Live long and prosper

She jumped up rapidly, startled that she had been found in the first place. Persephone had just wanted to find a secluded place to write down her encounters aboard the Enterprise over the past few weeks. So much had happened, and the woman would want to recall each story in full detail once she returned home. She had slipped into an unknown hold, hiding behind some of the rather long crates ( what supplies were located inside she was particularly curious about ) . Persephone would guess, thinking back now, that she had been in here for a couple of hours. Her mind had been so tunnel-visioned on her writing that all else faded away. That included the possibility of being found. " I’m sorry Sir. I just… “ She shook her head and drew her petite body to attention, looking up at the Vulcan with her journal clasped tightly in front of her blue uniform. " I have no excuse. I was merely looking for a secluded place for a few hours and should have looked elsewhere instead. “

The female Vulcan’s ears perked at the voice. The illumination from a PADD the only source of light in the room . Finding solitude in the study in updating the Vulcan archives in his very room. A displeased looked smeared across her countenance, before focusing her gaze at him. Dark was the room, before she reached over and turned the light on. Situated in a chair.

As they made their way to med bay, Spock began to hear whispers of voices layer upon layer of them in some instances. Out of the corner of his dark eyes, he also caught sight of crewmen who flickered away in most cases as soon as he was certain that he had seen them. He walked toward a female officer, dressed in standard Starfleet science blues, but she seemed to look right through him.

The feeling of being watched weighed on Spock. Even if the flashes were brief the commander was certain that the people on the other side couldn't see them. The looks that went through both of them were piercing and a lingering feeling on him.

"I understand that now, Spock. I want you to know I appreciate it. That means a lot to me, especially since you’re one of the closest friends I have here on the Enterprise. I can come to you with anything and not only will I get a straight, logical answer, I know you’ll always be truthful.” Even if Vulcans could tell lies…

A smile crossed his face-- Uhura knew him better than she let on. The small comments about his nature only solidified that in his mind. Tilting his head Spock thought for a moment. ❝I find it quite... I believe the word you would use is flattering to think that someone would be on the edge of their seat in one of my classes.❞ They were technical and Spock over the years had begun to feel as though his voice lulled people to sleep. ❝You though were never just a student. Always a little better than everyone else. It was clear that you were gifted--❞

She didn’t reply; it was likely she’d be unable to control her emotions enough to remain unheard by anyone else. They’d discussed the subject before and Christine simply wasn’t willing to risk either of their careers by openly flouting regulations. She didn’t want to end up assigned to the outer frontier for a few years because some admiral decided to make an example of them.

Looking up from the monitor he had been fixing Spock regarded the request for a moment before answering. Not because he didn't want to take the time but, because he didn't want to make a promise to Christine and then have it be something that he simply could not keep. 

"Hopefully we won’t need to do that. If we avoid the readers, and mingle with the normal humans, we should be OK." He chuckled and took one last long drink of the quasi-coffee. "We can beam out if we get into trouble too. It’s not like we’re stuck down here, and they’re monitoring us too. Don’t worry so much." But that was part of Spock’s job, his and Bones, to be cautious and to worry when he’d rather jump in with both feet and no net.

As his eyes searched the area Spock made a noncommittal noise. ❝Perhaps you can tell me where the 'normal humans' are sir because I've not seen very many since arrival. The park there were a few but now virtually no one.❞ Of course they'd only taken in a small part of the landscape and surroundings. Maybe the rest of the humans were closer to where the amber was released. 

          Jim was right-- this wasn't the place for a human. Vulcans themselves didn't bode well under such conditions. ❝Once we're sent here-- it's not like them to separate anyone. Besides there are much more dangerous convicts I could align myself with and believe me when it comes to that Romulans are all to aware of the delicacy of the situation. However they are also aware that my loyalties are with you therefore it is unlikely that I would forge a different alliance.❞

"I know, Spock," she replied, voice low so it wouldn’t carry beyond their immediate vicinity. "There’s nothing you could do." She sighed and leaned away from the table for a few moments, rolling her shoulders.

Christine was upset-- a slight quirk of his brow as Spock assessed the situation and he knew that much. Maybe she didn't want to say anything but, it was clear. He could read the annoyance coming off of her in waves. ❝There's only one thing that could fix the situation as it stands and I do believe that over time you've made it clear that it is something you were not prepared for at this time.❞ 

        ❝I can always order you to take over the ship.❞ Kirk replied tersely, he did not look forward to the paperwork. ❝While I’m not sick in the traditional sense, I’m still not well enough to command a ship with over 300 people on it. I wouldn’t say that if I wasn’t serious. It’s bad, Spock. I’ll be sitting on the bridge and suddenly, I’ll be on someone else’s mission. It feels like I’m watching my life instead of actually being there.❞