Time Angels

by Kerica

Their parents, trying to escape extinction, hopped through time and space to get away from the enemy. During a jump, they were separated. Now, 21 years later, their children are reunited, but they don't know the truth about themselves. It isn't until two mysterious government officials show up, that their lives are flipped upside down and turned inside out...::Implied Jim/Spock

10. Better Place

Chapter 9 – Better Place

Spock eyed the brunette woman curiously as she sat fidgeting in the chair before a large computer screen. The Vulcan had already explained to her the reason why he pulled her away from her lunch with Bria. The Federation wanted to know the extent of Sarah's knowledge, therefore they issued an order for her to be assessed. Since Jim was emotionally compromised by his affections and current relations with the Fylakas, Spock deemed that he should be the one to administer his own test.

"Isn't there another way to do this? I mean ….I hate tests. I never do as well on them as I could." Sarah muttered, playing with her necklace.

"Tests are essential for evaluating you skill and knowledge levels. This will not be 'graded' by your standards. I am simply measuring….your mind." Spock stated, starting the test without warning, "Please begin now."

Sarah made a face as she started into the test under the Vulcan's watchful eyes. Initially the test consisted of simple "high school" level subjects such as algebra, science, and the like. A born sloth when it came to tests, the new science officer took her sweet time building her confidence, unknowingly passing into "college" level questions. Over the course of the test, the level rose and rose until the questions that the woman now blazed through were questions even Spock would take time having to calculate.

By the end, Sarah felt tired as she always did though her eye was still stinging a bit. Spock was about to let her go, but instead studied her. "Sarah...May I ask a personal inquiry?"

"Sure, go right ahead," the woman shrugged.

"It is about Bria...Does...she have any interests in any of the crew members that you have noticed?" Spock asked.

A sly grin spread across Sarah's face as she crossed her arms, "/Oh/….well I think there was this /one guy/. A science officer if I'm not wrong."

The Vulcan didn't allow any emotion to show as he always had, but his brows furrowed and his shoulders slouched slightly. "I see…"

"Do you want to know who?" Sarah smirked.

"I do not see the need-"

"His name is /Spock/," the woman interrupted, "She /likes/ you as in, relationship like."

Spock raised a brow at Sarah, his mouth slightly agape. He...should not be surprised by this as he had sensed the connection between them a while back. It...he had talked with Uhura, and she him, about this situation. They agreed to separate on good terms, but Spock still was….hesitant about seeking Bria out. Uhura had always guided them when it came to romance as she wanted. Now he had to adjust for another's preferences. Would this be too soon for her?

Sarah grinned as she stood up and made her way to the door, "Just go talk with her. I think she might either be in the training room or still in the mass hall. Ask her questions, get to know her. /Talk with her/. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a certain Captain to pasture since Bria is going to be busy with you."

The Vulcan watched after for a while before setting off, as suggested, to find the new recon officer….

It was evening, and while there were night owls and people who had different shifts to keep the ship running, the training room was empty. Except for someone, because there was music and singing.

"I really miss you,
Hope that you miss me too,
I wanna hold you,
Nothing that I can do,
So ordinary,
Without you by my side,
And I cry..."

Inside Instead of working out and doing her katas, Bria was actually dancing. She had a simple red halter top on, with dark blue stretch pants, and no shoes, spinning and swaying her body, her eyes closed, unaware of anyone and not worried about anything, since the area was large and empty and she wouldn't run into anything.

"I loved your laughter,
The look that you gave just me,
Such a disaster,
I wish my soul was free,
So I could find you,
Wherever you are out there,
Cause I Care..."

Spock stopped upon entering the room, keeping a silent as he possibly could by the door. Locking it so that on one would come in an interrupt. He was fascinated by how fluent and precise her movements were. By the pitch of her voice, Spock speculated that Bria was in fact an alto, but was pulling off this lightly higher pitch perfectly. The lyrics, however, confused him until he realized that she was singing about someone she had lost...

"Why'd you go,
Why did you leave,
Me alone,
In life,
It's not fair,
That you are gone,
And I feel empty inside..." She had to pause and sniff before she twisted and kept going, her voice cracking a little.

"I hope you are in a better place,
Hope the Lord has your soul to save,
Nothing left in my heart to break,
And now you are gone...

All I saw was the love in you,
Heart so strong and I always knew,
You were mine and I was yours,
You are no more,
I can't ignore...

I found a picture,
Remembered the night we spent,
With us together,
Barley could pay the rent,
It didn't matter,
Because you were my best friend,
Till the end..." She had tears streaming down her face but she was still going strong.

"I can't scream,
It does no good,
Doesn't fix, what's wrong,
No way to reverse the past,
Me and you,
How do I move on?

I hope you are in a better place,
Hope the Lord has your soul to save,
Nothing left in my heart to break,
And now you are gone,
I am so torn...

All I saw was the love in you,

Heart so strong and I always knew,

You were mine and I was yours,

You are no more,

I can't ignore,

This may seem obscene,

But I keep living,

Knowing I will see you soon,

And I feel misplaced,

Cause life's a race,

You set the pace for now,

Ohhhh!

I know you are in better place,

See you at the pearly gates,

My heart beats to see my fate,

I live for you,

I will make it through,

Maybe it was just your time,

I know I will be just fine,

Cause of love must be divine,

I will see again,

I will see my best friend.

This may seem obscene,

But I keep living,

Knowing I will you see you soon,

And I feel misplaced,

Cause lifes a race,

You set the pace for now…"

Spock waited until she had finished the song, coming to a halt in her dancing as well. Her posture suggested that of depression or at the very least a deep hurt. Seeing her in such a state, caused the Vulcan to make his presence known. "You have a pleasing voice, Bria. Where did you learn to sing as you do?" he inquired as he made his way over to her. Perhaps he could distract her from the memory of the one she sung of.

Bria jumped and turned to look at Spock, "I felt like someone was in here but didn't know who it was." She blushed, "I was in choir when I went to high school, and while I'm technically and alto and sing better when it's like...a guy singing, I preferred being in the soprano section. All the alto parts in choir sounded so depressing," she explained, "I got rusty though, not singing for a long time."

"It is impossible for one to become rusty as you are not made of elements that are capable of rusting." Spock raised a brow, "You are an excellent singer. I do believe that Uhura is an equally impressive singer. Perhaps the two of you would enjoy practicing some time?" Since finding out that Uhura and Bria no longer were on negative terms with another, Spock hoped to strengthen the friendship they appeared to have formed by offering interests in which they could connect. He was relieved, at least, that he no longer had to tread carefully when around each woman.

"I said I was rusty as a figure of speech, meaning I was out of practice," Bria giggled, "You're misunderstandings of human phrases is quite amusing, Spock. I kinda missed it this last week," she blushed, "Getting used to being an Ensign has been interesting, new tasks and stuff. At least it keeps me busy, considering since coming here my computer's been on it's last legs - meaning it's like "this" close to not working anymore," she put her index and thumb really close together, "I'm so glad I have my external hard drive. And singing with Uhura sounds like fun."

"I can assist you in transferring your data onto a data pad. It will function in many ways like your computer, but at a significantly greater level." Spock offered, the corners of his lips twitching at her blush. His wished to reach out and touch the heated flesh, but kept to himself instead. "It will be of no trouble to me, but it can wait until another time...Bria may I ask a personal inquiry?"

"You can ask as many personal inquiries as you'd like," Bria smiled, "I'll answer anything. I love being asked questions." She had missed talking to him, hearing his voice and the way he spoke. He was just so much taller than herself, somewhere around 6ft, maybe more...vaguely she was reminded of how her grandfather towered over her at 6ft 2. Max had been only 5ft 10. She was literally a foot or so shorter than Spock. Hell she felt smaller than Sarah who was only 5ft 2. Why was she so short?!

"Bria, do you harbor any...feelings towards me? I conversed with Sarah earlier today after I gave her, her test. She claims that you, and I quote, 'like me as in relationship like'. Is she incorrect?" Spock had a bit of asking this question as he worried over whether or not the woman's sister had her information correct. He did not want to confess anything if he should have anything wrong.

Sarah! Bria's face reddened even further, "What...if she's not incorrect?" Oh god...she had tried to forget about the awkward end to their time on the Halo Deck, but now she remembered it since he was now...completely and utterly available. Thoughts filled her head like 'what kind of kisser will he be like?' and 'will he be the soft sweet kind or the intense your mine kind?' It'd been so long since she felt like this, not even being able to find pleasure in erotica novels, unwilling and /unable/ to let her guard down even for a little while. Spock had caught her at a weak moment, and she was finding it…difficult to put her guard back up. There was no one she trusted more than Sarah, but now…Spock seemed to effortlessly be able to get her to trust him, too.

Spock stepped closer until he was now just a foot away from the woman, "If that is the case, may I suggest my candidacy for the possibility of courting you? Uhura has talked with me, and we have agreed to separate. If this is too soon, I shall refrain until you believe that an acceptable time has passed, if you even wish to be with me. Do not let my...forwardness pressure you into any decision. Do as you wish." The need to touch her, to see into her wonderful mind, grew, and he almost reached out to her. Oh he wanted to know...he /needed/ to know, but he didn't because he wanted to hear her tell him what she wanted. Spock folded his arms behind his back as an assurance that he would keep to himself.

"You…are a very acceptable candidate, Spock," Bria giggled and shook her head, "Did you know your way of speaking is quite pleasant and, to me, very sexy? It's a nice change of pace." She bit her lip shyly and ducked her head a little, "Let me be honest with you…I got with Max within a day of meeting him face to face, even though I talked to him online for two weeks before that. That's like, really quick in my time, some would call it slutty…but I've always been the type to crave and need love, and purposely seek it out. I've only been with two men…that way, though. The first was forced on me, and Max…he was my one and only at the time." She took a deep breath, "I'm a very…forward person…when it comes to sexual things, and I don't want to make you uncomfortable or…lose your affections because of it, so that's why I'm telling you now. If you don't like something I do, just say so."

"Bria, I do not understand why that would cause me to lose affections towards you because of who you are. If such a thing would detour me from seeking relations with you. I want to get to know the true you, and if that means dealing with your...forward sexual moments or the like, then I shall adjust. As for this Max...in this time period, it is not uncommon for one to meet and create relations with another within hours of meeting." Spock reached out to gently cup her chin with his forefingers to have her look up at him. He put up a mental block so that he did not peek into her mind for her privacy. "Your honesty is...endearing."

"I've crossed a couple other Vulcans on the ship doing my Ensign duties and...Vulcans can't lie, right? So...it's only fair I don't lie to you, either." Oh...being his girlfriend was certainly going to be interesting. The hand on her chin was warm, and she was drawn to those deep brown eyes of his, "I guess...it's just me in my time's mindset. I don't...want anything to go wrong, or offend you. I don't...I don't think I'd be abe to handle another heartbreak. I remember what it was like to wear my heart on my sleeve - aka, be very open with people, vulnerable - and I had to harden up to stay alive, because people would pretend to try and be friends, and then turn their back on you."

Bria realized she was rambling, but this was something she had to say, "I watched it happen all around me for five years. I trusted no one for a long time except Sarah, and /I/ would be the one to string others along, make them believe I fell into their trap. As soon as they would pull their weapon on me or my sister, I didn't think twice about shooting them, or feel betrayed, because I knew their tricks. Do you have any idea what it means for me to trust you, Spock? Especially with my truths, as dark and ugly as they are, and my heart? Here I am, spilling all of this to you, and you're barely batting an eye at it - aka, you're not surprised at all. At least, you're not showing it."

Spock took a moment to choose his words correctly, "Bria, I have already seen into who you are. I have felt your pain, loss, happiness, shyness. During those hard years for you, your goal was to survive. Survival many times means doing...unpleasant things. Trust, logically, will be a challenge between the two of us if you should so choose to agree to be with me. I will, to the best of my abilities, work to show that I am trustworthy."

"I probably sound like a broken record, repeating all of this," She shook her head, "I do want to be with you, Spock. It would please me greatly." She nudged his hand from her chin to her cheek, and she brought her own hand up to keep it there, "I...missed you, this last week," she murmured softly. Her eyes had drifted to his lips which were a pale color, and she swore there was a soft green hue to them. Actually, his entire skin tone was like a pastel green, so pale it could be mistaken as a human color. "I'm…highly interested in getting to know you," she smiled, "You've found out so much about me, but I don't know that much about you."

"If you ask, I shall answer any questions you have of myself," Spock murmured, watching her eye his lips while carefully monitoring his hand so that it did not form the melding link between them. That perhaps would best be saved for another day. "I...missed you as well. Perhaps I can offer some time periods where we may share a meal together or even visit your hide-a-way in the Halo Deck."

"I've come to really enjoy the Sniper's Nest, actually, when I haven't been able to snag the Halo Deck for personal use," Bria felt really happy that he missed her, too, "I met someone a few days ago when I complained that the simulation challenges were too boring and predictable. His name's Raiden Arashi, he's a tactics Lieutenant. He's definitely a challenge." She watched Spock's brows twitch, "I'm not interested in him romantically, he's just a cool guy, kinda like the Captain. Besides, brunettes aren't his type."

His confusion amused her and she just smiled wider, "Anyway, shall we get out of here? I hadn't planned to be down here long in the first place. I have to be up early tomorrow." She turned her head into his hand and her lips pursed so she could ever so lightly and shyly, kiss the palm of his hand. Blushing, she pulled away, and hurried over to the boom box Nyota had let her borrow. Since becoming friends with the woman, she had helped her learn how the replicators and stuff worked. She had created mainly clothes to fill the closet and replaced a lot of things that had been in her suitcase. Knowing how to actually sew, Uhura had also accepted the task of patching up a precious item of hers. Replicators were definitely her new favorite thing.

Spock stared after the human woman as his mind picked up on an usual emotion. Because he experienced his emotions regularly, this new one surprised him. It felt similar to how he had once felt about Nyota, but...stronger, much stronger. Actually...Spock recalled feeling this as he watched Bria enter the med bay with Sarah for the first time. Although...rough in appearance, the Vulcan male had wanted to take her in his arms and protect her from the danger the ship was under. Though...he was with Nyota at the time so perhaps he ignored these feeling due to his loyalty to the fiery woman. He had been so distracted as well, never quite able to push her out of his mind to focus...

"Fascinating..." Spock murmured as it 'clicked' in his mind. Shon-ha-lock was a term that his people used for such...emotions. It was equivalent to love at first sight by human terms, and meant that one knew they had found their mate. Bria...was his wanted mate? Going to her side, Spock gently eased the boom box out of her hands to carry for her. "Where shall we head, Bria?" with his free hand, Spock slid his hand into hers. He...could not stop wanting physical contact with her, but still managed to block their minds so that neither's was invaded.

"Perhaps...you could accompany me to my quarters and bid me goodnight there?" Bria smiled, "Maybe tomorrow we can actually spend time together. I've heard we're approaching an uncharted planet and rumors that Captain Kirk wants to make contact if there is friendly life. What do you think about the whole thing? I'm rather excited!" She enjoyed how his hand felt engulfing hers and blushed as they left the training room, noting how he had to /unlock/ it. No wonder no one bothered them...

Spock cleared his throat at her raised brow, "You were dancing excellently and I did not wish for anyone to interrupt. I do not believe you would have continued if someone had." Changing topics, the Vulcan thought of the planet, "Jim is rather...excited about it as well because this will be the first undiscovered planet of the five year mission we were sent on. My scans indicated that the air and atmosphere levels are similar to that of Earth which shall make it easier for contacting the possible life forms there. If they are friendly, the crew might even be able to take some shore-leave time which will likely improve the crew moral from the encounter with the hostile ship from our first meeting."

"That sounds so cool!" the brunette bounced, a slight skip in her step as they reached the turbo-lift, "I really hope they are. I wonder what the planet will be like, or what the people will look like! I've seen so many different aliens on this ship, it'd be awesome to find out if they're more human looking or what," she giggled, and she glanced sideways at him before she hesitantly leaned her head on his arm. It...felt nice, to actually act on her wants now.

Spock raised a brow, but said nothing as a pleasing sensation grew up along his arm. This...felt right. To have her with him like this instead of the caution he regarded her with before. "It would indeed be interesting to discover this. This will be your first contact with another planet as well. I may be able to convince Jim to allow you to join me when I beam down with the Captain and McCoy." He could picture the recon woman being giddy and even more excited like a child...The though made his lips twitch into a smile as they entered the lift, gave it directions, and waited til they reached their destination. "Unless, of course, you would rather stay on board."

"No! I want to go, and I'm sure with how attached at the hip Kirk and Sarah have been, Kirk's going to bring Sarah with, too," the thought of staying on board was not a pleasant idea, "Isn't it...a bit reckless for the Captain, First Officer, and Chief Medical Officer to all go down to the same planet? What'll happen if something goes wrong? Who's acting Captain when things go downhill?"

"That would be Mr. Sulu as he will be acting captain while we are away," Spock stated a bit tightly. He had the conversation with Jim several time this past week, but he continued to insist that it would be 'fine'. "It is Jim's idea. I have tried to convince him otherwise, but he claims that he wants those he can trust 'watching his back'."

Green eyes rolled, "Oh boy, of course. At least Mr. Sulu is trustworthy and I bet he can keep the ship running just fine. Ayano is also good at what she does. She can handle med-bay while Bones is away I'm sure." She shrugged, and they reached the floor her quarters resided on, and she led the way to her room, "Kirk's a stubborn person, and so is Sarah. They're like, perfect for each other. I hope things go well for them.

"They will likely have difficult times allowing one another to be correct if they feel strongly about a subject. As Jim has not had an actual relationship with anyone, as far as I know, it will be trying indeed." Spock nodded. When they reached the door for her room, Spock hesitantly released Bria's hand to gently brush against her cheek. "It seems that we have reached our destination, Bira..." He had let his guard down for a moment, but it was enough that her emotions slipped through. The Vulcan swallowed as he fought back his own, stronger, emotions with all the training he had learned from his people. "Your emotions are...strong, Bria..."

"Are they too strong for you?" she murmured, looking up at him through her long lashes, "It's kinda...refreshing, to feel all of these things again. I could put up a block, though, if you need me too." They had just agreed to be significant others, but it was probably too soon to express these things, and she was getting overeager. She tried squashing the disappointment, because it was stupid and illogical, and reached out, taking the music device, "Thank you for your time tonight. I enjoy whatever time I get to spend with you."

Spock pulled the boom box from her once again, placed it on the ground, and took pulled Bria into his arms. "You are to never feel that way again." Spock stated firmly, reaching between the, and lifting her chin so that when he dipped down, their lips met in a firm kiss. He shuddered at their velvet texture, feeling the blood pulse under the thin layer of skin. This...this was what he had wanted...

"Mm!" She was surprised by the spontaneous-ness of his kiss, her body trembling like a leaf in the wind. The disappointment was wiped away, replaced with anticipation. Her temperature spiked and she made a humming moan against his lips. Finding their way to his back to return his embrace, her fingers gripped at his blue uniform shirt. Thus...wasn't quite enough. Never a person for closed-mouth kissing unless it was a quick, drive-by smooch, her tongue found his lip, swiping across it in a pleading manner.

Confused momentarily, The Vulcan opened his mouth for her and meet her tongue with his own. His hands found their place at the back of her neck and her lower back, pulling her close against his frame. He could not taste her as his senses were poor. However, Spock noted that this made it no less enjoyable. A light growl rumbled in his chest the more he sensed her...arousal, triggering his own. She had such an effect over him already that made him want to lead them into her room, rip her clothes from her and mark her. He wanted to make her his mate.

His intensions became clear through the touch-telepathy and she whimpered. Was this…really okay? Different times, different rules…but did she really have any room to talk? She hadn't waited a day with Max, their chemistry was just so intense. She felt the same…no…she felt an even stronger pull towards Spock. Different, too, more possessive, more…focused. He was completely centered on her right now, and it was consuming and…quite a turn on.

While she had immediately fallen back on the trick she learned about breathing through her nose, she was so overwhelmed with dos, don'ts, pros and cons, she pulled away and gasped, "I…want to…" she swallowed thickly, gripping him harder as her head swam with the intensity of his kiss, "I…don't think I'm ready, Spock. Mentally. I'm…sure you sensed all the conflicting emotions I have…" she bit her lip, aware of the bulge pressing into her abdomen, "I'm sorry…" He said she shouldn't feel disappointed again, but she was mentally kicking herself for being so indecisive and unsure of herself. She thought she'd grown up, found herself, knew who she was and what she wanted….but apparently not.

Frowning, Spock leaned back in for another kiss, a soft, accepting one this time, "Then we...shall wait...ashaya. We have all the time in the universe, and I shall wait for you because you are precious to me. Whatever it is you fear, I will help you through it, protect you from it. Even if we were completely bare right now," The Vulcan shuddered at the mental image, fighting down his arousal, "Were you to say no, I will stop. What you want is the most important thing to me. Do not worry about me, I shall adjust. Do not hide who you are either, ashaya."

Ashaya...she liked the way that sounded, how his voice rolled it off his tongue beautifully. It must be a Vulcan word...she would have to look it up on her PADD later. "Thank you...I appreciate it, Spock," Bria smiled gently and moved one hand from his back to reach up and touch his cheek, "You're precious to me, too." She leaned her head on his chest and they just...held each other for a moment, "I hope we reach that planet soon, Sarah's birthday is in a couple days, and mine's a week after that. Since we don't know when we were actually born according to the fact they weren't our real families, she and I decided to keep the ones we have."

Spock wrapped his arms protectively around his Bria, holding her close to him as he bowed his head so that he could kiss the top of her head. His whole world seemed to gravitate around her now. He needed to make sure that she was safe and happy all the time. She was his...and he wouldn't allow anyone to take her away. "I shall have to work on a gift for you then. It is traditional for one to give gifts to a loved one." Spock gently rubbed her back, enjoying how she felt in his arms. "...I can stay with you tonight, if you wish it, ashaya. I will not cross any boundaries that you set. If you do not wish me to enter your room...I can suggest my own."

She was feeling calmer now, though she still blushed at the suggestion, "I...would enjoy that, very much. I think you're the one that needs to set boundaries for me not to cross, but whatever." She reached down and grabbed the handle of the boom box, before standing straight again and looking up at him, "I would rather we go to your room. I'm going to warn you now, though, I'm a restless sleeper. I was even before the war. If you wake up with a foot in the face, bruises, and my head's at the bottom of the bed, don't be surprised. I'd be more shocked if I stayed in one place."

"If you wish it, I can keep you in place. Vulcans are naturally stronger than humans, and presumably Fylakas as well." Spock stated, hooking his arm firmly around his beloved's smaller frame to guide her down to the turbo lift. "If not, I shall deal with what may happen as it happens." He was grateful that he had been able to calm her after all those negative thoughts. He...he could not handle them, and the frequency of which they occurred was disheartening. She deserved to only have peaceful, happy ones... He knew he had said this before, but Spock repeated it once more, "You are precious to me, so I will adjust."