Spock's daughter

II 16

Captain's log, stardate 50537.2. Routine scans of an uninhabited star system have revealed the presence of gallicite, a very rare substance, on the fourth planet.

[On the Bridge]

"If these readings are right, we're looking at a yield of nearly a kiloton. That would be enough gallicite to completely refit the warp coils", B'elanna said.

"They sure could use it with all the damage they've taken the past two years", Tom meant.

"Is there anyone in the area who might consider this their property?" Chakotay asked.

"There are indications that a colony once existed on the planet's surface. However, it appears to be long abandoned", Tuvok said.

"All right, let's stake a claim. I'll leave this in your hands, B'Elanna. Use whatever resources or personnel you need. You might want to talk to Mister Neelix. I believe he spent some time working in a mining colony. And also Lil. She could use a peaceful mission with fresh air", Janeway demanded.

"Aye, Captain." (B'elanna)

[In the engine room]

"These tunnels are clearly artificial. Someone else must've been interested in digging up this gallicite", (B'elanna)

"That should make it easier to access the deposits", Vorik said.

"True, but we have to be careful. There's been a lot of seismic activity down there. Look, theses tunnels are completely collapsed. We should bring Tom Paris on the away team. He's had quite a lot of rock climbing experience." (B'elanna)

"I have spent several summers exploring the Osana caverns, which involved some quite treacherous climbing." (Vorik)

"Great. You two can be our safety experts. Also Lil. The captain said you could use a peaceful mission with fresh air again, so I would like for you to come with us", B'elanna said, directing the last part to Lil.

But Lil was staring at a computer, not moving and her hands clenching to fists, leaning on her arms. Sweat was running over her forehead.

"Lil? Is everything all right?"

B'elanna stepped up to her and laid a hand on Lil's shoulder. Lil jumped a bit when she felt the sudden contact. She was trembling.

"Lil?"

"I-I'm fine. I think I just need the fresh air", she whispered.

"We should take her to a doctor."

Both, Vorik and B'elanna, grabbed Lil's arms and guided her to the sickbay. When they entered, the doctor and Kes looked up, surprised to see them.

"What's the matter? What's wrong with her?"

Lil was sat on a bed at the sickbay and she was pushed down, still sweating and trembling.

"Since when is she like this?"

"We just noticed that in the engine room a few minutes ago. She said she just needed some fresh air."

"Maybe it would help a little since she was in cryo sleep that long. But it's just a suggestion."

There were a few minutes silence when Kes scanned Lil.

"Doctor?"

The doctor turned to Kes who had a confused look on her face.

"Her cortical scan."

She handed him a PADD with the scan results.

"Doctor?" (B'elanna)

"It looks like she is suffering from a neurochemical imbalance. But I can't see why and how. ... We will try it with the fresh air. Till then, she has to rest."

Vorik and B'elanna grabbed Lil's arms again and guided her to her quarters. There she laid down and B'elanna ordered the computer to blow cold air into the room.

A few hours later

Lil walked into the engine room up to B'elanna, who turned around to her with a surprised look and a happy smile on her face.

"Lil. Looks like you're feeling better I assume?"

"Yes, indeed. The cold air helped more than I thought."

"Good, because we are going to beam to the planet in one hour."

"I will prepare myself then."

"Lil. You feel better?" Vorik asked.

Lil nodded.

"Yes, thank you."

"Have we completed our preparations to your satisfaction?" Vorik asked B'elanna.

"We're done here, yes", she answered before walking off to another computer downstairs. Vorik turned to Lil.

"Let me take this opportunity to declare koon-ut so'lik, my desire to become your mate."

Lil's eyes widened.

"What?" she asked shocked.

"In human terms, I am proposing marriage", Vorik explained, stepping closer to her, one step between them, "Do you accept?"

"This is, er, a little sudden, isn't it? Besides, I thought that Vulcan marriages were arranged. Don't you already have somebody back home?"

"She has sufficient reason to consider me lost, and has most likely chosen another mate. It's appropriate for me to do the same."

"And you've chosen me?"

"I have come to greatly admire not only your fast learning skills, but also your bravery and sense of beauty. All excellent qualities in a prospective mate."

"But you're Vulcan. I am half-human and I don't even know what my other half is. I really can't imagine..."

"Perhaps we are not an obvious match. However, our differences would complement each other. My mental discipline would help you control emotional outbursts. Furthermore, I feel that..."

"Wait, please. Please, I'm... I see that you've given this a lot of, er, logical thought and I really am very flattered, but we just met, what... one of two days ago? And besides, how old are you? Well I'm just 16. So... my answer is no. I'm sorry."

Lil stepped around him. The Vulcan inhaled, closing his eyes for a few seconds before he turned around to her.

"Lil, you may wish to reconsider. Your choices for a mate are currently limited to seventy three male crew members on this ship,..."

"You didn't count Icheb", Lil interrupted.

"Some of whom are already unavailable", Vorik continued, "and I didn't count him because I'm positive that he can't produce children with you."

"Excuse me? Well, I'll worry about my choices myself, thank you", Lil answered and walked away a few steps, only to be followed by Vorik.

"I should also remind you that many humanoid species will want to intent to mate with you and use you for their own needs and they wouldn't care about your feelings, but I would."

"Okay, that's enough."

"My superior Vulcan strength would make me a very suitable partner."

Vorik grabbed Lil's face with both hands. She tries to break his hold but failed. She cried out when his grip grew tighter. B'elanna heard that and saw them both upstairs.

"Lil???!!!"

She hurried upstairs and parted them, ripping her out of his grip, managing to break his hold and she knocked him down, dislocating his jaw, before she caught Lil who stumbled and fell.