Ever The Diplomat
Nancy stood in the corner of the room surveying the crowd that mingled in front of her, all the senior officers were there in their full regalia. She had to admit it to herself, they all looked remarkable. The visiting dignitaries seemed to be enjoying themselves, easily talking and laughing with one another. Kirk hadn't put a step wrong, ensuring he'd greeted them according to their custom and continue to obey their cultural traditions throughout the ceremony and reception. Chekov, Sulu and Uhura were naturals, effortlessly engaging their assigned guests in small talk and answering their enquiries relating to the Federation. Spock was as austere as always, but brought a sense of gravity to the occasion and quashed any misgivings the guests may have had simply by being there. Nancy's eyes finally fell upon McCoy, he was holding his drink with a vice like grip. She could see the tension in his face and his back was rod straight. He was altogether, thoroughly uncomfortable and she couldn't help but smile slightly. He looked up from his drink and caught her eye, she didn't look away as she knew she ought to. She finally blinked rapidly, realising that he'd caught her watching him with a smile on her face. He raised an eyebrow at her and with unabated determination made fast work of closing the distance between them. She craned her neck so she was looking up at him, very much aware there was little distance between them.
"Nance."
"Leonard." She was still looking at him, trying to decipher his mood. He didn't appear happy, but neither did he give the impression of being sad or angry.
"You look very well." Nancy looked down at her ensemble, the midnight coloured dress was modest and unassuming, covering her from neck to foot. McCoy was struck at how her alabaster skin seemed to radiate a luminosity more than it did ordinarily and the divergence between that and her habitual red lipstick was more stark than it usually appeared in the dimly lit bar. He cleared his throat and averted his gaze, he wasn't sure how much time had passed from him speaking to the moment he found himself in. He was sure it was milliseconds but it felt like hours to him.
"Thank you Leonard, so do you. Dress uniform suits you." He could tell she wasn't just passing pleasantries.
"You've got to be joking! Jim's tarted me up like a prized turkey at the state fair! I look ridiculous." He gave her a cursory glance, the collar of his shirt suddenly feeling very tight against his neck. She placed a hand on his forearm reassuringly.
"You look very handsome Leonard." He stared at her again and then on spotting Kirk making his way over nodded at Nancy as an acknowledgement of her compliment, perhaps a little too curt than was entirely necessary. Kirk had made his way over and sidled up to Nancy. He nudged her elbow and gave her a covert wink.
"So, how do you think its going?" She nudged him back.
"Better than our visit to the Haphmerians." McCoy had to stifle a bark and Kirk gave her a warning look.
"You're going to be trouble tonight aren't you?" Nancy looked at Kirk who'd narrowed his eyes at her in mock horror, bringing her hand up to clutch her imaginary pearls. "As long as you don't start anything with Spock you're free to do whatever."
"Thank you Captain." Nancy replied sarcastically.
"Bones, where's your manners? Get Nancy a drink for crying out loud."
"I was about to Jim, before you interrupted." Kirk gave him a grin and Nancy observed a silent exchange pass between the two friends. When Kirk had walked away McCoy had also, going to get a drink for both him and Nancy. While waiting he felt a tap on his shoulder, turning he looked into the knowing eyes of Carol Marcus.
"Somebody's taken your woman McCoy." She jutted her head indicating to McCoy to look behind her, somewhat confused McCoy looked over Carol's head. One of the visiting dignitaries had engaged Nancy in a conversation. McCoy turned back to the bar.
"She's not my 'woman' Carol, we're friends." McCoy knocked back the shot of whiskey that had been placed in front of him, signalling straight away to the man serving he needed a refill.
"Well, as her friend I suggest you make yourself useful and remove that man's hand from Nancy's ass." Carol's voice increased in volume and she was about to intervene herself but McCoy had already begun to sprint across the room.
Nancy had been caught off guard when the man had approached her, watching after McCoy who had gone to the bar she hadn't seen him initially.
"Madam, may I extend my heartfelt cheers and gratitude for your generosity. We are all very impressed." Nancy watched as his eyes sprawled over her from head to toe as he spoke, she dipped her head slightly to try to regain his focus.
"You're very welcome, we are pleased you accepted our sincere invitation."
"Of course, of course. But I wish to learn more about your culture Madam." He still hadn't made eye contact.
"You do?"
"Yes indeed, if you don't mind me saying you're very unusual in appearance." Nancy couldn't help but appear shocked at his admission.
"Sir, it is not customary to remark on somebody's appearance." She couldn't help but look around her, catching sight of McCoy she grimaced when she saw him busy talking to Carol.
"I meant no disrespect…" Nancy held her hand up and spoke over him before he could go on.
"I'm sure you didn't…" It was his turn to interrupt her.
"But in our culture those who look unalike to others are a coveted acquisition."
"I don't believe I look all that dissimilar to my fellow colleagues Sir, we humans come in all shapes, colours and sizes. We actively embrace our individuality, we're unique. We are certainly never acquired."
"Oh Madam, I can assure you your form is quitesingular. You're hair especially. You really are quite beautiful and I imagine your form under your dress…" Nancy recognised the change in his conduct almost instantaneously, he'd gone from complimentary to lewd even after she'd politely cautioned him. What she hadn't expected however was for him to physically assault her.
"Sir, remove your hand now." Her voice hadn't increased in volume but her tone was filled with menace. He seemed unaffected, not bothering to heed her word. She twisted out of his grasp, the room was too small and too full of people for him to follow her.
"Sir!" A shadow fell over her, as if the sun was being eclipsed by the moon. She looked up to see McCoy standing between her and the assailant. His hand came round his back, his palm facing upwards. She intuitively took hold with her own, his clasping tight. He pulled her in and to his side, the pair now standing side by side. "Doctor McCoy, have you met Ambassador Renz?" McCoy's jaw and teeth were gritted so tightly together Nancy thought he might break a tooth.
"No…it's a pleasure…Sir." McCoy extended his hand for the man to shake, it took all his resolve not to floor him right then and there.
"Doctor McCoy, I believe you mentioned earlier you wished to speak to Emissary Zzpan? Let me go and introduce you. Excuse us Ambassador." Nancy quickly glanced at McCoy's face, if looks could kill, the man would've of been pushing up daisies already! As they made their way through the crowd Nancy looked down at her hand, it was still in McCoy's tight embrace. As they passed the bar he grabbed a drink and continued to walk until he stopped in a secluded corner.
"Here, drink this." He thrust the drink in her hand and watched her down the liquid. "Better?" She looked up at him and nodded her head.
"Thank you Leonard."
"You're shaking!" He rubbed the top of her arms, as if it was cold and she'd forgotten her coat.
"It must be the adrenaline." She gave him a reassuring smile. "What an idiot, my god! It doesn't matter where I go I always end up speaking to an absolute wanker!"
"There's no excuse for what that sonofabitch did! Are you sure you're alright?"
"I'll be fine, I'm fuming, that's all. I guess some traits are universal." She laughed, more out of incredulity than anything. She was about to thank him again but she was interrupted by Kirk asking her where'd she disappeared to.
"Jim, Nancy was just..." McCoy had begun to speak but Nancy interrupted him.
"Speaking to one of the Ambassador's, sorry Jim, what do you want?"
"I'm struggling to seal the deal here, I need your expertise!"
"Alright, let's go." They began to walk through to the small stage that had been constructed at the front of the room, Nancy noticed that McCoy was right behind her, guarding her like a centurion. She spotted Ambassador Renz already stood beside the other dignitaries, she took her place next to Kirk purposely positioning herself as far away as possible.
"Everybody, if I could have your attention please." The room quietened down and all eyes fell on Nancy, she gave everybody a warm smile.
"The Vulcans have a belief, Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations. This represents their belief that beauty, growth, progress all result from the union of the unlike. Concord, as much as discord, requires the presence of at least two different notes. The brotherhood of man is an ideal based on learning to delight in our essential differences, as well as learning to recognise our similarities. The circle and triangle combine to produce the gemstone in the center as the union of words and music creates song, or the union of marriage creates children." McCoy couldn't deny that Nancy was good at what she did, her voice poured over the audience like a soothing balm. "We as Humans have learnt to be delighted with what we are. The Vulcans learned thiscenturies before we did. Our joining today, understanding and accepting our differences representour journey together, the unending goal to create meaning and beauty. Our Captain, James T. Kirk extends his warmest welcome on behalf of the Federation with the hope that we all together, become greater than the sum of both of us apart." There was a round of applause and then Nancy watched as Kirk and the Ambassador signed the accord. It was a thrill to be in the presence of such a historical occurrence, she turned to McCoy who was already looking in her direction. He leaned in and brought his mouth to her ear.
"You think of that on the spot?"
"It rattled off the tongue didn't it?"
"When do you think I can leave?"
"Whenever you want Leonard, I can't believe anybody tells you when and whence you can go?"
"I suppose you're right." He didn't move from her side though, she looked at him quizzically. "What?"
"I thought you wanted to go?" He nodded his head.
"I did, but I'm not leaving you in the same room as Renz. Call me old fashioned…" Nancy smiled at him.
"I wouldn't call you that, thank you. To be honest I'm glad, I feel safe with you around." She surprised herself at the very honest admission she just gave him. "You can escort me back to my quarters if you like, two birds, one stone and all that?" McCoy agreed and told her to wait with Carol while he dealt with a small matter before he left. Making sure she was far enough way McCoy made his way over the Renz.
"Yes Doctor?"
"Ambassador." There was no emotion on McCoy's face, or in his tone of voice.
"Can I help you?"
"Yes you can as a matter of fact, you can remain in your quarters for the remainder of your stay on board the Enterprise." Renz began to speak but McCoy made it clear to him this wasn't a two way conversation. "If I see you again you'll wish you never stepped foot on this ship."
"Is this about Ms Englbrecht? I was only complimenting her, you must admit she's an unusual looking creature?" McCoy leaned in closer, invading the man's personal space.
"You got something stuck in those ears of yours!? I don't think you heard me, but rest assured you'll catch my drift pretty damned quick if I see you wandering these halls. Do I make myself clear?" Renz nodded mutely.
"Welcome to the Federation, you sick sonofabitch!" McCoy slapped him on the back, purposely hard as Renz nearly lost his footing. But McCoy didn't notice, already making his way to Nancy. She turned to him.
"Ready to go?"
"Always."
Hope you're still enjoying this, let me know what you think? LLAP ;-) XOXO
