The Pet
Chapter Five
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.
I woke early the following morning to discover Spock had already departed for
the conference. After a cursory glance around the room, I located a sealed
envelope addressed to me lying undisturbed on the desk.
The message within contained complete instructions pertaining to my
responsibility for the day. He firmly advised me to remain in the room
until
his returned that evening, also of his arrangements for the prompt
delivery
of my meals. He also implied that the conference would be completed
early
enough for them to join Ambassador Taduran and his companion for
dinner.
He left me his recordings from the previous day's conference to
examine,
providing plenty of work to occupy my time. I have never especially
appreciated doing paper work though, and could think of far better
things to
occupy my time instead.
Portraying Stoamer's version of a pet to Spock's Ambassador was
virtually
beginning to exhausted me and I seriously needed some type of outlet
to
soothe my confused emotional state of mind. This submissive role was
altogether too unnatural for me to continue doing for very long
considering
my chosen profession.
If I could be viewed as an individual, not looked upon as some
Ambassador's
obedient pet, I would feel completely renewed and able to continue on
anew.
What I desperately yearned for was a few precious minutes to bask in
the
warmth of the morning sun, just to breathe in the sweet scent of
freedom as
an ordinary human male.
As I continued to gaze out the window, admiring the beauty of the
sunrise, I
had the distinct impression of the room suddenly closing in. With the
room
feeling a little too confined and the warmth of the Stoamer morning
calling
to me I could not resist a quick stroll around the hotel grounds. I
felt
could sufficiently dodge the hotel staff,
take a brief look around then quietly return to my room without anyone
realizing I had been gone.
It wasn't long before I had sufficiently convinced myself that a walk
was, as
Bones would say, "Just what the doctor ordered." The fresh air
together with
the morning sun would clear my jumbled thoughts in addition to getting
me
back on track again.
I was still having trouble taking orders from Spock instead of giving
them
and I believed that's the reason it was so easy to persuade myself not
to
follow his advice that morning. Looking back at all that happened as a
result
of my departure, I regretted not adhering to Spock's advice and
remaining
securely confined to my room.
I realized as an Ambassador's Pet I wouldn't be allowed outside the
room
without an acceptable escort. I remembered I still retained my dress
uniform
I wore on my arrival and quickly changed as well as removing the
despised
collar from around my neck. As a Starfleet officer I would be
unencumbered,
having the freedom to move around the
grounds and not be recognized. I then quickly examined my reflection
in the
mirror for any flaws in my disguise, finding none; I decided I was
ready to
face Stoamer.
I discreetly perused the hall outside my room until I was certain
there was
no one about, then cautiously walked to the stairs. I made it to the
lobby
without being stopped by any of the staff, and started for the front
entrance, when I noticed that the Tellerite Ambassador was also
leaving the
building. I thought this was unusual, as he should be attending the
conference at this time not slinking nervously outside of the
entrance.
I decided to follow him to determine why he was trying to creep
unnoticed out
of the hotel instead of attending the conference. I gained the side
door
entrance the Tellerite disappeared through without any trouble and was
soon
hot on his trail.
Once outside, nobody would recognize me, so I felt relatively free,
and the
excitement of a little action appeared to revive me a great deal. I
glanced
around for the Tellerite and quickly located him turning a corner
beyond the
end of the hotel.
Finally disclosing his whereabouts I headed in the same direction. He
appeared too confident of where he was going, in addition to his
determination to arrive there as quickly as possible. I intended to
discover
where "there" was as well as what reason could be so imperative that
an
Ambassador would leave in the middle of such an important conference.
I pursued him down the boulevard and through several narrow side
streets
until ultimately he came to a halt at the entrance of a darkened
house. He
quickly rapped on the door, anxiously waiting until it opened, then
humbly
spoke to the tenant inside. The occupant of the house appeared to be
uneasy
concerning the Tellerite's presence at his
front door.
I couldn't hear what they were talking about from my current position
so I
decided to move closer to the door. I had just discovered a more
suitable
location when the Tellerite entered the dwelling. I slowly began to
creep
along the side of the building, searching for the possibility of an
unguarded
entrance.
I entered the enclosed alley near the residence locating some wooden
crates
and boxes stacked not far off. I abruptly heard subdued voices
emanating from
the opposite end of where I was now positioned. The voices appeared to
grow
louder as though someone was drawing nearer. I quickly crouched down
behind
the crates anticipating whomever it was that was speaking to make
their
appearance.
Before long the Tellerite I had been pursuing entered the alley with
another
individual. This one, a well-dressed gentleman, yet not the same
person I
witnessed previously at the front entrance to the dwelling. The two
men
stopped just inside the ally not far from where I was concealed and
continued
their conversation.
I was again to far away to understand much of what was being said yet
got the
distinct impression that the gentleman was not pleased by the
Tellerite's
statement.
The two individuals ultimately came to an agreement and the Tellerite
turned
in my direction. The crates I was concealed behind didn't provide me
with a
substantial enough cover so I prepared myself for the inevitable fight
if I
happened to be spotted.
The Tellerite however did not discover my hiding place, but continued
on his
unassuming way. I made a quick search for the well-dressed gentleman,
however
he was nowhere in site therefore I continued again in pursuit of my
quarry.
I spotted the Tellerite Ambassador in the now crowded streets and the
pursuit
was once again underway. He made no further attempt to contact any
one,
merely continued on his present course. He never seemed to follow a
straight
path, randomly twisting and turning down one street or another, yet
seemed to
have a specific destination in mind. I soon came to the realization
that no
matter how frequently he changed directions he always returned to a
northerly
heading.
I hung back, doggedly pursuing the Tellerite through the crowded
streets. I
knew that eventually the Ambassador would arrive at his final
destination
because to continue on our present course we would inevitably arrive
at the
city's edge.
The way the Tellerite Ambassador was acting was getting more
suspicious with
every minute that passed. I, however, was taking immense pleasure in
the
pursuit therefore hoped to continue for a while longer. The mere
thought of a
mystery was exhilarating after the stifling confinement I had endured
the
past few days. I was engaged in an exhilarating adventure, in addition
to the
fact that for the first time since my arrival, I was enjoying myself.
We
continued down several more streets when the Tellerite abruptly turned
into
an abandoned building in a rundown part of town. I advanced
cautiously towards the entrance of the building where he disappeared.
Peering
through the door I noticed it was completely devoid of inhabitants so
I
discreetly entered.
I immediately scanned the room in an attempt to locate the
ambassador's
whereabouts but he was nowhere in sight. I knew he had to be here
somewhere.
The room was extremely large and full of enormous boxes and strange
containers of every shape and size. Each of the many containers I
encountered
appeared to be more puzzling then the last. Some of the larger crates
sat
alone on the floor yet there were several smaller boxes stacked as
many as
four or five high. In one corner of the room sat an assortment of
small
wooden crates each labeled in a language I couldn't read except to see
they
were addressed to Ambassador Taduran.
Intrigued by this discovery I began to search the remaining boxes for
similar
labels, all had the same encryption on them including Ambassador
Taduran's
name. My little adventure was turning into a genuine mystery as well
as the
influential Ambassador Taduran. It would be interesting to learn what
Spock
would say concerning the items that I discovered hidden in this
building.
As I contemplated the connection between the boxes I found and the two
ambassadors, I heard a loud noise near the entrance to the room as if
a door
suddenly slammed shut. I quickly backtracked to the opposite end of
the
building only to discover the doors I entered through were tightly
closed as
well as securely locked. I was for the moment clearly caught like the
proverbial rat in a trap.
With the known exit inaccessible I searched for another way out. I
carefully
examined every corner and room in the building hunting for an
alternate
escape until I discovered a wooden ramp leading up to a doorway. I
hastily
scrambled up what apparently was the old delivery chute to the
building and
carefully examined the doors. They were rusted shut; nevertheless with
a
little perseverance together with a firm shove I succeeded in getting
the
thing open. Finally free of my captivity I paused, inhaling several
deep
breaths of the crisp fresh air, prior to heading back to the hotel. I
had
unearthed a mystery therefore required a second opinion before
continuing on.
With Spock's involvement in the conference he might disclose some
further
information, to which as a pet I wouldn't have access.
I realized I should return directly to the hotel to immediately inform
Spock
of my discovery. That would have been the appropriate course of action
however the concept of relinquishing my freedom to become a pet again
was
appalling. It was altogether too beautiful a day to remain indoors
therefore
I decided to take my time in returning to the hotel as well as
sampling some
of the pleasures this town had to offer.
I would continue however to maintain a vigil for the Tellerite
Ambassador for
I was positive his disagreeable pig face would surface once more. I
filed
away what information I had unearthed, planing to tell Spock about it
later
that evening then chose a new direction to go and started walking. The
people
I encountered in the streets completely ignored me therefore I started
enjoying my little outing ... consequently
forgetting the Ambassador.
Soon my stomach rumblings became too persistent to ignore any longer.
I
remembered I neglected to eat any breakfast in my haste to depart the
hotel
so I decided to find a quick meal. That's where I got in trouble.
Glancing
around the avenue I sighted a quaint little store that seemed to carry
a
variety of foods therefore I determinedly strolled across the street
and
entered the shop. Now as an Ambassador's pet I was forbidden the
luxury of
retaining money or credit, therefore when I attempted to appropriate
some
food I discovered I had no way to pay for it.
The shop owner's demand for information concerning my lack of funds as
well
as his disbelief of my explanation only made my circumstance worsen. I
attempted to convince him I was with the assembled Delegates at the
conference hall and would see to it that he was appropriately refunded
for
the cost of a meal. The shopkeeper nevertheless refused to believe my
story
and said that he would have me arrested as an indigent. I endeavored
to
appease him but he was not about to change his mind. I edged towards
the door
in an attempt to escape further difficulties when the constable
arrived,
cutting off any possibility of a hasty retreat. Once again I ventured
to
explain my situation, without admitting I was an Ambassador's pet. My
explanation attained as much success with the constable as with the
shopkeeper, which was to say none at all.
Now I discovered that an Ambassadors pet is a highly prized possession
however a beggar is nothing. I couldn't contrive a viable story
therefore the
constable hauled me off to the local brig incarcerating me until I was
identified. The constable wasted no time securing me in a dirty cell
then
departing just as quickly leaving me completely alone in my misery. I
had no
means of contacting Spock to inform him of my whereabouts furthermore
he
wouldn't realize I was missing until after the conference broke up for
the
night.
With my freedom whisked away from me like a hat in the wind, it was
becoming
obvious that my luck had ultimately run its course. Consequently my
fate was
thoroughly sealed, bound as tight and secure as the lock on the cell I
was
in. Disgusted with myself for my arrogance I slowly sank to the floor
of the
cell to wait Spock's arrival.
I couldn't help imagining what Spock would think regarding my defiant
actions
this time. If I thought he was disappointed before concerning my past
infractions what would he think about my current situation? Well, I
suppose I
would cross that bridge when the time came, though for the moment I
could
accomplish nothing beyond remaining where I was until he could locate
me.
The cell I was placed in was rather small, extremely filthy, as well
as
teeming with vermin, if my constant scratching was any indication.
After
several hours of complete solitude, I was absolutely bored out of my
mind in
addition to becoming notably soiled from the grime. I was also getting
extremely hungry as I had left the hotel without eating and apparently
nothing was forthcoming. My only condolence was that it would soon be
dark
and Spock would be returning to our room to discover my absence.
Despite the quality of my present accommodations I managed to
surrender
myself to sleep for a time. My slumber, though, was abruptly
interrupted by a
commotion beyond the doors outside my cell. I thought that perhaps
Spock had
at length arrived to release me, however it was only the guard
accompanied by
a drunk who was immediately placed in another cell. When the chamber
had
grown quiet, I retreated once again into a restless sleep until
daybreak.
By late morning I was dirty, hungry, and miserable. I waited eagerly
for
Spock's eventual arrival to release me. I was entirely isolated in the
chamber except for the intoxicated individual, heavy with sleep, in
the next
cell. The need for sustenance, the tedious waiting, and the resounding
snoring from the next compartment was beginning to take a toll on my
nerves.
There was in one wall an extremely narrow window, that admitted a
small
amount of defused light as well as a slight breeze that helped to
clear the
somewhat stagnant air. The only window was located near the ceiling
therefore
too high to reach it so I could observe the streets below. It did
allow me to
hear the noises of the street, which made me guess that it was nearly
noon.
The commotion reminded me as well that I had endured imprisonment for
approximately twenty-four hours.
"Spock where are you?" I cried out. I received no response from the
drunk
concerning my verbal outburst. Not a single person from the outer
office even
considered entering the chambers to silence me. If Spock thought
detaining me
this long was a form of punishment for disobeying his instructions I
believe
it was unduly harsh.
Sighing once more, I descended to the soiled floor disregarding the
filth
around me and proceeded to wait. Essentially there was nothing in
particular
I could do until Spock finally arrived to release me. I attempted to
pass the
time by reflecting on the days' events that led up to my incarceration
however that only depressed me further. In the end I simply continued
to sit
in despondency on the dirty floor, waiting as well as watching for any
indication that I would before long gain my release.
Eventually a guard endeavored to enter the brig delivering to his
prisoners a
tray of food. I applied my charm in hopes of discovering information
concerning my situation however the guard refused to speak to me. He
merely
handed me a plate of something I couldn't identify and continued on to
the
next cell where the drunk received the same
treatment. When the guard was finished serving our meals, he departed
the
cellblock without ever uttering a single word.
I was considerably famished by now and consequently could have eaten
anything, or so I thought, until I realized what passed as food in
here. I
wouldn't have contemplated feeding this swill to my worst enemy let
alone
attempt to consume it myself.
Aside from the ghastly smell it had the consistency of regurgitated
fish
nearly making me heave. This made the drunk extremely happy because
when he
finished his meal he immediately requested mine. I was delighted to
accommodate him handing over my plate then watched in horror as he
gulped
down that one as eagerly as the first.
Another hour or so passed by before a handsome young woman entered the
lockup to identify and claim the drunk, who by this time had sobered
up.
Still, there was no sign of Spock's arrival. I realized the sun was
even now
setting and the sky would soon become dark. I was becoming positively
concerned over Spock's failure to have
me released. I couldn't shake the feeling that either something
happened to
him, or that he was somehow unable to locate me in which case I might
have to
spend another night here. I could never forgive myself if Spock was in
trouble with Stoamer's government due to my disregard of his
authority.
I decided to attempt to create a resounding racket so as to attract
the
attention of one of the guards. If I could arrange it so one would
enter the
chamber out side my cell I might be able to entice him close enough to
effect
an escape. I couldn't remain here waiting any longer if Spock required
my
assistance.
I began to shout, and rattle the bars of my cell creating a cacophony
of
various sounds I was positive the guards would believe all hell had
ultimately broken loose. All the clamor and disquiet I produced was to
no
avail because no one entered to investigate the commotion. I began to
think
the guards had all departed, leaving me alone and unattended for the
night.
End Chapter 5