Chapter Eighteen

When You Wish Upon A Star

Touchstone…

It is said that a momentous occasion in life becomes a touchstone. Things become before or after that event. So it was with Spock and Nyota. Some days after the 'The Talk' Spock had set several PADDs in front of Nyota and said,

"Cadet Uhura would you need assistance to load these instruments?"

"No Sir, I can manage."

Spock started to pack his satchel when out of the corner of his eye he saw a young cadet approach Nyota's desk. His sensitive hearing picked up the conversation.

"Cadet Uhura, I was wondering if I might solicit your assistance with the assignment due in three days?"

"Nyota did not say anything right away. She recalled Spock's warning and said,

"Have you requested assistance from anyone else?"

"No, because you are the best," he said as he gazed at her intensely and then licked his lips.

"Let me make this suggestion, see Cadet Wilson over there. I have marked his tests, he is excellent. He does not have the work load that I have and I'm sure he would be most anxious to assist you."

Nyota stood and called the cadet in question over to her desk and made the necessary request. It was met with acceptance and the two males went on their way. Nyota looked out of the corner of her eye and saw Spock nod and then he left the classroom.

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

On Vulcan we are privy to a conversation between Sarek and his wife,

"Wife, you have been every much engaged of late. Whatever project you have initiated seems to be taking an inordinate amount of your time."

"It is the most important project of my life. My project is designed to insure that we eventually have light-tan grandchildren."

Sarek tilted his head to the right, processed the information and continued walking to his office. His thoughts were, 'I feel sorry for anyone who even appeared as a hindrance once his Aduna had mapped out any plan of action. That person was in as grave a danger as he had been on numerous occasion before he realized how futile any contrary efforts would be. His Amanda was a force to be reckoned with.'

Amanda's first step was going to be a message to Nyota about a coming speaking engagement at her Alma Mata, Seattle University. She would include an invitation to be her personal guest. Once she had accepted her invitation, she would also invite her son. She would speak to them both before she would concentrate on Nyota's training. Amanda would much later include in these educational sessions the duties of a Vulcan wife. But first, she would give them a chance to suggest a solution to their 'problem' and then force them to listen to the best solution-her's.

She conferred wih Sarek AFTER she had decided that she wanted to bring Nyota a present. She would present the young woman with a formal Vulcan robe. She even was going to have the clan name embroidered on the front-sort of prophetic.

She planned to advise Spock that Nyota had been invited. She would not suggest that he act as her chaperone, they should not travel at the same time. She was not going to inform Nyota of Spock presence. In this way she would be able to observe her very human reaction to her son's appearance on the scene.

As before, when she spoke to her Spock, her greatest arguments would be their youth, inexperience and the importance of their careers. Which should not be jeopardized by an open pursuit. With their youth and inexperience that time should be used to produce the desired results-fully maure, experienced adults..

Like flies on a wall, we listen in to Amanda's conversations,

"Hello my dear. How have you been?"

"Amanda, how very happy I am to hear from you. You and Osu Sarek are well? Y

"Yes, yes my deal we are all well. How are your new studies progressing?"

"I have caught up with my lost lessons and have been fortunate to be receiving excellent marks. The studies are remarkable. I am now in the midst of the study of all three Romulan dialects."

"I hope your studies are not taxing you,"

"No Ma'am, I am ahead of my classmates in my studies."

"Well then, you might be in a position to accept my invitation to Seattle next week. I will be returning to my Alma Mata to address the graduating class. I took my first steps toward the study of Xenolinquistics at that school of higher learning. Would you be willing and free to accompany me there."

Nyota is stunned.

"That would be an honor Amanda. Thank you for your invitation."

"Everything will be handled by the Embassy. They will be in touch with you. I look forward to seeing you."

Her next call started out,

"Hello Sweetheart."

She could see his mouth getting ready to form a statement that would address that illogical greeting. Before he could speak Amanda said,

"I know what you are going to say, you have said it any number of times."

Spock's response was,

"To be exact, nine hundred forty-two time, not counting the one you just silenced."

Smiling, Amanda continued,

"I shall be in Seattle at the university next week. I want you to meet me up there. Would that be a problem?"

"No mother, I have nothing planned for either day. Will you be addressing the graduating class?"

"Yes, I was hoping that afterward we might take a ride up to see my father. Would that be a problem?"

"No mother, I think that would prove to be a rewarding experience. I look forward to it"

"Good, then it is a date."

Sarek was filled in on the details and was asked to contacted the Vulcan/Terra Embassy and to order two air vehicles for the transportation of his wife and Nyota and another one for Spock, his son was fully capable of piloting his own ship, but Amanda's would need a pilot. Amanda had insisted that she have that travel time alone with Nyota before any interaction with Spock. She was certain her plan would proceed just swimmingly. And Amanda was hardly ever wrong.

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

Nyota was flabbergasted. She had just been invited on a trip with Amanda. She was looked forward to the stimulating conversations they would be able to have. It was a dream come true. Spock's mother was known throughout the Federation as one of the most talented Xenolinquistic writers and lecturers. It was a unique opportunity. She felt awkward about being the one to reveal that information to Spock. Amanda certainly would tell him that she was coming to Terra. It certainly would not be her place to reveal that information. to her son.

Then it came to her mind, 'What shall I wear?'

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

Amanda stood in the shop, the one Vulcan robe over her arm.

"I will need this done very quickly."

Pointing to the garment she said,

"I wish it be be hemmed by this much and our family signet to be embroidered right here. Will that be a problem?"

"No Lady Amanda. I will do it right away and have it delivered to your home before the dark of night encroaches."

"Thank you Z/nik. I know you will do a beautiful job."

It was that attitude that endeared Amanda to those merchant who she visited regularly. She always took pains to learn their names and used these when she addressed them and, she always expressed her appreciation. So to those who were not blinded by prejudice, Amanda was a person worth knowing and befriending.

.