A/N: I'm so honored with the reviews. Thanks so much!
------ Back in engineering -------
Spock and Kirk waited next to Scott, or Scotty as he beamed up Admiral Pike.
"Greetings Admiral" Spock said.
"Glad you're back onboard Admiral" said Kirk.
"Glad to be back gentlemen. I had hoped for an easy assignment aboard the Enterprise, but it seems my prayers won't be answered. We're in a fine mess boys. Let's debrief shall we?" Pike answered. Honestly, he was quite curious about their reactions once he divulged the many layers of issues. Especially his previous first officer.
It was only a year ago that he was a patient in his own ship. Limping back towards earth after that debilitating attack from Nero, the Enterprise sickbay was filled to capacity. Patients from all over the ship were waiting outside the hallways for treatment. Then the Captain of the Enterprise, Pike was placed in a quiet corner of sickbay, Dr. McCoy himself monitoring his progress. It was during one of his nights in sickbay where he saw his first officer sit on one of the sickbay beds and one of the communication's crew stand quietly by his side. It seemed to catch his interest when she began to caress the first officer's face as he leaned softly towards her touch.
"Nyota…please. We must be prudent in our actions" Spock whispered.
"I know. But everyone is distracted at the moment and you are in need of medical assistance. At least let me clean the cut." she reasoned. She picked up a nearby cloth and began to clean his forehead.
"Do you - are you not revolted about my blood? It is green." he stated. She stared at his face for a moment and then leaned quickly to touch her lips to his nose.
"Green, blue, orange or red. Spock, it doesn't bother me at all." she replied. To Pike's amazement, Spock leaned closer to touch his forehead against her cheek. He let her clean his wounds in silence.
Pike was not surprised that Spock managed to maintain this relationship ever since then. However, his ruminations were cut short as they rounded the hallway towards a large conference room. His constant glances towards Spock didn't escape Kirk's notice.
"What is it?" Kirk asked.
Pike didn't answer until they were all inside the conference room. He turned towards both young men.
"Did it begin before you accepted your position at the Enterprise?" Pike asked. He stared at Spock.
"Please clarify." Spock requested.
"Uhura. When did you begin your relationship with Lt. Uhura?" Pike asked again.
A few seconds ticked until Spock answered, this time with significant pause.
"Since the battle of Vulcan."
"Admiral Pike, I was fully aware-" Kirk tried to explain. But he was silenced by Pike's hand.
"Relax. I didn't mean to alarm you. I only want to know the truth. I have nothing against Commander Spock's personal life. Unfortunately, Lt. Uhura is our main topic of discussion today."
Both Enterprise officers sat silently and waited for Pike to begin.
"Lt. Uhura, entered the Academy under the jurisdiction of the United Nations code 554. Gentlemen, Starfleet has been harboring a political refugee. Her personnel information was classified above level 6, which meant only Federation High Command were knowledgeable about her past. Lt. Uhura was the middle child of then, Queen Dafina and King Jalil. The eldest, also Jalil and the youngest, Layla are the only descendants of a royal family that were massacred almost 16 years ago. The three children, the eldest only 15 at that time, were secured by the family royal guards. It was reported that all who remained at the family estate were burned to the ground. The Malawi massacre, as it was labeled then, numbered in the low thousands. The kingdom of Malawi has since turned its political rule to several different people, all unsuccessful at maintaining order and peace. Malawi is now controlled by the United African States government."
Both men sat stunned. Pike took the opportunity to continue.
"The children became the ward of the U.N., until the eldest, Mrithi Jalil reached adult age. He managed to secure passage to America where he and the remaining royal guards kept watch of the younger girls. A few years after living in relative peace, a group of African terrorists managed to locate them. It was only Mrithi Jalil's paranoia that kept them alive. The guards and Jalil were able to neutralize them. Of the 6 guards that protected the children, only one survived. The Mrithi did not need another opportunity for his sisters. He decided to separate them; the eldest took the youngest sibling, while Nyota Uhura became the youngest cadet to be accepted into Starfleet. Gentlemen, the Mrithi does not wish to inform his siblings of this attack. This was not part of Uhura's Starfleet files. I do not need to reiterate the fact that all of this information is highly confidential." Pike concluded.
It was Spock who spoke first. "How did you obtain this external information and what is its relevance towards Lt. Uhura?"
"I obtained this information from the Mrithi himself. It appears that the Federation membership is not the only issue we have to deal with."
"The royal family is still in danger. To accept Federation membership, Uhura's brother wants us to neutralize his enemies" Kirk concluded.
Pike eyed him briefly, then nodded.
"Although Starfleet was aware of the risks of admitting Uhura, it seems that they have unwittingly become involved in Africa's political crimes. The neighboring kingdom of Kilwa, governed by the Garai family, have been under investigation for many years, their list of war crimes several pages long. It was reported by a source that they were the financial support for the Uhura family's murder. It does not take a genius to conclude that they were also behind the attack in America. The Federation's issue lies not within the crimes, but our jurisdiction. We are the Federation's peacekeeping force; not Earth's. The Federation at this point is not willing to support the Mrithi's personal vendetta."
"Correct me if I'm wrong Admiral, but the Federation includes Earth. Issues planet side can still be under our jurisdiction if the crimes were committed against Starfleet personnel." Kirk argued.
"The family was attacked before she joined Starfleet Captain. No attacks were reported at the Academy." Spock reasoned. "We have no jurisdiction. It is illogical to begin procedures where we have no authority."
Kirk looked at his First Officer aghast. "Spock, of all people, you should understand the need for justice for these crimes. It concerns Uhura and all you can tell me is about jurisdiction?"
"Captain, I must maintain a neutral position. I do not wish to remove myself from active duty due to personal issues. My relationship with Uhura can not affect my performance as First Officer. It is only logical that I remain in active duty to closely monitor the royal family's activities." Spock explained. Pike managed to blush slightly and coughed to hide his reaction.
Kirk however, took a little longer to comprehend. It only dawned on him that if Spock was removed from active duty, he would be unable to escort the royal family. And not see Uhura so frequently. Damn pointy-eared logic.
"Understood Spock. Understood." Kirk answered. He looked to Pike to continue. "What now? Uhura doesn't know there is still danger. Who's to say that the family is not in danger? At earth or in space?"
"I have orders to only negotiate a Federation alliance with Dara if the 'domestic' issue is not included. However, the Federation high command is quite interested in Dara; several of their neighboring planets are rich in resources. Unfortunately, the Federation has not given us clear instructions on what is the best approach this delicate issue. With Vulcan destroyed, the Federation is looking for a strong support" Pike explained. At the mention of Vulcan, Spock visibly stiffened. Even now it was difficult to live with the grief for his mother and planet.
"Admiral, why does Uhura look and act like she will be on a permanent leave? Like leave Starfleet?" asked Kirk.
"I understand that the Mrithi is also requesting Uhura's shore leave. He is to be married to the Daran Princess and requests his sibling's presence. I do not have a clue about royal culture, except that a prince about to control an entire system will want more stability within his political circle."
"You think he will ask Uhura to marry a Daran Prince?" asked Kirk.
I don't know, but I'm sure we'll find out soon enough." Pike answered. He stood up after a few silent moments.
Spock left the room and moved directly towards the officer's quarters. He was one deck above Uhura. It would take a few minutes to pass her quarters along the way. He stood just outside the door and entered his code. The doors swooshed open and he stepped inside. Her quarters changed. Several of her books were taken, some personal belongings were left on the table, the room was otherwise vacant. She was transferred. He walked to her desk and found a PADD. He activated the unit.
"Spock,
I have been transferred to Deck 7, suite 124. Please let me explain. Dinner will be served in the quarters.
Yours,
Nyota"
He looked at the clock and it was a half hour past his shift. He left her quarters for the royal suite.
Next chapter: more Spock/Uhura smut!! the 'talk'...