Chiksa Revisited
by Laurel Leigh
AKA CLP
(Part Six of the Chiksa Chronicles)
With many thanks to Skazitelnitsy for the original story
Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu and Ensign Pavel Chekov had just beamed back to the Enterprise after a relaxing and romantic three-day leave. Sulu had arranged for a holographic suite in one of the better hotels on Jasper IV, and the pair had spent their time in an historic fantasy of Earth's ancient Persia, taking the roles of wealthy merchant and his young captured slave who, by the time the fantasy was half finished, had been freed and apprenticed, lavishing affection and surrender on his generous former owner. They were both still a little giddy, but had straightened up and were resuming their ship-board pretense of being nothing more than good friends. It wasn't exactly as Sulu would have preferred, but Chekov was still wary of both their relationship being known and of having reality intrude on their private romance. Since it was a brutal reality that had begun it, Sulu did his best to be understanding. That, coupled with the fact that Chekov was still coming to terms with his own submissive sexual psychology as well as his new-found bisexuality - things the Russian firmly asserted were confined to Sulu alone - made things sometimes a little tense, but Sulu had months previously decided that having Pavel as a lover was more than worth all the deception and trouble it caused. The only other person on board who knew of their relationship was Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, who was as protective of it as if she'd been a mother hen and Sulu and Chekov her chicks. She was, in fact, waiting for them in the transporter room, having completed her own leave less than an hour before. She'd gone to the Bridge to check on the communications reports she'd missed, and after reading the incoming assignment, had wanted to be able to warn the two young men before they reported for duty and had to conceal their reactions in front of the rest of the Bridge crew - and the Captain.
They both smiled at her when they saw her, Sulu greeting her with a friendly, "Hi, Uhura," Chekov with a more restrained, "Good afternoon, Lieutenant."
"Have a pleasant leave?" she asked casually, nodding to Transporter Chief Kyle as he logged in their return.
"Definitely," Sulu replied as the Russian nodded. She took a step forward, linking one arm with one of each of theirs.
"Tell me all about it," she said as she led them from the room. Once in the corridor, she murmured, "Let's go to my cabin, shall we?"
Sulu leaned close to her. "What's up, Ny?" he asked.
"I'll tell you when we get there," she returned. She noted the glances the two exchanged and started chatting about her own leave, keeping up the easy conversation until they reached her quarters. Once inside, she directed them to take seats in her wide, comfortable stuffed chairs. She turned and went to the replicator, getting a large flask of warm sake and a bottle of vodka.
"We're due on the Bridge, Nyota," Chekov reminded when she handed him the bottle and a short glass. Sulu waved the flask away, and she set it and its small, matching cup firmly on the table beside him.
"Trust me," she told them both, "you're going to need a drink."
Again glances were exchanged and Uhura took a deep breath. "I took a look at our new assignment," she said. "It's a diplomatic mission. We're bringing a new ambassador and his party to Babel for final treaty negotiations."
Sulu gave a sour smile. "Well, that's enough to make me want a drink..." he began.
"The Mergonians, Sulu," Uhura cut him off.
His mouth closed and he swallowed, his gaze flashing to Chekov. The navigator was already pouring a full glass of the clear alcohol, muttering something that sounded like 'damned Cossacks' under his breath.
"It gets worse," Uhura warned.
"Oh shit," Sulu breathed, and downed a good measure of the sake straight from the flask.
"Starfleet can't be serious," Chekov said, after taking a healthy swallow of the vodka. "Why would they choose this ship for...?"
"PR," Uhura stated succinctly. "What better way to prove Federation good will and hospitality to the Mergonian Star Empire than by having the very people most likely to hate them ferry them to the final negotiations?
"Yes, we will all be one big happy family," Chekov muttered, and took another drink.
"Pasha, you can just stay out of their way," Sulu offered. "As Chief of Security, I'll have to deal with them, but...."
"Except for the obligatory ship's tour," Uhura reminded. Sulu scowled at her, then turned again to Chekov.
"When they come on the Bridge, just stay focused on your work," he suggested urgently. "Eyes front, count to a hundred..."
"I am not a child, Sulu," the Russian interrupted.
"Yeah, but when you're scared, you sometimes do stupid things," was the helmsman's terse response.
"And you're so certain I will be frightened...?" Chekov returned with a fair show of offense.
"You wouldn't be human if you weren't," Sulu retorted. "Hell, I'm scared and...."
"Remember I said it gets worse?" Uhura rejoined. Both men stopped their bickering to glare at her. "The ambassador is the former Secretary for their Department of Corrections, and his aides are..."
"No!" Pavel snapped, rising from his seat. Sulu was up next to him in a heartbeat.
"The name Vargik figures prominently," Uhura finished.
Chekov fell into a long string of Russian epithets as Sulu tried to put his arms around the younger man.
"It'll be all right," he murmured, "there isn't anything he can do to you here..."
"And what of what I will do to him?" the navigator blazed.
"I'm sure the Captain would understand putting you both on another detail for the duration," Uhura offered.
"And give that - that svoloch' the satisfaction?! Nyet!" Chekov spat.
"That would only show them that we're weak," Sulu said. "They're bullies. We have to stand up to bullies, Nyota."
She grimaced. "I thought you'd say something like that. Which is why I wanted you to know before you got the official word of this assignment on the Bridge."
"And we appreciate it..." Sulu began.
"Do not speak for me, Sulu," the Russian interrupted.
Sulu sighed, "Well, I appreciate it, Uhura."
"Sorry to spoil your afterglow," the communications officer apologized.
Sulu shrugged. "What's to spoil?" then added, at the navigator's fierce glower, "We're back to ship's station keeping anyway is all I meant, Pavel."
Chekov grunted "Forgive my manner, Uhura," he said. "I am grateful for the advance warning."
Sulu's sorrowful thought of 'he just doesn't want me thinking I know him' was clear on the helmsman's expression.
=====*****=====
When Captain Kirk made much the same announcement on the Bridge, adding "I'm sorry, Mr. Sulu, Mr. Chekov," the two barely reacted. Chekov gave a stiff nod and Sulu merely murmured, "Thank you, sir." He noted the contemplative rise of Commander Spock's eyebrow and the glance he shared with the Captain, and the fact that both men then turned their gazes in Uhura's direction. Uhura wasn't likely to get into any trouble for her breach of protocol; in fact, Kirk would probably thank her privately. He also wasn't surprised when, a few moments later, Spock stepped down to the navigations console and said, quietly, "A word, please, Mr. Chekov." The navigator rose stiffly, after giving a glare that indicated he was certain this was somehow Sulu's fault.
The helmsman sighed, and went back to trying to figure out how he could prevent a meeting between his lover and the sadistic guard whose action had started the chain of events that led to that fact. There was no sense of 'if not for what that bastard did, Pasha wouldn't be with me now' in him, only the very real desire that Pavel wouldn't have to deal with the Mergonian ever again. And while Sulu couldn't quite come to the place where he'd give Pavel up if it meant the Russian would never have had those brutal experiences, he never stopped wishing they could've come together in some other way. It was really the last remaining sore spot between them - At least, the last one that's about what happened in the detention camp, Sulu thought. Sulu was a pragmatist. He tended to deal with things the way they were, regardless of how he wanted them to be. Chekov, on the other hand, though he would fiercely deny the appellation, was much more idealistic. He wanted the final romantic step of Sulu declaring he would forsake his own relative happiness in order to save his beloved from the unfortunate beginning of their current relationship - such as it was. What the Russian failed to understand was that Sulu would gladly give it to him if Chekov would only allow him to make the statement publicly. The helmsman realized that this last little resistance flew in the face of his just-stated pragmatism - he should accept that Pavel wanted to keep their association private and be done with it. But he had his own issue with that. He was in love - finally, irrevocably, totally in love - and he wanted the world, the galaxy, the universe to know it. The fact that Chekov seemed ashamed of it was just enough of a bitter irritant to keep him from making that final, all-consuming declaration of devotion. He realized it was something of a failsafe for him, besides being a bit of a Catch-22, but if things should go completely south, he wasn't about to set himself up for a lifetime of 'there goes poor Hikaru, heart broken forever by a fickle Russian Lothario.' If he could even be sure that things wouldn't go south, that Chekov felt for him what he did toward the navigator....
His thoughts were interrupted when Chekov returned to his seat.
"Problems?" he asked casually.
"Nyet," was the Russian's dour response.
He's lost his English, the helmsman sighed again. Things must be even worse than Uhura knew.
=====*****=====
Chekov moved rigidly to the Science Station behind Spock at the Vulcan's request. The last thing he wanted was a pep-talk from his superior. Far better, he thought, to just tough it out. "Yes, Mr. Spock?" he asked formally.
"I understand the problems this mission poses for you, Mr. Chekov," the First Officer began, his voice discretely lowered. "If there will be difficulties with the new ambassador's aides, I am prepared to assign you to the Sciences Labs for the duration."
"Unnecessary, sir," the Russian returned. "I am a Starfleet officer."
"You will continue to be one in Sciences, Ensign," Spock pointed out.
"I would prefer to present a face in keeping with Federation policy," Chekov replied, "to show our new - allies - that the past is the past."
"Commendable, but perhaps unwise. The Mergonians are an arrogant people, and these former prison guards are not likely to ignore the fact that you were once under their jurisdiction."
"And I am unlikely to allow any..." Chekov paused, searching for the correct words. "...baiting of me to go unanswered."
"My point precisely, Mr. Chekov," Spock continued. "That would definitely not be in keeping with Federation policy. If you cannot ignore such taunts..."
"And should I not indicate to these - people - that such things are not permitted in the Federation?" the navigator interrupted.
"I think it might be best to allow the Captain or myself to make that point, Ensign," Spock disputed.
Chekov scowled. "Yes, sir," he muttered.
Spock studied him closely, then gave one small nod - an expression of disapproving concession. "Very well, Mr. Chekov. Should you change your mind..."
"I doubt I will, but thank you, Mr. Spock," the Russian broke in. He turned and headed back to his post, fighting to keep the angry flush from his features. That even the First Officer thought him incapable of control, that he was a baby who needed coddling, galled him. Things are no longer as they were in the detention camp, he thought sourly. I am not a prisoner and I need not pretend there is anything they can do to harm me. I have nothing to fear, nothing of which to be ashamed, and I will NOT allow those Cossacks to run my life on a Federation starship!
He was well aware that Sulu would've pointed out that he hadn't acted much differently in the camp, but he firmly ignored the silent accusation - as well as the slow, icy trickle along his spine.
=====*****=====
The Enterprise was due to intercept the diplomatic shuttle in the middle of First Watch. Captain Kirk gave Sulu the con as he and Spock went to greet the new ambassador and his aides. The helmsman tried not to stare at Chekov's rigid back as they waited for the inevitable tour of the Bridge. The night before hadn't gone well. The Russian had been surly and uncommunicative, and after a dinner together at which neither of them ate very much, Sulu had made the suggestion of a game of chess in his cabin - one of their usual covers for spending the night together. When Chekov declined, Sulu tried to take it in stride, though the only thing he really wanted was to be able to hold onto the navigator all night to try and keep the nightmares away - or failing that, to at least be there when they came. He'd gone to his quarters alone and called Uhura, asking her to check in on the Russian. That had resulted in a blistering call later in the night: "I am able to take care of myself!" Chekov had barked before summarily closing the comm link. Sulu had tried to apologize over breakfast, telling his lover that he had only wanted to help, which had been acknowledged with a curt nod and an even more curt "Da, spasiba." He had managed to mitigate the Russian's bad mood with a murmured "Puzhalsta," because he knew the ensign would take great delight in correcting his pronunciation. But the day had gone downhill from there.
He did his best not to fidget, mentally preparing himself for the arrival of the Mergonians. He had just come to the decision that the best course was to pretend that he didn't recognize any of them until and unless one of them said something directly to him, when the lift hissed open, and the Captain and First Officer stepped out with the Mergonian who had to be the ambassador and two of his aides, followed quickly by another car and the three other members of the Mergonian delegation. With a quick glance at Kirk, he rose from the con and moved smoothly back to the helm.
"Heads up," he murmured to Chekov, who scowled at him.
"This is the Bridge," he heard Kirk saying, and swallowed, hoping his nervousness didn't show. The ambassador said something politely impressed, then Sulu heard the whispers of the aides, and a snort.
"So, Captain, the Federation has princesses as valued members of their starship crews?"
Beside him, Chekov stiffened and Sulu groaned inwardly. There was no mistaking the voice of their former guard and chief tormentor, Vargik.
"Princesses?" Kirk returned blandly. "Do you mean Miss Uhura?"
The ambassador muttered something in Mergonian, and Vargik coughed. "A poor joke, Captain," the former guard replied. "I am acquainted with the two young men there, and there was an unintendely humorous mistranslation of one of their names."
"Indeed," came the calm voice of the First Officer. "Perhaps you would care to explain the 'joke,' Mr. Vargik?"
"Don't," the ambassador warned Vargik. "My apologies to your officers, Captain."
"I take it then, Mr. Ambassador," Spock went on, "that Mr. Sulu and Mr. Chekov understand that to which you refer?"
Vargik snorted again.
"Unfortunately, Mr. Spock, I'm certain they do," the ambassador replied. "Again, I apologize for my subordinate."
"Mr. Chekov, do you accept the ambassador's apology?" Spock continued.
"No, sir," the Russian snarled. "I do not, sir."
"And you, Mr. Sulu?"
"No, sir," Sulu returned crisply.
Spock's eyebrow arched significantly.
"I will see to Vargik's discipline, I assure you," the ambassador promised grimly.
Captain Kirk covered the awkward pause by suggesting they continue the ship's tour, to which the ambassador hurriedly agreed. Sulu glanced up, meeting Spock's eyes with a silent 'thank you.' The Vulcan nodded, and followed Kirk and the Mergonians off the Bridge, the captain again giving Sulu the con. When they had gone, Sulu let out a shaky sigh.
"Well, that could've been worse," he said to Chekov as he retook the center seat.
The Russian didn't reply, and Sulu realized that he hadn't really expected him to.
=====*****=====
Despite Chekov's mood, Sulu insisted on walking with him to his cabin at the end of the watch. Uhura had whispered a worried "take care of him, Hikaru" as they'd left the Bridge, and Sulu had responded with a firm nod.
"Spock and the captain seem to be looking out for you," the helmsman ventured as they took the lift to the crew deck.
"Us. Looking out for us," Chekov returned brusquely.
"Yeah, us," Sulu murmured. The Russian immediately turned on him
"Do you think you're in no danger then?" Chekov demanded. "Or do you think that Cossack has forgotten that you claimed me?"
Sulu blinked. "Pavel, I only said that to...."
"And he knows the reason you had to be able to say it!" the navigator returned. His jaw was set, his breathing short and hard.
The helmsman took a deep breath. "And if he tries to start any rumors, we'll just deny it. If anyone presses, or if he tells anyone what happened, we'll simply point out the circumstances...."
Chekov's eyes closed, a flush rising to his face. "I do not wish anyone to know the circumstances," he said, his voice tight.
Well, shit, of course he doesn't, Sulu thought. Jesus, Hikaru, what happened to your brains?
You and Pasha have fucked them out, his brains answered him, and he told them to shut up.
"Then we'll deny that, too," he said.
"Which the svoloch' will only use to provide confirming details."
Sulu dared to move a little closer. "How can he do that, Pav? We were alone. At best he can only create imaginary..."
"And if our cell was monitored?" the navigator shot back.
And speaking of creating imaginary scenarios.... "We never had any indication that they were," Sulu said decisively.
"We never had any indication that they were not," was the dour response.
"I stole those packets of kassa. If they were watching us, we'd have been punished for that - or at the very least they would've confiscated them." He watched as a little of the cold terror began to recede from the Russian's brown eyes. "Let the bastard say whatever he wants, Pasha. No one will believe him if we don't give them reason to."
"Such as your calling me 'Pasha'?" Chekov snorted.
Sulu frowned. "We're alone, here, too."
"But not in your cabin. Uhura has ways..."
"And if we can't trust Nyota, we'd better go commit hiri-kiri right now," the lieutenant countered.
Chekov stared at him stubbornly for a few moments, then sighed. "I am sorry, Sulu," he said at last.
"I know. You're worried about your privacy and your reputation," the helmsman soothed. "We'll just tough it out while the Mergonians are here." He leaned forward, giving the Russian a quick peck on the cheek. "I'll collect my reward for my understanding later."
The ensign scowled, though there was a spark of desire deep in the soft, brown eyes. "That is not funny, Hikaru," he stated.
"No. It won't be," Sulu replied, wiggling his eyebrows in a ridiculous parody of wickedness. Chekov snorted, but it was with repressed laughter, and Sulu smiled.
"Okay, Ensign Chekov, straighten up. We're Starfleet officers, and we can take whatever those Mergonian sons of bitches can dish out."
"Aye, aye, Lieutenant Sulu, sir," the navigator responded, and snapped off a smart salute.
Their lightened mood lasted until the lift opened on Deck Five,
=====*****=====
"Well, well, if it isn't the chiksa puppy and his runt of an owner," Vargik said. He was leaning against the bulkhead with another of the aides, who snickered as the large Mergonian pushed himself away from the wall.
Sulu immediately turned, giving Chekov a shove to propel him back into the lift, reaching for the intercom on the wall in the same motion. Vargik grabbed his wrist, pulling him sharply away from it, throwing him to the other man. Chekov hit the emergency alarm on the lift controls, then braced himself, staring belligerently up at Vargik as the loud claxon began, the automatic voice-over stating an emergency and giving the lift car's location. The Mergonians were clearly startled, and the other aide let go of Sulu as Vargik took a hurried step back.
"You have no authority here," the Russian stated in a near growl, "and we have proper safeguards."
The Mergonian narrowed his eyes. "So it would seem," he conceded grimly. "But there will be other opportunities, little one."
"Not if I can help it," Sulu snapped as the sound of running feet came down the corridor. Two security officers appeared, stopping just short of the four.
"What's the trouble here, Lieutenant?" one of them said to Sulu.
He glanced at Chekov, who gave a short nod.
"These two attempted to accost us," the helmsman said.
"Nonsense," Vargik retorted. "We're a large people and we simply startled them."
"What is your business here, sir?" the other red-shirt asked.
"We were attempting to find our cabin," Vargik returned. "We got lost."
"Shall we escort these gentlemen to the VIP quarters, sir?" the first security man said to Sulu.
The lieutenant nodded and the two guards moved past him to the lift. "This way, sirs," the first said, and Chekov lifted his chin, striding past Vargik without varying his path to avoid bumping the large man's arm. He kept walking down the corridor, but Sulu waited until the lift was on its way and the alarm stopped. Then he hurried to catch up to the Russian.
"Quick thinking, Pavel," he said.
"There was no need for you to try to protect me," the ensign muttered.
Sulu stopped, grabbing the navigator's arm. "What was I supposed to do?" he demanded. "Keep walking and tell you to have a good time?"
Chekov glared at him. "I was able to handle myself, Sulu," he said from between clenched teeth, "and don't touch me!"
"Look, this isn't my fault..." Sulu began just as harshly.
"Isn't it?" the Russian spat, then pulled away and continued down the corridor at a determined pace.
Sulu closed his eyes, counted to ten, then resolutely turned and headed back up the hallway to his own cabin. There he threw himself onto his bed and screamed his frustration into his pillow.
=====*****=====
"Captain, can I have a word with you?"
Jim Kirk looked up from his desk at Lieutenant Sulu. "Yes, Lieutenant, I thought you might want to," he replied and gestured toward the chair in front of his desk. As the helmsman took it, he continued, "Where's Mr. Chekov?"
Sulu looked surprised. "I don't know, sir. I haven't seen him today."
"I just figured the both of you would want to talk," Kirk returned with a lop-sided grin. "I read the report in the security logs. The ambassador has asked me to apologize to you and the Ensign again..."
"Begging your pardon, Captain," Sulu interrupted bluntly, "but how, after our unlawful detainment, did the head of the Department of Corrections ever get to be the Mergonian ambassador?"
Kirk sighed. "Would you believe that of all the Mergonians we had to deal with in the negotiations for your release, Toljac was the most reasonable official there? I've spoken with him at length about the incident, and he assures me that he had no idea regarding the conditions at the detention camp."
"Sure he didn't," Sulu murmured, then straightened. "And did Ambassador Toljac explain the presence of prison guards in his personal diplomatic staff?"
The Captain shrugged. "He was allowed to choose his own staff. I can only assume these were the people he thought best suited for..."
"Weren't Chekov's list of complaints and charges forwarded through the Mergonian government?"
Kirk frowned. "I doubt it, Lieutenant. Or if they were, I'm sure they would've been either dismissed as anti-Mergonian propaganda or hidden away as potential threats to a Federation alliance."
"Every word of what he reported was true, Captain," Sulu said grimly.
"I don't doubt it, Mr. Sulu," Kirk relied sympathetically. "I've told the ambassador that if there's another incident, Vargik will have to be confined to quarters for the rest of their stay here." He spread his hands out on the desk. "That's the best I can do. All I can say is that Ambassador Toljac mentioned he felt the need for some personal protection, what with the strained relationship between the Mergonians and the officers of this ship in particular. Perhaps that explains it."
Sulu nodded, rising. "Thank you for your time, Captain."
"Sulu, what did happen at the turbolift last night?"
Sulu paused, choosing his words carefully. "Vargik approached Chekov and me and made some crude references. When I tried to alert Security, he nearly threw me to the deck. Ensign Chekov had the presence of mind to step back into the lift car and sound the alarm."
"Quick thinking," Kirk echoed Sulu's own sentiments. "I take it these 'crude references' had something to do with princesses?" he added shrewdly.
"Yes, sir." The helmsman paused, debating whether or not he should mention the specifics, and how much angrier Pavel would be with him if he did. Then he decided that the captain probably had a need to know about it, if only to be better able to run interference. "At the detention camp, the guards deliberately mangled Chekov's name to a word in their own language. It means..."
"Princess," Kirk sighed. "That must have galled Ensign Chekov."
"Like someone calling you a tin-plated dictator, sir," Sulu agreed with a sour smile.
Kirk grinned wryly. "Then I'd say the Mergonians are lucky they're so much bigger than the average Human."
"Yes, sir," was Sulu's non-committal response.
=====*****=====
Chekov was already at his station when Sulu reported to the Bridge. Uhura gave him a 'I thought I told you to take care of him!' glare and he shrugged back at her, his grimace letting her know he'd tried to. When the Captain came onto the Bridge and immediately went to hold a quiet conversation with Spock, Sulu knew his explanation of the previous night's incident was undoubtedly being relayed and he winced inwardly. If the First Officer tried to give Chekov another show of support, he'd be in the dog house for weeks instead of the days he was already anticipating.
"You're nearly late," the Russian said to him as he slid into the helm chair.
"I wanted to talk to the Captain about..."
"You what?" the Russian hissed.
"...how the head of Corrections got to be the Mergonian ambassador," Sulu finished. "He said the man was the most reasonable person at the negotiations for our release."
"Oh," Chekov murmured, calming visibly.
The lieutenant took a deep breath, and decided to take the plunge. "He asked about the 'princess' comment, and I told him - but only about their distorting your name," he quickly added.
The navigator frowned at him. "And he is now telling the story to Mr. Spock, I suppose."
Sulu shrugged. "Probably."
"Bol'shoe spasiba," Chekov snarled.
"Bol'shoe puzhalsta," Sulu muttered.
"Mr. Chekov," Spock said, and the Russian swore under his breath. "I commend you for your quick actions yesterday evening."
"Thank you, Mr. Spock," Chekov replied.
"And I've taken steps to ensure it won't happen again," the Captain added.
"Da, thank you, Captain," the navigator repeated. Kirk laid a hand on Chekov's shoulder that was both comforting and approving.
"It's only a few days, Ensign."
"Yes, sir," was the mumbled response, but Sulu caught the fierce glare the Russian threw at him.
=====*****=====
Chekov refused his company at lunch, the remainder of their shift nearly as uncomfortable as had been the weeks after their rescue from the detention camp. So it was that Sulu didn't even suggest dinner, and simply shook his head at Uhura when she demanded to know why he wasn't protecting the Russian better. That would make the lovely communications officer head straight for the navigator's cabin, he knew, which, he also knew, would make Chekov even angrier at him, but he was almost past caring. If Spock and Uhura and the Captain kept the Russian out of any confrontation with Vargik, it would all be worth it. When the Mergonians were off the ship and Pavel had had a chance to calm down from his terror-induced self-righteousness, there would be time enough to make it all right again.
Or so he hoped.
He went to his cabin, took a shower, read up on the relevant logs, then went to the mess hall. He didn't expect to see Chekov there, and he wasn't disappointed, but no sooner had he sat down than Uhura came striding up to his table.
"Where have you been?" she demanded. "And where is Pavel?"
"I've been in my cabin," Sulu replied. "I don't know where..."
"He isn't with you?"
Sulu looked around, alarm bells going off in the back of his skull. "No. He's not with you?"
"When he wasn't in his quarters, I thought..."
"Oh god, Nyota, you don't think...?"
Her dark features paled.
"Call the Captain," Sulu stated, rising from his seat. "Meet me and a security detail at the VIP suites."
As she raced to the intercom, Sulu likewise ran to Security, praying madly that it wasn't too late.
=====*****=====
"Sir, we have an unauthorized shuttle leaving from the bay," Ensign Kasravi reported from Navigation.
"Shut it down, Ensign," Spock said immediately, then turned to the Second Watch communications officer. "Mr. Chen, inform the captain."
"Aye, sir," the Lieutenant answered.
"It's too late," Kasravi said.
"Get a tractor beam on the shuttle," Spock ordered. The comm under his right hand signaled.
"What's the problem, Spock?" Kirk's voice said.
"A shuttle just left the bay, Captain"
"Mr. Spock, the tractor beams are off line," Kasravi reported.
"Excuse me, Captain," Spock responded and made a swift communications shift. "Mr. Scott, why are our tractor beams inoperative? Miss Kasavri, keep track of the shuttle's heading."
"Aye sir."
There was no answer from Engineering.
"Spock, what's going on?" Kirk demanded, then, "Damn it, I've got another call." After a short pause, he was back. "Uhura reports that Mr. Chekov is missing," he said.
Spock turned to the Science Station. "Ensign Riocard, life form readings on the shuttle."
"Three, sir," the officer reported. "Two Mergonian and one Human."
"Captain, I suspect Mr. Chekov is on the shuttle," Spock said to Kirk, "with two of the Mergonian delegation. There is no response from Mr. Scott."
A string of epithets came from the comm, then Kirk said, "Send a security team to Engineering. I'll go talk to the Ambassador. Keep track of that shuttle!"
"Yes, Captain." Spock again turned to Lieutenant Chen. "Mr. Chen, contact Mr. Sulu," he said.
=====*****=====
When Kirk arrived at the ambassador's quarters, Sulu and a four-man security team were already waiting.
"That was quick," the Captain said.
"Sir?" Sulu asked.
Uhura came hurrying toward them, and quickly pulled Sulu aside.
"The bastard's got Pavel in a shuttle," she whispered.
"What?!"
"Mr. Ambassador," Kirk was saying, "Two members of your party have stolen a shuttle craft and have apparently kidnapped a member of my crew. If you have any way of contacting them, I'd suggest you do it now."
The Mergonian who stood at the door of the cabin was clearly flustered, but maintaining his calm. "Are you certain this crewmember didn't accompany my aides willingly, Captain?" he said.
Sulu bristled and Uhura gripped his arm warningly.
"Unless that crewmember is courting charges of desertion, yes, I'm sure," Kirk replied. "And considering it's likely Ensign Pavel Chekov, who was illegally detained by your people several months ago, I seriously doubt it."
"Oh dear," the ambassador said. "I'll certainly do all I can to..."
"Which of your aides is missing?" Sulu broke in nearly savagely, then added, "as if I had to ask."
The ambassador regarded him with cool sympathy. "Yes, you're likely correct, Lieutenant. Though why your former guard would want to do such a thing..."
The intercom on the wall whistled, and Kirk stepped to it. "Kirk here."
"Captain, is Mr. Sulu with you?" Spock's voice asked.
"Yes, he is, Spock."
"Mr. Chen reports no reply at our attempts at communication with the shuttle, and Security reports that Mr. Scott was attacked and the transporters and tractor beam sabotaged."
"Oh god," Sulu moaned softly.
"Well, she can hardly outrun us, Mr. Spock. Stay with that shuttle. The ambassador is going to attempt to communicate with his staff." Kirk turned an icy glare on Toljac. "Aren't you, Mr. Ambassador."
"Of course, Captain," Toljac replied, but no one missed the glint of amusement in his gaze when he looked at Lieutenant Sulu.
=====*****=====
Pavel Chekov woke with a groan. His head was throbbing and he could feel the bruise coming up on the back of his skull. He tried to sit up, wondering where he was, then found that his arms and legs were hog-tied behind him.
"Sulu, this is not..." he began, then froze at a too-familiar chuckle.
"There's an interesting first reaction, " Vargik's voice said, and the Russian struggled. "Poor chiksa, not with your little playmate now, are you?"
"What do you want?" the navigator snarled.
"Just the opportunity to set a few things straight," Vargik said pleasantly. "I tried to talk to you yesterday, you might remember."
A disembodied voice said "Galileo, this is Enterprise. Come in, Galileo."
"Shut that off," Vargik said.
There are two of them, Chekov realized, and shuddered involuntarily. Vargik crouched down, his face coming into the Russian's line of sight.
"Now, if I untie you, you're going to be a good little princess, aren't you?"
"No," Chekov spat defiantly.
The Mergonian sighed. "That's what I thought. I wanted you willing, little chiksa, but..."
"I thought you didn't want another man's leftovers," the navigator growled.
"Virginal is best, but when I saw you again in your cute little uniform..." Vargik sighed self-deprecatingly. "What can I say? You're too lovely to resist."
Chekov again began struggling and Vargik chuckled again, his large hand caressing the Russian's face. The ensign swore in Russian, which only made the Mergonian laugh.
"I know, you're about to tell me I'll pay for this," he said. "And I probably will be dismissed from the Ambassador's service, but I think it will be worth it." His hand moved down to cup the navigator's rounded buttocks. "Yes, well worth it." He turned. "Klinot, give me a hand here."
"I'll get my turn, Vargik," the other Mergonian said, his voice thick with greed. "You promised me that."
"Yes, of course," Vargik returned, then grinned at Chekov. "He doesn't mind leftovers."
=====*****=====
"Still not responding, sir," Lieutenant Chen was saying as Kirk, Ambassador Toljac, Uhura and Sulu stepped onto the Bridge.
"Mr. Spock, what is Mr. Scott's condition?" Kirk asked.
"Dr. McCoy reports a concussion, but not much worse," the Vulcan answered. "Two other engineers were found in a similar state. Our systems were sabotaged, sir."
Kirk folded his arms, turning to the ambassador. "This doesn't serve your planet's interest, Mr. Toljac."
"I know that, Captain. I had no idea Vargik would be so irresponsible."
"If you'd taken the reports of our treatment seriously...!" Sulu began, and Kirk held up a hand.
"Now isn't the time, Mr. Sulu. Spock, have repair crews begun work on the transporters and tractor beam?"
"Yes, Captain," the First Officer replied "They estimate two hours before repairs are competed."
"Two hours," Sulu groaned. "Do you know what they can do to him in two hours?"
"And just what do you suspect my aides are planning?" Toljac asked mildly.
Sulu opened his mouth and Uhura subtly shook her head. Don't say it, her expression read.
"Mr. Chekov reported Vargik's cruel and unnecessary punishments, Ambassador," Spock said coldly. "I think the concern is that the man will attempt some form of vengeance for those statements."
"Mr. Chen, open hailing frequencies again," Kirk ordered. "Mr. Ambassador, maybe they'll listen to you."
"Here, let me," Uhura said to the other communications officer. The lieutenant moved easily aside and she took the station.
"Mr. Sulu, relieve Mr. Bremer at the Helm," Kirk said.
Sulu swallowed, closing his eyes briefly. "Yes, sir," he said.
"And Spock - tell those repair crews to cut that time quote in half. If Mr. Scott inflates his repair estimates by a factor of four..."
"Yes, sir," Spock replied.
Kirk gestured to the comm. "Mr. Ambassador?"
Sulu moved down to the helm, hearing Uhura's standard call to the shuttle, then the Mergonian's calm plea for his aides' attention. He shuddered, trying desperately to cut off the pictures in his mind. Let him be all right, he prayed silently. Please, god, let him be all right.
=====*****=====
His legs were untied, but his arms remained behind his back. Chekov had begun kicking furiously as soon as he was able, but the Mergonians merely laughed and grabbed his ankles. He struggled so fiercely that his boots came off in their hands, but that only caused them to laugh more loudly. When Vargik reached for his waistband, he began pleading, words that were equal parts terrible oaths and desperate fear. The uniform pants were pulled down to his ankles and pleas gave way to panicked sobs. When Vargik touched his bare flesh, he exploded into wild thrashing, then went rigid as the two pushed him down onto his stomach.
"You see, I told you he had a lovely little backside," Vargik said appreciatively, and smacked his large hand down on the Russian's cheeks.
"Get on with it," the other - Klinot - growled.
"Patience, my friend. We'll have all the time we need to put the chiksa here through his paces."
Chekov shuddered, swallowing the bile that came up into his mouth. "I'll kill you," he vowed futilely, "I swear by all the Tsars, I will kill you!"
"We'll have to see if it's worth it," Vargik chuckled. "Now, open up, chiksa or it will go harder on you." His voice darkened. "Much harder."
Chekov clenched his jaw. He closed his eyes. He tried not to feel the Mergonian's invading fingers or to hear the rustle of clothing. When Vargik climbed over him, he bucked savagely, only to have his head banged sharply against the deck. Tears forced their way into his eyes and he bit them back. The cry that rose in his throat was stifled as the Mergonian parted his buttocks. Then it was all he could do to endure the harsh, searing rape.
=====*****=====
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