Dear Readers:

This is the second story in the series, The San Francisco Saga. Later on we will go back to post baby shower remembrances as an introduction to Christine Chapel's stories.

Thanks to my sister, M'Celeste for being my beta. Any mistakes still in the copy belong to me, but I welcome any corrections coming my way from you, my readers.

Hope you enjoy.

TO THE MAKING OF BOOKS…*

Chapter 1

Beauty-In The Eyes of the Beholder…

"He won't be needing that," said Nyota Uhura, as she calmly intercepted the make-up artist's brush. The young woman, armed with various creams, sprays and powders had finished with Nyota and was sizing up her next victim, focusing intently on Spock.

"He'll just need a smidge, Ms Uhura," the young woman replied, "to cut down on the glare caused by perspiration."

Nyota graced her with a dazzling smile, "My husband never perspires," she replied, staying the young woman's hand again as it snaked around from another angle. Nyota was certain that the staff had not been informed of the inadvisability of touching her husband. She would be sure to address such in communications later.

Seated next to his wife, Spock was intently looking at the PADD screen as he skimmed the list of topics and questions that would be covered during the course of their interview. Upon initial receipt aboard the Enterprise these had been committed to memory, but as Nyota put it, 'Keep the PADD with you, it will serve as a useful prop.' Acknowledging his wife's intervention on his behalf, he raised his eyes to Nyota and sent his silent thanks.

Glancing around, he idly wondered how this space had come to earn the name, 'Green Room'. Neither the room itself or any of its furnishing justified the use of that name. Nyota caught his thoughts and laughed-ever logical, precise and reasonable was her husband of almost five years.

To The Making of Books…

Chapter 2

Written In The Stars…

They were Starfleet's poster couple, fresh from a five-year tour of duty. During the course of that five-year expedition, Spock had felt compelled, by a corresponding personal journey, to put his thoughts into book form. The result was: 'Logical Notes and Observations of a Married Vulcan Hybrid'.

So moved by his efforts, Nyota had written a forward and contracted with a literary agent to get it published. In no time at all, it was snatched up by one of the largest and most well respected publishing house. By the time they arrived back on Terra, the book had been on the Intergalactic Times bestseller list for well over two years. Its overwhelming popularity due in no small part to the continued increase in Interspecies marriages-especially between Vulcans and Humans. In addition, the publishing of this book had side benefits for the couple; they were now financially very well off.

This was no 'Interplanetary Sex for Dummies,'-Spock's parents had covered that sort of information years ago. No, this publication was an aid to understanding the cross species differences, the gulf between Humans and Vulcans-cultural, philosophical, physiological, psychological-with the purpose of fostering relationships and avoiding misunderstandings. This information was in large, gleaned from Spock's personal observations and experiences during his courtship and marriage to his Nyota.

So popular was the book that, immediately after docking and debriefing, they were again besieged by literally hundreds of requests for interviews. Between the book and their still celebrated hero status (the result of the battle with Nero five years ago) the public was chomping at the bit. This would be Terra's and any Com/Flash connected worlds' first opportunity to see the star couple together on live media. Even Starfleet Public Relations was involved and played it up 'big time'.

No fan of the spotlight, Spock agrees to only one such invasive experience; an in-depth interview with Elizabeth 'Bettie' Flippin, the sage and well-informed book reviewer for the Intergalactic Times. His present review of the PADD was with the goal of making any corrections or adjustments necessary in view of current secular events or recent personal observations or experiences. He saw the need to make a few corrections. It was in the middle of this perusal that he experienced the near attack on his person by the make-up artist. (He agreed with Nyota's conclusion, the staff was not well informed as to the necessity of NOT invading his personal space. Such unguided actions could have produced dire circumstances that would have taken extensive meditation to correct) I

In summary, the interview would include an in-depth discussion about their book, and questions touching on their individual backgrounds, how they met, their service on the Enterprise and future plans.

Fidgeting a bit, Nyota checks her appearance in the large mirror in the dressing room. Spock comes up behind her and kisses the top of her head and says, "Ashayam, do not be anxious."

She smiles and whispers, "I'm nervous."

He responded with an upturned eyebrow. "I have anticipated this," he says as he sends waves of calm through their joined fingertips.

There is a light tap on the door and a voice says, "On the set please."