DISCLAIMER: The Star Trek characters are the property of Paramount Studios, Inc. The story contents are the creation and property of JM Lane and is copyright (c) 200w by JM Lane. This story is Rated NC17.
Unexpected Gifts
(aka Two Slices of Cheesecake, Please)
J. M. Lane
Christmas was coming up soon, and Dr. Christine Chapel was wracking her brain as to what to do in the way of a gift for Spock. She knew the tastes of her other friends aboard ship, but could never be sure what a Vulcan -- even a half-Human one -- would like. And in spite of all the times he had claimed that Vulcans did not give or accept gifts, she was also sure that he had enjoyed what the Captain (even Leonard and Nyota occasionally) had given him in the past…if not for Christmas, for his birthday. If they could give him gifts, why couldn't she? Especially now that they were bonded.
After a time she decided to give him what most men would like from the woman they loved -- a "cheesecake" holophoto of her in either a skimpy bathing suit, sexy clothes or lingerie. But even though she knew that Spock would probably not totally understand the gift, he would surely be man enough to appreciate the picture of her in sexy lingerie or clothing and/or a provocative pose, done with him in mind -- and for his eyes only.
She would have to enlist Nyota's help, deciding it was worth the risk of her friend's teasing her, even with the chance that some of the teasing would be at least somewhat risqué. What mattered was making sure that this would be a gift that Spock would never forget.
She wasn't sure what Spock was going to do in the way of something for her, but knew what she'd like to have -- a beefcake picture of him, most likely taken by the Captain. Not that she was likely to get one, but it was fun to speculate on the possibility nevertheless.
She reached for her desk intercom and contacted Uhura on the Bridge.
"Ny, could you drop by my quarters after you get off-duty? I need to discuss something important with you."
Uhura knew her friend well enough to know exactly what "something important" Chris was referring to. "Sure, Chris. See you then."
"I'll be waiting."
Christine closed her intercom and got up from her desk to head for her dresser to go through her prettiest and sexiest clothing to see what she could figure out. If not a clingy dress or bathing suit, maybe a silky, lacy teddy with an equally lacy garter belt, silky hose and high-heel slippers. (Maybe she could even put a brief speech with it -- "This is how I'll be dressed on our wedding night. Merry Christmas, my darling…") Now, about her hair…
* * *
"Wow, Chris! That's got to be one of your more spaced-out ideas," Uhura opined upon finding out what kind of gift Christine planned for Spock.
"Maybe so, but you have to admit, it'll be memorable," the other woman pointed out with a sly wink.
"That's for sure," Uhura returned with a laugh. "So, have you decided what you're going to wear?"
"I've narrowed it down to two outfits. I'll model both, then you tell me which one you think Spock would like best."
Privately, Uhura didn't think she could truly judge. A thing like this needed a man's opinion ... but she also knew that if this was supposed to be a surprise for Spock, she couldn't mention it to him, and it wouldn't be proper to ask any other man for his opinion -- unless perhaps it was Dr. McCoy or the Captain. It might be even better if just one of them knew…but which one?
The Captain was the one Spock was closest to, as well as a connoisseur of women -- but Spock might not appreciate even his closest, most trusted friend seeing his bondmate so scantily clad and in such a provocative pose. He might like it even less if McCoy saw her that way, but they were the only ones either of the couple involved trusted even marginally other than herself.
In the end, Uhura decided to show both pictures to both men and ask their opinion on which was most attractive. In the event of a tie, she would have to cast the deciding vote, and it wouldn't be easy, to put it mildly.
* * *
An hour later the modeling/holophoto session was over and Uhura had just left Christine's quarters. It had been a bit of a chore convincing her friend to go along with it at first, but she had finally managed to talk her around. Now all she had to do was see which man she could catch first.
Christine still didn't like the idea of either the Captain or Leonard seeing her dressed and posed so provocatively. She meant the pictures for Spock's eyes alone. She had even argued that since Nyota couldn't decide between the two cheesecake pictures, to simply give Spock both of them.
Nyota had sounded as logical as any Vulcan, however, when she had countered with the fact that it was imperative to have a man's opinion in this kind of situation and that the Captain and McCoy were Spock's two closest friends. If they didn't know the Vulcan's likes and dislikes, no one did.
Just the same, Christine had persisted in pointing out that, as a Vulcan, Spock wouldn't be pleased at any other man seeing his intended mate in such a manner if he found out they had seen it -- or figured out who had showed it to them. Uhura had assured her that she would swear Kirk and McCoy to secrecy…and neither would she herself ever mention it to him.
The most she would admit to would be to taking the holopictures. She would also be the only one who had truly seen Christine so provocatively dressed besides himself. He didn't need to know about the others (unless it happened to slip out, that is), but all intended to make sure it didn't -- for as long as possible, anyway.
* * *
Of course, Christine would have been even more stunned (albeit pleasantly surprised) at the gift Spock was planning for her. He had never done anything like this before; it was most unVulcan, not to mention immodest, despite the fact that he would be [almost] completely dressed.
The most provocative thing he would do (not that Christine needed any provocation) would be to have an open shirt and tight pants. Perhaps he would even pose provocatively, though Spock was most reluctant to do such a thing, even for Christine. The only reason he had agreed was that Jim had told him that to be partially covered was even sexier than bare skin. Even at that, he would allow only Jim to take the picture.
The Vulcan could only hope that Christine's reaction would be worth the embarrassment it would cause him to dress and pose that way, even if only he, Jim and Christine would know about it. He would never live it down if Miss Uhura or Dr. McCoy ever learned of it, knowing how outspoken each was.
Spock would have had the Vulcan equivalent of a "fit" if he had known that Kirk was even considering showing the picture to Uhura, if only to get a woman's opinion (she was the only woman Spock came anywhere near trusting other than Christine -- and perhaps his mother). The Captain told himself to make sure she kept it a secret, however, if only to keep from embarrassing Spock or Christine in front of the rest of the crew.
Yet both Kirk and Uhura could imagine what would happen when each saw those provocative pictures…and could only hope to be present when they were opened. At the moment, however, each had more pressing concerns.
* * *
Uhura tried the Captain's quarters first; Kirk's eyebrows lifted in surprise upon seeing Uhura. "Uhura? What can I do for you?"
"I need you to answer a question for me."
"Sure, if I can. What is it?"
"Can I come in first? It's kind of personal."
Kirk couldn't imagine what kind of personal question Uhura could want (or need) to ask him, but didn't question her, assuming she would tell him what she was there for at the earliest opportunity. Once she was inside and the doors were closed behind her, he motioned her to sit down at his desk as he moved to seat himself behind it. Once he had sat down, Kirk rested clasped hands on top of the desk and looked up at his visitor with an inquisitive smile.
"What can I do for you?"
"Tell me which of these pictures you like best," she told him, handing over the pictures for his perusal. "Since I can't decide, I finally came to the conclusion that a man's opinion was necessary."
This was when Kirk looked closely at the pictures -- and all the blood left his face. He was stunned speechless for an unusually long time before he finally managed to speak again. "But -- this is Christine… Dr. Chapel!"
"Yes," Uhura acknowledged.
"Why are you asking my opinion?"
"Christine asked me to take these, and we thought you could decide which one Spock would like best. She intends to give him one for Christmas."
"Oh, my God…" Kirk breathed. He had seen many women like this, but not Christine. He had never dared to think of any of the women aboard like this, not even the senior female officers: and now this. Christine was beautiful and alluring, even sexy, of course; that wasn't the point. Most of the female Enterprise personnel were. But most importantly, she was Spock's bondmate -- and how would he react if he knew that even his closest friend had seen his future mate in such a state of undress and provocative pose?
"They're both very beautiful," he finally made himself say. "I'm sure Spock would like either one very much."
"But which one do you think is the best?" Uhura persisted. "If you can't decide, I'll have to go to Dr. McCoy. I didn't want to go to anyone else if I could avoid it, since you two are the closest to Spock -- and Christine …and as such, know how to keep things like this to yourselves. If any others saw these, it'd be all over the ship in a week -- and neither Spock nor Christine would ever live it down."
"You have a point," Kirk conceded. "Let's see…if I put myself in Spock's shoes, so to speak -- which one would I pick?" He studied the pictures for a while longer, then looked up at his visitor and said, "I'd love the one of her in the lacy French-cut teddy with one strap off her shoulder, her hair in long ringlets held up with a ribbon and one hand, then a lacy garter belt with white hose and sexy high-heeled slippers."
He could still see Carol that way when she had posed for just such a "glamour" or "cheesecake" shot for him, in the same kind of outfit, not too long before she had become pregnant and they had decided to break up shortly before he'd made Captain. But that was one thing; this was something else again.
He fought off a blush even as he recalled Spock once confessing to him a secret liking for the same thing - -but even as well as he knew the Vulcan, he couldn't be sure that he still felt that way, since that had been some time ago, shortly after his mind-meld with V'ger, in fact.
How could he dare to presume to second-guess Spock, particularly where a sexy holo of Christine was concerned? He certainly knew how he would feel if such a thing happened to him…
"I'm sorry if this embarrasses you, Captain, but I couldn't go to Spock with this. Chris wants to surprise him."
"I understand that, Uhura…and you can be assured that I won't mention this to him. It's just that I've never presumed to second-guess him on anything like this before. I just hope I've not only made the right choice, but been of some help to you." He handed the holophotos back to her.
"Somewhat. Thanks." Uhura stood up, holos in hand, and turned to leave.
"Wait, Uhura. Which one did you like best? You never said," Kirk reminded her.
"I personally lean toward the teddy one myself," she told him.
"Then you still intend to show them to Bones?" the Captain wondered.
"I was considering it. Do you happen to know where he is now?"
"If he's not in his office, try the Officers' Lounge or his quarters," Kirk suggested. "By the way, it might be a good idea if you warned him to sit down first -- if he isn't already, that is."
Uhura smiled. "Will do. Thanks again."
"Let me know how things turn out after Christmas if you can, okay? How they each react?"
"If I can." Since Christmas was still about a week away, Uhura could make only a tentative promise. With that, she disappeared out the door.
Once she was gone, Kirk buried his burning face in his hands, forcing himself to think of other things than the cheesecake holos, like what he had promised to help Spock with. It was no less embarrassing, but at least it was something he could live with and wouldn't be having erotic dreams about. It was best if he went and did that -- then work on some overdue paperwork, if not read for the rest of the night.
After this night, he'd have to make sure he was tired enough so he didn't dream … whatever he had to do. Even at that, it'd be a while before he could get those holos of his ACMO as he had never seen her before (and probably never would again) out of his mind.
* * *
Uhura discovered that McCoy had left Sickbay twenty minutes before for a late dinner in the Officers' Lounge. With luck, there wouldn't be anyone else around to eavesdrop, though she would have preferred to meet with the Doctor in his quarters, if only to be on the safe side. On the other hand, she might not get another chance -- at least not before Christmas -- so she'd better talk to him while she could.
She found him eating in a secluded booth in the darkened Lounge, the only other people in it clear over on the port side of the room. The only light in this area was directly over him, putting his craggy face in shadow.
"Dr. McCoy?" she asked softly once she stood next to him.
McCoy looked up, almost choking on his drink. "Uhura? What are you doing here?" he asked, clearly startled.
"I need to talk to you," she replied, sliding into the seat facing him.
"May I ask what about?" the Doctor inquired as he set his drink down.
"Chris's Christmas present for Spock."
"What about it?" He looked intently at her.
"I need you to answer a question for me."
"Of course. What is it?"
She handed him the two pictures of Christine. "Which one of these pictures do you think Spock would like best?"
The Doctor's eyes widened once he realized what they were…and who the subject was. He fought off a blush upon seeing them, because of the thoughts they had prompted, just as Kirk had, but without much success. Fortunately, Uhura didn't seem to notice. "You're asking me something like this? Wouldn't you do better to go to Jim -- or even Spock, for that matter?"
"I can't go to Spock; this is supposed to be a surprise for him…and I've already gone to the Captain."
"What did he say?" McCoy asked, taking another bite of food before washing it down with another swig of his drink.
"He said he liked the one with the teddy best," Uhura told him.
"What about you?"
"So do I," the dark woman replied.
The CMO looked more closely at each picture, then back to Uhura. "The one with the teddy is beautiful, make no mistake -- but then, Chris is a beautiful woman. She'd look good in anything."
"So which one do you prefer?"
"It's hard to say -- but if I were Spock and had to choose, I would prefer the one with the clingy dress. At least she's more covered that way…and as we both know, Vulcans are usually quite conservative."
"In public, maybe -- but who can tell what they're like in private?" Uhura smiled wickedly. "Probably the only ones who know…that we know, that is -- are Amanda and Chris, and out of respect for Sarek and Spock's privacy, wouldn't tell us."
"You're right, I'm afraid," the Doctor sighed as he continued to eat and drink.
"One last thing -- please keep this to yourself. Neither Chris nor Spock would be pleased if they knew I'd done this. I had to twist her arm as it was to get her to agree to my seeing the Captain, much less you," Uhura warned.
"It won't be easy, but I'll do my best," McCoy promised. "At least within the bounds of patient/doctor confidentiality…if not friendship." He grinned, then suddenly became serious. "Don't worry. Neither of them will ever hear it from me -- though I'd raise the roof if my daughter ever posed like that."
"How do you know she hasn't?" Uhura teased. At the Doctor's shocked look, she smiled and said, "Don't worry. I was kidding. See you later …and if you like, I'll try to let you know what the final choice is -- and how things turn out after Christmas."
"Fine." With that, McCoy resumed his meal and Uhura left the Lounge, carefully maneuvering around chairs, tables and such before reaching the door, then going about the rest of her business.
* * *
Spock opened the left bottom drawer of his desk, where he kept things he rarely used, pulling out gift wrap, tape and tags, including laser scissors, carefully cutting the exact amount he needed to completely cover this, one of the bare handful of gifts he ever allowed himself to give to the few close friends he had made aboard ship. Only now, however, had he considered it logical to give a gift to Christine -- or at least the first time he would give her this particular kind of gift. It probably wouldn't be the last, either…not if her reaction was what Jim had promised it would be. He fervently hoped so; it was the only way it would make the embarrassment he had experienced by making such a picture even passably worthwhile.
Certainly the picture was more covered than he had been… The Vulcan fought off a blush but despite his best efforts, chartreuse color spread all over his face from forehead to chin. He put the last strip of tape on the wrapping, then wrote out the tag. In keeping with Vulcan custom, he did not put any ribbons or bows -- any unnecessary decoration or undue sentiment was frowned upon. The most he allowed himself was "To M'chejan, Christine…Your Bondmate, Spock."
When Jim had originally suggested this, the First Officer had at first been appalled…then mortified. It took several days for Spock to accustom himself to the idea, but he eventually resigned himself to going along with it, mainly because he had been unable to come up with another acceptable alternative -- even though he knew that Christine would have loved any one of them. This "beefcake" picture had been the least objectionable of the few alternatives left to him.
Even Jim had no idea why the pictures were called such; all either of them knew was that it was the male equivalent of "cheesecake", which involved women in "glamour" or provocative poses, usually in either what Humans commonly called "sexy" clothing or lingerie, usually for the men in their lives -- such as boyfriends, lovers and/or husbands. It was for that reason that he assumed he would be expected to do the same.
If it had been for anyone but Christine, he would not have done it, no matter what Jim said. As it was, he knew it would take a long time for him to get over the embarrassment of doing such a thing, dressing in such a way…even for her. "Now have you any kind of civilian clothes that might be considered 'sexy'? Anything with buttons, tight pants, anything like that?" the Captain had asked upon first coming to his Vulcan friend's quarters the day of the Christmas party, scheduled for 1900 hours on the evening of December 18 -- this evening.
Spock declared with all the dignity he could muster. "Vulcans would not own any such clothes. We do not show our bodies in such a provocative manner."
"What about that outfit I got you on our last shore leave? I seem to recall that it was just as I described. Why wouldn't it work?" Kirk suggested.
"I have never understood why you bought those clothes for me. You should have known I would not wear them."
"I knew no such thing," came the reply. "Besides, isn't it logical to have at least one appropriate outfit on hand for just such an incident as this?" Kirk pointedly reminded him. "After all, you never know when you'll need one."
After a long silence, the Vulcan sighed in resignation. "Very well. If you will allow me time to find them…"
"No problem," Kirk returned easily.
* * *
If Spock thought it was embarrassing simply discussing a possible outfit for the picture, that was nothing compared to what he felt preparing for the actual photo session. Kirk frowned at him when he came out dressed in the aforementioned outfit with the royal blue silk shirt buttoned all the way up to his throat; the matching hip hugger pants the same…that is, buttoned all the way up. Spock raised an eyebrow at his friend's reaction. "Is something wrong?"
"You can't have the picture taken like that, Spock."
"Why not?"
"It's not appropriate, for one thing. The purpose of a `beefcake' photo is to show as much of your body to your lady as possible. Since I knew you'd never go for a nude photo -- even though Christine has seen you that way many times in the course of her work, I thought this would be an acceptable compromise. A 'beefcake' photo is meant to be seen by your lady alone, purely for her enjoyment…so you can dress in ways for her that you ordinarily wouldn't," Kirk explained. "Such as unbuttoning that shirt and the first couple buttons on the pants…"
"Jim!" Spock exclaimed, blushing before he could manage to control it, holding up a hand to keep Kirk from unbuttoning the shirt himself.
"If you don't do it, I will," Kirk threatened softly. "Come on, Spock -- you know that only you and I and Christine will see the picture." Kirk didn't dare mention that he planned to show Uhura for the token woman's opinion; she was no doubt waiting in his quarters right now. Spock would likely refuse outright to do the picture if he knew that.
The Vulcan once again sighed in resignation, the reluctantly reached to unbutton the shirt and the top two buttons on the pants.
"You can tuck in the shirt if you like, Spock," Kirk directed. The First Officer saw little point but did it anyway. Once he finished, he called to Kirk again.
"Is this any better?"
Kirk smiled approvingly. "Much. However, if you put your hands like this, it'll be even better…" He placed the Vulcan's thumbs between the pants and shirt, pulling the former down slightly, then moved at least one shoulder of the shirt so that one smooth, greenish-bronze shoulder was exposed…and that shoulder slightly higher than the other even as the majority of his bare chest was also exposed. The left shoulder was also half-exposed. "Now, pose with your legs apart and one knee bent slightly, with part of your body weight on the ball of that foot and your upper torso turned slightly to the right -- then lastly, your lower torso and chest should be thrust forward, with your hands on your hips."
"Why?"
"You'll see. Trust me; Christine will love it."
Spock had serious doubts about the whole matter but didn't object. Even at that, the session seemed to last forever -- and he knew that he would be glad, exceedingly so, when it was finally over.
"Also, how about a smile, if only a slight one? Pretend that Christine has just entered the room and you caught her looking you over as you stood before the mirror."
It took several tries before Spock could do it without either closing his eyes, blushing or both -- but when he finally did, Kirk smiled again and gave him the thumbs-up after taking the picture.
"Great, Spock. Perfect!" All that was necessary now (at least for Spock)…other than getting into proper clothing again, that is…was wrapping his last gift and placing it under the tree in the Rec Room.
Half an hour later, after Spock had changed into his regular clothes again, Kirk had given him the holophoto in a frame with IDICs at each corner. "Here you go, Spock. Could you let me know what Christine thinks of the picture?" the Captain asked before turning to depart for his own quarters.
"If you like," was the reply.
"I would," Kirk said -- then "I'll see you at the Christmas party tonight, then."
Spock nodded in Kirk's direction, then the latter left him to his task of wrapping. The Vulcan was still too embarrassed to look at the picture to see what he looked like, fortunately for Christine. After that was done and the gift had been placed under the tree, Spock planned to spend the time between his return to his quarters and the time to meet Christine at hers -- roughly three hours -- in meditation in order to build up his emotional control so that he could face everyone with his mask once again intact: and the way he felt at this point, he was going to need every moment of it!
* * *
Uhura had been waiting in Kirk's quarters, sitting patiently on his bed with her hands folded in her lap, when the Captain came back from Spock's quarters after the photo session to find the frame and put the holo into it. He silently handed it to her, then turned for his desk, where he had put the frame in the top right drawer. While his back was turned, she moved it so she could see it -- and her eyes widened in a mixture of stunned surprise and strong physical attraction.
Oh my God, she had never seen Spock look so totally hot, not even on Platonius! It wouldn't surprise her if Chris felt exactly the same way upon seeing it. In spite of herself, her heart began pounding and her face flushed. She was thankful for her dusky skin when the Captain turned back to her, but even then, she was hard-pressed to hide her reaction to it.
"Uhura, are you all right?" Kirk asked, his tone a mixture of concern and question.
"Uh…yes, I'm all right. I'm -- just not used to seeing Spock like he is in this picture," she confessed quietly, hoping Kirk could not detect the shakiness she still felt even as she handed the holo back to him.
"Do you think Christine will like the picture?" the Captain inquired as he placed the holo into the frame.
"Most definitely," Uhura assured him, privately thinking that any woman with an ounce of hormones would love it, herself included -- but she would have to keep her knowledge and feelings to herself. This was one thing she definitely couldn't tell Chris about, not if she wanted to keep the other woman's friendship. No woman liked to think that other women not only saw their intended mate in such a state of dress (or undress, as it were), but had fantasies about him to boot. [Not that the Vulcan had ever needed to dress like in the holo to have that happen, of course…]
It would be difficult enough to have to put the memory of it -- and the way seeing it had made her feel -- out of her mind as it was, particularly when she was anywhere near Spock for a long time to come after this. All she could do was pray for strength to endure and that she would be able to keep it a secret from him as well, though that would be no mean trick, owing to the fact that he was a strong telepath.
"Remember, we have to keep this a secret between us," Kirk warned. "Neither Spock nor Christine would ever forgive us if these sexy holos became public knowledge."
"I assure you, neither of them will ever hear a peep out of me on the subject," Uhura declared emphatically. Not unless I'm asked, that is, she told herself, smiling wickedly -- although keeping her thoughts regulation would be no mean trick either, particularly if she was alone in her quarters … at least until she could manage to assert control over her baser instincts.
Generally it wasn't that hard -- but this was going to be a real challenge! Of course, Uhura had always thrived on challenges, and had never been one to give up easily, so she had every confidence that she would be able to master her desires eventually. It was the time between now and then that was in question …
* * *
It was 18:45 when Spock arrived at Christine's door to collect her for the party; the couple crossed fingers and exchanged warm smiles before turning to head for the nearest turbolift which would take them to the Rec Deck. It wasn't until they had entered the car and turned around, their backs to the rear of it, that their hands joined, fingers intricately intertwined, and the doors closed, leaving them in privacy.
It was then that Christine half turned to her future husband and gently pulled him down to brush her lips against his. "Beloved," she whispered.
He allowed himself to project love for her both through their bond and the warm brown velvet of his eyes. M'chejan.
"I'm so lucky," she continued. "Simply the happiest woman in the universe!"
It is I who am the fortunate one -- so very fortunate indeed to have found you and your love. Please do not ever leave me, his mind-voice entreated.
"Never," she declared feelingly.
This time he spoke aloud. "While there is time, I wish to say that you are very beautiful," the Vulcan commented, his deep, rich baritone holding almost a crooning quality as he looked her over appreciatively.
"Thank you, my love," she smiled, looking him over in an equally appreciative manner, from the top of his silky dark head and elegantly pointed ears to the bottom of his long, elegant feet. She would have told him how handsome he was, but it was at this point that they reached the Rec Room doors upon stepping out of the 'lift. Behind those doors were food and drink, music and gifts, gaiety and friends.
No one noticed them at first, so they had a moment to themselves, where Spock raised Christine's hands to his lips and kissed them before she caught his hand and held it to her cheek, only reluctantly releasing it when Kirk and Uhura looked up from where they were engaged in a conversation next to the refreshment table and spotted them.
"I was beginning to wonder if you two had decided not to come," the Captain teased gently.
Spock raised an eyebrow at his Human friend but made no comment; Christine looked questioningly at Uhura, expecting an explanation for Kirk's comment -- but her Bantu friend simply smiled apologetically, then shook her head and shrugged.
"You look great…both of you," Kirk opined then, making sure not to look overlong at Christine in an attempt not to jog his memory of how she had looked and posed in the sexy holo Uhura had showed him.
It was the same with Uhura where Spock was concerned, particularly since Christine was right there standing next to the Vulcan, and it would never do to let her friend see the lingering looks she directed at him. So far the only way she'd been able to put it out of her mind was by immersing herself in work -- and even then the mental picture came back unbidden when she least expected it, prompting yet another blush at the thoughts that followed. If she couldn't banish it to its proper place at the back of her mind within a reasonable amount of time, she would need a selective memory-wipe or something, if not self-hypnosis.
"What do you say we all sing together?" Uhura suggested.
Spock wasn't fond of the idea, particularly since it not only called unwanted attention to him, it brought back unpleasant memories of the only time he had ever sung in public -- under duress, no less -- on Platonius, sitting at Christine and Uhura's feet as he did so. He could still recall having seen tears in Christine's eyes before she closed them in pain, hating the idea of having to be part of his humiliation.
"Vulcans do not sing in public, particularly during Human holidays," Spock stated matter-of-factly.
"Come on, Spock. This only happens once a year. You can make an exception once a year, can't you?" McCoy entreated, coming to join the others, having heard Uhura's suggestion.
The Vulcan had hoped that Christine and Jim wouldn't back him into the proverbial corner by agreeing with the Doctor and Uhura, but that hope was not to be realized. "Come on, Spock. I don't get to sing that often," Kirk said.
"I haven't sung in ages either, Spock. Please say you'll join us," Christine entreated, meeting his dark eyes with her blue ones.
The Vulcan sighed, convinced it was a conspiracy -- albeit a kindly one -- to contaminate him with their emotionalism once and for all…but there seemed little he could do about it, so he reluctantly agreed. "Very well," he conceded.
With that, Uhura tucked her arm into the Captain's and turned on her heel to head for one corner of the room from where Christmas music was emanating; Christine followed suit with Spock and McCoy brought up the rear with his date, the current Head Nurse, Liz Rogers, who had just joined him.
She was as much a Southern girl as McCoy was a Southern gentleman, having been born and raised in Alabama. She had only gotten off-planet upon joining Starfleet ten years before, having first been assigned to the Yorktown and Lexington as a Registered Nurse before having been re-assigned to the Enterprise shortly after the V'ger mission and Christine's becoming a doctor.
A short time later the three couples had joined about two dozen other musically inclined crew; all were singing by then -- even Spock, as quietly as possible. Some of the songs were religious in nature, such as "O Holy Night" and "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing", but there were also were many more secular in nature -- some even romantic to a degree, such as "All I Want for Christmas is You" and "Let It Snow!" …two of Christine's favorites.
Her eyes had locked with his for the duration of the first, in fact, and soon the couple found themselves singing only to each other, seemingly oblivious to the crowd around them. All that mattered was the other's presence, their physical and mental touch. Once they finished, the others clapped boisterously, prompting the couple to come back to reality and both to blush in spite of themselves because of the love which had been detected in every word during the impromptu duet.
"I don't want a lot for Christmas
There's just one thing I need
I don't care about presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true ...
All I want for Christmas Is you ...
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas Day
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you ...
You, baby
I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won't even wish for snow
I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeer click
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do
Baby all I want for Christmas is you
You ...
All the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air
And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa won't you bring me the one
I really need won't you please bring my baby to me ...
Oh I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I just want to see my baby
Standing right outside my door
Oh, I just want him/her for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Baby, all I want for Christmas is
You ..."
It was their friends' reassuring smiles which eased their embarrassment even as Kirk suggested, "Let's open -- or at least distribute--the gifts now."
Again, Spock wasn't fond of the idea, but reinforced his mental shields as they headed for the beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the center of the large room. It was piled three feet high with at least one present for every crewmember. Some would be lucky and get more than one -- but no one could have said just which ones since the lucky ones tended to vary from year to year.
However, it was naturally assumed that Kirk would get at least two, if not more, gifts; Spock at least three; McCoy at least three as well -- and Uhura and Christine were both likely to receive at least four apiece from those closest to them.
It took considerable time to distribute the various gifts, but at last they were all in the possession of their intended recipients. The Vulcan was all ready to make his goodbyes and depart with his "loot", as his Human friends usually described gifts, but when he least expected it, Christine planted herself beneath the mistletoe hanging in the nearby doorway leading into the next room and quietly cleared her throat to get her bondmate's attention.
A part of Spock did not appreciate being put on display by having to publicly kiss her, but a larger part was unable to resist the combination of her soft lips and fond, eloquent eyes…not to mention her intoxicating perfume. Even at that, he preferred to confine his displays of romantic emotion to the times he and Christine were alone, with no prying eyes upon them. But for the time being, he had little choice in the matter.
He moved to join Christine and lifted her chin up before finding her lips in a warm, lingering kiss. He could sense she wanted to do it again, but he mentally told her, gently but firmly, We may do it again when we are alone, m'chejan; I have already indulged in enough public emotionalism for one night.
He released her and they discreetly moved away from the mistletoe…but not in time, since McCoy suddenly materialized beside them. "I've got dibs on Chris next, Spock -- with your permission, of course."
The Vulcan nodded and the CMO gave his assistant a bear hug and kiss on the cheek. Next came Kirk, who did the same, as did Scotty. After that, Spock whisked his lady away as politely and quickly as he could, leaving the Humans to their frivolity. He was particularly glad to have escaped since he had caught Uhura's eye as they slipped out, the latter having looked as though she had intended to give him a kiss just before the doors closed between them. With all due respect, he had another female's kiss in mind.
Once they were safely out of the Rec Room, the couple headed for the 'lift at the end of the corridor. "I think you disappointed Nyota," Christine observed teasingly. "I could tell she wanted to catch you under the mistletoe as well. In which case, don't be surprised if she corners you sometime when you least expect it in order to collect it."
"With all due respect to Miss Uhura, I had another lady to kiss at that point," the Vulcan commented with an almost provocative note in his voice. "All the same, I shall do my best to be ready for her." He continued briefly once they entered the turbolift. "In addition, when we are alone, we have no need of mistletoe." He lifted a hand to stroke her lips with one finger.
Christine thrilled to his touch and smiled tenderly before reaching up to stroke the back of his neck, pleased when he shivered at her touch. She sensed his arousal through their bond but he said, "Do not tempt me, m'chejan. I have an early shift. We will 'make up for lost time' after I am off-shift tomorrow."
Christine was disappointed but had to agree. "I've got an early shift too, love," she lamented. "But as you say, we can get together once I've had some sleep. How about dinner together -- and maybe some 'hot loves' afterward?" He raised an eyebrow at her unfamiliar slang term; she simply smiled and said, "That simply means we'll be making love after dinner tomorrow."
"In that case, I will see you then. Please let me know what you think of my gift to you."
"I'll also be waiting to hear what you think of mine," she returned, her heart rate speeding up at the mere thought of Spock's possible reaction to her provocative holo…and in anticipation of finding out what he had given her. After a final kiss and embrace, the First Officer headed for his own quarters, planning for the next rendezvous between himself and Christine to take place there.
He could only speculate on what Christine's reaction would be to seeing his atypically provocative mode of dress and pose in the holo he had given her. If it was anywhere near what Jim promised, however, he could look forward to a very stimulating evening, indeed…
* * *
Once Christine got inside her quarters, she changed out of her party finery and into a robe and slippers, taking her hair down in preparation for a shower before going to bed -- but before that, she would take a look at what Spock had given her. She couldn't imagine what it could be, but didn't think she would be able to get to sleep without looking at it.
After her shower, and with her hair wrapped turban-style, Christine sat down on her bed upon leaving her bathroom and picked up the gaily wrapped gift, which she had placed on her bed earlier. She smiled when she noted no ribbons or bows, simply a tag which read, "To M'chejan Christine…Your Bondmate, Spock."
It took her only a few moments to remove the wrapping -- and her eyes widened in a mixture of shock and pleasure. As she gazed upon the provocative holo, the ACMO felt her cheeks flush and her heart pound … among other things. Spock was posed, hands on hips, with his lower torso and chest thrust forward. His upper torso was turned slightly to the right and his legs were apart, his right knee bent, part of his body weight on the ball of that foot…and most surprisingly, he was barefoot. But that wasn't the only surprise. His thumbs were hooked over the waistband of the pants so they were pulled down slightly. She was both pleased and surprised to note that the top two buttons were undone. One shoulder of the shirt was such so that one smooth, greenish-bronze shoulder was exposed…and that shoulder slightly higher than the other, even as the majority of his chest was exposed -- and the left shoulder half-exposed.
She ached to stroke, kiss and caress that bare skin and furred chest covered with dusky hair, a thin trail ending just above his navel. She had never seen Spock look so thoroughly sexy, so totally HOT. Just wait until she had him alone tomorrow night. He wasn't going to know what hit him! She fought to keep from both salivating and hyperventilating at the delectable sight. One thing was for sure -- this would be perfect for the nights they couldn't be together. It wouldn't be quite the same, but was certainly the next best thing.
Upon calming down, she began to think of how difficult it must have been for him to have both dressed and posed like that…but she fully intended to show him her deep appreciation and assure him that his embarrassment and gallant efforts had not been in vain. She set the holo on her nightstand facing her bed and lay down after removing her robe; a moment later the fingers of her right hand began to rub and knead her nipples until they were painfully hard -- which didn't take much.
She closed her eyes and pretended it was Spock's lips and tongue gently licking and suckling her breasts, gasping and squirming at the pleasurable sensations the combination of her erotic thoughts and physical ministrations were prompting. Meanwhile, the other hand was wandering south until it reached the dark triangle between her slender legs.
She shot a glance back at the sexy holo of her half-Vulcan lover, lingering on the slight but noticeable bulge at his groin and his soft, brown velvet eyes, pretending he was watching her before spreading her legs wider and sliding her fingers between the soft folds of her labia and seeking the painfully sensitive nub of flesh located there.
Erotic memories of their past intimacies soon brought Christine to a fever pitch. She neared the brink even as her fingers, which she imagined to be Spock's lips and tongue pleasuring her almost beyond endurance, lightly massaged her most secret place.
She remembered vividly how his hands had felt intimately caressing her body and how incredible it felt to feel his body next to hers and his delicious, throbbing hardness filling her, moving inside her as their intricately entwined bodies thrashed in frantic passion. How she wished she could have felt her beloved's lips, hands and body even as she felt her orgasm start. Her writhing increased geometrically as she softly moaned once again -- then cried out at the intensity of the next sensation, reminiscent of an immense tidal wave crashing over her.
Her thoughts trailed off into slumber as her body quieted down, momentarily sated -- but she couldn't help wondering if Spock had felt the same sensations via their bond or if he had even opened her gift to him yet. She could just imagine his reaction when he saw it…or how seeing her so scantily clad and in such a provocative pose, much less the message she had included with it, would affect him. Her last waking thought was what she would do if Nyota (or anyone else) asked her what kind of gift she had received from Spock, much less exactly what it was…
* * *
As for Spock, he had also showered upon changing out of his party clothes, putting on his favorite meditation robe before leaving his bathroom and heading for his bedchamber, intending to sit on his bed and meditate for a time before taking a look at the gift Christine had given him. What prompted him to reach for his gift from her instead, the Vulcan couldn't have said -- at least not openly. All he knew for certain was that he had to see what she had given him, even if it was only to give her his opinion of it.
It took but a few moments to open it and set the wrappings aside; his reaction upon seeing the sexy holo of her was much the same as Christine's had been upon seeing the holo of him. He had rarely seen her in anything but her duty uniforms with her hair up; this was definitely a novelty to him…and a very aesthetically pleasing one at that.
Had circumstances been different, he could have allowed himself to fully appreciate how fetching she had looked in the blue silk and lace dress she had worn on Platonius -- a dress with thigh-high slit on the right side, and gold-and-diamond earrings dangling from her ears…not to mention the pseudo-Vulcan makeup and hairstyle. As it was, his overriding concern at the time was finding a means to escape the Platonians' sadism and mind-control, as well as the torturous things he, Jim and the women had been forced to perform for their amusement.
Particularly difficult to endure was the time when he and Christine had been in uncomfortably close proximity, his inability to shield his thoughts and emotions from her because of Parmen's control of him being especially distressing. They had then been made to kiss and caress each other, unable to stop themselves however hard they tried.
He was thankful that Jim had done what he did when he did; had it been him, he was certain he would have taken the action one step further and allowed the long suffering Alexander to actually kill Parmen. Ironically, it was precisely this incident which had prompted him to begin a romantic/sexual relationship with Christine…but only after each had helped the other recover from the physical and emotional trauma of it. It had taken several months before either had been able to relax enough in the other's presence to allow their romance to blossom.
Fortunately all that was behind them now -- and only last month they had fully bonded, which had only enhanced their feelings whenever they were together, especially when they shared physical intimacy. Neither had ever experienced anything like it before and probably never would again…at least not with anyone else. But even if only to himself, Spock had to admit to feeling it again upon feasting his eyes on the holo of his bondmate, the feelings intensifying when he heard her sultry, husky voice saying, "This is how I'll look on our wedding night. Merry Christmas, my darling…" upon activating the small voice recording device included with the holo.
He couldn't help noticing how her light golden-brown skin contrasted with the pure white silk and lace of the brief, French-cut `teddy' she was wearing, not to mention the lace garters, silk hose and clear, high-heeled slippers decorated with something light and feathery she had once called 'marabou'. But he was most surprised at the action he took a moment later -- his fingers traced the one smooth, golden shoulder left bare by the one strap which had fallen down onto her arm.
How much he wished she were here so he could really touch and hold her, kiss and caress her silky, fragrant skin… He forced the erotic thoughts aside even as his eyes were once again drawn to the holo. The thoughts returned despite his best efforts when he saw her heavy-lidded, blue-shadowed and long-lashed eyes, along with the provocative smile on her soft, deeply pink lips. He was also reminded of how silky and fragrant her hair had felt and smelled when he had caressed it… It was at this point that his body began to react to the sight and non-regulation thoughts of his beautiful bondmate. Nothing he did could make it quiet down, either -- at least not immediately. He felt his groin tighten and his member harden, all the while wishing that self-manipulation did as much for him as it did for Humans, but even more of Vulcan sexuality was mind-related than Human…and he was too Vulcan for Human methods to truly satisfy him. However, they would have to do. He could not see her again until tomorrow evening, since their duties prevented it.
As Christine had done, he set the holo of her on his night table and slipped off his robe so that he lay naked on his bed facing it. He then kneaded his nipples until they were as painfully hard as his cock, pretending that Christine was watching him and wished that she could be here to lick and suck them both. He could not control a deep flush at that thought, but refused to feel ashamed at his desire for her. It was natural and normal -- and even logical -- to feel such things for one's intended mate.
He eventually took his iron-hard member in his hands and gently manipulated it, methodically pulling, tugging and stroking it until he could lie still no longer, all the while pretending it was her lips, tongue and fingers fondling him. The Vulcan moaned softly and writhed as he neared the brink, feeling the sweet pain of approaching orgasm wash over him -- then he came, without warning and unable to stop for a long time.
When he finally did, Spock knew he would soon have to have his bedclothes washed and replaced, but it would be worth it. Christine had obviously thought to give him the same kind of gift he had given her. As the Human saying went, "Great minds think alike."
He had naturally felt her feelings and sensations in his mind through their bond while showering, but managed to block and control them until now. It was definitely in order to properly express his appreciation for her gift when he saw her again…and he would learn everything she had felt upon first seeing his "beefcake" holo as well.
For the time being, however, it was logical that he put himself into a sleep-trance in order to be fresh for his next morning's duties. There would be sufficient time to open and peruse the rest of his gifts from Jim, the Doctor and Miss Uhura before keeping his rendezvous with Christine at 1900 hours the following evening.
Perhaps they would share a meal together before their mental and physical joining and thanking one another properly for their most appropriate (and memorable) gifts. He could only hope that the Doctor and Miss Uhura would not ask what kind of gift he had received from Christine or just what the gift had been…
* * *
Christine was still on duty by the time Spock was off-shift, so he decided to have what Humans called a "snack" with his friends Kirk and Uhura while waiting for her. He had opened his gifts from them shortly before going on duty and told himself to tell them how much he appreciated their thoughtfulness, both in giving him a gift and their mindfulness of his tastes.
He fully intended to put the "Friendship" plaque on the wall of his quarters near his personal computer so he could see it often. The section from the ancient book "The Prophet" by the Indian poet Kahlil Gibran had been written on parchment in calligraphy and then glued onto it via a method called "decoupage" in order to preserve it. He could not hold back a slight smile at the thought of how Jim had personalized it: at the beginning, "To My Dear Friend Spock" and at the end, "I love you, my brother. Jim."
He had also played the tape Uhura had given him, a mixture of Vulcan and Terran classics, while he had prepared for duty that morning. He had been especially pleased to note that she had both sung and played her Vulcan harp. He also intended to ask them how they had liked the gifts he had given them. The Vulcan was not experienced in gift giving, so Jim had helped by making several suggestions as to what he, McCoy or Uhura might like.
Spock had ultimately decided on Iowa and Georgia flag afghans respectively for his two closest male friends and a tape of classic African music from Kenya, Uhura's native country, for the Communications Officer -- and what's more, done in Swahili!
He also intended to thank McCoy the first chance he got (once he realized that McCoy wasn't with Kirk and Uhura upon spotting them after entering the Officers' Mess) for the century-old bottle of non-alcoholic Vulcan wine, a vintage which had surely cost the Doctor a small fortune…but he had obviously considered him worth the expense or he would not have done it. It warmed his heart in spite of his control, and the Vulcan hoped the CMO liked the afghan he had given him. Meanwhile, he intended to enjoy the company and conversation as much as possible within the limits of his Vulcan sensibilities.
* * *
The First Officer managed to get up to the food service computers and order his meal before Kirk spotted him and called him over. "Spock! Over here!" The Captain smiled and waved his Vulcan friend to join him and Uhura. Upon receiving his drink, some Vulcan herbal tea, he made his way over to the table where the pair sat and seated himself across from Kirk.
Once the Vulcan was settled in, Kirk asked, "Well, what did you think of the party last night, Spock?"
"It was an…interesting experience," Spock returned carefully. "But I felt -- somewhat uncomfortable since I do not often…attend such gatherings."
"Understandable," came the reply. "Things like that can take getting used to." The Captain took a bite of his own food and a swallow of his coffee before speaking again. "What did you think of the gifts you received?"
"Your gift was -- most touching," the Vulcan remarked quietly. "I intend to find a place for it on my wall at the earliest opportunity."
Kirk bowed his head, cheeks turning slightly pink. "I'm glad you liked it, Spock. I'm never sure just what you'll like, so I have to take a guess lots of times." His voice was only loud enough for Spock to hear.
"It is fortunate that you usually guess correctly," the Vulcan replied equally quietly. He then turned to Uhura. "And I am…most grateful for the music tape you gave me, Miss Uhura. I found it -- very enjoyable."
Vulcans did not often give compliments, so Uhura knew Spock was one hundred percent sincere in his gratitude. "I know you -- enjoy music as much as I do, Mr. Spock, so I figured it was the best thing to give you." She felt herself blush and was grateful for her dusky skin so a blush wasn't as noticeable as it was on her fairer-skinned sisters like Christine.
"What did Bones give you?" Kirk wondered. "It was hard to tell from the shape of the gift."
"A bottle of one hundred-year-old Vulcan wine," the First Officer informed him. "I intend to thank him at the first opportunity."
"If you like, I can do it for you," the Captain offered. "I know it's not easy for you to deal with him when it comes to anything personal."
"Thank you, Jim, but I will do it myself. It is the least I can do after the expense he engendered purchasing it for me."
Kirk shrugged. "Suit yourself. By the way, just how much is a bottle of Vulcan wine?"
"Ordinarily two thousand credits, but the value increases accordingly with every five years of age the beverage accumulates…on the average two hundred credits each time."
"So that would mean it cost roughly…" Kirk did some rapid mental calculating. "Good Lord, how could Bones ever afford to spend that much on one gift? He must have come into a fortune at some point. CMOs are well-paid, but not that well-paid."
"I have no idea how he could have afforded it," Spock replied. "All I know is that I am now in possession of a bottle of century-old Vulcan wine because of him."
"If you wish to know, I suggest you ask him at your first opportunity."
"I think I will. Would you like me to let you know what I find out?"
"If you wish," the Vulcan returned absently as he returned to his meal and resumed eating.
"Have you opened Christine's gift yet?" Kirk asked.
Just the mention of it made Spock fight off a blush, but he managed to say, "It was a most…memorable, not to mention unexpected, gift."
That's putting it mildly! Kirk chuckled inwardly. "Has she told you what she thought of yours yet?"
"No. I intend to ask her once she joins me for dinner at 2200 hours."
The Vulcan paused to take a breath before speaking again. "Would you like me to tell you her opinion?"
"Only if you want to, Spock. I won't demand it," the Captain assured him.
The Vulcan's dark eyes met the hazel eyes of his Human friend with gratitude at letting him off the hook, as it were, even as he said, "I will tell you at the first opportunity."
"By the way, Uhura, has Christine told you what she thinks of the gift Spock gave her yet?" Kirk directed toward their female companion.
"Not yet. If she doesn't tell me soon, I'll probably ask her at some point. Meanwhile, I'm not pressuring her." Uhura took a bite of her own meal and a good long swallow of her cold drink since the meal was somewhat spicy, an authentic African dish from her native country of Kenya.
She was also certain that Spock was withholding his full opinion of Christine's gift until he could tell it to her (or Jim) alone, but said nothing at this point in time. With any luck, she would soon learn how both of them felt about the sexy holos, so she would simply bide her time until she saw Chris alone again.
In the meantime, both Christine and Spock had made mental notes to ask the other how they had reacted to their gift -- but at the time, neither was aware of this fact…and one can but imagine what happened when they acted on these thoughts!
Spock both anticipated and dreaded the upcoming dinner with Christine because at some point he knew she would ask his opinion of her gift -- and how would he ever tell her? It might have been easier had he known that his betrothed was feeling the same way about the prospect of telling him her own opinion of his gift to her. As it was, he had no idea that she was just as embarrassed yet pleased as he was.
* * *
As things turned out, Uhura found out the latter's opinion first -- mainly because she had deliberately set out to discover whether or not her friend's reaction to the sexy holo of Spock was as she had surmised…and once Uhura made up her mind, nothing…but nothing…could stop her until she had accomplished what she set out to do.
Christine had gotten off-duty earlier than expected and decided to go to the Officers' Mess for a quick cup of apple-cinnamon tea and a large bowl of New England clam chowder, which she had been craving for the longest time. She had then planned to return to her quarters and prepare for her rendezvous with Spock.
Since she might not be hungry when the time came, she intended to tell him as much -- but still insist that he himself eat, since he still didn't eat enough (nor did he weigh enough) for a Vulcan of his age, height and lifestyle. It took her just a few minutes to reach the Officers' Mess, order her meal and sit down to enjoy it. She was nearly through when she heard Uhura call to her.
"Chris!"
Christine turned to see the dark woman heading in her direction, carrying her own tray of food. She turned back to her own food and finished the last of it so as not to waste any; fortunately it took Uhura a few minutes to weave her way around and through the maze of tables and chairs in the large room to reach the table where Christine sat, set her tray down across from her and then seat herself. Once she did, however, the Communications Officer wasted no time.
"Chris, I've been wanting to talk to you since the Christmas party three days ago. Where have you been keeping yourself?"
Christine gave her friend a wry grin. "You mean, other than work? You know that it generally takes three days to catch up on `paperwork' after a holiday because the Captain gives us both the day before and the day after said holiday off. It's a very thoughtful thing to do -- particularly for those of us who can't hold our liquor-but it also makes it that much harder to return to duty when the holiday's over."
"Don't I know it," Uhura agreed, beginning to eat. "I'm just now catching up on mine."
Christine prepared to leave after making sure she had all her things and was starting to rise when Uhura looked up from her plate. "Don't leave, Chris. I need to talk to you, and this is the first chance I've had since the party last Saturday."
The other woman smiled tolerantly but said, "I'm kind of pressed for time, Ny. I'm meeting Spock for dinner in a couple of hours and need to get ready."
"What I want to say won't take long. Surely you can spare a few minutes for me." Her voice held such pleading that Christine felt guilty about wanting to leave.
"A few minutes. No more," her friend warned.
"I guarantee it," Uhura promised -- but it didn't turn out that way. In fact, nearly an hour passed before Christine realized it. As it was, she was lucky to be able to get ready in time for her date, even though she was certain she had taken the quickest shower on record. She'd had no idea that she herself had wanted…no, needed… to talk to someone as badly as Nyota wanted to talk to her -- and if anyone was appropriate to talk to about private things (other than Leonard or maybe Spock, depending on the subject matter), it was Uhura.
She'd also had no idea how Nyota had so cleverly manipulated her into discussing her opinion of the gift Spock had given her, the sexy hologram…but then, the Bantu seemed to have a positive genius for it. For now, however, Christine was too relieved at being able to get it off her chest to mind.
"So, do you know how Spock feels about your gift to him?" Uhura asked, sounding as casual as she could muster while leading up to what she really wanted to ask.
"Not yet. That's one thing I intend to ask him at some point during our date. That is, if I can muster up the courage." Just mentioning the prospect of doing this prompted a picture of how totally hot and gorgeous Spock had looked in the holo and Christine felt her cheeks burn, attempting to conceal it by taking a long final swig of her now-cold tea, so she wouldn't have to look into Nyota's knowing eyes.
"What did you think of the holo he gave you, then?"
Christine looked up at the other woman, both surprised and suspicious, her eyes narrowing to slits. "How did you know that?"
"The Captain happened to mention it to me on the Bridge the day after we had returned to duty -- but not in Spock's hearing, of course. Don't worry; he just said what it was…not what it looked like." Uhura tried to reassure her friend even as she fought not to think of the holo of Spock herself.
Christine sighed in relief and smiled, seeming to relax -- but it remained to be seen whether or not she was relaxed enough to actually discuss the subject. Uhura waited with bated breath until her friend spoke again.
"It was beautiful, Ny," the other woman confessed. "Spock looked so totally gorgeous, so very…hot, for lack of a better term. I'm thrilled with it, just surprised that he would ever do anything like that -- even for me, even for Christmas. I'd also like to think that he liked the holo I gave him, but he hasn't mentioned it and I haven't had the nerve to ask…although the other night, just before I went to bed, I felt the most incredible sexual desire wash over me -- not long after my own little episode was over. It nearly drove me crazy before it passed, especially since Spock and I could not be together that night because of early duty shifts. Only after it was over was I able to get to sleep."
Just then Christine looked up and saw it was 1800 hours. Her date with Spock was coming up in barely an hour! "Oh my God, is it that late? I've got to go! There's only an hour until my date with Spock and no matter how fast I go, I feel sure that I'm going to be late. I shouldn't have let myself be coerced into staying, even though I feel better for having done it. Please throw my stuff away for me, will you, Ny? Thanks. See you later!"
With that, she got up and made a hasty retreat, carefully maneuvering as rapidly as possible around people and tables before the doors opened at her approach, then closed behind her. Uhura then returned to her own repast, smiling wickedly as she speculated on what Christine had likely done during her "little episode" to relieve her sexual frustration…not to mention Spock! She frankly wished she could be a fly on the wall so she could hear them discuss the holos, since it was bound to be most illuminating -- and exciting!
* * *
Christine knew that she had never moved so fast in her life. Even at that, she was dead certain that she was going to be late for her date with Spock, even if only for a few minutes. But she had needed to get certain things off her chest and was sure that Spock would forgive her once she explained why. That is, once she had finally managed to tell him how she had reacted to his most unexpected but most…well… thrilling gift to her.
She managed to leave her quarters at the exact time she was supposed to have met Spock, but it would still take several minutes to reach him where he would be at their now-regular table in the Officers' Lounge. She was somewhat breathless when she arrived; the Vulcan allowed himself a smile in her direction as he held out two fingers to cross with hers in their customary betrothal gesture.
"Sorry I'm late, Spock. Nyota kept me talking until just an hour ago. I did the best I could, but--"
The Vulcan held up a hand to stop her torrent of words. "It is… unnecessary to apologize, Christine. I -- understand that it…occasionally occurs with Humans, particularly Human women, once they begin -- speaking privately to one another." He could also well guess what Christine and Uhura had talked about.
Christine breathed a sigh of relief; coincidentally at the exact same time her respiration settled back to normal. "I'm glad to hear that, Spock; even so, I don't like being late…especially if we have a date."
He again allowed himself a smile and nod -- but only for her. "I would now like you to tell me what you thought of my gift to you."
Christine felt her cheeks turning color but made herself speak. "It was…great, Spock. You really looked great. I didn't think you would do anything like that, which makes me appreciate it all the more."
"I would -- only do it for you," he assured her, reaching to squeeze her hand.
She smiled and returned the squeeze. "Just as I would only do such things for you. Which reminds me…what did you think of my gift?"
The Vulcan fought off a blush at the thought of his reaction to seeing Christine in the brief, lacy teddy, garter belt and silk stockings with high-heel slippers, but knew she could sense it since they were touching. "I'm glad you enjoyed my gift as much as I -- enjoyed yours, Spock. And there's no need to be embarrassed. It's a normal reaction when lovers see one another in such a manner."
"Nor is there any need for you to be embarrassed, m'chejan," he assured her. "As you have sensed, I found you most…alluring, even-exciting. It makes me look forward with even more…anticipation to our upcoming wedding night."
"I'm -- glad, Spock. I wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do at first," she confessed.
"Well, now that you know it was, let us put that behind us and get on with our meal…and consequently, the rest of the evening," the Vulcan decreed with a final squeeze of his bondmate's hand before he withdrew it and got up to retrieve their meals from the food service computers.
* * *
Of course, the couple did discuss other things during their meal, and although Spock ordinarily didn't do such things by Vulcan custom, he made exceptions in certain special circumstances…such as private conversations with either his bondmate or closest friends. Among the subjects they discussed was the possibility of telling at least one of each of their parents (specifically, their respective mothers) about the holos.
Spock was hesitant to do so, even though he was fairly sure that Amanda would understand what Christine had done, being a Human woman herself. She probably wouldn't be too surprised either if she learned his reaction to Christine's provocative mode of dress.
Christine, on the other hand, was sure she knew exactly how her mother would react. "Mama will probably playfully scold me for doing such things, then tease me in a somewhat risqué manner as she speculates about how you must have reacted to it. After all, I remember her mentioning once how she did something like this for Daddy when they got engaged."
Spock raised a quizzical, somewhat disapproving eyebrow. "I doubt Mother would do a thing like that for my father, even if she wished to."
"How do you know she wouldn't?" Christine teased, then laughed at her Vulcan lover's shocked expression. "Your folks don`t generally discuss their private lives with you, do they?"
"No…at least not in any great detail," the Vulcan confessed.
"Then it's entirely possible that your mother has done for your father exactly what I did for you -- or at least something similar," Christine returned matter-of-factly.
Spock forced himself to speak. "I…suppose it is -- possible."
"Why don't you ask her about it sometime, Spock?" Christine suggested with a sly wink.
His stony look back told her his opinion of that suggestion better than any words.
"Okay, forget I said that. I'll ask her. Don't worry; I'll keep what she tells me to myself and only tell you if you specifically ask me to."
"Unlikely," the Vulcan replied stiffly, his voice tightly controlled.
"Well, you never know," his companion remarked. "If nothing else, I'll tell both our mothers what happened."
Spock was very tempted to take Christine up on her offer but shook his head. "Unnecessary, m'chejan. I owe her a stargram anyway, so I will tell her."
"In which case, will you tell me what she says?"
Spock forced himself to nod.
"And will you at least listen to what Mama says when I hear from her again?"
Again the Vulcan made himself nod, unwilling to speak further; Christine sighed in affectionate exasperation and returned to her meal. Within the next half hour, both had finished, then departed the Officers' Lounge to continue their evening…and considering the memories each still had of their rather risqué gifts, it was likely to prove most -- unforgettable, not to mention stimulating…which it very definitely was!
* * *
At the first opportunity thereafter, Christine wrote a long, chatty stargram to her future mother-in-law, asking her about whether or not she had ever posed for Sarek in a provocative manner, telling her what she had done for Spock for Christmas -- even offering her opinion regarding what he had done for her, and asking her to please tell her what he said to her at the first opportunity, but to keep it between themselves. "Don't let Sarek know about it," she warned. "Or else he'll never let Spock live it down."
With that out of the way, Christine wrote her own mother a post-Christmas greeting, giving her the highlights of what had happened on the ship on Christmas Day…and how she and Spock had reacted to one another's gifts. She had already decided to give him the other picture as a gift for his birthday…or maybe as a wedding present, even. She hadn't decided for certain either way.
Christine had even managed to remember to ask Spock if he had ever thanked McCoy for his expensive gift to him -- the hundred-year-old Vulcan wine. The First Officer's customary eyebrow had risen and he had given her the most logically affronted look he could muster. "Of course I did," he assured her. "It would be most illogical not to. He was most appreciative of my expression of gratitude. Why?"
"Well, you hadn't said one way or the other before now, so I thought I'd better ask, just to be on the safe side," she explained patiently. "Which reminds me -- did you write your mother yet?"
"I just transmitted the stargram less than an hour ago," he informed her. "Now all we can do is wait for our mothers to reply."
"Another thing…did you ever find out how Dr. McCoy was able to afford to spend so much on your gift?" she wondered.
"I seem to recall his saying that he had cashed in a small life insurance policy," the Vulcan replied. "He said he had used those credits for our Christmas gifts."
Christine's lips twisted wryly. "Well, that explains that. Now how about a late snack, then we go to bed?"
"What would you suggest we have?"
"Whatever we like -- within reason, of course," she explained. "Now let's go."
She held out a hand to the Vulcan, which he took, and the pair left her station where he had dropped by to pick her up and they had begun talking some moments earlier to head for the nearest Rec Room for their snack…then he planned to take her back to her quarters for the night. (Of course, it was just as likely that he would share her quarters, just as she had shared his in the past, but whether that would happen tonight remained to be seen.)
* * *
Roughly a week later a stargram from Vulcan caught up with the ship, as did one from Earth some days after that. After Spock had read it, what his mother had said regarding whether or not she had ever had a cheesecake photo of herself taken for his father, he was strangely reluctant to tell Christine -- particularly since it had turned out that she was right.
Amanda had done what might be termed a "cheesecake" photo for Sarek, but it had been done many years ago, shortly after their marriage, and was fairly tame compared to what Christine had done for Spock. The only similarity to Christine's was the hair style chosen.
Amanda had described the photo as one of her in a clingy one-piece strapless bathing suit the same color as her eyes. She had also had it taken lying on her side facing him, posed in a manner which accented the curves of her hips and waist. Her one hand held up her head while the other had been placed in front of her.
She had even said that his father still had that photo, and in fact, always carried it with him on his trips whenever she could not accompany him. What's more, she had even informed her son that Sarek himself had taken it, that it had actually been done at his own request!
"How do you think we have managed to keep the spice in our marriage, my son?" she had teased in her stargram; he could almost see her wicked smile and sly wink. "That's only one of many things we have done. Remember that even though your father is Vulcan, he is also very much a man, just as you are.
"I also think it's great that you and Christine have done the same thing for each other, particularly if you end up using the pictures to help you endure the inevitable separations which can occur throughout even a regular marriage, much less one between Starfleet officers such as yourselves," she had written. "Please do try to keep me informed on this score, but if you can't or won't, I've told Christine in my letter to her that I want her to do it." He had neared the end of her stargram when his buzzer sounded. "Come," he called; Christine came in, a sheaf of papers in her own hand.
"Spock? I've heard from my mother," she called to him upon seeing the Vulcan in his sleeping alcove, then joining him there a moment later.
"Just as I have heard from my mother," he told her. He was sitting cross-legged on his bed; she sat down a short distance away.
They were silent for a time, then Christine said, "Well, which of us is going to go first?"
"It makes no difference to me. You may go first if you wish," he told her.
Christine sighed. "If you say so. Well, I was right in my prediction as to how she would react to my news -- but deep down I can sense that she's very happy for us and sends her warmest wishes."
Spock was somewhat surprised to hear this; it sounded strangely familiar. "My mother said something similar," he informed her -- and he made himself tell her about the cheesecake photo Amanda had done for her husband shortly after their marriage. "What is more, Mother reports that my father still takes the picture of Mother with him on his travels whenever she cannot accompany him. She even claims that it is one of the ways that they maintain what she called `the spice' in their marriage."
"Sounds like our mothers are far more alike than we imagined," Christine laughed. "They'll probably be great friends, in fact. By the way, do you think that your mother would mind if I put her in touch with mine?"
Spock shook his head. "We are going to be married, so it would be logical for our mothers to be on friendly terms."
"We must simply make sure to do our utmost not to discuss anything like that in your father's presence," his bondmate laughed. "If he knew, he'd probably deny he does any such thing ... and he'd never let you live it down."
"No doubt," the Vulcan had to agree. "Meanwhile, we had best get to what we originally planned to do this evening."
Christine gave her lover a wicked smile. "Why, Spock, you're becoming positively hedonistic -- but I love it…and don't you ever change!" With that, the ACMO moved into her bondmate's arms and proceeded to show him exactly how appreciative she was of his thoughtfulness of her and her desires.
Spock was unable to express verbally how much he appreciated her; the best he could do was express it through their bond -- a bond which had only taken ten minutes to establish but which would last for the rest of their lives and which only death could break. Thus began a long, tenderly passionate night for the lovers…and it would be just one of many similar nights throughout their lives together.
* * *
It was when Spock first awakened in the morning that he was literally stunned speechless -- at least for a time…after stretching carefully so as not to wake Christine. He turned over carefully and opened his eyes, intending to get up and head for the bathroom to take his daily shower before reporting for his duty shift; it was just as he opened his eyes that he saw it -- really, actually, saw the holo of himself he had given Christine.
He was too stunned to even think for a while. Once he could, he was both appalled and embarrassed. For Vulcan's sake, how could he ever have done such a thing, even for a holiday gift…even for Christine? What could have possessed him to have ever allowed Jim to talk him into doing it? He knew he could not ask for it back, of course; she would surely refuse to do so. Still, he found it difficult to understand how even Human women could enjoy such things.
Only in the Pre-Reform days had any male Vulcan done such a thing… and then, only for his mate. Even then, she would never have had it out in plain sight. He would have to suggest as diplomatically as possible that Christine keep it hidden unless she was alone in her quarters. That would be the only way he would allow her to keep it. He also intended to sternly admonish her not to show it to anyone unless he OKed it. But even at that, just the thought of how he'd looked in it made him turn seventeen shades of green. Almost like someone had attacked him and attempted to tear his clothing off or something of that nature!
If he hadn't been in such a hurry, he would have looked at it beforehand…and in that event, it was unlikely that she would have gotten it. It was simply fortuitous for her that he hadn't had the chance to really look at it, really see how he looked. Worst of all, he had been unable to help observing that he had actually been sexually aroused when the picture was taken! The bulge at his groin in the holograph was slight but still noticeable, particularly to his sharp eyes.
He could only imagine how Christine must have reacted to it -- and even then, hardly dared to think of it for long. Mainly because it prompted him to think of how he himself had reacted to the provocative holo of Christine with her 'come-hither' smile, provocative pose and tantalizingly brief mode of dress. Of course, he had no intention of letting her know that he had not known what he looked like in the holo before giving it to her. He would simply act as though he did know and leave it at that.
* * *
Christine was just waking up when Spock came out of the bathroom, this time fully dressed. She sat up, yawned and stretched, standing up to give him a good-morning kiss as he reached her side -- then he casually (or at least as casually as he could) noted the angle and position the holo had been placed, raising an eyebrow and making sure she could see it.
"Oh, so you've noticed where I keep the holo you gave me," she returned with a knowing smile. "I assume it's all right to keep it there, as long as no one sees it but the two of us -- at least while in here?"
He nodded slightly. "If anyone besides us or our closest friends happens to be in your quarters for any length of time, however, make sure they cannot see it. I meant it to be seen by you alone."
"Of course, Spock. I know. You may trust me." She gave him another smile and a sly wink, but he knew she was sincere, just the same. "Just as I meant the holo I gave you for your eyes alone." She raised her right hand to touch his left cheek; he covered her hand with his.
"I know. I keep it in a special place so that only I may see it," he assured her.
"Would you show me sometime?" she asked carefully, stroking his cheek with a finger, then moved it to his lips, which promptly kissed it.
"Perhaps," he half-promised, lowering his hand and turning in the direction of the door. "I must leave now. I am on duty in 5.75 minutes."
"Is our dinner engagement and songfest with the Captain and Nyota still on for 1900 hours?" she asked as he reached the door.
"As far as I know. If anything changes, I will contact you." With that, the First Officer stepped to open up the door, then slid through and was gone.
Christine smiled affectionately at the closed door, then turned for the bathroom herself, programming the synthesizer to have a fresh uniform ready upon her finishing her shower, then she would dress and head out for her own duty shift.
* * *
It was roughly halfway through the following week before Christine heard back from her mother that she had heard from Amanda. The younger woman couldn't help but smile at the memory of what Ann Chapel had said:
The last thing I ever expected was to get any kind of communication from the wife of the senior Federation Ambassador to Vulcan. I mean, it was a shock, to say the least, for her to come right out and introduce herself as Spock's mother and your future mother-in-law! Amanda is so warm and gracious, but at the same time, such a character. I enjoyed her immensely. I'm sure we'll get along famously, darling. Thank you so very much for introducing us!
Christine sincerely hoped so; sometimes the respective mothers of a given married couple were like two strange cats, fighting whenever within hissing, spitting or clawing distance of each other -- but with luck, that would never happen with her mother and Amanda.
Of course, it still remained to be seen how her father and Sarek would get along…but she would have to wait until the shipboard wedding to find out one way or the other. For the time being, they would simply have to bide their time and hope for the best -- then she would make sure to ask Spock what his mother had told him about how she regarded Ann Chapel at the first opportunity.
* * *
It was several days (three, in fact) before Spock heard from his mother on this subject -- and he was pleased to note that it went along much the same lines as that of Christine's mother, which he had heard about shortly after the former had received the communication from her. It was worded somewhat differently but said basically the same thing.
I really don't think she was expecting to hear from me, Amanda told her son. Not this soon, at least. Sounds to me like neither you nor Christine thought to tell her of the Vulcan tradition of treating anyone marrying into our family like blood relations, even before the official wedding -- starting with the letter of welcome shortly after the engagement is announced.
I thought your father and I taught you better than that, she teased. Oh well, what matters is that I've made a new friend and you'll be marrying into a family who will love you as much as Christine does…I feel sure of it! Ann Chapel is a lovely person and I can see where Christine got both her beauty and her manners. I'm also sure that I'll get along just as well with her father. I can hardly wait to meet them!
Spock planned to show Christine his mother's stargram when they met for their now regular dinner date every evening after each was off duty. However, this time it was she who was late getting off-duty. She had warned him of her late shift beforehand, so he had accepted Jim and McCoy's invitation in order to have company until she arrived.
Unfortunately, about halfway through the meal, one of the Humans made an inadvertent remark which made the Vulcan react as he had never reacted before. He knew his friends meant no harm by doing what they had done, but even at that, it went very much against his Vulcan sensibilities and it would be a long time before he got over it.
"I can imagine how Spock must have reacted to the holo Christine gave him," Kirk remarked. "I once had Carol make one of those cheesecake-type things for me, and she looked really hot -- but not even she looked as good as Christine did."
"And let me tell you, it wasn't easy to keep my reactions to myself," the Doctor replied. "Chris has always been like a daughter to me, but after I saw those holos…whew! I had to have some ice water to cool off!"
"Doctor. Jim. That will be quite enough." The two Human males looked up, stunned at the iciness of Spock's tone.
"Oh, sorry, Spock," Kirk apologized. "We just got carried away reminiscing."
The frigid expression on the Vulcan's face did not change, his eyes as hard, sharp and black as obsidian. "Christine is my bondmate. I would appreciate it very much if both of you would kindly refrain from any further vulgar recollections regarding her."
"Come on, Spock, lighten up. It was unavoidable. Christine needed a male opinion as to which holo of her you would like best, and since it was supposed to be a surprise for you, she couldn't show you. You know that. Besides, we thought you already knew," Kirk tried to mollify his extremely ticked-off friend.
"I suppose Miss Uhura has even seen that holograph of me," the First Officer shot back, his tone unchanged. "A holograph I meant for Christine's eyes only."
"Don't be upset with her, Spock. Uhura seeing the holo was my idea," Kirk explained. "We meant no harm by it, you should know that. I simply needed a woman's opinion regarding the holo I took of you, and since it was supposed to be just as much a surprise for Christine as hers was for you, I couldn't very well show it to her.
"In addition, if you and Christine can't trust me, Bones and Uhura, who can you trust? I mean, it's not as if any of us have been bragging about it all over the ship or made copies for the whole crew. It's just between us friends…and that's the way it'll stay."
This last made Spock lift his head to see the sincerity in Kirk and McCoy's eyes, even though he still wasn't pleased with the subterfuge employed in order to accomplish their ends.
"Well -- I suppose it can be…overlooked this time," the Vulcan reluctantly conceded. "But after this, if at all possible, please inform me beforehand or as soon as possible afterward."
"Deal," both Humans agreed almost simultaneously. But even at that, Spock still intended to discuss the matter with Christine right after their meal -- that is, if he still felt compelled to make an issue of it by then. And luckily for everyone most concerned, he didn't; he simply decided to enjoy both her company and that of his friends -- and in fact, all ended up discussing more of the plans for the upcoming dual weddings, leaving out only the matters commonly reserved for the one who wasn't present at this point.
They even speculated on the possibilities of what might happen if the holo-negatives somehow fell into the wrong hands…an unlikely scenario, since only Kirk and Uhura had them and kept them in a safe (and secret) place. What's more, neither had any intention of making any further copies until and unless something happened to the original gifts themselves.
Of course, it was the Vulcan who brought up the possibility of their being careless and/or forgetful, leaving the wrong people alone with the potentially (if only figuratively) explosive materials. "I still say it's most unlikely, Spock. If it's ever necessary to replace your holos, I'll do it myself without help -- and will not leave them alone without locking my door behind me."
Spock was only slightly mollified. "I still believe it would be most logical to give the negatives to me. You would still have access to them, and it would ease my -- and Christine's -- minds considerably."
Kirk sighed. "If it'll make you feel better. I'll talk to Uhura and get the negatives of Christine, then give them to you at the first opportunity."
"Thank you, Jim. I will be expecting them." Christine felt Spock's relief through their bond and in spite of herself, soon breathed easier just knowing their sexy holos were to be even safer than they already were. The First Officer's quarters were even more sacrosanct than those of the Captain; if the former was comparable to a locked safe-deposit box in a bank, the latter was comparable to Fort Knox: virtually impregnable.
Besides, to even attempt to break into either one was a court-martial offense, particularly if the party or parties involved were caught. Not to mention the fact that the computer sensors aboard ship could record the DNA of and/or photograph any potential intruder or intruders, especially if they touched anything in the room -- particularly the negatives themselves.
Despite the extensive background checks of potential crewmembers, it was still possible for a heretofore unknown thief or voyeur to slip through the cracks and allow them to be assigned to a starship. This was the main thing that our people were most concerned about and intended to do everything they could to prevent that occurrence of… and henceforth the likelihood of part of their private lives falling into the wrong hands.
All believed that with the handing over of the holo-negatives to Spock, there was less likelihood than ever of that happening. Unfortunately, all also forgot the old saying about the "best-laid plans of mice and men"…
* * *
The trouble started most innocently, three days later, when the shipboard wedding invitations arrived. Christine called Uhura and the two women got together in the Officers' Mess to address them together. The envelope with the negatives was in with the things Christine carried; she had gotten them from Spock, promising him she would be very careful of them since they had each planned to give them to the Captain and have copies made -- one of each, in the event something happened to the originals -- and keep the copies with the negatives until and unless they were needed. He had been reluctant to hand them over, but had trusted her to take care of them for obvious reasons…yet gently admonished her to make sure they were returned to him intact.
[Indeed, that was what would happen…but not at all in the way they had intended and something for which Christine didn't think she could ever do enough penance for to make up for her carelessness. Even if it wasn't deliberate, as Spock pointedly reminded her later, that wasn't the point, she argued. It was her fault that they were being teased and harassed endlessly, and even if they managed to get the negatives back, copies were still out there, being circulated. How would either ever face their parents -- Spock, especially -- once Sarek found out what had happened? They could hope for compassion and understanding, but were realistic enough not to count on it, particularly where the older Vulcan was concerned.
But fortunately for them, they would have enough friends in high enough places that (as unexpected, but equally welcome, as it was) it would be kept to a minimum. It wouldn't be stopped before their parents found out, but Kirk would personally contact them and explain the situation, also assuring them that he had seen to it that the perpetrators were severely punished for what they had done.
For one thing, it would go on their record and dog them for the rest of their lives and make it difficult, if not impossible, for anyone else to want to have them as a member of their ship's crew. It might even force them out of Starfleet eventually, which would be no more than they deserved, as far as those most directly involved were concerned.]
The women had a quick snack as they addressed the invitations and to keep them from being stained by food or drink, placed them on the seat next to them. Once they'd finished the food and drink, Uhura had reached to hand Christine the invitations she had so carefully addressed, but let go of them a little too soon and they were scattered everywhere. Both of them dropped to their knees to retrieve them, and within moments had them all safely in hand -- or so they thought.
(The envelope with the negatives in it had slid off Christine's small pile of invitations and into the small crevice between the seat cushions of the booth located next to her…but she had not noticed that it had done so, and wouldn't until she was heading to Kirk's quarters, where she had intended to drop off the negatives so he could copy the holos for them.)
Assuming they had all the necessary envelopes, the women separated once outside the door of the Officers' Mess and said their goodnights, making a date to see each other again the next time they were off-duty. With that, Christine headed for the nearest turbolift and stepped inside, saying, "Deck Five," to return to both Kirk's quarters and Spock's -- but for different reasons.
While she was in the 'lift, Christine began going through the envelopes in her hands, intending to put the one with the negatives on top so all she would have to do was hand them to the Captain for copying. He would then return everything to Spock once finished with them. But to her dismay, the envelope was nowhere to be found. At first she thought she might have inadvertently overlooked it, so she went carefully through the envelopes in her hands, but again she did not find the one she was looking for. Still, she remained calm, telling herself that Nyota might have picked them up, so she called her friend on the 'lift intercom.
"Ny, I need to ask you something," she told her friend once the other woman answered.
"Sure, Chris. What is it?"
"Do you have the envelope of holo-negatives? Did you inadvertently pick it up? I just looked through the ones I have and didn't find it."
The answer came all too soon…and it was the one Christine most dreaded. "I'm afraid not, Chris. What I picked up, I gave to you. You know that. Besides, I thought you already had the negatives; I remember you said that Spock had given them to you so you could give them to the Captain for copying."
"Oh my God, Ny! Do you know what that means? The envelope must still be in the Officers' Mess! I've got to go back and find it, whatever it takes. If anyone else finds it, neither Spock nor I will ever be allowed to live it down!"
"Calm down, Chris. I'm sure it'll be there, just waiting for you to come back and get it," Uhura tried to soothe her agitated friend. "Probably on the seat of the booth where we sat."
"I hope so, Ny. Oh lord, I hope so. I don't know how I'll ever explain to Spock otherwise." With that, she abruptly told the `lift to reverse direction to head back to the Officers' Mess…but neither of the women could have known that they were already too late.
* * *
Randi Williamson, former Lieutenant, now Yeoman (and Ensign) was furious -- totally and thoroughly furious. What amounted to a minor infraction on her part had been blown totally out of proportion (at least as far as she was concerned) so that she had been forced to do the most demeaning duties possible -- maid's work -- and all because of Spock. She had never known anyone so nitpicky in her life and vowed to get even with him for demoting her and assigning her to such distasteful duty in whatever way she could, whichever way presented itself to her.
Unfortunately, if she didn't do what he told her, things would go even worse for her, and that she needed even less … so however much she hated the work or the one who had inflicted it upon her (or so she told herself), she did it to the best of her ability in order that she not get into any more trouble than she already was. For the time being, at least.
She soon reached the furthest booth on the starboard side and leaned over the table to wipe it off; when she did, something sticking out of a crevice in the seat cushion caught her eye. She set her cleaning materials aside and went to retrieve it.
It was an envelope roughly five inches in breadth and three inches in height -- and there was something bulky in it. Several somethings, in fact … and curiosity (not to mention the desire for revenge) got the better of her and she decided to investigate the contents.
Her eyes became as wide as saucers when she realized what the somethings were -- negatives for holographs … and not just any holographs, sexy holographs, of both Spock and Christine Chapel, his bondmate or whatever Vulcans called the ones they intended to marry. Not that she cared; he had never given her more than the time of day before now and there was little reason to expect that that would change any time soon, if ever. Oh gods, why did Vulcans have to be so attractive, yet so damnably cold and aloof, so infuriatingly logical?
Just the same, what was it about that witch that made her so desirable in Spock's eyes? Surely he knew that Christine wasn't the only woman aboard ship who wanted him; she was simply the one who had been the most obvious about it. Almost pathetically so, as far as Randi was concerned. From what she knew about Vulcans, she wouldn't have thought that he could possibly be attracted to Christine because overt emotionalism was supposed to be anathema to them -- but not to him, obviously. Perhaps his mixed blood had something to do with it; that was the only explanation she could think of at this point.
But she could think more about that later … that is, if she chose to do so. Right now, she had better things to do. She sat down in the booth and withdrew the three bulky holo-negatives and studied them all avidly. Upon realizing who the subjects of the holographs were, she knew that this was the perfect means to blackmail them. If they wanted the negatives back, they would have to cave in to her demands.
At this point, Randi knew that she could dictate any terms she wanted and Spock would have no choice but to grant them once he learned she had the negatives of the infamous holos, particularly if he wanted them back without her having made copies of them to post on the ship's computerized bulletin board, accessible to every crewmember aboard ship. Come to think of it, that might be an even better way to blackmail him.
If he didn't reinstate her original rank of Lieutenant, she would make the sexy photos public -- or better yet, promote her to Lieutenant Commander so she could get off this floating hothouse and away from all these self-righteous, superior types who thought themselves better than anyone else simply because they served on the Enterprise. She had once heard that a Klingon officer during the Tribbles incident and the first five-year mission had once called Kirk a swaggering, tin-plated dictator with delusions of godhood.
Randi knew one thing for sure … Spock was just as much a swaggering, tin-plated dictator as the Captain was -- not to mention so arrogant and full of himself that he seemed to think that he was the next thing to a god, if not better than Humans simply because of his Vulcan blood, conveniently forgetting his own Human blood. Well, guess who was going to take that proud, self-righteous Vulcan down a peg … or several … very soon! When she got through with them, neither Spock nor Christine were going to be able to hold up their heads or ever face anyone on this ship ever again -- and she didn't intend to stop there.
She had thought of something even more diabolical while lustfully perusing the beefcake picture of Spock. He couldn't possibly be as cold as he seemed if he would do something like this. If he persisted in denying her what she believed was rightfully hers, she would send copies of these holos to Starfleet Command and every other public media she could think of.
She just happened to be a photography buff and had the same kind of setup in her quarters that Kirk did for copying holographs. She also intended to scan the holograph negatives into her personal photo files in her quarters computer to use as her trump card in the event the Vulcan was reluctant to give in to her demands -- and wouldn't be at all surprised if he was. Christine, too, for that matter.
She was too wrapped up in her nefarious plans to hear the doors of the Officers' Mess open and footsteps approach the booth. Only a movement out of the corner of her eye, barely in time for her to hide her treasure, alerted her to the presence of another person in the room.
Christine's eyes widened when she recognized the person sitting in the booth where she and Nyota had been only an hour earlier … the very one which Spock had demoted for gross insubordination roughly two weeks ago. From what she understood to have happened, it was no more than she deserved to have to do such menial chores now. In fact, she was lucky to still be aboard the ship. This was all she needed, if the girl had found the negatives of the private photos that she and Spock had given each other for Christmas which she had inadvertently left behind.
It would be a perfect way for her to exact revenge on him -- on both of them, for that matter, since Christine had also heard that this girl, one Randi Williamson, had been giving Spock the eye for some time -- ever since she had come aboard, which had been approximately two months ago.
Not even the public announcement of their engagement had stopped her.
It was for this reason that Christine didn't trust her an inch; if she would stoop to blackmail, she was capable of anything. Yet she looked so deceptively innocent when she had looked up and noticed her. Christine scowled at the thought for a moment before rearranging her finely chiseled features into more pleasant lines.
"Yeoman…Williamson, isn't it? What are you doing here?"
"Just resting for a minute in the booth," she returned. "It's a lot of work to clean this whole big room, you know." She couldn't resist an inward and very evil smirk before returning her gaze to the older woman. "And with all due respect, I might ask you the same thing."
"I'm sure I left something in this booth when I was here earlier with Lt. Commander Uhura making out my wedding invitations roughly an hour ago. Did you happen to run across anything that looked like a bulky envelope anywhere in this booth?" Christine stared hard at the girl before her, but Randi didn't flinch.
"I'm afraid not, ma'am," the latter replied innocently. "Why? Was there anything important in the envelope?"
"You might say that," Christine opined evasively.
"May I ask what was in it?" the girl inquired carefully, hoping her question wouldn't prompt Dr. Chapel to report her to her Vulcan paramour and their superior.
"Some private things involving Commander Spock and myself," was the enigmatic reply.
Randi waited but Christine said nothing more, and something told her that the latter had no intention of speaking further -- probably for Spock's sake, no doubt, she thought bitterly.
"I see," the younger woman rejoined neutrally. "As I said, I haven't found anything like what you're looking for, but if I do, I'll surely let you know. After all, I'm not done cleaning the room yet."
Christine didn't trust her or believe her, but couldn't show it, so she had to act like she believed her and try to figure a way to tell Spock what had happened … if she could. After promising to be so careful with those negatives, she had gone and left them for someone with a grudge against them to find -- and someone in that frame of mind was capable of anything and everything in order to get their revenge.
She didn't want to think what might happen if whoever found it decided to make the pictures public ... or if they managed to become published in a widespread enough way that not only their parents but everyone else in Starfleet and the inhabited Galaxy would see them. If that happened, Christine swore with every ounce of her being that both she and Spock would make it hotter than Hell for the perpetrator of such a monstrous deed tout suite.
That is, once they found out who was responsible for it. If it were this girl before her who turned out to be the culprit, she would soon regret ever meeting Spock or Christine, or for that matter, ever setting foot on the Enterprise.
"Very well," the latter returned as coolly as she could. "You know where to contact me if you find it."
"Yes, ma'am," the girl returned respectfully. "I'd better return to work now. Good night."
"Good night, Yeoman," Christine replied before turning on her heel, her heart heavy because of the possible repercussions of what she had done. How would she ever convince Spock that she hadn't meant to do what she did, that it had not been deliberate? He might even believe that she herself had done it in order to exact revenge on him for taking so long to have a change of heart regarding her and act accordingly.
Please, God, don't let that happen, she prayed silently as she made her way back to the 'lift and Spock's quarters. I couldn't stand to lose him -- especially over something like this. If I do, I swear I'll take that little tart apart, piece by stinking piece, and take pleasure in doing it! I've waited far too long to have him to lose him now because of her!
* * *
It wasn't until she heard the doors close behind Christine that Randi dared to bring out the envelope and tuck it into the pocket of her jeans. Her baggy sweatshirt concealed the bulge it made so no one would know that she had it until it was too late.
She finished her work as soon as she could and returned to her quarters, planning to scan the holophotos in, then post them to the bulletin board with a blackmail demand directed toward those most concerned, particularly Spock, and see how long it took them to respond once they realized that someone other than themselves had possession of copies of their private pictures. Randi also made a mental note to carefully conceal her identity, then intended to sit back and watch the fun … making sure that there would be plenty of it!
* * *
When Christine didn't show up, Kirk contacted her and asked her why. She hardly knew what to say. If she couldn't make the Captain believe her, what chance did she have of convincing Spock?
"Christine, why didn't you come and drop off the negatives? Did you change your mind or something?"
"No," she returned morosely, setting off a mental alarm in Kirk's head.
"Has anything happened to them?" he asked.
She told him everything that had happened in the Officers' Mess, including her return to it and the encounter with Yeoman Williamson as well as her worry that Spock would be upset with her for being so careless. "He was reluctant to give them to me as it was. How am I ever going to tell him what happened? What if his relationship with his father is set back to square one because of this? They've just resumed their father-son relationship. What if my carelessness has ruined it forever?"
Kirk tried to reassure her. "I'm sure he'll know that you didn't do it deliberately."
"That's not the issue," she countered. "What if Yeoman Williamson lied to me and now has the negatives in her possession? After Spock demoted her a while back, getting hold of the negatives and making the holos public -- or threatening to do so unless we cave in to her demands -- would be the perfect way to exact revenge on him … us. How will we ever be able to face the crew, or anyone else, if those pictures get circulated all over the Galaxy?"
"Whoa there, lady. Aren't you jumping the gun just a little? Simply because you couldn't find them when you went back to check and she was there and acted suspicious, doesn't necessarily mean she was hiding anything from you. It could just as easily be a matter of circumstantial evidence."
"But I think that even you have to admit that she's the prime suspect," the ACMO opined. "Do you think there's any way of stopping her -- or whoever -- from making the pictures ppuublic before both Spock and myself are publicly humiliated in front of not only Starfleet but the entire inhabited Galaxy?"
"I hope so," the Captain returned soothingly. "But if there's to be any hope of doing that, I'm afraid Spock will have to know. He's the only one we know with sufficient expertise to smoke out this person trying to get revenge on the two of you. If you like, I can go with you when you tell him and offer some moral support, if nothing else."
"I'd appreciate anything you could do, but there are times he hasn't even listened to you, much less anyone else … especially not in the heat of the moment."
"That doesn't mean it will happen this time. Try to think positive, Christine." Kirk made his voice as soothing as possible. "Why don't we call him right now and see if he has time to discuss it with us?"
Christine was still fearful but had to agree. "All right, let's go do it before I lose my nerve."
* * *
But even as the two were heading down to the Science Lab where the Vulcan was working on a pet experiment in his off-hours, Randi Williamson was sitting down to her computer and preparing to launch her vendetta and blackmail threat. It took only a moment to scan in the pictures to her personal hard drive, then log into the ship's public bulletin board and post the sexy holographs under her personal, private user name which only she and a handful of close associates knew.
Once they knew of the existence of the holos, they would tell others, and those still others, and so on. Before long, the whole ship would know, and neither Spock nor Christine would be able to show their faces outside their quarters without being bombarded with ribald questions, vulgar teasing and crude innuendo -- which would suit Randi just fine. It was a perfect way to give them a taste of their own medicine ... or more specifically, Spock.
However, it might be best to wait a few days before making her blackmail threat public, watch the bulletin board to see if one or the other posted an open letter to the perpetrator. That was, if they got desperate enough -- which they just might -- particularly if there was any danger of this incident reaching the ears of Spock's father, the renowned (and very strait-laced) senior Vulcan Ambassador Sarek.
She would only offer to withdraw the pictures from public view if they satisfactorily reimbursed her for not only her "emotional distress" but the "cruel and unusual punishment" she had been subjected to since her demotion. And since she held the trump card, she could ask for virtually anything and get it … particularly if she left copies with one of her "partners in crime" in order to ensure the success of her vendetta if they managed to collar her and she couldn't talk her way out of it.
But neither did she know what was transpiring in Science Lab #3 on Deck 3 at this very moment, the secret meeting between Kirk, Spock and Christine to tell him what had happened to the negatives and how best to minimize the fallout which might result from their becoming public. If the trio had their way, the culprit responsible for the pilfering of the holograph negatives would be in their hands before the week was out.
All were aware how much could happen in a week, particularly these days, but that would be the best they could do. Christine also needed reassurance that Spock still considered her trustworthy in order to keep her from eating herself up with guilt because of her carelessness which had inadvertently caused this whole mess. Kirk couldn't be sure if anything even he could say would sway Spock, particularly if the Vulcan's mind were made up. Once it was, it was next to impossible to change it -- and they both had to be prepared for that … or at least as prepared as they could possibly be.
* * *
Spock was surprised and -- for once -- even showed it by raising both eyebrows upon noticing Christine and Jim coming in together. "You said you needed to discuss something very important with me, Christine. What is it?" he asked her when she reached him.
"Before I do, please try to understand how sorry I am that this has happened and that I'm willing to accept any dressing-down you deem appropriate. My carelessness was inexcusable, and I won't blame you if you never forgive me for the humiliation we're both going to suffer because of it."
This time Spock frowned openly. "Kindly elucidate, Christine. I do not appreciate those who speak in riddles when I ask them a direct question."
Christine sighed and began, telling Spock all she had told the Captain. By the time she finished, he knew that she was already beating herself up far more than he ever could, so punishment of any kind for her carelessness would be pointless; it would not change what had happened: or what was likely to occur now that the pictures were likely to be made public. What was most important was ferreting out just who had the negatives and stop them, if possible.
"Christine, please calm yourself. I know it was not deliberate, and am not going to punish you. Mainly because you are already punishing yourself far more than I ever could." Even at that, the Vulcan could understand why she would have Jim accompany her; he had been told more than once how intimidating he was when he chose to be … particularly in situations like this, when it involved private situations and private possessions. "What is most important is doing everything we possibly can to minimize the effect that the pictures' becoming public is going to have on not only us, but everyone else in the Galaxy should they see them."
"What can we possibly do now? Even if we manage to get the negatives back, there's no guarantee that the person trying to take revenge on us hasn't already made copies," Christine opined gloomily.
"That is a chance we will have to take," Spock told her. "In addition, I believe it would be most logical for us not to react to anyone inquiring about the pictures. We have nothing to be ashamed of; they were simply the kind of Christmas gifts we chose to give one another.
"Also, we are consenting adults as well as bonded mates, so it is a fairly typical sort of gift to give on a holiday such as Christmas -- at least among Humans, as far as I am aware. We must do our best to defuse any potential damage to our reputations by refusing to dignify the vulgarities with an answer, be it confirmation or denial. If we speak at all, we speak only to an official media source and make one official statement, then leave it at that."
"That's not going to be easy, Spock, particularly if your father hears about all this," Kirk gently but firmly reminded his friend.
The younger Vulcan had to agree with Kirk's assessment, at least for the moment, but intended to stand by his decision, whatever its potential outcome.
"I am an adult; I cannot concern myself overmuch with my father's opinion. It would be the height of hypocrisy for him to judge me, considering the picture similar to Christine's which Mother did for him and which he uses as I use Christine's when she cannot be with me.
"There are other, more important things, to consider -- such as the … love Christine and I share and our upcoming marriage. We must continue with the wedding arrangements as if nothing has happened. I believe the furor will eventually die down if it has no fuel to sustain itself -- and we must not be the ones to supply that fuel, however difficult it may be for us. If we `stick together,' as you say, we should be able to come out ahead … and what is more, capture the one or ones responsible and see to their punishment."
"I hope you're right, Spock: more than anything -- but things don't always happen in such a cut-and-dried manner. Some people are very tenacious as well as vindictive when there is enough hatred involved. You should know that better than anyone," the Captain gently pointed out.
"We have done nothing that anyone should `hate' us for," the Vulcan insisted. "We are simply attempting to live our lives. If certain others object to that, that is their problem, not ours ... and nothing they do is going to change that fact."
"Maybe not, but it's not necessarily going to stop them from doing all they can to make you two look bad in the eyes of as many people as possible," Kirk continued.
"Be that as it may, I still believe my original idea is the most logical course of action. We behave as if nothing has happened, continue to make and finalize whatever wedding plans and arrangements it is still necessary to make. We must not allow ourselves to become easy targets for someone else's vindictiveness, especially if it means assuming the blame for something we are not responsible for, but instead, something which the person involved has done to themselves via their own illogical, if not illegal, actions."
Both Kirk and Christine still had reservations, but knew that arguing with Spock was a lost cause at a time like this, so they both resolved to go along with his plans as best they could -- and see to it that the Doctor and Uhura complied as well. Their efforts had to be unanimous if the plan was going to have any chance of success whatsoever, particularly if there were more than one person involved in the useless, even senseless (but nonetheless very real) vendetta being launched against Spock and Christine.
* * *
As Christine had feared, it didn't take long for the word to spread, and it was becoming progressively more difficult with every passing day to ignore the sly looks shot in her direction, the whispering and/or furtive conversations which usually ended as if cut off with a knife when she entered a room. She had even begun hearing things like "Hey, Doctor, how was your night with Spock? The two of you must really be hot stuff in the sack!" and "So much for Vulcans being cold," as one sniggered. "How about us having a threesome sometime, Doctor?" If this was what she was getting, Christine didn't want to imagine what Spock was probably enduring…and worst of all, because of her!
For the moment, it sufficed to give them either the proverbial cold shoulder, ignoring them entirely and not dignifying their crude, tasteless and vulgar remarks with even the semblance of an answer … but she didn't know how long she could keep it up. She could stand whatever they said about her, but would have done literally anything to keep Spock from having to endure them for even a moment.
And she was certain that they would be even worse with him, if only to see if they could get a rise out of him. She winced in sympathetic pain at the very thought of what they would say to him -- and his Vulcan demeanor would prevent him from reacting to them, no matter how coarse, ribald or even obscene they became. Oh, my love, I'm so sorry to put you through this, she berated herself even as tears filled her eyes for all her beloved would endure.
She could only hope that at some point either the Captain or Leonard would put their foot down and take steps to put a stop to the vulgarities … or at least keep them to a minimum, if possible. She could still recall what Spock had told her about the time early in the first five-year mission when one crewman had suspected him of being a Romulan spy once they had found out what the Romulans looked like -- and of how the Captain had chewed him out at least twice for his bigotry.
That was bad enough, but after he had accidentally given their position away to the Romulans by inadvertently activating a button at his station (which anybody could have done) when he reached to pull himself up from where he had been lying in order to repair a shorted-out transfer coil, the crewman, one Lt. Stiles, had acted as though it were unforgivable.
But worst of all was when he had gone down to the one operational Phaser Room and asked if he could offer assistance -- then Stiles had snapped at him, "This time we'll handle things without your help, Vulcan." Only she and his closest friends knew how much that had hurt Spock, for he had not reacted to the remark, simply walked out.
Shortly thereafter, the Romulans had launched a plasma weapon against them and caused a coolant leak in the Phaser Room, which had rendered both Tomlinson, who was manning the Phaser Room with him, and Stiles unconscious. Spock had risked his own life to save the ship and the men, but despite his heroic actions, Tomlinson -- who had been due to get married earlier that day -- died because of prolonged inhalation of the deadly coolant gas. Both Spock and Stiles had had to be treated for it as well, but managed to survive because their exposure had not been as long.
She was glad to know that Stiles had at least appreciated Spock's saving him, but to her, that showed who the better man was, particularly after the treatment Spock had endured at his hands. It was a cinch that Stiles would have enjoyed every moment of what was going on now, she was convinced of that; if only for that reason, she was glad he had long since transferred off the ship.
Even before she had come aboard, which had been about a month or so before the Psi 2000 incident, where she had inadvertently blurted out her feelings to Spock and regretted it ever since, even though neither of them had been themselves at a time because of the virus and were technically not responsible for their actions.
Spock had avoided her assiduously for several months afterward, being in her company only when absolutely necessary -- and then only on ship's business or if he were ill or injured. Christine could hardly blame him, considering how wantonly she had acted (at least by comparison to their other encounters) … putting her hands on his face, then kissing his hand passionately and declaring her love for him.
Fortunately, from all indications, all he remembered from that early encounter was the fact she had said she loved him just the way he was -- both sides of him, Vulcan and HHuuman. It was nothing short of a miracle that he hadn't been frightened away for all time, but she was happy beyond words that he hadn't been … and now they were to be married. She vowed that no amount of vulgar innuendo or crude remarks because of this latest incident was going to prevent that from taking place -- not if she had anything to say about it!
* * *
But she had no way of stopping what happened next