Author's Note: In Chapter 15, Spock confers with Sevat about the DNA tests and T'Lau. Spock later goes to the Graduate Student Office to meet with Uhura and finds her involved with an unexpected visitor.

Your comments are always welcome.

On Tuesday morning in Berkeley's Cesar Chavez Park, Sevat stood at the site of a solar calendar. He watched as Spock suddenly became visible as he emerged through the fog that blanketed the area. The two men did not bother to exchange courtesies as both still held each other with cautious regard.

Sevat spoke first. "I assume my credentials have been verified."

"I would not have sent you the DNA results if it were not so."

"Was there really a need to check with two different agencies? Surely, your father's diplomatic sources should have provided substantial proof of my identity."

"You are mistaken, Sevat." Spock replied drily. "I consulted three agencies to authenticate your position. I had to be sure."

"I suppose I cannot blame you for being more careful with your association. After all, you only recently realized you had been deceived by an imposter for three years, two months and nine days."

"Yes, I concede I was a victim of such a deceit. I cannot deny that fact." For Spock, it would have been illogical to admit anything less even though he was speaking with his former nemesis.

"On Vulcan, I have assigned an agent to collect DNA specimens from T'Lau's parents. I understand your family is well acquainted with her household."

"This is true. For at least seven generations. I assume once the parents' DNA samples are analyzed, it will provide the evidence needed to expose the imposter and remove her from her current position."

"The parents DNA test results will, indeed, confirm our allegation. I am sure of it. However, that does not mean we will immediately go to Starfleet with this information."

"Sevat, need I remind you she currently serves as the Project Manager of a critical component of the StaShip Enterprise. When it is put into service, it is designed to be the flagship of Starfleet. As an officer in this service, how could I possibly allow this masquerade to continue once all the necessary evidence has been gathered?"

"Yes. Of course, this deception must be disclosed to Starfleet. However, would it not be premature to do so before the plot is uncovered and we bring her operatives to light?"

Spock paused before he answered. He was still wary of Sevat; however, not being more forthcoming with information could lead to tragic consequences. "Yesterday, I made an unannounced visit to observe the imposter's work with her engineering team at Starfleet Command. She was so occupied with her responsibilities, I am sure she did not see me enter the lab."

"What did you witness?"

"The imposter proved to be a diligent and meticulous administrator insistent on upholding her team's self-imposed stringent standards."

"Are you sure this behavior was not merely a performance?"

"Nineteen months ago I criticized her for seemingly sacrificing quality for timeliness. Due to this issue, I increased my monitoring of her team's efforts and found they adjusted their execution of their work to strive for and maintain an above satisfactory level of operation. If possible subterfuge somehow involves the StarShip Enterprise, I am at a loss how her position comes into play."

"Yet, you reasoned there must be some purpose behind her appropriation of that identity. How else can you explain the risk you took in having lunch with her?"

Spock studied his fellow Vulcan, before he asked, "Sevat, is the imposter the only focus of your investigation? Am I also under a cloud of suspicion?"

Sevat stood looking toward Spock so the two men locked eyes. Sevat's intense and unwavering look gave Spock his response before he answered. "No, we do not believe you are an agent in this conspiracy. However, we believe your assistance in this affair is critical to uncovering the imposter's mission."

"I do not understand how I can provide any significant support."

"You are certainly aware she finds you desirable."

"Our personal relationship was built on nothing more than satisfying carnal needs. This was true even with the true T'Lau."

"It is evident the imposter craves a deeper understanding with you. In three years, it represents our most promising lead to acquiring information to fully reveal the plot."

"I am no actor." Spock retorted. "I ended sexual relations with her over a year ago. I cannot have contact with her that way, again. Not now."

Sevat was well aware of the force behind his words. However, he knew it would be counterproductive to bring up Spock's relationship with Uhura at this point.

"To gain her confidence it may be enough to allow the imposter to believe you are interested in pursuing a more profound relationship with her. Did you not test this possibility when you shared your mealtime with her, yesterday?"

"Yes." Spock reluctantly conceded.

"How would you characterize her response?"

"She appeared quite pleased with my attention."

"Very good." Sevat nodded. "You must continue to stroke her affection until she allows access to the secrets she has kept hidden for so long. Our presence at the site of this solar calendar should be all the reminder one needs to know time is of short supply."

"Your call for our meeting at this site had already brought to mind the metaphor for time. With your cover as a professor, I thought you perhaps would not be so blatantly obvious with your allusions and only chose this location for logistical reasons. However, I see I was mistaken."

"I am not here to match words with you, Spock. I am only pleased you have learned to use the spoken word, rather than physical aggression to make your arguments. In this way, you have demonstrated your ability to subjugate raw human emotion for a reasoned Vulcan approach. That is quite commendable."

Sevat drew satisfaction from Spock's initial inability to give a quick response. However, his smug demeanor did not last for long.

Spock replied, "It now becomes apparent why you have chosen your current vocation. As a youth, you took enjoyment from the incitement of racial bigotry to inspire others to fight while you stood idly by. With such experience as a recruiter, I can understand now why you are in a position that seeks others to do what you cannot or will not do by choice or design."

When Sevat pursed his lips, Spock could tell he had hit his mark. It was now Sevat who had to gather his thoughts and bring the discussion back to its original purpose.

"We must put away memories of impetuous acts of children and turn to the realities of current affairs. As Vulcans, we have taken as our credo to do that which will provide the greatest good for the greatest number. Despite all your years among these humans, from all reports it appears this doctrine still governs your behavior. You know well what you must do."

The morning sun had finally begun to melt away the fog. Spock turned away from Sevat and raised his eyes to look across the bay toward San Francisco.

His thoughts turned to the woman he loved . . .

The East African who moved him so . . .

"Baby . . ."

He heard her call to him . . .

"Yes, Nyota."

"Hold me, Baby."

The Vulcan closed his eyes and held his Nyota inside him. And, he told her . . .

"You are with me."

"Don't ever let me go."

"Spock." Sevat's voice intruded. "This mission is not without danger. With that consideration in mind, you were right to find an opportunity to send away the doctor who performed the DNA tests. However, there will be no such haven for you if your intentions are discovered. Your life would most definitely be at risk. Knowing this, do you accept this assignment?"

Without hesitation, Spock answered, "Yes, I accept this mission."

At 5:22 PM, Uhura came into the Graduate Assistants Room to begin her office hours for her students in her course, as well as, any other Cadet requiring language tutoring. She never minded this responsibility, since at this time of day she was usually the only one using the room. Unless an exam was imminent, few students would take advantage of her services, so she was free to deal with her own studies.

On this Tuesday afternoon, Uhura could hardly contain her excitement. Spock was to arrive at 7:30 PM to take her to a place where they could spend time with each other for a few hours. He had not specifically identified the location, except to tell her it was on campus. She decided it would be best to keep her mind off her date and instead focus her attention on an article concerning a new translator system that would soon be available. She called up the article onto her iTablet and began reading. Barely 20 minutes passed when she heard a voice she did not readily recognize.

"Ms. Uhura?"

Uhura looked up from her article to find an adolescent boy standing in front of her desk. She set down her iTablet and asked, "May I help you?"

"I need help with my Spanish."

"I'm a tutor for the Xenolinguist Department."

"Does that have anything to do with Spanish?"

"Not really. I am certified to tutor 7 languages alien to our planet."

"I was told you can help me with Spanish."

"My services are intended to aid those enrolled here at the Academy. Now, I will admit I've seen a few whiz kids pass through this institution, but you still seem a bit young for that type of exception."

"I wouldn't have bothered you if you seemed to be busy tutoring someone else, but there's nobody here but you and me."

All right, Spock Jr, you have me there. She thought.

The boy continued, "I was told you can speak in any language."

Uhura laughed lightly. "That is not even close to the truth. There are literally thousands of languages that have been classified in our space quadrant alone. However, as far as Terran tongues are concerned, primary classic languages were among those I mastered before I went to college. However, Starfleet does not support their study since Federation has become the official language for our planet."

"But I've got to learn it for a school project in which I'm supposed to give a 3-5 minute presentation all in Spanish. It's due tomorrow."

"That's a lot to ask on such short notice."

"I've got it memorized. I just need help with how to say it."

"Have you've been working with anyone else before this time?"

"My Dad tried to help me, but it's been a while since he's studied it and . . . you know . . . sometimes it's kind of hard for him to remember how to say certain words."

Uhura suddenly noticed a resemblance. "I thought you looked familiar. Are you Captain Pike's son?"

"Yeah. I'm Jack." The boy's face seemed to lighten with recognition. "Hey, I know you. You were the lady who needed a tampon. Did you ever find one?"1

Uhura was glad her dark skin served to obscure her blush. "That was over two year's ago. I've now learned to keep a supply close at hand, even on training missions."

"My Mom prefers sanitary pads. She says they're more comfortable than tampons."

"My . . . my . . . " Uhura began, anxious to change the subject. "I know I've seen you around campus since that time, but it looks like you've suddenly grown about three or four inches."

"Yeah. I used to be the smallest kid in my class. Now I'm almost the tallest." Jack said proudly. "Dad said if I keep up this pace, one day I'd be taller than him."

"Was it your Dad who recommended you come to see me?"

"Oh, no. Dad still wants to help me, but I need help to help me before Dad tries to help me, again. Do you know what I mean?"

While the boy's statement was awkward, she certainly could relate to his predicament. She recalled one incident when her father – a single parent - attempted to teach her how to braid her own hair. After several days of facing the ridicule of classmates for her irregular plaits, she secretly sought the assistance of the mother of her friend, Habibah, to show her how to braid her hair correctly.

"So, then who gave you my name?"

"One of my Dad's assistants named Kirk. He really knows how to talk to kids. I know he's older than me, but sometimes when we're together it's like we're the same age."

"Yeah, I can see why you would say that." Uhura commented, knowing Kirk often times acted like an overgrown kid.

"So, do you think you can help me, Ms. Uhura?"

Uhura smiled, unable to refuse the boy's earnest plea. "All right. Let me hear what you have so far."

At 7:28 PM, Spock walked quickly toward the Graduate Assistant's Room. It had taken him longer than expected to ready the chosen space for his date with Uhura. However, he knew his long strides would get him to the office in time to avoid her teasing for tardiness. However, when he entered the room, he did not anticipate her visitor.

"Que termina mi presentación. Gracias por su atención."2 Jack said, as he ended his report.

"That was wonderful!" Uhura exclaimed as she brought her arms around Jack in a congratulatory hug. After a few moments, the East African found she nearly had to peel the boy off of her, as his grasp was stronger than she expected.

After they parted, the boy asked, "Do you think I sounded like a native speaker?"

Uhura smiled and then told him, "To be truthful, I would not go that far. However, it was much improved from the first time you did it."

"I just hope I can sound like this when I go to school tomorrow."

"Just remember the Spanish letter e always sounds like the Federation letter a, as in the word – hay. I am sure your classmates and teacher will be quite impressed with your efforts."

"I won't forget, Ms. Uhura. You're the best Spanish teacher I've ever had."

"I am quite sure Ms. Uhura is an exceptional teacher." Spock interjected. "However, considering your small sample size, I find little justification for hyperbole."

Uhura noted Jack's look of surprise. She knew Spock was a friend of Captain Pike and his son, but the East African also realized the Vulcan could be a bit intimidating.

"Jack's kind praise suited me just fine, Mr. Spock." Uhura remarked. "It's the thought behind the comment that matters and I rather like his expressed sentiment."

"Thanks, Ms. Uhura." Jack said, feeling emboldened by her support. As Spock moved closer to the two, the boy asked, "Mr. Spock, are you also here for language tutoring?"

"Jack, I have yet to become accustomed to the Terran practice of allowing children to make inquiries of the activities of adults."

"Does that mean you're not going to answer my question, sir?"

"I have found you to be a perceptive boy. What do you think?"

When Jack caught the Vulcan's unflinching eye, he knew there could only be one answer. "I think I better get home."

The boy turned to Uhura. "Thanks, again, Ms. Uhura." Jack began to raise his arms in anticipation of another hug, but the gesture went unrealized as Spock intervened.

"Jack." The Vulcan's stern tone caught the boy's attention. "Ms. Uhura is cognizant of your gratitude and does not require a more demonstrative display of your appreciation."

Jack's sheepish grin touched the East African; however, Spock did not change his austere demeanor.

"Good evening, Jack." The Vulcan told him.

"OK, Mr. Spock. Dad said I can have breakfast with you on Friday, so I will see you then."

When Spock gave no response to further delay his departure, the boy now appeared resigned to leaving. "Good night, Ms. Uhura."

"Good night, Jack, and good luck on your presentation."

As soon as Jack left the office, Uhura turned to Spock to confront him on his treatment of the boy. Yet, as she began to open her mouth, the Vulcan raised his hand to halt her speech. To this, she looked to him in disbelief as she tried to find her tongue. Just as she opened her mouth once more, it was Spock that was the first to be heard.

"Jack." Spock raised his voice. When no response seemed forthcoming, the Vulcan added. "I should only need to call for you once."

The boy moved into the doorway. "I forgot about your super hearing, Mr. Spock. You didn't hear me walk away, right? Is that how I got caught?"

Spock glanced at his chronometer. "12.5 minutes."

"But – " Jack began to protest.

"Your time starts now."

Upon hearing Spock's terse pronouncement, Jack moved quickly out of the door. Even Uhura could now hear him running away.

"What just happened?" Uhura asked.

"He has 12.5 minutes to make it back to his housing unit and contact me using the home telecom system so I can verify his location. If he does not make it there on time, he knows his behavior will be reported to his father."

"He's got 12.5 minutes to make it all the way to Family Housing? I don't even know if I could do that."

"Jack will find a way. He would not want his father to learn of his impertinent display."

"How did you know what he was going to do?"

"I have first-hand experience with being a 12 year old boy."

Intrigued, she continued her questions. "But you were raised as a Vulcan. Earlier, you even identified a behavior by Jack as specifically human."

"No." He began to correct her. "I stated that human parents tend to allow that particular behavior. Still, taking into account my own experience and males of other races I find we all go through similar stages of development. At Jack's age, he is testing his boundaries as he tries to negotiate his path to manhood. In response, his adult supporters must provide a consistent and firm foundation upon which he can rely on as a sounding board to edit rational versus foolish thought and conduct."

His words gave Uhura pause. Throughout his dealing with Jack that evening, Spock had remained calm and firm in his resolve not to give in to the boy. Unlike his handling of an incident involving Jack before the holidays, the Vulcan's approach to the boy that evening did appear reasonable once she understood the context. However, she still felt she had to challenge him on one other point.

"I still don't quite understand why you discouraged him when he appeared he was about to embrace me. I am aware of your displeasure of such gestures between myself and other men, but Jack is just a boy. He only wanted to express his appreciation for my assistance."

"While a display of gratitude may have ostensibly been his motivation, I am sure he also took pleasure in the sensations he experienced with his earlier contact with you."

"You mean . . . " Uhura suddenly felt discomfited. "I turned on a kid."

"Nyota, you need not feel disconcerted. At his age, it takes very little to trigger such responses. He probably would have had a similar reaction in a the arms of a female centenarian."

"Thanks, Spock." Uhura stated with a sarcastic edge that seemingly went unnoticed by the Vulcan.

"We have spent enough time on this matter. I have readied our space for this evening's encounter. We should be on our way following different paths to this destination so not to be seen entering the building together." Spock reached into his pocket and removed a slip of paper that he gave to her. "These are your instructions. As you can see, the directions are quite simple."

Uhura nodded after she completed reading the note. "With your usual quick gait, I'm sure you'll get there before me."

"Of course, I will. As for you, at an accelerated walking pace you should arrive at our rendezvous point in approximately 16.25 minutes."

"16.25 minutes to a location all the way across campus. And what, may I ask, are you assuming would be the motivating force behind for me to willingly race all that way to meet your predicted time?"

Spock seemed to consider her question. He then deliberately moved to the side of Uhura, close enough so that his lips almost touched her ear when he bent his head and told her in a seductive voice. "Nyota, have you not missed the touch of your man?"

Oh, no he didn't! Uhura said to herself. Yet, she was well aware the erotically charged implication of his comment had made her pulse race. Calm down, Nyota . . . You can't let him think you're that easy.

Spock parted his lips again and let his warm breath languidly caress her ear.

This is not fair . . . He knows he has me at a disadvantage. She thought, as she grew conscious of the quickening of her breath.

"Nyota," the Vulcan spoke in a voice so softly she could barely hear him above the sound of her heart. "What has stilled your tongue?"

Somehow Uhura found the will to take a step back from him. When he raised his head, his eyes met those of a resolute East African woman.

"I hesitated to speak for fear I may unintentionally provide more food for your male bravado. I most certainly would not want to exacerbate the extreme conceit you have so blatantly demonstrated."

"I speak the truth and for doing so you accuse of arrogance. Where is the logic in that reasoning?"

"Your truth presumes it understands the depth and nature of my attraction to you. Besides assuming I've had the time and inclination to pine away for you these past few days, you insinuate I've been craving you in a carnal way. Really, Spock, such a cavalier attitude does not become you. Perhaps, that 12 year old boy you seem to know still governs an aspect of your being."

Spock studied Uhura, appearing somewhat amused with her comments. "Upon refection, if your indictment of me is based on the fact I am confident of what I speak then I suppose I do stand guilty as charged. While your words attempt to shield the profundity of your affection for me, I assure you that your melting resolve, quickness of breath, and tongue-tied mouth betrayed you."

"And, just how can you be so sure you have correctly read those alleged signs of my . . . affection." Uhura challenged him as she crossed her arms.

The Vulcan glanced at his chronometer. "16.25 minutes."

Uhura's eyes seemed to open as wide as saucers as she began to protest. "Spock! Just what do you think you're doing?"

"You can either prove me right or wrong in this matter by the choice you make in the next few moments." He quickly checked his chronometer once more. "Your time starts now."

Author's Note: I apologize for leaving you at this point in the story. However, I realized it will take me longer than I thought to dramatize this episode. I'll try my best to have the next chapter up as quickly as possible.

Your comments are always welcome.

1 For the context, see Chapter 17 of my story, "Needs."

2 Translation – "That ends my presentation. Thank you for listening."