Starbase 245. Wonderful peace and quietness. The Klingon exchange students had immediately continued their voyage aboard a freighter; and most of the regular academy graduates had also departed for their respective posts. Suvuk and Äänekoski were sitting in a small spare room in the science section where they wouldn't be disturbed while negotiating with some scientific journal on Earth about publishing their paper. That is, Suvuk was negotiating while Jukka-Pekka looked on and was wondering.
For hours he hadn't thought of the irritating fact that he was in love with Suvuk; too many other things had needed his attention; but now he wasn't trying to follow the conversation any more, and watched Suvuk from the corner of his eye while ruminating on what had happened.
For five days they had, among the general chaos aboard the *Great Bird*, lived in their own private world where there hardly existed anything except their work and their discussions about it. They had taken turns in sleeping for a few hours on a discarded medicot in a storage room, they had queued at the replicators together, eaten together at the corner of some table in the crew mess, not even losing their calm when directly beside them the security personnel had tried to energetically hospitalize some Klingons with advanced alcohol poisoning. JP had grown curious and tried a spoonful of Suvuk's plomeek soup, which tasted horrible; Suvuk, careless with exhaustion, had upon this tasted a forkful of the Finn's *maksalaatiko* and had, to his shame, be forced to spit it out at once with revulsion, as despite the fact that the former animal components of the dish came from cell cultures and not from dead creatures, the taste of iron based blood was utterly unpalatable to the Vulcan. Using the Bunsen burner and old-fashioned teabags they'd got in large amounts from the replicator, they'd brewed tea in the science section; and with curt answers they had sent some curious passengers and crew members about their business. The feeling of being included into the Vulcan's solitude had made Jukka-Pekka very happy; they enjoyed a close-knit unity among their confused environment. While Suvuk was sleeping for a few hours, some of his compatriots had tried asking the Finn nosey questions about the project; he had politely advised them to ask Suvuk himself, who would doubtlessly supply much more satisfying answers, upon which the Vulcans had retreated without a further word, leaving him to his diagrams. He'd stood up and gone quietly to the storage room where Suvuk slept. There he lay, ramrod straight on his back, arms crossed like those of a statue on a mediaeval tomb. Jukka-Pekka had looked at him meditatively, and an almost painful tenderness, mixed with a strong protective instinct, had welled up in him. What had driven the otherwise oh-so-logical Vulcans to put such a general ban on his beloved, special, highly gifted Suvuk? He couldn't imagine him having done anything that merited such a treatment. The Vulcans should, after all, be able to logically perceive when their traditions and taboos were outdated. Äänekoski felt the strong urge to enclose Suvuk in his arms and to defend him against the entire galaxy, if necessary. Just that moment, the Vulcan had opened his eyes and asked, completely awake, "Have you encountered any difficulties, Lieutenant?" It was enviable how quickly an awakening Vulcan gained full consciousness. Suvuk, on his part, had sometimes seemed slightly amused about the Finns reaction when he woke up. The Human grunted a few times protestingly, then recognized who was facing him and murmured gladly, "Hello, Suvuk" before getting up from the cot. Suvuk would stand in front of him and have his arms at his back and that "negative grin" JP knew so well by now on his face. Once, he'd protested and said, "I know you're making fun of me; you don't have to hide your amusement".
Suvuk lifted both eyebrows. "You rather anthropomorphise my reaction with that interpretation; I suppose the reason for that lapse lies in the period of rest you just terminated. Wake up, Lieutenant, your presence is required". They had addressed each other as "Lieutenant" and used the polite mode when talking Finnish and not English; but the Vulcan hadn't protested when Äänekoski had occasionally used his name, and even the one one time when he'd said *mä odotan sua* (instead of *teitä*) the Vulcan had let that pass, and merely chided the Finn for his impatience. They hadn't even once talked about the past, let alone their plans for the future; as a team they existed, so their unspoken compact, in the present only, just for the duration of their voyage aboard *Roddenberry*. JP didn't want to think about the future, really, which was rising above him as an unending Suvuk-less void.
As he was listening now to Suvuk discussing the publication of their article in general and scientific networks, as data cubes and hard copies with some science editor (without quite understanding why the Vulcan insisted the article should first be published on Earth in September), Jukka-Pekka was internally busy with the painful anticipation of their forthcoming separation. Without Suvuk and his invigorating presence, even the prospect of getting his hands on endless amounts of technology from the furthest corners of the galaxy didn't seem so enticing. Despite himself, he sighed, and Suvuk turned to him.
"Olen varma että kaikki toimiihan lopultakin hyvin; älkää pelkä, luutnantti. Päätoimittaja on vielä vähän itsepäinen, mutta se tulee pian selväksi. Odotakaa vain vielä pari minuutia". He'd never doubted that Suvuk would be able to deal with the editor; nevertheless he nodded reassuredly and tried to follow the conversation once again.
At least it should be possible to keep up communication via subspace channels; even the proud, lonely Vulcan wouldn't that easily be ready to discard such a good working companion. If only he'd be able to reign in his unsuitable emotion, they could at least keep what they'd achieved so far, even if he'd miss talking to Suvuk over a cup of tea. He'd miss being woken for work by the Vulcan, or being admonished for over-eagerness or hurry. He'd even miss Suvuk's way of keeping his distance despite all closeness. Damn, he'd bitterly miss that man, and he was quite sure he'd spend his voyage to Deep Space Nine in his cabin, crying and/or drunk. He hadn't had one drop of alcohol since Suvuk had first sat down at his table. That couldn't be good for a Finn.
Suvuk closed the comm channel and turned to Äänekoski. He lifted an eyebrow. "You are wearing a facial expression as if you'd bitten on a cactus. I can assure you, the conditions of this publication are quite acceptable, even if my behaviour didn't give you that impression. For some occasions, I have adopted the human custom of exaggerating somewhat".
*If only you'd adopt some other human customs*, JP thought unhappily. "I trust you, Lieutenant; the procedure was just a bit tedious for me".
"You need something to do. Get us a pot of tea".
"I'd honestly rather have a cold salmiakkikossu now".
Suvuk again lifted an eyebrow. "If you can convince the replicator to correctly synthesize that substance, you can get one for me as well. I've never tried it".
"Alcohol?"
"Salmiakkikossu; I have some experiences with alcohol".
"I thought Vulcans didn't drink".
"That is correct".
While he programmed the replicator, Äänekoski thought about this apparent paradox. When the second icy-cold glass materialized, he realized with sudden embarrassment what Suvuk had referred to. Alcohol was among the dangerous substances Vulcans injected themselves with to suppress their periodic bouts of sheer biology. *If only you weren't that stubborn, you could do without it in the future*. He turned back to Suvuk, glasses in hand, although he felt that he'd blushed. Suvuk was somewhat green in the face as well; he seemed to regret having hinted at his private circumstances. One wrong question, and he could lose him forever. *Control yourself, Jukka-Pekka.*
An announcement on the intercom saved him from his embarrassment.
**Attention, everyone. As we were just informed, the *U.S.S. Intrepid* was forced to change her route at short notice. All personnel that was meant to be transported to the Bajoran sector aboard this ship will be informed about alternative transportation in due time. End message.**
Aghast, JP stared at the intercom. That was the ship he was meant to take; departure was due in ten hours. Perhaps this logistical breakdown bought him a little time in Suvuk's company.
Suvuk accepted the glass and threw the contents down in one gulp. "Uskomattomasti hirveää. If you'd excuse me now, I will have to organise alternative transport. Unfortunately, I am sure that this change of plans was due to my person".
Of course. Traditionally, the *Intrepid* was Starfleet's all-Vulcan ship. If Suvuk had been meant to travel on it, then obviously.....
Äänekoski couldn't quite suppress a happy, idiotic smile. "You mean, as they don't want you aboard, they're not taking anyone at all?"
"Correct".
"Ne vitun itsepäiset pilkunnussijat!"
"Niin. However, even your worst language won't help us now. I consider myself honour bound to offer an alternative to my fellow travellers; so I will have to leave you to your own devices for a while".
"Don't be hasty, Lieutenant. I don't think Starfleet has another ship for us just up their sleeve, at least not so fast. We should try and get ourselves a ride on the free market, if you're in that much of a hurry."
"Did you say 'we'?" For a moment, actual astonishment showed on Suvuk's face.
"If the buses don't run any more, you share a cab. The *Intrepid* was the ship I was supposed to travel on as well. But I think you'd better leave the negotiations to me this time, if you really mean to charter a ship."
"Do you perhaps suspect that a free-lance space captain, were I to approach him, might take financial advantage of our situation?"
JP grinned broadly. "Yes; everyone thinks Vulcans are too honest to drive a good bargain, so they take you for a ride instead."
Suvuk almost imperceptibly raised his eyebrows. "I appreciate the sprit, if not the metaphor. So, if you'd please accompany me to the starbase commander; we should at least get her approval before approaching the free market."
Walking through the starbase corridors beside Äänekoski, Suvuk tired to get a grip on his runaway emotions. Up until now, allowing himself the Finn's company had been acceptable and even logical under the circumstances; but suddenly the development had reached a critical point. The human's emotional reaction to the prospect of continuing their association was so obvious; Suvuk could already anticipate the point when it would grow beyond what a Terran could master, and then all contact between them would have to cease. For when the time of his *pon farr* finally approached and this alluring temptation was still around, would he really have the discipline to take his drugs as always instead of seeking shelter at the broad shoulders of the Finn? Suvuk didn't even dare to think about the implications of such a decision.
The starbase commander raised no objections, seemed even relieved not to have to care for transport to the Bajoran sector. He couls never quite comprehend the concept by which many humans equated work with unconvenience. *We're here to serve* Well, he could serve his fellow travellers to Bajor.
Lieutenant Äänekoski then directed his course toward the recreation area without any further comment.
In the turbolift, Suvuk finally asked: "I suppose your plan of action includes a visit to one of the less salubrious venues on this station."
"Right." The Finn grinned again; he seemed to take a certain pleasure in the idea. "We will sit in the shadiest corner of the darkest space bar we can find where scantily dressed life forms dance in blue light on the tables and every intoxicating substance in the known universe is sold; and we will lurk in murky corners with strange figures drinking evil-smelling liquid from weirdly misshapen glasses, and finally we will make a deal with an Orion pirate or a Ferengi arms dealer. If such a scenario worries you, you can take the turbolift back up to the science section, of course."
This was a very colourful version of Suvuk's actual consideration, and suddenly a suspicion rose in him. "Lieutenant, I get the impression you are *pulling my leg*, as the human metaphor goes. Why should such an ambience be needed for procuring transport aboard a space vessel?"
Instead of an answer, Äänekoski merely smiled secretively and actually winked at the Vulcan.
"Lieutenant, did that one glass of salmiakkikossu indeed damage your intellect so much? You had time enough to make fun of me at the Academy; chartering a ship is serious business." The human's behaviour indicated a tender mockery far too intimate for Suvuk's liking. *He seems to think I am his already.*
"You just wait, Lieutenant."
Suvuk felt the irrational wish to take a somewhat more energetic stance towards the Finn. He seemed to enjoy his temporary superiority, and that development was thoroughly undesirable. Any further emotional entanglement might be fatal, especially a quarrel and subsequent reconciliation. The logical way of proceding was thus to bear his present mood patiently and not let himself be provoked.
Unfortunately, that was not to be. "I'm sorry", Äänekoski finally said when the turbolift stooed and they emerged into a bustling passageway. "Your doubts about our endeavours were so obvious, I couldn't keep my coarse human nature from pulling your leg a bit."
"I did not venture any comment; I have no idea what you're referring to."
Äänekoski stopped and blocked the Vulcan's way. "Suvuk, you could just as well have written *Help, I'm being abducted* on the turbolift walls. I'm honestly sorry if I reacted inapropriately to that."
"I do quite gather what you're driving at, Lieutenant, but our present discussion is eminetly unneccessary. We should rather do what we came for."
"Well, then we go in there. And don't you worry, Lieutenant, it's all completely harmless."
*He is trying to comfort me. In the human way, I am meant to gain strength and reassurance from his presence and his affection.*
At this most unsuitable moment when they stepped into the establishment and sat down at a table, a fundamental realisation dawned on Suvuk: *He loves me. And in his understanding that means not only that he wishes me to accomodate him, but also his commitment to stand by me and give me what I need.*
As if to prove the truth of this, Äänekoski leaned towards the Vulcan and lightly touched his wrist with two fingertips. *Just sit there and look as neutral as any Vulcan, Suvuk; I know what I'm doing. Your dignity is in no danger of being compromised.*
These words, and the affection they carried, came over as clear as if they'd been spoken aloud. How could this Finnish technician know the lower Vulcan telepathy, of which this kind of short mind touch was a part? And how did they ever establish that kind of mental link that enabled him to use this technique in the first place?
Äänekoski lightly tapped the console glass in the middle of their table and ordered two cups of tea that immediately materialised before them; then he stood up to walk over to the piano player tinkling out quiet jazz in a corner of the bar, put something in the basket standing on her instrument, and exchanged a few words with her.
The bar was far less intimidating than Suvuk had assumed. There was no more spectacular entertainment than the live music, the light was of a normal colour, if slightly dimmed, and the tables were populated by Starfleet officers and civilians in a mixture of the most diverse species, all of them unexcitedly minding their own business. No place that would be the least inappropriate for a decent Vulcan.
Äänekoski returned to the table, sat down beside Suvuk and drank from his cup of tea. "We only have to wait now."
Suvuk finally shed his considerations and grew almost boisterous, for a Vulcan. He might try and give the human a reverse dose of his own medicine.
"I believe we will have to pay some kind of remuneration to the proprietors of this establishment?"
"Don't think about it, Lieutenant, I'll take care of that."
"I believe I am supposed to thank you? Still, it is illogical to pay for something that we can get for free in the crew quarters and the office sections of the station."
"I am sure there are no pubs on Vulcans; but most species enjoy the atmospere of a bar, the company, the music, etc."
Suvuk remembered the cybernetics cafeteria at ShiKahr, and his younger self sitting there with Sadek, discussing potential improvements upon common translation algorithms. He hadn't thought of Sadek for years. Nobody had ever been that close to him afterwards; now it seemed that Lieutenant Äänekoski might fill that void.
"There are comparable places on Vulcan", he forced himself to return to the subject, especially as he had raised it. "They are, however, of a much less commercial nature and serve the community. The departments of the ShiKahr academy, for example, all had their special venues for students and teachers to gather informally to discuss their work."
Äänekoski frowned. "Then I don't understand why you objected so much to having coffee with my class."
"I did not deem it appropriate to encourage informal contact with my human students. The scientific level of our informal conversations in the cybernetics cafeteria at ShiKahr I couldn't expect from you even in the classroom."
The human gazed at him distractedly for a while, then seemd to gather the sum of his courage to ask, "As you are an exologist I don't really understand why you seem to think it neccessary to keep all alien species at an arm's length. Don't talk to me about scientific level; it was obvious you wouldn't tolerate anyone close to you, for any reason."
"I have my reasons; I don't tolerate prying questions of personal nature, either."
That should be enough to deter even an infatuated Finn.
"You mean to say you discourage all contact to keep people from taking too much of an interest in you?"
"Correct." The conversation was taking a turn he had not at all intended; he had meant to mock the human a little and was instead now analysed by Äänekoski.
At that moment, his growing unease was lifted when a humanoid of obviuosly Bajoran descent walked up to their table.
"I heard you're looking for transport to the Bajoran sector?"
"Take a seat", Äänekoski said. "I am Lieutenant Äänekoski, and this is Lieutenant Suvuk. The ship scheduled to take us and some of our colleagues to our posts on and around Bajor isn't going."
"Since when does Starfleet need to charter freighters? Don't you have any vessels of your own?"
"Waiting for another ship to be assigned to the task would mean inevitable delay", Suvuk supplied.
"Well, if you're in such a hurry to go to work, I'm glad to help you. My name is Andra Gal, and I am the owner and captain of the fast freighter *Millenial Falcon*. I am carrying a cargo of electronics components bound for Bajor, but I still have room for a some passengers. The question now is, how many, and how much?"
Negotiations now touched technical and logistical aspects like the number of passengers, the kind of services required, supplies, berths, and of course payment. Captain Andra insisted on being paid in gold-pressed latinum after the Bajoran fashion (they considered their own currency too unstable, it seemed), and Äänekoski bargained vigorously.
Suvuk retracted his attention to the middle distance and thoughtfully watched Äänekoski in action. He was so competent and skillful with these things. It was obvious he would make an ideal companion for the Vulcan. In the central, intellectual areas of life they reached the peak of their performance by uniting their gifts in unison, while in the more mundane aspects their skills and interests perfectly complemented the other's. If only those emotional undertones were absent he wouldn't hesitate to apply to Starfleet to make the Finn his assistant; but so he knew he would be forced to reject the human; and if a human experienced rejection, all chances of an effective cooperation went out of the window. And the mental link for which there was no logical reason to exist gave rise to caution as well.
It seemed that Äänekoski and Andra had struck a deal; they shook hands as a sign of accord, and the Bajoran left the table.
"If we ask all the others to contribute a little, this shouldn't be too much of a financial burden to us. His price is astonishingly reasonable; let's just hope he has no ulterior motives."
"I assumed it was established that I would bear the cost, as I am responsible for the *Intrepid's* change in schedule. What ulterior motives are you thinking of?"
"His ship is in such a sorry state he needs free help from Starfleet technicians; or he carries illegal cargo and likes to have some bona fide passengers as a front. But I won't let you foot the bill on your own; it costs you at least a month's pay."
Such a stubborn human; in Suvuks experience, the issue of money offered limitless resources of dissent. "Lieutenant, I do not plan to use my private funds. Starfleet gives me access to a medium-sized fortune to finance my research, and I can requsition the neccessary means from those sources. If all is said and done, Starfleet is responsilbe for our transport, so the expenses are fully justified."
Äänekoski looked at him with a new shade of admiration. "People always say that Vulcan's can't relate to money; but you seem to know exactly what you're doing."
"You have to differentiate a little. We have no sense for accumulating personal prossessions; I do not own any item of any value whatsoever, or any item I couldn't do without at any time. However, I am well acquainted with money as an abstract resource that can be exchanged for transport, research equipment, information etc. As they know my attitude concerning this, Starfleet leaves the details to my discretion."
"Don't you have any personal mementoes or keepsakes? Even Androids have such things."
"There is nothing for the sake of which I would want to keep anything, Lieutenant. You are overstepping your bounds again. We should rather start planning the logistics of our voyage. When can we embark, where is the ship, how many persons have to be notified, what supplies do we require? Is there a need for medical supplies or spare parts to prevent mishap? How do we get the means of payment in the required form? We should return to the science section, I will requisition a logistics board, and we can start working."
Suvuk noticed that it was possible to keep the human at bay without rejecting him utterly. *If only there wasn't that inexplicable mental link.*
The *Millenial Falcon* was a sorry bucket of bolts. She stood in one of the starbase's civilan bays, small, greasy, the colour of corroded brass against the shimmering white surface of the flawless Starfleet floor. She didn't even have working transporters; the eight Starfleet officers and four civilian Federation employees were forced to carry all the supplies for the journey aboard with their own hands. For some reason, station operations didn't even allow Starfleet owned antigrav units anywhere near Captain Andra and his helper, a giant, furry Catellan, who were loading crates until the last possible moment, while everyone else was busy lugging supplies for the voyage and their personal belongings inside by way of a single groaning metal ramp.
The deal had turned out to be a lot worse than he'd thought, Äänekoski mused. The Falcon didn't even have replicators or a primitive medical kit, so the passengers had to take care of every single piece of equipment themselves. Jukka-Pekka noticed Suvuk trying to manhandle a huge aluminum crate that seemed too heavy even for the considerable strength of a Vulcan, and quickly went over to give him a hand. The thing really was abysmally heavy.
"At least we don't have to bring bottles of air to breathe", he tired to lighten the situation. "What's in this box?"
"Air recycling unit and oxygen cartridges", Suvuk gasped. "I fear you are mistaken here, Lieutenant; the ship's air system can't supply more than ten persons maximum."
"It seems I'm the one who has been taken for a ride, Lieutenant. Wait a moment - yes, like this, go on."
"The vessel will serve its purpose; we never expected a luxury cruiser. Mind that corner, Lieutenant; you don't want to junk the ship before it's even left the base."
"Don't have to, it's falling apart as it is", JP wheezed, trying to steer the crate gingerly around the aforementioned corner. "Where does this thing go?"
"Cargo bay four. Your observations aren't quite correct; the ship's structural integrity is in no doubt, its cargo capacity is enormous compared to its size, and its outer hull is extremely sound, while some of the inner bulkheads are admittedly suffering from slight corrosion. The ship may not boast transporters, but it offers full warp capacity. I would have assumed that you, being a technician, would have checked up those details yourself. Down there!"
"Sorry, Suvuk, that is cargo bay three. I tried to have a look around, but the Catellan kicked me out."
Suvuk tugged in mild irrtation at his end of the crate. "It is cargo bay four; the Cardassian symbol for four somewhat resembles the Klingon three, hence your mistake. Now come on."
The Finn stubbornly remained rooted to the spot. "Cardassian? Why does a Bojoran have a Cardassian ship? That can mean trouble."
"Do you want me to continue loading this crate on my own? Andra Gal bought this ship ten years ago second-hand from a Cardassian trader; I was able to inspect the full documentation. I do indeed ask myself what you were doing while I verified those parameters."
Äänekoski relented and moved off again. "You know exactly what I did. I built up three replicators from scratch as Starfleet seems unable to spare us a single mobile unit. Where do we put this?"
"That is for you to say; the apparatus will have to be attached to the freighter's air system while simultaneously sustaining breathable air in this room. We're all meant to berth down in here together."
"I know, I carried three mattresses down here already. In that corner."
"You shouldn't try to gesture while carrying the crate; I know which corner you mean. Perhaps you should begin to instal the system so we have a working air supply when the ship is sealed."
"Don't try giving me orders, Lieutenant; I know what I have to do without you telling me, thank you."
"Then I will leave you to your typical human mood swings. Where's my logistics board?"
Jukka-Pekka stopped the Vulcan by gripping his narrow wrist. "Suvuk, I'm sorry. It's just this situation is so grotesque. Three days agow we were speculating about the ZA drive, and now we're lugging crates. The logistics board was leaning on the left side of the loading ramp when I last saw it."
They found themselves facing each other without breaking the touch or the faint mental connection, and experienced a moment of strange intimacy in the middle of all that bustle. Suvuk gazed at the Finn; in his black eyes, vast seas of calm composure seemed to be reflected. "In Vulcan philosophy, there is a principle commonly translated as *Mastery of the Unavoidable*. Perhaps I might acquaint you with the basics of these ideas during our travel."
*Anything that brings you closer to me is welcome, dear friend; even Vulcan philosophy*, Äänekoski mused. Suvuk lifted an eyebrow. Of course, through the residuary mind link he had heard the thought as clearly as if the human had spoken it aloud. Embarrassment flooded him.
*The basics of Vulcan philosophy might certainly help you to control your illogical emotional reaction toward me*, Suvuk answered with genuine kindness.
An energetic female voice from behind broke their intimacy. "Stop holding hands and get on with loading our supplies." That was Dr. Pulaski entering the room with two heavy carrying cases. She was a high ranking Strafleet doctor assigned to help establishing a public health system on Bajor. She was just as cranky and outspoken as most Starfleet doctors, and Äänekoski was very glad to have her aboard.
"*Holding hands* does not describe our activity very accurately," Suvuk answered her firmly. "We are communicating telepathically about issues concerning our forthcoming journey."
"Communicate as much as you want, but please do carry a few crates while you do", the doctor said, shaking her head.
"Aye, Sir", Äänekoski replied somewhat saucily. Suvuk shoved him in the side, pushing him from the room. *Illogical to start a quarrel with her; we need her.*
Outside the ship they found the logistics board beside the ramp and begun going through checklists together. "I have requested much more extensive technical equipment then initially planned," Suvuk commented. "I trust that with its help you will be able to effectively combat any eventual malfunctions."
"Oh, that reminds me," Äänekoski said. By his sleeve, he pulled Suvuk in a corner, out of the general bustle. "There's something you should know. I organised three dilithium crystals and some magnetically contained antimatter from the station technicians on the sly; well, to be totally honest, I won it off them at poker while you were verifying your parameters. I put it in a small aluminum case with my personal stuff; I don't want anyone else to know, or Andra will insist he needs them immediately."
Suvuk checked some squares on his logistics board. "That was good thinking, Lieutenant. However, I believe you should really begin installing the auxiliary air system while I go through our supplies for the last time." He nudged Jukka-Pekka towards the ship and turned to the equipment still piled outside the ramp.
Äänekoski had almost finished installing the air system when the freighter's enignes started. The other Starfleet technician, an African named Johnny Mandela (he came from an old family of politicians and suffered somewhat from this fact) was busy getting the second replicator up and running while Dr. Pulaski was assembling a small emergency medical station in one corner of the room.
Suvuk enterd the cargo bay and calmly asked for attention. "We will leave the docking bay in five point two minutes and are scheduled to complete our voyage to Bajor within three standard days. Those travelling on to Deep Space Nine will be collected by a station runabout from Bajor. Everything you might need is ready for you in this room; furthermore, I am to tell you from Captain Andra that (quote) he doesn't want half the Federation hanging out on his bridge while he's thrying to fly this bucket (unquote), so if you need to communicate anything, please do so via Lieutenant Äänekoski or me. In any case, it would be inappropriate to turn up on the bridge in larger groups, as it is no larger than a medium size sehlat stall; additionally, the intraship communication system is only barely functional, so we will use our own communications array in this room, into which our com badges will be tied so they remain activated. All in all it is not advisable to leave the area assigned to us. Thank you."
_Translation! *Mä odotan sua* means *I'm waiting for you*; to use the appropriate polite form, Äänekoski should have said *teitä* instead of *sua*.
Durning the subspace call to the science editor, Suvuk says: *I am sure everything will finally work out; don't be afraid, Lieutenant. The editor is a bit stubborn, but that will soon blow over. Just wait a few minutes.*
After trying the salmiakkikossu, the Vulcan says *Uskomattomasti hirveää = incredibly awful*; I refuse to translate the names Äänekoski calls the *Intrepid* crew, though. Suvuk's answer on this is simply *Niin = that's right*._
For hours he hadn't thought of the irritating fact that he was in love with Suvuk; too many other things had needed his attention; but now he wasn't trying to follow the conversation any more, and watched Suvuk from the corner of his eye while ruminating on what had happened.
For five days they had, among the general chaos aboard the *Great Bird*, lived in their own private world where there hardly existed anything except their work and their discussions about it. They had taken turns in sleeping for a few hours on a discarded medicot in a storage room, they had queued at the replicators together, eaten together at the corner of some table in the crew mess, not even losing their calm when directly beside them the security personnel had tried to energetically hospitalize some Klingons with advanced alcohol poisoning. JP had grown curious and tried a spoonful of Suvuk's plomeek soup, which tasted horrible; Suvuk, careless with exhaustion, had upon this tasted a forkful of the Finn's *maksalaatiko* and had, to his shame, be forced to spit it out at once with revulsion, as despite the fact that the former animal components of the dish came from cell cultures and not from dead creatures, the taste of iron based blood was utterly unpalatable to the Vulcan. Using the Bunsen burner and old-fashioned teabags they'd got in large amounts from the replicator, they'd brewed tea in the science section; and with curt answers they had sent some curious passengers and crew members about their business. The feeling of being included into the Vulcan's solitude had made Jukka-Pekka very happy; they enjoyed a close-knit unity among their confused environment. While Suvuk was sleeping for a few hours, some of his compatriots had tried asking the Finn nosey questions about the project; he had politely advised them to ask Suvuk himself, who would doubtlessly supply much more satisfying answers, upon which the Vulcans had retreated without a further word, leaving him to his diagrams. He'd stood up and gone quietly to the storage room where Suvuk slept. There he lay, ramrod straight on his back, arms crossed like those of a statue on a mediaeval tomb. Jukka-Pekka had looked at him meditatively, and an almost painful tenderness, mixed with a strong protective instinct, had welled up in him. What had driven the otherwise oh-so-logical Vulcans to put such a general ban on his beloved, special, highly gifted Suvuk? He couldn't imagine him having done anything that merited such a treatment. The Vulcans should, after all, be able to logically perceive when their traditions and taboos were outdated. Äänekoski felt the strong urge to enclose Suvuk in his arms and to defend him against the entire galaxy, if necessary. Just that moment, the Vulcan had opened his eyes and asked, completely awake, "Have you encountered any difficulties, Lieutenant?" It was enviable how quickly an awakening Vulcan gained full consciousness. Suvuk, on his part, had sometimes seemed slightly amused about the Finns reaction when he woke up. The Human grunted a few times protestingly, then recognized who was facing him and murmured gladly, "Hello, Suvuk" before getting up from the cot. Suvuk would stand in front of him and have his arms at his back and that "negative grin" JP knew so well by now on his face. Once, he'd protested and said, "I know you're making fun of me; you don't have to hide your amusement".
Suvuk lifted both eyebrows. "You rather anthropomorphise my reaction with that interpretation; I suppose the reason for that lapse lies in the period of rest you just terminated. Wake up, Lieutenant, your presence is required". They had addressed each other as "Lieutenant" and used the polite mode when talking Finnish and not English; but the Vulcan hadn't protested when Äänekoski had occasionally used his name, and even the one one time when he'd said *mä odotan sua* (instead of *teitä*) the Vulcan had let that pass, and merely chided the Finn for his impatience. They hadn't even once talked about the past, let alone their plans for the future; as a team they existed, so their unspoken compact, in the present only, just for the duration of their voyage aboard *Roddenberry*. JP didn't want to think about the future, really, which was rising above him as an unending Suvuk-less void.
As he was listening now to Suvuk discussing the publication of their article in general and scientific networks, as data cubes and hard copies with some science editor (without quite understanding why the Vulcan insisted the article should first be published on Earth in September), Jukka-Pekka was internally busy with the painful anticipation of their forthcoming separation. Without Suvuk and his invigorating presence, even the prospect of getting his hands on endless amounts of technology from the furthest corners of the galaxy didn't seem so enticing. Despite himself, he sighed, and Suvuk turned to him.
"Olen varma että kaikki toimiihan lopultakin hyvin; älkää pelkä, luutnantti. Päätoimittaja on vielä vähän itsepäinen, mutta se tulee pian selväksi. Odotakaa vain vielä pari minuutia". He'd never doubted that Suvuk would be able to deal with the editor; nevertheless he nodded reassuredly and tried to follow the conversation once again.
At least it should be possible to keep up communication via subspace channels; even the proud, lonely Vulcan wouldn't that easily be ready to discard such a good working companion. If only he'd be able to reign in his unsuitable emotion, they could at least keep what they'd achieved so far, even if he'd miss talking to Suvuk over a cup of tea. He'd miss being woken for work by the Vulcan, or being admonished for over-eagerness or hurry. He'd even miss Suvuk's way of keeping his distance despite all closeness. Damn, he'd bitterly miss that man, and he was quite sure he'd spend his voyage to Deep Space Nine in his cabin, crying and/or drunk. He hadn't had one drop of alcohol since Suvuk had first sat down at his table. That couldn't be good for a Finn.
Suvuk closed the comm channel and turned to Äänekoski. He lifted an eyebrow. "You are wearing a facial expression as if you'd bitten on a cactus. I can assure you, the conditions of this publication are quite acceptable, even if my behaviour didn't give you that impression. For some occasions, I have adopted the human custom of exaggerating somewhat".
*If only you'd adopt some other human customs*, JP thought unhappily. "I trust you, Lieutenant; the procedure was just a bit tedious for me".
"You need something to do. Get us a pot of tea".
"I'd honestly rather have a cold salmiakkikossu now".
Suvuk again lifted an eyebrow. "If you can convince the replicator to correctly synthesize that substance, you can get one for me as well. I've never tried it".
"Alcohol?"
"Salmiakkikossu; I have some experiences with alcohol".
"I thought Vulcans didn't drink".
"That is correct".
While he programmed the replicator, Äänekoski thought about this apparent paradox. When the second icy-cold glass materialized, he realized with sudden embarrassment what Suvuk had referred to. Alcohol was among the dangerous substances Vulcans injected themselves with to suppress their periodic bouts of sheer biology. *If only you weren't that stubborn, you could do without it in the future*. He turned back to Suvuk, glasses in hand, although he felt that he'd blushed. Suvuk was somewhat green in the face as well; he seemed to regret having hinted at his private circumstances. One wrong question, and he could lose him forever. *Control yourself, Jukka-Pekka.*
An announcement on the intercom saved him from his embarrassment.
**Attention, everyone. As we were just informed, the *U.S.S. Intrepid* was forced to change her route at short notice. All personnel that was meant to be transported to the Bajoran sector aboard this ship will be informed about alternative transportation in due time. End message.**
Aghast, JP stared at the intercom. That was the ship he was meant to take; departure was due in ten hours. Perhaps this logistical breakdown bought him a little time in Suvuk's company.
Suvuk accepted the glass and threw the contents down in one gulp. "Uskomattomasti hirveää. If you'd excuse me now, I will have to organise alternative transport. Unfortunately, I am sure that this change of plans was due to my person".
Of course. Traditionally, the *Intrepid* was Starfleet's all-Vulcan ship. If Suvuk had been meant to travel on it, then obviously.....
Äänekoski couldn't quite suppress a happy, idiotic smile. "You mean, as they don't want you aboard, they're not taking anyone at all?"
"Correct".
"Ne vitun itsepäiset pilkunnussijat!"
"Niin. However, even your worst language won't help us now. I consider myself honour bound to offer an alternative to my fellow travellers; so I will have to leave you to your own devices for a while".
"Don't be hasty, Lieutenant. I don't think Starfleet has another ship for us just up their sleeve, at least not so fast. We should try and get ourselves a ride on the free market, if you're in that much of a hurry."
"Did you say 'we'?" For a moment, actual astonishment showed on Suvuk's face.
"If the buses don't run any more, you share a cab. The *Intrepid* was the ship I was supposed to travel on as well. But I think you'd better leave the negotiations to me this time, if you really mean to charter a ship."
"Do you perhaps suspect that a free-lance space captain, were I to approach him, might take financial advantage of our situation?"
JP grinned broadly. "Yes; everyone thinks Vulcans are too honest to drive a good bargain, so they take you for a ride instead."
Suvuk almost imperceptibly raised his eyebrows. "I appreciate the sprit, if not the metaphor. So, if you'd please accompany me to the starbase commander; we should at least get her approval before approaching the free market."
Walking through the starbase corridors beside Äänekoski, Suvuk tired to get a grip on his runaway emotions. Up until now, allowing himself the Finn's company had been acceptable and even logical under the circumstances; but suddenly the development had reached a critical point. The human's emotional reaction to the prospect of continuing their association was so obvious; Suvuk could already anticipate the point when it would grow beyond what a Terran could master, and then all contact between them would have to cease. For when the time of his *pon farr* finally approached and this alluring temptation was still around, would he really have the discipline to take his drugs as always instead of seeking shelter at the broad shoulders of the Finn? Suvuk didn't even dare to think about the implications of such a decision.
The starbase commander raised no objections, seemed even relieved not to have to care for transport to the Bajoran sector. He couls never quite comprehend the concept by which many humans equated work with unconvenience. *We're here to serve* Well, he could serve his fellow travellers to Bajor.
Lieutenant Äänekoski then directed his course toward the recreation area without any further comment.
In the turbolift, Suvuk finally asked: "I suppose your plan of action includes a visit to one of the less salubrious venues on this station."
"Right." The Finn grinned again; he seemed to take a certain pleasure in the idea. "We will sit in the shadiest corner of the darkest space bar we can find where scantily dressed life forms dance in blue light on the tables and every intoxicating substance in the known universe is sold; and we will lurk in murky corners with strange figures drinking evil-smelling liquid from weirdly misshapen glasses, and finally we will make a deal with an Orion pirate or a Ferengi arms dealer. If such a scenario worries you, you can take the turbolift back up to the science section, of course."
This was a very colourful version of Suvuk's actual consideration, and suddenly a suspicion rose in him. "Lieutenant, I get the impression you are *pulling my leg*, as the human metaphor goes. Why should such an ambience be needed for procuring transport aboard a space vessel?"
Instead of an answer, Äänekoski merely smiled secretively and actually winked at the Vulcan.
"Lieutenant, did that one glass of salmiakkikossu indeed damage your intellect so much? You had time enough to make fun of me at the Academy; chartering a ship is serious business." The human's behaviour indicated a tender mockery far too intimate for Suvuk's liking. *He seems to think I am his already.*
"You just wait, Lieutenant."
Suvuk felt the irrational wish to take a somewhat more energetic stance towards the Finn. He seemed to enjoy his temporary superiority, and that development was thoroughly undesirable. Any further emotional entanglement might be fatal, especially a quarrel and subsequent reconciliation. The logical way of proceding was thus to bear his present mood patiently and not let himself be provoked.
Unfortunately, that was not to be. "I'm sorry", Äänekoski finally said when the turbolift stooed and they emerged into a bustling passageway. "Your doubts about our endeavours were so obvious, I couldn't keep my coarse human nature from pulling your leg a bit."
"I did not venture any comment; I have no idea what you're referring to."
Äänekoski stopped and blocked the Vulcan's way. "Suvuk, you could just as well have written *Help, I'm being abducted* on the turbolift walls. I'm honestly sorry if I reacted inapropriately to that."
"I do quite gather what you're driving at, Lieutenant, but our present discussion is eminetly unneccessary. We should rather do what we came for."
"Well, then we go in there. And don't you worry, Lieutenant, it's all completely harmless."
*He is trying to comfort me. In the human way, I am meant to gain strength and reassurance from his presence and his affection.*
At this most unsuitable moment when they stepped into the establishment and sat down at a table, a fundamental realisation dawned on Suvuk: *He loves me. And in his understanding that means not only that he wishes me to accomodate him, but also his commitment to stand by me and give me what I need.*
As if to prove the truth of this, Äänekoski leaned towards the Vulcan and lightly touched his wrist with two fingertips. *Just sit there and look as neutral as any Vulcan, Suvuk; I know what I'm doing. Your dignity is in no danger of being compromised.*
These words, and the affection they carried, came over as clear as if they'd been spoken aloud. How could this Finnish technician know the lower Vulcan telepathy, of which this kind of short mind touch was a part? And how did they ever establish that kind of mental link that enabled him to use this technique in the first place?
Äänekoski lightly tapped the console glass in the middle of their table and ordered two cups of tea that immediately materialised before them; then he stood up to walk over to the piano player tinkling out quiet jazz in a corner of the bar, put something in the basket standing on her instrument, and exchanged a few words with her.
The bar was far less intimidating than Suvuk had assumed. There was no more spectacular entertainment than the live music, the light was of a normal colour, if slightly dimmed, and the tables were populated by Starfleet officers and civilians in a mixture of the most diverse species, all of them unexcitedly minding their own business. No place that would be the least inappropriate for a decent Vulcan.
Äänekoski returned to the table, sat down beside Suvuk and drank from his cup of tea. "We only have to wait now."
Suvuk finally shed his considerations and grew almost boisterous, for a Vulcan. He might try and give the human a reverse dose of his own medicine.
"I believe we will have to pay some kind of remuneration to the proprietors of this establishment?"
"Don't think about it, Lieutenant, I'll take care of that."
"I believe I am supposed to thank you? Still, it is illogical to pay for something that we can get for free in the crew quarters and the office sections of the station."
"I am sure there are no pubs on Vulcans; but most species enjoy the atmospere of a bar, the company, the music, etc."
Suvuk remembered the cybernetics cafeteria at ShiKahr, and his younger self sitting there with Sadek, discussing potential improvements upon common translation algorithms. He hadn't thought of Sadek for years. Nobody had ever been that close to him afterwards; now it seemed that Lieutenant Äänekoski might fill that void.
"There are comparable places on Vulcan", he forced himself to return to the subject, especially as he had raised it. "They are, however, of a much less commercial nature and serve the community. The departments of the ShiKahr academy, for example, all had their special venues for students and teachers to gather informally to discuss their work."
Äänekoski frowned. "Then I don't understand why you objected so much to having coffee with my class."
"I did not deem it appropriate to encourage informal contact with my human students. The scientific level of our informal conversations in the cybernetics cafeteria at ShiKahr I couldn't expect from you even in the classroom."
The human gazed at him distractedly for a while, then seemd to gather the sum of his courage to ask, "As you are an exologist I don't really understand why you seem to think it neccessary to keep all alien species at an arm's length. Don't talk to me about scientific level; it was obvious you wouldn't tolerate anyone close to you, for any reason."
"I have my reasons; I don't tolerate prying questions of personal nature, either."
That should be enough to deter even an infatuated Finn.
"You mean to say you discourage all contact to keep people from taking too much of an interest in you?"
"Correct." The conversation was taking a turn he had not at all intended; he had meant to mock the human a little and was instead now analysed by Äänekoski.
At that moment, his growing unease was lifted when a humanoid of obviuosly Bajoran descent walked up to their table.
"I heard you're looking for transport to the Bajoran sector?"
"Take a seat", Äänekoski said. "I am Lieutenant Äänekoski, and this is Lieutenant Suvuk. The ship scheduled to take us and some of our colleagues to our posts on and around Bajor isn't going."
"Since when does Starfleet need to charter freighters? Don't you have any vessels of your own?"
"Waiting for another ship to be assigned to the task would mean inevitable delay", Suvuk supplied.
"Well, if you're in such a hurry to go to work, I'm glad to help you. My name is Andra Gal, and I am the owner and captain of the fast freighter *Millenial Falcon*. I am carrying a cargo of electronics components bound for Bajor, but I still have room for a some passengers. The question now is, how many, and how much?"
Negotiations now touched technical and logistical aspects like the number of passengers, the kind of services required, supplies, berths, and of course payment. Captain Andra insisted on being paid in gold-pressed latinum after the Bajoran fashion (they considered their own currency too unstable, it seemed), and Äänekoski bargained vigorously.
Suvuk retracted his attention to the middle distance and thoughtfully watched Äänekoski in action. He was so competent and skillful with these things. It was obvious he would make an ideal companion for the Vulcan. In the central, intellectual areas of life they reached the peak of their performance by uniting their gifts in unison, while in the more mundane aspects their skills and interests perfectly complemented the other's. If only those emotional undertones were absent he wouldn't hesitate to apply to Starfleet to make the Finn his assistant; but so he knew he would be forced to reject the human; and if a human experienced rejection, all chances of an effective cooperation went out of the window. And the mental link for which there was no logical reason to exist gave rise to caution as well.
It seemed that Äänekoski and Andra had struck a deal; they shook hands as a sign of accord, and the Bajoran left the table.
"If we ask all the others to contribute a little, this shouldn't be too much of a financial burden to us. His price is astonishingly reasonable; let's just hope he has no ulterior motives."
"I assumed it was established that I would bear the cost, as I am responsible for the *Intrepid's* change in schedule. What ulterior motives are you thinking of?"
"His ship is in such a sorry state he needs free help from Starfleet technicians; or he carries illegal cargo and likes to have some bona fide passengers as a front. But I won't let you foot the bill on your own; it costs you at least a month's pay."
Such a stubborn human; in Suvuks experience, the issue of money offered limitless resources of dissent. "Lieutenant, I do not plan to use my private funds. Starfleet gives me access to a medium-sized fortune to finance my research, and I can requsition the neccessary means from those sources. If all is said and done, Starfleet is responsilbe for our transport, so the expenses are fully justified."
Äänekoski looked at him with a new shade of admiration. "People always say that Vulcan's can't relate to money; but you seem to know exactly what you're doing."
"You have to differentiate a little. We have no sense for accumulating personal prossessions; I do not own any item of any value whatsoever, or any item I couldn't do without at any time. However, I am well acquainted with money as an abstract resource that can be exchanged for transport, research equipment, information etc. As they know my attitude concerning this, Starfleet leaves the details to my discretion."
"Don't you have any personal mementoes or keepsakes? Even Androids have such things."
"There is nothing for the sake of which I would want to keep anything, Lieutenant. You are overstepping your bounds again. We should rather start planning the logistics of our voyage. When can we embark, where is the ship, how many persons have to be notified, what supplies do we require? Is there a need for medical supplies or spare parts to prevent mishap? How do we get the means of payment in the required form? We should return to the science section, I will requisition a logistics board, and we can start working."
Suvuk noticed that it was possible to keep the human at bay without rejecting him utterly. *If only there wasn't that inexplicable mental link.*
The *Millenial Falcon* was a sorry bucket of bolts. She stood in one of the starbase's civilan bays, small, greasy, the colour of corroded brass against the shimmering white surface of the flawless Starfleet floor. She didn't even have working transporters; the eight Starfleet officers and four civilian Federation employees were forced to carry all the supplies for the journey aboard with their own hands. For some reason, station operations didn't even allow Starfleet owned antigrav units anywhere near Captain Andra and his helper, a giant, furry Catellan, who were loading crates until the last possible moment, while everyone else was busy lugging supplies for the voyage and their personal belongings inside by way of a single groaning metal ramp.
The deal had turned out to be a lot worse than he'd thought, Äänekoski mused. The Falcon didn't even have replicators or a primitive medical kit, so the passengers had to take care of every single piece of equipment themselves. Jukka-Pekka noticed Suvuk trying to manhandle a huge aluminum crate that seemed too heavy even for the considerable strength of a Vulcan, and quickly went over to give him a hand. The thing really was abysmally heavy.
"At least we don't have to bring bottles of air to breathe", he tired to lighten the situation. "What's in this box?"
"Air recycling unit and oxygen cartridges", Suvuk gasped. "I fear you are mistaken here, Lieutenant; the ship's air system can't supply more than ten persons maximum."
"It seems I'm the one who has been taken for a ride, Lieutenant. Wait a moment - yes, like this, go on."
"The vessel will serve its purpose; we never expected a luxury cruiser. Mind that corner, Lieutenant; you don't want to junk the ship before it's even left the base."
"Don't have to, it's falling apart as it is", JP wheezed, trying to steer the crate gingerly around the aforementioned corner. "Where does this thing go?"
"Cargo bay four. Your observations aren't quite correct; the ship's structural integrity is in no doubt, its cargo capacity is enormous compared to its size, and its outer hull is extremely sound, while some of the inner bulkheads are admittedly suffering from slight corrosion. The ship may not boast transporters, but it offers full warp capacity. I would have assumed that you, being a technician, would have checked up those details yourself. Down there!"
"Sorry, Suvuk, that is cargo bay three. I tried to have a look around, but the Catellan kicked me out."
Suvuk tugged in mild irrtation at his end of the crate. "It is cargo bay four; the Cardassian symbol for four somewhat resembles the Klingon three, hence your mistake. Now come on."
The Finn stubbornly remained rooted to the spot. "Cardassian? Why does a Bojoran have a Cardassian ship? That can mean trouble."
"Do you want me to continue loading this crate on my own? Andra Gal bought this ship ten years ago second-hand from a Cardassian trader; I was able to inspect the full documentation. I do indeed ask myself what you were doing while I verified those parameters."
Äänekoski relented and moved off again. "You know exactly what I did. I built up three replicators from scratch as Starfleet seems unable to spare us a single mobile unit. Where do we put this?"
"That is for you to say; the apparatus will have to be attached to the freighter's air system while simultaneously sustaining breathable air in this room. We're all meant to berth down in here together."
"I know, I carried three mattresses down here already. In that corner."
"You shouldn't try to gesture while carrying the crate; I know which corner you mean. Perhaps you should begin to instal the system so we have a working air supply when the ship is sealed."
"Don't try giving me orders, Lieutenant; I know what I have to do without you telling me, thank you."
"Then I will leave you to your typical human mood swings. Where's my logistics board?"
Jukka-Pekka stopped the Vulcan by gripping his narrow wrist. "Suvuk, I'm sorry. It's just this situation is so grotesque. Three days agow we were speculating about the ZA drive, and now we're lugging crates. The logistics board was leaning on the left side of the loading ramp when I last saw it."
They found themselves facing each other without breaking the touch or the faint mental connection, and experienced a moment of strange intimacy in the middle of all that bustle. Suvuk gazed at the Finn; in his black eyes, vast seas of calm composure seemed to be reflected. "In Vulcan philosophy, there is a principle commonly translated as *Mastery of the Unavoidable*. Perhaps I might acquaint you with the basics of these ideas during our travel."
*Anything that brings you closer to me is welcome, dear friend; even Vulcan philosophy*, Äänekoski mused. Suvuk lifted an eyebrow. Of course, through the residuary mind link he had heard the thought as clearly as if the human had spoken it aloud. Embarrassment flooded him.
*The basics of Vulcan philosophy might certainly help you to control your illogical emotional reaction toward me*, Suvuk answered with genuine kindness.
An energetic female voice from behind broke their intimacy. "Stop holding hands and get on with loading our supplies." That was Dr. Pulaski entering the room with two heavy carrying cases. She was a high ranking Strafleet doctor assigned to help establishing a public health system on Bajor. She was just as cranky and outspoken as most Starfleet doctors, and Äänekoski was very glad to have her aboard.
"*Holding hands* does not describe our activity very accurately," Suvuk answered her firmly. "We are communicating telepathically about issues concerning our forthcoming journey."
"Communicate as much as you want, but please do carry a few crates while you do", the doctor said, shaking her head.
"Aye, Sir", Äänekoski replied somewhat saucily. Suvuk shoved him in the side, pushing him from the room. *Illogical to start a quarrel with her; we need her.*
Outside the ship they found the logistics board beside the ramp and begun going through checklists together. "I have requested much more extensive technical equipment then initially planned," Suvuk commented. "I trust that with its help you will be able to effectively combat any eventual malfunctions."
"Oh, that reminds me," Äänekoski said. By his sleeve, he pulled Suvuk in a corner, out of the general bustle. "There's something you should know. I organised three dilithium crystals and some magnetically contained antimatter from the station technicians on the sly; well, to be totally honest, I won it off them at poker while you were verifying your parameters. I put it in a small aluminum case with my personal stuff; I don't want anyone else to know, or Andra will insist he needs them immediately."
Suvuk checked some squares on his logistics board. "That was good thinking, Lieutenant. However, I believe you should really begin installing the auxiliary air system while I go through our supplies for the last time." He nudged Jukka-Pekka towards the ship and turned to the equipment still piled outside the ramp.
Äänekoski had almost finished installing the air system when the freighter's enignes started. The other Starfleet technician, an African named Johnny Mandela (he came from an old family of politicians and suffered somewhat from this fact) was busy getting the second replicator up and running while Dr. Pulaski was assembling a small emergency medical station in one corner of the room.
Suvuk enterd the cargo bay and calmly asked for attention. "We will leave the docking bay in five point two minutes and are scheduled to complete our voyage to Bajor within three standard days. Those travelling on to Deep Space Nine will be collected by a station runabout from Bajor. Everything you might need is ready for you in this room; furthermore, I am to tell you from Captain Andra that (quote) he doesn't want half the Federation hanging out on his bridge while he's thrying to fly this bucket (unquote), so if you need to communicate anything, please do so via Lieutenant Äänekoski or me. In any case, it would be inappropriate to turn up on the bridge in larger groups, as it is no larger than a medium size sehlat stall; additionally, the intraship communication system is only barely functional, so we will use our own communications array in this room, into which our com badges will be tied so they remain activated. All in all it is not advisable to leave the area assigned to us. Thank you."
_Translation! *Mä odotan sua* means *I'm waiting for you*; to use the appropriate polite form, Äänekoski should have said *teitä* instead of *sua*.
Durning the subspace call to the science editor, Suvuk says: *I am sure everything will finally work out; don't be afraid, Lieutenant. The editor is a bit stubborn, but that will soon blow over. Just wait a few minutes.*
After trying the salmiakkikossu, the Vulcan says *Uskomattomasti hirveää = incredibly awful*; I refuse to translate the names Äänekoski calls the *Intrepid* crew, though. Suvuk's answer on this is simply *Niin = that's right*._