Disclaimer: I own nothing. This chapter wouldn't be so crappy if I did.
Spock glanced over at the holoclock on the bedside table, the digits illuminated in the darkness. It was nearly three in the morning and he was still wide awake. In just a couple of hours, he would be one of the crewmembers to testify at Christine's court martial hearing on Starbase 154.
Christine.
He looked down at the young woman sleeping beside him, whom he had been holding tightly for the past few hours. She was asleep before he was able to say anything to her, but had owed it to the fact that she had been tirelessly researching his affliction, not to mention their cumbersome rendezvous.
Due to his Vulcan eyesight, he was able to make out her face in the darkness much clearer than a Human would; she seemed much more peaceful in her slumber, not at all the afflicted young woman with the emotions that dominated every Human mind.
He recalled the moment they kissed, the strange sensation that he had felt at the pit of his stomach. It was not exactly lust, but neither was it friendship. It was as if he had wanted to do that for so long, that he had been burying it in the back of his mind for so long and it finally all came spilling out at that moment in time.
He immediately dismissed the idea from his mind; the very thought of anything other than a professional relationship was imprudent, not to mention incongruous. She was helping him, that was all. Nothing she had done that night had anything to do with what she was feeling; it only had to do with rationality.
Spock slowly released the woman from his tight grasp, careful not to wake her. He moved away from her and closed his eyes, shutting out his Human half.
They would never be together. It would be illogical to even consider the idea.
Christine groaned, stretching out her sore limbs. She rubbed her eyes and sat herself up, careful to keep her torso covered out of modesty. She looked around to find that she was in the bed alone, and Spock was nowhere to be seen.
She glanced over at the holoclock on the table besides the bed as she got up.
"Damn," she grumbled, realizing she had woken up nearly two hours late. With the blanket still wrapped around her body, she crossed the room and picked up her clothes.
When she entered the small bathroom, she could tell that Spock had been there earlier, judging by the mirror being fogged up from a recent shower. After a very quick shower, Christine changed back into her uniform and exited his quarters, careful to be swift so that no one would notice where she had came from.
The intercom above buzzed on and a voice addressing the entire ship began to speak. It confirmed her hopes.
"This is Commander Spock speaking. I have resumed command of the Enterprise and we are currently in the process of docking into Starbase 154 for a scheduled inspection, as well as temporary shore leave. It is 0930 hours and we will be begin the transport of shuttles for all crew members at 1000 hours. The ship is scheduled for departure at 1700 hours and all personnel are due back at 1630 hours."
A part of her was glad that she had restored him back to his rightful captaincy, but another part of her was more concerned about her upcoming court martial that she was due to appear at in just two hours.
"You okay, Chapel? You look tired," asked McCoy. Christine took a long sip of hot coffee and rubbed her eyes.
"Er…I'm fine. Rough night…" she murmured. McCoy looked at her quizzically. "I was going over engineering stats."
He shrugged his shoulders. "I saw Spock go by earlier. Looked pretty normal, well at least what a Vulcan would consider normal, I guess."
"Must be a miracle," commented Christine quietly, watching the laser scalpel cleanly slice the bandages. The last thing she wanted to do at the moment was reveal to McCoy the events of last night. He would never be able to let it down, let alone believe it occurred in the first place. It wasn't his business anyways.
"They asked me to speak at your hearing today."
She took her eyes off the scalpel to look up at him. "Really? I wonder why they need all of these testimonies. None of you were there in the first place."
"Probably so they can paint a picture of you. Ya know, to show what you're like, I suppose."
"I guess. It's just strange," she mused, taking another sip of coffee.
Christine was seated at a table alone, occasionally glaring over at her disturbingly smug opponent, Roger Korby. When she had been escorted into the courtroom minutes before, he had been talking rather comfortably with the two of the three flag officers who were assigned to oversee the hearing. This gave her a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach, because she knew that Roger had a lot of friends in high places, especially since he was a very distinguished Starfleet officer.
Seated along the sidewall of the courtroom was the people chosen to testify -- a moody McCoy and the ever-formal Spock. The former was looking around at the court rather suspiciously, while the latter was facing forward, his back straight against the chair. Christine occasionally glanced over at Spock, half-hoping, half-fearing a look from him. They had not spoken all morning and when he entered the courtroom with McCoy, it had been the first time she had seen him since last night. He was back to his normal self, obviously, and she was glad.
On the opposite wall sat the only testifier against her, Roger. A few feet away from Christine's table was another table which sat the prosecuting attorney, a tall, slightly hunched man in his early forties with a premature bald spot and squinted eyes.
Suddenly, the doors to the courtroom flew open and in walked two men in their early fifties, who she presumed was the third commanding officer to preside and the officiator of the court. She had recognized one of them, but was not able to place how. The three presiding officers all stood together, while the fourth one stood apart. The familiar officer rang the small bell that had alerted the court of its commencing.
The officiating officer stood up, along with the rest of the court. "This court is now in session. I am Commodore Wilkes, the commanding officer of this starbase. I have appointed as members of the court Captains Rush and Carrington, and Admiral Christopher Pike."
Christine's eyes looked over at the final member, instantly recalling where she had heard his name; he was the former Captain of the Enterprise and had since been promoted to Admiral. She remembered reading in a holopaper that both of his legs were broken after the Romulan dispute, but they were now healed after many months.
Commodore Wilkes continued. "Do you have any objections, Lieutenant Chapel, to the men presiding over your case? You are allowed substitutes if you feel the need due to any bias."
"No objections, sir," she said after a long moment, knowing that due to Pike's status that he would have the high hand and be able to see the logic in the situation.
"And do you consent to Lieutenant Gibbs as prosecuting officer and myself as president of the court?"
"Yes, sir."
The Commodore nodded and turned to the computer at his side, typing in a couple of buttons. The computer addressed the court. "Christine Emilia Chapel. Service number NI-596 MT21Z. Service rank, Lieutenant. Position, First officer, science officer. Current assignment, USS Enterprise. Commendations, valedictorian of Starfleet Medical graduating class. Charge: Physical assault, causing injury upon offending Doctor Roger Korby. To all recorded charges and specifications, what does the defendant plea?"
"Not guilty."
"I call Doctor McCoy, chief medical officer of the Enterprise, to the stand."
She looked over at McCoy, who slowly got up and crossed the room. He handed the presiding officer his data chip and sat down in a chair in the middle of the court that faced the defendant and prosecution.
The computer read out the data. "Leonard Horatio McCoy, serial number SM426G721. Service rank, Lieutenant Commander. Position, Chief Medical Officer. Current assignment, USS Enterprise. Commendations, decorated once by Starfleet command."
"You are the senior chief medical officer aboard the Enterprise, Doctor McCoy?"
"Obv -- I mean, yes, I am." His jaw was clenched, careful not to slip up and say something that could ultimately destroy any chance of her winning this case.
"Was Lieutenant Christine Chapel a good assistant before being promoted to Science Officer upon Captain James Kirk's departure?"
"Yes, she was the best. I couldn't ask for any better."
"Would you consider her a responsible member of the crew?"
"Yes."
"But somehow, the defendant seemed to completely relinquish her usually coy exterior, and attack Doctor Roger Korby, in fact, to the point of the dislocation of his nose, as well as the painful breaking of his cheekbone."
"It seems odd to me that everyone is makin' a lot of hoopla over sumthin' that could easily be fixed with a growth pill. For God's sake, we've got meds in the sickbay that could cure that in seconds, if not minutes."
He had a good point, Christine thought.
"That is not the point, Doctor McCoy. The fact of the matter is the defendant assaulted this man, no matter how easy it would be to remedy the injuries."
"Well, knowin' Chapel, he probably deserved it. She wouldn't do sumthin' like that without good reason. Ya know what they say, the sun don't shine on the same dog's tail all the time. You get what you deserve."
"Are you insinuating that Doctor Korby initiated the skirmish?" asked the Commodore, eyes squinting at McCoy.
"Look, I'm sayin' that to go and fly off the handle…It's completely unlike her."
"I see. Thank you, Doctor McCoy, you may step down. I call to the stand the offending officer, Doctor Roger Korby."
McCoy returned to his seat and Roger stood and crossed the room, handing the Commodore his data card.
"Roger Alexander Korby, serial number DW6432V2. Service rank, Lieutenant Commander. Position, Chief Medical Officer. Current assignment, Starbase 89," the computer announced.
"Doctor Korby, it is the court's assumption that the defendant, Christine Chapel, assaulted you nine days ago. Do you recall this event?"
"I do, sir."
"Could you describe it to the court, please, Doctor?"
"I was passing by one of the holocommunication rooms when I spotted Christine. I thought it would be a good idea to surprise her. When I walked in, she completely went off on me and the next thing I knew, I was on the floor, my face covered in blood. I have no idea what made her react in such a way."
"From what I gather, she's usually a very quiet, mellow sort of person, correct? What do you think would push her to such a limit?"
"To be honest, sir, a while back we went through a very rocky breakup. I thought that by now she would be over it, but apparently she's still fixated on me."
"Hm. Very well, then, Doctor. You may step down. I call the acting captain of the Enterprise, Commander Spock, to the stand, please."
"Spock, serial number S179-276SP. Service rank, Commander. Position, acting captain. Current assignment, USS Enterprise. Commendations, Starfleet Academy Award of Distinction. Awards of valor. Decorated once by Starfleet command."
"Commander Spock, with Lieutenant Chapel as your science officer and second-in-command, I can imagine that she and you collaborated often."
"Yes, Lieutenant. She is a very valuable member of the Enterprise."
Christine suddenly wondered if that had a double meaning.
"Do the both of you get along well?"
"With all due respect, Lieutenant, whether or not two officers get along well outside of their professional duties is not relevant, but yes, we do not have any stifles between us."
"Has she ever confided in you about her previous relationship with Doctor Korby?"
Christine's stomach began to twist; she prayed Spock would, just for once, not be dutiful.
"Yes, very briefly."
Thanks, she thought, slumping slightly in her seat in discomfort.
"Was this before or after the assault incident?"
"After, sir."
"And did she tell you about their past conflict?"
"She did not specify."
"So, not only did she assault this man, but she also lied to her commanding officer."
"She merely did not mention the incident. That hardly specifies as deception."
"It seems like a strange thing to overlook, does it not, Commander?"
"Yes, Lieutenant."
"Very well. You may step down, Commander."
Spock rose and crossed the room, passing Christine in her chair. They exchanged glances briefly and her eye twitched slightly. He was as unchanged as ever, while she was internally ailing.
She knew she was not going to win this. It would be impossible.
"The court will adjourn following the hour-long recess. On return, the verdict will be announced."
The officers filed out of the room, but Christine remained, still as stone.
Spock knocked on the open door lightly, letting the superior officer know of his prescence. The office was small, but the walls were decorated with every honor and award that the Admiral had received during his impressive career.
"Admiral," Spock greeted the man with a salute.
Admiral Pike was seated at his desk, his eyes transfixed on a PADD.
"Mister Spock…Or should I say, Captain? I hope you are treating my ship well." He returned the salute and motioned for the Vulcan to seat himself.
"The Enterprise is operating with flawless precision, sir."
A moment of silence passed between the two.
"Something tells me that the operation of the ship wasn't the reason why you wished to speak with me." Pike set aside the PADD and focused his entire attention on his former science officer.
"No, Admiral. It's about the Lieutenant."
Pike raised a surprised eyebrow. "Lieutenant Chapel? Yes, quite an interesting case." He leaned back in his chair slightly, eyeing Spock.
"I know it is erroneous of me, but I know that the court will find her guilty. Doctor Korby is very influential and has the high hand in the situation, due to his superior rank and contributions to Starfleet."
Pike nodded, concurring. "Your suspicions are correct. Luck is not on her side. If she isn't found guilty of intentional assault, she will still be punished for the act of violence that she displayed. Either way, her career is in jeopardy."
"Admiral, despite her actions, she does not deserve to be chastened. She had told me a bit about Doctor Korby and I gathered that he is not the most honorable of men. I will do whatever it takes to shield her from ruin."
"You seem quite determined, Spock. This is rather unlike you to interfere with the judgment of Starfleet."
It is the least I could do after she helped me…Saved me, he thought. It would be most uncivil of him to pass up any chance to aid her in this dire situation.
"I am aware, Admiral, but I will not stand by and allow this to happen."
"I will do what I can to help Lieutenant Chapel. While it is unlikely that she will be imprisoned, a dismissal from her current position is possible."
Dismissal? Gone? From the Enterprise? He felt a slight pang in his stomach, but ignored it. He nodded.
"I understand, Admiral," Spock replied firmly.
Christine looked up at the returning panel. The Admiral and the Captains sat down, but Commodore Wilkes remained standing. The Admiral was eyeing her down intently, and it took everything she had to look back at him.
"Christine Chapel, please rise." She did so. "The court finds you guilty of assault. While it may be true that you were defending yourself, the point of the entire situation is the lack of morality in that judgment. It is unfit for a Starfleet officer, especially with one so distinguished as yourself, to be resorting to such violence. When you were sworn into Starfleet, you took an oath of regulation and on the day of this incident, you disobeyed that oath. Your sentence is a twelve-month ban from stepping foot on a starship."
"Wait a goddamn min --" came McCoy's outraged voice from behind her, but he was silenced suddenly, presumably by Spock.
She nodded, squeezing her left fist slightly to keep her from arguing. The best thing she could do now was be as courteous as humanely possible. "I understand, Commodore."
"Lieutenant, the panel has agreed to dismiss you from your current assignment on the Enterprise. You will receive your new instructions once you arrive back in San Francisco at the Starfleet Headquarters. Court dismissed."
Christine stuffed the last of her clothes into the old-Earth style grey duffle bag, not caring if it would wrinkle or not. It had been nearly two hours since the dismissal of court and she had been informed that the next shuttle to Earth would be departing in thirty-five minutes.
Sighing, she closed the bag, and scanned the room once last time; it had been stripped of all her belongings. She heard the door buzz open.
"I'm sorry, Chapel," came McCoy's sympathetic voice.
She nodded and turned to face him. "It's…It's fine, McCoy." She smiled up at him as her eyes began to glaze over.
"So I, uh, guess this is so long," he said, extending his hand.
She took it and shook it. He suddenly pulled her in with the crook of his arm. "Ah, damn, Chapel! I'm gonna miss ya."
She laughed and pushed him away. "I'll be fine, McCoy. Really."
They both exited her quarters.
"The hobgoblin is in the shuttle bay."
"Magical," she grumbled, adjusting the duffle strap that was bruising her shoulder. "So…I'll see you soon, hopefully? I mean, I'm sure your due for shore leave in a while."
"Hope so, Chapel. I'll be seein' ya." And with that, McCoy disappeared down the hallway.
She sighed and leaned herself against the wall, hoping to steal a couple of moments for herself. The rims of her eyes were brimming over with hot tears, but she wiped them away; the last thing she needed now was anyone's pity. This was her doing and she was going to suffer the consequences.
Moments later, she was in a lift that was going downwards toward the shuttle bay. When the door opened, she was greeted by Scotty.
"Why aren't you on the starbase, Scotty? This might be the only leave you get for a while."
Scotty smiled at her. "I canna spend a moment away from this ship. It's my life, lassie."
She smiled at him. "It's comforting to know that we have such a devoted engineer."
"Aye…I must bid you farewell, lass. It saddens me to think that you must go back to Earth."
"It's…uh, It's fine, Scottie. Where is the Captain?"
"Over there, telling my assistant how to do his job," he said, motioning behind his shoulder. Christine peered over his shoulder to see Spock and a red-shirted engineer engaged in a rather heated conversation.
"Thanks Scotty, and bye." She walked past him.
"Farewell, lassie, you'll be missed!" he called after her.
As she neared Spock, he dismissed the engineer. She somehow doubted Scotty's last words as their eyes met, his bland with inexpression.
"Captain," she greeted him.
"Lieutenant," he returned, nodding.
They walked side-by-side in silence. As the shuttle, which was on the other side of the bay, neared, she turned her head.
"I hope you are replacing me with a worthy candidate."
"Negative, Lieutenant, your replacement hardly matches your skill."
Christine wondered if he really meant it. She doubted it. He wasn't one to flatter.
He turned to her. "Allow me to express my regret in the verdict."
"It's fine. It isn't like you could stop yourself from telling the truth."
"I'm afraid I do not understand, Lieutenant."
She turned and glared up at him in frustration. "Your testimony gave them the fuel they needed. If you could have just kept quiet on how I told you about Roger, we wouldn't be in this situation right now."
"It seemed logical to --"
"Just for once, fuck logic!" she yelled, gaining some stares from a few nearby engineers. "Because of you, my record is stained forever!"
She pushed past him and sped up, heading directly for the shuttle.
"I sense your irritation," he said, catching up with her. "And I know you expected me to lie for your after…" he lowered his voice, "last night, but either way, the court was going to charge you."
"Next time you need someone to save your life, don't expect me to come knocking." Her voice was bitter, her throat filled with emotion. "Goodbye."
Moments later, the shuttle departed, and Christine finally allowed herself to cry.
A/N: Yeah. That sucked.