Loving Her Is Red
Chapter Ten
Once they were in the garden, beyond prying eyes he led Nyota to a bench that was nestled in a grove of sweet smelling flowering trees. He inhaled deeply. Her face was upturned and there was a look of apprehension on her face. She questioned,
"Spock, why did Aleone refer to you as Osu Spock?"
Looking down at her, he bowed his head and answered,
"Aleone's use of the word comes from Sam'uk. His family worked within the framework of our household. That status has no bearing on my life here on Terran where I am simply S'chen T'gai Spock. This is the one who presents himself to you."
"She also said I am privileged."
"Nyota, again the reference is to my family. My great grandfather initiated 'First Contact,' my grandfather was Vulcan's first ambassador to Terra, my grandmother is Lady T'Pau and my parent are Ambassador Spock and Lady Amanda Grayson. Their positions have no bearing on me, a Star Fleet officer. Nyota, please allow this request, this subject shouldl not be brought up again for it has nothing to do with you and I. The Vulcan governmental hierarchy no longer has my total allegiance for I have new loyalties as a lieutenant in Star Fleet."
Biting her bottom lip, Nyota nodded in understanding.
Spock began,
"Nyota, I am greatly pleased to see your face and form again.
The look on her face again turned questioning. Her posture changed and he was afraid she might flee from his presence,
"Please Nyota, please will you hear me?"
Nyota exhaled as she thought….'A Vulcan saying….please… The look on her face reflected her thoughts of incredulity.
Spock started to pace. He then stood in front of her,
"Nyota, your absence from the Academy and the lack of your physical presence in my life has proved to be quite unbearable. After deep thought and meditation I have concluded that in some way my mind has claimed you as a special friend, in Vulcan a t'hy'la (a lover, soul-mate). I am aware that you probably do not understand that statement but in human terms…I have come to treasure your presence in my life. I do not know your feelings toward me, but if this is not present, I am prepared to attempt courtship. This is unknown on my world, as it was with your people for hundreds of years, when all marriages or bondings were initiated by the parents. My bondmate severed ours when I left Vulcan for Terra.
Touching her…is like realizing all you ever wanted is right there in front of you
Holding his hand hesitatingly in front of her he waited for her permission and she nodded. He reached down and placed his index finger on her cheek. Her reaction to his touch was like a small explosion that showered red cinders, soundlessly, they impacted his heart.
She was looking up at him with tear rimmed eyes.
"Nyota, does this revelation bring you sorrow or make you uncomfortable? If so, I will cease this conversation.."
She whispered,
Spock, my lack of being in your personal presence produced a loneliness I can't describe. My life was counted by the hours between our communications. I was constantly thinking….two hours until, twelve hours until I see and talk to you. It was torturous for me. "
Of course, if a Vulcan could smile, that would have been the opportune time to do so
Nyota continued,
"Spock my knowledge of the fraternization rulings of the Academy has prevented me from imagining what you have just revealed. I have absolutely no experience in this area of human behavior but be assured that I welcome your declaration."
At her reply, Spock closed his eyes and breathed deeply. It was as if the weight of the entire planet had suddenly been lifted and he was after many days, weeks, no, months able to take a cleansing breathe. How was he to know that this unexplored emotion could be so liberating?
"What are we to do?" she looked up at him with a pained look on her face." I do not wish our careers to be threatened or to ever again be parted from you."
His head was bowed and he said,
"There is a Vulcan way to allow both of our desires to be fulfilled. It is called ko-kugalsuIt it is usually the bond that is established at the age of seven. It is a betrothal bond, a commitment to wait. It will not change our conduct towards one another on Terra, but on Vulcan soil, we would be permitted a closer, although not intimate association. Mentally we will be constantly together until our bodies can be joined after the marriage bond. I will be able to protect you and you will be assured of your safety because of my constancy. T'Penn would be able to perform the rite. Does this appear to be agreeable?"
She looked down,
Will it be painful?"
"Nyota, never would I instigate or allow harm to come to you caused by my permission. My role is one of protector. However, there will be an emotional transference that will require you to rest immediately afterward. T'Penn will address that need."
Not willing to waste time he said,
"If it is agreeable, could I bring a consulate vehicle to your home for our use tomorrow?"
She nodded.
Then coming back to reality, he said,
"I must speak to your parents so they will be aware of my intentions, your reply and the end result of our action.
"Nyota corrected him,
"WE must speak to my parents. This is a joint action on our part, I cannot allow you to enter the 'lions' den' alone."
He at last felt at liberty to seat himself next to her and made the inquiry,
"Nyota, may we share a kiss."
He reached for her hand, her breathe caught as his fingers entwined her own. She laid her head on his shoulder and as he closed his eyes the sight he envisioned was equivalent to rockets' red glare, earthquake and a meteor shower all in red and he shared that view with Nyota.
`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0
They walked together to the computer lab and Nyota saw her father and mother together at this site…how convenient.
The two entered together and Nyota got ready to speak and Spock grasped her waist to stop her.
"Mr and Mrs Uhura, both of you spent many years on Vulcan and are aware of our customs and traditions. Based on your experiences on my home world, I am sure you might not quite understand my asking for your permission to bond with your daughter. On Vulcan it would be my father standing here and we both would be around seven years of age. But applying that Vulcan custom, I desire Nyota and myself to experience the engagement bond. It is indicative of my request that she wait for me until such time we may publicly declare our attachment. That time would come upon her graduation. Because of Star Fleet Academy's laws against fraternization, we cannot enter into any formal Terran arrangement until that time, but I wish to not be parted from her,and that eventually she will be my bondmate."
The Uhura's exchanged glances. Nyota's father began,
"Mr Spock, your actions towards our family have been more than honorable and sustained. Although you, as a Vulcan applied 'The Needs' edict on our behalf, now we understand there was an additional factor involved. My wife and I have already discussed your honorable character and if your wish is shared our daughter, you have our approval. But we must state, we want no scandal, or bad reputation associated with our family so we trust that Vulcan integrity will be applied in both of your cases.
We do not wish you to think that our approval stems from a sense of obligation because of your much needed assistance in the past weeks. Instead, it is due to our knowledge of Vulcan loyalty and adherence to the high standard of morals that so embodies The Vulcan Way. Nyota is our family's most prized member. I will not, or do not take the giving of this gift to you lightly. So it is, based on our knowledge of the Vulcan people and your expression of their mindset that we do give Nyota to you willingly and without hesitation."
Without the removal of his arm from Nyota's waist, Spock then approached Mr. Uhura displaying the Vulcan salute and the accepted words. Nyota's father mirrored Spock's hand gesture and gave his reply.