Decisions
Chapter Seven
At Spock's revelation, Jim immediately put the ship on red alert. The first officer set to work on his recalibration of the scanners in order to learn more about the mined barrier ahead of them. The bridge was now dark and pensive. It reminded Spock of his first mission aboard the Enterprise. He quickly stopped that train of thought before it spread. He knew it was the blood fever that made him so distractible at the moment. Jim having to bark out orders did nothing to help him concentrate.
"Lieutenant Uhura, send an emergency transmission to Start Fleet Command telling them what we know so far; and ask them for further orders."
After those orders were given, Jim got up and moved over to Spock's station.
"Mr. Spock, is there a good chance that Vulcan II is already under some kind of attack?" Jim asked with a captains trained calmness. Despite his tone, the concern that he would not like Spock's answer was written plainly on Jim's face.
"That is doubtful; there would have been some word from the colony or the Federation supply ships that are normally in the area," Spock replied, his voice sounded tired from the strain of his attempt to control his emotions.
Jim put his hand on Spock's shoulder for a moment and then with a slightly relieved sigh went back to the command chair. Spock knew that Jim wanted to question him more about what was going on. The Vulcan was very grateful that his friend read him well enough to know that what he need was to be left alone to work. Distractions would only lessen his control that he barely held as it was.
"Sir, Star Fleet Command says our new mission is to investigate the barrier and find who is responsible. We are also ordered to go to Vulcan II and check on their status. They have lost all transmissions from the planet," Nyota relayed to Jim, her voice was solemn.
Spock nearly cringed; he was not use to being wrong. There was still a good chance that his people were experiencing communication disruptions and were perfectly safe. Spock inwardly sighed; this thought brought to his memory a human phrase Dr, McCoy favored, 'In a pig's eye'. He fought back his nagging worry for his people and concentrated on his scan.
Spock's scans finished and he read and calculated all the data within minutes. It was as he had expected, there were enough unstable materials in the anomaly to destroy a whole fleet of ships as they tried to pass through it. What troubled Spock even more was the fact that he could not decipher who created the codes or the mines. It was not a weapon he had seen before and the codes were not done by any Species he had studied.
"Mr. Spock, I need something to go on, we can't just sit here," Jim stated impatiently.
Jim's implications that he was not doing his job efficiently enough sent Spock over the fine edge that he walked since his return to the bridge.
"When I have found a way to pass through the mined barrier, I will report it!" Spock's tone was no longer that of a reserved Vulcan, but of pure human agitation.
Jim was so stunned by his friend's out burst that he didn't even reply to reprimand him. The whole bridge, including Nyota looked at him as if he was another person entirely, a stranger. The bridge had suddenly turned so quiet that even the sounds of the running computers seemed too loud.
Spock took a deep breath, and collected him self again. He had never acted to completely non-Vulcan on the bridge since the day he nearly beat Kirk to death. He was beyond humiliated but knew he did not have the time to let that affect him. He had to find out how to get the Enterprise to Vulcan II.
"My apologies Captain, I will have more information momentarily," Spock said more calmly and quickly turned back to his readings. Jim just nodded and returned to his own responsibilities. The other bridge crew immediately did the same.
Spock shivered slightly from the cool air and closed his eyes for a moment before he began take another look at the codes. If he was correct, they may have the key to safely going through the mined anomaly.
Nyota passed by the science station on her way to take Jim another report. Spock noticed but probably shouldn't have. Her dark thick pony tail swished in rhythm with her skirt. Spock's eyes traveled to her sensual hips that kept in time like the rhythm of a musical masterpiece. His already heated thoughts traveled to a less gentlemanly direction before he could attempt to stop it. He imagined their bodies mingled together in the same movements, her naked skin against his. He could imagine her lovely hair set free from its constraints to reveal the Nyota that spent her Saturdays in Spock's quarters, taunting his resolve every time.
She paused to put a grey, light blanket around Spock's shoulders and let her finger trace his neck for an instant, his breathing stopped all together. After a moment she spoke in Vulcan very softly, her lips lightly brushed his sensitive pointed right ear. Nyota's sent hit his nostrils with overwhelming power; this combined with her touch on his ears caused his body to begin to tremble slightly.
"If you weren't already dying, I would kill you," Nyota hissed. The sound of her voice speaking his native language with such force was the most seductive sound he had ever heard. The blood Fever reacted to that challenging tone in ways that Spock hoped was unnoticeable to the others on the bridge. He hated the fact that he could feel every word she spoke on his warm skin because it felt so wonderfully enticing and sent electric jolts through his entire body.
Nyota calmly went back to her station and even seemed to perk up a little. She had finally gained her moment to get across to Spock all of the emotion he saw in her eyes when he first walked onto the bridge. She went back to work with the haste and determination that Spock admired about her.
Spock would have to speak to the good Doctor about diverging his patient's medical information. He knew that Bones wouldn't care even a little bit, if he thought it was for the welfare of his patient…or friend. It did not however excuse him of not following his oath and Spock intended to call him on it eventually.
Spock closed his eyes and conjured all the Vulcan control he could to calm his body and mind. The blood fever was dangerously close to overtaking his will. After a few moments he was in a more rational state of mind than he thought possible after that incident. He was at least able to concentrate again. He almost felt sick for letting his mind and body nearly lose control in such a manner. It was detestable for him to think of Nyota so inappropriately while on the bridge. His logic had completely failed him and as much as Spock didn't want to admit it, it frightened him deeply. Spock took deep breaths; he knew it was not really himself that almost lost it. The blood fever has been unfulfilled for too long. He found it interesting that there was a high possibility that it was the human in him that allowed him to fight off the madness for as long as he had.
Spock cleared his head and he was thankful for the warm blanket Nyota had given him. He did a quick simulation on his consol to see if his idea would work. His first few tries failed but he learned from them quickly. The third try was victory. He quickly got up from his consol and went to Jim's side.
"Captain, I believe I can rewrite these codes to allow us safe passage through the barrier. However what is awaiting us on the other side, I still cannot determine." Spock was barley able to keep the relief from seeping into his tone.
"That's good news; however isn't that a little too easy? I mean aren't their security provisions on the codes to make them hard to tamper with?" Jim replied as he looked at his first officer.
"Yes sir, but I have found an alternative, I bypassed the security by what is called a copycat method, It has been described as 'if you can beat the code, speak its language'," Spock answered with a hint of pride.
"Excellent work; do you require assistance?" Jim asked. Spock's lips lifted slightly in his smiling without smiling way. Jim sounded as relieved as Spock felt. He had not failed them.
"It would be done more quickly if Ensign Chekov assisted me," Spock admitted as he raised an eyebrow. Chekov turned his seat around, his large hazel eyes wide with surprise. Spock almost never admitted that he needed help. Chekov put his hands through his light curly hair in nervously.
"What do you think Chekov, can you put up with this perfectionist Vulcan?" Jim said with a smile. Spock raised an eyebrow at his friends jab but remained silent, waiting for Chekov's response.
"Of course sir!" Chekov replied without hesitation.
Spock and Chekov looked at the codes on the science station view screen. Spock began by putting in a portion of the rewritten code his long graceful fingers were efficient and precise. Chekov would then supply the rest with his smaller but just as graceful fingers that were made for this kind of work. The young intelligent Russian reminded Spock of the younger and unsure version of himself. Once Spock was confident that Chekov was more than proficient and knew what it was they had to do he gave the young ensign half of the long list of codes to work on by himself.
After an hour both Spock and Chekov were finished with their rewritten codes. Spock checked over the Ensign's work briefly and they were prefect as he had expected. Spock slowly went over to Nyota's station and gave her the rewritten codes. She took them without even looking in his direction.
Spock knew that there had to be a way to resolve this, if he could rewrite alien codes he had never seen before that could possibly save their lives, his relationship with Nyota should be easy. But it wasn't, relationships were always harder than quantum physics and Computer programming for Spock. It was the one area, he had no training. The Vulcan knew he was fumbling and very close to failing. He calculated that if he continued in his current course of action, the probability that he would lose Nyota even as friend was alarmingly high. He didn't know if he could handle that. Things used to be simple between them, their quiet regard for each other and their schedules just falling into step with each other. A pleasant memory slipped in to his distractible mind as he looked at Nyota…
The dry desert air felt so familiar to his skin that Spock could barely believe that he was not back on Vulcan. Their trip to the desert continent was a good idea. It had taken several weeks of Nyota begging and pleading for Spock to take the leave with her, but he was glad he conceded. A second attempt to take the trip to Africa that had been curtailed by tragedy seemed to be unavoidable anyway. They walked together up to Nyota's family's house. The estate was large but not immodest or tacky. In fact, Spock found it endearing. The wooden large two story frame and white paint reminded him of the old earth farm houses that his mother admired. The front porch was massive and had many crystal decorations and plants hanging down from hooks. With the morning light, the crystals caused a cascade of colors reflecting all through out the front of the house.
"They are kind of a hobby of my mothers, I used to help her make them when I was a kid," Nyota told Spock when she noticed he was staring at them.
"Fascinating," Spock replied as he took his gaze from the crystals and on to Nyota again. Nyota then knocked hard on the large white wooden door. After several minutes the door was pulled open and there stood a tall slender middle aged woman dressed in a long white ruffled skirt with a tan sleeveless shirt with small beading in the shape of an Arabian horse. Spock couldn't help but stare at the woman's face, she had Nyota's lovely chocolate skin and almond eyes.
"You're here!" the woman exclaimed in Swahili as she pulled Nyota into a tight hug. After a moment she realized that Spock was standing there observing the whole affair and let Nyota go.
Spock was glad that Nyota had been teaching him Swahili over the past year or this would have proven to be a difficult week.
"Mom this is Spock," Nyota said also in Swahili, as she motioned to the Vulcan beside her. Spock knew that he was right, Swahili was going to be the language of choice for the next week.
"Spock this is Kamaria Uhura, my mother," Nyota said, giving him the 'be nice' look.
"It is pleasant to meet you Mrs. Uhura" Spock said in prefect Swahili. Kamaria smiled at him in surprise.
"Like wise Spock, and please call me Kamaria. Come in you two, come in," Kamaria ordered as she motioned them inside.
The inside of the house was decorated in earth tones and was light and open. Spock immediately felt at home. His family's estate on Vulcan was very similar and the warm weather made him feel more at ease than he thought possible standing in Nyota's family's presence.
"The two of you must be starving; lunch will be ready in minute. Go out back on the patio for a bit, while I finish up. I will bring the food out there when it's ready," Kamaria said quickly before she rushed off to the Kitchen.
Nyota took Spock's hand and lead him through the glass sliding doors to the patio. Spock was not expecting to see a large pool as they entered the patio, but felt it should not have been a surprise.
"Do you swim?" she asked Spock in Vulcan after they were both seated in shaded lawn chairs.
Spock was comforted by the fact that Vulcan had somehow become 'their' language when they were speaking to each other in private.
"I know how to swim, yes. It is not an activity that I have done regularly however," Spock stated. He had a feeling Nyota would get him in the water eventually.
"Are you still nervous?" Nyota asked, as she took his hand and put it in hers.
"No, but are you sure your family would not object to such open display of affection," Spock asked as he eyed their hands that were tightly entwined together.
"I wouldn't have done it if I thought they would freak out about it Spock. My family is very affectionate, it won't bother them," Nyota reassured him.
Before they could discuss anything further, the rest of Nyota's family joined them on the patio. Spock guessed that the older African man with a head full of thick grey hair dressed in a business suit was Nyota's father. The younger two twin boys were obviously her brothers.
"Hey Papa!" Nyota nearly yelled as she got up and hugged the older man.
"Hey sweetie," He replied picking her up off her feet a little before letting her go.
Spock had also had gotten to his feet to formally meet the head of the family.
"Papa, this is Spock," She introduced with a large grin.
Nyota's father looked over Spock for a moment with a clear look of distrust. It unnerved Spock because it was the same look he received from many of the other Vulcans on his home world.
"Welcome," was all Nyota's father managed to say as he held out his hand. Nyota shot a nervous look at Spock. She was well aware that Vulcans did not shake hands. Before Nyota could tell her father this Spock took the man's hand and shook it confidently. The Vulcan nearly flinched when he caught the feeling of animosity from Nyota's father before he broke the contact. It was clear that Spock was not welcome at all.
Nyota's father did not seem to be disturbed in the slightest when Spock did not respond. Nyota's brothers ignored him but they welcomed their sister home by throwing her in the pool. Spock had to admit that Nyota's mock petrified screams and her brother's laughter was extremely entertaining. She got up out of the pool and flung water all over her brothers and slapped them on the arms. This free and affectionate family atmosphere was foreign to Spock, but he enjoyed seeing Nyota happy.
"And these two clowns are Jared and Alex," Nyota called out to Spock breathlessly.
After another few moments Kamaria came out with a huge bowl of salad and another filled with fruit. The slender older woman put the bowls down on the largest table on the patio.
"Alright guys, this is all you get until the barbeque tonight," The mother informed the sternly looked suspiciously at her sons. They all nodded and agreed as if she couldn't possibly be talking about little ol' innocent them.
Spock's thoughts were troubled by Nyota's father's reaction to him. It was not surprising since human fathers as well as Vulcan, were known to be protective of their daughters to the extreme. The fact remained that it still disappointed Spock. He wanted to make a good impression on Nyota's family since she revered them so highly, her father especially. Nyota's light and cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Come on Spock I brought a swim suit for you. Go change and then swim with us," Nyota said she removed her now soaked skirt and shirt. Spock nearly stopped breathing at the sight of his Nyota in a two piece bathing suit that she had worn underneath. Its bright red color sparkled off her skin. She was absolutely stunning. Spock could not think of a single coherent response so he just nodded and went inside to change.
Spock had been correct as he usually was that Nyota would get him in the water. As soon as he came by the pool after changing in to the black swim trunks she had packed for him she grabbed his hand and pulled him into the cold water. Her brothers applauded and then jumped in themselves.
Spock watched as Nyota and her brothers dived off the high diving board with grace. Spock was intrigued by their skill. He even tried it himself but his landing he was told, needed work.
Nyota just smiled at him and he felt that there was nothing he wouldn't do for her. Even swim in a pool of cold water with a couple of adolescent, over energetic boys. The afternoon passed quickly as the whole family joined in and enjoyed them selves in the pool. Nyota's father kept his distance from Spock but spent time with Nyota, stealing her away from time to time. Spock didn't mind this in the least. He only wished her father would speak to him. Spock wanted to know what he had done to offend the man. He knew that humans were rarely that direct and that he may never know the answer to his query.
Later that evening something Spock learned was called a grill was fired up. Spock watched in disgust as a bunch of raw chicken, hamburgers and hotdogs were placed on it to cook. Spock tried to ignore the smell of cooking meat that filled the patio. Spock and Nyota were resting in the lawn chairs after a long day of swimming as the meal cooked.
"Don't worry, I told Mama that you are a vegetarian and she made a special dish for you," Nyota said with pride in her voice for her mothers thoughtfulness.
"That is greatly appreciated," Spock replied squeezing Nyota's hand.
The meal that she had made was some kind of potato casserole. What all that was in it Spock couldn't tell, but it was satisfying to his sense of taste. The others eagerly ate their meat and a comfortable silence ensued. Spock felt that he understood now why Nyota missed her home and family so much. There was a peace here that he had not expected to find in an emotional human family.
After dinner Nyota and Spock went for a walk along the yard to see her mother Rose garden. Spock knew that this was Nyota's way of attempting to gain a few moments alone with him. Once they were out of sight Nyota put her hands around his lean bare waist. Spock, unable to resist, leaned in and kissed her.
"What do you think of them Spock?" Nyota asked as she leaned against his warm chest once they pulled away from the kiss.
"They are your family Nyota, a part of you. I find them agreeable. However I do not believe that your father thinks the same of me" Spock replied.
Nyota sighed and stood back up straight.
"He'll come around Spock. He's just protective," Nyota said putting her hand in his once again. He could feel her confusion about her father's attitude towards him through their touch. Spock didn't really agree with Nyota's assessment so he remained silent. It was getting late so they headed back to the house. On their way Nyota separated from Spock to help her brothers' finish cleaning up. Spock wanted to join them but Nyota insisted that since he was a guest that he should go inside and grab a book to read or catch up on his science research. On his way to his room he noticed that Nyota's mother and father were in a deep conversation. His Vulcan ears picked up his name and it drew his attention. They obviously hadn't heard him come in. He couldn't help but overhear what they were saying.
"I think he's a fine young man. He may be a little serious, but he is polite and obviously cares for Nyota," Kamaria replied to a statement that Spock had not heard.
"I don't know how you can tell that. Anyway he's a Vulcan. I have dedicated my life to studying other cultures and I tell you if our daughter is in love with him, he is not in love with her. Not in the same way. I mean, he's probably already betrothed to someone back on Vulcan. What do you think it will do to her if he runs off back to his planet to marry a Vulcan woman? Nyota loves deeply, she always has. She's probably already named their children to be. This is complicated," Nyota's father argued, his irritation at his wife defense of Spock seeped into his tone.
"Husband, we don't even know how serious this relations ship is."
"Serious enough for her to bring him home to meet us!" Nyota's father bellowed.
You worry too much, for all you know Nyota may be the one to hop on the nearest Star ship and leave him behind," Kamaria replied. Her husband's tense demeanor deflated a little as a smirk crossed his face.
"Let's hope your right," He chuckled.
Spock continued to walk to his room and shut the door quietly. He lay down on the large bed and contemplated what he had overheard.
Spock could not blame Nyota's father for his doubts. Spock wondered now himself how serious their relations had become. Could he see himself forsaking his father's path and marrying her? It scared him a little, but the answer was yes. He wanted Nyota with his for the rest of his life. This realization also made him question whether his initial decision that he did not want children was in error. It was logical he had thought, for him to remain childless. Since any child of his would go through the same hardships he had endured about his heritage. He wondered now if preventing hardships were worth the cost. He could picture Nyota holding their child in her arms lovingly and happy.
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Spock reluctantly turned his thoughts away from Nyota. There was work to be done.
"We are ready Captain," Spock informed Jim who seemed to beam with energy now that there was something to do.
"Alright gang, this is going to be dangerous. There is no way to test what we are about to do, but we are going to trust that our resident geniuses know their stuff." Jim transmitted ship wide.
"Alright Sulu, guide us in, steady as she goes," Jim ordered with a sideways grin, his blue eyes bright with the challenge.
The whole bridge was silent as Sulu expertly navigated the Enterprise forward through the hazy light blue mist ahead. Spock watched for any signs of the mines becoming active but so far they were dormant. It did not take long for the ship to exit the barrier. Spock thought it almost too easy as he saw the last of the blue mist trail off of the hull of the ship on the view screen. It seemed the entire bridged sighed with relief together.
"Mr. Spock, Chekov you are officially up for promotion," Jim joked which Spock knew was his way of letting go of the tension he had been holding.
Spock quickly scanned the area for signs of any enemy ships in the area. Surprisingly there were none. There was something very odd about this and Spock had a feeling they would find out sooner or later what it was.
"Captain, so far we have a clear course for Vulcan II," Spock informed calmly, not letting his unease affect him.
"Stand down red alert, but lets still keep on our toes people. I have a feeling this isn't over yet," Jim ordered sitting back in the chair his eyes sharp and thoughtful.
Spock continued to scan and monitored space through his consol, making sure that there course remained clear. Jim got up from the command chair and went over to Spock's station.
"Hey, you've done enough for now, go get some rest," Jim whispered to his friend. Spock appreciated Jim's use of discretion that he normally lacked.
Spock nodded in agreement. He was feeling very tired now that his work was finished. Spock left the bridge and took the turbo lift to the sixth level, where the quarters were located. He walked through the hallway and abruptly stopped when he saw Nyota's quarters. Impulsively he punched in her security code and walked through the door as they swished open. He looked around at the crystal decorations that were hanging on her wall that he mother gave her. It reminded him of his memory that he thought of on the bridge. At a time when he had felt as if he had lost everything, Nota had been there for him. A more constant force than he had ever had in his life before. Nyota had never wavered or doubted him. Now he had made up is mind. He would do what he could to protect Nyota.
He sat down in a chair on the far left of the room and meditated for a while to regain his calm. He could feel the blood fever getting worse. It would not be long before he was deep in the Plak Tow. Spock looked up as the doors to Nyota's quarters opened and she walked in. She stopped abruptly in the middle of the room.
"Spock?" She asked barely able to see him in the dark.
"Yes, I didn't mean to frighten you," Spock replied, his tone deep and heavy.
"You didn't, I was just surprised to see you here that's all. Weren't you supposed to be avoiding me again?" Nyota said her tone was not angry but full of harsh truthfulness.
Spock stood up and came towards her aggressively. Before either of them realized it he had her pined against the wall. Nyota's scent and closeness was too much, he couldn't hold back his reactions anymore. Nyota didn't struggle or flinch as the Vulcan now leaned over her. Both of his hands leaned against the wall behind him. He looked at her with an intensity that Nyota had never seen from him before. His whole demeanor shouted unrestrained emotion.
"Not anymore," Spock replied, his whole body was burning and his tone reflected his desire. He pulled Nyota close to him roughly and ran his fingers against hers in long strokes. They both shivered at the erotic gesture. Nyota did not pull away and so he put his lips to hers in a purely passionate kiss that threatened to undo them both.
A/N- Sorry for the delay guys! This chapter was a little difficult to write. I hope you enjoy, feel free to let me know either way!