3/24/2009- A second part added to this chapter!

Chapter 5

Spock woke with Tria still asleep, clinging to him on the bed. His best prediction for the amount of time that had past was approximately five hours, based on his internal clock. He nudged her shoulder so as to roll her off him so that he could get up. She stirred, waking just enough to groan and roll. Still barely conscious, she eyes flickered open and barely mumbled "What time is it?" but was asleep again before Spock could give her an answer. He saw that he had almost two hours until he had to be back on duty again, so he washed up, dressed in his uniform, then decided that he would finish some reports he had to file for Starfleet. He had a feeling that he wouldn't have the time to finish them after his shift that day.

In comparison to the past few days, Spock felt much clearer minded since last night. After he had eaten he moved up to the work area. He spotted Tria's robe on the floor, picked it up, and draped it over the chair opposite his computer station. If Tria did not wake up before he had to leave, he composed a note on the computer console to inform her his intentions to return directly after he was done for the day. He figured that it would be best if they talked as soon as possible, so that neither of them were distracted by this recent development. Settling down in front of his instruments he started to work. He worked in silence for almost an hour before the door chimed. He stood up, confused, and hit the controls.

Captain Kirk stood in the hall. Spock raised an eyebrow at the Captain, not expecting to see him until he was on the bridge. "Captain?" he said quizzically.

"Commander Spock," Kirk said, a little louder than necessary, "I noticed that your reports were off yesterday and I wanted to discuss them with you." Kirk elbowed his way into Spock's quarters.

"Captain I do not believe my reports were –"

"Perhaps dinner again then, Captain!" Ambassador Guun was walking swiftly down the hall. "I so looked forward to hearing some adventure stories!" Guun appeared, framed in the door.

"Uh," Kirk said, "I'll let you know if I'm available."

Guun beamed. "I'm sure you will be! I will see you at 16:00!" He marched away.

Spock closed the door. Kirk was rubbing his forehead, looking annoyed. "Sorry, Spock," he said, "I can't get away from that man once he finds me."

"Captain," Spock began, "You are certain that there are discrepancies in my reports from yesterday? I went over them three times before I submitted them to you for review."

Kirk chuckled lightly. "No, your reports are fine."

"I see." His eyes flicked to the door, "Then, I suspect you were looking for an excuse to end a conversation with the Ambassador."

Kirk sighed. "The sooner we get to Alpha 1, the better. I can't get any work done. After I left the bridge last night Guun came down to my quarters and insisted again that I play that game of theirs. They didn't leave for hours. I barely got any sleep."

"Perhaps if you find someone in the crew who can keep the Ambassador entertained, you will not have to devote so much time to handling diplomacy with the Trelormans."

Kirk considered that a moment. "I'll have to consider that. Thank you, Spock." He pause a moment, thinking. "Do you mind if I hide out in here for a few minutes? He said something about a ritual of waking-or rising-I'm not sure; then he was going to one of the rec halls."

It occurred to Spock that while his first reaction was to oblige his Captain, he did think he was prepared for what would follow if Tria woke up while Jim was still in his quarters. It certainly would embarrass her and Spock would not know how to explain to his Captain-and his friend-what was going on between then. Especially since, at the moment, he was not entirely certain himself. Jim lingered, stepping toward his desk and leaning on it as he waited for a response. "We could go up to the bridge early, Captain," he suggested. "If you are have not been able to get as much done as efficiently due to the Ambassador's presence, it may be the best solution to your problem." Kirk looked doubtful, glancing tight-lipped around the room. "For the time being, that is," he added.

"Right," Kirk said slowly. "Why don't we head up to the bridge."

Spock nodded and stepped back over to the door, activating the controls again so it opened. He noticed Kirk staring at the chair where the multicolored robe sat and thought, for a moment, that Kirk might say something. Instead, the Captain followed him out of the quarters and down the hall to the nearest tubolift.

"Well," Kirk said as they walked, "At least we probably won't run into them if they're in the middle of some ritual."

"Indeed Captain," Spock agreed. "Considering the length of their customs thus far, the likelihood of them finishing so quickly is quite low."

When they stepped into the lift, Jim relaxed a little and ordered it to the bridge. The lift had barely moved when Jim said, "Spock, I'd like to ask you something; as both your Captain and your friend."

He had his full attention. "What is that, sir?"

Jim waved a hand as if to wash away the notion and said, "Okay forget Captain. As your friend."

"Certainly."

He hesitated a moment, his thought caught in his throat. "Now, I could be wrong," he began, "but I could have sworn that was the robe the Trelormans gave Tria Meyers yesterday in your quarters."

Logic was the best way to handle this, Spock decided. "You are correct, she left it in my quarters. I'm sure she will retrieve it today." An omission. Deceitful, but effective. Still, it left a bad taste in his mouth. Something told him there was really no reason to hide anything from his friend other than his judgment of Jim's notorious behavior with women. He suspected that he would not react...logically.

"Oh," Kirk still didn't sound convinced.

Kirk's methods of questioning Spock about personal matters was usually particularly awkward. However, the Captain was also his friend and even though Spock didn't see the logic in dwelling on the topic, he knew that Kirk wouldn't let it go until he had a grasp on the situation. Despite his best judgment, he offered, "We have been having regular conversations about Vulcan philosophies and contrasts in our rearing since she came aboard. It has been a stimulating week." Perhaps stimulating was not the best choice of words.

Kirk lit up. "So, you two are getting along pretty well?"

Spock though his question was odd. "We do not argue, if that is what you mean."

Kirk shook his head. "No, um. I guess I'm just wondering … if you're – you know – involved." Spock raised an eyebrow at him. He added quickly, "Wondering, you know, as your friend."

"Captain," Kirk frowned, "Jim," he corrected. "As my friend, I hope you would understand a desire for clandestineness. However, if you insist I speak candidly, I will do so."

"Please do," Jim said.

Spock paused, his face stoic. Flatly, as if he were analyzing some unknown life form, he said, "Whatever involvement I have had with Tria Meyers has not manifested into something that can be defined by human terms. The similarities and differences between us are very stark, but there is a high level on interest on both our parts. At this time I cannot be certain what will become of it."

Kirk grinned, amused at the way his first officer explained his relationship as if he were giving him a report. The lift slowed as it reached the bridge. "Spock," he said slowly. "Are you seeing her, or not?" Kirk spoke in a low tone, the lift doors opened.

Spock considered the question, then said, quite diplomatically, "Jim, I believe for the to be true, you would need agreement from both parties. If you wanted to know for sure, you would have to ask her. I suspect, however, the answer is yes." Spock stepped onto the bridge, Kirk following him, grinning.

When Spock returned to his quarters he found Tria sitting in the living area, reading. He was glad to see she had not left, meaning that she had found his message and was comfortable enough to take up his offer to stay. She stood as soon as he came into the room, dropping the book in her seat and crossing to his in one swift motion. She slid her arms around his torso, burring her face in his chest, sighing. The surge of empathic warmth and affection that emanated from her when she touched him was palpable. Spock let the feeling wash into him, careful to maintain his mental shields that kept his emotions under control. Without it, he predicted that reversion to the savage, violent ways of his ancestors would take hold of him; which would eventually wreak too much havoc on his body and his mind, killing him in days.

He pulled back from her, holding her shoulders and looking her in the eye. "We must talk," he said in his usual flat tone.

She smiled at him, reverently. "Of course."

He studied her, trying to read her expression. Her eyes were soft, mouth pursed into a delicate smile. He suspected that she had been waiting to hear what he had to say all day. "Rarely," he began, "have found myself taking any interest in a woman. You have proven to be a rare case."

"You say it like I was an anomaly you have observed in space," she grinned wryly.

"It is not my intention to reduce you to a level of scientific study."

Her face softened again, apologetic, "I was just teasing you, Spock. You take everything so seriously."

He raised an eyebrow, "This is a serious matter." She didn't riposte, so he continued. "I have found myself thinking of you … on duty. I should not be distracted while I should be focusing on my duties."

"I don't mean to distract you," she said, defensively. "Well – when I'm not around you, at least."

"It is not entirely your fault. I take most of the blame. I was not honest with myself about the way being in your presence affects me. I had tried to write it off as a side effect of being receptive to your empathic projections. That was not true, it never was. I was a fool to pretend I was not attracted to you." It was hard for him to admit, but it had to be said.

"I understand," she said simply. Spock was surprised, he had expected a different response; but she looked at him serenely.

He hesitated, concerned what he planned to say next might hurt her, "Do you understand, then, that if we are are to continue on like this, we should be discreet."

Her expression changed, but she could see she wasn't hurt, just confused. "I don't. Understand – that is. You don't mean you want this to be a secret, do you?" Her voice turned to distaste with the last phrase.

"No, that is not what I mean. I have seen human couples behave more openly in public than Vulcans do. It is not appropriate. That is what I hope you understand. There is no reason to be deceitful about our involvement with each other. There would be no point in trying to keep it a secret regardless of how I felt about that. Jim already knows, therefore it won't be long before the entire crew knows. News travels as fast as the air circulates on this ship."

She smiled. "I see what you're getting at. And, yes, I do understand what your reasons may be. I know you all to well now," she brushed her fingertips over his jawline. "I think I can maintain an appropriate level of restraint when we are not alone. I hope, though, when we are alone you will shed some of your veneer for me."

He ran his fingers through her soft curls. "I can see no reason to disagree with that." Tria looked into his eyes for a long time. He admired the strange contrast they created. They were a steely gray, but they always projected warmth that went to his core. Spock caressed her face, enjoying the softness of her skin. She slid her hands around his torso and using his shoulders, propped herself up on her toes to kiss him. He pulled her to him and found one of her hands to press palm-to-palm to his. He opened his mind to her, letting he feel without restraint the emotions she stirred in him.

When they parted lips to take a breath, he said, "I had promised to show you Vulcan literature, yesterday. I never did get around to it." He wanted her, badly, but he did not want her to think he was lascivious.

Tria giggled at him. "What do you think I've been doing in here all day?" She pressed her body full against him and kissed him again deeply. Her touch amplified the emotions rising in her and Spock could feel the eagerness she felt for him. He suspected that Vulcan literature collection was not the only thing she had reflected on while he was gone.