Chapter 11: If you don't fill a crack, you will build a wall

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters and do not profit from depictions of them.

Usipoziba ufa, utajenga ukuta. (Swahili proverb)

Idiomatic Translation: If you don't fill a crack, you will build a wall /If you ignore a small problem now it will only turn into a bigger problem later.

Vulcan vocabulary in this chapter:

Ashayam=beloved.

Okosu=honorific – form of address for women

Osasu = honorific - polite form of address for a man.

Opidsu = Lord. Formal address for a man.

Osavensu= honored teacher.

Captain James T. Kirk's Ready Room, the Enterprise

Vulcan earnestness could really warm a guy's heart, Jim Kirk thought. The two Vulcans first approached his quarters, unaware of the bridge crew's staggered rest and duty schedule before space dock then booked an appointment with a Yeoman to speak to him.

Spock had the same unsmiling sincerity. The First Officer cared as much about the fate of the crew as Jim did, just more quietly. At one time Jim believed the earnestness came from Spock's human parentage. As he encountered other Vulcans during the mission he changed his mind; the taciturn beings simply managed emotions differently. Jim couldn't imagine one of them screaming across a kitchen table the way his stepfather or cousins would, or even cutting somebody else off in traffic.

Stelen, the shorter apprentice, chose his words carefully, a challenge for someone not completely fluent in Standard. "Please to understand, Captain. I say not that this man is bad, but he... is aggressive in manner. The way he talked in the corridor, was like he did not want us to look at panel or ask questions."

The taller Vulcan, Serran, leaned forward, speaking the language more comfortably. "If our impressions are wrong then we apologize. Both of us only want the Enterprise crew to be safe."

"I know that your concerns are sincere. I greatly appreciated the hours you both put into the ship search, so I can understand why you'd feel cautious. There's probably a reasonable explanation; I'll speak to Ensign Steap about this. Are you concerned about anything else, gentlemen?"

The Vulcans exchanged a glance – more of a rapid, simultaneous eye blink.

A moment of hesitation, and then Serran shook his head slowly, as though still growing accustomed to the human body language.

"Not at this time, Captain," Serran replied cryptically. "Thank you for listening to us."

As they left, Stelen spoke quietly in Vulcan. "Perhaps it was a mistake not to mention the rude treatment of Okosu Uhura by Ensign Steap in the gym. Obviously no one else has told the Captain."

"I wanted to tell him; however, I heard her tell Ensign Chekov that she would speak to Steap privately. If the problem persisted she would speak to Command. The Captain does not seem to know, so it appears likely that she resolved the situation." Serran frowned, perplexed. "I do not completely understand, although I admire her attempt to avoid further conflict."

Stelen said, "Our course of action is simple. We shall repay the Enterprise crew for rescuing us from Algid-17. We shall observe Ensign Steap and collect useful evidence; if his actions are indeed spa'ash (bad), we will report him to the Enterprise men in red shirts, or take him to the Captain ourselves."

"But we shall part ways with them after we land on Alpha Cachette," Serran reminded him.

"Donstelralth will never refuse the opportunity to purchase aesthetically pleasing, exotic wood and materials. He is also fond of Okosu Uhura. I shall remind him that Alpha Cachette is famous for its natural materials. You will suggest that Opidsu Spock and Okosu Uhura, as well as the entire crew, may be in some danger if Ensign Steap does not discuss the reasons for his strange behavior. Osavensu (honored teacher) Donstelralth also enjoys social activity with humans. He will agree to a few more days of contact with the Enterprise crew."

Stelen allowed a small, confident smile to show on his face.

…

Spock and Nyota's shared quarters, the Enterprise

Rest Period #1

Spock awoke to discover that Nyota had rolled out of their embrace in her sleep. She slept apart from him, not touching as usual. He lowered the barrier between their minds and found her anxious; although he could not see her dreams he sensed that she worried about him.

Barely one hour remained before the alarm went off to alert them to prepare for their next staggered duty shift. He would not waste it. Spock reached across the bed and pulled her back against the solid warmth of his body.

…

Corridor leading to the Enterprise Bridge

As the metal disk in his arm alternately vibrated and itched, and the skin surrounding it grew dry and puffy, Charles Steap suspected that the aliens were toying with him. Apparently he'd annoyed them by expressing impatience in his latest message to them, stating that he had yet to see an additional deposit recorded in his hidden financial account. They'd ordered him to wait until the Enterprise crew landed on Alpha Cachette, but Steap felt that he'd already done his job by sending them the ship plans he'd stolen, and he shouldn't have to take orders any longer.

Steap rushed to Sickbay before his shift and put on his friendliest manner, convincing the nurse on duty to give him a tube of cortisone cream without describing his real symptoms or showing her his arm. He winked, claimed that he'd have to remove his trousers to show her a patch of dry skin, and anyway he was due on shift soon. The act won her over, and she handed him the cream with a cheerful get-well wish.

Luckily, the turbo lift was empty and he pushed up his sleeve and rubbed the cream in without anyone to voice concern or questions. Sighing in relief, he exited the turbo lift and nearly collided with Captain Kirk.

"Ensign Steap, I was looking for you. Step over here, please; I have a question for you."

Steap froze, and then quickly assumed the easygoing persona he'd used in Sickbay. "Of course, Captain. Please, tell me what I can do."

Shows of humility made those in high places feel comfortable. Jim Kirk wasn't on his level, despite Kirk's dead father's high status within Starfleet. Rumor had it that Kirk's background was more than a little rough: a country boy with a streetwise record of petty misbehavior. Somehow he'd made enough friends to get into Starfleet. Really, their positions should have been reversed.

Captain Kirk was disgustingly self-assured and friendly as usual. "Ensign, thanks for being considerate, but you know that you don't have to take it upon yourself to make repairs to something as minor as the door operations panel to the game room. Just call it in if you see a door malfunctioning."

Those damned Vulcans had just had to tell someone. Despite their supposed dislike of humans, they paid close attention to what humans did. Fortunately, the lie came to Charles easily. "Just trying to save 'em some work, Captain. Everyone put so much energy into the ship wide search for the drone. The door seemed like a small thing and I thought I'd take a look at it since I happened to be there. I hope nobody misunderstood and thought I made the problem worse by trying to fix it."

In fact, he'd tinkered with the door to try and create more small distractions for the crew. He could easily slip away from the group once the crew landed at Starbase 231 and no one would really notice. He'd given up on getting the attention he wanted from Starfleet; by the time he was reported missing, he'd be relaxing on a ship with false registration, flying out of the JoBakair planetary system.

Jim's hand patting his shoulder was warm and heavy. Steap remembered hearing that Kirk could, and would, fight dirty – crotch, knees, kidneys, eyes - under duress, although such street technique wasn't openly encouraged in Starfleet.

"That's good of you, Steap. I thought that it might be something like that. It's important that we maintain a record of all ship maintenance, no matter how small it seems, so next time, please report it."

"I'll do that. Thank you." The Captain was probably going to make some record of this little conversation too, unfortunately. The sooner he got away from Starfleet, the better.

"You're a good man, Steap. I hear that surfing's popular on Alpha Cachette. Maybe we can all go to the beach once we're planetside."

Steap's jaw tightened, but he smiled and promised to consider a surfing demonstration for his crewmates.

Why hadn't this relaxed familiarity happened months ago between him and the Captain, before Steap assumed that no rapid promotion was forthcoming? If only it hadn't taken Kirk so long, that juicy deal the aliens offered wouldn't have been so appealing.

…

Engineering, the Enterprise

Scotty knew it was cruel to make the young Vulcan squirm, especially when the lad had no idea why the Chief Engineer was displeased with him. "What's that, lad? Ye want scrap metal and bits of things lyin' aboot? Whatever for?"

Puzzled, Stelen tried to rephrase his speech. "What I intend to say, Osasu Scott, is I want only small piece of metal for sculpture I make." He hesitated, and then plunged ahead. Sometimes humans relaxed when you mentioned your personal interests or thoughts. "It is surprise for nice woman aboard Enterprise, and I want to finish before we go on Alpha Cachette."

Alarmingly, Engineer Scott's face turned red below his red hair. Stelen's eyes widened.

Calm down, Montgomery. This fella probably doesn't understand about human courtship and women, and there's no way he could know about me and Charlene. A good word is as easily said as an ill one.

"Right, lad, let's look in the closet here." Scotty opened the door, revealing boxes crammed with odd parts and pieces. "If it's an industrial look yer going for, you'll find something useful here. Have at it."

Stelen rummaged through a box and pulled out a small curved piece cast from a purplish alloy. "This piece very visually appealing."

"What's the name of this 'nice woman', if I may ask?" Scotty asked in a casual tone of voice.

"Okosu Charlene Masters – she say call her just Charlene. She is kind to me here on ship. I want to say thank you by making small sculpture for her. I have traveled to Earth in the past but it is different to be on a starship with many humans."

"I see," Scotty said. Maybe the Vulcan didn't intend anything more than to thank Charlene for making him welcome.

"She is also visually appealing," Stelen said quietly, continuing to rummage through the boxes.

"Hmm. One might say that, yes. It may be possible that she already has suitors, you know."

Stelen turned and looked at Scotty. "But she is not bonded."

This lad's too green to take a hint. "No, not like Miss Uhura, but that doesn't mean she hasn't chosen someone or even that she has."

"Understood. She may want to consider choice of men, maybe so. Needs information about good qualities of a man to help her make choice." Stelen closed the cabinet. "Thank you very much, Osasu Engineer Scott. I take this one." He held up the curved piece. "Goodbye."

What the hell? Scotty turned to his computer and checked his private inventory listing items both difficult to obtain and highly desirable. Tea, chocolate…dried fruit and nuts…no, he couldn't buy her affection. He remembered how comfortable she'd been with him when they were alone on the observation deck. Spending time with her, offering her attention – that was the path to follow.

"Just wait until we're planetside, Charlene," he sighed. "I havena lost my touch with ladies completely. The biggest horse is no aye the best traveller."

…

The Bridge – The Enterprise

Schedule: Four-hour shift preceding rest period #2 before space dock

To Nyota's frustration, Spock carefully behaved as though nothing were wrong. They spoke politely to each other as they woke and dressed for their next duty shift, but an odd distance had opened up between them. Of course, she didn't want Spock distracted before such a risky process as space dock, and she had her own work to focus on. However, he did not brush her hand with his fingertips in the usual way as they exited the turbolift on the way to their shift. The small oversight pained her. She felt bad about the failed seduction a few hours earlier, almost wanting to scold her tired body for delaying the physical intimacy she and Spock both wanted. Nyota thought of her peach satin nightdress, the one she hadn't worn on the night of the party. Perhaps she could try again. The next rest period for bridge crew wasn't far away.

The duty shift following that rest period would be intense – first space dock, then non-emergency evacuation of the ship, then shuttle and beaming transport down to the surface of Alpha Cachette. Spock might be so focused on the event that he would decline his rest period entirely, remaining on the bridge. She was just as excited about the process, but she hoped they could find a moment to talk.

Two personal messages from Gaila awaited her. Nyota decrypted the first message.

Greetings, Lieutenant Uhura. Confirming Starfleet approval granted for brief technological consultation regarding possible minor security/network breach as described in your previous message. Consultation will be conducted during scheduled space dock in presence of Security. Expected resolution before crew return.

Nyota moved the second message into her personal directory and decrypted it.

Greetings Dollface,

Have received Starfleet approval to examine the network/file problem you told me about. My current assignments required me to be at Starbase 231 anyway. Glad as always to help you and the Enterprise, certain occupants of the Captain's chair notwithstanding (it's all right now, J. apologized and I moved on a loooong time ago).

Plan: we'll meet while you're at Starbase 231 and I'll go aboard with Starfleet security to examine the Enterprise networks – I suspect there's minor hacking involved from your description. Once it's all resolved I've got off-duty ideas! Good shopping on Alpha Cachette and it's a friendly land for ladies because of the vulva worship thing. Of course I know you don't want anyone worshipping yrs except your man, ha ha. What I mean is that the locals treat us wimmenz well here, I like it. Excited about seeing you. Did you know yr mother sent me a birthday greeting? She's a sweetie. Best wishes to all the crew, yr kind family, yr scary steady husband. Big kiss, Gaila

The prospect of seeing her friend and former roommate again made Nyota happy. If only the Enterprise crew could get through all of this safely. The space dock held risks or accident, damage, even disaster, but she trusted Sulu's navigational skills and the safety of the Starfleet shuttles that would take the crew down to the planet's surface.

No known hostilities against Starfleet personnel had ever been reported from Alpha Cachette. All Enterprise crew now knew about the planet's past history of venerating women's bodies, but even the younger crew displayed remarkable maturity; she hadn't overheard crude jokes in the cafeteria or gym. Some single crewmembers sported neat new haircuts or gleaming new coats of fingernail polish on short, rounded fingernails – anticipating vulva contact with friendly locals literally, perhaps, but that was their business. All everyone had to do was behave themselves during their brief shore leave, be reassured that the Enterprise was safely mission-ready, and resume the five-year mission, as calmly and bravely as expected.

A remote image of the space dock appeared on the broad view screen of the bridge.

"Nice," Sulu said, a bit breathlessly.

Excited crew members leaned forward; Nyota's gaze moved over the image of the massive structure. The main part of the dock was comprised of a series of massive segments forming an open, cage like shape; banks of lights gleamed along the sides. Along the space dock's bow and stern, a series of stations with airlocks provided areas for crew to disembark from ships, work, and live.

Other small stations, radar units, and facilities were attached to the dock. Some might think it utilitarian, lumpy, studded with uneven antennae and projections in places. Nyota found it beautiful. The exhilarating sense of wonder that often came upon her during space flight and missions returned. Although they subdued their bond during work hours, Nyota sensed Spock's own, controlled excitement and knew that he also marveled at the ship. She felt him respond, sharing the moment with her. Hard science mixed with a timeless sense of fascination in both of their minds.

A single shuttlecraft detached from one of the airlocks as Nyota watched, hovering before flying down to the surface of the bluish green planet Alpha Cachette. In less than eighteen hours, she and Spock would go planetside with the crew. Administrative work would consume part of their time there, but precious unscheduled hours awaited them, and a small cabin near a beach.

Perhaps, with a bit of hope and effort, she and Spock might travel the same emotional orbit together again.

…

Inside the Vulcans' guest quarters

Donstelralth gazed longingly at the array of finely grained and beautifully patterned wood and fibrous materials displayed on the computer screen. His apprentice Stelendos repeatedly entered additional search terms for wholesale shopping options on Alpha Cachette, finding tempting new images of wonderful things to buy. Already the artisan imagined buying materials in the planet's warehouses and carving beautiful, profitable new pieces for his shop on New Vulcan.

"There was a time when only Vulcan materials would do, but now we must accustom ourselves to the idea of shaping foreign materials with a Vulcan cultural touch." He turned off the screen and faced the apprentices, who watched him expectantly. "All right, young ones, we shall stay longer than I planned. I must remind you, Serranstivlen, it is no more acceptable to listen to the private conversations of humans than it is to listen to Vulcan ones. If Captain Kirk learns that you 'eavesdropped' on his discussion with the man Steap, he may be less willing to trust both of you in future."

Serran shrugged his broad shoulders. "I suspect that the man Steap did not speak truthfully to the Captain; that is why I listened."

"Can you prove that he plots against the Enterprise?" Donstelralth raised both eyebrows.

"Not yet," Serran replied. "However, his behavior suggests that he wishes to conceal something."

"Humans differ from us because they do not control their emotions, Serranstivlen," Donstelralth said patiently.

"Please, Osavensu, call me by my 'nickname'," Serran asked.

Donstelralth rolled his eyes. "As I was saying, Serranstivlen, do not be too quick to judge, even if a human is unpleasant to you; what is normal for them may appear suspicious to we Vulcans."

…

Inside Spock and Nyota's shared quarters

Rest period, pre-space dock

Opportunities were meant to be pursued. Spock's attention strayed from the dense language of the scientific journal open on his padd. Slim, cool fingers stroked his chest, played with the hair there, slid back up to stroke the length of his clavicle. The hem of Nyota's soft, peach-colored nightgown rode high on her thighs. Her lips pressed delicate kisses against his neck, and then parted as she delivered a love bite, making his heart pound in his side.

Groaning, Spock realized how completely illogical it was to continue reading a science journal when his bondmate lay beside him wearing approximately 1.8 meters of fabric and touching him in an amorous manner. With a quick tap, he shut down his padd and put it aside.

She smiled up at him. "I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever get your attention. Maybe next time I should write article abstracts on myself with chocolate body paint, and ask you to read me with your mouth."

Spock only looked thoughtful. "An absurd, but agreeable proposal. I would give such abstracts my full attention." He lifted two fingers and pressed them against hers; she sighed happily.

"Let me unwrap you?" Nyota's hands moved over the knotted closure of the Vulcan robe he wore, a casual garment meant for comfortable wear at home. Spock was irresistible in dark colors: long and tall, his muscles starkly outlined. A memory of the powerful attraction she'd felt upon her first sight of him in his charcoal gray instructor's uniform flickered through Nyota's thoughts, followed by the handsome, dark-robed reality now before her. It was impossible to say which she liked best. In the instructor's uniform he was professional, forbidden, enticing. She felt an equally intense, different excitement in knowing that he was accessible to her, naked under his robes, allowing her to see him dressed in clothing few other beings saw. As his hands caressed her legs she sensed his desire for her and his approval of the brief nightgown.

Spock moved to give her access to the cord, and she untied it. Their bodies moved together, pausing for kisses and shifting of weight as Nyota pulled the robe clear of Spock's body in stages. She fell upon him, licking and biting the places she uncovered, until Spock growled, "Slower," and moved above her on his hands and knees, taking over the kisses and love bites. He dragged her nightgown straps down with his teeth, baring her skin to the heated air between them. Teasing her, he touched, tasted, squeezed. Nyota moaned and gasped, trying not to hyperventilate.

Spock's fingers slowed on one breast, pressed, moved gently. Nyota continued to respond with pleasure until she saw the slight frown on his face.

"Ra (what)?..." he murmured.

"Honey? What's wrong?"

Spock took her hand, placed his fingers atop hers, and then moved Nyota's fingers over the area he'd just touched.

"Nyota, tal-kam, I felt a lump here. Do you feel it?"

Nyota carefully moved her fingers over the place and felt one solid mass, then another.

A cold feeling hit her in the gut. She stared at the ceiling as though it held projected images of the moment she'd bonded with Spock, their small apartment in San Francisco, their idyll on New Vulcan, her family, Sarek, the faces of her Enterprise friends and colleagues.

"Nyota." Spock reached for her across their mental bond, interrupting the flow of images, sending her feelings of calm, reassurance, love. He attempted to stifle his own fear, but she recognized it.

She sat up and breathed through her mouth, drawing in lungfuls of air. "No. No."

Warm hands rested on her shoulders. "There is some probability that the lumps are not what we think they are."

"Spock, you remember what I told you about my Cousin Rose."

Spock pulled her into his arms and leaned against the wall. "I remember, tal-kam. I know that you still grieve the loss of one who loved you well." Her thoughts were still open to him. Again, Spock witnessed her memories: an adolescent Nyota's attempts to comfort her weak but smiling aunt in a hospital, Nyota cleaning Cousin Rose's home while the woman recuperated following a recurrence of the disease, and then...

Rose wanted you to have this dress she made, Nyota. She said that you always liked this shade of pink. The dress lay folded in a drawer, the weeping girl unable to bring herself to wear it.

Spock rubbed Nyota's back. "You spoke of your Cousin Rose with great affection. She received the best treatment available to her under the circumstances and with the medical treatment existing at the time. Your own circumstances are different."

"I know what's in my health file, and what runs in my family too. She wasn't even fifty-five years old. Aunt Rose should have lived longer with the treatment she had, but the cancer spread so aggressively with each recurrence, and...those lumps scare me, Spock."

"Do not worry, ashayam." He held her a little tighter. "The lumps may be benign. Please do not distress yourself. Dr McCoy goes on duty in two hours and thirty-two minutes."

"No, I'll wait. We've all got to be ready for the space dock and the journey planetside in a few hours! This can't distract anyone."

Spock exhaled sharply in frustration. "Your health is not a distraction. As First Officer I admire your dedication, but Nyota, I am your husband."

"I'm one person aboard a starship where dozens of people may be at greater risk." Her voice was soft, but he recognized her stubborn tone.

"I disagree, but I will capitulate…this time. Medical facilities are available to all Starfleet personnel at Starbase 231. I will speak with Leonard and request that he administer an imaging scan and discuss treatment options with us directly afterward."

"Slow down Mister, I'm capable of arranging this myself."

"Yes, but allow me to care for you. This is an impressive display of bravery, Nyota, but it is unnecessary when we are alone together. I cannot protect you from illness, but I want to fight it with you."

He felt her soften against him. "Honey, I hoped that we could be together, then sleep and be ready for the space dock…"

One hand stroked down her back. "Do you wish me to distract you?"

His fingers glided over the soft skin of her thighs, but her face was still shadowed with worry and he knew that she was not completely with him. He accepted it. At the moment, maybe lovemaking wasn't what either wanted; Spock felt it sufficient simply to be with her. A mind meld would have allowed him to influence her thoughts, to calm her, but it did not seem right. If there were ever a time when his Nyota wanted control over herself, this was it.

Neither of them could really control anything, but he would try. "I intend to be at your side when the results are announced and indeed during the entire examination procedure if you agree."

"Ah, love." She kissed him and laid her head on his shoulder. "I think I can do the examination and the scan alone. Stay on duty until my exam ends. Having you with me for the results...that would really help."

"Agreed; I will wait until summoned, though you understand my illogical desire to lurk near the examination room door. My brave, beloved Lieutenant," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "I will do all possible to see you well. You are not alone in this."

Nyota held him close, feeling grateful, if not happy. Shida haina hod (trouble doesn't knock; you never know when it is going to show up). She'd learned the hard way to stand up for herself in classrooms, while running track, at Starfleet, in combat classes. Life was never easy, anyway. She was already dealing with fatigue, a mysterious, annoying hacker rearranging her file directory, a grumpy Ensign with some undeclared grudge against her, and her entire starship on the verge of review by Starfleet security. At least she wasn't facing it alone.

Like so many women she knew, Nyota could be sweet-tempered, but stubborn.

Fighting something lurking in her cells would be difficult, but fight she would.

Thank you for reading! Please take a moment to review/comment.

And yes, cancer has been abolished in the 23rd century Trek 'verse, but hold on...no diagnosis yet...

Swahili proverbs source: Wikiquote.

Vulcan vocabulary words: Vulcan Language Reclamation Project / Geekipedia.