A/N In this chapter we have a Spock, out of character, and totally vulnerable. His normal defenses crumble and Spock, the human male is exposed. For some I imagine this will be a bit too much, but in his dealings with Nyota he has admitted he has discovered his only weakness, something he is unable to 'meditate away'.

Contrary to previous declarations the forecast indicates a fluff storm…watch out . If the thought is unpleasant for you, may I suggest, find shelter in another fiction…:0)

But like a snow storm if one becomes absorbed in the occasional need for same, we go outside and make snow angels.

Loving Her Is Red

Chapter Nine

Spock entered the family's apartment within the consulate walls and settled into a large chair and uncharacteristically sighed. Tomorrow would be the test…His mind raced and he envisioned, his much anticipated reunion with Cadet Uhura…Nyota.

Mentally he had orchestrated everything that he would do. The missing pieces to the puzzle are what will be her reaction to his presence and his words. He knew, if the positive results that he desired did come true he would have to speak to the cadet's father.

The night seemed to be endless although as a scientist and a logic driven Vulcan he knew that such a statement or thought was flawed. Every time he closed his eyes the same sight assailed him…the face of Nyota Uhura bathed in a sparkling red brilliance. He wondered, what had caused the colors to intensify, why were they still pulsing? Was that caused by him or her? These were the mysteries that plagued him through the entire night.

He decided that lying in the bed without the revitalization offered by sleep was torture so he made his way to the mat, lit the asenoi and settled into Ilesh'rig, (kneeling position, feet under buttocks with insteps against the floor), and centered himself. Surprisingly he quickly settled into v'ree'lat (meditation to clear mind and order thoughts). When he surfaced he discovered that he was refreshed, focused and ready for whatever the day would bring him.

Dressed in his formal robes with its Vulcan script emblazoned on it's lapels, he decided he would spend the latter part of the day in the consulate's library that had windows looking out onto the parking lot. He of course did not wish to have his surprise appearance ruined. T'Penn had been made aware of his wish to have his presence known only by his appearance in the dining area just before last meal. He was aware of the fact that his heart rate was above normal, his breathing hitched and there was the distinct sensation that he would find no relief until his first sight of the source of his torment, Nyota Uhura.

While seated at one of the library tables he heard the sound of a vehicle and cautiously looked out of the window. There she was! He felt his throat tighten. Her parents proceeded her into the lobby. The letter of invitation served as the family's pass for entry. T'Penn was waiting in the hallway and relieved the security guard of his charge and she greeted them with an address that was Vulcan, family name first…

"Uhuras, Arhamisi, Umbha and Nyota I welcome you to Vulcan soil".

All three of the guests responded in Vulcan and that set the stage for a more relaxed evening. They were escorted to the formal dining room with the most beautiful table setting Nyota has ever seen. She noticed that there were ten place settings. Her father assisted his mother into her seat and was about to help Nyota when a voice, familiar to Nyota, interrupted,

"I will be more than pleased to assist Cadet Uhura into her place at the table."

Nyota's head turned sharply and her mouth opened in surprise as she saw Spock stride to her side and pull out her chair. She seated herself all the while looking at his face in wonder. Her instructor was resplendent in a formal Vulcan robe. She had never seen him in such a garment. He was…beautiful.

He then took his place at the head of the table, nodded to all others present. and said,

"Mr and Mrs Uhura, please allow me to introduce myself in person. I am Schnn T'gai Spock. I welcome your family to Vulcan. Then turning to Sam'uk, This is the family T'aan Shama Sam'uk, his wife, Aleone, children, Sti'va, S'toss and Simone. Sam'uk and I were youths together on Vulcan, he is my friend of longest duration.

Aleone smiled broadly at Nyota and reached over and touched her hand. Nyota felt warmed by her welcome and squeezed her hand in return. Nyota was bursting with the desire to question Spock but Vulcan eating traditions would not allow such. The meal was magnificent and consumed in silence. Once the dishes were removed Spock said,

"Mr. Uhura, If it would not be a cause for inconvenience, I would be very pleased if you would accompany me to our computer lab. We are constantly in need of advice as to the replacement of used or damaged parts. My friend, Sam'uk advises me that that is your line of expertise. Ladies, may I suggest you follow T'Penn who will give you a tour the consulate."

Everyone addressed seemed to be in agreement and Mr. Uhura followed Spock out of the dinning room. Sam'uk advised Aleone that he was going to check the work schedule postings. She then instructed their children to stay together and follow the adults closely. She then took Nyota's arm and said,

"Welcome home. I have heard of you through my husband, you are indeed a privileged female."

Nyota's face registered confusion.

"Excuse me?"

Aleone's now stilted reply was,

"No, please excuse me Nyota Uhura, I think I have spoken out of turn. Please dismiss my statement as presumptuous, but my statement is in fact true. I will now be silent on that subject."

"Aleone, please do not leave me in the lurch here. I will be extremely distracted by trying to figure out the meaning of your statement."

"May I address you by your given name?"

"Please do."

"Nyota, please allow Osu Spock to speak to you privately. He is the one most qualified to address your dilemma."

Nyota's thoughts were completely jumbled, 'Speak to Osu Spock, Sir Spock, Lord Spock?"

`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`

While walking to the computer lab Spock initiated the conversation,

"It is a pleasure to finally personally meet you Sir, in case you were unaware, I am presently assigned to Star Fleet Academy, I am one of your daughter's instructors there."

"Yes Sir, I have heard your voice and seen your image on the com unit during my daughter's conversations with you. May I thank you for the kind attention and diligent concern you have shown toward my family and your aid in my daughter's education."

"You must be aware of the marvelous talents your daughter possesses. It is only logical that such gifts be cultivated."

Arhamisi nodded.

"She has always been mature for her age and her curiosity knows no bounds. We are very pleased at her progress at Star Fleet Academy."

Spock led his guest into a room that housed many computer stations, none of them linked to Vulcan's Security and continued,

"Allow me to explain our dilemma. Pointing out one console he explained its use and manufacturing origin, Vulcan Science Academy. It appears that the machinery designed for use on our home planet does not operate with the greatest efficiency here on Terra, perhaps the humidity here contributes to the problems, and these ae numerous. Perhaps you might be of assistance to us in solving them. I understand you have supplied parts for us, but If it is agreeable to you, a contract will be drawn up to ensure that your company regularly services our entire eyestem."

Mr. Uhura nodded and then said,

"Allow me to look at this unit."

Spock stepped back and he realized how his true talents, as a computer engineer and programmer, were being hidden, although the services that would be supplied by Nyota's father would be of a local nature and therefore of benefit to the consulate.

Hearing voices Spock asked to be excused and there was a nod and the statement ,

"I will check all of these in the room and advise you of my findings."

Hearing Nyota's voice he hurried toward the location where he knew she would be found. It appeared that her mother and T'Penn had found out they shared mutual acquaintances and were busily engaged in polite conversation. As he approached, Nyota shrugged her shoulders as if she had just discovered she was not a party to the older ladies' conversation. Aleone had separated herself from the group to take the children to the sanitary facility. Spock seemed to be drawn forward by her welcoming smile.

"Lieutenant Spock, I think that you have trumped every other surprise I have ever experienced."

"I wish to be assured that the surprise was a pleasant one."

"Yes, most certainly."

Shifting slightly he said,

" In private, I am simply Spock "

With her lips pursed, she nodded and replied,

"In that case if you wish, you may call me Nyota."

"That pleases me immensely."

"Did you and your mother have the opportunity to view the gardens?"

He knew she had not because he had instructed T'Penn to omit that place from her tour of the consulate.

"No Spock, we did not."

"I would very much like to view them myself, will you accompany me?"

Her smile was his answer.