I do not own Star Trek. Now let's see how this little dinner party plays out…
****
Chapter 13
Amanda and Spock were impressed with a Nyota's ability to remain unyielding and unscathed by T'Pring's barbed tongue. Her skillful pronunciation of their family name was not lost on either of them and the sound of Spock's full moniker floating on the voice of his beloved caused his heart rate to increase with a short burst. He found the moment exhilarating, and for a split second his subdued humanity cursed the dominant Vulcan who was so apt at a seemingly involuntary suppression of emotion.
The growing tension between the two women was mercifully quenched with the announcement of the final guest's arrival.
"Please show them to the dining room. We will be right there," Amanda directed the staff member.
Amanda positioned herself between Nyota and T'Pring as they made their way out of the sitting room and down the hall. She engaged in small talk as Spock followed closely behind where he could see his mother take Nyota's hand into her own and supply an encouraging squeeze. T'Pring was oblivious to Amanda's motherly gesture as she barely acknowledged the two women walking beside her.
The foursome entered the dining room where they found a tall, Vulcan male standing with his back to the doorway, his attention fixed on a piece of artwork that hung on the wall. Nyota was struck by how similar his stance was to one she had witnessed from Spock on many occasions—back erect, hands held firmly behind his back, head angled in a most dignified and regal manner. When the man sensed the others enter into the room, he lowered his head and guardedly turned toward the group.
"Stonn, thank you for coming. It is my pleasure to welcome you into our home," Amanda conveyed to the strapping Vulcan.
By the expression in Spock's eyes, Nyota could tell that he was even more confounded by this man's presence than T'Pring's. She scanned her eyes over to her rival and could glean nothing from her reaction, although she was not surprised. Yet, Nyota was almost certain she had caught a glimpse of T'Pring clinching her jaw. At first blush, this didn't seem to be of great significance to Nyota, but she was beginning to speculate if her reaction spoke volumes about exactly who this man was.
"The pleasure is mine, Lady Amanda. It is unfortunate that your husband could not be here this evening," Stonn replied with a respectful bow.
"Yes, well I am sure there will be other opportunities for you to meet the Ambassador," she said with a confident smile. "Stonn, I'd like to introduce you to a dear friend of the family, Nyota Uhura."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Stonn," Nyota said in perfect Vulcan.
Stonn, who was astonished at Nyota's linguistic skill, even if he didn't show it, responded in his native tongue, "Welcome to Vulcan. Your talent with our language is impressive to say the least."
"And this is my son, the soon-to-be Lieutenant Commander Spock." The pride in Amanda's voice was undeniable and her present company did not cause her to shy away from expressing the emotion.
"I have heard a lot about you from your mother, Spock," Stonn offered.
"Welcome to our home. I apologize that I cannot say the same concerning you," he said lifting an eyebrow and darting a glance towards his mother.
"That is precisely why I arranged this dinner. So we could all get to know each other better," Amanda offered.
Stonn turned his attention to T'Pring and with a slight softening in his voice, he said, "It is good to see you once again, T'Pring."
"Hello, Stonn. I did not expect to see you here this evening."
"Stonn was initially hesitant to accept my invitation when I spoke to him this morning, but I convinced him that this dinner would not be the same without him," Amanda explained.
Just as her rival's intuition had kicked in earlier, Nyota was getting the sense that T'Pring and Stonn were anything but strangers. And the tiny variations she detected in Amanda's voice with her last statement told Nyota the she was completely aware of this fact.
"Shall we eat?" Amanda said with her hand extended towards the long dining table and a broad grin on her face that reminded Nyota of the Cheshire Cat.
****
All parties did a commendable job of maintaining their decorum throughout dinner. Amanda smoothly constructed her words and deftly turned phrases that supplied double meanings for those who were increasingly becoming aware of the true intent behind the gathering—which, of course, was everyone. Still, T'Pring was not above making every attempt to produce a breach on Nyota's cool façade.
"Are you a cadet at the Academy as well, Ms. Uhura?"
"No, I am not. Actually, I'm a waitress," she matter-of-factly retorted. "I work at a place called Sneaky Pete's, whose proprietor, as Spock has learned, is neither sneaky, nor named Pete." Nyota looked directly into T'Pring's eyes and flashed a broad smile. Nyota then looked over to Amanda and they both shared a giggle.
"Interesting. But you certainly do not anticipate being a waitress all of your life."
"No, I do not. I plan to obtain a degree in linguistics at some point—soon."
"And what vocation would you undertake with a linguistics degree?"
"I really think I would like to teach."
"A teacher—how quaint," T'Pring said before taking another bite of her food.
"What an admirable goal, Nyota. I do miss teaching," Amanda said, looking to T'Pring.
In her zeal to belittle Nyota, T'Pring had forgotten about Amanda's former career and unintentionally offended Spock's mother in the process. Except for a few curt responses to questions directly posed to her, T'Pring's gaffe rendered her virtually speechless for the remainder of their meal. Especially when she had no snappy retort after Spock provided more detail concerning Nyota's family background and its contribution to intergalactic communications. T'Pring wondered why a woman who came from a family of such means would choose to become a waitress, but she thought better of engaging Nyota in further dialogue on the subject.
"It seems I have your grandfather to thank for making it possible for me to contact Spock when he's so far away," Amanda interjected.
For the first time that evening, T'Pring felt the bite of another's words and sensed her taut grip on the fantastic notion of her impending nuptials was loosening. However, her hopes were soon buoyed by the thought of Ambassador Sarek. Surely he wouldn't allow her bond with Spock to be dissolved, and she knew he would be her only ally in this situation outside of her own family. And how fitting since he was the true reason she didn't want to break her bond with Spock. She had no affection for the half-Vulcan who had unceremoniously left his home planet to join Starfleet, which paled in comparison to the prestigious Vulcan Science Academy. However, the thought of being the daughter-in-law of one of the most influential men in the Federation was pleasing to her. Her family was not without status, but that which S'chn T'gai Sarek possessed, quite simply, was greater.
"Spock, it is my understanding that once you have received your commission on a starship, you could be away for years at a time," Stonn addressed the young cadet.
"That is correct," Spock cooly replied.
"So more likely than not, T'Pring will be spending the first few years of her married life alone," Stonn said seeking confirmation of his assessment.
Nyota recognized that Stonn's words were meant to demonstrate for T'Pring a serious downside to becoming Spock's wife, but they also produced collateral damage to her peace of mind. It was a subject she tried not to dwell upon, but with Spock's graduation looming ever so near, it was something she could no longer abolish from her thoughts.
Spock knew that the significance of the exchange was not lost on Nyota which caused him to pause before supplying an answer. "Unfortunately, yes." He gave Nyota a quick glance and she knew that his use of 'unfortunately' was meant solely for her.
"I have learned over the years that things have a way of working themselves out," said Amanda making a valiant attempt to provide a spark of hope. But the caution in her voice overshadowed the optimism of her words.
The group finished their dinner without further verbal crossfire and returned once again to the sitting room. Once the tea service was placed on the table at the center of the seating area, Amanda advised the last remaining staff member that she was free to leave for the evening. Amanda poured the tea out into each cup and deliberately kept silent for several minutes. She was pleased when the others followed her lead and also refrained from speaking.
Piercing the smothering silence in the room, Amanda finally said, "Now that we are alone…" She paused and looked over to Spock to confirm that his astute hearing had picked up the young staff member's exit from the home. He nodded his head indicating it was safe for her to proceed with whatever she planned to say.
"Spock, please come sit next to Nyota." Her son complied, moving from his chair. Amanda rose from Nyota's side so Spock could take his place. He initially positioned himself at the other end of the sofa, mimicking the seating arrangement of T'Pring and Stonn who sat on the sofa opposite them, but Amanda motioned with her hand that he should move closer to the woman he loved.
"Is there something you would like to say to T'Pring concerning Nyota?" Amanda queried her son.
T'Pring quickly interrupted, "It has been a long evening, Lady Amanda. Stonn and I should take our leave."
"Not yet, T'Pring," she politely responded. She looked to her son and continued, "Spock? If you have anything to say, it would be wise to say it now."
"T'Pring…I am in love with Nyota. I have been for quite some time—perhaps longer than even she realizes. It is my intention to break our betrothal so that Nyota and I may become bond mates," he looked over to his beloved and weaved his fingers with hers.
'I love you so very, very much, k'diwa,' was the impression Spock immediately picked up from Nyota when he took her hand.
T'Pring peered at the connection he established with Nyota and her eyes narrowed, almost as if she were privy to their telepathic exchange. Stonn let out a sigh of relief that did not escape Spock or Nyota's keen hearing. He was in the midst of moving closer to T'Pring when she stood abruptly from her seat.
"Lady Amanda, did you invite me to your home tonight for the express purpose of embarrassing me in front of my betrothed?"
"No. I invited you here this evening so that some truths would be brought to light—on both sides." Amanda shot a stare between T'Pring and Stonn before firmly commanding, "Sit down."
T'Pring reluctantly retook her seat and stared straight ahead at a point on the wall directly above Spock and Nyota.
"Now, is there something you want to share with Spock concerning Stonn?" Amanda asked T'Pring.
"No," T'Pring defiantly shot back.
Stonn, visibly stunned by T'Pring's declaration, quickly turned his head and gave her a look of confusion before saying, "If T'Pring refuses to speak, Lady Amanda, then I shall."
"Stonn, do not say a word."
"I am tired of hiding, T'Pring, of living a lie. I want my love for you…our love to be open."
T'Pring hissed, "How can you speak in such a manner in front of people you barely know?"
"Because I am fighting for the right to become your husband," he said shaking his head in astonishment. "But it appears my biggest enemy is not Spock, is it?"
"There are other considerations, Stonn."
"If Spock is willing to break the bond, then it would appear your stubbornness is the only other consideration."
"My father may take issue with breaking the bond. And if I am not mistaken, the fact that Ambassador Sarek is not part of such a discussion leads me to believe that he may take issue as well."
With an earnest and soothing tone that only a mother could provide, Amanda intervened and said, "T'Pring, dear, let me deal with my husband. If you truly love Stonn, don't allow anything or anyone to keep you apart."
"Those are simple words for a Terran, Lady Amanda."
"Remember, a Terran who, against many odds, married a Vulcan; left everything I had ever known; successfully bore her husband a son. I won't say that it has been easy, but I will say that it was well worth the price that had to be paid. Don't doom yourself to a life of misery by entering into a loveless marriage."
"Misery is a human emotion," T'Pring weakly offered.
"I beg to differ," Amanda asserted. "I have traveled to many galaxies, and I can assure you that misery is universal."
Nyota was becoming aware of a softening on T'Pring's part. The harsh edge was no longer behind her gaze and her words lacked the stinging undercurrent she displayed earlier in the evening. In spite of her heritage and all her years of training, the young Vulcan woman was torn, frightened, and insecure and Nyota did not envy her position. Although she recognized T'Pring did not love Spock, she shuddered at the thought of not being with for the remainder of her days. She realized how much she had taken for granted the liberty provided her to choose her own mate. Even in her own culture, there were some families who had returned to the practice of arranged marriages as part of a movement to return to the 'old ways' and ensure their ancestors' way of life wouldn't die out completely.
"The decision is not mine to make," T'Pring whispered.
"Don't give in so easily," Stonn pleaded. "I will be here for you."
T'Pring still bristled at the intimate nature of his words in the presence of others.
"Stonn?" T'Pring said with a lightness in her voice that seemed an encouraging sign to her lover.
"Yes, T'Pring," he responded in anticipation.
"I must go home now."
Stonn respectfully bowed his head. He turned to his hosts and said, "Thank you. I am glad to have met you Nyota Uhura."
"Likewise," was Nyota's response.
T'Pring's only words were, "Good evening." It seemed the most appropriate farewell given the gravity of all that had just transpired.
****
When Amanda, Nyota, and Spock were finally alone in the sitting room, the two women sat slumped on the sofa.
"Did you ladies take part in some physical exertion today that I am not aware of?" Spock asked.
"What?" they replied in unison.
"You both looked exhausted."
"For humans, what we've just been through is both mentally and physically draining," his mother explained.
"I concur," Nyota added.
"And you ladies still wonder why Vulcans place so much importance on logic?" he said with a smirk.
"Nyota, does my son still try to deny his sense of humor," Amanda asked.
"All the time," Nyota wickedly grinned with a cocked eyebrow.
Due to their fatigue, the two were only able to muster a half-hearted laugh. Spock sat in his seat and enjoyed the camaraderie he was witnessing between his mother and the woman he was already regarding as his future bond mate.
Amanda provided her assessment of how the evening went as she rested her head on the back of the sofa and stroked her forehead to relieve the tension. "T'Pring is like a scared, little girl. She suffers from immaturity more than anything. I had hoped that bringing her relationship with Stonn to light would have brought her on board with dissolving your bond. Unfortunately, I believe this family's status is more attractive to her than marrying the one she truly loves."
"Mother, how exactly did you know of her relationship with Stonn?"
"Good, old-fashioned gossip, my son. I know it's difficult for you to understand how Vulcans could take part in such behavior, but many of them do. Besides, I think I was told of their relationship as a way to get under my skin. Ironic how the revelation had the complete opposite effect, isn't it? Well, goodnight you two. I'm off to bed."
Amanda stood and gave Spock a hug. She held his face in her hands and glowed, "My son, the Lieutenant Commander."
"Good night, mother."
"Good night, sa-fu."
Moving to Nyota, she gave her a hug as well and kissed her on the cheek.
"Good night, Lady Amanda," Nyota softly said.
"Good night, ko-fu," Amanda said with a wink.
Nyota felt a lump expanding in her throat and a tear welling up in her eye. Amanda smiled brightly at the young woman as she wiped away the single tear with her thumb and patted her on the cheek.
"I hope my son realizes just how lucky he is."
Spock, who would normally argue the veracity of luck, responded the only way he knew how in that particular moment by saying, "Indeed I do."
****
Since there was no one left in the house except Amanda, Nyota, and Spock, the young couple made their way to their respective rooms with arms wrapped around one another. When they made it to Nyota's room, he lovingly assaulted her lips, and she noticed that he was a bit friskier than in times past.
"Whoa!" she said once she was able to come up for air. "What has gotten into you?"
Spock swept Nyota's hair away from her face and carefully examined every beautiful feature of her visage. He gazed into her eyes, smiled and said, "You know how to say my name."
Nyota coyly bit her bottom lip and lowered her eyes to peer at Spock's chest. "I've been practicing," she shyly responded. "Remember the night I kept asking you to say your name? I was recording you at the time."
"You are a most enterprising woman, Nyota Uhura. Were you practicing in anticipation of taking on the name?" he said while rubbing his nose against hers.
"Umm…maybe," she toyed.
"It sounds so pleasing when you say my name," Spock's voice rumbled.
Nyota moved her mouth close to his ear and lightly whispered, "S'chn T'gai Spock." She nibbled on his ear and continued, "I love you, S'chn T'gai Spock."
"Again," he desirously requested.
"I love you, S'chn T'gai Spock."
"Again."
****
When Amanda walked into her bedroom, she saw that she had a missing call from Sarek that came through after dinner. In spite of her great care to make the evening as private as possible, she couldn't help but wonder if word had already reached her husband. While she would not deny any details of her evening, she preferred to be the one to bring her husband up to speed on such matters.
She placed the call and sat at the desk and began brushing her hair—something she would often do while speaking to her husband while he was away from home. She hoped it helped provide a sense of closeness. Without fail, Sarek would kiss his wife's neck and shoulders as she performed the task as part of her nightly routine. He told her many times how illogical it was to perform the ritual simply for the monitor, but they both knew that he was grateful for her loving gesture.
"I have missed you terribly, k'diwa," Amanda cooed to her husband.
"I have missed you as well," Sarek said offering a subtle smile. "Things are going well with the negotiations, so I should be home soon."
"I'm glad to hear that."
"Amanda, are you alright?"
"Yes. Why do you ask?"
"You look tired."
"Well, it is bedtime," she smiled back to her husband's image.
"No. It is not that. You look as if you have a lot on your mind. What is troubling you?"
"You are always so perceptive," she said letting out a sigh. "It concerns our son. We need to have a serious discussion, but only when you return. It is not something that we should talk about right now."
It had been some time since she last admonished him for his lack of contact with Spock. There was no denying their relationship was strained, but Amanda did everything in her power to ensure that did not translate into a complete lack of communication. Her efforts were often hindered by the inherent inconsistencies in their schedules as an Ambassador and a Starfleet Academy cadet. But she recognized that both men too often used their hectic schedules as an excuse for not maintaining contact.
"Amanda…"
"Not now, Sarek. I am fine, your son is fine. And not that you would, but there is nothing to worry about. I anticipate your return, my love." She kissed her index and middle fingers and lifted them so they were displayed on Sarek's screen. He imitated her action and he could tell that his wife was most please.
'Illogical woman,' he thought to himself. 'I cannot wait to hold her in my arms once more.'
****
Sa-fu = son
Ko-fu = daughter
A/N – I'm so glad I was able to update before the start of another hectic work week. Let me know your thoughts if you have a moment to review. :)