dont own star trek. I did get some old film reel things... not quite the reels but they were used in movie theaters! totally awesome!
... yeah, im a total geek over star trek lol. actually over a lot of things... BACK TO THE STORY!
Episode 1-6 Mudd's Women.
The shift had started normal enough but soon they were chasing a ship through space. Saya was a little confused as to why but figured everyone else knew what was going on so it was fine. It was clear the ship was trying to run away and When Kirk asked if the ship was an Earth model Spock said "Difficult to say, Captain. We're getting no registration beam from it."
Scotty and Spock soon expressed concern about him pushing his engines too hard. Uhura had been trying to contact him the entire time but apparently the person in the ship refused to answer. The ship went into an asteroid belt right before it's engines superheated. Kirk quickly ordered "Cover him with our deflector screen, . Scotty, Spock, stand by in the transporter room."
Scotty and Spock started to the turbolift and Saya quickly followed. In the transporter room Scotty started working the controls and Spock stood by to assist if needed. Saya stayed in the corner and out of trouble, just watching everything going on. Soon they heard Kirk over the com "Bridge to transporter room. If you don't start beaming that crew over soon" McCoy had joined them in case of medical injuries.
Scotty replied "They're not answering our signal. There's nothing to lock onto." Saya felt for whoever was running from them but also wondered why someone would. Soon Kirk informed them that the ship was now sending a distress signal and Scotty was able to lock onto something.
Saya watched as a man that looked kinda like a bad old type swordsman materialized on the pad. "Meaning no ingratitude, gentlemen, but just where is it I find meself?" he asked and Saya's skin crawled. she didn't like the man.
McCoy informed him that he was on the U.S.S. Enterprise, Saya could see that McCoy didn't like the man ether.. "It's really a darn beautiful ship, isn't it? Really a beautiful ship. Oh, the name, gentlemen, is Walsh, Captain Leo Walsh." Leo said as he stepped off the transporter pad. When Spock asked how many more in his crew he replied "Just a few more." Saya could clearly see that no one seemed to like this fellow. Even Spock seemed to find him irritating.
Scotty told him in concern "Your vessel's breaking up, man. If we don't get them over here right now"
Leo interrupted him saying "We couldn't be sure you was a friendly vessel, now could we. Ah, but the three will be in position about by now." Leo moved to stand near the others and Saya quietly and quickly moved so that the others would be between her and Leo. Kirk asked them how many they had and Scotty reported just one but the other 3 locked onto.
Soon Scotty, Spock and McCoy were calmly speaking concern about the transporter as they tried to save the last 3. Saya thought that Leo seemed quite calm and careless over the potential loss of his crew.
Kirk informed them that the ship was gone and asked if they got the rest of the crew. Scotty replied "Not yet, sir, but we've hooked onto something." as he kept working the transporter controls. Suddenly 3 very beautiful women beamed aboard and Saya noticed Scotty and McCoy seeming to go gaga over them. Leo seemed to expect it and Spock looked at the 2 near him as Kirk asked for a report.
Leo told the women "It's alright, darlings. We're in good hands." Saya looked them over. there was one in a pink glittery sheath dress with high slits and a low neckline, she was blond and well endowed. The second was in a glittery green sheath dress with an angled bottom that cut up quite high and a cut across the front to be very provocative, she looked oriental almost with beautiful long black hair. The third was in a soft purple and looked something like a sexy glittery poncho side done to reveal quite a bit of skin including gladiator style knee high shoes. She was also blond and very thin.
They were all lovely and seemed to be the epitome of feminine beauty. Saya wondered if they may be able to give her pointers of some kind but guessed it was unlikely. Saya heard Kirk call 2 more times for a report and she wanted to smack Scotty to get his attention but Leo was next to him and she didn't want Leo noticing her.
Scotty finally reported that they had gotten 4 in all and Kirk said "If that captain can walk, I want him in my cabin immediately. Correction, I want him there whether he can walk or not. Kirk out." Leo commented on Kirk sounding upset and McCoy replied without hearing or making since, spouting a stupid smile.
Spock watched McCoy then said "Curious. You're certain this was everyone aboard, ? No other crewmen?" Leo replied that it was everyone but the ladies weren't actually crew and Spock cut him off saying "You can explain that to the Captain."
Spock started to walk out and Saya darted after him doing her best to keep away from Leo. She wondered if McCoy's and Scotty's brains had melted the way they were acting. As they walked everyone stopped and watched the women. Some of the guys dropped things or just plain acted stupid.
"Ah, sure, these starships are really something marvellous, but men will always be men no matter where they are. Eh, mister? You'll never take that out of them." Leo said as they got on the turbolift. Spock got on last and Saya stood carefully between him and the wall trying to stay small. Spock was clearly irritated and Saya hoped it wasn't her but she couldn't bring herself to be anywhere near Leo.
The lady in pink had noticed her but thankfully said nothing as Leo said "You're part Vulcanian, aren't you. Ah well then, a pretty face doesn't affect you at all, does it. That is, unless you want it to. You can save it, girls. This type can turn himself off from any emotion." Saya didn't think he was being nice and glared at him despite herself.
The pink lady paused before getting off the turbolift to say "I apologise for what he said, sir. He's used to buying and selling people." she was quickly interrupted by Leo saying that he would handle the conversation. Both parts made her stomach turn, first that people could still be bought and sold and second that the lady wasn't allowed to speak for herself.
Spock entered Kirk's room and Saya couldn't help but to be seen at that moment. Spock announced "The Commander of the transport to see you, Captain."
At the same time Leo came up and reached out to touch her hair saying "I'm sure i could find you a wealthy husband lovelie."
Saya quickly moved to have Spock between her and Leo, grazing his back with her hand as she moved. Spock felt the revulsion, terror and disgust in her and the anger he had worked to control at the comment almost surfaced when he felt her emotions. Saya put a hand on Spock's arm unconsciously as she tried to calm herself. She was very glad Spock was there but a small part of her screamed that they could sell her to this man.
Saya missed the conversation between Leo and Kirk but when the women were escorted out Spock followed to deal with their accommodations. Saya stayed close to him. the further she got from Kirk's room the calmer she felt and after they got to the turbolift she realized she was still holding Spock's arm. "I'm sorry!" she said quietly as she pulled her hand back. she heard one of the girls snicker but didn't really want to know who and kept her head down the entire time.
Spock said nothing until after they got the women situated in their quarters and were heading back to the bridge. As soon as they got in the turbolift Spock stopped it and told Saya "We do not approve of the trafficking of intelligent life. However it would be unwise to be caught by yourself around a man such as him."
Saya had looked up when Spock had stopped the turbolift and saw the spark of anger in his eyes. In a small voice she replied "I will stay with you unless i'm in my quarters. He frightens me… reminds me of people i try to forget. I apologize for hanging on you though. I didn't quite realize i was for a while."
Spock wanted to remove the fear from Saya but came to the conclusion it would help keep her safe in this situation. "No need to apologize." he said as he started the turbolift again. As they stepped off the turbolift Spock went to the captain's chair and Saya sat in her normal chair and pulled out her P.A.D.D. She stared at it blindly for a few moments before pulling up a part of it that Uhura had shown her that let her draw.
Sulu and Farrell had come off the turbolift talking about the 3 ladies when she had started to draw Spock. She still felt the fear coursing through her and wanted to be alert and useful so she did her best to think of happier things and things that made her feel safe. Spock was perfect for that.
She watched Scotty and Spock discuss the dilithium crystal they had left and the fact it was breaking. Spock called for Kirk so they would be able to figure out how to keep the ship in the sky and Saya wondered why the idea of the Enterprise falling from space or shutting down or whatever it would do scared her less than the man they had brought aboard.
Kirk soon came to the bridge and Saya had only managed to draw a rough outline of Spock's face. She was adding all the detailing as she listened to Spock, Kirk and Scotty discussing the problem. "We burned them all out when we superheated. That jackass Walsh not only wrecked his vessel, but ours in saving his skin" Scotty said.
"If it makes you feel better, Engineer, that's one jackass we're going to see skinned." Kirk said cutting off Scotty and Saya was very thankful that most of the crew seemed to be of the mindset that Leo was a horrible person.
They discussed a mining operation on Rigel 12 and Saya smiled slightly as she started shading Spock's eyebrows. 'looks like we won't die today.' she thought 'maybe in 2 days if we can't get the crystal but not today.'
After sorting everything Kirk set up the ship hearing and Spock started for the turbolift. Saya quickly bolted out of her chair and joined him, P.A.D.D. in hand. Spock gave one of his smiles and she wondered if it was because she clearly had taken to heart his words. Spock, for his part was glad that she was quick to stay with him and had caught a glimpse of her drawing.
In the briefing room Saya sat in her normal seat near Spock but out of the way and wondered how it would work with everyone so moon eyed over the ladies Leo had with him. "This hearing is convened. Stardate 1329.2, on board starship U.S.S. Enterprise. Formal hearings against transport captain Leo Walsh. Start computer." Kirk said.
Spock requested Leo state his name for the record and when Leo did the computer said it was incorrect. Spock requested his correct name and Leo said "This hearing is convened. Stardate 1329.2, on board starship U.S.S. Enterprise. Formal hearings against transport captain Leo Walsh. Start computer." Spock again requested his name and Leo with a sour look said "Harry Mudd." when the computer said incorrect again he finally said "Harcourt Fenton Mudd." Saya thought the name Mudd fit the man.
Spock asked about past offenses and Mudd said "Of course not. Gentlemen, I'm simply an honest businessman." the computer said incorrect again and Mudd said "Blast that tin-plated pot."
the lady in green said very concernedly "If it can read our minds, too."
Mudd reassured her "It can't, darling. It can't. Just what's on the record." Saya knew there was something Mudd was doing that was illegal. he showed all the signs of someone trying to get away with something. She just couldn't figure out what it was, all she knew for sure was that it wasn't on his record… yet.
The computer started reading off his record 'Offense record. Smuggling. Sentence suspended. Transport of stolen goods. Purchase of space vessel with counterfeit currency. Sentences, psychiatric treatment, effectiveness disputed.'
" , you're charged with galaxy travel without a flight plan, without an identification beam, and failure to answer a starship's signal, thus effecting a menace to navigation." Kirk said. Mudd tried to play off that his ship was too small to be a menace to navigation and Kirk added "You're also charged with operation of a vessel without a master's license."
"Untrue! I have a master's ticket." Mudd exclaimed and the computer corrected 'Incorrect. Master's license revoked Stardate 1116.4.' Mudd again tried to explain it all away "All right. Well, very simply, Leo Walsh, who was to be my captain on this trip, passed away suddenly. Well, I had no choice but to take out me ship me own self. I assumed Leo's name out of courtesy to him. In memoriam, as it were. A fine, fine man, alas, gone to his reward."
Saya felt the lie and Kirk asked what his destination and purpose was. "Planet Ophiuchus 3. Wiving settlers." When Kirk asked for further explanation Mudd said "I recruit wives for settlers, a difficult but satisfying task." Saya whispered to herself "Bullhockey!"
The computer was unable to give further data on the witnesses but when requested to sensor probe it informed them 'No decipherable reading on females. However, unusual reading on male board members. Detecting high respiration patterns, perspiration rate up, heartbeat rapid, blood pressure higher than normal.'
Kirk cut the computer off and had it stricken from the record. Mudd took the chance to say "You see, gentlemen, just as I told you. Three lovely ladies destined for frontier planets to be the companions of lonely men, to supply that warmth of a human touch that's so desperately needed. A wife, a home, a family. Gentlemen, I look upon this work as a sacred public trust. I've devoted me whole life to it." when the computer again said 'incorrect' he added "Well, I'm about to start devoting my entire life to it."
Kirk asked if the ladies came voluntarily and Mudd answered "Well, of course! Now, for example, Ruthie here comes from a pelagic planet, sea ranchers. Magda there from the helium experimental station."
The girl in pink spoke up "It's the same story for all of us, Captain. No men. Mine was a farm planet with automated machines for company and two brothers to cook for, mend their clothes, canal mud a foot thick on their boots every time they walked in."
Mudd told her "That's enough, Evie." and Saya practically bristled. 'This man won't let a woman talk. he is power obsessed, slimy and deceitful!' Evie started again "No it's not fine! We've got men willing to be our husbands waiting for us and you're taking us in the opposite direction. Staring at us like we were harem girls or something." Saya wondered if it was similar to a mail order bride thing back in pioneer days. briefly she thought of the movie and book 'Sara Plain and Tall.' and smiled slightly until Mudd again cut her off, this time with more verbal force.
"The only charges are against . Illegal operation of a vessel. Do you have any defence to offer?" Kirk asked
when Mudd replied "Only heaven's own truth, which I've just given you." Saya watched 3 crewmen roll their eyes including Scotty and almost snickered herself.
Kirk closed the meeting with "The hearing is closed. to be handed over to the legal authorities at our earliest opportunity." to which Evie asked about the ladies and begged for help. Suddenly the lights flickered, Scotty said the last crystal was gone and Sulu came over the com "Captain Kirk, engineering section reports our entire life-support system is now on batteries."
Kirk tried to gently get Evie off of him and turned to Spock saying " …" turning to Evie "Miss McHuron, would you mind. , will you contact the miners on Rigel 12? Notify them that we'll need the dilithium crystals immediately upon arrival." Saya wanted to talk to Evie but was not willing to be anywhere without Spock until Mudd was off the ship. They quickly walked to the communications station and Spock contacted Rigel 12. Saya debated if it would be ok to ask Spock for help talking to Evie.
Once done Spock started back to his quarters with Saya close behind. their shift had ended quite a few hours ago but they had to do quite a bit extra to deal with Mudd. As they walked Saya quietly asked "Would I be able to talk to Evie? I…" Saya trailed off unsure of how to continue.
Spock quirked an eyebrow and studied Saya. She had kept her head down from the moment Mudd had noticed her and he had already surmised there was more to it than just a foul human male. "I will see what I can do. Wait in your quarters and I will return with our dinner and Evie if possible."
Saya nodded and went to her room locking the door. She started drawing again as she waited and after a short while heard a knock " , it is and Evie, may we come in?" Saya invited them in and Spock set down 3 trays as he took one of the seats around her desk.
Saya looked at Evie and offered her another of the seats. "Umm…" Saya started then paused unsure how to say what she wanted. "You are wanting to be a bride because you want to escape. What if there was another way? are you set on being a bride or escaping? cause you may be going to something worse… though I don't think much is worse than Mudd." The last bit she had said so quietly only Spock had heard.
"I want a chance at a happy life." Evie answered as she started daintily eating.
"Yes, but what is a happy life for you? Everyone has their own happy life. like one of my brothers wanted riches, another family, the third I don't think ever figured out what he truly wanted. Everyone wants something different for a happy life. What do you want?" Saya pressed.
"I want love and i'm not afraid of working hard for it." Evie replied.
"Then why not go through someone reputable? I'm sure there has to be a reputable group that helps mail order brides."
" , the likelihood is it would cost more than they have to offer. may have been their only option." Spock spoke up.
"Oh!" Saya said softly before adding with a hopeful smile "Then I sincerely hope you turn out like Sara from 'Sara Plain and Tall'!"
Evie looked Saya over a moment before saying "Thank you for whatever that means. So what is a happy life for you?"
Saya colored slightly and quickly glanced at Spock before staring at her plate. "Ummm. I don't really know yet. Everything is so new still so I'm still trying to figure out my possibilities."
Evie gave her a knowing look before saying "Well don't take too long to figure it out or you might miss your chance. I need to get back to my room."
Saya stacked the trays and dishes and Spock took them. "I will escort Evie to her quarters and return these dishes before I give you your lesson today." Spock told Saya who nodded.
after they left she quietly said "What lesson are we having today?" Spock soon returned and Vulcan Lute in hand started teaching her a few more lines of the music she was working on learning. Saya didn't remember that she had a lesson for it that day and Spock wasn't about to tell her he was using it as an excuse to stay near her.
The next morning they went to their shift like usual. Spock informed Saya it would be another long shift. On the bridge Kirk got irritated with the men daydreaming about the lovely ladies and came over to McCoy to ask "Well, come on, you're the doctor. What is it? Is it that we're tired, and they're beautiful? They are incredibly beautiful."
McCoy replied by asking "Are they, Jim? Are they actually more lovely, pound for pound, measurement for measurement, than any other women you've known? Or is it that they just, well, act beautiful. No. Strike that, strike that." Kirk asked what they were and McCoy asked "You mean are they alien illusions? That sort of thing?" then answered "No, an alien smart enough to pull this could also keep my medical scanner from going bleep!"
Kirk said "I don't follow you." and McCoy responded saying "I don't either." Saya had watched Spock listen and could swear he had an idea of what it was. She went back to studying dilithium crystals and their use in starships, the current reading assignment from Spock.
They made it to the planet and set the orbit. "We can sustain this orbit for three days, seven hours." Spock informed Kirk.
Kirk replied "More than enough time. Communications, have a representative of the Rigel 12 miners meet us here to discuss our needs. Beam him up first pass over their camp." Uhura did as commanded and Saya smiled that at least they had 3 more days.
They went to Kirk's quarters to finish getting ready to deal with the miners and Spock held up a crystal "Even burned and cracked, they're beautiful. Destroying them was a shame."
"Not at all, . The choice was burning this dilithium crystal or the destruction of another man's ship. Come." Kirk said as Spock handed the crystal to him. as soon as Kirk put it down Saya quietly whispered to Spock "If no one wants it, may i have the burned crystal?" She had already come up with an idea of what to do with it if she could figure out how. Spock handed it to her and she turned it over in her hand with a smile playing at her lips.
Security announced the mining chief and another fellow who after introductions said they would rather swap the crystals than have them bought. When asked what they had in mind they requested Mudd's women, if they liked them after a look. "Right. Trot them out, Captain. Oh, and Harry Mudd. Either way, I've agreed to have him released. Charges dropped." the mining chief said. Saya felt bile rise in her throat at the disgusting way they referred to the women and tried to circumvent rules.
Kirk laughed at the ridiculous demands but the mining chief told Kirk he had no choice. "No deal. You're a long way out in space, gentlemen. You'll need medical help, cargo runs, starship protection. You want to consider those facts too?" Kirk threw back.
Mudd suddenly interrupted bustling in with the ladies in tow "Come along, ladies, come along. You must be Ben Childress. Come on now, girls, come on." Ruth promptly went to the other man and Mudd started working his side.
Kirk stood firm on the no deal but battery conservation kicked in and at Spock's information of it Mudd sneered "I'm told they have only three days of orbit left before they start spiraling in. I do hate to see you suffering such a situation, Captain, but truth is truth, and the sad fact is you will deal. Sooner or later, you'll have to." Saya just wanted to clobber the man.
Spock, Kirk, Saya, Mudd, the three ladies and both miners beamed down to the miners camp where the fraternizing promptly started. Saya stayed as close to Spock as possible. She had been brought along for purpose of landing party practice and learning but Spock had instructed her to stay out of the way and out of trouble.
Saya watched the head miner hit on Evie who didn't seem to enjoy it. She also noticed when Evie started coughing in her fake way to get out of it. The miner went to cut in on another and Evie looked ready to cry. the miner he cut in on, cut in on the last guy and suddenly a fight started. Evie burst out "Why don't you run a raffle and the loser gets me?" and ran out half in tears.
Kirk darted after her and when the chief miner told him that if he goes out there he will be killed, Kirk just demanded that he have the crystals when Kirk got back. After a while Kirk, Spock, Saya and Mudd beamed back to the ship so they could use the ship's scanners to find Evie. Saya was glad they cared so much but worried about having enough power in the ship.
Scotty said the same thing and Kirk started to lose it "But we don't! I didn't get any. I should have found a way. Satisfied, ?" Uhura reported lost communications with the miners and Kirk asked if the head miner reported in yet. Uhura replied "No, sir. He and the girl are still missing."
Kirk apologized to Scotty and asked how much power was left. When Saya heard 5 hours her heart went wild but she calmed herself reminding herself that they would die or not, panicking wouldn't help.
43 minutes from total loss of power they found an infrared reading that was Childress' quarters. Kirk demanded Mudd meet them in the transporter room and there Saya found out the reason the ladies where head stunningly beautiful was a drug called 'the venus drug' she didn't understand fully but thought it was sad. Spock heard her quietly say to herself "it's like cosmetic surgery. people who aren't happy with themselves will never be no matter how 'perfect' they become."
Saya watched as they made a fake version of the drug to take with them then they beamed down. they came in to the miner saying "I didn't touch her" like he was guilty and Saya wondered what they didn't see. Mudd expressed gratitude at her being found that seemed quite fake.
"She's been bubbling with gratitude ever since." the miner said with sarcasm. Kirk demanded Mudd tell the miner and when he dodged Kirk told him about the venus drug. The miner thought it was a story and Kirk explained it was real… and illegal.
Mudd tried to say it was harmless and Evie got angry. Mudd continued to explain "Well, what it does is give you more of whatever you have. Well, with men, it makes them more muscular. Women, rounder. Men, more aggressive. Women, more feminine, and"
Kirk cut in explaining that Mudd gave them to the ladies before the miners met them. the miner demanded to know if the others looked the same and Saya wanted to hit him. 'looks fade. personality and spirit remain! looks are not that damn important!' She thought working to not yell it. The miner asked what happened to his partners and Kirk informed him that they had gotten married but it was a fraud so they could get out of it.
The miner reached to attack Mudd and Kirk threw him back. Mudd said that he couldn't condemn the women and the miner went into a tangent "I can! A man goes out and fights, almost dies. We all almost die. We should have, but we didn't. And now that we've got the good life in our hands, you bring us women for wives that"
"aren't pretty enough for you… you don't want" Saya started but Eve cut in angrily "You don't want wives, you want this. This is what you want, . I hope you remember it and dream about it, because you can't have it. It's not real!" Eve took the drug and continued "Is this the kind of wife you want, Ben? Not someone to help you, not a wife to cook and sew and cry and need, but this kind. Selfish, vain, useless. Is this what you really want? All right, then. Here it is."
Saya grinned at Eve for being stronger and better. She hoped Eve found her happiness cause she deserved it. Unknown to Saya, Spock was examining her thinking his own thoughts on the partnership of marriage. Kirk brought all attention to himself saying "Quite a woman, eh, Childress?" at the miners comment about it being drug induced Kirk revealed "By herself. She took no drug."
At Eves confusion Mudd explained that they substituted the drug with a fake and Kirk explained "There's only one kind of woman."
"Or man, for that matter." Mudd injected.
"You either believe in yourself, or you don't. All right Childress, I've gone as far with you as I intend to. I want those dilithium crystals and I want them now. Enterprise, this is Kirk," at acknowledgment Kirk asked the miner "Stand by. Do I beam down a search party?"
The miner told Kirk that he was welcome to the crystals. At the question of how many to beam up the miner said "Eve will stay, today at least. We, er, we want to talk."
Kirk confirmed with Eve and the 4 of them beamed up leaving Eve behind looking happy. As left the transporter room Mudd asked "Don't you think you could possibly, by accident, arrange to leave me behind here? On this planet that would be punishment enough."
Kirk grinned answering "I can't do that, Harry, but I will appear as a character witness at your trial. If you think that'll help." to which Mudd muttered "They'll throw away the key."
Saya smiled and commented to Spock "I hope Eve finds her happiness. Honestly though, I'm slightly jealous. I doubt I could ever have that kind of confidence."
Spock watched her as she walked a while before commenting "You may have more confidence than you are aware of." Saya grinned at him a moment and they made it to the bridge.
"That must have been quite a talk you made down there. Ever try considering the patent medicine business?" McCoy teased.
Kirk grinned replying "Why should I work your side of the street?"
Spock interjected handing the captain a P.A.D.D. to sign off on something "I'm happy the affair is over. A most annoying emotional episode."
McCoy grinned playfully hitting his chest above his heart "Smack right in the old heart. Oh, I'm sorry. In your case, it would be about here." McCoy moved his hand to a little below the ribs on one side.
Spock raised his eyebrows and replied "The fact that my internal arrangement differs from yours, Doctor, pleases me no end." Kirk smiled and handed the P.A.D.D. back to Spock who went back to his station as they prepared to leave orbit.
Saya watched the teasing with a grin and Uhura caught her eye and winked at her. at her puzzled look Uhura mouthed "Venus drug and he choose you." Saya gave her a look saying 'really? don't go there.' but couldn't help wondering. Spock took his seat and Saya went back to reading until their next big adventure.
*END*