Chapter Thirty one
Taluhk nash-veh Kidular (I cherish thee)
When You Wish Upon A Star
Their twenty four hours had one hour left. They were seated together in the private suite. Nyota had rested her head on Spock's upper arm, he in turn held her by a clothed shoulder and suddenly she shuttered. He held her tighter,
"Ashayam (Beloved) you are troubled."
"The thought of separation from you is…"
He put his fingers over her mouth, "Raiash-fam, raiash-fam, (silent, silent) we will not feed our weaknesses." At the last moment before Nyota had to leave, he gathered her in his arms and said,
"There is a very old Terran tradition, that when a person you love is leaving it is proper to give them a 'good bye kiss'. Using the back of his fingers to remove all vestige of tears he lifted her chin and lowered his lips to hers and held that kiss as her body shook with contained sobs.
"If you continue, T'Paal will have to report that all my mother's hard work was in vain. Think how fortunate it is that we have had this time together. Not all parted lovers have this gift. K'diwa, save these memories for your dreams, until we are together again."
He then lowered his forehead to her's and they remained in communication until the last moment. He then reached down and picked up the baggage and gestured for her to proceed him out the door, with T'Paal following.
`0`0`0`0`0`0`
Space to Terra
I Am Well
Star Date 2251.1213
Beloved
"I am back to my normal schedule onboard the Tiberius. After your departure I continued investigating the massive star base and my efforts were rewarded. There is a small enclave of Trills there. It provided me with the opportunity to practice that language with natives-with much success. When we are together again I will display my proficiency.
"I do hope your student and Professor Robinson are doing well in their efforts to bond as a family.
Our next destination will be a Vulcan colony on Li'nas I. We have been instructed to transport two members of the Vulcan Council to Vulcan. These two members are known to me. For years they have opposed most of my father's efforts. In view of my departure after refusing to attend the Vulcan Science Academy, and my subsequent attendance at Star Fleet Academy, they have continued to use those facts in their attacks on my father's worthiness. They call into question the retention of his position as ambassador It is rewarding to know that these two have no allies within the Council body. Others do not sympathize with these two members, but they continue in their efforts.
The other members of The Council have without bias reviewed my father's record and have continued to praise him and seek out his wisdom. His contacts throughout the galaxy are invaluable, really necessary for Vulcan's continued prosperity. So, my father's position is not in jeopardy, but these two could be compared to a Terran expression I once heard…'burrs in the blanket'- an annoyance that is difficult to get rid of.
The above narrative explains the old grievances against my father. But now Minister Sla'nus has a new wound he wishes to expose and blame on my family; it is the disgrace of his nephew Sa'nas. He was removed from the Embassy's Security Force for conduct unbecoming one of privileged birth who is also an officer. The judgment passed upon him was rescinded and he is now back on Vulcan. He is my sworn mortal enemy. I do not anticipate ever meeting him again. But I will be in close contact with his uncle during the trip to the home planet.
Beloved, after you left I visited Deep Space Nine's shopping mall and made a purchase with you in mind. It will reach you shortly. Accept it as evidence of my deepest love and attachment.
Forever I remain yours,
Spock
Terra to Space
Star Date 2251.1214
One of one
Beloved:
"I am at the Embassy and have your gift in front of me, ready to unwrap it. I will imitate the methodical way you accomplish this, which is painfully annoying to a Terran, although it is typically Vulcan. After all, your people are the ultimate recyclers."
With that announcement you hear the rustle of papers, and the removal of adhesives. Finally her voice,
"I'm almost through."
Then the verbal "Ahh…"
Finally a sigh,
"Sweet heart, please don't protest the endearment, but what is it?"
If an observer had been present they would have seen her turn the object in her hand, set it precariously on one of her palms, squint her eyes as she lowered them to view the gift closer. On the front of this beautiful silver cube, engraved in Vulcan script, was the message, Taluhk nash-veh Kidular (I cherish thee). Nyota sighed.
'I am unable to figure it out.'
"Now, the news about Irma…Professor Robinson and T'Lou. They are now under the same roof, thanks to your parents. Her studies continue through the com unit…she now has one in her room. Two hearts have been healed and it would never have happened if I never had access to the Embassy. Thank you.
Whether awake or asleep, I remember 'our time'.
Forever,
Your Nyota
Space to Terra
Star Date 2251.1215
One of one
Beloved
I was remiss in not forwarding a description and directions with the article. K'diwa, it is a music box. The kiosk I visited, to make that purchase, offered to ship the gift immediately. The capacity of the box is virtually limitless. The proprietor supplied a list for uploading and I selected music I knew we both enjoyed. You are able to set it to play a continuously. I have purchased the same devise for myself, with the same download. Perhaps sometime we might have selected the same music. Just tap the cube three times and a menu will appear on the front.
Tonight I will listen to Falor's Journey (a Vulcan folk song consisting of 348 verses) and think of the first time we listened to it together.
I am yours,
Spock
`0`0`0`0`0`0`
As the Tiberius drew closer to their destination the ship's maintenance crew prepared the VIP suite for the Vulcan delegation. It was the largest suite onboard, allowing the minister's attendants to be in close proximity to their charges.
Vulcans do not get anxious, nervous, apprehensive, nor do they worry. But Spock would have to admit that at least one of these mental states had surfaced. These two ministers were indeed the proverbial 'burrs in the blanket.' that he would have to deal with for the time they were aboard the Tiberius as they traveled to Vulcan.
Spock, dressed in his formal uniform, was part of the 'welcoming party' lined up in the Transporter Room awaiting the arrival of the ministers. Immediately after their appearance they stepped down and nodded toward Captain Pike. Their eyes then took in Spock's face, but made no acknowledgement of his presence.
Captain Pike then introduced his command crew and stated, "My first officer will show you to your rooms."
Minister Sla'nus voiced, "Captain we would prefer your presence to accomplish that task."
The captain looked at Spock who nodded and then took the lead as he guided the ship's guest to their rooms.
Spock returned to the bridge as he nursed those old feelings of rejection that he had lived with his entire life. Of course, Vulcans are fully capable of compartmentalizing any events, negative or positive for later meditation, so this is what Spock did.
Pike returned to the bridge and gestured with his head for Spock to follow him. They entered into the nearest empty conference room and Pike put a security lock on the door.
"O.K. Spock, what is going on here?"
Interpreting his captain's question, Spock answered,
"This is a Vulcan matter Captain. I do not believe that there is any relevance to either my presence or service on this ship."
Pike ran his hands through his hair, and said, "I don't doubt your abilities or the ship's need for your continued presence here. What I want to know is, if they have brought this 'Vulcan affair' onto my ship, I need to be aware of what it is and possibly defuse anything that would threaten the peace of this ship."
Spock nodded, and spoke, "He is a political enemy of my father and has a personal grudge against me. I was instrumental in the removal of his nephew from service at the Terran Vulcan Embassy. Through manipulation, the charges brought against him were rescinded and sometime in the future his threat against me and my family might reach fruition. But it is not my safety that provoked my interest. It is someone else's protection that I am the most concerned with…
Pike leaned back in his chair, rubbed his slight chin stubble and righted himself.
"Off the record Spock, Who?"
"Sir, is this a command?"
"I do not want it to be. But if the well-being of one of my crew, one whom I consider my friend, is in jeopardy I want to know about it."
Spock took his relaxed stance, his hands behind his back, his head tilted slightly to the right.
"Captain, you are aware of the Vulcan almost innate , need for privacy. The book authored by Cadet Nyota Uhura titled, 'Vulcans The Unexplored Race' summarizes the mind set of my people."
Pike then said, "But Spock, remember you also are human. Between the two of let us attempt to find a solution to the matter. Whatever the situation, it stays here, behind this door. It will not sway me in any decision that I make that involves you. As I stated, I consider you a friend. Friends help friends."
Spock hesitated, and then proceeded to narrate his and Nyota entire involvement…their anonymous association working on her paper, his discovery of her identity when she enrolled at Star Fleet, his mother's involvement in their lives and his father's initiating the familial bond. He did comment a few sins of omission, most pointedly he and Nyota's recent meeting on Star Base Nine.
Finally he verbalized the clothed threat to him and finally the slander against Nyota.
"Our initial bond, being a familial one demands that I protect her as a family member. But Captain, under any circumstnce, I would protect her with my life. This is not a temporary infatuation, or a casual affair. Although we have not joined physically, we are bound until the death of either party.
The common thought that Vulcans are without emotion is blatantly false. Our reserve is based on our very preservation. For we know the outward display of the intensity of our heightened feelings would be destructive to ourselves and others. Emotions are only shared within the family bond and especially with ones K'diwa or beloved. This is what this cadet had become to me, she is half my heart, half my soul. I knew this before I even had met her, before I laid eyes on her form, before I heard her speak, while I was still hoping that she was a female. Then when I discovered she was, I mentally claimed her.
"Captain, you are now privy to information few humans have ever been allowed to hear. I trust you with our future. What do you suggest we do?"
"First Spock, you are not the first instructor at any institution of higher learning to form an attachment to a student. That occurrence is timeless. I recall a great painting of a music instructor kissing his student who at that point is listlessly holding her violin. Now, when it is Terran with Terran, the illicit behavior at times is not honorable. The passion dies out and the memories relegated to the dark recesses of the Terran mind. In other cases, marriage or a long term relationship does ensue. But, in this case, involving a Vulcan…" at that point Pike raised his hand and pointed to Spock, "namely you, this is a different story."
"The present of the fraternization ruling was issued as a protection against the abuse of power, not the smothering of the possibility of a true attachment. It allowed the powerless one, the student, to have a legal recourse.
"Your description of what you and the cadet have could not be consider frivolous in any way. For that reason there is a form that is used at the discretion of commanding officers, heads of departments, chancellors, and others who have an office of oversight that allows them to offer special dispensation to persons who they deem qualified to have that ruling prove not applicable in their unusual circumstance. The form is entitled, 'Acknowledgement of Intent'. The completion of this form is an action that is not common. The existence of said document is not widely known. It is not referenced in any manual, but is held in the private papers of the issuing individual. This allows for privacy, and can serve as investigative proof if any accusation arise. It is dated and sworn to by the two parties involved and witnessed by the third.
"Spock, do you believe the issuance of such a notice would aid you to serve in a more protective way toward Cadet Uhura?"
"Yes Sir, I do."
"I will set up a preliminary one and once we have returned to Terra the formal one with both of your names will be in my personal, confidential files. It all that agreeable to you?"
"Yes Sir."
"Then you are dismissed. Go to your quarters and send a message to your K'…K'…
"K'diwa."
"That's it. Yes, go and take care of that."
Space to Terra
Star Date 2251.1216
Page One of Two
Beloved
A most unusual event occurred today. When the two Vulcan ministers were transported aboard, Minister Sla'nus, in a most obvious way displayed his displeasure at my presence at the formal welcoming ceremony. He insisted Captain Pike's be the one to direct his delegation to their assigned quarters. I returned to the bridge. Once Captain Pike returned he commanded my presence in one of the conference rooms.
Under his watchful eye and in a way that served as the equivalent of a command he insisted on knowing the history behind the minister's, shall we say, 'royal snub'. He informed me that whatever I revealed would remain in that room and would not influence his judgment of me as an officer of Star Fleet. After several prying questions I revealed our relationship. It was imperative because of an occurrence that will remain secret. After continued conversation he informed me that there was a way to protect ourselves from possible accusations. It requires the completion of a form that is a well-guarded secret, and is not widely used. Once the Tiberius returns to Terra we will both sign the form intitled 'Acknowledgement of Intent'. The completion of said form protects us from prosecution based on non-compliance of the 'No Fraternization' ruling.
The captain has assured me that that ruling was put into affect to protect against the abuse of power-instructor over the student. Of course, if your intent is not the same as mine, which is to bond with you, marry you, pleasure you and raise a family with you, then you are not under obligation to sign said form. But let it been known without your signature, I will pursue you with the primary reasoning to change your mind.
I do hope that my last expressions have brought a smile to your face.
The day cannot come fast enough, I long to embrace you.
I am yours,
Spock
When Nyota read the latter part of her message from Spock she had to put her hands over her mouth to prevent an audible scream. It did indeed bring a smile to her face.