Thanks for all of the reviews. I had a question regarding the pronunciation of Ari's name. The way I believe it is pronounced is "airy-ante" or "airy-auntie". It is an ancestral name I found while researching my genealogy. I though it was cool and definitely different. Hope you like the new chapter. Thanks for sticking with me.

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Two days off! Two full glorious days. Ariantje was lying in bed after a surprisingly restful night of sleep. She stretched out and yawned, just enjoying the fact that she didn't have to report to the medical bay. McCoy had informed her at the end of her shift the previous day that she was overdue for some time off. She gladly accepted without an argument.

How long had she been on the Enterprise, anyway? Five, no six weeks. "Wow!" she thought, "I really do need a day off." She idly wondered if Jim Kirk had anything to do with McCoy's directive. It had only been two days ago that she had had her minor meltdown in the cafeteria. Whatever the reason, she was thankful for the time off.

The thought dawned on her - what do you do on a day off on a starship cruising through the universe? It's not like she could go to the shopping mall across town!

"Computer, what is available for leisure and recreation onboard?"

"Recreation rooms 3 and 6 are located on deck three. There an additional recreation room on deck five" was the computerized response.

"What activities are offered in the recreation rooms?

"There are a multitude of mentally and physically challenging activities available." The computerized voice responded. Ari swore she could hear exasperation in the voice. Is it possible to piss off the computer by asking too many questions? She wondered.

"What social areas are there?"

"The Officer's Lounge is on deck 5. The library is on deck 6."

Physically and/or mentally challenging activities did not sound appealing to Ari. The library seemed a reasonable choice to spend some time relaxing. She took her time getting showered and dressed for the day. Around midmorning she went in search of the peaceful sanctuary that the library would offer.

She was surprised by the number of actual printed books that the Enterprise had in her collection. The library was a very inviting place indeed. Ari spent several minutes browsing among the books trying to decide what subject was of the most interest. Nothing really piqued her interest. She sat down at a terminal to search through a subject index to find something interested. For some reason that totally escaped her she typed in "Vulcan history" in the query field.

There were painfully few resources for her chosen subject. There were no actual books on the subject, but there was a small database available in the computerized offerings. "OK Spock, what makes you tick?" she thought to herself as she opened the first database concerning Vulcan and its people.

Ari soon realized that all of the recorded information regarding the Vulcan race was very generic and superficial. Many of the observations were simply assumptions of the author. It seemed that none of the publications were from a true Vulcan source, but rather from someone outside trying to peer into a culture they did not understand. She became frustrated with the lack of insight she had gained.

As luck would have it, the object of her study just happened to be walking into the library at that very moment. What were the chances of that?!? She felt like a silly schoolgirl who had just gotten caught passing a note to her best friend, by the cute boy named in the note. She hurriedly closed down the terminal she was using and searched for a quick escape route should Spock continue toward her.

She stood and started toward the section of the library that held books. "Doctor Brant, I wish to have a word with you." Spock called out behind her.

Ari turned toward Spock. "Is there something the matter Commander?" She was suspecting that her day off had just been cancelled. Perhaps there had been an emergency and she was needed in the medical bay. "Am I needed in sick bay?"

"No. I believe that you have a day of rest scheduled at this time. I am not here to interfere with that", was his reply. "I have a…..personal query." There was a momentary hesitation in Spock's voice.

The hesitation would have been missed by the casual observer. However, Ariantje was acutely aware of Spock's presence. All of her senses were tingling. She caught the uncertainty in Spock's admission. He actually looked uncomfortable. This was something she had never observed in him before. It made her uneasy.

"Of course, Commander. I hope I have the answer you are looking for" she offered.

"There is a social gathering this evening in the Officer's Lounge. Two of our crew members have announced their intention to marry. The Captain is hosting a celebration. I…… require a…..companion for the event." Spock explained.

Ari waited for more, but nothing more was forthcoming. Spock stared at her with his dark eyes. The intensity was unnerving. The silence between them grew. Ari realized he had said what he deemed was necessary and that it was her turn to respond.

"Are you asking me …… for a date?"

Ari saw a hint of exasperation cross Spock's face, It was gone in an instant. "I am asking if you will accompany me to the celebration. It will offer you an opportunity to socialize with others on the Enterprise."

"Did McCoy put you up to this?" Ari could see McCoy scheming something just to give her a challenge on her days off.

Spock tilted his head and cocked an eyebrow at her. Ari sensed another hesitation. "I have not spoken to Doctor McCoy about this. I do not believe he has any say in the matter."

"Well, ummm. Sure, I will…..accompany you. What should I wear?"

The corners of Spocks mouth twitched ever so slightly. "Clothing is appropriate for social gatherings among the crew. I will arrive at your quarters as 2030 hours." He turned on his heel and walked quickly away.

Ari stood there, gaping open mouthed. He smirked! He actually smirked. She was wondering what the hell she was getting herself into. The one person on the whole ship that she was the most uncomfortable around had just asked her out.

And she had accepted.