Well, don't profit, no gain, no ownership…But thanks to all who R & R.
We are taking a look at what both of our characters have described as not being a date. We view Spock's suspicions in regard to that very forward cadet, and his determination to keep Nyota 'safe'. 'Safe for whom,' may we ask.
When You Wish Upon A Star
Chapter Three
Shall We Dance?
Once they arrived, they negotiated the width of the gymnasium and as they approached the side wall, Nyota asked, "May we sit?"
He extended his arm toward a group of chairs, she gracefully sat and patted the seat next to her and nodded.
"I prefer to remain standing," was his response to her invitation.
Of course he did, there would be no stolen glances with averted eyes if he remained standing. She was looking about.
Finally she said, "Sir, do you like these kind of affairs?"
"This is the first one I have attended?"
"Then, why did you come here, Sir?"
"It appeared that this is a very welcome experience for Terrans. I attended to insure your safe arrival and return to your place of domicile."
She nodded, "Thank you, Sir."
Changing the subject entirely she asked, "Do you dance?"
After a moments thought he answered, "It was mandatory training in my youth because on numerous occasions I traveled with the diplomatic party of Vulcan. It had been hypothesized that dancing was an avenue that allowed persons to communicate while in close proximity. It has been said that Terran couples equate some dancing as….I believe the expression is… romantic. It is not logical but I am sure that for some it is a pleasurable experience.
My parents danced ballroom style in the privacy of our home. So although I have been instructed and exposed to it, dancing is not one of my preferred activities."
As the dance music began she asked, "Would you mind dancing with me?"
'MIND dancing with her? Be disturbed by such an activity? That was an absurd thought.'
"Please feel free to pick the dance that would bring you the greatest, as Terrans might say…would bring you the most pleasure."
A waltz was introduced and she raised her hand to his. He had set in place a strong shield since the time that he picked her up. It would have to do. But before she stood she unwrapped her head, letting her hair flow down her back and wrapped the cloth each one of her hands allowing the drape be fall gracefully between them.
She smiled and said, "I remembered."
He led her to the dance floor where they struck the classic waltz pose with both of their heads facing their extended arms. Her back was arched against his restraining arm as the introduction concluded and the waltz began. They looked truly elegant, even professional as they performed with the other dancers as the circle kept enlarging as more couples joined in the dance.
"You dance beautifully." was her comment as they applauded as the music ended.
"My mother would be very happy to hear that. While she was teaching me she spent quite a bit of the time in hysterical laugher."
"Your mother taught you?"
"I believe my father, mother and I were the only ones on the entire planet who engaged in this activity."
Nyota explained her exceptional grace by revealing, "I studied classical ballet, ballroom and traditional dance when I was younger. There were very few opportunities to apply what I had learned. Fortunately, your father's diplomatic travels allowed you the opportunity to practice what you had been taught."
"Quite the contrary, I made it my business to find a quiet corner, in the shadows that allowed me to observe and not participate at these affairs. You are my first partner. I glad you do not feel victimized."
Nyota smiled and bowed her head, "Then be aware, I feel privileged."
Spock and Nyota did not stay too long after the dancing started.
Nyota stated, "I think I should get back and tidy the room a bit. My roommate will be arriving early tomorrow. I understand that there was a problem with her transport and that delayed her arrival. If she is in any of my classes I will share my first day's notes with her."
"That is commendable, Cadet."
When they arrived at her building she stood for a moment and said, "Thank you, Sir, for making my first day here so pleasant. If there is ever anything I could do to assist you, I would be most grateful if you would allow me to extend an act of kindness to you."
With that she left, climbed the steps and as she opened the door to enter, she waved and then was gone.
Spock turned to start his walk and then turned back to see if it was possible to determine which was her assigned dormitory room. The third floor corner room light came on and a petit shadow appeared, reflected on the shielded window. Maybe that was her room, he imagined that she then sat and reviewed the events of this evening with pleasure. His thoughts of her pleasure fed into him, as he remember the highlight of his evening-the free flow of meaningful conversation.
Arriving at his place, he first went to his com unit, rapidly searched for the face of the male who had intruded into Nyota's personal space:
James Tiberius Kirk
(son of the hero of the USS Kelvin)
Date of Birth: Battle of USS Kelvin
Command Track
Captain Pike's entry:
'This candidate is definitely flawed, raw at the edges, but holds promise to supply Star Fleet something that is presently missing-creative thought. I do not expect him to fit into any mold that we presently expect our entry level cadets to fill. I believe he will be uniquely valuable and can be molded for greatness.'
What Spock deduced from Pike's description was a undisciplined, young man who while brilliant, was reckless, and perhaps even dangerous to someone as young and inexperienced as Nyota. He would keep his eye on him; not going so far as to warn Nyota about him personally. Instead, he would reveal his dislike of that sort of pushy male behavior.
After reading the entry he undressed, hung up his uniform and slipped into his robes. He lit his asenoi and knelt to examine the activities of this day. He had finally met the one individual to whom he had revealed more of his inner self, than anyone alive. That person knew him like no other, be it Terran or Vulcan. The more he got to know the person that he communicated with, the more he had wished that the person was female.
Spock had revealed this thought to only one person, his mother, on one of his trips home. He mentioned the research project and the anonymous partner. The person's education, insight, imagination, inquiring mind, unusual abilities and drive were so outstanding, he found contentment in the thoughts propounded. He longed for information about this person yet it was completely out of his sphere of knowledge, and it was frustrating.
His mother's inquiry was, "You have no idea who this person is?"
"No mother, If I did, I would know whether the person is female. I think if I found that was the case, I would search for her."
That afternoon on Vulcan while he was walking he looked by the side of the path and noticed something that sparkled in the sunlight. Walking over he bent down and picked up a piece of quartz. It was truly a beautiful find. Holding it up to the light he saw distinct pinkish veins embedded in white surrounded by clear yellow quartz mineral. While not jewelry quality he would add it to the few pieces of mineral he had gathered while on this trip. When he returned home he showed his mother his latest find. She commented on the unique coloring and layers of the stone's inner core and he searched for an instrument he could use for etching and he wrote in Vulcan, Afer-to fi' Ah'rak (Found on Vulcan).
His mother smiled and said, "Go wash up, your father will be home in time for dinner."
Spock said nothing.
"Come on Sweetie, you are bigger than this obstacle. We need to have this time together. Do it for me."
Spock turned away and then looked at his mother, "For you mother, only for you."
`0`0`0`0`0`
The morning after the school affair The Academy campus was alive with activity. Persons who had met whom they now considered their best friend, girl friend, boy friend, friend-friend or what ever, walked together. Most were in deep conversation, sprinkled with laughter.
Spock walked toward the Einstein Science Building and observed these couples with a degree of envy. How strange, he was denied the freedom that these youths exhibited. He had already graduated, been assigned to a vessel that was still being built. The aforementioned were all adult tasks. But, due to his job, he was completely, and totally powerless to do what these persons, were doing naturally, normally and without fear of punishment.