Dear Readers:
One of my loyal reviewers, NyotaRules advised me of the error of my ways-my star dates were seriously off. I have attempted to correct the error in this chapter. At some point, I will attempt to correct these errors in previous chapters. (You know I am, to quote my son, 'technologically impaired') The date of the first message is, I hope-year, 2251, day December 7th. Hope I am correct this time. Thank you for your patience and a special shout out to NyotaRules.
This story is posted without the services of a 'Beta unit.' The errors are not orphans-I am forced to claim them by reason of my name being posted as the author. :0)
Chapter Thirty
It Is Unwise
When You Wish Upon A Star
The plan was firmly in place. T'Paal was aware of the unique relationship between Amanda's son and the one that T'Paal now thought of as her charge, and she approved. This was Amanda's plan; the two would travel together, with T'Paal acting as a 'special courier' and Nyota serving as her linguist. The Embassy would contact the Academy and request Nyota's services. The 'trip' would be labeled as highly secretive- no indication of the destination, no announcement of arrival, and no contact with any other humanoid until the message was delivered. That would be the official progression of the order. When they arrived at their unnamed destination to await the arrival of their 'contact,' they would enter a residence through a private exterior entrance.
Spock had received information through the Embassy's Security that he would be in receipt of a special message when he arrived at Sarek's private suite at the Vulcan housing on Deep Space Nine.
Everything eventually fell into place and as Amanda sat behind her desk and thought about the perfection of her plan she leaned back in her chair, smiled, righted herself and then sealed the 'message' to her son.
Nyota again found herself at the Embassy, Spock final message before disembarking had already been sent.
Space to Terra
Star Date 2251.1207
Page one of one
Beloved
We will reach our destination in 72.3 hours and the crew is in readiness. A very human sign is the announcement by some of the crew that they will consume excessive amounts of intoxicating liquor. I intend to stay at my father suite that is attached to the Vulcan housing. One very positive arena for study here is the intergalactic nature of the space station. This will lend itself to the study of many languages. I am certain that if you were here you would join me in such an endeavor.
I do hope that only positive happenings are occurring in regard to your professor and your student. I do not doubt my mother's interest in your efforts. I sincerely believe my mother does indeed, 'move mountains.'
This evening we will have the last in a series of chess games and 'crown' our chess master. I do not doubt my student's victory. There is an accompanying feeling of accomplishment. I am certain it is a combination of my human and Vulcan nature and I have not attempted to dismiss it. I feel you are largely responsible for my more accepting inclination, and I am grateful.
The Tiberius' length of stay at the space station is presently unknown. So all my activities on site will eventually be governed by at least an educated determination on the nature of the repairs and the length of time to carry them out. The parts necessary have been delivered to the Academy's maintenance site at the base. Before our return to space I am responsible for the ship's final inspection.
Once I have returned to the ship I will contact your parents for I am not under the silence mandate. I will be able to assure them of your well-being. I will then have to express my gratitude to them, because it is because of them I have you.
I am yours,
Spock
`0`0`0`0`0`0`
Earth to Space
Star Date 2251.1208
Page One of One
I will be away from San Francisco for a few days. I will contact you upon my return. As you would say, 'I will use all my resources to return safely to you.'
I remain yours,
Nyota
Nyota had been advised of the trip two days ago, and was presently packed, waiting anxiously, while seated on a bench next to T'Paal at the Embassy's hanger. She was a bit antsy. She looked at her companion and noticed there was no change in her face but she was leaning forward in her seat, her eyes searching. Nyota interpreted this as Vulcan excitement. Their pilot loaded their luggage into their private section. Then several bits of equipment, deliveries and supplies into the cargo bay and then approached them, Sanu zaphal-tov (Please follow).
They were escorted to the private traveling compartment with it's separate exterior door. The pilot went to the console and they heard the engine go into initiation mode. T'Paal then did a very un-Vulcan thing-she sighed. Nyota interpreted that as an indication that her companion was not a supporter of space travel.
Nyota had brought the afghan from her office and a small pillow and she smiled and said, "I will take a little nap." T'Paal nodded and appeared to take a posture in preparation for meditation. They would be in flight for twenty-six hours and their private area supplied them with a replicator, juice and water.
They disembarked the shuttle by it exit ramp which had been attached to the hallway entrance. Ahead of them was the entrance to the private suit and T'Paal keyed her code and the door opened. The pilot brought their personal belongings into the suite and then left to unload the rest of his cargo into the storage facilities. T'Paal gestured toward one of the rooms and Nyota proceeded her and the pilot was instructed to bring her luggage to that location. T'Paal the voiced these instructions,
Refresh yourself and lie down. Later we will find a place to secure nourishment. I will now unpack my possessions. I will close your door."
`0`0`0`0`0`0`
Spock made his way to Transporter Room One and went to the end of the queue. He was immediately brought forward by the operator who stated,
"Sir, command crew is always transported first."
The operator gestured toward the waiting pad and Spock positioned himself to be enveloped by the transporter's beam.
The swirling lights faded and Spock stepped down. He observed his surroundings and then walked toward the exit. He checked his positioning unit and entered the code for the Vulcan settlement, turned right and proceeded toward what he knew would be privacy and comfort. He coded the door, exited the main corridor then walked down a private hallway toward the suite's private entrance. He keyed in his code and the door opened. In the semi-darkness Spock was able to discern a presence. The person rose and said, "Osu Spock, welcome. I have a message for you."
She held out her hand which contained a sealed envelope, something not usually seen in this day of electronic messages. Spock took it and noticed the Embassy seal on the front and tore open the message…
My Darling Son:
There is much my heart would like to say, practical instruction I would love to relate but in view of your and Nyota's present circumstances your choices are quite limited. Nevertheless, I wanted you to enjoy your stay on Star Base Nine. In order to accomplish this I sent you a present. Please realize the deep trust I have in you and your judgment. Your next twenty-four hours should be the highlight of your trip.
Your mother
T'Paal led Spock to the closed bedroom door and opened it. There was a figure laying on the bed asleep, his heart leapt in his side, he would know that form anywhere. T'Paal was about to close the door when he nodded in the negative,
"It is unwise for you to close the door. Please remain nearby while I watch her sleep."
And that is exactly what he did for 1.37 hours and then she stirred and opened her eyes and then they widened in disbelief. Her lips formed a whispered statement,
"Spock, Oh Spock. Is it really you?"
Spock leaned toward her and took her arms in his hands and then brought her to his chest and performed the ozh'esta (finger kiss) and pressed her forehead to his and breathed deeply.
Beloved, this is all my mother's plan. She knew how much I wished to see you. We are given twenty-four hours to enjoy one another's company. To protect your reputation, we will not be alone. Mother T'Paal will accompany us.
Spock did not reveal how much he had needed to see, hear and touch her, that the lack of her presence in his life had affected him. Neither did he disclose his desire her, how he longed for her presence, voice, touch. Nor the fact that with all his being he longed for her body. But he would make sure they did not betray his mother's trust. He was grateful for Mother T'Paal presence.
And so they were not alone, dressed in Vulcan robes and hoods, with their hands tucked into their sleeves. All this was a slim effort to disguise themselves, to melt into the crowds, to avoid detection by any of Spock's fellow crew members. They visited many species 'neighborhoods,' sampled each area's native teas, enjoyed a Vulcan meal, conversed on varied subjects and stayed in the public eye. T'Paal shadowed them.
But, as Amanda had hoped, Spock felt Nyota's presence, touched her, guided her by touching her back and gazed into her eyes so as to remember this day until they met again. It was indeed, just a taste of sweetness, but very satisfying and it gave promise to what would eventually come to pass.