Grev, as usual, took an understanding tone, suggesting that greater access might come once Rigel and the Federation had formed closer ties. But Kirk was starting to think the Rigelians’ love of secrecy might hamper their participation in a society as open as the Federation.
During a lull in their work, while Vons went off to take a call and the archive interpreter worked to retrieve some ancient settlement accord from the darkest corners of the stacks, Kirk noticed Grev staring at him inquisitively. “What?” he asked the chubby young Tellarite.
“So?” the communications officer asked. “You and Val. How’s that going?”
Kirk’s gaze reflexively darted toward Crewman Mishima, the security guard that Williams had assigned to accompany them. Mercifully, the tall, gray-shirted man seemed engrossed in a staring contest with the archive guards who stood watch over them, one a massive Chelon and the other a wiry but muscular man of Coridanite ancestry. “What do you mean?” he asked softly, hoping Grev would get the hint.
He did; the young Tellarite leaned forward, elbows on the table, and continued in a more conspiratorial tone. “I mean, have you thought about asking her to dinner?” Kirk stared, but Grev just smiled. “It’s not that hard to see you like her, Sam. And she likes you!”
Kirk fidgeted. “As a friend, sure.”
“Friendship can be the start of a lot of things.”
“Or it can be the end of them. I’m not the kind of man Val looks at in that way.”
“Maybe you just haven’t given her a reason to yet.”
Kirk threw the young ensign a glare, annoyed at his attempt to stir up false hope. “Come on, Grev. Even if she were interested, you know where Captain Reed stands on fraternization.”
“He’s been mellowing. And you’re not a bridge officer like Rey. It’s not likely an armory officer and a historian would be part of the same chain of command. Maybe it’d be okay.”
“Maybe.” He shook his head and scoffed. “As if it wouldn’t be enough of an uphill battle just getting Val’s attention.”
“Fortune favors the bold, my friend.”
“Yeah, and that’s why I’m a lowly ship’s historian. Boldness is Val’s specialty.”
“You wouldn’t be in Starfleet if you didn’t crave challenges.”
Kirk threw him an irritated look. “Are you really interested in this, or are you just being Tellarite and looking for an excuse to argue?”
“Who says it can’t be both?” Grev replied with aggravating good cheer.
Before Kirk could reply, a muffled thumping sound came from some other part of the stacks. “What’s that?” Mishima asked, suddenly on the alert.
“I’ll check it out,” the Coridanite guard said. “Stay here.” Kirk noticed they left the bigger, more dangerous guard to keep watch on him and Grev. Chelons weren’t very flexible or fast-moving, but he understood that they could secrete a highly lethal contact toxin from their skins if provoked. Not that he would’ve wanted to provoke this one anyway.
“Ooh, I hope Mister Vons didn’t knock over something valuable,” Grev said. “He’s just shifty enough to pin the blame on us.”
“What makes you think he’s shifty?” Kirk asked.
“There’s just something off about his body language,” Grev said, leaning forward and whispering again. “Like he’s trying too hard not to seem like he’s trying to hide something.” Kirk just stared, trying to parse that, and Grev shrugged. “I notice these things.”
A scuffling sound came from beyond the stacks, followed by a more resounding thump. “Tastra!” the Chelon called, her beak clicking in concern. “Tastra, respond!” When no response came, she heaved her formidable bulk forward. “Wait here,” she told the Pioneer personnel.
“We should stick together,” Mishima said. Kirk and Grev rose from the table, moving toward him.
“Do as you will,” the Chelon replied. “I need to see to the vault.” Kirk realized the sounds were coming from the direction of the heavy vault door.
The Chelon led the way, Mishima behind her, and the other two stayed safely in the rear. When they arrived at the vault, all seemed normal. A contingent of four armed guards flanked the vault door, and Vons stood alone nearby. But someone was missing. “Where is Tastra?” the Chelon asked.
Vons looked unconcerned. “Isn’t he with you?”
“He came this way moments ago. There were noises.”
“Ahh, yes,” Vons said, smiling. “We did our best, but some noises are unavoidable.”