Author's Note: In this chapter, Uhura takes her oral exam. Later that evening, Spock challenges the East African on her carnal knowledge. Unexpectedly, the experience has unsettling effects on both of them. The sex scene is not exceptionally graphic and there is no intercourse depicted. However, there is sex talk that some readers may find to be a bit intense. Read at your own discretion.
Your comments are always welcome.
3:58 PM Thursday - In a small auditorium style room in the Hoshi Sato Communications Building, Uhura found her seat on the stage as she awaited the entrance of the examiners. The set-up of the stage area included a semi-circular table with one chair for each of the five auditors for her oral examination. The table faced the auditorium seating, while her chair had been placed so her back would be to audience members.
Until Gaila informed her of the time, the East African stood in full dress uniform at the doorway and greeted each of the audience members as they arrived . . . Kirk, McCoy, Gaila . . . Jordan, Ng, Schreiner and several other members of her Bible study group . . . Damitra Clark, Shen Tan and other U.S.S. Potemkin crewmates with whom she served last summer . . . former faculty members . . . and other peers and support staff she had met during her Academy days.
Spock had not been among them.
But Uhura did not care.
She felt so good . . .
So confident . . .
So alive . . .
And, at 4:00 PM, when the five examiners entered the room, they were disarmed by the smiling, East African young woman more than ready to take them on. Uhura knew four of the committee members well. They included Xenolinguistic Department Chair Dr. Greeley and Professors Chhet, Guðjohnsen, and Reid. As tradition, the fifth examiner was usually a non-Terran who came from academic ranks outside of the Academy. While this was the first time Uhura had laid eyes on him, the reputation of this Vulcan named Sevat had preceded him. The scholar was known for his work with language isolates, such as Andorian and Bajoran. During Uhura's oral examination, Sevat's role was to evaluate her ability to understand and answer questions posed to her in language family that included Vulcan, Romulan or Klingon.
Dr. Greeley began the proceedings by reminding audience members they were to act as silent observers who must refrain from speaking, applauding, or engaging in any other behavior that would indicate their presence. Each examiner then took turns asking Uhura a set of prepared questions along with the opportunity to ask follow-up queries at their discretion. Poised and self-assured, the East African methodically addressed the challenges posed by the Terran examiners with great competence. In turn, her questioners tended to unconsciously provide non-verbal indications of Uhura success with her responses by slightly nodding their heads or giving a slight smile.
However, the Vulcan examiner proved to be a different matter. Throughout the examination period, Sevat chose not to speak using the Federation language. Instead, he would ask his questions using Vulcan, Klingon or Romulan. With each dialect, he would assume one of the characteristic temperaments of that race. To human ears, Vulcan speech appeared impassive while Klingon seemed harsh and Romulan carried an air of contempt. To most in the audience, Uhura initially demonstrated a keen ability to respond to the questions, while appropriately matching the tone of voice.
Sitting next to Kirk and McCoy, Gaila leaned toward the two and whispered. "Uhura's doing really good, isn't she?"
"She must be." McCoy replied. "'Cause I can't understand a word she's saying."
Kirk, who had a basic knowledge of the languages, commented, "I know that Vulcan has never come across anybody like her. Whatever he's asked, she's been able to give it right back to him."
After Uhura completed an answer, Dr. Greeley noted her chronometer and informed the Vulcan, "Mr. Sevat, there are only two minutes remaining for this period."
Sevat nodded slightly to acknowledge Greeley's statement, but never took his eyes off of Uhura. This time when he asked his question, the East African did not respond immediately.
Gaila whispered, "I think he's speaking in Romulan, but it sounds weird to me."
"He's using a different dialect." Kirk replied.
"Why would he do that?" McCoy asked.
"He probably knows the Academy's curriculum only offers the prime Romulan language, although there are two other major dialects. The bastard is just trying to show her up."
McCoy nudged Kirk as he noticed Dr. Greeley's disapproving eyes directed toward the trio. He doubted if she or the other panelists could have heard Kirk's exact words, but he did not want them to be told to leave and miss the remainder of the examination.
Uhura finally gave her response using the prime Romulan dialect.
"What did she say?" Gaila asked Kirk.
"She told him she could decipher certain words, but could not understand the full meaning of the dialect being used."
Sevat spoke, again.
Kirk continued. "He's now using a different Romulun dialect."
Uhura answered.
Kirk interpreted, "She repeated her previous answer."
"Oh, poor Uhura." Gaila sighed. "And she was doing so well."
Greeley shot another stern look toward the trio; however, since the examination period was at an end she chose not to address the matter. Instead, she informed the audience the committee would deliberate Cadet Uhura's performance taking into consideration both written and oral exams. The committee would take up their discussion in a separate room and return in approximately 15 – 20 minutes.
As committee members left through a door by the stage, most Cadet audience members spontaneously applauded in support of Uhura's performance. With her back still to them, Uhura turned her head to the right to acknowledge their encouragement. When Kirk added a "thumbs up," the gesture brought a smile to her face. Uhura believed she had performed well with the exception of Sevat's final questions and the last section of her fourth written exam. While she could not predict the committee's decision, the presence of so many of her friends and colleagues served to calm her during the waiting period.
By the time she had acknowledged the Cadets, audience members began to talk among themselves. Uhura knew it would be inappropriate for her to leave her chair before the committee returned. She elected to remain seated and soon found herself drumming her fingers against her chair. Suddenly, Spock came to mind.
Spock had not been present when she had taken her chair to begin her examination. However, now, she wondered if he had come later and taken a seat with other faculty and staff who had primarily sat to the left of her.
She told herself, Uhura, all you have to do is discretely look back to the left and you could see if he is there.
But then, Uhura felt silly doing so. In contrast to the bravado she earlier displayed regarding his presence at the examination, she now realized how much she wanted him there to witness this important moment in her life. She finally convinced herself a discreet scan of the audience to the left of her would do no harm, while satisfying her curiosity. She took a breath and turned her head slowly to her left so not to bring attention to her movement. When the audience members came into view, in the front two rows she recognized some faculty members she earlier had greeted.
Uhura then raised her head up to see those who sat in other rows. Just as she thought her exercise had been performed in vain, suddenly she spotted Spock in the last row seemingly engaged in a conversation with that woman . . . T'Lau.
With every ounce of control she could muster, she unobtrusively turned her head back to its original position looking straight ahead toward the empty chairs of the examiners.
Uhura took a breath to try to calm herself. Spock came. She acknowledged. But, why was he sitting with T'Lau. And, why was she even present? This event had nothing to do with . . .
The reentrance of the examiners interrupted her thoughts. Uhura did not know if thoughts of Spock had so overwhelmed her, but initially all of the expressions of the committee members appeared to take on a Vulcan look of indifference. Consequently, it took her a moment before she could focus on Dr. Greely's words.
"Cadet Uhura," Greeley began. "The committee has carefully reviewed the results of your written and oral exams. Do you have anything to say before I reveal our judgment?"
Reassuming her earlier poise, Uhura stated, "I only wish to apologize to the guest examiner, Mr. Sevat, for only having mastered one of the Romulan dialects. I recognize my deficiency and am hopeful to rectify it with further study."
"Ms. Uhura," Sevat addressed. "Your apology is completely unnecessary. The defect is clearly not in your abilities, but in the curriculum. If an expression of regret is to be offered, it should emanate from your Academy instructors not from you."
Uhura bristled at the inciting comment, but knew it would be inappropriate for her to answer in kind according to Academy decorum. She looked to Dr. Greeley, who had only a simple rejoinder.
"Thank you, Mr. Sevat." While the other examiners felt the sting of Sevat's insult, Dr. Greeley had learned to be thick skinned in regards to such comments after studying on Vulcan for nearly five years. She turned her attention back to Uhura and asked, "Is there anything else you would wish to say?"
"No, ma'am." The East African answered quickly as she did not dare to say anything more. She listened as Greeley delivered the committee's judgment.
Outside of the Communications Building, Uhura stood among a group of her supporters.
"I still don't know why they just don't say you're now officially ABD?" Damitra complained.
"What's is ABD?" Gaila asked McCoy.
"All But the Dissertation. That signifies she has passed all of the requirements for her doctorate except for researching and writing her doctoral thesis."
"I didn't finish one of my written exams." Uhura told Damitra. "They can't just pass me on."
"They're just trying to save face in front of the Vulcan." Kirk commented. "They should just realize that's a hopeless cause."
"Listen, all of you." Uhura told them. "I thought the committee's decision was fair. I only have to retake the fourth exam and I'm glad I don't have to wait forever to do it."
"Tomorrow afternoon! How is that being fair?" Gaila interjected.
"Because she's got all that shit crammed in her head right now." McCoy replied. "If she waits any longer she'll start to forget it and will have to start studying that crap all over, again."
Uhura laughed, "Leonard, I wouldn't have quite said it like that, but essentially that's correct. That's also why I can't go out with all of you, tonight."
"Just one little drink, Uhura." Gaila tried to persuade her. "What's wrong with having one little drink?"
"Because it's never just one little drink. I don't want to blow my next crack at that exam. After I pass it, then believe me I'm going to feel like celebrating all night long."
"But Uhura – " Damitra began, but was interrupted by Kirk.
"Hey, that's enough. She's not going with us." The Iowan declared. "That means we'll just have to drink all of her beers for her." Looking to Uhura. "What can I order for you?"
"If I were going with you, tonight, I would probably order Framboise Lambic Ale."
"A raspberry beer?" Kirk stated in a mocking tone. "It's way too sweet."
"What about a Pablo?"
"A near beer, Uhura? You might as well drink water."
"All right, then get me a Samuel Adams Hallertau Imperial Pilsner."
"Too bitter to drink all evening. I need something with a smoother taste."
Uhura folded her arms and gave him the eye, refusing to provide any more suggestions.
"Don't worry. I'll pick one for you."
"Thanks." She replied drily.
"Hey, Bones. Lead the way." Kirk directed.
"Will do. I know just the spot."
As Uhura's friends begin to walk away, they say good-bye to her almost as a chorus. Still, she was not surprised when Kirk stayed behind for a private moment.
"I was proud of you." He said with his blue eyes glistening in what was left of the late-afternoon light.
"I know." Uhura told him.
"You'll ace that exam, tomorrow."
"Thanks. It helps to know so many people care."
"I'm not speaking for anyone else. I'm telling you how I feel."
"I can see who's talking." She told him. "The one and only James Tiberius Kirk."
"Hey, I don't have to go with them. If you want, I can help you review."
Uhura knew she had plans for the evening, but they did not include her studies. "To be honest, I'm probably not going to review my notes until the morning. Leonard was right about the fact I feel I've reached a saturation point with all of the knowledge I've consumed with the intense studying I've undertaken over the past year."
"So, tonight, you just want some me time. Is that right?"
"Something like that."
Kirk reached up his hand to touch her cheek, but she caught it before it reached its destination.
"Don't forget Captain Pike's warning. We're friends, but on Academy grounds there is an expectation of a certain amount of decorum in public view."
We're friends? Is that how she terms our relationship? Kirk thought. "Pike is nowhere to be seen."
Uhura told herself, Spock doesn't like it and I want to be more sensitive to his feeling on the issue. "It doesn't matter if Pike sees it or not. We need to be more respectful of the directive."
Kirk looked to Uhura with a wary eye.
"Go on, now and catch up with the others." The East African told him. "I'll see you when I see you." She said in a sing-song voice and began to walk toward her dorm. Uhura could feel Kirk's eyes still on her as she moved away from him, but she had other concerns on her mind. She had only an hour to shower and make it to Diarmuid's apartment by 8:00 PM to meet Spock.
After Dr. Greeley announced the committee's decision, she had barely enough time to thank the examiners before being swamped by her fellow Cadets who surrounded her with their praises regarding her performance. While accepting their praises, she was somewhat relieved when she saw T'Lau bringing Spock to Sevat. Uhura reasoned T'Lau must know Sevat, which may give some justification for her presence. Perhaps, Sevat was T'Lau's man, Uhura thought happily.
When Uhura had a moment with Gaila, she commented. "It was great so many of the faculty came today."
"Yeah, that's great. Must be 8 or 9 out of 154."
"Thanks, Gaila." Whether she wanted her to do so or not, Uhura could always count on her roommate to keep it real. "I noticed Mr. Spock came."
"Yeah, too bad you can't restrict certain faculty members from coming."
"I didn't noticed him when I took me seat right before the examiners entered. Did you happen to notice when he came in?"
"It was about the same time as when you sat down. I was waiting for Marcel to show up as he had promised and I looked back at the door to see if he was coming. Just then Mr. Spock comes walking in with a Vulcan woman. Maybe that's his wife."
Uhura laughed at the thought. "Mr. Spock is not married, Gaila."
"OK, well maybe not to her, but most Vulcans are . . . "
"Hey, Uhura. Quite impressive!" Jordan interrupted Gaila and then laughed. "I must admit most of the time I didn't understand half of what was being said. Good thing you did!"
Gaila did not finish her statement and Uhura found no reason to ask her to do so. Uhura was well aware Gaila, like most members of her race, held a disdain for Vulcans. No doubt, Uhura thought, Any observation she held regarding Vulcans could not be taken seriously due to the Orion unfounded prejudice against Spock's race. Married . . . how could Spock be married? He's not even engaged.
In Diarmuid's one bedroom apartment over the teahouse he managed for Spock, the Vulcan examined the table he had set for the appropriate dishware and utensils. If she were to arrive on time – which was often not the case – they would only have 1 hour, 47 minutes for him to carry out his planned seduction of his Nyota.
The Vulcan felt no ambivalence concerning his intent. Had she not indeed challenged him to do so? Had she not willingly found herself in the arms of other men? While she may have termed these encounters as 'innocent', she needed to learn this behavior not acceptable. The only way she would fully understand why she needed to change her ways is to know what she would be giving up if their relationship could not be brought to full fruition.
A soft knock at the door. Spock checked his chronometer. Exactly 8:00 PM. She must be anxious to see me.
Spock reached for the touch plate, but was not prepared for what stood at the other side.
Nyota . . .
Her bright brown eyes and sweet smile distracted him from his evening's purpose. He stared at her without saying a word.
He could feel her eyes take him in as she noted the way his white turtleneck outlined the contours of his muscular torso. Her voice was soft and sultry when she told him, "Oh, Baby. You look good enough to eat."
Suddenly, the door closed shut with Uhura still on the other side. Spock reopened it quickly, exposing a now laughing woman.
"Nyota, you must enter immediately to avoid the previous circumstance."
The East African attempted to quiet herself as she walked inside. As she entered, she removed her jacket to reveal a golden yellow tunic with a brown pencil skirt. Flesh colored tights covered her legs, while her feet bore a low heel brown shoe. To Spock, She indeed looked good enough to eat.
As she hung up her coat on a wall hook, she told him, "Spock, I want to thank you for coming my oral examination this afternoon." She came to him and placed her hands upon his broad shoulders. "It meant the world to me to see you there."
Spock felt her lips upon his. With her so close to him, he could smell her fragrance.
"Lilac." He managed to say as his hands found their way around her waist.
"Oh." She cooed. "You noticed."
"I recall you first wore it when you served as my Course Assistant. You carried the fragrance on three subsequent occasions and then ended the practice until tonight."
"I accidently broke the first bottle. And, since the cost per ounce is a bit expensive on a Cadet's stipend, I couldn't afford to purchase another right away." Uhura seductively raised the underside of her wrist toward Spock's nose so he could better smell the scent. "I read Vulcans are attracted to the scent of lilacs. Is that true, Spock?" She asked coyly.
"I am not cognizant of any legitimate study testing the effects of the scent on my people. However, the fragrance does please me very much."
He bowed his head down to find her lips. She gladly received him, and then gently pushed him away in a playful manner. He studied her as she walked about the table to survey the setting. He realized Uhura was still in her comfort zone and he had done nothing, yet, to shake her free of it. She was thoroughly in control.
"I didn't even know you had arrived in time to my examination." She commented. "By the time the examiners entered the room, I still hadn't seen you."
"I was detained with activities associated with the research project headed by Ensign Moseng. I entered the room with just 45 seconds to spare."
"When I finally saw you, you were sitting with T'Lau."
"Yes, I noted your not too subtle attempt to survey those in attendance. Why are you concerned with her?"
"Well, Spock." She answered him with her voice still in a playful mood. "I don't know of too many women who would be comfortable with seeing their man with a woman with whom he's had a sexual relationship."
"Sit down at the table, Nyota."
Spock spoke so abruptly that his stern tone caught her off-guard. She sat down as he had commanded and watched him in silence. The Vulcan filled bowls with soup and brought them to the table. He then cut several slices of multigrain bread and set them upon their bread plates. After filling the water glasses, he sat down beside her.
"The table is now complete." He told her. "I will wait until you engage in your religious ritual before beginning to eat."
"Spock." She placed her hand on his to cause him to turn his head to look at her. "I didn't mean to upset you."
"We have so little time to be alone, together. I believe it best to use that time as efficiently as possible."
Spock, the efficiency expert. Uhura smiled at the thought.
"Did I say something to humor you?" He asked.
"I was just marveling at your way with words." She replied. "And you're right to call me out about the focus for this evening. Right now as far as I'm concerned, you and I are the only people left in the world."
"There is no reason to envision genocide, Nyota."
The East African took her hand away from him and gave Spock the look. She then bowed her head in silent prayer.
"Something smells good." She said as she raised her head and picked up her spoon.
"It's vegetable soup with quinoa. I believe its aroma is what caused your confusion when you first arrived."
"Confusion about what?"
"I recall you said to me, 'You look good enough to eat.' Surely, the pleasing aroma of this soup affected your olfactory senses to the point that you ascribed the sensation to my person and experienced the urge to eat me. "
Uhura wagged her spoon at him and simply said, "I believe our soup is getting cold."
As the Vulcan tradition, they ate their entrée in silence. However, Nyota was very much aware of the Vulcan's eyes on her as she ate. Far from being disconcerting, she had learned to luxuriate in his attention. After bringing the last spoonful to her mouth, Uhura met his eyes to convey her satisfaction.
"The soup was delicious." She told him. "You're quite the cook."
Spock studied the young woman. Leaning back against her chair, Uhura looked content and complacent. He thought, Gratification should not be so easily acquired between lovers. However, very little had gone as planned that evening and he questioned if he would ever have the opportunity to make his move with so little time left to spend in the apartment.
Suddenly, Uhura rose from her chair and began to pick up dishes.
"Nyota, what are you doing?"
"Cleaning up." She said as she brought the dishes to the cleanser machine and began to load it. "Since I have to retake one of my exams, tomorrow, I'm not going to stay here much longer. If I don't get some sleep, I won't be any good for it."
Spock picked up other dishes not at all sure if his face betrayed his disappointment. He moved behind her waiting his turn to place the dishes in the machine. However, not knowing of his close proximity as she stepped back, Uhura bumped against him upturning remnants of soup on Spock's sweater.
She gasped and quickly grabbed a kitchen towel to clean him up. Still, a reddish stain remained.
"I'm so sorry, Spock." She apologized. "You should clean it as soon as you get home or it will be ruined."
"The stain will be set long before I reach my housing unit. Diarmuid has a clothes sanitizing unit. I will take care of the matter, presently."
Spock turned toward the machine located to the right of the kitchen area and pulled his sweater over his head.
Uhura . . .
Just stood there . . . in awe of his taut, muscular back . . .
The East African watched with undivided attention as Spock placed the sweater in the unit. When he turned toward her, he could not help but notice her wide-eyed response as she took in his well-toned physique.
Spock cocked his head at an angle as a rejoinder to her reaction. Embarrassed being caught ogling him, Uhura quickly turned from the Vulcan while feigning interest in arranging the dishes in the cleanser machine.
Spock observed her as she continued to manipulate the arrangement of the dishes. It did not take long to realize her comfort zone was shrinking rapidly.
"Nyota, there is no need to continue to reorganize the dishes. You should simply close the unit and initiate the cleaning cycle."
"Oh, yeah . . . right." Uhura followed his directions and then headed to her chair with her eyes cast down. She picked up her purse and consciously avoided looking toward Spock as she headed toward the door. "Well, I better be on my way."
"The cleaning cycle for the units holding the sweater and dishes will be completed in less than 10 minutes. The consequence of your detainment for that period is negligible. You shall remain until these tasks are completed. Afterwards, I will ensure your safe arrival to your housing unit."
Before she could respond, Uhura heard Spock move toward her from behind. She felt his fingers take hold of her purse strap on her shoulder and pull it down her arm. She then heard the impact of the purse thrown upon the table.
"Nyota." He called to her. "Turn to me."
Uhura felt the intensity of his eyes upon her, but she did not move. It took her a moment to speak, but when she found her tongue she told him, "I don't want to disappoint you, Spock."
"It is not your inexperience that paralyzes you. You are afraid of losing control."
Silence.
"Nyota, do I not speak the truth?"
"How ironic to hear those words coming from a Vulcan." She retorted in an attempt to divert focus from herself.
"It is because I am Vulcan that I am so acquainted with this fear and recognize it in you."
Silence.
"Turn to me." He demanded.
Uhura took a step toward the door, but she knew she could not leave. She loved him and wanted to learn how to please him.
She had to know.
She had to know how far she would go.
Uhura turned her body toward the Vulcan who stood only a foot from her. As she lifted her eyes, she was now in full view of what the sweater had hidden . . . a finely sculpted torso covered by delicate black hairs.
"You may touch me, Nyota." It was not a command, but an invitation to which she found herself eager to accept.
Uhura reached her hands up to Spock's chest and allowed the slender tips of her fingers to gingerly slide down from his collarbone to his abdomen.
She liked it . . .
She liked the feel of the soft, fine hairs against the firmness of his body . . .
Uhura looked up to him as if to ask permission to continue her play. He nodded, pleased with her exploration.
She now took the palms of her hands and pressed them against his chest. She then began to make circular motions, massaging him gently.
She liked it . . .
Touching him this way . . .
Feeling his hard body with her hands . . .
Brought a smile to her face . . .
Spock observed, "This act appears to have brought you pleasure."
"Yes." She said with no hesitation. "Touching you makes me feel . . . " She gasped as her body suddenly began to tremble and she felt a warm flush move throughout her body. "Wow." She said as she steadied herself against him until the feeling subsided. "What was that?"
"You were having an orgiastic response."
"An orgasm? But we didn't . . . you know . . . do it."
"Nyota, we need not have intercourse for you to experience that sensation."
"Spock, it hardly seems fair."
"Explain."
"Seems like I'm the only one having any . . . fun."
"You have been so absorbed in your own response to sexual stimuli that you were unable to recognize the effect of your touch on me."
"But, Spock, you just stood there." She teased. "I've seen more reaction from you with a cup of your favorite tea than what happened just . . ."
Spock did not allow her to finish her sentence. His voice unrecognizably course when he told her, "You underestimate yourself, Nyota."
His hands . . .
Grasping the bottom of her top . . .
Pulling it over her head . . .
Throwing it down on the floor . . .
His hands . . .
Stripped off her bra and bared her breasts . . .
His hands . . .
Took her by her shoulders and pulled her to him . . .
Breath to breath . . .
Skin to skin . . .
His lips . . .
His tongue . . .
Engaged in a passionate exploration of . . .
Her ear lobes . . .
Her neck . . .
Her shoulders . . .
His intense heat . . .
Flowing into her . . .
Transforming her into a woman she did not recognize . . .
She had lost control . . .
And she did not care . . .
So, sexy . . .
"Yeah, baby . . . mmmmmmmmm . . . like that . . . Baby, do it like that . . ."
So, aroused . . .
"Mmmmmmmm . . . Spock . . . feels so good when you do that to me . . ."
So, naughty . . .
Enjoying the feel of her naked breasts against his body . . .
She allowed her erect nipples to caress him with her fervent desire . . .
Moving up and down . . .
Up and down . . .
Up and down . . .
Up and down . . .
Taking delight in the wetness she felt between her legs . . .
Because he had made her that way . . .
Now, the Vulcan called to her . . .
"Nyota . . . "
And the East African whispered . . .
"Yes, Baby, just let me know what you want."
"Want you . . . "
He told her with his husky voice filled with his hunger for her . . .
"Want you to feel my burn . . . "
The chime to the clothes sanitizing unit sounded . . . an intrusion that created just enough space for reason to enter their thoughts.
Uhura came back into herself . . . that sensible, ambitious woman scheduled to retake an important exam the next day. With its success critical to her career aspirations, she could not risk allowing carnal desires to interfere with that objective.
And Spock reasoned it would be better if it did not happen, here, in Diarmuid's apartment. He also had not forgotten Uhura was a virgin and the first time would require patience and sensitivity. There was no space in their world for that . . . not in this place . . . not tonight.
Another chime sounded. The dishes were ready to be put away.
Few words were exchanged between them as they dressed and tidied the apartment. They walked to campus in silence, both convinced they had done the right thing. Yet, when the two arrived at Uhura's residence hall neither could find their tongue to give any words of parting. They simply went their separate ways letting the silence speak for itself.
It was the right thing to do. Uhura told herself as she got ready for bed. Her roommate had not yet returned. However, with the time being 10:13 PM, Gaila still had 47 minutes before curfew and never hesitated to make sure she took advantage of all the time she was allowed. Uhura usually relished these times to be alone, but tonight she strangely felt lonely.
It was the right thing to do. She reminded herself, as the East African lay her head down on her pillow. And as she lay there in the dark, she wondered if she could stop her tears from falling before Gaila returned home.
It was the logical thing to do. Spock told himself as he lay in his bed gripping a soiled red scarf he had borrowed from Uhura. He had completed the act, but that night it had not been very satisfying. It was not a release he needed, but a bond with a woman he was not supposed to have.
It was the logical thing to do. He reminded himself, as he closed his eyes to find sleep. But, the one he so desired was not with him. That night he could find no rest.
Author's Note: Your comments are always welcome.