Matters of the Heart (Part 11)
Title: Matters of the Heart (Part 11)
Author: Luvntrek
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: I don't own them, but I wish I did.
A/N: Terrin is more than they bargained for.
Jim was totally unprepared for the culture shock that awaited him and his team on Terrin. He silently cursed Starfleet as he realized during the first meeting with the people of Terrin the length they had gone through to keep them in the dark and what lengths they were willing to go through in order to get their hands on Terrin's precious dilithium crystals.
It had started off well enough. A delegation from Terrin had met them when they beamed down. First Kirk, Spock, Uhura, McCoy and Scotty beamed down and shortly thereafter Aura, Nichols and Ambassador Grant followed. They were greeted by four of the leaders from Terrin who led them to a conference room in the compound.
Kirk noticed as they walked to the conference room that the Terrin people were very fair skinned. Most of them had a number of brown spots from the bridge of their nose to their foreheads and had different shades of brown or black hair. Their eyes tended to be either be grey or brown. He did not see any blondes and noticed that they stared at them curiously.
They were taken on a tour of the facility and each of the four talked about the history and culture and traditions of Terrin and it's people. It did not take him long to learn that these people were steeped in cultural bias and prejudice and he was somewhat hesitant in allowing his people to beam down for shore leave until they had been thoroughly briefed.
They were very class oriented. The upper class people all had one syllable names. The upper middle class and middle class people had two syllable names and the lower class people had three or more syllables in their family name. They always introduced themselves by their family name first and then their given name which also followed the same class lines. It was obvious that those who were a class beneath them were treated differently.
Women were not treated equally and their beauty was determined by the number of spots on their face. Women as well as men with more spots, or "tans" as they called them were considered more beautiful. Those who had no tans were considered plain.
When the Ambassador introduced Kirk and the others, the leader who identified himself as Bah Nel stepped forward. He shook Kirk's and Scotty's hands and bowed low before them as well as Spock. He then nodded acknowledging McCoy and Nichols and totally ignored both Aura and Uhura. His eyes raked over the women in an obviously leering fashion and then came back to rest on Kirk and the Ambassador.
All through their initial conference Bah Nel talked only to Kirk and the Ambassador. When the others gave their reports they listened politely to McCoy, Scotty and Nichols and they rudely whispered among themselves obviously commenting on the women's physical attributes while they were giving their presentations.
Kirk looked over at the Ambassador several times, who shook his head at him warning him not to say or do anything. Kirk decided to hold his peace until they could be alone to discuss the situation. He looked over at Aura and Nyota to see how they were fairing under the obvious disrespect. He could tell that they were angry, but they maintained their professionalism and he was proud of them.
The meeting could not be over quick enough and Kirk turned to Bah Nel. "This meeting has been very enlightening. We will beam back up to the Enterprise for our things and we will return here at 1800 hours"
"Wonderful." Bah Nel said "Your quarters will be ready." He pulled Kirk aside. "Which one of these wenches is your concubine? I will be sure to put her next to you." he said winking. "I understand now why you bought them down here instead of a more qualified man. They are some beauties to be sure! Whichever one that is not yours, I'd love a chance with her."
Kirk's mouth fell open. "I would prefer that you leave things as they have already been set up." he said trying to maintain his composure. "Neither of them are my concubines. They are capable Starfleet officers who are here to perform a duty."
"Of course they are" Bah Nel said laughing. "That's your story and you're sticking to it, right? I've read earth history. These darker females were once prized possessions. They certainly are exotic looking. The smaller one has such a pretty face, but the other one's body is something I'd like to wrap myself around, if you know what I mean."
Kirk wanted to punch him in the face. He tried to keep his voice even. "We will return shortly, Bah Nel."
He turned quickly and walked back over to his group who were watching him curiously.
Kirk looked at Spock. "Let's get the hell out of here."
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Kirk's face was still red as the party met back on the Enterprise in the conference room. He turned to Ambassador Grant. "Did you have any idea what we were walking into?" he asked sharply.
"Captain, I can assure you that I had no idea. However, we must work with them. This mission is of the utmost importance."
"I am well aware of the mission, Ambassador. However, I find it hard to believe that it is only coincidence that as Captain and you as Ambassador with only one syllable first and last names were randomly chosen for this mission. I believe that Starfleet was well aware what we were getting into."
"I feel you are correct, Captain." Spock said. "However, I agree with the Ambassador. Considering the lengths that Starfleet has gone through, we must make the best of our situation. I feel that Lieutenant Uhura and Dr. Vanderleigh will be the ones most put upon."
"Captain, I am sure Dr. Vanderleigh and I can handle ourselves." Uhura said.
"I am sure you can, however, I expect all of you to look out for each other. I don't trust these people and I don't like the way they treat women. I really feel that they see nothing wrong with putting their hands on you if they choose to." He said looking from Aura to Nyota." Bah Nel was only concerned about finding out which one of you were my concubine so that he could have the other one."
Aura rolled her eyes. "I assume by the way they treated us that they feel that this was the only reason we were there."
"Exactly. They only see you two as sex objects." Kirk said. "We are going to have to treat this as a hostile environment, so be on guard. I will station one security person to be with each of the women at all times."
"That isn't necessary Captain." Uhura said.
"For my peace of mind, then" Kirk said. "Do it for my peace of mind and for the rest of us who care fou you."
"Yes Captain." Uhura said looking at Spock.
Nichols spoke up. "Captain, perhaps in time, we can get through to these people and show them that their beliefs are counterproductive to the health of their planet. Once they become a part of the Federation, we may be able to influence them, maybe not some of the older ones, but certainly the younger generation once they see the benefits we offer."
"Aye, I agree." Scotty said nodding. "If they see how we conduct ourselves, then perhaps we can influence them. However, I don't mind gettin' into a brawl with any of them if they lay a hand on you." he said nodding to Aura and Nyota.
"Hopefully we won't have to get into any altercations." the Ambassador said. "We are on a peaceful mission remember."
"Yes, that is true." Kirk replied. "However we will defend ourselves if necessary Ambassador. You can count on that!"
Aura looked over at McCoy and could see the concern on his face. This trip to Terrin she realized, was going to be more than what she bargained for.
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After the meeting was finished Kirk indicated to Spock and Bones to stay. Bones turned to Aura and Uhura and asked them to remain seated.
"Jim I don't like this one bit" Bones said. "Maybe we should put Ny and Aura near each other so that we can keep an eye on them."
"I think that a guard will be enough Bones." Jim said "Besides, when you and Spock are off duty, I am sure you'll be around and I will check on them myself as much as I can."
"You act like we can't take care of ourselves." Aura said "We are here to do a job and I'm not going to let some ignorant men interfere with that."
Kirk smiled. "I am sure both of you can deliver a mean punch, however, I also plan to talk to Bah Nel and let him know that I expect all of my people to be treated with the utmost respect. Remember that even though they have what we want, we have a lot to offer also. They need food. They need medicine. We may just have to remind them of that. Now you four get out of here. I'll see you in the transporter room in a couple of hours at 1800."
"Yes Captain." Aura said smiling. She went over and whispered something in Jim's ear. He laughed "I just might hold you to that." he said.
Bones escorted her out of the room. "Mind if I ask what that was all about?"
he said looking at her curiously.
Aura laughed. "I told him that I would rub his feet for being so sweet and concerned about us."
"Hopefully not before we get back to Terrin." Bones said "I have something else in mind for you to do."
"I bet you do." Aura replied laughing.
They did not notice Spock and Nyota close behind them.
"Why Leonard," Nyota responded innocently "I thought you were coming by to sit down with me for tea before we beamed back down."
"I am sure that the good doctor's thirst cannot be quenched with tea, Nyota" Spock said as the four of them entered the turbolift.
"How can you be so sure?" Nyota said smiling at him.
"Because I too, am thisty for something other than tea."
The turbolift stopped and Spock led Nyota out of the door.
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