Chapter 73 – Coming Together


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"You certainly took your sweet time." Nyota scolded as she passed Selina in the hall. "I'm almost late for my shift."

"Sorry. Len caught me. How is Faf?"

"Waiting for you." She tossed a grin over her shoulder as she hurried away. "Don't worry. I didn't leave him alone in there."

Selina had expected to see Christine, but on entering sickbay found one of the Trubese sitting on the edge of Faf's bed, running her fingers through his beard. She experienced a small flash of fury until she noted that he was sitting very still, with an expression that clearly said 'help me'. Oh, this was almost too perfect. He knew better than to risk offending one of her delegates. Surely he also knew better than to think he was going to get away with tricking her into clearing him so he could go to the station? She very carefully suppressed the urge to laugh or show more than her best diplomatic smile before proceeding toward them.

"Humlaalu, I did not expect to find you here."

"I was told that you might be here. This one is your friend?" she asked, still playing with Faf's beard. "This is the first human I have seen with fur on his face."

"It is called a beard. Only the males can grow one, but most shave to remove it." Selina explained.

Humlaalu looked puzzled. "I do not understand why. It is so attractive." She was literally petting him now and Faf's eyebrows lifted in a way that plainly said 'Please, do something'.

Selina pressed her lips against an impending grin and sat down on the opposite side of the bed. "I have always thought so too." She ran her hand along her side of his beard. She was not reading his mind yet. It was not her fault that he was thinking 'What are you doing?' very loudly.

"The color is so striking." Humlaalu continued, now running her fingers through his hair to compare her own ginger-brown fur against Faf's coppery red. "He is lovely."

The look on Faf's face was priceless! And he did not dare use any of his usual self-effacing denials. This was simply too good to resist. "Yes, he is." she agreed, twirling a lock of his hair in her own fingers. He looked at her sidelong and it took no telepathy whatsoever to read the accusation that she was enjoying this. A small smug smile was all that was necessary to affirm that.

"And his whiskers are so intriguing." Humlaalu switched to inspecting his mustache and Faf looked to be on the verge of something quite undiplomatic.

"Did you know," Selina remarked quickly. "that humans have very fine fur over most of their bodies? It is denser and more evident in males, especially this one because of the contrast with his skin." She opened the neck of his sickbay robe to expose a few red curls, which instantly drew the Trubese's attention.

The color is Faf's cheeks rose as Humlaalu took this as license to explore and the look in his eyes suggested that if Selina didn't do something she might want to avoid entering any important data into any computer anywhere for awhile. She is not playing with your face anymore. She thought to him.

There was a mental groan and Yeah, Thanks a lot. in reply. But he hadn't said 'go away'.

She took pity on him and restrained Humlaalu. "You should not run your hands beneath his clothing. It is not considered polite."

"But the other human males seemed to enjoy it."

Oh dear. "What other human males?" Selina asked, carefully keeping her voice as neutral as possible.

"The Captain and the swordsman - he was very good by the way." Humlaalu literally purred.

Faf nearly choked trying not to laugh and Selina shot him a look. His face went to pure innocence and she restrained herself from reading his thoughts since they would almost certainly destroy her composure.

"It varies somewhat." she said. "In most cases, it is not appropriate without express invitation."

"Ah." Humlaalu's whiskers curled in enlightenment. "Mr. Sorenson, may I?"

Humlaalu's clan is very important. It would not do to offend her. Selina thought to him. He paused and then pushed up the sleeve of his robe. "There's a bit of fur on my arms too." As Humlaalu inspected this new disclosure, Faf looked at Selina. I hope you're enjoying this.

Oh, I am. She assured him. You should be too. How often did you complain that woman came onto Spock, but not you?

Being treated like an exotic at a petting zoo is a far cry from -

That thought came to a screeching halt as Humlaalu ran a hand up his thigh. "Is there bright fur on his legs as well? And the denser fur -"

Selina caught her hand just in time. "Among humans, that is an area is not touched except between mates."

"But the other -"

"Some humans are more casual about mating arrangements than others." Selina said evenly. Jim apparently was also casual about obeying orders like 'keep your hands to yourself', but she would deal with him later.

"Ah, I see. But this one is so tall and beautiful; he can be selective." Humlaalu's eyes measured Faf speculatively. "Does he have a mate?"

Selina dug her nails into Faf's bicep. Important clan! I will handle this. She began raking her other hand lightly through his hair. "Nothing formal as yet."

"Ah." Humlaalu's ears perked forward.

Faf had schooled his features to neutrality but his thoughts were far from it. Grey, what are you doing? ...And why are you ...purring?

I am letting her know she must negotiate with me, as I have a prior claim. Trubese females have developed a system of negotiation - it cuts down on duels.

"What are his skills?" Humlaalu asked.

Faf was turning redder than his hair. Relax. That is not what she is asking - although I could tell her. She thought wickedly. Now stop blushing. It mars your lovely complexion. "He is a computer specialist, although he is also qualified as a science officer, with a background in quantum electrodynamics and applied physics. He has something of a reputation for creative improvising and a talent for hands-on problems."

Both females purred and Faf bit his lips and wondered how what he had done could possibly deserve this level of payback.

What payback? Selina thought not-so-innocently. I imagine Jim would be extraordinarily happy in your position.

Sounds like he already was...

"Would the Federation consider assigning him as a liaison?" Humlaalu stroked Faf's arm possessively.

Selina groomed his beard with a proprietary smile. "It is possible that some arrangement could be made, but of course there are issues that would need to be resolved."

What?

She almost thought she would have heard that even if she hadn't been a telepath. Her clan is vital to a Federation alliance and they very much want to improve their level of technology. Securing your services would greatly enhance Humlaalu's status - especially since you are also so tall with such striking fur. Because she simply couldn't resist, she purred again. The Trubese are very xenophilic. You would be quite popular and they would supply you with all the techie toys you could possibly want.

In exchange for being a toy? Outwardly, Faf closed his eyes, but there was a mental impression of eyes looking heavenward. Of all your disastrous attempts to fix me up, this one has got to take the cake.

I have never known you to be particular on the basis of species.

How about on the basis that she keeps discussing me like I wasn't right here?

She is just being polite. For an anthropologist's son, you are being remarkably obtuse...

"He tires. I forget this one has been through an ordeal." Humlaalu glanced at his sling sympathetically. "I see that he is a favorite, so I shall consider well how issues might be addressed." She stood and bowed in formal leave-taking. "I shall not bear this season, so I shall understand if you retain him. He would give you fine young."

As soon as Humlaalu left sickbay, Faf looked over, mischief dancing in his eyes.

"Do not say it." she warned. "Do not even think it."

He looked innocently up at the ceiling. "Okay, but mom does keep asking about grandchildren..."

She smacked his shoulder.

He cocked an eyebrow. "Being a little touchy for someone who just proposed pimping me out for political leverage, don't you think?"

"There is no formal finding of psychological impairment. If they requested you, LT would be pressured to let you go. By the time you returned, he would have no excuse to send you to Albans." She raised an eyebrow back at him. "And just maybe you would become a little less inclined to disparage your appearance."

"Forced convalescence will be just fine, thank you. And somehow I doubt my self-esteem would be improved by someone who makes me think of a feline version of Spock's scary blond stalker."

"They really should not have sent her this close to her season, but she is not that bad. Whatever her other motivations, she is also looking for someone to help them advance to Federation-level technology." She allowed herself a wicked smile. "You would be well equipped to provide what she is looking for."

His eyebrows rose and he widened his eyes at her. "Having a harem has definitely affected you."

"I do not have a harem – other than you." She gave him a teasing smile. "And it is only fair if I am allowed to have a few off-color thoughts too."

"Granted." he chuckled. "Although I think these 'negotiations' may border on abusing the privilege."

"Seriously, this would be good for you. You and Erik have begun to integrate, but if it is going to stick, you need to get out of intelligence work for awhile."

He squeezed her hand. "I'll be alright Grey. After this, I doubt I'll be assigned to anything that involves working more than a meter from my desk."

"It would be good for me too, Fafhrd. I have been requested for the new Federation embassy on Trubey. I will be without my team for the first time in five years and I would like to have someone there whom I can trust." She eyed him playfully. "And it would certainly help my image to have the tallest male on the planet."

He cocked an eyebrow at her. "So you want me as a costume accessory again?"

"Unless you would prefer Humlaalu's offer; you might enjoy it more than you think." She gave him a considering look. "Under those robes, she has the sort of figure you usually appreciate. And she would treat you like a king, which she can well afford to do. Her clan controls a pergeum mine and two very rich deposits of dilithium."

He curled his lips in, trying not to smile. "So you're, um, saying that she has 'vast tracks of land' ?"

She lifted an amused eyebrow. "In a manner of speaking, yes."

He allowed his eyes to very deliberately wander. "I like yours better."

"Fafhrd…"

He grinned at her. "You started it."

She gave him a kiss that held a promise of finishing it. "Come, Len said that it is past time that you got out of his sickbay."

"Where is the doctor anyway?"

"When I left, I believe he was debating the relative merits of bourbon versus single malt scotch with Jessy Hanlan." She smiled smugly.

He looked at her. "Grey, you didn't."

"Not deliberately," She patted his cheek. "But just because you proved an exception, does not mean that I am bad at it where others are concerned. In fact, once I knew T'Pring was set on a challenge, I think I did a rather good job in sending Spock after Nyota."

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Leonard McCoy escorted Jessy Hanlan (albeit a little unsteadily) back to her quarters because, despite the fact that the security officer not only needed no protection in the halls of the Enterprise but could probably kick his ass twelve ways to Sunday, no self-respecting southern gentleman would let a lady who'd had a few drinks walk back to her room alone. He told her as much when she mentioned that he hadn't really needed to walk her home.

"I think you're just fishing for another thank you." She teased as they reached her door. "Although considering that you came in after me, carried me out and fixed me up good as new after, I really should have given you something better," she grinned slyly, "like a 30 year old Macallan."

"Better than Booker's True Barrel?" McCoy scoffed. "I can't rightly imagine anything improvin' on a thank you like that."

She looked up at him with a speculative gleam in her eye. "Maybe I can."

Before he knew what hit him, he'd been pulled into her quarters and pressed against the wall with a solid kiss. Mmmm. Okay, he had to admit this was pretty nice addition to the Booker's and served this way single malt tasted pretty damn good…

The annoyingly ethical part of his brain raised its ugly head and spoke in his grandfather's voice: What are you doing boy? Taking advantage of a lady who's clearly had a bit too much to drink is not how you were raised to behave. The drunk, horny part of his brain objected that the lady in question was the one who had pinned him to the wall and she had a really fine ass, but to no avail. The code of behavior was just too deeply ingrained.

With reluctant effort, Len pulled away. "We've had a mite much to drink, darlin', and I wouldn't want you to do anything you'll regret later."

She laughed deep in her throat. "Your credentials as a gentleman are noted and logged. Now you listen here. If I heard right, you're up for grabs now and seeing as Montgomery Scott is the only man on this ship that I can't drink under the table, I haven't had nearly enough to not know exactly what I'm doing."

"Are you sure, dar-- Mmmphf"

The lady certainly knew exactly how to keep a man's mouth too busy for objections. All things considered, he probably could develop an appreciation for single malt…

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Selina led Faf into her quarters and handed him the PADD he had left in her keeping. She pointed to her door. "The first thing you will do is block the overrides on that thing."

As soon as he was done, she draped her arms around him. His hands came lightly to her waist, but he hesitated, gazing down at her. "You know that it's not your fault that I'm little cracked, right? You're not stuck with me like some piece of you-break-it-you-buy-it pottery."

She lifted an eyebrow at him. "Have you ever known me to be moved by either guilt or pity?"

"Just checking. I mean, you do have better options."

She caressed his temple sending a wave of exasperated affection. You over-grown fool, I intend to put you back together because I want you. Whole. How else can I know that when you are really yourself you will still choose to be stuck with me?

He pulled her into a kiss that nearly lifted her off her feet. Everyone in here loves you, Grey, and there's no cure for that kind of crazy.

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AN: Nothing left but saying good-bye and an epilogue.

It may look like Hanlan moved a little fast, but you have to figure that wearing red on the Enterprise means adopting a 'live for the day' attitude (and seriously if you found yourself with Urban!McCoy at your door, slightly drunk and clearly available, what would you do?)