"So, you're a scientist, Spock?" Jim asked as he followed the young Vulcan through the round, rock-ringed garden, which was laid out in neat, precise rows. He'd never seen most of the plant life grown here, but then again, he'd never been to Vulcan before. They had to be really hardy plants in order to survive on such a hot, dry, planet.
"Indeed," Spock confirmed, "I am currently researching the possible medicinal uses for these unique species. They have certain properties that could aid in healing wounds or reducing fevers."
"You're into botany?" He asked, looking at a scraggly, bluish green shrub. "I indulge in geology and zoology as well," she replied. "Science has so many different and fascinating facets. I could live three lifetimes and never tire of it."
Jim admired her passion for learning and wished he could have had more, himself. "I never got to finish high school, myself. I was two grades ahead and would have graduated that summer, but Frank's creditors started breathing down his back and he decided that I was expendable. I woke up chained in some dirty ship with a bunch of other people and next thing I now, I'm up for auction with a collar on my neck and chains." He sighed. "I'm glad your people don't condone the practice. The Federation is way too soft with these slavers."
"My father has often expressed frustration at the Orion Syndicate operating almost unhindered. Many of our people have been taken captive and were never seen again, yet to start an active campaign against The Syndicate would bring war that the Federation is not prepared for."
"Figures." Jim snorted and stuck his hands in his pockets, the Vulcan sun already causing sweat to trickle down his neck as he walked past the rather strange looking plants. "Jim," Spock said suddenly, looking at him with concern, "If you have any injuries that have gone untreated, do not hesitate to inform us. The Vulcan healers have much experience treating wounds on many species."
Jim nodded slowly. "Thanks for telling me, Spock, but I don't have anything pressing." Not fresh, he added silently. His back was a mess of old scars from the many beatings, but he definitely wasn't going to tell her that. He didn't want the pity and nothing could be done about them anyway.
"I see." She acknowledged, keeping that fantastic poker face that gave away nothing of her feelings. "Well, then, I believe we should return to the house as the temperature is rising quickly."
He shuffled along behind her in the reddish sand, feeling the rising heat even through the thick soled slippers.
He drew a sigh of relief when they re-entered the house. "Wow. That's some serious heat out there. Phew! I might not keep the hair after all." He grabbed his shaggy hair and held it away from his neck to get some cool air there. It appeared his natural disguise would be rather impractical on this planet. "Perhaps I can procure a hair tie for you," Spock suggested kindly, "If you are unsure about having it cut yet, it would allow you to remain comfortable."
"That's very thoughtful of you, Spock," Jim answered, unused to such kindness, especially from someone who barely knew him. "I think I'll take you up on that." "I will return in 1.4 minutes," she promised and disappeared through a doorway, green robes fluttering with her footsteps. He couldn't help but admire her, despite his general reluctance to feel much attraction anymore.
He had become so used to loathing that part of himself as a "pet" of Lady Andromeda that he'd hadn't really felt much in a while. But he couldn't deny some dormant longing was starting to stir inside him when he looked at her. She was far too good and pure for someone like him, but he'd like to be friends with her. Maybe she'd let him help her on some experiments sometime. There was so much he could have been learning...
In a jiffy, Spock returned with the elastic and Jim swiftly had his light brown mane pulled back in a pony tail. He gave a sigh of relief. "Much better." Spock was eying him curiously now. "Have you ever seen a long-haired man before?" He questioned her. "I probably look really weird to you."
"No, I confess I have not," she admitted, "But I don't not think you look "weird". In the days before Surak's reforms, most Vulcan men wore their hair long."
"Interesting," said Jim. "I hope you'll teach me more about Vulcan history and culture. It sounds quite rich." "It is." Spock confirmed, dark eyes glowing again. "Much of it is rarely told and unfortunately, is dying out with the Elders, but I think Father would not mind increasing your knowledge of our people. But in the meantime, James, you should rest. My mother has many books in Standard if you wish to occupy your mind."
"That'd be great!" Jim exclaimed almost eagerly, forgetting himself in his excitement to read again. He didn't protest when she steered him to a luxurious couch/cushion thing. This was way better than herding livestock and hoeing crops for long hours a day. A twinge of guilt hit him when he thought about his fellow slaves who hadn't been so lucky to be given away to a Vulcan.