A/N Just to let you know I have no idea what would be a correct star date that this story will reference, I just pulled one out of a hat, since this is an AU, I could take liberties that would not be permissible if this was a cannon based fiction. So I hope you enjoy, there is another OC introduced in this chapter.
Chapter Twenty eight
When You Wish Upon A Star
Business as Usual
At this point Nyota looked forward to the time she would spend with Professor Robinson at her house. It is in her presence that she was less homesick. The six months gag order, that prevented family contact for anything but a 'life or death' situation still had some time to go. The parents or guardians of each new recruit had signed that agreement. The thought behind it's enforcement was that it explored the cadet's dedication to duty. There could be no figuratively running home to Momma, or voicing complaints about the institution. So, the closest she had to a home setting would be at the professor's house.
She walked over to the Embassy with the expressed desire to secure any messages from Spock and she was pleasantly surprised. He had now started to post multiple daily messages. At first she was worried about how she would be able to sort through them, but then by reading the first one she noticed two identifying characteristics of his new posting style, the appearance of the star date on the message and the designation, one of one, etc. She smiled as she thought of how thorough he was in everything he did.
Space to Terra
Star Date 2250
One of three
Beloved:
This morning as I looked out of my portal I was privy to a most wonderful happening, the birth of a star. The sound waves shook the ship slightly. All the colors that make some planets so unique were displayed in that sudden burst of energy. Unofficially the stars name is Nyota, for it is with such force and brilliance that you have filled my life.
I remain,
Your Spock
Space to Terra
Star Date 2250
Two of three
There is now several chess games being played on the ship. I did not wish to exalt over my ship mates so I did not personally engage in any of them, One of the crew shows a great deal of promise, he is from Terra-from a place that had produced many chess champions-Russia. I am seriously thinking about coaching him, he would present an interesting challenge.
Please let me know that you have been occupied with activity you find rewarding.
Yours forever,
Spockh
Space to Terra
Star Date 2250
Three of three
I have started playing my instrument again. The drawing factor was the remembrance of the few times we had the opportunity to explore our common interest in music. There was but one time that you sang and I played, we will continue that joint examination when I return. My mind stays full of you.
Your Spock
As usual Nyota printed out the messages and then deleted them and set about composing her reply.
Terra to Space
Star Date 2250
Page one of one
'Beloved:
Because I have come to the Embassy at the end of the day I will just make one reply to your messages.
K'diwa, you do know that my name in Swahili does mean star, but I am indeed humbled that a thing of that magnificence made you think of me. "Taluhk nash-veh k'dular" (I treasure thee.)
Yes, I think you would be an awesome chess coach, just don't give away all your secrets. In addition, to our singing together, once you return we will also dance together again. I dream of you every night.
My new Xenolinquistic professor is known to you, Professor Irma Robinson. She thinks that you are 'eye candy'. I want you to figure out that expression.
Your taste is impeccable-thank you for 'the place I can rest my feet' under the roof of the Embassy. You continue to take such good care of me.
K'diwa, I have been busy working as TA for Professor Robinson and she has 'adopted' me as her helper when she does open her home for students to relax. She is anxious to 'adopt' you also . Spock, I long for you, Amanda has been a source of comfort for me.
I remain,
Your Nyota
`0`0`0`0`0`0`0
T'Paal had finished knitting an afghan and now Nyota saw it draped over the back of the couch, left there for her use. She must remember to thank her for it. Nyota laid down on the couch and covered herself. She had to admit it was really within these four walls that she felt closest to Spock.
Nyota was awakened by the gentle touch of T'Paal's hand. "Child you cannot rest properly on that furnishing designed for sitting. Lady Amanda has already instructed me to take you to the guest quarters whenever you are in need of rest, Please attend."
Nyota sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Mother T'Paal thank you for provision of the covering. It is truly lovely and most importantly, practical."
T'Paal nodded and Nyota was glad that she had inserted that part about the coverlet's practical nature for to be beautiful without functionality would be again the Vulcan mindset.
Nyota followed T'Paal as she led her to the elevator and then once they exited, to the fifth door on the right, opened the door and handed her the key.
"This is your private suite. Everything is in readiness for you."
Nyota entered and her heart stopped for the room was decorated in the style of her home. Whoever had designed the room had taken time to study her childhood bedroom. She knew that this was a gift from Spock and she turned to T'Paal lowered herself to the floor, and bowed her head,
"Mother T'Paal, thank you and all others involved in the preparation of this wonderful surprise"
T'Paal nodded and informed her that a meal would be sent up to her and that when she was ready the Embassy car would take her back to the Academy. She then lifted Nyota to her feet, turned and gently closed the door behind her. There was a bouquet of fresh roses on a table under the window, under the vase was a note,
'K'diwa, when I first took you for a tour of these premises I felt the need to give you your own space within these walls. Your mother was kind enough to send me a holo-vid of your room. and T'Paal and others duplicated, the setting. Rest warm and secure.
As always
Your Spock.
Nyota thought to herself, 'Two residences in one week. For a girl so far from home she was definitely blessed. There wasa private com unit, clothing in the closet, toiletries in the bathroom, towels, wash clothes, a refresher unit and hanging on the door a beautiful formal Vulcan robe. He had thought of everything.
After a brief nap she was awaken by a soft rap on the door and she opened to see a young Vulcan girl who wheeled in her meal. Nyota thanked her in Vulcan and the girls eyes lit up. In Vulcan she inquired, "Pudor-tor t'kehr sanu tor fam nam-tor puthrap-tor, sanu saven-tor T'Lou Standard." (Honored teacher, please do not be offended, please teach T'Lou Standard).
This is the first Vulcan child Nyota has ever seen. She was exquisite, her hair was not black, but brown, with the typical bang and a long braid that reached her hips. she was delicate and stood before Nyota with her head bowed. Nyota settled herself on her knees so she would be eye to eye with the child.
"T'Lou tor omekhtan t'n'u?" (T'Lou do your parents approve?)
"T'Lou t' kling (T'Lou belongs to nobody).
Nyota thought, 'She is an orphan. Why is she here and not back on Vulcan with her extended family. That is how Vulcan society functioned. There were really never any orphans, aunts, uncles, cousins-near or distant. Any clan or family member were under obligation to perform the necessary familial bonding and take the parentless child into their home. Such an act was routinely practiced by Vulcan society. With such a mistake- proof system, how did this child 'fall through the cracks.' Her best bet would be an inquiry directed to Amanda.
All these thoughts were processed in seconds and then she said to T'Lou, "Ha." (Yes).
Of course, when a Terran child was granted a precious hope there would be smiles and hugs, and perhaps the child would skip away buoyed by the fulfillment of their wish-not so, with a Vulcan. T'Lou nodded and turned and walked solemnly away. Nyota immediately entered Amanda's code and waited for the connect signal
Amanda's first statement was, "How do you like your room?"
Smiling at her almost mother-in-law, "You were party to this subterfuge?"
"Of course I assisted, you know, most males of all species are 'color blind!'. I did not want you to open the door and scream or become physically sick. Spock's first color choice was navy blue. Surely you are glad I stepped in."
Nyota giggled as she had this mental picture of Spock, armed with swatches, wall paper books, paint samples….
"Thank you Amanda."
"You are so welcome. T'Paal sent me a holo-vid of the finished product. I wish I had requested a picture of your face when you opened the door."
Nyota mimics her surprised look for Amanda, who threw back her head and laughed.
"I'll accept that substitute. Now, what can I do for you, My dear.?"
Nyota presents her question regarding T'Lou. Amanda's answer shocks her.
"Nyota, you have heard the expression, 'V'tosh ka'tur'?
"Yes, 'Vulcans without logic.'
"Correct, now if the parents of a young child are banned from the planet, the child cannot be held responsible for the parent's decision. The child is retained as a ward of the state until such time they can make a personal decision, or as an individual, shows the same flaw as the parents. T'Lou is such a child. Her parents were Embassy employees, exposed to all types of life styles who sided with the sect that encouraged emotional displays and responses. They were parents of two children, the son has left Terra to attend the VSA, T'Lou is now twelve Terran years, very bright and has never been bonded."
"She approached me after she had delivered my meal and asked to be taught Standard. Is there any reason I should deny her request?"
"Certainly not. By all means take her under your wing. I will advise the staff of your undertaking. You may even take her off-site if you wish. You have my approval and blessing."
"Thank you Amanda. Please give my regards to Osu Sarek."
Smiling she said, "Just Sarek to you, children are not allowed to voice their parent's titles."
"Thank you so much Amanda."
"You are more than welcome. Keep me apprised of how your student progresses."