songofsong | Live Long or Regenerate } for mindmeld

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Live Long or Regenerate } for mindmeld

Sometimes, the easiest way to hide, was in plain sight. Something River Song had become rather adept at in her time travelling the universe. She could blend into almost any environment, learn about the locality very quickly, and she was also rather good at lying. This meant she had been onboard the Starship Enterprise for nearly two months now, and nobody had questioned her presence.

As one of the science officers, her knowledge meant she was able to fit in quite well, not to mention those uniforms! River had taken a particular shine to the blue dress she'd commandeered as part of her identity - it was after all her favourite colour. For now, there didn't seem to be any ulterior motive to this stowaway. She happily played the part every day, followed her instructions, offered help where needed. In fact, she seemed to rather enjoy the role, so much so that one might question if the act was becoming closer to reality.

It was yet another day on board the Enterprise, and River was just another face in a crowd of different coloured shirts, each going about their business, each with a particular task in mind. She was assigned to research for the day, but rather than accompanying her team to the lab, River seemed to be choosing her own path. Passing through the corridor, she deviated off from the crowd, only checking over her shoulder once or twice before being convinced she was unnoticed, and continuing on her way.

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Spock knew the majority of the crew. Maybe not with the same familiarity that the captain knew most people, but he knew names and skills and crew rotations. It was especially concerning because while he might not have known all of the engineers or command ensigns, he certainly knew the scientists. Some of the medical staff he was only vaguely aware of, but the researchers, down to the lowest and newest ensign, were familiar to him.

Which was why, when someone new slipped abroad the Enterprise, Spock noticed. No one else seemed to question it, and there were enough times that even Spock doubted his conclusions, a rare occurrence for him.

There had been no opportunities to confront her about it, until he noticed her deviating from the crowd and not retreating to the labs. Spock was capable of stealth, when needed, and could move quietly, so he followed her, pleased that she was not thorough in checking for observers. He followed and watched and waited for her to stop. Something was suspicious and he would figure it out.

On a ship as big as this, it was usually safe to say that people were too busy to pay attention to what anyone else was doing. She could slip away, explore by herself, and everyone would assume she was doing exactly what she was supposed to do. Look confident, and everyone will believe you.

Except one, it seems.

For the moment, River's unaware she's being followed, and her path through the corridors continue. She's heading towards the lower levels, the engine deck, and when she reaches one of the access points, the doors that should stop anyone but authorised personnel heading through .. opens. There's no alarm, she knew the code, and she slips on through like she's entirely supposed to be there.

However, by now, River knows she's got someone on her tail, and her next tactic is to try and lose them in the maze of corridors and machinery that make up this part of the ship. Better than causing a scene, or else she might give away some truths she's not yet ready to reveal.

Spock's brow furrows as he follows her. The fact that she is headed for the engineering rooms, and can manage to get access to them is not entirely unusual, but she is not an engineer, which means the reasons for her to be there are slim. He follows her, and while a human might have easily gotten lost in the maze of corridors, Spock is a Vulcan with an eidetic memory and a thorough knowledge of the inner workings of the ship.

She nearly slips away when he does make a wrong move, but it is quickly corrected, and he crawls through one of the narrow tubes into a spot that cuts off her likely path, rising to his feet with a glare in his eye as he looks for her.

After a few minutes of twisting and turning through the walkways, River feels she’s done enough to throw him off. Coming to a halt, she goes to check behind her, no longer able to see or hear anyone. Her gaze cautiously scans the area, alert and attentive, and when she’s satisfied she turns to continue on. She only takes a few steps when she becomes aware of a shuffling sound up ahead.

Through the tubes? Seriously?

She stares at it for a long moment, undecided if she should keep moving, or stay just to witness this ridiculous development. One of these options is more fun (risky) than the other, which is why he’ll spot not her too far ahead, a toying little smile on her face as she approaches him.

“You could’ve just asked me out for a drink, you know.” Flirting is a natural defence for River Song - a natural everything, come to think of it. She laughs slightly, seemingly at ease for a woman who’s been caught somewhere she shouldn’t - and not just in the engine room. But the cat’s not entirely out of the bag yet, so she’s buying herself some time.

Never underestimate the dedication of a Vulcan, especially one who knows something is Not Quite Right and is cursed (blessed) with the stubbornness of two different species, both known to be stubborn. Spock has crawled through the tubes (which are not as dusty as one might assume) for less than finding a potential stowaway.

When he lands on his feet, agile as a cat, he immediately straightens his uniform, brushing off a spec of dust. It gives him a chance to observe River closer before he is forced to respond.

"I have no intention of asking you for a drink. I do intend to ask you about your intentions on the ship. Despite what most of the crew believes, you are not part of the usual science crew."

Oh, this is going to be fun, isn't it? River bites back her smirk, slowly folding her arms as she watches the expression on his face. He's clearly not interest in playing along with her games, which just makes it all the more enticing for her.

"Oh, that is a shame," she declares flippantly, still seemingly unperturbed by where this is heading. After all, she's only guilty if she acts guilty, right? "Well, if that's what most of the crew believes, then surely that's the most logical explanation?"

River laughs off his suggestion, because one voice amongst many isn't going to get her thrown off the ship.

"And you're right, dear. There's nothing 'usual' about me, but then you know a lot about, don't you?" A coy flick up to those distinctive Vulcan ears. "I am, however, part of your science crew. I think you'll find I've been quite the addition to the team." That much is true, if she is a stowaway (she is,) she's been a very helpful and intelligent one (she has.)

"If one were to accept the voice of the majority as logical and thus the correct explanation without reason, deny the need for investigation, one would be severely lacking in understanding and self-determination. There are many times where the majority are incorrect and it requires a strong voice to guide them to reason." Spock is not going to fall for something that lacking in logic. The needs of the many might be greater than the needs of the few, but that does not mean the voice of the many is correct.

Spock might be only one, but he is still first officer and the voice of reason on a ship full of illogical humans. He can convince the captain to listen to him, if necessary.

"I am not interested in your contribution at the moment. I am curious as to how you arrived on the ship, how you managed to remain unnoticed, and what your intentions are toward the ship and her crew." Though now he is mentally reviewing everything that has passed his PADD, wondering about the contributions, though he cannot recall any specifics - a most disconcerting fact.

River watches him for a long moment, blowing out a sigh as though she can't quite keep up with the performance if this is what she's up against. She will, of course, until she gets bored. But for now he's presenting a difficult challenge for her, and she does so love one of those.

"I arrived on this ship the same way everybody did." Technically true, she walked through the same door.. after charming her way on board, and a few helpful forgeries didn't go amiss.

After that, it was about playing the part, which wasn't so removed from her usual self.

"And I've hardly been unnoticed, dear." She laughs that full-bodied laugh that suggests just how much a wallflower she is. But she's not an idiot, and she realises this isn't going to be enough for a man like Spock. He's also not of the standard fare, and her default distractions are perhaps not going to work on him.

"Look, I'm here to do my job, just the same as you and everyone else on this ship. I'm not here to cause trouble." For once.

"Despite your reassurances, you are in engineering and there is rarely a need for scientists to be in engineering." Indeed, Spock is aware when Scotty does request the help of his scientists and usually has to sign off on the approval. The request is also rare, as there is usually some rivalry between engineering and the sciences that Spock dismisses as not a concern.

"And while you might have been noticed in the strictest sense, I am curious as to how you managed to avoid any questions regarding your presence here." Spock is unused to people simply appearing on the ship - even if he acknowledges that she entered the same way as everyone else - and no one questioning them.

"What is your reasoning for being here?"

Spock's never been truly patient, not in comparison to Vulcans, but he has enough patience to outlast even the most patient or stubborn of humans. He crosses his fingers, not exactly glaring at her, but studying her face.

Despite the ongoing scrutiny, River seems remarkably unperturbed. It’s not the first time she’s found herself having difficult conversations while undercover, and she’s certainly skilled at talking her way around people. Spock’s not like most, she’s working that out already, but then she’s dealt with many different types of people before, aliens included.

“Oh, well, you can’t blame a girl for being curious, can you?” River supposes, beginning to walk towards him. The act is in no way threatening, but it speaks of confidence and self-assurance. As if she’s not concerned or in anyway uncertain about what’s going to happen next.

“Or a man.” Her smile widens further, toying, as it seems he has just as many questions about her as she does about this ship. “Alright, I’ll tell you.. but only if you tell me. What is your reasoning for being here, Commander?”

Playing games? Probably, but there’s a point to be made here.

"Yes, I can." Spock knows curiosity all too well; it had been one of the motivating factors in joining Starfleet, besides the entire desire to escape his homeworld. But just because he experiences it does not mean he is unlikely to judge someone for it - especially when it comes to his ship.

He watches her walk toward him, only raising an eyebrow at the action. He is not unfamiliar with that stride, at least in different individuals. Perhaps it is part of his existence to continuously encounter individuals who wield self-assurance like a weapon.

"As I am first officer on the ship, there is little off-limits to me, thus my presence here is appropriate. And I have told you, I was following you." Spock suspects she means on the ship at large, not in Engineering, but he is good at playing with technicalities, so a technical answer is what she receives. "Now, what is the meaning of your presence on the ship."

Spock avoided answering the way she wanted him to and his perseverance is rewarded with a warm chuckle. She has to appreciate a man both as stubborn and talented as she is at avoiding being told what to do.

With that, she unfolds her arms, giving an melodramatic sigh, as though she’s been agonisingly persuaded into helping him. She launches into an explanation that gives no room for him to interject, demonstrating exactly how much she thinks she’s in charge here.

“You have a stowaway on board the Starship Enterprise, a dangerous one, who is a threat to the lives and livelihood of every single person on this ship.” There’s a shrug of her shoulders. “Luckily, you also have someone on board who is a professional when it comes to these matters. Takes one to know one, you see. Now, I’m here to find this person and get them off your ship without any trouble..” Her nose scrunches playfully, “Though hopefully just a little bit.”

There’s a dangerous flash of a smile as she offers her hand to him, for it’s only right to introduce herself. “Professor River Song. You’ll be glad you met me.”

Spock listens and refrains from cutting her off; her personality is such that it reminds him, in some ways, of Kirk: powerful, demanding attention.

Even after she finishes, he refrains from saying anything, quickly cycling through the information she provided and his knowledge of the crew, as well as trying to recall her name. He is unfamiliar with the name, but that does not mean she is not a professor.

Rather than accepting her hand, he holds up his own in a ta'al, though he refrains from the usual greeting that generally accompanies the gesture.

"Who is the stowaway, why have we not been informed of this, and who allowed you access to the ship to retrieve this individual?" The questions and uttered quickly, and it isn't until he's finished that he allows her room to speak.

River's eyes follow the movement of his hand, arching a curious eyebrow at his manner of greeting. She seems to like it, judging by the way she flashes him a smile. Handshake left hanging, she easily sets her hand back on her hip instead, still seeming oddly at ease with the conversation despite the turn it's taken.

The questions fired at her don't appear to faze her (she is married to the Doctor, after all,) and she answers as quickly as he asked. This is clearly a woman who's done this before.

"The stowaway is just some desperate fool trying to make some cash, they're not the brains behind this. I didn't inform anybody because you would've got in my way - which I expect is exactly what you're about to do now - and, nobody allowed me access to the ship." She laughs airily, like he's made a joke out of severely underestimating her. "I'm River Song, sweetie - I'm access all areas." There's a suggestive raise of her eyebrows, but she doesn't expand on that.

In the years since Spock first moved to Earth and thus had to spend time around humans in their element, he has met a number of individuals who were perplexing and aggravating in their illogic. The captain is one such individual. Spock has, for the most part, come to accept that humans are illogical and it is not always a bad thing, and also to understand that most humans do follow a certain pattern.

This one does not.

"Clarify the meaning of your last comment. It is impossible to beam aboard without alerting security." Not that her access was the issue here; if she was accurate and there was another individual on the ship who intended to commit nefarious deeds using the Enterprise as a conduit, then he had a bigger problem. "I also require the name of the individual you are investigating."

Spock looks around, eyes sharp. They are alone, as it is a rather secluded section of the ship, but no telling how long that will last. He makes an abortive gesture to reach for her, reconsiders, and lowers his hands, folding his hands at the small of his back. They can talk there for the moment.

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Live Long or Regenerate } for mindmeld

this took me ten thousand years, I'm sorry

<3

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