Smoke and Mirrors (Part Three)
Title: Smoke and Mirrors (PART THREE)
Fandom: StarTrek Reboot (Spock/Uhura/Kirk)
Characters: Spock, Uhura, Kirk, McCoy
Warnings: Adult Situations, Extreme Language, Strong Sexual Content
Final Word Count: 3,396(multi Chapter fic) Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: Not Mine / Entertainment Only
Captains Log, Star date 43129.2 The Legarians were very welcoming. In fact the ceremony here reminds me of those on Earth during the most festive of holidays. Since our arrival Uhura and I have had little time to speak. Between her translating our constant introductions to the leaders of this peaceful planet we’ve barely spent five minutes alone.
But Elgin has informed me of the ceremony-with the aid of Legarian crystals-would be a pilgrimage of sorts. I’m told that the guide will take us there and it is up to me see the purpose, the truth. What do I care, as long as the truth brings her closer to me…
“Chekov, report?”
Silence falls over the bridge. With Spock at the helm every crewman is focused and alert. There’s no room for debate or discussion over commands. A direct answer is all that is required.
“An Ion Storm sir.” Chekov mumbles, brow furrowed peppered with sweat, Spock observes the tension in his posture. The restraint in his voice is more telling. There’s something that the young ensign keeps from him.
“Continue…” presses Spock.
“It’s strange sir. Now, I can’t…”
“Can’t? Explain?”
“I’ve been unable to get a lock in on the Captain and his party.” Chekov stammers. The pads of his fingers work nervously over the ODN matrix on the display panel. Screens blink and switch from one to the other. Each grid remains blank, no bio-physiology returned. “I’m switching over to an orbital scan of the planet that will take several minutes to complete.” Chekov turns and faces Spock who watches from the command chair. “My preliminary assessment sir, the storm should pass. The Nebula however, sir, it’s the possible cause.”
“I agree with Chekov. The mass-spectrometer is returning some strange disturbances within the Nebula, it may be the source.” Sulu adds.
Spock is upright-fist to chin. How did this Nebula move in so swiftly? Could the Legarian’s be at fault? Was it the Nebula or something else overlooked? His finger presses the intercom button on the arm of the chair. “Bridge to engineering.”
Aye, Scottie here….
“I need a diagnostic on all systems starting with the duodynamic field core…”
For?
“Any disturbances or interference from the Nebula that may be the cause of failing transport and tracking systems on the surface of Legaria. Check for the unknown.”
Aye! Scottie out….
Spock jaw clenches his lips press into a thin white line. What is he missing? Is it just a storm? Is it something more? His thoughts are muddied, his focus waning. And there is only one cause: her. Minutes before transport she gave a wink and pretty smile then slipped out of his reach. Most illogical was his response. Several seconds passed and he couldn’t rationalize it. The dread, jealousy, and need for reassurance had left him pacing…dare he even think it, worrying. Why? It was the why that troubled him the most. It set in the moment she fought a complete mind-meld to answer the question. The one any lover would need answered after…
Engineering to bridge…Spock we’re noticing a power drain on sectors two and four. Not sure why. The diagnostics is still running…
“Continue.” Spock answered. He set aside his concern. Yes, this would make the second time that the communications Lieutenant was off-board when more tactical crewmen were left behind. But Uhura was very deserving of the mission. There should be no question to it.
“It appears that the Captain and Uhura have disappeared down the rabbit hole.”
Another injection of doubt, just what he needed. Spock closed his eyes, paused, then reopened them. His voice steady he held on to his purpose with an even disciplined manner.
“Not hardly doctor. We know where they are.”
“Right, but we’re cut off from the Legarian ceremony. Something you clearly didn’t expect.” McCoy steps to the left his voice lowered but nonetheless irritating. Spock ears burn. His eyes slip over then away.
“That is true.”
“You know what the ceremony is? What they do?”
“I know what it’s for. How they go about it is not known to anyone. The Legarians have never invited any human or Vulcan to participate to my knowledge. This doctor is a monumental event for the Federation.”
McCoy smirks. “Ah, so the Federation wins a Legarian alliance. Jim and Lt. Uhura again gain enlightenment, whatever that means.” He rolls his eyes. “And you and I? We get to travel around a cloud of gas, checking for space fart. The great rewards of being second in command.”
Spock frowns. “Are you implying I should feel slighted for doing my duty?”
McCoy pats his arm. “Loosen up Spock; she’ll be back soon enough.”
“I am not concerned…”
McCoy walks away mid-speak. “I’m in sickbay, maybe someone stumped their toe and can brighten my day.” he tosses back and slips out of the automatic doors.
Spock settles down in the command chair his eyes lowered to half-mast and jaw tight. He wonders again: What enlightenment the ceremony will truly bring.
***
The Legarians though physically appear reptilian-large beetle-like eyes, melon shaped heads, green scaly skin with talons for hands-their behaviors are uniquely kin to human. Uhura noticed it immediately upon their arrival to the city of Egariva, which is the largest populated region on the planet. Every other colony nothing more than a small cluster….what Legarians considered an extension from their core existence.
A city made of crystals. The living quarters separated by clear fluid-like walls. She was nervous during her changing into the ceremonial gear. Lack of privacy notwithstanding, the garb they expected her to adorn was inappropriate, warrior like. A cat-suit beige and gold cut from the strangest textured cloth, it slid over her body like a second skin. The top was even tighter. A heart shaped bone-edge corset that cupped her breasts suggestively pushing them upward, revealing her arms, shoulders and neck. They presented her with copper bands for both arms and a copper cuff to be worn around her neck.
It was too evocative. By all standards she found it quite demeaning. Yes, Star Fleet offered fashion that revealed a woman’s femininity, but this gear had a sort of dominatrix look and feel to it. How was that elevation?
She dressed alone but was soon joined by Legarian females who tended to her hair, threading crystals in her locks doing away with her conservative ponytail. Her make-up artistry mostly centered over her eyes. Smoked out lashes lined in dark kohl with sparkling eye-shadow that shimmied golden earth tones, brushed toward her temples like that of an Egyptian Queen. The Legarian’s worked with a finesse she didn’t imagine for their state. Had they tended to human females before? Of course not. This was strange.
“You look beautiful.”
She whirled at the deep voice, velvet with a serrated edge that scraped her senses and diminished her cool. He had appeared through the wall as if he never passed and his physical appearance rendered her speechless. Knickers with a sash tied around the hip like a pirate-hunting boots that reached his knees. His chest bare, tribal markings here and there, they also snaked down his left arm. A crystal pulsating in beat with his heart hung from a thin chain, resting in the indention between his rock-hard pecks.
The look in his eyes stuck her like blue-lightening, sending a charge to her most intimate spots. She pushed back at the magnetic pull those orbs had locked on hers, losing the battle of wills she finally had to look away.
“How long have you been standing there?” she asked, voice hoarse, her eyes now on the crystal. It held her in place, though her mind screamed for her to move out of his reach or suffer the temptation of reaching back. One word came to mind: hypnotic.
Then he came forward, gaze roving, lingering on the crease between her thighs where her sex was snug but on display by the tightness of the jumper. She turned from his approach by doing so offering him another view instead. In this she could not win. Every suggestive thought he had was telepathic and set her pulse racing. If she hadn’t had sex with him, hadn’t remembered the feelings of him thrusting in and out of her greedy pussy it would be different. The after affects of that treacherous moment in time with him haunted her still-even more when they were alone.
“Long enough.” He sounded almost breathless, she cut her eyes back over, and the desire there softened her to him. Not enough to ignore the warning of her thundering heartbeat.
“You look…different. Beautiful.” He murmured.
“I don’t think it wise…” she swallowed, “…for us…to go off with the Legarian’s without our transceivers sir. How would the Enterprise keep track of us?”
“Oh I’m sure Spock has his eyes on you.”
Uhura tensed.
“Have you noticed that they removed our clothing, our transponders, it appears to me sir…”
“It’s their custom Nyota.”
“Don’t call me that….” She mumbled under her breath.
He ignored the request. Closing the space between them, the timber in his voice changed so significantly she couldn’t help but meet his stare. “We have our mission. Relations with the Legarians depend on our ability to trust them. You know the drill, forge new relationships, extend the Federation’s mission of peace and diplomacy…. so we can better align our worlds. Trust Nyota. You do know how to trust.” He touched her spiral curls, rubbing the crystal twined around her silky threads.
“James don’t.”
“I simply asked.”
He was too close. Her breathing became labored and her eyes fluttered at the heat spreading ribbons of a false desire through her. A magnetic power he wielded freely over most women. False because true desire and passion came in the form of love, such as, the open love Spock offered instead. This was lust and it had to end.
She sucked in a deep breath. A turn, any movement on her part and they’d touch. Her lashes lifted slowly. Uhura kept her sight trained ahead. “Fine, then we trust them. But I don’t trust you.”
His deep throaty chuckle made her smile. How did he do that? Since the day she met him he had the knack of forcing a smile. She fought it again and shot him a look. “They’ve asked me to come for you.” He spoke again, directly into her ear. “Our guide is prepared to meet us. We close the circle, the divinity in three, but we’re missing one aren’t we Nyota?”
Uhura eyes cut over. Kirk’s left brow rose in a challenge. She sighed, resigned to her fate. It was best to get this over with. Whatever it was. The sooner she was back to her real duties the better her world would be. Turning she gave him a look. It commanded that he give her space. Immediately.
He didn’t. In fact it was as if he drew closer. So close her nipples brushed his chest and their breaths mingled. Kirk licked his bottom lip and her eyes were drawn to the action. “One thing.” He breathed.
“No more of this.” She exhaled.
“Listen.”
“Not if you’re…”
“Let me say it and it can be done.”
She stepped back. She should have done so sooner. Why hadn’t she? Was she encouraging this? Growing angry with herself she tried again to put it in perspective. His behavior since the Delta Rena had her wavering on points of protocol. Respect him as her superior, or drive her knee in his crotch for being such an unscrupulous jerk. What man would persist under these circumstances if it wasn’t for some nefarious purpose?
Then he touched her. So smooth was the action she barely saw his hand move before his finger curled under her chin, lifting. Her eyes again locked in the brilliant blue swirl of his. “For the record. Whatever happened in the Delta Rena, however it went down-influenced or not-it wasn’t a mistake to me. If it was a one time occurrence then I concede. Spock is the better man. Your choice. Nyota, hear me, that concession changes nothing regarding what I felt, what you feel.”
The blue in his penetrating gaze eclipsed, darkened, and the thick passionate tone of his voice caused her throat to go dry, her eyes to lower with submission as full-frontal memories of the hot and heavy rose between them. He smiled a devilish secretive smile that only she knew the meaning behind. Again his face inched in closer, her lips parted, her head dipping further back.
“James, he’s your friend.”
“I know.” His voice was heavy with want, need, she could feel his chest swell against the pointed tips of her nipples. Mercy. The crystal was now burning bright at the crest of her breasts burning his want into her.
“If you respect me then stop or…”
“Or what?” his mouth a fraction from hers, he spoke against her lips so close to touching, the heat of the words rolling in, parted her lips as a rush of his breath minty and sweet filled her. She swallowed. Squeezed her eyes shut and shook it off. The crystal on his neck glowing so bright it cast his face in a spotlight of handsome brutish strength. Uhura pushed him off, glaring. “Stop it! Now!”
He stepped back smirking wiping at his jaw. “Or?”
“Or I’ll transfer off the Enterprise. I’ll do that before it destroys my love with Spock, our friendship, and my career, in that order.” She brushed past him, hot tears of frustration burning the corners ducts of her eyes, blurring her vision. She went through the wall of liquid feeling nothing but a shift in temperature in her passing. On the other side two Legarians waited in long ceremonial robes. Behind her he arrived, and said something she cut off, her voice sharp and strong she greeted the Legarian’s and informed them they were ready.
He fell in step at her side. He appeared flustered by his failed attempt to seduce her, hopefully considering her threat as it was meant. Together they walked the long hall in silence.
***
Scottie to bridge…
Chief engineer Montgomery Scott steps up to the view of the screen, the warp core reactor behind is blinking cautionary lights. He looks back at it then to the screen. Spock detects concern but not worry in that look.
“Report?” Spock asks.
The Nebula Spock. I’m detecting a strong energy source; it seems to be moving through the core drive. When evaluating the imprint I found it. The trace appears to be marked as…Klingon….
“Can you stabilize the core?”
Aye, she’s maintaining…but I’m not sure the purpose of this breech.
Spock mulls it over. “Direct all power to thrusters we are now at yellow alert. Energize defense shields!” Spock leaned forward. “Take us in Sulu…”
“Sir navigation is compromised in the Nebula.” Sulu warns.
“I will be unable to continue the scans to lock on the Captain and the rest of the crew.” Chekov adds.
I have to say Spock, they are right. We’re blind in the Nebula. Shields, communications, all of it compromised. I’ll give her all that she has mate, but I have no guarantees...
“We’re going in. If it is Klingon then we must engage…”
“Yes sir.” Sulu responds.
“Scottie if…”
Aye, I’ll do the best I can….engineering out.
Spock steps down to the con level, hands behind his back. The Enterprise pulls out of the planets gravitational orbit and heads toward the growing mass of the red and purple Nebula. No one says it but they all feel it. This isn’t random; they may soon be engaged in battle. The bridge doors open and McCoy appears he stops mid-step at what’s onscreen. Breath collectively held they enter the unknown.
“Captain Spock we’re being hailed….” Crewman Jones on communication reports.
“On screen.” Spock orders, he steps slowly between ensign Chekov and Sulu. Evil eyes under a large cranial brow with protruding skull slashes and long dark, knotty hair circling the receding hairline, meet his. “Larg?”
Larg snarls. “Enterprise….” He spits in disgust.
“What is he doing here…” McCoy asks. Spock raises his hand to silence him. Uhura was right. Klingon were here all along. Cloaked but waiting.
“You are in Federation space. Your battleship was purposefully cloaked. The question is valid. What are you doing here Larg?”
“Kutchav!” Larg snarls, bares fanged chipped teeth then gives a meaty chuckle and snort. “This is not Federation space. The Legarians have no alliance with the Federation!”
“That is a formality and you know it. One that is not of Klingon concern.” Spock notes, his hands clench behind his back. Uhura is on the planet and Klingon are here, the probability of a full blown battle increases and he has no way to warn or protect her.
Larg snarls but says nothing. Soon it is clear why. Stepping to his side is Antaak, once a doctor in the Imperial Fleet. Antaak wields both political and diplomatic power between the Klingon and the Federation. McCoy knows him well.
“Antaak? What is this about? Why have you invaded Legarian air space?” McCoy asks.
“McCoy.” Antaak responds with a grunt.
“The doctor is right Antaak, this is most inappropriate. You will withdraw and leave the Legarian solar system at once.”
“Will not!” Larg barks. Antaak puts a hand to the General’s arm. He gives a nod. He is an older Klingon, hair a wooly grey hanging to his shoulders. But he is more civilized than Larg. Spock and Kirk have had run-ins with Larg and his band of space pirates before. “I’m afraid that will not be possible. We are here on order of the Klingon High Council. The Legarian’s have a crystal known as Phlox…we need it.”
Spock left brow rose. “Most interesting, but if it belongs to the Legarian’s your needs have no merit.”
“On the contrary. This crystal will save many Klingon lives. There is more than merit. We have followed the Enterprise here to take back what is ours. The source stone has a Klingon origin…”
Spock and McCoy eyes meet, then return to screen.
“We will take by force!” Antaak shouts.
Larg belts off a hard laugh, his shoulders shaking. A ghoulish grin spreading across his face.
“Then you present a problem that the Enterprise is obligated to neutralize. I am giving you another warning-the final one. Withdraw. Now.”
“Schulvav!” Larg shouts. “We aren’t asking for your permission Vulcan!”
“Sir their photon-torpedo’s are locked on us and….”
The Klingon’s fire. Enterprise takes the blunt of the hit rattling the hull of the ship, sending both Spock and McCoy back several steps.
“Shields at 70% Captain.” Crewman Jones says.
“How are they able to fire at us in a Nebula?” McCoy asks, reclaiming balance, eyes wide with panic.
Larg laughs and the screen blinks off.
“Fire!” Spock orders. The Enterprise counters with photon torpedoes at the Klingon vessel. Both hard blasts are deflected by the Klingon’s shields.
“Engineering!” Spock calls hitting the badge on his chest.
Aye, Scottie here. The Klingon’s are hitting us with stratospheric blasts. She can’t take much more of this…
“Divert all power to the photonic emitters. Scottie we need to be able to get through their shields.
I’m giving her all I can Spock…it’s not…
The Enterprise takes another torpedo hit that flings the crew standing from one end to the other of the ship. The light boards spark and smoke from the power surge that fry’s circuitry. Spock lands on his back, the wind knocked from his lungs. Smoke fills the air. “Sulu…”
“Shields at 40% Captain…we have to warp. Another direct hit and we’re done.”
“Spock! What of Jim and Uhura?” McCoy shouts.
Spock hesitates. Chest tight with decision, the only logical choice. Then he acts, eyes closing to the command. “Warp five. Take us out! NOW!”
Fandom: StarTrek Reboot (Spock/Uhura/Kirk)
Characters: Spock, Uhura, Kirk, McCoy
Warnings: Adult Situations, Extreme Language, Strong Sexual Content
Final Word Count: 3,396(multi Chapter fic) Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: Not Mine / Entertainment Only
Captains Log, Star date 43129.2 The Legarians were very welcoming. In fact the ceremony here reminds me of those on Earth during the most festive of holidays. Since our arrival Uhura and I have had little time to speak. Between her translating our constant introductions to the leaders of this peaceful planet we’ve barely spent five minutes alone.
But Elgin has informed me of the ceremony-with the aid of Legarian crystals-would be a pilgrimage of sorts. I’m told that the guide will take us there and it is up to me see the purpose, the truth. What do I care, as long as the truth brings her closer to me…
“Chekov, report?”
Silence falls over the bridge. With Spock at the helm every crewman is focused and alert. There’s no room for debate or discussion over commands. A direct answer is all that is required.
“An Ion Storm sir.” Chekov mumbles, brow furrowed peppered with sweat, Spock observes the tension in his posture. The restraint in his voice is more telling. There’s something that the young ensign keeps from him.
“Continue…” presses Spock.
“It’s strange sir. Now, I can’t…”
“Can’t? Explain?”
“I’ve been unable to get a lock in on the Captain and his party.” Chekov stammers. The pads of his fingers work nervously over the ODN matrix on the display panel. Screens blink and switch from one to the other. Each grid remains blank, no bio-physiology returned. “I’m switching over to an orbital scan of the planet that will take several minutes to complete.” Chekov turns and faces Spock who watches from the command chair. “My preliminary assessment sir, the storm should pass. The Nebula however, sir, it’s the possible cause.”
“I agree with Chekov. The mass-spectrometer is returning some strange disturbances within the Nebula, it may be the source.” Sulu adds.
Spock is upright-fist to chin. How did this Nebula move in so swiftly? Could the Legarian’s be at fault? Was it the Nebula or something else overlooked? His finger presses the intercom button on the arm of the chair. “Bridge to engineering.”
Aye, Scottie here….
“I need a diagnostic on all systems starting with the duodynamic field core…”
For?
“Any disturbances or interference from the Nebula that may be the cause of failing transport and tracking systems on the surface of Legaria. Check for the unknown.”
Aye! Scottie out….
Spock jaw clenches his lips press into a thin white line. What is he missing? Is it just a storm? Is it something more? His thoughts are muddied, his focus waning. And there is only one cause: her. Minutes before transport she gave a wink and pretty smile then slipped out of his reach. Most illogical was his response. Several seconds passed and he couldn’t rationalize it. The dread, jealousy, and need for reassurance had left him pacing…dare he even think it, worrying. Why? It was the why that troubled him the most. It set in the moment she fought a complete mind-meld to answer the question. The one any lover would need answered after…
Engineering to bridge…Spock we’re noticing a power drain on sectors two and four. Not sure why. The diagnostics is still running…
“Continue.” Spock answered. He set aside his concern. Yes, this would make the second time that the communications Lieutenant was off-board when more tactical crewmen were left behind. But Uhura was very deserving of the mission. There should be no question to it.
“It appears that the Captain and Uhura have disappeared down the rabbit hole.”
Another injection of doubt, just what he needed. Spock closed his eyes, paused, then reopened them. His voice steady he held on to his purpose with an even disciplined manner.
“Not hardly doctor. We know where they are.”
“Right, but we’re cut off from the Legarian ceremony. Something you clearly didn’t expect.” McCoy steps to the left his voice lowered but nonetheless irritating. Spock ears burn. His eyes slip over then away.
“That is true.”
“You know what the ceremony is? What they do?”
“I know what it’s for. How they go about it is not known to anyone. The Legarians have never invited any human or Vulcan to participate to my knowledge. This doctor is a monumental event for the Federation.”
McCoy smirks. “Ah, so the Federation wins a Legarian alliance. Jim and Lt. Uhura again gain enlightenment, whatever that means.” He rolls his eyes. “And you and I? We get to travel around a cloud of gas, checking for space fart. The great rewards of being second in command.”
Spock frowns. “Are you implying I should feel slighted for doing my duty?”
McCoy pats his arm. “Loosen up Spock; she’ll be back soon enough.”
“I am not concerned…”
McCoy walks away mid-speak. “I’m in sickbay, maybe someone stumped their toe and can brighten my day.” he tosses back and slips out of the automatic doors.
Spock settles down in the command chair his eyes lowered to half-mast and jaw tight. He wonders again: What enlightenment the ceremony will truly bring.
***
The Legarians though physically appear reptilian-large beetle-like eyes, melon shaped heads, green scaly skin with talons for hands-their behaviors are uniquely kin to human. Uhura noticed it immediately upon their arrival to the city of Egariva, which is the largest populated region on the planet. Every other colony nothing more than a small cluster….what Legarians considered an extension from their core existence.
A city made of crystals. The living quarters separated by clear fluid-like walls. She was nervous during her changing into the ceremonial gear. Lack of privacy notwithstanding, the garb they expected her to adorn was inappropriate, warrior like. A cat-suit beige and gold cut from the strangest textured cloth, it slid over her body like a second skin. The top was even tighter. A heart shaped bone-edge corset that cupped her breasts suggestively pushing them upward, revealing her arms, shoulders and neck. They presented her with copper bands for both arms and a copper cuff to be worn around her neck.
It was too evocative. By all standards she found it quite demeaning. Yes, Star Fleet offered fashion that revealed a woman’s femininity, but this gear had a sort of dominatrix look and feel to it. How was that elevation?
She dressed alone but was soon joined by Legarian females who tended to her hair, threading crystals in her locks doing away with her conservative ponytail. Her make-up artistry mostly centered over her eyes. Smoked out lashes lined in dark kohl with sparkling eye-shadow that shimmied golden earth tones, brushed toward her temples like that of an Egyptian Queen. The Legarian’s worked with a finesse she didn’t imagine for their state. Had they tended to human females before? Of course not. This was strange.
“You look beautiful.”
She whirled at the deep voice, velvet with a serrated edge that scraped her senses and diminished her cool. He had appeared through the wall as if he never passed and his physical appearance rendered her speechless. Knickers with a sash tied around the hip like a pirate-hunting boots that reached his knees. His chest bare, tribal markings here and there, they also snaked down his left arm. A crystal pulsating in beat with his heart hung from a thin chain, resting in the indention between his rock-hard pecks.
The look in his eyes stuck her like blue-lightening, sending a charge to her most intimate spots. She pushed back at the magnetic pull those orbs had locked on hers, losing the battle of wills she finally had to look away.
“How long have you been standing there?” she asked, voice hoarse, her eyes now on the crystal. It held her in place, though her mind screamed for her to move out of his reach or suffer the temptation of reaching back. One word came to mind: hypnotic.
Then he came forward, gaze roving, lingering on the crease between her thighs where her sex was snug but on display by the tightness of the jumper. She turned from his approach by doing so offering him another view instead. In this she could not win. Every suggestive thought he had was telepathic and set her pulse racing. If she hadn’t had sex with him, hadn’t remembered the feelings of him thrusting in and out of her greedy pussy it would be different. The after affects of that treacherous moment in time with him haunted her still-even more when they were alone.
“Long enough.” He sounded almost breathless, she cut her eyes back over, and the desire there softened her to him. Not enough to ignore the warning of her thundering heartbeat.
“You look…different. Beautiful.” He murmured.
“I don’t think it wise…” she swallowed, “…for us…to go off with the Legarian’s without our transceivers sir. How would the Enterprise keep track of us?”
“Oh I’m sure Spock has his eyes on you.”
Uhura tensed.
“Have you noticed that they removed our clothing, our transponders, it appears to me sir…”
“It’s their custom Nyota.”
“Don’t call me that….” She mumbled under her breath.
He ignored the request. Closing the space between them, the timber in his voice changed so significantly she couldn’t help but meet his stare. “We have our mission. Relations with the Legarians depend on our ability to trust them. You know the drill, forge new relationships, extend the Federation’s mission of peace and diplomacy…. so we can better align our worlds. Trust Nyota. You do know how to trust.” He touched her spiral curls, rubbing the crystal twined around her silky threads.
“James don’t.”
“I simply asked.”
He was too close. Her breathing became labored and her eyes fluttered at the heat spreading ribbons of a false desire through her. A magnetic power he wielded freely over most women. False because true desire and passion came in the form of love, such as, the open love Spock offered instead. This was lust and it had to end.
She sucked in a deep breath. A turn, any movement on her part and they’d touch. Her lashes lifted slowly. Uhura kept her sight trained ahead. “Fine, then we trust them. But I don’t trust you.”
His deep throaty chuckle made her smile. How did he do that? Since the day she met him he had the knack of forcing a smile. She fought it again and shot him a look. “They’ve asked me to come for you.” He spoke again, directly into her ear. “Our guide is prepared to meet us. We close the circle, the divinity in three, but we’re missing one aren’t we Nyota?”
Uhura eyes cut over. Kirk’s left brow rose in a challenge. She sighed, resigned to her fate. It was best to get this over with. Whatever it was. The sooner she was back to her real duties the better her world would be. Turning she gave him a look. It commanded that he give her space. Immediately.
He didn’t. In fact it was as if he drew closer. So close her nipples brushed his chest and their breaths mingled. Kirk licked his bottom lip and her eyes were drawn to the action. “One thing.” He breathed.
“No more of this.” She exhaled.
“Listen.”
“Not if you’re…”
“Let me say it and it can be done.”
She stepped back. She should have done so sooner. Why hadn’t she? Was she encouraging this? Growing angry with herself she tried again to put it in perspective. His behavior since the Delta Rena had her wavering on points of protocol. Respect him as her superior, or drive her knee in his crotch for being such an unscrupulous jerk. What man would persist under these circumstances if it wasn’t for some nefarious purpose?
Then he touched her. So smooth was the action she barely saw his hand move before his finger curled under her chin, lifting. Her eyes again locked in the brilliant blue swirl of his. “For the record. Whatever happened in the Delta Rena, however it went down-influenced or not-it wasn’t a mistake to me. If it was a one time occurrence then I concede. Spock is the better man. Your choice. Nyota, hear me, that concession changes nothing regarding what I felt, what you feel.”
The blue in his penetrating gaze eclipsed, darkened, and the thick passionate tone of his voice caused her throat to go dry, her eyes to lower with submission as full-frontal memories of the hot and heavy rose between them. He smiled a devilish secretive smile that only she knew the meaning behind. Again his face inched in closer, her lips parted, her head dipping further back.
“James, he’s your friend.”
“I know.” His voice was heavy with want, need, she could feel his chest swell against the pointed tips of her nipples. Mercy. The crystal was now burning bright at the crest of her breasts burning his want into her.
“If you respect me then stop or…”
“Or what?” his mouth a fraction from hers, he spoke against her lips so close to touching, the heat of the words rolling in, parted her lips as a rush of his breath minty and sweet filled her. She swallowed. Squeezed her eyes shut and shook it off. The crystal on his neck glowing so bright it cast his face in a spotlight of handsome brutish strength. Uhura pushed him off, glaring. “Stop it! Now!”
He stepped back smirking wiping at his jaw. “Or?”
“Or I’ll transfer off the Enterprise. I’ll do that before it destroys my love with Spock, our friendship, and my career, in that order.” She brushed past him, hot tears of frustration burning the corners ducts of her eyes, blurring her vision. She went through the wall of liquid feeling nothing but a shift in temperature in her passing. On the other side two Legarians waited in long ceremonial robes. Behind her he arrived, and said something she cut off, her voice sharp and strong she greeted the Legarian’s and informed them they were ready.
He fell in step at her side. He appeared flustered by his failed attempt to seduce her, hopefully considering her threat as it was meant. Together they walked the long hall in silence.
***
Scottie to bridge…
Chief engineer Montgomery Scott steps up to the view of the screen, the warp core reactor behind is blinking cautionary lights. He looks back at it then to the screen. Spock detects concern but not worry in that look.
“Report?” Spock asks.
The Nebula Spock. I’m detecting a strong energy source; it seems to be moving through the core drive. When evaluating the imprint I found it. The trace appears to be marked as…Klingon….
“Can you stabilize the core?”
Aye, she’s maintaining…but I’m not sure the purpose of this breech.
Spock mulls it over. “Direct all power to thrusters we are now at yellow alert. Energize defense shields!” Spock leaned forward. “Take us in Sulu…”
“Sir navigation is compromised in the Nebula.” Sulu warns.
“I will be unable to continue the scans to lock on the Captain and the rest of the crew.” Chekov adds.
I have to say Spock, they are right. We’re blind in the Nebula. Shields, communications, all of it compromised. I’ll give her all that she has mate, but I have no guarantees...
“We’re going in. If it is Klingon then we must engage…”
“Yes sir.” Sulu responds.
“Scottie if…”
Aye, I’ll do the best I can….engineering out.
Spock steps down to the con level, hands behind his back. The Enterprise pulls out of the planets gravitational orbit and heads toward the growing mass of the red and purple Nebula. No one says it but they all feel it. This isn’t random; they may soon be engaged in battle. The bridge doors open and McCoy appears he stops mid-step at what’s onscreen. Breath collectively held they enter the unknown.
“Captain Spock we’re being hailed….” Crewman Jones on communication reports.
“On screen.” Spock orders, he steps slowly between ensign Chekov and Sulu. Evil eyes under a large cranial brow with protruding skull slashes and long dark, knotty hair circling the receding hairline, meet his. “Larg?”
Larg snarls. “Enterprise….” He spits in disgust.
“What is he doing here…” McCoy asks. Spock raises his hand to silence him. Uhura was right. Klingon were here all along. Cloaked but waiting.
“You are in Federation space. Your battleship was purposefully cloaked. The question is valid. What are you doing here Larg?”
“Kutchav!” Larg snarls, bares fanged chipped teeth then gives a meaty chuckle and snort. “This is not Federation space. The Legarians have no alliance with the Federation!”
“That is a formality and you know it. One that is not of Klingon concern.” Spock notes, his hands clench behind his back. Uhura is on the planet and Klingon are here, the probability of a full blown battle increases and he has no way to warn or protect her.
Larg snarls but says nothing. Soon it is clear why. Stepping to his side is Antaak, once a doctor in the Imperial Fleet. Antaak wields both political and diplomatic power between the Klingon and the Federation. McCoy knows him well.
“Antaak? What is this about? Why have you invaded Legarian air space?” McCoy asks.
“McCoy.” Antaak responds with a grunt.
“The doctor is right Antaak, this is most inappropriate. You will withdraw and leave the Legarian solar system at once.”
“Will not!” Larg barks. Antaak puts a hand to the General’s arm. He gives a nod. He is an older Klingon, hair a wooly grey hanging to his shoulders. But he is more civilized than Larg. Spock and Kirk have had run-ins with Larg and his band of space pirates before. “I’m afraid that will not be possible. We are here on order of the Klingon High Council. The Legarian’s have a crystal known as Phlox…we need it.”
Spock left brow rose. “Most interesting, but if it belongs to the Legarian’s your needs have no merit.”
“On the contrary. This crystal will save many Klingon lives. There is more than merit. We have followed the Enterprise here to take back what is ours. The source stone has a Klingon origin…”
Spock and McCoy eyes meet, then return to screen.
“We will take by force!” Antaak shouts.
Larg belts off a hard laugh, his shoulders shaking. A ghoulish grin spreading across his face.
“Then you present a problem that the Enterprise is obligated to neutralize. I am giving you another warning-the final one. Withdraw. Now.”
“Schulvav!” Larg shouts. “We aren’t asking for your permission Vulcan!”
“Sir their photon-torpedo’s are locked on us and….”
The Klingon’s fire. Enterprise takes the blunt of the hit rattling the hull of the ship, sending both Spock and McCoy back several steps.
“Shields at 70% Captain.” Crewman Jones says.
“How are they able to fire at us in a Nebula?” McCoy asks, reclaiming balance, eyes wide with panic.
Larg laughs and the screen blinks off.
“Fire!” Spock orders. The Enterprise counters with photon torpedoes at the Klingon vessel. Both hard blasts are deflected by the Klingon’s shields.
“Engineering!” Spock calls hitting the badge on his chest.
Aye, Scottie here. The Klingon’s are hitting us with stratospheric blasts. She can’t take much more of this…
“Divert all power to the photonic emitters. Scottie we need to be able to get through their shields.
I’m giving her all I can Spock…it’s not…
The Enterprise takes another torpedo hit that flings the crew standing from one end to the other of the ship. The light boards spark and smoke from the power surge that fry’s circuitry. Spock lands on his back, the wind knocked from his lungs. Smoke fills the air. “Sulu…”
“Shields at 40% Captain…we have to warp. Another direct hit and we’re done.”
“Spock! What of Jim and Uhura?” McCoy shouts.
Spock hesitates. Chest tight with decision, the only logical choice. Then he acts, eyes closing to the command. “Warp five. Take us out! NOW!”