A/N This story was inspired by an entry at DeviantArt dot com that pictured our favorite couple. In addition the story allowed me, as an ex-New Yorker to revisit sites that inspired me and my sisters.
Uncharacteristically, in this instance, Spock becomes quite defensive after a group of people's exhibit 'judgmental stares and he comes to the defense of he and Nyota's pairing.
It is just a bit of fluff encased in cotton candy that has escaped the red pencil of 'you know who.' :0)
Hope you enjoy.
Botsey
What Are You Looking At?
Chapter One
For a cosmopolitan city, one that was not to be bound by local or national predjudies, New York City still had areas that loudly voiced agreement or disagreement with that designation. It was just to be a brief visit before they traveled on to USA. Spock had decided to wear a suit and tie. It wasn't based on an effort to 'fit in'. No, but simply an effort to keep his robes from getting soiled or in any other way damaged or to bring blaring attention to themselves as members of Star Fleet.
The plan, now afoot, was to have a traditional wedding ceremony in USA. Nyota's parents had requested it so that the family would be able to meet Spock. They would be returning to the Enterprise in exactly thirty-one days, eighteen hours and twenty-five minutes. But this day was going to be devoted to seeing the sights.
With his logical sense Spock had outlined the itinerary. Wanting Nyota not be tired out he determined the sights that required the least exertion, would be at the top of the list. They would visit Liberty Island, to see the Statue of Liberty, then on to Ellis Island.
The many years of wear and tear caused by the environment did show on these landmark sites. The salt laden winds, did take its toll in spite of the fact that restoration was an on-going activity.
After that explore they disembarked the ferry and with Spock's unerring sense of direction they visited an iconic location, a place fondly called, 'The Village'. For centuries it had been the domicile for artist. At this point in time Greenwich Village also housed a rather large Betazoid population. As it was in San Francisco that section was labeled 'Zoid Town. Needless to say, as an indication of the 'free spirit' of this location, there were representatives of just about any interspecies pairing possible. Some, in actuality appeared almost impossible. They saw an A'Tot from a water planet, his head in what could be best described as a large jar, walking hand and tentacles with a Terran female. Nyota wondered if the creature was telepathic, how else could he communicate with his partner with his head in a jar?
They stopped at a souvenir shop and found it was decorated with works of an artist from the twenty and twenty-first century named Margaret Keene. Her signature contribution to most of her works were large luminous eyes, in both the Terran and animals depicted. Spock insisted that she pick one so he could purchase it for her. Nyota picked the one entitled Peaceful Kingdom which showed children of different ethnic backgrounds and animals, all of them with large eyes, in peace with one another. The purchase was placed in a tube and Spock tucked it into Nyota's tote bag that he carried on his shoulder.
They made their way to Washington Square and admired the centuries old buildings that were now part of a walking museum. Nyota vaguely remembered an old black and white movie set in this area entitled, 'The Heiress'.
They traveled uptown to the Museum of Natural History and viewed the new exhibit on loan from New Vulcan. Spock was surprised that a few Vulcans, apparently students at Columbia University were also present. Each one nodded at Spock in recognition and performed the traditional greeting with heads bowed.
Spock determined that a horse drawn carriage around Central Park would give Nyota a little time to rest. Her head laid on his shoulder while they kept their fingers locked in the finger embrace as they viewed the park's pastoral beauty.
Their next stop was quite unusual, Harlem. This area so close to everything of importance in Manhattan had 'changed hands' many times from its inception as a part of the city. It was first inhabited by the Dutch and then the British. In the twentieth century, it became a mecca of Terran's black population. Eventually drawing many musicians, artist and authors during the period termed, 'The Harlem Renaissance'. As indicative of its welcoming nature, every type of humanoid walked the streets, either as a resident or tourist. Spock had discovered that there was a restaurant that had been serving this community for hundreds of years. It had been named for its originator, a cook named, Sylvia. Although not a vegetarian eatery, their side dishes could probably be consumed.
Spock guided Nyota through the door and their senses were overwhelmed by music, aromas, and a diverse group of diners. They waited to be seated. Amazingly no one turned to stare, no one craned their neck, no one tilted an ear as they silently passed by. Spock determined that as a certified 'must see, and taste' landmark, the restaurant and service staff had 'seen everything'.
They were seated, asked for their beverage and were given menus. Running his eye down the columns of 'side dishes', he made suggestions to Nyota, who agreed or disagreed and finally they ordered after determining no animal products were used in their selections' preparation.
It turned out to be an outstanding dinning experience and as they were about to leave, applause started to grow, someone had recognized them. Nyota responded with a smile and a wave-Spock's expression did not change, he nodded and then escorted Nyota out into the bright sunlight. A brief ride on New York's subway system brought them into an area apply named, The Diamond District. Spock guided Nyota into one of the larger establishments and spoke to a gentlemen behind the counter. Unbeknown to Nyota, Sarek had advised him of the location of a reputable diamond dealer and supplied him with his name.
From the back of the store came an elderly man readily identified as Jewish by the Yamulka on his head.
He smiled,
"Aha, the son of Sarek, our planet's hero. Welcome to New York. He glanced at Nyota and said,
"Would I be wrong to assume you are to be the recipient of a very lovely present?"
Nyota just smiled.
Spock said,
"Indeed."
He suggested that Nyota examine the items on display while he spoke with the owner. Spock took the jeweler aside and made this request,
"My wife and I are about to experience our third wedding. The first was by our ship's captain, the second by Vulcan bonding and ahead of us, a traditional tribal wedding in USA. Space travel did not afford the luxury of my making any gift purchases.
"I wish is to present my wife with three gifts, a ring, necklace and a pair of earrings. My father has informed me of your talents. You have seen my wife, no doubt you have observed her beauty and realize no ornamentation could improve on her perfection. But spare no expense, and take into consideration her modesty. I will confer with you this evening and now supply you with my comm number so that you can download any illustration of your work that can be provided. We do have a deadline for we must leave New York City in two days. Is such a request beyond your ability?"
The proprietor's jovial nature was seen by his answer,
"For the son of Sarek, I make the day twenty-eight hours long. I am returning to my work desk and shall forward my ideas for your approval by 2000 hours this evening. Will that schedule suit you? The finished product will be completed well in advance of your departure time."
"I await your contact," was Spock's reply.
They then boarded surface transportation and visited the area that was designated 'China Town'. There was a similar area located in San Francisco. On its narrow streets persons of every Asian ethnicity walked along sharing space with tourist who were window shopping or looking for an establishment to sit down and eat. Walking by one of the parks they observe a large group of Asian residence as they performed movements graceful as a ballet. Here in this park they practiced what Spock readily identified as the martial art Tai Chi. After their brief stay, they boarded the city's subway system for the trip to uptown Manhattan.
He had been able to determine Nyota's degree of fatigue and decided that they should return to their hotel. The Embassy had booked a room at the same hotel that his parents would stay when they visited this city. Sarek explained that it was another wedding gift. They were near the entrance of The Plaza Hotel, when Spock noticed that several males were staring at them. He then saw a couple with a young child doing likewise. His protective, possessive instincts started stirring. Nyota stepped away to deposit something in the trash can and returned to him smiling,
Now here in this area of the rich they experienced something that had not happened during their entire tour of this city. What appeared to be judgmental stares. The several eyes that had been following them now rested on the embraced couple and Nyota heard a very soft growl and then Spock's words,
"What are you looking at? She is mine, I am hers. Why would any of you have a problem with that?"
These words were uttered with force and conviction, not anger.
Feeling a tug on his suit jacket he looked down to observe a young girl who said,
"Pardon me, Sir, but we are looking at you two because you both are so beautiful."
Nyota smiled and knelt down beside the young child and caressed her face,
Nyota said, as she stood up,
"Thank you. We stand corrected.
"No one will ever be able to say to me that New York is cold and impersonal. I think we like it here. Thank you for your New York City welcome."
With that statement, smiles were distributed all around, of course with the exception of one.
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