YOU SAY I AM LOVED
Chapter Two
During the night, Spock woke up and looked down at Uhura's sleeping face. He gently removed his left arm from under her shoulder and got up. He covered her with the coverlet and made his way to the outer room.
He gathered his clothes and quickly dressed. It was 0400 and he had time to close out any lab experiments he had been working on. First he went to his quarters and showered. He put on a clean uniform and went to the lab.
At 0600 he returned to Uhura's quarters and let himself in. It was strange not to hear the familiar hum of engines running and people walking and talking in the halls.
He went into Uhura's bedroom where she was just getting out of bed. He admired her naked body and she looked startled when she finally looked up.
"Spock, I didn't hear you come in."
"You look pleasing to me this morning," he replied.
She covered herself with the sheet and smiled, "I'll shower and get dressed, then we can eat."
He walked up to her and gently kissed her lips. "Satisfactory."
She teased, "The kiss or the plans?"
He rubbed her bare shoulders with his hands and stood back, "We must begin our day, unfortunately." He leaned down and kissed her again.
"I'll hurry," she whispered.
After a quick meal they made their way to the bridge in silence. On the lift each were deep within their own thoughts. Uhura shyly glanced up at him and he was staring at the lift door. She felt a gentle wave of emotion and she was not sure what caused it.
When the lift door opened to the bridge they both came to an abrupt halt. Equipment of every kind lay strewn on the deck floor. Most of the doors to the service areas were opened with one or more person working underneath. They walked around and knew the day they had plan was not going to work out.
Spock went to his station and transferred information to his computer in his cabin. "Lieutenant, it is obvious that we can not work here today." He walked over to her and pointed to the lift. Once inside he said, "Perhaps we should start our shore-leave a day early."
She leaned into his shoulder and said, "I'll go to my quarters and set up the communications to go directly to the starbase."
"I will let Mr. Scott know that we will be leaving and all the crew have their communicators if he needs anyone."
Spock stopped outside Uhura's quarters and said, "I will meet you in twenty minutes. Is that sufficient time to pack up your belongings for leave?"
"I'll be ready," she said smiling, "What are your plans for the day?"
He turned towards her with his arms behind his back and said, "I plan to spend it with you, if that is acceptable?"
She smiled and said, "Very."
They walked the catwalk to the starbase and went to their assigned rooms for the duration of the repair time. They had agreed on an obscure meeting area. They were not quite ready to filter all of the questions if they were seen together. However, Spock knew by Kirk's behavior that he and Dr. McCoy would be looking for an explanation of why he was in Uhura's quarters having a private meal. The two never let his private life be private for very long. It was an annoying characteristic of his two friends.
The hustle and bustle of the starbase was a drastic change from the quiet of the ship and it took some mental exercises for Spock to filter the noise from aggravating his nerves. He continued to walk to the agreed rendezvous and saw Nyota waiting for him.
She stood looking at the computer screen which showed all of the options for various things to do. Spock stood at her side and she jumped.
"Spock, I wish you would let me know when you're near by, you always startle me."
"Are you not aware of my closeness?"
She paused and thought, "You know, there are times I think I hear you talking to me, or I sense your feelings."
"That will happen stronger each time we mind meld, it is important that I do not do that too many times. It can become a permanent aspect. That would only be correct if you were my mate."
She looked up at him with a thousand questions in her mind. "Oh, uh, so what would you like to do today?"
Spock flipped through the computer screen to a particular page. "I saw this yesterday when I was looking at different options. It's a small grassy hiking trail that leads to a pond. I thought perhaps that you would enjoy it."
She softly touched his hand and smiled at him, "Thank you, yes, that sounds very nice."
Spock arranged transportation to the hiking area and they whisked away without running into any crew members. The duplication of a sunny warm day was so convincing you had to tell yourself that this was all computer generated. The hiking trail was a gentle climb. They walked in silence and Uhura would stop to smell flowers along the way. Spock raised his eyebrow at the fifth stop.
"Do you wish to change our plans and go to the botanical garden?"
She smiled and said, "No, I just love to smell flowers. Am I slowing you up?"
"Not at all. I am glad you are enjoying the day."
She knew she shouldn't touch Spock, but it was at times like this she needed a physical connection. She touched the palm of his hand and he closed it over hers. Somehow she knew that he knew what she was thinking.
They heard the gentle splashing of water before they came upon it. The rocks that lined the falls shimmered in the sunlight. Across from them was a sandy beach and Spock led the way around to the pond. He hesitated to remove his boots and socks like Uhura, but it seemed better than having sweaty feet. He rolled up his pant legs and followed Uhura into the water.
Warm as bath water with a relaxing scent of fresh water and flowers. Uhura dragged her hands through the water and let it fall from her hands.
"Spock, I had no idea how tense we've all been for the past three months. This is so lovely. I wish we had brought suits."
Spock looked around and said, "No one is around, and I won't peek if you wish to swim."
She gasped out loud when he said that, "Spock, what if someone comes...I don't know," she looked around the area. They hadn't passed anyone in over an hour. She turned to him and said with a glimmer in her eyes, "Will you join, me?"
'Vulcan's do not swim well. I will keep watch for you."
She ran out of the water and went behind some plants and disrobed.
"Alright, I'm coming."
Being the gentleman, Spock turned his back to her and glanced around the area. "It's safe to go in, Nyota."
He turned back towards her when he heard splashing.
"Spock, do come in, it's absolutely relaxing. Just don't go very deep."
"Nyota, I hardly think that I should join you..."
"Why not?" she teased.
He almost sighed at her teasing. He took off his shirt and threw it near his boots and removed his pants, but kept his underwear on. He walked into the water up to his waist and joined Uhura.
She swam over to him, but stayed below water level. He reached down and pulled her to him. She let out a soft shriek.
"Spock, what if someone comes?"
"Then, I will simply dunk you under the water."
She laughed and he kissed her and let her slide down his body back into the water. They stood peering into each other's eyes, a silent moment passed between them. Uhura swam away and enjoyed the relaxing warm water. Spock waded into deeper water and swam on his back for a short time.
Uhura swam up to him and said, "Perhaps I'll get dressed."
"Indeed," he whispered. He looked around and said, "It seems we are alone, Nyota."
It was hard pulling on dry clothes over a wet body, but she walked back to the beach as Spock struggled with his pants.
"Spock, why don't you take your shorts off and let them dry first."
He stopped hopping back and forth and looked at her as she hid a smile behind her hand.
"Perhaps." He disrobed quickly and pulled on his uniform pants. She had dressed in light capri pants and a top and sat down on the sand. Spock joined her and they lay back in the sand to relax. After awhile, Spock's hand found hers next to him and he sat up. He pulled her to sit between his legs and she leaned against his chest. They watched the water fall and listened to birds singing and tried to let the exhaustion from the previous months release the tension from their bodies.
He held her against his chest and rested his chin on her head. He wondered what type of future the two would have. It was not recommended to fraternize with officers of a lesser ranks, and he and Uhura were two ranks separate from each other.
"Spock, explain to me how this mind melding works."
'It is easy, as you know, but each time we join minds, more of our personality is shared and it will eventually leave a permanent marker on each of us. Soon it will be hard to block the others thoughts without training."
"Oh, it's not that I have anything to hide, Spock, it's just I don't know if I want you poking around in my mind all of the time."
"That is where training comes in. I can teach you to block your thoughts from me, unless you choose to let me in and vice versa."
"We mind melded twice and it was so beautiful." She turned in his lap and looked up at him.
He glanced down at her and nodded in agreement. "I do not wish to poke around in your mind either."
"Spock, when should we start telling people about us. I mean it's getting harder to keep it quiet from my friends and I know the Captain has his suspicions."
"Yes, tomorrow I am sure the Captain and the Doctor will be shooting many questions at me. What do you wish to do?"
She sighed and said, "I honestly don't know what is best. I kind of like keeping it between just the two of us. It's so private and exciting at the same time. Do you have a preference?"
He took a deep breath and thought for a moment, "I think we will both know when the time is right."
She looked up at him. She was petite and he was tall. He enveloped her in his arms and kissed her with passion.
"Spock, I know you don't share your feelings, but..." she stopped.
He waited and he said, "But what, Nyota."
"I really am falling in love with you," her heart beat wildly as she watched his reaction.
She was beginning to know his tiny facial reflexes that he tried desperately to control. The light crease around his eyes and mouth when he tried not to smile. The frown when he was confused and a dark shadow in his eyes when he was angry. The shadow that came only in the most rare of times.
He cleared his throat and looked at her. He turned her so she faced him and said, "I know that humans require the mentioning of feelings in order to live. I have feelings, Nyota, it is just that we are taught to suppress them. You say that I am loved by you and I believe that with all my mind, but I can not allow myself to express such sentiments all of the time," he took her chin in his hand and made her look up in his eyes, "but, I can tell you I have strong affections for you. Is this sufficient for now?"
She smiled and said, "Yes, Spock, it is sufficient...for now." She kissed him and he laid back on the sand. They enjoyed the affection from each other and continued to enjoy the warm day.
After a minimal amount of time, Spock found it more difficult to just lay on the beach. He had worked out equations in his head from an experiment he was working on in the lab. He wondered how long it would take to finish the repairs to the Enterprise and if the Captain could contain his infectious energy for two weeks.
Spock felt a nudge at his side. Uhura said, "Thank you for letting me rest here for awhile, but I sense you'd like to get moving along."
Spock sat up and pulled Uhura up. He brushed the sand off of her back and helped her to stand.
"You have read my mind correctly," he replied.
Uhura stretched her arms and back and said, "I am hungry."
"Then we shall find a suitable restaurant."
Spock led her down the path and they took a shuttle to the main area of the star base. They found a diner that served many vegetarian dishes. The chronometer on the wall showed 1430 hours, and they were happy to eat and get a refreshment.
"Spock, I have some shopping to do and I'm sure you won't want to come along. Maybe we can meet for dinner later."
"That will please me. We can decide where later."
Spock paid the bill and they walked out of the diner. As they parted Uhura looked up at her tall companion.
"Nyota, I will see you later."
"Okay, I will comm you later and we'll pick a place to eat."
He nodded and turned to walk away. At that moment there were several loud explosions and following was the alarm for red alert. Spock helped Uhura to stand up and looked around to help others that had fallen from the explosion.
"Nyota, we have to get back to the ship."
More explosions followed, the floors were littered with fallen people and some debris had fallen from the walls. Spock grabbed Nyota's hand and they began to run to the four cat walks that led to the Enterprise. Crewmen and women were running in many directions. An announcement for all personnel to report to their battle stations went out over the public comm system.
Spock was running almost too fast for Uhura, "Spock go ahead of me, I'll catch up."
"No, Nyota. Come with me." His excellent memory led them down a short hallway and through an unmarked door. He led the way through the door and grabbed her hand. They ran down another hallway and found an entry to a catwalk to the ship.
Crewmen of different ranks ran in controlled panic along the walkway.
"Spock, this is the Captain, where are you?"
Spock touched the comm unit on his shirt. "I'm almost entering the ship, Captain."
"I'll be there shortly. Have you seen Scotty?"
"As of this morning he was still aboard."
"I'm almost there, Spock, get to the bridge."
"Yes, Captain."
Once on the ship they ran to the nearest lift. He cut through the line of people waiting to use it. He looked back and said, "Any bridge crew here, come forward."
Mr. Sulu ran up from the end of the line and met up with the Commander. The three entered the lift and went to the bridge.
With equipment laying about, they were unsure if they could defend the ship in dock. Spock commed engineering.
"Mr. Scott, where do we stand on mobilizing the ship?"
"Mr. Spock, we would need half an hour from a cold start, but both engines are off line and not repaired, yet. We're sitting ducks. Can ya tell me what's going on?"
"Not sure, Mr. Scott, other than the base is under attack. The Captain will be here shortly. We will contact you shortly."
Uhura was busy opening up communication lines to the base and throughout the ship. She turned to Spock and said, "Sir, there's a message from the Commodore.
"Put it on audio, Ny, Lieutenant,"
"Aye, sir."
"Enterprise, we are under attack from the Klingon ship Isos15 and two smaller ships. Any help with weapons defense would be helpful. We have both of our smaller starships out now. I will keep you informed. Out."
Spock turned to Uhura and went to her station, "Contact Scotty and see if he can get weapons on line."
"Aye, sir."
The lift door slid open with the Captain, Dr. McCoy and Chekhov. Chekhov went to his position and conferred with Sulu.
They listened as Mr. Spock filled in the Captain with the news from the Commodore.
Uhura interrupted and said, "Sir, Mr. Scott would like to talk with you."
The Enterprise shook not from a direct hit, but one that came close.
"Scotty, do we have weapons?"
"I'm trying, Captain. It may take a minute or two."
"ASAP, Scotty."
"Aye, sir."
Reports from all department were coming through with the reporting crewmen in their battle stations.
Kirk and Spock stood off to the side to confer on a plan.
"We can't undock from here, Spock and I'm not sure our weapons would be of any help from where we are located. We could accidentally take out docking struts and injure someone."
"Yes, I agree, Captain," he paused, "we do have one option."
Kirk looked up at him with a silent agreement. Kirk went to his comm unit on his chair, "All hands, the base is being attacked by a Klingon battle ship. Stay at your battle stations for now. All pilots that have come aboard, report to the flight deck."
Bones said, "What are you planning to do, take out one of their top ships with a few small planes?"
"It's all we have, Bones. They'll know what to do." He flipped on his comm and said, "Captain Kirk to Lt. Commander Sedgewick, report."
"Lt. Commander here, Captain."
"Get as many pilots in the air as you can."
"We have seven that have reported and are preparing to leave."
"Keep me informed."
"Yes, sir."
On the flight deck the seven pilots were scurrying into their gear and considering plans in their minds.
Lt. Commander Sedgewick ran down to the deck from his office. Three more crewmen were reporting at the same time.
Sedgewick yelled, "Kirk, are you ready?"
"Yes, sir."
"Lieutenant, you take charge of the mission. Keep the Klingons away from the Enterprise. The Commodore is handling the starship, but your job is to protect our ship. Understood?"
"Yes, Commander."
"Get going."
All ten pilots were lined up at the bay door and one by one they left the flight deck. The last of the fourteen pilots were heading on their way to their planes.
Once in air Lt. Lucas Kirk, Captain James T. Kirk's son, gave orders to his fellow pilots. They formed a tight circle around the starbase where the Enterprise was located. One of the smaller Klingon ships made a run towards the Enterprise, but was cut off by three of the smaller pilot ships. It circled around and came about for another run. It's torpedo's took out two of the Enterprise's planes.
On the bridge the Captain and crew were watching the aft and stern screens. The Captain cringed when he saw two of their planes exploding into space. He stepped closer listening to his son, Lt. Kirk give more orders to the pilots in the air. They formed two rows of three planes and shot under the small Klingon ship, then as if in a ballet they pulled up short and climbed above the ship. Each plane let out a volley of torpedoes. It was the end to the small Klingon ship.
Over the intercom Lt. Kirk said, "Lt. Kirk to Command Center."
"This is Command Center, state your purpose."
"We just took care of one of the small Klingon ships and we are coming upon the second. How are things over the base?"
"We have taken hard hits with many casualties. The USS Valiant and Reagan are in battle with the Klingon ship."
"We will assist you as soon as possible."
"Understood."
Captain Kirk shook his head on the bridge. "Lt. Uhura, get me Lt. Kirk, now."
"Aye, sir." A short pause and then she said, "Go ahead, Captain."
"Lt. Kirk, this is Captain Kirk, in no way will you try to take down the Klingon warship. Your job is to protect the Enterprise. Is that understood?"
"Captain, we are close to the second small Klingon carrier. I have fourteen piloted planes protecting you, sir. Do you still want me to stand down?"
Kirk glanced at Spock and Spock nodded.
"Those are your orders, Lieutenant."
"Aye, sir."
Moments later the six leading pilots took out the smaller Klingon carrier.
"All eaglets return to the Enterprise and form maneuver 12."
Lt. Kirk shut off his comm and slammed his hand on the control board. He mumbled a few choice words and checked his radar for position of the Klingon starship. The two starships and it were in close combat. The Valiant took a direct hit to it's bow and deviated it's position.
"Lt. Kirk to Enterprise."
"Kirk here."
"Captain, the Valiant just took a hit and looks like she's heading back to the base. May we assist the USS Reagan?"
The Captain viewed their own radar screens and returned to the comm. "Lieutenant, take all but four ships and go in and assist."
"Aye, sir."
The Enterprise watched as their fighter pilots sped over the starbase to assist the Reagan. From his view, Lt. Kirk could see damage to the starbase. He quickly gave orders to his pilots and maneuvered into help.
"Lt. Kirk to the USS Reagan."
"Lieutenant, we're a little busy here."
"Sir, I have eighteen fighter pilots coming to your aid."
"Are you crazy, you're no match for a starship. Stand down."
"Sir, Captain Kirk sent us to help. We'll act as a diversion, sir."
"Very well, continue to standard maneuver."
"Aye, sir," Lt. Kirk answered. He gave orders to his pilots and they began to swarm the Klingon battleship dodging it's torpedoes. After ten minutes of intense battle the USS Reagan got a main torpedo shot to the Klingons engines. The Isos15 came to a standstill.
Over the comm Captain Ortez said, "This is Captain Ortez of the USS Reagan to Isos12. Prepare to be boarded."
There was silence over the comm. Klingons never surrendered. To beam aboard the ship was a dangerous thing to do. The Reagan scanned the ship inside and out. The scan showed twelve bodies, but only two life signs.
"Captain of the Isos12 respond," Ortez said.
Captain Ortez turned to his second in command and said, "Prepare the robot to board."
"Yes, Captain."
"Captain Ortez to Lieutenant Kirk."
"Lt. Kirk here, sir."
"Return to your ship. Tell your Captain thank you and I owe him a drink and dinner."
Lt. Kirk smiled and said, "I'll pass on the word, Captain."
Captain Ortez scanned the Klingon ship again and there were no survivors. There appeared to be no reason for the attack and a worthless battle for both sides.