed it to him, "I have a suggestion, that I hope you will consider. I do not understand some of the designs you have described to me, retired Admiral Kenmore is an outstanding Engineer that I think would understand. Would you consider working with him on those designs?" she questioned.
Ambassador Spock thought carefully, "Admiral Kenmore was married to Ambassador T'Pol, so he is a Vulcan citizen." He nodded slowly, "I believe it would be fitting. How do I contact him?" he questioned.
Kaitlyn smiled and touched an icon on the PADD, "I put him in the contacts list." She stood up and the Ambassador followed suit. "Where would you like to meet this afternoon?"
Ambassador Spock pondered the question, "Allow me to meet with Admiral Kenmore this morning. I will send you a message, if that is agreeable with you."
She nodded, "That's fine. I'll see you after lunch, Ambassador." She headed into the classroom and sat down in the desk in front of Piper.
Piper looked up from her PADD, "Did you get a chance to study last night?" she inquired.
Kaitlyn sighed softly, "For a little while - I figure if I don't know it by now, it won't matter how much I try to cram. Besides, Commander Belk said it would encompass everything we learned this semester." she shrugged.
Piper nodded and turned her PADD off, "So, have you been able to talk to McCoy and Kirk?" she asked quietly and leaned closer to her friend.
"Only a few communiqués, but McCoy is going to come over and visit later tonight." Kaitlyn admitted to her friend. She not only missed working with him in class, but also studying with him in the evenings.
"So, are you two going to step up your relationship now that you're both Commanders?" the younger woman whispered.
Kaitlyn patted Piper's arm, "It's sweet that you want everyone to be happy, Piper - but I've already had my happily ever after." she reminded her.
Piper frowned, "I know you loved your husband - I'm just saying that you deserve to be happy, and not so sad." she pointed out.
"I'm not sad." Kaitlyn stated firmly.
Piper watched her friend. The woman exuded a quiet, contemplative attitude that most people mistook for arrogance, but in reality Kaitlyn kept everyone around her an arm's length away. Kaitlyn didn't let people get to know her, but she was a great listener and she got to know everyone else. Maybe Kaitlyn just wasn't ready for another relationship yet. "Okay." Piper shrugged.
Kaitlyn had seen Piper's changing expressions, and then a realization wash over her friend's face. "Why do you ask? McCoy and I are only friends."
Piper raised an eyebrow skeptically, "You're kidding - right?"
"I don't understand." Kaitlyn admitted.
"You are the only person McCoy smiles around - the only one he doesn't growl at and hurl sarcastic remarks to." Piper explained.
"I think that's just because I'm not as young as the rest of you." Kaitlyn stated.
Piper grinned, "I don't think that's the reason."
They looked up as more of the First Contact Officer Candidates came in and took their seat, followed shortly by the instructors.
Kaitlyn didn't have any more time to contemplate Piper's statements. The instructors quickly passed out the exams and they all began to take the test.
When she finished her test, she handed it in and exited the room quietly.
Commander Belk was waiting outside for her, "How do you think you did on the exam?" he questioned.
"I got all of the multiple choice questions correct, I'll just have to see how the essays are received by the evaluators." Kaitlyn stated.
"Do you think it was a fair assessment of what you have learned about being a First Contact Officer?" Belk asked.
"It is an assessment of how much information I have retained, based on what has been instructed. I have learned much more than what was evaluated on this test." she pointed out.
Belk nodded slowly as he watched her, "Well, the simulation test coming up next week will most assuredly test the rest of your skills." he promised.
Kaitlyn nodded, "I look forward to the challenge. Have a good day, Commander." She excused herself and headed out across the Academy Green. She pulled out her PADD as the message came in from Ambassador Spock that he would be working the rest of the day and evening with retired Admiral Kenmore, and that he would see her tomorrow afternoon at the Vulcan Compound.
She quickly sent a communiqué to McCoy and told him she was officially off duty until tomorrow and asked him if he wanted to go out to dinner, instead of just coming over.
A few moments later her communicator beeped and she answered it, "Donovan here."
"Are you really off, or are you pulling my leg?" McCoy questioned her.
Kaitlyn smiled, "I really am off until my meeting tomorrow afternoon." she admitted.
"If you come up here and help me, I'll be done faster." he suggested.
"Okay, I'll be up there in just a little bit." she closed the link and headed to the transporter facility. She was actually excited to be able to go look around the Enterprise. She'd scoured all of the designs she could find, she knew what it looked like - but to actually go and look around would be great. In all likelihood, she would be assigned on the Enterprise - she'd been told as much.
She materialized on the Enterprise and nodded to the Vulcan waiting on her arrival. "Good morning, Commander Spock, it is agreeable to finally meet you." she raised her hand in the Vulcan salute, "I grieve with thee."
Commander Spock nodded and returned the gesture, "Thank you, Commander Donovan - it is agreeable to meet you as well." he waved for her to proceed out the door and into the corridor. "I have spoken with Ambassador Spock and he says that you have done a remarkable job as his Debriefing Officer. I believe he finds you a most capable Officer." he commented as they stepped into the turbolift.
"He is a remarkable man. I hope, for the most part, that history repeats itself." Kaitlyn stated.
Commander Spock raised an eyebrow, "Have you gotten far into your debriefing?" he inquired.
"We have gone over the biggest threats to the Federation, and we have gone up to twenty-five years from now." she explained.
"Have you noticed many similarities?" he asked as they got off the lift.
"Many, though a lot of things are happening sooner in this Universe." she nodded as they walked down the corridor.
"Have you a theory as to why?" Commander Spock stopped before they entered Medical.
"I believe that Nero's appearance in this Universe has accelerated many things, I am gathering evidence to submit with my Debriefing report." Kaitlyn explained.
"If you need any help with collecting your research, I am available. At the moment, my duties are seeing to the repairs of the ship, which does not take up much of my time." Spock offered his services.
Kaitlyn smiled, "Thank you, Commander. I will make up a list of queries for you to research."
Spock nodded and waved for her to go through the doors.
"How many times do I have to tell you that you can't keep going around and getting plasma burns to your hand!" they could hear McCoy bellow as they entered. "Don't you have protective gloves to wear when you're welding?" he questioned.
"Yes, Doctor - but it makes the job take twice as long because they are so cumbersome." came the reply.
"Either wear the damn gloves, or be face being taken off duty because of the permanent damage that will be done to your hands - the choice is yours, Lieutenant." McCoy growled and came out from behind the curtain. He looked up and his scowl turned into a wide grin as he saw Kaitlyn.
McCoy walked over to her, "It's good to see you, Kaitlyn."
A loud crash of medical tools sounded as they hit the ground. They looked over and saw Nurse Chapel quickly picking up the dropped tray. "I'm sorry, Doctor - I'm just not used to seeing you . . ."
McCoy cut her off, "I can be nice to people." he stated loudly.
The Nurse nodded and quickly went back to the dropped medical equipment.
McCoy glanced at Spock, "Thanks for escorting Commander Donovan here." he said, effectively dismissing the Vulcan.
Spock raised his eyebrow at the Doctor's attitude. He had never noticed the man smile as broadly as he had a moment ago. This was something new to meditate on. He turned to Donovan, "I will be looking forward to researching the list you send me. Good day, Commander."
Donovan nodded, "Thank you, Commander Spock." She turned and watched McCoy carefully as the Vulcan First Officer left.
McCoy guided her by her elbow into his office, "Better come in here so more equipment doesn't end up having to be sterilized again." he commented. He leaned against the edge of his desk, "So, you've got the rest of the afternoon and evening off?" he grinned again as he crossed his arms.
Kaitlyn smiled, "Yes, now what is it that you wanted me to help you with?" she inquired.
"Actually," he shrugged, "I don't have anything to do - I just wanted you to come up here." he admitted.
She stepped closer to him and raised an eyebrow, "You know, most men that pull my chain get knocked out." she reminded him.
McCoy winced, "Come on, Kaitlyn. I know you wanted to take a tour of the Enterprise."
"Are you going to give me the tour?" she questioned.
"I'm a Doctor, not a tour guide." he snapped, then calmed down as he glanced over her expression. "But, for you - I'll be a tour guide."
Kaitlyn smiled and patted his arm gently, "Thank you."
They made their way through the ship and stopped at each of the important places, and headed for the Bridge last.
The doors opened and Kaitlyn took a quick survey of the area before she stepped out.
"Well, look at what the cat drug up!" Jim Kirk grinned as he walked over to them. "What do you think? She's an awesome ship." he stated proudly.
Kaitlyn couldn't help but smile at Jim's excitement over his ship, "It is a very powerful ship." she nodded.
Jim gave a quick glance at Bones and grinned devilishly, "How did you manage to get Bones to give you a tour?" he inquired.
"I might have threatened him for bringing me up here on false pretenses." Kaitlyn shrugged.
Jim glanced at Bones, "Really? What did he say to get you up here? I thought you were busy debriefing Ambassador Spock."
"I am. I'm off until tomorrow afternoon. McCoy here said he needed my help with something before we went out tonight. Evidently, he just wanted me to come here." Kaitlyn smiled as McCoy shifted uncomfortably under their watchful gazes.
"I am right here, you know." McCoy reminded them.
Kirk walked around his best friend slowly, "You two are going out tonight?" he asked softly.
McCoy turned around to Jim, "Don't mess this up for me." he threatened in a whisper.
Jim popped McCoy's arm, "I won't - but you owe me." he grinned. Kirk smiled at Kaitlyn, "Have fun tonight!" he quipped, then headed for his office.
Kaitlyn watched as Jim left, then turned to McCoy curiously, "What do you owe him?"
McCoy frowned, "Come on." he guided her back to the lift, then they headed to his quarters. He indicated for her to take a seat on the couch as he went past the half bookcase, half frosted glass wall to his bedroom that was on the other side of the living room.
Kaitlyn sat down on the couch and took note of the club chair and the small circular table with four chairs, "These quarters are bigger than any of the other Starfleet ships I've been on." she commented.
"Where do you want to go tonight?" McCoy asked from the bedroom.
"Somewhere that I can sit down and eat a nice meal - not just Dining Hall food." She really didn't care, she'd just missed his company. She decided to broach the subject that Piper had brought up earlier. "Piper said something funny in class this morning before our exam."
McCoy came out from the bedroom as he buttoned up his shirt, "I don't remember Piper having a sense of humor, what did she say?" he asked as he sat down beside her and tied his shoes.
"She insinuated that you care for me more than other people because you smile when you're around me." Kaitlyn stated.
He looked at her and frowned, "How is that funny?" he was starting to get nervous. He did like her, but if she thought it was funny - he was going to have to rethink the situation.
"Not funny 'hahah', funny that she said something like that." Kaitlyn explained.
Leonard McCoy watched her thoughtfully, "I do smile when I'm around you. I do care for you." he admitted.
Kaitlyn nodded slowly. This complicated things - and her life had already become overly complicated recently.
McCoy touched her shoulder gently, then tucked a few stray hairs back behind her ear, "I know how old you are, if that's what's bothering you." He smiled when she raised an eyebrow at him in question. "You had told me before that your husband had been a Tactical Officer, a Captain, and then an Admiral at the Weapons R&D Complex. I figured if I found him, I'd find you. I did. You both had very impressive careers." he stated. "I know your father was human, what species was your mother?" he questioned.
"El-Aurian."
"Haven't heard of them."
"First Contact has not officially been made with them, and they prefer to stay out of the databases." Kaitlyn explained.
"What is the average life span of an El-Aurian?" McCoy asked.
"Over seven hundred years." she sighed softly.
McCoy nodded, "So, 700 divided by - what you're almost 140 - so basically you're twenty years old."
Kaitlyn's brows furrowed, she hadn't thought about her age in El-Aurian terms before. She understood what he was getting at, "I'm still old enough to be your . . . "
He put his finger gently on her lips to stop her, "I think species that live as long as yours has to learn to live in the now, not the past." he pointed out.
"Live in the now." she repeated as he removed his finger. "How long have you known?"
"A few weeks after I met you." he shrugged.
"And yet, you didn't say anything?" she frowned.
"We all have things in our past we don't want to talk about." McCoy said. "Kaitlyn, I do care about you a lot - but I'm not going to ruin our friendship because of how I feel. I like being around you, I'm comfortable around you. Do you understand that I'd rather have our friendship stay the way it is, than have nothing at all?" he inquired.
Kaitlyn nodded slowly and swallowed hard. She really did like him, it was just difficult to accept that she could care about someone other than her husband. She looked up at him slowly, "I'll try to live in the now."
McCoy smiled again, "That's all I can ask for." he stood up and offered her a hand. "How about we go to Madame Chang's, then we can get some coffee later?" he suggested.
She smiled, "That sounds wonderful."
XXXXX
1600 - Vulcan Compound
Ambassador Spock looked on as Admiral Kenmore made the final adjustments. They stood back as he touched the button, "Tea, Earl Grey. Hot." Trip requested.
Trip grinned as the replicator produced a cup of the requested hot tea. He handed the cup to the Ambassador.
Ambassador Spock took a slow sip, then sighed. He nodded, "You have done an amazing job this afternoon in creating this. You are truly a gifted Engineer."
"I just took what ya told me and put it together. This is going to change a lot of things." Trip pointed out.
"Yes, it will even the odds for many worlds." Ambassador Spock nodded slowly. "You will be able to draw up the schematics?" he inquired.
Trip grinned, "Not a problem."
"Good. Tomorrow morning, if you are agreeable, I would like to instruct you as to how to design the industrial sized replicator." the older Vulcan said.
"I can get us a lab reserved in the Engineering Complex." Trip agreed. He looked at the older Vulcan, "I wanted to thank you for trusting me to work with you."
Ambassador Spock nodded, "Kaitlyn trusts you, therefore I trust you. I have read over your service records and have found them to be most interesting. If my instincts are correct - you actually served on the NX-01 Enterprise." he raised an eyebrow in question.
Trip cleared his throat, "I'm not allowed to talk about that, Ambassador." Then he shrugged, "But, your instincts are right." Everyone that had been involved in his undercover work in the Romulan Warp Seven program was long gone.
"I invite you to dine here with me tonight, I would like to know more about your time on the Invincible." Ambassador Spock invited.
"I'd be honored, Ambassador Spock." Trip grinned.
XXXXX
TBC.
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