From: neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Neale Davidson)
Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative
Subject: STTUQ 3/15
Date: 21 Aug 92 03:26:08 GMT
Organization: Purdue University Computing Center


 
  - STAR TREK      ---------------------------------------------------
  - THE UNFAIR QUO ---------------------------------------------------
 
  Part Three of Fifteen
 
  --------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  CHAPTER THREE
 
        "Miss Campbell," Saavik began with a bit of nervousness
  in her voice. "I didn't expect that you would have any company.
  I can return later if you would like." The shower was running
  in the other room, leaving Saavik to feel like she had
  interrupted someone else's affair.
        "It's all right, Commander," the younger officer replied.
  "Tiber's just getting cleaned up for shopping later, he'll be
  out of here in a few minutes anyway."
        It was unusual for a high-ranking Star Fleet officer to
  visit the private apartments of her command, but Saavik was
  having difficulty with her own personal situation, and Campbell
  seemed to be the most qualified to discuss it. It had been no
  secret that Tiber and she had been seeing each-other regularly,
  and that the two were intimate. It was a logical decision to
  ask her about such matters, since she seemed to be having
  success and experience. "I wanted to discuss a personal matter
  with you," she stammered, mildly failing to keep her
  emotionless facade.
        "Oh," Campbell said exitedly. "In that case I insist that
  you stay," she continued with a smile. "Would you like a drink?
  I have some herbal tea brewing. I know it isn't traditional
  Vulcan teas, but I think it's quite good."
        "Thank you," Saavik replied, even though Campbell was
  already heading to the kitchen area. "I did not know with whom
  I should discuss this, I hope I am not inconviencing you."
        "Not at all," Campbell replied as she could hear the
  shower water being turned off. "Is this about the Captain?"
        Saavik nearly flushed. "You know about us?" she replied
  in disbelief. "Have we been that obvious?"
        "Yes," Campbell admitted. "Not to a major point, but it's
  obvious that you two liked each other since he came aboard. You
  held hands a little to long, stood a bit too close when
  talking, that sort of thing."
        "How does standing close together denote affection?"
  Saavik asked innocently enough. "I understand the tradition of
  holding hands, but I was not considering affection for Thomas
  until recently."
        Campbell returned with a large glass of herbal tea. The
  scent was most pleasing. "It's not something you think about,
  it just happens. It's like, well, Tiber and I were friends a
  long time before we became a couple. Until someone else
  mentioned it, we never even really gave it much thought."
        "Fascinating," Saavik replied cooly. "It has been so long
  since I felt these feelings, I had forgotten what it was like.
  It was easier then, with David."
        "David?" Campbell asked, not knowing how thin the ice was
  where she treaded.
        "A scientist, a very kind, resourceful man," Saavik
  explained. "It was years ago. We were in love, at least for a
  short while. He was killed before we could pursue a long-term
  relationship."
        "I'm sorry," Campbell replied, sitting across from
  Saavik. "I didn't mean to push."
        "I've accepted it long ago," Saavik admitted. "I have
  been reminded of his loss as of late, but I have accepted the
  fact he is gone."
        "What do you feel about the Captain?" Campbell inquired,
  half out of curiousity. "If you don't mind my asking."
        "I respect him," Saavik confessed. "He intrigues me, and
  excites me. I want to be with him," she slowly continued, "as
  much as possible."
        Campbell's eyes widened. "I'd say that qualifies as
  love," she commented with a wide smile. "Have you talked to him
  about it?"
        "We have been having difficulty," Saavik admitted. "He is
  concerned about a conflict of interest, as am I. But we have
  agreed to go to the awards ceremony as a couple."
        "That's great," Campbell announced. "So, are you all 
  prepared for your date? I mean, have you picked out your dress 
  and everything?"
        Saavik was floored by the question. She had expected to 
  have a long, drawn out conversation about what she should do 
  about being with Riley, and Campbell had abruptly switched 
  subjects. "Dress? I was planning to wear dress uniform, as 
  dictated by regulations."
        "You can't dance in those uniforms," Campbell protested. 
  "Besides, they're not flattering. Regulations state that formal 
  attire is to be worn, not neccessarily uniform."
        Campbell had already stood up, gathering some odds and 
  ends. "Tiber," she called into the closed bedroom.
        "Yeah?" the Andorian's muffled voice came back.
        "You're taking me and Commander Saavik to Los Angeles? 
  Comprennez?" Campbell commanded with a smile.
        "Oh I am?" Tiber began to protest. "Oh, you and 
  Commander Saavik? Sure, yeah, right away," he replied as he 
  mentally replayed the message.
 
        "She said 'yes', Tago," Riley muttered. "Now, I've 
  officially got a date for the awards ceremony. I now get to 
  look like a total fool in front of Admiral Sulu and Ambassador 
  Spock. Thank you so much for talking me into this."
        "You'll be fine, Tom," Tago retorted, taking the 
  cramped hovercraft into a mild climb. "All you need to do is 
  change your looks and personality and you'll have no problem."
        "Oh thanks," Riley returned. "And I suppose that you've 
  been with every woman on the planet by now, right?"
        "No," Tago admitted with a smile. "But they all wish that 
  I had."
        Riley sighed heavily. "Right, yeah. Tell me, Tago. Have 
  you ever thought about counselling for that huge ego of yours?"
        "I will when you feel comfortable without that phaser 
  rifle on your leg," Tago blurted. "Why do you always have to 
  carry that damn thing around anyway? It makes me nervous."
        "That's why," Riley smiled. "Actually, I'm just more 
  comfortable with it. Ten years of working Star Fleet 
  Intelligence has made me a bit paranoid."
        "Yeah," Tago agreed. "But that's behind you. You've got a 
  decent future ahead of you. You're the Captain of the starship
  ENTERPRISE."
        Riley sighed again. "Yeah," he muttered. "I suppose 
  that's why I've got this awards ceremony tomorrow. I just hope 
  I don't fluster up."
        "You've got a Vulcan girl to say 'yes' to you for a 
  date," Tago laughed. "What could go right?"
 

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