Thanks to everyone who has been patient and hope you like the rest 5 chapters.

Chapter 31

"He is going to be fine," said Doctor Philips with a grin. Still connected up with the machinery the child was very sick, but his condition was no longer life threatening. The terrible black specks, which had covered the boy's body, were now fading and he looked comfortable. The medics and nurses had been working on him all night. K'Rissel laughed out loud. It was a mixture of relief and happiness that her small son would recover and was out of the woods.

The doctor looked down at the sleeping suckling for an instant. "Yocan is well on the way to recovery." K'Rissel reached out and quickly hugged the doctor which took him by surprise.

"How long has he got to stay in va incubata?" She asked.

"Just a couple of days, then he can be released. When he's strong enough I'll inoculate him against Verrian virus and Palas syndrome. Then he'll be as fit as a fiddle," he said grinning.

K'Rissel came over to the side of the incubation unit and peered down. "I really don't know how to fank you," she said looking up at the physician. "You know, he's all I got, my little angel."

She reached down her hand and stoked the miniature cheek. "Perhaps you'd care to join me for lunch some time as a fink you?" She said jokingly. She was not quite expecting a response from a Starfleet officer.

"I would be delighted," said Philips. Her eyes brightened and she squeezed his arm.

"You make me a very happy woman."

"But what about your husband?" Asked the doctor remembering that the Arkhictoura had kidnapped him and that it was uncertain if he was still alive. K'Rissel nodded sadly.

"Ah yea I know," she said. "Captain Saavik permitted me to contact one of the people in charge of the Drolinian camps situated on Anagossia to find out wever he was there." A little tear glistened in her eye. "They said no one by his name was registered. He didn't make it."

"I'm sorry," said Philips.

"That's all right luv," she said slapping him lightly on the arm. K'Rissel sniffed and rubbed her face. Suddenly she smiled. "Wot do ya think of me new dress?"

"Well, it's...it's lovely," he said. Actually he hadn't even noticed it.

"It was wonderful getting out of that old pair of stiff trousers and into something a bit more flimsy." She automatically smoothed the sheer fabric. The dress was pale blue, sleeveless with a low plunging neckline, which showed an ample amount of cleavage.

The hemline was inclined into an inverted V shape. The lowest part fell just above her knees accentuated a lot of leg. Matching the outfit K'Rissel wore matching blue tights and flat blue pumps. She also had made an effort with her rich plum coloured hair. She wore it free and it was defined with strong curls of reds and gold, which reflected the light. K'Rissel realised the medic was staring at her. She smiled quickly.

"On my planet we women can choose as many men as we want, married or otherwise," she said trying to impress him. "In fact va female is rather dominant over va male." For a second she made a wicked grin.

"I have had so many weedy men in my life," she said hoping for him to pity her. "I want a real MAN." She suddenly propelled herself at him.

"Then you have another husband? Possibly other boyfriends?" He said a little shocked.

"Oh no." She shook her head. "They are all... expired. Are you offerin?" The doctor backed off. "So shall I see you tomorrow then. At midday!" It wasn't a question it was an order and the doctor found he hard pressed to turn away.

"Sure," he managed to say casually. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek then left. The doctor remained firmly rooted to the spot. He couldn't quite believe what he had let himself in for. That woman was the most exuberant amazing creature he had ever met. Philips permitted himself a little chuckle.

"I hate to think what you'll be like when you are all grown up." He said to the little boy asleep in the incubator.

Saavik awoke and quickly looked at the chronometer by the bedside. It was half past ten in the morning. She quickly sat up and gazed down at Spock who was still sleeping, then she pulled herself out of the bed and proceeded towards the bathroom. In response to movement the lighting became operative and the room brightened.

When she returned Spock was sat up in the bed and gazing at her.

"Good morning Saavikam," he said almost brightly. She paused for a long second and gazed at him. Her eyes studying his slim form beneath the sheets. Finally unwillingly she pulled her eyes away. "Is there something wrong?" He said noticing the sudden frown appear on her face.

"Yes," she replied. "I am one hour thirty minutes late for work."

"Did anyone specify that you were to resume your duty?"

"No not really..." She shook her head.

"Then you must be technically unfit for duty. Besides there is Captain Wong."

"Wong is dead," reported Saavik. "I am the senior officer aboard this ship."

"I see," he replied.

"I have to get dressed. I must report to sickbay." Saavik searched for the new uniform that she had been issued with at the product replicator room. It didn't seem to be in this room so she went back into the bathroom and found it where she had left it last night. Saavik disrobed and stepped into the sonic shower before dressing.

When she emerged from the bathroom Spock was already up and dressed in a simple long white robe. He was just about to head for the bathroom when he stopped.

Saavik paused in front of the dressing table mirror and brushed her long curly hair. Spock stepped behind her. She stopped what she was doing and gazed at his reflection.

Saavik looked at the chronometer for a brief moment. "It is ten fifty three now. I really must go." She turned around.

Spock reached out and touched her cheek. She saw uneasiness on his face. "Saavik does the good of the many outweigh the good of the one?" She frowned.

"I do not understand."

"What I mean to say is..." Spock swallowed, "...do you still..." He chose his words carefully, "...care for me?" Saavik felt uncomfortable.

"You know my answer."

"Do I?"

"Yes." She stepped closer and took his hand. Her fingers slowly caressing his. "Is it proof that you want?"

"I was not proposing-"

She interrupted him. "This is illogical. What are we doing? We are over ruling our judgement with illogical primitive desire." Spock nodded solemnly. "We are civilised adults," her voice softened, "but it is difficult." Saavik turned to face him directly.

"All those years spent apart. It was so arduous. I wish that I could have been with you sooner. If only we hadn't been separated for so many years. I wanted to tell you everything. Everything about us, about T'Sharl." Spock nodded.

"You tried," he said.

"Yes. And I failed. Everything would have been so different now."

"Saavikam you have apologised before and I understand your reasons."

"I know." She shook her head and sighed.

"One can not alter the past no matter how desperate we are." He took her hands and held them securely within his own. Saavik looked down at the floor.

"Please do not punish yourself," he said quietly. Spock pulled her a step closer.

"Do you believe our lives have been plotted out for us?" Asked Saavik.

"I do not know, Saavikam. I do believe that this was meant to be," she nodded, "and if time had wings I too would have made some alterations."

"If time had wings?" Spock nodded.

"The past linking with the present. If one could have their way, they could travel backward in time or forwards to make something that they wish come true by defying the natural laws of physics."

"I see." Saavik frowned. It was a strange thing for him to say. "I must go now," she said unwillingly pulling herself away from him. Saavik headed for the door. She turned for a second contemplating whether to step back and stay with him. She longed to stay, the way she had longed for his touch.

The reverence within him had finally broken last night and ultimately he let himself be absorbed into her and appreciate the closeness of last night's gift she had given him. His own fear of her had gone. Spock wanted her now, but his Vulcan reserves were once again strengthening. He could resist the urges, the temptations of love, or so he thought.

"Saavik..." Saavik could wait a few moments more. He came to her and smoothed his fingers through her soft silky hair. She closed her eyes.

Her fingers reached inside the neck of the white towelling robe he wore parting it slightly until skin was exposed. She pressed her hand against his warm chest and ran her fingers through dark hair. Her hand reached across, fingertips probing, searching. He gasped ever so slightly. She smiled pleased that her action had caused the reaction she had wanted.

"I have to go," she whispered before her mouth teased his lips apart. Saavik pulled herself away quickly. "I am sorry sir." She said in a tone of addressing a superior officer, which in essence, technically he was despite his deactivated Starfleet rank of captain. Saavik straightened and drew herself up tall.

"I am a Vulcan..." Saavik frowned. Her voice trailed off. "It is the humans they must be interfering with my thought processes. I must meditate on it." Surprisingly Spock said nothing. In one way she was glad, for she felt embarrassed.

"I must go," she said again. Spock nodded and stepped out of her way.

"Of course."

The doors snapped shut behind her. Spock stood in the doorway mildly surprised. He pulled the robe together and fastened it before placing his arms behind his back.

Behind the door Saavik imagined a slanted eyebrow being raised. Indeed it was.

Saavik stepped into the sickbay and over heard the laughing in the intensive care department. K'Rissel smiled at her as she passed by shaking her hips seductively at the doctor. The Vulcan stepped through the double doors into the room.

"How is K'Rissel's child?" She asked him.

"Doin' fine. We've located the problem and he's on the way to recovery."

"Very fortunate," she said.

"Is there anything I can do for you my dear lady?" He asked. Saavik noticed with mild amusement that the doctor seemed to be very happy today.

"Yes there is. Have you seen Doctor Berger?"

"Yea he's in the research room."

"Thank you," she said.

"Captain, how is Spock?"

"He is well."

"That's good." Saavik frowned at him, at his cheesy stupid grin.

"You seem to be of high spirits today," Saavik said coolly.

"Yep," said Philips. He picked up a piece of medical equipment and placed it into an open draw. "K'Rissel asked me to lunch." He said shaking his head. "She is the most amazing person I have ever known." Saavik realised that the man was smitten by her. "Did you know females of her world could have as many men as they like?"

"Curious woman," Saavik said as she exited the room.

The chief nurse walked in.

Saavik found the ex medic from the Krackatowa, Doctor Berger sitting at a table and spying down a microscope. She barely new him. All that Saavik had known was that he was one of the original crew who was stationed on the Krackatowa before she took command. He turned when he heard her quietly enter the room.

"A ha," he said. "How are we today?"

"I am fit," she said. "Yesterday you said you wanted to see me for a complete medical." She clasped her hands in front of her in a typical interpretation of Captain Spock's attitude.

"That won't be necessary," said the doctor once again peering down through the lens.

"It will not?" She asked a little confused.

"Nope."

"Then I will return to my duties doctor." Saavik began to turn away. The medic spun around.

"No don't be too hasty," he started. "Just hold on a minute." He keyed in something on the keyboard connected to the microscope. "There. All done." He twisted around on the high stool and it squeaked a little. He directly faced her. "Before we begin I must ask you how is Captain Spock?"

"He is fine," she said. The doctor nodded.

"Tell him I want to run a complete medical on him just to be on the safe side."

"Very well," she said quietly. Berger stood up and headed towards her. He turned to the door and gestured for her to follow him into the examination room.

"Would you please lay down here for me Captain." The doctor said indicating an examining table. "This'll only take a few moments." She complied and lies down. Berger took a tricorder and waved it over her body. "Things seem to be checking out okay." He said. "I just need to take a further scan. Were you physically coping all right on the planet?" He questioned.

"Yes," she said. The doctor nodded and glanced down at another device he picked up. He waved it over her and stopped at her lungs.

"My good friend McMeres, he gave you a shot for hypothermia?"

"Yes."

"What about pneumonia?"

"Negative. He did not."

"Hum," said Berger. He scratched an ear.

"What is wrong?" She said a little alarmed.

"I'm not sure," he muttered. The doctor began to walk away. "Just wait there will you." He passed her by and exited the room.

A nurse returned with the doctor. The medic was frowning at his medical device.

"What is wrong?" Saavik repeated a little louder.

"I want to take a sample of blood."

"Then if that is all I will return to my duties." She started to sit up. Berger smiled.

"I can't let you go just yet. I doubt that it's nothing serious. A number of the crew had subtle difference in their haemoglobin levels. It's nothing to worry about." The doctor took a small hypo injector and placed an empty canister onto the top. "Give me your arm."

Saavik extended it and he placed the hypo nib against the inside of her elbow. Berger pressed and there was a short release of air pressure. The extruder did not penetrate the skin and there was no pain involved. Air pressure caused a pea green substance to fill the tube. Finally the doctor pulled the hypo spray away.

"There," he said pleasantly. "All done. Nurse will you test this for Pentor virus?"

"Yes doctor," she said and took the canister of green blood. As soon as the nurse was gone he began to explain his theory on what he thought was wrong with her.

"I think you have Majoring fever," he said bluntly.

"What is Zajorin fever?"

"Now don't get freaked out."

"I do not get freaked out," Saavik commented. The doctor nodded.

"No," he said. "I suppose not. Anyway it's completely curable in most cases. It's a Vulcan respiratory condition. As it develops, which will be in a few days time it will mimic the human condition Bronchitis from years ago. Unfortunately when it's a lot worse it includes vomiting and fever. You contacted it from the planet. Damp heavy air isn't to good for Vulcans and it is very contagious among your people once someone has got it.

"It is due to the bodies responses going haywire. It is a good job that there are no other Vulcans on this ship."

"Captain Spock," she said.

"Yes I know."

The nurse came back with the blood results. The doctor took it. A look of relief passed across his face.

"Your clear of Pentor virus. That is one thing." He turned to the nurse. "Thank you Zena." And she left. "Have you been experiencing any difficulty in breathing?" He asked Saavik.

"No."

"I'm afraid I can only start you on the medication when the condition worsens. The medication will be useless before."

"How long will that be?"

"Three or four days. Depends on Vulcan to Vulcan. I assure you, since you are a strong person you'll recover well."

"How long will this treatment last?"

"A week, but by that time you will be well on the mend." Saavik nodded. "From now on you are ordered to rest." She raised a brow. "And I mean, your declared unfit for duty. Doctor's orders.

"I recommend you go to Earth, but do not go to Vulcan whatever you do. Tell me before you go and I'll contact your chosen doctor. I'll be on Earth staying with a good friend." Saavik nodded once.

"May I leave now?"

"Certainly." And without saying another word she left sickbay. She wondered why she had to refrain from her duties at that present time for she was fit. Neither the less there was no point disobeying the doctor.

Saavik naturally assumed that her crew and possibly the others from this vessel would be going on shore leave anyway. Saavik hadn't had leave for two years. She didn't find it necessary.

She couldn't quite understand why some people spent leave in hostile and dangerous conditions and places. She found it far more beneficial meditating and studying her favourite topic, science.

As a starship captain she no longer had the time to continue in such luxuries all the time like she once did. She would have to inform her first officer of her orders and so she travelled down the corridor and then stepped into the lift to the bridge.

The journey didn't take long. In fact she calculated it took one minute twenty-three seconds. Saavik stepped out of the turbo lift and onto the bridge of the Nova. As the doors parted some one whom she had not previously met sprang up like a jack in a box and said, "Captain on the bridge."

It was a term rarely used today. Perhaps it was one of the Nova's little idiosyncrasies. For now Saavik served as the Nova's commander since Captain Wong died. Under her command now served a mixture of both the Krackatowa crew and the Nova's.

Seated in the captain's chair was Katherine Brown. The Nova's Orian first officer was reassigned to help with the people on Anagossia following the disaster with the Arkhictoura. Brown smiled at Saavik as she stepped down towards the centre of the unfamiliar bridge.

"Good morning Captain," came Browns cheerful voice.

"And to you Commander. I must speak with you privately Katherine." She stepped down and neared the centre seat and Brown got up. They prepared to leave for the ready room when Robinson spoke out.

"Sir we are approaching Anagossia."

"Very well, screen on," said Saavik. She turned back towards the centre seat where Brown was still standing near. The screen lit up and a set of worlds slowly rotated before them. One of which, the third was Anagossia. Orbiting nearby were two starships, an Excelsior class vessel and a Dreadnought. "Please hail the USS Warrior."

"Aye sir. Hailing frequencies open." The screen altered and changed from the star field to a short plump man sitting at a desk looked up at them.

"Hello Keptain," he said with almost a wheeze. He was completely bald and his face was bright red.

"Greetings Admiral Kaloski," replied Saavik.

"Everyone is now safe and well aboard our two ships. We'll be heading back to Starbase One," he said. "Your serwice is no longer needed."

"What about the Anagossians Admiral?" She asked.

"Eferything is being taken care off. We haf sent down scientists to help them sort out their genetics problem."

The doors of turbo lift one opened and Spock stepped onto the bridge. He wore replicated clothing comprising of a grey pair of trousers, which flared at the hem, black boots, and a black crushed velvet fitted tunic. All the pain that had previously been exposed last night was erased. His face was calm and passive.

"Captain Spock." Saavik turned her eyes away from the view screen. Kaloski gazed at them through his own small computer screen on a desk. He was sat in an office. Saavik turned her head and watched Spock proceed down the circular gangway and position he close to the command seat. Brown looked up and smiled.

"You are not needed here, sir," she said kindly. The Vulcan raised a slanted eyebrow at her.

"On the contrary Commander." On the view screen the admiral was frowning.

"Keptain Spock it is a pleasant surprise to see you. I trust you are well?" Kaloski said.

"I am Admiral. Thank you."

"You will be pleased to hear that the Anagossians hafe excepted our help and our protection."

"Very good," said the Vulcan. The Russian admiral turned his gaze once more back to Captain Saavik.

"Now about what ve were saying." The man straightened in his chair. "Your orders are to return to Earth. The ship will need a complete oferhaul. You and your crew are due an extended end of mission leafe. I think you all deserfe a well earned rest."

"Thank you sir," she said.

"Keptain Spock will return to Wulcan on the Courageous. It safes time." Saavik shot him a glance. She knew that if he too had contacted the same unfortunate illness as she, he certainly wouldn't be returning home just yet.

"In all due respect sir I have other plans," said Spock. Saavik was openly surprised.

"You do?"

"Yes. I request to take passage to Earth in this vessel." Saavik's brows shot up. For a fleeting second she caught his eyes glancing at her.