New chapter :3 Bit tough to do this one if just to make Spock...feely but still Vulcany. Hope that worked. Enjoy!
Oh, and I've gotten a few comments about things like spelling and grammar. I appreciate the look out, I seriously do. As it stands I don't have a beta reader and I'm working on things I hope one day to professionally publish, so those get a bit more attention in rereads and what not. I do this for fun and because I really enjoy making you all and myself happy. So if I mess up typing quickly know it certainly was not intentional, and I do appreciate the look out but editing is just not a top priority right now with my fanfiction, more with my original fiction. Thanks again!
Lenore gasped as she was pulled away from the cabinet and shoved her aggressively into the wall next to it. She grunted at the painful way her cheekbone met with the metal. Her first thought was one of her crew had an addiction she hadn't known about and was trying to steal some sort of drug. "Cabinet close! McCoy one!" The cabinet slid shut again quickly with a click as it locked but the hand was still around her throat. The grip was like iron and she couldn't move or throw it off. And now she realized just how hot the hand was and felt her stomach drop.
"I do not seek your medications, doctor," Stuvak said with a growl.
Lenore managed to turn her head enough to glare at him from the corner of her eye. "You bastard, let me go!"
"I think not." His fingers danced a little over her skin as he adjusted his grip. "You are an annoying and foolish woman...I don't see what even Spock would find so appealing about you." She glared further and attempted to kick back but he pushed her further into the wall, his body getting closer to where she could feel the heat against her back. It felt like she had a bonfire right at her back and she wondered if he was running a Vulcan fever. He inhaled and leaned in further, Lenore shivering and feeling cold now. "But...your scent is intriguing..."
Fuck, where did I hear that before I wonder...Can't be like that though. "Get the hell of me! I swear to god I will report you for assault!"
"That fire too is intriguing. So open with your feelings...I should be disgusted but I am still further fascinated...perhaps because I wish to see that mouth of yours be shut." Lenore was about to tell him where to shove it when she felt a hand on her thigh. "Your body is not displeasing either I will admit. Perhaps I should explore further..."
Despite the heat Lenore felt like a wash of ice water went over her. Shit shit shit! I didn't think he was serious! "Computer, Alert! Medical—"
He tightened his grip on her throat and she choked on her words with a cough. "I will not hurt you, Doctor...McCoy, correct? So long as you don't do anything foolish..." McCoy was cursing the sound proof walls now. She swung back with her arm but he grabbed that before it connected and then her other for good measure before pinning them to the wall. "Are you quite done now?" He leaned in further still, taking a deep breath.
"Stop this now! I'm pregnant you ass, you can't seriously do something like this!" she managed to gasp out through her constricted throat.
That seemed to rouse him slightly, and McCoy thought she saw his eyes, that had been clouded and hazy, try to clear. "Pregnant...yes, that's right, you are..." He gave a quiet groan. "But I need...I need..." He whispered desperately, moving closer to her. Lenore felt fear all through her body, trying desperately to either get him away or push her body through her wall into the next room.
She hadn't heard her door open, but she did hear a strange buzzing sound before Stuvak suddenly yelled and jerked back, releasing her so she was able to quickly move away and breathe easer. Her mouth fell open when she saw Scotty standing there with what looked like a cattle prod in his hand. "Ye be leaving Dr. McCoy alone now, ya bampot! Or I'll up the juice and turn ye into a Vulcan sausage!"
Stuvak glared at him, moving as if to strike but Scotty was wily as he moved out of the way and gave another electrified strike to the Vulcan's side that made him shout. Lenore wasn't sure what was more surprising: Scotty with a cattle prod that she knew wasn't standard issue or a Vulcan showing anger and pain so easily. Something was definitely wrong with this picture.
The Vulcan apparently had enough though as he finally grabbed the shaft of the prod and crushed it in his grip. "Ach! Ye tosser, look what ye did! Uh oh." He ducked at a swipe and quickly moved around the side of her desk to try and keep some distance between them. Lenore quickly roused herself from her spectator status and quickly grabbed a hypo from a nearby shelf she kept on hand as an emergency tranquilizer. While his attention was on Scotty she rushed forward and slammed it into his neck as hard as she could. Stuvak snarled at her and shoved her away, but she managed to catch herself on her desk. Before he could do anything else though he teetered and finally dropped to one knee as the chemical took affect.
Lenore was panting in fear and adrenaline but sighed when it looked as though Stuvak was going to pass out again soon. Scotty was to her side quickly, bracing her up. "Are you okay, lassie? He didn't hurt ye?"
"Nothing major..." She hugged the Scotsman gently the way she would a friend in utter gratitude. "Thanks to you. My hero."
Scotty blushed but smiled and patted her back. "I thought I saw him come in here looking a might unsteady, so I came to check. Glad I did. I didn't think Vulcans came like that."
"Me neither," she muttered. "Just hold on while I call security." She walked over to the panel on the wall and pressed the button. "McCoy to Security, I've got a situation. I need some of your strongest up here to restrain a Vulcan patient. He's drugged but I don't trust him. Also alert the Vulcan dignitaries there's been an incident."
"Yes Dr. McCoy, we'll be there shortly."
"Thanks." She sighed and went back to sit in her chair, rubbing over her throat slightly.
"You sure you're okay, Doc?" Scotty asked worriedly.
"Just a little shaken...I'll give myself a physical in a bit to make sure the baby's fine, but I don't feel it's in danger. I'm kind of used to life and death situations by now, a threat like that scared me but nothing I can't get over since you came to the rescue."
Scotty smiled and patted her shoulder. A moment later several security officers came in and she pointed to Stuvak who was practically on the floor now.
"I hit him with a barbital cocktail hypo that would knock most species out cold, but he's Vulcan so be careful."
"Right," Security Chief Shultz, better known as Cupcake by their captain, said. He and another burly man lifted the Vulcan with a grunt under the arms. "What should we do?"
"Put him back in the bed on the end and this time restrain him," she growled. "Don't let him move his damn big toe."
"Yes sir," Shultz said, hauling the Vulcan to the bed.
No sooner than they had his arms restrained and were working on his legs than Jim, T'Pau, Spock and Soltek rushed in. Even the Vulcans looked a bit harried, though T'Pau was the first to compose herself and walk over. Spock made it over first though, his stride more hurried. "Dr. McCoy, are you harmed? We were informed there was an incident in which you were forced to defend yourself from Stuvak." His dark eyes roamed her quickly, looking for signs of hurt. She blushed a bit under the scrutiny but reminded herself she'd just been assaulted. Of course he was worried. About the baby. Jim joined him quickly, looking much more freaked out.
She cleared her throat, but it was still a bit raspy as she spoke. "I'm alright. Little bruised but Scotty actually got Stuvak away from me."
"Mr. Scott?"
"Scotty?" Jim clarified.
"Aye, me," Scotty said, folding his arms. "Is it that surprising?"
"No, Scotty, of course not," Jim said. "Just...we know you're not a bad fighter, exactly... but I'd have trouble against a Vulcan and I've been in more bar brawls than everyone on the ship combined."
"Aye, well, Matilda helped me get his attention."
"Matilda?" they all asked.
Scotty held up the remains of his cattle prod with a mournful look. "I made her on Delta Vega. They had bugs the size of small children, so she helped keep them away. She could give a good zap ranging from static all the way to poaching an egg."
"...You built a taser?" Spock asked.
"Looks more like a cattle prod," Jim supplied. "But either way, good job, Scotty. I hope you can fix...Matilda."
"Oh, I'll do me best, Captain."
"Good. I'll be giving you a commendation for helping Dr. McCoy."
Scotty nodded with a smile. "Not necessary Captain, but thank ye."
"I would like to inquire what precisely happened first," T'Pau said.
They all turned to her and Lenore shrugged a bit. "I'm not entirely sure myself. I went to get Scotty some meds for his hand burn, and all of a sudden that guy grabbed my neck from behind and pushed me against the wall. It seemed like he was feverish or something and was kind of emotional. I thought it was about the punch I gave him before, but...he also, um...smelled me, and put his hand on my thigh..." she went on more awkwardly, glancing at Spock. Out of the corner of her eye she could see T'Pau and Soltek straighten as if they realized something new. "Then Scotty came in and shocked him, drawing his attention. After he broke the cattle prod-I mean "Matilda", I managed to hit him with a hypo full of powerful sedatives and call security. That's about the gist of it."
Spock seemed emotionless for a moment before he looked to Stuvak. Soltek quickly put a hand on his shoulder and began speaking in Vulcan. T'Pau joined the conversation. They're voices were much richer in their native language. Spock spoke back, his voice tight with control. They all seemed to argue in monotone voices for several moments, the humans looking at each other in confusion. T'Pau apparently pulled rank on Spock at last, who looked down as if shamed. She nodded and turned to Jim with a calm expression.
"I realize what Stuvak did is deplorable, Captain, and I do not defend him for his decisions as he should've realized his condition before now. However, I believe him to be mentally and physically compromised by a condition that sometimes plagues Vulcans. I ask that you allow us to transport him back to our ship for treatment. Without it it's possible he will die from the imbalance of chemicals and high fever. It is very painful for us and leads to a lack of control that can result in fits of anger or other potent emotions. After he is treated, I assure you we will also see he is suitably punished for his behavior. I believe a demotion to a planetary based position coupled with months of rigorous tutelage in proper behavior is logical." She looked to Lenore. "Dr. McCoy, understand that this is not a belittling of his acts or a show that we are favoring our own and ignoring their transgressions. He was not in his right mind, as humans say, but we cannot afford to lock him away given our limited resources of personnel. If anything further had happened, we would punish him accordingly, but as Mr. Scott ensured your safety we wish to have him cured and deliver a more subtle punishment. I ask if you find this acceptable or have objections."
Lenore frowned but considered it. "...I'm not happy about his behavior today either, obviously. But if he's sick...I guess I can say it'll do for now. Get him fixed though because he's been a jackass all day. And I get the feeling that's not a new development, Vulcan disease or not."
T'Pau's eyebrow twitched but Lenore thought she looked faintly amused rather than annoyed. "He is not an easy man to deal with, no. Perhaps his punishment will teach him the humility he illogically lacks." She turned to Soltek. "I believe you still have things you wish to accomplish here?"
The eldest looking Vulcan nodded. "Yes. I will need a bit more time."
"That is acceptable. We have methods to treat Stuvak on the ship in case this should've happened. T'Pring has apparently not come despite the raised alarm, please inform her later of the development and ask her to complete her business as well. I would prefer leaving in three standard hours at the most."
"I will inform her," he said simply.
"Good. I will escort Stuvak to the ship as I will need to contact others at the Colony about the incident." She looked to Captain Kirk again. "I must make another request that you keep some of this from an official report. Our people are still negotiating much for the colony, I do not wish to see this color others perceptions."
Lenore glowered but knew she was right. No one would like to deal with a group that had some kind of illness that made them assault people physically. She could see why it was probably a secret, especially for Vulcans. Stuvak paraded around as a pariah was tempting, but she didn't want the Vulcan Colony harmed by negative press when it was still trying to get off the ground. Not with people she respected like Spock, Sarek, T'Pau and Soltek fighting for it. She could see the others thinking the same.
Jim frowned and hesitated before looking at Scotty and Lenore.
Scotty smiled. "Don't worry about me, Captain. I did what I thought was best, that's good enough for me, I don't need to be paraded around. This time. Future times I save the day, feel free to parade." The humans chuckled at that.
"And as much as I'd like to see Stuvak in trouble, what she says does make sense," Lenore said. "I'm fine in the long run so no need to air the dirty laundry for everyone to see I suppose."
T'Pau bowed her head just slightly in thanks before turning to the security team and beginning to issue orders of carrying Stuvak to the transporter. Jim quickly went to Lenore and put his hands on her shoulders.
"You are okay, right Bones? Not putting on a brave face or something?" he asked worriedly. "Tell us now and I can have him 'lost' being transported."
She rolled her eyes but patted him on the back. "I'm fine, really. Hey, give Scotty some of my good whiskey as a thank you since I can't drink it."
"Whiskey?" Scotty said, grinning a bit. "Now we be talking. I'm more a brandy man myself, but I won't say no ta whiskey."
"Won't say no to most alcohol I'll wager," Jim said with a wry smile. "I'll get you the bottle then, so long as I don't hear about it anywhere near engineering, and that includes on your breath."
Scotty just laughed rather than be insulted. "No worries there, Captain, I promise ye. No one handles their duties in engineering drunk, especially myself."
"Oh, let me get those meds for you real quick-no taking them with the whiskey either! Ya gotta wait at least an hour," Lenore said, leveling a stare at him. She turned and headed back for the office, opening the cabinet again and shaking out two pills into her hand. She jumped when she heard the door slide shut and whirled before sighing. "Jesus, Spock..."
"I did not mean to frighten you..."
"I wasn't frightened," she bristled, closing the bottle and putting it away. "Just...don't sneak up on me." He nodded a bit, looking hesitant. She sighed and went over to stand in front of him, trying to smile. "Look, don't ask me if I'm really okay, alright? I'm fine. Bruised but fine, he didn't even do much besides threaten and be a creeper."
Spock's face tightened. "Threatening you is appalling enough. If I had been present, he would not be standing of his own volition for a long time."
Lenore blinked then blushed. Spock being protective...why is that a turn on to me? I'm not a defenseless damsel in distress! She ignored the part that reminded her she had needed saving earlier, and more still the part that wished maybe Spock had been the one to do it. It's just the baby though... "Nothing happened aside from some bruises to my neck and face. And that's no real tragedy obviously."
Spock tilted his head with a crease between his eyebrows. "That statement suggests you do not see yourself as attractive, Doctor."
"Well I'm not exactly a supermodel. Not saying I'm bad looking, just..." She shrugged helplessly. Maybe when she was younger she'd seen herself as pretty hot stuff, but now with how she barely bothered with her appearance and life etching it's experience on her skin, it was hard to see the appeal. "Plain I guess," she finally finished.
The half-Vulcan righted his head but the frown remained. "...You are far from 'plain', Doctor. You are formidable in strength, mind and appearance. I have noticed the...interest of many in you, as a possible romantic partner."
Lenore blushed more before laughing. "Oh come on, you're having one on me."
"You think I jest?"
"Well...yeah. No one's ever asked me out on the ship."
Spock considered this a moment. "You are the CMO. I have been told women who hold power can be intimidating when attempting to approach them."
Lenore arched her eyebrows with a smirk. "You've been told that, hmm? Don't think I've ever intimidated you."
He took a step forward and Lenore felt a blush creep up again as he stared her down. "Not in a professional sense perhaps, though as I said you are formidable as a woman. Professionally however I have no such reservations as you realize..." He leaned in further and Lenore took a step back, gulping. His expression was almost bored and he said his last words dryly. "I outrank you."
The brunette woman gaped at him a long moment before her cheeks reddened for a different reason. "That so, ya green blooded hobgoblin?" she ground out. "That supposed to mean something?"
"Obviously." She shut her mouth as he leaned in, blushing even more. H-he's getting pretty close... Her eyes looked once to his lips but she quickly looked back and tried not to show how nervous she was. "It means that I am not intimidated professionally from pursuing you." Lenore's brain apparently stopped functioning at that. It couldn't mean what she thought it did, he had to mean something else. She didn't even realize her breath had stopped. He finally eased back, nodding just slightly. "Please think on that further." He turned on his heel and left then and she stood there a moment more. Two quiet thuds resounded slightly and she jumped to realize she had dropped the pills from her suddenly numb hands. Kneeling, she picked them up and rubbed them across her shirt as her brain tried to catch up. What just happened...
Spock and his elder self had remained in the observation deck for a while longer, though eventually the conversation had dried up into a content silence as they looked out at the stars. Spock was fine with that because it gave him time to think and dissect his inner feelings that he didn't choose to admit to on the surface. He knew he was going to ask T'Pring to dissolve the bond, but he hadn't admitted to why. Not truly. Hearing his older self's words though that perhaps Dr. McCoy was important to him had his mind whirring away in thought.
The good doctor was important to him he knew. She was the CMO of his ship, his friend and now the mother of his child. Of course that made her important. But Spock began turning other things, other reasons over in his mind. They argued, but Spock tended to look forward to their small spats as challenges and even small respites from the rest of his day. She made the mundane days interesting and the more eventful days somehow easier to cope with.
She insulted him, but he had long since took them as abuse when she showed time and again she did care about him by watching his back on missions. Sometimes he even enjoyed them. He'd spent much of his life being put down for his human traits, traits he'd once tried hard to suppress. McCoy however focused on his Vulcan traits and pushed them to the front, and in a way he was grateful to that. It was so different from the taunts of his youth he sometimes enjoyed them. And she never took it too far, no insults to his family aside from the occasional "bastard" comment, which he knew was more a word to convey her ire than an actual comment on his parents marital status.
Aesthetically she was pleasing. He liked the dark color and wave to her hair. Vulcan hair was typically straight but the wildness was intriguing. Her body was in good condition from constant training. Her skin was smooth and soft, but she held areas of "freckles" as they were called in some areas that noted time spent outside. Vulcans didn't freckle so in a way that was fascinating as well. She had a pleasant shape to her face and her mouth that was attractive. But Spock was most intrigued by her eyes. They were expressive dark brown eyes that told him everything she felt and thought; so human but somehow alluring in how they didn't seek to conceal anything.
Spock sighed quietly. After a thorough examination of his thoughts and feelings he kept under control, he could not deny it. He found Dr. McCoy more appealing as a possible mate than T'Pring. He found her more appealing than even Uhura, which was worrying. Uhura had been intelligent, logical, cool under pressure and relatively easy going. Though certainly intelligent, McCoy was more often guided by her emotions, thrived in stressful situations to the point of exacerbating them, and more prone to worry. Comparitvely speaking, Uhura was far more logical a choice in a human mate. It had been one reason for his pursuit of her while on earth as a possible alternative. But that time between them had come and gone with barely a fight or whimper as it ended and he had felt little remorse. He'd wished Uhura luck and even noticed her flirting on occasion during leave with no subsequent breach in his emotional control.
McCoy however he wished to remain close to as much as possible. And the idea of others attempting to get close to her was...unsettling. It was illogical to feel that way since they weren't together romantically. He had no right to infringe on her personal pursuits so long as they were not harmful to the child. And he knew she would not let anything do that. It was yet another fact that endeared her to him.
Did all these thoughts mean however he desired to be with Dr. McCoy with the intentions of a permanent romantic relationship?
His communicator beeped, startling him out of his thoughts though outwardly he remained calm as he picked it up. "Spock here."
"Commander," Uhura said, all business though there was a slight worry to her voice. "We just got a request for security from sick bay. Something to do with restraining one of the Vulcans there. Dr. McCoy sounded...strained."
Spock's eyes widened. Without a glance to his other self he quickly rose and walked quickly to the door. "I'm on my way." His elder self followed quickly and they made impressive time through the halls.
Arriving in sickbay, he was met with the sight of the security team strapping down an obviously drugged Stuvak. McCoy and Mr. Scott were standing nearby, both looking a little unkempt as if they'd just been through a physical ordeal. It took Spock a moment of looking at Stuvak's condition and theirs to infer that something had indeed happened. Though T'Pau had started towards the doctor calmly, Spock surpassed her in quick strides to stand before the humans.
"Dr. McCoy, are you harmed? We were informed there was an incident in which you were forced to defend yourself from Stuvak?" His eyes locked on to her cheek first, which was turning red, and then to her throat where he was certain he saw finger like bruises forming.
Her voice sounded weak as she spoke, blushing for some reason. "I'm alright. Little bruised but Scotty actually got Stuvak away from me."
Spock blinked. "Mr. Scott?" It wasn't that he was ungrateful or surprised precisely, but knowing someone else had defended her placed that unsettling feeling back in him.
"Scotty?" The captain asked, Spock not having realized he'd come up next to him.
"Aye, me," Mr. Scott said, folding his arms. "Is it that surprising?"
"No, Scotty, of course not," the Captain said. "Just...we know you're not a bad fighter, exactly... but I'd have trouble against a Vulcan and I've been in more bar brawls than everyone on the ship combined." Spock could not dispute this, though he felt Mr. Scott was one of the least well trained fighters on board. His assistant Keenser was more fearsome in a fight. Ensign Chekov had even begun to learn to defend himself, but Mr. Scott was more concerned with the workings of the ship than self preservation.
"Aye, well, Matilda helped me get his attention."
"Matilda?" they all asked. Spock ran a mental roster of the crew and came up with four Matildas, but none currently present to his eye.
Scotty held up the remains of his cattle prod with a mournful look. "I made her on Delta Vega. They had bugs the size of small children, so she helped keep them away. She could give a good zap ranging from static all the way to poaching an egg."
"...You built a taser?" Spock asked. He really shouldn't have been surprised, the man was a mechanical genius but with a devious mind on occasion. And a strange propensity to name certain mechanical devices.
"Looks more like a cattle prod," Jim supplied. "But either way, good job, Scotty. I hope you can fix...Matilda."
"Oh, I'll do me best, Captain."
"Good. I'll be giving you a commendation for helping Dr. McCoy." Spock agreed silently, though somehow he was still unpleased in an unexplainable way.
Scotty nodded with a smile. "Not necessary Captain, but thank ye."
"I would like to inquire what precisely happened first," T'Pau said.
They all turned to her and Lenore shrugged her shoulders as if to try and downplay the incident as she explained. But hearing all the facts regarding Stuvak's apparent loss of control had Spock's blood first running cold, then hot. He is in Pon Farr! His mind exclaimed. He looked at the prone Vulcan, the need to do violence to him rising. He threatened Dr. McCoy! My child! I would be well within my rights to skin him like an animal! His outer features didn't belay the anger deep inside, but it was growing like a fire being fed dry wood.
A hand fell to his shoulder and he heard his older self speak in Vulcan. "(You have realized it too. Do not do anything rash.)"
"(He was essentially mad with the blood fever at the time. He could not control his inhibitions and instincts.)"
"(He had no right to touch her,)" Spock ground out, attempting to reign in his own emotions. "(She is carrying my child. Should he have hurt either of them, I would not hesitate to dispatch him. I am still tempted to do so now.)"
"(Calm yourself, Spock,)" his other self said. "(She has bruises, but is otherwise unharmed.)"
"(But for the grace of Mr. Scott's intervention. If he had not been here...)" I should've been here. I should've been the one to protect her.
"(It did not happen—)"
"(But it could have.)"
"(Many things 'could have' happened, Spock,)" his elder self said calmly. "(Every decision, every possible outcome of a situation, is a 'could have'. You could have not impregnated Dr. McCoy. You could not have one the day the Narada came. Your father could have not married your mother. All these things have unpredictable results and we will not know the results of any other outcome as it has already happened the way it has. Thus it is logical to accept it and move on rather than dwell on the 'could haves' of our lives. In the long run, life is much more enjoyable that way lest we let regret take us over.)"
Spock was quiet, still looking at Stuvak. "(He had no right.)"
"(And neither do you,)" T'Pau said. "(She is carrying your child, yes, but that does not mean she is yours. You have no claim on her. She is not your mate in marriage or bond and you have specified your relationship has been platonic since the night of impregnation. As such, though what Stuvak did was wrong, you have no right to deal out your own punishment as you are not involved by anything more than tangential connection as 'friend'. As a member of the council, I will support that no matter how much I too desire Stuvak to be heavily punished for his misconduct. He will be punished fairly by us.)"
Spock bent his head. The words hurt somehow, but he couldn't deny them. He and Dr. McCoy were not in a relationship. Somehow, his uneasiness was stemming from that fact. Like a light being shined in his mind he realized that if it made him uneasy, he should seek to rectify it.
The question was how.
"Oh, let me get those meds for you real quick-no taking them with the whiskey either!" McCoy's voice suddenly roused him from his reflection. "Ya gotta wait at least an hour," she said, leveling a stare at Mr. Scott. She turned and headed back for the office.
Spock watched her before looking to Kirk. "Captain, I would like to have a quick word with Dr. McCoy."
The blonde blinked but nodded. "Okay, sure—"
The first officer didn't wait for a full response, striding quickly to the CMO's office. He set the door to close behind him, but Lenore jumped at turned to look at him in shock. A touch of fear was in her eyes and it made his heart clench, though to a human it felt like a cramp in the side. He didn't want her to look like that, especially at him. The look relaxed though when she realized it was him. "Jesus, Spock..."
"I did not mean to frighten you..." he said honestly.
She frowned again, blushing. "I wasn't frightened." She shut the cabinet. "Just...don't sneak up on me." He nodded slowly. She sighed and went over to stand in front of him, and he followed her intently with his eyes. She gave a small half smile. "Look, don't ask me if I'm really okay, alright? I'm fine. Bruised but fine, he didn't even do much besides threaten and be a creeper."
Spock's face tightened. "Threatening you is appalling enough. If I had been present, he would not be standing of his own volition for a long time."
She blushed again, looking surprised before looking away. "Nothing happened aside from some bruises to my neck and face. And that's no real tragedy obviously."
Spock tilted his head with a crease between his eyebrows. He considered the words carefully. "That statement suggests you do not see yourself as attractive, Doctor."
"Well I'm not exactly a supermodel. Not saying I'm bad looking, just..." She shrugged with resignation. "Plain I guess."
He returned his head to proper posture and blinked. "...You are far from 'plain', Doctor. You are formidable in strength, mind and appearance. I have noticed the...interest of many in you, as a possible romantic partner." It was true, though he'd never paid the attention much mind in the past. Perhaps bringing it to her attention would make her happy, despite Spock not feeling amused by such thoughts. Compliments are a good way to show interest.
He saw her reddened before she laughed a bit. "Oh come on, you're having one on me."
He frowned inwardly. "You think I jest?"
"Well...yeah. No one's ever asked me out on the ship."
Fortunately... "You are the CMO. I have been told women who hold power can be intimidating when attempting to approach them."
She looked at him rather dubiously with a smile and he found the expression rather...cute. "You've been told that, hmm? Don't think I've ever intimidated you."
He took a step forward and noticed a slight redness return into her cheeks as he looked down into her eyes. "Not in a professional sense perhaps, though as I said you are formidable as a woman. Professionally however I have no such reservations as you realize..." He leaned in further and Lenore took a step back, gulping. He had to put on an extra amount of control into remaining neutral in his expression. "I outrank you." It was subtle, he knew, but he hoped to get her thinking that he had intentions towards her.
The brunette woman gaped at him a long moment before her cheeks reddened again in a familiar tinge of anger. "That so, ya green blooded hobgoblin?" she ground out. "That supposed to mean something?"
"Obviously." He leaned in further and her mouth snapped shut, eyes widening as she watched him come closer. Her face further turned crimson and he felt a bit of satisfaction. "It means that I am not intimidated professionally from pursuing you." She stared at him, eyes growing confused. But she looked also uncomfortable and he realized he was likely too close to her after her encounter before with Stuvak. His eyes and ears detected she wasn't even breathing. Likely it would be best to let her relax before attempting anything further. He stepped back respectfully, and nodded more to himself than to her. "Please think on that further." He turned and left. After all, there was still the matter of T'Pring to attend to now. Then further preparations concerning Dr. McCoy.
After taking care of Scotty and seeing to the rest of sick bay, despite many people saying it was her off duty time and she should be relaxing now, Lenore finally did sit to try and relax. It was on a sick bed, but still she was trying to relax. But after a day like this, tranquility was hard to come by naturally. Unnaturally was not a possibility in her condition either. In truth, the near assault wasn't what was plaguing her. It was Spock's enigmatic words. At least she told herself they were enigmatic because if he was somehow serious she might just think she'd suddenly gone completely around the bend.
"Are you feeling well, Doctor?"
Lenore lifted her arm from over her eyes and looked up to see the older Vulcan, Soltek, looking down at her from the side of the bed. He had a kind expression though, for a Vulcan, and she felt at ease rather than worried. "Nothing a lot of whiskey couldn't help, but I can't exactly self medicate that way." She smiled wryly, hoping he knew what sarcasm was.
He only inclined his head rather than broach the topic. "Indeed. Congratulations by the way on your pregnancy. I am most supportive of you."
She blinked. "You are?"
"Yes."
"You aren't...weirded out by this? From what I've seen, and I don't mean to offend, Vulcans are a bit..."
"I understand, Doctor. In truth I have long since come to terms with the fact we interact with many new planetary beings. Now, we are forced too. No matter what some may cling to, we cannot preserve our race among ourselves without the risk of inbreeding, and I find that more illogical than anything. And distasteful. However, I believe you and Spock give me hope."
"Hope?" she asked in surprise.
"Yes. In truth, Amanda and Sarek's conception was...I believe the word humans use would be 'miraculous'. In truth it was thought that any child between a human and Vulcan would have to be grown artificially or using artificial insemination. The compatibility is not wholly advantageous for natural conception."
Lenore was surprised and sat up. "But...Spock was conceived naturally? Wow..." Amanda must've been pretty excited... She had never met the woman, but she felt that if everyone said it was next to impossible and it happened, she'd be over the moon. Actually, bit too close to home...
He nodded. "But as you are aware, the limited compatibility between chromosomes should've made him all but sterile. No fertility drugs on Vulcan would've helped him. But, whether accidental or not, you found out that Harakel's drugs are effective enough that a Vulcan-Human hybrid can impregnate another. I believe it would also work for hybrid women to conceive. In this way, we may repopulate our race."
She nodded slowly. "Makes sense to me...but do you think others will go for it? I haven't been very happy with how they treat Spock. You and T'Pau are fine, but that Stuvak guy and what I've heard about T'Pring in their younger days..." She snorted with disdain.
That gentle look came back to his eyes. "I believe they will have to put aside illogical prejudices for the good of our people. It will change us as a race, but we are already changed. I believe going this step further may seem extreme to some but it is logical and needed. In a way it could mean the evolution of a new race. Humans are most viable, but Orions and others may be applicable as well depending on the circumstances. I'm sure they will attempt artifical wombs at first to ensure possible risks, but they may grow up to know a full and fruitful life with the possibility of creating their own families. I am most hopeful now, thanks to you."
Lenore was surprised but smiled more. "Thanks for that. I'm glad I could help in some way, even if it wasn't intentional." She was quiet a moment before clearing her throat. "Um, you're the guy we got off of Delta Vega, right? Sorry if I got to ask, that whole week is still kind of a blur sometimes."
He nodded. "Understandable. Yes, I was the one on Delta Vega. I was observing the wildlife when..."
Lenore nodded, not pressing him to finish. "Jim said you saved him, so I'm pretty grateful to you for getting my idiot best friend back relatively unharmed."
His eyes looked warmer. "Captain Kirk has proved to be a good friend to me, I was pleased to help."
She arched her eyebrows. "Friend?"
He didn't exactly smile but there was an easing to his eyes that gave her that impression. "I don't believe in denying what is true in a matter such as this. James Kirk is my friend and I'm rather proud of that fact."
Huh...warm fuzzy Vulcan? Sounds like an oxymoron. "Okay...So you guys keep in touch?"
"Indeed. I try to do so quite regularly, though I'm afraid I've been busy as of late."
"I'll bet. How's the colony going?"
"Well enough. We have secured rights on one planet quite similar in atmosphere and temperature to Vulcan and have been building structures. We attempt to base them on our traditional structures, but of course some changes are required. We must adapt."
McCoy nodded. "That makes sense. Um, what were you doing out this way?"
"I was on my way to speak with well known scientists about cloning and recreating certain animal species from Vulcan. Not the dangerous ones, of which there were many, but more like animals we kept as pets. We've also been discussing about plants being recreated as well. Anything for a sense of home I suppose."
She smiled in sympathy. "I wish you luck then."
"Thank you...Would you find me rude to ask a question of your condition?"
She arched her eyebrows again. "Depends on your question I guess..."
"I was curious...well, do you feel adequate? No complications regarding you or the child?"
Lenore was surprised before shaking her head. "Not that I've noticed. I was just about to do an exam if you want to look for yourself."
She thought his eyes lit up at the suggestion, though his expression remained controlled. "I would find that most enlightening, thank you."
She nodded and sat up. "Just let me get the sonogram machine ready." She pulled the machine she'd made sure was next to the bed closer and booted it up. Pulling off her uniform top, she pulled her undershirt up enough that her stomach was visible but she kept her modesty. Grabbing the blanket, she laid back and rested it over her stomach. "I'm about ten weeks I'm pretty sure."
"I see...I regret I don't know much about fetal development. It was not a priority to myself."
"No kids of your own?" Lenore asked in surprise.
"No, I'm afraid not..."
She frowned but then turned the monitor so he could see better and smiled. "Well, take a look. I looked up the development charts again and I think he or she is actually about seven to eight weeks. I thought it was more along, but I guess I'd been stressed at the time...Spock too cause he agreed with me."
Soltek was staring at the picture with an unreadable expression. "I...can see how he would be distracted."
She smiled and put a hand on his shoulder, surprising him.
"Children are an honor I never had the chance to experience. I am infertile."
She was surprised again before frowning. Lenore had often thought she would never have children despite her ability to. If she had found out it was impossible, part of her regrets would be eased she knew, but she'd also feel betrayed by her own body. She wondered then if Spock had ever felt that way. "Oh...I'm sorry..."
He shook his head to dismiss her apology. "It is not terrible. While I am remiss that I never experienced my own children, I had friends who had them and I had someone that was...That I cared for till we were parted. I have had a full life of many good and bad experiences that have taught me much. Not many of my people can say that."
Lenore stared in surprise before smiling. "That's real nice. I'm glad for you. I'm a bit envious that you had someone important."
He tilted his head. "I believe that you will have someone important to you one day."
She chuckled. "Well, I'll have my baby." She smiled at the sonogram and saw from the corner of her eye he was going to say something but she held up her hand. "Oh..." she whispered in wonder.
"What?" he asked, rising slightly.
"I...can see the heart beating." She pointed with a smile to a small undulating area. "I didn't notice it last time..."
Soltek looked as well and a small smile came to his lips that surprised her. "I see. That is quite amazing."
She tilted her head again. "...are you related to Spock?"
He looked up, eyebrows raised but back to his neutral expression. "...I am. How did you know?"
"I don't know. You sort of look like him in a way and you remind me of him sometimes. But less annoying."
He looked rather fondly at her which was surprising. "I see. You are quite observant, as I expected doctor."
She blushed but smiled a bit. "Thanks. So are you his uncle or something?"
"No, not that closely related. But apparently there is a family resemblance."
"I'll say." She turned the screen back and looked it over. "Baby looks healthy to me... Nurse Ohare is more knowledgeable at fetal development, maybe I should ask her to start looking..."
"I believe you will do fine, but you also know what is best. If it is not in imposition, I would like to occasionally visit you and the child. I wish to remain...close to my remaining family."
Lenore blinked before smiling warmly. "Sure. You're family. And I'll say again, I get along better with Spock's family than Spock himself." She blushed a bit as he remembered his strange behavior in her office.
"I believe he is still learning how best to deal with others. Growing up on Vulcan made interactions difficult."
She nodded a bit, that sad feeling coming back. "I gathered..."
"Give him time. He will learn, and I know he cares about you. Vulcans do not show such feelings well unless they are bonded to that person. We suppress our emotions, but we do not erase them."
She nodded again, breathing deep. How much more complicated will this get...?
Spock tracked down his Captain after he left Dr. McCoy's in the rec room with Mr. Scott. Mr. Scott was looking over a bottle of amber liquid he surmised to be the whiskey mentioned earlier.
"Kind of glad you're taking it, I'm trying to cut back. That being responsible thing. Haven't even really touched it since Bones gave it to me so it's still pretty full."
"Aye, Captain, thank ye. I promise I'll put it to good use in the privacy of my quarters after a hard day's work."
"Thank you. Oh, Spock," Jim said, waving him over. "I saw you go in after Lenore. Thought I should clear everyone out." Spock knew the smile he gave was teasing, though he wasn't sure what he was teasing him for.
"I merely wished to confirm Dr. McCoy was alright. She assured me she was. But I have request, Captain."
"Oh?"
"I would like to know what room T'Pring is in."
The teasing look vanished and the blonde frowned, standing to go in close enough to talk quietly. "Why do you want to know that?" his tone was almost suspicious and strangely antagonistic.
Spock blinked and was tempted to say it was none of his business, but he knew his Captain was Dr. McCoy's best friend. Perhaps he was being protective of her in some way. "I wish to get this over with, as you may say, and tell T'Pring I wish to break our...engagement."
Jim scrutinized him before smiling. "Okay then. Follow me, I'll go with you."
"That is not necessary, Captain," he said, though he did follow him out the door. "This is a private personal matter."
"I understand, but we've already had one Vulcan go a little crazy today. I'd feel better if you had back-up if she goes full crazy ex on you, even if it's just little old me."
"Full crazy ex?"
"You're lucky if you haven't had one. I had one that tried to set me on fire. Twice. And a few years ago a woman cut off the man's...twig and berries." He gestured to his groin and Spock could admit a moment of inner cringing. "I heard they reattached it, but still. That's full crazy ex. Half crazy, maybe you get a lot of phone calls and messages for a while till she finds someone else to be crazy with."
"I...see. I do not believe such incidents will happen as T'Pring will see the logical thing to do is find a new bondmate, but the support is welcomed, I suppose."
Jim grinned as they entered the turbo lift and he set it to go to the officer's deck once again. Spock realized that they were heading for his old room and he looked at Jim with an arched eyebrow. He caught his eyes and the Captain shrugged. "She wanted to go to your room, even after we left, so I thought your old room would at least keep her complacent while she meditated or whatever. It was empty and clean, so I don't think she could do any creepy Vulcan Voodoo."
Spock sighed internally. "Voodoo is an Earth religion centered around mysticism. Vulcans would not practice anything so illogical."
"Whatever, I just know I've had that brand of crazy girlfriend too. Found a creepy doll of myself with a lock of my hair..." He shuddered.
Resisting rolling his eyes through his control, Spock pressed the chime button and spoke into the mike nearby. "T'Pring? I would like to speak with you."
There was a moment of silence before the door opened and T'Pring stood before him. Her eyes flicked to the Captain before back to him. "Spock. Please, come in."
"Even if you dismiss me, I'll be outside this door. We've had one incident today, I want to avoid another," Kirk said seriously.
"...You are invited as well I suppose." She turned and led him in, the quarters stark and bare. "I had been told there was an incident, but I was still in meditation. What precisely happened?"
Spock glanced at his Captain before speaking in Vulcan. "(Stuvak has entered Pon Farr.)"
"What?" Jim asked in confusion.
T'Pring turned sharply, eyes a little wide. "(He...has? I see. That is unfortunate. Did he attack someone?)"
Spock nodded. "(Yes, though he was stopped. T'Pau has taken him back to the ship. She has also said she wishes to leave in the next three hours, which was precisely 32 minutes and eighteen seconds ago.)"
"Okay, feeling left out here," Kirk said, though he was ignored.
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "(Indeed...you have not changed your decision?)"
He shook his head. "(No.)"
"(Because of the human woman you have impregnated?)"
Spock blinked. "(...That is part of the reason. I still do not find the two of us compatible. I feel in the end we would only displease each other to the point of contempt. You would do better to find another, one on the colony that may be a better mate to you than I.)"
"(And what of you?)"
Spock didn't think it was concern that she asked that she asked that, more an attempt to find a hole in his argument. "(I...confess now that I feel an attraction to Dr. McCoy. One I attempted to deny at first, to myself in particular, but I believe you deserve the truth. I will attempt to court her when the bond is broken.)"
She stared at him a moment before her eyes narrowed once more. "(If it is broken.)"
He blinked, slipping back into standard in surprise. "T'Pring, it is not logical to keep the bond."
"To you it may seem that way, butI have more to lose. I will challenge your breaking of the bond in the traditional way. Ka-li-fee!"