Claustrophobia
Chapter Thirty-six
What Sarek did not know was that his statements had caused a maelstrom that would have unwanted repercussions. While Nyota's name was not mentioned, certain elements within the Terran community, namely newspaper reporters, took this 'ball and ran with it'. Some less than worthy newspapers posted pictures of several cadets with the question.
"Is this the daughter-in-law of the year?"
Fortunately, Nyota's picture was not among them. But the one reporter who had started his personal investigation found a hearing ear and open palm, in one Nyota's roommate male friends. Apparently she had mentioned Nyota's off-planet lab assignment and her absences from the academy. That reporter had surprised Nyota with a holo camera in her face and asked,
"Are you Mrs. Spock."
Almost blinded by the flash she simply remained silent and attempted to escape by returning to the building she had just exited.
Spock felt her direst and met her inside the front door. She was visibly shaking, He took her to the his office and prepared tea.
He told her,
'No more secrets, all will be revealed at the ball. Nyota then said,
"Then we have our 'happily ever after'.
Spock's embrace was firm and sure as he nodded.
`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`
In the meantime, T'Pau had forwarded a formal message on governmental stationary to Star Fleet's Board of Directors. It read:
Greetings:
This message conveys to you news of another great milestone in Vulcan-Terran relationship. Our Osu Spockh, Dahrik Fen-tor To-kisev (Secondary Seal Holder) has complied with a new law and has selected a bondmate. According to a thorough investigation, his choice is his perfect match. The individual so elevated is Terran and is a member of your student body who has excelled in her studies and is thus qualified to be our osu's consort. In this matter he follows the wise decision of his father to join our two people through a marriage and bonding. This action is politically sound and has been 'time tested'.
This is an auspicious time for both of our home worlds and our governmental body discerns the great wisdom in our osu's choice, pointing forward to the continuing positive future of our two worlds.
Our governmental bodies approved of this pairing based on the Vulcan concept that it is acceptable according to the tenets of Kal-Ut-Shan, or IDIC, Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.
His choice of bondmate, Nyota Chandra Uhura, is the daughter of Benjamin and M'mumba Uhura of Terra, Bantu people of the Wakifunzi clan. Her parents' consent has added to the value and positive nature of this marriage and bonding. Official notification in the form of two certificates of marriage/bonding as legal verification of this event was forwarded to you from our embassy upon Osu Spock's arrival on Terra. It was requested that these document be attached to Lieutenant Spock's tangible Star Fleet file last week.
IMen sakkhet ur' seveh (Live long and prosper)
The Vulcan High Council
The Vulcan Committee
T'Pau of Vulcan
The Board was in shock and totally helpless in dealing with this situation. Spock citizenship was dual, with Cadet Uhura's bonding she also has become a citizen of Vulcan, thus Vulcan law and tradition applied to them both. Although the Prime Directive was not applicable, good sense was. Somehow, it appeared to them all they had been out-maneuvered by a very seasoned diplomat, T/Pau.
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The ball was scheduled for two days before the actual graduation. It was in fact the equivalent to a 'good bye' party. Spock informed Nyota that instead of his Star Fleet uniform he would wear one of his formal robes. Nyota was giddy with the thought of Spock's regal appearance. On the morning of the day of the ball, Nyota answered the knock on the door and saw a uniformed Vulcan standing there with a large box in his hand. After placing the box in her arms the Vulcan bowed his head and left.
Since the deliverer was Vulcan, she was certain that its contents would be also. On the underside of the box was a note with the S'chn T'gai crest on the envelope. The message was from Spock:
'Nyota you would honor me if you wore this garment this evening. It will be a visible manifestation of our joined state and of course you would enhance the garment's beauty.
Your Spock'
Nyota lifted the formal robe from its tissue paper cushion and could not believe her eyes. In Vulcan script on the lapel, Spock had had embroidered both of their names. Her new family name along with her lineal history was written in Swahili around the hem. He had honored her in this way. Her eyes watered as she sent to him,
'Thank you. You honor me.'
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An unmarked embassy vehicle was parked outside her dorm building and Spock stood by the rear passenger door and took her hand to help her enter. He then returned to his place in the back seat. Spock took her hands and kissed the palms and stated,
"My Aduna, the robe's beauty pales next to you."
Looking at Spock she was about to say,
'Likewise'.
Instead she fingered the script on his own robe and uttered an old Terran expression, 'It's 'Show Time,'"
"Indeed."
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As they approached the building Spock instructed the driver to return in one hour. Nyota figured her husband was going to make short work of this non-verbal 'announcement'.
Spock and Nyota entered the ball room hand and hand and a hush fell over those gathered. They had been assigned seats at a group table but Spock did not intend to become a 'sitting duck' so instead guided her to the buffet. It was as if all were frightened by their stoic instructor who now was escorting their most promising school mate around the tables and allowing her to select food items for him. The general consensus was, 'How domestically cozy was that?'
Spock's face registered absolutely nothing while on the other hand his companion was smiling and on occasion as they wandered about the ball room floor with their small plates in hand Nyota might reach out to touch someone's arm and offer congratulations or simply a greeting. Spock stood regally by her side and would nod in recognition of anyone that Nyota stopped and greeted.
Once they finished their food Spock left Nyota to secure drinks. With his departure from her side she was swamped. The general line of questioning was about Spock's presence at the ball…with her.
She broached no answers and with Spock returning to her side her questioners scattered.
"Do you think we should solve the mystery?"
"Do we have to do that here and now?"
"No, K'diwa, if you wish it could be announced through The Embassy."
"Yes, yes, that appears to be a good idea."
Just then the music started. It was a waltz and Spock took her drink glass from her and placed both of theirs in the refuse container they had just passed. He held out his hand towards her and sent,
"My wife, will you agree to dance with me."
Her blush was so appealing that his chest constricted and it required that he take a deep breath. Nyota nodded. He positioned her body next to his and watched as whispers were heard from behind strategiclly positioned hands…all of them heard clearly because of his superior Vulcan hearing:
'What is he doing?'
'I didn't know Vulcans dance.'
'Why is she wearing a Vulcan robe?'
"Why are they wearing matching robes?
"Does anyone know how to read the writing?"
'They certainly look good together.'
'Does The Board of Directors know what is going on here?'
'Why does she look so comfortable; like she has done this before?
Nyota started the dance looking up at Spock and then she found she was developing a crick in her neck and finally placed her head on his chest and closed her eyes. Through closed eyes she saw the flash of a holo-vid camera that startled her. She felt compelled to lift her head. Spock gently placed his hand at the back of her head and returned it to his chest and then viewed the student with the camera with his most intimidating stare. The cadet scurried away.
`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`
Spock made no announcement, no admission at this affair. He escorted Nyota to the door and left the affair without a single word to another person besides Nyota. He was certain that a call for him and Nyota to appear before the board of directors was forthcoming. Of course, it would probably be intercepted by T'Pau's letter of notice. He almost smiled as he imagined the look on the faces of the board's members as they recalled they were instrumental in the fruition of what would be announced in T'Pau's message.