Author's Notes: In Chapter 25, Sevat makes a move on Uhura, while Spock has embarked on a 1,761-mile train trip to Paris.

Warning: The last scene of this chapter featuring Sevat includes sex talk. If offended by such writing, you can skip it and wait for the next installment without losing track of the story.

10:03 PM, Saturday, Saint-Jacques Station, Paris Metro

As Sevat and Uhura exit the metro station and come onto the street, the East African placed her hand over her mouth as she yawned.

"Your body seems to be signaling you to bed." Sevat commented.

"Yes. I think I'm probably done for the night, although I still want to check for messages." She told him. "The Internet has got to be up in our hotel by now."

Sevat suddenly felt his communicator vibrate in his pocket. With Uhura on his right side, he quickly checked his view screen from his left to find there had been a number of attempted calls to him by Spock as well as one by another Vulcan. The calls from Spock posed little concern for Sevat, since an air traffic controllers strike made it impossible for his rival to get to Paris for another 18 hours at best. By then he trusted there would be ample opportunity for Uhura to succumb to his approach.

However, the other caller presented a different matter since it was from Sytak – another Vulcan secret agent who sent a text message for Sevat to meet with him at a nearby hotel that evening. Unable to refuse the directive, the obligation unexpectedly caused Sevat to become angered, as it would allow little chance for him to seduce Nyota that night as he had planned.

Uhura retrieved a small cellophane bag from her purse. Opening the package, she placed her hand inside to retrieve a few samples of its contents.

"Nyota . . . must you?" The Vulcan reproached her.

"Sevat, they are just dried cherries." She remarked, disregarding his tone. "I told you when I had some on the SkyJet that Dr. McCoy advised I eat them as an aid to relieving jet . . . "

Uhura covered her mouth as another yawn came over her.

"Sorry . . . I was saying they are an aid to relieve jetlag symptoms. They are a source of melatonin, an agent which studies have shown can ease the adjustment that needs to be made to one's biological clock when traveling long distances."

She reached her hand into the package, again, and popped a few more cherries into her mouth.

Uhura then asked, "Would you like some, Sevat?"

"Nyota, why do you offer me a substance that has been touched by unclean hands?"

"What?" She exclaimed, caught off-guard by his remark.

"Did you or did you not take the opportunity to clean the hand used to retrieve this fruit?"

"Well . . . no, I didn't wash it."

"Then, why would you assume such an offer would be any way appetizing?" He contended.

Uhura rolled her eyes and retorted, "Well, as my Nana would say . . . it wasn't going to kill you."

"Is that your best argument for risking the possible intake of bacteria and disease that you may have introduced into that bag?"

"Oh, no you don't." Uhura stopped in her tracks, just as they were about to reach the hotel doors. "I can't believe you are so upset about such a petty matter."

"Humans are much too lax about the issue." He remarked. "If one would just read a toxicology report on substances found on unwashed Terran hands, I doubt if we would be having this discussion."

Uhura took a step back and looked at the Vulcan with a circumspect eye. She asked, "So, what happened to him?"

Sevat turned his head at a slight angle, confused by her question. "What happened to whom?"

"That guyI spent the day with." She told him. "It really was one of the best days I've had for a while, but you seem intent on ruining it."

"The so-called guy who accompanied you for the better part of the day and I are one in the same." He declared.

"Really?" She feigned surprise.

"Nyota, you know this is true." He said matter-of-factly. "You called me adventuresome."

"Then, prove to me that quality was not given to you in error."

Uhura reached into the cellophane bag and withdrew several more cherries, which she held before him in the palm of her hand for him to take.

The Vulcan looked into her eyes . . .

He thought . . .

Is it a dare?

Or provocation?

Is she not asking me to reveal my heart?

Although it be not the Vulcan way . . .

I shall answer her call.

Uhura then saw him raise up one of his hands, which she thought would pick up the cherries. However, she soon learned it was charged with another purpose.

Sevat slid one hand beneath hers . . .

Holding it steadily . . .

And before she knew what was happening . . .

He bent his head toward her hand . . .

His lips gently taking up each of the cherries . . .

While his warm tongue tasted the fruit flavor on her palm.

Nyota gasped . . .

And pulled her hand away . . .

But, Sevat so full of desire could not accurately judge her reaction.

"Adventuresome . . . Nyota, have I still proven to be worthy of the title?" He asked her boldly.

"Sevat." Uhura began, attempting to carefully choose her words. "Why did you . . . why did you eat the cherries from my hand like that?"

"Is that not the manner in which you offered those tart morsels to me?"

"But, I assumed you would have picked them up with your fingers."

"Would not that have been a poor answer to your challenge, Nyota?" He told her.

Uhura looked to Sevat, unsure how to respond. While she was the author of the dare, she did not expect him to take such a liberty. She questioned whether she had unknowingly encouraged his ill-reply.

"Sevat, that was a rather bold move even if you were a human." She remarked.

"Then, I did pass your test."

"Pass my test?" She told questioned. "Sevat, I was only trying to convince you that on occasion it is acceptable to eat certain food without washing your hands first and avoid any major consequence."

"And, yes . . . you most certainly proved your point, Nyota."

Uhura stared at the Vulcan's indifferent facial expression unable to read anything beyond the cool façade. She thought, Maybe you're tired and overly sensitive. Sevat wasn't really trying to make a play for me, was he?

Uhura attempted to stifle another yawn. "All right, that's it. I need to call it quits for tonight. And, you should know I won't require your escort to my room."

"The thought did not enter my mind." He told her. "My objective was only to bring you to the hotel entrance. I trust you could find your way to your room without incident."

"Oh . . . yeah, right." She said, both surprised and relieved by his response. "Well, goodnight, Sevat."

"Good night, Nyota." He answered and then turned away to walk down the street.

I guess that proves it. Nyota told herself, as she entered the hotel. If he really were interested in making a move on me, then he probably would have walked me to my room and tried something there. I'm glad I misread the . . .

A cacophony of sound interrupted Uhura's thoughts as she came into the hotel lobby. Looking over to the registration counter, she saw a number of people speaking in angry tones. When she attempted to stop what appeared to be one of the hotel staff, the man's voice betrayed his frazzled state.

"Miss . . . we are doing the best we can." He said, barely stopping to speak.

"Wait a minute." She told him. "I didn't even ask you a question."

"You were going to ask about the Internet, weren't you?"

"You mean it's still not available?"

"It hasn't been available all day." He said. "A number of our guests are threatening to leave and go to another hotel."

"Maybe I can help." She offered.

"Miss, we have it under control."

"Yeah, I can see how you have it under control." She retorted.

"Our IT people have been working on it since noon. They should find a solution soon."

"What have they done so far to convince you of that?"

"They've pinpointed the problem. There is some kind of signal that is interfering with our system. Once they can identify the source, our Internet access will be back in order."

"I've been trained in techniques to identify and deter hackers." She informed him.

"And, you are . . . ?

"My name is . . ." She tried to stifle another yawn. "Uhura. I'm a Cadet with Starfleet Academy."

"A Starfleet Cadet?" He said with derision. "Well, I am Gilles Segal, the Manager of this hotel. Pardon me, but I think you would be better served if you would go to your room and get some rest."

Uhura did not take well to his condescending tone, but she wanted the Internet to come online as quickly as possible.

"Look, Mr. Segal." She told him sternly. "If you allow me to help, I may lose a little sleep. However, if you don't accept my offer . . . " She nodded in the direction of his irate customers. " . . . you stand to lose quite a bit more."

The Manager bit his lip.

"It's your choice, but make it quick." She added. "Or, I too may join the line of those who'll take my business elsewhere."

10:43 PM, Saturday, A Train Compartment

Spock, Captain Pike and Jack shared a six-seat train compartment. The Vulcan looked up from his iTablet to see Captain Pike and his son still asleep. With a few locks of his dark hair flopped over his eyes, Jack laid with his head against his father's shoulder.

The Vulcan used his iTablet to access Starfleet Academy security records to look up the SIM Card for Uhura's communicator. He then ran an app to try to locate it, but was puzzled by program's inability to find the device. Spock reasoned, Something must be blocking the signal.

Pike opened his eyes slightly to see his friend working on his iTablet. He said, in a low voice so not to wake Jack, "Tell me we have passed Sofia."

"We did so 5 hours and 39 minutes ago, sir." Spock answered. "There was a 47 minute delay in Niš; however, we appear to have made up that time. We are now only 84 minutes from Belgrade."

"And then, how much time before we get to Paris?"

"After a two hour layover in Belgrade, we shall be on our way to Paris. If all goes according to schedule, we should arrive at our destination in 17 hours, 22 minutes."

Pike groaned. "And remind me, again, why I gave up our sleeping car berths."

"You demonstrated the behavior one would expect of a Starfleet Captain when you offered to exchange accommodations with a family traveling with small children."

Pike tried in vain to change posture to a more comfortable position. "Well, next time, Spock . . . remind me not to be so magnanimous."

"You would behave no differently, sir." Spock responded.

"Ordinarily, over 5 hours of sleep is enough for me." Pike commented. "But all the train stops and commotion prohibited me from enjoying a deep sleep."

Spock noted, "The journey does not appear to have affected Jack's rest."

"This boy could sleep next to a growling Klingon targ1 and not lose a wink of sleep."

"We will enjoy a sleeping compartment after we reach Belgrade." Spock told him. "Remember, the rail officials assured us extra cars of this type would be added there."

"You would have thought transcontinental train travel would have improved after all these centuries of existence." Pike observed grumpily. "All of the major cities have high speed SkyRail service, why couldn't this service be expanded over much longer distances."

"Terran history contains many examples of the lack of foresight in creating redundant systems in case of the occurrences of a failure of inaction of one of those systems." Spock remarked. "Since SkyJets remain the preferred manner of global travel, transcontinental train travel over time retarded its development. This transportation option primarily became known for servicing tourists desiring to experience Earth's once popular mode for excursions."

"Well, I can tell you that after this trip, this is one experience I never want to relive, again." The Captain observed. "Any news of an end to the air traffic controllers' strike?"

Spock reported, "The union said they would be willing to meet with management and an arbitrator by mid-week as long as no replacements are hired in the meantime."

"That's at least a glimmer of hope." Pike replied. "Let's keep our fingers crossed this mess will be resolved by the time we get ready to leave Europe."

"Captain, I do not understand how placing our fingers in such a position will assist in bringing about a resolution to the matter."

Pike gave Spock the look. He then yawned and asked, "Did you get any sleep?"

"I acquired enough rest to be sufficient for my needs."

"What about Ms. Uhura? Did you have any luck in locating her?"

"Sir, as I informed you while we were at the SkyPort, you need not involve yourself in this matter."

"Ms. Uhura is a Starfleet Academy Cadet. If you have concern as to her whereabouts, then I should also be troubled."

"I have no proof whether there is any reason for alarm." Spock remarked. "She planned to attend a Xenolinguistics Conference in Paris in the company of Mr. Sevat. However, I have not been successful in reaching either one of them."

"Did you try contacting their hotel?" Pike suggested, "Perhaps, you could get a message to them via the front desk."

"The Internet appears to be down at that establishment." Spock answered.

"Then that explains the lack of communication."

"Not in regards to communicator use." The Vulcan retorted.

"Spock, I know this may be a shock to you, but there are times when a person can get so busy that they are not attentive to such messages." Pike contended. "After all, it is semester break. Was she expecting a call from you?"

"No, sir." He answered. "She was probably not anticipating my call."

Suddenly, Pike seemed to become more fully awake with Spock's response. "So, you're not actually involved with Ms. Uhura, again. That's why she did not expect your call, right?"

The Vulcan could not tell the Captain that Uhura did not expect his call, since he had given her no reason for such an expectation. His people would not consider these communications were necessary unless one expected or was made aware of a problem.

Spock replied, "Dr. McCoy mentioned his inability to contact Ms. Uhura in regards to a medical matter."

Pike then decided to fill in the missing part of the narrative. "And, since you had decided to go to Europe, you told him you would attempt to reach her for him. Is that right, Spock?"

Jack suddenly yawned and raised his head from his father's shoulder. "Hey . . . are we in Paris, yet?"

"Not quite." Pike replied. "We're not even halfway through our restful train ride."

Jack looked toward the window. "So, how come it's dark outside?"

"Because it's night." Pike told him.

"Oh, yeah." The teenager said.

The Captain rose from his seat. "Well, I'm going to find the little boys room. Jack?"

"Come on, Dad!" His son exclaimed. "I think I'm old enough to know when to go to the bathroom all by myself."

"All right . . . all right." Pike opened the door of the compartment to exit. "Hopefully, there's not a line."

Spock took out his communicator, again, but still saw no response from Uhura.

"Mr. Spock." Jack called to him. "How come you won't tell Dad the truth about you and Ms. Uhura?"

"When have I not told the truth to your father?"

The boy thought about the question, before replying, "All right. Maybe you haven't lied about it, but you have not told him the whole truth."

"What is the whole truth, Jack?" Spock asked him directly.

"You're still in love with her." He blurted out.

"Still in love with her?" The Vulcan echoed. "What possible evidence do you have to support this contention?"

"When we were at the Spider-Man movie, it was hard to see in the dark but Ms. Uhura was leaning on you and you did not seem to mind. I would say that's not the usual behavior for a Vulcan. In fact, you seemed to like you were enjoying it."2

"How did you not know my pleasure was not derived from the viewing of the film?"

"So, you're also going to treat me like a kid too, Mr. Spock?" Jack responded.

"I must admit you are making it difficult to do so." The Vulcan commented. "Is there any other proof left to be exposed?"

"After the film, you seemed awfully sad to see her go." Jack shared. "I could tell that you wanted to be with her real bad."

The boy's keen perception surprised and discomfited the Vulcan. He decided to bring the discussion to a close.

"Jack, your observations are rather inconclusive. They would do little to convince an outsider of their merit." Spock remarked, as he picked up his iTablet. "Now, if you will excuse me, I will turn my attention to several articles I wanted to read as a more productive way to pass away the time."

To Jack's chagrin, Spock turned his eyes to the iTablet; however, the boy was not ready to concede defeat.

Jack proclaimed, "It was the same look you had when you checked your communicator just a few moments ago and earlier at the SkyPort."

Spock turned his eyes back to the boy, wondering if emotion could possibly have been so exposed.

The boy continued, "I could tell you wanted to be with her . . . you wanted to be with Ms. Uhura real bad."

Unable to confirm Jack's discovery, Spock provided a snide retort, saying, "Jack, I believe you have found your calling as a fiction writer. You have indeed demonstrated quite an imagination."

The boy turned his head to the side to avoid showing the hurt in his eyes. However, he failed to mask the impact of the slight in his voice.

"I was just playing with you, Mr. Spock." Jack told him. "I didn't see anything at all."

Silence.

Spock attempted to return to his journal article, but the boy meant too much to the Vulcan to leave him in this state.

"Jack." Spock called to him, as he set down his iTablet on the seat next to him.

"What!" Pike's son barked, unwilling to look in the Vulcan's direction.

"I am not like you."

"I know you think of me as a kid, Mr. Spock." He remarked with disdain. "That's why you don't want to talk with me about certain things."

"You have misread my meaning, Jack." Spock told him. "I am not like you, because I am Vulcan."

"Your mother is human."

"Yes, a human served as my biological mother, but I am Vulcan."

Jack turned to him. "But I never treated you as though you were different."

"That is the point." Spock confirmed. "Like your father, you accepted me without any bias. However, the fact remains I am not human. You should not always expect me to respond in the manner of someone of your race . . . You see, I do not always possess the words or the willingness to convey what I feel."

The boy lowered his eyes, as if deep in thought. He then looked back to Spock to say, "Dad assumed you were worried about Ms. Uhura."

"You were eavesdropping on our conversation?"

"Only the part when I was just pretending to be asleep."

"It was inappropriate nevertheless."

"All right, I know." Jack paused again to regain his thought. "Dad thought you were concerned about Ms. Uhura, but you didn't tell him the whole truth . . . I mean, you didn't tell him all you were feeling."

The boy took a few moments to find the right words before he continued.

"You were scared . . . you were scared you would not be there if Ms. Uhura needed you."

The Vulcan could not speak as he thought, How is this possible? The boy is so young to possess such an old soul.3

"Why don't you tell Dad what she really means to you?" Jack urged. "I bet you he can find out what happened to Ms. Uhura. There isn't anything Dad can't do, if he puts his mind to it!"

Spock wondered for a moment if he ever displayed such blind faith in his own father. He then replied, "Your father is a Starfleet Captain. My involvement with Ms. Uhura is a violation of Starfleet policy, since I am her superior."

"That's such a stupid rule." Jack commented.

"There are legitimate reasons for the policy, Jack." Spock informed him. "Such relationships can be exploited by one of the parties; or, in some cases have undue influence on critical decisions."

"But Dad will understand."

"Captain Pike cannot hold his position in Starfleet and tolerate knowledge of this relationship." Even as Spock spoke these words, he was aware of its irony. The Captain along with others in Starfleet had previously used this knowledge when they felt it to be beneficial to the corps. Moreover, based on Spock's previous experience with women, none believed – not even Pike – that he could be committed to any woman for very long.

They do not know. Spock told himself. They do not know . . . Nyota is not just any woman . . . She is my woman . . . One taste of her fruit and one will want for nothing.

"Your father was the first I could ever call as my friend." Spock told Jack. "I will not ask him to choose between his duty and an individual desire."

"Then let me ask him." The boy offered. "I know just what to say."

"No, Jack." Spock said sternly. "If you want to do what is best for all concerned, you will follow my directive. Prove to me I have not been foolish with the knowledge I have entrusted."

The compartment door slid opened. Pike entered and then sighed as he gingerly sat down in the seat next to Jack.

The boy gave a mischievous smile and remarked, "Number 2 was a little rough, huh, Dad?"

Pike gave his son the look. He then settled his back against his seat and with half-closed eyes asked, "So, what were you two talking about?"

"Mr. Spock said I've got a future as a fiction writer." Jack commented. "He's said I've got quite an imagination. What do you think, Dad?"

"I think you need to find a career with a greater rate of success." Pike retorted.

"Like a musician?" The boy said. " During my our last music session, Mr. Spock said I'm getting pretty good with the violin."

"I stated you were progressing faster than expected." Spock corrected.

"Same difference." Jack contended.

Pike shook his head and closed his eyes. "I'm beginning to think someone has become a bad influence on my son's vocational outlook."

"Good one, Dad." Jack laughed. "Didn't you think that was funny, Mr. Spock?"

"Spock." The Vulcan interjected. "Jack, you need only refer to me as Spock."

"Now, wait a minute." Pike began to object. But, when he opened his eyes and saw his son grinning from ear to ear with pride at the Vulcan's pronouncement . . . the Captain could not find his tongue.

11:46 PM, Sevat's Hotel Room

Sevat turned on the shower and set the temperature dial as hot as it would allow.

The temperature is not quite as warm as I would desire. He said to himself. However, it will have to do.

As he undressed himself, Sevat stared at himself in the mirror wondering if he were physically attractive to her . . . to Nyota. He stared athis dark brown hair, cut close to his head in a style similar to Spock that was traditional for Vulcans of their generation. Large piercing black eyes adorned his oval face with an aquiline nose and strong, chiseled jaw. His torso appeared sculpted like an ancient Greek statue, covered by flawless olive colored skin with a slight green tint almost imperceptible by human eyes. His muscular limbs gave proof of his early morning regime of strength building and endurance exercises he faithfully executed. As for his genitals, although of average Vulcan size, he wondered if they would in Nyota's eyes appear grossly too large. He told himself, We shall see.

Yet, as he entered the shower to ready himself for the East African, he first recalled his earlier discussion with fellow Vulcan spy, Sytak at a nearby hotel lounge. His colleague initially questioned Sevat's inability to find an opportunity to check in with him at some point in the day.

Sevat answered, "A suitable opportunity did not present itself."

"Ms. Uhura remained at your side for the entire day?" Sytak asked him, barely concealing a sarcastic tone. "Did she not seek an occasion to address her bodily needs?"

"When those moments occurred, I was usually engaged with some other purpose such as making payment for a meal or obtaining directions to one of our tourist destinations."

"And, what was the outcome of today's excursion?" Sytak implored him. "Surely, you did not suffer in the banal company of a human for so long with no perceptible return."

Sevat gave his ready answer. "Ms. Uhura trusts me, now, more than ever before."

"Then, you believe she will act as our agent to learn of Cadet Rohn's scheme?"

"Have I not already made the case against fully apprising Ms. Uhura of the Cadet's ties with the Cardassians?" Sevat contended. "Since she is not a trained agent, I think it not worth risking the success of this mission by directly enlisting her service. When the time comes, I will divulge enough information to keep the operation on track without placing her in any unnecessary danger."

Sytak observed, "From the conversations recorded between she and Rohn, it is apparent he will soon make her an offer to join his conspiracy. As the daughter of a known xenophobe, is it possible Ms. Uhura may actually consent to his plan? In that case, we shall have exposed at least two traitors to the Federation."

Sevat contended, "I have observed Ms. Uhura long enough to know her incapable of harboring such abhorrent thoughts as espoused by her father."

"Then, you have heard her denounce him and his opinions."

Sevat paused, before admitting, "We have never spoken of her father or his views."

"Then how can you be so sure she is not already in league with Rohn." Sytak argued. "Perhaps, their conversations in your office are nothing but a subterfuge to retain your attention while Rohn continues to expand his web."

Sevat retorted, "If it will serve to pacify your concerns, I shall ascertain Ms. Uhura's attitude toward her father."

"We want no unexpected complications in the way of obtaining our desired end." Sytak contended. "When we have acquired enough evidence about Rohn and any co-conspirators, we will turn the matter over to the Federation Security Council."

"I am quite aware of our purpose, Sytak." He replied coolly. ""You can be assured I will not fail in exposing this plot."

Sevat stood below the showerhead to wash away all thoughts of Sytak for that evening. As he did, he took pleasure in the feeling of the hot water against his skin. He then picked up a sponge and worked up a lather with a lilac body wash. The Vulcan then took his time to clean his body carefully for her . . . for Nyota.

When he had returned to his hotel, Sevat had already come by Uhura's door to detect any signs of light. Seeing none, he surmised she had already fallen asleep.

The Vulcan told himself . . .

Although she appeared tired when he last saw her . . .

Sleep probably did not come easy to her as her desire played upon her loins waiting to be satisfied . . .

Too modest was she to make her demands on me directly . . .

But the offer of her hand told all . . .

When I sampled her gift with my lips . . .

How she gasped like a virgin . . .

And, while I know I am not her first lover . . .

My sword shall be as new to her as the sweet fruit she held in her palm . . .

And, when Nyota takes me between her dark thighs . . .

I shall allow her to dictate the course of the ride . . .

Gentle or rough . . .

Teasingly shallow or deep thrusts . . .

Dear lady . . .

I am yours to command . . .

Sevat dried his body, attentive to making himself presentable for her . . . for Nyota. Nude, he walked into his bedroom and took a small, electronic device from his bag. After turning off the lights, he moved to the door that separated his room from hers. Placing the device over the approximate position of the lock on her side of the door, it did not take long to hear a low clicking sound to signal the compromising of the security latch.

And, as he reached forward . . .

He trembled . . .

He trembled upon realizing his sword was already greedily demanding swift attention . . .

He cautioned himself . . .

Not yet . . .

You must not rush her . . .

Let her find you beside her in the morning . . .

So she may satisfy your want . . .

Quietly drawing back the door, the Vulcan slipped stealthily into the darkened room. He dared not turn on the light, as he approached her bed.

One step . . .

He slowly inhaled to fill his lungs with remnants of her scent . . .

Two steps . . .

He thought . . .

How softly she sleeps . . .

So peaceful is her state . . .

Am I not subject of her dreams?

Three steps . . .

And, he said to himself . . .

Why does this trembling return to me?

So close . . .

So close . . .

Do not falter, Sevat . . .

Do not become so anxious that you spill your seed in haste . . .

My release seeks shelter in a welcoming place tended by my lady . . .

A haven where my hot juices shall mix with yours . . .

And celebrate our joining . . .

Four steps . . .

Be still . . .

Be still . . .

Sevat advised himself in vain . . .

Breath quickening . . .

Pulse rate rising . . .

And, he knew he could not wait until morning . . .

He had to claim her . . . now . . .

It had been too long . . .

His want . . .

His need . . .

His carnal desire . . .

To bury his sword deep inside her . . .

Was all much too strong . . .

Too wait . . .

To be patient . . .

To be gentle . . .

He reasoned . . .

There will be other occasions when I will let her take control . . .

But tonight, I must take what I have long been missing . . .

At bedside, he reached down to take hold of her . . . to take hold of Nyota.

"What's this?!" He said aloud.

Startled by his discovery, he quickly turned on the light to confirm what touch had already revealed . . . an empty bed which showed no signs of being disturbed..

Nyota!" He called out desperately. "Nyota!"

Author's Note: In Chapter 26, Sevat learns why Uhura was no longer in the adjoining suite. Later, as Sevat plans his next move on the East African, Spock attempts to find a way to counter his rival as he nears Paris.

I will try to post the next chapter within 7 days.

Your comments are always welcome.

1 A boar-like beast.

2 This incident is dramatized in Chapter 18.

3 This line is inspired by a lyric from the Jason Mraz's song, "I Won't Give Up," as suggested by reader mvw.