Sirosa

Chapter 10

Darkness was something Mac'hla had learned to accept– even love.
    The blackness of the universe around her as the Enterprise traveled through the vacuum of space.
    The peaceful darkness of their room late at night, when no one was around and it was just her and her thoughts.
    The dark blue-purple of the sirosa berries that contrasted so beautifully in the palm of her pale hand.
    But still the berries were not ripe enough. For the best effect, the berries would need to be perfectly ripe. Just a few more days until the berries would be as black as the abyss Mac'hla planned on pushing Soltok into.
    As her door slid open, she pocketed the berries, careful not to let anyone see. If someone were to catch onto the plan she would be done for.
    "Good morning, Lieutenant." Spock greeted.
    "Good morning, sir." they replied, almost cheerfully.
    He raised an eyebrow, "You seem in high spirits given the circumstances.
    "To be upset about what I cannot control would be illogical, sir." they replied, again, cheerfully.
    "Are you feeling well, Lieutenant?" Spock asked.
    Mac'hla almost laughed.
    "The Captain asked the same thing last night. Is it so unbelievable that I could present as not upset? Am I that, as I believe humans say, bitchy?"
    Spock looked surprised by her question, "No, but you tend to carry a chip on your shoulder."
    "A chip on my shoulder?" Mac'hla asked, "Why would I have a fried potato slice on my shoulder?"
    "It is a human expression," Spock said, leaning on one of Mac'hla's tables, "It means that you carry somewhat of a hostile expression or attitude."
    "If I were human I might be offended by that." she remarked.
    "I meant no offense."
    "And as I said, I did not take any."
    The two stared at each other in silence before Mac'hla spoke up again, "I have guard Sunday evening."
    "I believe it would be unwise to go. You should speak with the Captain." Spock said firmly.
    "You keep saying that, and I keep giving you the same response. I will be fulfilling my duties as expected." she said, just as firmly.
    "Is there nothing that can change your mind?" Spock asked, almost desperately.
    "Nothing." they confirmed.
    Spock sighed and shook his head, "Your stubbornness will be your undoing."
    "I hardly think so, sir."
    "You seem awfully combative this morning." Spock noted.
    "I apologize if I seem that way." She said, raising an eyebrow.
    She turned around and sat at her desk, "Is there anything else sir?"
    Spock was thoroughly miffed by their attitude.
    "No. That is all." he said flatly and left her lab.
    Mac'hla spun around in her chair, relishing in the details of her plan. Finally, she could have closure, knowing that the cause of the great sickness would be dealt with.