II. Uhura

The party was well under way by the time Kirk arrived, Spock reluctantly at his heels. McCoy saw them immediately and sauntered over, careful not to slosh the contents of his glass.

"Happy Birthday, Bones!" said Kirk, his eyes twinkling.

"Howdy, Jim." He eyed the wary Vulcan lurking behind Kirk's shoulder. "Nice of you to bring the gag gift with you."

"Now, now, Bones. Spock was nice enough to come to your party. The least you could do is be polite to him." He slapped his friend on the arm, causing McCoy's glass to tip slightly.

"Hey! Watch it! This is good stuff!"

Spock, his eye on something on the other side of the room, had heard enough. "Gentlemen, if you will excuse me."

As he departed, he heard a half-whispered, "Jim, you'll never believe who Scotty said is responsible for my birthday hooch..."

"Lieutenant?"

Uhura's head shot up so fast she nearly toppled over. Spock was at a party?

"Miss Uhura," the Vulcan amended, sensing that he had caught her somewhat off guard. "I understand that Ensign Cooper is unwell. Will you still be performing this evening?"

"Yes, Mr Spock. I'll still sing. It'll be a cappella, though. Sally's been ordered to stay in bed for the next day or so." She started humming softly, gently warming up her vocal chords.

Spock turned to look around the room at the mingling guests. Kirk caught his eye and smiled encouragingly; Spock knew it pleased him to see his First Officer mixing with the human crew.

He came to a decision.

"Miss Uhura, would you permit me to accompany you while you perform?"

Uhura's eyes widened. "Did you bring your Vulcan harp with you, Mr Spock?"

"Indeed not, Miss Uhura," he replied, failing to mention that he had not brought the instrument in deference to McCoy's known dislike for its sound. He indicated the piano in the corner of the room. "If I may?"

"Why, Mr Spock, you are a man of hidden talents!" He dipped his head and she smiled. "Where on Earth - or Vulcan - did you learn to play piano?"

"My mother tutored piano students on Earth, before she married my father." His face crinkled in what might have been a wry smile. "She insisted on bringing the instrument with her, only to find that it did not adapt well to the Vulcan climate."

"What happened to it?"

"My father had it dismantled" - Uhura gasped - "and reconstructed using Vulcan materials. I believe my mother felt the tone had improved."

"That was thoughtful of your father."

"It was logical. My father well knew the consequences of my mother's temper."

Uhura laughed softly. "Shall we, sir?"

They withdrew to the piano and discussed the evening's repertoire. If Uhura was surprised by Spock's knowledge of Terran music, she never said so.

At one point in the performance, she saw McCoy wink at Spock and raise his glass.

She stole a look at Spock's face. It was worth it.