When You Wish Upon A Star
Chapter Twenty
By The Way…
The trip was a resounding success. It had been an opportunity for her to observe Spock and Nyota. Although she was warm, and attentive toward her son, indicating a high degree of affection, it was he who was totally smitten. How like the beginnings of her relationship with Sarek. The circumstances here were different, her son was actually in danger. She would now have to build up a defensive system for him so that he would survive the next three and one half years.
As she had already suggested, Spock would have to act in a protective role, but she would have to make sure that whatever out of class interaction he had with Nyota would be justified based on the project Nyota and she would be involved in. Most importantly, that their companionship does not raise any suspicions. A letter of explanation, regarding their reciprocal action sent from the Embassy with its security protocol might get the necessary attention and administer the most clout.
In this correspondence, she would have to explain that she had tapped their top Xenolinquistic student to co-author a book with her. Their student's contribution would call attention to the superior facilities of the Academy for such a study. In addition she would explain the need for her son to accompany said student to the Vulcan Embassy on numerous occasions and act as her liaison. The purpose for their being together was that Nyota could tap into the private security communication system with its direct line to her that was only available there at the Vulcan Embassy.
Then of course, Amanda must justify her choice. Firstly this student is known to her and her abilities in the field of Xenolinquistics were already top shelf. And then a comment that is just a little over the edge, is the mention of the relationship her husband has with this particular student's father. After all, it was on record that Benjamin Uhura had spent quite a bit of time on Vulcan. So she would compose the letter with flowery speech, praise for the institution, and the revealing of that necessary personal interaction between instructor and student for the completion of their literary effort.
The final two paragraphs read,
'By the way, I am aware of the Academy's 'non-fraternization' rulings and feel by this correspondence I am clearing the way for a positive ruling that will allow this instructor, my son, and his student, my co-author to be viewed as engaging in business when they are seen together. My son views this student as a sibling because of my close association with her.
Thank you for your kind consideration. I wish you to know that your cooperation is pivotal to the success of this endeavor. In addition, your institution will benefit from the publication of this book, (hopefully in the near future).
She signed it,
Amanda Grayson-S'chn T'gai
Citizen Terra/Vulcan
Xenolinquist
In the Ambassadorial Suite Amanda sat before the Embassy com unit. She smiled at the inventiveness of the correspondence that would soon be forwarded to Chancellor Barnett. Tilting her head almost Vulcan style Amanda thought how much she would like to be a fly on the wall in his office when he received her correspondence and she tapped 'send'.
`0`0`0`0`0`0`
Spock was seated in his office in deep thought. As soon as he was free he would visit his mother at the Embassy. He had been able to be successful in his role as instructor this day, but he felt the need to be surrounded by fellow Vulcans and to hear his mother's wisdom. His shields had been tested to the limits within the last twenty-four hours. The sight of Nyota in her Vulcan attire was overwhelming. He knew that his mother had orchestrated that scene very carefully, but why?
His com unit chimed and he connected to see his mother's smiling face.
"You are troubled my son, I feel it through our bond. I wish to speak to you in person. If at all possible, bring Nyota with you. Anytime today will be fine. Blowing him a kiss that she knew he would characteristically respond to by rolled eyes and a head shake as soon as she had observed that gesture, she smiled and then signed off.
Spock took a deep breath and entered Nyota's code and then viewed her class schedule and then requested her location.
The computer advised, 'Cadet Uhura can be found in the Academy library.'
Shouldering his bag he proceeded out of his office, then secured the door. He had to slow his pace so that he could, for the first time in his life, take time to order his thoughts.
As soon as he entered the library he saw her, head buried in a book, as her right hand entered information without even a look at her PADD. She was a master at multi-tasking. He stood before her for a few seconds before she sensed a presence. When she looked up she smiled,
Lieutenant Spock, since I am almost certain you have mentally cataloged every volume in here, what brings you to 'this neck of the woods'.
Spock search his mental data bank...'brings you to this neck of the woods'… to be present at an area, place, location.
Spock said, "I have received a message from my mother and she requested that you accompany me to the Vulcan Embassy as soon as possible. A review of your class schedule has revealed that your formal classes are over and you should be free for the rest of the day."
Nyota started to pack her backpack immediately.
"She is alright, right?"
"My mother's health is not in question."
"Good."
As she hurriedly packed her bag her pony tail swung provocatively. Spock wondered if her hair felt like his mother's soft auburn curls. He had not touched his mother's hair in years, now this new urge surprised him. He escorted Nyota to the door and asked,
"The Embassy is within walking distance, do you mind that mode of travel?"
"No, it is a lovely day."
Spock stopped himself from relieving Nyota of her back pack, thinking that perhaps it would be viewed as an evidence of favoritism, instead of the act of chivalry that he would wish it to be.
There was silence.
Finally Nyota said,
"How long will your mother remain on Terra?"
"She has not indicated to me the length of her stay."
Nyota nodded.
"Perhaps she will reveal her plans to us today," was Spock's comment.
Nyota nodded.
The two of them had never before been at a loss as to conversation. They communicated in varied languages, on various levels. So why now the silence?
Spock kept visualizing Nyota in her Vulcan robe, her hair flowing around her slender shoulders. She, on the other hand, was seeing Spock kneeling before his grandfather with his head bowed in respect. For months in the future, these two images would be visited innumerable times by their respective owners.
Once they reached the Embassy's gates the guard greeted Spock with a bowed head,
"Osu Spockh, Mmwtritre T'sai Amanda bek-tu" (Sir Spock, Your presence honors us, Lady Amanda waits)
"Lesek Sh'am. skan/skann muhl? (Thank you Sh'am. Your family is well)
"Ek muhl" (All well)
Outside of her own family circle, this was the first time Nyota had viewed an exchange like that. Her father was addressed with such deference when the tribal elders met. It was at that point in time that she comprehended just who Spock was, as his full name indicated, of the house of Surek, the most prominent family within Vulcan society and amazingly she could consider him her friend… and more. She was slightly overwhelmed. Almost sensing her apprehension he placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her into the building.