Chapter 38- The Peanut Gallery
With a few more sessions with the dermal regenerator, I was feeling close to normal. McCoy said I could again eat solid food, which was a relief after subsisting on chicken broth and fortified water for several days. I did many laps around the ship partially out of boredom and as a part of a self-imposed rehab schedule. It was slow going at first, but it was good because it got me out of my quarters and I got to mingle with the ship's crew again.
What I couldn't get used to was people saluting me. They did it not because they had to, they didn't even really do it to Jim or Spock, but they did it as a means of congratulations. I smiled weakly and returned the gesture, but it was uncomfortable to think that they were aware of a power differential that now existed where none had before. However, after speaking with them for as long as they were able to stop in the hallways on their way to or from an assignment, it was a huge relief to me that my fears were unfounded. At the beginning of all of this when Jim asked me to join Starfleet, I was worried that the dynamics of the client relationship would change and people would see me out of a sense of duty rather than a completely voluntary basis. But in my conversations, it seemed as though nothing had changed; if anything, they felt more comfortable now that I was one of them.
Sometimes Pavel would wander the halls with me to fill his time, and I couldn't help but think Sulu was right: when you are on medical there really isn't anyone you would want to hang out with available because they are all on duty. We played cards and he spent hours showing me pictures and telling me the stories behind them, but there is nothing a psychologist loves more than a good story so I didn't mind. While we were walking to dinner to meet the usual suspects we always ate with, he quietly got up the courage to say, "I heard about you and the doctor. I am wery happy for you, I hope it lasts a long time."
"Did Jim tell you about that? I am surprised he didn't have you make an announcement." I grumbled.
"The Captain did tell us only because ve all vorked together. As they say in Russia, a volf von't eat another volf, so I knew that the doctor and you vere good for each other. I do not know the doctor that vell, but I know a happy man vhen I see one." He smiled. "As my friend, it brings me joy to see you happy too."
"Thanks, Pavel." I gave him a light pat on the shoulder and didn't doubt him for a minute. He was perhaps the best kind of friend a person could ask for.
Dinner was almost the highlight of my day, which was pretty sad when you thought about it. But sitting as an equal among friends for the first time was a new experience. Of course they gave the obligatory mock salute with a smile and asked endless questions about the Academy.
"What happened to your roomie?" Uhura asked with a twisted smile. "She seemed so charming."
Scotty rolled his eyes and commented, "Aye, about as charmin' as a rabid dog outta it's bloody skull."
"Come now, Scotty," I laughed, "she idolized you! I am not sure which she fantasized about more- you or Jim."
"Great." Sulu chuckled stabbing his noodles. "Just what the Captain needs, another fangirl." Pavel nodded vigorously in agreement.
"So…" Uhura purred in her low and silky voice with a mischievous smile, "where's your new pal?" I put down my spoon and frowned at her. She turned to Scotty and laughed, "Isn't that cute? She even looks like him." Scotty looked to me with an apologetic shrug.
"I assume he is still in sickbay," I replied in a measured tone, "but it is not like I have a chip implanted in his neck like a dog so I know where he is at all times. By the way, am I the only person here that can keep a secret?"
Uhura looked at me as if to ask if I had lost my mind. Sulu put his hands in the air and said, "Let me just go on the record by saying this was not my idea. Ok, so I may have played a small part here and there, but I was happy just to let things be." Pavel slowly turned to look at him incredulously.
"Hikaru, please!" Uhura protested. "Who was it that went on and on about all the yin-yang shit and opposite forces balancing every time one of them came up to the bridge? It sure as hell wasn't me!"
He looked at me anxiously. "My comments may have been taken out of context here, but I just want you to know that Jim and Uhura were the masterminds of the whole operation. We got our orders from them. Remember when I was there with her and Pavel when he took your picture? That was her idea. I just went along for moral support. And when we all had to share quarters? I didn't mind bunking with her, but it was Jim's idea to rearrange everyone."
"Aye! Glad he did." Scotty mumbled into his soup. "But Ah wasn't really a part of all this show. Ah just stayed in me dungeon an' kept to me self. Ah damn near ran outa scotch when the good doctor was blue an' the Captain was hidin' from him. Ah'm glad to help a man out, but it was gettin' to the point Ah was gonna just give him a red shirt on account of he was down there so much. Ah don't know how good the man is with a wrench, but he can't be all that bad bein' a surgeon and all."
Uhura lifted her chin high and her dark hair swirled around her shoulders. "Well I for one am not in the least bit sorry for giving you two the shove you needed to finally admit to being human. It was so obvious from the start that he was taken with you and you were equally interested in him, but neither of you had the guts to just take a chance. The two of you kill me with your professional code of conduct or whatever you blame it on."
"Da. Time is too short to miss out on a vonderful experience." Pavel agreed. "Vhat good is being a perfect doctor if you are alone and unhappy? I vould vorry less about seeing a doctor that vas in a relationship even if it didn't vork out than one that never had the guts to try."
"Ok!" I conceded putting my hands in the air to stop the onslaught. "I get it. I am sorry we didn't move fast enough for you, but that was just how it worked out. Everything in its own time, right?"
"Even if it is slower than a 7 year itch." Sulu chuckled.
Scotty raised his glass and said, "Here's to the finish line and to hopin' that the next round of physicals aren't so bad 'cause the doctor will be in a better mood!" Everyone agreed with laughter and smiles.
McCoy didn't come to dinner and I wondered what was going on in sickbay to keep him so long. I stopped by, but he wasn't there, so I went to deck 3. As I approached his door, Spock got off the lift and my eyes narrowed. I hadn't seen him since I left for the Academy.
"Doctor." He greeted in his usual neutral tone. "It appears you are recovering from your injuries well."
"Spock." I smiled. "I heard you have been very busy."
"How so?" He asked raising his eyebrow slightly. "I have not taken on any new responsibilities since your departure."
I scanned the hallway to be sure we were the only occupants. Spock just stood there looking down at me inscrutable as always. If he had a clue what this was about, he was not about to admit it. "Jim told me about your part in the conspiracy." I answered with a slight frown. "You were the last person I would have expected."
He blinked once, but his features remained still. "I do not know to what I have been complicit, Doctor."
I gave him a patient smile. He knew very well what I was talking about, but he was pretending again. "You know about McCoy and I. I also know that you worked with the rest of the crew." I spelled out for him even though I didn't have to.
"Ahh." He lilted with a small nod. "Yes, the grand conspiracy to make the two of you engage in a romantic relationship. I assure you, Doctor, the personal affairs of the crew do not interest me unless it has interfered with assigned duties. This has not been the case with you and the doctor."
"So you are telling me Jim lied about your involvement?" I asked surprised.
He stood at attention and corrected, "I am not aware of the information he has provided you, so I cannot comment on the accuracy of his statements. However, the Captain has been observed to have 'stretched the truth' as you might say."
He really was a hard nut to crack when he wanted to be. "He told me that you and Scotty went to the dinner for the brass knowing you didn't have to just so McCoy would have to bring me as his date."
His eyes never wavered. "I was unaware that the function was optional. I assure you that had I known, I would have avoided the nearly 2 hour lecture on the competitive viewing of canines by the Admiral's mate. I knew from my time on Earth that humans share an affinity for canines, but I was unaware that an entire lifestyle revolved around them." There was just a hint of resigned disgust to his voice that made me smile.
"What about the pep talk you gave me after the outbreak on how McCoy was actually a good guy and I should forgive him?" I asked.
"As I stated, it was a personal observation that his behavior was atypical. I also stated that I would remain neutral as to your decision. I did not suggest you forgive his actions, I only stated that you find resolution before you departed." He replied calmly.
His memory was too good. "Fine." I conceded. "Then what about you telling him I liked Shakespeare knowing that he would use it?"
He shifted his weight and lowered his eyes somewhat. Ha! "I did relay that you had expressed interest in his work." He admitted reluctantly. "But it was a response to his inquiry on your health. I told him that you had quoted Hamlet when I woke you." I didn't care how he justified it to himself, I got him to admit that he had indeed knowingly played a small part. "If I have wronged you by providing him with the information, then I apologize. It was not my intention to anger you or appear to have a preference."
"You didn't, Spock." I softly replied. I couldn't hold a grudge against him for the life of me. "It would seem that Jim may have exaggerated your involvement a little."
The corners of his mouth curled ever so slightly. "Then if you and Dr. McCoy have engaged in a romantic relationship, I will suggest to the Captain that I remain your contact to avoid a conflict of interest even though you are now a commissioned officer and should report to him as the CMO."
"That sounds like a good idea." I agreed.
He briskly nodded and his eyes became darker. "Doctor, there is one more thing…" He stated in a wary voice. "Follow me." He instructed.
Confused, I walked with him to his quarters where a wall of heat punched me in the face as soon as the door opened. I wasn't staying with him anymore, he could have his room the way he liked. He slid the top drawer of his desk open and looked at the floor while he held an object out to me. I approached and smiled when I saw the object resting in his palm.
"My ring." I sighed retrieving it. "You held onto it all this time?"
He let his hand slowly drop to his side and he shifted his weight uncomfortably. "I apologize for my deceit." He said in a low voice. "I know your wishes were to dispose of it along with your other items."
I turned the dull grey metal band in my fingers and observed all of the scratches. "But why did you keep it?" I asked curiously.
He paused as the tips of his ears flushed green. "I am ashamed, but it was for my own selfish and illogical purpose." He paused again and his voice was barely audible. "My mother and father were married on Earth according to custom, but Vulcan tradition did not allow for the wearing of matching jewelry between mates, so my mother did not wear her ring but she kept it because it meant a great deal to her. She would sometimes remove it from her case and slip it onto her finger when my father was away for long periods of time. I did not comply with your wishes because your ring was similar to hers and it reminded me of her. I am sorry I have been so irrational and irresponsible with your property."
"It isn't at all illogical, Spock." I consoled. "It makes perfect sense to me. You are still mourning your mother and because the planet was destroyed, you have nothing to remember her by. From what you have told me, she was a wonderful woman who deserves to be remembered for who she was." I handed the ring back to him. "This ring has more meaning for you than it does me. You can keep it for as long as you like."
He took it and the light flashed off the surface against the light green tone of his skin. His eyes were soft and sad; he was no doubt thinking of his mother as he slowly rotated it in his hands. He certainly missed her, but I hoped that the memories he retained were happy ones and if the simple metal band could remind him of those happier times, I was glad to give it to him.
