Life and Weather

Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek or any of the characters appearing in the Star Trek universe owned by Paramount Studios and the Roddenberry Estate. This fictional work is made for love, not made for profit.

A/N: I love Spock, Nyota and the entire Star Trek universe. Now that we know what is going on, I can reveal that the idea for this story came from a picture I saw of Heroes characters Sylar (Zachary Quinto) and Micah (Noah Gray-Cabey). It made me wonder what would Spock do if he were forced to interact with an exceptionally bright child. I included all of the intrigue in recognition of the novels which indicate Uhura's eventual position as head of Starfleet Intelligence. I hope that I can keep it interesting.

Summary: Spock and Nyota, while still at the Academy, receive an unusual assignment that forces them to rely on each other.

Chapter 4: Good Vibrations

December 21

"Miss Uhura, will you help me in the kitchen?" Jesiah stepped out of the kitchen and approached her.

Spock and Captain Pike both stood on the other side of the room involved in a conversation that did not involve her. Apparently she would not be missed. An almost imperceptible sigh slipped out before she could suppress it. "All right." Following Jesiah into the kitchen she grudgingly plopped down at the table waiting for instruction. She avoided his glance, not wanting her eyes to reveal her resentment for his adding kitchen drudge to her exalted role of babysitter.

He handed her some vegetables to cut for salad. As she began to slice he started to speak. "Although Prince Aron would not want me to talk to you about this, I feel that I must."

"What is it?"

"Prince Aron is only a touch empath. He needs direct contact to sense emotions. All the members of my order, including myself," he added with emphasis, "are true empaths who do not need contact. So, of course, I am aware of your negative emotions. You are an emotional person whose feelings project like glimmers of heat on a hot day. We do not criticize the emotions of others unnecessarily, Miss Uhura, but in the grip of your anger you have failed to notice how many times Aron has touched you today. When he handed you a pencil to take your examination, when he offered you some tea, whenever he managed to get close to your person he touched you. He feels your anger and secretly initiates contact to see if it has subsided."

Uhura felt a quick flush of shame through her whole body. Helplessly she looked at Jesiah. "I didn't mean for him to know how I felt. He shouldn't take it personally."

"Nor did we mean for you to 'take it personally' as you say. Don't feel that we are discriminating against you because of your gender. You are not a 'glorified baby sitter.' All of your skills and abilities are important to us and will be needed. Every aspect of your presence here has been carefully considered. I admit that I would have chosen someone older and more experienced than you, but Prince Aron personally selected you. None of the other candidates came close to the level of your language skills. And when we observed your interaction with fellow students, I was forced to admit that Aron's choice was the correct one."

Interrupting him before he could say another word Uhura asked with undisguised anger, "You observed me?"

Jesiah calmly walked over to the stove and started stirring a large pot of chili in a slow deliberate manner. "I am going to leave Aron in your care for an indefinite length of time. Would you place a child in your own family in the care of a stranger without doing all that you can to know that person, Miss Uhura?"

Although she wanted to hold on to her indignation she was forced to agree with Jesiah. "I would have done the same."

"I take my responsibility very seriously," he explained. " I was the priest for L'Amere Elena since she was four years old. That is the age that members of the royal family begin their spiritual education. Each child receives a personal advisor, the priest that is most attuned to the 'otah.' of that child. You know this word?"

"Yes," Uhura answered. " It is the Jarisian soul—the part where the essence resides."

"Sa," he responded using the Jarisian word for "yes." "By assuring the compatibility of the child's otah with his priest, we are able to anticipate and nurture those qualities that are positive and necessary, while suppressing those traits that are undesirable. This is a life- long process that requires a bonding of two spirits. I am not Aron's priest. He has none. I am not bound to him. Of course, I love him. He is the child of my dear Elena. How could I not cherish him? But I do not know his heart and soul the way I knew Elena's."

"Why doesn't Aron have a priest?"

"Because he was forced into hiding when he was three, a year before his time for the selection," he explained.

He continued to try to explain the young prince to Uhura. "He has lost more than you know, Miss Uhura. We believe that his mother was murdered by her intended mate, Ambassador Barshea. Elena was alone for 2 years after Aron's father died. Elena and Demetri had a wonderful marriage and I believe that she still mourned him. Despite this, the high council encouraged her to remarry in hopes that she would produce a female heir to preserve the matrilineal rule."

"But why kill her if they were going to marry and produce and heir?" Uhura asked.

"I believe that Barshea had to kill her before they initiated a physically intimate relationship. Despite his ability to create very effective shields, his true depraved emotions would have been revealed to her though their intimate touch. His desire to take over the government would have been laid bare. After her death he cried and wailed and claimed he was heartbroken, then presented his niece as the interim L'Amare." Jesiah made no effort to conceal his contempt as he continued his explanation.

"The people accepted this. They did not know whether Aron was dead or alive and even if he were alive they were not sure that they wanted to break with 3000 years of tradition and have a male ruler. I am ashamed to say that my people now allow Aron, the direct and true descendant of The Great Arok, to remain missing while they accept this false L'Amare to rule. She is a puppet for a murderer." His voice trembled with emotion as he spoke. "Aron has been orphaned, betrayed and abandoned by his people, he does not need your misplaced anger added to his problems." He turned from the stove and looked directly at her.

Tears now flowed from Uhura's eyes. "I am so sorry, so sorry. Please forgive me. All of this took me by surprise. Captain Pike told us nothing before we got here. I thought this was going to be an opportunity for me to prove myself as a potential Starfleet officer. When he finally told us that we were staying here with Aron, I knew that you certainly did not select Commander Spock for his childcare skills. I just didn't think there was any other reason for me to be here except to be the woman."

"Even if that were the only reason, Miss Uhura, that is no reason for shame or anger. As I said before, Jasir has been ruled for 3000 years by women. I have spent the last three years of my life as Prince Aron's 'babysitter'. I have left my planet, my order, my family, all to serve and protect him. It has been the most difficult and the most important task of my life."

Reaching out she took his hand and held it in both of hers. "I know that Elena would be so grateful to you for protecting her little boy."

He looked tenderly at Uhura, a single tear falling from his eyes, a small appreciative smile on his lips. "I don't understand the gender politics of your planet, but I know something about Aron. This is part of why you are needed. You have a unique ability to touch people, to make them feel that they have a friend, someone who cares, someone who listens. Aron truly needs that. Even if this gift is not valued by Terrans, it is valued by Jarisians." He took both of her hands in his, raised them to his lips and chastely kissed them.

Uhura smiled and nodded. "Don't worry. I'm over myself. I promise I will take good care of Aron."

Jesiah looked puzzled. "Over myself? What does that mean?"

"It means that I am going to stop being self-centered and think of Aron first."

Now reassured, Jesiah laughed. "Well then my dear, go call the others for dinner, then sit down and let me serve you. It will probably be the last peaceful meal you will have for awhile. Tonight I will put you first. Jarisian men are skilled at showing their admiration and appreciation for women." He gave a quick wink as he said the last words.

As promised, during dinner Jesiah was gracious and attentive to Uhura's needs, including her need to know how she fit into the plans. He provided her with a list of subjects she was to teach the young prince. Her linguistic skills would be needed to teach him Standard, Jarisian, Orion, Klingon and Betazoid languages. Additionally she was to tutor him in Terran, Jarisian and Klingon history. Spock was assigned the tasks of science and math instruction, as well as Vulcan and Romulan language and history.

After dinner everyone sat together in the living room listening to Jesiah tell stories about the other places he and Aron had lived prior to finding the house in South Carolina. They had been to Texas, Louisiana, Florida. They had always tried to stay close to water in a warm climate that was similar to Jaris. At first they kept moving, never staying in one place longer than six months, always trying not to leave a trail. When Jesiah had brought the boy to this house it felt safer than the others, so they stayed. "Aron seems to like it here," Jesiah said tentatively as he looked directly at Pike.

Pike knew what Jesiah was asking, but he could not give him an answer because there was nothing he could say. He couldn't promise that the kid could stay there if Jesiah didn't make it through the surgery. There were still Swiss cheese- style holes all over this plan, with Aron's long- term future being the most obvious. The short term was too tenuous to worry about what could be down the road.

After Aron and Jesiah retired for the evening, Pike Spock and Uhura stayed up until midnight discussing security protocols for the protection of dignitaries. Most of these guidelines were of little help because Aron was to remain incognito, living the life of atypical Terran boy.

Finally the day ended with Pike and Spock bedding down in the living room. Uhura was comfortable in the room that was Jesiah's while he slept on the floor in Aron's room. The young prince offered to take a sleeping bag into the living room with Pike and Spock so that the prelate could get a private, restful sleep prior to his surgery. Jesiah refused. He stretched out on his back on the carpeted floor of the bedroom. He did not sleep, but his mind and body were restful and at ease knowing that Aron would be cared for by Spock and Uhura.

After knowing them only a few hours, he had developed both fondness and respect for the young people. The aura of honor and decency that emanated from them was comforting. They both would be mortified if they knew what else emanated from them. Their feelings for each other projected a distinct aura—a warm red focus for Spock and a soft yellow for Uhura. When they allowed their barriers to drop their emotions fused into a glorious orange reminiscent of Earth's sunset.

No couple had invaded his senses this way since Elena and Demetri. At the thought of this, Jesiah sat up and with sudden clarity looked at the sleeping child. How did he know? What was Aron thinking? For the first time Jesiah pondered whether "the plan" he and Pike had devised was going to proceed as anticipated. Aron had a "plan" of his own—a plan he had not revealed to Jesiah. He calmed himself and thought of all the boy had bravely endured without complaint. He would trust him, no matter what his private plan entailed. Jesiah drifted into sleep with the glow of sunset peacefully lulling him.

December 22

The next morning Jesiah awakened the entire household at 5 a.m. and everyone was dressed and alert within minutes. Jesiah and Pike were both men whose professions required close observation of others. So it was natural for them to spend the time before their early morning departure watching the three people that they were leaving behind in the house. Last night's dinner had been a good transition. The savory food and pleasant dinner conversationhad allowed Spock and Uhura to release some of the tensions that had arisen over the course of the day following their unexpected assignment. With the beginning of the second day in the cottage and the imminent departure of their commanding officer, uncertainty resurfaced.

Spock voiced one of the questions that had been of concern to him. "Captain Pike, should we remain secluded in this location for the entire duration of Jesiah's hospitalization and convalescence?"

"Certainly not," Jesiah answered for Pike. "Once a week I provide an opportunity for Prince Aron to observe humans in their common settings. We go to purchase supplies where they shop. We walk among them. Sometimes we stop to eat at restaurants. All of these activities are encouraged and to be included to increase Aron's understanding of his life here on Earth. As you can see," Jesiah said standing next to Aron and gesturing proudly at their attire " we have learned to blend in." They both wore the same type of garments they had worn the day before, only in different colors.

Uhura smiled to herself as she thought of the Terran saying "Close, but no cigar." Something about them, on close examination was not quite Terran. Perhaps it was the birdlike movement of their heads when they relaxed and forgot to imitate Terran physicality. Or perhaps it was the intensity of Jesiah's gaze when his emotions were stirred.

"We'd better get going," Pike said to Jesiah.

He nodded in agreement and stepped forward to pick up his bags, but suddenly stopped and turned to the two young people. "Oh yes, yes, yes, Spock, Uhura. I almost forgot. I was so overwhelmed with the preparations for your arrival and my departure that I almost forgot to tell you that you will be responsible for Aron's celebration of the Christmas holiday."

"I did not know that Jarisians participated in this observance," said Spock.

"On Jaris, we do not, but we wish to respect this Terran tradition. I have done so for Aron each year since we have been here. Spock, I am sure that you know that we believe in the Unity of Four-- that Jarisians, Vulcans, Betazoids and Terrans originate from the same creator. That is why the expression of spirituality of all four races must be honored," Jesiah explained.

"Vulcans do not share this belief in the Unity of Four," said Spock.

"All Jarisians know the position of Vulcan on this issue, but still we consider you to be our kindred."

Pike picked up one of Jesiah's bags in each hand and said with a little annoyance, "We'll continue this esoteric discussion at another time, but right now we have to go because you are on the hospital admission schedule for this morning. I'm going to have to punch it to get there on time."

He motioned for Spock to open the door "Just be careful, Spock. Stay Alert. Do not make any assumptions about any one you come into contact with."

"Duly noted, Captain," answered Spock.

"As soon as we leave I want you two to get out of those uniforms. There's no need to announce your Starfleet affiliation. Remember check in at least once a day using the agreed upon code."

Jesiah walked over to Aron. "Show them where we store the vehicle that we use for transportation." Then placing a hand on each of Aron's shoulders, he turned him so that he could look directly into the boy's eyes. "I grew up during the days of your grandmother's rule. I was your mother's closest advisor from the time she was four years old. Their strength and courage brought tranquility and purpose to our world. I was honored to serve them. Believe me when I say that I am honored to be your devoted servant, as well, Prince Aron."

"You honor me with your loyalty," Aron responded. "But I know it is because of me that you do not consult a Jarisian healer to repair your heart. You're afraid that it could lead my enemies to me. I will not forget this sacrifice." Prince Aron's face looked far to somber for one so young.

Jesiah did not embrace him. He simply nodded and stepping back he made the same gesture that he had made when he had introduced the prince. With hands pressed together and thumbs tucked under his chin, he bowed. "May your story be carried on the wind."

"And may the wind whisper your name," replied Prince Aron.

Pike picked up Jesiah's bag and then they were gone. Aron stood in the door watching them as they walked down the same trail that Uhura, Spock and Pike had walked the day before. Uhura watched Aron now, the enormity of her new undertaking clearly settling into her mind. Jesiah had not given Aron the traditional greeting for Jarisian royal children that she had given him, the one that extolled the history of the ancestors. "May the story of your ancestors be carried on the wind." He had addressed him as the monarch. "May your story be carried on the wind." The greeting was meant to be a constant reminder to Jarisian rulers that they are expected to live great and memorable lives. The response was intended to remind those who serve the ruler that they must also strive for greatness. Jesiah was perhaps caught up in the emotion of the moment, realizing that if the surgery was unsuccessful this was his last chance to tell the child what kind of man he was to become. But the little boy who stood in the doorway was just a kid and Uhura intended to let him be just that.

Spock had watched the events of last night and the morning unfold with fascination. Clearly Jesiah and Cadet Uhura had talked privately and had come to some understanding about her participation in Aron's care. At last night's dinner the priest had been quite pleased with her and her efforts to communicate with the prince. The child had beamed each time the cadet had asked him a question. He had even informed her about some antique playthings that he possessed call transformers.

This morning the boy had shifted back and forth between Cadet Uhura and Jesiah. They all had successfully avoided the "elephant in the room" prior to Jesiah's departure. But as the boy stood in the doorway watching the priest walk down the trail, his posture clearly revealed his understanding that Jesiah might never return.

Of equal interest to Spock was the expression on Cadet Uhura's face as she watched the boy. It was a look of resolve mixed with some undefined element that gave her face a quality that seemed familiar, yet new. Her features seemed softer than her usual classroom expression, but her eyes showed a flicker of worry as she stood behind Aron. It made Spock momentarily question whether he was adequate for this mission. He had neither the experience nor the inclination necessary to endure continuous interaction with a child. Additionally, he had misgivings about being required to share living quarters with Cadet Uhura over an extended period of time. He doubted that he would be able to conceal all of his shortcomings given these living conditions. Clearly, he had no choice in the matter. He had orders to remain with them until further notice. On the other hand, there was another part of him, a primal part, which was satisfied with this arrangement. If Prince Aron and Uhura needed someone there to protect them, he trusted no one else with this task. Clearing his throat he said to them, "Before we begin our activities I will prepare breakfast." The three of them slowly walked to the kitchen. This was the beginning of their time together.

In Space

Across the stars a sleek high-speed cargo ship sped towards Earth. Ostensibly, the speed and capacity of this type of cargo ship were both needed for the safe transport of perishable goods. In a bizarre way this was the truth. Only the pilot, co-pilot and navigator were fully alert while the 'perishable goods' –its human cargo-- remained mildly sedated in their individual pods. The single pods and the drugged state of the occupants guaranteed their anonymity from each other and from the crew. When they reached their destination, each person on board the ship, including each member of the crew, was to leave the ship separately at a designated time, never to see each other again. The crew was to be reassigned to other vessels. The human cargo knew nothing about each other. They had only one thing in common—they each carried a small holograph of a three-year-old child, the last known image of Prince Aron of Jaris.