Disclaimers as in part 1.

I Never Promised You a Rose Garden 11/?
by Mistress V

Christine was just finishing up the last touches on her hairdo when her fellow operatives joined her, bearing coffee and pastries.

"I like that look on you!" Thava said, indicating the loose waves held back with combs.

"So did Roger," Christine sighed. "But my hair is SO fine, it won't hold a permanent wave more than a day. I had to pour on the gel to get this far."

"A good hairdresser can coax some curls out of that," Sari observed. "If you want to."

"At this point, I don't know what I want." Christine took a large swig of coffee. "Roger liked his women feminine, a modern Marilyn Monroe if you will. Since he's been gone, I wore my hair straight and businesslike. This...this style, it brings up all kinds of memories."

"And you're not sure if you believe them anymore," Thava finished.

Christine spun around, her eyes wide. "How did you know?"

"Honey, it's normal. You haven't seen this guy in how many years?" Sari probed

"Five."

"And now you wonder if he's the same Prince Charming that left you with a kiss and a promise, right?"

Christine frowned. "Yes," she finally admitted. "I'm...confused. "

"Let's get through the next couple of hours," Thava suggested. "Then you can work out whatever needs working out. Is that all right?"

"I guess." Christine did her best to sound upbeat, but Roger was not on her mind.

Spock was.

************ ***
"There you go, ma'am," the tech pronounced. "Ready to work."

Christine touched the earrings she'd been fitted with. One held a miniature camera, the other a listening device.

"I never had pierced ears," she admitted. "What if Roger notices and asks why?"

"Say it was a whim, a girl's weekend somewhere when you were missing him. Play up to his ego," Sari replied. "Do you really think he'll notice?"

"Roger? Of course. He was SO traditional in his views. But you're right, I'll...improvise. " Christine gave a final stroke to the simple jeweled adornments she now sported.

The meeting continued.

"Rocco and Mudd will be busy with the inspection and surprise audit," General Jasik outlined. "Christine, you make contact at the bird and flower market. Get this man talking about himself. But don't worry, you won't be in any danger---we have operatives ready at all fronts."

"I'll be manning the center just near Kirby's home," Mitchell now added. "Routine landscaping has been taking place all week so our presence is explained. And if necessary, we can transport to wherever's needed. The vehicle you see is anything but a landscaping one, though we do our best to act the part."

"What about us?" Kirk asked.

"You and Spock are with me, there. As gardeners for now," Mitchell replied. "But don't worry, you'll be fully loaded."

"Not meaning to be a worry wart, Gary, but that's my crew member who's putting herself at risk," Kirk countered. "What about that?"

"We can't risk Korby recognizing the two of you, or any of you from last night. Christine's look is so radically different, she should be fine. But don't worry. At the first sign of trouble, we're in."

"I hope so," Kirk muttered, somehow uneasy with the whole operation.

************ *
Christine gazed around the colorful tapestry that surrounded her. Every type of plant, flower, bird or patron was represented and she enjoyed the spectacle.

But then she saw the man known as Rick Kirby, and her nerves steeled themselves. He was wandering through a display of ferns, his expression pleasant but somewhat vapid. She took a deep breath and strode over to where he stood,

"Roger? Is it you?" she gasped. "Please, say it is!'

The man looked down, his gaze searching. Then he drew her into his arms and embraced her passionately.

"Christine.. .you are here? I had not even dared hope...."

A kiss ended the conversation.

FIN of 11, and yes, more to follow!