Strangely T'qella has no problem convincing her matriarchal mother that Chekov is the only logical choice of companion for her big diplomatic debut. Logically he is the best choice for not only will he be able to monitor her application of human social conventions but also assist her should any problems arise. Having already cleared the matter of the ball with Chekov and the other elders, her mother simply concedes to her logic and asks what needs to be done about evening attire before suggesting she and Spock go shopping together. Thankful not to have fought T'qella agrees to this arrangement though she would rather spend the time with her mother. Sensing her daughter's disappointment T'Ra promises to help assist with the sacred beautification rituals before the ball before leaving for her meeting with the elders.

It is decided though the period of her mourning is not yet over that her dress should be snowy white. Cousin Spock having clearance to leave the grounds takes her with him and even helps her choose it from a human store in the big city. While there she also buys some synthetic white gloves that reach her elbows. Her choice of soft fluffy slippers for footwear may be somewhat unconventional but they cannot be seen underneath her dress and are considerably more comfortable than the overpriced footwear suggested by the sales assistant.

As late as it is when the two of them return, Spock is quick to disappear off to his weekly game of scrabble with Doctor McCoy leaving T'qella alone to unpack her shopping. As she does so she turns on some music to drown out the deafening silence. A piece Chekov gave her comes on and as it does she is filled with loneliness, which is strange for barely 24 hours have passed since she last saw him. Lying down on the sofa she checks her messages, finding one from her cousins who are currently on their way to the new colony with their mates. Guilt comes to her as she calculates the distance between her and them, for it is hundreds of times greater than the distance between her and Chekov. Yet it is him she misses.

The day of the ball is a busy one, with hours spent meditating, grooming and practicing. Eventually though she is ready. T'qella smiles in spite of her soreness when Chekov arrives to pick her up. Uhura who has helped with the preparations is on hand to take photos of the two of them and terribly gleeful at being allowed to do so. Flash after flash is let off as she gushes over the two of them. Eventually they escape and manage to head off to the ball.

As they enter Chekov stands stiffly in his itchy dress uniform trying to emulate Vulcan elders beside him but failing for his face can't help but smile at his date. Though his presence is mostly superficial at least in the eyes of the Vulcan elders, he can't help but feel a little happy at the side of the woman he loves. He casts a brief glance over to the lavishly decorated room, before sweeping T'qella onto the dance floor. Thankfully her hand is well healed so the action does not cause her any pain as he spins her about on the floor.

As they dance together T'qella begins to realise the extent and depth of her feelings for Chekov. Though young and human, he is an impeccable man. As talented as he is in a number of languages and fields, she loves the way he that can prattle off complex calculations like a lunch order. His easy smile and booming laugh are so unlike the coldness she finds in the Vulcan males that come to woo her with their logic. While many would find his lack of telepathy irritating, T'qella finds it refreshing for he regards her feelings highly unlike her Vulcan peers who treat it as something to be repressed or ignored. With him her thoughts are easily shared and not immediately dismissed as illogical when her viewpoint differs with his.

As he holds her she realises too impossibility of their situation, that her love is nothing but a hindrance. She cannot leave her people not when their need is so great nor can she ask him to leave Starfleet the place where he can be of most use. She remains truly Vulcan as they glide across the dance floor for not one hint of sadness does she show as she resolves to enjoy tonight and one last dance.


Hey sorry it has taken me so long to update. Don't forget to review if you like this!