A/N I do not own, profit, sell, anything having to do with Star Trek. Too bad because 'Thar's gold in them thar films'.

On Vulcan under the watchful, critical eye of the natives of that planet, Amanda in public was ever the dutiful, submissive, Vulcan bondmate. She was on a short chain in those surrounding, but she is not under Embassy scrutiny at this point. She is a mother, an inquisitive parent who is concerned about her son. So Spock, watch out!

When You Wish Upon A Star

Chapter Five

'Allow Me To Introduce…'

As Amanda looked through the glass window into Spock's classroom she saw him, eyes glued to a PAAD and she thought,

'How like his father he is. Dedicated to his work, a perfectionist. After many years with her husband she loved that quality in him. If it meant loosing sleep, missing meals, even breaking a promise to her, he would fulfill his duty as Ambassador. Now she viewed his offspring, deep in thought, his eyes rapidly taking in the information supplied to him. No wonder they butt heads, it is opposites that attract.'

She softly tapped on the door and saw his head shoot up, his eyes inquiring. When at last he determined the source of the distraction he activated the unlock mechanism of the door and she stepped into his space.

"Mother, I am…pleased to see you. I did not anticipate a visit from you."

She refrained from hugging him, which would have been the 'mother thing' to do. Instead she gave him the Vulcan salute and then addressed him,

"I hope I am not catching you at a 'bad' time. The conference ended early, my transport will not leave until tomorrow so, here I am. Are you free, because I am starved. Will you accommodate your mother and have a meal with her?"

"I am free until 1600 hours, Mother."

"Good, now if you could recommend a local place to eat, I will allow you to lead me there."

Spock answered,

"There is a small matter I must attend to. Would you sit here until I return?" he pointed to the bench by his door,. "The matter should not require much time."

"That will be just fine."

Spock turned and walked toward the end of the long hallway dotted with offices and entered one of the last in the row.. Amanda bent down and was just about to reach into her brief case when a shadow appeared,. looking up she saw the same beautiful cadet she had talked to earlier and the young girl was smiling.

"I didn't mean to startle you, I saw you sitting here and wondered if I might be able to assist you. I could not just leave you to fend for yourself. This is huge complex, the first day I was here one of my instructors kept me from getting lost."

"No my dear, all is well. I am just waiting for someone."

Amanda had her suspicions and based on them she got the most startling idea, why not invite this young lady to have dinner with them. She was sure she would be able to pick up on any signals inadvertently revealed by her son. It should be easy, for she was first of all a woman, and secondly his mother. She was certain if she watched carefully she would find answers to some of her questions.

"Cadet Uhura, are you presently on your way to another class?"

"No Ma'am, as a matter of fact, I am free for the rest of the day."

'Just perfect,' thought Amanda.

"Would you mind having dinner with me. There is so much Terran news I would like to catch up on. You will be my sounding board."

"I do not wish to impose…"

"My dear, let me insist."

"Thank you Ma'am. I would be very happy to spend additional time with you…."

Just then Spock approached the two woman. The Vulcan visage remained the same but the body language did a bit of revealing hidden thoughts. He stopped abruptly when he saw the two woman together and she saw him take a deep breath as his body stiffened.

"Spock, I want you to meet my new friend, Nyota Uhura, from USA."

He first addressed Nyota, "Good afternoon Cadet Uhura. Allow me to introduce my mother, Amanda Grayson."

"Oh," Noyota responded, "I certainly did not know her relationship to you, but I met Amanda earlier, as a matter of fact, immediately after I left your classroom."

"Cadet Uhura is one of my students. She is on the 'fast track' in Xenoliquistics. So, you see mother, an introduction was not necessary."

Amanda knew that her reasons for said introduction was to watch any signs in her son as to something that would indicate an additional familiarity between this cadet and himself.. Since it was only the second day of classes that would be highly improbable - unless there was a previous relationship. So, if this young lady was T1, something would slip out during their time at the dinner table.

They left the Academy through the West Gate and walked the short distance to a restaurant that specialized in vegetarian meals. His mother and Cadet Uhura walked ahead of him, arms locked, almost conspiratorially as her mother questioned her.

"What was the end result of …..Did they ever find the manuscripts that were stolen from that museum in Paris….Have you found the weather here suitable….Was your family in agreement when you were accepted into the Academy…?"

When they reached their destination, Spock held the door open and Nyota turned to him and displayed her dazzling smile,

"Thank you Lieutenant."

Spock nodded.

After they were seated, Amanda looked at each of her 'guests' and said,

"It is my treat, so order the most expensive item on the menu, that's what I would do. If you do not follow my suggestion, I will order for you."

Nyota felt a warm blush that rose from her neck.

"Ma'am…"

With a sigh Amanda said, "That title ages me, while my son may address me with a title, 'Mother,' I insist that you call me by my name, lovely Nyota Uhura."

Out of the corner of her eye she noted Spock shift uneasily in his seat. He always became agitated when she became outspoken. Of course, this would never happen in public on Vulcan. But here on Terra, without Sarek present, all you-know-what could break out. She had just a little time to have her questions answered.

The three of them ordered quiche and salad. Nyota had never dined with another species and noticed at first the table was very quiet. Amanda determined she would change that,

"Did you attend the University of Nairobi?"

"No Amanda, I secured my degrees online from Harvard University."

Bingo, Amanda thought to herself.

"Have you thought about getting your PhD?"

"I have already submitted a paper that I might expand on to secure that honor."

"What was your theme?"

"It was …"

At that point Nyota glanced quickly at Spock, feeling unaccountably like a small trapped animal.

"…It was on my observation of Vulcans within the confines of their membership in the Federation."

Checkmate…, Amanda's smug smile pronounced her victorious.

Over the bond she sent her son, 'Can you imagine that, Spock, a Terran, writing about Vulcan and her people. Don't you think she must have needed some assistance in her research?'

Amanda noticed her son's futile attempt to make himself as small and unobtrusive as possible. She had seen this same action hundreds of times in his youth; his sad, vain attempt to avoid questioning or issues that made him uncomfortable.

Through their bond Amanda continued, 'Well My Son, if you had contacted me with this marvelous news before, you would not be in the hot seat right now.'

With a twinkle in her eyes she looked from one to the other and said, "Who wants desert?"

A/N

Thanks to M'Celeste for her listening ear, and in this instance, her verbal 'red pencil'.