When You Wish Upon A Star

Chapter Ten

Who…?

Spock and Nyota parted at her dormitory steps and he watched as she turned back toward him, waved and then entered the door.

Nyota was a person intent on sharing her good news. Of course, the one that would get the most satisfaction, besides herself, would be Amanda. She calculated the time difference and discovered that on Vulcan, it was probably just after 'last meal'. Entering The Embassy's code and waiting for pick up, she then verbally gave the operator Amanda's code.

Amanda's face appeared on the screen, she smiled and said,

"What a pleasant surprise. How are you my dear?"

"Amanda, I have such wonderful news. Captain Pike has appointed me to serve as your son's Teacher's Assistant. I believe I have made history, a first year cadet being assigned to such a position."

The wheels in Amanda's head starting whirling,..

'What part did Spockh play in this appointment. Was her son playing with fire?'

But to her excited young friend, her face remained the same. Vulcan training allowed one to develop that 'gift'.

"That is truly exciting news. When did you find out?"

"Just this afternoon. Spockh invited me to tea and was about to announce it when I told him I felt that 'something was 'up'. You know what I mean. Well, at first I promised myself that I would make him proud, but then I realized that was impossible for him. So I just hope that I can be the best that I can be … and that's the good news I called you about."

"That is truly wonderful, my dear. I have no doubt the two of you will be a successful team.."

A shadow fell across Amanda's space and she looked up,

"Nyota, I want you to meet my husband, Sarek, this young lady is the one that shared a meal with Spock and I. Sarek, this is Nyota Uhura of USA, presently studying at Star Fleet. He is one of Spockh's students."

In Standard Sarek said,

"It is a pleasure to meet you."

Sochya eh dif(Peace and long life to you) Nyota replied in faultless High Vulcan.

That caused a reaction in Sarek, a raised eyebrow, and dif-tor heh (Live Long and Prosper) he responded in kind.

Through their bond, Sarek sent,

'I am going to the garden.'

Amanda nodded and then she and Nyota continued in conversation for another ten minutes.

Amanda thanked Nyota for calling. She had been able to catch up on a few news items that were still in question and stated how happy she was for Nyota's appointment and then they parted company.

Amanda thought to herself, 'Had her son gone against his resolution? That was out of character, but she would speak to him later. Gathering her robes she exited the house to find Sarek who asked as she approached,

"Amanda, just who was that young female that you introduced me to?"

"If your son has his way, she will be your daughter-in-law."

Sarek nodded,

"If her intelligence even comes close to her pleasing appearance , my son will have made a choice similar to his father."

Amanda raised her eyebrow,

"Indeed."

`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`

Nyota fell on her bed and unexpectedly fell into a deep sleep. When she awoke she saw Gaila dressing for a date or dates as the case might be. Nyota understood the Orion natural needs that perhaps Terran's would label as promiscuous. But she was really funny and she has been quite influential in advancing her speaking of the Orion language, and a deeper understanding of their culture, and history. This could eventually be very valuable to her.

"Best Girl Friend, why don't you come out with me?"

"Thanks, but no thanks."

"Hitting the books again. Feeding into your 'success at all cost' mindset?

Facing Nyota, she stroked her cheek and said, "Ny, once you are up there at the top, remember me and my words, 'It is lonely at the top.'"

Fluttering her eyelashes and flashing a grim she exited the door. Then the sound of retreat and her red ringlet covered head poked in,

"Don't think I will be back tonight.

Nyota instinctively started attempting to make order out of chaos. Clothing, makeup, shoes, underwear, nail polish all littered Gaila side of the room. When she robotically finished the chore, she sat down on her bed, her palms together between her legs at the knees. She thought about what Gaila had said. What do you have to give up to be truly successful. At that point, she became troubled and went to the com and put in a code.

Spock's face appeared.

"Nyota, are you unwell?"

"No, no, ahh, would you mind another walk?"

"I will be in front of your dorm in fifteen minutes."

Nyota slipped into a pair of jeans, top and denim jacket. When she saw him approaching she ran down the steps.

Reverting to the title she had used for Spock long before they met, the one that denoted friendship, she stated,

"V1, you are considered a success. At such a young age you have made remarkable strides. I would like to…"

With that she interrupted herself with a deep sigh…

"…like to know what did you have to give up? What things of value did you have to sacrifice?

"You are inquiring as to whether I had to give up something or things of value?

"Yes, yes, that's it."

Spock was silent for a few seconds and then continued,

"The idea of sacrifice in a Vulcan is negligible. Part of the Vulcan way includes the thought, "The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few, or even the one. So you see from a very early age we Vulcans attempt to manifest that thought in our thoughts and actions. So the idea of feeling a loss because of letting something, maybe even something desirable go, is foreign to a true Vulcan.

He thought, 'By that statement am I questioning whether I am such a person?'

Then he continued,

"Some say that a person's rise to the top might mean the loss of 'friends,' but I cannot imagine a person who has not alienated others, losing such friendships. In my life my attachments have been rare, mostly family. So in actuality," and with this he looks at Nyota, "I have GAINED a friend.

"Perhaps the loss of what humans might call 'free time.' might fit this criteria. Due to obligations, studies, goals, leisure time might have become very rare. My ability to become totally immersed in my studies and then be completely satisfied, fulfilled with favorable outcomes made me not think of this as a loss. May I ask why this question came to your mind?"

Nyota revealed Gaila's statement.

"And what affect did this have on you?"

"I think it possibly made me afraid. The whole idea of being friendless and alone is terrifying to me."

"T1, don't allow that statement to compromise your drive to reach your goal."

It was his human side that was pained by his statement. But it was an answer his Vulcan half knew was necessary to keep his promise to his mother.

Continuing he said, "T1, I value your friendship, and hope it will continue through out lives."

Smiling she said,

"Please forgive me."

Standing on tip-toes she brushed her lips lightly across his cheek.

"Thank you for putting me into focus again,"

Spock nodded, for he did not wish to elaborate on his statement, his purely Vulcan statement.