[b]Chapter 3[/b]
Spock sat at his station on the bridge taking sensor readings as the ship moved through space to its destination. The Enterprise had an uneventful voyage thus far. The Brondus V artifacts and its chaperon safely aboard, the mission was child's play compared with their usual adventures. Spock found himself thinking about Tria.
The half-Vulcan woman left him in a rare state of preoccupation that bordered on prurient. Although Tria had an unhealthy lack of confidence when it came to her unhuman heritage, Spock could see that she would not change her personality simply to blend in with other Vulcans. He suspected that while Tria was happy with the person that she was, the expectations placed on her because she was Vulcan caused her to doubt her convictions. Despite her insecurities, she was determined to explore their strange kinship. Spock knew that he should not find her so luring, yet he found himself thinking about it regardless.
What concerned Spock most about the situation was Tria's ability to break down his well-established resolve. At first Spock now knew that his sudden rise in heart rate when she had touched him was a byproduct of her Vulcan mental ability; but once she had described the experience from her point of view, Spock was now convinced that the sensation had been his own to bear. He had to accept that Tria signaled something carnal within him without the influence of her ability. He had reason to suspect that his time spent around her would slowly break down his control over his emotions and he was not certain what the results would be.
Spock knew that Tria would not pass any judgment on him for showing emotion, there was no logical reason for her to do so. Spock had worked hard to discipline his human side and he did not desire to loose control over something as simple as a woman. And yet … she was endearing. She was curious about Vulcan and himself and Spock felt a need to oblige her. Knowing her in any way was a rare opportunity. It was illogical to pass it up.
He thought that if he had been able to control the emotions from his youth, he would be able to find a way to discipline them with Tria.
At the communications station, Uhura spoke, "Sir, transmission coming in from Star Fleet. We have new orders. Enterprise to stop at Trelorma on route to Alpha 1 Station to pick up Ambassador Guun and his envoy for the conference on Babel."
Captain Kirk turned in his chair and looked back at Uhura. "Lieutenant, that conference isn't for over a month."
"Command says that the Trelormans requested a 29-day ritual period at the conference location to pray before the other diplomats arrive."
Kirk shrugged. "Starship or taxi," he mumbled. "We have our orders, helm," he said in a commanding voice. "Plot course with diversion to Trelorma on our way to Alpha 1."
"Yes, Captain," said Chekov. "The stop will add just over two days to our travel sir," he added after he checked his console.
"Uhura, contact Alpha 1 and give them our new itinerary," Kirk ordered.
"Yes, sir," she responded.
Kirk sat contemplatively in his command chair for a moment, rubbing his chin. He sat up suddenly, as he recalled something, and clicked open the commlink on the chair's arm. "Kirk to Meyers." Spock looked back at the Captain curiously.
Tria's voice responded over the intercom, "Yes, Captain; what can I do for you?"
"Orders from Star Fleet to make an extra stop at Trelorma, Ms. Meyers. I'm afraid you'll be with us for a few more days than expected."
"Oh. Thank you for the heads up, Captain, but it makes no difference to me. Might I make a request, though, Captain?"
"What's that?"
"I would like your permission, if there is time, to visit the surface. I have always wanted to see Trelorma's living lagoon."
Kirk chuckled. "Well I'm under the impression that Trelormans take their time with everything they do, so I wouldn't be surprised if there won't be a few spare hours to do a little sightseeing. I'll let you know."
"Thank you, Captain." Her signal cut out.
"Living lagoon?" Kirk wondered aloud. He looked over at Spock, as he always did when he was seeking information.
Spock sat up, alert. "Trelorman religion revolves around a large lagoon their capital city is built next to. The lagoon is host to a colony of microorganisms that are so thick in the water that they stick to one's skin if they are to bathe in the lagoon. Studies of the microorganisms has revealed that they thrive off of the hot springs that feed into the lagoon's basin. However, the ability of the organisms' to induce a state of clairvoyance in a high priest is unknown."
Kirk thanked Spock and went back to overseeing the command of his ship. Spock decided to return to his duties as well, though hopefully now with a greater focus.
***
Captain Kirk and Spock walked together to the transporter room, both in dress uniform. Ambassador Guun insisted on an away team meeting him on the surface for a departure ceremony. Spock suspected that the Captain was growing tired of the Trelorman's ritualistic lifestyle before they had even come aboard. Doctor McCoy was already in the transporter room, waiting.
"I've had about enough of these diplomatic assignments, Jim. This uniform can't get any more uncomfortable."
"Agreed, Bones," said Kirk. He looked at the Ensign stationed behind the transporter controls. "We all set to go, Ensign?"
"Yes sir."
Kirk sighed, "Just waiting for one more."
"Yeah," said McCoy, "where is point-eared..." The doors hissed open, interrupting McCoy's quip. Tria walked into the room in a sea foam green dress that hung loosely just above the floor. "Oh," said the doctor.
Tria beamed, "Sorry Captain, time got away from me."
"No worries," said Kirk. "Off we go then," he stepped up on the transporter and the others followed. Once everyone stood on a pad the Captain commanded "Energize," and they faded in a twinkling light that took them to the surface.
The beamdown point they had selected was just outside the temple on the shores of the capital's lagoon. The temple was a large, grandiose structure that imitated the formation of coral. Its walls were open in strange places with windows ranging from at ones' knees to over a person's head. It was as if they were grown and not built.
On the steps-at least 50 yards away-Ambassador Guun, his envoy, and a troupe of Trelorman preists waited for them. Guun came down the steps with his arms in the air his unnecessarily long sleeves trailing on the steps behind him in waves of blue and pink. "We welcome you, Kirk of Enterprise, and your crew. Fa'talina felann, ko'or makali," he chanted.
"Prem!" Echoed the envoy and priests in chorus, "Prem ala'i makali!" Some of the priests carried tiny chimes, which they began to ring as they came down to greet them.
Still far enough away to not hear, Tria stepped up behind the captain quickly and said, "When he approaches you, say 'Prem! Ha'fa makali', it's the proper response."
"I didn't know you spoke Trelorman as well, Ms. Meyers," Kirk muttered in response.
"I don't, but I looked up a few key phrases before we left," she whispered back.
Kirk nodded in approval as Guun walked up to him. "Prem ala'i makali, Kirk. We welcome you to our planet and our most holy temple." One of the priests held a large opalescent shell, with a glittering blue-green liquid inside. He stepped forward, dipping his forefinger into the bowl and wiped it across Kirk's forehead.
Kirk looked confused, but smiled anyway. Spock coughed. "Oh ah," Kirk stuttered, "Prem haf makali, Ambassador Guun." His pronunciation was off, but the message still came across.
Guun and the priest looked slightly taken aback, but Guun smiled at the response. "Thank you, Captain. I have invited you down to join us in a ceremony of blessing before we embark to Babel. All who desire are welcome to bathe in our sacred lagoon and experience the blessings of the Fa'talin."
Not sure what to say, Kirk thanked him and followed the envoy back up the steps into the temple. The openings in the temple walls created eerie pools of light on the floor, which was textured to ripple and reflected the beams like water. A large cavernous doorway at the other end of the temple opened onto the beach and lagoon. The water was the same color as the liquid in the bowl and Kirk unconsciously rubbed the wet spot on his head.
Trees shrouded much of the area around the temple beach, long tendrils of pink and teal leaves creating a curtain on either side, adding to the mystical atmosphere. A priest stood at the shore, wearing only a loincloth adorned with shells. His arms in the air, he greeted them in the same way Guun had greeted them on the steps. Guun and his envoy stepped forward and waded into the water. The priests accompanying them hooked their arms under those of one from the envoy and held on to them as their subject fell backward into the water, completely submerging before coming back up again. Soaking wet and glittering with the blue-green Fa'talin organisms, they walked back up to the beach.
The priest in the loincloth approached Kirk and his away team. "If you do not wish to fully submerge in the blessings of the Fa'talin, we will pour the sacred water over your head. You must only wade into the water in bare feet," he looked down at their black boots.
Determined not to offend them, Kirk bent down and pulled off his boots. Spock and McCoy followed suit. Tria only had to slip off a pair of sandals. The priest ushered Kirk, barefoot, up to the shore. "The shell," he said gesturing to the Trelorman carrying the shell bowl, "or the lagoon?"
"Ah, the shell, please," Kirk said.
Nodding, the priest took the shell from the other and dipped it into the water. He held it above Kirk's head and let a thin stream pour over the Captain's hair, emptying it slowly. Kirk walked back up to the others, water and Fa'talin dripping down his face. The priest ushered Spock next, who also only requested a shell's worth of water. He then approached Tria, who looked more excited than the three Star Fleet officers she had come down with.
The priest walked her down to the shore and said again, "The shell, or the lagoon, my child?"
Still smiling, she said, "The lagoon, Fa'talina makali ma'a kesan."
The priest lit up. "A wise choice, outworlder." He handed the shell back to it's bearer and motioned for two of the other priests to come forward. They walked with her into the water. Instead of one of them holding Tria under her arms, they stood on either side of her. The beach priest standing deepest in the water, in front of them all. He shouted, "Fa'talina! Makali ma'a kesan!" Tria crossed her arms in over her chest and fell back into the water with a splash. The two attendants bent over, plunging their arms into the water. At first, the Enterprise crew weren't sure what was going on; but after a few seconds, it was obvious that the attendants were holding Tria under the water.
McCoy stepped forward. "Jim," he said, upset. Kirk wasn't sure how to react either. Seconds ticked by.
"Fa'a!" Shouted the priest. "Makali ma'a kesan! M'ri faalan ala'i ko'o'tralem!" The attendants pushed down again.
"Jim!" Shouted McCoy, taking a few steps toward the shore. The Ambassador looked back at the doctor, confused. One of the priests shot him a look that showed he was clearly offended by McCoy's reaction.
"Doctor," Spock said, calmly, "it would appear that Tria requested this ritual. It would be best to allow them to continue without protest."
McCoy shot Spock a furious look, but stood his ground.
The priest extended an arm over the water where Tria was held under. "Fa'a fa'talina, ko'o'tralem kesan malaki," he shouted. "A'lana ma'a ko'o'tralem," he said softer, his tone changing. "Makat!" The attendants dove deeper down and pulled Tria quickly out of the water, gasping. She coughed. McCoy ran down to the shore, but stopped ankle deep when he heard her laughing.
"Thank you, Ha'fa'ti," she said as she caught her breath.
The priest looked at McCoy on the beach. "You desire the malaki ma'a kesan as well?" he said, hopefully.
McCoy took a step back, "Um, no. I just...I just want my turn with the shell, that's all." Kirk laughed at his friend.
The priest looked disappointed and waded up to McCoy at the shore. The attendants left the water, Tria in toe. She walked back onto the beach to join Kirk and Spock. Kirk was watching McCoy get sprinkled with the lagoon's waters. "I think you almost gave my Chief Medical Officer a heart attack, Ms. Meyers," he joked.
"Not my intention, Captain." She had stood next to Spock, still slightly out of breath. He turned his head slightly to look at her out of the corner of his eye. Soaked from head to toe, her dress clung to her body and the glittering microorganisms made her skin glisten even more than it would if it were just wet. The fabric stuck to her skin in places that enhanced the shape of her body in a way that made him raise an eyebrow.
Spock glanced down the beach to see McCoy finishing his blessing and caught his Captain rock back on his heels to look at Tria from behind Spock's back. Spock gave Kirk a stern, disapproving look and Kirk responded by silently showing his approval by mouthing what looked like 'wow' back at his first officer. Spock shifted his weight uncomfortably as McCoy and the rest of the Trelorman group walked up onto the beach.
"Come!" said Ambassador Guun. "The blessing is complete. We are ready Captain Kirk." Most of the priests and envoy filed into the temple. The away team gathered their shoes. Kirk walked with the Ambassador, who started telling him and doctor McCoy the history of their temple. Spock and Tria to bring up the rear.
The priest in the loin cloth remained behind with the only priestess who had been in the group. The two walked slowly, talking in their native tongue. Spock waited for them to catch up, Tria standing nearby, wondering what he was waiting for. "Excuse me, priestess," he said. The priestess stopped, staring kindly at him. "Is it possible your temple has a robe for our companion, I think she may be cold." The woman nodded slowly and told him it would only be a moment. She rushed off. The Ha'fa'ti walked past them, smiling at Tria and nodding with respect.
When he was a few yards away, Tria looked at Spock and said, "I'm not cold," playfully. "It's quite warm out here."
He stiffened. "There is a breeze," he said factually, "I quite logically assumed that it was giving you a chill."
"Ah...huh," she said not believing him. She jerked her head toward the temple and he followed her lead to start back with the others. Tria walked close to him, almost swaggering in the sand. When they reached the temple, Spock stopped to brush the sand off his feet and sat on one of the benches to put his boots back on. Tria clapped her sandals together and slipped them back on.
As Spock pulled on his second boot, the priestess returned with a folded bundle. "Please, do not concern yourself with returning it. Tradition dictates that those of their first malaki ma'a kesan be given a token of their blessing. We usually provide a seashell, but I believe that this will be just as meaningful, kesan." She set it down on the bench next to Spock.
"Thank you," said Tria. The woman smiled and left. Tria stepped over to touch the silky fabric of the robe. It was a soft gauze dyed blue and coral like the Ambassador's. Picking it up, she shook it out to take a better look.
Spock stood up and held out a hand, looking at her expectantly. "If I may," he offered. She shrugged and handed the robe over. He found the armholes in the flowing garb and held one out for her to slip into. As she pushed her arms through both holes she turned unexpectedly to Spock. She stood close to him and smiled mischievously.
"Do you think I'll get a chill, still?"
"I believe that the fabric will keep you sufficiently warm in this environment." He tried not to let himself stare at the opening in the front of the robe where he could still see where her dress' neckline still clung to her breasts. She let out a thoughtful sigh. As she turned to walk back into the temple, she subtly reached over and traced a single finger over the back of his hand; then walked briskly away. Spock stood at the entrance a moment, taking a deep breath to regain his composure. Her bold, yet subtle gestures told him that she had developed a level of confidence that would make things more difficult for him. She knew what she was doing; and he was thankful that she kept her flirtatious behavior out of sight of his Captain and the doctor.
They all gathered at the temple's front steps to wait for the Ambassador to return, ready to leave. Time ticked by and just as Kirk and McCoy were beginning to become restless the Ambassador and his envoy finally made their way down the steps again.
"Captain," called Guun. "We are prepared to board your ship. I should hope that you will not mind attending a ceremony of blessing in our quarters. It is a most honored tradition." The envoy dragged trunks and boxes behind them. There was far too much to beam up all at once.
Kirk looked agitated for a moment, but hid his irritation quickly, agreeing to help them get settled in. When the Ambassador tried to invite Spock and McCoy, the doctor weaseled his way out of it by using physical examinations of the crew as an excuse. Spock, quite logically, stated that it would be best if one of them was on the bridge. Tria, meanwhile, graciously declined, as she was eager to change into clean clothes, though she would be happy to visit them later. Kirk frowned at the others when the Ambassador wasn't looking, then called up the orders for them all to be beamed back aboard the ship.