Thanks to NyotaRules who acted as my spelling beta and corrected my last chapter's title. Thank you to all who continue to read.

Botsey

The Heart Lives On

Chapter Ten

Attention was now centered on Kasper. In an attempt to place his old friend's action in a better light Kasper stood before them both and said,

"Clurt had no idea of the damage that could come from his action. His motivation was his love for you Nyota. Before we left he made me promise, no swear, that this information would not be revealed to you. But, my promise had to be broken, for your good, Nyota."

Nyota stood stoically before Kasper,

"Exactly, what happened to my husband."

Kasper explained the accident, the unsuccessful treatment, the spreading infection...

"So the infection killed him?"

Now came the most difficult revelation. Kasper watched as her face turned ashen when he described her husband's last moments.

With a pained expression on her face she demanded,

"Where is my wedding ring? Surely he did not deny me that."

Kasper's responded,

"He took everything, rings, dress, photos with him to the fire. At the last moment I decided to save what you saw today."

Looking at Kasper with a contorted face she said,

"He took something else…my heart, for there is no emotion in me to grieve, love, or even hate. I am a human without emotions, a terrible by product of his 'love'."

Kasper lowered his head in admission of her truths. JoAnn was at the table and sobbed, She finally ended the discussion with her thought,

"He loved you Nyota, but at the end his act was a selfish one, the actions of one not mentally balanced. He bottled you up and took the real you with him."

Nyota started toward her bedroom door, turned, looked at Spock and requested.

"Please wait for me."

She disappeared into that room's darkness. Then they heard the light switch click. Within a few moments she emerged, dressed in her Star Fleet uniform.

Her next request was,

"May we return to the bridge. I wish to request acceptance for active duty."

They matched cadence as they traversed the corridors, and finally reached the turbo lift.

Spock was deep in thought. He knew he would have to be her savior. But, he had an empty feeling creeping into him. In her present state, he related quite well with her, for in truth, her mind, presence, speech and attitude were quite Vulcan. How would she relate to him as an emotional female human. Needless to say, he was in conflict.

When they reached The Bridge, Captain Pike's eyes focused on the pair. She approached the command chair and said,

"Captain Pike, Lieutenant Nyota Uhura wishes to come aboard."

"Welcome aboard Lieutenant. We are pleased to have you join us. If you so desire you may shadow Lieutenant Wong at the Communications Station."

"Aye, Aye Sir," was her reply and she turned sharply on her heels and headed for that array.

Spock's eyes followed her and then he seated himself at his post, deep in thought. He knew he would have to meditate the entire night to prepare for the mind meld and resolve his inner conflict.

As the shift ended he signed off at his position, and she reported to Captain Pike,

"Permission to leave The Bridge, Captain."

With a wave of his hand, he said,

"Permission granted."

She walked besides him for a while and then said,

"I have a query."

Spoke stopped her in mid stride.

"Speak."

"Sir, I have noticed that the array sequence is not designed for rapidity of response. It would appear that the sequence should be FBGACED."

Spock was truly taken aback by her observation. He replied,

"On a Vulcan ship, that would be the sequential setting. Terran ships are designed as you see here."

He again marveled at her Vulcan mind set and had to realize that her training would make her valuable to the ship, even if it meant a personal loss for him...'The needs of the many...'

After his explanation, she simply nodded her head in acceptance. He was certain he would miss her quiet companionship.

When they reached the turbo lift he stepped aside to allow her to enter. She turned forward as she entered and stared intently into his eyes. The effect was quite unsettling for him. They rode in silence and when they reached her floor she simply said,

"Good night Commander Spockh," giving his name the Vulcan pronunciation.

His reply was,

"Good evening, Lieutenant."