She Is But A Child
Chapter Twenty-six & Epilogue
Not In Any Way A Child…
Nyota and Spock agreed that in addition to the written information about their joint effort, and prior to the actual demonstration of the art, the holo-vid would be submitted to the teaching board. It would include a session showing the two of them relating the origin of each of the two disciplines, how the fusion was developed and a review of Vul'U'Sa's perceived value as a new defensive art. This information would be recorded while they were standing before a black board attired in their new suits. On the board, various Vulcan and Swahili words would be written out with their definitions.
Spock would explain that the Vulcan martial art that was part of the fusion was just one of several defense disciplines that all Vulcan males were expected to master. Nyota's explanation would establish that the martial art she contributed was at one time private and known to only guild members, but in modern times, had spread outside those confines.
After spending an entire day, listening to various musical compositions it was decided that The Vulcan Symphony Orchestra's musical recording of 'Falor's Journey' would be more than suitable. The vocal rendition was several hundred verses long so there was no chance they would run out of Vulcan music. Surprisingly, the Terran recordings they found appropriate were several made by Star Fleet's Marching Band. These recordings would serve as background music.
The day arrived to start recording the holo-vid. Spock arrived at the production building ahead of Nyota. When she appeared she was wearing a brand new martial arts suit, apparently made at the same time as his. They were perfectly mated and matched once he had suited up.
Smiling brightly she said, "We look like the 'Bobbsey Twins.'"
His right eyebrow lifted.
Noticing his reaction she said, "Spock it is just an old Terran expression applicable because, although we do not look alike we are dressed alike."
Spock gave an understanding nod.
The production went on without a hitch. They were the only ones on the closed set. Spock's performance was awesome. When they got ready for the defensive set he checked out her fitting. Really, it was just a an excuse to look at her. She was graceful as a cat. The combination of Terran and Vulcan music was most appropriate. Spock thought, K'lalatar prnak'lirli , 'IDIC' the Vulcan concept of 'Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combination' was at work within the confines of their project. That principle was also the driving force behind an action he would take today that would seal his fate,
As they were reviewing the holo-vid's last segment he thought. Dakhpthak Nam-tor'ri ret na'fa tu dakh ptak (From Surak: Cast out fear, there is no room for anything else until you cast out fear).
Spock stood and said, "Sir, do you think we should include this move? It would be easy to incorporate it at the end of the very last set."
Spock stood uncharacteristically close to the dummy's side and as he spun and struck it with his foot, the dummy arced forward and one of the upper front rods struck him on the side of his head. Falling forward, he rolled so that he was facing upward. He lay perfectly still and heard a scream, and his lips curled upward as he turned his face away from Nyota.
"Spockh, Spockh, kai'! (I am here)
Feigning disorientation he said, "Qual se tu," (Is it you?)
His internal clock had determined that within a millisecond, she was by his side, cradling his head in her arms with her tears trailing down her cheeks and falling like gentle rain on his new shirt. Without thinking, without logic, without fear he reached up and performed the ozh'esta (the Vulcan finger embrace) and felt her tremble as his emotions poured into her. He then took her two arms and as he sat up he brought her into an embrace. His shields were now up, but he was still able to read her so well. She smiled through her tears and with her covered hand wiped the green blood off his forehead. There was no repulsion, he detected no fear on her part. There was a willingness, an eagerness on her face.
He gracefully stood up, bringing her up with him and brought her where she had been seated and she sat, looking up at him. Spock beheld her beauty, it was not just external, for her true beauty lay in her character, and her age in her abilities. Her external and internal beauty seeped into him like the air he breathed, and for a moment he was speechless.
Shaking himself mentally, he thought, 'Kaildth,' 'What is, is...'
Standing before Nyota, he murmured, kah-if-farr (it is time) and so he spoke,
"Nash-veh Spokh, safu t' Sarek t' Skon, -kan t' Salhar t' Vuhlkansu heh Amanda Grayson t' Terra dvin-tor u' lik'rt opilsu t' Maat Sc'chn T'Gai, kelek t' Sarek tor ya'akash ish Nyota Uhura ko-fu t' Benjamin and M'Umbha Uhura t' Shashol Bantu, Maat Wakufunzi t' United States of Africa, na'tor Spokh u' tel-tor katelau' Nyota sa-telsu eh mene beau fai'el Talyhk nash-veh K'dylar."
("I, S'chn T'gai Spokh, son of Sarek, of Skon. child of Solkar, of Vulcan and Amanda Grayson of Terra, serving as second chief of the Maat S'chn T'Gai, house of Surak, do request that "Nyota Uhura, daughter of Benjamin and M'Umbha Uhura of the Bantu Nation, the Clan Wakufunzi, of The United States of Africa accept me as her bondmate, her husband and lifelong companion, because, I cherish thee.")
Looking down at her bare feet, Nyota wiggled her toes and said the traditional acceptance, in Vulcan,
Spokh safu t' Sarek nashveh sariah tor dvin-tor. Spokh minah punar-tor. Nesh-veh tor istau tu, Talyhk nash-veh K'dylar."
"Spokh, son of Sarek, I come to serve. Your proposal (is) accepted. I do wish (it), I cherish thee.)
Her acceptance had a profound effect on Spock, it was if a dam had been breached and its long held back contents came flooding into him.
When she had looked up, at that moment, she could see the look of wonder in his eyes, free of any fear and the emotion she sees in their dark depths was readily identified as Love.
That night Spock's transmission to his mother said simply. "I and my future bondmate extend to you and my father an invitation…"
She Is But A Child
Epilogue
K'lalatar Prnak'lirli
Infinite Diversity
Infinite Combination
So it was, one week after his graduation, Lieutenant Spock was joined in marriage to his equal, Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, according to the laws of Terra and bonded according to the rites of Vulcan.
She who was now his, had first proved herself not a child with her mind. Then she had demonstrated that truth by her actions. But their wedding night allowed her body to establish the fact that no, she was not a child. And as he gazed in wonder at his wife, at her beautiful body, and heard her quiet breathing he realized that it was within these bonds that he truly understood how wrong his first impression had been, for she was not a child, but a woman, who he was now privileged to call his bondmate and wife.
A/N
Well, as Porky Pig says, "That's All Folks…" This child has been sent off to college. :0) I have truly enjoyed posting this view of our favorite pair.
Please remember, all the mistakes are mine. I'm hoping to refine my style and skill as we go on, so please bear with me.
My next posting shall be up soon-The San Francisco Saga starts out with, 'The Interior Decorator Goes to a Baby Shower'. The gang is all there aboard the Enterprise.
To all my readers, please accept my deep appreciation. As I stated before, I lost over fifty on-reviews when I had to re-post this story.
Again, watch for the next train. It should be pulling into the station shortly.
Botsey