From: neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu (Neale Davidson)
Subject: STTUQ 1-5/15 repost
Organization: Purdue University Computing Center
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 13:42:34 GMT

 
  - STAR TREK      ---------------------------------------------------
  - THE UNFAIR QUO ---------------------------------------------------
 
  Part One through Five of Fifteen
 
  Disclaimer : This is fan-zine material, which means that it's
  neither cannon nor seeking to be. I'm doing this for fun.
 
  This story takes place three weeks AFTER the events chronicled
  in THE RAVEN'S ROAR. It is my first "controversial" story to
  date, so I hope someone, somewhere, might take notice.
 
  --------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  CHAPTER ONE
 
        The place stank with old liquor and old people drinking
  liquor, yet Riley was as comfortable here as he was anywhere
  else. His hulking form was enough to intimidate most people
  from harassing him, but the large phaser rifle strapped to his
  side did the brunt of the warning for him.
        "Romulan ale," Riley commanded to the bartender in a deep
  voice which sent shivers up other patron's spine.
        The bartender, a tall Tellarite snarled, apparantly put
  off by the newcomer's demand. "Romulan ale's illegal, Captain
  of the ENTERPRISE."
        Riley clinched his fist, keeping his free hand close to
  the phaser rifle. "So am I," he warned with a fierce look in
  his eye.
        Then the two men died laughing. "Jesus, man, how the hell
  have you been?" the bartender cracked, putting the room into a
  small state of confusion.
        "I've been busy," Riley answered, the look of anger
  vanishing from his face. "Fleet's given me a lot of work to do
  lately."
        "I've heard," the Tellarite answered. "The ENTERPRISE and
  her three battles of late have gotten you and your ship quite
  well known Earthside."
        "Really, Tago?" Riley smirked, "Who'd be interested in a
  guy like me?"
        "Well," the Tellarite began with a wide smile, "about
  half the cadets over at the academy ask about you, particularly
  the girls," he added with a wink.
        "Yeah right," Riley smarted back. "You know how much luck
  I've had with women. I've got all the charm of a Denebian Slime
  Devil in heat."
        "And the smell," Tago snapped back. "Sounds like you've
  got yourself a problem, my friend."
        "I'm in love with my First Officer," Riley admitted as
  Tago grabbed a bottle of neon-blue liquid.
        Tago smiled, "I'm sure he's a very nice guy," he said,
  forcing Riley to give a hurt expression. "Just kidding,
  everyone knows about Saavik's and your unusual relationship."
        "Everyone?" Riley asked gaping. "You've got to be kidding
  me? You are, right?" he pleaded.
        "Well, let's just say that you're not the only ENTERPRISE
  crewman to drink here," Tago replied flatly. "I overheard some
  of your ensigns in here a few hours ago. They're visiting their
  friends in the Academy now."
        "Luck them," Riley replied, taking the drink from the
  table. "So what'd they say, that the Captain and the lovely
  First Officer have stayed in the observation deck too long?"
        "Hardly," the bartender smiled, "they make a lot of jokes
  about the two blind rats caught in a maze."
        Riley sighed. "Is it that obvious? I guess it is that
  obvious. I'm in love, Tago. In love with a very beautiful,
  very," he paused again, looking for words to complete his
  thoughts. There were none. "Sometimes I envy Vulcans."
        "Where are you staying, Thomas? Have you found a room
  yet, or did you plan to stay on ENTERPRISE?" the Tellarite
  asked, changing the subject.
        "Um," Riley replied, lost, "I haven't found a room yet. I
  haven't actually looked."
        "I've got a room upstairs, it's not much, but it's yours
  if you want it."
        "Thank you," Riley replied, taking a large sip of his
  Romulan Ale.
 
        "I am impressed, Commander," the Vulcan replied in his
  characteristically cool voice. "Your professionalism aboard the
  ENTERPRISE in the times of crisis you have faced has been
  remarkable."
        "Thank you, sir," Saavik replied honestly. "Though I must
  admit that I had some difficulty during those times. My loss of
  command, then the battles, then Thomas, it was all very
  tiring."
        Spock was dressed, as was usual of late, in his Vulcan
  robes. His face was a bit more worn than Saavik remembered, but
  it had been three years since the two of them spoke. He had
  aged somewhat, but his look had grown stern, and truly
  respectful. "I well understand the difficulties you've faced,
  Commander. I can appreciate your difficulty."
        Saavik looked out of her borrowed apartment, into the San
  Fransisco skyline. "I've tried, very hard, to keep control of
  my emotions, Spock. But I still have them, escpecially towards
  Thomas. It is not logical that I should want to pursue a
  relationship with him, yet that is what I want."
        "Logic alone does not answer all problems, Saavik Kahm,"
  Spock replied. "As Jim would say, 'You must rely on your
  instincts as well.'"
        "My instincts? I do not understand them," Saavik replied
  flatly. "I'm angry with him, and I am drawn to him. I haven't
  felt this way since," she faded off, drawn into memories she
  tried so hard to forget.
        "David Marcus," Spock completed. "I apologize, I did not
  need to state his name, I was completing the thought."
        "It's all right," Saavik replied. "I've shut it out so
  long that I didn't remember how much it hurt me. Maybe that's
  what's been bothering me."
        Spock raised an eyebrow. "Indeed, but it has been my
  experience that the emotion of love is not as simple as what
  you would prefer to believe."
 
        Grissom entered her temporary apartment, a small room in
  San Fransisco's bay towers. It was a dim place, but it was
  going to be home for the next three weeks.
        "Lights," she commanded to the room's computer system.
  Instantly the dark areas of the room brightened, revealing a
  long, tall package in the far corner.
        She went to it, the candy-striped red-bowed package had a
  simple note to it. It read "From an admirer" in flawless
  calligraphy.
        She opened it eagerly, revealing three red roses inside.
  "Gahrut," she laughed as she sniffed the intoxicating scent.
  Her best friend was trying to cheer her up already. God knows
  that she would rather be on the ENTERPRISE when the ship needed
  her most.
        The door chime beeped quiety. Grissom loosened her hair a
  bit as she strolled to the door. Gahrut and Campbell were
  waiting on the other side. Campbell was carrying a dozen roses.
        "We wanted to welcome you Earthside," Campbell explained.
  "It was Gahrut's idea."
        "Sorry I couldn't carry the roses," Gahrut explained.
  "I've got a little trouble in that department. Who sent those?"
        "You mean you didn't?" Grissom asked, taken aback by his
  question. "I don't know, it was from an admirer it said."
        Campbell smiled. "Yet another man to fling off. God I
  wish I had your problems," she laughed, letting herself into
  the tiny apartment.
        "Really?" Grissom replied, smiling, "I thought you and
  Tiber were getting along well."
        "Oh yeah?" Campbell smiled. "He hasn't had much time
  for me lately. It's the bad thing about being a helmsman."
        "I never thought of that," Grissom grimaced. "Well, I
  haven't gone shopping yet, so I'm out of absolutely everything.
  You'll have to make do with ordered-food."
        "Gotta be better than the ENTERPRISE's idea of food,"
  Gahrut muttered.
        "This from someone who eats pebbles for breakfast,"
  Campbell smiled. "How about some Mandarin, ENTERPRISE does a
  lousy job with spices."
        Grissom walked to the aparment's computuer console
  and entered the request. A few minutes later, the food arrived
  and the trio began their shoreleave party.
 
  CHAPTER TWO
 
        Tago had lied when he said the Riley's room wouldn't be
  much. It provided a spectacular view over the entirety of Star
  Fleet Academy, and of the Golden Gate bridge. The night image,
  filled with so many lights both on ground and in space,
  captivated Riley's attention. He could have even sworn that he
  could make out the outline of the giant spacedock orbiting
  overhead.
        Tago walked in, carrying a glass of Romulan Ale to his
  friend, and wearing a large, fiendish smile. "So, Captain, what
  do you think of the room?"
        "Awesome view," Riley confided. "Is that spacedock up
  there?" he asked, pointing to a distant shadow in the heavens.
        "Yeah, that's it," Tago replied, "It's at her far point
  in orbit. She'll show up better in a week or so, and that's a
  sight to behold."
        "I bet it is," Riley smiled.
        "I got something for you," Tago said, handing over the
  drink. "A friend of mine, a regular, got me Saavik's address.
  The Doctor was very helpful."
        Riley sighed heavily, mainly to demostrate effect. "Why
  did you go and do that, Tago? I wanted a vacation, not
  frustration."
        "You've been frustrated for thirty-five years, Captain,"
  Tago laughed. "Don't you think it's time, man?"
        Riley stood from his bed, taking the drink. "I don't
  know, Tago. Conflict of interest and all that," he added.
        "Look, Tom," Tago responded, "in all of the years I've
  known you, not once have you comprimised your job. The truth is
  you're scared. You've never been in love, never even dated. And
  now you've got a First Officer who reminds you of Venus."
        Riley frowned. "I've never had time for any of that," he
  explained. "I've always had a mission to perform, or a job to
  do. My personal life came last."
        "You've got three weeks before the ENTERPRISE is ready to
  leave, Tom," Toga retorted. "You've got time now. And you'll
  have time on ship. What's wrong in giving it a chance?"
        Riley paused a long second, lost in thought. "You drive,"
  he decided, before taking a sip of his ale.
 
        Riley walked to the door just as it had opened. He had
  expected Saavik's beautiful visage to appear in front of him,
  but the Vulcan who stood there was much taller, much older, and
  decidedly male.
        Riley had inadvertantly, and almost literally, stumbled
  into a legend. "Ambassador Spock," Riley blurted in disbelief.
  "It's a honor to meet you, sir."
        "Likewise, Captain," Spock replied with a lift of his
  eyebrow. "Indeed, your reputation proceeds you. Star Fleet has
  informed me of your outstanding success in the Neutral Zone,
  you should be congradulated."
        "I could have handled it better," Riley admitted,
  remembering Deuce's death. "But thank you, your words mean a
  lot to me."
        Spock nearly smiled. The new Captain of the ENTERPRISE
  was humbled, even though his carreer had been quite impressive
  on its own right. It was the first time Spock realized that he
  was a legend. "I am flattered, Captain," he replied cooly.
        "Peace and long life, Ambassador," Riley responded,
  giving Spock the Vulcan salute.
        "Live long and prosper, T'Salek," the Ambassador
  responded, citing Riley's Romulo-Vulcan name. "I look forward
  to discussion with you at the awards ceremony."
        "I am honored," Riley replied with a bit of shock. "I
  hope I won't disappoint you."
        "Good day, Captain," Spock completed quiety, leaving
  Riley and Saavik alone as he left through the wooden door.
        "Ambassador Spock?" Riley asked, impressed. "I wasn't
  aware that he was even on Earth."
        "He has been discussing matters with the President,"
  Saavik answered flatly. Riley was already feeling unsure as to
  why he even bothered to show up. "He has been in touch with
  Senator Pardek of Romulus. They are working on peace
  negociations," Saavik continued, not even looking at him.
        Riley fully stepped in, tired of waiting for an
  invitation. "Saavik, I know things haven't been well between
  us," he began nervously.
        "We have performed well," Saavik responded even more
  distantly. "As Captain and First Officer, our efficiency
  rating has been well into the ninetieth percentile."
        "That's not what I meant," Riley argued. "I didn't come
  here to discuss politics, or our efficiency rating."
        "Then what reason do you have for being here, Captain,"
  Saavik responded coldly, causing Riley to draw a deep breath to
  regain his courage.
        "I needed to talk to you," Riley admitted. "Actually,
  Tago felt that I needed to talk to you."
        "What is there to discuss?" Saavik curtly asked. "We
  both have been very hesistant to adress the matter at hand.
  Obviously, we are not yet ready to admit our feelings."
        "I can say it to your face, Saavik," Riley replied. "I
  love you. I know that as your Captain, I'm facing a serious
  conflict of interest. But I can't ignore it." It was obvious
  that he was having difficulty with the statements. He voice
  quaked, and his hands shook. It was the first time she had seen
  him scared.
        Saavik sat down, unable to answer or reply for a few
  moments. "It's worse for me, Thomas," she finally spoke,
  breaking the uneasy silence that had settled into the room.
  "I'm Vulcan, I don't act on my emotions. It goes against
  everything I've learned."
        Riley frowned, regretting his decision. "I should have
  realized that. I'm sorry to bother you," he continued, heading
  to leave.
        "It doesn't mean that I don't love you, Thomas," she
  quickly added, not allowing him to leave. "I do love you. I
  just didn't want to admit it to myself."
        Riley turned, not looking relieved. "What do we do now?"
  he asked. "Can I be an effective Captain with you as my First
  Officer? Can I be that detatched when duty calls?"
        "I think you can," she replied. "It's like you're two
  different people, A cold calculating ship's Captain when you
  need to be, and a caring man when you can be."
        "My two halves," Riley added, a bit disturbed. "It would
  seem to be the case."
        The two sat silent again for several moments. It was
  painfully obvious how lacking in experience the two were in
  dealing with these types of emotions.
        "Saavik," Riley finally dared, "would you do me the honor
  of being my date for the awards banquet Wednesday?"
        Saavik smiled, for the first time that Riley could
  remember. "It is I who would be honored," she answered.
        Riley beamed, the knotting is his stomach working its way
  straight. "Then I'll pick you up one hour beforehand."
        "Tom," she interrupted, "Ambassador Spock will be our
  chaperone. Does that bother you?"
        Riley nodded the negative, his eyes showing a mild
  contentment. "Nothing bothers me right now, Saavik. For once."
 
        Grissom returned with yet another box of goods which
  needed to be immediately packed. Her family had already begun
  providing her with replacement stuff for the things lost when
  her quarters left the ENTERPRISE.
        The box she carried was quite heavy, but wasn't worth
  attaching the expensive av-grav units for a three minute trip.
  Her tiny form was withering under the strain, however.
        Her temporary apartment had three boxes in it already,
  and no furniture other than a bed, chair, and table. The
  kitchen had no supplies in it. She cursed herself for
  forgetting, knowing she would have to order-out again.
        "Message for Miss Paula Grissom," the computer blurted
  out once it had succeeded in defining who had entered the room.
  "Audio message for Paula Grissom."
        "Play it, please," she responded, letting the large box
  crash at her feet.
        "Hello, pistol," the computer played, and Paula froze in
  terror. "Do you remember me?" the disguised voice continued,
  taunting her. "It's been a long time, but I'm so pleased that
  you came back to visit me. I just wanted to tell you that I was
  thinking about you."
        Like a machine she walked to the computer bank, lifting
  her finger ever so slowly to the controls. "I've missed you,
  Paula," the maniacal voice continued. "I've wanted you for so
  long, I can't tell you how pleased I am that you a nearby."
        Desperately, she hit the erase command, which abruptly
  killed the message. "Where did that come from?" she demanded.
        "Voice message did not have address trailer," the
  computer answered in its ever-cheery tone. "Trace is
  unavailable."
        She quiety went to her supply bag, removed the phaser
  from within, and strapped it to her side. "Refuse all messages
  without trailers, computer," she commanded with a failing
  voice.
        It was happening all over again.
 
  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?"
 
  CHAPTER FOUR
 
        The trip from the shops of Los Angeles to the rooms of
  San Fransisco was frustratingly slow. Grissom never realized
  just how much she was used to the transporters aboard the
  ENTERPRISE. But the trip was over, and her clothes for the
  awards ceremony later had been bought.
        She had about four hours to get herself ready for it, and
  then she would move into her new room aboard the ENTERPRISE,
  away from the problems of Earth.
        "Well then," Gahrut announced as the two left the
  turbolift and stepped to her apartment doors. "I need to
  properly fix myself up for the awards ceremony later."
        "Right," she replied. "I suppose that you want to hide
  all those embarrassing cracks in your hide, and those unsightly
  crystal growths."
        "Hey, we men have to primp just like everyone else," the
  Horta retorted. "Anyway, I've got to get going. Are you sure
  that you're going to be okay?"
        "Thanks," Grissom muttered, embarrassed by her fear. "The
  streets aren't very safe at night, and I didn't really want to
  be alone."
        "No problem," Gahrut replied. "My room's three floors
  above and about three-hundred feet south. If you need anything,
  talk, movies, granite, don't hesitate."
        Grissom gave a nervous smile in reply, letting Gahrut
  shuffle off into the nearest turbolift. She sucked in her
  breath, trying to regain her composure.
        Grissom entered her room again, shaking. Her previous
  encounter within had nearly frenzied her, and it had taken all
  of her courage to re-enter the room. She had decided to move
  out, to try and run away again.
        "Computer, messages?" she asked, praying that he hadn't
  called again.
        There was no reply. It was then she noticed that her
  computer system had been shut down. The room was black and
  silent. In one smooth action she drew her phaser and manually
  turned on the lighting system.
        The lights came on, illuminating the dark corners
  of the room. She scanned it over, looking for things out of
  place. Other than the computer, everything appeared untouched.
        Hesitantly, she paced to the door to her bedroom. It had
  been opened, a small crack was between the door and the wall.
  Someone had been inside.
        She gathered her strength, raising the phaser to the room
  on the other side of the door. In one swift action, she threw
  the door aside, and froze in abject terror.
        Her clothes had been thrown on the bed, where someone had
  indulged themselves in the most perverse way. The perpetrator
  was long gone, but he had left his presence behind.
        She collapsed, dropping the phaser to the ground, going
  nearly catatonic. There was a note on the bed, written by
  computer. "See you tonight," it began. "I'm waiting for you."
 
  CHAPTER FIVE
 
        "Well, Ambassador," Hikaru Sulu began polite as he
  assumed his table near the stage. "It's a pleasure to see you
  again. Three years, has it?"
        "Three years," Spock replied, setting down his warm
  herbal tea. "Indeed. Three years too long, Admiral," the Vulcan
  finished. "Congradulations on your promotion, Sulu, you have
  been deserving of it for some time."
        "Thank you," Sulu agreed as he slid the seat back under
  him. "And congradulations on your new carreer. I know how
  anxious you are to path things up with the Romulan Senate."
        "All wounds need to be healed," Spock cooly replied. "I
  believe that the time has come for our common hostilities to
  come to an end."
        Sulu nodded in the affirmative. "That's your official
  reason for being here, is it?" he asked with a smile. "I would
  have sworn that you're here to see how Saavik is getting along
  aboard the new ENTERPRISE with a Captain you're uncomfortable
  with."
        Spock went silent for a moment. "You have been speaking
  to Doctor McCoy, have you not? He does exaggerate matters
  somewhat."
        "Actually," Sulu began, "it was a bit obvious even before
  I walked into Tago's. It's too bad I missed Riley though, I
  would've like to meet him."
        "Your fascination with war heroes, Admiral?" Spock
  queried. "I agree that Riley's experience in tactical affairs
  is without question, though his dealings in other areas I have
  found to be lacking."
        "Really?" Sulu smiled, noting that a new waves of guests
  were arriving. "I take it that you've met the Captain lately?"
        "I have," Spock replied, sipping again from his tea. "He
  seems an honorable man. But he is emotionally disturbed. His
  presence is highly cluttered with regrets and pain."
        "This uniform hurts," Riley muttered as Tago led him into
  the doors. "I never did like full dress," he added, tugging at
  his neck. "And the idea of tying something tightly around your
  neck to look good never made much sense to me."
        Tago laughed, thankful that the dress code had been a bit
  more lenient on him. "Didn't you wear dress uniform when you
  got aboard your ship?" he asked with a smile.
        "I haven't worn a dress uniform since I graduated from
  the Academy, Tago," Riley snapped back. "You don't usually wear
  uniforms in the Intelligence branch, must less dress ones."
        "Yeah," Tago muttered. "I just think you're upset that
  you can't wear that damn rifle in here," he replied with a
  faint smile. "Formal occaisions were never your strong suit,
  were they?"
        "I guess not," he sighed. "But then, that's not why Star
  Fleet wanted me was it?"
        "Star Fleet wanted him for his knowledge of the
  Romulans," Sulu argued. "And he has proven himself a capable
  Captain on three occaisions, despite his setbacks."
        "He behaves more emotionally than Doctor McCoy," Spock
  retorted. "And his relationship with his First Officer makes me
  apprehensive."
        "Ah," Sulu smiled, "the old fatherly instinct. My father
  once told me that his father-in-law made a habit of cleaning
  his katana in front of him whenever he asked to see my mother."
        "Your implication?" Spock asked noncommitedly.
        "You're worried about Saavik falling in love with Riley,"
  Sulu replied. "Well, from what I hear, that's already happened.
  It's just sentient nature."
        Spock noticed two arriving gentlemen entering the room.
  He recognized the larger as Captain Riley, the other was a
  Tellarite wearing what seemed to be a business suit. "Perhaps,
  Admiral," Spock continued. "Perhaps I do feel paternal
  instincts toward Commander Saavik. After all, I did raise her
  after the V'Ger incident until I died."
        "There's a unique claim," Sulu laughed.
        "I never claimed to be a dancer," Riley argued, stunned
  by the news he had heard. "Besides, I don't think she's going
  to want me to dance."
        "All women want to dance," Tago countered with a devilish
  smile. "Granted some in different ways, like the Orion Women,
  but they all do."
        "Well, I didn't expect that," Riley admitted. "Maybe I'll
  be lucky and she'll change her mind and stay home."
        "You're getting the medal of valor, and the distinguised
  arrowhead," Tago replied. "I doubt that she's going to stay
  home. Face it, you're on your first date, Captain."
        "Great," he replied with some loathing. "What if I screw
  this up?"
        "Are you expecting that he'll screw up somehow?" Sulu
  asked. "His psyche profile is top-notch. I have to agree
  with Sonak's recommendations about him."
        "I agree," Spock replied. "My regret," he cotinued, "lies
  with the knowledge of Rliey that I have, that both he and
  Commander Saavik do not."
        Sulu gave a concerned look, but Spock's expression made
  it apparant that he would divulge no further on the subject.
  "Well, he's here anyway, the newest Captain of the ENTERPRISE.
  I wonder what Jim would say."
        Spock raised an eyebrow at the thought. "I believe that
  he has other, more pressing, concerns on his mind at the
  moment."
        "She'll be here any moment," Tago prodded. "She's
  arriving with some of your crewmates. You can't duck out on
  her. If she doesn't kill you the Admirals will."
        "I'm not ducking out," Riley argued. "I'm just nervous.
  Okay, I'm very nervous," he smiled.
        Tago pointed towards the door, making Riley turn to face
  the most lovely picture he'd seen in quite some time.
        Saavik entered, escorted by Tiber and Campbell. She was
  wearing a glistening red dress, cut low. She was adorned by
  long pearl earrings and a magnificent pearl necklace. Her hair
  had been neatly primped, and her makeup had been perfectly
  placed.
        Riley drew in a deep breath, suddenly realizing that he
  was staring at her glamorous beauty. "Tago," he managed though
  a mild shock, "I believe my date has arrived."
 
 

-- 

"Our crew's living quarters have left the ship."
			- Secundam Yto aboard the IRON CLAW II
Neale Davidson, another writer wanna-be. neale@mentor.cc.purdue.edu