As always, I own nothing. This is the last chapter, then the epilogue. I didn't want to rush it along, and I it doesn't come across that way. This has been a fun one to write. I'm thinking I might tackle another one…. In a bit.
Captain's Log Stardate 2261.26. At a hearing on the home world of Kronos, I am pleased to say that Warg was officially tried and sentenced for his actions on the Federation and the Klingon nation. I am pleased to announce that preparations toward peace are on track, and any day now, should be agreed upon. There is one issue, however, that still has yet to be resolved: Lieutenant Uhura.
For 15 days, Spock found himself falling into a routine. Work, sleep, sit. When the captain had offered to give Spock all the time of he needed, Spock had politely declined.
"Spock, take some time."
"Captain, while I understand your position, understand mine. My time is better served on the bridge. I hold no medical exper…"
"Spock, it's not about that. It's about what you need. What she needs." Kirk had interrupted.
"I know, Jim. Lieutenant Uhura would not want us to dwell on her condition. She would want us to continue our mission at hand." With that Spock had paused, "We owe it to her to finish the mission, Jim." With that, Jim had opened his mouth to say something, but thought twice, and simply nodded. It was only knowing that Nyota wouldn't want him to leave the Enterprise without her Senior Science and First Officer that had allowed Spock to make that choice. So he did what he knew how to do best: to perform admirably.
While the past weeks had been relatively uneventful, there was a buzz among the crew, and it was felt the heaviest on the Bridge.
As he sat at his station, he thought back over the multiple conversations he had had since that fateful day. When Kirk, Spock, and the rest of the Kronos away team had first come back aboard the Enterprise there wasn't much hope that Uhura was going to survive the ordeal.
Once the medical team had determined the myriad of issues plaguing their Communicators Officer, Kirk, Spock, and Bones were left alone surrounding her bed.
"We've done all we can for her." The doctor stated, "There's nothing more to do but wait for her to wake up."
"Can you estimate when she might?" Asked the concerned Captain
"That's the thing, Jim. She should already have. Physically, she is healing. We have made her comfortable, but it's up to her. She needs a reason to come back." With that last line, Kirk noticed McCoy look pointedly at Spock, who had yet to even respond.
Spock next remembered the tenth day of Nyota's unconscious state. Alone in his quarters one evening, Spock had contacted his father, Sarek, on a whim.
When his father's face had appeared, Spock was, at first, at a loss for words. It was Sarek who broke the heavy silence.
"Spock." He said in the way that Spock always responded to.
"Father," He returned, "Father, I-" He found that even after they had found a mutual respect and understanding for each other, it was still hard for Spock to speak with the man who fathered him.
"Speak your mind, Spock."
"As Ambassador to Earth, I am sure you are aware of the events that have taken place on the Klingon home world."
"Yes, it has been a topic of interest as of late. Since handing Warg over to the Federation, tensions have been elevated." Sarek nodded with understanding. "I offer what solace I can. I heard about what happened to Lieutenant Uhura." At her name, Spock had briefly closed his eyes.
"That is why I am calling. I seem to be emotionally compromised where she is concerned. I find that it is hard to separate emotion from logic."
Spock's words were met with a brief silence before Sarek was composed enough to answer.
"Spock, I too have been where you are. When I lost your mother, I too felt the fighting pull of logic and emotion. I felt her loss keenly, but pushed emotion aside because of what I felt was right. I felt it was illogical to grieve, as I couldn't bring her back. I loved your mother, more than I ever told her or allowed her to see. That I shall regret for my entire life." Sarek paused briefly, looking down. Finally returning his son's gaze, Sarek continued. "Do not fear what you feel, Spock. Don't fight against the pull. You are half human, half your mother. She would not want you to fight what comes naturally. You have to walk your own path. Do what feel right."
Spock stared into the so like his, yet so different. It was illogical that Sarek would repeat a saying that Ambassador Spock had spoken all those years ago. It was more words and emotion that Sarek had ever displayed to him. It occurred to him that, even for their difference, they were very much alike with regards to the women in their lives.
"Physically she is healing, but she has yet to awaken. There is little hope that she is going to live. I do not know what to do to help her."
"Be there for her. Give her a reason."
The last memory he focused on occurred on the thirteenth day of Nyota's unconscious state. Spock found himself alone in the mess hall, not focusing on the goings on of the crew around him. He saw young ensigns playing cards or chess. He saw lively conversations going on between the medics and engineering. There was joy among the Enterprise, and emotion that he hadn't been familiar with since Nyota's had been in Med Bay.
He was getting ready to clear his area when he noticed the couple at the table across from him. He hadn't seen Sulu's husband and daughter since the day they had boarded the ship in Yorktown. As he watched the scene play out he found that he was engulfed with fascination, curiosity, and a foreign emotion: envy.
Sulu and his husband were seated on either side of their young daughter, laughing at something she had said. Both were so wrapped up in her and each other, that neither noticed they were the being observed by the Vulcan.
The vision before him was suddenly replaced with a new one. He was surprised that the new couple was himself and Nyota, sitting beside each other. There wasn't anything significant about the picture. They were both simply sitting, eating, and taking with each other. It was something that they had done often enough. The only difference with this time, was Nyota was heavily pregnant.
While Spock at often thought about asking Nyota to become him Bond Mate, a child had never factored into the equation. But, seeing the couple in his mind's eye, Spock knew that he wanted this future. This future with Nyota and their child.
The vision suddenly reverted back to Sulu's family. Without even cleaning up his mess, Spock got up from the table, and went straight to the Med Bay. Once inside, he went straight to Nyota's side. He remembered what he father had said, "Give her a reason."
Without another thought, Spock sat down gently took her hand, and for the first time in their relationship, told her exactly what he wanted her to hear.
"Taluhk nash-veh k'dular. Hafau sanu, ashayam." He repeated this over and over. He didn't know how long he sat there repeating the words, but it was only the entrance of McCoy that he stopped.
"Spock, you're here late."
"I only needed a moment, Doctor." Spock said, not taking his eyes off of her.
"A moment for what?"
"To give her a reason to live." Spock breathed, finally making eye contact with Dr. McCoy.
McCoy's only response was to give Spock and encouraging smile, and continue with the exam.
The sixteenth day had started out at any other for Spock. He made his way to the Bridge, assumed his seat, and awaited further instructions form Captain Kirk.
"Mr. Spock, give the order the advance to warp factor 2."
"Yes, Captain." And, doing as he was told, gave the order. "Warp factor 2, Mr. Sulu."
"Aye, Commander." As Spock watched his comm, it didn't register that McCoy had just called Kirk for him and Spock to come to the Med Bay. The second time, he acknowledged.
"Jim, you and Spock better get down here. We have a situation."
With that, Spock and Kirk were out of their seats, and in the turbo shaft in an instant. During the ride, neither man spoke, both fearing the worst
They were greeted by a nurse when they entered the Med Bay, and were shocked at the scene playing out before them. Lieutenant Uhura, surrounded by medics, was sitting up in her bed, being poked and prodded at. They heard McCoy mutter, "This doesn't make any damn sense." At which Uhura smiled lightly.
Kirk and Spock made their way over to the bed, when they were noticed by Uhura. Her smile remained as she first noticed Kirk.
"Captain," her voice was soft and raspy from days of silence. "I hope we were successful?" she asked. Leave it to Uhura to have to regard for herself, but the situation at hand.
"Don't you worry, Lieutenant. We got it." He said with a wink. She laughed lightly, but slowed when she noticed the man standing to Kirk's left.
"Spock." The was no mistaking the joy that lit her eyes, or the breathiness of the way she said his name that was not because of days of nonuse. When Spock made no move to go to her, the light in her eyes died a little.
"Bones, didn't you have something you wanted to show me?" Jim asked, motioning for the Doctor to leave the room, taking the rest of the medics with him.
"Eeerr, yea, Jim." He snapped up his medical tools, "Alright, let's let this little lady rest. Even though you've had plenty of it." He said jokingly as he looked at his patient one last time.
When everyone had left, and Spock and Uhura were the only ones in the room, did she try to break the silence again.
"Spock.." She said with more conviction. "Won't you sit?" She motioned for the seat on her left. It seemed to be so formal with him, given their history. He seemed more reserved than she had seen him in years.
He walked over and sat down. Barely looking at her. It took him by surprise how well she looked given what she had been through. Her face was healed completely, the split lip no longer visible, nor her eyes swollen shut. He did notice that the noose had left behind a scar, thought faint.
"Spock." She tried for a third time when she noticed his perusal of her face.
Finally, he met her gaze, and when he did, Nyota was surprised by the amount of emotion shining back at her. As she so often did, she placed her hand on his cheek, pleased when he closed his eyes and briefly leaned into the touch. He reached up and took her hand away, but she noticed he did not let go once it was removed
"Nyota, I-" he took a steadying breath and tried again. "Nyota, I am relieved you have awakened. We were worried." After a pause he continued. "I was worried."
She smiled at the man in front of her. She squeezed the hand that still held hers. "I know you were."
"Know? How?" He asked questioningly.
"I could hear everthing going on. I don't know if I just didn't want to wake up, or if my body wouldn't let me, but I heard everything." She looked down, suddenly shy. "I heard you."
He looked at her, not showing an ounce of fear or uncertainty, but it was there, however brief.
"I did what you asked, Spock." When his attention was fully on her, she continued. "I stayed." She whispered. Looking fully into his eyes, the eyes that could see into her very soul, she let all the love she felt shine out from hers.
He brought his forehead to hers, and without breaking contact, repeated the words from before. "Taluhk nash-veh k'dular."
His words went through her, directly into her heart. Though not spoken often in the Vulcan culture, Uhura knew exactly what he meant. She closed her eyes, and sighed.
"And I you." Meaning them with everything in her heart and soul.
Oh this couple! Is it wrong that it reminds me of myself and my hubby? He's and honorary Vulcan. As always, R and R.
Taluhk nash-veh k'dular=I cherish thee
