Osmosis / a STXI S/U fanfic

Chapter 13: Large House, Large Matters

Nyumba kubwa husitiri mambo makubwa. (Kiswahili proverb)

Idiomatic Translation: A large house hides large matters.

Literal Meaning: Where there are lots of people in one place there will be lots of things going on, both good and bad.

Warnings this chapter: mild sexual references.

Port Town, Alpha Cachette

Morning

The Enterprise crew's temporary quarters on Alpha Cachette looked so quaint that dozens of tense shoulders collectively relaxed. Green-roofed cabins dotted an expanse of grassy land stretching out to the seashore. Happy comments buzzed through the warm air as people stepped out of the transport vehicles. In the interest of diplomacy, Starfleet had arranged to assist the Vulcans until they safely boarded transport back to New Vulcan, so they remained with the Enterprise crew.

Rest, Nyota thought. And lovemaking, maybe. Unless...

Spock turned and looked at her. I will accompany you to the clinic, Nyota. You will not face this alone.

Staff members and the cheerful owner of the guesthouses strode out from a central building to greet them. Leonard McCoy observed that the open vulva pendant hanging from a thin chain around the man's neck was anatomically correct: labia majora, labia minora and clitoris carefully, gracefully cast in metal. Other workers, male and female alike, wore similar pendants. Maybe I should get one as a souvenir…but I'm a general practitioner, not a gynecologist.

The owner used a voice amplifier to address the large group. "Welcome, Starfleet! I'm excited to see you and hope you'll be comfortable here." In his enthusiasm, his speech lapsed into the local pidgin. "Mek free fi itilize the basikals and transport mashin as you need fi mek go 'round di city."

Quickly, Nyota got the man's attention and tried to explain the confused expressions on the faces of some crewmembers as the man tried to inform them of transportation options. "Pardon, sir; wyin dey look ask, Standard words dey sabi, but Alpha Cachette talk-talk no sabi." (Pardon, sir; the reason they look as though they have questions is that they all understand Standard. Alpha Cachette pidgin /local language is not familiar.)

"Ah! But wyin you sabi?" (But why do you know it?)

"I'm the Communications Officer fi Enterprise, so prepared for this. Too-too, during travels wit my family on Earth, I heard various types of pidgin in some countries, sabi di palava." (Also, during travels with my family, I heard pidgin and learned conversational speech.)

"Good-good, thank you, blessed woman. Pardon me, Starfleet, I am excited to have you here. As I was saying…"

Spock's hand brushed hers, and she sensed his respect and admiration. She was only doing her job, but his acknowledgement of her skills pleased her.

…

Ensign Steap scowled at the sculpted vulva and thighs hanging above his cabin door. At least he could make his own cabin suitably masculine for the single night he had to spend there. Glancing around to see whether anyone watched, he gripped an edge and tried to pry the thing off.

Leonard McCoy pushed a bicycle along the path, intending to make a short ride to the Starfleet clinic to prepare for Nyota's exam. He was leaving a little early because he didn't want to be alone in the beach cabin; the night had enough lonely hours. Len stopped in his tracks as he rounded a corner and saw Charles Steap.

"Steap! What the hell are you doin'? Stop before the local people see you."

Jumping back in surprise, Steap turned to glare at McCoy, and then quickly calmed himself. "Oh, sorry, Doctor. This isn't what it looks like."

Propping the bike on its kickstand, McCoy strode over to the Ensign. "This ain't your first day in Starfleet. You know damned well that respect for local customs falls under the umbrella of the Prime Directive. Why were you trying to remove that?"

"It was hung crooked and I was trying to straighten it." Steap's voice was as calm as his facial expression.

McCoy gave him a hard look. "Boy, do you even know you're lyin'? If I see you foolin' with that again we're havin' a private chat with the Captain and First Officer."

"I assure you, that won't be necessary. It won't happen again, sir." That much was true. By this time tomorrow he'd be off-planet.

McCoy's medical training included service in urban and suburban hospitals and the Starfleet brig, among other places. He'd stitched up spoiled teenagers, cheating spouses, thieves, drunks, embezzlers, and the occasional Starfleet officer. No profession was free of liars. He couldn't prove Steap intended to do wrong, but he would watch him. Kirk had promoted this immature fellow too quickly.

"Listen, Steap. Some things about Alpha Cachette's culture may make you uncomfortable, but trust me, this adventure's a breeze compared to being on a planet with active hostilities. Join the crew at the beach later; it'll give you other stuff to think about." McCoy nodded sharply and left.

Steap's hidden communicator vibrated, and he stepped inside to read the message. His alien contact appeared, this time in a shaggy, badly fitted wig. The recorded message provided an address, a map, and an image of a house with a vegetable patch or small field in the background.

Don't come until specified time tomorrow as you get nothing before that time.

Steap shook his head. Next time he'd trade secrets to faster paying clients. One more big payout and he was free to do as he wanted. He messaged back:

Be there

Whether he was saying he would be there, or that he was directing them to be there – let them figure it out.

…

The cozy beach cabin was clean and simply furnished. Dr. McCoy's worries about rusticity were groundless; various technology tools were integrated into the walls and fixtures. Shoeless, Nyota walked across the floor covering woven from soft plant stems. She stood at a broad window facing the beach a short distance away.

"It's nice here. I'm grateful for a few easier days."

Spock slid his arms around her waist. "As am I. Perhaps all is not easy yet."

Nyota sighed. "I need to go back into town and get the exam over with. Then I'll see Gaila before she beams up to the Enterprise for tech work. I'll come back to join the crew at the beach."

Spock leaned over her shoulder and pressed the warm side of his face against hers. "What is this 'I'? Please say 'we'. I told you that I will accompany you to the exam. You have been protective of me, and I can do no less."

"I had such hopes for our life together -" she sighed and turned away from the window. Spock rested his hands on her shoulders.

"K'diwa (wife), we may yet have it. We should leave for town now."

…

Port Town, Alpha Cachette

Mid-morning

Nyota received a message from Gaila on the way into town; scheduling at the space dock forced her to delay their meeting until the Mayor's garden party that evening. Gaila had already beamed aboard the Enterprise to examine and troubleshoot shipboard computer operations, with special attention to the possibility of minor hacking.

Dr. McCoy accepted Spock's request to come to the clinic earlier than planned. No further delay of the dreaded medical exam was possible. Nyota squared her shoulders and entered the clinic, Spock's reassuring presence beside her.

Leonard briefly considered asking one of his colleagues to conduct Nyota's examination instead. He was fond of both Nyota and Spock though he'd rarely admit the latter. However, he knew that if he asked Dr. M'Benga or someone else to examine Nyota, he'd only pester them later with suggestions of treatments and research papers they'd already read, and he might violate doctor-patient confidentiality. Len's sense of empathetic professionalism returned, and he became Dr. McCoy again.

"As you know, it's advisable to conduct a breast self-exam, or BSE, at least weekly. Is that how you found these lumps?"

"Uh, no...Spock found them. I haven't exactly been consistent about doing the BSE," Nyota admitted. Spock had reluctantly agreed to remain in the waiting room during the examination as she'd asked. Now she was glad that he would not hear her say she'd neglected simple maintenance of her own health.

"Partners and lovers sometimes find them before the patient does, it's not unusual. I'm not gonna lecture you, but please take better care of yourself."

Assisted by a nurse, McCoy followed through with more questions and visual checks: unusual discharge, dimpled or rippled skin. Nyota underwent a series of torso and pelvic scans and checks with various medical devices.

Dr. McCoy made quiet, informative remarks during the procedures, none of which concluded that Nyota was ill or well. The accented cadence of his voice calmed her. She could sense Spock in the waiting room, where he considered the probability of positive outcomes.

Afterward Nyota and Spock sat side by side, their hands touching. Dr. McCoy noticed an odd synchronicity in their movements; they blinked in cadence while they listened to him.

"I'm sorry to tell you this, but the scan produced inconclusive results and it's going to take a little more time to provide results. Breast health involves so much more than cancer; patients may notice symptoms related to such conditions as fibrocystic breast disease or breast infections. All are treatable and Starfleet Medical offers you many options. Please understand that I'm only discussing the data gathered and analyzed so far. A biopsy may not be necessary. Biopsies sound old-fashioned – some consider them barbaric – but it's the one way to be completely certain."

Nyota's long eyelashes lowered, breaking the uniformity of the couple's movements. Spock covered her hand with his and spoke softly to her in Vulcan.

McCoy thought that Spock's tender concern made him seem quite human. He tried to reassure both of them as he concluded the discussion. "Twenty-four hours, Nyota, and we'll find out exactly what's wrong. We'll analyze your scans more thoroughly and provide a full report. Spock, I'll message you both immediately when I have more news."

Nyota looked up. "Thank you for being so honest about this. I'm prepared to undergo any necessary procedures," she said evenly. "I really appreciate all you've done, Len." She clasped his hand before the couple left.

Grabbing her hand, Spock pulled Nyota from the corridor and into an empty conference room. "Computer, seal door. Cameras off."

"What –"

Spock gathered Nyota into a close embrace, lifting her off her feet. "My ashalik (darling) Nyota, how much I want thee to be well," he murmured in Vulcan. He sat her atop the table and touched his forehead to hers. She pressed her hand against his side and felt his heart pounding. He clasped her free hand with his own, pressing their palms together. The skin contact revealed agitation, love, fear.

"I can bear this, but I do not want to," he said, a rough edge to his voice.

"Spock, please. Easy, love. Don't worry. Things may be just fine."

"The analysis may not be in our favor."

"So we'll face it head-on, thinking of the infected cells as enemy ships, and employ effective tactical strategies."

"I will use every resource available to obtain appropriate medical care for you and maintain your health. You may grow weary of my attempts to direct your activities, tal-kam(dear one) Expect carefully researched meals and early bed times."

"Really? I won't complain about those early bedtimes unless I'm expected to go to bed alone every night."

"I do not wish to exhaust you."

"Big man, I wish that you would exhaust me, in several different positions. It's been a while."

"Nyota, you are avoiding the issue."

"So? Help me get through this by humoring me, and by keeping our lives as normal as possible. Don't cut my hours on the bridge yet. Whether I'm ill or not, just try to live every day with me as best we can. Agreed?"

"Agreed."

"Have I told you how much I love this little half-smile you make?"

"You have verbally communicated your fondness for this particular facial expression one hundred and eighty-three times; in written, encoded messages, thirty-two times; and in audio recordings, forty-three times out of the one hundred and eighty-three. Each instance pleases me."

"Oh, sweetheart. Let's aim for a thousand times, in all categories."

…

Wishing to expend his nervous energy, Spock left to spend some time in the small gym nearby. Nyota ate, drank tea, and checked personal communications in the beach cabin. Encouraging messages from Gaila, her parents, siblings, and Auntie 'Chelle awaited her. She'd decided not to tell other Enterprise crew until she had a firm diagnosis...and perhaps not even then.

A small package bumped against the toe of her boot as she opened the door to step out into the fresh air. Nyota picked up the small box; inside she found a package of tea, with a note written on its side.

Hi, Nyota. I saw you going into the medical clinic earlier today and wondered if you're okay. You mentioned feeling tired lately, so I didn't knock in case you were resting. I hope everything's all right. Let me know if I can help with a chat or just listening.

Peace, Charlene

So much for keeping her health a secret. Oh, why am I worried? It would be unlike Charlene, a considerate and kind woman, to discuss the personal activities of her crewmates.

Unless she slipped up and told one particular engineer, of course. The tea was an expensive, popular brand produced on Earth. Nyota remembered seeing Scotty give similar tea to other Enterprise crew members.

Perhaps Charlene had her own need to confide in someone.

...

Port Town Beach, Alpha Cachette

Early afternoon

A long composite wood boardwalk bordered by clumps of green and purple beach grass led to the beach. Spock was quiet as they followed the crew toward the water. Nyota wished that he would hold her hand, but he seemed mindful of the presence of the other Vulcans and did not do what a human man would have done. She permitted herself a few seconds to wonder at the contrast between the man who met her passions kiss for kiss, touch for touch when they were alone and the man who walked beside her, not touching. Maybe her hormones were adding to her worries.

Oohs and aahs sounded from the group as they walked out onto a broad expanse of open sand, fine, sugary white granules. Greenish-blue water rolled in gentle waves. Silent, Donstelralth and the young Vulcans stared at the water in awe. Spock's previous travel experiences on Earth made him less astonished, but Nyota sensed that he found the sea and sand aesthetically appealing.

Two fingers brushed against her hand, causing her own fingers to open. Spock slowed his steps, seeking and receiving the finger kiss.

He opened their bond, spoke to her.

If we return to this beach alone, early morning someday…

An image blending sunrise, nudity, and fruit consumed while reclining on a thick blanket followed.

Oh, my naughty Spock. Tell me, would you like this as well...?

He saw himself from her point of view, his head and shoulders silhouetted against the stars sparkling in the night sky far above their bodies. She pulled him close to her with her internal muscles and her arms. They moved together on the thick blanket, their hips undulating in tune with the sounds of the water. Deeper, she murmured, crossing her ankles behind his back.

Spock's steps faltered and stopped.

"Hurry up, you two!" Jim shouted. The Starfleet group claimed spots on the beach, spreading out mats and blankets and assembling portable shade devices.

Sulu stripped off his shirt, causing others to pause in their own disrobing. Heads turned as he ran for the water and dove in.

Nyota heard someone sigh, "By all the deities, I wish I could have Sulu, even for one night…"

"Slow down, California boy," Jim hollered after the Enterprise helmsman. He stripped down to a pair of red swim trunks, paused to let people admire him, then followed Sulu.

Spock did not particularly enjoy swimming, but he appreciated the opportunity to combine social activity with time spent outdoors in agreeable weather conditions. Together, he and Nyota lay out their own mats and erected a sun shade. To his surprise, after she removed her long, loose overdress she was dressed almost as modestly as when in uniform.

"You did not wear your scarlet bikini today." Spock decided that he did not particularly care for the swim dress in Starfleet red. The modest, comfortable garment held some aesthetic appeal, thanks to the skilled Starfleet designers. However, Spock could have argued that the absent bikini was hardly immodest in comparison to some of the brief swimming attire worn by other crew members. True, it clung to the curves of her breasts and hips, but it covered the soft place where her hip and thigh met. Spock knew how to draw fascinating responses from Nyota when he kissed that spot, then bit and licked it.

"I thought it appropriate to cover myself," Nyota replied, glancing toward their Vulcan guests.

"Understood. However, we are not on New Vulcan, but among a largely human crew."

"Sweetheart…I think that they're distracted enough as it is, the young apprentices. Young men talk, and you know they'll take all sorts of tales back to New Vulcan! I'm not adding any fuel to that fire."

Stelen lowered his voice, although he spoke in Vulcan. "Osavensu Donstelralth, the bikini worn by many of the Enterprise females is illogical. Surely those tiny cloth triangles will be removed by the force of the waves in the sea!"

"That is unlikely," the older Vulcan said patiently. "Without staring, you may wish to take note of the construction of these swimming garments. Strong fasteners or prudently tied knots keep the garments on the body. Do not stare, please! In addition, each garment is carefully measured and the appropriate sizes selected by the wearer. Really, these are simple concepts. On some planets humanoids wear no garments at all when engaging in water recreation."

"No garments? They must suffer terribly from the cold. I have another question. Human men wear two different types of swimming garments: small and tight, like underclothing, or loose with room for the legs and useful pockets. I notice that all three of us and Opidsu Spock chose the latter style. However, there appears to be a preference for the smaller garment among some men. Osavensu Donstelralth, which style is preferable?"

Donstelralth tied back his hair. "It is a matter of personal aesthetic preference."

Stelen asked with surprise, "Do you intend to swim?"

"No; I do not swim very well, despite my efforts to learn during my travels. In the interest of conviviality we shall 'wade'. Remove your footwear and walk with me into the water."

"See how Opidsu Spock enters the water with his bondmate T'sai Uhura. Now look, he swims!" Serran's face lit up with amazement.

Donstelralth dipped a toe into the surf. "Swimming is likely part of required Starfleet training."

"I never thought to experience such unusual things in my life," Stelen said, awestruck. "Half-naked humans in public. A Vulcan swimming. Bitter coffee drink. The universe is filled with wonders."

He turned, seeing Charlene Masters in a turquoise blue one-piece, and observed yet another wonder. She threw a ball in a game with Chekov, Scotty and other crew. Stelen hesitated, fearing rejection, but Charlene asked him to join them. Human social life seemed less difficult day by day. He wondered how Charlene would respond if the roles were reversed and she sought friendship among Vulcans.

Spock could indeed swim. He had no great fondness for the practice, but engaged in it on occasion to maintain the skill. He moved with the waves, floating and practicing strokes while Nyota and some of the other women laughed and played in the water.

Soaking wet now, the swim dress clung to Nyota's body, reminding him of her duty uniform with its short skirt. As the waves swirled around him Spock remembered one of his most persistent fantasies, a scenario involving the empty bridge of the Enterprise, a partially walled-off workstation with handles set into the walls, and a shelf where Nyota could rest one of her feet. He imagined the colored lights of the ship's controls glowing softly on her bared thighs and reflecting on the handles, which she gripped as he moved within her. Spock stroked the back of her neck with his free hand. Only he heard her ecstatic cries as she came. Afterward, illogically, they floated for a long moment in zero gravity, kissing.

The water wasn't cold enough to stop the tenting at the front of his trunks. Spock moved a little further into the water, willing himself down.

During his encounter with Steap in the Enterprise corridor, Captain Kirk had hinted at a basic surfing lesson, and now Steap put on his most pleasant attitude and delivered. Using boards rented from a small building on the beach, Steap showed Jim how to get started. The Captain was eager, appreciative and learned quickly. By the time they finished Steap no longer faked his laughter at Jim's humorous observations on the process. Under different circumstances he could have liked the guy, even considered him a friend, but too much was out of balance – not in his favor.

Fighting an annoyingly persistent feeling of regret, Steap assured the Captain that he looked forward to the Mayor's welcoming party for the Enterprise crew in a few hours.

…

A familiar chime filtered through the comfortable haze of sunshine, waves, and drowsy crew conversation. Nyota awoke from a brief nap beneath the sunshade and pulled her communicator from its protective cover. An encrypted message from Gaila waited. Nyota decrypted it, hoping that her friend wouldn't say she couldn't meet after all. She'd looked forward to conversation and laughter with her former roommate.

Hi Ny. I've solved your problem, mostly anyway. Want to see you and talk w/you at party tonight. No emergency situation with the Enterprise - all safe now - but the most frequent instances of the hacking appear localized and target your ID. Somebody aboard doesn't seem to like you much. Any idea who it is? If I find out will kick their ass into warp drive, unless you or your big Vulcan beat me to it. See you soon.

Vulcan vocabulary in this chapter:

Opidsu= Lord. Formal address for a man.

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

Osavensu= honored teacher.

T'sai= Lady. Form of formal address.

Thanks very much for reading, and for posting comments & reviews!

Next chapter: Jim can't help himself; Charlene figures something out; Steap makes a move.