Touch Chapter 26 Sevat's Wound, a star trek: 2009 fanfic

Author's Notes: 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.

6:15 AM, Sunday, Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel & Conference Center

Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do . . .

Face down on the bed in a darkened room, Uhura recognized the melodious sound of the hotel room's communicator, but . . . "Mmmmmmmm," she sighed, "This bed is feeling so good."

Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do . . .

"All right . . . all right." She said as she turned her head toward the sound. Uhura raised her voice, as she commanded, "Computer . . . ready for pick up."

A computer voice stated, "You are now connected with Hotel Manager Gilles Segal."

"Mlle. Uhura," he began, "I trust you slept well."

"Almost too well." Uhura turned over on her back. "Thanks for the wake up call, but you didn't have to . . . " She yawned. "Please, excuse me. What I was trying to say is you didn't have to take the time to personally call me. I'm sure you have more pressing customer relations concerns than me."

"After what you did last night, you're our most valued guest." Segal told her gleefully. "Please tell me what I can send up for your breakfast."

"Oh, M. Segal, don't bother." She laughed lightly. "There is no way Starfleet Academy will pay for Room Service."

"Pay? Mlle. Uhura, is it necessary to insult me?" He answered. "You will be our guest for your entire stay . . . your room . . . meals . . . transportation . . . tickets to concerts and theatre. Nothing you ask for will be beyond reason."

"M. Segal, all I wanted was to get the Internet back online so I could use it." She told him. "I really didn't expect anything in return."

"Then, do this for me." He told her. "After all of the thousands of credits you saved our hotel - not to mention our reputation – I ask that you let us pamper you for the rest of your stay."

"Well . . . " She thought of his offer, as she felt her back against the plush bedding. "All right, M. Segal. It's a deal."

"Now, for your breakfast order?"

She replied, "I suppose it would be great to have a pot of Chai and a half-dozen Mandazi."1

"That's a nice start." He told her. "What else may our kitchen prepare for you?"

"That's enough for now." She told him. "Really, it is. And, don't worry about lunch, its included with my conference registration."

"Very well." Segal answered with a hint of disappointment. "A server will be at your door in 30 minutes."

"Thanks." Uhura began to sit up in her bed. "I better get ready before the staff person arrives."

"One more matter, if you will permit me." Segal said. "There is a Vulcan who has been rather insistent about learning of your whereabouts. Of course, he was told that was a private matter, even though he claims to serve as your supervisor from Starfleet Academy. His name is Sevat . . . M. Sevat."

That's strange. Uhura thought. Why is Sevat acting like he doesn't know where I am? My room is right next door to his.

She asked, "Could you please let him know I will meet him at the Registration Desk at 8 AM?"

"Of course, it will be my pleasure." He replied. "End call."

Uhura took hold of the covers and said to herself, I don't remember the bedding being this plush. I guess I was so tired last night, I wasn't too aware of much of anything.

She then commanded, "Computer . . . lights to 40%" as she swung her legs to the right in anticipation of stepping onto the floor. However, she surprised herself when her legs only found more of the bed. As her eyes adjusted to the light, she realized she had not changed out of yesterday's clothes and the bed's width was nearly four times her height.

"What's this?!"She gasped, before commanding,"Computer . . . lights up 100%!"

Nyota blinked . . .

Then she blinked again . . .

Not able to believe what was before her . . .

Her mouth dropped open in surprise . . .

Uhura found herself sitting in a king sized bed . . . a bed so large she appeared like a small child upon it. To her right, was a seating area with a sofa and recliner in front of a large flat-screen monitor.

The East African quickly crawled out of bed and on tip-toe walked about as if she might disturb the true resident of the place. She first found a marble finished bathroom with sauna, shower, sunken tub and whirlpool. Walking back into the bedroom, she turned to seek the exit but instead found a door leading to another large room. Stunned, she walked about staring at a modern living room, full bar, dinning room table for eight and complete butler's pantry.

"Nyota, this is not the room you checked into?" She told herself in disbelief. "It's the Presidential Suite!"

7:42 AM, Saturday, A Passenger Train Lounge

In the dining care, Spock had nearly run into a server with a full tray, as he sought a more private space from Jack and Capt. Pike to accept his incoming communication bearing the caller ID of Uhura. After finding a more suitable spot in a nearby lounge car, his Vulcan face could not help but betray a feeling of disappointment as he found himself the recipient of a digital recording by the East African. His dismay deepened upon realizing the message was designed for multiple recipients.

Dressed in civilian clothes, the video seemed to show Uhura in good spirits as she reported, "As you can see, reports of my demise are grossly exaggerated." She laughed lightly. "The reason why I have been MIA2is that I lost my communicator before my flight even left San Francisco. And then, to make matters worse the Internet was down at my hotel for most yesterday. So, I tried to make the most out of the situation by going sightseeing with one of my professors from the Academy."

Spock stared blankly at his communicator screen as a series of images were displayed:

Nyota and Sevat at the Eiffel Tower

Nyota and Sevat at Notre Dame Cathedral

Nyota and Sevat at the Arc de Triomphe

Nyota and Sevat at the Louvre

Nyota and Sevat at standing along the banks of the Seine

Uhura continued her narrative, "And, then to complete the evening we ate at a vegetarian restaurant called The Grenier de Notre-Dame." She sighed. "We began our meal with a bowl of miso soup with a mushroom broth. Our main course featured couscous with grilled vegetables, raisins, spices and seitan3 cooked to perfection. If that was not enough, we ended our meal with a delicious hot apple tarte topped with fresh homemade cream."

And, then she said it . . .

"We had the best time!"

"We . . . had the best time!" Spock mumbled under his breath. "We . . . as in Nyota and . . . "

The voice of a computer then interrupted Uhura's video with the announcement, "Ms. Uhura, ten minutes remain before your appointment to meet Mr. Sevat at the Registration Table."

For a moment, Uhura seemed taken aback by the reminder.

"I'm sorry. " She began. "I thought I had more time. I haven't even got to the story about how I now have the run of this fabulous suite while I'm in Paris."

Uhura then showed a shot of a quick pan about the suite as she said, "Habibah – we'll be living it up in style when you arrive here tomorrow."

The East African then pointed the camera back to herself. "Got to run now, but I promise I will send you all individual messages as soon as I get the chance. I want to apologize for worrying all of you so, but . . . "

And, then she smiled . . .

"It sure is nice to know so many people care about me."

The transmission ended.

Spock stared at the screen thinking how she . . . his Nyota was on her way to Sevat.

We had the best time! The words echoed in his ears. Is that not what she said?

Just as he began to stuff his communicator back into his pocket, the device signaled to him, again. However, this time the communication came in the form of a coded text with a pattern he recognized from a previous use. Quickly retrieving and applying the key, he read her message:

I know I might be too cautious communicating with you this way, but I was not sure if someone could pick up on this.

That 'someone' is Sevat. Spock told himself. She must not trust him.

Her message continued:

Let Dr. McCoy know that I'm all right. I've been following his instructions to the letter. And, last night I slept better than I have in quite a long time.

Another superlative . . . Spock thought, How well she functions so far away from my presence.

Then, she remarked:

Eleven messages . . . I see you left me eleven messages with the identical text . . . 'Please report on your status and location . . . Oh, Spock . . . I guess that was your way of showing your concern. I hope those messages did not take too much of your time from the lab. I know how you were looking forward to the opportunity to work undeterred by the usual issues and tasks of Academy life.

I better be on my way to the conference . . . But, before I do, I wanted to tell you something. I wanted you to know that I miss you . . . Baby, I miss you with all my heart.

The Vulcan scrolled down the view screen, but there was nothing more to see. He did not know how much longer he would have allowed his eyes to remain on the blackened screen when Jack's voice drew his attention.

"Hey, Spock." The boy said, relishing the newly granted permission not to have to use a more formal address with the Vulcan. "Dad wanted me to find you to let you know our breakfast has been served."

Still focused on Uhura's words of affection, he could not immediately find his tongue.

"Was it Ms. Uhura?" Jack asked. "Is she all right?"

"Yes." The Vulcan answered. "From her communication, she appears to be safe."

"That's a relief." Jack sighed. "I like Ms. Uhura and wouldn't want to see anything happened to her. I mean . . . nothing bad."

"Jack, I am becoming accustomed to your colloquialisms." Spock replied. "There was no need for you to clarify your statement."

Jack commented, "You must be relieved that she's all right."

The Vulcan wondered, How could he tell the boy it was not enough? How could he admit he could not be wholly comforted until he saw her for himself?

Pike's son asked, "What did you say when you told her you were coming to meet her in Paris?"

"I have, yet, to make her aware of that fact." Spock answered.

"But why?" Jack questioned. "I bet she'll be glad to hear it."

"The knowledge of my impending arrival is not something I would like to divulge to certain parties."

"I haven't told Dad anything." Jack contended. "I've kept my promise."

"Jack, it is not your father who concerns me at this time." Spock replied.

"Then, who?" The boy asked.

"Let's return to the dining room car." Spock told Jack. "We do not wish to keep your father waiting any longer."

Spock could tell his friend's son was not pleased with his response, but the boy wisely did not press him for a more relevant answer. Yet, as the two joined Pike at a table filled with their breakfast order, Spock's focus remained on Uhura. An unexpected lengthy layover in Zagreb moved back their expected time of arrival in Paris to 3:20 AM. Spock realized the time would give Sevat ample opportunity to attempt to seduce Uhura. Spock was sure making his rival aware of his expected arrival would only firm his resolve to take advantage of his Nyota.

There has to be a way to foil Sevat's nefarious intent. Spock said to himself. There has got to be a way.

6:04 PM, Sunday, Paris Marriott Rive Gauche Hotel & Conference Center

With the air buzzing with excited discussion among the conference attendees, Uhura and Sevat filed out of a crowded meeting room following the conclusion of the keynote lecture. While the East African appeared enthused by the first full day of the conference, the Vulcan wore an ill-tempered countenance. Frustrated by his inability to consummate their relationship during the previous night, the change in her room assignment made such future prospects less probable and darkened his disposition.

"Wasn't that fascinating?!" Uhura exclaimed, regarding the lecture they had just left.

"Fascinating? Nyota, please tell me you use that term in jest." Sevat commented. "You usually are not prone to utilize hyperbole."

"Well, you may not have been inspired by Dr. Matuchová's lecture, but I found it to be quite stimulating."

"Only humans would be engaged by a talk on the question as to whether expediency of an expression necessarily compromises its accuracy."4

"That was not the only topic of discussion." Uhura retorted. "He also spoke on whether lexical expediency positively correlates with pragmatic effectiveness."

"The subject was thoroughly exhausted by more competent scholars over 200 years ago." Sevat argued. "Just because most are ignorant of the work of their predecessors does not mean we should applaud those who take advantage of that fact."

"Ouch!" Uhura cried out, playfully feigning hurt. "I resemble that remark."

"Not in the least." The Vulcan commented. "During the question and answer period, your inquiry regarding the presenter's methodology proved you were not fooled by his dubious research on the matter. Still, like a slippery snake, Dr. Matuchová chose to evade your query so not to expose his tactics to his unsuspecting audience."

"Oh, Sevat." Uhura turned to him, as they reached the elevator bank. "I really wasn't trying to show him up and I thought the greater part of his presentation was quite enlightening. I only hope I will meet with a similar positive reception when I give my lecture tomorrow afternoon."

"Why should the outcome of your lecture be in doubt?" Sevat questioned. "Have I not prepared you well as your mentor on this project?"

"Of course, you have, Sevat. With your counsel, it is certainly not the content that concerns me." She responded. "However, as one of the conference's featured speakers, I want to make sure my delivery is on par with the expectations for my performance."

"Nyota, your apprehension is sorely misplaced." The Vulcan snapped. "It is an unbecoming human quality that should be avoided."

Despite the slight, Uhura stood firm before him. "It is unhealthy for humans to harbor emotions that should be expressed. And while it may be displeasing to you, I will not act as though these feelings don't exist."

"The expression of these feelings has had no effect on the condition you claim has caused you unease." Sevat contended. "Your expenditure of energy has been quite unproductive."

"That's where you're wrong, Sevat." The East African remarked. "The revelation of my anxieties is only unproductive if I don't try to affect a change in my disposition. And, I do have a solution."

"Which is?" He asked.

"I want you to listen to me give my presentation and provide feedback."

"I do not understand." Sevat told her. "Have I not already provided copious comments on your text and corresponding illustrations?"

"Yes, but it is not the same as the delivery of that content." She said. "As you know, an ill-delivered lecture can obscure the substance of one's talk. So, will you do it? Will you listen to me go through it at least once?"

Sevat looked down upon the East African's earnest face and knew he could not refuse her.

He asked, "Would you like to return to one of the conference rooms to practice?"

"I don't see why we can't take advantage of my good fortune as the venue for this task." She told him. "We could use my hotel suite. You'll see it is almost as spacious as a shuttlecraft hanger!"

Although not a believer in the concept of providence, at that moment Sevat felt destiny had smiled upon him.

"I do believe I can manage to find the time to accommodate you." The Vulcan answered. "And, I assure you when we are done, worries of your conference presentation will be placed in its proper perspective. I swear to you, Nyota, I will not disappoint."

8:49 PM, Sunday, Dining Area of Uhura's Hotel Suite

Uhura pushed away the steamer baskets. "Oh, my . . . I should have never let M. Segal order for us." She groaned as she put down her pair of chopsticks. "By the time I leave Paris, I'll be as big as a house!"

Sevat looked upon her, saying with no hesitation, "I cannot imagine you taking any other form than that which pleases the eye."

"All right, Sevat. I can take a hint." She laughed lightly, not recognizing the romantic gist of his statement. "I'll be sure to get up early to hit the fitness center."

"Nyota, shall we take our dessert to the living room?"

"You can take your dessert. I'll just finish the rest of my glass of wine." She told him as moved toward the couch with the half-filled flute in her hand.

"Shall I refresh it for you?" He asked.

"Only if you want all of your good work on my lecture to go for naught." She playfully chastised him. "Thanks to your direction, I feel really good about tomorrow's presentation."

As Uhura seated herself, Sevat brought over two small dessert plates, tongs, napkins and a small tray of pastries. He sat down on the edge of the sofa and then set the objects upon the coffee table.

Uhura asked, "Why did you bring two plates?"

"I thought you would not want me to sample these delicacies alone."

When she laughed, the Vulcan could think of few things that pleased him more than that melodious sound.

"You're allowing me to drink alone." She told him. "So, I think you'll have to handle those pastries all by yourself."

"You know it would be pointless for me to partake of alcoholic beverages. But, I do believe with these treats in such close proximity, your resolve may be broken."

"You certainly sound quite confident." She took a sip of her drink, and said, "Sorry to disappoint."

He then commanded, "Computer . . . engage fireplace and set lights to 40%."

As the room darkened and the fireplace ignited, Uhura felt a slight unease. She asked, "Why did you do that?"

"I just wanted to provide you with an opportunity to relax." He replied. "I am sure you would may want to find yourself beneath your bed sheets sooner, rather than later."

"Yes . . . of course." She replied, before remarking wistfully. "Do you know this suite contains a whirlpool? I might even park myself in there for a while and just lie back while the water caresses me . . . all over my body."

The sudden vision of a nude and wet Uhura could not help, but affect the hapless Vulcan. He took a breath in an attempt to calm his growing heat. You must not be too anxious, Sevat. He told himself. The night is still yours.

"Is something wrong?" She asked out of genuine concern, upon hearing his sudden intake of breath.

"I can find nothing wrong about this evening." He answered. "I am just experiencing a little . . . warmth."

"It seems that ought be a good thing for you . . . right?" She remarked. "I thought Vulcans usually find human environments to be in the cool side."

"Apparently, I have no such issue with it being too cool in this suite."

"The fireplace is probably making the difference." She told him, unaware of how he was taking notice of how her skin appeared even more radiant and appealing under the flickering light of the fire. How he longed to touch her . . .

No, Sevat. He cautioned himself. Tonight, you must give her the lead. The fruit will be so much sweeter if you permit her to offer the first taste.

He told Uhura, "If the heat proves too warm for you, it can easily be adjusted to suit your comfort."

"Oh, no. I don't mind." She answered. "I can only perceive a slight difference in the temperature with the fireplace going. I suppose you must be more sensitive to such changes."

Sevat gave her a slight nod, conscious of the fact his body temperature was not the only change he was experiencing. The Vulcan could feel his crotch tighten with his growing arousal. He wondered, How can she have such an affect on my being? Just to be near her stirs my loins.

Uhura settled her body back against the sofa. "Mmmmm . . . " She said as she rested her head. "It feels so good to be still for a while. I can imagine as a Vulcan you might think this as a waste of time."

"Vulcans do take time to relax, Nyota. We meditate, perform music, read literature, engage in a game of chess or find some other type of diversion to maintain the appropriate equilibrium for our mind and body."

"That's my point." She contended. "It seems as though Vulcans feel the need to always do something."

"Nyota, need I remind you that it was I who adjusted the condition of the room to accommodate such a state of relaxation."

"But you did it for me, not for you." She noted. "I mean just look at you."

"Why do you place the focus on me?"

"Sevat, you're sitting on the very edge of the couch . . . an your posture . . . it's so rigid that it actually looks uncomfortable."

The Vulcan remarked, "My posture is quite correct."

"You hardly look as if you are enjoying yourself."

"All right, then instruct me on how to give the appearance that I am taking pleasure in the moment. I am open to your suggestions."

"All you have to do is just set yourself back against the sofa." She advised, "Come on, you can do it."

Awkwardly, the Vulcan moved his body back so that he leaned stiffly against the back of the sofa. "What is your assessment? Have I met your expectations?"

Uhura shook her head and said, "Sevat, I hope this is not an embarrassing question, but . . . what if you were with a lady-friend? What would be your posture under those circumstances?"

"Lady-friend?" He questioned. "What is the meaning of that expression?"

"A girlfriend . . . or, I suppose you can say . . . a lover."

Sevat diverted his eyes as if giving the matter some thought. He then looked back to her and stated, "Vulcan men do not have girlfriends, at least, not anything analogous to the human concept of the term. A mate is chosen for us when we are but children."

"Yes, I am aware of that practice." She told him, reminded that Spock was not yet free of his bond with his contracted Vulcan mate. "But, there are circumstances when love overrules such arrangements. Is this not true?"

"Love . . . " Suddenly, Sevat eyes appeared quite distant as he turned his head away from Uhura and stared toward the flames in the fireplace. "The emotion is not unknown to our people. In ancient times, we would kill for love. It was all part of a cycle of violence and destruction that almost led to our annihilation."

"Your philosopher, Surak, taught Vulcans another way to live."

"No." He corrected her. "It was the only way for us . . . The only way we could lead ordered, productive lives was to no longer be a slave to our emotions. We would be ruled by logic, not our passions."

"You speak as though love no longer matters to your people." She argued, "I can't believe that is possible for any race."

"The emotion does come to fruition for many bonded couples." He remarked. "I saw it with my own parents. My mother and father never spoke aloud of their love for each other or make public demonstrations of their affection as is common among humans. However, you could see it . . . you could sense the passion between them."

"That's beautiful, Sevat." Uhura commented, touched by his words. "How wonderful it must have been to grow up with two parents so much in love."

He said, longingly, "Yes . . . it was . . . it was wonderful." Then, he added, "I thought the same would be true for me when I joined with my bond mate, but nothing could have been further from the truth."

Suddenly realizing, "Sevat, you're married."

"Yes." He admitted. "Married for 11 years. In the midst of the pon farr, I was able to fulfill my duty to continue the lineage of my family. However, after the child's birth, I left that household and not to come back until the blood fever compelled me to return in order to quench the fire."

"Oh, Sevat . . . I did not know." She told him, near tears. "It must have been terrible for you."

He turned to Uhura with a bitter edge to his voice. "Do not waste your tears in mourning. It is not warranted or desired."

"Eleven years in a loveless marriage . . . And, to leave your child . . . " She told him, "I just don't know how you could have done that."

"One mourns for what is lost." Sevat argued. "I lost nothing by leaving that woman, who made it quite clear she wanted little to do with me. She said she could find more joy in her fingers between her legs than she could with my . . . "

He could not finish it . . .

He could not complete the telling . . .

Of what he never had intended to reveal . . .

This wound that had been buried so deep within him . . .

This ugly, humiliating wound . . .

Was now open . . .

For Nyota to see . . .

The Vulcan turned his head . . .

And, stared before him . . .

How could he face her knowing of his shame . . .

Silence.

And then . . .

Uhura placed her wineglass on the table.

She struggled to find her voice.

Silence.

She reached over to the table and used tongs to pick up one of the pastries and place it on one of the dessert plates. She told him, "You probably think I didn't notice that you haven't tried a single one of these petit fours."

Uhura picked up the plate. "I think this one is probably my favorite. It's a miniature multi-layered butter cake covered by rich layer of raspberry icing. Don't you want to try one?"

The Vulcan turned his gaze back toward this woman, holding the sweet morsel before him.

And, as he looked upon her face . . .

He could see . . .

There was no judgment . . .

No condemnation . . .

Or pity in her approach . . .

Instead . . .

This woman . . .

Nyota . . .

Adorned her face with a pair of kind eyes and a gentle smile . . .

Sevat asked himself . . .

How is this possible?

Despite the unpleasantness that has been revealed . . .

She is not repulsed, but has opened her heart to me . . .

What type of woman can this be?

"Last night, you presented your offering within your hand." Sevat noted. "Why do you now bear your gift upon such a sterile vessel?"

Uhura's eyes widened, taken aback by his question. "If you will recall you nearly had a heart attack last night when I initially offered you the cherries by my hand? I believe you made some comment about not wanting to take the risk of dropping dead from some horrific pestilence that I may have harbored upon my fingertips."

"Yet, in the end, did I not look fate in the eye and eat from your hand?" He commented. "Indeed, my presence here provides living proof I have passed the test. Apparently, my exceptional constitution permits me to withstand any misfortune that may come from your unsanitary practices."

The East African regarded him warily. "So, let me get this straight. You actually want me to pick up this petit four with my hand and give it to you?"

Sevat told her, "If it is your desire for me to sample this confectionary, then I would prefer the before mentioned method of delivery."

Uhura studied Sevat momentarily thinking, He has got to be kidding me. Still, little time passed before she lifted the cake from the dish.

The Vulcan remained firm as he waited patiently for her to bring the morsel to his mouth . . .

Now . . .

Only a few inches away . . .

The Vulcan parted his lips ready to accept the sweet, brown confection . . .

For it was not the pastry that was making his mouth water . . .

But the chance to suck upon the slender fingers that carried it . . .

He told himself . . .

Do not worry, Nyota . . .

I shall not be selfish tonight . . .

After I have had my fill . . .

I will lend my own digits to be received in your mouth . . .

And you may suck upon my flesh as this evening's long awaited appetizer . . .

To our feast of carnal delights . . .

But, then . . .

Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do . . .

As Sevat saw that the sound of the suite's communicator had taken Uhura's attention, he quickly advised her hastily, "You should ignore that ill-timed intrusion, Nyota."

Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do . . .

"It might be important." She retorted, to Sevat's chagrin. She placed the petit four back on the dish and said, "Computer . . . ready for pick up."

A computer voice reported, "Mme. Uhura, you are now connected with the concierge desk."

"Mme. Uhura, this is M. Chen. I have several guests here requesting permission to visit with you . . . Mmes. Shaniqua Washington, Yasmin Temiz, and Habib Mungai."

"That's Habibah, not Habib!" Uhura could hear her friend correcting the staff person.

"I'm sorry, Mme. Uhura, it is Habibah Mungai who is one of a party of three requesting permission to gain access to your suite. May we escort them to your suite?"

"Of course, please do." She answered gleefully. "End call."

Uhura rose off of the sofa and commanded. "Computer . . . lights up to full . . . fireplace out."

She then turned to Sevat and was taken aback by an uncharacteristically pained look on his face.

"Sevat." She called to him. "Sevat, are you all right?"

9:03 PM, Sunday, Passenger Train Lounge

Spock sat across from Capt. Pike and Jack as they played a game of multilevel 3-D chess. Pike began to reach his hand up to move one of the pieces, when his son spoke up.

"Not the bishop, Dad." The boy warned. "If you do that then it will leave our King vulnerable."

"There does not seem to be a better alternative." Pike remarked. "Any move we make will leave us open to checkmate."

"There's got to be at least one option left." Jack commented.

"How do you know that?" The Captain asked.

"Whenever there's no hope for us," Jack observed, "he shifts in his seat as if he's getting ready to end the game. Isn't that right, Spock?"

Spock's eyebrow arched up, betraying his surprise. He then remarked in a cool tone, "Jack, I do believe you would be better served if your focus was trained upon the game board, instead of my person."

Jack laughed. "You see, Dad. We still have a chance."

Spock felt his communicator vibrate. He retrieved it from his pocket and read the text message:

We're in. And, yes, he's here just as you thought. But, he won't be for long. I'll see to that. Habibah.

The Vulcan put away his communicator, just as Pike moved one of the knights to another level. Without contemplating his opponent's action, Spock moved his queen from the third to second level.

"Checkmate." Spock tersely said.

Pike threw up his hands, as Jack shook his head in resignation.

The Captain commented, "Well, after eleven straight losses, I think we've had enough for tonight. Don't you think so, Jack?"

"Dad, I was ready to give up after the third game." The boy retorted.

The Captain looked over to the Vulcan and saw what appeared to be a slight smile on his friend's lips.

"Well, Spock . . ." Pike good-naturedly observed, "I've never known you to gloat about winning. Perhaps, our human ways are rubbing off on you after all."

But to Jack, the so-called smile was more of a smirk – definitely a more Vulcan-like expression than what his father had interpreted. And, Pike's son was sure Spock's self-assured expression had nothing to do with the chess pieces before them. For even now, Spock seemed to have left them and found his pleasure in something the scientist could not measure or calculate.

It was the thought of his woman . . .

His Nyota . . .

That lightened his heart and brought the glint to his eyes . . .

And, sweetened the promise of what lay ahead for him in the City of Light.

Author's Note: In Chapter 27, Sevat tries to endure the presence of the Precious Ones, unexpected visitors to Uhura's hotel suite. The next morning, Uhura finds a surprise in her bed.

Your comments are always welcome.

1 Mandazi are East African donuts.

2 MIA is an abbreviation for Missing in Action.

3 Seitan is a protein-rich food product made from wheat that can take on the flavor and texture of meat.

4 This is one of the topics of Dr. Klára Matuchová's 2010 doctoral dissertation, "Language Functions in Identity Negotiation."