Author's Note: I apologize, but work responsibilities got in the way of me posting anytime sooner (a girl has got to make a living). In this chapter, (although he is not seen) you are introduced to a new Vulcan character named Sevat. The text ends with Spock reacting to a communicator message by Uhura that rattles his cage.

Your comments are always welcome.

5:13 PM Tuesday - In a conference room at Starfleet Command, the 26 members of the Starship Enterprise Oversight Committee sat about a conference table listening to the last of 14 progress reports by project managers and their staff. After four hours of important, but tedious detail, only a few committee members – Spock, Captain Pike, and several Rear Admirals - still seemed fully engaged in the proceedings. Surrounding the board table, T'Lau was seated among other project managers, Federation officials and private citizens.

At 5:53, primary Starship architect Gunther Kolsrud routinely asked if there were any further questions. When Spock offered a question on the Bio-Systems Unit, one Starfleet Administrator gave an audible sigh as a not too subtle sign of his displeasure. However, the Vulcan would not be intimidated.

"Vice Admiral Michelson," Spock turned to the offending administrator. "Is there an element you would like to add to my query?"

"Mr. Spock," Michelson began with an edge to his tone. "I am sure your question is quite important. However, we are getting close to the dinner hour. I am sure Mr. Kolsrud would not mind remaining to fully answer your question, after we have adjourned the meeting."

"Vice Admiral, may I remind you that Section 23.5 of the Federation Public Meeting Act prohibits the conduct of business relevant to hearings held by Oversight Committee to a forum which does not allow reasonable access by the general public."

A couple of the spectators applauded. Bristling, Michelson turned back to one of his staff members who shook his head in agreement with Spock. The Vice Admiral reluctantly acquiesced. "Mr. Kolsrud, you may answer Mr. Spock's question."

Afterwards, Kolsrud hurriedly responded in deference to the Vice Admiral's growing impatience. However, his incomplete answer caused Spock to then ask three follow-up queries until finally satisfied with Kolsrud's more thoughtful replies.

Michelson could hardly control his contempt for the Vulcan as he sarcastically asked, "Mr. Spock, do you have any other questions for Mr. Kolsrud or any of the project managers?"

"I have no other questions that would further delay your dinner, sir. I am sure your meal will sit easier with you knowing the committee has endeavored to ensure the effectiveness of the Starship and the safety of its crew by attending faithfully to our oversight responsibilities."

"Meeting adjourned." Michelson stated curtly without acknowledging Spock's last statement. He hurried out the conference room with staff trailing behind him.

As the Vulcan and Pike rose up from their seats and began to move toward the exit, the Captain told him, "Thank you, Spock."

"What is the basis of your gratitude, sir?"

"For making sure all the right questions are asked, despite the inexcusable behavior of the Committee Chair. Michelson is definitely the poster child for the Peter Principle."

"Sir, I require no expression of appreciation for carrying out my appointed duty. I would neither serve you or Starfleet well by doing otherwise."

A typical Spock response, Pike thought. However, the Captain had long ago decided he would praise the Vulcan when warranted, despite Spock's reluctance to receiving such commendations.

"I didn't ask you for your permission or analysis as to whether such a compliment should be made, Spock. You may accept it or simply let it bounce off those pointed ears of yours. Am I understood, mister?"

"Sir, I believe I comprehend the gist of your statement, despite the fact it contained a rather dubious option for my behavior."

Pike knew there was no need for a rejoinder. His literal-minded friend would take issue with most of his statements if given a chance.

"Spock." A voice called from behind them. The men turned back and saw T'Lau.

"Ms. T'Lau." Pike nodded. He did not know much about the female Vulcan outside of her connection with the Enterprise construction project. He found her extremely competent and appeared to manage well the design and building of the warp-drive engineering components that had been contracted to a German-based firm. The Captain had heard the staff was initially reluctant to follow her lead when its Board of Directors hired her as the Project Manager. However, her administrative capabilities and engineering expertise eventually won the employees' acceptance of her leadership.

Pike recalled Spock once told him he had been acquainted with T'Lau before the initiation of the project. The Captain never asked his friend the extent of his relationship, since Pike respected Spock's privacy in these matters unless the Vulcan specifically brought it up. Still, when Spock and T'Lau were together, there was something in the woman's behavior that appeared to imply there had been more than a professional relationship between the two.

"Captain Pike." T'Lau returned his acknowledgement. "I am hopeful my interruption was not ill-timed."

"Not at all, Ms. T'Lau." Pike replied. "In fact, I need to be on my way home. I promised my son I would help him with his schoolwork, tonight."

"Is Jack experiencing academic difficulties, sir?" Spock asked.

"Nothing too serious. His class has adopted a classic Terran language called Spanish to learn as part of their Earth history curriculum. When I told him I'd taken a course in the language as an undergraduate, Jack got the impression I could assist him with his pronunciation. Of course, I neglected to tell him I took that class nearly 30 years ago and barely remember a single word not related to food." Pike chuckled, but neither Spock nor T'Lau appeared amused.

"I am sure there is a Virtual Assistant program which can be useful in your efforts, Captain." Spock offered.

"His teacher has provided recommendations for several such programs. However, there are times when humans prefer face-to-face instruction from another human. That's certainly true in my son's case regarding this assignment."

"Captain, if I may comment." T'Lau began. "It would be a better use of your valuable time if your son utilized the Virtual Assistant. Surely, if explained, he would understand that."

T'Lau's assertion brought a smile to Pike's face. "Ms. T'Lau, right now, I cannot think of a better use of my valuable time than to spend it with my son. And on that note, I better run." Pike began to turn to leave when Spock called to him."

"Captain."

"Yes, Spock."

"If you are in a hurry, I would advise you to take the shuttle, instead of trying to run back to the Academy campus. Even when including normal shuttle wait time, I estimate you would arrive at your housing unit 36 minutes, 49 seconds sooner than you would by foot alone."

Pike gave Spock the look, before commenting tersely, "Thank you, Spock."

After Pike had walked out of human earshot, T'Lau told Spock, "I will never understand them and their pedagogy. It is quite inefficient."

Uhura came to mind when Spock replied. "I once discussed this topic with one of my former students who argued a learning style utilizing human interaction was a learning method most suitable for Terrans. Upon reflection on my experience at the Academy, I had to concur."

"It does not explain Captain Pike's comment in which he appeared to place a higher premium on time spent with his son."

"Many humans place great importance on being personally involved with their child's education. Judging from his reaction to your assertion, the Captain finds it odd one would think otherwise."

"Humans." T'Lau said with a disparaging tone. "How different we are from them. I for one am quite grateful for that difference."

"T'Lau, there is no need to be intolerant. Have you forgotten our people recognize the vast diversity within the universe?"

"We recognize that which is a given. It would be irrational to do otherwise. However, that recognition does not mean we wish to replicate the ways of other races. You once told me yourself you believed your father married your mother for diplomatic reasons in his role as the Vulcan Ambassador to United Earth. Yet, Sarek made certain you were systematically raised as a Vulcan steeped in its philosophies and traditions of our home planet. While a human is your biological mother, are you not Vulcan?"

"I am Vulcan." Spock confirmed. He could then tell by T'Lau's countenance her approval with his unhesitant answer. Although his relationship with Sarek had often been strained, he was without a doubt his father's son. However, unknown to his compatriot, he was a prideful Vulcan involved with a human woman.

"Spock, would you be able to join me for dinner tonight?"

"This evening I understand Dr. MacLean's will run one of the trials of his wave-particle duality experiments, here, at Starfleet Command Research Center. It would be difficult to pass up an opportunity to witness such innovative and stimulating work."

"Indeed, your preference is understandable. However, it would not just be the two of us at dinner for another would join us. Someone from our home planet who I understand was also a member of your class for most of your formative years. His name is Sevat. Do you not remember him?"

"He would be difficult to forget." Spock commented. As children, Sevat had been one of the boys who had taunted him about his biracial heritage. However, he had never shared the identities of the offending youths to anyone, but his parents.

"Under what circumstances did you meet him?" Spock asked.

"Yesterday, I traveled a short distance to serve as a lecturer at one of the Terran's institutions of higher learning located across the bay in Berkeley. When I began my talk, I saw him in the audience. After my presentation, he introduced himself as Sevat of Shi'Kahr. Being he is of the city of your birthplace and family home, I thought you would want to meet with him."

"You are mistaken. Our common place of origin is not a sufficient reason to warrant the sharing of a dinner table."

T'Lau did not understand Spock's reluctance to meet with Sevat; yet, she knew it was now time to divulge information which might possibly reveal if he still had feelings for his former Course Assistant.

"Sevat informed me he will visit the Academy on Thursday to participate in an oral examination of a doctoral candidate in the field of Xenolinguistics. Since he is coming to your campus, I thought you might appreciate the opportunity to entertain him as is the custom of our people."

Spock studied T'Lau. He had not forgotten Uhura had told him T'Lau had called her by her given name last week when they saw each other at the Medical Treatment Facility. No doubt, T'Lau had already accessed as much information on Uhura as was publicly available. Spock was not about to willingly give her more than she already knew.

"I have informed you of my plans for this evening, T'Lau. Nothing you have said has altered them."

"Will you be attending the examination of the doctoral candidate on Thursday, Spock?" She asked coolly, as if indifferent to the answer.

"All Department Chairs are sent notices when such activities occur. Even though the candidate is not a member of my department, we are expected to attend."

"Then I shall inform Sevat he will see you at that time."

"You may tell him what you wish. Good evening, T'Lau."

"Good evening, Spock."

T'Lau watched as Spock walked away from her. She realized he had not mentioned the doctoral candidate's name, although she knew it was the one he called Nyota. T'Lau concluded, So, he is concealing his relationship with the Cadet. However, what was or is the extent of that relationship? The Vulcan decided it would be simple enough to learn from Sevat the time of the oral examination. She would then make sure to attend the event to observe Spock's behavior in the presence of this woman. I will finally know, she asserted, if this Nyota is an obstacle to my winning of Spock's affections. If so, it will only be temporary. I will be sure of that.

6:26 PM Wednesday – Spock left one of his research teams pleased with the progress they had made. For 57 minutes, the group listened with rapt attention as Spock gave a detailed account of his Tuesday evening visit to Dr. MacLean's lab. The Vulcan knew as much as the esteemed e scientist's work had impressed them, his account had served to encourage them to put even more effort into their own projects so they might one day reach such a level of accomplishment in their own careers.

All knew after Spock had been appointed head of the Physical Science Department, he had non-productive faculty members reassigned and found incentives to rebuild the staff with some of the brightest minds in the quadrant. In only a few years, he dramatically raised the reputation of the department. This in turn served to elevate the quality of the pool of candidates entering the field through Starfleet Academy. Spock's success certainly had not escaped notice of the scientific community, but he was not yet ready to rest of his laurels. For Spock would not be satisfied until their work rivaled that of the Vulcan Science Academy; and he recognized it would be many years and several significant scientific breakthroughs before that claim could ever be made.

Since Spock had not been by his office since last Friday, he decided to check in with his Course Assistant. With Uhura no longer in this role, he had spent less time in the office with Cadet Goldberg in the same position. Spot checks of Goldberg's work and the occasional remote monitoring of his computer station proved he remained on task and completed assignments within the rigid parameters the Vulcan had set for his assistant. Spock recognized, Nyota had chosen well her replacement.

As Spock approached his office, the door slid open with Goldberg heading out. Still a little uneasy around his supervisor, the Cadet stiffly snapped to attention. "Sir."

"Cadet Goldberg, at ease. I was hoping to find you in the office."

"I was on my way out, Mr. Spock."

"When you came through the door, I assumed that to be the case."

"I was scheduled until 6:00 PM, sir. However, as you can see, I put in some extra time in order to complete my assignments." The Cadet noted proudly

"Cadet Goldberg," Spock addressed him dispassionately, "Are you aware Starfleet does not recognize the concept of overtime."

Suddenly concerned he had displeased the Vulcan, Goldberg stammered. "Yes . . . yes . . . I know." He gulped a breath. "I didn't mean to imply . . ." The Cadet looked down, unable to continue.

Nyota would not have become flustered so easily. Spock thought. How he missed the verbal sparring sessions he had with her, but at the same time realized it was not fair to compare Goldberg with Uhura. Besides Nyota and Dr. McCoy, most other Cadets tended to be intimidated by him unless they served on one of his research teams. Yet, Goldberg's rattled demeanor was off-putting to the Vulcan.

"Cadet Goldberg." Spock waited until he raised his eyes, again. "I believe Captain Pike would term this as a teaching moment. Therefore, we will try to fulfill that expectation. Have you learned anything from our somewhat one-sided discussion of this matter?"

"Yes, sir. Starfleet does not recognize the concept of overtime." He said hurriedly. "Although, sir, I was not trying to garner recognition for any additional time I spent in the office. I was just trying to – "

"Cadet Goldberg." Spock interrupted him.

"Yes, sir."

"What lesson did you learn?"

Goldberg paused as he realized he had not improved his situation. "Starfleet does not recognize the concept of overtime?"

"That is correct, Cadet. Nothing more needs to be said."

"Mr. Spock."

"Cadet Goldberg."

There was a slight edge to Spock's voice the Cadet had never before heard. "Don't worry, sir. I wasn't going to say anything about overtime." Goldberg laughed nervously, but ended it abruptly when he saw no change in the Vulcan's stoic expression.

"Sir." Goldberg continued. "You said you had hoped I was still at the office when you arrived. Is there something I can do for you?"

Spock paused, before stating. "Cadet Goldberg, I believe you have done quite enough for one day. Good evening." Just as Spock reached for the touch plate to open the door, he once again heard his name.

"Mr. Spock."

Spock slowly turned back. "Yes, Cadet Goldberg."

"I forwarded all of your messages to you as usual."

"Thank you, Cadet." Spock replied. "Is there anything else?"

To Goldberg's ears, the Vulcan's last words sounded more like a dare than a question. Yet, he persevered.

"You had a visitor, sir. Cadet Uhura."

Goldberg thought he must be tired, for now the Vulcan's expression and tone of voice appeared to suddenly soften.

"Did she give a purpose for her visit?"

"If I can recall her words correctly, she initially said she came by to chat?"

"To chat?"

"Yes, sir. I thought it strange . . . I mean, the use the word, chat. It's so informal like the way you would talk to a buddy or something. Not that I think you don't have any buddies, sir. But Cadet Uhura certainly couldn't be considered as your peer, so I thought the word choice was a bit inappropriate."

It took all of Spock's control to remain calm. "Did she say anything else?"

"Yes, sir, she did, after I questioned her."

"You questioned Cadet Uhura?"

"I did not want her to waste your time, sir. I assumed part of my office duties is to serve as a gatekeeper so you are not bothered by any unnecessary distractions."

"Cadet Goldberg, the next time we are in the office together, please remind me to review your office responsibilities with you. However, at present, I would like you to divulge what you learned as the result of your questioning."

"She said she needed your advice about something."

"Something?"

"She was not specific, sir. In fact, she seemed a bit distressed. When I asked if she wanted to leave a message for you, she said she no longer needed any advice from you."

"How long ago did this conversation take place?"

"Not too long ago."

"Cadet Goldberg, please try to be more precise."

"About an hour ago, I guess."

"Did she say she would return?"

"Oh, no, sir. There's no reason for her to do so. I even gave her all of her personal items she had left in my desk. So, she really does not have any reason to come back, unless it's to take back her old job. But, there isn't any chance of that happening, is it, sir." Once again, he emitted a nervous laugh, but this time kept it short in duration.

Goldberg continued. "Cadet Uhura confirmed this herself. She told me, Let me assure you, Goldberg, I would never try to reclaim this position."

While it had not pleased him, Spock had already reconciled himself to that fact. There were now more pressing concerns. Nyota, needs me.

"Did she indicate where she was headed?" Spock asked.

Goldberg paused. He wondered, why his supervisor would be so concerned about her whereabouts unless he thoughts about reinstating her in the Course Assistant position.

"I can't remember." Upon making his statement, Goldberg could feel Spock's intense glare upon him.

"Cadet Goldberg, above all, I must be able to trust those who serve on my staff. When I find that trust to have been violated, the offending party is soon available to search for other opportunities."

"I think it's coming back to me, sir." Goldberg chimed in quickly. "She said she might go to Bible Study. I've seen announcements about it in the Academy Student e-Newsletter. I recall they meet in the Student Activities Building."

Goldberg watched as the Vulcan headed swiftly away. "Damn it." He said to himself. "If he wasn't happy with my performance, I wish he would have told me sooner."

7:03 PM Wednesday – In the Student Activities Building, Spock sat 53 feet across from the room with an electronic placard indicating the site of the Bible Study Meeting. With his presence mostly obscrued by a large plant, he still had an optimum view of the meeting room door as it finally opened to allow the exit of the participants. He decided he would wait for Uhura to appear and then get her attention to suggest a place for a private conference.

To Spock's dismay, few of those in attendance seemed anxious to leave as they only trickled out. A full 12 minutes passed before Nyota emerged with two men and a woman. Her face appeared tear stained, yet, Spock was not alarmed as her warm smile showed brightly in contrast. The Vulcan then noted a curious progression of persons leaving who touched her shoulder or clasped her hand. As they did so, she in turn returned their gesture with no hesitation.

Finally, it seemed the room had emptied and only Nyota and her three companions remained. Spock saw how she kissed the cheeks of the woman and one of the men. She then seemed to give them words of parting, before she left at the side of a tall, broad shouldered man who appeared to be of African descent.

The Vulcan followed the two as they walked to Nyota's dorm. He could not hear their conversation, but to Spock she gave the impression of being most content to be in the man's company. Just when the Vulcan wondered just how long they would engage in their discussion, Spock witnessed a most disturbing act.

10:12 PM Wednesday – Spock left the Officer's Club having swam at full speed for two hours before an amazed pool manager advised him of the 10 PM closing time. Still, the image of Nyota and that man remained with him. It crossed his mind to stop by Captain Pike's home to talk about the matter, but his friend had made a point of wanting to confine such conversations to their Friday morning meetings at the diner. As an alternative, Spock found himself in his own home trying to use the music of his ka'athyra to calm him, but had limited success. A subsequent lengthy meditation session only provided temporary relief.

12:06 AM Early Thursday Morning – Uncharacteristically, Spock lay awake in his bed.

He waited . . .

And waited . . .

And waited for thoughts of Nyota to emerge . . .

But, this time . . .

Her image . . .

Her voice . . .

Remembrances of the tender touch of the woman he loved . . .

Failed to come . . .

As another image blocked its entry . . .

The image seen earlier that evening outside of her dormitory . . .

Of a man . . .

Holding her in his arms as if he would never let her go.

Spock lay in his bed . . .

And he waited . . .

And he waited . . .

But Nyota would not come to him.

Next to his bed on a nightstand, Spock noticed a light on his communicator indicating a message. He spent little time wondering why he had not previously been aware of it as he surmised it must have been left while he had been in meditation.

"Spock?"

It was her . . . Nyota.

"I thought I might be able to get you before you went to bed, but I had to wait for my roommate to fall asleep and I guess I waited too long. Once again, I have sequestered myself inside the bathroom shower, so not to wake up Gaila. To call you, I tapped into one of those rarely used frequencies on an AM band. Don't worry . . . I'm not going to leave a long message. I don't want Academy security listening in, if they come across the transmission."

"What a day!" She sighed. "It didn't start off very well at all. Spock, I think I blew today's exam. I simply ran out of time and didn't get a chance to discuss one of my major contentions or write my summary paragraph. Afterwards I felt so depressed, I even came by your office late this afternoon. I know to Goldberg I'm sure I sounded a little scattered and tired. Spock, I was so exhausted, I couldn't think straight."

"So, I was ready to go back to my room and feel sorry for myself when I ran into my friend, Jordan Williamson. I believe I told you about him. The one I've known since I was an undergraduate at Harvard."

Yes . . . Cadet Williamson. I remember you told me about your so-called infatuation with him. He must have been the man I saw you with outside your housing unit.

Nyota continued. "When I saw Jordan, I tried to play the sympathy card, but he was having none of that. Instead, he convinced me to go to Bible Study and I'm glad I did. I mean, I must admit the lesson itself was a bit dry. However, afterwards, the study group leaders called me up to the front of the room and offered prayers for my oral exam. I am ashamed to admit at first I was reluctant to submit, but when I allowed them to lay hands on me . . .

You allowed others to lay hands on you?

"Spock, I really could feel the Holly Spirit come inside me and calm my fears and anxieties."

You allowed a non-corporal alien to take possession of your body? How could that experience possibly have served to soothe your apprehensions regarding your exams?

"I know it probably sounds kind of crazy to you, but it happened. I mean, I can't say I no longer have any concerns about the outcome of my exams. However, now I feel much more at ease to complete the process to the best of my ability and accept whatever determination the doctoral committee has for me.

I still do not understand why this alleged spiritual experience was necessary for you to reach that conclusion. Nyota, you have a rationale mind that could have been relied on for that very end you desired.

"So, Baby, I must admit you were right. I've spent quite a bit of time to prepare myself for this. I needed to have faith that I could see it through. Thank God, I have you and so many friends who I could support me during this period."

Of course, I was right with my assessment. Your fatigue obviously impeded your ability to come to that conclusion much earlier.

"I should probably stop talking, soon. After all, I did say I wasn't going to leave a long message."

The soft laughter that followed her statement fell gently upon his ears.

"But before I end this transmission, there's one other thing more I must say to you."

Yes, T'hy'la, I am listening.

"Spock, you really have to stop spying on me. I wasn't sure at first, while I was at the Activities Building. However, when Jordan walked me to my dorm, that's when I thought I detected your presence. So, I purposely decided to embrace Jordan."

You were the one who initiated the embrace? Why would you perpetrate such an act with this man?

"And, then you gasped."

I made no such audible sound, Nyota.

"All right, I know you are probably denying making any noise at all, but you were there. Weren't you, Spock?"

It is probably best that is a fact. Otherwise, you needlessly divulged you were in the arms of another man.

"I stayed with Jordan that way for only a few seconds, but I am sure you have a more accurate estimation."

I did not remain long enough to see him release you. I could not bear it.

"Spock, I know my behavior may have upset you, but following me was unnecessary. You must learn to trust me."

Were you not the one who sought my company to chat earlier that day? Was I to ignore this request from you and incur further criticism? You are now thinking as a child, Nyota.

"I don't know how long Vulcans carry a grudge, but I know it is possible you may decide not to attend my oral examination if you are still cross with me."

There is no word for "grudge" in the Vulcan language, but our memory is quite long.

"However, I want to let you know that no matter what happens, I will meet you at Diarmuid's apartment at 8:00 PM as you had planned."

How gracious of you. He thought sarcastically.

"If you choose not to be there, you will owe me no explanation. I know you'll eventually come back around."

Spock felt his eyebrow involuntarily arch up in reaction to her flippant remark.

"Oh, look at the time. I'm really not going to be any good at the exam tomorrow, if I don't get any sleep. So, I suppose I'll see you later. Or, maybe not." She laughed, but this time the sound was not so endearing to Spock.

"Good night, Baby." She said as she ended the transmission.

It took Spock little time to decide to delete the message. He certainly did not need to repeat any part of it. It pleased him she had rediscovered the confidence she needed to address her oral exams. However, he did not appreciate the game she chose to play using her fellow Cadet to knowingly trigger a primal male response within him. She did this even after they recently discussed his discomfort with seeing her openly showing affection to other males, when he could not do the same with her.

Nyota, I warned you once before not to play with fire unless ready to do so. I have been quite patient with you regarding sexual matters; however, I now see you want to test boundaries of control with me. Although in such a juvenile manner you have revealed your scheme to me, I declare I will take you up on your challenge.

So, you need not concern yourself with any uncertainties. I will attend your oral examination, as well as, meet with you at Diarmuid's apartment. I also will be sure to bring the fire and we will see if you are truly ready to stand the heat.

Whether you can pass this trial or not, you need not worry. For I will continue to tend to this fruit until it is fully ripe. That day, when you will submit to me completely will truly be worth the wait.

And as that thought took root in his mind, Spock closed his eyes and found nothing now to impede his entry into a deep and satisfying sleep.

Author's Note: All right, I will not promise when the next chapter will be up, since my predictions have not gone well in the past. However, I have already started writing the next episode and it does dip a bit into carnality after dealing with Uhura's oral exam. I am striving to make Spock's meeting with Uhura sensuous, without going above a "T" rating (I'm going to "try"). However, you should know our couple is not quite ready for the "big step," yet – so don't expect that event in the next chapter.

With that being said, your comments are always welcome.