AN: Much theeing and thouing I'm afraid.

*Nyota*

After mid-year exams Nyota went home to spend a month with her family in Nairobi. When her results were posted half way through the holidays she wasn't surprised to find that she had passed her classes without dropping a single percentage in any of them. Spock's comment on her results stated that she was now not only the first student he had ever awarded 100% to but the second as well.

Her father Zuberi and been particularly amused by that.

She was eating lunch with her sister Zanta outside on the terrace one day when her father called out that she had a comm call inside.

'Coming Papa!' she replied before making her way to the living room and the main comm console. To her surprise instead of finding Gaila or perhaps one of her old friends from university waiting on the screen, she found her father deep in conversation with Lieutenant Commander Spock.

'That would be excellent Spock. I must admit I have grown curious listening to…' At her approach her father broke of mid-sentence.

'Listening to what Papa?'

Zuberi waved her away. 'Never mind! Spock will fill you in a in minute I am sure.' He returned his attention to the comm screen and switched to Vulcan. 'Live long and prosper Spock.' He stood and headed to the kitchen where Nyota heard him start rummaging for food. Her father was incapable of passing the kitchen without doing so.

Nyota took his seat on the couch facing the comm screen. The Lieutenant Commander was dressed in Vulcan robes instead of a Starfleet Uniform. They were in muted tones of grey and much plainer than the elaborately embellished meditation robe she had previously seen him in. The room behind him was large, rather grand, and opened out onto a wide balcony. The view behind was of absolute wilderness - plains dotted with scrubby plants and great jutting red rocks without a single sign of civilisation. In the distance a huge mountain towered. It looked familiar. She thought it might be Mt Seleya. She assumed he was visiting his family on Vulcan.

'Greetings Cadet Uhura.'

Nyota smiled. 'Greetings Osavensu Spohkh'

His head tilted in the way that usually meant he was surprised or interested by something. 'You pronounced my name correctly. I think you are the first human save my mother to do so.'

Nyota felt herself flush with pleasure at his quiet praise. 'Then I am in honourable company.'

'Have you been persevering in your attempts to learn Van-Kal Vuhlkansu?' Spock asked. Clearly he assumed that was the reason for her improved accent.

'It remains something of a hobby of mine sir, but I hold out little hope of ever developing an accent a native speaker would be able to tolerate.' she replied.

Spock responded in High Vulcan. 'Thou hath gained basic fluency?'

It came as something of a shock to hear someone speaking the ancient ceremonial language of Vulcan outside of a recording. She'd never heard a 'real' person speaking it so to speak. Well she had, she vaguely recalled Spock distracting her with an impromptu lesson when she was injured, but since she didn't really remember, it hardly counted.

It was a beautiful language. It made Spock's voice seem even deeper and more lovely.

Nyota swallowed and continued in standard Vulcan. 'Yes. My comprehension is fluent, but my attempts at vocalising without coaching have met with mixed results to which it would be impolite to subject you.'

'Thou hath not heard mine lady mother's attempts. Thine can be no worse.' Spock continued in the formal dialect. Nyota shivered slightly. It was far more expressive then modern Vulcan. She desperately wanted to try and respond in kind, but couldn't bear the thought of failure.

She paused indecisively. 'Don't say I didn't warn you sir.'

She cleared her throat and composed a simple sentence of words she was fairly certain she could pronounce more or less correctly. 'Thou art visiting thy kin on Vulcan sir?' To her surprise the words floated off her tongue easily.

Spock's head tilted again and he blinked. When at length he responded, it was in standard. 'Fascinating. Your pronunciation, cadet, was without error.'

Nyota frowned in confusion. She did not detect a teasing or mocking tone in her instructor's voice, but his statement was… illogical. 'I'm sorry sir?'

'For what do you apologise cadet? When I last heard you speak Van-Kal Vuhlkansu your pronunciation was quite poor. You were however, concussed at the time.' He paused for a moment before continuing. 'It is now however remarkably precise.' He switched back to High Vulcan. 'I am indeed with mine kin on Vulcan.'

Nyota found herself grinning in pleased surprise. 'Thou'st speaks in truth? Mine words are clear to thee?'

'Yes. Thy accent is uncanny in its accuracy.' Spock was staring at her in great interest.

Nyota had her hands held to her mouth in shock. The last time she had tried to speak in High Vulcan even the computer language program had had trouble understanding her. Now her mouth and tongue were twisting around the alien phonetics with unconscious ease. It was a strange sensation, as if she were remembering the dialect rather than perfecting it after several years of casual study. 'This is most strange sir, words I could not form a month past now come easy to mine lips.'

Spock raised an eyebrow. 'Thou hath not been practising with some other Vulcan of thine acquaintance? The Lady T'Vau thou hath spoken of?'

Nyota shook her head. 'No, I hath made no attempt in mine study for some weeks.'

'Fascinating.' Spock glanced at something or someone behind the comm and switched back to common Vulcan. 'Intriguing this unique mystery is, I contacted you to inform you that I return from Vulcan tomorrow and must make official inspection of the Enterprise on stardate 2256.201.'

Nyota quickly converted that into the Terran calendar. September 20th. Given the time difference between San Francisco and Nairobi – that was in four days. 'I would be happy to provide you with assistance should you require it.'

Spock nodded. 'Your presence would be most welcome. I have also taken the liberty of extending an invitation to Commander Uhura. He has provided me much assistance updating several Starfleet dictionaries and expressed great interest in the ship.'

'That was very thoughtful of you sir. My father has been following the construction of the Enterprise quite avidly. I have spoken to him often of our visits to the shipyard.'

'I am pleased. I will arrange transport from Nairobi for you and your father and forward you the details Cadet.'

'Thank you sir.'

Spock nodded and made the ta'al with his right hand. 'I shall see you and Commander Uhura on 2256.201. Live long and Prosper.'

Nyota sat and smiled at the no signal symbol on the comm screen for several minutes.

*Spock*

Spock arrived at the shipyard early and split his morning between work on the sensor console in the bridge and checking on the placement of the newly fitted warp core for Professor Stirling. The official inspection of the ship was scheduled for 12:30 hours. He had arranged for a private shuttle to arrive with the cadet and her father at 12:20 hours. It was 3.5 standard minutes late.

The Commander disembarked in a golden Starfleet command uniform accompanied by Cadet Uhura in a yellow terran style dress. Spock had not seen Zuberi Uhura in 'the flesh' as the term went before. He looked even larger in real life than he did crowding a comm screen. He was one of the tallest humans Spock had ever encountered. It was difficult to imagine the slender figure beside him shared DNA with him. She turned towards where he stood waiting with the overseer and supervisors and met his gaze with a smile. Spock ignored the little thrill that went through him as her eyes met his. He had not seen the cadet in 24 days, 8 hours and 37 minutes. The yellow of her dress contrasted strikingly against her dark skin. Her father raised a hand in greeting beside her.

The new overseer snapped to attention and gave Commander Uhura a salute which Spock mirrored. Cadet Uhura smiled and glanced at her father with what Spock thought was bemusement. He imagined it was quite… odd for her to see him saluting to her father. Zuberi Uhura did outrank him however.

The Commander smiled and returned the salute. 'Spock! Nice of you to let a nosey old man tag along.' He turned his gaze skyward at the looming shape of the Enterprise and let out a low whistle. 'She's a beauty. Can't wait to get a look inside.'

Spock introduced the new overseer, an Ardanan Lieutenant named Vanka and the two chief supervisors, Bates and Hardling. Lieutenant Vanka had only taken up her post a month earlier and throughout the tour was constantly referring to a PADD and questioning the supervisors. Despite this she already appeared to be far more familiar with the details of the Enterprise's build than her predecessor.

Commander Uhura appeared to enjoy the tour. He and the cadet, who had not seen many of the areas of the ship they were now visiting, kept up a steady conversation between themselves in a mix of Swahili and standard with occasional queries posed to the supervisors. For the most part they followed behind the group leaving Spock, Vanka and the supervisors to discuss the issues of the build and scheduling.

Spock found the contrast between the commander's baritone rumble and his daughter's more musical voice as they conversed in their native tongue intriguing. He did not speak Swahili and found himself contemplating learning it. Since Uhura spoke Vulcan and now evidently High Vulcan, it would be appropriate for him to also speak her native tongue. She was his… friend after all.

It was 17:08 hours by the time the Inspection was complete. Commander Uhura expressed a desire for sustenance. The Lieutenant excused herself, but the supervisors' shifts had ended at 17:00 so they accompanied Spock and the Uhuras to the diner.

Cadet Uhura commented on the number of civilians in the bar and dining area. 'Is there a recruitment shuttle leaving tomorrow or something?'

One of the supervisors, Bates, replied. 'Yep. Third recruitment drive of the summer.'

The cadet looked surprised. 'Third drive?'

'According to Admiral Komack there has been an increase of 19.5% in enlistment this year. There is talk of a fourth drive to take advantage of the additional interest.' replied Spock.

Commander Uhura swallowed a bite of his burger. 'It's the Enterprise. Kids see that big beautiful ship and suddenly Starfleet sounds like a lot of fun.' He patted his daughter on the arm. 'Isn't that right Nyota?'

She smiled. 'I didn't enlist just because of the Enterprise Papa and you know it.'

'But it certainly made that position in the Diplomatic Corps look a bit dull didn't it?' He replied. 'All that bowing and smiling and being stuck in small rooms with people who'd happily sell you out to Ferengi spice pirates for the mineral rights to a couple of asteroids.'

Spock regarded the cadet with interest. He disregarded the comment pertaining to Ferengi spice pirates as Terran humour. 'You considered joining the Diplomatic Corps Cadet?'

'I considered Starfleet and the Diplomatic Corps. Both appealed to me.' She glanced at her father. 'Ferengi spice pirates non-withstanding.'

The Commander scoffed. 'Her mother made sure Nyota was offered a junior attaché role straight out of university.'

Nyota sighed.

Her father continued 'My wife Tamu doesn't think Starfleet is a good choice for any daughter of hers. But seeing how well Nyota has done so far at the Academy has softened her a little. She is already telling people Nyota will outrank me within five years.'

Nyota laughed. 'I haven't even graduated yet!'

The Commander turned his attention to Spock 'When did you graduate Spock?'

'I graduated 5.7 standard years ago Commander.' He responded.

The Commander shot his daughter a victorious look. 'See? Spock's a Lieutenant Commander five years after graduation. I'm sure you can make, say, Rear Admiral.'

'Actually papa, Spock was promoted to Lieutenant Commander less than 2 years after he graduated.' She gave him a teasing smile. 'He doesn't like to talk about it but he was one of the heroes of the Rigel VII Incident, weren't you sir?'

Spock chewed a mouthful of pasta for longer than strictly necessary. He had no desire to discuss the events on Rigel VII. Three crew members had died and others had been injured. It was not in his opinion, an 'amusing anecdote'.

The Commander seemed to sense that and changed the subject. 'Actually, whilst we are talking of promotions, I believe Captain Pike holds the record for fastest promotion to his rank.'

Spock nodded. 'That is correct.'

There was a loud crash followed by a chorus of jeers from the bar section as someone fell out of their chair.

Supervisor Hardling frowned. 'I hate recruitment drives. Those kids are a menace. Give them an hour or two and they'll be throwing each other around the bar.'

The cadet laughed. 'I don't doubt it. That's exactly what happened when I enlisted. Captain Pike had to break up the brawling himself.' She smiled. 'He can whistle really loudly.'

He could indeed. It was a skill he made ear-splitting use of in Spock's presence on numerous occasions.

'Sounds about right. Still, you get sick of it really fast. Last week they broke one of the pool tables.' Bates replied.

Spock looked through the bar in interest. There were too many people for him to get a clear view of the pool tables however.

Hardling spoke through a mouthful of fried potato. Spock tried to ignore the sight of his half masticated food. 'Yeah but we finally got that dom-jot table as a replacement, so that wasn't all bad.'

'That's true I guess.' Bates replied.

Spock gave Hardling his full attention, poor table manners and all. 'This bar is now equipped with a dom-jot table supervisor?'

The human nodded. 'Yessir. I'd offer you a game, but I've seen you play pool and I don't fancy my chances.'

Spock preferred dom-jot to pool. It was far more complex and challenging.

The Commander turned in his seat to look towards the bar area. 'I haven't played dom-jot in years…' He shot Spock a hopeful look. 'I'll give you a game if you're up for it Spock.'

'That would be enjoyable Commander.' Spock needed to return to the academy and complete the report for Captain Pike on the inspection and the new overseer, but spending a short amount of time socialising in the human manner with the Commander would be pleasant enough. And he had not played dom-jot since he had been serving on a ship. Christopher Pike was quite an enthusiastic and skilful player, provided he had not been in the bar too long.

The Commander ordered a drink whilst he waited for Spock to finish his meal and then they made their way through the crowded bar to the dom-jot table.

Four recruits were using the table. Spock hesitated, unsure of the social etiquette with regards to obtaining use of the table for himself and the Commander. He recalled his roommate from his days as a cadet placing a credit chip down on the table to indicate desire to play next or challenge the current players to a game to 'win' the table.

'Evening boys. My friend and I would like to use the table when you're done with your game.' The Commander apparently didn't follow the same rituals as Spock's former roommate.

'The pool table's free. Might be more your style… You ever even played dom-jot?' One of the recruits asked eyeing the Commander sceptically.

The human's response surprised Spock. If a man in a Commander's uniform had made the same request to a group of cadets at the Academy bar, they most likely have given him the table despite being mid-game, offered to buy him a drink and cheered politely as he played, regardless of his skill.

The Commander crossed his arms across his broad chest and looked down at the recruit. He was in Spock's estimation, 45 centimetres taller than the younger human. The effect such a large difference created was quite visually striking and he imagined quite intimidating for the recruit. 'Tell you what son, we'll play the winner of your little game for the table.'

The first recruit scowled.

One of the other players responded. 'Alright. Losers are buying though.'

Ah. So similar rituals did apply in this situation.

'Fine by me.' The Commander turned to Spock. 'I see Nyota has run into some friends. Let's join her while these gentlemen finish up.'

Cadet Uhura was talking animatedly to the technicians Lena Nilsson and Stephen Lee at a table not far from the dom-jot table. Stephen was one of the more capable human pool players he had encountered, and Spock wondered if he were as skilled at dom-jot.

Cadet Uhura introduced her father to the group as Commander Uhura, but he corrected her requesting they call him 'Zuberi'. He had once made the same request to him, to which Spock had politely responded that he in turn, could call him 'Spock' if he so desired. Despite this he had never used the Commander's given name. Regardless of his assurances, it still seemed disrespectful to him.

Since the Commander had served with Vulcans, Spock imagined he was aware of this since he had not taken offence as other humans who out-ranked him had. Captain Pike had pestered him for months to call him Chris. Even when on duty. Eventually Spock had relented when they were off duty, but he refused to address him as anything other than Captain otherwise. He came to a decision that he was well acquainted enough with the commander to call him 'Zuberi' in social situation such as the current one.

Spock was pulled out of his contemplation of human naming traditions by Stephen who had taken up position beside him. 'So you see the new dom-jot table Lieutenant Commander Spock?'

Before responding Spock contemplated that he had been acquainted with Technical Support Officer Stephen Lee for 18.2 standard months and that 87% of his interactions with the man had been social rather than professional. 'I have indeed been informed,' he paused. 'and it would be acceptable for you to refer to me by name rather than rank in social situations such as this.'

The human looked stunned for a moment then grinned. 'Will do Spock. So you up for a game? Not a lot of the guys around here play.'

'Zuberi and I are scheduled to play the recruits currently utilising the table for rights to it. I do not foresee any difficulty in besting them.' Spock responded.

Stephen looked over at the Commander speculatively. 'Zuberi plays does he? Any good?'

'I cannot comment as I have yet to witness him play. He has expressed some familiarity and enthusiasm for the game however.'

'Well, Uhura must have inherited that big ol' noggin hers from somewhere, so he's probably good.' Stephen commented.

Spock was unsure how to respond. 'Noggin' was slang for head, but Cadet Uhura's cranium was of average circumference, as was the Commander's. He settled on his usual response when unsure. 'Indeed.'

It appeared adequate.

Zuberi waved and motioned towards the dom-jot table. One of the recruits was resetting it for a new game. Spock returned his attention to Stephen. 'Excuse me.'

He and the Commander selected cues from the brackets on the wall beside the table. Stephen, Cadet Uhura, Lena and the three others they were sitting with moved to a closer table to watch. The Cadet gave her father a kiss on the cheek 'For luck!' she said. Spock was relieved she made no attempt to repeat the action upon him.

Spock indicated with a wave of his arm that the recruits, as winners of the last game should start the game as custom dictated. From his opening move it was plain to Spock that the recruit was not an experienced player. He sunk three balls in quick succession, missing out on opportunities for points, as if he were playing pool not dom-jot. Spock caught the commander's eye and raised an eyebrow. The Commander smirked.

Zuberi took the first turn sinking only one ball but earning triple the points of the recruit and leaving several balls favourable positioned for Spock. The second recruit took his turn; sinking a further three balls but again, not gaining many points. Each time one of the recruits sunk a ball, several female recruits nearby would cheer and clap. They were drinking cocktails. Spock gauged from the number of umbrellas in their hair that they were quite inebriated.

Spock took his turn, not sinking any balls but playing for points. When his turn ended he and Zuberi had 3.8 times the points of the recruits. Judging from their behaviour, they appeared unaware that they were losing however.

The first recruit made a loud discriminatory comment about 'aliens' to his team mate as he lined up his first shot. Spock did not react. Zuberi tensed and Spock noted Cadet Uhura and Stephen, who were watching the game intently, glared at the man however.

The recruit sunk two more balls, leaving only one remaining of his team's original nine. The females, all humans, cheered loudly for each.

Their loud cheering had drawn attention to the dom-jot table from around the room. Quite a few people in technical and mechanics uniforms were now part of the crowd around Cadet Uhura and Stephen's table. With his superior hearing Spock picked up a scathing remark from a mechanic who he had once played pool with. 'Idiot recruits don't even know they are getting their asses handed to them.' Spock pretended that he did not take pleasure in such a petty comment.

Zuberi took his turn, playing much more skilfully than in his first. Spock was moderately impressed with how he utilized the paddles. He appeared to be planning at least three shots ahead and from the smoothness of his play, his shots were going exactly where he intended. When he made a complicated shot off one of the paddles Cadet Uhura and several spectators cheered. He didn't sink anything, instead he left their opponents one remaining ball boxed in from all sides.

The recruit who took his turn after him was unable to sink his ball or gain any points.

Spock took two shoots for points. He was lining up a third when one of the recruits loudly commented 'He can't even sink a ball!'

Spock ignored him. Although offence was obviously intended, it was impossible given the illogical nature of the statement. Although based partially on Terran billiards, dom-jot games were won on points rather than sinking balls and could last several hours for that reason.

'Spock!' called Cadet Uhura. Spock straightened and gave her his full attention. It was unusual for her to not refer to him by rank. 'Stop toying with them and finish the game already.' She smiled then shot a dismissive look in the direction of the recruit who'd attempted to insult him. It appeared she had taken offence on his behalf and wished for Spock to humiliate the human for retribution. An illogical urge, but at the time a fairly attractive one.

'Yeah Spock, Zuberi, it's painful to watch these recruits embarrass themselves.' Stephen added. 'Put em out of their misery.'

Zuberi laughed boomingly.

Spock raised an eyebrow. 'Very well.'

The recruits seemed to find the exchange amusing rather than threatening and laughed amidst themselves making further disparaging remarks. Cadet Uhura was smiling however.

Spock assessed the table for a few seconds then repositioned himself to take his shot. He calculated the most balls he could sink with a single shot given the current layout of the game was three. It would be more logical to sink two initially since he calculated a 5% greater chance of success and an additional 110 points, but he sensed his companions wished him to emphasise the disparate level of skill between himself and recruits with a 'flashy' shot.

To his surprise he noticed his heart rate was slightly elevated. He had never experienced such a response playing dom-jot or pool previously. It appeared having an audience added a level of excitement to the game. He made his shot. The cue ball knocked one ball into a pocket then rebounded sharply off a paddle with a ding and into another ball which shot across the table and into a pocket as the cue ball knocked a third into a paddle before coming to a halt. The last ball bounced between three further paddles, each lighting up and chiming as points were awarded on the score screen above before it disappeared into a pocket.

Cadet Uhura, Zuberi, Stephen and the shipyard personnel gathered around them cheered loudly. Spock's heart rate increased a further 5% and he felt a pleasant buzz of adrenaline which he carefully kept from his expression. He calmly lined up his next shot, again taking the most complicated of the options available. This time he sunk only two balls, but he sent both ricocheting off the paddles and score pads that lined the table gaining as many points as possible and making the table light up and chime noisily. He heard more cheering but ignored it.

His previous turns had left the final three balls handily arranged at one end of the table. Spock was able to send two bouncing off each other to the pockets on either side of the table while the last bounced off two paddles before disappearing into another pocket. The score display above the table flashed displayed the final score. 890/22,900. The cheering from the spectators reached a drunken crescendo.

Zuberi appeared beside Spock with an extremely wide grin on his face. 'Good job there Spock.' He turned and called out to the recruits who were scowling and arguing amongst themselves. 'Andorian Ale thanks boys!'

Spock had no particular fondness for Andorian Ale, but it was far less offensive then the Terran Budweiser Classics the recruits seemed to favour.

The group of recruits abandoned their table and headed across the bar muttering to each other angrily and shooting glares at Spock and Zuberi. Their animosity to him was not unexpected. Although most of Starfleet treated non-humans more or less the same, there were many who seemed to find his presence objectionable. But they appeared equally dismissive of Zuberi. 'I find the behaviour of those recruits towards you unusual Zuberi. In my experience even the most unruly recruits will treat a human officer respectfully.'

Zuberi shot Spock a strange look. 'As far as some humans are concerned, I don't belong in Starfleet anymore then you.'

Spock tilted his head. 'I am afraid I do not understand.'

'I'm African Spock.' He smirked 'You might be a 'green blooded alien bastard' but you're the right colour at least.'

'Ah.' The Commander's theory made sense. It stood to reason that humans who disliked non-humans due to their physiological differences would also dislike humans not of their own race. He almost made a comment about the illogical nature of such racism in general when he recalled the similar judgement many Vulcans had expressed towards himself. It struck him as a similar sort of irrationality. 'Many on Vulcan find me distastefully human.'

Zuberi looked surprised. 'Really? You are the most 'Vulcan' Vulcan I've encountered in Starfleet.' He paused. 'I would never have guessed you were part human if you hadn't told me.'

'Genetically my makeup is predominately Vulcan. Physically there is little difference between myself and a full blooded Vulcan. Only through detailed analyse of my genetic material would my human heritage be evident. However it is common knowledge on Vulcan.' This was what confused Spock about his treatment on Vulcan. He had been carefully created, by Vulcans, to exhibit only the few human traits they deemed assets rather than handicaps. The few genetic markers he had inherited from his mother that weren't inconsequential such as hair colour, were within his brain. Supposedly he had human intuition and creativity - neither of which were evident in his appearance. The claims made by classmates about his supposed 'human' features were illogical. Their treatment of him was illogical.

Zuberi smothered a laugh. Spock regarded him in confusion wondering if he had unintentional used a humorous turn of words. 'Oh, sorry Spock. I just had a…' he cleared his throat 'very... politically incorrect thought which my cynical side found amusing.'

'I am intrigued Zuberi.' Spock prompted.

'Ahh... I shouldn't say.'

Spock waited.

'Fine. Well, let's just say I was pondering the reactions those recruits would have had to you had your mother been from say, Nairobi.'

Spock took a moment to process what Zuberi was implying. Vulcan skin tone covered a similar spectrum as humans, although the palest end of the spectrum from northern Europe had no Vulcan equivalent due to the differences in their planet's climates. Darker skin tones were quite common however– Vulcan was a desert planet after all. 'It would have mattered little on Vulcan since such skin tones are commonplace, however I imagine the reaction of those recruits and other like-minded humans would have been almost humorous in its animosity.'

Zuberi stared at him wide eyed for a moment then burst into laughter shaking his head. Cadet Uhura appeared at his side and shot Spock a questioning glance. 'Don't tell me you told my father a joke sir.'

'No cadet, we were extrapolating on the consequences of my mother being from the African continent rather than the American.' Spock explained evenly.

The Cadet's eyes widened and she glanced in disbelief at her father, who was laughing even harder and merely shrugged. 'Papa! That is so…' She turned back to Spock. 'I'm so sorry sir! My father can be inappropriate at times.'

Spock wondered if there was some social taboo he was unaware of. Humans were sensitive about their mothers. Perhaps the Cadet thought he had taken offence But why would he take offence at his mother hypothetically coming from a different part of Earth? 'I am afraid I do not follow cadet. Is it considered inappropriate to discuss one's mother's birthplace in this way?'

The Cadet seemed at a loss. Her father continued to laugh.

'Well sir, it's considered rude to discuss race like that.'

Spock did not understand. 'Discussion of my mother's race is considered rude?'

The Commander took a deep breath and wiped his eyes.

'Um, well, since there is still lingering racism among humans, in general we simply don't bring it up in conversation.' The Cadet explained.

That seemed illogical. 'Humans never discuss race? Surely that would contribute to this 'lingering racism' through ignorance.' A thought occurred to him. 'Is this why human cadets make inquiries as to Vulcan customs of me with far less regularity then non-human cadets? They consider such curiosity impolite?'

The Cadet seemed relieved that the conversation had moved away somewhat from human races. 'Most likely sir. They would be worried they'd offend you.'

'Fascinating.' Humans as a rule were incredibly curious. A trait admired amongst Vulcans. Even after hundreds of years of such close contact between their races, there was still so much they didn't know about each other.

A waitress appeared next to Zuberi. 'Two Andorian Ales courtesy of some grumpy recruits Commander.'

Zuberi gave her a winning smile. 'Thank you.'

The waitress giggled.

The Cadet looked at the blue drinks scathingly. 'I don't know how you can drink that papa. It looks and smells like warp coolant.'

Spock sniffed the drink he had been passed. 'Cadet Uhura is correct. There is a marked similarity in odour.'

Zuberi took a deep drink and sighed in pleasure. 'Well there's no similarity in taste!'

'You have sampled warp core coolant Zuberi? It is highly toxic.' Spock asked in concern.

'That was a joke Spock. Now! I believe your friend Stephen wanted a game of dom-jot?' the commander responded. Zuberi looked longingly at the table.

'Perhaps you would care to give him a game in my place Zuberi?' Spock inquired.

The Commander quickly stood and picked up his glass. 'Don't mind if I do Spock!' He turned to call out to the technician at the next table 'Stephen! Let's rack em up! Loser can 'play' Spock here.'

Spock turned to Cadet Uhura 'The gesture Zuberi just made when he said 'play', I have often seen humans do this, what does it signify?'

'Emphasis. It's mimed quotation marks.' She responded.

'And what emphasis did your father imply?' Spock asked.

She smiled. 'He was implying that the winner wouldn't really be playing you because they'd have so little chance of beating you.'

Before Spock could think of an appropriate response the waitress reappeared with a Cardassian Sunrise on her tray. 'For the lady, from the Lieutenant waving like an idiot at the bar.' She indicated a human male who was indeed, waving with vigour at the Cadet. To his shock Spock realised it was Lieutenant Sparcs, the former overseer of the shipyard. Spock assumed he had been involved in the recruitment drive. Hopefully he was handling his current duties with more skill then he had his previous post. He glanced at Cadet Uhura, well aware of her dislike for the man.

She blushed and shook her head. 'Please thank him but return the drink.'

The waitress nodded. 'Gotcha. One thanks but no thanks coming up.' She glanced at Spock then winked at the cadet as she turned to go. 'I'd say you had the better deal anyway.' The odd exchange between the women mystified him.

'You usually enjoy that particular beverage cadet. Why did you not accept it?' Spock asked.

Uhura raised an eyebrow. 'Really sir? Accepting that drink would have been invitation for Lieutenant Sparcs to come over here and hit on me.' She twisted her face in distaste.

'I see. I had thought perhaps you had bested him at pool.'

She laughed.

'Would you accept a 'Cardassian Sunrise' if I were to purchase it for you in place of Lieutenant Sparcs?' Spock carefully copied the flexing finger movements Zuberi had used.

Uhura covered her mouth and laughed. 'I don't think you quite understand how that gesture works yet. But yes, I would accept a beverage from you sir.'

Spock tapped out an order into the console set within the table. It would take longer for table service, but he had no desire to stand in the crowd at the bar. 'I wished to place emphasis on the words 'Cardassian Sunrise'. How is this incorrect?' he said making the gesture again.

The Cadet laughed again before replying 'The emphasis implies that the word highlighted is false. It's like sarcasm.'

'So if I were to offer to purchase your father a glass of 'warp drive coolant' he would know I was humorously referring to our previous conversation?' Spock inquired.

She smiled. 'Yes sir that is a perfect example.'

Spock wished to inform her that she could refer to him as 'Spock' rather than 'Sir' or 'Lieutenant Commander'. It seemed illogical that Zuberi and Stephan should do so when he was far better acquainted with the Cadet.

And she considered him a friend.

She cared for him with that strange, wonderful, dizzy human affection of hers. However whilst he was sure the Cadet would not read anything into the gesture, he did not trust himself not to take undue pleasure in hearing her address him with familiarity.

There was a loud chiming from the nearby dom-jot table and cheering from several spectators. Spock looked over in interest. When he looked back at the cadet she tilted her head inquiringly.

'It appears your father has rolled the terik ball into straight nines.'

'That's good I take it sir?' she asked.

'It is considered one of the most difficult moves in the game as the nine paddles are located at opposite ends of the table with several obstacles in between.' Spock explained.

The waitress reappeared 'Here we are, one Cardassian Sunrise and a Vulcan Brandy!' She placed the drinks on the table and glanced back at the bar. 'And don't look now but the lieutenant at the bar looks like he's about to cry.' She shot the cadet a smile Spock didn't understand and departed.

Spock inspected the drink in front of him carefully.

Uhura took a sip of her own. 'Thank you for the drink sir.'

Spock nodded but didn't look up from his glass. He turned it slowly in front of him inspecting it visually from all angles then sniffed it.

'Dare I ask what a Vulcan Brandy is sir?' the cadet inquired.

'I am uncertain myself. I noted its presence on the menu during my first visit here 3.2 standard years ago. Since Vulcan does not produce anything comparable to Terran Brandy, I have often wondered. This seemed an opportune situation to investigate.'

'It could just be Brandy laced with chocolate you know.' She observed.

'Quite possibly cadet. Although according to the description it is a 'fine triple distilled Vulcan spice brandy crafted in T'Paal' – a description which I admittedly find unlikely.'

'Well I'm curious. Try it! I promise if you start choking or burst into song I'll call medical immediately sir.'

Spock raised an eyebrow but lifted the glass and took a small sip. Uhura leant across the table with her arms crossed and stared avidly at him. He studiously avoided glancing in the direction of her chest where parts of her anatomy had been pushed forward by her posture. Although her dress was quite modest in its cut it still revealed a lot more of her skin than he was accustomed to seeing. He swallowed the small mouthful and focused on the taste. It was sweet with the bitter aftertaste of alcohol, but quite pleasantly tasted of hirat fruit and nei'yel - a spice often used to flavour Vulcan tea. He did not detect even a hint of cocoa. He took another sip.

'Well?' asked Uhura.

'It appears to be Terran style brandy made from hirat fruit infused with nei'yel spice. It is not unpleasant.'

'Hirat is a Vulcan fruit somewhat like a grape is it not sir?' she asked in Vulcan.

'That is correct. It would appear this beverage is made on Vulcan for export to planets where alcohol is consumed.' Spock replied.

'So every other planet in the galaxy sir?' Uhura teased. As always, it was odd to hear human emotion, and in this case sarcasm, expressed in his native tongue.

'Indeed.'

Uhura leant forward to peruse the menu console. Spock, aware that her attention was intent on the screen found it impossible not to let his eyes slide briefly down to her chest. Her breasts curved invitingly above the bodice of her dress. A golden torc sat above her collarbones. He recalled seeing her wear the same piece over a subspace call a year earlier. It caught the light a little as she shifted. He focused his attention on it as much to distract himself from looking lower as out of interest. It was a heavy piece of jewellery and reminded him a little of Vulcan ornamentations in its style, though its construction differed. It appeared to be fashioned from many golden strands twisted together into an elaborate pattern.

Uhura's voice broke him out of his inspection. 'Well I am curious as to what brandy made from hirat and nei'yel tastes like so I am going to order myself one.' She flipped through the cocktail menu looking for the drink in question. 'I've had nei'yel in spice tea before, but I've never had hirat. Oh!' she pointed at the menu screen 'There's something here called a 'Shi'Kahr Slammer'' She laughed and looked up to meet his eyes. 'I'm not sure I want to know what a Vulcan inspired shot would taste like…' she returned her attention to the menu ''This fiery shot is not for the faint of heart!' That sounds ominous.' Spock found the manner in which she translated the English text into Vulcan with such effortless swiftness quite impressive. He wondered if she was translating it into her native Swahili in between. 'I'm curious. I'm going to try one. Do you want one?'

Spock was curious to see if it would be a spirit distilled from some other Vulcan fruit like the brandy, but he did not enjoy 'shots' in general. They were in his experience unpleasant mouthfuls of bitter alcohol that burnt his throat. Without the ability to become intoxicated, they seemed pointless. 'I admit curiosity. Although I do not in general enjoy 'shots' I will at least inspect this beverage first hand before passing judgement.'

Uhura nodded and punched in their order.

The bar had gotten busier over the last half hour, and their new drinks took 16 standard minutes to arrive, by which time Cadet Uhura had finished her Cardassian Sunrise and was twirling the umbrella between her thumb and forefinger. Stephen and Zuberi were enjoying a close game of Dom-jot and liberal amounts of Andorian Ale. Lena Nilsson was sitting at a nearby table with a woman in a mechanics uniform. The recruits they'd played against earlier had claimed a booth in the diner section and appeared to be playing a drinking game of some sort which involved a lot of yelling and licking each other, which Spock found nauseating. Lieutenant Sparcs was still at the bar and glancing back at Uhura occasionally. Spock felt a prickle of irritation at his continued regard.

The waitress, slightly more haggard looking than earlier placed the two shot glasses and the second glass of Vulcan Brandy down on their table with a hurried 'Enjoy!' before dashing back to the busy bar.

Uhura slid a shot towards Spock and lifted her own to give it a tentative sniff. She quickly put it back down. 'Wow. That is. Strong! It's making my eyes water!'

'It appears to be a spirit distilled from yon-savas.' Spock offered with a note of uncertainty.

'Fire fruit?' The cadet was blinking rapidly in an attempt to clear her eyes.

'Indeed Cadet. Despite my curiosity, I am not certain attempting to ingest this substance would be wise.' said Spock.

Uhura smiled at him. 'I'll take one for the team. If smoke starts coming out my ears please douse me in a non-flammable liquid.'

'All we have on hand is brandy Cadet, a liquid traditionally used, I believe, to set puddings on fire.'

She paused with her shot glass near her lips and laughed. 'Don't make me laugh! This stuff is dangerous!'

Spock raised an eyebrow and remained silent.

After a moment she took a deep breath and quickly drained the glass. Spock leant forward watching her reaction avidly. Her eyes widened and watered and she raised a hand to fan herself, though he couldn't see what purpose that could possibly serve. After 3.7 seconds she began to bounce in her seat and make odd squeaking noises. At 7.8 seconds she finally swallowed and took a great gulp of air, one hand pressed against her collarbone and the other slapping the table top. She then cursed loudly in Klingon. 'Ghuy'cha!' Her accent was uncanny.

Several nearby patrons turned to stare at her. As they watched she grabbed her untouched glass of brandy and drained it in one go. After a moment she leant forward and rested her forehead against the table and began murmuring 'oh god oh god oh god...' in Swahili.

Zuberi called out into the sudden silence around the dom-jot table 'What on Earth is Nyota doing Spock?' He was striding towards the table staring at his daughter in confusion.

Spock hesitated before responding. 'She ingested something called a 'Shi'Kahr Slammer' which judging from her comment in Klingon, she did not enjoy. She then consumed a glass of brandy in 7.2 seconds in what I assume was an attempt to cleanse her palate and now appears to be…' he paused. '… praying.'

She moaned but otherwise did not move.

Stephen walked over to stand beside Zuberi. 'Those shots are like drinking chech'tluth that's been set on fire.' he said referring to a potent Klingon beverage Spock could not imagine he would have ever actually sampled.

Spock glanced at Zuberi 'Perhaps I should obtain some water for the cadet?'

Uhura nodded her head against the table and made a pleading noise of agreement but remained otherwise motionless.

Her father seemed to find the situation amusing rather than distressing. He placed a glass of Andorian Ale next to his daughter's head. 'That might be an idea Spock. In the meantime here's some ale if your mouth is still on fire silly girl.' That said he and Stephen returned to their game and Spock headed to the bar to obtain water for the cadet.

There were a large number of people waiting at the bar and it took 8.2 minutes for Spock to get a glass of water. He was surprised to find on his return that his seat was occupied.