SSC category: missing scene

The Book
by Tasha

(This isn't really a missing scene, but a missing episode. Remember
that silly old storyline on the original Star Trek where they'd come
across a planet who'd based their entire civilisation on some period in
Earth's history? They had 1920s Chicago gangs, Romans and Nazis. So
this is the story they failed to do, about a civilisation based on a
book left behind by some other careless visitor.)


   "This way!" Kirk commanded, running in the direction of the
woman's screams. Spock followed.

   They reached the town square, where a woman was tied to a post
in the center of a jeering crowd. Her dress was torn open at the
back and a man stood behind her with a whip.

   Kirk made to intercede, but Spock held him back. "Captain, may I
remind you of the Prime Directive, which prohibits our
interference."

   It was not a question and Kirk had no argument. They watched as
the woman was flogged and then released.

   "You're not from here," a voice said.

   They turned to see a teenage boy. He wore a white shirt with a
tie, a blazer and short trousers.

   "We're not," Spock confirmed. "Can you tell us who your leader
is?"

   The boy looked around as though about to impart a great secret.
But before he could speak he was interrupted.

   "Johnson!"

   The boy jumped at the voice. "Yes, sir!"

   A man dressed in a long black cape was striding purposefully
towards him, waving what looked like a thin walking cane. "Get back
to class right now or it's another six of the best for you!"

   "Yes, sir!" the boy said, hurrying on his way.

   "Six of the best," Spock mused. "Fascinating."

   There was a large mansion at the edge of the town square. A huge
bay window in the front allowed an unobstructed view inside.

   They edged their way towards it, towards the unmistakable sound
of another girl's cries. Through the window they saw a young girl
bending over the back of a chair, her skirts raised, her drawers
unlaced. Her bare bottom was red and criss-crossed with welts.

   A young woman stood behind the girl, whipping her mercilessly
with a bundle of switches. At each stroke the girl yelped and
counted.

   "Seven. Thank you, Miss Henshaw. Oww! Eight. Thank you, Miss
Henshaw."

   Kirk's usual maverick nature was somewhat abated by the sight of
the attractive female tormentor.

   When the ritual was over the girl took the birch rod from the
governess. She kissed it and placed it gently in a cupboard. Then
she curtseyed and left the room.

   Kirk was already at the front door.

   "Yes? May I help you?" the woman asked.

   "We're new in town," Kirk explained with a flirtatious smile.
"We were wondering who's in charge."

   The governess blinked at them. "Why, I am," she said.

   "You?" he choked.

   Her eyes narrowed at Kirk. "Yes, ME. According to The Book."

   "What Book is that?" Kirk asked.

   She gestured grandly to a thick book resting on a lectern.

   Spock opened it to the title page and read: "The English Vice.
By Ian Gibson."

   Kirk's eyes widened. "Spock! Do you think Captain Swinburne is
responsible for all this strange behavior?"

   "Quite possibly, Captain."

   Kirk turned back to ask the young woman, surprised to see that
she had retrieved the birch rod from the cupboard.

   "And now we will address your insolence," she said. "Captain."


© 2004 SSC by Tasha