Path: newsspool2.news.atl.earthlink.net!stamper.news.atl.earthlink.net!elnk-atl-nf1!newsfeed.earthlink.net!newsswing.news.prodigy.com!prodigy.net!prodigy.com!border1.nntp.dca.giganews.com!nntp.giganews.com!newsread.com!newsstand.newsread.com!POSTED.newshog.newsread.com!not-for-mail Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative.erotica.moderated Approved: ascem@earthlink.net Organization: Better Living Thru TrekSmut Sender: ascem@earthlink.net Message-ID: From: "djinn_fic" MIME-Version: 1.0 Mailing-List: list ASCEML@yahoogroups.com; contact ASCEML-owner@yahoogroups.com Subject: NEW: TOS In the Fullness of Time 1/3 (R) S/Ch Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Lines: 575 Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 05:55:03 GMT NNTP-Posting-Host: 209.198.142.218 X-Complaints-To: Abuse Role , We Care X-Trace: newshog.newsread.com 1104386103 209.198.142.218 (Thu, 30 Dec 2004 00:55:03 EST) NNTP-Posting-Date: Thu, 30 Dec 2004 00:55:03 EST Xref: news.earthlink.net alt.startrek.creative.erotica.moderated:86476 X-Received-Date: Wed, 29 Dec 2004 21:55:07 PST (newsspool2.news.atl.earthlink.net) TITLE: In the Fullness of Time AUTHOR: Djinn CONTACT: djinn@djinnslair.com http://www.djinnslair.com SERIES: TOS RATING: R CODES: S/Ch PART: 1/3 SUMMARY: This is a sequel to "Nexus." Healing will happen--in time. "Have you seen this?" Christine laid the padd down on Spock's table, wanted to slam it down. He nearly sighed. "I saw it." "Were you going to tell me?" She picked the padd up, began to read: "We question how Ambassador Spock can hope to help the Horgivian people when he is not astute enough to recognize a traitor in his midst." He met her eyes, did not flinch away. "I saw no purpose in sharing it with you. This person is clearly making trouble and is seizing on your presence here only because it suits his or her purposes." She sighed. "Sit down, Christine, and have breakfast." He indicated the chair across from him, where another setting had been laid. She noticed that he'd ordered her the fruit she liked best and smiled in spite of her irritation. "Don't humor me. And I'm not making too much of this." "Of course not." Gentle humor shone in his eyes. "This isn't a game, Spock. You keep saying people will forget but I've been working with you for three months now, and I don't see any signs of amnesia. When are they going to forget that I was close to Valeris and Cartwright?" Or that she'd been detained in a Federation holding facility for two months because of it? Only Spock had gotten her out; it had been his testimony that she was blameless that had set her free. And only a mind meld had proven that to him. Without his help, she might still be in there. "It may take years, Christine." "You didn't say that when you convinced me to come work with you." "It is just one article." "This time. But I see the looks we get at Command. No one is happy I'm around." "You are exaggerating. And I am happy--or at least content." An eyebrow rose as he buttered one of the Horgivian sweet rolls. "I am, after all, a Vulcan for whom emotion is very foreign." His eyes seemed to sparkle again. "No, you are the master diplomat, and you always know what to say to calm me down." He did not say anything, just ate in good-natured silence. Sitting down, she picked up another padd. "I've been reading the Horgivian government's claims about the destruction of the water system. I'm not sure this adds up." She called up the report. "They say that the levels of the biotoxin were point nine eight five. To get to concentrations that high, you'd need more than could be leaked from what was in the lab that was blown up by the rebels." Spock looked over at her, waiting. "I've done some extrapolations. The water wasn't compromised until it hit point seven eight. The lab in question had trace amounts at best of the toxin in question. I think someone added a bit of oomph to the mix. I mean, if the water was already in danger, maybe it seemed prudent to force it over into the red zone?" She handed over the report. "I find it interesting that the only water supply that was ruined was the one that fed the province where the rebels are reportedly holed up." "It is interesting." He nodded. "I shall mention this at my meeting today with the First Minister. Perhaps it will make him more willing to acquiesce to the rebel's demands for a neutral location. If there are to be talks here, then the government must meet the rebels at least part way." "What if they don't want to talk? What if they just want to kill them? Your being here may just be a ploy to get the rebels to show themselves, give up their position." "That has occurred to me." He narrowed his eyes. "You learned much in Emergency Ops. I would not expect a doctor to be considering strategy." "Or maybe I learned it by being the big traitor?" She pouted for a moment, then pulled the bowl of fruit toward her and began to eat. "Is the karava melon ripe enough?" She nodded, looking over at him and grinning as she did. "Perfect." "Good." He went back to studying the padd, and she noticed he had put the other one--the one with the damning letter about her--away. Somewhere it would not set her off again, no doubt. Smart man. -------------- Spock watched those around him at Command as he walked down the corridor with Christine. In the past, he had not paid much attention to how anyone reacted to him or to the two of them. But since it appeared to bother her, he had begun to track the reaction. And she had been right. She did get some unfriendly looks-- especially from the brass. Spock looked over at her. For once, she was lost in her padd, seemed to be navigating the corridor more on instinct than anything else. He decided not to mention his observations. "This is interesting," she said without looking up. He glanced at her. "So it would appear. You have been absorbed in that since we left the staff meeting." Commander Kavinksy from Medical had given it to her after the morning meeting. Grinning, she closed the report and gave him her attention. "I'm sorry, did you want to talk?" "Not particularly." She laughed, and he wondered if in the past she would have taken offense at such an honest--if unflattering--answer. "Can I go back to my padd then?" she asked. "What is the report about?" "Containment procedures for Rigellian Fever." "Yes, you may go back to it." Laughing again, she pulled the report back up and resumed reading. He let her use whatever sonar got her through the corridors without colliding with anyone else--had she learned that skill in Emergency Operations? When it was time to turn into an adjacent corridor, he gently steered her to the right. She did not appear to notice. He imagined the old Christine would have been instantly aware he had touched her--but this was not the old Christine, which was something that he was increasingly aware of. He knew he was not the old Spock. Valeris had changed them both when she had betrayed them. She had pretended to love them, left Christine's life in shambles when she'd been jailed. Left his emotions jumbled and his faith nearly torn into shreds. One woman--not even a very big one--to cause so much damage. "Admiral Michaelson will be chairing this meeting," Spock murmured. Christine put the padd down in a hurry and glared at him--Michaelson had been the lone voice on the review panel recommending continued detainment after Spock had testified for her. "You're telling me now?" "Yes. I did not want you to obsess." "Obsess? I don't obsess. Besides, he hates me." "That may be too strong." The conference door came in sight; Michaelson was standing outside talking to a captain. He saw Spock and nodded, then he looked past him, completely ignoring Christine to say hello to another officer who was behind them. "Too strong?" she muttered. "Christine." He did not like warning her, but he also knew she was capable of saying anything if her emotions took charge. Since her detainment, she appeared to believe she had little to lose. "I'll be good," she said, following him to seats along the wall. "You can sit at the table, Spock. You're a high enough rank." "I will sit with you," he said calmly. He remembered when Janice Lester had taken over Jim's body during their five-year mission; Christine had sat with him like this. She had pushed past the guards and sat down on the bench next to him, in clear defiance of a trusted commanding officer she'd had no reason to rebel against. Except that she believed in Spock. He would do no less for her now. Michaelson came in, starting the meeting. The conversations died down, and he looked around the room, his eyes settling on Spock. "There's room at the table, Captain." "I am comfortable here, sir." Spock nodded graciously, trying to show that he appreciated the invitation, even if he did not like the motives behind it. Michaelson's lips tightened but he let it go and sat down. As he turned to one of the other ranking officers, Spock glanced over at Christine. "Thank you," she mouthed. He nodded almost infinitesimally, then turned his full attention to the meeting. --------------- Christine walked down the familiar corridor, could hear the noise of Ops ahead. Her heart was pounding loudly; she wondered if anyone around her could hear it. But no one seemed to be paying her any attention. The room, as she slipped in through the back entrance, was bustling. And there were a lot of smiles. Must have had a victory somewhere--and a good one by the look of it. She stood there a moment, remembering how it felt to be a part of this. Then several officers turned to her. "Christine?" Major Edmundson rushed over, his face lighting up in a way his marine commanders might frown on--it made him look about sixteen. "Good god, it's been a long time. Where have you been?" Lieutenant Commander Wilkins smiled at her. "We'd heard you'd been transferred to diplomatic." "It's true. I have." Christine glanced around the room. There were a few people staring at her in less than friendly ways, but for the most part, she was being ignored. "How are things?" Edmundson rolled his eyes. "You know how it is after something like this. Lots of reg changes, policy reviews. Everyone wants to make sure another Cartwright can't happen." "Or another Valeris," Wilkins said. "I never saw that coming. Either of them. But especially not her. She was so...competent." Christine forced her face to remain as neutral as she could. Valeris had been far more than competent. She'd been amazing. Except for when she'd been with Jim, Christine had never felt more the focus of someone's attention as she had with Valeris. Unfortunately, Spock had been feeling the same way. Valeris had been quite the little actress. "We tried to come see you while you were detained," Wilkins said softly. "They wouldn't let us in." "I know." She'd heard this from several friends. But it had hurt at the time. She'd thought they'd all abandoned her. "What they did--Christine, you know most of us don't think you had anything to do with what happened?" Edmundson cleared his throat, as if searching for something else to say. She touched his arm, smiling. "I know, Jason." "Wow. Never thought I'd see him in here." Wilkins nodded toward the door. Christine turned, saw that Spock was standing at the door, his eyes on the big board. Unlike Jim, he'd never spent much time in Ops, never seemed to feel a need to get back out into space even vicariously. "He's my new boss," she murmured. "Well, what more do some people need then? If he's willing to have you around...?" Wilkins looked very irritated on her behalf, and Christine felt touched. "I appreciate the support, Maya." "I just feel bad. You were here so long. And you were really good. And now...you're just not here? That's not fair." "It's life though." Christine shrugged. "And life isn't fair." If life were fair, Jim would be alive, and Valeris and Cartwright wouldn't have betrayed them all for a cause that made no sense. And Christine wouldn't have been stuck in that detainment center. She laughed softly. She needed to let this anger go. Spock told her that often enough. And, as usual, he was right. She turned to look at him, found him watching her. His expression lightened, and she had the feeling he was asking her if she was ready to go. "I'll see you guys. Duty calls." "How can you tell?" Edmundson asked. "She speaks Vulcan blank-face. Remember how well she could read Valeris?" Wilkins frowned. None of them had read Valeris very well. "I mean--" "--Don't think too hard about it. It'll make you crazy." Christine gave each of them a quick hug, which wasn't exactly regulation, but she didn't much care anymore. By the way they hugged her back, they didn't care either. As she joined Spock at the door, he said softly, "Exorcising demons, Christine?" "Maybe." He only nodded, and they walked back to his office in silence. As she got ready to turn off to go to her own office, he said, "There is a reception tonight at the Vulcan embassy. A harpist who is quite renowned will be performing. Would you like to accompany me?" She smiled at him. "Officially? In uniform?" "No. I am going merely as the son of the Ambassador." His lips curled up very slightly. "You do not have to wear a uniform to this. In fact, it would be preferred that you do not." "Would it?" He nodded slowly. "I'd love to go." "Excellent. I shall pick you up at seven." "Okay." She walked away, then turned to look at him. He already had his head down, studying something on a padd. He looked up, his eyebrow rising. "Yes?" Shaking her head, she said, "Nothing. Sorry. See you at seven." Nodding, he went back to his reading. She walked out, thankful that Sarek and Amanda had invited her to receptions at the Embassy when she was in Emergency Ops. She knew exactly what to expect--and what to wear. The only thing that would be new would be being there with Spock. ------------------- Spock stood by his father and watched Christine as she navigated the room, nodding pleasantly to those around her but never seeming to pause long enough to have to talk to anyone. There were several Starfleet higher-ups at the party; he noticed that she avoided them entirely, but managed to do it in a way that seemed by chance rather than planned. "She has suffered for her associate's crimes?" Sarek asked softly. Spock turned to him, surprised that his father would be so sensitive to nuance. "My son, you do not need to look at me that way. I know she was in the detention center, just as I know that it was you who arranged her release. And now she works with you. It is logical to assume you are concerned in some way for her well being." Spock nodded, slightly shamed that his father seemed to be more tuned in than he was to what was going on. "There are some who would like to see her pay for crimes I do not believe she was involved in." "There are always some who feel that way. Often it is those who have the most reason to be afraid of eyes turning to them who denounce the loudest." Spock frowned. "You are referring to Michaelson?" Sarek nodded. "Early in his career, an older cadet took an interest in him, helped him along. Can you not deduce who that older cadet might have been?" "Cartwright." Sarek nodded. "If Michaelson is making trouble for her, I will be happy to speak to him on her behalf." "I do not believe that will be necessary, Father. But I appreciate the offer." "I am...fond of Commander Chapel, Spock." Sarek let his eyebrow rise. "Although, perhaps not as fond of her as you are." It was Spock's turn to let his eyebrow soar. "I believe this is the first time you have brought a companion to an Embassy function." Then Sarek's expression clouded. "Other than Valeris, of course." Spock nodded, resisting the urge to sigh softly. Why was it that Valeris always managed to insert herself into his activities? "Yes. Other than Valeris." Christine eased between several other guests and made her way over to them. She smiled and murmured, "Thank you," as Spock handed her a glass of a Vulcan red wine he knew she liked. "Are you enjoying the harpist?" Sarek asked her. She looked over at the musician. "Truthfully?" Spock was surprised to see Sarek give her a look very close to a smile. "I am used to you speaking truth to me, Commander." She sighed. "The music is lovely. When I remember to pay attention to it, I enjoy it tremendously." "And what has your attention so riveted that you cannot pay attention to one of Vulcan's premier musicians?" Sarek had lost the lightness. He seemed to want to draw her out; a move Spock was not sure was a good idea. Christine did not appear to be in the mood to be drawn out. "Work, mainly. Your son keeps me very busy." She winked at Spock, and he suspected it was as much to beg forgiveness for the evasion as out of any amusement. "Yes, he demands much from himself and those around him." Spock, seeing that Sarek seemed about to say more, said softly to her, "Perhaps you would like to walk in the gardens?" She looked very relieved. "That sounds nice." As they left Sarek, she smiled softly. "There you go, rescuing me again." "I thought a change of venue might be prudent. But you did not require rescuing from my father. He actually admitted to me that he is quite fond of you." "Did he?" She smiled. "I'm quite fond of him too." She sipped at her wine, her arm pushing against his occasionally as they walked the torch-lit paths. "He had some interesting insights on Michaelson." She turned to look at him. "Apparently, Admiral Cartwright was a friend and sponsor of his when they were both in the Academy." "I know." "You knew that? Why did you not tell me?" "Because having been the victim of a witch hunt, I don't feel like starting one. No matter how much I might despise the man." Her face was stormy, and she took a long drink from her wine. "Perhaps you should go slowly--the wine is strong." "It's no stronger than any other wine, Spock." Her voice was curt. "Don't you get tired of this?" "Of what?" "Of having to...look out for me. Having to worry about me? Because I'm sure getting tired of it." She finished her wine in one gulp. He was glad the Embassy staff had not set up refreshment tables in the gardens, did not think becoming intoxicated would help her mood. A Vulcan couple walked past them, murmuring pardons as they moved gracefully by. "What do they think of us?" "Think?" "You and me? Vulcan and Human?" He lifted an eyebrow. "I am half human." "Not what I asked." She seemed in an odd mood. Volatile and ready to fight. "We're together tonight, aren't we?" He nodded, unwilling to put into words any sentiment that might set her off more. "So, what do they think of that?" "I do not know, Christine. But if you wish, I will go find them and inquire." His words came out more sarcastic than he intended, much as if he'd been sparring with Doctor McCoy. He suddenly worried that he would hurt her feelings. But instead she just laughed. "God, Spock. When did I become such a mess?" She took his arm, the shock of her skin on his--and the rush of her emotions, which were, indeed, tangled--causing him to almost pull away. She looked up at him in alarm, letting go of him. "I'm sorry. I don't know what I was thinking." He reached down and gently placed her hand back onto his arm. Resuming their walk, he said softly, "If I object to something you do, I will tell you." "Your body language did tell me, Spock." Her tone was brusque, but she smiled, and she didn't pull away. "To pull away was an instinctive reaction. It was not, however, the reaction I intended. You know I am unaccustomed to physical contact." Her face twisted, and her tone was mean when she said, "Is that what you told Valeris when you were screw--" His finger on her lips stopped her. He could feel his eyes narrowing, shook his head slowly. "Why are you attacking me, Christine?" She pulled away from him, moved over to a bench and sat down, staring at the crushed rock of the path. "I don't know." "Do you not wish to be here?" "I'm glad I'm here." He let an eyebrow lift be his counter to that statement. "I'm mostly glad I'm here?" She smiled sheepishly. "I'm just tired, Spock. So damn tired." She did look tired--her eyes lacked their normal sparkle, were rimmed with dark purple, as if bruised. He nodded, touching her face gently, as if he could erase the circles with his finger. "I am aware you are exhausted. You should take some leave. As I plan to do. When I go home in two weeks." She looked down. "Yes. I should do that." He could tell she had not understood what he was trying to say. But he had said it very badly, so it was not entirely surprising that she had not picked up his hidden message. "I meant to say you should take leave and come with me. To Vulcan." "Come with you?" He nodded. It was entirely impulsive of him to ask her to come. But he suddenly wanted her to very much. "Are you sure I won't be a downer?" "No. I am not sure of that." He knew by her small smile that she could tell he was teasing her. "Will you come with me?" "Spock. I don't know. You've done enough." "I am not asking out of obligation. Or out of duty. I wish you to come with me." She finally nodded, but her expression was more one of surrender than of anticipation. He decided not to dwell on that. End part 1 of 3 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ASCEM messages are copied to a mailing list. Most recent messages can be found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASCEML. NewMessage: