Cousin Charlie (Part 7)
Nyota was happy to have a day off. She hadn't planned to do much other than to catch up on some reading.
She decided to get some breakfast and walked into the cafeteria. She was surprised to see Dr. McCoy and Charlie and McCoy waved her over once she had selected her breakfast.
"Ny, come on over and have a seat." McCoy said smiling. "I was just trying to convince Charlie here to give us the concert he's promised."
Nyota pulled up a chair and sat down. "So you're changing your mind?" she asked.
Charlie looked at her. "It's not that I'm changing my mind, I wasn't sure that after last night you all still wanted a concert and even if you did, I'm not sure how Hailey feels about performing."
Nyota watched as he stabbed his food and continued eating. She knew that he was a little upset about Hailey having to tell what happened to her.
"Charlie I know you're upset-"
"Look," Charlie said cutting her off. "It's not about me. I'm not upset because of Spock. I'm just worried about Hailey. I plan on talking to her later. She's been through a lot and she doesn't need anyone else giving her grief or looking down on her."
"Charlie, I'm sure that no one who was at the dinner looks down on her."
"Maybe not" he said looking down at the cup he held in his hand. "However, she might see things differently. I wanted to talk to her, but she didn't get back to her quarters before I went to bed and she wasn't up this morning when I came for breakfast."
Nyota reached across the table and squeezed his hand, giving him her best smile. He looked at her, his eyes sad.
"You're worried about her aren't you" McCoy asked leaning forward on the table. "Do you think that she needs to talk to someone? I have a colleague-"
"Doctor, thank you for your concern" Charlie replied interrupting him. "However, Hailey stopped going to her doctor months ago. She felt that it was a waste of time. She was always fearful of men...accept the three of us in the band. She has never dated, and would hardly talk to a man."
"But she seems to like Chekov" Nyota ventured.
"Yes, I know. I was pleasantly surprised by that" Charlie conceded "I thought it was a sign that she was getting better and putting the past behind her. When Spock bought up her past at the dinner, I just didn't know how she'd respond. I just hope that it wasn't a major setback for her." he continued to eat his meal and Nyota and McCoy exchanged glances.
McCoy looked at Charlie. "Look Charlie, I know Spock and you seem to disagree constantly however, I hope you know that he was just concerned. I don't believe that he was trying to embarrass you or Hailey. Don't tell him I said this, but I know that greenblooded hobgoblin's heart was in the right place..." McCoy then paused a moment. "Actually...physically his heart's not in the right place...but you know what I mean."
Charlie laughed. "Yeah, I guess I know what you mean."
"I'm sure that when you talk to Hailey everything will be fine" Nyota said. "Chekov is a fine young man. He's like a little brother to me. I am sure that he will try to convince Hailey that we won't be labeling or prejudging her because of what happened. Trust me on this one."
Charlie smiled in response and could see why his cousin was attracted to this young lady. She was smart as well as beautiful. He hoped that she was right and not nothing as would happen before they reached their destination.
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The captain exited the conference room after the conference with Admiral Peary. Bereaucrats! What a waste of time! He was glad that they were one day from the much needed shore leave. He had hoped that nothing would interfere with that and was relieved that Admiral Peary's conference pertained to their next mission on Delta V.
He looked at Spock as they walked onto the lift. "I'm glad that's over, Spock. I need to talk to Chekov and see why he did not respond to my message last night."
"Perhaps he was otherwise occupied" Spock ventured.
Kirk looked at him. "You don't think that he and Hailey..."
"I am merely stating that perhaps, he was preoccupied and did not notice the message." Spock walked off the lift ahead of the captain, who walked to the captain's chair.
Chekov was not at his post and he turned to Sulu. "Where's Chekov?"
Sulu looked up surprised "Today is his day off. This is Mason-"
"I know who Mason is" Kirk snapped. He had forgotten that Chekov was not on duty. "However I sent Mr. Chekov a message last evening and he did not respond!"
He sat in the captain's chair clearly irritated. He pushed the button on the console. "Computer, locate Pavel Chekov!"
"Chekov, Pavel is on Deck 9, location 97" the computer responded.
Kirk looked at Sulu. "His quarters." Sulu responded to the captain's inquiring look.
The captain sent another message and after a moment a beep was heard from Chekov's station. Mason looked up and handed the captain Chekov's PADD.
"He left his PADD at his station, sir" Mason said apologetically.
Kirk looked at the beeping PADD and then at Mason. He was beyond irritated.
Spock observed the exchange and noting the captain's irritation and walked over to him. "Captain, I am on my way to security. If you would like, I will stop by Chekov's quarters and have him contact you." Spock said this while standing beside the captain's chair, his hands behind his back.
"Thank you, Spock" Kirk replied. He watched as Spock exited the bridge and then turned his attention back to the duty roster he was holding.
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Spock exited the turbo lift and headed to Chekov's quarters. It was not like him to be so careless. He would have to put him on report if he did not have an acceptable explanation.
As he walked down the hall, he saw the doors of Chekov's quarters open and a girl that he knew was Hailey exited giggling. He watched as Chekov in an unkempt state pulled her back into his arms kissing her soundly.
"I gotta go. See you later, Pavel" she said giggling. She then turned and saw Spock coming down the hall and her face immediately fell.
Chekov followed her gaze and was surprised to see Spock.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Spock" he said grinning.
"Mr. Chekov," Spock replied observing his unkempt state. His hair was mussed and his uniform looked as if he had slept in it. He stood in the doorway without any shoes or socks. He was still holding Hailey's hand. "May I inquire as to why you are in such an unkempt fashion?"
Chekov looked at Hailey and smiled. He then turned his attention back to Spock. "This is my day off, Mr. Spock. How should I look?"
Hailey pulled herself away from his grip and gave him a quick wave and then looked at Spock and gave him a scowl. Chekov watched as she walked to the lift. He then turned to Mr. Spock.
Spock immediately straightened up with his hands behind his back. His disapproval was obvious by his tone.
"The captain wishes to see you immediately, Mr. Chekov. I suggest you get yourself together and report to Conference Room B immediately!"
Chekov began to protest. "Mr. Spock-"
"Immediately Ensign, that's an order!" He then turned and walked back towards the lift not waiting for Chekov's response.
Spock returned to the bridge and told the captain that he had found Hailey leaving Chekov's quarters and that it appeared that she had stayed there the entire night.
Kirk was surprised by what Spock was telling him. "So, she stayed with Chekov last night? Could it be that her little story was just for our benefit? She's just known him a few days and she's already sleeping with him? That doesn't sound like someone who has been abused to me!"
"Captain, I think that we should get the truth from the Ensign" Spock replied.
They turned as Checkov walked onto the bridge.
"You wished to see me sir?" he asked walking up to the captain and Spock. He looked from Kirk to Spock. "No one was in Conference Room B."
"Chekov, I need to talk to you. Follow me and we'll go to the conference room" Kirk said.
Chekov looked surprised, but obediently followed him. Spock fell in line behind Chekov. They entered the conference room and Kirk pointed to a seat for Chekov to sit in. He sat across from him, but Spock remained standing.
"Ensign, what is your relationship with that girl Hailey?" Kirk asked.
Chekov looked surprised. "She's my friend, captain. Why do you ask?"
"She spent the night with you last night, did she not?" Spock asked standing with his hands behind his back.
"I don't understand." Chekov responded looking from Spock to the captain. "Are you worried about her age? I am sure she can prove-"
"Chekov, did she actually show you proof that she's of age? She looks young and if you're sleeping with her, that is a crime!" Kirk said "You just met this girl, don't you think that you're moving too fast for a girl that claims that she was abused?"
Chekov jumped up. "Claimed captain? Are you calling Hailey a liar? What have you to do with it anyway? If she stayed in my quarters, it's none of your business, SIR!"
"You will watch your tone, Ensign" Kirk snapped. "Everything that happens on this ship is my business. Now answer my question. Did you confirm her age?"
"No sir! I had no need to confirm her age, SIR!" He glared at the captain.
"You felt no need?" Kirk shot back almost in disbelief. He knew Chekov was a hothead, but he didn't think he'd be so reckless.
"No sir. We are not involved sexually" Chekov replied continuing to glare.
Kirk stared at him in disbelief. "You mean to tell me that this young lady stayed in your quarters all night long and you expect me to believe that nothing happened between you two?"
He noticed how they were looking at each other at dinner the night before. Kirk knew that look; he'd received it from women plenty of times. If she opted to stay in Chekov's quarters, she didn't stay there to talk. If a woman came to a man's quarters, they knew what the deal was.
"May I speak frankly sir?" Chekov snapped still glaring at the captain.
"Go ahead" Kirk countered crossing his arms across his chest.
"Sir, just because a girl stays in your room does not automatically mean that you have to have sex with her or that she wants to sleep with you. After all, she has been abused. We talked and then she fell asleep. I have no intention of making those types of advances toward her. A night with a woman does not always mean sex, SIR" He looked Kirk up and down. "At least not for me, anyway."
Kirk stared at him a moment. "You think that I don't know that is possible Chekov? I realize, however, that you are a man and she is a woman and what happens naturally between the two is likely to happen when you are both in the privacy of your quarters. I am merely trying to get to the bottom of what's really going on."
"I don't begin to presume to know what you think, SIR" Chekov said still angry.
Kirk took a deep breath deciding to ignore his hostility. "Look Chekov, I tried to contact you last evening. You left your PADD on the bridge. Then Spock finds Hailey exiting your quarters. This young lady may need counseling and I was concerned that you may have compromised her mental health."
"She is as you know Ensign, quite vulnerable right now." Spock replied.
"I realize that, sir" Chekov replied. "Nothing of that nature happened in my quarters last night."
"I think it's best if you cool your jets awhile. Give her some space."
"I see" Chekov responded his tone sarcastic. "Is that all, sir?"
Kirk studied him a moment. He knew that Chekov was mad at him. However, he knew that he'd get over it soon enough.
"No that is not all." Kirk replied. He looked at Spock "You had some questions for Mr. Chekov, Spock?"
"Mr. Chekov, do you think Hailey requires further medical attention in lieu of the fact that she has now revealed her prior abuse? Does she appear to be able to cope?"
Chekov looked at him. "She is fine, sir. She was upset when we first left the dinner, but I assured her than none of us would look down on her."
"Did she appear to be convinced?" Spock asked.
"I believe so" Checkov responded.
"Do you think that she will be willing to talk to Dr. McCoy?"
"I don't know." he replied.
Spock looked at Kirk. "I have nothing further to ask."
"Dismissed" Kirk said looking at Chekov.
Checkov then got up and walked out of the room.
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Since it was her day off, Nyota gave Charlie a tour of the Enterprise. She took him to the music room where there were various instruments stored.
"Sometimes we have talent programs for moral. We have various instruments that people can check out and play. Some people aboard this ship are very talented." Nyota said. "Of course the computer can produce the sound of any instrument, however some people find playing an instrument very therapeutic."
Charlie seemed genuinely interested. "Do you think there are those who would like to play when we give our concert?" he asked. "What about you and Spock? I heard that you guys play."
Nyota shook her head. "I'm still learning from Spock. I'm not good enough to play with a band. Why don't you ask Spock?"
"I may just do that." Charlie replied. "However, I would like to hear you play. Do you mind?"
"No...but I'm warning you." Nyota said laughing. "Come on and go with me to my quarters. You can hear for yourself."
They left the music room and took the lift back to her quarters.
"I hope I'm not interrupting your day." Charlie said smiling as she paused in front of her door.
"Of course not! It's my day off" Nyota said. "Come on in and stay as long as you want."
She quickly punched in the code.
Neither of them saw Spock who was in the hallway on the way to her quarters to remind her of the lute lesson they had scheduled. Since it was her day off, he wanted to suggest to her that they move their lesson up to 1600 hours in case she wanted her evening free to attend the concert. He heard Nyota tell Charlie that she had no plans and that Charles could stay as long as he wanted. Why was he spending time with Nyota? Obviously if he was planning to have the concert that evening as the captain had requested, then he should be using his time to practice. That would be the most logical thing to do rather than spending time with the lieutenant.
He had sent his cousin a message informing him that the captain wished him to perform for the crew at 1900 hours. The message had been sent over an hour ago and he was sure that Charles had received it.
Vulcans were not jealous. Such feelings were illogical. He had not revealed his desires to the lieutenant that he wished their relationship to grow beyond the friendship they had forged. He had no claim to her and if she wished to spend time with Charles, that was her prerogative.
He knew that when she was in his presence that her respiration and heart rate increased. She was always a little nervous. He had not deliberately tried to read her thoughts, but when he was guiding her hands on the lute during their lessons, he detected that she desired him. Spock was pleased because he desired her also. He did not want to rush things; he wanted to proceed carefully, logically. Had she now decided to pursue his cousin instead?
Spock quelled the intense feelings that were threatening to rise inside of him. He would meditate if necessary to maintain his calm demeanor. Yes, meditation was always in order.
He walked to the turbo lift and quickly got on board. He was due back to the bridge in forty one minutes exactly. Yes, thirty minutes of meditation would be very helpful indeed.
