*Spock*

A week passed and things returned to what had become 'normal' for Spock - which was very different to the life he had grown accustomed to since his departure from Vulcan over 8 years previously. Despite his claims that a human could not match the control of a Vulcan, he found it was more often than not he that gave into his desire to be near his bondmate. He found their proximity and enforced separation in a way more distracting then simply being separated by distance had been serving on the Nelson. Their bond meant he was aware of her mood and precise location at any time. The temptation to seek her out was constant.

He had felt her nearby when he had been teaching his afternoon class. Unable to resist, after the class he had traced her location to a computer lab nearby. There were three students spread around the room working at different consoles. He regarded Nyota through the glass door for a moment before he entered. She was wearing her cadet's uniform with the jacket hooked over the back of her chair. Her hair was up in its usual style but she had forgone her customary earrings. This pleased him since it meant he could press his face against her neck without hindrance. Not that he was going to do such a thing. Especially in a computer lab where anyone might see them.

'I feel thy presence beloved.'

She spoke in high Vulcan without turning to look at him. He could hear her smile in her voice and although he knew no one would be able to understand her words, it still sent a thrill through him to hear her call him beloved in front of others. It was not unpleasant.

'As I felt thine.' He came to a stop beside her work station, hands clasped behind his back and face expressionless. He was aware that the cadet closest to them was watching his interaction with Nyota with idle curiosity so he made certain that his attention seemed perfectly respectable, even whilst he pulled at Nyota from within their bond expressing without words his wish that they were alone. She froze and he felt her desire reflect back into him. She turned to meet his eyes with a slight smile on her face. 'To what do I owe the pleasure Commander Spock?' She had switched to Vuhlkansu.

'You are aware cadet, that the Enterprise will be launched for systems optimisation and testing in space dock tomorrow?'

'Of course Commander.'

'The Captain has expressed a desire for the involvement of cadets in the launch. Since you were of such great assistance to myself and Professor Voss during construction, I wondered if you would like to be one of them?'

He felt her surprise and excitement.

'Oh really Spock!?' The cadet nearest, a class mate of Nyota's Spock recognised, looked up in renewed interest at her casual address and excitement. Spock kept his face neutral.

'Indeed cadet. A skeleton crew will be involved in the launch and Starfleet Admiralty wishes for cadets from the Academy to supplement those crewmembers.'

She grinned and switched back to Vulcan. 'I'd heard about that. I'd assumed they'd want engineering students?'

'For the most part. However Professor Voss and I agreed that owing to your contribution with regards to the long range sensor redesign you were deserving of a place if you desired one.'

She grinned widely making no attempt to disguise her excitement. 'I do I do!'

Spock had difficultly not reacting to his wife's happiness. It was bubbling through their bond in a most distracting manner. He clenched his jaw. 'There will be a shuttle departing from the Academy at 06:00 hours.'

'And you can bet I'll be on it Commander.' She paused,. 'Gaila is going to be so jealous.'

Spock tilted his head. He could perhaps arrange for Nyota's friend to be offered a place. He recalled the two assistant seats at the bridge communications console. Cadet's U'Aidat did have some of the highest grades in the communications department… 'I could see to it Cadet U'Aidat receives a similar invitation should you desire it Nyota.'

'Really? That would be wonderful Spock!'

Gratified at her reaction, Spock took his leave and continued to his next class.


*Nyota*

The moment Spock had left the computer lab Cadet Price broke the silence to talk to Nyota. 'Commander Spock sure seems fond of you Uhura.' His Vulcan was fluent if quite strongly accented.

Instantly Nyota's excitement drained at the unspoken implication in his words.

She nodded and responded in kind. 'I was his aide for over two years. He's quite brilliant and easy to work with once you get over his Vulcan manners.' She frantically ran over their conversation, usually when they spoke Vulcan or standard they maintained a formality in their speech. She certainly hadn't called him beloved or anything similar, but she hoped she hadn't made any other, smaller slip ups.

'He called you by your first name. That's unusual.' Damn. It was. Especially from someone as reserved as Spock.

'I consider the Commander a friend as well as an Instructor. On occasion I also refer to him by his given name.' She had hadn't she? She'd called him 'Spock', not sir or Commander. She focussed on her work, trying to discourage Price's interest.

'He sits with you and U'Aidat, the Orion, quite a lot in the cafeteria.' Price sounded like he thinking out loud.

'Yes, sometimes he sits with us.' Nyota recalled Price had been present for Gaila's teasing the previous week. She hoped he hadn't taken it seriously. 'Gaila teases him something terrible. Poor Commander Spock doesn't even realise most of the time.'

'Did the Commander teach you High Vulcan?' he asked abruptly.

Nyota tried not to read too much into his words or get overly defensive. There was no way Price spoke Van-Kal Vuhlkansu. 'I've studied it on and off for several years actually. My mother was an attaché to Ambassador Shaefer,' she said referring to the Terran Ambassador to Vulcan, '... and was able to get me some rare teaching recordings through him. Commander Spock graciously allows me to practice with him' She made an attempt at a friendly smile, 'It's been a great help. I'm sure I don't need to tell a fellow communications major how hard Van-Kal Vuhlkansu is to pronounce correctly.'

Price was staring at her suspiciously. 'Yes. I didn't actually think humans could speak with any fluency.' They can't. Nyota thought. Not without mind melding with a Vulcan and paying very close attention whilst aforementioned Vulcan speaks it. And even then, being head over heels in love with the Vulcan might be a requirement.

She didn't say any of that however. Instead she smiled widely and switched back to standard. 'Oh I'm certainly not fluent.'

Prince just nodded.

Nyota turned back to her console and resumed her work. A few minutes later though Price spoke again.

'So do you think you can get me an invite to the launch? Or does the Commander only extend them to girls?'

Her fingers froze on her input terminal. His tone was friendly enough, but Nyota sensed he was trying to threaten her, or at least imply something and gauge her reaction.

'I'd be happy to ask for you Price.' she replied. 'You might have more luck trying one of the other Professors involved though. I doubt the Commander will be allowed to choose all the cadets that will attend.'

'Maybe you're right Uhura.' He seemed to be debating whether or not to say something, but then simply turned back to his workstation.

Nyota pushed the unpleasant exchange from her mind so she could focus on her work. She wanted to complete her readings for her classes so she wouldn't miss too much being out of the Academy the next day.


Back in there room, Gaila received an invitation to join the crew manning the launch of the Enterprise at 20:04 hours. She, predictably, bounced up and down in excitement.

'Pike will be there! If I can impress him then my commission to the Enterprise is a done deal Ny!'

It occurred to Nyota that if she asked him, Spock would easily be able to use his influence to ensure both she and Gaila were assigned to the Enterprise on graduation.

She tried to ignore the thought. She didn't want to use her relationship with Spock in such a way, it was one of the very reasons fraternization regulations existed. Although hadn't she already? Gaila was only part of the launch crew because Spock wished to please her. She didn't say that to her Orion friend however. She was too proud thinking Professor Voss had singled her out. Gaila had worked hard and received very high marks in her classes, she deserved recognition for her own merits. The situation left an unpleasant taste in her mouth. She resolved to discuss it with Spock.

They went to sleep early so they could be up and ready in time for the 6am shuttle to the shipyard.

Gaila was beside herself. She hadn't seen the Enterprise before. They joined the milling crowd of excited cadets and stressed instructors at the Academy shuttle-yard. Nyota caught a few glimpses of Spock and Captain Pike referring to PADDs but made no effort to approach him.

There were actually three shuttles departing, and each seemed full. Nyota and Gaila were the only communications students that appeared to be present, as she'd suspected the other cadets were engineering and operations majors.

Gaila and Nyota were waiting to board the second of the shuttles when an ensign approached them. 'Cadets Uhura and U'Aidat?' Both girls replied in the affirmative. The ensign pointed towards the third shuttle. 'Report to the Captain's shuttle. You will be assisting the bridge crew.'

Gaila let out a little squeak and bounced up and down. She'd been doing that a lot lately. The ensign stared at her bountiful Orion chest and blushed. She was dragging Nyota off towards the other shuttle before Nyota could even thank the dazed ensign.

Nyota didn't see Spock straight away, but she could feel he was nearby. She and Gaila took their seats and strapped themselves in. There were fewer cadets on the Captain's shuttle. There was a more or less complete engineering team - a Lieutenant and half a dozen ensigns all in red, and several other officers in gold, blue and red that Nyota assumed were the rest of the bridge crew. She was surprised to not see the dark haired woman that had served with the Captain on the Nelson.

At 05:58 hours Spock appeared in the doorway, having to bend down sharply to avoid hitting his head. As always, Nyota felt a great surge of pleasure just at seeing him. He was so tall and handsome and perfectly Spock. Just looking at him made her dizzy with happiness. His eyes met hers for a split second and she felt that regard returned and then he walked forward and took a seat near the front of the shuttle. Nyota resisted the urge to crane her neck to stare at him.

Gaila elbowed her subtly and spoke in her native dialect for Nyota's ears only. 'I do not need you and Commander Hot Pants distracting me Ny. Behave.'

Nyota felt her cheeks heat. 'I'm sure I don't know what you are talking about Gaila.'

The Orion girl scoffed and began softly singing under her breath 'You want to have Commander Spock's baaaaabiiesss…'

Nyota stared at her in wide-eyed disbelief. 'Gaila!' She couldn't believe her so called 'friend' was singing that awful song again! And Spock would undoubtedly be able to hear. oh god. He'd probably ask her about it again. ohgodohgod.

'… his pointy-eared Vulcan baaaabbbiiesss…' Gaila continued shamelessly. Nyota realised that she was singing it in tune of 'The lusty green-eyed lodubyaln' - a particularly lewd Orion song about a slave girl who ran away with a pirate. It involved a great deal of 'plundering'.

Gaila paused and took a deep breath, clearly intending to add a new verse.

'Don't you dare Gaila U'Aidat!' 'Nyota warned.

'Oooohhh you love Commander Spock, because he's got a green co..'

Nyota elbowed her. Hard.

Gaila let out a strangled yelp of pain and fell silent, rubbing her side and glaring at Nyota. 'Hey!'

Before she could elaborate however the Captain walked up the ramp, the door closing behind him. As soon as he was strapped in beside Spock the shuttle's engines cycled and Nyota felt the soaring dip in her stomach as they lifted off.

The next five minutes were always a mix of scary and exhilarating. Leaving the atmosphere in a shuttle was rough, noisy, dangerous and lots of fun. Her internal monologue was something like that of a child on a rollercoaster. She felt Spock's amusement at her excitement and couldn't resist turning to offer him the briefest of smiles. He did not respond beyond the slightest twitch of his eyebrow. The silence and smoothness of the ship as they levelled out above the atmosphere was downright boring in comparison. There was no turbulence in space.

The passengers soon fell into conversation as they made the quiet portion of the journey. Gaila and Nyota speculated on what they'd actually be doing. Nyota thought they'd probably be standing around trying not to get in anyone's way. Gaila commented that they would at least look good standing around. Nyota didn't say anything, but her friend had a point. Most of the crew were male and at least ten years their senior. She and Gaila did look positively girlish in comparison to the other female officers.

The landing was just as rough as the take-off had been, but Nyota felt only excitement. She and Gaila formed up with the other cadets who'd travelled on the Captain's shuttle, all advanced fourth year warp engineering students. They were quickly taken by the Lieutenant in red, Olsen, who was obviously the Chief Engineer. Gaila and Nyota were wondering where they should go when another Lieutenant in red approached them. 'Cadets U'Aidat and Uhura? I am Lieutenant Hawkins, Chief Communication Officer of the Enterprise. You will be assisting me.'

Gaila shot Nyota an excited look and fell into step behind the Lieutenant. The Enterprise gleamed white in the early morning sun. The scaffolding and umbilicals had been removed and it sat unfettered in the launch cradle. Nyota couldn't help her sceptical thoughts as she regarded it. It just seemed too big not to break apart during a planetside launch. Still, if Spock thought it would make it, she'd trust his calculations.

Gaila craned her head. 'Oh my god, it's even bigger than I thought it would be. Ny, remind me to give Professor Voss a big hug or something for getting me on the launch.'

'It was Commander Spock who recommended you actually Cadet U'Aidat.' The Lieutenant remarked as they waited to board the ship via the rear loading bay. 'And I'm not sure if you should attempt to hug him.' he concluded wryly.

'Commander Spock?' Gaila glanced at Nyota in confusion.

'Yes, there were extra seats at the comm console since this isn't a fully crewed launch and the Captain wanted as many students as possible involved. The Commander requested his former aide Cadet Uhura be included and recommended you for the second ensign chair at the console, Cadet U'Aidat, as one of his brightest students.' He turned and regarded them both. 'I reviewed your records and found myself in agreement with his assessment.' He gave them a smile. 'It's always a pleasure to meet such promising cadets.'

Nyota found herself liking the Lieutenant instantly. If she did receive a commission on board it would be under his command and now she and Gaila had an opportunity to impress him. If he remained chief communications officer - and Nyota was under the impression most of the bridge officer positions had been finalised - his opinion would also mean a lot when the Captain selected ensigns in a few months. If she and Gaila impressed him then she wouldn't need to worry about Spock possibly using his influence with the Captain to get her a commission. She wanted to earn a posting on the Enterprise.

The interior of the ship was all smooth curves and gleaming white finishes. Nyota spent the journey up to the bridge admiring the vast changes to the ship since she'd last seen it. Most of the sections they passed through she had not seen since she'd accompanied her father on the inspection with Spock the previous year. It was surreal to step onto the bridge now it was finally complete. She walked over to the communications console and the adjoining long range sensor array. It was odd to see them installed. She'd spent so much time fiddling with them over the last three years. She glanced up at the ceiling panels and recalled crawling around up there, she and Lena both trying not to stare at Spock's butt and exchanging knowing smirks as they did so. She smiled to herself.

She and Gaila took the ensign's seats to either side of the Lieutenant. Nyota could sense Spock on the other side of the bridge and it was difficult to restrain the urge to turn and look at him. She'd only seen him in his blue sciences uniform twice and she wanted to spend a while staring at him. The Lieutenant set them to work monitoring the shipboard communications. The engineers were talking to each other rapidly over a dozen frequencies. If anything happened in engineering that could threaten the launch, they were to ensure the Captain was apprised of it as soon as it happened. The Lieutenant busied himself maintaining communication with Starfleet command and the Shipyard Control tower.

Nyota listened in fascination as the different engineering departments reported into one another during the final stages of the launch. They were all speaking standard and nothing unexpected had occurred thus far.

She heard Spock's voice despite her attention being focused on her headpiece, she doubted she'd ever be able to completely block out her husband's voice.

'Engineering report thrusters and impulse engines are on line and functioning at optimal levels Captain.' How was it he made that statement sexy? She focused her attention back on her headset with conscious effort. She felt his amusement. He seemed to find everything amusing lately. Damn him.

The Lieutenant in gold at the helm spoke. 'All navigation systems are on-line and fully operational Captain. We are good to go.'

'Good to hear McKenna.' Pike took his seat and activated the ship wide communicator band. 'This is Captain Pike speaking, all hands prepare for launch in T minus 2 minutes.'

'Affirmative sir, launch in T minus 2 minutes.' said the helmsman, McKenna, bringing a launch counter up to overlay the viewscreen.

Nyota shared an excited glance with Gaila behind Lieutenant Hawkins's back before focusing back on the engineering chatter. If something did fail, statistically it would most likely be in the next few minutes.

At thirty seconds remaining the ship lifted slightly in its launch cradle as the helmsman brought the impulse engine up to the required power levels. There was a soft humming from many decks below and the slightest of vibrations. From the ground the ship's impulse engines would be glowing orange and roaring. Nyota felt giddy with excitement.

The engineering chatter grew more tense and excited, and then the counter hit zero and the Enterprise engaged her engines fully and shot forward on an incline. Nyota was shoved against the back of her seat at the sudden acceleration. The noise of the engines was no longer a soft hum, but a steady rumble. The view through the view screen showed them shooting out over the country side at an incredible speed. It was far more exhilarating then the shuttle ride. She restrained the urge to squeal in excitement. Gaila was bouncing a little in her seat. They grinned at each other.

Nyota heard a panicked voice in her ear. Andorian. She repeated it loudly in standard, 'Starboard Impulse engine is losing power sir!' The Captain and half the bridge turned to stare at her. Lieutenant Hawkins addressed him 'Affirmative sir. Engineering reports starboard impulse engine 1 is failing.'

'Helmsman, adjust course to compensate.' The Captain said turning back to face forwards.

As if on cue the bridge was suddenly listing to the starboard as the ship lost its balance, but the lieutenant was already making adjustments. 'Affirmative sir.' He responded. 'Engaging additional starboard thrusters to compensate.'

The ship levelled. For a moment the bridge was silent save for the noise of the engines. Then Gaila's voice cut across the room. 'Starboard Impulse Engine 2 is failing sir!'

There was no need for Lieutenant Hawkins to confirm as once more the ship dipped. Luckily the helmsman was ready. 'Bringing up auxiliary thrusters to compensate Captain!' The ship levelled out once more.

The Captain slapped his console. 'Engineering! Report!'

The Chief Engineer appeared in one corner of the viewscreen, there were panicked crew members dashing about around him. 'There is a failure in the starboard impulse power circuits sir. Only engines 1 & 2 are on that grid however. We are working to hot swap the circuits. Engines 3 & 4 remain fully operational sir.'

'Helmsman, will we be able to safely reach orbit with 2 engines down?' Pike inquired.

'Er, yes sir?' He didn't sound completely sure.

The Captain spun in his chair to face Spock. 'Spock?'

'Lieutenant McKenna is correct.' Spock's voice was mild and unruffled as always. 'The remaining impulse engines and thrusters will be sufficient to break gravitational pull. Failing that I would recommend a jump to warp in the upper reaches of the atmosphere. The ship was not designed to land in anything save an emergency crash scenario. Without our full complement of impulse engines we would have, I estimate, only an 8% chance of avoiding the complete destruction of the ship and even then all crew on decks 1 through 12 would undoubtedly be lost.'

The Captain didn't seem overly concerned by Spock's rather bleak conclusion. 'That's what I thought.' He spun back to the front. He seemed to enjoy spinning in his chair. 'Punch it McKenna.'

Nyota spent the next 8 minutes listening for any hint of further disaster from the engineering decks as the Enterprise roared through the clouds and out of Earth's atmosphere. The ship was soon shaking quite violently, but she could feel Spock's confidence through their bond. He seemed utterly unconcerned at their predicament and that was a much greater comfort to her than anything else.

They emerged from the atmosphere quite suddenly. The viewscreen darkened from blue to black and stars brightened across the sky. The shaking ceased and the only noise was the smooth hum of the engines.

The Captain hit his console once more. 'Engineering, report.'

'Circuits hot swapped sir. All impulse engines back on-line.' He paused 'Recommend use of impulse power until I can run a full diagnostic on the warp system's circuitry.'

'Very good lieutenant.' Pike directed his attention back to the pilot. 'Helmsman, plot a course to Space Station 1 at half impulse. Let's not push those circuits.'

'Aye Captain.'

Nyota let herself breathe out in relief.

Beside her Lieutenant Hawkins was relaying their situation to Starfleet command. After he finished he pulled back slightly and smiled at both her and Gaila. 'Good job cadets.'

To her surprise the Captain spoke up from where he'd been talking to Spock and two other bridge officers Nyota didn't recognise. 'I agree Hawkins. I think we might have to hang onto the Commander's lovely cadets.' He turned to Spock. 'What do you think Spock.'

Spock's voice was as calm and modulated as always, but Nyota could tell he was pleased that she and Gaila had impressed the Captain. 'Cadets Uhura and U'Aidat both demonstrate exceptional xenolinguistic skills and would make excellent additions to any crew sir.'

The Captain smiled. 'High praise from the Commander.'

Gaila was grinning and Nyota was having trouble keeping a smile off her face. 'Thank you sir.'

Under such low impulse power it would take several hours, the entire day more or less, to approach and dock with Space Station 1, but the Captain wasn't about to risk putting the warp engine on line until the testing on the power failure had been completed. A similar circuit issue in the warp drive's systems would be much more serious.

Spock left the bridge to check on the Engineering section soon after they left the atmosphere. Nyota and Gaila continued monitoring the shipboard communications. Nyota and Lieutenant Hawkins also discussed the redesign of the long range sensor array that she had assisted Spock and Professor Voss with. He found her story about Spock crawling around in the ceiling panels extremely amusing. Lunchtime rolled around and the Lieutenant sent Gaila and Nyota to eat in the bridge officer's lounge in turns.

The lounge was directly below the bridge itself. There were only a few people eating at the small tables and enjoying the view the long window of transparent aluminium provided. The view from orbit was always breathtaking. Earth spread beneath them in a wide blue and white curve of the pacific ocean and cloud cover. She was always surprised at how big the pacific was. It seemed to cover almost half the planet. Ridiculous as it was, seeing Earth from orbit gave her a funny feeling of breathless pride. It was so beautiful. Of course, she supposed everyone felt the same about their homeworld.

Ten minutes later she was sitting at a table eating a slightly bland bowl of replicated ugali na sukuma wiki. It was one of her favourite meals to eat for lunch, kale with onion and tomato with a mound of salted maize cooked to a dough-like consistency. The replicated version was not nearly as good as her mother's however. There were no crispy fried bits in the sukuma, it was all of a uniformly limp consistency.

She was contemplating ordering some chilli sauce from the replicator to douse it with when she felt Spock using the turbolift. The sensation of him suddenly zipping closer to her was almost ticklish and distracted her from her disappointing meal. Her eyes were already on the turbolift doors when they chimed to reveal him. He met her gaze for a moment, something like a static shock passing between them, before heading to one of the replicator units and ordering himself a meal.

Nyota regarded his tray with interest as he appeared and sat opposite her. She did not recognise the dish, though it smelt quite appetizing. There was also rather a lot of it.

'Kleetanta with forati sauce cadet.' Spock said in response to her silent inquiry. She looked at the dish and had an odd almost memory of what it tasted like. Something like gnocchi, savoury balls of a bean based paste cooked in a herbed sauce flavoured with forati, a nutty ... lichen?

'Strange.' she commented out loud.

Spock raised a brow in query.

Nyota nonchalantly glanced around the room. There were two ensigns chatting over what was probably terrible replicator coffee on the far side of the lounge and a lieutenant in red referring to a PADD and eating a sandwich nearby. She deemed it safe enough for a casual conversation in Vulcan. 'I remember what kleetanta with forati sauce tastes like, although I have never encountered it before – something like gnocchi with mushrooms?'

Spock inclined his head in agreement. 'Indeed. An adequate comparison.' He looked at her meal. 'You are eating…' He paused as if trying hard to remember or calculate something. '…ugali na sukuma wiki.' He was silent again for a moment. 'It is inferior to that which your mother makes.'

Nyota stared at Spock in disbelief. 'And you know this how?'

Spock ate a spoonful of his meal. Nyota could feel that he was quite hungry. 'Because you know.'

It appeared their bond extended to telepathic menu exchange. She smiled at the absurdity and returned to her meal. 'So was it just a fluke that the impulse engine power circuit failed sir?'

'The circuits fitted do not appear to be to the design specifications. It was only by chance that all the impulse engines did not overload. Had they done so the ship would not have been able to make orbit.' Spock took another large bite of his lunch and swallowed. 'The Chief Engineer was most displeased. I suspect he will now go over the entire ship for fear of similar issue.'

Nyota frowned. 'That's far more disturbing than a random fault.'

'Indeed cadet.'

Nyota let her Vulcan husband inhale his lunch, (politely and fastidiously of course), in silence. He managed to consume three or four times the amount of food as she in the same amount of time. Lord knew where he put it all. He appeared to detect her bemused line of thought since he informed her rather defensively 'Due to the differences in out physiology Vulcans exert more energy than humans. Therefore our calorific needs are significantly higher.'

She restrained the urge to smirk at his tone. 'That seems perfectly logical.' she replied mildly, rising from her seat with her tray of cold leftovers, 'I'm returning to the bridge. Gaila has not eaten yet.'

Spock nodded and stood. 'I will accompany you.'

They put their trays into the recycler and boarded the turbolift. Nyota stood a respectable distance from Spock and idly wished that a power circuit in the turbolift would fail and they'd get stuck. His eyes slid to the side to look at her but his head remained facing forward as the doors slid shut.

'Bridge.' she informed the computer.

The lift shot upwards and to a stop almost instantly. Before the doors could cycle open however she impulsively pressed the stop button.

Spock turned to her and raised an eyebrow.

By way of response she stepped up in front of him and resting her hands on his chest gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek. She drew back with a shy smile and reached out to activate the doors. Before her fingers brushed the console Spock wrapped an arm around her and drew her back towards him however. She let out a pleased squeak of surprise. He ignored it and proceeded to give her a thoroughly human, decidedly unchaste kiss.

They had not kissed in over a week. They hadn't made love in even longer. Desire washed through her with embarrassing swiftness. She had her fingers in his hair and her tongue in his mouth in seconds. Her body seemed to have a mind of its own, pressing against him in wanton promise, as if they weren't in a turbolift on board the Enterprise with the captain and bridge crew just meters from them. Spock drew his face from hers. His eyes had taken on that dark heat that promised her something extremely satisfying. 'When are you due back on the bridge?' His voice was almost calm. Almost. The erection she could feel against her hip somewhat ruined the effect however.

'12:45 hours.' she replied distractedly. Such proximity and privacy was rare - she could to touch him however she wanted. She lightly traced the contour of his face, from his brow to his jaw, with her right hand as the fingers of her left curled in the short silky hairs at the nape of his neck. The smooth Vulcan heat of his skin remained a delight to her.

Spock addressed the computer 'Deck 4.'

Nyota smirked. The crew quarters. Stepping slightly closer to him, she let her arms settle around his shoulders and sighed dramatically. 'Why Commander Spock surely you can't intend to whisk me off to your quarters?'

Before he could respond the lift stopped once more. Nyota stepped back and turned to face the door, putting respectable distance between them in case anyone was nearby. The doors cycled onto an empty corridor however. She glanced at Spock and grinned before setting off at run towards where she knew the first officer's quarters were located. The door triggered automatically and she dashed inside, giggling, with Spock at her heels. She made it half way across the small living room area before she was tackled by 6ft 2 of aroused Vulcan onto one of the couches.

Her laughter died quickly under Spock's kisses. He didn't do anything by halves. When he kissed her it was with a single minded intensity that stole her breath and filled her body with soft heat. His want and desire for her washed through their bond and seeped into her skin through his fingertips, but even without that it was plain from the way he kissed her - desperate and greedy. The heat of his mouth was fascinating, addictive, and Nyota surrendered happily before his devouring attentions, carding her fingers through his hair and kissing him back just as eagerly.

When he turned his attentions to her neck, kissing and licking, letting his sharp teeth scrape against her skin, the heat that had been slowly building within her began to throb between her thighs. He felt her sharpening desire and made a pleased noise somewhere between a purr and groan that vibrated against her skin and sparked a further curl of heat inside her. Nyota made no effect to calm herself, to slow her reaction to him. Her fingers tugged his hair and she pulled his mouth back to hers even as she pressed her body against his.

She twisted beneath him as they kissed frantically, wrapping her legs around him so that he rested teasingly between her thighs. She didn't bother trying to undress him, they were on a schedule after all, instead she undid his trousers and tugged at his underwear until she had a warm hand wrapped around him even as he shoved her dress up and yanked at her panties. She was forced to unwrap her legs momentarily so the offending garment could be removed entirely. Spock wasted no time, despite their hurry she was most definitely ready for him, he simply positioned himself against her and thrust home in one long even stroke. She groaned at the deep stretch and deliciously satisfying feel of him within her.

He was still for a few moments, kissing her deeply, and then his head fell to her shoulder and he began moving within her with restraint she found quite admirable. She herself certainly didn't have any. Her hips bucked against him, her hands pulling at his hair. He shifted slightly, shoving an arm under her hips so he could penetrate her at a better angle. She moaned his name. 'Spohhhkh…' letting the syllables drag on her tongue intentionally. She knew how much he loved hearing her say his name. He made that wonderful noise again, that rumbly purring groan and his hips snapping forward with increasing speed. She met him eagerly thrust for thrust, feeling her climax coiling tighter and tighter within her. God but Spock was as good at sex as he was at everything. Even a hurried half-dressed fumble on a couch had her writhing under him like a spiced-out slave girl.

She could feel he was just as close as she. Then he reached between them and pressed his fingers firmly against her so his hand rocked with his movements. She came. Fabulously, blindingly. Her breath caught in her throat and her body tensed and pulsed around him as white heat consumed her. He moaned, jerking against her as his own orgasm claimed him. She felt the delicious echo of it through their bond.

They lay in a panting mess for a few minutes. Spock pressed his fingers against her and let her feel his contentment. Nyota took the opportunity to stroke her fingers through his hair where he lay against her.

'It is now 12:42 hours.' Spock romantically informed her.

Nyota sighed and pushed him off her so she could stumble to her feet, slightly dazed after their hurried encounter. She could feel his come trickling warm down her thighs. A decidedly uncomfortable sensation. Quickly she made her way to the bathroom and cleaned herself up, retying her hair and checking her makeup for good measure. Luckily the synthetic material of her uniform wasn't prone to wrinkling. She was a little flushed perhaps, but she didn't look like she'd just let the Vulcan first officer have his way with her on her meal break. She smirked at herself in the mirror.

When she returned to the living room Spock had put himself back to rights. Apart from a slight green flush to his cheeks and ears, she could see no sign he'd just had sex. His hair was perfect again. How did he do that? Was it some sort of Vulcan super power? Magic hair? She shook her head to clear it of such idle thoughts. She needed to get to the bridge. But first. 'Can you see my panties Spock?'

Her husband turned and scanned the area before reaching between the couch cushions and removing a bright scrap of green cotton. She took them and bent to pull them on, smoothing her uniform as she did so. When she straightened Spock was staring at her with that same dark look from the turbolift. She felt an answering twinge of renewed desire but just smiled at him as she breezed past him towards the door.

'I'm tempted, but there's no time… Commander Hot Pants.'

As always her use of Gaila's ridiculous nickname for him confused him but amused her a great deal.

His on-going frustration over the illogical nature of the name also distracted him from pushing her back down onto the couch. He followed her back towards the turbolift with a slight frown on his handsome face. 'Nyota, you must explain this name to me. I do not understand.'

She stepped into the turbolift and shook her head. 'Nope. I'm sure you will figure it out eventually.' She addressed the computer brightly. 'Bridge!'

He shot her an irritated look as the doors slid shut. 'But it is illogical.' For a Vulcan he sounded a remarkably like a sulky child.

She didn't reply just smiled and blew him a kiss before the doors opened onto the bridge. She strode out serenely - actually feeling better for her inappropriate interlude below decks rather than agitated. Decidedly relaxed. Endorphins no doubt.

Gaila gave her an unimpressed, withering look as she resumed her seat. It was 12:45 precisely. The Orion inhaled dramatically and commented in her native dialect. 'I see, or should I say, I smell that you had something Vulcan for lunch Ny.'

Nyota smiled smugly. 'Why yes I did. It was quite satisfying.'

Gaila snorted but smiled in amusement as she rose to go take her own break.

Lieutenant Hawkins glanced with interest between them. 'Which dialect is that? It's not Kolari.'

Gaila responded. 'Yrevish sir.'

'Interesting. I might pick your brain about it after your break cadet. I've not had much exposure to Yrevish.' That wasn't surprising. It was not one of the more common dialects in Orion space. Prime and Kolari were far more prevalent.

Gaila nodded. 'Sounds good sir.'

Nyota spent the next three hours assisting the Lieutenant as directed. He was pleasant to work with and engaged both Gaila and herself in muted conversation on the role of a communications officer and linguistic subjects in a variety of languages. He was especially impressed that they both spoke Romulan, Nyota all three dialects. She was actually a little surprised at how many languages the Lieutenant didn't speak. He was fluent in the most common Federation languages, but didn't even speak Klingon, let alone Ferengi or Cardassian. She tried not be judgemental, but she couldn't help but wonder at his commission.

The docking went far more smoothly than take off. Nothing failed or exploded and the Enterprise slid into her new berth painlessly. Many of the Engineering and technical crew would be staying on the ship to begin testing, but the bridge crew and other flight staff were dismissed.

Gaila and Nyota exited the ship with Spock, the Captain and Lieutenant Hawkins. Gaila instantly struck up a conversation with the Captain, pouring on the Orion charm, but in a restrained, respectful manner (at least for her). Spock hung back so he could walk beside her as they made their way to the shuttles that would take them back to the Academy. 'I think thy skill on the bridge hath won thee the commission thy desired beloved.'

It was difficult, but she managed to keep her face smooth, as if Spock hadn't just called her beloved in front of several high ranking Starfleet officers.

'Spohkh! Thou should not say such things. Mayhap someone might speak thy tongue.'

'None of those currently present do, half-of-my-heart.'

She smiled at that endearment. 'Now thou art teasing me.'

'Vulcans do not tease my Nyota.'

The Captain suddenly turned and shot a confused look between Spock and Nyota. 'Thou called me by mine given name. The name of thy wife as far as thy Captain is concerned.'

'Should he ask I will tell him we were discussing her.' Spock seemed way too relaxed as far as Nyota was concerned. Before she could respond Lieutenant Hawkins butted in.

'Excuse me, but are you two talking High Vulcan?' He sounded intrigued. Nyota glanced at Spock for guidance.

'Affirmative Lieutenant.' Spock responded.

Hawkins looked impressed. 'Wow. I've never known a non-Vulcan to be fluent Cadet Uhura. It's not listed on your Starfleet file.'

Nyota smiled and tried to look pleased at the attention. God damn Spock. Kissing her in turbolifts, dragging her off to his quarters to ravish her, calling her beloved in front of communications officers... She was supposed to be the irrational one, not him. 'Well it's such a difficult language to master, I'm not sure I'll ever consider myself 'fluent'.'

'You sounded quite fluent to me cadet, even if I could only recognise a few words.' Nyota felt Spock mirror her sudden dread. 'What were you discussing if you don't mind me asking?'

Nyota smiled in a way she was sure the Lieutenant would realise was fake. 'I was asking after the Commander's wife.' Hopefully that would explain any endearments he might have picked up on.

Captain Pike glanced back them, 'Oh ho! So your cadet gets to hear about the mysterious Mrs Spock but you leave your captain in the dark!'

Spock sighed. Actually sighed. Nyota suddenly got the impression that he'd been putting up with constant teasing and questions from the Christopher Pike. Well served him right for letting spill that he had a wife when it was supposed to be secret anyway.

She skipped ahead to walk with Gaila, leaving Spock to deal with the Captain.