Author's Note: The following chapter is written primarily from Spock's point of view of the events leading up to Uhura's oral comprehensive exam. A bad cold and Pike's insistence that I bring him back into the story (smile), did not allow me to get as far as I wanted to with this section. So, I will need to post another chapter dealing with this period (by Sunday, I hope). The chapter also features a dream by Spock of his life with Uhura 74 years into the future.

Your comments are always welcome.

6:00 AM Friday – At a diner, Captain Christopher Pike watched as Spock calmly ate his usual breakfast of tofu and peanuts on a bed of rice noodles, while his own breakfast of eggs, toast and sausage sat untouched before him.

Spock noticed Pike's inactivity and inquired, "Captain, I believe if you allow your meal to sit much more it will no longer be at the optimum temperature for your enjoyment."

"I'm still trying to wait for my heart rate to settle down to a normal level." He commented with a slight irritated edge to his tone. "You were really pushing it out there."

"Pushing what, sir?" Spock asked.

Pike gave Spock his don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about look. "Our morning run."

"As usual, Captain, I adjusted my speed to accommodate your physical abilities."

"This time, you did not quite compensate enough. For most of an hour, I was running near full speed for 13 miles and still could barely keep up with you."

"We averaged 4 minutes, 45 seconds per mile which falls within the range of a proficient human marathon runner."

"I like to run, but I've never claimed to be a marathon runner."

"Then, sir, why did you not advise me to modify the pace to one more suitable to your capabilities?"

Pike took in a pause, before he spoke. "Because while I may not be a marathon runner, I am human. And, I suppose it was human pride that stifled the screams of my fifty year old muscles long enough to barley allow me to finish the run with my dignity still intact."

Spock always appreciated Pike's candor and enjoyed their Friday morning tradition that allowed them time to share with one another. However, Spock would not allow his Captain to tarry in a self-deprecating mood.

"For a Terran of any age, you are in excellent physical condition, sir. You rose to the challenge quite admirably." The Vulcan resumed eating his breakfast.

"Spock, that's probably as close to a lie as I have ever heard you speak." Pike smiled. "Thanks." Picking up his toast, he hungrily bit into it and chased it with a swig of coffee.

"So," Pike continued, "Are you going to tell me what you were trying to run out of your system?"

The Captain watched as Spock carefully chewed his food. Usually, Pike knew it was best to engage the Vulcan in conversation after he had eaten. Like others of his race, Spock found the human practice of talking, while eating to be quite distasteful.

Spock swallowed his food and then answered. "Sir, I do not wish to compromise your opinion on the matter by discussing it."

"You are speaking of Ms. Uhura, I presume."

A month ago, Pike had strong words for Spock about his relationship with the Cadet. The Captain felt duty-bound to discourage fraternization between faculty and their students. However, his own ill-fated relationship with a cadet years earlier had a greater effect in fueling his disdain for Spock's affair. The conflict had put a strain on their friendship that threatened to end it. Only recently had they resumed their Friday morning ritual after several weeks of Pike finding other reasons not to keep their long-standing engagement.

It was Spock who finally ended the impasse. Two weeks ago at 5:07 AM, Pike came to his door to answer the buzzer and found the Vulcan outside dressed in jogging attire.

"Did I awaken you, sir?"

"No, Spock. I was just lying in bed."

"And what of Jack? I hope he is still resting comfortably."

"A Gorn screaming into my son's ear couldn't wake him up before his time."

Pike watched Spock's face as he seemed to ponder the image. He then retorted, "Captain, the Gorn are incapable of screaming. Those reptilian-like creatures produce a hissing sound with aural properties proven to be quite disconcerting to humans. Therefore, one of their species would more than likely have awakened Jack, even in a state of deep sleep."

"Spock, I was using hyperbole."

"Sir, I understood the convention you employed, you just did not choose an appropriate example for your illustration."

Typical, Spock, Pike thought to himself.

"Captain," Spock continued, "If you get dressed now we will still have time for our run and breakfast."

Pike looked to the Vulcan. When Spock had sent him a text message about meeting that morning, the Captain had written him back that he might have other plans. Yet, Spock now stood in his doorway.

"You are here, although you must realize I have been avoiding you for the last few weeks." Pike told him in a straightforward manner. "I haven't been much of a friend."

"I believe we both needed time to assess the complexity of our association. On a professional level, I have been your pupil and then served as an officer under your command for two tours of duty. Furthermore, I considered it a high honor to have been asked to serve a third tour with you on the Starship Enterprise. The Starfleet Officer I am, today, is a direct result of your patient mentorship, especially taking into account my sometimes difficult experience as a minority in this world."

"Beginning with the first day you came to the Academy, Starfleet benefitted greatly from your enlistment. With the significance of your family and your own extraordinary scientific promise, the service needed to assure your success. I was merely a tool used to that end."

"While their contempt may not have been overt, there were those who were still suspicious of Vulcan motives regarding the modern evolution of United Earth. Not all Terrans would have been as generous with their time and expertise regardless of the advantages to Starfleet and the Federation."

Pike knew Spock spoke the truth. Despite behavioral testing and cultural sensitivity training, there was no denying that bigotry, ignorance and distrust still existed toward certain alien races. Some antagonisms – like those directed toward the Klingons and Romulans – could be explained by the fact Terrans considered them as enemies. However, while the Vulcans were not thought of as hostiles, many Terrans still took offensive at the fact they had sought to slow the progress of United Earth's space exploration activities. After Terrans discovered and refined the use of warp drive, Vulcans paternalistically deemed humans not yet ready to engage with beings from other parts of the quadrant, since relatively little time had past from the nuclear war era which almost destroyed the planet.

Pike commented. "Those who would have acted otherwise discredit the service. In every way, the Federation and Starfleet are much richer for the diversity of our planets."

"Nevertheless, while you may have interpreted acting as my mentor as one of your tasks as a superior officer, there is an aspect of our association you were under no obligation to offer. That was the day you took me on an excursion to the Brooklyn Bridge and extended your hand in friendship.1 The use of the bridge as a metaphor was rather heavy handed and, at the time, I did not understand why the action necessitated a trip across the western hemisphere. However, those considerations aside, I will never forget that day you reached out and included me in your life."

Pike also remembered that day very well. Despite their age and racial differences, the Captain had been drawn to the Vulcan for reasons others would scarcely recognize in Spock. The Captain highly valued Spock's relentless candor, even when the truth had been personally discomforting. His extraordinary intellect, physical abilities, and sharp wit were also well known among most Starfleet personnel.

However, underneath the indifferent façade, Pike ironically found a sensitive soul in a being that would adamantly claim such a spiritual concept did not exist. Yet, the Captain witnessed a man who recognized the worth and basic dignity inherent in all forms of life. Spock cherished beauty. Not superficial beauty, but a refined aesthetic he avidly sought within the natural world, as well as, creative arts involving literature, music, dance, drama and visual arts.

Probably most surprising to the outsider, Spock was fascinated by Terrans. He studied humans with the objectivity of a social scientist. However, despite his seemingly emotionless demeanor, he examined his subjects with a thoughtful perspective closer to that of a concerned and, at times, bemused spectator. In being such an astute observer of the human condition, Pike had often relied on Spock's assessment of personnel for its frank and insightful detail.

Spock continued. "In the fifteen years, seven months and four days since I came to Earth to join Starfleet, I can count few I would call friend. If my opinion has any bearing on this matter, I would rather not lose the one known as Christopher Pike."

Here, the Vulcan stood before him, vulnerable in every way. He waited patiently for the Captain's response that appeared slow to come from Pike's lips. However, the Captain would not disappoint. At that moment he was too full of Spock's open call for reconciliation to find the right words to express his relief. Despite his rigid stance on Spock's relationship with Uhura, the Vulcan wanted to retain their friendship. And while, both knew it had been altered in ways they could not yet identify, they realized the male bond they had carefully forged would be sorely missed if broken.

The first Friday of their reunion, the men had managed to stay clear of any discussion involving Uhura. However, now Pike was willing to offer his friend a compromise so such a topic need not remain off limits.

"Spock." Pike began. "Are you familiar with a city known as Las Vegas?"

"I believe it was a city located in the western region of the United States known for games of chance and activities catering to carnal desires. It was completely decimated during your WWIII."

"That is correct. As a young historian, I made an intensive study of the city to ascertain why it became one of the priority targets during the initial stages of the war. Before its destruction, it appeared to be quite a fascinating place that seemed to promote acts of extreme self-indulgence among adults as something desirable."

"If you say so, sir." Spock quipped.

"During the early 21st century, the city's tourism industry sponsored a highly successful marketing campaign with the tagline, What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas."

The Vulcan paused as if trying to reflect on Pike's comments, before he said, "Captain, is there a point to this line of conversation?"

"Spock, if you would like to talk about your relationship with Cadet Uhura, we can do so here at the diner. What is said here, stays here. Are those terms acceptable to you?"

"From what you stated, the terms appear to be we may speak freely about a significant association in my life as long as the specifics of our conversation remains within the confines of this establishment. At other times, we are to feign ignorance as though the relationship in question does not exist."

For a moment, Pike thought the Vulcan was in agreement with his proposal. However, it was not long before he realized he had been mistaken.

Spock continued. "Captain, I understand the well-meaning intentions of your proposal. However, the designation of this venue as a safe house for our thoughts and words appears rather absurd. Ms. Uhura and I have conducted ourselves with the utmost discretion. Yet, if I were ever confronted about the situation I would not or could not deny its existence. No, sir, the terms are unacceptable to me."

Should have known better. Pike thought to himself. His friend made a conscious choice to engage in an activity in conflict with a Starfleet policy. However, as a Vulcan, it would be a far greater offense to behave as though such a choice had not been made. For Spock, there was a fine line between discretion and deception that he would never cross.

"I'm sorry, Spock." Pike apologized. "It was foolish of me to ask it of you."

"I am the one who placed you in such a difficult circumstance."

The two men said nothing for several minutes as they each pondered the situation. Pike was the first to speak.

"Look, Spock. I am already complicit in this matter. Playing this by the book, I should have already reported this matter to the Academy Commandant."

"You still have the opportunity to do so." The Vulcan said boldly. "I assure you there would be no ill will toward you if you did."

"Realistically, bringing forth the charge would only significantly affect the career of only one person – Cadet Uhura. You're just too damn important to the service for the brass to mete out any punishment of any significance. However, Ms. Uhura would face the possibility of being dishonorably discharged from the corps. Have you the two of you directly discussed this risk?"

"No, sir."

"Why not?"

Spock raised his cup to his lips and sampled his tea, now past the optimum temperature for his tastes. Yet, the action bought him the time he needed to decide how much he would disclose. His answer was to tell his friend . . . everything.

"While we have not held a discussion on this particular matter, I am sure Ms. Uhura is not naïve about the risks involved in our relationship. We are certainly an unlikely pair in almost every way imaginable."

Pike watched as the Vulcan seemed to withdraw and look inward. And, while he spoke out loud, his words appeared to be directed to himself.

"Yet, Ms. Uhura chose me . . . she wants me . . . Nyota loves me."

Never before had the Captain seen his friend like this . . . a man so utterly possessed by the love of a woman. But, for Pike, this was no time to provide comfort or reassurance. The Captain felt obliged to press on with his concern.

"Spock, you'll begin another five-year mission at semester's end. Is it worth her career for such a short-term affair?"

Pike felt the Vulcan's indignation when he answered. "We are not having an affair, sir. That term implies something spurious . . . a cursory episode in the lives of two persons. My relationship with Ms. Uhura is much more than that."

"Spock, are you sure that is the way she feels?"

"Captain, I am certainly no stranger to the possibility she may awake one day and realize she can do without me."

Spock's harsh reply caught the Captain off-guard. Pike averted his eyes and took several sips of his coffee in hopes the tension would soon lessen. Finally, Pike decided to address his friend, again.

"Spock, when do you believe you will see her, again?"

"I'm not sure." He answered. "Ms. Uhura and I met last night outside of her housing unit. We had not planned the visitation to last more than 30 minutes. She was scheduled to begin the first of her written comprehensive exams the next day and required her rest. We discussed a few private concerns regarding our relationship. However, for most of the time, we simply sat on a bench next to each other unable to display any visible sign of affection. Yet, even under those constrained circumstances, being with her was enough."

The Vulcan paused as if recalling the encounter, then he continued. "The evening should have concluded with just a few words of parting, but it ended contentiously. For some reason not clear to me, Ms. Uhura took offense with a matter I felt was inconsequential. Her speech was so irrational, I suspected it may be caused by a hormonal balance triggered by her menstrual cycle. However, I chose not to openly identify this as a possibility for her erratic behavior. It has been my experience that such a comment from a male tends to trigger an even more ill-tempered response from the female."

"So true." Pike concurred.

"I told Ms. Uhura of plans to meet her next Thursday evening after she had completed the oral component of her comprehensive exams. However, under the circumstances, she appeared to be in no mood to receive the details of our rendezvous."

"I'm sure the stress of her imminent examinations also played a role in her behavior. Give her time, Spock. Overall, Ms. Uhura has proven herself to be a sensible, intelligent woman. She'll come around, again, I'm sure."

"Captain," Spock called to him with a slightly surprised look. "I dare not make too much of it, but I believe your comments were the first encouraging words you've ever conveyed concerning my relationship with Ms. Uhura."

"Remember, Spock . . . .what is said in this diner, stays in this diner."

"Sir, I expressly stated I would not be a party to such a charade."

"Spock, I'm not asking you to do anything more than what you have been doing. That is, keep your private life out of view of Starfleet. While on the quad yesterday, I witnessed how you and Cadet Uhura handled yourselves. There appeared to be no knowing glances or other indications that there was something going on between the two of you. While I still have some serious concerns about the relationship, I can also see you're in too deep to listen to anything I have to say to the contrary."

"Sir," Spock cautioned. "You don't have to do this."

"Do what, Spock?"

"Be my friend."

Spock did not immediately understand why his statement evoked a grin on his Captain's face. Yet, Pike's simple response told Spock all he needed to know.

"Too late, Spock."

Following breakfast, the remainder of Spock's day appeared to be filled with teaching and work dealing with on-going research projects. He stopped by his office only briefly to make sure Course Assistant Cadet Goldberg had enough assignments to last through much of the following week. While there, Goldberg relayed a message left by T'Lau requesting to meet with him. Spock instructed his assistant to let her know he was occupied with matters related to his work at the Academy. Unless he needed to attend to a critical issue regarding the Enterprise, he would be unavailable until next Tuesday when he and other Oversight Committee members would meet with her and the rest of the Enterprise construction project managers for their progress reports.

Spock returned home later than usual. He prepared his evening meal of bertakk soup and then enjoyed his tea while reading a scientific journal. He played his ka'athyra to prepare for his meditation period, but chose not to use T'Lau's gift to accompany himself. He had come to realize the iPlayer had been a seductive present that violated the spirit of the understanding he had with Uhura. That weekend, he decided he would find a suitable place to donate the device.

After meditation, he took a shower and slipped on a soft, white nightshirt that extended a little past his knees. With his bedroom temperature set to parallel the hotter climate of Vulcan, he lay on his back on top of his sheets as his thoughts turned to Nyota. Spock agreed with Pike, stress had probably caused her to over react when he refused to wish her luck on her upcoming exams. He was not going to engage in such a pointless human tradition and she should not have expected him to do so. After all, despite his mixed heritage, was he not Vulcan?

Spock reached under his pillow and retrieved a red neck scarf he had borrowed from Uhura. He carefully unfolded it and then gently wound it around the palm of his hand. Usually, the article was used as an aid to self-pleasure; however, tonight would be different. He laid the adorned hand on top of his chest and covered it with his other hand. Closing his eyes, he soon fell asleep and began to dream.

The Vulcan awakened to find Nyota lying on his chest with his large hands resting softly on her back. However, he was not touching the 25 year old Cadet of the present, but the East African 74 years into the future. With her naturally kinky hair now gray and cut close to her head, she appeared to be in a peaceful slumber. Yet, he could not resist disturbing her sleep by gently blowing on her face.

Without opening her eyes, she initially waved a hand as if shooing away a fly. Her reaction only served to encourage him to blow harder.

"Spock," she told him groggily, "Stop blowing your hot breath on my face. Can't you see I'm trying to sleep?"

"Can you not tell I am trying to awaken you?"

"Can't have it both ways." She retorted.

"Then one of us will be disappointed and I do not believe it is going to be me."

Taking her by the shoulders, he lifted and flipped her over on her backside as she shrieked. Reclining on one elbow, he placed a hand on the waist of her satiny amber-colored nightgown.

With her eyes now wide open, she exclaimed, "Spock, it's too early in the morning for that kind of roughhouse."

"I'll be the judge of that." Spock bent down and kissed her lips.

"Oh, no you don't." She scolded him playfully. "I'm not ready to wake up."

"I wanted to talk with you. When I came home last night, I found you already asleep. Do you realize its been 11 days, 18 hours, and 23 minutes since I last saw you. It took that long to finally reach a temporary accord for a ceasefire in the Mazarite/Tellarite conflict."

She teased, "Well, Ambassador Spock, perhaps if you were a little better at your job and could wrap things up sooner, you could spend more time with me."

"Nothing would please me more than to spend more time with my wife. However, I find that when I am available, she has usually found, yet, another cause to undertake which consumes even more of the time she would have had available for me. So much for your so-called retirement."

"I find it quite ironic you would bring up that subject. Weren't you the one who chided me about retiring after 25 years with Starfleet and nearly 50 years of teaching and research on the faculty at Harvard? Correct me if I'm wrong, but it was you who told me only humans would dare to think of such a decadent concept which wastes the talents and experiences of a society's elders."

"I admit to having conveyed that opinion which consequently resulted in you choosing to involve yourself with a number of philanthropic and humanitarian issues. Yet, little did I realize your activities would demand such a sacrifice from me."

"Oh, Spock, PLEASE." She responded. "Unlike your profession, my activities do not take me from my spouse for days, sometimes weeks at a time."

"You could travel with me."

"Spock," She said, taking him in with her eyes. "I'm not your mother."

Spock was pleased the two women had developed a deep affection for each other, before his mother passed away. However, Nyota's statement could not have been truer.

The Vulcan allowed the tips of his fingers to caress touch points about her temple. Her soft sigh gave evidence of her approval.

"Do you regret my entry into diplomatic service?"

"Baby, it is your calling and your work has saved countless lives over the last twenty years. Of course, I don't regret your following that path. And, after all you were right about retirement. Besides keeping up with friends and our family, I soon realized I needed to do something with the balance of my time during my old age."

"You are not old."

"Spock, you know I will be a centenarian in less than a year. I would say that milestone easily qualifies me as old."

"Human females now have an average lifespan of 143.6 Terran years. Thus far, you have only had to replace one knee, you exercise regularly, eat well, have all of your teeth, and your brain still functions at close to optimum level. While you may be advanced in years, you have maintained your body and mind most efficiently for this stage in your life."

"Sweet talker." She laughed.

"Nyota, I fail to understand how you found humor in my assessment."

"Baby, I know your intentions are good, but it almost seemed like you were taking inventory of a piece of equipment." She continued good-naturedly. "If you haven't noticed after all these years, I'm a woman, human and I can be a bit vain, sometimes. I still crave romantic talk."

"I was responding to your comment on your perceived physical and mental state. I did not know we were speaking about love. Do you not know how much I love you?"

"Spock, with your slow-to-age Vulcan genes, when we're out in public people would probably think you're my son if it were not for our blatant physical differences. So, yes, to counter those less than flattering thoughts I must admit I never grow tired of hearing how much you love me."

Spock cocked his head at an angle as if puzzled.

"Now what's wrong?" She asked.

"Nyota, the basis of your concern as you have expressed is most inaccurate."

"Oh, really, in what way?"

"I believe when others see us together, they must wonder how did that Vulcan manage to win the heart of such an extraordinary creature."

Silence.

"Nyota, you do not speak? Was my answer not to your liking?"

With her eyes full with the Vulcan, she smiled and replied softly, "How you must love me to tell such an incredible lie?"

"T'hy'la, I have never lied to you and never will." Spock brought his lips down to her once more, but now lingers about her face as he plants his tender kisses.

Upon raising his head, again, she asked, "So, is this how you managed to win the heart of that extraordinary creature?"

"Not quite."

"Then, tell me . . . " She said coyly, "What is your secret?"

"I actually had little to do. Considering her woefully inept options, the woman really had no logical alternative but to choose me for her mate."

"Spock!" Uhura screamed.

In the dark and quiet of his bedroom lying on top of his sheets, Spock awakened fully remembering his dream. Upon reflection, it struck him as odd he would envisage a future where he would serve as an Ambassador. He certainly had no intentions of following in his father's footsteps in that vocation. He also believed he lacked the patience and tact for diplomatic service. However, Spock did find the other details of his fantasy had been most . . . pleasurable.

Imagining . . .

Being with her . . .

Touching her . . .

Loving Nyota . . .

This vision of the future gave him . . .

Comfort . . .

Hope . . .

And, reaffirmed his resolve . . .

"Nyota." He spoke out loud as though giving an oath before witnesses. "I swear you will belong to me. Till death, do us part."

Author's Note: I intend to have the next post up by Sunday evening (I hope). The characters have told me what they want me to say, but I need time to get it down on paper.

Thanks for continuing to follow the story. Your comments are always welcome.

1 See Chapter 21 in my story, "Needs," for a full treatment of this incident.