Under Fire: Chapter 10
Spock was still running scenarios in his head, as to how they might escape, when the door to the storage building was opened.
A short, round humanoid, obviously native to the planet, was illuminated by the sudden light in the room. Two others had accompanied him, security personnel, by the way they looked, Spock noted.
"Get them up," he ordered.
Roughly the two officers were yanked up and placed onto a makeshift bench.
"Federations," he said with disgust. "Always everywhere when not wanted and never around when you do. Names?"
"I am Commander Spock, Science Officer and this is Dr. Christine Chapel. We are here by invitation of your planetary government. And you, sir?"
Christine was always amazed at how cool and unflappable Spock appeared; he could have been chatting over afternoon tea.
"Jefen, overseer of this…." He waved a hand in a circular motion to indicate all that surrounded them.
"Why were you spying on my men and this place?"
"We are not 'spying,' as you call it. Dr. Chapel and I were lost and ended up here. If you will free us and allow us the use of a communications device, our ship will be more than happy to remove us from our present location."
Jefen smiled, but it did not reach his eyes, Christine noticed. He was a slimy bastard who reminded her of the salesman who had sold her the last 'ancient relic' she had purchased while on shore leave.
"We will contact your ship and alert them to your location and I'm positive they will be here to retrieve you before long."
Christine spoke, "We would like water and food, as well as being untied, please."
She held her hands out in front of her.
Stepping toward her, Jefen cupped her face in his hand and rubbed his 'thumb' across her cheek.
"With your cooperation, Dr. Chapel, I am sure something can be arranged."
Dropping his hand, the overseer and his two henchmen left the building, making sure to lock it behind them, but not before extinguishing the light, leaving them once again in semi-darkness.
"Uuuugh," Christine shivered with disgust. "He is one creepy round fellow."
Turning to her, Spock elevated one brow. "He seemed to particularly appreciate you."
"Please, please don't say what I think you're about to say."
Spock didn't answer, just looked at her.
"Seriously, Spock?" Dropping her head forward, she said, "Fine, I'll take one for the team if it gives us a chance to get out of here."
"Christine, I am not sure I understand nor like your use of the phrase 'take one for the team.'"
The Vulcan seemed perturbed. "I am not expecting you to have sexual-"
"Stop, oh, God, stop! I don't even want to think about it. It is an expression, Spock. It means to do something you don't want to do in order to get something for the good of the group or progress forward."
She shivered, "Ick! I can't believe you'd even think…." Christine shivered again.
Her companion's eyes were dark and narrowed and his face expressionless.
"I would be quite….disturbed if you committed such a deed in order to gain our freedom."
One side of Christine's mouth turned up into a smile. "Well that's good to know," she quipped sarcastically. "I don't want you disturbed."
"Besides," Spock continued, "I do not think it wise to allow ourselves to be separated. If we leave here, we will leave together."
"Deal," she said and emitted a long sigh.
*******************************Ch&Sp****************************
"Dammit, Jim, I don't know what happened. I'm not the Mad Hatter! I'm telling you that I woke up and they were gone down a giant hole in the ground."
Scotty hid his smile behind his hand. Jim Kirk didn't even try to hide his.
"Bones, I'm sorry. I'm not laughing at you—"
"Go ahead and laugh, meanwhile Spock and Christine are God knows where!"
"Sit down, Bones, I'm not laughing at you, believe me. This is a serious situation and I know we're all concerned about where they could be.
"In fact, I want you to begin to assign medical personnel to some of the security teams. As soon as the president's time is up, we're going to have boots on the ground.
"Dismissed everyone. Dr. McCoy, stay behind please."
Gesturing to the table and chairs, he invited the doctor to sit back down.
"Jim—"
"Bones, it's okay. I know you're concerned about Christine—and Spock—whether you'll admit it or not. I think you should take a couple of shifts off after you make the crew assignments."
"No, thanks, Jim. I feel like I failed my crew mates, and I don't believe that I performed as an officer should have this past mission."
"What are you talking about?"
"I have some personal issues that may have distracted me. Maybe if I had paid better attention-"
Jim Kirk took hold of his friend's shoulder.
"That's impossible Bones; you would never knowingly or unknowingly put anyone's life at risk.
"That being said, handle whatever this is and get your focus back where it needs to be and we'll talk later."
"Thanks, Jim."
*************************Ch&Sp*****************************
According to Spock's internal chronometer, it had been 2 hours and 45 minutes, give or take a few. Christine had fallen over against the wall, against her better intentions; it was either that or fall asleep and hit the floor.
Spock was actually the one who made the suggestion that she rest, which she refused at first, but eventually, she succumbed. Meanwhile, he counted himself fortunate that his hands were tied in front; he had been working with the binding around his feet, with success. Now he was working on the doctor's. At least when she awoke, they would be able to walk or to run.
Just as he had managed to get Christine's legs unbound, there was a small sound to the back of the hut. He gently nudged the doctor awake.
"Someone is attempting to enter the building."
"The captain?"
"I don't think so. Your feet are freed; turn toward me and let me try to free your hands. Keep an eye out for anyone coming from behind."
Christine couldn't see Spock's hands clearly in the dim lighting, but she could feel his long nimble fingers against hers. They were smooth and, though powerful, he was gentle in trying to undo the ropes.
It was strangely erotic and then the horrible thought that he could feel her emotions raced through her mind.
In her embarrassment, she quipped, "This being tied up isn't exactly as exciting as I thought it would be. We seem to be in the habit of being tied together. If this keeps up, people will talk."
Spock said, "I find it has had its moments, Miss Chapel, and from the rise in your body temperature, I believe you would have to agree."
Before she could say anything to salvage her dignity, she caught a shadow out of the corner of her eye.
Someone was looming in the darkness just out of sight.