The Pet
Chapter Four
This is my first attempt at writing. It's a Star Trek original series
story. Star Trek and its characters are the property of Paramount
pictures, and this story is just a work of fan fiction. It's just for fun
and not for profit.
The following morning moderately rivaled the previous day. With the
finish of our showers and the final dressing preparations accomplished
without a hassle we left for the dinning hall. We were received and
quickly ushered to our customary table in the dinning hall. However I
soon discovered the longer I continued to sit the more I realized how
uncomfortable my bench was becoming compared to the previous day. I was
extremely tender in the area Spock struck me therefore it was becoming
painstakingly difficult for me to sit comfortably. Before long I began
to covet the velvety soft comfort provided by my Captain's chair aboard
the Enterprise.
We consumed our meal in nearly complete silence, without an
interruption. I never considered Spock would hold a grudge against me,
yet I couldn't conceive of a better reason for his continual silence. I
soon realized he hadn't uttered a single word and appeared to be
avoiding any possible eye contact throughout the meal. I wondered if
maybe Spock felt disconcerted with regard to his reaction to my outburst
during the conference. I determined it was preferable to allow him to
suffer in silence because tempers were still for the moment rather hot.
I was nevertheless thoroughly annoyed at Spock for what happened
yesterday, but did my best to follow the rules, as I understood them.
Furthermore I realized Spock was expected to follow certain rules as
well however I was unprepared for him to follow through with the
chastisement so publicly. The humiliation of receiving such precise
punishment in public may have granted Spock advancement in the eyes of
the Ambassadors but it did absolutely nothing for my ego.
The conference was scheduled to begin immediately following lunch today
so we returned to our room at the conclusion of our meal. Spock began
going over his speech for the conference and I started examining the
notes he took from the previous day's deliberation. Approximately a
full hour after returning to our chambers we received a resounding knock
at the door. Surprised I looked up from the papers I was studying as
Spock cautiously opened the door to determine who was calling.
Our caller was Ambassador Taduran as well as an attractive young girl
whom he disdained from introducing. The Ambassador informed Spock that
he had decided to assist him with his speech before the conference
began. He stated that the day's session would involve primarily the
nonessential Ambassadors, yet Stoamer's Administrator would be attending
as well. Spock would then attain the perfect opportunity to incite into
the talks the Federation trade agreements. This was a coincidence Spock
couldn't possibly ignore. With the Ambassadors assistance as well as
the prospect of Stoamer's Administrators arrival at the conference Spock
could possibly turn the tide for the Federation.
The Ambassador had brought with him several note pads and a booklet I
presumed to be his notes from the preceding day's conference. He and
Spock began at once; looking through the Ambassadors notes as well as
the papers already scattered on the table.
Forgotten for the moment, I resolutely shifted to my corner where I
submissively sat on my cot remaining out of the Ambassadors way. A pet
was not generally allowed to get involved in his owner's business so I
dared not interfere or suffer the consequences of my actions. I
therefore resigned myself to my circumstances and remained quiet.
With nothing further to occupy my time I began to observe the young
girl who arrived with the Ambassador. She was I estimated to be
approximately 18 and obviously a pet from the collar and attaching gold
chain encompassing her slender neck. Her hair fell below her shoulders
in long rust colored curls that shimmered when the sunlight caught
them. Her skin was a beautiful golden tawny color yet not nearly as
dark as Lieutenant Uhura's. She was very petite and decidedly pretty;
passively standing there with her eyes down cast and her hands aptly
folded in front of her.
I wondered about the color of her eyes, imagining them to be twin
gems of sapphire blue, and waited for even a fleeting glimpse to confirm
my speculations. I was almost compelled to approach her until I
remembered the slap I received from a similar reaction. In the mean
time all I could do was sit quietly on the cot provided for me and
fantasize about the angelic woman child silently standing across the
room.
That afternoon Spock ordered two meals to be delivered to our room for
the girl and I, while he and the Ambassador left for the dinning hall
together. Just prior to stepping through the door Spock turned giving
me a long hard look then closed the door and disappeared from view. I
was then left alone for the day with a very attractive young girl for
company while Spock and the ambassador ate out, then headed for the
conference afterwards.
I was surprised how informal and friendly this girl could be under
the right circumstances. Once her master left the room she immediately
flounced down on my cot and introduced herself as Malinda. She was a
beautiful 18 year old with the most exceptional blue eyes I had by any
chance witness. She explained that she lived with Ambassador Taduran for
approximately ten of her 18 years. She refused to say anything more
concerning her background but was more than willing to talk of the
Ambassador since she appeared to be quite infatuated with him.
Through her I learned Ambassador Taduran was one of the most
influential of all the Ambassadors assembled here. He was to preside
over the final decision concerning Stoamer's betterment. I inquired of
her, relating to the fact that as one of Stoamer's most influential of
Ambassadors, why then did he posses only a single pet? It was the
question Spock asked the Ambassador in the dinning hall when we first
encountered him. The question the Ambassador conveniently ignored.
Malinda stated that the Ambassador possessed so many pets she couldn't
have counted them all, however she was the only one he brought along
this trip.
"Why were you the only one to accompany him?" I asked her. "I mean,
if he is so influential as well as powerful that he could own so many
pets, why then bring only you?"
"He professes its redundant to show how wealthy and powerful he is by
utilizing the many pets he owns." She replied. "He uses his
intelligence and gift for understanding his peoples requirements to
manipulate the other Ambassadors to his reasoning. Ambassadors from all
parts of Stoamer respect his judgment in the running of Stoamer's
government. So you understand the Ambassador doesn't require the use of
his pets as anything more than traveling companions. Besides I believe
I'm practically his favorite of all his pets since he ascertains a
suitable reason for me to accompany him on every one of his trips." She
proclaimed with an impetuous smile. I concluded that this child would
be an extremely hard individual to resist when she matures.
"Do you know what the Ambassadors views are in the matter of the
development and industrialization of Stoamer?" I cautiously asked. I
was uncertain if that topic was forbidden even among pets; nevertheless
I continued to push on.
"Furthermore what do you know of his beliefs on the matter of a Trade
alliance with the Federation?" Since Malinda was so willing to gossip
about the Ambassadors dealings I didn't feel bad concerning my decision
to use her to attain some additional information. I thought any
knowledge that I could acquire concerning the Ambassador would assuredly
help in the conference as well as get me off the hook with Spock. So I
continued to press her for as much as I could without becoming too
conspicuous. She appeared to be genuinely enthusiastic in her endeavor
to assist me in obtaining further information.
I suppose I should have been watching for ulterior motives in her
eagerness yet she seemed so innocent I couldn't bring myself to believe
otherwise. With her coquettish behavior as well as those sapphire eyes
looking so intently at me it was all I could do to remember she was a
child and continue our conversation.
"With the help of the Federation, Stoamer could open new avenues and
enrich the general population. The people would prosper and make sound
contributions to the betterment of all involved. With the Federations
protection the people would not be exploited so easily and in turn
Stoamer has the richest dilithium mines in the area. They could become
apart of the trade routes earning them many credits for improvements in
our society. All would benefit from trade with Stoamer, including the
Federation."
"What would Ambassador Taduran gain out of an alliance with the
Federation?" I was curious to learn why the Ambassador was so involved
with assisting Spock in obtaining the same goals for Stoamer the
Federation wanted.
"Stoamer is Ambassador Taduran's home world, it's only logical that he
should aspire for the best." This she uttered with a wink as well as a
smile that was so intensely charming that I began to consider maybe the
Ambassador was grooming her as his successor. If she could be so
completely enchanting at such an exceeding young age who would be able
to resister her charms after she reached her maturity? She would
consequently become, as much a force to be reckoned with as Ambassador
Taduran himself no doubt. It would be something to behold in say ten
years down the road if my suspicions were correct about this
enchantingly sweet young child.
Our conversation continued on many other subjects, but I stored this
particular information away until Spock's return. While we ate our
lunch she proceeded to advise me what life as an influential Ambassadors
pet was like. Generally I surmise my day of confinement was a rather
pleasant as well as informative afternoon.
Spock and the Ambassador returned shortly before the evening meal, so
we all went to the dining hall together. I would finally be granted the
perfect opportunity to witness a little pet etiquette.
Malinda was what you would call a well-trained pet with all the poise
and self-assurance that I commanded on the bridge of the Enterprise.
She did everything right so the Ambassador was able to concentrate on
other things without checking on her, something that Spock did with me
often enough to make me apprehensive.
I was determined to learn all I could from this young girl with
reference to the appropriate habits a pet utilizes in public. I
required her knowledge as well as assistance to use as an example so
that I could manage to get through the meal without any disastrous
results.
I understood that after my last fiasco the delegates would be
watching me closely for further trouble. One more outburst or
miscalculation on my part would be disastrous for Spock's chances with
the conference as well as for my own self-respect. After what happened
yesterday, I wouldn't want to find out what Spock would do for
punishment next.
Ambassador Taduran and Malinda immediately departed, for their own room
as did Spock and I. Spock appeared extremely pleased at my new
demeanor, though he said nothing. After entering our room, I informed
Spock of all that I had learned, about the Ambassador, from the Malinda
that afternoon. Spock was currently aware of most of what I knew
however he didn't realize that Stoamer was Ambassador Taduran's home
world. He revealed to me how some of the pieces concerning this
unassuming Ambassador now were beginning to fall into place.
"I believe I shall endeavor to spend more time with Ambassador Taduran
throughout the coming days" He determined. "It may prove beneficial for
you to be witnessed in his company as well."
I felt the flame of a blush that was beginning to redden my cheeks
knowing his statement was in reference to my unexpected change of
behavior as well as the outcome of our mission. I then decided to
change the subject to something other than Ambassador Taduran.
"I understand that the Batizoid Ambassador is perceiving the outcome of
the conference the same as you are. Who is she, and is there any truth
in that?" I asked.
"I had an opportunity to converse with Ambassador Carver on my return
to the conference today." Spock replied. "She appeared to conform to
my views for allowing the Federation to embark on a trade agreement with
Stoamer, as well as three other Ambassadors that I spoke to this day.
She as well as Ambassador Taduran seems to be a very close acquaintance
of the Stoamer Administrator and intend to introduce him when the
conference resumes tomorrow."
" With those Ambassadors in my following, and the opportunity to speak
with the Administrator of Stoamer, I will then be in a better position
to bring the conference talks around to the Federation's Trade
agreement. As it will be my turn to speak tomorrow I will open with
discussions on the benefit such an alliance could bring to Stoamer and
its people and hopefully end with a favorable vote."
It seemed like even after all the misfortune I had gotten into during
these talks, that at least Spock was getting somewhere so our mission
might turn out successful after all. I decided I would do my best to
see that Spock had every opportunity to complete tomorrow's speech
without worrying about me.
With the entire success of our mission resting on the outcome of
Spock's speech as well as Spock himself depending on my behavior I was
more determined than ever to get become the submissive pet the Stoamer
Ambassadors expected. Any further misconduct on my behalf would not
only jeopardize the mission but would send Spock and the Enterprise home
a failure. I was completely prepared to sacrifice even my dignity to
prevent this from occurring.
Relief over my decision flooded my body with exhaustion for the first
time since our arrival on Stoamer. I was finally acknowledging the fact
that I could contribute to the success of our mission by doing
absolutely nothing. I sprawled out on my small cot settling in quickly,
prepared for my first good night's sleep in several days.
End Chapter 4