She Is But a Child
Chapter Ten
Music Lesson…
He stood with his hands behind his back at the entrance to the Music Lab. Her small figure burdened with her large guitar case could be seen rapidly moving in his direction.
At her arrival she said, "At ease cadet."
He indicated his desire to relieve her of her burden. Her response was, "I have it." They found an empty room and she placed her burden on an available table and finally sat down on a very high stool. Seated on the stool she was eye to eye with Spock. In that close proximity, looking into her eyes caused him disquietude. Strange.
"Cadet, what mental preparation is necessary for you?:
"I am already prepared, Sir,"
Nyota advised, "I will sing the song while your hand is on my throat like this. She placed her hand on his larynx and applied slight pressure. He hesitatingly placed his hand on her slender throat. Her skin was smooth and cool and at this distance from her person he could scent lavender emanating from her body. He strengthened his shields.
As the first cords of her musical introduction sounded, she shifted slightly on her seat, and threw her head back. This caused Spock grip to tighten infinitesimally, and with eyes closed she sighed and began her song.
Spock's sensitive fingers picked up the intricacies of the vocal cord's special application. He was sure he was capable of the mechanics of this language, but as he looked at his special instructor he realized that part of the tremendous impact this song had was in its emotional pull. This would present an almost impossible challenge for him, a Vulcan.
As she finished she opened her eyes. They were moist, but she managed a slight smile.
"Excuse me Cadet, it is not the lyrics that move me, for they are quite happy. It is the history of that land that touches my emotions. Do you know the history of the place that was at that time known as South Africa?
"No, I do not," was his reply. Would you please inform me?"
She started out with, "It was a time of great racial divide…Apartheid…
She sat hunched over, hands clasped between her legs and told of the Zulus, Boers, the English and the years of suppression, death, imprisonments, deprivation and isolation. The story ended on a most forgiving and positive note, the presidency of Nelson Mandela. As she finished, her face was lit with her bright, sun envying smile.
She hopped down from the stool, picked up her instrument and placed it lovingly in its case.
"Amazing how history can make one hungry."
Spock, at relaxed stance stated, "A request please, Sir."
"Proceed Cadet."
"If it would not be taken as an out of line request, would you mind joining me for a meal?"
"It would not be out of line if it is a continuation of our session, Cadet."
"Thank you Sir," was his reply. He silenced her with his finger to his lips as he took the instrument case from the table.
"Thank you Cadet, in my present state of hunger, that is a welcome relief."