Chapter 4 ~ Long's Story

[AN: Hey there guys. Just a quick note on some pronounciation and maybe an explanation. So:

*Twilok (t-wee-lock) *Taratan (TAR-uh-tan), *Maronia (MA-ron-ee-ah), *Argliz (ARE-gil-zee), *Scree (s-cr-ee), *Yul (yule), *Crawda (CRAW-dah), *Gewnr (gwen-er), *Fre (fra), *Sundie (soon-die), and *Wakta (wok-tah). So those are the pronunciations, now the explanation: If you think Spock is totally OOC then you are probably right. I have a hard time not being emotional so for me to write a character – that isn't even mine btws – is extremely difficult for me to do. I do feel, however, that TOS Spock was much more emotional or willing to feel emotion than the 2009 movie Spock. Yet, I apologize now. Also: my character believes in true love at first sight. One more thing, I may or may not be stealing ideas from Avatar about why Eon's people were eradicated… I'll let y'all decide that… O.K. enough of me, on with the show!... story… yeah… ~CH]

The story Commander Long told of the Valley of the Sun fire and the eradication of the Sundie village was radically different from what Eon had told Spock. "The Sundie people were the most violent of the native peoples. They were also the most in touch with the planet. We tried reasoning with them but to no avail. We were sent her by Star Fleet to asses this planet's mining capabilities and the main vein of aluminum resided under the Sundie village. We tried many times to get the tribe to move but was only met with resistance and violence.

"During the dry season, one of them must have lit a fire and left it unattended. The grassland in the valley caught fire and roared to life before sweeping over the Sundie people. Eon blamed us for that tragic accident and vowed revenge. She is quite the story weaver and has apparently convinced you that we are to blame."

"I would like to go see this Valley of the Sun to confirm your story Commander." Kirk said, seeing his First Officer bristle and fight for control.

Commander Long inclined his head before saluting and turning sharp. "I will prepare a transport." He said.

"Very well." Kirk said as the man strode off. "Spock, go clean yourself up." He instructed.

"Captain, that man is lying." Spock began. "None of the native people use fire, there is no need for it."

"I believe you on all counts Spock. But you look like hell. Go get cleaned up, I need you in fighting shape. Use my room down the hall and to the 2nd right, 5th door." Kirk said, straightening out his shirt. "That is an order."

"Aye Captain." Spock said, turning sharp and stalking off.

He found Kirk's room with ease and ordered another uniform while he showered and shaved. The slashes from the Scree had disappeared except for a tiny scratch that had inflamed green. Eon was right that the talons were disease infested. Spock found a med kit and tended to his wound, rendering it harmless. However, while it no longer posed a threat or even a nusience, it felt like there was something missing. "Did Long tell you what happened?" a soft voice asked from the wide window.

Spock turned to see Eon sitting on the ledge, her back to the sun and facing him so only a silhouette of her lean body. "You are apparently the savage bent on revenge." Spock said, a hint of a smile on his face.

Eon laughed lightly and entered the room. She had changed into a pair of tan, knee length leggings while her bikini like top remained. Her feet were still bare and her hair had been braided. She too looked like she had cleaned up since their parting. Spock couldn't take his from hers as she slowly crossed to him. Her hands rested on his chest as she brought her lips tantalizing close to his. "Do you believe in love at first sight?" she whispered.

"I am beginning to understand that phenomena." Spock replied, letting his lips gently brush her.

There was a slight knock at the door. Spock took his attention off of Eon and by the time he looked for her, the window and the room were empty. He growled and stomped to the door, practically pulling it off its hinges to see Kirk standing there. "Ready to go?" Kirk asked.

Spock nodded and let Kirk lead on, taking deep breathes to calm himself. He followed Kirk and was met by Bones, Commander Long and a few of his officers. They loaded onto a transporter shuttle and zoomed away from the Outpost. Spock could not help but mentally criticize the speed of the craft when compared to the speed of a Twilok. Still, the lush green jungle sped under them before it changed to an angry red color. The carrier landed near the hem of the red valley and everyone piled out. "Careful of the plants. They are poisonous." Commander Long warned as Spock, Kirk and Bones made their way across the valley towards a blackened patch of ground.

"It is just as she said; the creatures and the Sundie people frozen in ash." Spock said, having reached the black ground where statues of people running and creatures fleeing an old fire.

"It's just like Pompei…" Bones said softly as if the dead would be offended, gazing sadly at the figures of children.

"This was no accident Captain." Spock said softly. "The Sundie people did not use fire."

"Then why would Long set fire to the forest?" Kirk asked.

"Because of the aluminum." A new voice said, Eon emerging from the jungle and crossing the field of red. "Our village was on a vein of aluminum."

"Eon Time I presume." Kirk said, earning a nod from her.

Spock noted how her happy demeanor had vanished the moment she had entered the field. "The dwelling… or the Outpost I guess, was placed right on the main source for the largest lake on the planet and they destroyed the largest Yul orchard on the planet, nearly eradicating the Taratan population." Eon continued, ghosting her hand over the face of a woman. "We tried to get them to move, even offering a section of the valley for the Outpost to move… they wouldn't…"

Spock had crossed to her by now and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. Eon turned away from the dead statue and wrapped her arms around his torso. Spock placed his arms around her shoulders and held her. Both Bones and Kirk were surprised by the Vulcan's display of emotion. "Ni'droi'ik nar-tor ashalik… ni'droi'ik nar-tor ashalik…" Spock said softly into Eon's ear. "I am sorry my beloved… I am sorry my beloved…"

"Tar'cha… tar'cha…" Eon replied, equally soft. "My love… my love…"

Kirk pulled out hos com and contacted Scotty standing by. "Beam me up Scotty." He said.

"Just one ta beam up Captain?" Scotty asked.

"No. All four beings in my proximity." Kirk replied.

"Aye Captain." Scotty said.

Spock held Eon close as they were energized. They all appeared on the Enterprise, still holding each other. "Scotty, get Uhura to contact Star Fleet." Kirk said, striding out of the transporter.

"Ms. Time." Bones said, stepping off the pad. "Would you come with me please. I have to get you inoculated while you're on this ship."

Eon pulled away and gazed up at Spock. He brushed his fingers over her face before kissing her forehead. She smiled and left him to walk next to Bones. "Lead on Doc." She said, her smile wide again.

Bones offered her his arm. She glanced at Spock before accepting it and Bones whisked her off the Sick Bay. Spock headed towards the bridge, purpose in his stride. He knew what Kirk was planning on doing and he wanted to assist him in any way possible. Uhura had managed to contact Star Fleet and Kirk was just presenting his request to Admiral Cat. "Sir, I want permission to arrest and hold Commander Long and his men for unlawful destruction of a peaceful planet, mass murder, and general meanness."

Admiral Cat peered down his rather feline like face at Kirk. "Well, I will authorize the arrest for the first two counts but Star Fleet cannot arrest anyone for being mean Captain." Cat replied, his voice like a purr. "You will have to transport the prisoners either back to Earth or to the nearest Starbase where the Council will meet for the trial and bring the witness."

"Admiral, the witness has told me everything she knows. Perhaps I could fill in for her and she could remain on her home planet." Spock offered, politely butting in.

"Normally I would agree with you Commander Spock, but, that would be hearsay which is not applicable in court. Bring the witness and I'll see if I can speed up the trial. Admiral Cat out." Cat said, signing off.

"Prepare an away team of security." Kirk said to Sulu.

"Aye sir." Sulu said, promptly calling for a security team.

"Spock, you will stay here and attend to Eon." Kirk said, giving the man a slight order before going towards the transporter room.

Spock turned the con over to Chekov before heading towards Sick Bay. As he entered Sick Bay, he heard the contagious and harmonious laughter of Eon. His hard face softened when he saw her sitting on the edge of a hospital bed, laughing with Bones. "Spock!" she said happily, a smile on her pretty face.

"Eon." He replied, his voice soft and full of emotion.

Bones stood up. "She's all done here." Bones said, offering her a hand, helping her off the bed.

Spock inclined his head towards the door, letting Eon go ahead of him. "Thank you Bones!" Eon called over her shoulder.

Spock walked beside her, both of them wrapped in a comfortable silence. The, Eon did a surprising act by tentatively reaching out for his hand, entwining her fingers with his. He allowed their fingers to touch but he tried to avoid palm to palm contact. As much as he valued and… dare he think love… her, he was still hesitant to forge a Vulcan bond with her. He had no idea what would happen after the trial and he was concerned that he might lose her. "I've been thinking about a lot of things…" Eon said, her voice quiet. "I want Elysium to become a Federation planet. Maybe then people like Commander Long will appreciate and want to protect my planet. Do you know what I must do to be an ambassador to the Federation?"

"I would focus on the impending trial before turning attention to becoming an ambassador. You will have to get a majority of the population on Elysium to agree with you about you being an ambassador and to agree to attempt to join the Federation." Spock replied.

Eon nodded. "I'm already half way there. The other villages appointed the Sundie people to act as a go between them and the Outpost people, especially my father." She explained.

Spock stopped outside her room. "This is where you will be staying for the duration of your stay on the Enterprise." Spock instructed, stepping forward and the door swishing open.

He stood to the side and let Eon enter. The room was sparse, the bare minimum furniture and basic color scheme. Eon entered and stopped. "It's so empty in here…" she said, her voice quiet and rather sad.

"It is rather plain in here." Spock agreed. "Which is why I acquired this." He pressed a few buttons and a gentle green plant with a gorgeous white flower appeared on the table.

Eon was immediately drawn to the plant. "What is it?" she asked, touching the leaves gently, feeling their softness.

"The plant is a type of flower called Lunar Flower and it is native to an unnamed planet somewhere beyond Antares." Spock explained.

"It's beautiful." Eon said, turning form the flower to hug Spock. "Thank you."

Spock rested his head on hers, placing his fingers on her back, still mindful to keep his palms off her. "There is no need to thank me." He said softly, kissing her hair. "No need."