Christina took a deep breath.  She had spent her life controlling her emotions and now she was a hair’s breath from losing total control.  While she chose to follow the path of Surak of Vulcan she was Romulan and Human as well.  Her blood burned.  Her ears roared. 

It was clear to Bette from the look in Christina’s eyes that her flirtation with the Princess was no light matter.  She was indeed in serious trouble and swallowed hard.  When she looked at Christina again to confirm what she had seen the emotionless Vulcan had returned.  She wondered if she had imagined that Christina looked like a jealous lover who was about to take her to task moments before.

Bette was still trying to reconcile the disparate images when Christina’s words filtered through her consciousness.

“We cannot leave the shuttlecraft Galaxy on the moon base.  The most logical course of action is for Lieutenant Fairbanks and I to assume the ‘shot gun’ position for the Royal Consort utilizing the shuttlecraft Galaxy.  The scanners and data links on the Galaxy are invaluable in gathering focused data that the Enterprise cannot given her current status.” Christina stated in her usual fashion.

Bette was stunned when she heard Christina’s proposal. Her response was purely emotional.  “You will remain by my side and play the part of the Crown Princess, Ms. Kennard.”

“Captain, logically my skills are better utilized unfettered aboard the…”

“That was not a suggestion Ms. Kennard that was an order.” Porter snapped.  The ebony eyes that locked with hazel were full of fire. 

“Understood Captain” Kennard averted her gaze. She wondered at Elizabeth’s vehemence that she remain beside her.  Clearly Elizabeth did not understand what she had told her.  Elizabeth did not understand that she was not only Vulcan, but Romulan and Human.  Elizabeth did not understand that Vulcan control could only withstand so much against the other pressures of her nature.

Christina turned away in shock as she suddenly understood her mother’s warnings that she not deny all of who she was.  It was her Human and Romulan passion that led to her undoing with Elizabeth.  They were melded and no logic could undo that.  The best of Vulcan had been caught in its grips and failed to find a remedy.