Indecision - Chapter 24

Free Enterprise  -  Indecision - Chapter 24


“I believe I was too hard on her.” Tyr said. He and Khan had gotten an early morning start and were in the Lion's Den.

“How so, Tyr?” Khan asked.

“By ordering her to see Doctor Kori during our dinner date. Somehow I do not believe that was the appropriate time and place to do that.” Tyr replied.

He'd spent the entire night and morning musing on that very subject. Of course, he'd gotten not a wink of sleep. Now, he was ticked off at himself more than anything else.

“When would've been a good time? After all, you did notice Tamarra was not eating during dinner.” Khan asked.

“I ordered her to go because she kept dodging my questions. I did it out of concern for her health, yet she made it seem as if I was sending her to the gallows.” Tyr replied.

“She is a woman, Tyr, and women are very complicated creatures. Things are further complicated by the fact that they have been blessed with extra hormones to give birth and nurture young. Tamarra is especially burdened because she is fighting her own personal war with two cultures.” Khan said.

"Women are considered deep - why? Because one can never discover any bottom to them. Women are not even shallow." Tyr quoted.

"That's Niezsche, isn't it?" Khan asked. Tyr nodded.

“I seriously doubt if I will ever completely understand women.” Tyr said, after a long silence.

“No, you will not. But, as my father always used to say. 'with a good one you will enjoy the learning experience'.” Khan said, as he gazed at Tyr knowingly.


* * * * * * * *


Tamarra was hoping to avoid Dr. Kori but the Klingon was a habitual early riser who worked out, ate breakfast and arrived early for duty much to the chagrin of her subordinates. And much to the chagrin of the aforementioned.

After a through exam, both patient and doctor stared silently at one another for a full two minutes.

“You know, you people really kill me.” Kori said as she shook her head. “Either you pretend that you don't know you're sick. Or, pretend that you don't know what you have.” she continued more to herself. Tamarra had to control herself from bursting out laughing at that statement.

“You know exactly what you have Commander. And you didn't need the Captain's order for you to visit me and verify it.” Kori said, in her bold, no nonsense manner. Being a Klingon, she believed in avoiding the fluff and cutting right to the heart of a matter.

“How long have I got. Doctor.?” Tamarra asked.

“That will depend on you Commander. You've had far too much stimulation during the past few weeks, which may have accelerated the progression of your condition.” Kori said, as she folded her arms and sat side saddle on an adjoining biobed.

“Wonderful. Of course in all of the excitement of being assigned to a new ship, I never made the appropriate arrangements.” Tamarra said, as she put her face into her right palm. Her disowned uncle's words were coming back to haunt her.

“You mean for a bond mate?” Kori asked, warming up to the subject.

“No, other arrangements.” Tamarra replied.

“Then it is true.” Kori said.

“What is true?” Tamarra asked.

"That Vulcans have specialized services just for the unbonded.” Kori said.

“No Vulcan would ever admit to that, and neither will I.” Tamarra stated stoically.

“Oh, I see. Hush-hush, mush-mush.” Kori replied, as she held up her hands in mock surrender. “Don't worry, your secret will stay with me. By the way, since you cut everything so close, you only have two options now. Allow me to heavily medicate you for the duration, or find someone who will be accommodating.” she continued.

“Accommodating?” Tamarra asked.

Kori raised a bushy eyebrow at her in response.

“Who. . . . . who . . . . who would . . . .?” Tamarra continued.

“So, Captain Anasazi knocked Captain Bolivar on his butt just for the workout.” Kori said.

“Captain Anasazi? I would not dare ask him to do that! Never!” Tamarra replied, stridently, horrified by the thought. She couldn't conceive how she would make such a request.

“Why not? The man clearly loves you, Tamarra.” Kori stated. "And, if I'm not mistaken, you're kinda sweet on him too . . . ." Kori continued.

“I will hear no more of this!” Tamarra shouted, as she covered her ears, stood, then stormed out of the treatment room.

“You've got approximately 48 hours before things go to Hell in a hand basket! Don't let me have to come and drag your Vulcan butt out of your quarters and sedate you!” Kori shouted after the fleeing Tamarra.