Beautiful Music Together.

Chapter 10. Impromptu Concert

Boma and Spock made it back just in time for Samuel to shower and rush off to rehearsal. Spock took advantage of the situation; he needed time to meditate and reconcile the happenings of the past few days. After showering and drinking something cool, he went into the living room, seated himself, and began to meditate. A feeling of calmness settled over him as he reconciled his mind with his body. He was able to quickly expunge all peripheral thoughts and was soon in total relaxation. He then allowed himself to address the revelations that Captain Pike had made to him during their meeting. He would definitely be very busy this summer with the programming of the 'Kobiyashi Maru'. He wondered at Captain Pike assigning him to be in charge of 'Fast Track', also. There were many other advisors who could have easily added 'Fast Track' to their workloads. Coming to no logical conclusion, he reflected on the joke he had told Captain Pike...about using his Bay side apartment. Captain Pike had written him that morning, saying Spock could use his accommodation that summer. 'Totally illogical,' he thought. Spock gave the equivalent of an inward, mental sigh. He would never completely understand human humor. He continued his meditation, saving his most difficult topic for last. He let his mind drift back to the meeting held yesterday.

She had entered the office. He had never overtly noticed uniforms on cadets before, examining them only for discrepancies. Maybe his excursion with Samuel had given him a new apprecation for clothing. The glance had taken only a second. He couldn't help admiring the way her uniform fit perfectly especially around her breasts and her hips. She had taken a seat when he had gestured…her long, smooth legs enticingly exposed. The only disappointment had been her hair which had been pulled back into a ponytail.

He had taken a quick breath to steady himself, and introduced himself as 'Fast Track' advisor. He had decided he would start his questioning in Vulcan to test her fluency. She seemed surprised when he had addressed her in his native language. She didn't hesitate to answer, but immediately realized that she had made an error when she replied in the 'informal' dialect. He had been nevertheless impressed. Many humans didn't even bother learning the nuances of the informal form thinking that they'd have no reason to use it with a Vulcan. She had corrected herself, but he had rather liked being addressed by her in the informal form, so he continued to use it. She had listened dispassionately when he outlined the requirements and classes she would be required to take in 'Fast Track'. She hadn't even reacted to his use of the informal, and just gave a slight nod of affirmation when he had told her he would be assisting her in learning the other two dialects of Romulan that summer.

He suddenly broke out of his meditation. From his seated position, he rolled over onto his back on his meditation rug. Emotions threatened to overwhelm him as his body became warmer and his logical thoughts began to lose focus. She was a cadet. He was an officer. He didn't even know her. But his remaining logic coldly informed him what the real problem was...he wasn't an integral part of this woman's universe, and he had no idea what to do about it.

Nyota Uhura flopped down on her bed in the dormitory room she shared with Christine. It was late morning, and Nyota was reminiscing about her meeting yesterday evening, going over every little detail in her mind. 'Well?' Christine asked. She was reclined on her bed, facing Nyota, with her head propped on both elbows.

'Well, what?' snapped Nyota, her concentration broken by Christine's voice.

'Well, what happened between our newest 'Fast Track' candidate and Captain Pike?'

'I didn't meet with Captain Pike,' said Nyota, trying to slide back into her thoughts.

'No need to get snippy,' replied Christine, 'just asked a question.'

'Sorry, Chris.' Nyota paused, then continued. 'Rand got me to the office on time, and I was all psyched up to meet Captain Pike. But I guess that Captain Pike had been reassigned or something, and his replacement is that Vulcan we met two nights ago at that bar.

'A-huh,' said Christine, rising to a seated position with renewed interest. 'Come on, Nyota, I'm dying to know what happened. Spit it out! He likes you by the way. Remember, it was I who said it first,' Christine said, pointing an eloquent finger at her chest.

'That's the last thing I want to hear right now, Christine. Do you want to hear the rest, or not?'

Christine acquiesced and Nyota continued. 'I went into the office expecting to meet Captain Pike, but this Vulcan, whose name is Commander Spock, was sitting at his desk. I walked in, sat down, and he just stared at me for a couple of seconds before asking me anything. I was shaking all over, because I didn't know what was expected of me. Of course, he recognized me I'm sure, but he never brought the fact up. Finally, he says in Vulcan, 'Cadet Uhura, I understand that you've applied to 'Fast Track, and that your application has recently been accepted by the Academy'.

'I was so taken aback, that I forgot all that I learned about the Vulcan language and Vulcans and used the informal dialect of Vulcan instead of the formal. I apologized, and then I answered correctly. Thank goodness that he didn't get offended…but Vulcans don't get offended, do they?' Nyota said, rambling on. 'He then gave me a rundown on the curriculum which starts full blast this fall. Oh, Christine, I hope it won't be too much for me. Anyway, there are two others in 'Fast Track' along with me… of course, you know about Samuel. I can't wait to see Samuel's face when I tell him,' Nyota said, grinning. 'And another student is going to show up in January. I'm the only one for Xenolinguistics. Other than that, he seemed to be really impressed with my resume´. He also noticed that I had already learned one of the three dialects of the Romulan language.'

'I'm sure that's not the only thing he was impressed with', Christine murmured.

'Oh Christine, you're just imagining things. Vulcans aren't interested in humans…expecially in a person who hasn't even taken her oath yet,' Nyota said. Christine's teasing was beginning to annoy her. She was glad that she had neglected to tell her that Spock had continued in the informal dialect of Vulcan for the rest of their conversation.

'And I just bet he's going to personally make sure to bring you up-to-speed in those other two dialects of Romulan that you're missing,' said Christine, continuing to tease Nyota.

'Hey, how did you know?'

'See, I told you, Nyota…he's got the hots for you.' Christine arched her back and grinned smugly at her new friend. 'What have you got against Vulcans? Open your eyes, Nyota! He's fine!'

'I don't have anything against Vulcans. I just think that you're wrong. It would be only logical in his mind to assist me when he's probably the only one on campus who knows all three dialects fluently.'

Christine shook her head at her friend's naivete´.

'Anyway...look! Samuel wrote me, today,' Nyota said, waving her PADD and also trying to change the subject.

Christine rose from her bed to look at the message. 'Wow! Not bad! Romantic type. Hey! You haven't been here a week, and you've already got two suitors,' Christine said evilly.

Nyota gave her a wicked sidelong glance. 'Have you heard from Roger?' Nyota asked, hoping that the conversation would finally turn somewhere else.

'As a matter of fact, yes! He wanted to go out tonight, but I told him that we had this reception.'

Nyota really looked forward to the little get-together at the Recreational Center. She really wanted to prove to Christine that she was capable of relaxing and having a good time. She also wanted to get to know her other classmates to cement her place early in the class.

'Hmmm…well, we'd better get ready. The tour starts in two hours, and Rand told us that we needed to read some more regulations,' Nyota said. 'Have you tried on your uniform, yet?' And with that question, the conversation turned to other matters.

Boma arrived out of breath, and about five minutes late. It didn't matter; however, because the other cadets were also just arriving and gathering on the stage.

'Where's Connelly?' Boma demanded, looking around the stage for the missing cadet.

'She couldn't make it, Sam. She said that she had to study for an exam.'

'I thought finals were over!' Boma said angrily. The other cadets tensed, knowing Boma's touchy temper. 'We really need her soprano so that we can practice our duet!' Boma said, looking around helplessly.

"She's really struggling with her classes, Sam. I think all of this is too much for her,' said another cadet.

Boma took a deep breath. He was tired. The desert had taken a lot out of him. He and Spock had arrived back at the Academy just in time for him to grab a quick shower before hurrying off to the conservatory and now this. He would have to take another shower, he reflected, feeling the residue of the desert sand in uncomfortable crevasses in his body and hair.

'Well, we'll have to work around her,' he said. 'We're never going to get finished before summer break, and we'll just have a few weeks after the fall semester starts before our performance!' Boma stated unnecessarily.

The twenty cadets which made up the small theater group huddled around Boma. They were still in awe of working with a real star, and they all took a collective sigh of relief when Boma appeared to accept Connelly's truancy calmly.

'Ok…places everyone...we'll work on the third act. I'll just sing my part and you guys back me up!' The group perked up. They loved the third act. It was a duet, but they would be also involved in singing the choruses to the funny and slightly bawdy song. They knew this song would definitely be a crowd pleaser.

'And this is the Academy Conservatory,' the voice of the Yeoman intoned. The group was a large one, and it was strung out like an elongated snake as the tour of the Academy wound down. Christine and Nyota had straggled behind, taking a longer look at the sports facilities, and some of the more interesting figures working out on the machines.

'Oh! The Conservatory! I really want to see it,' said Nyota excitedly, rapidly catching up. The Yeoman had already moved on, but Nyota decided that she wanted a closer look. Leaving Christine and the group behind, she entered the building. The entranceway was typically dark when not in use, and she had to feel her way through the narrow passageway. Soon her eyes adjusted, and the lighting improved as the passageway widened as she made her way toward the voices that she had heard.

A curtain now separated her from what looked like a side entrance. Moving the curtain cautiously aside, she peered curiously through the opening which revealed a huge auditorium where many well-cushioned seats were positioned before a vast stage. She couldn't see very well from her vantage point, being at a weird angle from the stage, but she was able to make out a couple of the performers.

One of the figures walked authoratively across the stage and stood in position. Music started, and a deep baritone voice began to sing. She was immediately caught up in the song. It was a song that she had always enjoyed singing back home, and it was usually done in duet. She had no idea that such talent existed at the Academy as she listened appreciatively at the nuances and flexibility in the baritone's voice. She wondered what sort of talent would even want to come to the Academy. She tapped her foot to the infectious beat and waited anxiously for the entrance of the other singer, but the second voice never joined in. Strange. But the rest of the group started the chorus on time. Their voices really combined well together for a cadet chorus. Nyota grew bolder and stepped out of her hiding place and slid into one of the auditorium seats for a better look.

Now she had a good view of the stage. She craned her neck forward for a better look at the singer, and her mouth dropped open. It was Samuel! She couldn't believe it! And he didn't look shy at all as he belted out the bawdy tune. His stage presence and gesturing had mesmerized the rest of his colleagues, and she'd rather thought that they would miss their entrance into the second round of the chorus but they didn't. After they had finished the chorus, Samuel began the final verse. She started to hum the line, then made a decision and entered with her soprano where the duet was supposed to begin. It was worth it! Samuel's eyes grew to the size of saucers, but somehow he managed to continue his part of the duet. His eyes quickly scanned the rows of seats in the auditorium. To his credit, he didn't break voice when he saw her, but acknowledged her presence with surprised and appraising eyes. If he was irritated, his eyes didn't betray it. Motioning for her to approach the stage, Nyota continued to sing lustily as she reached the stage. Their voices weaved magically together and everybody seemed to stand still in the hall as they took note of the new singer. Samuel and Nyota finished the verse and the group joined in for the final refrain. Nyota also joined cheerfully in with the other singers. They all seemed to have an instant rapport as they finished the song in a roaring crescendo.

Everyone was smiling, looking at them, looking at each other, and gasping for breath!

'Nyota! What are you doing here?' exclaimed Samuel, with a pleased smile on his face. 'Your singing was extraordinary, by the way!'

'I might ask you the same, Samuel Boma. I was just taking a tour of the Academy. I know you now…you are the famous actor, aren't you. Why didn't you tell me?'

'Well, I'm used to being recognized, and it was nice to be incognito for a while. Besides, I'm an ordinary cadet now,' Samuel said, as the rest of the cadets began gathering around.

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously as her memory spooled for any information she could recall on Samuel Boma. One thing for sure was that the information vids never portrayed him as liking to be incognito.

Samuel noticing her skepticism asked quietly, 'And did you get my message?'

'Yes, I did. It was very nice of you to write. I was thinking that you had forgotten all about me.'

He skipped the standard reply. 'Well, I wanted to make my message extra special,' he said smoothly.

'Hey! I'm in 'Fast Track', by the way!' Nyota announced, pridefully.

She had shocked Boma again. 'Great! We will be seeing a lot of each other then. And, of course, you're going to also join our little troupe, aren't you?' Boma asked, waving a hand to include the other cadets. Nyota looked around at the faces which had gathered around...eyes begging her to join.

'Samuel, isn't 'Fast Track' going to be a lot for me, and will I have time for this, too?'

'I'll help you with anything you need. I'm in 'Fast Track' for Physics, but I'm also proficient in Math and Engineering.'

'I just bet you are,' said Nyota pertly.

'Come on, Nyota.' His eyes pleaded. 'Say yes. I'll…we'll take care of you.' The rest of the group nodded in agreement.

She heard his double-meaning, but ignored it. She didn't quite feel comfortable with him now, knowing who he was, and feeling she had been deceived a little. This man had access to all the women on Earth and beyond, why would he be interested in her?

'Well, we'll see. Look, I've got to catch up with my tour group. I have no idea where they are now.'

'Just keep following the path around the Academy, you can't get lost.'

'Hey, are you going to the Cadet Reception tonight, Nyota?'

'Yes, I was planning on it. I thought it was only for Cadet Candidates?'

'Well, I've got connections,' he said cockily. "Would it be okay if I picked you up at the Cadet Candidate dorm…you and Christine, of course.'

'That would be great! Gotta run! See you then.'

Boma grinned as she ran out of the auditorium.

Spock was finished meditating when Boma returned to their room. Samuel took a look into their small living room and found Spock standing stiffly, looking through the window of their tiny patio. Spock turned to acknowledge Boma's presence. Boma had never seen Spock look puzzled.

'I don't mean to pry, but is something bothering you, Spock?'

Spock turned to face Boma, considered, and made a decision.

'Yes, Samuel, I think that I could use your assistance.'

Boma paused wide-eyed, not quite believing his ears.

'Ok. What's up?'

Spock took a seat on the couch, pressed his lips together, thinking how to formulate an appropriate question or statement.

''It's about human relationships'.

Boma quickly remembered their day, and jumped to the right topic but the wrong conclusion. Samuel's eyes lit up. 'It's about a girl, isn't it! Well, you've come to the right place!'

He excitedly took a seat on the small couch next to Spock. Samuel was elated that he could play matchmaker since he himself was on such a high. That Leila was hot! She would be perfect to bring some excitement into Spock's life!

'Spock...just take everything slowly. Get to know her first…and make sure that she doesn't have a boyfriend!' Boma chuckled. 'You wouldn't want to get into any fights over her.' Boma wondered vaguely about how this new development would sit with Finnegan.

'And although I know it's not normal for Vulcans, it's very important that you smile. Just a little. And humor. They like that too! You need to feel confident around her...and don't act nervous. That's definitely a turn-off.'

'And all of these things that you have mentioned will make a human female take notice of a male?' Spock asked innocently.

Boma looked at him puzzled. Leila seemed to be more than interested in him. Well, maybe Spock hadn't really noticed.

'I'm sure that she will notice you if you follow my instructions, my friend.'

'Do you have a girlfriend, Samuel?' Spock asked.

'No, not right at the moment….I don't have time for a relationship now.'

'Find time to spend with her…and don't forget to say her name a lot…they love to hear their names. Gotta shower, Spock…got to get rid of the rest of this annoying sand from my hair. I hope my advice helped. Keep me posted. And don't worry, I'm not leaving the Academy grounds tonight, so I don't need a chaperone,' he said, hurrying.

'By the way, Spock, if I see Finnegan tonight, I'll make sure to tell him about our meeting with Leila!' He winked, and left the room.

Spock thought hard about what Samuel had said. He would be making a tutoring session with Cadet Nyota Uhura as soon as possible.

Thanks everyone for continuing to read this story. I know it may seem slow, but that's how relationships are, aren't they? I would really appreciate your reviews. Take time to leave a few words......did I say 'please'? Grin