Ship War Fic: Absence
Absence
“Spock!” she screamed, her nails leaving green semi-circles in his back. He came with a roar as she clung to him, shuddering with the aftershocks of her own climax.
“You never cease to amaze, Commander,” she said as she caught her breath.
“I am gratified to hear your assessment of my…abilities, Lieutenant.”
She snuggled closer. “I can’t think of any better way to celebrate our first night of living together,” she murmured sleepily.
“We could have unpacked.”
“True, but we had to test the new bed first.”
“Ah. This was merely your method of testing the suitability of the new mattress?”
“I thought you’d like my scientific approach to the matter.”
“I am most appreciative,” he said, nuzzling her neck.
They fell asleep, still a tangle of limbs, caught up in the bliss of this next step in their relationship.
***
The summons came at 0330 hours. After a quick shower, Nyota and Spock made their way to the captain’s office.
“Have a seat, you two,” Kirk said, obviously recently awakened himself.
“Starfleet has sent new orders. Very vague orders, by the way; everything’s hush-hush. Lieutenant, they want you on detail for an undisclosed mission at an undisclosed location for an undisclosed length of time,” he said, not bothering to hide his annoyance. “We are to rendezvous with a cargo vessel. We will transport you to this mystery ship, and upon arrival you will receive a detailed briefing.” He handed Spock a padd. “Spock, I’ll need you to enter these coordinates and take the conn. No one must know where we are headed.” He slid another padd to Nyota. “This is for you. I have no idea what’s in it, but you have approximately 6 hours to review it and pack. No discussion of this can take place outside of these walls. Including your quarters.”
“Understood, Captain,” she said, and turned to look at Spock. “Talk about lousy timing.”
***
Nyota stood near the transporter pad, Spock at her side holding her bag. Kirk was kind enough to turn his head as they kissed their goodbyes. The cargo vessel signaled their readiness and Spock moved to the controls. “I anticipate your safe return, k’diwa.”
“Love you,” she waved sadly.
He activated the transporter and she was gone in a swirl of light.
He stood staring at the empty pad. “C’mon,” said Kirk. “I’ll buy you breakfast.”
***
Spock slept on Nyota’s pillow that night. He awoke at 0400 hours, and rifled through some of the many unpacked boxes and bags. Upon finding the necessary items, he sat at his desk and began his task.
***
Kirk sauntered onto the bridge and made his way to his chair where he was met by Spock.
“No incidents during gamma shift, Captain. All departments report ready.”
Kirk looked at his first officer. Poor guy, he thought. It had been two weeks since Nyota had shipped out on detail. He leaned in to whisper. “No news, Spock. I even called Admiral Pike. No joy there either.”
Spock maintained his usual rigid posture and never took his eyes from the viewscreen. “I appreciate your making inquiries,” he said quietly.
“I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything.”
Spock nodded and returned to the science station.
***
The others seemed surprised when Spock joined them for the weekly poker game.
“I gave no indication that I would not attend. Why would you not expect my presence?”
“Because it is exactly one month since the lieutenant left,” said Sulu as he dealt the first hand.
“We’d figured you’d be in your quarters pining,” Scotty said around a mouthful of pretzels.
“I am Vulcan, Mr. Scott. I do not ‘pine.’”
“Good God, man! You don’t even miss her?!” McCoy spat.
“On the contrary, doctor. I find her absence most…disconcerting.”
“Discon…green-blooded hobgo-”
“As a medical professional, Dr. McCoy, would you not agree that I should avoid prolonged solitude and instead, engage with my fellows to forestall what Mr. Scott calls ‘pining?’”
“He has you there, Doc,” said Sulu.
McCoy merely grumbled. “Pointy-eared-”
“Gentlemen,” Kirk interjected, “I thought we were here to play cards.”
***
Spock sat in his meditation robes, allowing the scent of the incense to sooth him. Forty-two days, 16 hours, 58 minutes without Nyota. He focused on his breath and the beating of his heart.
“Kirk to Spock! My office. Now!”
“Acknowledged.” He walked quickly through the corridors, ignoring the strange looks his flowing robes garnered.
“Captain?” He did not bother to disguise his anticipation. Kirk smiled, and Spock let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. Kirk pointed to his monitor.
“Hi honey!” Nyota bounced in her chair. He didn’t even try to hide his smile.
***
He stood behind the transporter controls, watching his beloved materialize on the pad before him. Ignoring the captain, she ran to him and he lifted her in his arms.
“Ahem. AHEM.”
“Oh, uh…permission to come aboard, Captain?” Spock didn’t wait for the answer and brought her lips to his again.
“Permission granted. If anyone’s even listening. And two days leave for you both. Welcome back, Lieutenant.”
Never taking their eyes from each other they both murmured “thank you,” and resumed their reunion.
***
Four hours later, Spock rose from their bed.
“Come back!” she protested.
“One moment. I have something for you.” He went to his desk and brought back a small handmade book. He handed it to her as he got back in bed.
Nyota flipped through the pages and sighed. Every day of her absence, he’d written to her. About half of the pages held drawings, many of which were highly erotic and some, downright pornographic.
“It was how I avoided…‘pining,’” he said.
She looked up at him, caressed an ear and kissed him. “This is the most romantic thing…ever,” she said. “Oooo…wanna try this?” she asked pointing to one of his drawings.
“Now?”
“Mmmm…yes please!”
He kissed her nose. “Put on the boots. I will gather the necessary equipment.”