A/N: So sorry about the delay! I've been under the weather for the last couple of weeks and thus not very inspired. This chapter is still in Nyota's POV, so a little change up from the alternating.

angym, lol, thanks for that! I'd love Kirk/Uhura in the movies, but I'm weary of triangles in tv/film. ;)

Thanks for all the reviews, as always they make my day and happy 'Star Trek' DVD watching, too!

~Nadiea

Disclaimer: 'Star Trek' and its existing characters are the sole property of Paramount/CBS.

Chapter Ten - Interlude

I make my way back to the ship, pondering what Leo and I talked about.

As I near the entrance, I see Sulu and Chekov emerge from the ship, whispering to each other conspiratorially.

As annoying as they are at times, I can't help but love them both like I love my brothers. And that's part of what makes the Enterprise so unique in Starfleet. I'm sure that many crews are close, but with us, it's truly like we're family in many ways. Leo's cranky, but underneath all that cynicism is a gentlemen and a good friend. Sulu and Chekov may make mischief during the majority of their time off, but they'll always come to anyone's aid at a moment's notice. Scotty is Scotty, the best engineer and party planner in the galaxy. And Spock, I know at times he's felt it difficult to relate completely to them all, but he's getting there. Every spontaneous smile or quip, every chess game, and every time someone goes out of their way to include him, I think Spock comes closer to believing that he truly belongs here. And then there's Jim, of course. He doubts himself sometimes as a captain, but this crew in its youth, innovation, creativity, and loyalty, is the perfect embodiment of Jim Kirk.

"Hey, guys!" I say, waving them over to me.

"Hey, Uhura, what's up?" Sulu asks.

"Well, I was wondering if you two could use your overwhelming knowledge of the ship's crew for good instead of evil."

They both look insulted.

"Evil? Dah, We never use any of our findings for evil," Chekov asserts fervently.

"Yeah, like we told Jim, this is all just a misunderstanding," Sulu nods, but his lips twitch a bit.

I shrug and roll my eyes. "Whatever you two need to believe is fine, but I need your help," I step closer to them to avoid being overheard. "Have you heard if there is any interest out there in McCoy?"

"You mean, romantically?" Chekov asks.

I nod.

The two exchange glances. "Christine." They say almost simultaneously.

I sigh. "I know about Christine. The whole ship knows about that. But I'm talking about anyone else. Someone with a crush on him, maybe?"

They're silent a moment.

"Well, to be honest, everyone except Christine is a little intimidated by the guy," Sulu finally responds. "So, if there is someone else, they're not making it known. Why the sudden interest in McCoy's love life?" He adds with curiosity evident in his tone.

I debate how to answer. "Let's just say that I think our doctor deserves a break in the romance department and if you knew of anyone who was interested, I might give them a little push. So if the two of you pick up on anything in the future, let me know." I pause. "But don't go around being obvious about it, okay?"

"Us obvious?" Sulu asks with a grin. "We are the epitome of discretion."

Chekov nods.

I laugh. "Right. Just make sure it stays that way. You know what might happen to you if anything gets back to McCoy."

"Dah, something about the worst diseases known to man if we meddled with him like we do the rest of the ship," Chekov answered solemnly.

"Okay, so we agree that you'll be twice as discreet as you usually are then." I say.

"That's probably a good idea," Sulu agrees. He looks like he wants to ask me something else, but then just shrugs.

I figure they'll start snooping around about me in order to find out my reasons for wanting to set up Leo, but I'm prepared for their tactics.

"So where are you two off to now?" I ask to change the subject before Sulu can change his mind.

"We've heard that there's a regular card tournament in the rec room around here somewhere," Chekov replies, his boyish features glowing with excitement. "We're going to check it out and see if we can enter."

"Want to come along?" Sulu invites with a smile.

I shake my head. "As much as I would enjoy watching you attempt to 'run the tables' on the unsuspecting star base crew, I'd like some peace and quiet on what's left of my leave."

Chekov opens his mouth, but I raise my eyebrow at him, daring him to deny their true objective.

"You learned that very well from Mr. Spock." He mumbles.

I smile. "It's very useful. Now, I'll see you guys later and don't forget!"

They nod and hurry off to their tournament.

I enter the ship and pause when I get to the turbo lift. I figure that Jim is still with Spock, so I decide to go to my quarters and see if I can comm my parents. I haven't talked to them for a couple of months and I want to know how my brothers and sisters are doing as well.

I kick off my boots as soon as I get inside and set my PADD down on my desk.

I dial my parents' number and sit down at the terminal.

A few minutes later, I'm face to face with my mom.

"Nyota! Josephine and I were just talking about when we might see you again," she says with a smile. My mother is a petite lady of fifty-four, with short, curling brown hair. I get my height from my dad. Today, it looks like she's been working in her garden, as she's wearing her straw hat and green smock.

"Hi, Mom. I might have some Earth leave coming up in a few months if all our missions go as scheduled," I reply.

She sighs. "But according to Aaron, they hardly ever go as planned."

I mentally make a note to remind my brother to stop reporting every piece of news about the Enterprise back to our parents. It really is a wonder they haven't shown up unannounced.

"Well, I'm sure it will be fine, Mom. You'll see me in no time, okay?"

"We better, sweetheart. You know that your father worries about you. Although, I tell him that Commander Spock will watch out for you, of course. How is he? Are you two back together?"

See how quickly my mom got to what she really wanted to ask me? It's a bit of gift, I think.

"Spock is fine," I begin, trying not to roll my eyes. "And no, we're not back together, Mom. Also, I am capable of taking care of myself, you know."

She shrugs. "You know we're a bit old-fashioned, Nyota. It's comforting to know someone else is watching out for our baby."

"I know," I say with resignation and then pause. "But I do want to let you know that I'm seeing someone new, actually."

I watch her perk up. "Really, who?"

"It's Jim Kirk, the ship's captain," I say. "We've become close friends over the past year and well, we realized that we wanted to try as more than friends."

"Captain Kirk?" My mom looks surprised and thoughtful. "Isn't he a bit of a playboy?"

"In the past, yes," I reply honestly. "But not recently, Mom. He takes his job as captain seriously and that's his first priority. Just getting to know him better, there are so many aspects of him that people miss because they just accept what he gives them on the surface. And he does that a lot of the time as a defense mechanism."

"Hmm," she says, regarding me again with a thoughtful look. "And Spock doesn't mind?"

I almost throw up my arms in exasperation. Truly, Spock should stop worrying that he doesn't fit in anywhere. Everyone appears concerned for his welfare.

Instead, I just lean forward on my arms and sigh. "Mom, I don't know for sure how Spock feels about it, but I can't stop living my life because it might affect him. You know he ended our relationship and with time, I saw that it was the right decision in the end. I took some time to think about what I wanted out of my life and in a relationship. I never expected to find it with Jim, but I have. I'd love for you and dad and everyone to really get to know him when we're back on planet."

My mom finally smiles. "I would love for you to bring him home, sweetheart. Just let us know when and I'll make sure your brothers and sisters are home, too."

"Is everyone okay?" I ask.

She nods. "There's nothing new to report. I was talking to Josephine about her little Michael, who just potty-trained."

I smile. "He must be so big by now. I can't wait to see him again." Michael, the youngest of my seven nieces and nephews, is my favorite. He's just the most adorable little boy ever.

"He asks about his aunt 'Ota' all the time," she replies laughing at his name for me. He can't quite combine the two syllables yet.

"Well, I'll let you know as soon as I can when we'll be back," I say. "Dad's still at work?"

"Oh, yes. They've got him busy overseeing the building of a new fleet of starships," she sighs. "He works too hard for his age."

I feel a bit worried. "But he's okay, right? I mean healthy?"

"Of course he is, sweetie, I'm sorry," she says hastily. "I just hoped he might retire soon, but now it looks like that's a few years away, at least."

I feel bad for my mom, but I also understand my dad's love for his work as well. Maybe I can get him alone and talk with him about it sometime soon.

"Well, I'm sure he just wants to finish this project." I say. "It won't be too long from now, you'll see."

She smiles and shakes her head. "That's almost exactly what your father said."

"See? I knew it!" I smile at her.

"Alright, my dear, I must finish planting my roses before nightfall," she says. "Will you be available if we comm you later today?"

I nod. "I think so. We're docked at Base 25 right now, but we may need to proceed to our next mission earlier than planned. It's just not decided yet. But try me around nine o'clock your time?"

"We'll talk to you then. And your captain is welcome to make an appearance, too."

"I'll see what I can do," I say wryly, knowing that she can't wait to put him through her third degree of questioning. "I love you."

"I love you, too, baby."

We close our session at the same time and I sit back in my chair for a moment and relax.

It's only a little after twelve-thirty, so I decide to get in a little reading.

Just as I get up to grab my PADD, my doors chime.

"Who is it?" I ask, coming to stand in front of the doors.

"It's me," Jim says into the intercom.

"Come in," I reply.

He enters looking handsome in his uniform and pulls me into a hug. "Hey, I just wanted to see you for a minute. Spock's talking with his dad again and I don't know how long that's going to take."

He kisses me, his tongue expertly caressing mine, and I wonder again how long we really should stick with our no sex pact.

I snuggle into his chest, breathing in his scent. "Is everything okay now?"

He sighs. "Well, I'm not sure. I think we'll still go on to New Vulcan so Spock can meet T'Pring, but beyond that, nothing's official."

I'm dying to ask him what they talked about, but I resolve to be good and respect Spock's privacy.

Jim holds me away from him and looks down at me with a smirk. "You're not going to ask me?"

I hit him on his shoulder.

"No, I'm not. It's private, I know that."

He laughs and pretends to rub his shoulder. "And I know you know. But while I can't tell you what we talked about as far as Spock's situation, I can tell you what he said to me before I left to get his father."

"Yes?" I say.

"He told me that he wished me well with you."

I smile. Even if I wouldn't let his personal opinion stop me from seeing Jim, I can admit that it's a good feeling to know Spock is supportive of our relationship. "He did, did he? That was very nice of him."

"I thought so, too."

I lean back in to hug him again. "So, how long do we have, do you think?"

"Thirty minutes, an hour, maybe." He leans down and scoops me into his arms.

I let out a squeak.

He laughs. "How about we lay down for a bit?"

He settles me onto my bed and joins me.

"Have you eaten anything yet?" I ask, moving to lie on top of him, enjoying his hands on my hips, holding me against him.

"I picked up a quick sandwich before I came here. Speaking of eating, did breakfast really go okay with Bones?"

I nod. "I told you that he was usual cynical self. We talked about you and us and me and his ex-wife."

Jim blinks. "That's a lot to talk about over breakfast."

"Probably, but it wasn't bad, Jim. He's your best friend and he's just looking out for you. I respect him for it."

"Hmm, well, sometimes I wish he'd stop it with the mother hen routine. There's a lot I could say about the whole Christine situation, but I know he won't appreciate my interference, so I'm leaving it alone."

"Are you certain he wouldn't appreciate it?" I ask, debating whether to let him in on my plan.

"Well, when I brought it up the last time, I was threatened with an increase in hypos, so yeah I don't think he appreciates it." He shrugs.

I sigh.

"Well, not to change the subject too abruptly, but I just talked with my mom. She's doing well, but my dad wasn't there, so she's comming back later tonight. I told her about us and she'd like to see you too. Only if you want to, of course."

He nods with a smile. "I want to, Nyota. Just tell me when and I'll be here."

I give him a long kiss, surprising myself with how happy his answer makes me.

"I told her around nine o'clock her time."

"Sounds good. I think we'll know what's what with everything well before then."

And in the interest of our relationship, I decide to share after all.

"So, about Leo? I think he deserves someone nice, don't you? I mean, not that Christine's not nice, she's just not really a one-guy type of woman, so maybe there's someone else?"

Hmm, that sounded better in my head.

Jim narrows his eyes at me. "You want to set Bones up or something?"

"It just really stood out to me that he's so hung up on his past that he won't allow himself the possibility of being happy again, you know, and---"

"Hey, hey," Jim interrupts gently and laughs. "I get it and I agree. It's just that he really will be furious if he finds out." He pauses. "Please tell me you haven't enlisted Sulu and Chekov in this?"

I manage to look innocent. "Why do you ask?"

He rolls his eyes. "Because those two don't do discreet well, no matter what they say."

"Well, I told them they needed to be twice as discreet as they usually are."

Jim smirks. "Right, so Bones will probably find out within the next twenty-four hours and I'll be missing a navigator and a pilot."

I shake my head. "I really think they can do it, Jim. They know their well-being is at stake. We just need to find the right one and make it seem like they're meeting each other in a completely natural way."

"Well, I'll help you if you need me, but I still say that it's a ticking time bomb with Sulu and Chekov involved."

"Duly noted."

He shifts a bit underneath me and I can feel his hardness.

My body responds accordingly.

"So...we're really not having sex until...when exactly?" Jim manages to ask.

"Until we're a little more settled as a couple, Jim," I say with a sigh, my resolve wavering even as I say the words. "Like for more than twenty-four hours and in the middle of potentially stressful mission. Although… I've wanted to say the hell with that a couple of times, already."

"That sounds excellent to me," he replies, kissing my neck.

"I'm sure it does, but we both know it's not the time for it," I say, returning the favor before sliding off of him.

"Yeah, well, apparently restraint is part of being a "mature adult" according to a lecture I once got from Pike," Jim says, shaking his head. "It sounds about as appealing now as it did then, but he's usually right, of course."

"How did that go by the way?"

He shrugs. "Like always, he got wind of our situation before it's even really happened. He's got a friend on New Vulcan who heard that a Kalifee would take place involving T'Pring."

"He does seem to have a lot of friends wherever we go."

In truth, I think it's fairly well known in Starfleet that Pike views Kirk in particular as the son he never had, but also our crew with a personal interest. He's Jim's direct commanding officer and he fought for that when Starfleet Command wanted another, more 'impartial' admiral to oversee the Enterprise. But really, I can't envision any of the other admirals successfully mentoring Jim or understanding the unusual dynamics of our ship. Obviously, Starfleet came to the same conclusion.

"Yeah, I've noticed that, too," he replies dryly. "But, he gave us the thumbs up, too."

"What did he say, exactly?" I ask.

"Actually, he told me something---"

"Spock to Kirk."

We share a resigned look. I tuck my head under his chin and watch him tap his communicator.

"Kirk here."

"Jim, my father requests your presence in your Ready Room."

"I'll be there in five, Spock."

"Yes, sir."

I smile to myself. "He called you Jim."

"I know." He hugs me closer. "It's all in my plan to create the most efficient, but fun starship out there. You all keep rolling your eyes at me, but it's a part of my legacy to Starfleet. That's also part of my justification for helping you out with your plan for Bones."

"I doubt that will help you if he finds out about it."

"Maybe not, but threatening to order security to take him to one of the transporter rooms and let Chekov test some of his new theories on him should do the trick."

"That's very evil, but perversely clever."

"Well, he started it with the hypos. Fair is fair."

It occurs to me how Starfleet must view their Flagship where the Captain hates hypo sprays and follows regulations to his liking, the Chief Medical Officer avoids the transporter like the plague and is at best mildly grumpy even while treating patients expertly, and our Chief Engineer is unnaturally attached to said ship and is responsible for the still missing beagle.

On second thought, I don't think Pike had to argue that long before they relinquished the Enterprise to his domain.

TBC...

Next week- Chapters Eleven & Twelve, we're leaving Star Base 25 for New Vulcan, guys!