Chapter 6
Spock and Uhura made their way to the mess hall. Nyota ordered a smoothie. Nyota ordered a smoothie.
"Do you want one?" she asked.
"I will try it," Spock said.
She gave him a sip and he literally turned green.
Nyota laughed, "You don't like it?" she asked.
"Nyota, I have been a vegan for most of my life. Never have I tasted something so abhorrent," he replied.
She tasted it. "I guess it is pretty bad. It is so much better with this!" she said shaking her bag. Spock placed his hand over hers and said, "Please allow me to test this substance before you ingest it,"
"Spock, it is harmless. I got it from Janice. She looks fine," Nyota said.
Spock closed his eyes and scanned his memory. He recalled a cadet who was booted out of Starfleet. He did not trust her judgment.
"Nyota, I implore you. There are many substances that could do irreparable harm to your body," Spock said.
Nyota cocked her head. Spock looked very concerned. She released the bag.
"Okay, but now I don't have time to eat breakfast," she said.
"I will secure a healthy meal for us on Starbase 12." Spock said.
He turned to see Janice exchanging bags for credit chips with other female officers. He placed the bag in his trouser pockets. Then he turned to Nyota.
"I will meet you at the transporter room. I must stop by my quarters," he said.
Nyota shrugged. "Okay, see you there."
Spock hurried to his quarters. He had not worked in years. He had no funds on his Starfleet account and he wasn't about to ask his family for funds. That is why the exercised so much control over his life in the past. From now on, he was going to make it on his own. Spock put the pile of clothing in the recycler.
It went through the process again and said,
"Credentials please," the computer said.
"Composition, Bajoran linen, woven with Triaxian silk, Vulcan organic matter including, exo-dermis, pekh, plak, and sen'ai, granular particles of gravel and silt." The device said. "Value, one hundred thousand credits."
Spock was irritated. That was half of what they offered before.
"I will take, five hundred thousand credits," Spock said. He keyed in his Vulcan credentials.
The device said. "Value "Adjusted value, four hundred and twenty-two credits."
Spock suspected as much. The algorithm reevaluated the value based on his status as a Vulcan. Spock was able to outwit the device which was developed by the Ferengi. No doubt they feared Vulcans more than Starfleet and for good reason.
"Configure four chips," Spock said.
He waited for the credit chips to appear in the tray. Then he put three in a drawer and another in the pocket of the engineering suit. Spock looked at the empty drawer, in the past, he only wore uniforms or Vulcan attire. This time he was going to get a few items at Starbase 12 suitable for social events.
As senior officers, Spock and Nyota were among the first to visit the Starbase. She took Spock to pick up his uniforms. The dress uniform was very snug, but it was passible. The duty uniforms had some stretch, but Spock was a bit embarrassed about the fit. Because he had canceled the Fullara, he seemed to have less discipline and mastery over his emotions. That was concerning to him and he planned to discuss it with Nyota.
Spock was dressed in uniform and he sent the rest of his gear to the ship.
"Nyota, I need casual apparel. Will you assist me in locating suitable attire?" he asked.
"That sounds like fun. I could use an item or two, but I am dirt poor," she said.
This time she did not grin. United Earth provided basic accommodations for retirees and she could sign up to work at Starfleet Academy, but she would have a basic lifestyle.
Spock observed Nyota as they walked through the shops on the star base. He noted the colors liked, the fabrics she touched and the styles she admired. He fingered the chip in his pocket. Most humans made fewer credits in a lifetime of work. Such a gift would allow Nyota to live comfortably.
Spock closed his eyes and imagined Nyota dressed in a beautiful gown in his arms.
"Spock, did you hear me?" Nyota asked.
"No, I was thinking," he replied.
"I see. We are standing in front of the shop I told you about." Spock looked at the sign. It read, Sporty Attire for Big and Tall Men.
Spock appreciated that Nyota was trying to help him, but he was mortified.
"Thank you, I think I will shop another day," Spock said.
"Nope, you are shopping today, Commander," she took his hand and led him into the store.
Spock was surprised at the quality of the clothing. It was very similar to what other crew members wore, but the cut was such as it accommodated a wider waistline. Spock purchased a few items and they were headed back to the restaurant when Spock spotted a small shop.
"Please accompany me, Ms. Uhura," he said.
"Okay," she followed him into the store which was not heated like the other shops. Immediately, Nyota knew why. It was like a giant refrigeration unit. She walked over and picked up a cucumber.
"Cucumbers in space?" she giggled and Spock to the clerk.
"Where did you get this stuff? She asked.
"We have a hydroponic garden in one of the unused bays. we pay rent for the bay and the shop, plus the extra water, but we save on heating costs."
"Wow, that is impressive, Nyota said. "We could make better smoothies with this!" she held up a beet.
"That is correct," A tall Betazoid woman entered the room. "I am Shaka, Sanasha," she said. She walked over to the Vulcan. One would have to be a fool not to recognize him.
"Mr. Spock, would you like a tour of my bay?"
Nyota felt a twinge of guilt. Betazoids had a way of making every statement sound sexy.
"We would. Ms. Uhura and I ingested a rather unpleasant smoothie today." Spock said.
"Replicators will never replace fresh produce, although they do a decent job of replicating animal flesh," she said.
Spock did not flinch at the remark.
"Well, follow me," she said.
Spock and Nyota followed Shaka to a lift. Then she took them down to her bay which was filled with hydroponic units stacked three or four stories high
Spock leaned in to look at the setup of the planters. Shaka placed her hand on the small of his back. He turned to look down into her eyes. Nyota backed up toward the door.
"I am going to go," she said, feeling a bit jealous. She hurried out the door and down the hall to the elevator.
"Well, I am sure Commander Spock can fill you in when he returns to the ship," Shaka said. "Commander, can you help me move a few things?"
"I must return to the ship," he said.
He turned and left the bay. The lift door shut just as he rounded the corner. Spock looked around. The only option was the stairs. He took a deep breath and started up the stairs. He jogged at first, but by the time he reached the promenade, he was out of breath and exhausted. He exited the stairway and looked around. Nyota was nowhere to be found. So, he went back to the shop and ordered some supplies. It is not that he did not like Nyota's ideas about more nutritious food. However, if he was going to eat healthy, it had to be fresh food.
Nyota returned to her station and sat down. She was upset about the woman flirting with Spock on Starbase 12. Pike looked at Sulu and said, "Lt. Uhura, recall all senior personnel to the vessel,"
"I am checking the roster now, sir." She said. Then she spun around and said. "All officers have returned except Commander Spock.
"I am here, Ms. Uhura," Spock said. Nyota turned and looked. She was shocked.
"I thought…" she snapped her mouth shut.
"Captain, Ms. Uhura has brought to my attention a need for healthier food options on the Enterprise," Spock said.
Captain Pike stifled a grin. "Well, why don't we meet now and discuss it in the ready room."
"Lt. Uhura, call Dr. McCoy, and inform the junior officers they have two more hours of leave," Pike said.
He was glad Spock got cleaned up and picked up his uniforms. He couldn't serve in his former condition. However, Pike was ready to get on the way to the Badlands. Sarek was an essential figure in the Federation. He could not be easily replaced.
"Yes sir," she replied with a quick glance at Spock. Even seventy pounds overweight, he was still a catch for most women.
"Oh, since this was your idea, you should join us," Pike said with a wink.
"Yes, sir." Nyota stood up and Romex took her place.
He watched Nyota as she made her way across the bridge. She wasn't bad looking, she just needed to lose some weight.
"Do you need assistance, Spock said. He was standing at the door to the ready room waiting for Nyota to enter.
"No, sir!" Romex replied. He turned to face the console.
Spock entered the ready room and sat down.
"Well, Commander. You seem to be settling in quickly," Pike said.
"Mr. Sulu, Ms. Uhura and Dr. McCoy have been quite helpful," Spock said.
McCoy nodded. The day prior, Spock looked like a street urchin. With his new haircut, a good scrubbing and a haircut he looked almost normal. McCoy never liked the fringe. Spock's hair was high and tight, with a little extra in the front.
"Well, Mr. Spock what is your idea?" McCoy asked.
"The plan is to utilize an empty bay for hydroponic gardening?" Spock said.
"We have a Terra Atrium," Sulu said.
"It would be similar, but with vertical food planters, we could produce enough food to sustain the crew for a year." Spock said.
"That sounds incredible," McCoy said. "Some of the women on the ship are drinking smoothies."
Nyota looked at Spock he said nothing.
"Yes, but Spock and I tried one from the replicator. Without the powder, it was awful." She admitted. "Vegetable and fruit would be better."
Pike sat up and turned to Spock, "What powder?"
Everyone turned and looked at Spock. Spock reached into his pocket and pulled out the bag.
"Is there something moving in there?" McCoy said.
Spock dumped the contents on the table. Nyota screamed.