Chapter 3

This chapter draws on Star Trek: the motion picture (1979)

Nyota looked at the transporter pad. There was only one spot left. The male officers took up four spaces and there was a container with three bags. Nyota cocked her head and said,

"What are these?"

Pike grinned, "The monks on P'Jem have few luxuries, but they do like food. I thought I would grease their palms, so to speak, with a few delicacies from throughout the Alpha Quadrant."

Nyota step onto the transporter, and they were rematerialized on P'Jem seconds later. Although the away team was early, there were three Vulcans standing there. Nyota looked at Sulu who was trying hard to stifle a grin. To say that these monks were portly, was an understatement.

Pike held his hand up in a strained "ta'al gesture, "We come baring gifts," he said.

Nyota rolled her eyes. Usually, Pike was astute at diplomacy, but she could tell he was out of his league.

Pike placed his hand on his chest, " I am Captain Pike, Dr. McCoy is my chief medical officer. He is available if you need any medical assistance." Pike continued, "This is Lt. Sulu, my third officer, Lt. Commander Kirk, Acting first officer, and Lt. Uhura, our communications officer."

"I am J'rek, T'eror is our Primus Pilus and Spock is our novitiate. He has attained his sixth level of discipline. Today, he will complete the Fullara Ritual," J'rek said. Nyota sniffed, they said Vulcans contained emotions, but she could sense his boastful pride. Nyota looked at Sulu. She didn't recognize Spock. He must have gained sixty pounds. For his part, Spock did not appear to recognize anyone.

A blaze of light appeared and Lad Amanda and her attendant rematerialized.

J'rek took a step back.

"Lady Amanda," J'rek made a halfhearted attempt at a bow. She was the wife of a noble Vulcan, he owed her at least that small measure of respect.

She slowly bowed her head. Then she greeted the Enterprise crew, "We are honored that you have taken it upon yourself to help locate my husband." She then turned and looked at Spock. He did not acknowledge her presence.

"Well, shall we get down to business?" Pike said.

He picked up the first bag of food and handed it to Nyota. She grabbed the handles and handed it J'rek, "Live Long and prosper, she said.

"Peace and long life," J'rek replied.

Nyota returned to Pike and repeated the gesture with T'eror. He was hesitant to take it. He was also the least portly of the three Vulcans. However, after peeking inside. He took it.

Nyota returned to take the third bag. Pike was holding it in his arms. He nodded at Nyota and she pulled the bag into her arms. It was much heavier than the other bags and she struggled to carry it. Nyota walked over to Spock searching for a glimmer of recognition in his eyes.

"Live long and prosper, Mr. Spock," she said.

Spock looked straight through her.

"We use no honorifics on P'Jem," T'eror said.

"I mean no offense," Nyota said.

"There is no offense where none is taken," J'rek said sternly.

Nyota sighed and faltered. She nearly lost her grip on the bag. Spock stepped forward to grab the bag. In doing so, his fingers brushed against her hands which were holding the bag.

"Peace and long life…," he replied as she walked away, "…Nyota."

Nyota looked over her shoulder. Spock made eye contact with her.

"Spock has made his decision to stay on P'Jem," J'rek said.

Pike thought he detected a hint of smugness in his tone.

"Very well, Lady Amanda, will you join us on the Enterprise? We will discuss the mission parameters. I am confident that we can still locate the Starfleet ship the Sarek is on." Pike said.

Nyota, Amanda, Kirk and McCoy returned to the ship with the container.

"Thank you for taking the time to meet with us. Hopefully, we will find Ambassador Sarek sooner than later. I know he has been and devoted supporter of "P'Jem," Pike said.

J'rek stared back at Pike, but Captain Pike could tell he hit a nerve.

"Captain Pike," Spock said stepping forward.

Pike spun around. "Yes, Spock."

"I will join the search," Spock said.

He walked over to Pike and Sulu.

"Three to beam up, " Pike said with a huge grin on his face.

Amanda was still in the transporter room when Spock appeared. " she stepped up to him, but she did not touch him, Spock, thank you."

"Captain Pike to the bridge," DeSalle said.

Pike went to the bridge. Alden was at the communication console. He glared at Nyota. She ignored him. It was her job first.

J'rek appeared on the view screen.

"Spock, If you leave P'Jem, you may not complete the Fullara Ritual," J'rek said.

"If you declare it to be so, I will comply," Spock said.

J'rek flexed the muscles in his neck.

"Captain Pike, I did not realize that Starfleet was in the practice of pandering," J'rek said.

Amanda gasped.

Spock stepped forward and said, "Clan S'chn T'gai has supported P'Jem for centuries. Choose your next words... well."

"I rescind my last comment. I did not mean to offend thee," J'rek said.

"There is no offense where none is taken," Spock said.

Pike made a cutting gesture and the screen went black.

"Ms. Uhura, please escort Lady Amanda to her quarters. Spock, Sulu you are with me," that was all Pike said. He did not transfer the Conn to Kirk as he had done in the past. Kirk slumped down in the navigator's chair.

"Spock, what was that about?" Pike asked. He leaned against his desk.

"When I was a child I was, as humans say, bullied by others. They called my mother a whore," Spock said.

"J'rek implied that you were pandering using my mother and Uhura to influence my decision," Spock said.

"I see," Pike said. He felt a small measure of guilt. He did hope that seeing Nyota and Amanda would jar Spock's memory, but there was no sexual innuendo in the action.

"Mr. Sulu, would you escort Mr. Spock to his quarters?" Pike said.

"Yes sir, Sulu said. "Commander, follow me."

Pike chuckled. He hadn't actually reinstated Spock as an officer, but as soon as they returned to Starbase 12 he would do so. He also had to get Spock some uniforms. He buzzed Yeoman Rand. She arrived moments later looking as hot as ever. Pike wondered if she did something to her uniform to make it shorter. "Requisition five duty uniforms and one dress uniform for Mr. Spock. Mr. Sulu will give you the dimensions." Pike said.

"Right away sir," Rand said. Then she sashayed out of the ready room.

Pike whistled. Then he pulled up his photo album and checked out his lady friend. She wasn't hot, but she wasn't trouble either. She was just what he needed in a woman. Like Nyota, she would do anything for her man.

Sulu took Spock to his quarters and whistled. "Man, Spock! Are expecting guests? This place is huge!" Sulu asked.

"Perhaps, if we find my father," Spock said.