Author's Note: Chapter 25 concludes the episode at the House of Diarmuid, which began with Chapter 23. The story then follows Uhura to Schmaltz and ends with Captain Pike's reaction to learning of the possible threat to the Starship Enterprise.
As always, your comments are appreciated.
Sitting at a small rectangular table, with closed eyes Uhura savored the taste and warmth of the tea prepared by Sevat. Nyota suddenly opened her eyes, momentarily concerned she had been too self-indulgent in her exploration. However, it did not take her long to realize she had not undergone the tea ritual alone.
Sevat . . .
Spock . . .
Their eyes . . .
Bearing down on her . . .
Searching . . .
Probing . . .
Analyzing . . .
And, yet Uhura did not shrink under their intense gazes . . .
She felt . . .
In control . . .
Powerful . . .
Erotic . . .
"Enjoying your tea, are you?" Diarmuid's words shattered the sexually charged tension amidst the table's trio.
Although the tea was made for sipping, Sevat took a hard swallow of the brew as if indulging in hard liquor. Uhura appeared embarrassed as if guilty of indecent exposure.
Diarmuid continued, against the sound of music in the background. "Sevat, I got to hand it to you. That must have been quite a pot."
Spock, although seemingly irritated by the intrusion, was able to address his Manager in a stern, but even tone.
"Diarmuid, is there a reason why you returned to this table so soon after your last visit?"
"I needed to return the credit card to Nyota's friend." The Irishman replied as he handed the card to Sevat.
"Diarmuid, I've already told you Sevat is my instructor." Uhura told him, knowing it would make little difference to the mischievous manager.
"Oh, yeah. Whatever you say, darling." He said as he winked at her. "And, what did you think of the Kreila?"
"I did not try one, yet, but I might as well before I leave." Uhura reached for one of the small napkins to pick up one of the pastries.
"Nyota." Spock spoke her name in a warning tone, just as T'Lau returned to the table. Uhura recalled how Spock had mentioned the biscuit might prove upsetting to humans, but she thought she should at least try to eat something. After all, she planned to get a drink or two later that evening and thought it best not to do so on an empty stomach.
"There was a line, as usual, for the female waste unit." T'Lau remarked. "What is the current topic of conversation? Are you pondering on the nature of existence or ruminating on the origin of matter?
Diarmuid happily quipped. "We're watching Nyota eat a biscuit."
T'Lau commented with a sarcastic bite. "How fortunate I have returned in time for such a provocative event."
Uhura rolled her eyes. While the tea ritual had unexpectedly turned into a sensual adventure, she had no intention of providing another gastronomic performance. With a conscious dispassion, she brought the Kreila to her mouth and bit down on it. Surprisingly, she found it difficult to bite off a piece.
"They're as hard as a rock, aren't they?" Diarmuid observed knowingly. "You can break off a tooth just trying to get a piece of one of them."
Uhura paid Diarmuid no mind. Earlier, she had seen T'Lau eat one and reasoned she should also be able to bite into one. With much greater force, she bit down on the biscuit hoping she would not chip off a tooth in the process, as Diarmuid had forewarned. This time she was able to break off a sizeable piece that softened much quicker than expected when it came in contact with the saliva in her mouth. As she chewed and swallowed the Kreila, Uhura noticed the Vulcans seemed to watch her as if observing an experiment.
Sevat asked, "What is your opinion of the Kreila, Nyota?"
"The biscuit became much more pliable once inside my mouth." She commented, as she set down the uneaten portion on a small plate. "It had quite a mild flavor that was almost imperceptible, at least, to my palate."
T'Lau remarked drily. "It is not a delicacy, Ms. Uhura. The ancients developed Kreila as a easily portable and durable food staple for use on long military campaigns."
"Then, would you say it is similar to a snack?" Uhura asked.
"It has a much higher nutritional benefit than the so-called food humans refer to as snacks." Sevat replied. "Since it takes longer to digest, it suppresses longer one's urge for additional food intake."
Uhura observed, "With such properties, perhaps, Kreila could be adapted by Starfleet as a food substance for our survival kits."
"You are not the first to make such a suggestion." Spock coolly replied.
Although Spock's comment seemed to beg for an explanation, Uhura knew she should not remain any longer. She took another sip of tea to counter the dryness of her mouth from eating the biscuit.
"Well, I am sorry to be the first to leave; however, I really must be on my way." Uhura told them. "I want to thank all of you for such an extraordinary evening."
Uhura rose up, unaware her formfitting cocktail dress had ridden up her thighs so it barely covered her butt.
"I can see somebody is going to be a lucky dog, tonight." Diarmuid said in a lustful tone. "I'll have your coat for you at the door."
Uhura quickly grasped the hem of her dress and pulled it down, cognizant of T'Lau's disapproving eyes. In contrast, Sevat and Spock's reactions were quite different.
Her professor stood up beside her. "I'll go with you to ensure your arrival at your next destination."
"Sevat, it is really not necessary. If I take a SkyCab to Schmaltz, I will be there in a matter of minutes." Uhura told him.
"I do not know what type of roguish behavior you are accustomed to, Nyota." Sevat retorted. "However, in a social context, you should expect better treatment."
Spock realized the slight was meant for him, but he would not give Sevat the satisfaction of believing the comment had hit its mark. Spock knew the remark did not describe his past conduct toward Nyota.
"I appreciate the pretense everyone adopted, tonight." Uhura remarked. "However, I thought it was done so to benefit my scholarly pursuits. Therefore, you should not feel obligated to escort me to a personal engagement."
Although he knew she had not made the argument with him in mind, her reasoning pleased Spock. He felt Sevat was clearly using his position in an attempt to manipulate the Cadet.
"Nyota, the performance of the right deed for any given situation is not considered a duty to be mindlessly met." Sevat countered. "I will accompany you to the establishment you have indicated, because it is the appropriate course of action to take."
Uhura knew she could have refused his offer, once again. Yet, she did not want to cause a setback in the rapport she and Sevat had built over the last two weeks. She found the language sessions with Sevat surpassed any of the instruction she had undertaken at the Academy for her professors - even her advisor, Dr. Greeley.
"All right, Sevat." She agreed, before turning to Spock and T'Lau. "Thank you for allowing me to share your table."
T'Lau quipped. "If the session in some way helped to address your ignorance on our culture and traditions, then I suppose it was time well spent."
With her coat buttoned up, Uhura shared the back of the SkyCab with Sevat. The Cadet was turned toward a side window, immersed in her own thoughts. T'Lau's last remark had not disturbed her, since Uhura had already decided the Vulcan incapable of a kind word or thought. However, she wondered why Spock spent any time with her outside of their professional connection.
Uhura questioned, Was it just about sex or did he have a deeper relationship with her stemming from their families' association? Did Spock actually feel any affection for T'Lau? If he does truly care for her, I guess I did not know him very well at all.
"Is there something of interest going on outside your window?" Sevat asked.
Suddenly aware of his voice, Uhura turned to the professor. "No, not at all."
"You have not spoken since we left the teahouse. Is my presence with you responsible for this circumstance?"
"Of course, not. Why would you think so?"
"You seemed so determined to proceed alone to your social activity. Perhaps, you may feel I have somehow overstepped my bounds."
"I must admit I felt hesitant about the possibility of offending you if I rejected your offer. However, I know I still had a choice in the matter, despite your posturing."
"My posturing? Please explain your comment."
Uhura paused. She felt she had said too much, but it was too late to take it back now. From her experience with Spock, she learned it was best to be straightforward with a Vulcan.
"You seemed to assume a pseudo Alpha male role. You told me what was going to happen, instead of asking me if I would like an escort."
"The discussion about the matter at the teahouse was, itself, unnecessary. If you had been better informed of Vulcan customs, you would have expected my escort."
Uhura was well aware of this tradition. Even on the night of the acrimonious break-up of their relationship, Spock proved steadfast in his insistence of ensuring her safe return to her dorm despite her protests.
"Is it not ironic you are a visitor on Earth, yet, you expect Terrans to abide by your practices? I hardly would think Vulcans would accommodate human customs in such a like manner on your home world."
"Vulcans are guided by logic. If the human custom proved a more reasonable option, it would be accommodated without hesitation."
"I see you chose not to voice the missing phrase in your circular argument." Uhura charged.
"Which is?"
Uhura recited in a detached Vulcan-like tone, "Vulcans will accommodate human customs proven as a more logical alternative to their own traditions. However, human customs will never prove a more reasonable option to Vulcan traditions. Therefore, it will never be necessary to accommodate human customs."
The Cadet ended her sterile recitation with a slight smile, awaiting the Vulcan's reply.
"Humans have such a peculiar sense of humor. You were making a joke, were you not?"
Uhura's grin appeared to grow upon hearing his words. Yet, she sustained an even tone when she asked, "What do you think?"
Sevat took in the East African with his eyes. Although petite, she possessed a nimble mind and strength of character he had rarely found in other humans.
The SkyCab landed near the entrance of Schmaltz. Sevat asked the driver to wait for him, while he stepped out of the cab with Uhura. The music blared so loudly from inside the club, the sound permeated the walls of the building.
"Are you sure you would like to enter this establishment?" Sevat asked. "Prolonged exposure to sounds at such a volume may cause permanent hearing loss."
"I am willing to risk it. Schmaltz plays the best dance music in the city." She answered, amused by his concern.
"If you wish, I will locate the Manager to speak with him about lowering the decibels to a more tolerable level."
"That will not be necessary, Mr. Sevat. I'll be fine."
"Mr. Sevat? I thought we have eliminated such formal addresses between us."
"It was a silly rule of the House of Diarmuid." Uhura remarked. "You were a good sport to go along with it at the teahouse. I didn't expect to take such liberties outside of those confines."
"I prefer consistency in handling such matters. Most of my colleagues at Berkeley appear to allow students to address them by their given names."
"It is not an acceptable practice at the Academy."
"I am not a member of the Academy faculty and you do not take your instruction with me on those campus grounds. Is that not correct?"
"Yes, that is true."
"Then, Nyota, why should we be bound by Starfleet protocol?"
Uhura could not find fault in his reasoning. Even as an undergraduate, there were professors who encouraged students to call them by their first names. "All right, Sevat. If you are comfortable with . . . " Uhura suddenly covered her mouth as she burped.
"I am so sorry." She apologized. "That was totally unexpected."
"Although the action is unpleasant, it is a natural bodily function."
"Sevat, did you say that for my amusement?"
"I was merely stating a fact."
"I should have . . . " Uhura began, when her words were upstaged by a rumbling from her stomach. "Oh, that was weird."
"Nyota, are you experiencing difficulties of some nature?"
"Just a little embarrassment from the fact that you heard that. I guess it's my body letting me know I haven't eaten much since lunch."
"Then you should come with me now to a restaurant where you can obtain the required substance."
"No." Uhura answered abruptly. "I'm already late."
"Perhaps, you should reconsider."
Uhura felt a little queasy, but this time she felt she could not give in to his interference.
"Good night, Sevat." She said as she turned away from him and entered the club.
At a city bus stop, Spock and Christopher Pike sat on a bench illuminated by a single lamppost. Despite the coolness of the night air, the Captain could barely suppress his hot anger upon hearing about the possible threat to the Starship Enterprise. With the imposing voice of an experienced Starfleet Officer, he questioned the Vulcan not as his friend, but as his superior.
"Are certain a Romulan spy is impersonating T'Lau?" Pike asked.
"Yes, sir. The evidence is irrefutable."
"How long have you been aware of this deception?"
"Fifteen days, sir."
"Over two weeks, Spock, and you are only now bringing this matter to my attention!"
"I knew withholding such information would be upsetting to you. However, I reasoned if I had more time, I could acquire intelligence on her actual scheme."
"Fifteen days and all you know is that she is an imposter. How do you know she has not already sabotaged the vessel? Her engineering contract concerns some of the ship's most critical components."
"Since learning of the deception, I have spent even more time carefully reviewing each element of her team's efforts. Thus far, I have found nothing to signal any treachery. In fact, the team's contribution to the Enterprise has exceeded Starfleet specifications in most areas."
"A Romulan spy assumes the identity of a Vulcan engineer because she wants to help Starfleet build a state-of-the art StarShip that exceeds are own requirements? Does that sound logical to you, Spock?"
"No, sir. She and her associates are almost certain to have resorted to murder to cover their plot. Yet, clues are virtually nonexistent concerning the ultimate objective of their nefarious activities."
"The imposter has an interest in you, Spock. She has done little to hide her attraction, even under the guise of being a Vulcan."
"Ever since I found out about the fraud and its implication concerning the Enterprise, I have given the imposter the impression the interest is somewhat reciprocal."
"Has she been suspicious of your sudden turnabout? I recall you once were intimately involved with her."
"We engaged in sexual activities, sir. There was nothing intimate about it."
"Spock, you will need to step up your involvement with the imposter. You seem to be the only key available to crack this case before the launch of the Enterprise."
"If I do not learn of anything before the launch, surely high command will delay the scheduled date."
"On what grounds? The DNA tests will be deemed invalid, since the samples were obtained illegally according to Federation law. And, you know as well as I, Vulcan has yet to admit to having a Secret Service. Do you really expect them to suddenly provide evidence that will reveal the agency's existence?"
"No, sir. However, no matter how it was obtained, would not the information raise enough doubts to cause a postponement of the launch if necessary?"
"How long have you been in the service, Spock? Do you really believe the high command will delay launch of the flagship of the fleet based on hearsay?"
Spock knew the Captain did not expect a response to his rhetorical question. The Vulcan was well aware top brass was anxious for the multi-trillion-credit Starship to be launched on schedule. Moreover, with the current proof, they could remove the imposter, but fail to identify her associates who could still pose a tremendous danger.
"When did you last see T'Lau?" Pike asked.
"Earlier this evening at my teahouse. Previously, I let her know I had an appointment to meet someone at 10. She decided to remain there to enjoy tonight's entertainment with the expectation I may return."
"Will you do so?"
"I did not encourage T'Lau to remain there. I have other plans, sir."
Spock felt Pike's eyes on him. The Vulcan knew of few others – even those of his race - who could read him as well.
"Do these other plans include Cadet Uhura?"
Silence.
Pike continued. "I thought your romantic relationship with Cadet Uhura had ended."
"It has, sir."
"Then, what is this all about?"
Silence. Then, Spock finally spoke.
"I need to speak with her."
"To what end, Spock?"
"There is some unfinished business between us."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"She will understand when what has been unspoken is revealed."
Pike saw his bus coming from several blocks away. Spock stood up with him as he rose from the bench. When the Vulcan saw the Captain's stern look, he knew Pike's words would be direct and unwavering.
"Listen, Mister. You need to understand two things. First, you will do nothing to jeopardize this mission. Second, if you really care about Ms. Uhura, you need to think about what you're doing to her. I can tell you from a human perspective that no one likes being jerked around."
"Captain . . . Chris . . . " The Vulcan confessed. "She is the one . . . I know, Nyota is the one."
"Damn it, Spock." Pike spoke with quiet intensity, as the bus pulled up to the stop. "Just let her go."
Spock stood at the stop watching the bus drive away with Pike, until he could no longer see the vehicle.
And then, the Vulcan headed for Schmaltz.
Author's Note: In the next chapter Uhura attempts to enjoy a Girls Night Out with her Academy friends, but something she has eaten disagrees with her. Guess who comes to her aid?
Your comments are always appreciated.