Author's Note: In Chapter 14, Spock receives DNA test results from McCoy and then visits T'Lau at Starfleet Command.
The author is aware that currently DNA testing cannot provide the identity of one's ethnicity with great accuracy. However, this fictional work assumes science will advance and make this identification possible by the 23rd Century.
Your comments are always welcome.
As he always did, Spock awoke at 3:50 AM and glanced over to the gift-wrapped box that had sat on his night table for five weeks. On this Monday morning he knew Nyota would learn of her exam results and he expected a positive outcome. Presents to commemorate such achievements were quite rare in his culture for the deed itself was viewed as its own reward. However, he knew such a gesture would please her and the thought of her anticipated reaction ran through his mind.
Would she . . .
Beam a joyful smile . . .
Tenderly touch his cheek . . .
Throw her arms about him in a warm embrace . . .
Shower him with her sweet kisses . . .
Or, choose to perform a combination of these acts . . .
However she chose to respond, Spock knew it would provide him with another opportunity to explore his own humanity.
His former lover, Leila, never understood this. She would tell him, "Spock, just let go," as if it were so easy to suddenly disregard a lifetime of conduct that greatly tempered such demonstrative explorations. Concerning romantic behavior, Leila taught him the human art of kissing – a practice Vulcans found particularly unsanitary. After he got past hygienic concerns, he found his responses to the stimuli to be as enjoyable as they were varied. Since that time, none of his human partners would ever say he was particularly proficient with this act. However, they all found him to be a welcome recipient of this most agreeable gesture.
While Spock felt comfortable with kissing, other human romantic rituals were more troublesome. Unless she specifically called for his assistance, he did not understand why he should help a physically able female put on or take off an article of clothing or pull out her chair when dining?
Spock did not see the logic in giving cut flowers as a sign of affection. Does not the eminent demise of the flowers signal something contrary to what one would want to convey in a more substantial relationship?
Verbally telling a woman of her beauty was completely unnecessary. He had never met a woman who did not know whether or not she was attractive. To Spock, those who insisted on hearing such flattery were probably not worthy of the praise.
Of all the human romantic customs, the one that perplexed him the most was the expectation the couple would engage in cuddling after participation in a sex act. Leila informed him this physical gesture deepened the intimacy between the two partners. However, Spock deemed the position too difficult to maintain throughout the night. Although he would acquiesce and cuddle with Leila for short periods, his former lover would be displeased each time he eventually freed himself to find a more effective sleeping posture.
Cuddling had never been an option for subsequent human sexual relationships as Spock would not remain with any of the women after the biological need had been satisfied. After all, he reasoned to himself, If cuddling signals a feeling of affection, I do not want to give the impression I actually do care for her. Of course, at times, his attitude created situations in which he dodged shoes or other objects as he departed. However, due to his sexual prowess, few of these women would have denied him if he sought their company, again.
Nyota . . . As his thoughts once again returned to the East African, the subject gave him pause. He did not expect her to desire anything less than other human women after engaging in sexual intercourse. Yet, he thought, Nyota is a sensible woman unlike any other I've ever met. It may be a simple matter of expressing the illogic of cuddling to suppress the demand for such a practice.
Spock completed his morning ritual by 4:56 AM and then checked for messages on his communicator. After wading through the usual inconsequential Academy dispatches, there was one message that caught his eye from Dr. Leonard McCoy. It simply read, "DNA results available. Meet me at the MTF1 at 7 AM."
A bleary-eyed McCoy entered the MTF at 7:03 AM. Sitting in the lobby occupied with his tricorder, Spock rose from his seat upon detecting the doctor's entrance.
"Dr. McCoy." The Vulcan called to him.
"This way." McCoy said barely opening his mouth. After walking down a corridor, the doctor motioned with his head toward a small, office.
"Dr. McCoy." Spock called to him once more.
"Coffee." McCoy tersely replied.
At 7:27 AM, Spock nearly bumped into the doctor on his way out of the room. "Hey, where do you think you're going?" McCoy asked seemingly more alert than when he first entered the building.
"After 24 minutes awaiting your return, I thought it might be necessary to organize a search party." Spock drily replied.
"Sir, I thought I told you I was getting some coffee." McCoy said as he sat down his steaming cup on a table.
"Yes, but you did not inform me of the necessity for you to pick, dry, roast and brew the beverage. How else can you explain your lengthy absence?"
The edge to Spock's tone did not go unnoticed by McCoy. However, he was one of the few cadets not intimidated by the Vulcan. "I was up pretty late running these tests for you after the lab was supposed to be closed." The doctor retrieved a data crystal from his pocket and uploaded it onto a computer. "When I set a time for you to come, I know I should have factored in time for my coffee. In the morning, I'm pretty useless without it."
"Very well, Doctor." Spock told him. "Let's now focus on your findings."
The two men drew up chairs to the computer console. McCoy opened his file and told the Vulcan, "This report represents the DNA sample provided by Ms. T'Lau. As you'll recall, she provided her own specimen instead of allowing the nurse to administer the test. As you can see, the results are consistent with those of a Vulcan woman with the same color of hair and eyes as the subject."
Then the results fail to support Sevat's allegations of someone assuming T'Lau's identity. Spock thought to himself. He then remarked to McCoy, "Then I assume you will be able to use this sample to run your experiments on the Vulcan sexual drive."
"Not unless I am able to obtain the donor's consent."
"Did not T'Lau authorize the use of her specimen for the experiments?"
"Yes, she signed the necessary forms. However, I have reason to believe the sample she provided did not come from her body."
"Please explain, Doctor."
"As you'll recall, I told you I confronted Ms. T'Lau when she supposedly took her own sample, instead of allowing one of our nurses to do so as is our normal procedure. Talking with her, I just had a feeling something wasn't quite right. I couldn't persuade her to submit to the taking of a specimen using proper procedure. However, I noticed she had thrown away a cup she used to drink water. When she left, I looked in the recycle bin and found three discarded drinking cups. I preserved saliva remnants from each container for testing."
McCoy opened another computer file and continued. "Here is the analysis of those three specimens. The first is consistent with that which would be found of a human woman of East African ancestry. So, we can eliminate that match."
Spock recalled Uhura had told him about a discussion she had with T'Lau at the MTF that day. He reasoned she may have discarded that cup.
The Doctor continued. "The second cup also can be disregarded as it appears to have been used by a human man of Nordic descent."
"That leaves the third cup." Spock commented. "What were your findings of that sample?"
"That's where it finally gets interesting. With my own eyes, I saw T'Lau throw away a cup. Since we eliminated the other two samples, the third one must belong to her. However, while the DNA sample does contain some similarities to Vulcan traits, the encoding sequence appears more to be a blueprint for a Romulan female than a Vulcan."
McCoy watched Spock as his eyes suddenly focused more intently on the report.
The Doctor continued. "I know Ms. T'Lau is an associate of yours, Mr. Spock. Were you aware of her true ancestry?"
Without lifting his eyes from the report, Spock responded – but not to the McCoy's question. "Doctor, did anyone else assist you in running these tests?"
"No. I was alone in the lab."
"Did you share the results with anyone besides me?"
"Just who else would I go to with this information? Need I remind you, my running of these tests without due authorization is not exactly in line with Academy policy."
Spock looked up from the report. "Dr. McCoy, I must insist you keep this information confidential." The Vulcan closed the report and withdrew the data crystal and placed it in his pocket. "I will maintain possession of the files on this matter."
"So, it really was a surprise to you, wasn't it?" McCoy charged. "Why is she here, Mr. Spock? Is she working on anything that has to do with Starfleet?"
"Thank you for your assistance, Dr. McCoy. I must be on my way." The Vulcan told him brusquely as he rose from his seat and started toward the door.
"Excuse me, sir." McCoy said with the irritation in his voice undisguised. "But it really sounds as though you are trying to give me the brush off."
The Vulcan turned back to McCoy. "Doctor, from your tone, I can tell you are not pleased with something I have done or said. However, if it is your desire for me to understand your specific complaint, I would appreciate if you would refrain from using idiomatic expressions."
McCoy's took a breath in a futile attempt to suppress his growing anger. "Sir, I provide you with evidence there is a woman posing as a Vulcan who is biologically Romulan. Yet, you dismissed me as if I simply diagnosed Ms. T'Lau with symptoms of a common cold."
"Dr. McCoy, I suggest you become less concerned with your own ego and, instead, focus your energies toward your upcoming mission."
"Mission? I was not apprised of any such assignment."
"As you know, the outbreak of the Quazulu VIII virus on Alpha Colony V has, yet, to be abated. The medical teams need relief and could use someone of your considerable talents."
"So, now you're trying to get rid of me." McCoy charged.
"Dr. McCoy, are you not willing to apply yourself to critical medical needs when warranted?"
"Of course, I am. I had originally volunteered for that assignment, but was told my expertise across several medical disciplines would best be suited here while our Treatment Facility is short-staffed due to the Alpha Colony V emergency."
"You are not a young recruit who joined Starfleet out of medical school, Dr. McCoy. Did you actually find that explanation to be logical? Or, did you not realize there are some in the upper administration who would not want to be without the services of one of the most highly regarded physicians to have ever enrolled at the Academy?"
"The latter explanation is what I suspected, sir." McCoy conceded. "I've had several experiences in situations similar to that on Alpha Colony V. There was no rational justification for leaving me here."
"Then, it is settled. It is my understanding there is another ship scheduled to leave for the planet this afternoon at 2:45. I will make arrangements for you to be on it."
McCoy looked at Spock warily. He knew Spock had no concern about him joining the emergency medical team before he had told him of the DNA test results. Yet, the Doctor did want to take on the mission.
"Thank you, sir." McCoy finally replied. He then watched as the Vulcan moved swiftly out of the room.
In the Engineering Center at Starfleet Command, T'Lau sat amongst members of her Terran staff – all employees of a German-based engineering firm. They watched monitors showing the engineering deck of the StarShip Enterprise. Through a communication's link, she spoke to staff members on the ship who were running tests on the warp drive system.
"Ms. Hajjar." T'Lau called to one of the ship workers. "The reading on the warp core containment field deviates from our target by .00658%. Have you located the cause of this discrepancy?"
"No, Ms. T'Lau." The engineer answered. "We have run tests on each of the components as you have instructed. However, the cause of the discrepancy is not, yet, apparent."
"Ms. T'Lau." One of the staff members beside her spoke up. "As is, the containment field surpasses Starfleet requirements."
"Mr. Diefenbaker." T'Lau turned her face toward him. "Are you attempting to tell me the test results are . . . What is the human term? . . . Good enough. Is that your determination?
The engineer had worked with the Vulcan long enough to know his comment displeased her. He tried his best to remedy the breech.
"I only mean to say Starfleet Command would be quite satisfied with our work."
"Do you not also want to be satisfied with our work, Mr. Diefenbaker?"
"Yes. Of course." He replied.
"I thought I had made it clear the success of this project would be measured by the standards set by our team, which endeavors to put in place a warp drive propulsion system worthy of the flagship of Starfleet."
"But Ms. T'Lau," One of the other staff members attempted to intervene. "Would it not be a more effective use of our time to focus our attention on the next component of our testing schedule?"
"Mr. Ojoye, it may be acceptable to you to proceed as you suggest. It is not so for me. Under normal operating conditions, the containment field as is would be suitable for this purpose. However, while on mission a Starfleet StarShip will be tested under highly arduous and unpredictable circumstances. If we can bring the containment field up to the standards we have stipulated in our plan, that variance could very well mean the difference between the life and death of its crew. Should we be satisfied with anything less?"
The staff knew T'Lau could be quite demanding beyond the expectations of their contractee. Yet, the team was committed to doing all that was technologically possible to protect the crew and the ship.
"No, Ms. T'Lau." Ojoye agreed. "We cannot be satisfied with anything less."
"Ms. Hajjar." She called to the ship crew leader. "Gather your team together and return to Starfleet Command so we may study this problem in more detail."
"Yes, Ms. T'Lau." Hajjar answered.
T'Lau turned to her computer console and began to call up schematics of the containment field. Without looking at her other staff members, she stated, "I will set up tests on our program model. We will run these tests once you return from your meal break."
T'Lau heard the staff rise from their seats and exit from the room. However, then she unexpectedly heard a familiar voice.
"The latest edition of the Quantum Electronics Journal contained an article by Dr. Ro Adami that may narrow the scope of your investigation."
T'Lau swiveled her chair to confirm what she already knew. The comment came from Spock. And, when she saw the Vulcan standing before her, T'Lau was pleased.
She replied. "Unfortunately, I have not yet had the opportunity to review that edition. In what way may Dr. Ro's article assist us in rectifying this problem?"
"He suggests losses in efficiency in containment fields occurring between the design and operational stages may be attributable to miscalculations in the gravimetric field."
T'Lau paused to consider the comment before her response. "Yes. That is logical." She turned back to her console and brought up the specs for the gravimetric field. "By trial and error we can make slight adjustments to the algorithms to learn which calculation will best produce the desired result."
Spock watched as she busily began to work on the problem. "T'Lau, do you not have need for nourishment?"
"I find the cafeteria food to be at odds with my palate. My time is better served here."
"You surprise me."
"In what way?"
"You have been on Terra for three years, but have not found a way to adapt the native cuisine to your liking."
"I have become accustomed to suppressing my hunger until I have the opportunity to satisfactorily meet my dietary needs."
"Deprivation is illogical when one can make suitable modifications that will be acceptable to a Vulcan tongue."
T'Lau continued to work. "I told my staff I would have the test model ready upon their return."
"Have I not potentially saved you many hours of investigation?"
"Yes. That cannot be denied."
"Then, save your work and come with me."
His sharp tone was not so much a request as it was a command . . . And, she liked it.
In the cafeteria, Spock and T'Lau finished their bowls of soup in silence according to Vulcan custom. She was aware of the occasional looks she received from her staff members. She had rarely been to the cafeteria as she most often continued to work alone during breaks. As the Oversight Committee Liaison to the Engineering Team, Spock was hardly a stranger to her staff. However, the staff had never seen her have a meal with him.
"If I did not know better, I would say I just had a tasty bowl of Shur t'bertakk." T'Lau commented.
Spock responded. "If you learn how to improvise, the meals taken at these establishments can be quite tolerable."
"And, you prepared this with ingredients solely from the cafeteria?"
"Yes."
"You must provide me with the recipe."
"It is not difficult to remember. The Terran grain, quinoa, is quite similar to our bertakk. In the service line, request 2 cups of quinoa in a bowl. Go to the beverage station and measure 1 ½ coffee cups of hot water. Mix it well with the quinoa. Then add three tablespoons of lemon juice and two teaspoons of jalapeño pepper Tabasco sauce."
T'Lau reflected. "That's brilliant. I can definitely see how those ingredients could come together to produce something similar to Shur t'bertakk. However, I sense another element you did not identify. It seemed to enhance the flavor of the dish beyond what one would ordinarily expect."
"The Terrans have an artificially-based substance that is usually only available in the cafeteria during the winter months. However, I have persuaded the Head of Starfleet Food Management to keep it in stock throughout the year. It can be found in the beverage area."
"What is the name of this enticing ingredient?"
"It is known as hot chocolate mix."
"Hot chocolate mix?" The choice intrigued her.2 "Were you not concerned about its potential effects on the Vulcan libido?"
"As I stated, the substance is artificially produced and therefore does not contain those properties which would be inappropriate in a professional environment. Yet, using a ½ teaspoon of the powder does bring about quite desirable culinary results."
"I never knew you had such talents. We've shared tea together, but you have never cooked for me. Nor, have you allowed me to cook for you."
"T'Lau, you are well aware food was never the basis of our relationship."
"Perhaps, you can provide me with more tips on how to transform Terran food into something more palatable."
"If the occasion arises, I will oblige."
Spock's words pleased her. He seemed more relaxed and open to her than ever before - even during the period when they were sexual partners.
"I was not expecting you, today." She remarked. "You usually provide prior notice of such visits."
"I have your team's work schedule. In my Oversight position, it is my responsibility to check in on the progress of your work. Unannounced visits should be anticipated. In your career, you have served as Director of enough projects to expect such scrutiny."
"Yes, of course. And, you have known me long enough to know my operations are completely transparent. You are welcome at any time. Not only for your professional expertise, but your company. It is good to have the time to spend with someone from our home world."
"I have never known you to be sentimental, T'Lau." Spock observed.
"There is no reason to complain about a matter where there is no effective remedy."
"I wonder, how often have you returned to Vulcan in the last three years?"
"Not often enough." She answered. "This project has been all consuming."
"Have your parents or in-laws traveled to Earth to visit you?"
T'Lau paused as if considering his question. "Now that I think about it, I do not believe any of them have. However, I do not blame them for not doing so. I would hardly have the time to spend with them. On the other hand, why would I expect their visit? Why would any Vulcan take on the expense to journey to this cultural wasteland unless they needed to attend to business or diplomatic matters?"
Spock could not disagree with her statement. Earth was certainly not a tourist destination for most Vulcans.
"Yes. I do understand. I probably would not have the occasion to see my parents as often if it were not for my father's profession." Spock then noticed a few members of T'Lau's staff rising from their seats. "T'Lau, is your meal break nearing its end?"
T'Lau glanced at her chronometer and for a moment looked disappointed when she saw the time. "Yes. I should be returning. I would not want to set a poor example."
The two rose from their seats and deposited their trays. As they walked out of the cafeteria, T'Lau asked, "Do you have more time to spend at our lab, today?"
"No, I must return to the Academy. I have a late afternoon class and then I must tend to my own research projects."
The two now came to the intersection of two hallways – one leading back to the Engineering Lab, while the other provided a pathway to exit the complex. They paused there not speaking for a few moments. T'Lau was almost as tall as Spock and only needed to tilt her head slightly to meet his eyes.
T'Lau told him. "I am looking forward to learning about more of your hidden talents."
Spock nodded. And, as she walked away from him, T'Lau was quite confident his eyes were following her. She could not be more pleased.
Author's Note: In the next chapter, Spock talks to Sevat about the DNA results and his visit with T'Lau. He later meets Uhura for their scheduled Tuesday night date. All goes well until Spock learns of her Independent Study course with his former nemesis.
Your comments are always welcome.
1 Medical Treatment Facility
2 Chocolate is a known Vulcan aphrodisiac.