AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
i'm late! i'm late! for a very important date!
^_^ sorry, yesterday was crazy
still dont own star trek, heck i have trouble even being punctional
Episode 1-6.5 200 years without a change of heart.
Riley approached Saya and Spock at breakfast as Saya was asking about carving dilithium crystals. They would be stopping off for leisure time at a nearby planet and Saya wanted to get the things she needed for her current art project. She had even found out that she earned currency through the essays she wrote for their history archives so she would be able to do a little shopping.
"Pardon." Riley interrupted, when they looked at him, he continued. "Brenner, Wilson and I were again put on party duty for the valentines party for the . We figured since you did so well last time, that if we could, we wanted you to help for this one."
Saya looked to Spock who nodded "It is a reasonable request. As long as you can keep up with study and essays you are free to." Saya beamed
"Awesome! this will be fun! though we need to make sure to get a ladder this time if we have ceiling decorations to hang." as soon as Riley left Saya giggled "I love valentine's day!"
Spock said nothing as he watched her thinking. Soon they parted ways and Saya walked in to the guys already there. "So , boss us around. You did great last time so this time we should do even better!" Riley said with enthusiasm.
Saya looked through the boxes of decorations and started planning. quickly giving instructions she got a lovely start on decorations by the time Spock picked her up for dinner. Riley had thankfully not approached her about the dance from when everyone got that strange drunkenness but when Spock showed up there was a strange look in Riley's eye.
At dinner Saya started telling Spock about her plans for the room. When she paused he looked at her a moment before saying "I do expect to be informed of your day ." and Saya continued.
as they walked back she mused "If we could get some gauze fabric in romantic colors and flower petals we could make an amazing ceiling for people then at the right time drop the petals…" She got lost in planning how to do it and missed the incredulous look on Spock's face.
At her door she asked "Oh! , there is going to be some shore leave. first would I be able to go, second could I buy some things there and third would you go with me to help me?"
"I will see about getting time off." Spock answered. Once Saya went into her room Spock went to see Kirk. "I request a day off during the shore leave time to escort on planet."
"Is she not able to go with another?" Kirk asked and when Spock answered that was his charge Kirk scrutinized him. After a few moments Kirk grinned "OH! well in that case , your shore leave is granted. and may I wish you luck."
"There is no reason to wish me luck." Spock said and Kirk just gave him a knowing grin.
Back in Saya's room she was drawing out her idea that would be a lovely finish to the party. She figured since their decks party was primarily for Alpha shift she would have it near the end of the Alpha shift and tell people to stay for the surprise or something. She also was hoping to get something to carve the burnt out dilithium and maybe a few off duty nice outfits so she wouldn't have to borrow from Uhura.
the next day Spock and Saya had a quiet breakfast and at the end Riley came to pick her up with what almost seemed like a taunt to Spock. Saya worried at the almost nonexistent glare from Spock but left it as they walked to the rec room. Pulling out a piece of paper she showed the others her planning. "If we can find gauze like material in good colors and flower petals we can hook it in such a way that with a small tug we could make the petals rain on everyone."
"Did you really come up with this yesterday?!" Wilson asked impressed.
"Yeah, it's a simple idea. I think we should be able to use the same hooks with a slip loop for the droppable side. however I have to go on shore leave to find the material and petals so it will be in a few days or something. till then we can get the rest done." Saya said.
They got busy and lunch came and went. the day ended with Spock greeting her and informing her that they would have shore leave in the morning. Saya bounced slightly and Spock noticed her excited glow. Riley leaned in before leaving "Maybe you and I could go have some Valentine fun on our shore leave." Riley told her.
Saya felt the glare from Spock without even having to look at him "I'm just going to be doing some shopping, nothing fancy. Spock thankfully will help me figure out all the trading too so I won't have time for Valentine fun of any kind."
Riley smirked at Spock "Well I could always help you with your shopping. I'll even carry all your bags." He again offered.
Saya was confused because though he was talking to her, his words really seemed directed at Spock. She was trying to figure it out when Spock spoke "Lieutenant, as my charge is my responsibility to look after."
This time there was no mistaking the threat in his voice. Riley skipped off calling back "I wouldn't call you a responsibility, ." Saya watched him leave mildly shocked.
Spock started walking and she fell in step beside him "I don't think he was serious. I think he was just trying to tease you but I don't have a clue why he would want to or would try to use me for it." she told Spock hoping to lessen his anger and because she thought it was the truth. In the mess hall they saw Riley talking to Uhura, but he skipped out shortly after they arrived.
After dinner Saya commented "I will do extra reading and Essay today if you will give me an extra question so I don't have to worry about them tomorrow."
"Shore leave also allows you to rest from your regular tasks, including essays and studying." Spock informed her. Grinning she told him she would just do the days then. that night Spock heard her playing with the Vulcan lute, practicing the music he was teaching her.
Morning came and Saya woke excited to be going planetside without having to worry about a million things. Putting her hair up in a tight ponytail she was ready and waiting for Spock by breakfast. as they ate Riley came over and asked Saya about the room. "Well since we don't have to undo anything we should be fine missing a day. especially since we have very little left to do and multiple days in which to do it."
"You mean you don't trust us with decorating by ourselves?" Riley teased.
Grinning Saya replied "Wellll… yeah, the last time was painful…"
"Then you better take me with you to keep me from messing the decorations up." Riley pressed again.
"Sorry, but I am going with ." Saya was quite confused by how much Riley was pressing. for him it was not normal. Spock again caught a wiff of Sayas unique scent as she practically bounced to the transporter room.
As they stood to be beamed down Spock commented "Valentines is an illogical and overly emotional holiday. I do not understand it's value." Saya was distracted from her reply by all the newness around her.
Spock walked with her as she bounced from stall to stall. at a stall of tools she managed to find tools to cut gems and some other small fine work carving tools. she bought them and Spock took the package to carry. "Why thank you but you don't need to do that."
"It is not an inconvenience and you are distracted enough to risk forgetting your packages." He said simply. They found a fabric stall and Saya was able to get some good lengths of gauze fabrics in pinks and purples. Saya also found a few beautiful fabrics to use for crafts in blues, greens and purples.
they came across a dress stall and Uhura was there seeming to be waiting or shopping. Saya grinned and the girls started looking at dresses for Saya. Uhura got her to try on quite a few each time trying to get Spock to tell her how nice she looked. after about 15 dresses Saya told Uhura no more. Uhura pouted but soon laughingly went on her way.
Saya picked out 3 of the dresses, a sapphire medieval looking one, an emerald greek style and an amethyst semi kimono looking one. Spock quietly told her that the black and silver gray dress would be good for formal occasions that were not parties. Grinning Saya got it as well. she had debated it but Spock's advice ended that debate. Saya didn't know it was similar to a Vulcan formal dress design.
Soon they were done and Saya started wandering again. Spock had them stop at an eatery for lunch and though Saya didn't know what she was eating she enjoyed it. "It's always a blast to try new things." She said as they left. "Only thing left i really need to get…" She stopped mid sentence when she found a stall selling craft strings and clays. after a good sized purchase there she finished "all that is left is flower petals."
they found a stall selling flowers she had never seen. "Beautiful!" Spock let her know what flowers would be safe to get and she bought a variety. "Some will be small enough to use whole and i'm sure people will love it." She said looking over the large amount of flowers.
They beamed back and Scotty grinned at them "Looks like you had fun shopping lassy." Saya excitedly told him some of the details before they walked to her room. Spock came in and set his burdens down. Saya promptly put the dresses in her rotating closet safely and the clay and ropes away in their spots. The craft fabric went in a different drawer and the flowers to her desk.
"I forgot that I really should get shoes to go with the dresses…" she commented before shrugging "oh well." putting one of the lengths of gauze on the floor and started pulling flowers off the stems. "I kinda feel bad about this but it will be lovely when we do this and i'm sure some of these beauties will get pressed."
"Would you like my assistance?" Spock asked. He did not want Riley to help her with it and he was loath to leave her just yet. At Saya's nod he took a seat and helped. after a few hours they had a large bundle ready.
"I do not understand the purpose of this." Spock commented as he helped her carry them to the rec room.
"It's romantic for those who have someone they love here. it's like a magical shower of love. You'd be amazed at how much people will respond to it… well if my calculation is correct."
Spock raised an eyebrow but said nothing as he put his bundle down. Leaving hers she walked with him back to his room. "So are you or I expected at this thing?" She asked.
After a moment of studying her he answered "Because of the holidays representation it is not required. However I was of the understanding that you enjoy the holiday."
"Well I love Valentine's day, always have… however I don't believe in romance… that's not quite it… well let's just go with all love in me broke… probably why I like the impossible." the last part she said under her breath but Spock heard it and stored the information. Going to bed Saya smiled about the fun day she had.
In the morning Spock and Saya had their breakfast. as soon as Saya was finished she looked around, spotting Scotty skipped over to him. "If you get any more burned out dilithium crystals that no one wants I would like them." she told him. he told her he would save them for her. Spock watched but said nothing. Saya went to decorate, Spock to the bridge telling her before they parted that he would be there to help after lunch if he could arrange it. She again came in the room to sensing something was wrong. "what?"
"well we were unable to find a ladder again. we reserved one early but somehow it went missing." Riley told her. Wilson went to say something but Riley gave him an odd look and Wilson shut up. Saya wasn't sure what was going on but she shrugged figuring it would sort itself out.
"Spock will be here after lunch if he can, maybe he can hold me on his shoulder like last time." Saya said with a shrug as she started working on the tables. "till then let's get this done."
They worked and joked like before and soon Spock arrived. "Sir. We were unable to obtain a ladder again. Would you be willing to assist in putting the last decorations up?" Riley asked.
Spock raised an eyebrow but agreed. Brenner held the flowers, Wilson the hooks and Riley the fabric. Spock carefully lifted Saya who instructed him to start at the edges of the room. Hanging the short side of the fabric in the corners and middles of the walls she started setting the solid hooks on one edge of the 8 fabric strips in the center. once done with that she set up the quick release and tested it, gleeful in it's success.
Wilson and Brenner kept giving Riley strange looks but Riley just smiled and kept helping. Saya was soon tucking the flowers into their nests to wait for the shower. as soon as she tucked the last flower in she tapped Spock on the head gently. "I'm done, thank you so much for the help… seems we have terrible luck with ladders."
Spock put her back down and Riley asked "So when are you going to come to the party?"
"I'm not. Also i need to have one of you guys pull the string for me. do all of you have dates?" Saya asked.
Riley sidled up to Saya again "I'm going with a special lady. After all, I'm certain won't take you and I have to make sure you see your handiwork... Besides you have to release the flowers."
Saya lost all hint of a smile. "NO! Flat NO. I don't do crowds and I can't be the one in the middle of the crowd to release them." Saya had backed up half a step and bumped into Spock who took her shoulders to keep her balanced.
"That is quite enough Lieutenant. if a presence is required and none of you are capable, I can do the job." Spock did not like how Riley was pressuring Saya and he did not like how Saya was trembling.
"As long as you bring . She should see her handiwork!" Riley said. at a final stern look from Spock the 3 filed out and they both heard Brenner tell Riley that he was going to get busted to ensign.
Saya took a breath then turned to face Spock who had released her the moment she started to move. "Thanks, and sorry. I really really don't do well in crowds. I can't… can't be in the middle of a bunch of people..."
Spock raised an eyebrow but just said "I will not ask." Saya smiled and nodded and they walked back to her room. Spock left her and went to his room to think. He soon heard Uhura visiting with Saya and noted that she always got excited and louder when Uhura was with her.
Saya had finished her essay and reading when she heard a knock at her door. "Open?" she said then grinned seeing Uhura there, holding something behind her back. "Sup?"
"Well, I saw a certain lady buy a few dresses today but she failed to come by the shoe stall… and the accessory stall. So I took it upon myself to remedy that!" Uhura said as she came in and placed a few packages on Sayas desk.
Saya looked at Uhura then at the packages. "You didn't have to do this!"
Uhura urged her to open them saying "You made me something very special for Christmas and I always wanted a little sister to dress up. You make a great dress up doll" Uhura and Saya grinned as Saya opened the first package. Inside was a sapphire pair of slippers with beautiful designs to go well with her medieval dress. Tucked in the slippers were 2 bracelets, a silver circlet with sapphire stone in it and 3 different pairs of sapphire and silver earrings.
Saya's eyes went wide "This is worth far more than a simple little bracelet!"
"Sweetheart, the world is very different. we have all we need and more. something made from the heart is more valuable than stones we can create with a machine." Uhura told her.
"If you're sure." Saya said hesitantly but at Uhura's urging she opened the next package. it had purple platform geta sandals with a strap to go up the foot a bit. it also had purple fake flowers on a comb type of clip, as well as the ones that made Saya think of hair chopsticks. one set was silver and purple with dangles and the other was gold and purple. There was a few flower pins and butterfly clips in different colors. last were flower earrings in a rainbow of colors.
"Seriously, these are amazing but there is no way I would be able to do my hair for them." Saya commented grinning and turning each item over in her hands.
"That's why i picked them. I told you, I want to get to dress you up!" Uhura said with a laugh as she pushed another package to her. Opening it Saya saw gold gladiator style sandals, gold armbands for upper arms and wrists. a set of hair bands decorated in a leaf design and a simple set of laurel earrings with an emerald gemstone drop.
"These are amazing! I will be the bell of any ball with these!" Saya grinned as she looked at the items.
"One last present, this is to go with your special dress." Uhura said as she handed the last present to Saya.
"The black one? that's just a more formal, less party one." Saya said with confusion.
"I had assumed Spock wouldn't tell you. You will find out eventually." Uhura told her with a sly smile and a sense of mystery. Saya contemplated Uhura for a moment before opening the last gift. it had black shoes in a simple but attractive style to go with the dress. it also had a hair piece that Saya couldn't begin to figure out. she notice the multiple parts to it and looked at Uhura. "Don't worry, when it comes time to wear that dress I will definitely help you do your hair."
last she pulled out 2 rings and a necklace of a design she didn't recognize. they were beautiful though. Saya carefully put the new items with her dresses neatly and grinned "I really was wondering if my boots would go with all of these."
Saya and Uhura hugged and Uhura said "You do have to do one thing for me though." At Sayas distrustful look Uhura gave a sly grin "You have to let me dress you up for the valentines party."
"I'm not going." Saya said again. She felt like it was a constant thing at this point.
"Yes, you are. You have a surprise set up and I know you have to be there for it. It may not be for long but you have to let me play dress up with you!" Uhura pressed.
Saya rolled her eyes but grinned "Fine but don't be disappointed if i'm gussied up for less than half an hour." Uhura waved her off and they went to bed. Spock cataloged the conversation and was trying to figure out what Uhura had planned.
the next day passed normally and the day following was finally valentines day. Saya ran by the rec room to check that everything was perfect before going to the bridge with Spock. They quietly watched the stations not saying much. Soon the crewman came to take over for them and they went to their rooms to get dressed so they could make an appearance at the party before returning to the bridge. Uhura was waiting at Saya's room and looking stunning in her floor length ruby colored ensemble.
Uhura urged her to wear the purple outfit because of the flower theme and it seeming more romantic. Saya agreed and Uhura helped her into the dress then Saya sat as Uhura did her hair. it took a bit but once done it was lovely with butterflies and flowers. Saya put purple, pink and blue flower earrings in her ears and grinned. She was colorful and beautiful. Her outfit was quite reminiscent of a japanese kimono from her time but also had great differences.
Uhura and Saya walked out of her room to see Spock standing near her door waiting. Spock examined Saya as she thanked Uhura for her help. Saya smiled at him and they fell in step together as Uhura asked "Doesn't she look lovely ?"
Spock gave a curt nod and soon they were at the rec room. Saya peeked in and grinned. thankfully most people were paired off and cuddled close. Spock strode to the center of the room and pulled the cord to cause the flower shower and Saya looked up puzzled to see another bundle dropping over her. She looked at Uhura who was holding a string. "You have to be part of the fun you know." was all she said.
As Spock strode back removing petals from his hair, Riley skipped up to them. Saya quickly excused herself and started walking away. Spock caught up and fell in step with her. "Sorry, I don't know why Riley keeps trying to tease one of us but I figured this would stop it before he could annoy you."
"I am Vulcan, I don't get annoyed." Spock said.
Saya chuckled "If you say so... anywho, I'll get out of this getup and we can chill on the bridge again." she said as they got to their rooms. Saya went in and put her earrings away, she would have removed the hair clips but figured for now she would leave them. after a few minutes of trying to untie the main part of her dress, she finally went to Spock's door right as he was coming out. At his raised eyebrow she said with mild frustration "I have short arms, can't reach the tie, can you get it for me?"
Spock said nothing and pulled the tie in the back. Saya quickly went back to her room and changed into her uniform. coming out she grinned at Spock and they walked to the bridge together. as they got on the turbolift Spock reached up and removed one of the flowers from her hair "It seems Uhura was planning this for you." he said referencing the flower.
Shrugging she grinned "Yeah, not sure why but she is fun and sweet." They stepped onto the bridge and Spock pocketed the flower without being noticed. Saya promptly heard a romantic ballad she had remembered Uhura having her listen to it. "Seems like Uhura planned a bit for us… I wonder why." Saya trailed off thinking.
Spock took his seat and Saya took hers as they waited for the song to end. Once it did Saya couldn't help chuckling. Spock looked at her with a raised eyebrow and she said "I swear it almost seems like Uhura was trying to set us up. not that it would ever happen, but it's funny."
"Nothing in life is definite." Spock simply said.
Saya grinned "You know she said something similar during a different conversation. maybe it's this time that makes people truly believe that nothing is impossible." Saya went back to her studies and Spock just watched her for a few moments before going back to monitoring the ship.
*END*