Ch 7: Dinner with a View

Spock and Ma'Tique slowly made their way through the hedge maze. The yellow orange light from the sun above made the leaves glisten and glow rather romantically. It was clear that while they looked like average hedges, there was something more to the plants than met Spock's eye. Marveling at the height of the hedges around him, he failed to notice that Ma'Tique had stopped before a hedge wall and bumped into her.

Blushing, he said, "My apologies. My attention was elsewhere."

Ma'Tique winked and said, "Don't worry, I tend to have that affect on males."

Before Spock could explain that he was fascinated with their surroundings and not her, a male Felisian dropped from the sky in front of them. He wore a green sleeveless shirt and matching flowing pants; the scarf around his waist the same color as Ma'Tique's. His fir was fire red with leopard spotting; around his eye was a particularly large spot. When he stood, he towered over both Spock and Ma'Tique, crossing his arms in front of his broad chest.

"You wish to pass to find your love, but he's not here, he's up above. Answer my riddle to carry on; you'll suffer my wrath if you answer me wrong."

Spock straightened himself in an effort to seem taller than he felt next to the massive Felisian. "I am ready."

The Felisian male sneered. "Until I am measured, I am not known, yet how you miss me when I have flown. What am I?"

Uncharacteristic as it was, Spock stifled a laugh at the simple riddle. Were these seriously supposed to be hard? Crossing his own arms in triumph, Spock answered with a small but noticeable smirk, "You are time."

The Felisian uncrossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at the Vulcan, who was daring to show what looked like pride in his knowledge. Silently, he stepped aside and waved his arm, turning toward the hedge. The branches split apart and revealed the path behind the wall. The Felisian gave Spock a bow and said, "You may proceed, be on your way, but first I must make sure I say, should your wisdom ever fail, you'll be removed from this snaked trail. You'll lose your love; here he'll remain, so follow your heart and trust your brain."

Crouching, the Felisian jumped and flew high above the hedges, disappearing from sight. Though Spock gave the Felisians credit for the creativity in designing such an attraction, even he had to admit that their rhymes were a little contrived. Ma'Tique's forward movement caught his attention and he continued on his way.

The path was now significantly wider than it was before they reached the dead end. His attention was now drawn to the way the light colored the large white bricks beneath his feet. The bricks were somewhat luminous, and as he walked, he not only saw his shadow cast on them, but also the faintest hint of his reflection. Again, his attention had been shifted elsewhere for so long he bumped into Ma'Tique when she stopped at another dead end.

This time she turned around and crossed her arms playfully. "Come now Mr. Spock, surely you can't be distracted by my back end so much that you can't keep your eyes on where you're going?"

"I assure you, I was not…"

While Spock was able to get more out of his mouth this time, he was not fast enough to say that he had not been ogling Ma'Tique's back side before another Felisian showed up. This time the Felisian was a female that materialized before them, wearing the same outfit that Ma'Tique wore in pink instead of blue. Her fur was a pure snow white, her eyes almost as blue as Kirk's.

"Greetings," she said in a velvety voice. "You've made good progress, there is no doubt, but answer wrong and be shown out. Answer my question is what you must do, answer correctly and you may go through."

Spock closed his eyes to prevent the Felisian from seeing his eyes roll. He really could do without the weak rhymes, but he assumed this was part of the appeal. It was already obvious that the guide was to prevent him from getting lost and frustrated, but there was no challenge to the riddles they told. Then again, they were probably much harder for someone who couldn't think things logically like Vulcans could.

"I have freedom from hate, but not from lies. I'm usually seen through clouded eyes. I come unexpected, though you wait for me all your life. I can't be brought yet some people try. What am I?"

Delight glittered in Spock's eyes as he finally heard a riddle that made him really think. He covered his mouth with his hand and pondered. From what he could derive from the riddle, the answer wasn't a tangible object, much like the last two riddles. He then thought about how the riddles related to the activity and realized that the first riddle referred to the use of his logic to solve the riddles. The second riddle referred to the swift passage of time during his trek through the maze as well as throughout the day with Kirk.

The answer to the third riddle dawned on him in an instant. Of course, it was simple now that he applied the riddle not only to the attraction he participated in, but also to Kirk. He lowered his hand and in a near whisper said, "Love."

"Close," the woman said. "The correct answer is 'true love', but I can tell from the look on your face that the love you're referring to is true love." The branches behind her pulled away just as before, but revealed a much wider path. "Do not lose heart, you're nearly done, but the heart of your love has yet to be won. Your mind and your logic can be put to rest, but soon your strength will be put to the test."

The woman disappeared in the same cloud of smoke she appeared in, leaving the path clear. This time, Spock made sure to stand side by side with Ma'Tique to avoid bumping into her should he be distracted by the scenery again. She noticed this and chuckled to herself, making sure to stay just slightly ahead of him to guide him properly, however the path was now so open, there was hardly any guiding needed from her.

The center of the maze was easy enough to find. Tall white columns lined the circular space before them, a large ornamental pattern in its center. Another Felisian male clad in green stood waiting for their arrival, only this one looked almost exactly like Ma'Tique. The only difference in their fur was the coloring; Ma'Tique's fur was a reddish brown with dark brown stripes, while the male before them was a dark brown with reddish brown stripes. He grinned and laughed wildly as he saw Ma'Tique walk forward with Spock.

"I see you have a Vulcan with you sister," he said, legs shoulder width apart and his hands on his hips. "I hear Vulcans are known for their incredible strength despite their thin and wiry frames. I look forward to testing it!"

Ma'Tique sighed as Spock raised an eyebrow at the zealous Felisian before him. At least he wasn't spouting juvenile rhymes at him. Motioning toward the large male, Ma'Tique said, "This oversized lunk head is my darling twin brother, Zek'Ail. He will be testing your strength in a bit of a sparring match. If you manage to overpower him, he will take you to your beloved. Fail, and…"

"…I will be removed from the premises without him, yes, I know," Spock said impatiently. He had grown tired of the game the Felisians were playing with him. He felt much like a mouse in their clutches and was anxious for something that could be a challenge to him. "If I may make one request, please be careful with these clothes. They do not belong to me and are expected to be returned in the same condition they were lent to me in."

Zek'Ail roared with laughter, his braided hair bouncing from side to side behind him. "You're a cocky one! Didn't expect a Vulcan to be so cocky! I don't know if I should be impressed or shocked!"

Spock carefully removed his shirt, folded it neatly, and handed it to Ma'Tique, who took the opportunity to admire his lean yet muscular torso. As he walked away, she purred at the sight of him; his backside was just as delicious as the front. Finally having a chance to check Spock out, Ma'Tique now understood how he had managed to become lovers with the handsome captain of his ship. Only one as striking as he could draw Kirk's gaze away from the many gorgeous women he encountered, both on their missions and amongst the crew. She brought his shirt to her nose and inhaled his scent. Even his scent was intoxicating. It was no wonder the human had fallen for the Vulcan; everything about him was irresistible.

Zek'Ail smiled at Spock as he came closer and stopped a few feet away. In a calm, monotone voice, Spock took a defensive stance and said, "You may attack when you are ready."

As soon as the words left his lips, the Felisian disappeared from in front of him and rematerialized behind him. With lightning fast reflexes, he whirled around and blocked the kick meant to hit him in his ribs. Clutching on to Zek'Ail's leg, he flipped the Felisian in the air. Zek'Ail landed squarely on his feet and crouched. He lunged forward with claws drawn, but passed by the Vulcan who had easily side-stepped him.

Landing on his hands, he somersaulted and disappeared again, reappearing right in front of Spock with arms raised and hands clasped. Before he could bring his fists down like a hammer on Spock's head, Spock raised his own arms and blocked the blow. They pressed against each other, both trying to overpower the other and create another opening for an attack. Spock's strength won out and Zek'Ail was pushed back, receiving a flat palmed shove to his chest.

Zek'Ail stumbled backwards and tried to recover, but Spock charged forward, shouldered him hard, and sent him skidding across the ground. Just as he moved to stand up, Ma'Tique put her hand down and said, "That's enough Zek'Ail. He has proved himself worthy enough to return to Captain Kirk."

The larger Felisian looked up at his sister, resting on his elbows. "Aw come on! We just got started! I was just about to start taking this seriously!"

"You know the rules Zeke," Ma'Tique said, using her brother's nickname. "When the customer is able to overpower their opponent, even if it is by accident or chance, they are to be escorted to the restaurant."

Zek'Ail pouted at his sister. He didn't like stopping a fight when his opponent actually proved to be somewhat of a challenge. When the opponent was some klutzy overweight fool or a weak opponent, he forced himself to feign defeat so they could enjoy their stay, but his thirst for combat was always fueled when a skilled fighter showed up, especially if they were Vulcan. They hid their swift reflexes and incredible strength under the thick veil of logic and composure, which made fighting Vulcans all the more exciting for Zek'Ail.

"But Tikiiiii…" Zek'Ail whined. "I never get to fight all out with this stupid job! Can't I spar with a Vulcan just once? Pleeeeease?"

A loud hiss from Ma'Tique silenced Zek'Ail's protests. His ears pressed against his head, which sank into his shoulders. Though they were twins, it was obvious which of the two was considered the elder. Zek'Ail had been blessed with strength by the cat goddess Bast, but was blessed with Ma'Tique instead of brains and self-control. What Ma'Tique said was final and he never did anything to fight it; this was one of many such occasions.

Smiling at the Vulcan who had been observing their exchange silently, she walked up to Spock and handed him his shirt. "Well done Spock. You have defeated Zek'Ail and have earned passage into our restaurant."

Spock took the shirt from Ma'Tique and bowed slightly before putting it back on. When he buttoned the last button on it, he saw the world around him begin to shimmer brightly. In a flash of white, Spock's view of the center of the maze transformed into a view of Ninolgog City as he found himself standing high above the hedge maze. His mouth dropped at the view that stretched on for miles in all directions. When he turned around, Ma'Tique led him to a table where he saw Kirk standing with a rose in his hand, smiling. Ma'Tique silently excused herself and allowed the lovers to converse.

"Happy anniversary Spock," he said, barely able to keep himself from flinging himself at the Vulcan. They had been apart for three hours and he had only the Felisians to keep him from being bored. He handed Spock the rose and kissed him on the cheek. "Was the maze fun?"

Spock took the rose from Kirk, his hand lingering briefly on Kirk's. Seating themselves at the table, Spock allowed himself a smile and said, "In a way, yes. There was no challenge to the riddles, and being led around instead of being allowed to make my own way through prevented me from using any skill to find my way to the center, but I was able to observe the beauty of the maze. I even participated in a light sparring match with a Felisian male, which could have been quite invigorating if we were allowed to continue. Sharing the view of Ninolgog City, the ocean, and the forest beyond the city limits with you is a fitting end to the trial and makes the entire thing well worth the trouble."

Kirk grinned, leaned forward, and kissed Spock lightly on the lips. Propping his head on his hand, he said, "I'm glad to hear it."

Two champagne flutes, one filled with champagne for Kirk and the other with water for Spock, appeared on their table, as well as a plate of filet mignon, green beans, and mashed potatoes for Kirk and a bountiful salad for Spock. Kirk raised his glass and waited for Spock to do the same. "Here's to our first year together as fiancés. May the rest of our life together be as happy as the last year and a half has been."

The two glasses clinked together and they both took a sip of their respective drinks. They then turned their attention to their dinners and engaged in typical dinner banter. Somewhere behind them a woman sneezed. Her companion, a heavy set man with a dark hair and a goatee handed her an extra napkin to blow her nose with. "Bless you," he said with a smirk. "You know Val, if I had known you'd spend half your time sneezing, we would have chosen a different restaurant."

Valerie blew her nose in the handkerchief Trevor Jennings handed to her. She gave a sniff and said, "It's not my fault this place is run by Felisians! Stupid cat allergy ruining my date…"

"You could always ask Doctor McCoy for an allergy hypospray. I heard he packed a whole suitcase full of assorted ones just in case."

"Ugh," Valerie said. "I finally finished all my treatments for my arthritis; I don't wanna get another hypospray for something different! Knowing him he'll set me up on another regimen of hyposprays to cure me of my allergies too. Lord knows how long I'll have to do that! Besides, I'm only exposed to cats while I'm here on vacation, so I'd only need something to get me through the week."

Jennings laughed and tapped Valerie on the nose. "Yes love, but what if we get a Felisian crew member? Are you gonna put one of the spacesuits on so you're not breathing in their dander?" Valerie flushed deeply and pouted. "Just go see McCoy when we get back and he'll take care of you."

"Yeah, yeah, alright…" Valerie grumbled. She looked at the table where Kirk and Spock sat and smiled. "Don't they look cute together?"

Jennings turned his head and looked at Kirk and Spock laughing together. He couldn't help but smile at how happy they looked. "Yeah, I guess they do. Thank God they're not at each other's throats like they were during our first missions together."

"God, I remember that. It's amazing that two people that hated each other so much when they first met turned out to be crazy in love for each other. At least they make a good pair, both on duty and off."

"That they do," Jennings said, sipping the Kalthorian iced tea from his cup. Back at their table, Spock's ears had picked up their entire conversation. He smiled sweetly at Kirk, who cocked his head to the side and said, "What? Do I have something on my face?"

Chuckling, Spock said, "No, not at all. I just overheard some of our crew members talking about us."

Kirk's eyebrow rose as he turned in his seat to try and see who it was. "Do not worry," Spock said, placing a hand on Kirk that brought his attention back to him. "They only spoke good things about us. Our crew is surprisingly supportive of our union."

"As they should be," Kirk smirked. "Whatever keeps things running smooth on the ship should be good enough for everyone else."

"Indeed," Spock agreed.

The two finished their meal and rose from the table. They walked to the edge of the platform that housed the outdoor restaurant and stared at the city below them. Ma'Tique reappeared beside them and smiled. "I assume you both enjoyed your meal?"

Kirk nodded and said, "Yes, we did. It was quite delicious. Thank you and your brother Zek'Ail for guiding Spock to me. You helped make our anniversary a very special one."

Ma'Tique gave a low bow and replied, "You are most welcome. It was our pleasure to add our own unique flavor to your celebration. If you are ready to return to the Nayvolo Hotel, I can teleport you there. Or if you like, I can teleport you back to the maze and let you wander back through the maze together."

Spock and Kirk shared a look. Smiling, Spock turned back to Ma'Tique and said, "I would appreciate it greatly if we would be allowed to be teleported back down to the maze and travel back through it ourselves. Jim wasn't allowed to see the maze for himself, and I would find it a very pleasant experience exploring it with him."

The feline nodded. "As you wish. Enjoy the rest of your stay here in Ninolgog City. If fate allows, I hope we meet again."

"As do I," Spock said. Ma'Tique raised her arms and closed her eyes, concentrating on teleporting Kirk and Spock back to the center of the maze below them. The world around them shimmered once more and then they found themselves back in the maze. Zek'Ail smirked at them and nodded them toward the exiting path behind him.

Though it took them thirty minutes to exit the maze, Spock found that walking through with Kirk by his side made the experience much more pleasurable. Not only did he actually get to use his brain to figure out what turn to take to avoid a dead end, but he also was able to share the experience with Kirk, who seemed to love every minute of it. Finally exiting the maze, they made their way back to the hotel. The sky above them burned with the deep oranges, reds, pinks, and purples of the nearly completed sunset. Much of their day had been spent at the Labyrinth, but that was okay. Now they could relax together in their hotel and for the first time since their last shore leave, enjoy each other's company in complete solitude.