The Pet
Chapter Three
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 next morning Spock woke first, as was his custom and quietly went
into the bathroom for his shower allowing me to sleep longer. I woke just as
he emerged, fully dressed in his ambassadorial robes I quickly took my shower
and dressed so we could leave for breakfast without further delay. I felt
uncomfortably exposed wearing the short robe conscious of the fact that I
would be seen in public,
nevertheless it was the traditional dress for a male pet on this world. I
would be required to be adorned in this manner in favor of accompany Spock to
the dinning hall for breakfast.
When I reentered our room it was to witness Spock patiently waiting
with my leash and collar in hand. I only hesitated for a moment before
resigning to my fate and allowing him to place it around my neck. When
he had the chain attached and the end warped firmly around his left
hand, he picked up the riding crop.
"Is that really necessary, Spock?" I asked.
"I believe it is as the other ambassadors will be carrying one as
well." He calmly replied. "In this way, we will both be properly
equipped to be seen in public without directing to much attention to
ourselves."
"Fine." I spit out angrily.
I was a bit testy this morning due to lack of sleep. Only my desire to avoid
starting the morning with an altercation kept me from protesting him carrying
that crop. However, I had very little choice in the matter. Spock was in
charge of this mission as well as retaining complete authority over me while
we attended the conference here.
"I'm hungry," I stated in a much-subdued voice as I headed for the
door. "Let's just go."
I got about two steps away when the chain attached to my collar,
which was stronger than it looked, prevented me from going further. I
turned to discover what was keeping Spock and found that he was simply
standing in place watching me. I suddenly realized he was deliberately
delaying our departure until I was properly acting the role of his
pet. I swiftly moved away from the open door then impatiently gestured
for Spock to precede me, thinking to myself, 'that leash will be
positively impossible to ignore.' Spock slowly stepped through the
door and I awkwardly followed after conscious of the minuscule distance
the chain allowed.
I accompanied him through the lighted corridors and down the grand stairs
ever careful to keep my eyes averted as well as remaining no more than a step
behind him. There were more people about at this time of the morning than I
expected. Consequently I was forced to maintain a vigilantly maintain a
submissive posture. I found that I
could nevertheless observe my surroundings by peering out through my
eyelashes. At every opportunity I would take a quick glance around to
discreetly study the behavior of the pets we encountered along the way. We
arrived without delay at the entrance to the grand dining hall where we
encountered once again the Maitre de. Spock, as he did the previous day,
requested a single table adjacent to the primary entrance. In this way we
could easily observe which of the ambassadors, that entered the dining room
was the more prosperous. They were easy to spot because they took their
status symbols very seriously and never went anywhere without their full
entourage of pets.
Spock was quickly shown to his table, purposefully leading me by the leash
through the multitude of guests. When he had been appropriately seated at the
table of his choice, I was once again supplied with the small platform
designed for pets. When I sat down I realized this platform was extremely
undersized, placing the tabletop level with the upper portion of my chest.
Sitting like that was a bit degrading but I noticed the other Ambassadors
pets in an identical situation. I sighed to consider that this would be my
lot for the entire stay on Stoamer.
We had only been seated a short time prior to hearing a loud commotion
approaching from the direction of the entrance. Within a few moments, a
seriously obese individual sauntered into the dinning room. He was dressed
rather flamboyantly in a frilly, rose-colored silk shirt a short vest of
cerulean as well as matching slacks and jacket of a pale
azure color. His appearance was somewhat flashy and grandiose. He was dressed
not only to be noticed but for notoriety.
It was not really the cut of his clothes that caught my attention, for there
were numerous others dressed in the same fashion though not exactly in those
colors. What was most noticeable were the nine clamoring pets that surrounded
him. He had four remarkably attractive females and five virile males of
varying ages. Two of the males
couldn't have been over 20 years of age, and the oldest, a petite female, I
estimated to be between 40 and 45 years old. All were eminently well dressed
as well as in the same silky rose-colored fabric of their master's shirt. The
women were entirely covered in an
extremely long dressing gown that trailed the floor. The men were barely
clothed in the traditional short white robe comparable to the costume I now
suffered.
None of the pets wore any shoes, which seemed to be the order of the day.
However they all had gold collars with some sort of jewels embedded in them
securely fastened around their necks. I assumed the different colored gems
depicted the various levels of prestige each pet held. Even their leashes
resembled silk and seemed more for appearance then for any kind of restraint.
It was evident that the Ambassador thought to decorate his pets in this
manner as a display of his supremacy. To me he appeared like a pompous old
fool surrounding himself with young attractive people.
The man, an Ambassador of great importance, seemed to be irritated about not
having a table large enough to accommodate his imposing party. He was told he
would have to wait a few moments while another table was found and placed
with the one remaining unoccupied table in the room. The staff did this as
quickly as possible and presently the
Ambassador and his entourage were heading across the hall.
I attempted to be cautious and avoid getting caught watching the Ambassador
as he passed by our table. Apparently I was unsuccessful, for as the
ambassador and his company strolled by me I was roughly yanked off of my
semi-raised platform from behind. I was abruptly spun around and discovered
my line of sight obstructed by an exceedingly large chest. It was difficult
not to glance up any further however I managed to hastily achieve the proper
submissive stance required of a pet. I assumed this individual must be
enormous from the magnitude of his chest, as well as the effectiveness of his
hand on my upper arm, which held me firmly. I abruptly heard an intensely
deep, as well as tolerant voice rumbling from that massive chest.
"You should train your pet properly before introduce him into a public place
or you will be required to punish him for his disobedience. If an Ambassador
becomes offended by his behavior they will definitely punish him for you. If
you possess any affection towards your pet you may not desire another
Ambassadors form of discipline." His voice seemed to drip with amusement as
he said this.
"I apologize that the irrational behavior of my pet has offended you. I
assure you, sir, that he will be firmly dealt with as soon as viable." Spock
returned, rising to his feet to face the individual holding me.
"It would be appalling to let anything detrimental happen to one so comely."
The stranger declared. This he said as he took a step back granting me an
opportunity to ultimately put a face to the voice. I finally glance up at him
only to witness his eyes as they roamed appraisingly over my body. It was not
lewd in any way nevertheless it
gave me an odd feeling. I was relieved when he turned his eyes back to Spock.
"I am Ambassador Taduran." He proclaimed. "I understand you are the
Federation ambassador and this is your first time on Stoamer. Perhaps we
could meet some time to speak about your views in the matters of the up
coming conference."
"That would be most acceptable. I am called 'Spock of Vulcan." Spock
introduced himself to the Ambassador. "Would you care to join me for
breakfast this morning"
The behemoth holding my arm finally let go and Spock then bid me to
resume my position on my platform, with an air of authority that it was
foreign to my nature to accept. Still, I was quick to respond and made a
point to "behave" for the rest of the meal. I wanted no further contention
with the Ambassador.
Spock signaled the waiter for another chair to be brought in so Ambassador
Taduran could join him. When the Ambassador's chair finally arrived at
Spock's table he sat down and ordered a meal for himself.
While the two men were engrossed in their conversation, I ate my meal
and cautiously studied the Ambassador. He was a large thick-bodied individual
with thick muscular arms that strained his conservative gray suit. His neatly
trimmed brown hair was edged with a shock of gray at the temples. His eyes
were a peculiar light brown color that faded into amber when the light hit
them just right. I thought to myself as I watched Spock and Ambassador
Taduran throughout the meal, though gruff
sounding the Ambassador had the presence of a gentleman. I knew never to
depend on first impressions yet I was beginning to realize that this
particular Ambassador was different from the others we had so far
encountered. He appeared to be quite intelligent and very polite at least
concerning his association with Spock. As for me, the Ambassador designed to
thoroughly disregard my presence.
The content of the Ambassadors conversation with Spock reverted to me, or in
general, my lack of proper training. He informed Spock that any Ambassador
who feels offended by my actions had justification to punish me. He also
described several types of punishments I could receive for the insubordinate
behavior I showed earlier. Some of the things he told Spock, I believe were
said just to discourage me from disobeying, because I knew these people
regarded their pets higher than that. I was confident that Spock would
protect me in any circumstance, and with any of the Ambassadors we encountered.
The conversation changed again while more and more people came and went from
the dining hall with an assortment of pets. Watching this from the corner of
my eye I realized that this particular Ambassador had no pets with him. My
curiosity connected with this oddity very nearly landed me in further
trouble. Spock anticipated what I was about to say because I once again felt
the unmistakable pressure of a certain boot on
my shin, which I distinctly and painfully remember from last night's meal.
"I am curious" began Spock "that an Ambassador with your expertise together
with your knowledge of training would himself not have a pet of his own?"
Voicing my nearly spoken question for me I hastily snapped my mouth closed. I
decided that I could get more questions answered just by listening to these
two conversing. The ambassador however eluded Spock's question by turning to
another topic in such a way as not to appear discourteous. He didn't seem
perturb regarding the fact that Spock questioned him on a subject that was
entirely acceptable by any other in the room. The ambassador's lack of
distress over the absence of a pet spoke volumes about his character. I made
a mental note to inform Spock of my conclusions concerning Ambassador Taduran
at a more convenient time.
With the conclusion of our meal we immediately departed to join the
ambassadors in the conference room. The gathering was about to commence
therefore many of the Ambassadors were already seated. Some however, were
standing around in groups, and others were still arriving. Upon entering the
room Spock and Ambassador Taduran were conducted directly to their seats.
Much to my dismay, Ambassador Taduran was assigned to a seat adjoining
Spock's.
An ambassador's pet was not allowed the use of a chair but was required to
either remain standing, or to sit on the floor beside his master. Others of
the various Ambassadors pets did likewise; all except a very select group of
females. These were provided with a small platform comparable to the types
utilized in the dinning room.
Spock and Ambassador Taduran resumed their earlier conversation, while the
remaining ambassadors arrived. I resigned myself to the comforts of the floor
and began to listen to the conversations around me. One specific collection
of ambassadors, I could tell by their voices, included a Tellerite, a Vulcan
male as well as a woman of unknown origin. The Vulcan was easy to distinguish
due to the vocabulary he utilized in speaking to other Ambassadors.
Tellerite's can be so obnoxious as well as loud that you cannot disregard
their existence even in a crowded room.
There was this one Tellerite in particular that was talking to a female whose
voice was vaguely familiar. I listened to their conversation for a while
trying to discern where I previously heard her voice. Ultimately I was
compelled to locate the owner of this
particular woman's voice. As I suspected it was the arrogant Betazoid
Ambassador I had encountered in the corridor yesterday. She appeared to be
annoyed by the presence of the Tellerite, yet unable to disassociate herself
from him.
As I observed her dilemma I began to empathize with her, that is, until I
remembered that slap she presented me with. I was actually beginning to fully
enjoy her predicament with the Tellerite when I experienced an intense pain
on the side of my lower calf. I turned back to receive Spock's stern look as
well as the slight shake of his head to inform me I was again extremely close
to acquiring a publicly
reprimand. I neglected to recall he remained in possession of the crop
that he purchased the previous night.
As I began to massage my now tender leg, I vowed never to overlook that
detestable item again. Once more, I was forced to concede to Spock's
authority and it was beginning to thoroughly annoy me. It was becoming
imperative that I receive an opportunity to discuss Mr. Spock's new
disposition in private.
Every hour seemed to slowly drag on when all I could do was to sit there
quietly on the floor, watching my bare feet or listen to the Ambassadors
quibbling. The conference seemed to be going nowhere, as these things do in
the early stages of negotiation. Most of the lesser Ambassadors were
generally the first to speak, airing their petty
objection. Arguing their yeas and nays concerning the many different issues
on the docket. It would not be until the more prominent of the Ambassadors
got up to speak that the discussion would start getting to the important
issues at hand. That's when the trade agreements would be discussed. For now
it was just so much contention between the many insignificant Ambassadors.
Consequently I had begun to get so bored with the proceedings I must have
leaned against Spock's chair and fallen asleep. I was abruptly awakened by
the Tellerite Ambassador shouting at Spock with reference to me. With no pet
of his own the Tellerite Ambassador was undoubtedly distressed concerning the
fact that no one would pay much attention to him. I suppose he was using me
as an excuse to vent his anger however I was also getting irritated over this
windbag's temperament.
I listened to him degrade me for a moment before I calmly stated, "Why don't
you just sit down and shut up." I don't understand what possessed me to spout
off to him like I did, knowing I would regret my words immediately. Nevertheless I did and consequently received the surprise of my life in return.
It was Ambassador Taduran who stepped in to calm the Tellerite ambassador
taking him aside and speaking quietly to him. I was not included in this
conversation but I realized it had to do with my speaking out and the
reaction it caused to the surrounding Ambassadors. I had spoken rather
bluntly and was in fact positively contemptuous,
even to a Tellerite let alone an Ambassador. It would appear I had astounded
the entire room since every Ambassador there was openly staring at me. I
could feel my face turning red with embarrassment at what, to the Ambassadors
eyes, was a disgraceful display of an undisciplined pet. I could imagine they
were thinking that if Spock
could not control a single pet how could he represent the federation any
better. I just hope that I didn't jeopardize the Federation's chances beyond
repair. Spock turned to me and with the assistance of Ambassador Taduran I
was unceremoniously escorted from the room.
Now I willingly admit to maintaining minor trouble, well, "O.K." A liberal
amount of trouble, with the role of an Ambassador pet. I further admit that
Spock did counsel me concerning my behavior as well as all of the ambassadors
that we have so far encountered. (I must confess as well what I uttered in
the conference room was entirely out of line.) That still was no excuse for
what happened when Spock and the Ambassador led me from the room.
We got as far as just outside the door, and still in view of most of the
Ambassadors near the door, when I felt an excruciating pain to my backside.
Spock had actually struck me with that leather stick he possessed. I spun
around so fast I almost fell, and scowled menacingly at him as I vigorously
rubbed my injury. It was then that I noticed the disapproving looks, no only
from Spock but from the entire conference room as well. Thoroughly
embarrassed I quickly lowered my eyes and silently vowed to flay Spock alive
at my first opportunity. Spock though he utterly ignored me, stopped only
long enough to speak to Ambassador Taduran.
"I believe it is imperative that I return to my room now." Spock declared.
"It would seem that my pet is in great need of reprimanding. I shall return
to the conference shortly, pending the outcome of the chastisement." This he
said loudly enough so that any of the Ambassadors in the vicinity could hear
him quite clearly. In doing
so, Spock made things obvious to the Ambassadors, as well as to me what
his ultimate intentions actually were.
I immediately discovered myself actually conveyed roughly, by the arm,
through the lobby and up the main stairs to our room. I was so completely
humiliated I felt as though I was a disobedient eight-year-old child being
removed for punishment. What happened after entering the privacy of our room
left me feeling far worse than merely humiliated. If a Vulcan could show
anger, and they don't unless you know what to look for, I was looking at one
right now.
By the time Spock finished reprimanding me about my latest behavior he had
the gall, (OK and the authority) to confine me to our room until the day's
session was over. He also informed me that I would remain on probation until
I could successfully control my temper. However if I could not learn some
control I would find myself spending the next few days in our room. He
finished by emphatically pointing out how I was jeopardizing this mission.
Once finished, Spock calmly turned and casually strolled through the door
leaving me totally alone in the room for the rest of the day.
I had an extensive time to consider my actions of that morning during my
lengthy confinement. I examined what I had been doing wrong that inevitably
led to the source of my difficulties. Why I continually did things that
landed me in adverse circumstances.
In the end I concluded that Spock's actions were completely justifiable in
each situation. I was drastically jeopardizing this mission through my
inability to cope with my position. Could it be conceivable that I was
actually resentful of Spock's position of
authority over me? I didn't realize until then just how much my performance
reflected on the way the assembly saw Spock and the federation. I was
determined to revise my plan of action so as to help rather then hinder
Spock's position with the Ambassadors during the conference. It was about
time I upheld my part in the mission.
End Chapter 3