Surprise
"We have dedicated transportation to and from the station. You will find it right outside the doors to your left as you exit."
"Cool. I had requested the supplies when I booked?" Jim was leaning with both elbows on the registration counter; he was munching on an apple he had picked from the lobby's center table. Spock stood straight as usual next to him listening keenly to the conversation.
"Yes, I have all your gear ready, right there, and here are your ride-n-dine tickets. If you leave right now you can catch the last departure for today." The gentleman at the reception desk handed Kirk two paper stubs.
"And for the return trip?"
"You don't need tickets, since the train is the only way to reach that campsite. Just be at the platform and you will be picked up. The train runs every 30 minutes from 6 in the morning till dusk."
They were standing in the lobby of their inn, both of them dressed in jeans, sweaters, jackets and boots.
"Thank you," replied Jim and went over to the bell stand where two rugged looking backpacks were waiting for them.
"May I enquire our destination?" Spock asked with caution.
"Nope! You may enquire nothing! It's a surprise." Jim grinned as he hoisted a backpack and Spock copied Jim's movements.
They walked out of the lobby, a second apple in Kirk's hands now. Jim was practically bouncing on his feet filled with excitement and Spock looked gravely concerned.
"I fail to understand why would you desire to withhold information from me."
"That's the fun."
"And what does the 'that' refer to?"
"The look on your face, your reaction."
A hovercraft waited for them floating above the ground by the entrance of the inn.
Jim climbed in, followed by Spock. There was another couple, older by a decade probably, already seated - both olive skinned - the woman was stunning with long smooth black hair almost to her knees, thick dark eyelashes framed her steel grey eyes. They were holding hands. She smiled up at Jim as he took a seat across.
"I am Jatalia." The man extended a hand to Jim, and indicating the woman who flashed a smile revealing perfect white teeth, said, "and this is my partner Pachuti."
"I am Kirk." Jim returned her smile with admiring eyes and was still smiling at her, when he heard a barely audible cough. He looked up at Spock "Oh, and this is Spock".
The Vulcan raised a silent eyebrow at Jim. Jim gave an imperceptible shrug and a sheepish smile spread across his face before he averted Spock's penetrating glare.
"Where are you boys from?" Jatalia asked good-naturedly.
"I am from Iowa and he is Vulcan. How about you both?"
"We are from the D453 colony on Mars, but our ancestors were from the Pathan region here on earth. We are visiting the home planet for the first time for our honeymoon. Do you live here now?"
"We actually live in San Francisco so it's a short drive." Kirk replied.
The woman spoke up for the first time, she had a throaty voice which had a mesmerizing quality to it, "San Francisco...my brother is studying there... are you students?"
Kirk nodded. She brightened up and leaned forward towards Jim, her eyes locked into him.
"My brother is a fourth year at the Academy. He had always wanted to be in StarFleet since he was a kid."
The hovercraft's doors closed automatically, it lifted off into the air and sped towards what Jim assumed must be the train station. For the next ten minutes as the silent craft carried them over the Mendocino coastline, they learnt that the couple was both related to StarFleet too. Jatalia was a space engineer for StarFleet's offshore design plant and when Spock learnt his specialization was warp core the two men launched into a discussion about the wonderful world of warp drive.
Pachuti was both a navigational programmer for Starfleet's branch on Mars as well as an interior designer for constitution class starships. Jim regaled Pachuti with childhood stories from Iowa which made her eyes sparkle with delight.
Soon they were deposited at a rustic looking long platform which looked straight out of a holovideo from 20th century. The evening sky was clear and there was just a hint of chill in the air.
An ear splitting whistle got all of their attention and Jim was thrilled to see a red and black old-style engine thundering towards them, complete with thick white steam bellowing from the top. Spock's eyes widened as the engine came to a stop in front of them. A large group debarked and within seconds the small platform was crowded with backpacks and travelers. There were open-air cars and few closed cars; the small group of people who had been waiting on the platform - all tourists - eagerly rushed to board their choice of cars.
Jim had his eye on one of the open cars - it was the fourth one - and he hurried towards it, not wanting to lose their seats. He found two perfect ones and looked back to see Spock's reaction, only to realize there was no Vulcan behind him. Kirk turned in a circle looking for his friend but the rest of the passengers were all strangers. He dumped his backpack on the chairs and stepped down back on to the platform among the milling crowd. Craning his neck both ways, he scanned the entire length of the station but there was no sign of a pair of pointed ears.
Getting concerned Jim started walking along the body of the train towards the engine, when a sharp noise rang out and he spotted a man hanging out from the side of the train, waving a flag and shouting something. In spite of his worry, Jim's face lit up at the sight of the conductor's hat and whistle, reminding him of his childhood storybooks. And then, he spotted an unmistakable tall figure hunched on the floor, next to the engine's huge wheels further ahead.
"Spock!" Jim shouted not expecting his voice to carry over the crowd and the loud thrum from the boiler but Spock immediately looked up and motioned with his hand.
Jim hurried towards the wheels while his eyes and ears took in the engine's wonderful details as it stood majestically on the tracks.
"What the he- what are you doing here?! I was looking all over for you!" He accused as soon as he reached his friend.
"Look Jim, look at this - it's a coupler and here, is the source of its power - cylinders!" Spock spoke almost reverently.
"Your friend here is quite an expert on this ancient system, Mister." Jim suddenly noticed another man kneeling besides Spock, and from his period dressing, he guessed it was the driver himself.
"I am sure he is." Jim replied, shaking his head at the scene of both men looking like children, who had discovered a long lost treasure.
"Lugio! What are you doing? Has something broken down?" The man whom Jim had seen hanging from the engine side, was walking towards them now.
"I was just explaining to this gentleman here the mechanics. Hardly anyone shows such interest in what lies under the engine. Everyone is always focused on the outside." Lugio, the driver, spoke wistfully.
"That's very romantic Lugio. But ummm...sir, you are holding up the train." This time he spoke to Spock, who was touching the nuts and bolts, oblivious to others. The platform had all but cleared and some of the passengers were peering from the windows looking at the four men huddled by the engine side.
"Sorry about that!" Jim apologized to the conductor and grasped the collar of Spock's black jacket and gave a strong tug. "Spock!"
Spock reluctantly got up and Jim dragged the Vulcan back to the open car while the conductor pushed his driver towards the front of the engine.
There was another ear-splitting whistle and with a rumble the train started moving.
"I confess I am most pleased with your surprise." Spock was seated next to Jim, their shoulders and knees touching lightly, while the train took them deeper into the green mountainside.
"Wait till you see the rest."
Spock's eyes glowed.
"No more engines though, that part is over!" Jim hastened to clarify.
Spock crossed his arms and if Jim didn't know any better, he would have bet that the pink lips twisted into a definite pout.
"You know what, next time I will take you to a museum entirely dedicated to steam engines. Deal? Now, give me a smile, pretty please?" Jim leaned and whispered to Spock.
Slanted eyebrows rose up and head tilted to one side, a stern look was directed at Jim. Jim winked back and to his surprise, the tips of two ears turned slightly green.
The journey took them along the Pacific coastline, the view of the ocean taking his breath away as the train chugged along, now and then, letting out the loud whistle which made Jim laugh like a boy. Cold breeze blew his hair and when he looked at Spock his heart did a little flip - Spock's perfect bangs were slightly messed up. His friend was busy looking all around at the picturesque surroundings and seemed content in spite of the cold breeze.
A man dressed in white overall with light blue stripes approached them and said, "You dinner is ready if you gentlemen will please accompany me."
Jim's stomach suddenly growled with a passion, letting him know how ravenous he was. They were led into a covered car which was obviously heated, its insides lined with tables along the perimeter, covered in elegant clothing and fine china. A single rose in a glass vase stood on each table.
The man took them to a table meant for two and Jim slid into the plush seat; Spock taking the one opposite him. "Anything to drink, sirs?"
"Just water will do." Jim replied. The last time he had drunk anything he had landed up in Bones' med bay.
"Do you have tea?" Spock inquired.
"We do, I apologize they are all terran. We have green tea from Japan, earl grey from England and Darjeeling tea from India."
After noting Spock's choice, he handed them two paper-bound menus and left.
Jim was relieved to see several vegetarian options on it, all of modern century and familiar. On an impulse, he decided to go vegetarian too. Orders placed, they both settled into the luxurious seats admiring the detailed decoration on the walls and roof of the dining car.
Spock took the rose from the crystalline vase and examined it closely.
"Do you like roses?" Jim was intrigued.
"It is my preferred choice in flowers."
"Really? I would not have guessed." Jim wondered if Spock knew of the human cultural significance of roses.
"Indeed."
When their dinner arrived, the sun had started setting and the view from their train's window had both of them transfixed. They ate in silence looking out the window, not wanting to miss any part. Jim stole a glance when he was sure Spock wasn't looking - the orange warm sunlight lit up Spock's profile from the side. The tips of his eyelashes caught in the dusky glow, his iris turned to a startling honey color as the light struck them, his bangs lay slightly crumpled - and Jim's breath caught. He had to look away before the sight overwhelmed him.
After an hour or so, they reached their destination station - inside Russian gulch state park - and disembarked under the now dark sky.
Jim opened his backpack and took out two flashlights and a bug spray bottle. He handed one flashlight to Spock who was watching Jim with a mix of alarm and curiosity, and then sprayed himself all over.
"Close your eyes." He instructed.
"I would ask you for an explanation but you seem determined to carry out this highly illogical notion of a surprise." Spock replied stiffly but closed his eyes obediently.
Kirk sprayed him from top to bottom circling around to make sure he hadn't missed a spot. Who knew how Vulcan skin reacted to mosquito bites!
"You got that right." Jim chuckled. "Don't tell me you are scared, Mr. Spock?"
"I am not experiencing fear, I am simply unprepared." A chin jut out adamantly.
"Uh-uh." Jim looked at the proud face which showed definite signs of panic.
"Okay we are all set." Taking out a map from his pocket, he started explaining ,"We are going to-" ,when he was interrupted by a familiar voice.
"Kirk! Looks like we are headed the same way."
It was Jatiala and Pachuti and they had another couple with them. Everyone got introduced to each other one more time and since they were all headed towards the remote campsite, they decided to hike together. Walking in a single file, with Jim leading since he seemed the most experienced in this aspect, and Spock following closely behind, the rest of them proceeded with flashlights illuminating the narrow trail. Outside the circle of bright light cast by the train station, the woods were pitch-dark but the trail was well marked and Jim had no trouble picking his way. It was a chatty bunch and conversations flowed back and forth as they covered the distance in half an hour.
A roaring camp fire greeted them when they finally approached a clearing. Jim was aware there were only four campsites in this area and he soon spotted the fourth couple sitting by the fire, the man had a musical instrument that looked a bit like a harp.
While the others got to know each other, Jim pulled Spock aside and spoke in a low voice, "We are going to spend the night out here. This is called camping."
Spock looked around at the others, at the dark jungle surrounding them, at the fire and asked with bewilderment, "I do not see any structure meant for shelter."
"No, in camping we sleep in tents...so what we do is we find a spot a little bit away from this common area...put up a tent and that will be our shelter for tonight."
Spock looked back at the small crowd which had now settled around the fire and someone had started singing a song. "A most interesting concept."
"Ummm...Good interesting or bad interesting?" Jim tried to read his friend's face but the only light coming from the fire was not enough.
"There is no such thing as good or bad interesting."
"Spock, do you like it? Or are you uncomfortable and are thinking of ways to murder me for dragging you here?"
"Jim! I would never-" The Vulcan's eyebrows had disappeared in his bangs.
"Sorry, I was just being dramatic. Sooooo...do you like it or not?" Jim leaned in closer, hopping from one foot to another in anticipation.
"I have been experiencing a most unusual evening indeed."
"I will take that as a yes. Let's go and hang out with them for a while. It's too early anyways." Kirk turned around and started walking towards the fire where a few had started dancing.
But before he could take a step, Spock placed a hand on Jim's jacket's sleeve and held him back. With a serious expression, he asked, "Are you satisfied? Has your goal of 'surprise' been accomplished?"
Jim's face melted into a fond smile which stretched from ear to ear. "It was for you too, you know."
"I am beginning to understand that." Spock dropped his hand from Jim's elbow.
"Yes, my goal has been accomplished. But you don't have to pretend to like it for my sake. If anything starts bothering you, or you're too cold just let me know, okay?"
"Vulcans can regulate their body temperatures for prolonged periods."
Just then one of the men shouted, "Are you two planning to join us or spend the rest of the night whispering?"
They walked over and Jim joined in the dancing enthusiastically while Spock found a spot as close to the fire as possible and watched the others. Pachuti danced with graceful sensuous moves, which were no form of dance Kirk knew, but he found it beautiful nevertheless. Her partner Jatiala, the man with the instrument, and Spock were the only ones who didn't join them. The rest all stepped around the fire, clapping their hands in tune with the folksy song the man with the harp-like device sung in a melodious voice. Jim's eyes found Spock a few times and every time they were looking back at him intently.
Some of them were drinking passing along the bottle and Jim took a few swigs as well - feeling safe in the anonymity outside of Academy grounds and Spock being nearby. Sometime later, Jim took off his jacket and rolled his sleeves, the energetic dance had warmed him up. The tune changed into a slow song, the words were not standard but a foreign language but it made no difference. The atmosphere of dancing under the stars, on a cold night, with attractive cheerful strangers around a warm fire, transported him into a different world. Pachuti found him and swayed her hips to the tune and Jim responded in kind, both smiling at each other. Jim undid a top button of his shirt; his cheeks felt hot thanks to dancing for so long. Few of the others whistled and hooted at them both.
"It is too cold." A firm hand gripped his shoulder and pulled him away.
"What?" Jim was puzzled for a moment.
"Dr. McCoy has forbidden you vigorous activity." Spock was now holding him at the elbow firmly.
"But...it was actually slow dance now!" Jim protested.
"James. Bid farewell to them." A severe voice commanded.
"All right. It's late I guess." Jim was also feeling a little buzzed. So he picked up his backpack and said goodnight to others and his forced departure prompted a few chuckles he noted.
They walked some distance away till the light from the fire no longer reached them. Jim switched on his flashlight and wiping the sweat from his face, looked at the map he had brought with him. Spock leaned in. Jim put a finger on the map which showed the location of their private campsite. The moon was out in the clear sky and his eyes slowly adjusted to the silver light all around them. He glanced up to find the North Star and oriented himself according to the contents of the map. Satisfied with his bearings, he folded the paper and stuffed it back.
He was handed a bottle of water and Jim smiled back guiltily. Bones had commed him in the evening with dire warnings to keep hydrated. He guzzled down the entire contents and tightened the jacket around his waist. "Ready?"
Spock didn't say anything, instead long fingers reached out to the top of his shirt, and closed the single button.
Jim was suddenly on edge, the air around him felt charged; he tried but couldn't make out the expression on Spock's face in the dim moonlight.
"Are you ...ummm...is everything okay?" He actually stuttered when the fingers lingered on his shirt.
"Dancing is illogical." Spock replied in a tone which suddenly reminded Jim of that evening many weeks ago, when they had been studying together,and Valas had inturrupted . He was thoroughly confused.
The Vulcan turned around and was already making his way at a rather brisk pace so Jim hastened to keep up. When they reached the edge of the mountain side, where a sign clearly marked the campsite, Spock finally stopped his march.
"I will need your help putting up the tree tent." Jim said timidly, suddenly unsure of what was going in Spock's mind. He pulled out the folded tent from Spock's backpack.
For the next several minutes with Jim giving instructions, they found three strong trees, fastened three corners of their tent and it hung taut few feet above the ground. A rope ladder dangled from an opening in the middle down to the ground. Next, Jim took out bedding from his backpack and flung the entire thing through the hole onto the floor of the hanging tent. Spock had been silent all through the proceedings and Jim was nervous now.
"Spock?" he said hesitantly. "Are you mad at me? Is this ...is this...a bad idea?"
Spock blew a breath out softly and came and stood close to him. "I apologize for my behavior. I am not mad at you. Your idea is one of the best I have encountered."
"Okay then!" Jim was relieved and a grin spread out on his face. "Time to climb up but first I have to pee," he barely suppressed a sudden giggle.
Tilting his head to one side, he looked questioningly, but Spock replied serenely, "Vulcan bodies are designed to conserve water. We ingest and expel water minimally." The giggle could not be contained any longer and feeling like a little boy, who had just learnt an adult joke, Jim walked away to find a private enough spot.
Notes:
FF won't let me post URL to the tree tent. if you are curious, google stingray tree tent.
It seems futuristic enough ;)
I would appreciate comments, if you are following this story. Thank you!