YAY! I did it! Another chapter! Yes!
I don't own much of it, maybe like … .00237% of it all? Hmm?
The large room was filled with running machines. Little lights speckled the room in a rainbow flecks and larger, much more transparent masses of color from screens.
"Dr. Kholer?" Spock said as he examined new pieces of equipment.
"Yes Mr. Spock?" Trinity responded with her humoring tone.
"Could you perhaps explain the human expression 'Live Hard and Die Hard'?" Trinity paused from examining and reading information on the new pieces.
Her brow furrowed and she looked at him quite questionably. It seemed random and off handed. For her, that was normal, but for Spock …
"For what relevance?"
She could have sworn he almost frowned, however, she was now used to his Vulcan technicalities. "I have witnessed the Captain use that phrase and variations of it in certain matters of what he insists is entertainment."
She shrugged, "I was never a live hard, die hard person; however, I see how Jim is. Human life is considered short, even to our own personal standards, even in my time, thus make the most of one's life. If you're going to do something, do it the best and never make it easy to die or let someone kill you. Make sense?"
He nodded, "I see, that is quite logical."
"Now let me ask you. Is an emotionally open Vulcan a compromised Vulcan?"
He raised an eyebrow and looked at her. Trinity grinned, "Eye for an eye, Spock."
With a nod he answered her, "Logically, yes. Emotional restriction means a great deal to my people. Vulcans have deep rooted emotions thus it is of utmost importance to contain them."
His eyes swept across to Trinity who did not look at him, but wore a curious look all the same.
"Hmm," was her response.
They went back to work, looking for equipment to help with their research of calculated time travel and black holes. Moments passed in silence. Spock couldn't help but watch her, wanting to fill the empty atmosphere. It was an odd contemplation for him, normally the peace and quiet was welcomed, but when he was with Trinity, he attempted to carry on conversations more so then anywhere else.
The Vulcan part of his brain came to the conclusion, that since they shared common interests, she did not turn away his inquiries, and that she also had no forehand experience with Vulcans, he had no reason to want to not talk to him. The human part … that part simply liked talking to her, nothing else entitled.
Thus, he filled the open air, "Do you find Vulcan ideals of emotions to be incorrect?"
The question caught her off guard. She frowned, thinking about it, and then smiled. "No. It's actually endearing. My grandfather, his name is Messer, either way, he is very emotionally reserved, almost Vulcan, save the pointy ears," she giggled, her grin widening.
Spock's skin prickled. This was … comforting, to be accepted without reserve.
Eventually, between all the small talk, they picked out their machinery and Spock offered to tour her around a Starbase.
"Oh wow, this is kind of like a small city of sorts. I thought the ship was big enough." She said in a flat voice, but truly meaning it. Spock had come to realize Trinity was on her own level of mentality, an enlightened being perhaps.
"This is one of the Federation's largest Starbases." She nodded and looked around.
"I take it this is the market?" Spock nodded.
"Yes it is. There are several varieties of merchandise sold on Starbases due to the mass popularity of space travelers' different species of Federation members."
"Like a truck stop." Spock raised an eyebrow to her, "I am unfamiliar with truck stops."
He asked it like it was a question. Trinity chuckled and looked at him, taking one hand from her jean pocket to scratch her blonde head. "I guess our culture is vastly different, on an era and cultural level."
"Indeed it is. Stay this way, the part of the market where they trade livestock and such is unorganized and on occasion chaotic."
Trinity nodded again making another comparison, "Like a flea market."
This caused both of his eyebrows to shoot up. He truly knew nothing of his mother's culture in intimate detail. With that though came a strong feeling of regret, for living too much like a Vulcan. His sorrow however was caught by him noticing the lack of certain green-eyed physicist not standing beside him any longer.
"Dr. Kholer?" He said, a strange pang worming it's way into his chest. He called for her a few more times, using his superb hearing to listen for her voice perhaps. "Trinity?" He finally called.
His steps turned into long strides before he saw her head in the crowd, off to the side, speaking with an Andorian merchant. He placed his hand onto her shoulder and looked at her sternly, "Are you alright?"
She smiled and nodded. Spock noted a glimmer in her green eyes and worry subsided with curiosity. What surely could have caught her interest so much that she had directly disobeyed him? His brown orbs coasted downward.
"An infant canine?"
Trinity grinned, biting her lower lip, nodding. "Yes. I love dogs. I really do." Spock realized that it was probably the most familiar thing she had seen since her arrival in that era.
The Andorian merchant faltered when he saw the Vulcan male. Some Andorians were still quite awkward with the green blooded species. But seeing Trinity's interest in the pup brought him back to selling mode.
"Hello Miss. This is a rare Earth canine."
Her brow furrowed, "Rare?" She looked at Spock who nodded.
"Yes, there was such an over population of the species that at one point the Earth government had to put many … down." He said, trying to use words as carefully as he could. "This breed was one that was unfortunately caught in that. They are considered very rare."
Trinity's mouth fell open and she looked appalled. The merchant took this into consideration. "Yes, sadly if I do not find a home for this one she will have to be disposed of as well."
Trinity felt fear strike her in the heart. Her face paled. Turning to Spock she led him a few feet back, "I hate to ask this of you, but … Do you think Jim would care if I brought a dog back onto the ship?"
Spock knew as soon as the Andorian had started speaking that Trinity would somehow end up bringing the infant animal back with her. He had been 97.6% sure of it. 100% after the salesman had said he would have to dispose of it.
"I'm sure Jim would appreciate having a canine on board. He fondly talks about the animal companions he had as a child." He told her.
He could have smiled when her face lit up. "Oh, thank you Spock! You really don't know how much this means to me!" Trinity threw her arms around him.
The heart in his lower back, as illogical as it was, seemed to have stopped for that instant. Then she returned to the merchant. He watched with interest, fondly remembering his own childhood pet. It was a Sehlat, describe by most humans as a giant teddy bear with six-inch fangs, named I-Chaya. Trinity came back the animal clutched to her chest, coddling and treating it like an infant.
His eyes took in its appearance. The pup was boxy and squared in a sense with curly, rough hair, a black back with a tan muzzle, legs and belly. "May I inquire as to what breed of canine you have acquired?"
"Oh, she's an Airedale Terrier. I had one growing up; my grandfather Messer had given him to me. His name had been Einstein."
Spock nodded, understanding her love of science must have been influenced greatly by her grandfather. "And what shall you name this one?"
She shrugged, scratching its belly and rocking it. "Dunno. Hmm … I'm really not sure. What would you name her? And it has to be a unit."
Spock raised an eyebrow but accepted her strange terms. Trinity was known on the ship for her versatility and oddities. "Tesla. After Earth's nineteenth century physicist and inventor, Nikola Tesla."
Trinity held the pup so she was looking straight at her. A grin spread across her face, "Hello my little Tesla." She bumped her nose into its and laughed. Spock could understand being in the happy state of mind over a pet.
"Would you like to hold her?" Trinity asked.
Spock nodded and she handed him her new companion. He took in the small dog in great detail. Almost as if Trinity and the dog had planned it, the animal, which he figured he should call Tesla now, scurried up onto his shoulder and licked him on the cheek. Dogs were very emotional, very human creatures, very much akin to sehlats. His eyes widened a fraction and he pulled his face back to stare at it in the eyes. "There shall be no more of that little Tesla."
His glance went to Trinity who was fighting back every bit of laughter she could manage, with the knowledge that Vulcan's valued personal space, as well as being touched. "Oh, she's a keeper."
She and Spock kept on through the Starbase and he showed her even stranger things such as a park, class rooms, a Sickbay the size of an actual hospital and several other things. All the while he had been the one rocking and holding the new dog.
Finally he had taken her through the science facilities since the dog was asleep. Trinity, much to Spock's unedited delight, was thrilled with everything she saw and heard. He went towards a door and asked his companion, "Would you wish to see the dealings of the Vulcan Science Academy?"
Trinity nodded and asked, "If Vulcans are introverted with their work, why are they on a Starbase to do it?"
"There is an odd star they are researching with rare and unheard of components. The actual research is for the use of the Federation, however, the Vulcan Science Academy was the most qualified for executing such complicated data."
His long fingers worked a code into the key pad and it flashed green. With a whoosh sound, the pair stepped in. What Spock saw upon entry was not pleasing at all.
There was a Vulcan man in the room. Trinity noted that he was clearly Spock's age. He had the same shiny dark hair she assumed now that most Vulcan's had and cold black eyes. He was the same height, but with sharper features and lankier limbs.
Both men raised their hands in the proper Vulcan salute. Trinity obviously did not catch on, and for that the other man raised an eyebrow to her.
"It is satisfactory to see you once again Spock."
Spock nodded, "The feeling is mutual Sevel." Despite their words, Trinity felt the rising friction in the air.
"Do not be rude Spock. Introduce me to this female human?"
Spock could have glared, yet simply placed his free hand on Trinity's arm, bringing her forward. With an awkward smile she waved, unknowing of how odd the action was to Sevel.
Looking to Spock she said, "Here, I'll hold Tesla if you'd like to catch up."
Spock shook his head, stroking one of the pup's ears. "It is quite alright. I doubt she would appreciate being disturbed." Trinity took his words as final.
Then he commenced introducing her, "Sevel, this Dr. Trinity Kholer. She is a civilian physicist from Earth, conducting her research onboard the Enterprise."
Sevel nodded. "I see. What brings you to visit this Starbase, Spock?"
"Enterprise is picking up supplies to bring to the Vulcan II colony." Trinity guessed he had upped him one since his posture went more rigid, mouth setting.
"It is satisfactory to see our race settle so quickly."
"It is."
"Spock, what brings Dr. Kholer and yourself to this particular area? I'm sure there is much more Dr. Kholer would be interested in seeing." Sevel raised an eyebrow as if daring Spock to challenge him. Trinity knew that, Vulcan or not, men were men and always would be.
"I had planned to let her view the research the Vulcan Science Academy was conducting with these new particles."
"Of course. I'm sure any respectful scientist would take interest in the Academy's work. The High Council is only trusting those of among the higher parts of its intellectual ranks to work on this particular development. May I make a personal inquiry?"
"You may Sevel."
"Are you partaking in any substantial research on board Enterprise?"
"Actually, Dr. Kholer is researching the possibilities of calculated black holes and time travel. Perhaps your particle may be of use, if you finish researching it before she finishes. Now, if I may, I shall let Dr. Kholer take her tour."
"Of course. Again, it is satisfactory to see you come to such high rankings, despite your crude disadvantage." Trinity paled and almost spoke up, but she saw the anger in Spock's eyes, and she was sure Sevel had as well. "You still have your mother's eyes Spock. Live long and prosper."
Sevel turned and walked away before Spock could salute him back. He started down a hall and Trinity followed him a short ways before he came to stop.
"Don't you dare pay any attention to him Spock. He doesn't know anything about anything if he's that arrogant." He clenched his jaw and glanced at her from the side, then turned his eyes away. A memory of over protective, overly affectionate mother came to the forefront of his mind. She had told him something akin to that once.
Spock nodded without looking at her, his face as blank as ever. "Sevel and I were school mates. He and his childhood companions during that period of time tried to illicit emotional responses from me due to my human heritage."
Trinity frowned and glared, not at Spock, but for how he was treated. It disgusted her. "Bullies. You know Spock, you are a much better person then they are by far. If being who you are from birth is a disadvantage, then I would never want an advantage."
She smiled at him and nodded for him to come on. As she walked in front of him, she could have sworn she heard him sigh.
Ohhhhhhh, Spock's angry.
I imagined this guy as the one who started the fight from his childhood. I mean, come on, bullies never change. And Trinity took up for him! God, she's soo weird. I love her though, she's his type. Duhh.
Alright, expect one in a few more days. Spring break and whatnot giving me a normal life, eleven whole days of … normal. It's good. I like having time!
Here that teachers? I LIKE HAVING TIME TO DO NOTHING!!!!!!!!! SCREW YOU!
Live Long and FREAKING Prosper Bitches.