Chapter Twenty three
When You Wish Upon A Star
Meeting of the Minds
When he returned to his quarters after the meal with Nyota he showered and sat before his asenoi. He thought about the incident that had taken place, in her office, and considered all the underlying facts…
His Nyota was outstandingly beautiful, but young, and naïve. Her smile was like a lure, and because of her background, she graced everyone with it. He thought about the incident at the beach, where he had to encourage her to leave the scene as quickly as possible. The sheltered existence of her youth made her reaction quite understandable, for previously her male family members had acted as her protectors.
Now, with him serving in that role, he would have to put into place whatever was necessary to serve her needs. In a Vulcan world, logic prevailed, but the action he would have to take might go against all logic, reason, or sense. But, kaiidth, what is, is-the fact was that the one his heart had chosen was not fully claimed, nor marked, nor bonded with him and thus was not truly his. She had given her word, and he knew her commitment was unbreakable. So she was not the source of any concern. But Spock was not blind, he saw how other males looked at her while she seemed to be oblivious to their attentions. What though, in his absence if any male's attraction took on an aggressive nature? Terran's had terms to describe this type predatory behavior, Stalkers, Peeping Toms, Voyeurs. By a light bond he would be aware of her emotional state at all times. If she was in danger, he would know it. When she was overjoyed, he would be made aware. Her sorrow would also become his. It would lightly filter down to him and bring him a degree of comfort or alert him to the need to take defensive action.
He questioned himself, "Would this go against Amanda's very stringent instructions? Now that she was aware of what had happened at the Embassy, would she not see the necessity of such a bond. It would be extension to their familial bond which lay recessed in his mind, ever present. The command given was to only act as her protector, 'her brother'. He reasoned, 'If she was truly my sister would we not be bonded in this way?' It was based on that rationale that he would proceed to introduce Nyota to this meeting of their minds.
He went to texts that were written in Vuhikansu, describing the establishment of such a bond. He searched for any serious reactions that would endanger the parties involved. He knew that such a bonding was possible with a human partner because his mother's bond with his father and him was strong and used quite frequently. Just a touch of that transmitting power would suffice in their case.
The Vulcan writings described the actual steps necessary for the Van-Kait'Telan (ceremony of bonding). He determined that it would have to be performed in the solitude of his family's quarters at the Embassy. Not knowing how the ceremony would affect her physically, he would advise her to let her roommate know that she would be spending the night elsewhere. He would sleep in his parent's quarters.
Once he had made his resolve and done the necessary research, the next step was to inform Nyota of his concerns and how he thought they could best be dealt with. He was certain that there would be many questions but at the end she would bow to his reasoning. His assumption did prove correct. He would also explain that he would have made this request just prior to his two year mission aboard the Tiberius, but to insure his peace of mind, in regard to her safety he was making the request now. Spock knew that her submitting to this act would be evidence of their continued commitment to one another. He also determined that he would contact his father to advise him of what he was about to do. If there was anyone that could play an important role in the success of this act, it would be his father.
That contact was brief. "Sa-mekh, na' Nyota's ek'man Nyota dang talh'eu-tor skann telsu. Dungi tu gol-to etwel?" (Father, for her safety Nyota should be added to our familial bond. Will you assist us?) Sarek nodded in the affirmative, then addressed his son in Standard,
"I have heard from your mother about the incident that took place on Embassy grounds. The wayward security guard will be handed and reassigned. You need not concern yourself any further on this matter. Bring Nyota to the Embassy's private rooms and then we will assist.
Truly at peace once he had made this resolve and contacted his father, he readied himself for the day's activity. He would ask Nyota to accompany him back to the Embassy at the end of the day and in the shelter of the family's private quarters he would explain the steps he would like to take, to preserve his 'peace of mind'. He contacted the cook and advised him that a Terran would be dining with him that evening.
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During class he noticed Cadet Kelly leaning a bit too close to Nyota. In addition, she favored him with her illuminating smile. Then Cadet Ambrnizi, a Betazoid, was seen eyeing her as she bent down to secure an article from her bag. Why was it that he had not noticed these episodes before. Now they mentally registered as taking 'center stage'.
Spock sent a message to Nyota's PADD. 'A serious situation has presented itself. Would it be possible to have you accompany me to the Embassy after our grading and reviews for this day?'
The almost silent ping announced her response, 'Yes'.
As they finished grading the day's work Nyota said, "Spock, I hope that there was no breech of protocol by any action I took during my visit to the Embassy."
"No, Nyota. The problem's source is not you but myself. I will explain it to you once we have reached the privacy of my family quarters."
Nyota nodded.
As they walked toward the Embassy Nyota mentioned that she had spoken to the two male cadets he had observed in the classroom. She had advised them that their conduct was bordering on sexual harassment and that if it did not cease she would file a written report about their behavior. Spock was impressed.
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Again, Spock greeted the security guard at the gate, "T'nar pak sorgt Y'rani, Sh'am" (formal greeting) "T'nar jaral, Osu Spockh. (reply)Spock then guided Nyota forward to the entrance. At the door the cook greeted him and led them to the dining room. All was in readiness and Spock pulled out Nyota's chair and then seated himself. The servers then entered with the covered dishes and placed them on the table, and silently left. Obeying Vulcan dining procedure all was silent until the servers retrieved the used plates and serving dishes. Spock then stood and pulled out Nyota's chair and guided her to the private elevator. Once in the quarters he contacted security.
"Vitorau gla-kashet-prahek tor vipladayek pilash iyi-tor Osu Sarek." (Activate visual sensor pickup to record, stream immediately to Lord Sarek). The reply from the security chief was, "U vu akash." (As you request).
Spock had guided Nyota to a chair and stood next to her and began,
"Nyota, this matter that I wish to address at this time is based primarily on my concern for your welfare. There is no need for us to again address our devotion to one another. Mine continues to increase. Be assured that any overt attention that another male gives you brings me a great deal of…discomfort."
Knowing that this entire interaction was being recorded she turned to him obscuring her mouth and said, "Taluh'k nash-veh k' durlar." (I cherish thee).
"My mother has advised us that our relationship has to be cautiously pursued and for that reason as your closest, in proximity, 'relative,' I sense the need for us to add you to our established family bond. In this way I will always be in a position to monitor your emotional state. It will in no way invade your thoughts, such a bond would only serve to assure me of your well-being."
"Spock what has precipitated this decision?"
Spock shifted his rigid stance and looked at his K'diwa, "You are Taluhk, precious to me and any harm to you would create guilt in me if I was unable to prevent it, and the loss of you would destroy me."
Tears came to her eyes as she looked at him and attempted a smile. "Will this action bring you peace?"
"Yes, Nyota."
"Then I am willing to do it."
Sarek's voice was heard, "Ko'fur, (daughter) Amanda and I will guide the two of you. Advise us when you are prepared. The screen then was activated and Spock requested that Nyota sit on the floor in the meditation pose, facing him.
So intense were these two, they missed the look of concern on Amanda's face. She sent,
'Have you revealed to Nyota, what precipitated this action?'
'I have not.'
'Why?'
'She will feel that I did not have confidence in her own ability to protect herself. After all, she is a trained Star Fleet Cadet.'
'Would that be a justified feeling on her account?'
'I believe she would believe that to be the case.'
'Will you reveal that matter to her.'
'Yes, after the familial bond. In that way you, as a female will also be involved and be able at times to advise her. Mother, I will not deceive her, she will be advised. Have you any suggestion? Should it come from you or myself? Which revelation would ring most true to her?'
'Mine, because although I love her, I am not 'in love' with her. Do you understand? If you perform the reveal, she will take offense. If I do the deed, she will worship you, as her hero.'
Amanda observed her son's eyebrow lift, and he appeared to 'like' the idea of being viewed by Nyota as a hero.