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Chapter 6

Keep your mind on your work. Vega had to repeat this to herself. After the harrowing experience of having to sit in a room filled with superior officers, she was rewarded with working next to the one she wanted to work with. Yet he was always distant; perhaps she was wasting her time. She knew McKenzie would date her in a second. She always treated him nicely but there was just something about him she did not like.

Chekov knew she liked him; he liked her as well. But work came first and foremost. Perhaps the others were right about him. Others, especially Dr. McCoy, often teased him: the more he worked with Mr. Spock, the more Vulcan he became.

Sulu also offered his assistance, hoping his background in botany would be of any help.

"There's a possibility that this is a genuine, natural mutation with know known reason for forming." Chekov stated.

"That's logical." Vega answered. Chekov gave her a look, telling her he did not want to hear another comparison to Mr. Spock. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean…" she began.

Chekov shook his head. "Ne za shtow. Don't mention it."

"Mr. Spock will agree," Sulu stated "but you can be the one to tell that to the captain."

Everyone let out a small laugh, picturing that moment.

"I think Dr. Evans either knew something or was onto something. Why else would someone tear apart his lab?" Caruso said.

"You're the one that worked for him." said Sulu.

"And I know he did extensive research in the past on B. maydis."

" Perhaps he was trying to see how this new breed of plants would react to it." Chekov added.

"Can we take a break to eat yet?" Vega wearily stated.

"Oh, I'm too busy…" Chekov began but was interrupted by someone entering.

I hope it's Mr. Spock. Sulu thought.

I hope it's not the captain. Caruso thought.

Both were wrong.

Once again, it was McKenzie. Seeing the two gentlemen in the room, he decided to be more polite than earlier.

"I,.. I'd like Ensign Vega to take a dinner break with me."

He still had a problem with asking Lieutenant Caruso directly.

"That would be up to Ms. Vega to decide." Caruso answered.

"That's right, it would be up to her to decide!" So much for politeness.

Before things could go any further, Vega came down from the workstation.

"I'll go with him." Chekov was taken aback. "You will?"

"If she wants to torture herself, it's her choice." Caruso stated.

to be continued...