Beautiful Music Together

Chapter 9. A Trip to Baja.

Boma and Spock left the Academy early in the morning to fullfill their bet. They had received a message from Finnegan saying that the young woman, Leila, was currently working at an outpost in southern Baja, having just arrived back from collecting exotic plant species from various planets. The civilian transport had left them a good distance from their desired destination, so they had to make their way to the remote outpost the best they could on foot. For once, Spock had been absolutely correct in his choice of attire. It soon became obvious he wasn't suffering in the dry heat of Baja like Boma who had not expected to be walking in the sun. The sun wasn't even at its zenith, and it was already 35°C in the unseasonably warm heat. There was also a steady wind, which constantly flapped at their attire and blew sand around, and seemed to be picking up as the morning went by.

For Boma, it was just 'too damned hot'! He licked his increasingly, dry lips which were beginning to chap, and looked longingly at the flasks of water dangling from Spock's belts on his white outer wear. Boma had chosen a durable shirt and trousers---they had seemed a reasonable choice at that time, but he had underestimated the conditions---while Spock hadn't. Boma was too stubborn to ask for water, and he definitely wouldn't beg. Spock seemed totally oblivious at Boma's predicament, and didn't offer any either to ease Boma's discomfort…not yet anyway. Spock walked along in perfect comfort. He had pulled up his hood as soon as they had exited their transport. The hood kept the wind and the stinging sand out of his face and hair. He was, of course, totally aware of Boma's growing need, and he had even calculated the time it would take for Samuel to begin the initial stages of dehydration. Until then, Boma wouldn't be comfortable, but he wouldn't be in any danger, either.

Sandavol's Horticultural Outpost #2, the sign read as Boma and Spock trudged across the last of the hot sand to the gate which barred the entrance to the outpost. Three old message droids hung on the gate, and Spock quickly inserted his identification card which activated one of the droids. The droid buzzed and whirred for a couple of minutes registering, sending, and receiving information. Then it suddenly left its perch and hovered in the air. The gate, which they could have easily climbed over, clicked open. Gaining entry, the droid led Spock and Boma to a small garage with two parked vehicles which both had oversized wheels and a flimsy canopy top for shade. The chassis looked strange, but sturdy. The droid perched on one of the vehicles, and Spock and Boma took this as a signal to get in.

Delighted, Boma immediately scrambled into the driver's seat.

"I've always wanted to drive a car."

'This car, as you call it, is referred to as a dune buggy. And I suppose from your statement, that you've never driven either before,' said Spock.

'Relax, Spock!' Boma said, noticing Spock's skepticism. 'I saw an old documentary once on how to drive one of these things…real easy! Hmmm…here's the ignition...Wow! It even has a clutch!'

Spock turned his head and narrowed his eyes at Boma, then looked at the buggy which had obviously been modified. The strange chassis suggested other uses for the vehicle, but he kept his thoughts to himself. Reluctantly, he climbed into the passenger seat. Boma sat up straight, grinned, and excitedly turned on the car which immediately hummed to life. They lurched forward. Boma grinned sheepishly as they lurched again, but at least, they inched a bit more forward this time. He somehow was able to exit the small garage and approached the first dune.

'Samuel, I would surely hope that our entire trip won't consist of…'

'Spock, relax…'

'I believe I received those same instructions from you exactly 3.4 minutes ago, and I can no longer achieve that state.'

'Ok…don't worry then…we'll get there.'

'Hopefully in one piece.'

'Well, if I get you there in one piece,' Boma said, slyly, 'you have to give me one of your water flasks.'

"I don't see the connection between my water flask and our personal safety.'

Boma snickered for he knew he was being teased mercilessly. He deserved it; though, mocking Spock for dressing in his off-white attire this morning and teasing him for getting ready for 'desert manuevers'. He knew Spock was wringing this for all it was worth.

The droid seemed to whirr impatiently and a map appeared on the display screen indicating the direction in which he should drive. 'Well, I guess I will have to do my best to get us there in one piece.' He lurched the car forward on purpose this time, throwing the Vulcan forward on his seat. Spock grabbed the middle pole on the dune buggy to steady himself.

'Oops…wrong gear.' Spock gave him a decidedly evil look.

Boma actually began to get the hang of driving as they negotiated the first of the dunes. The droid, which had firmly attached itself to the vehicle, had become a navigation system and intoned in what direction they should go. So they rolled and jumped their way over the dunes for the next 15 kilometers.

Spock actually did begin to relax despite the intermittent bumps. The sand and hot weather soothed him and reminded him a bit of Vulcan. Domes and greenhouses began to appear at regular intervals as they made their way to the center of the complex. He was glad that he was able to relax after the events of yesterday. He reflected on them while Boma was preoccupied with 'driving'.


Captain Pike had smiled as he had entered his office, but he hadn't wasted any time in beginning their meeting.

'I understand that you will be remaining at the Academy the entire summer, Commander.'

'That is correct, Captain. My parents have decided to remain Earthside; therefore, I have no requirement for personal leave.'

'As you wish, Commander. I'm actually relieved that you've decided to stay, for it makes my job easier in telling you the latest news.'

Spock waited patiently for Captain Pike to continue.

'I've been given the command of the U.S.S. Enterprise.' He paused so that Spock could absorb the news. 'Yes, I know she won't be ready for another three years, but I'm going to be working closely in a consultant role with the engineering and assembly teams. Star Fleet has also given me the privilege of choosing my own crew.' Pike leaned back in his chair in satisfaction as he reminisced.

"I'll be shuttling a lot between here and Iowa during the next three years, so I've had to cut some of my duties here at the Academy. I'll still be in charge of Cadet Recruiting, but I have to give up my job as Academic Advisor for 'Fast Track'. Pike paused again preparing himself for his next statement.

'I would like you to take over for me during the summer until we can find a permanent replacement. It shouldn't be too much trouble, since you yourself were a 'Fast Tracker', and you know the program.'

'It would be an honor, sir.'

Pike smiled again and relaxed in his chair.

'One of my last duties as your official advisor is to inform you that you have been chosen to work on the new simulation program in which you had applied for last year. The Academy doesn't want to wait any longer, and has decided to implement the simulation which is based on the ship the 'Kobayashi Maru'. You will be working closely with Dr. Elizabeth Dehner who has been working out the psychological aspects of the program for some months now. Academy brass wants to know if you can be finished by the beginning of the fall semester.'

Spock calculated quickly to himself…it would be close. 'Affirmative, Captain,' he said.

''You never disappoint me, Commander,' Pike said in a satisfied way.

'Do you have anything else, Commander? Anything on your mind? I'm very pleased, by the way, at the progress of Cadet Boma. He seems to be…well…happier, and his grades are excellent!'

'Yes, Captain. I am also very satisfied with Cadet Boma's progress.' Spock hesitated, then proceeded, while Pike waited for his next statement in anticipation.

'Captain, I would like to ask you if it would be acceptable for me to continue to share accommodations with Cadet Boma for the rest of the summer.'

Captain Pike tried to act surprised, and decided to push a theory forward that he'd been forming. "It's not usual for the mentor/student relationship to continue into the summer months, Commander. I really don't think that Cadet Boma needs a chaperone anymore.'

Spock paused. 'Cadet Boma is in favor of continuing our liaison, and he has need of further tutoring in some of Star Fleet's other aspects which I will be able to provide him.'

Pike suppressed a smiled, and said, 'Aspects...well, if you want to call it that.'

Spock looked a little grim and puzzled.

''I have nothing against it,' Pike finally said, giving up his little game. 'Sorry, Spock, just having a bit of private fun. Don't you have a sense of humor?'

'Indeed I do, Captain.'

'Well, you should try to show it once in a while,' Pike said, taking a look at the time.

Suddenly, he stood up and said, 'Sorry, but I have another meeting. Your first official duty as 'Fast Track' advisor begins in exactly… 15 minutes. My yeoman has just downloaded information to my PADD which I am transferring to yours about the new Fast Track candidate. You were in 'Fast Track', so you know the routine. This time you're on the other side of the desk!'

Pike walked to the door. 'You may use my office. I told the Cadet to report here. Good luck, Commander.'

'Captain Pike?'

'Yes?'

'When my duties as commanding officer of the 'Fast Track program' officially begin and since you will be residing primarily in Iowa this summer, does this mean I will also have the use of your accommodation fronting San Francisco Bay?'

Captain Pike looked stunned at Spock, rendered speechless at the audacity of the question. Then Pike roared with laughter. "That's a good one, Mister Spock! Indeed you do have a sense of humor," Pike said, laughing loudly as he left his office.

Spock stared at the empty space where Captain Pike had stood. He was also inwardly pleased with himself. He took a moment to reflect that this had been the first time that Captain Pike had called him, 'Mister Spock'. He wondered what that portended? He made his way to other side of the desk, took his place, and prepared for the interview with the new cadet by pulling up the information from his PADD.

His throat went dry as he drew in his breath as a beautiful face appeared on the screen. The face hadn't actually filled the screen, but somehow, his finger had pressed the enlarge function, and every feature of her face was now revealed in vivid detail. He suddenly remembered her hair as she had tossed it, taking a life of its own. He had rather thought that the memory would have receded, and wondered how an image could evoke such a strong emotional reaction in him.

Remembering that Captain Pike had mentioned that he had 15 minutes to prepare for the interview, he decided to spend five minutes more studying her features. Then he read her personal information and was intrigued at the depth of this new cadet. He found himself in a state of anticipation that he had not felt since his day before the Vulcan tribunal. He concentrated on her face again, and forced himself to relax as the door chimed.

Spock said, 'Come', and the door slid open.


Elias Sandavol watched the sand build up as the dune buggy neared. He was still vigorous in middle age as his long, graying hair blew across his face making him appear like some crazed, ancient prophet. It was still about a kilometer away, but the wind and the sand betrayed its movement in the dry desert. The droid had relayed the information on the two individuals about an hour ago.

Stupid cadets, he spat. They could have been here long ago if they had taken advantage of the technology on that buggy… and these cadets were supposedly the 'cream of the crop'. He shook his head. Hormoned-crazed cadets. After Leila again probably. He should have let them walk here. But the one individual, a Vulcan, had intrigued him. Perhaps, this meeting was on the up-and-up after all. Well, he would deal with them when they arrived. Leila should be here by the time they finished crawling here.

Leila Kalomi combed her long, blond hair away from her face. Her wistful, gray eyes and high cheek bones gave a fresh, ethereal look to her pretty features. She was busy and had no time or patience for visitors. She was currently programming the greenhouses in the vast complexes... inputting extremely, sensitive instructions into the computers for her newly, acquired plants. This outpost would be maintained by a skeleton crew in a couple of months, so everything had to be programmed perfectly.

Elias had said, 'cadets'. She hoped and prayed it wasn't Finnegan again, but Elias would have told her so. She looked into the small, cracked mirror that was posted on the door. Satisfied, she headed towards the center dome.

With a final jerk, the vehicle came to a stand-still before a huge, circular, dome-liked structure which dominated the centre of the outpost. Other greenhouses were connected to this center hub like appendages, extending at least two kilometers in each direction. Workers could be seen moving around in the self-contained system, going about their duties.

Sandoval had put on his best scowl as he descended on the two cadets as they were getting out of the buggy. Spock plucked a water flask from his belt, and gave the relieved Boma a much needed drink. Leila was just coming out of the dome when she saw two figures emerge from the buggy. The first figure looked handsome, but disheveled. Sweat was pouring down his face, and brown dust had accumulated on the top of his head. His clothes also suffered from his perspiration and clung stickily to his body. He seemed thoroughly unprepared for desert conditions. She wanted to laugh...but the second figure had just caught her eye. He swung out of the buggy in one smooth, graceful motion. He paused for a minute taking in his surroundings, then removed his white hood and stood exposed. Leila's heart stopped. He was definitely a Vulcan! She saw Elias walk briskly towards the two.

'Elias,' she said in a soft voice, as she moved swiftly to intervene before he could start his tirade. She walked around him to block his way to the cadets. 'I'll handle this,' she said, looking at her employer and friend giving him an apologetic grin. 'I think that the Vulcan might want to pick up supplies for Ambassador Sarek and his wife. She requested that I bring some things back from Vulcan.'

Sandavol hesitated…eyed the cadets…weighed the logic…then acquiesced and went back to work. She turned towards the two newcomers taking a better look at them. The man looked interesting enough, but she gave most of her observation to the Vulcan who was even more interesting in her brief evaluation. She took in his sleek form, his intelligent eyes, his thin lips, and his slightly-flared nostrils. She was trying desperately to remember everything she knew about Vulcans, not wanting to offend this one in any way. In her confusion, she turned to the other man.

'I'm Leila Kalomi. You wanted to see me?'

Boma grinned to himself for he had noticed the beautiful woman's reaction to Spock. He decided to help her out a bit.

'No, I'm with him. My name is Samuel Boma, by the way. I think that he wants to ask you about some exotic Vulcan plants to make some type of soup or something.' Boma and Spock had argued that morning about a suitable excuse to visit the complex. Spock had favored a more direct approach, but Boma decided a feint was needed. Not thirsty anymore, Boma was going to get back at Spock a little, as he noticed Spock's reaction to his version of the story.

'Cadet Finnegan, who goes to the Academy with us, and is held in the utmost esteem,' Boma said, making sure he fulfilled the outlines of their lost bet to the fullest, 'highly recommended your center to provide Spock with what he needs.'

Leila became inwardly excited as she turned back to the Vulcan. 'Yes, I know of it, plomeek soup, and we do grow the plants for the seasonsings here. What a coincidence! The Vulcan ambassador's wife has just commissioned me to provide some for her, too!'

Spock glared at Boma briefly. 'My name is Spock, Miss Kalomi.' Spock had noticed her beauty, but what he would never know is that if he hadn't seen Nyota first, he would have been equally transformed by the woman who stood before him.

'Indeed, plomeek soup is a favorite of mine…,' Spock said, going reluctantly along with Samuel's story. 'Cadet Finnegan and I were roommates once...'

Leila hardly heard anything about the praises of Sean Finnegan. All she knew was that she had an opportunity to assist and possibly get to know this Vulcan better.

Leila said, 'Of course, we can make plomeek soup on Earth, but it just doesn't taste the same. I've been growing the authentic seasonings in special Vulcan soil in my greenhouse. I could show you the greenhouse for my Vulcan plants right now if you'd like. It's not far from here,' Leila said quietly, her visage taking on a hopeful look.

'We would be honored, Miss Kalomi,' Spock said.

'You two go ahead. I'll just wait here in the shade,' Boma said, noticing a perfect place which had a table and pair of chairs. 'I need to write some messages anyway.'

Leila look at Boma and seemed to give him a slightly, thankful grin, and led Spock in the direction of the greenhouse. Before leaving, however, Leila opened a small cooler and extracted some cold juice packs for Boma to try and sat him in an advantageous position where a vent from the dome emitted cool air. She then opened a bigger cool container and extracted some bread slices, cheese, and a variety of cold sherbets. She then gave him a much needed wet cloth. Boma accepted all with profuse gratitude. He looked like he was in heaven as he wiped the grit from his face to make himself look more presentable, so Spock didn't protest when Leila dragged him off alone on a tour of the greenhouse.

Spock actually found the tour very interesting. The woman was a very competent botanist and accomplished in her work. She was obviously passionate about her plants as her manner became more animated while discussing her latest successes at controlling the climate and coaxing the seedlings to take root in their artificial environment. The plants were logically and aesthetically ordered to provide the viewer not only with a practical arrangement, but also a place where one could relax and enjoy the harmony of nature. She blushed with pride as Spock praised the health and beauty of her plants.

'If you would give me your PADD identification, I would be glad to tell you when these plants have matured. I'll talk to Elias and maybe he will offer you a special price,' Leila said, as they prepared to leave the greenhouse.

'That would be very agreeable, Miss Kalomi. I will tell my mother that she has made an excellent selection in her choice of botanists.' Leila stood shocked as she absorbed the latest information. Then she beamed as she reveled again in Spock's compliments. Spock had no idea that Leila was smitten with him, as she led him back into the heat of the desert towards the main hub.

Boma, in the meantime, had written a much belated letter to Nyota. He was glad that he had the time to concentrate on its content. His PADD beeped impatiently as another message came in. He had almost forgotten, he had to be back at the Academy by 16:00 for practice at the conservatory. He would never make it. He looked around annoyed and impatient wondering what was keeping Spock. His eyes centered on the dune buggy and its strange chassis. Restored from Leila's refreshments, he ventured out into the sun to inspect the buggy. He wondered at the long pole in the center of the buggy. He stepped back, examined the chassis, and the series of buttons on the display. He saw some movement in the direction of where Leila and Spock had gone. Good. He had others thing to do that day. Taking a chance, he pushed a button with a strange looking symbol on it. Boma sprang back as the buggy jarred and a huge, white sail began to unfurl from the thick pole in the center. Smiling, he hooked it up and the strong wind began to fill it. He climbed quickly into the buggy as Spock rounded the corner. Boma grinned wildly and yelled at Spock to get in for he didn't know what would happen in the next couple of seconds!

'Nice to have met you, Samuel!' Leila said, waving a hand.

Spock broke into a run as he saw that the buggy had begin to hover, and the wheels deflate and retract. "I will call you, Spock, when the plants are ready,' she shouted, over the din of the wind and the buggy's sail.

Spock's leap was spot on as he gained the buggy. Both cadets now stood in the decreased passenger compartment.

'I think that our droid is going to handle everything this time,' Boma said, his hands free as the buggy hovered steadily.

'Well, well, I'm glad one of you cadets finally figured out this buggy,' a sarcastic voice said, as the buggy hung in the air. 'Raised my opinion of the lot of you.' Sandavol had appeared with what looked like a remote in his hand. He grinned at Boma. "I've programmed the remote to take you directly to the nearest port. The droid will get it back to the gate, don't worry.' Boma mouthed a 'thank you' as the buggy made a wild U-turn in midair, to the malicious glee of Sandavol, and took off swiftly towards the dunes.

Spock and Boma remained silent for a couple of minutes to get used to and enjoy the new functions of their transportion.

'Soooo', said Boma, 'you have her PADD information already. I didn't know you had it in you.'

'The matter is purely professional, Samuel', Spock said, as visions of Nyota broke into his thoughts like an oasis.

'Well, it didn't seem like it from her point of view,' needled Samuel.

'I have no further comment on the matter.' Spock said, leaving Boma in teasing speculation.


The new Fast Track cadet had entered. His eyes betrayed nothing as he took in every part of her. He noticed that her uniform was new, and it fit her perfectly. Her skirt fit her hips snuggly and revealed legs which were long and smooth. He was disappointed that her hair was pulled back, but it accentuated her beautifully formed features. She stood at perfect attention waiting for him to start the meeting. He motioned to her to take a seat. He posed his first question, wondering how her voice would sound when she answered him.


This chapter was pretty long; that's why it took so long to write it. I can honestly say, I enjoyed writing this chapter, and I would appreciate your reviews. Thanks very much!