Disclaimers as in part one.

I Never Promised You a Rose Garden 25/25, conclusion

by Mistress V

Christine's door chime rang early, just after the ship left orbit. She was already up and opened it to find two bioresearch staffers standing there.

"We couldn't wait to see your new look," Ensign Bridget O'Rourke attempted to apologize."So here we are."

"You look amazing, ma'am!" Ensign Elena Maeve Clampett minced no words, as was her nature. "Are you up for showing off at breakfast?"

"I usually grab something in sickbay," Christine replied. Then she smiled broadly. "But I think now's a good time to break those old habits. Lead on, ladies!"

************

The next days passed without incident. As some personnel expected, the discovery of Dr. Roger Korby''s missing expedition was announced. Christine accepted condolences from staff members, never belying the fact she knew anything else. But ship's gossip ground away mercilessly nonetheless, with those 'in the know' pronouncing the head nurse would be leaving at the first opportunity.

Naturally, such rumors reached the captain forthwith. He hesitated at accepting this, preferring for the person themselves to refute the accusation...or not.

Everyone waited for Christine Chapel to say something. But instead of satisfying the feeding frenzy, she merely performed her duties to the highest standard and gave not a hint of her plans. The tension began to pull like an overstretched violin string.

Finally, mercifully, the woman herself decided to end things. One evening she came into the dining hall accompanied by some of the bioresearch staff, as usual. But instead of choosing her dinner, she strode confidently over to a certain table.

"Gentlemen, may I join you for a moment?" she asked pleasantly.

"Of course," Kirk replied. "What's on your mind, Lt. Chapel?"

"I've thought over all the propositions that were given to me," she replied, comfortably seating herself amongst the males. "And I've made my decision."

"And that is?" Kirk countered, suddenly worried he'd lose not only the head nurse but the best bioresearcher the ship had.

"Captain." Christine nodded. "I will take you up on your generous offer of promotion provided my name is among those who pass the upcoming exam. I plan to take it."

"There's no need...." Kirk began.

"There is, and I wish to earn my rank here, just as any other crew member would. Mr. Spock?"

"Yes?" The Vulcan was caught quite unawares.

"I've looked over the grant proposal guidelines and have written a preliminary summary. As the project specified would involve the entire bioresearch division, I'd appreciate it if you could review it and give me your feedback?" Christine was all business, not a hint of anything else.

"Of course," Spock replied. "At your convenience."

But Christine was not done yet. She addressed the third male at the table now.

"Commander Mitchell? If you ever find yourself shorthanded again, I'd be happy to take you up on your proposal." And with that, a smile, and a sassy sway of her hips, she went off to join her companions.

Kirk eyed his table mates. "I don't know about you, but in my opinion, the mission just got a whole lot more interesting. Wouldn't you agree, gentlemen?"

The End. Of THIS tale.

There was a small challenge response in this chapter (the other was a few back), that I could place Ellie May Clampett and Ginger and Mary Anne into my story. So I did.