When You Wish Upon A Star
Chapter Six
'Splaining'
They all enjoyed their desert and as they finished Nyota rose from her chair. As the true gentlemen he was, Spock also stood.
Nyota tone spoke much to the eldest at the table,
"Amanda, your son can back me up on this, I have quite a bit of homework. I was going to say a ton…but we know someone would have questioned either the logic or truthfulness of such a statement."
Amanda knew that such a jest, is not a reflection of a recent acquaintance. No, these two know each other intimately, but not in a physical sense. Their minds have touched without a mind meld. The girl before her is for a certainty T1.
Amanda looked at the two of them. They made a beautiful couple. Spock noticed his mother's scrutiny and he placed his clasped hands behind him..
Nyota picked up her bag and Amanda said,
"Please keep in touch. You may route all calls to me through the Embassy. She stood and embraced the young girl.
Then with a warmest of smiles Amanda said,
"I have enjoyed our time together. And thank you for your concern for my safety/ What have you to say about that Spockh."
Spock addressed Nyota, "Our time together has been rewarding and most…enjoyable.
Looking at Nyota his mother smiled, "That's my boy, no flowery speech from him."
"Have a safe trip home Amanda. Thank you for everything."
Amanda thoughts were, "No my dear, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. She had enough ammunition in her arsenal to kill any protest from her son. But, what she had in mind were primarily words of caution.
"Mother, perhaps you would not mind returning to my quarters and…please spend the remainder of your time I will sleep on the couch. I could take you there now and return after my 1600 hour appointment."
"My son, I would enjoy your continued company."
`0`0`0`0`0`
Once Amanda was deposited in his rooms Spock first made his way to the library. He picked up the book that Nyota had authored and placed it in his bag. He would use it to help his mother understand how he had discovered Nyota's identity. He had to visit the registrar's office to file request for one field trip for his classes and finally he stopped at the tea house to replenish his supply of Jasmine Tea.
As he entered his quarters he heard his mother, "Dad, I'm sorry I could not swing by to see you, but my next visit to Terran will have you number one on my list. Kiss everyone for me."
Spock knew that the relationship between his mother and grandfather had been strained since her choice to marry his father. He thought to himself the similarity in the situation, he with his father, his mother with he's. In both cases the parent wished to impose their own will on an adult offspring. In both cases, the plan not succeed.'
As Amanda saw Spock she mouthed,
"Would you agree to speak to your grandfather."
Spock nodded.
"Grandfather Grayson, It has been some time since we have spoken. Yes Sir, Yes Sir. I have graduated and am now teaching at Star Fleet Academy. Once the newest Federation Star Ship's construction is completed I will be it's science officer. Yes Sir, Yes Sir. Thank you, Sir. Goodbye."
Spock stood for a moment, deep in thought and then announced,
"Mother, I think that we should go to Fisherman's Wharf and see the sunset. I will then take you to a place for an evening meal. Are you agreeable?"
"Ahh, in the absence of another female, my son is taking me on a date."
Spock did not respond, he looked away and took a settling breath."
Amanda thought,
'What has come over my scientist son, who will now observe the sun without benefit of equations and tablets. To note its beauty. Perhaps that the 'me' in him coming out, Despite the obvious appearance, I must say, I am part of him also.'
To her son she said, "
Just let me freshen up a bit and I will be ready."
Amanda figured that she would broach the all important matter outside the confines of Spock's apartment. She did not wish his view of his 'home' to be tainted by what she had to say. Amanda did not wish to be responsible for any thoughts such as, 'I was seated here…Mother sat in that chair…to cross Spock's mind at a later time.. Yes, outside the confines of this apartment, out in the air in a quiet place, she would talk to her son. What she had to address was quite serious and she would not discuss it until they would be on their way back to his place.
They exited the public transport at Bay Street and started a leisurely walk down the old pier. The smells of the ocean brought back memories. She had walked these same planks with Sarek, during his shy attempts to court her. Now her grown son brings her here, unbeknown to him, to relive these memories.. Her home now is on Vulcan and no visage, or salt air smells exist there for Vulcan is a vast desert..
"Mother, would you like to pick the place where we could eat?"
"No dear, that heavy responsibility I lay on you. You are aware of what I like to eat and what you will permit yourself to enjoy. You choose."
"Mother, thank you for trusting my judgment."
"Spockh, my son, I would trust you with my life."
`0`0`0`0`0`
The meal consisted of excellent vegetarian curries and after their leftovers were boxed, Spock pulled out his mother's chair and said, "
I will locate a private conveyance to take us back to my rooms."
"That will be just fine, sweetheart."
Every term of endearment, such as the one that just passed Amanda's lips usually was met with a statement noting the illogical nature of the phrase. E.g 'A heart: An blood pumping organ of a humanoid could not be defined as sweet-functioning, non-functioning, diseased, healthy, large, small, but never sweet.' Tonight though he made no comment on her statement. Apparently her son was deep in thought.
She thought of an appropriate statement she could make to a Terran companion, 'A penny for your thoughts.' Such words addressed to her son probably would have met with a statement such as,
'If a value could be placed on them they would well exceeds that now obsolete currency.'
How well she knew her son.
"Spock, can we sit on one of the benches and have a talk."
Spock had dreaded a confrontation, but he was aware of his mother intuitive nature and was sure that she had made an important discovery about Nyota this day. He guided her to a secluded area where they could observe the ocean's waves, see the moon's lit pathway across the waters and smell the brisk salt air.
Surprisingly, Spock started the conversation.
"Mother, I believe that I am aware of the nature of what you wish to discuss with me, it concerns Cadet Nyota Uhura."
"You are brilliant, my son," was her statement as she elbowed him.
He flinched, just a bit and drew a book out of his ever present bag.
The title, 'Vulcan, The Unexplored Race,"" by Nyota Uhura, citizen of USA.
He then requested, would you look at the back of the cover?
There she saw that same lovely face.
"Mother, Nyota Uhura is T1. I discovered that fact when I secured that publication from the Academy's library and compared it to her profile in Starfleet's records.."
"I figured that out already my son. Perhaps you were aware of my suspicions. You have found her, I am happy for you. But son, she is a mere seventeen years old and you yourself are but nineteen years, no where near maturity either in the eyes of Terrans or Vulcans.
Let me put this before you, you have not experienced your first Pon Faar. On Vulcan your father's bondmate was killed before they were joined as adun and aduna and your father was in his sixties in the midst of Pon Farr. Be assured there is so much growth ahead of you and your cadet. Yes, son, I know mentally you have claimed her."
On Vulcan the natives' life span allows then to wait many years before becoming husband and wife. Why is that so important? Both parties are allowed to reach their full potential, their growth, Thus they are able to test out the application of their acquired knowledge before they settle down.
Your case is different. Nyota is a human, you will outlive her by many years I am sure, but you have your assignment on a star ship. She has to finish four years here at the Academy and then be assigned. Do not place on her an obligation that will stifle her"
"Mother, Nyota has revealed to me her decision to never marry and her desires to become a star ship captain. I will in no way allow that goal not be reached because of pressure on my part.. Because of that initial decision, I do not feel my chance with her is in anyway threatened. She is extremely focused. But, Mother, if there is a change of heart about the possibility of matrimony, I will be waiting for her for she is truly half my heart and soul."
"I am pleased with your resolution, Spockh. I believe if anyone could change her mind about marriage, it would be you," was his mother's heartfelt reply.
.