The Prince

Chapter 9

Year four of teaching- Two years in with Uhura

Spock liked the way their relationship had grown. He'd known Uhura for almost two years, and could hardly have believed his fortune. Here she was, laid out on his bed, her long hair laying in a halo around her body. She was curled beneath his white sheets, those same linens outlying her curves. She was on her belly, her arms tucked under her head facing him, eyes closed. She was beautiful. Spock rose and stood by the window in his room. The sun was just rising, casting a dim glow about the campus grounds. He had never stopped to admire the sunrise. Being with Uhura had opened his eyes to the world of beauty around him…he looked back lovingly at the woman laid across his bed. He silently wished to wake up like this forever.

It was these thought that were interrupted by a door chime. Spock frowned. Who could it be this early?

He stepped into his foyer, clad only in his Starfleet-issue sweats and a tank top. He closed the door to his room. Whoever it was, they didn't need to know he had a guest.

He quickly scanned the area looking for any evidence of the activities of the night. Satisfied there was none, he opened the door and was greeted by none other than Captain Pike.

Spock blinked away the shock.

He placed his hands behind his back and stepped aside, letting Pike in.

"Captain, to what do I owe your visit this morning?" Outwardly, Spock's tone was calm, but inwardly he prayed Uhura wouldn't come through that door.

Spock, I need to speak with you, Pike said, immediately flopping down on the sofa. He sat facing Spock now, who was still standing by the door.

"Sit" he said, motioning to the chair in front of him.

Spock sat stiffly. Pike noted he looked rather…uncomfortable at the moment.

He decided to just ignore it.

Spock, I've come here for two reasons, and yes, I know it's early, but we have to get this out of the way.

First, I'd like to talk to you about an observation I made.

Spock waited, silently. Pike could almost sense his first officers growing unease. He decided to just get it over with. No sugar coating.

Spock, I saw you walking with Cadet Uhura the other day. You two looked very intimate. Now, I know you. I know you don't take relationships lightly, and I know you'd never do anything to jeopardize your or her career. But you two looked rather cozy. And I don't need to remind you of Starfleet regulations. So, just watch it, ok? This is between you and me, and doesn't leave this room.

Pike could have sworn he saw Spock's eyes shift to the bedroom door. But his first officer remained silent.

"There, now that that's out the way. There's something a little more pressing we need to talk about."

Spock looked at Pike in a way he hadn't seen in years, since the first time he'd seen Spock as a first year cadet, suspiciously eying him in his office. Eyes, tired, travel worn and ….what else was there? He'd read the file. Vulcan male, age 20. Over five academic degrees. He'd deduced who Spock's parents were, and over the years, his first officer had confirmed it. But he'd never seen them with Spock. And Spock didn't travel to Vulcan. And when he had tried to talk about Spock's family, it resulted in an automatic shut-down which always left both men highly uncomfortable. It was precisely why, Pike mused, watching his first officer watch him…he didn't want to be the one to discuss the newest assignment given them.

But, again. No pussy-footing around the bush. Pike was blunt.

"Spock, Starfleet has requested that you and I to attend a diplomatic even on Vulcan. It begins in two days, meaning, we will have to leave in the next three hours. In addition, you're T/A, Cadet Uhura is required, due to her expertise in both Vulcan and Romulan. I am heading to her quarters now to inform her. I thought I should tell you first. Ambassador Sarek will be heading the talks when we arrive."

Pike could feel the dread rolling off Spock's body, although the Commander remained stoic.

He softened his tone a bit. "Spock, I tried to get you out of it. But the higher-ups wouldn't have it. You being the only Vulcan and all…his voice drifted off."

Spock rose. "Very well. I shall be ready in three hours". His tone was flat. And Pike could read nothing of the emotions he'd felt earlier from Spock.

It was just as Pike rose to leave that he heard Spock's bedroom door creak open and a very female voice call out.

Both men froze. Pike looked at Spock to watch his face. He'd never seen so many emotions on display! They were quick: fear, hesitation, embarrassment, slight amusement...then they were gone.

Spock's eyes went to the door. Pike's followed…

He quickly turned away, heading to the door.

"Well Spock. I guess I don't have to stop by Cadet Uhura's quarters after all. Three hours."

He exited. Now safely on the other side of the door, he chuckled to himself over the situation in front of him. If Spock was with Uhura, it had to be serious. He'd let them be. His thoughts quickly sobered. It had been nine years since Spock had been on Vulcan. He had a feeling things were going to go downhill very quickly.

Authors Notes:

Sorry it took a while to post more. I got stuck with writer's block and had no idea how to get these guys back to Vulcan! Subsequently…it took nine years to the day Spock first left!

Yep, we're heading back to Vulcan. Yes, the excrement will be making contact with the oscillator once we get there, yes there will be a fight, no, no one will get killed, yes there will be some offenses done, yes the feud between Sarek and Spock will continue, yes you will get a little "nice" Sarek and yes, this is far from over.

Points of Clarity: In Chapter 5 I referred to Spock as "Lieutenant". I think I made one reference in Chp.6 too. At the time he's with Leila, he's still a cadet- my bad. Also…I don't think I made this clear, but at the time he's with Leila…he's going through his first Pon Farr…the sweats and shakes will come in his next one!

This story is now a combo of TOS/2009 Star Trek tossed with a little mirror-verse.

Also, one more tidbit in my defense of "mean" Sarek. In "Journey to Babel" when the Tellurite is found dead, Spock says with absolute certainty "My father is quite capable of killing". Gee…I wonder if he knows from experience.

I know some people may not be happy with my character portrayals, but real life isn't all about happy endings and butterflies. Some people have serious flaws. And everyone has a dark side.

My character portrayals just bring it out more. Thank you for reading. And for reviewing. I do appreciate all the comments.