Spapel

Spapel is the het ship between Christine Chapel and Spock from the Star Trek fandom.

The Original Series
Throughout the series, Christine Chapel has unrequited feelings for Spock. She openly proclaims her love to him whilst under intoxication of a contagion that removes human inhibition.

First Meeting
On the USS Enterprise, Nurse Chapel first appears on civilian exchange from the Stanford Morehouse Epigenetic Project. Spock, already an established officer, meets Christine Chapel for the first time in Sickbay in preparation for the upcoming mission. Chapel administers a temporary genome change to the landing party, immediately looks to Spock and somewhat flirtatiously says “you first”.

Children of the Comet
Prior to a new mission, Chapel injects the crew with a slightly painful but essential treatment for landing. She saves Spock for last and asks him if he’s ready, a question she didn’t ask anyone else.

Side-eyeing Chapel and Spock, the exchange garners Lieutenant Uhura's attention as she recognizes Chapel’s obvious flirtations.

Spock Amok
In the lounge, Christine ditches her date at the sight of Spock and uses the excuse she needs to "check on her friend". Further developing their friendship, Spock and Chapel chat together for a while. Spock confides in Chapel regarding his troubles with fiancée T’Pring and Chapel gives him some much needed relationship advice. Spock struggles to get the point and Chapel cheekily smacks him on the head. He states the slap is “not a human gesture I am familiar with” and Chapel responds, “It’s designed to break old habits.” They continue to bond and share anecdotes about their life. Spock tells Chapel about his nightmares. At the end of their conversation, Spock thanks her for the advice and says she does not need to hesitate to ask him anything in return. Chapel says:

Taking Chapel’s advice, Spock suggests a ritual to bring himself and T'Pring closer. However, Spock and T’Pring accidentally swap bodies in the process. Outside of the Enterprise, Spock seeks Chapel’s help once again but this time for a medical solution to his predicament. Chapel advises Spock to continue as T’Pring and do her job while T’Pring does his, as it's a great opportunity for them to better understand one another and strengthen their relationship. Spock agrees and spends the day as T'Pring.

Attending a meeting with wanted Vulcan criminal, Barjan, Chapel acts as T’Pring/Spock's representative human ally and colleague. Barjan continually insults T’Pring, Spock and Chapel as he is clearly prejudiced against humans. Chapel defends Spock, ''“I work with Spock. He’s twice the Vulcan you are” and T’Pring/Spock warns Barjan, “I would caution you to stop insulting my companion”''. Spock, fed up with Barjan’s insults toward Christine, punches Barjan to the ground.

By the end of the day, M’Benga and Chapel return T’Pring and Spock to their respective bodies. Nurse Chapel and Spock are alone together in Sickbay.

The Serene Squall
Spock and Chapel walk the corridors together but Spock’s mind is elsewhere. Chapel exclaims, “Earth to Spock!” and Spock apologizes, admitting he’s distracted. He explains he's in need of a friend to discuss a current challenge he is facing in his relationship with T’Pring – T’Prings desire to explore Spock's human sexuality.

Later, Enterprise is taken over by pirates, led by Captain Angel who is attempting to blackmail T’Pring into handing over a prisoner in exchange for Spock’s life. However, T’Pring wishes to not engage in negotiations and denies her request and Angel shoots Spock. Chapel runs to him immediately, shouting “Spock!”. Spock is seemingly fine as Chapel briefly looks him over. Spock, reacting quickly, quietly tells Christine, “I apologize in advance for any liberties I take… Please follow my lead.” Spock, in front of the crew, proclaims to T’Pring, ''“I have been giving in to my human side. More so than I wish to admit. I cannot deny the emotions within me any longer… Nurse Chapel and I…” Nurse Chapel realizes what he's doing and interjects, “He’s trying to tell you that we’re having an affair… We’re in love. I’m sorry.” ''Spock grabs Chapel and turns her towards him. They embrace and kiss rather convincingly, briefly looking at one another afterward. T’Pring immediately calls off the engagement and leaves, thwarting Capt. Angel’s plans.

Thereafter, T’Pring visits Spock, understanding the ruse and says, “I never actually believed you could have feelings for Nurse Chapel.”Spock sighs, ''“of course not.” '' Spock meets with Chapel in Sickbay to discuss earlier events:

All Those Who Wander
On a rather dangerous mission, Chapel and Spock converse alone:

After defeating the enemy but losing a special colleague, Hemmer, Spock and Chapel share a glance during the funeral. Spock appears to be holding back anger and clenches his fists. Overcome, Spock leaves the room and Chapel follows him. Spock is seen punching a wall and Chapel calls to him. He tells her not to follow him but she does anyway. Chapel tries to approach and get Spock to talk. He yells, “I’m warning you, back off!”. As Chapel grabs for him, he lashes out and grips her wrist. He stops and Chapel pleads for Spock to explain what’s going on with him. Spock expresses he’s feeling out of control - he’s let out his rage and pain. Spock believes it’s made him weak.

Nurse Chapel places both hands on Spock’s neck and sincerely tells him, ''“It doesn’t make you weak, Spock. It makes you human.”'' Christine hugs Spock and he embraces her back. In this moment, he’s relieved of his anger. Then, they look up at each other closely but Spock quickly turns and walks away.

Moments
Children of the Comet
 * Whilst the crew is together and exchanging embarrassing stories, Spock says “I’ve never understood the human inclination to laugh at others’ misfortune. It feels… impolite.” Chapel Looks at Spock and laughs “That’s why it’s funny.” and he replies “Because it breaks a social expectation?” 

Spock Amok
 * Chapel assists M’Benga in returning Spock and T’Pring to their own bodies.

The Serene Squall
 * Spock and Chapel sit next to each other during a dinner briefing.
 * Chapel is alone, hiding in Engineering when Spock appears with Capt. Angel. They see each other as they raise their weapons. In relief, Chapel exclaims she’s “happy to see you, too.” They are both taken by Capt. Angel after they realize she has infiltrated the ship.

Fanon
On AO3, Chapel/Spock is the most written ship for Christine Chapel and the sixth for Spock. However, due to the expanding story in Strange New Worlds, new interest in Spapel is increasing.

Fandom
FANFICTION
 * Spock/Chapel stories on FanFiction.Net
 * Spock/Chapel stories on FanFiction.Net

WIKIS

Gallery

 * the original series