AN: And the FLUFF continues.
*Nyota*
They awoke late the next morning. Nyota noted the straightened carpet in the hall in mortification when she left her room. The top of her dress and her high heels had been placed neatly at her door. She tried very hard not to think what that implied. Whoever had picked up after her was undoubtedly aware of exactly what she and Spock had been doing home alone the night before.
With a force of will she dismissed the embarrassing thoughts and lead Spock downstairs to get breakfast.
Tamu and Zuberi were sitting at the kitchen table eating muesli and pastries with coffee.
Her mother looked up with a radiant smile. 'Good morning Nyota, Spock. I missed you early last night.' She gave Nyota a pointed look. 'Palas was very disappointed not to be able to say goodbye to you Nyota.'
She took a seat and piled a few pastries on a plate. 'I'll be sure and give her a comm call to thank her for the invitation then.'
Spock sat beside her and did likewise. He avoided the pain au chocolat however. Recalling the reason for this, Nyota impulsively covered his hand with her own and let him feel her amusement. She thought specifically of his reaction to Gaila's long-ago mocha prank. She felt his embarrassment and gave him a wide smile.
'I do not think that to be an amusing anecdote Nyota. It was highly unprofessional.' he responded to her teasing out loud.
Of course all he achieved was getting her parents attention.
Zuberi looked up from his PADD and glanced between Nyota and Spock. 'Oh ho! What's this? An amusing anecdote about Spock? Do spill Ny.'
'It is not amusing.' Spock insisted.
'I'll be the judge of that Spock.' Zuberi replied. He gestured at Nyota. 'Do share.'
'In second year Gaila gave Spock a mocha coffee right before a phonology lecture. And since he'd been trying to observe more human style social niceties to get his students to engage more effectively in his classes, he accepted it.'
Zuberi smirked and looked to Spock. 'You drank it Spock?'
Her husband was frowning ever so slightly. 'I was unaware it contained cocoa. I am not overly familiar with terran coffee.'
Tamu smiled and shook her head. 'Oh dear.'
'It was a great lecture.' Nyota continued, 'I especially enjoyed the part when Spock inquired if Cadet Kirk's mother also shared anatomical similarities with the Ferengi or if he was a 'genetic aberration'.' She laughed at the memory and Zuberi joined in boomingly.
'It was an illogical and insulting comment which I regret making. Apart from the shared basic similarities of any humanoid race, Cadet Kirk does not bare any especial resemblance to a Ferengi.' Spock stated.
'He does share a certain deviousness with them however.' Nyota pointed out. 'His performance in the Koyabashi Maru last month for example.'
Spock inclined his head. 'I found Cadet Kirk's actions, whilst unexpected, to be quite logical upon further reflection.'
Nyota raised an eyebrow. 'Really?' She never thought she'd hear Spock defend someone as impulsive and irrationalas Kirk.
'Indeed. He was aware that the test was a no-win scenario, so the risks of the actions taken – exceeding warp safety limits, warping into enemy territory – were irrelevant. Continuing at excessive warp once clear of the Klingons was his only illogical risk. Had he reduced to a safer speed, he would undoubtedly have completed the test with the highest score any cadet has ever achieved.' Spock paused. 'Of course the only reason his decisions can be considered logical is due to the fact that he was aware of the parameters of the test. In a real life scenario such variables would be unavailable and his actions would be, therefore, illogical.'
His assessment of Kirk's performance, whilst more factual in its reasoning, echoed her own impressions. Kirk had potential, if he could stop acting like an ass. His cocky spiel after they evaded the Klingons had cost him his would-be victory.
Zuberi paused in slathering jam and whipped cream onto a croissant to address Spock. 'What is the Koyabashi scenario at the moment? It was a Romulan trap when I went through the Academy.'
Spock gave Zuberi his full attention and explained the current programming. Tamu quietly pulled Nyota's attention from the conversation.
'Grandmother and your aunts and uncles will be coming to dinner tomorrow Nyota.' she remarked conversationally.
Nyota stared at her in shock. First the diplomatic function, now her relatives? 'What? Why?'
She saw her father shoot Spock a loaded look and point towards the door with his chin. Spock swallowed a mouthful of pastry and rose to his feet. He was getting almost too good at interpreting human body language. 'Zuberi, I wonder if you might demonstrate that mok'bara hold for me?'
Her father was already on his feet. 'Of course Spock! Let's leave the ladies to their breakfast.'
They were gone so quickly they might as well have evaporated. Nyota stared after them longing to follow.
Spock was learning bad habits from her father.
Tamu poured herself more coffee. 'Now Nyota, I know you don't want a big fuss being made of Spock, but there are other reasons I'd like to have the family get together while you and Spock and Zanta are all here.'
Nyota sighed but waited impatiently for her mother to explain.
'With you due to graduate and Zanta heading back to Orion, there's no longer any need for your father and I to remain in Nairobi.' Nyota gave her mother her complete attention at that. 'So I've accepted an ambassadorial posting and your father will be returning to active fleet service.'
Nyota let her mother's words wash over her. 'Mama! I think that's wonderful! You and papa have been wasted here in Nairobi. Papa especially.'
Tamu smiled widely. 'Yes, I must say we've been looking forward to more challenging work.' She grimaced. 'I am so sick of dealing with the same bureaucrats day in day out, and your father's been slowly going mad stuck in that base twiddling his thumbs.' She smiled. 'He wouldn't stop going on about the Enterprise after his visit. I think he's a little jealous of Spock's commission.'
An uncomfortable thought occurred to her. 'He's not going to try and get a commission on the Enterprise is he? I mean, I love him and all, but serving with my husband and my father on one ship?' She left the rest unsaid.
On the one hand it would be quite nice to have her father around and Spock enjoyed his company, but on the other… having two men she loved outranking her would inevitably lead to some irritating scenarios. They'd probably gang up on her to keep her out of trouble. She'd end up shackled to the comm desk for five years while they explored exotic new planets with Captain Pike. She pouted at the thought.
Tamu laughed shortly. 'Fear not, I'm sure he's tempted, but he's not going to take a deep space assignment. He's going to be stationed in the same system as me.'
'Oh. So which posting have you accepted?' Nyota scanned her memory. Her mother had spent the last decade running the African headquarters the Federation Diplomatic Corps, managing the different diplomats and embassies in Africa. Prior to that she'd spent many years as a Junior Ambassador to Andoria after completing her internship as an aide to the Terran Ambassador to Vulcan. She'd been working as a Diplomatic Mediator and Negotiator for Starfleet before she and Zanta were born.
'Andoria?' It seemed the most likely even though the current Ambassador was well respected and not of retirement age.
Her mother smiled gleefully. 'No. Although it's an equally prestigious posting.'
Nyota frowned. 'Tellar? Rigel? Denobula?... Orion?' Her mother shook her head at each guess, her smile widening. Surely not? '… Vulcan!?' she asked in disbelief.
Tamu grinned, 'Yes! I accepted the position last week. Ambassador Shaeffer retires next month. He specifically sought me out.' Ambassador Shaeffer had been her mother's mentor when she'd first joined the Diplomatic Corps. 'So you can imagine my delight when you turn up on my doorstep married to a Vulcan! Ambassador Sarek's son at that! Such a wonderful coincidence!'
Nyota smiled ruefully. 'I'm so glad my choice of husband fits so fortuitously with your career goals mother.'
'Oh shush you. So anyway, I'm not sure when we will next have the family all together again. It seems logical to have a bit of a get together. See Zanta off to Orion, your father and I off to Vulcan, and you and Spock off to lord knows where.' Tamu seemed very pleased with herself.
'As long as Spock and I aren't going to be the focus of attention I suppose I can deal with all my cousins for a short period.' She sighed. 'Is Uncle Abasi still as rude as I remember?'
Tamu frowned. 'He hasn't mellowed with age sadly. It will be challenge keeping he and maman from each other's throats.'
Determined not to let the spectre of her relatives impending visit ruin her day, Nyota took Spock to the Nairobi National Park. He had expressed an interest in observing native African flora and fauna and the park south of the city offered him ample opportunity.
Although the animals were all familiar and somewhat boring to Nyota, Spock's reaction to them and study of them was entertaining. Despite his vast intellect, there was something quite childlike about his interest. The giraffes enraptured him especially. To a child of Vulcan they seemed almost absurdly alien. A child's drawing come to life. Looking at them with fresh eyes Nyota had to admit they were pretty ridiculous.
Most tourists spent an hour or two looking at the animals through binoculars from hovercars and tour hoverbuses before becoming bored, but Spock it seemed could have spent all day, perhaps many days, in a quiet study of them purely because they were new to him.
When he said he wished he had a tricorder with him to make readings she'd laughed at him.
*Spock*
Spock was swiftly beginning to understand the cause of Nyota's dread with regards to seeing her extended family. There was a marked difference between the two sides of her family.
The Adoyo's - her grandmother Delphine, her uncle Sefu, his wife Imani and their daughters Ayodele and Fahari, her relatives on her mother's side, seemed to be of similar disposition to Tamu. They were curious about him, but very polite and welcoming in the usual overly enthusiastic human manner.
Abasi Uhura and his family on the other hand seemed markedly dissimilar to his older brother Zuberi. His wife Nuru appeared frightened of Spock, and their children Amani, Azizi and Sakina quite confrontational, not only to Spock but Nyota and Zanta as well.
Of course Spock had no difficultly controlling his reactions to their attempts to provoke him, but he was concerned that his wife would end up needing to be physically restrained. She was clinging tightly to him through their bond, hanging on every word her kin said to him, eavesdropping for fear they would insult him. His attempts to reassure her in this regard were unsuccessful.
Nyota and the rest of the females of her family were preparing what Spock assumed would be a rather elaborate meal. Spock and the males were playing snooker and drinking alcoholic beverages. Although the specifics were somewhat different, it was not dissimilar to social occasions he had attended with his mother's family. The only difference being that owing to the ages of Nyota and her cousins, there were no children misbehaving and requiring the usage of middle names.
'So your mother is human Spock?' Nyota's uncle Sefu was inquiring as they observed Zuberi and his brother and nephews play a quite skilful doubles game of snooker.
'That is correct. Her family are from Seattle in North America.' Spock was quite pleased. He had been engaged in fairly smooth conversation with a complete stranger for almost fifteen minutes. This was no small achievement for him. The fact that Sefu Adoyo had partaken of two tall glasses of Zuberi's favoured Andorian Ale could have been an influencing factor however.
'So do you look like her? I mean, apart from the ears obviously.' Nyota's uncle gestured near his own as if Spock would require a visual cue as to his meaning.
'There are similarities in my facial structure to that of my human uncle and cousin. My mother also has dark hair and eyes, however for the most part I resemble my father.'
Sefu seemed more fascinated by the fact that he was a hybrid – part human - than that he was a Vulcan. It was not something Spock had encountered before. 'It must be surreal to see your own genetic markers, the family looks if you will, in a completely different species - for both you and your relatives.' Sefu looked thoughtful for a moment. 'I can't wait to see what you and my niece's kids will look like.' He laughed shortly in what Spock thought was an expression of disbelief. 'Vulcans in the family! Just incredible.'
Spock was uncertain how to respond to his… Uncle-in-law? He was not familiar with the correct terran term for his wife's kinsman. He and Nyota had not discussed progeny. They were both currently focused on their careers. He settled for his standby. He nodded. 'Indeed.'
Due to his superior hearing he heard Nyota's cousin Amani Uhura whisper to his brother Azizi, 'Goddamned half breeds that's what they'll look like.'
He pretended to not have heard of course. In truth he was not overly concerned what Nyota's cousins thought of him. He could not see either of the men playing any sort of significant role in their lives. What did interest him was the fact that he had understood the Swahili that had been spoken so easily. He had made preliminary study of the language, but was certainly not fluent or familiar with slang or profanity. He thought perhaps it was because Nyota was holding herself so tightly to him through their bond. That since she understood Swahili he did as well. He recalled that on other occasions when they were melded or tightly joined he had understood phrases she had spoken in her native tongue. And of course she had developed her odd ability to speak perfect High Vulcan via their bond, it was logical to assume something similar might occur to him.
Rather than provoking contemplation of their bond and Spock's understanding of Swahili however, Amani's words only provoked a great deal of anger in his wife. He sent her calm. He had no desire to become involved in a confrontation with any members of her family.
Soon afterwards Zanta appeared and informed them that dinner was ready. Spock was relieved. At least at the dinner table he would be seated next to Nyota and able to subtly restrain her should her cousins make any further remarks.
Since it was warm they were once more eating outside. This pleased Spock. The temperature was pleasant and the breeze from the Uhura's gardens was far more enjoyable then that from the air scrubbers inside the house.
Spock found himself seated opposite Tamu and next to Zuberi who sat at the head of the table. Nyota was beside him of course and the rest of her relatives mixed down the table to where her grandmother Delphine sat at the opposite end. Spock was somewhat concerned to realise that Nyota's uncle Abasi Uhura was opposite her and her cousin Amani next to her. He attempted to calculate the odds of an altercation occurring during the meal, but he did not have sufficient variables. He imagined the odds quite high however.
He was therefore somewhat surprised to find that half an hour later, apart from glaring at him, Abasi and his sons had made no further insulting comments with regards to him. However when Sefu and his wife began inquiring about Tamu's new position as Terran Ambassador to Vulcan, the looks that Spock was receiving became more pointed.
For this reason Spock intentionally kept out of the conversation. He did not wish to give any of them an opening to start an argument with him.
'So you are going to live there?' Imani Adoyo, Nyota's aunt, inquired of Tamu.
'Yes. In Shi'Kahr. The Ambassador's residence is near the Terran Embassy - quite close to the spacedock.' Tamu smiled. 'It will be strange living there again, and as Ambassador this time instead of an intern. There is a lot of room should you and Sefu, and the girls of course,' she glanced at her nieces down the table. '…wish to come visit.'
Imani looked tempted. 'I've never seen Vulcan. We may just take you up on that offer Tamu.' She looked across the table at Spock. 'Your home on Vulcan Spock, is it near where Tamu will be living?'
Spock inclined his head. 'My family's lands are within Shi'Kahr. My parents live some 67 kilometres from the Terran Embassy.'
'The city is so large?'
'Shi'Kahr, like most Vulcan settlements, is quite spread out. The arid climate of Vulcan is ill-suited to high density housing. The central districts resemble cities in the Terran sense, but beyond that they bear more resemblance to your Nairobi National Park than the suburbs of Nairobi itself.'
Abasi muttered to his son in Swahili. 'I wonder if tourists drive through to observe the animals in the same way.'
The elderly Delphine coughed pointedly and Imani, who was seated next to the son, shot a disapproving glare at her brother-in-law before turning back to Spock with a smile. 'Well if it's as wide open as a national park, it must be a lovely place to live.' She looked back at Tamu. 'Perhaps we will come visit Tamu. It's only 16 light years away after all.'
Nyota pretended she had not heard her uncle, but Spock felt her anger once more. She was also ashamed that her kinsman was behaving so rudely.
'Surely the Spocks will put you up Imani, we are family after all and that would be far more authentic than staying with Tamu.' Abasi seemed to think his statement would provoke an emotional response in him. Spock was uncertain what. He was mildly irritated to hear his personal name used in place of his house name but otherwise unmoved.
'Spock is my given name Mr Uhura, not my surname.' He turned his attention to Imani and continued conversationally. 'My mother is always most eager for guests from her homeworld. I am certain she would be pleased to entertain you and your family Imani.' This was true. His father would hardly be enthusiastic about the idea, but his mother certainly would. In fact the idea held some merit. Sending a steady stream of Nyota's relatives to stay at his family home would be an amusing way to please his mother and irritate his father in one move.
Not that he would ever act in such a petty manner of course.
Tempting as it was.
Imani smiled and looked flattered. 'Why Spock that's very kind of you, but I wouldn't dream of such an imposition.' She paused. 'Though should we visit Vulcan I will most certainly see if your mother is homesick for some human company.'
Spock was saved from thinking of an appropriate response by Abasi. 'So what is your surname then Spock? I figure I should probably know it since it's my niece's now and all. Or don't your kind have surnames?' Even Spock could detect his insulting tone. Apparently he was not giving up on his quest to be an unpleasant dinner companion. Before he could respond Nyota snapped back in Swahili.
'You could not pronounce it.'
An accurate statement, but rather abruptly delivered.
Abasi raised an eyebrow. 'And I suppose you can?'
'Naturally. It is my name after all.'
Zuberi interrupted in an apparent attempt to diffuse the situation between his brother and his daughter. 'It's Shchenn Tahgai isn't it Spock?' Beside him Tamu winced, his pronunciation was… terrible, but it was recognisable. Barely. 'Your family name?'
'S'chn T'gai.'Nyota corrected. Her pronunciation was perfect of course.
'That is correct.' Spock tried not to flinch as Nyota's relatives as one all started repeating the name to themselves and attempting to pronounce it. It was quite painful to listen to. Tamu caught his eye in what he thought was apology.
Sefu spoke up from the end of the table. 'So Nyota's name is Nyota Say-chen…' He paused. 'Say-chun Tah-gai?'
He could not bring himself to nod and say 'indeed', not when his name had been so butchered. Nyota saved him.
'Family names go first on Vulcan Uncle Sefu. So it's S'chn T'gai Nyota.'
'Ah. Interesting.'
'Will you go by that name in Starfleet?' Her cousin Azizi asked a surprisingly inoffensive question.
Nyota tilted her head. 'No. Vulcan lineal names in Van-Kal Vuhlkansu are too difficult to pronounce. At the moment I am still using Uhura. I suppose I could use my given name like Spock does, but I'm not sure I'd want to. It would feel strange to be called 'Nyota' in uniform.'
'Van-Kal Vuhlkansu?' inquired Sefu.
The discussion had distracted Nyota from her previous anger and Spock was pleased. 'High Vulcan. It's almost impossible for humans to pronounce much of it. Modern Vulcan is much easier.'
Tamu chose that point to re-join the conversation. 'Although Nyota can speak it of course.'
Sefu looked with interest at Nyota. 'Really? Say something.'
The table looked at Nyota silently. Spock felt her 'sigh' within their bond. He glanced at her and spoke softly. 'Calm thyself beloved-one. Thy kin are no worse than mine own.'
'Perhaps thy kin and mine kin should be the ones dining together then.'
'A most amusing meal that would be.' Spock couldn't imagine many things more awkward.
Imani sighed. 'Oh what a beautiful sounding language. It's so musical.'
Spock felt a warning of amusement before Nyota spoke again. 'Oh it is, isn't it Auntie Imani? You know Spock once recited Keats to me in it.' She gave him a lascivious smile more suited to Gaila U'Aidat. 'It was terribly romantic.' He could feel through the bond that she was teasing him.
Tamu gasped and clasped her hands to her chest, staring at Spock in a manner he found disturbing. He did not like the implications of Nyota's statement. She made it sound as if he'd been courting her with poetry in some illogical human fashion.
'It was hardly 'romantic' adun'a. You were concussed and I was merely attempting to help you remain conscious.' he pointed out.
'What's adunay mean?' Imani inquired.
'wife' Tamu responded in a breathy voice. Zanta and Nyota's cousin Ayodele both sighed and looked at him… emotionally. Spock failed to see why. Calling Nyota his wife was perfectly logical.
Zuberi appeared to be laughing behind his hand. His father-in-law would be well aware that the subject of the conversation would be disconcerting to him. Nyota felt positively gleeful.
'Why were you concussed?' Sefu inquired of Nyota in what Spock thought a more reasonable line of interest.
'Some cadets managed to overload a warp core at the Academy. I was in the building when it exploded. Spock made sure I got out okay.' Nyota responded. A sound and concise explanation.
Rather than calming however, Imani gasped. 'So Spock rescued you from an explosion? Then recited Keats to you in old Vulcan?' She gave Nyota a seemingly meaningful look which was completely meaningless to him. 'Was it 'Bright Star'?'
Nyota smiled. 'Why yes it was.'
'That's so romantic!' she replied breathlessly.
All the females present were looking at him in a manner he was most uncomfortable with. Spock glanced to Zuberi in hope of clarification, but the older man just smiled at him in a way that implied he was still finding the exchange quite amusing.
Spock recalled that Zuberi often referred to Nyota as 'little star'. Her name meant 'Star' in Swahili. It appeared the females found the fact that the poem he had recited to her used that same term significant. Although as he thought back on the incident, all the poems that he had thought of had contained the word 'star'. His head tilted to the side as he came to a realisation. It appeared that he had been more emotionally compromised at the time than he had realised.
Dinner was followed by a course of sweet dishes. Most were too sweet for Spock's taste, but one of the desserts – a leavened bread-like cake flavoured with terran liquor and served with strawberries – he found quite agreeable. Nyota informed him it was her grandmother's signature dish and was called a savarin. Her grandmother seemed quite pleased that he had enjoyed it. He made an unnecessary comment implying Tamu had inherited her cooking skills, (an impossibility), from Delphine and both women seemed pleased.
Afterwards the group retired to the billiards room. Those who did not wish to play sat on the couches and sofas with card and table games and drank saurian brandy. Spock found himself somewhat exhausted from maintaining conversation with Nyota's curious relatives. He desired to go upstairs and meditate for a few hours. Nyota sat next to him and rested her left middle and index finger against his where their hands lay on the couch. Her presence made the current situation far more tolerable.
Her cousins on her mother's side, Ayodele and Fahari, were very polite, even if they did spend a great deal of time staring at his ears and eyebrows when they thought he wasn't looking. Fahari, who was only fifteen, asked a great many questions about Starfleet of both himself and Nyota. She seemed especially interested in hearing descriptions of other planets. Despite her youth, Spock found her conversation far superior to that of her older cousins, Amani, Azizi and Sakina, whom he estimated to be between his own and Nyota's age.
Sakina spent most of her time making comm calls and pouting in a rather immature manner. She also seemed to dislike Nyota and Zanta, avoiding conversation with them and directing looks at them Spock did not quite understand but interpreted as unfriendly. Her brothers seemed as equally unpleasant as their father Abasi. Spock made no effort to engage them in conversation and was relieved they likewise ignored him. He continued to overhear insulting remarks in Swahili directed at him over the course of the evening however.
Ayodele, Nyota's eldest cousin, spent her time conversing with Tamu, Imani, Zanta and Nyota. Like Nyota, Ayodele seemed very intelligent. She was an engineer who apparently specialised in anti-matter fusion reactors. She had a husband in the same scientific field who was currently on Mars for work.
Spock was playing a game of tri-dimensional chess with Nyota's grandmother Delphine. The elderly woman was playing highly illogically and yet the game had dragged on for some time. As was often the case when he played humans, she kept making moves that Spock did not anticipate. Her conversation was also proving something of a distraction. Whilst polite, she was exceedingly blunt, almost Vulcan, in her inquiries.
He had just narrowly avoided losing his queen to her when she spoke after a period of 6 minutes and 47 seconds of silence. 'Fetch me another glass of the d'Yquem Sauternes would you Spock dear?'
She also called him 'dear'.
His mother called him dear. A human expression of affection. An odd affectation for Nyota's grandmother as she had known him only 3.2 hours and surely could not have formed any sort of emotional attachment to him. Nyota, who was sitting nearby, found both her grandmother's tone and the fact that he was fetching her drinks amusing.
'Have you ever tried a sauternes? Pour yourself a glass if you haven't. It's far superior to that brandy my daughter has you drinking.' Delphine continued.
Spock was only drinking the brandy to appear 'sociable'. The alcoholic effect was lost on him and the flavour not particularly enjoyable. He doubted Delphine's wine would be any more appealing, but saw no reason not to humour her. 'Very well Delphine.' Spock responded as he stood to fulfil her request. She handed him her empty glass to refill.
The terran wine very sweet, but it hardly had any sort of alcoholic aftertaste. In this it was in fact superior to the brandy. 'This is indeed more enjoyable than the brandy Delphine. Thank you.' The comment was unnecessary, but it appeared to please Nyota's grandmother. She favoured him with a smile. Her familial resemblance to Tamu was apparent when she did so. Otherwise she was physically quite dissimilar to Nyota's closest family. Although she was clearly of African descent she was much lighter in complexion to the rest of the family and her name and accent were decidedly French. Spock would have made inquiry on the subject, but he recalled Nyota's comments about terran's odd reactions to discussions of their genetics and restrained his curiosity, focussing instead on the game of chess.
It was 22:05 hours when Spock finally check-mated Delphine. It had been an enjoyable game and he informed her of as much. She had bid him refill her glass an additional three times and was smiling a great deal and blinking sleepily. He noted increasing signs of intoxication in several of Nyota's other relatives. Nyota herself had partaken in three glasses of saurian brandy and her mind felt a little fuzzy through their bond, but she did not appear unduly impaired. Her mother and father seemed likewise afflicted, 'typsy' was the correct term Spock believed. Imani seemed rather more affected and was laughing quite loudly. Her daughters Ayodele and Fahari had not been drinking and were as polite and friendly as they had been during dinner. Spock suspected Ayodele was not drinking since she appeared to be in the early stages of pregnancy, and Fahari was too young by terran standards.
Abasi and his children however seemed to have been drinking Zuberi's Andorian ale in great quantities. Spock could feel his wife's disapproval as her cousin Sakina drank the potent blue beverage like water. Zuberi was playing a variation of billiards Spock had not encountered before against Abasi. Azizi and Amani were providing loud commentary.
Spock watched the game with some interest. They were using a different set of balls, they were slightly larger, white and numbered. The rules appeared quite different to the pool Spock had encountered in North America or the billiards and snooker he had played with Zuberi earlier during his stay. As Spock watched Zuberi sunk the cue ball and then selected a numbered ball to remove from the table. After watching the play for a few minutes Spock approached him.
'I have not seen this version of billiards before Zuberi. Is it an African variant? It seems quite interesting.'
Zuberi shook his head. 'It's called pyramid Spock. Russian pyramid. Well, this is Moscow pyramid to be exact, there are a few different versions.'
'The larger balls would make for a more challenging game.' Spock observed.
'Yes, you have to aim much more precisely.'
As they watched Abasi somewhat unsteadily made a shot, but managed to sink the intended ball.
'I'll give you a game later on if you like Spock?'
'That would be a pleasant diversion Zuberi.'
'I'll give you a game Spock.' Abasi called loudly. He placed odd emphasis on the 'ck' noise in Spock's name. Perhaps in an attempt to offend him? It was illogical if so.
'If you so desire Abasi.' Spock responded mildly.
Beside him he heard Zuberi sigh. 'Let's finish our game first Abasi.'
Spock remained near Zuberi as the game unfolded. Spock was fairly certain he had a clear understanding of the rules should he indeed play Abasi. Anger suddenly flooded his bond from Nyota. He turned towards the couches and saw her glaring daggers at her cousin Sakina. Fahira and Ayodele were both looking at her in anger as well. The older women, Tamu, Imani and Nuru had vanished to get more brandy. Delphine was still sitting a little distance from them near the chess set and seemed to have only just turned her attention towards her granddaughters and their cousin.
Spock focused his attention on his wife and Sakina. Sakina was speaking in Swahili to Nyota. 'It's bad enough fucking an alien,' she gave Zanta a significant look, '… but another thing entirely to marry one. You can't actually intend to breed with him can you? You want alien half-breed children? It's disgusting.'
Ayodele responded before Nyota could. 'Your attitude is what's disgusting Sakina.'
Sakina scoffed. 'You would defend her. Your children will be almost as bad. Mrs. Nguyen.'
From her comment Spock assumed Ayodele's husband was of Vietnamese descent. Nyota's anger increased greatly. Spock quietly spoke to Zuberi in Vulcan 'Sakina is antagonising Nyota and Ayodele. I am uncertain if I should intervene.'
There was an angry flurry of extremely fast French from the side of the room. Delphine had stood and was waving a finger at Sakina in reprimand. 'How dare you speak to your cousins in such a manner Sakina!'
Sakina did not appear to speak French however. She responded in Swahili. 'Stop your yapping you old chotara'. (half-breed)
Nyota, Ayodele and Fahira gasped at one. Through their bond he gathered the term was considered offensive. He could tell his wife wanted to slap her cousin for talking to Delphine in such a manner.
Zuberi turned and took in the arguing women. He could not hear their words from such a distance. He passed Spock his cue and strode over towards them with a smile on his face. 'Ladies!' Four angry faces snapped towards him. 'I was just thinking how nice it would be to hear some real music. Perhaps you would play something for us? I'm sure Tamu would love to hear you all sing.'
As if on cue the other women returned. 'Oh, music?' Tamu inquired. 'That's a wonderful idea! Let's go into the sitting room for a while.'
Zuberi's gambit to avoid an outright fight between Delphine and the younger women seemed to have succeeded.
7.2 minutes later Spock found himself seated on a couch beside Zuberi and Sefu with a glass of brandy in hand shortly thereafter. Ayodele and Fahiri sat at a piano, Sakina sat a little distance from them holding a stringed instrument he did not recognise and to Spock's surprise, Nyota held a Ka'athyra (Vulcan lute). She had never commented on that which sat in his quarters. He was quite intrigued to hear her play.
Tamu requested they play a terran love song that she favoured to start with. Imani seemed equally enthused. Nyota and her cousins all appeared proficient with their respective instruments and the impromptu concert was quite pleasant. Then they started singing. Spock had been exposed to a great deal of terran music over the last seven years, not to mention his mother's musical tastes. Although it was considered one of the pinnacles of human culture - few other species had developed such diverse and complicated forms of music - he found much of it sentimental to the point of absurdity or aggressive and unpleasant to listen to. However hearing Nyota and her cousins sing under the present circumstances was quite different to being exposed to popular music played at excessive volume from cadets' dorms. They had very pleasing voices by terran standards. He imagined his mother would have enjoyed hearing them a great deal.
They played another two songs, one requested by Imani and one by Zuberi, before Nyota stood to sit beside Spock as Ayodele and Fahari played a duet on the piano in an older terran style for Delphine.
It was familiar. Nyota, who had her hand in Spock's, felt his query and responded wordlessly. /A rearrangement of Canon in D major by Pachelbel/
/Your thoughts are becoming clearer when you speak to me thus Nyota./ Her thoughts were no longer strung together in long streams of consciousness.
He felt her pleasure at her improvement. They were silent for a period of 62 seconds before he spoke once more. /I did not know you played the Ka'athyra ./
/It is a very versatile instrument./ She responded. That was true. /I have seen that you have one in your room. I should very much like to hear you play Spock/
She passed him the lute and he released her hand and ran his fingers over it. It was an inferior instrument to his own, the wooden Li'Pon body was machine turned rather than hand carved and the Bahun'ahb inlay appeared to be synthetic, but its tone had been acceptable when Nyota had played it. However Spock had no particular desire to play. He felt her disappointment.
'Do you play Spock?' Inquired Tamu. Ayodele and Fahari had finished the piece they were playing.
'Yes.' Spock regretted picking up the lute. Tamu would enviably ask him to play now. Human politeness would demand it of her.
'Would you play something for us? I haven't heard a Vulcan play the lute since the last time T'Vau was on earth, oh,' She glanced at her husband, 'that must have been five years ago now?'
'About that long.' Zuberi agreed.
Spock managed to keep the frown off his face. 'I am familiar with Vulcan compositions for the most part. I uncertain if I know anything that would be pleasing to human tastes.' He strummed a chord, testing the tuning Nyota had left it in. Through their bond he felt Nyota think of a human ballad in the correct key. It was quite popular and he was familiar with the melody. Playing it would please her. He did so. When she realised what he was playing she smiled widely and he felt her delight.
'The skies are green and glowing, where my heart is, where my heart is…' Her voice was exceedingly pleasing, despite the somewhat vapid nature of the song she sung. Spock ignored the rapt expressions on the faces of Nyota's mother and aunt. He focused on the simple chord progression of the song. When Nyota's voice faded on a final refrain of '…beyond Antares.' He was quick to pass the lute back to her so he would not be asked to play again.
He could feel her amusement.
Imani, who appeared to be becoming more and more emotional with each glass of brandy sniffed. 'That was beautiful!'
Zuberi slapped him on the shoulder. 'Dammit Spock. Stop being so charming, you're making the rest of us look bad.' Spock could tell he meant the comment humorously and did not respond.
'I think I might be sick.' Abasi spoke in Swahili, but quite loudly. Since he had consumed a large amount of Andorian Ale, Spock was not surprised he was feeling the negative effects of so much alcohol. He had witnessed physical illness as a result of alcohol consumption a great deal since joining Starfleet. It was only when Nyota's good mood vanished he realised the phrase was meant to insult him. Somehow. Illogical humans.
'If you're feeling unwell perhaps you should have a lie down Abasi. Tamu made up the guest rooms.' responded Zuberi. Despite his words he sounded threatening rather than hospitable.
'It's not a rest I need, it's to get away from your daughter and her green-blooded alien.' Spock wondered if he should make Abasi aware that he understood his words. Nyota's fingers had tightened around his to an uncomfortable degree. He could feel the effort it took for her to remain silent. Only his own lack of insult was stopping her.
Tamu gasped in shock. 'Abasi!'
Zuberi stood and glared at his brother. 'I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that brother. But if you can't behave in a civilised manner, I am going to ask you to leave.'
'Civilised?! This from the man gave his daughter to an alien.' He glanced at Tamu. 'Or was it more of a trade? Did your wife make some arrangement to get her new posting to Vulcan perhaps?'
Spock tilted his head in surprise. It appeared Abasi was implying Tamu had someone managed to obtain her position as Terran Ambassador to Vulcan via his marriage to Nyota. An irrational assumption. His father had no influence of whom the United Earth Government chose as their representative. He was not even a citizen of Earth.
Delphine's voice cut across the room sharply. 'Abasi Kiplagat Uhura!' Spock noted the use of a second name in Africa seemed to fit with North American traditions. 'This is Zuberi and Tamu's house. If you can't treat their family with the respect they deserve then you should leave.' The older woman managed to look down her nose at the much taller Abasi in a way that reminded Spock greatly of his own grandmother.
'Shut up chotara.' Abasi responded to her dismissively. Spock found himself frowning openly at Abasi's disrespectful behaviour towards an elder.
Nyota was livid. She shot to her feet. 'How dare you speak to mémé like that!' Her lips were pursed and her eyes narrowed. Spock was uncertain if he had ever felt such anger in her. It seemed a lack of emotional control were one's mother, or in this case grandmother, was involved was indeed a human trait. Spock glanced around the room and noted that Sefu and his family looked equally insulted. Abasi's children looked like they were enjoying their father's display.
'I'll speak how I want alien-fucking malawa.' (bitch/whore)
Spock had a sudden and very human urge to punch Abasi Uhura. He stood and faced him, undeterred by the older man's superior height and size.
Before he could voice his objection to his wife being so insulted Zuberi spoke. 'That's it! Abasi. Don't you talk to my daughter like that just because you're drunk and spoiling for a fight, or you'll get one.'
'Is that supposed to frighten me brother? I can take you.' Abasi responded. Spock thought his confidence misplaced. Whilst of similar build, Zuberi seemed to have a lower percentage of body fat and greater general fitness.
Zuberi glared silently at his brother for a moment before replying. 'Well then, let's settle this on the mats.'
'Fine!'
The two men strode out of the room which fell silent at their departure. Spock turned to Nyota and spoke in Vulcan. 'Are your father and uncle actually going to go and… fight one other? Is this a terran custom I am unaware of? It is not one my mother's family appear to practise. It seems quite... barbaric.'
'Barbaric! That's uncle Abasi in a nutshell. He belongs in the stone age. Hopefully papa will break his neck.' Nyota had her arms crossed and was seething in anger.
Sakina spoke in an overly loud voice, in Swahili of course. 'So your daddy has to fight your alien's battles for him does he Ny? I'd heard Vulcans were pussies.'
Spock raised an eyebrow at her last statement. Cats? He saw no great insult at being likened to the creatures. It appeared Sakina's attempts at insults were just as bizarre as those of her father.
/Pussy is a slag term for female genitalia./ Nyota informed him without words.
He raised an eyebrow at her in disbelief. /Your cousin is calling Vulcans... vaginas?/
Spock could feel Nyota's anger slipping away at the distraction their odd conversation offered. /No, she's calling you women. Weak and unable to fight./
Her clarification only served to further confuse him. /But she is a woman, she therefore insults herself with such a statement. It is illogical./ He paused.
Nyota gave him a tiny smile, her anger much diminished by his inquiries.
'Sakina! That is quite enough out of you!' Tamu sounded furious. She turned to Spock. 'I am sorry Spock, I'm afraid Abasi has quite terrible manners and his children seem to have inherited them.'
'There is no need to apologise Tamu. I am uncertain of the usual custom in such situations, but should we not ensure Zuberi and his brother do not severely injury each other?' The room fell silent. He tilted his head in surprise as he realised that he had spoken in Swahili. He noted Sakina suddenly seemed very uncomfortable.
Imani gasped and responded in kind. 'Oh lord you speak Swahili Spock?'
He was honestly unsure of the correct answer to that question. 'It would appear so.'
Tamu did not appear surprised however. She sighed and got to her feet before addressing his question. 'Yes I suppose we should go and make sure they don't kill each other Spock.' She glanced sharply at her nieces and nephews. 'I don't want to hear a peep out of anyone though. Those two won't need any encouragement to beat the stuffing out of each other.'
Spock could hear the dull thuds of physical altercation well before they entered Zuberi's gymnasium. The two Uhura's were facing one another in the centre of the room on the sparring mats. Abasi was only a little shorter than Zuberi and both appeared to have the same heavily muscled build, however Zuberi was not intoxicated. Spock could not see Abasi posing too much threat to him.
All the same, he felt Nyota's concern. She clung to his arm and he felt her desire to help her father. He himself was having difficulty simply standing back and observing such a thoughtless display of violence.
When Abasi managed to land a heavy handed blow to Zuberi's left temple, Nyota gasped, Tamu covered her mouth and Delphine muttered something angry sounding in French under her breath. Spock had to restrain himself from intervening. Zuberi was unconcerned however and promptly broke his brother's nose. Spock felt Nyota's very human pleasure at the violent retaliation.
Abasi's hand automatically clutched at his bloody nose and Zuberi took his distraction as an opening to deliver a punishing blow to his solar plexus that pushed his brother off the mats. He stumbled a few steps towards the equipment that lined the wall and landed heavily. Zuberi did not press his offence whilst his brother was on the ground. Abasi remained gasping on the floor for a few moments. He was soon up again however and when he regained his feet he was brandishing a metal bar used to hold weights. Zuberi raised his arms and slipped into a more defensive stance.
Spock was concerned. A hard blow from the metal rod to Zuberi's skull could be fatal. Abasi was inebriated, his judgement was impaired. He had already hit Zuberi in the temple once, would he do so with a weapon? 'Should I intervene Nyota? I have no wish to see your father injured when it can be avoided.'
Tamu's face snapped towards him and she responded sharply. 'Yes!'
Nyota nodded in agreement. 'Suus mahna his ass Spock.'
Spock tilted his head at the odd turn of phrase before he turned and walked towards the circling Uhuras.
'Abasi.' He called. 'It is apparent you have some personal grievance against me. I would prefer you settle it with me rather than injure my friend Zuberi.' Spock had no intention of actually fighting with the man, he would simply render him unconscious as soon as possible.
Abasi spat in his direction. Spock glanced down at the phlegm and raised an eyebrow. Some sort of primitive display of aggression? It was highly unsanitary. 'Your damn right I have a grievance with you, you green-blooded bastard.'
Zuberi seemed perfectly happy to let Spock handle his brother and backed away.
Spock stopped 150 centimetres from him and well to the side of the spit. 'There is no way I can settle this grievance with you without resorting to violence?'
Abasi snorted. 'Never!'
Spock nodded in acceptance. 'Very well.' He stood still and waited.
Abasi circled him, brandishing the metal bar, waiting for him to attack. Spock had no intention of doing so however. He would finish a fight if necessary, he would not start one.
'You just gonna stand there Vulcan? Too scared to fight me?' Abasi sneered.
'Vulcans do not experience the emotion to which you refer.' Spock responded calmly.
'Then what are you waiting for?
'I am calculating the simplest method to render you unconscious with minimal injury to your person.'
'How's this for straight forward?' Abasi charged, swinging the bar back and aiming it at Spock's head. Spock was glad of his intervention. Clearly Abasi might well have caused serious injury to Zuberi. He raised his right arm and blocked the bar with a dull thud. It stung, but the density of his Vulcan physiology meant it caused no major injury. Abasi was staring at his arm and the bar with a surprised expression on his face. Clearly he had thought the blow should have broken Spock's arm. Spock took advantage of his confusion and reached out with his left arm and pinched the nerves in Abasi's neck. The larger man crumpled to the mats unconscious. The metal bar rolled 32 cm to his left.
Spock glanced at Abasi's sons who were glaring at him in case they decided to continue the confrontation. They seemed content sending him angry looks however.
Nyota's grandmother laughed, the unlikely sound breaking the tense silence in the room. 'I grow fonder of your husband by the minute Nyota.'
Spock looked down at Abasi with some interest. 'He is of similar build and physical condition to you Zuberi but significantly slower. Had you used your favoured mok'bara techniques on him you would have subdued him quite easily.'
Zuberi came to stand beside him and glared down at his brother. 'Doesn't feel right going Klingon on my little brother. Much as he might deserve it.' He nudged his limp form with a foot. 'You went too easy on him Spock. He's bad enough sober. He's intolerable drunk.'
'I had no desire to cause him unnecessary injury. He is Nyota's kinsman. Your 'little brother' as you put it.'
Nyota huffed. 'I asked you to suus mahna his ass, not politely tal-shaya him into a nap.'
'It was the most logical course of action.' he replied. His arm was stinging. He would have a bruise. Nyota felt his pain and walked over to him and took hold of his arm, pushing his sleeve back. The skin of his forearm was already flushed green with a forming bruise.
'You are hurt. You should not have let him hit you.' She sounded both concerned and annoyed. 'In future adun, you are not to let anyone, 'kinsman' of mine or not, hit you.' She gently wrapped her hands around his forearm where the bruise was forming. The warmth of her touch was soothing against the small injury. He ignored the discomfort at being touched in front of so many people and accepted her comfort silently. 'Especially with metal bars.' Her tone was quite biting but she stood very close to him and her eyes were warm as she looked up at him.
'I will bear that in mind.' he replied evenly.
She sniffed. 'Good.'
AN:
SO. Much. Fluff.
If anyone is curious about the song that Nyota sings, there are a few videos on youtube.
Just look up Beyond Antares - Nichelle Nichols.
It's very retro and not a very good recording, but it's a super cute song.