Chapter II

Chapter II.

As Heather followed Spock to the turbolift, and then to his quarters, the complete trip was made in silence. Upon entering Spock's quarters, Heather started to say, "Uh..."

Spock raised his hand for silence, sat down and commenced to say, "Would you please explain what you were doing, Commander Scott?"

"I was going up to Lt. Christenson to talk to him, sir."

"Did you not detect his mental abilities through your link with your soulmate?"

"Yes, sir, I did."

"Why were you in such a rush to talk to Lt. Christenson?"

"Proudhawk believed he was the intruder who had entered the computer core."

"And you that readily believed the thoughts of Lt. Proudhawk, when you knew you were expecting a new person aboard who was a computer security specialist?"

"Yes, the new crewmember was to report to me directly, and since this was not done, I was not aware he was aboard."

"And why did you not check with your Assistant Personnel Officer about what was going on the ship, Lt. Christenson was with us for a good half hour."

"I was detained by a problem in the Astrophysics lab, sir."

"What about intership communications?"

"Lt. Christenson was not scheduled to be aboard until 1400 hours."

"That still is no reason for not checking with your Assistant Personnel Officer."

"Yes, sir."

"Have you learned a lesson from this?"

"Yes, I have."

"Would you care to explain what you learned?"

Heather stood there, totally at loss for words, with her back and brow breaking out profusely with sweat. "Sir, I have learned to routinely check-in with the people under me so as to be informed of all matters concerning the ship."

Spock raises his eyebrow, in wonderment over Heather's statement, and says, "Continue."

"I realize that I should not have touched Lt. Christenson, when I discovered his mental abilities. He thought I was trying to attack him, and acted accordingly."

"And now how are you going to deal with Lt. Christenson?"

"I will apologize to him for my actions."

"And..."

"What?"

"How are you going to treat him, as your subordinate and fellowship mate. Considering he has more than amply demonstrated his power to stop you."

"I will treat him as I treat any other member of the crew. His power makes no difference. I'll just make sure I don't make him angry." Heather sighed.

Spock raises an eyebrow, as he replies. "That will be fine, in outward appearances, but how will you be able to deal with it, emotionally."

"There are several members of the Saratoga's crew, that could very easily stop me, and I am no different towards them."

"We shall see. You are now dismissed."

"Yes, Captain." Heather says as she leaves.

"And, Heather, I suggest that you do some very serious thinking about what has transpired."

"I will, sir." Heather says, as the door closes behind her.

Part 3