The Pet
Chapter Seven
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.
It was the ambassador who spoke first, ultimately asking the question
most
prominent in my mind. "What happened, Ambassador?" He requested of
Spock.
All the anger the Ambassador displayed earlier was now absent and his
voice
once again sounded calm. His face appeared remarkably concern as he
studied
my first officer standing beside him. He was either completely
innocent or
was a masterful actor. Despite my suspicions, I could see no guilt or
subterfuge in his attitude.
Spock deliberately ignored my presence, discussing with Ambassador
Taduran
what information they both had gathered over the past two days.
Listening to
the two ambassadors consulting with each other along with the
information I
had gathered I could almost put all the pieces of the puzzle together.
Spock was about to begin speaking to the assembled ambassadors at the
conference when the hotel guard had entered the room. He quickly
located
Spock as well as Ambassador Taduran and discreetly informed them of an
attempt on the Betazoid Ambassador's life and my mysterious
disappearance.
Ambassador Taduran realized just how important Spock's speech would be
and
how it would affect things on Stoamer. He knew it would be imperative
that
the crime as well as my continuing disobedience remains concealed so
as not
creating any discord between Stoamer and the Federation. He also knew
that if
the investigation were left up to the local constabulary the true
culprit
would undoubtedly get away. He
decided that if the mystery were to be properly solved he would have
to
investigate it himself.
He first spoke to the administrator, telling of his decision to
investigate
the attempt as well as locate me for questioning. He also decided to
speak to
the wounded ambassador and report this information to the authorities.
This
would then pacify the local police. He requested firmly that the
attempt on
the ambassador be kept quiet until
he was through with his investigation.
He explained to Spock that when he found where I was he would return
to the
hotel and wait for him. Spock should go on with his speech and
appointment
with the Stoamer's Administrator as planed so as not arouse farther
suspicion. Spock and the Administrator both agreed with his logic and
gave
Taduran full authority in the investigation. Spock gave the ambassador
a key
to his room so he had a safe place to bring me on his return. Taduran
finally
left with the guard for the wounded ambassador's room.
The Betazoid Ambassador told the guard and Taduran that it was the
Tellerite Ambassador that had tried to kill her and not Spock's pet.
He
wanted her to side with him against the Federation pertaining to the
trade agreements. He knew that she was close to the Administrator and
so would be a powerful ally for his side in the conferences. When she
refused to the Tellerite Ambassador's demands he threatened her with
the
knife. In their struggles he managed to stab her. Notably frightened
about the outcome of the incident he proceeded to flee the room. It
was
this information that sufficiently cleared me of all the charges and
Spock's position with Stoamer was safeguarded. However it did not
exonerate me from the fact I had completely disregarded Spock's orders
and departed not only the room but the hotel as well.
With the Ambassadors written statement in hand, and the knowledge he
received from the authorities of where I was being held, Ambassador
Taduran left the room to get a message to Spock. He then, knowing that
I would not be going anywhere soon, insisted on helping the local
police
find the Tellerite Ambassador. This is why the Ambassador took so long
before he was able to gain my release.
Ambassador Taduran had to retrace the Tellerite's steps through the
town
to gain enough information as to where he went after departing the
hotel.
When he was directed to the house the Tellerite had stopped at Taduran
almost
lost the trail. Fortunately one of the officers working with him
discovered a
man who observed the Tellerite hanging around an abandon warehouse on
the
outskirts of town.
Taduran and a small group of officers proceeded to this warehouse to
investigate why the Tellerite Ambassador found it so interesting.
Discovering
the boxes and crates all addressed to the warehouse with his name most
prominent on the labels they proceeded to have them opened.
The content of each container was an assortment of mining accessories
required for the extraction and processing of dilithium. It was
certain to
Taduran that the Tellerite was planing on the takeover of the
dilithium trade
with Stoamer. The authorities would have become suspicious if an off
world
Ambassador had received such a large shipment
of mining and processing equipment. By shipping under Ambassador
Taduran's
name the Tellerite was safe from the threat of his underhanded
dealings being
discovered before he was ready to reveal his plans.
After securing the entire warehouse with a team of officers,
Ambassador
Taduran then took a small assembly of men to continue the search for
the
Tellerite. He questioned several people in the area of the warehouse
until he
found one who had seen him within the last two days. Following this
new lead
he discovered the most resent of the Tellerite's activities.
It wasn't too much longer when he finally caught sight of the
Tellerite in
the streets. That's when the chase began. In the end the Tellerite was
cornered on the upper floor of an abandoned building. When Ambassador
Taduran
and his assemblage arrived he tried to persuade the Tellerite to turn
himself
in. The Tellerite tried to rush the small
group surrounding him instead. In doing so he tripped over some
debris,
slipped, and plummeted four stories down to land on the top of a
ground-car
parked in the alley.
With the Tellerite Ambassador dead, Taduran returned to the hotel to
inform
the Administrator. He reported in with the Administrator's aids as
well as
giving a report that explained the results of the investigation. Then
he made
a duplicate copy to send to the constable along with the men he had
borrowed
for the investigation. This done he went to Spock's room to wait for
him.
When Spock did not return, Taduran inquired of his whereabouts from
the hotel
manager. The manager informed him that the Federation Ambassador was
still in
a private meeting with the Administrator and could not be disturbed.
So
Taduran left a message that he would retrieve me and return to Spock's
room
to wait for him there. He then proceeded on to the jail to see about
obtaining my release. This brought Spock up to date with Ambassador
Taduran's
comings and goings.
Spock continued the story by telling of his meeting with the
administrator.
The meeting went on well into the night, as the administrator wanted
to hear
more and more about the Federation and their proposed trade
agreements. He
was so pleased by what he heard that he agreed to speak to all the
Ambassadors concerning Spock's ideas when the conference convened
again.
The whole time Spock was detained with the administrator he had been
worried
about where I was as well as if I was safe. He couldn't let on just
how
concerned he was, nor could he excuse himself from the meeting without
the
Administrator becoming suspicious. He did however leave as soon as the
meeting was convened and hurried back to his room to determine his
next move.
Upon finding both Ambassador Taduran and myself unharmed, he set about
to
discover what happened concerning the charges against me. As both
individuals
continued to relate each other's side of the story, I started to feel
worse
than ever about what I had done. I had put them to so much trouble
this day.
Spock's worry over my disappearance and not being able to do anything
about
it was the hardest to take. If I had done what he had told me to do,
and
stayed in my room, I would not have
been under suspicion for the attempt on the Betazoid Ambassador's
life. Spock
had enough to deal with at the conference without having to put up
with my
impudence as well.
Punishment would be inevitable this time. There would be no getting
around
that. The question was what type of chastisement I would be receiving.
I was
growing suspicious as to which of the two individuals standing in
front of me
would punish me as well. Both the ambassador and Spock seemed equally
angry
with me. Both went out of their way for my benefit.
I had already received a sample of what Ambassador Taduran considered
a fit
punishment, and knew I did not want any more of that. I was positive
that
Spock would not stand by and allow Taduran to abuse me in that manner.
I was
a Starship Captain after all, even if in disguise.
Spock was my first officer though and my friend so I could not believe
he
would go to the lengths that Ambassador Taduran might in punishing me.
Also,
I was supposed to be Spock's pet during this mission, and Spock knew
this was
just a role. That's why I was really hoping that Spock would ask the
Ambassador to leave. In this way Spock would be able to punish me in
private.
I knew that he at least would be reasonable about it if I could just
speak
with him alone. I felt foolish standing there anticipating what was to
happen
to me.
The moment I was apprehensive over was soon at hand for I noticed both
individuals turn to me. I knew right then and there, that no matter
who it
was they determined would be the one to punished me, it was going to
be in
front of the other.
The ambassador showed no sign of leaving so I would not get the chance
to
talk privately with Spock after all. It was Spock who then stepped
forward to
recount all the pandemonium that I had created since arriving on
Stoamer. All
of his warnings that I had chose to disregard. He told me of my
habitual
willfulness as well as how my actions could have cost the Federation
dearly.
It was then that he asked me what I thought my
punishment should be. I suppose this was his way of giving me a chance
to
make amends before he was forced to recount to the Admiral the status
of our
mission.
So here I now stand, thirty-two years old, hands clasped in front of
me my
shoulders bowed, endeavoring to look submissive. I feel much the same
as I
did when as a child I had to wait in my room until my father could
spank me
for misbehaving.
"Oh, God!"
Spock would not think like that. Would he? No! So what could I say to
these
two individuals to explain my most recent behavior? "I don't know?"
That
would be a poor excuse and one not worthy of a Starship Captain at
that. The
question before me was how do I explain my immature conduct to Spock,
when I
really didn't know what else I could say to him.
So with a shrug of my shoulders and my most disarming smile I jokingly
replied, "You could send me to my room with no supper?" "No, I guess
not.
Look, Spock, I know I have created a tremendous amount of difficulty
for you.
I'm genuinely sorry for that besides you know me well enough that I
can't
actually charm my way out of this. So I wont even try, but I don't
know what
to say to you. For some reason I just haven't been able to stay out of
trouble."
"You have always managed to encounter adversity in the most improbable
of
locations. You also seem quite adept at talking your way out of
dilemmas with
that childish charm of yours. It will be interesting to observe how
you
contrive to persuade Admiral Nagura of your innocents in this
circumstance."
Spock declared in a manner that left no doubt as to just how angry he
actually was. All I could do now was to lower my head and wait for
their
decision. There was nothing more I could say that would not get me
deeper
into trouble.
"It would seem," Ambassador Taduran said. "He cannot be left alone,
nor can
you, Ambassador Spock, trust him with you in public. Perhaps then I
could be
of some assistance in this matter. I could take him into my fold for
you
while you finish up with the administrator. I do seem to have a great
deal of
free time on my hands now that my duty to the conference is finished.
I have
with me only one of my pets so it would not be too troublesome for me
to take
on the responsibility of another."
He then turned to me to continue in a very significant tone, " It may
do this
one a bit of good to receive a little instruction by a professional as
well.
That is, ambassador, with your permission of course."
As Spock contemplated this suggestion I started to get decidedly
worried. I
did not like the sound of what the Ambassador was insinuating with
regard to
professional instructions. I defiantly did not want to be turned over
to the
Ambassador no matter what yet I realized all to well how much of a
voice I
would have in this decision. I did not have long to wait before
Spock's
contemplation brought him to the only logical conclusion he could make
considering all the trouble I had thus far caused him.
"You are undoubtedly right Ambassador," he replied. "He is far to
untrustworthy to remain here alone or in the conference with me. I
should be
able to conclude the rest of my business with the Administrator in the
next
two days." He continued. "Then my report to the Admiral and his
response
would take another day due to the distances
involved. I would say a total of three days at the most would be
sufficient
to conclude all my obligations here on Stoamer. If you were to take on
the
responsibility of my pet during this time I would be most indebted to
you
Ambassador Taduran."
I don't believe this, Spock, agreeing to give this person, (this
enormous
individual) custody of me for a possible three days. I would have to
answer
to his authority or suffer his idea of consequences. Well, I did not
appreciate this. I didn't even expect it of Spock, but I suppose I
deserved
it. After all the inconveniences I have caused lately. The problem is
what
happens if I blunder again? I shudder to think of that. I would have
to be on
my best behavior from now on.
"Then it's all settled." Ambassador Taduran proclaimed with a
maliciously
smile on his face. "Tomorrow before you leave for the conference drop
by my
room and I will proceed in giving this one a very necessary training
lesson."
The End