Author's Note: Chapter 29 is the continuation of a storyline that began with Chapter 28. Occurring during Uhura's second year as a Starflet cadet, this chapter involves Uhura, Spock, and the Vulcan' mother – Amanda Grayson.
Your comments are always welcome.
Spock sat at a table set for three in a small, but galactic-class vegetarian restaurant in the historic Haight District of San Francisco. Sitting stiffly with his hands resting on the table, he had positioned himself to see the women as soon as they entered the dining room.
Spock checked his chronometer. With reservations having been set for 7:00 PM, the women were already late by 7 minutes, 45 seconds. While the Vulcan knew this was still in the range of timeliness for most humans attending a social function, he still found himself to be uncharacteristically unsettled. He wondered, What sensation am I experiencing? Is this . . .
Spock's thoughts were interrupted by the sight of Amanda and Uhura as they entered the dining room led by the maître d'. Unencumbered by the restrictive and conservative style of Vulcan women's apparel, Amanda seemed ten years younger in her knee length cocktail dress. Although sporting a high neckline, a keyhole opening added enough tease to be on the respectable side of sexy. Her chestnut colored hair fell about her shoulders and moved in complement to her graceful steps.
Uhura . . . Nyota . . . was a different matter. Only two weeks had passed since he last saw her . . . and, yet . . . seeing her . . . I missed you, Nyota . . . I missed you. With an impassive face, his eyes took in this young woman in the teal, strapless cocktail dress with her finely braided hair caught up in a comb delicately placed on the back of her head. He reflected, I like what I see.
When Spock rose to greet them, Uhura realized her destination and stopped in her tracks. She thought, It couldn't be!
Amanda jokingly whispered to the cadet, "Don't worry, he won't bite."
Suddenly realizing, Uhura turned to the older woman and spoke as low as possible. "You're Amanda Grayson, the famed cultural xenologist, wife of one of the most esteemed men of the 23rd century – Ambassador Sarek, and mother of the only Vulcan to graduate from the Academy and serve as a Federation officer. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I told you my name is Amanda. Did anything else matter?" Amanda's smile helped to calm her. Uhura closed her eyes and took a breath to release the tension that had paralyzed her body. She felt Amanda's arm wrap around her shoulders.
The maître d' asked, "Madam, is everything all right?"
"Yes." Amanda told him as they continued to walk toward the table. "Everything is fine."
Uhura looked up to see Spock coolly observing the women's actions. If Sarek had been present, he would have found such a public display of touching highly distasteful. However, when not on their home planet or in the company of his people, Amanda unrepentantly placed her hands on others without thought to usual Vulcan behavior.
After the maître d' seated the women, Spock took his chair. Uhura only briefly allowed her eyes to set on him as if to make sure Spock was really at her table.
Amanda spoke first. "Good-evening, Spock."
"Mother. It appears you've had a busy day."
Amanda held up her arms in an exaggerated pose. "Do you like it?"
"The question is will father like it?"
Although Amanda did not respond verbally to her son, the mischievous glint in her eyes provided the answer. She knew in the morning, she would dutifully don the clothing appropriate for the wife of the head of the Vulcan delegation. However, for now she had other plans. When her husband returned to their hotel room that evening after her diplomatic briefing, Amanda looked forward to testing the effect of her appearance on Sarek's libido.
"Oh, my . . . " Amanda suddenly said hurriedly. "Where are my manners? I forgot to introduce Nyota."
"There is no need, Mother. Ms. Uhura and I are acquainted with each other."
Uhura added. "Last semester, Mr. Spock served as the instructor for my ethics class last semester."
Amanda quipped to Spock. "Is that right? Then, I'm sure Nyota was one of your star students." The comment caused Uhura to slightly turn towards her new friend with a "I know you didn't" look. Indeed, Amanda almost made Uhura regret telling her the meaning of her first name. Luckily, Spock did not seem to catch on to the wordplay.
"Ms. Uhura's performance was exemplary when compared to her other classmates, but the lot overall seemed to lack the intellectual drive to do more than to . . . What is the phrase humans use? Oh, yes, I remember. They lack the intellectual drive to do more than to get by."
Amanda retorted, "Perhaps, it is a reflection on the ability of the instructor to inspire."
Spock chose not to react directly to his mother's implied slight.
"You mean entertain." Spock commented. "Humans do not believe they can learn without being entertained. If they had to adopt the Vulcan system of learning pods, few would possess the discipline to master it."
Uhura felt as if bound by a straight-jacket. She wanted to respond to Spock's comments, but she thought it would be rude to do so in the presence of his mother. She cast her eyes down hoping the evening would soon be over.
Amanda noted the change in Uhura demeanor. Gone was the lively, headstrong young woman with whom she had enjoyed spending the day. Amanda wondered what could possibly be beneath the surface.
"Nyota, what is your take on Spock's assessment of human attitudes toward learning?"
"Professor Grayson, Mr. Spock is my superior officer and I am also a guest at your table. It would not be appropriate for me to openly express my opinion on the matter."
Amanda spoke her words gently, but firmly. "I didn't invite Cadet Uhura to dinner or one of my former students. I invited the lovely young woman who I thought had become my friend. And, my friends do not call me Professor Grayson. As for Spock . . . " She looked towards her son. "I am sure for a few hours he can forego the expectation of Academy formalities to allow you to speak freely. Am I correct, Spock?"
Although phrased as a question, Spock knew by the slight edge in her voice Amanda was not giving him a choice. "As you wish, mother."
Despite her best intentions, Amanda did appear to take on the professorial role. "All right. Now, Spock, repeat your comment, so Nyota may respond."
In his mind, Spock questioned the purpose of the exercise; however, he did comply."I stated that humans do not believe they can learn without being entertained. If they had to adopt the Vulcan system of learning pods, few would possess the discipline to master it."
When Uhura hesitated to answer, Spock surmised, she did not have a pertinent response.
"Ms. Uhura, it appears my mother unintentionally placed you in a difficult situation. She assumed you had a ready retort, but apparently her supposition was incorrect."
"No, sir. You are the one who is mistaken." Uhura stated unwaveringly. "I hesitated in order to find a more tactful way to say your arrogant comment lacked any semblance of profundity."
"Please explain." Spock said brusquely.
"In general, humans and Vulcans have different learning styles which call for differing pedagogical approaches. Who doesn't understand that? And while there are some who just do enough to get by - you disparage myself as well as most other students by painting your brush much too broadly. What you characterize as the human student's desire to be entertained is actually a need to be engaged.
"Ms. Uhura, are you aware that among humans, alone, on average there are 654.3 applicants for every cadet position at the Academy?"
"Yes, sir. I am aware of that statistic."
"Is it not your understanding that those who enter the Academy do so voluntarily after a comprehensive vetting and interview process?"
"Yes, sir. That is correct."
"Is it not true one of the major tenets of the Academy is that cadets must have a commitment to learning and are willing participants in the education process."
"Yes, sir."
"Then is that not sufficient reason for engagement on the part of these students, no matter what approach to learning is employed."
"Mr. Spock, is it not a concern of faculty to choose the most effective methods which best create a setting most conducive to the learning of students?"
"Yes, that is a concern."
"Is it not true humans constitute nearly 89% of those serving as cadets at the Academy?"
"88.3% to be exact."
"Are you not a member of the Academy faculty, Mr. Spock?"
"Ms. Uhura, that fact is clearly evident."
"Then, as a faculty member concerned about the utilization of the most effective pedagogical approach to learning, should you not employ one which best serves the majority of the students under one's guidance. Since the overwhelming majority of the cadets are human, then it would only be logical for a concerned faculty member to understand these students would learn best where the teacher has fostered a nurturing relationship within a safe environment built on a foundation of mutual respect. Students need to be engaged, Mr. Spock. They need to experience that connection."
Spock suddenly found himself speechless, unable to refute Uhura's flawless logic. It took Amanda to finally end the silence that followed Uhura's last statement. "Wonderful!" She exclaimed. "Is there anything more stimulating than intellectual discourse?"
Although his mother's question was rhetorical, an answer did quickly come to mind. Spock was very much aware of his growing hunger for this woman . . . Nyota.And, intellectual discourse, alone, would hardly satisfy it.
While pleased with her ability to match words with Spock, Uhura did not gloat. Instead, she marveled at how comfortable she felt being with the Vulcan and his mother – a woman she had just met that day. An easy smile came across her face as she rested her back against the chair. She thought, I can get used to this.
Several waiters came to the table bearing serving dishes of vegetarian cuisine, while they filled glasses with pomegranate juice and water. The headwaiter then turned to Spock and asked, "Is there anything else we can do for you, sir?"
"All appears to be as I ordered."
As the wait staff took leave of the table, Spock began to serve his mother's plate first, placing what appeared to be sample portions of each of the dishes. Amanda noted Uhura's bemused expression.
"Nyota, you look a bit bewildered."
"I realize I am your guest; however, I've never been out to dinner where someone else took the liberty to order for me." Disregarding her statement, Spock began to serve Uhura. "I've also never had anyone serve my plate as if that person can assume to know what I want." Although her last statement had an edge, it did not deter Spock from his task.
"I'm sorry, Nyota." Amanda began. "I thought since you're in the field of xenolinquistics, you would appreciate experiencing Vulcan dining traditions. I had used my communicator while we were at the shop to let advise Spock on the expectations for the evening. I should have shared those plans with you."
Now realizing Spock had not acted alone, Uhura quickly apologized to Amanda. She added. "Of course, I would like to learn about Vulcan culture as much as I would about the traditions of other non-Terran civilizations. I'm embarrassed I did not recognize it as such."
"How would you know? Does the Academy offer courses in Vulcan culture?"
"Just one course. It's taught by my advisor, Dr. Greely."
"Jacqueline Greeley? She's earned a doctorate?"
"Yes. Do you know her?"
Amanda hesitated in order to choose her words carefully. "For a period, I served on her dissertation committee. I didn't know she had completed her work, she I was unexpectedly replaced by someone else." She then added. "Dr. Greeley's course must be quite interesting." Spock could hear a slight sarcastic tone to his mother's comment, but he decided not to pursue it. Not yet.
Spock completed serving his plate and then looked toward Amanda. "It is done."
Uhura did not see anyone pick up utensils. She waited, deciding to take Amanda's lead.
Amanda commented. "The tradition of having the male order and serve the meal is quite ancient. It harkens back to the days when men would grow, harvest and prepare the food for the household. Even in our modern times, male Vulcans often excel in the culinary arts since their palates have become quite discerning."
Uhura reflected. "It just seems to me there would be a lot of wasted food. How would the male always know specifically what other family members or guests would want at a particular time?"
"As you can see, Spock placed only a small amount of each item on our plates. After tasting, you are free to obtain more of that food which pleases you. As a consequence, this leads to less, not more waste."
"Mother." Spock called to her. "It is done."
Amanda continued to speak to Uhura. "My son not so subtly reminded me I have not given permission to eat. You see, Nyota, although men often are responsible for the food, women manage the household. Therefore, males defer to women to give permission to begin the meal, even when eating in public places." Amanda took both Nyota and Spock into her sight as she exclaimed, "Kal-tor palikau."
As soon as she saw her dinner companions pick up their forks and knives, Uhura bowed her head to say a silent grace. Amanda, who had seen Uhura do the same at lunch, paused to allow the cadet the moment of silence. Spock also paused, but more out of curiosity than respect. While it was not the first time he had seen someone practice this ritual, it was still rare to see such a display in public.
When Uhura completed her prayer, she looked up and noticed neither Spock or Amanda had started to eat. "I'm sorry. I should have asked you not to wait for me."
Amanda smiled and nodded as a sign for them to begin to eat.
Uhura tasted one of the samples and commented, "Well, Mr. Spock, I can't say I disagree with your choices, thus far. The food . . ."
"Ms. Uhura." Spock interrupted her. "During a traditional Vulcan meal, it is impolite to speak while eating."
"Mr. Spock, I'm certainly not speaking with food in my mouth. I am careful to swallow before I talked."
"Nyota." Amanda intervened. "He means, Vulcans do not speak during the time the main course is served until everyone has been satisfied. They believe one should focus on the food in order to better experience it . . . not just the taste, but also more fully experience the sight, smell and texture."
"I see." Uhura replied, again, feeling embarrassed and ignorant.
"Of course, when I married my husband, I vowed to live my life as a Vulcan. For over three decades, I remained steadfast to that pledge, deviating only on a few special occasions. However, kling akhlami buhfik." Amanda smiled as she indicated her current Terran attire. "But Nyota, you have made no such a vow and following such traditions may prove too awkward for you. In mixed company, we are always willing to make accommodations. So, if you desire to continue to converse during our meal, it will be no problem for either of us to do so. What is your wish, Nyota?"
Uhura did not hesitate with her answer. "I would like to continue to experience these Vulcan traditions. In my field, the cultural knowledge of a particular race is as important as learning the language of that people. I had a professor who once said . . . "
"Ms. Uhura," Spock interrupted her, again. "May we now enjoy our dinner?"
Uhura stammered. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to run off at the mouth like . . . " Realizing her continued breach of Vulcan decorum, she gave a slight discomfited laugh. Amanda touched the younger woman's hand lightly to reassure her, before they resumed eating.
In an attempt to avoid further errors, Uhura focused on her meal. After a few bites, she realized how the food did seem to take on a more substantive dimension. None of the dishes at this urban vegetarian restaurant were foreign to her. Yet, by consciously using her senses to deepen the experience, she almost seemed to be tasting this type of cuisine as if for the first time.
Although Amanda also enjoyed her meal, she became distracted as she caught Spock catching glimpses of Uhura. As time passed and the East African woman appeared not to look up from her plate, Spock became bolder by lengthening his gaze upon Uhura, while unaware of his mother's observant eye. It did not take her long to recognize what the carefully tended façade attempted to hide.
As Uhura ate, she gradually sensed herself being watched. The younger woman slowly raised her eyes to view the Vulcan, who appeared to be attentive to his food. She returned her eyes to her plate, but soon felt the presence once again. She quickly looked up, but Spock seemed not to pay her any attention. Uhura decided to now set a trap by fixing her eyes upon her plate until she felt eyes upon her, again. She patiently waited to lull the spectator into a false sense of security before she would catch him in the act.
Just a little while longer . . . a few seconds more. Uhura said to herself. Now! However, although she abruptly raised her eyes, Spock seemed to be in a world to himself.
Refusing to doubt her instincts, Uhura now glared at the Vulcan who now ate the remainder of his meal at a snail's pace. He steadfastly kept his focus to himself until eating his fill, signaling his satisfaction by laying his utensils carefully across his plate. He then raised up his eyes to take in his dinner companions, while bearing an unmistakably smug look on his face.
Amanda bit down on her lip to suppress her laughter at the show. Since Uhura appeared as though she would eat no more, Spock's mother broke the silence as traditionally expected of her.
"Son, I believe we are ready for our tea and dessert to be served."
"Mother, unfortunately, we will need to make due with only dessert for our final course. When I ordered our dinner, the headwaiter assured me they had an extensive collection of fine teas. However, when he brought over samples for me to examine . . . " Spock paused as if to prepare the listeners for shocking news. "All of the so-called teas were contained in bags. Upon closer examination, the contents were not actually teas at all, but were of the herbal variety composed of various dried flowers, seeds and roots."
Amanda shook her head as in disbelief, while Uhura did not appear to understand the reason for concern. The cadet chose not to show her ignorance by asking about it.
Spock signaled for the headwaiter, who then ordered his wait staff to clear Spock's table. The headwaiter asked the Vulcan, "May I offer you and your guests any dessert, sir?"
"When I spoke with you earlier, I believe you mentioned your establishment carried pla-savas."
"Yes, sir. In fact, we received a shipment of pla-savas from Vulcan earlier, today. May I bring you a serving, sir?"
"Yes, please do."
"Pla-savas, Spock?" Amanda asked.
Picking up on Amanda's questioning tone, the cadet did not know why Spock's mother seemed to express concern about his choice. However, the Vulcan's next comment ignored his mother's uneasiness.
"The importation of the fruit has only been made possible as of late by a lowering of tariffs on the product."
Amanda rose up suddenly and eyed her son warily. "I believe I'll go freshen up."
Part of Uhura wanted to follow her, but something within the East African woman compelled her to stay put. Still Uhura asked, "Would you like me to accompanying you?"
Amanda reflected for a moment as if considering her response. "No, I do believe this is my cue to exit.
Both Spock and Uhura waited until they were sure Amanda was out of earshot before either one of them spoke. The Vulcan began the volley.
"Judging from your expression when you entered the dining room, you appeared surprised when you realized you were headed to this table. Am I to believe you spent most of the day with my mother, but did not realize her relationship to me?"
"Am I still allowed to speak freely, sir?"
"Yes . . . yes . . . of course."
"It is irrelevant what you believe to be true, sir. The fact is your mother introduced herself by her first name only."
"You share a related field. Surely, you must have come across her image when studying her work."
"Unlike the Terran clothes she wore today, the images I've seen of her usually depict a woman clothed in Vulcan attire including some sort of headdress."
"She was not wearing a mask."
"Mr. Spock, the usual participant on the Academy tours is usually the parent of a plebe. I certainly did not expect the mother of a former cadet who served years ago."
"Years ago, Ms. Uhura?"
The cadet sat back against her chair knowing she has hit her mark. "It has been a long while since you were a cadet. Isn't that right, Mr. Spock?"
"You make me sound . . . ancient."
"Relatively speaking, I suppose you are." She said coolly.
"There could not be more than six Terran years difference in our ages."
"Six years?" She feigned surprise. "That much?" Uhura fixed her eyes on the Vulcan. As if she had taken lessons from her former instructor, the cadet did not change her impassive expression. She sighed with unmistakable satisfaction, as she felt quite pleased with the way she had handled him.
Silence found a place between them, but Spock was not ready to throw in the towel. He not only returned her gaze, but also allowed his eyes to roam freely about her upper torso.
Finally becoming uncomfortable, she finally broke the silence. "Mr. Spock, what are you doing?"
"I was just noticing the bodice of your dress."
Suddenly becoming self-conscious, she looked down to see if she had spilled something on it. Seeing no stain, Uhura asked, "What about it?"
"The cut of the top of the bodice."
Uhura tried to subdue any hint of anxiousness when she spoke. "It's a strapless dress, but I don't understand what you mean to imply by your comment." While the bodice fit snuggly against her body, the cadet knew her dress was quite conservative as it did not show any cleavage or any part of her breast.
"Is it not January, Ms. Uhura?"
"Of course, it is January, Mr. Spock."
"Yet, you chose to wear an outfit which bares your shoulders."
Uhura paused as she reflected on his statement. Then she spoke. "Sir, are you questioning my judgment?"
Spock stated in an unaffected tone, "Ms. Uhura, I am only making an observation."
"I did wear a jacket to the restaurant and, the facility is temperature controlled."
The two were unaware of her approach as Amanda returned to the table. Having overheard part of Spock's last statement, she asked, "Are you two talking about temperature?"
"Yes, mother." Spock said impassively, but with his eyes still on Uhura. "Apparently, it is rising."
Amanda took notice of Uhura's not too subtle glare at her son, while Spock returned her look with an impenetrable poker face. "I seem to have missed part of the performance." Spock's mother quipped. "That's what happens when one arrives late to the second act."
The arrival of pla-savas broke the duo's attention on each other. Served on one platter, the blackish blue fruit resembled an oversized pear that had been cut in half. After the dessert plates and dessert forks were distributed, Spock excused the wait staff and began to cut the fruit into sections.
"Mother?"
"I believe I'll pass." Amanda replied, but then turned to Uhura. "Nyota, have you ever tasted pla-savas?"
"No. I'm sorry to say, I've never even heard of it."
"Then, by all means you should have some for instructional purposes." Spock told her as he placed several slices on Uhura's plate, before serving himself.
Amanda added. "I'm sure you'll be happy to know there is no ban on speaking during dessert."
Uhura gave a relieved sigh and picked up her fork, but hesitated. "It has an usual color."
Spock lectured as if in a classroom. "While blue is not a color that naturally appears in Terran foods, this hue is not uncommon in fruits on Vulcan. As this specimen ripens and intensifies its sugars, the value of its color lowers until it is nearly black in appearance. Consequently, the darker the fruit, the sweeter its juice."
Uhura laughed lightly.
"Did I say something humorous, Ms. Uhura?"
"No . . . no, Mr. Spock. It just reminded me of a saying shared with me by an African American friend of mine. She'd tell me, The blacker the berry, the sweeter the fruit*."
Neither Spock nor Amanda immediately responded.
"It's metaphorical."
"Many saying are so, but it has no significance to the hearer who does not understand the context for it meaning." The Vulcan asked, "Do you wish to enlighten us?"
Uhura reflected on it for a moment, but decided it was not the time to initiate a discussion on Terran racial history. "I think it would be wiser if I just sampled this fruit."
The fruit cut easily with her fork. The cadet placed a piece in her mouth and bit into it. Although it appeared to have the consistency of soggy bread, the juice seemed to explode in her mouth. Surprisingly, some of the blue juice escaped and trickled down her chin.
Amanda laughed good-naturedly as Uhura quickly dabbed her chin with her napkin. "It's so sweet and juicy." She remarked as she cut another piece. "Hopefully, this time I can eat it without drooling like a baby."
"Place it back a little further on your tongue." Amanda advised.
Uhura did so and smiled as she successfully contained the juice in her mouth. Then, she noticed Spock's fork still on the table. She asked, "Is there a reason why you're not eating, Mr. Spock?"
"Traditionally, females at the table sample the fruit, first, to determine its suitability."
"Mr. Spock, what do I know? It seems fine to me. Please eat."
Spock obeyed her directive, cutting a piece with his fork and placing it in his mouth. He openly allowed his eyes to take in Uhura as he held the fruit in his mouth. Then, instead of chewing, he seemed to swallow the section whole. His inexpressive face gave no clue to his enjoyment.
"What did you think, Mr. Spock?"
He paused for a moment as if forming a considerable opinion. Yet, he simply commented, "I found it to be quite satisfactory."
Uhura sampled another piece as Spock did the same. Amanda watched the pair with amusement.
The cadet commented to the older woman, "To be honest, I'm surprised at how much I am enjoying this, especially after you seemed a bit wary when you learned of Mr. Spock's selection."
"You should not have let it trouble you. The cultural xenologist in me cannot help but think of the historical context of things."
"This fruit had significance in Vulcan cultural history?" Uhura asked as she forked another section.
Spock eyed his mother, but she was undeterred. "In ancient Vulcan history, well before Surak and the Time of Awakening, the people considered pla-savas a sacred fruit known for containing certain properties."
"What sort of properties?"
"Mother." Spock intervened. "I see no reason to expound on a myth which has never been subject to scientific study to prove or disprove its basis."
"Did you not say Nyota should experience this fruit for didactic reasons? Should she not understand the cultural context to more fully appreciate it?
"She has already expressed her pleasure. The effect of her knowledge of this obscure footnote in Vulcan cultural history would be negligible."
Uhura knew she could not make any demands. After all, earlier she had evaded explaining the meaning of the African American expression. Still, she was extremely curious. "Please." She said, "I would like to know about the fruit's mythical properties?" She popped another piece in her mouth and held it this time in imitation of the Vulcan.
Amanda smiled broadly in the direction of her son as if daring her son to answer.
"Very well." The Vulcan replied, but then turned his attention to Uhura as she slowly allowed the fruit to begin its slide down her throat. "My ancient ancestors considered it to be an aphrodisiac."
As she heard the words, Uhura felt her throat constrict around the fruit. Amanda asked with concern, "Nyota, are you all right?"
Uhura shook her head in the affirmative and grunted. Amanda handed her a glass of water as Spock watched impassively.
The Vulcan commented, "As long as she can make a sound, Ms. Uhura is not in any danger."
Amanda shot a glare at Spock as Uhura took sips of water, until she finally cleared her throat. Amanda then asked gently, "Are you all right, Nyota?"
The East African woman nodded and managed to say, "I'm fine, Amanda."
"Are you sure?"
She nodded again. "Now I can see why Vulcans rather not speak during their meals." Uhura's attempt to make light of the matter only evoked a weak effort to smile by Amanda who still seemed concerned about the cadet's well-being.
And . . . although she did turn toward him . . . Uhura knew . . . Spock's eyes had never left her.
Author's Notes:
Translations:
Kal-tor palikau= Let it commence.
kling akhlami buhfik = nobody's perfect
*The phrase, "The blacker the berry, the sweeter the fruit," is an African America response to the denigration of people with darker skin color. The comment served to affirm the desireability of those who did not fit Caucasian standards of attractiveness.
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