Icicles 8
Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek
"Marla. Are you there?" Marie banged on the door. Wednesday night. Marie had wanted to drop by first and then had over.
"Yes. Hold on." Marie heard the lock scrape open before the door opened.
"Hey lady." Marie grinned. "What's wrong?" Her grin fell.
"I have a problem." Marla sighed.
Marie walked in, kicked off her muddy shoes, and sat on the couch.
"What?"
Marla collapsed on the couch next to her and picked up a throw pillow and put it over her face and groaned.
"WHAT? Marla!"
"I. Like. Him." She whined.
Marie screamed in excitement and began shaking her.
"GO FOR IT! DO IT! MARRY HIM. SEXY BABIES!"
"WOAH THERE!"
"NO. NO WOAH THERE. GO GET YOUR MAN!"
"HE'S IN SPACE!"
"Oh."
"For two more weeks."
"Oh er…"
"I'm not doing anything about it."
"WHAT?"
"I have a policy about not dating coworkers."
"MARLA YOU IDIOT!"
"WHAT?"
"GO FOR IT!"
"I DON'T KNOW!"
"WHY NOT?"
"Reasons."
"Can you name these reasons?" Marie raised a skeptical eyebrow.
"I'm not ready, he's a co-worker and I am not giving everyone the satisfaction of being right!"
"YOU STUBBORN WOMAN!" Maria stood on the couch and began slapping Marla.
"OW! STOP!"
"NOT UNTIL YOU AGREE TO GO ON ANOTHER DATE WITH HIM!"
"IT WASN'T A DATE!"
"YES IT WAS! HE WANTS YOU GO FOR IT!"
"OW! MARIE!"
"SAY IT!"
"FINE! ONE DATE IF HE ASKS."
Marie sat back down and smiled in satisfaction.
"So when did you come to this conclusion?"
"Last week."
"Last week?"
"After we hung up."
"Has he called back since?"
"No."
"Did you call him?"
"No. He's not even supposed to have that damn phone."
"He is really into you Marla if he's willing to get caught with a phone on a mission." Marie's face was starting to hurt from how hard she was smiling. "When does he call?"
"At night usually."
"Before he goes to bed?" She leaned in. "TELL ME!"
"I don't know."
"MARLA HE REALLY LIKES YOU." Marie shook her again.
"Not pursuing it." Marla sang.
"YOU JUST SAID-"
"IF HE ASKS." Marla replied smugly.
Marie growled.
The phone began beeping next to her.
They both glanced at it before lunging for it.
Marla and Marie wrestled over it before Marla finally seized it and opened it.
"Hello?"
"You sound quite flustered."
"Hi John."
Marie grinned wildly.
"What have you been doing?"
"Chasing Marie around my apartment trying to keep her from finding the thing Tyrone gave to me so she wouldn't find it.
"TELL ME!" Marie yelled.
"No." She snapped. "You sound much less murderous than last time. Did you take my advice?"
"Yes." He grumbled.
"And?"
"It worked."
"And?"
"Thank. You." He spoke through gritted teeth.
"You are welcome."
He grumbled indistinctly.
"You have two weeks left, suck it up. You're halfway done."
She heard his breath hitch on the other end.
"Shit. Someone's coming. I have to go. Sorry." He hissed suddenly and the phone clicked.
"Well. That was quick."
"What happened?"
"Someone was coming and he had to go."
"Speaking of go, we should probably go now."
"Yes."
Andrea gulped as she walked through the door of group.
"Hey, Dre!" Tyrone stood and trotted over to embrace her. "Good to see you." He rocked her side to side.
Andrea looked to see a few new faces.
"We got new people this week." Tyrone whispered. "They ain't doing too good."
Andrea sat down a seat away from one of the new guys and looked over as Marla and Marie walked through the door, shaking off the rain. It had rained all week and into the current one.
Marla walked over and hugged Andrea from behind, giving her a quick kiss on the top of the head without letting go.
"Welcome back." Marla nuzzled the top of her head.
"Give her some breathing room, Marla." Rodger grunted from the other side of the room.
Marla took the empty seat beside her.
The guy next to her stared for a bit with unfocused, red eyes. She noticed he was slightly overweight, with a buzz cut and smelled like the inside of a keg. Couldn't be more than thirty. He snerked back phlegm.
"Erm…may I help you?"
He blinked and continued to stare.
"Hello?"
"I used to watch you strip."
Marla went into panic mode.
"EXCUSE ME?"
"Yeah…you used to dance over at the Palace."
"I don't know what you are talking about." She snarled.
"I wouldn't forget those." He motioned towards her chest and she cracked him across the face.
"Hey!" Rodger stood up and walked over. The old farmer dragged the man up out of the seat. "Change seats with me. Now. You don't treat people like that sonny and we don't put up with it here. Marla, stop hitting people."
"He's lucky it wasn't my boot in his mouth!"
"Alright, let's start this meeting." Dr. Burton clapped her hands together. "Marla, do you know this man?"
"No."
"Let's see here…Jimmy. Why do you think you know her?"
"Because I've seen her naked and swinging on a pole and good lord, I wouldn't forger that body." He slurred and hiccuped.
"You are disgusting, drunk and mistaken." Marla informed him. "I am leaving."
"Marla…" Andrea reached out and grabbed her sleeve, eyes begging her not to leave her there.
Marla let loose a sigh and pulled Andrea's chair over to pull her into a hug.
Jimmy snerked again as his beady eyes settled on Andrea.
"Hey blondie. You eighteen yet?"
"Alright, get him out of here." Scarlett snarled. Mario stood up and wobbled slightly on a cane.
"Out of here. You have done your mandatory first meeting. Out."
"Mario." Dr. Burton warned. "We are an open group here."
"No. He needs to go." Mario whacked Jimmy's leg with his cane. "Out."
Jimmy stood up.
"You want to go old man?"
"Both of you sit down!" Marie stood.
He turned his head, looked her up and down, and hocked his spit at Marie.
"I do. You don't spit on my woman." Tyrone knocked his chair back.
"Oh that prairie dog-" Tyrone sank his fist into Jimmy's mouth.
Dr. Burton jumped up to call security as Tyrone continued to pound Jimmy's face into a pulp.
Andrea buried her face into Marla's chest and whimpered. Marla stood up and ushered Andrea out quickly.
"What's going on?" Amanda hobbled in. "I got caught up at reception."
"Tyrone's beating the crap out of a man inside for spitting on Marie." Marla threw over her shoulder.
Amanda went as fast as she could as security rushed past them.
Andrea continued to whimper into Marla's chest. The woman smelled good. Comforting.
"Shh…it's going to be alright."
Andrea closed her eyes tightly and attempted to believe it.
Marla twisted the knob of the first door to the office. As she fiddled with her office lock, she heard a knock on the door. She turned to see Dr. Harlow.
"Oh. It's you." Harlow sniffed. "I was hoping Harrison would be back."
"No, he's off planet for another two weeks." Marla replied stiffly.
"Oh. Pity. I'm deprived of good sex for two more weeks it seems." Dr. Harlow sighed.
"Excuse me?"
"Oh yeah, we've slept together. Listen here. You two think you've got everyone snowed with your little 'we're just friends' bullshit." Dr Harlow approached her and hissed in her face. "But I've slept with him and I've claimed him, sister. He doesn't want you or else he wouldn't have come crawling to me for a bit of pleasure. He's mine. Back off or I will make sure you will leave Starfleet with you foxy little tail between your legs. I suggest you move offices and remove yourself from his presence before you suffer my wrath." Dr Harlow straightened up. "Ta." She turned and left.
Marla couldn't believe what just happened. She felt her heart feel as if it was crumbling. She hated it. It was only a stupid crush. After all, how the fuck could she not have noticed it was Harlow's perfume on him that one day? Then again, that was her. Observant. She slammed the office door behind her. She put her coat in the supply closet and closed before she leaned back against it and slid down the door, arms around her stomach. She felt sick.
Her phone rang in her bag. She fished for it.
"Hello?" Her voice shook slightly.
"You sound very upset."
"Yes, John. I am."
"What happened? Did Lakewood-"
"No, John. Um, Dr. Harlow was just in here."
"Dr. Harlow? The woman from downstairs?"
"Oh don't play dumb with me John, she came in here and threatened me because you two are sleeping together and she's feeling threatened by me."
John was silent.
"We are not sleeping together. We had a one time thing, if you could even call it that, last month. That was it. It meant nothing. There is nothing between her and I." He finally spoke quietly.
"Well, obviously she thinks so or else she wouldn't have threatened to get me fired if I didn't fuck off and move offices."
"She what?"
"Yes, John. She came in here, told me to back off, change offices because she doesn't want me anywhere near you because she has, and I quote, 'Claimed you'. She's fucking crazy."
Someone knocked on the door.
"Marls it's me."
"Come in Andrew."
"Marla, you need to calm down."
"CALM DOWN? John, there was a woman in my office threatening me because of an imaginary relationship between the two of you and-"
"Marla. I'm on shore leave this weekend at the space station. Come up and we will talk."
"What? I don't have clearance for that. I am a non-commission. Plus, we have the Bajor Ambassador coming and my name was drawn out of the damn hat last night to entertain him for the week."
Andrew made himself comfortable in the chair in front of her desk.
"Marla. I will send for your brother then and you accompany him. I want to see you."
Marla froze and panicked.
"Well, I don't think it's a very good idea for me or my job to see you John. Or talk to you actually. Bye John." She hung up and turned her phone off before throwing it across the room.
Andrew ducked.
"Um…lovers spat?"
"SHUT UP ANDREW!" Marla situated herself behind her desk.
"Whoa there, Marls. What happened?"
"Dr. Harlow happened." Marla put her head down on the desk.
"Dr. Harlot? What did she do?"
"Dr. Harlot?"
"That woman sleeps with almost every officer that comes in this building that will have her. She gets nasty about other women getting close to them because she views them as her pets." Andrew dismissed. "What happened?"
"Apparently John slept with her." Marla grinned sarcastically.
"Oh god." Andrew groaned. "What did she say?"
"Threatened to have me fired if I didn't move offices and cease contact with him."
"Are you serious?" Andrew leaned forward.
"Yes, I am."
"So what are you going to do?"
"Well, move offices I guess. I can't fight her right now. I don't know what she could do. You know what. Actually." She moved to the office phone and dialed.
"Who are you calling?"
"Dean Klaus? It's Marlena McGivers. I would like to put in an application for that transfer to NYU after all. How many other candidates are there? Three? Alright, I'll get you my resume in by the end of the day. Thank you." She hung up.
"Marla." Andrew's jaw dropped. "Are you serious?"
"You were right. I'm done. I'm done with the drama, I'm done. I'm done with being threatened, trying to be controlled or changed. I'm done. It's time."
"Marla. Think. It's like you said, running is cowardly."
"I don't care anymore!" Marla threw her hands up. Andrew stood and faced her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "There was a man at group who recognized me. He used to go to the strip club! I had to lie and even then he wouldn't let it drop Andrew, I can't anymore here."
"Marla, you need to calm down. The Bajoran ambassador will be here in two hours. I was told to tell you your classes have been cancelled for the next two weeks. You can send out the lectures, You are the one the history department picked at random to escort him which means you are to be with him constantly. They're adding another lecture since the first one filled up in a few hours which is why it's two weeks now."
"What?" Marla looked at him in disbelief.
"There's also going to be a going away gala for him at the end of the month. Most commissioned officers of Commander and higher rank are required to go. I think the entire history department is hosting it so you will be required to go too. This is what they told me this morning. Aren't intergalactic relations wonderful? I was forced to call in help real quick. Have an open mind Marla."
"What?"
The door opened and Tabitha walked in meekly.
"We're just going to do a quick run over of some etiquette."
"Really?" Marla glared at her brother.
"Marla, we're trying to get the Bajorans to join the Federation. It's not fair you were chosen at random instead of the head of the department stepping up. But, she's going to help."
"Fine."
"Alright, I'll leave you two alone. Play nice." He pointed at Marla and left the room. He pulled out his phone and dialed Amanda.
"Hey, Amanda. It's Andrew. Listen, I need John's phone number."
Khan's hands shook as he stared at the phone as the beeping noise coming from the earpiece. He clicked it off and put it beside him. He took a deep breath and stared at the wall.
He was currently attempting to figure out what Marla was probably more upset about. Most likely the fact Harlow was threatening her. Right now she was trying to protect her ass. He was determined to not take it personally. But still, that last part of their conversation stung.
Khan didn't even know what he had expected by asking her to come up to the space station. He had known in the back of his mind it was highly unlikely she was going to be able to achieve that. He still felt disappointed. On the other hand, she was escorting the Bajor Ambassador around. Out of all the people, they had chosen her to do that and he was a little happy for her. Though to be honest, he'd rather have her on the space station with him that weekend.
Yes, he had definitely come to terms with the fact he was interested in her. Now the question was, what was he going to do about it? He very much wanted to respect her wishes about not being ready for a relationship. At the same time it was driving him mad all day to not just be there and tell her right there and then that he wanted her. But he had to respect her boundaries or it was likely he would run her off.
Khan was used to taking what he wanted easily. This was a new time and new rules. He shouldn't even be thinking about this. He needed to be focusing on getting his crew out alive. Another deep breath.
The phone vibrated next to him. He stared at it before hastily snatching it up.
"Harrison." His heart pounded.
"John, it's Andrew."
"How did you get my number?"
"Doesn't matter. Listen we need to talk real quick. What just happened on the phone between you and Marls?"
"Is it any of your business?" He sneered.
"Well considering she just told the Dean of the History department at Starfleet she'd have her resume in for the transfer to New York by the end of the day, I'd say yes."
Khan's heart stopped.
"I've seen her do this before, John. She's running and you're the last person she talked to. What did you two talk about?"
"What are you talking about running?"
"She's run before. That's all you need to know. What I need to know is what I've asked you, now tell me."
Khan groaned.
"Dr. Harlow."
"And?"
"I asked her to come up to the space station this weekend since I am on shore leave."
Andrew was quiet for a second.
"John, I will ask you this once and only once. I need you to be honest with me here like the other day at Amanda's. Are you interested in my sister?"
Khan was silent.
"John, you can trust me here, but I need to know right now."
"Yes." He finally admitted.
"Alright. Thank you. Just…back off for a little while until I can figure out how to get this sorted out."
"Are you going to tell me what the hell is going on?"
"Not right now. I will though." Andrew hung up.
Khan was slightly panicky now. Was it something he did or said? What did he mean by back off? He had been. Alright, calling her once a week and inviting her up wasn't completely backing off. But it was better than calling her whenever he had the urge to.
The up side was at least Andrew didn't threaten to kill him which he took to mean he was at least somewhat alright with the idea.
No. Crew.
He needed to focus on the crew.
Khan stood and exited his quarters and proceeded down a maze of halls until he came to Marcus's temporary office.
"What?" Marcus glanced up at him.
"I want to see my crew when we return to Earth."
"It's going to have to wait."
"May I ask why?"
"The Bajoran Ambassador is staying an extra week and a half. I can't take you out to see the crew until he's gone."
"Why?"
"Because I have a job to do, Singh. We are trying to get Bajor to join the Federation. Can we convince him to bring it up in talks back on Bajor while I'm babysitting you with your popsicles? No. Also, there's a gala the night before he leaves. You're going. It's mandatory. Don't argue. So it will have to wait. I am pleased with the progress right now and you will be rewarded, but you need to wait."
"I've waited long enough!" He snarled.
"SIT DOWN!" Marcus stood. "Let me explain something to you. Right now, we need Bajor on our side. The Cardassians have been eyeing them for years and if they refuse to join the Federation, the Cardassians will invade and seize control and I WILL BE DAMNED if I let them decimate an entire race of people."
"Given Cardassia's state that is highly unlikely to happen for years to come!"
"But it will and we need to be ready."
"Funny, isn't it?" Khan's eyes narrowed.
"What?"
"You are unwilling to let the Cardassians decimate the Bajorans, but yet, you will willingly murder my crew and I, the last of the Augments. Complete genocide."
Marcus seethed.
"They haven't attempted genocide simply because they view their victims as being inferior."
"I see you are referring to my neighbors. I never permitted that to happen in my territories." Khan sneered. "You kill us and you are no better."
"Yet, you permitted atrocities in war."
"Surely, you must understand that's how war works! Both sides committed unspeakable acts."
"You claimed you wanted peace but you brought blood of innocent people."
"It would have been so much simpler if they had just accepted what we had to offer."
"And what was that?"
"WE OFFERED ORDER!"
"YOU OFFERED DEATH!"
"I DID NO SUCH THING!" Khan snarled. "There were no mass murders under my rule. Wars were initiated by outsiders. I KEPT PEACE!" He stood and slammed his fist on the desk.
"Give me one good reason I shouldn't call in the order to kill every single last one of you sons-of-bitches right now." Marcus threw a communicator on the desk before picking it up and flipping it open.
"Because you need me." Khan hissed, his heart racing.
"I've got what I need for right now. If I were to kill you it would be no skin off my back because we've got everything figured out."
Khan growled.
"Now if you don't want to be the last Augment, I highly suggest you get back to work. Go be a good boy and have fun on shore leave in a few days."
Khan stormed out.
Marcus exhaled and dropped the communicator as he sat. His original plan was to have the McGivers girl come up to the space station with the Ambassador since he had caught wind the head of the department had backed out of escort duties. But right now, he was considering calling that off. Maybe he should just let the man see the rest of his crew. He knew the scientists wanted to get their hands on him again. As did a few of his security guards.
Marcus wanted to meet the Ambassador at the Space station. He wasn't going to be rude and wait until the stupid Gala the history department was putting on to talk with him. When he had heard the final plans that morning, he figured if he placated Khan with the McGivers girl for awhile, it would make the second half of the month slightly more tolerable. After all, isn't that what they did? Send to maiden into the dragon's lair to placate it? Throw the virgin into the volcano? Unfortunately for her, there would be no white knight coming for her.
Andrew put his head against the wall. He knew this was going to happen. He just knew it. He shouldn't have brought up LA or NYC or anything. There was a one in four chance of her being chosen. He had to hope that someone else got the job. She was better than this. Running from her problems that was. Granted she said she wasn't going to do it, but when it came down to it, she was feeling that she couldn't handle the threats and she was going to high tail it. He didn't think that was the underlying problem though.
John had admitted to being interested. From what Marie told him, Marla had admitted to being interested. John was hinting heavily he was interested and Marla picked up on it, especially since he invited her to visit him on the space station. Marla was not ready yet after Lee and Kayla. Therefore, she was scared the same thing was going to happen again and was going to run for it to prevent just that.
God, he hated how easily his sister read to him some days. Other days, it was a blessing. Today was a mixed day.
"Marla, I'm coming back in." Andrew walked in to see Tabitha and Marla, postures mirroring each other in a fashion that reminded him strongly of British royalty. Sitting straight up, hands in lap, ankles tucked neatly together and slightly behind the leg of the chair.
"Good." Tabitha murmured. "Chin up. Look them in the eyes when speaking. Gentle movements. Pleasant voice. If you need to convey anger, pleasant but icy will do. Do not let your face betray you. No heavy sarcasm. Light sarcasm will do when the situation calls for it."
"Alright."
"No slang. Proper English. I'm going to redo your hair."
Khan paced around the catwalk overlooking construction. They had finally started. His mind was far from it though. At the moment, he was terrified that his crew was going to be destroyed. He was terrified he wasn't going to see them again. Most of all, he was terrified Marcus was going to have everyone he had contact with killed. It had only been a nightmare, but it was enough to rattle him to the core. He felt like he needed to see them to make sure they were alright. He needed to see Amanda, he needed to see Marla. Talking with them wasn't enough. He felt like a caged animal.
Too many people were at stake here. The stress was starting to get to him. He leaned against the rail and ran his fingers through his hair. He left the construction site and headed towards his quarters. He was very much trying to not destroy everything in sight. He paused in corridor and turned, swinging his fist into the steel wall, leaving a hole. He wrenched his fist from the twisted metal, cutting his hand in the process.
He swore. The cut was deep and jagged. It would definitely take a few days. He hissed as he removed his shirt to wrap around the wound until he could get to his quarters to stitch himself up. Then maybe to the medical office to at least put the report in.
Marla looked in the mirror in the bathroom. She hardly recognized herself with the gently swept back and up hair and quick make-up adjustments Tabitha had made.
"There. Now you look like a proper McGivers." Tabitha sighed. "Light and elegant, still modest and casual for everyday office." Tabitha gave one last rotation of hairspray and quickly ran some spray over her uniform dress.
"What's that?"
"Just something to take the little wrinkles out. Stand still while I adjust." Tabitha did a final check. "You're not wearing pantyhose? Tsk. Here, shoes and shorts off, you're lucky I brought an extra pair." Tabitha dug around in her bag and pulled out a small box with a pair of pantyhose in them.
Marla quickly obeyed.
"You never go barelegged around foreign diplomats unless you're on a beach. Shameful." Tabitha shook her head.
"Thank you for all of this."
"You're welcome. This is what I would be doing if you had moved in. Nothing drastic, just a tiny bit of spit polish so to say." Tabitha shrugged. "Annora wanted to do a complete refinishing of you. I said that wasn't necessary. You don't need anything severe, just a little smoothing around the edges so they can see what a strong, elegant woman you are." Tabitha gave a gentle smile.
"Thank you." Marla looked down.
"No, up. There. Now you look like a member of the Presidential family. We have twenty minutes to get to the Academy before he gets here. Walk tall, walk proud, you are representing Earth and Starfleet. Now go get 'em."
Andrew waited outside the bathroom. He heard Marla coming and looked up.
"Well don't you clean up nice?"
"Fuck off."
"No cursing." Tabitha tapped her shoulder.
"Thank you dearest brother of mine." She gritted her teeth. Andrew laughed.
"I'm going to have fun with this."
They made their way quickly over to the building.
"There you are." Cheryl tutted at her. "Here." She handed her a tablet. "Itinerary and tour route are on there, Admiral Marcus wishes to meet with Ambassador Bal aboard the space station on Friday night. Ambassador Bal has requested that his full party be with him. That includes you."
"I'm going to the space station?"
"Oh don't get too overexcited. The excitement wears off quickly. It's cold and full of grouchy Starfleet officers. You will be spending the night there while Bal and Marcus have their discussions. I suggest something warm." Cheryl looked over her rimless glasses.
"Got it."
"Sunday is the lecture on Bajor. You will accompany the Ambassador on his tours of San Francisco. That is all you need to know for right now."
"Got it."
"He will be here soon. Look at these this weekend." Cheryl handed her a chip on a lanyard to plug into the tablet.
"Alright." Marla put it around her neck and tucked it into her dress.
"Good. Oh, there they are. I don't know why Dean Klaus didn't want to handle this."
Marla turned to see the entourage of Bajorans approaching. She felt her breath hitch slightly. This was it. Stand up straight, eyes up.
The Ambassador stood taller than she. Her eyes wandered over his features. The ridges on his nose fascinated her. She couldn't be certain of his age, but she would place him in mid thirties. The Bajoran earring on his left ear tinkled slightly, the metal brushing against each other.
"Ah, you must be my escort. Please, tell me your name." Ambassador Bal stopped in front of her.
"Marlena McGivers, sir. It is a pleasure and an honor to be escorting you during your visit, Ambassador Bal." Marla gave a smile. The Ambassador returned a gentle smile.
"So, shall we begin?"
Khan wandered on one of the space station decks. He was busy entertaining himself by exploring. It was Friday night. He didn't know what else to do. He didn't feel like drinking in the tavern on deck five.
His communicator beeped. He flipped it open.
"Harrison, get to my office. I want you to see something." Marcus grunted.
Khan rolled his eyes and headed up.
Marcus glanced up as Khan walked in to the second makeshift office. The furniture had been rearranged so two chairs and a table sat in the middle of the room.
"You are to accompany me to the docking bays. Put on your greys."
"I don't understand. Why?"
"Because the Ambassador from Bajor is arriving along with his entourage and several Starfleet people tonight. You are greeting him with me. Go get dressed and meet me at dock six in an hour."
"Who from Starfleet is accompanying the Ambassador?"
"The hell I know, now get moving!"
Marla anxiously sat on the shuttle, buckled in. Over two days, she now had an idea of why the Dean didn't want to deal with Bal. The Bajoran had a tendency to talk. A Lot. To the point where if you started walking, he would follow you and keep talking. It wasn't that worst habit to have, but she could see how it would easily get on the nerves of the Dean who was a man of very few words.
Even then, he was talking to one of the Starfleet security personnel.
She had been warned by several people that is was cold on the space station. She had traded in pantyhose for thicker black tights and a warm pair of boots and added an undershirt. Tabitha had insisted on assisting her get ready that morning. Thankfully, she had given in to Marla and arranged her hair in a more easy style to be able to accomplish on her own. Marla had every intention on going back to normal as soon as the Ambassador left. It was time consuming to get ready the way Tabitha expected her to.
She felt a little guilty about the way she had ended er conversation with John the day before and considered calling him to apologize. By the time she was alone to do so, she had fallen asleep with the phone in her hand on the couch. If she could get away long enough from Bal, she intended to find him on the space station. If he was even going to talk to her after that, that was.
She looked out the window. Endless stars in the distance. She saw a light coming from ahead.
"Approaching space station in ten minutes." The voice came from the tiny speaker overhead.
"Marlena, I do hope you can give me a tour of the station." Bal turned to her, eyes light with excitement.
"Unfortunately, it is my first time to the station. I will be on the tour with you though unless otherwise stated by Admiral Marcus." Marla assured him.
"It will be good to see Alexander once more." Bal leaned his head back, earring tinkling. "You have been a very good escort. I might have to bring you back to Bajor with me to keep me organized."
Marla laughed as his personal assistant Kitya glared.
"I have a feeling you would enjoy Bajor. Our planet has beautiful landscapes. Impressive cities. Our culture is rich. I will have to show you the presentation before Sunday perhaps." Bal nudged her slightly with his elbow.
"Ambassador-"
"Bal. Just call me Bal."
"Ambassador Bal," Marla ignored his comment out of pure discomfort with the level of familiarity the Ambassador was insisting on. "I am looking forward to your lecture on Sunday. Why should I allow myself to be spoiled and ruin it?"
"As you wish." The Ambassador sounded slightly disappointed.
"I would not object to seeing images of Bajor though."
Bal's face lit back up.
Marla glanced out the window to see the space station in clear view as they lined up to a dock.
Bal leaned around and began speaking in his native language to the other Bajorans.
"Marlena. I wish for you to be on my left when we greet Alexander. Kitya will be on my right. The security will be around us."
"Yes, sir."
Marla swallowed hard when she saw John standing next to Marcus as they disembarked. She moved closer to Kitya as they followed the Ambassador, the rest falling behind them. Kitya looked at her and raised her eyebrow. Marla raised an eyebrow back which caused Kitya to struggle to not erupt in a fit of giggles. Marla readjusted her bag across her body. Kitya was handed a box by one of the other Bajorans.
Marcus and John approached the group. She noticed he had a bandage around his hand.
"Ah! Alexander! My friend!" Bal moved forward past his security, smile on his face.
"Good to see you Bal. Hope you're doing well?"
"Indeed! We are grateful, I am especially grateful for that one." He gestured to Marla. "I might have to take her home to Bajor with me."
Marcus laughed.
"Now, how is the wife Alexander? I hope she is well? And who is this new face? Where is Chang?"
"Oh yes. She's keeping busy at the hospital. Here, this is my First Officer Commander John Harrison. Chang's been transferred to Los Angeles."
"Ah! Pleasure to meet you. Before I forget…KITYA!"
Kitya rushed forward with the box and held it out beside him. Bal turned and opened the box, pulling out a beautiful white glass bottle and presenting it gracefully to Marcus.
"Springwine from my personal stores and kava grove. One for you and one for your first officer."
"Bal, you spoil me. My wife and I will enjoy this very much."
"Thank you." John gave a small bow as he accepted the bottle.
Marla had to admit, John looked rather good in his uniform. Some of the officers it fit oddly. It suited him.
"Let's go inside, I'm freezing my balls off." Marcus grumbled.
"Alexander, you are always so eloquent." Bal smiled. "Come." He gestured to the group behind him.
Inside was warmer. Marla felt comfortable in her layers. John glanced at her as they followed the trio.
Marcus and Bal talked as they walked.
"Bal, it's been a long day. Let's get your people settled in their quarters and we'll go speak in mine?"
"That sounds like a very good idea." Bal nodded. "I know they must be tired. Give the assignments to Kitya. She will get everyone settled."
"Here we are." Marcus held up a chip and a pack of room keys and handed them to Kitya who moved forward again and inserted the chip into her tablet. "John, go help them. Bal, they can handle it. We have catching up to do."
The two walked off, accompanied by one of Bal's security.
"Our quarters appear to be located on deck nine." Kitya looked to John.
"Numbers?"
"We are in the four-hundred block."
"That is where my quarters are located. Follow me. Keep up." He grunted.
Khan made his way to the elevator. He barely recognized Marla. He suspected Tabitha had gotten a hold of her. He wasn't sure how he felt about it yet. He knew it was the same Marla, but the change was a bit of a jolt. It wasn't bad, just different.
The group packed themselves into the elevator.
Getting everyone sorted seemed to take forever. Kitya distributed keys as they stood in the hall.
"Marlena, 9-409." Kitya tossed her the key card. Marla caught it. She gave him a look and made a very slight gestured with her head which he took to mean she wanted to talk. He gave miniscule nod as his heart began to race. She walked off.
He waited impatiently until everyone was sorted out and dispersed. Sorting out twenty people should not have taken that long. He scowled and headed down the hall looking for 409. He still carried the bottle of springwine. He considered putting it in his room before going to see Marla.
Khan knocked on the door.
"Hold on."
The door slid open and he entered. The quarters in the space station reminded him of hotel rooms. He found Marla by the sink, drying off her face, having just removed her make up. He sat at the small table in the corner and set down the bottle. She undid her hair before walking over to him.
"Don't you look dapper in your uniform." She smirked. He raised an eyebrow. She looked down as she sat on the table. "I think some apologies are in order. I am sorry for snapping at you on the phone and overreacting."
He sighed.
"I am not angry. You were being threatened and reacted strongly."
"I shouldn't have taken it out on you."
He took her hand and began stroking it with both of his.
"Look at me. I will take care of this. It is my fault for getting involved with her."
"John, you couldn't have known she was batshit crazy. It's not your fault. I shouldn't have let her get to me."
"Marla." He spoke sternly.
"John." She replied, equally stern.
They looked at each other, determined to stare the other down.
Marla jumped when someone knocked on the door.
"Marlena, it's Kitya. I need to speak with you now. I'm coming in." The door slid open. "Oh. I didn't know you had company."
"I will be leaving then." He released her hand and stood.
"No, stay. What is it Kitya?"
Kitya looked slightly embarrassed.
"I wanted to give you fair warning."
"Of what?" Marla's stomach began feeling unsettled.
Kitya glanced at John.
"The Ambassador is not joking when he says he intends to take you back to Bajor."
"I'm sorry?"
"He's not going to kidnap or threaten you if that's what you're worried about. But I just wanted to let you know."
"Thank you, Kitya. We will discuss this later."
"Understood. Goodnight." With that, Kitya left.
Marla waited until the door closed.
"What the hell was that about?" She turned to John who shrugged as he stood in front of her.
Khan looked at her. He reached out and brushed the hair out of her face.
"What happened to your hand, John?"
"Work accident. I assure you, I'm fine. You should rest."
"There is plenty of time for rest later."
Khan gave a half smile.
Marla sighed and unzipped her boots.
"Don't take them off."
"Why?"
"Because I'm going to take you around the space station in a few minutes."
"I thought you just said I should rest?" Marla snorted.
"Yes you should so I can take you around. It's only seven forty."
"Well if I should rest.." Marla kicked off the boots defiantly. "We will go later then." She stood and walked to the bed before collapsing on it.
He smirked. This was the Marla he knew. The way she was leaning back on her hands, looking positively mischievous was wildly tempting. He eyed her. He had several ideas. For starters he wanted to remove that dress of hers. He removed his hat and set it on the table as he rose and began moving towards her.
"What are you doing?" She gave him a weird look.
Shit.
His communicator beeped.
He swore mentally as he flipped it open.
"Yes?"
"I hope you haven't drank that springwine yet." Marcus chuckled.
"No, his is a gift. We will send up for whiskey from the bar, Alexander. I will give you another bottle for your wife." He heard in the background.
"Go to the bar and get us spirits to keep ours high, Harrison."
Khan's face contorted into a snarl as he snapped it shut.
"Duty calls." Marla stood.
"I'll be back." He sighed.
"I'll be here. Might be sleeping or in the shower, but I'll be here. In case I am, here." She threw him the room key.
Khan nodded and turned to leave.
The door slid closed behind him and he began mentally beating himself up.
Of course she wasn't inviting him to come sleep with her. It was Marla being Marla, just on a bed.
Khan made his way to the bar.
"What can I get you?" The bartender grunted.
"The Admiral and Ambassador request a bottle of top shelf whiskey." Khan spoke, his voice dead.
The bartender eyed his uniform before turning and removing a bottle from under the bar.
"Don't mention it." The bartender muttered. "This is Marcus's favorite."
Khan picked up the glass bottle and walked out of the crowded bar and headed towards the office.
Marla shivered as she dropped her clothes and waited for the water to heat up.
She had left the tribble with Andrea. She wished she had Napoleon with her. She had realized that how she had been sitting on the bed could have been misconstrued as a sexual invitation. She had realized it the second he started towards her with the familiar look of hunger in his eyes she had seen innumerable times. It was stupid to have given him the key card.
She felt filthy. She liked him. She knew he was interested in her now. A voice in her head reminded her it was likely he had been interested for a few weeks, not just because of how she happened to sit on a bed. She jumped in the shower and immediately relaxed under the hot stream. Of course, she was willing to sleep with him, it was a given. The man was attractive, especially in uniform. She would rather not though outside of a relationship. She had made that mistake recently and did not wish to repeat it.
She washed her hair. She was happy she was able to bring her own shower things. It felt better. She opened a bottle of body wash Andrea had shyly given her that afternoon. She hadn't had a chance to smell it yet. She was pleasantly surprised to smell gardenias. She smiled and put some on a washcloth and began scrubbing herself down.
Marla was not looking forward to getting out of the warm water to the chilly air that awaited her. She continued to stand and scrub aimlessly, getting every single inch of dead skin off she could. It wasn't long she heard the door open.
"Marla?"
She heard John pause as she assumed he heard the shower running. He knocked on the bathroom door before cracking it open slightly.
"I'll be out in a minute." She called over the water. "How are those two?"
"Alright and they are both inebriated." The door shut.
She rinsed off and shut the water off. She took a deep breath as she wrapped the towel around her. She exited the shower and yipped at the cold air.
She shivered as she left the bathroom underwear in hand.
She saw John had left the room to let her get dressed. Marla shivered and quickly threw on her undergarments, deodorant and perfume. She dug through her bag frantically looking for pants, socks and a sweater. She located them and pulled them on as quick as possible.
"John, you can come back in now."
The door slid open as she started toweling off her hair.
"Cold?" He asked as he saw her give a slight shiver.
"A little." She saw he had stopped and changed into basic duty wear, a black shirt, black pants and boots.
"Figured." He pulled his scarf out of his pocket and wrapped it around her neck. She laughed, kissed him on the cheek and embraced him. He froze before wrapping his arms around her.
"You're nice and warm." She mumbled. She looked up at him. The hunger was gone from his eyes. She released him and sat on the edge of the bed, pulling on her boots.
Marla stood and John offered his arm. She smiled and took it.
"My key?" He pulled it from his pocket and she placed it in hers.
"So, shall we go explore this station?"
"Yes, lets."