Author's Note: This chapter continues the depiction of the aftermath of the breakup of Spock and Uhura's relationship that began with Chapter 18. In Chapter 22, Kirk presses Uhura to take their relationship to the next level. Also, an accusatory remark by an unexpected young visitor marks the beginning of a series of surprises and revelations that place Uhura on an emotional rollercoaster she may not be able to control.
As always, your comments are appreciated.
James T. Kirk stood at the door of the Graduate Assistants Office, finding Uhura alone at one of the desks. She wore an earpiece and appeared engrossed in an activity in which she repeated phrases the Iowan could not decipher. Kirk walked up stealthily beside her.
"Hey, you." Kirk called to her, but she did not readily respond.
"Hey, you!" He repeated, raising the volume of his voice as he moved his face in front of hers with only two inches to spare.
Caught off-guard, jumped slightly and then pushed away the laughing blonde, young man. "Get out of my face, Kirk."
"I had to get your attention somehow." He pulled up a chair and next to her.
"What are you doing sitting down as if you're going to stay awhile? I'm trying to study."
"According to the schedule, these are your office hours not your personal study hours." The East African reluctantly removed her earpiece and paused her program.
"Listen Kirk, you know I'm not tutoring any of the classes you're taking. So, there's no reason for you even to be here. And, if I have no one needing my services, then its fine for me to do as you please."
"So, where is everybody else?" He remarked noting the empty desks surrounding her workstation.
"Only Miriam and Osei were scheduled for this afternoon. Miriam left early for a dentist appointment and Osei said he's volunteering to assist Professor Markus in Behavioral Sciences with analyzing her latest statistical study."
"So, they left you to mind the store."
"As you can see, there's not exactly a line of Cadets ready to use tutoring services. There never is until its time for final exams."
"If that's the case, then why don't you come play hooky with me."
"You know I can't do that. Even if I have no one to tutor, someone has got to be available during our normal hours."
"You just said it yourself that no one is expected to come. Most people are in classes right now."
"And what about you, shouldn't you be in class right now?"
"Yeah, Professor Zhou's gave a midterm in his Interstellar Relations Course, today. It took me longer to find my seat than it did to answer those questions."
Although his statement was an obvious exaggeration, academics came much easier to him than other students she had known here or as an undergraduate at Harvard. He seemed to have almost total recall of everything he read or saw. With Kirk's outsized bravado matching his intellectual gifts, Uhura was often as annoyed with him as she was in awe of the Iowan.
She responded, "Well, being a mere mortal I actually have to spend more time with my academic studies than you."
"Yeah, I heard that line before. Here, at the Academy, you're at the top of your field."
"And I work hard to keep it that way."
"Whatever you were speaking when I came in sounded pretty good to me. I couldn't understand a word you were saying."
"It's a Romulan dialect not taught at the Academy. So, I'm taking a Directed Study with Mr. Sevat at Berkely."
"Sevat? You mean that dick who was on your comprehensive exam panel?"
"You shouldn't call him that. He's really not so bad. He's taking the time to meet with me three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings."
"So, why did he take asudden interest in you?"
"He said he was impressed with my oral dexterity and command of alien syntax."
"Is that right?" Kirk replied skeptically.
"He's working on an intercultural pedagogical treatise and believes my experience with him may assist in informing his work."
"And you believe that? Geez, Uhura, you can really be so naïve sometimes."
Suddenly realizing his meaning, she appeared taken aback for a moment. "If you're thinking what I think you're thinking . . . "
"And I probably am." He interjected.
"He's a Vulcan."
"Well, while I've never seen one close up, it is my understanding the male model does come with a penis."
Uhura could not argue with that fact. From her experience with Spock, Vulcans may not be demonstrative with their emotions, but they definitely were not asexual. Yet, she contended to Kirk, "Believe me, there has been no indication the lessons have some sort of licentious subtext. He really has no interest in me that way."
"You mean he has yet to make his move."
"I meant what I said."
"So, why are you studying now? I thought you said you're taking these lessons during the morning hours. Didn't you already have a session earlier, today?"
"Yes. However, I informed him this weekend's training exercise would cause me to miss our appointment on Monday morning, since we're not scheduled to return to the Academy until noon."
"Oh, yeah. Another one of those damn surprise maneuvers that's really no surprise to anyone."
"So, he just called me a little while ago and suggested we hold a makeup session later today."
"Later today? It's already 4:30."
"We're going to meet at 8."
"Tonight? You're going all the way to Berkeley, tonight to see this guy. Just what is the topic of this lesson? Romulan lovemaking techniques?"
"You know, you really need to get a grip, Kirk."
"Well, I'm not the only one."
"Listen, James. First of all, Mr. Sevat is the one who is going out of his way to see me, here, in San Francisco. In fact, he's asked me to meet him at the gate where he'll be waiting a SkyCab at 7:45. Then, we're going to some public place for coffee or tea where we'll converse in Romulan for an hour. It'll all be over no later than 9."
"How can you be so sure this so-called lesson is going to end by that time?"
"Because Gaila, Demitra and a few others of us are meeting at Schmaltz for a Girls Night Out. I told Mr. Sevat I've had this date on my calendar since the beginning of the term and couldn't miss a second of it. You know how Gaila is. She told me if I didn't get to Schmaltz by 9:15 PM, she would come get me herself. So, you see, that leaves very little opportunity for the nefarious and completely improbably scenario you've got going on in your mind."
"I don't know about that. Lots of things can happen in an hour."
"Listen Romeo, we're not talking about you. I remember at Sadiq's party last November you didn't waste any time making your move on that botanist. What was her name?"
"Yoko ?"
"No, the blonde."
"Rachel?"
"The natural blonde."
"Then you're talking about Jasia."
"Ah, yes, Jasia . . . Jasia Bruski."
"So, you were watching me, huh?" He teased.
"Oh, no you don't. I'm not a voyeur. You . . . James T. Kirk are an exhibitionist."
"How did I know the bathroom door had come open?"
"The applause should have given you a clue!" The two of them laugh.
"Jasia and I were just making out." Kirk commented, pleased Uhura appeared no longer preoccupied with her studies. "You should try it sometimes."
"What makes you think I don't?"
"Well, unless you're sneaking about having an affair, I would know about it. But I don't think you're the kind of woman who would go for that. A good, Christian woman like you would like to keep everything out in the light."
Uhura kept a straight face while wondering if Kirk was just fishing or really knew something about her former clandestine relationship. She decided it best not to show her hand.
"Maybe you just don't know me as well as you think." She retorted.
"Really? Then, to prove my point, may I borrow your iTablet?"
"Sure. Why not?" She handed it to him.
"In a moment, I'm going to ask you a few questions. However, first I'm going to write down your responses."
"Yes or no answers."
"The text will be simple." He said, as he began to write down the words. "But, a bit more complex than yes or no." He finished writing and asked, "Are you ready?"
"Proceed."
"Why don't you ditch the Girl's Out Night and go out with me, instead?"
"James, I go out with you all the time."
The Iowan holds up the iTablet revealing the same sentence she just spoke.
"Well, it's true." Uhura responded, although surprised at the match. Lucky guess, she thought.
"I'm not talking about going out as friends." He told her. "I'm asking you to go out with me on a date."
"What kind of date are you talking about?" She asked.
Kirk held up the iTablet, again, mirroring her last question.
"I didn't mean it like that." She said trying to defend herself as she took back her iTablet. "I know what a date is, but you and I . . . "
"Don't say it."
" . . . we're like . . . "
"Brothers and sisters." The two say simultaneously.
"Stop mocking me." She told him.
"Stop mocking me." He repeated.
"James!" She yelled exasperated as she rose up out of her seat.
"James!" He mimicked her.
"All right . . . all right. You win." She conceded as she fell back on her chair.
"That annoyed the s**t out of you, didn't it?"
She did not respond.
"Uhura, didn't that annoy the s**t out of you?"
"What's wrong now? Did you lose the ability to read my mind?" She said sarcastically.
"Well, it drives me just as crazy when you don't want to give us a chance. It's been three years since I first tried to pick you up at that bar in Iowa and you still haven't let me get out of the batter's box."
"Did you just use a baseball analogy?"
He took her hands in his and looked into her eyes. "I'm just trying to get through to you anyway I can."
"No." She said quickly. "I won't risk it. You're the best friend I have at the Academy and I don't want to lose you."
It just took one look of his blue eyes and a smile from the handsome Iowan to melt her resolve. "How is that possible, Uhura? How could you ever lose me?"
There was no way she could tell him. No way she could tell him she had thought the same about Spock.
Yet, she was determined not to wallow in the memories of the former ill-fated romance. She did care about Kirk in ways she could not adequately explain. And, although they had shared some fierce fights, there were also personal moments between them that had drawn her especially close to this man.
"OK." She said.
"OK." He repeated.
"James, I . . . "
His kiss came without warning, but she willingly received it . . .
Closing her eyes to enjoy the sensation of the touch of his lips . . .
Falling upon her lips with a fervor she never felt before . . . not even with Spock . . .
So strong and masculine . . .
So good . . .
When he pulled back from her, she opened her eyes and saw him staring back at her grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"So, how did you like it?"
"I think it was . . . adequate." She said coyly.
"I think you looked as though you were ready to go into the bathroom and shut the door?"
"You are incorrigible."
He smiled, again, as if taking delight in her characterization of his behavior.
Uhura took in the Iowan with her eyes. It was easy to see why he had a reputation (whether or not a gross exaggeration) of bedding half the female class at the Academy. She had enjoyed his amorous sample and knew Gaila would approve. Yet, she still felt too vulnerable after her breakup with Spock earlier that week to move into another romantic relationship so soon.
"So, what time do you want me to rescue you from your session with Sevat? 8:30? 8:45? I'll tell him you're needed back at the Academy for a Security Detail or I'll give him some other cock and bull story."
"James, I'm not going to change my plans tonight. Sevat's only going to be on staff at Berkeley until the end of the semester. So, I want to take advantage of his expertise as much as I can as long as he is available. And, I'm not going to disappoint Gaila and the rest of the girls by not showing up."
"But, it's all right to disappoint me." Kirk commented.
"No guilt trips, James. Next week, OK?" She smiled and ran her hand across Kirk's tousled blonde hair. And, he knew he could not refuse her.
Kirk looked down at her desk and saw a thank you card, recognizing the handwriting. "Hey, is that from Jack?"
"Yeah, he came by here about an half hour ago with it. He wanted to thank me for . . . Wait a minute. I forgot for moment that you were the one who suggested he come to me for Spanish tutoring."
"I knew you would help him out."
"Is that right? So, just how long has it been since you've been able to read my mind?"
"For a while now."
"So, what am I thinking now?" She asked.
"That's easy. " He said as he moved closer to her. "You're in need of another kiss."
Uhura did not know why, but she hesitated and then tried her best to play it off. "Funny. I was thinking, perhaps, this really isn't the appropriate place or time for this activity."
"Yeah." Kirk said not backing away. "I'm sure you thought that, but then you decided to give me a chance to persuade you otherwise."
Kirk kissed her, again, just as Jack came running into the office. As the scene registered with the boy, he stopped abruptly. As Kirk withdrew, Uhura took a breath to compose herself. Kirk addressed Jack nonchalantly as though nothing unusual had happened.
"Hey, Buddy. If you're looking for another Spanish lesson, this is not really a good time."
"No. I don't need anything from Ms. Uhura. I was actually looking for you."
"How did you know where to find me?"
"I saw Cadet Michelson in the quad and he said he thought he saw you head into this building. You had told me you and Ms. Uhura were . . . friends, so I thought you might be here."
"So, what do you need?"
"Dad is still undecided about getting the puppy and I thought you could help change his mind."
"I'm sure he can, Jack." Uhura quipped. "In fact he is nicknamed, The Persuader."
Kirk cut Uhura a look as he rose from his chair and headed toward the door. "All right, Jack. Let's be on our way." He turned back to Uhura. "I'll see you later, Carmelita."
"Hey, Jack." Uhura called to the boy, ignoring Kirk's long-running name game.
"I'll wait for you outside." Kirk told Pike's son as he moved out the door.
Jack surprisingly seemed to reluctantly walk back to her desk. "Don't worry, Jack." Uhura told him. "I won't keep you long. I just wanted to let you know you're welcome to come here for more lessons if you'd like." She picked up a card from her desk and held it out to him. "You can keep this card to reference my office hours."
"I won't be needing that, Ms. Uhura."
"Is your class no longer dealing with Classic Terran languages?"
"We are, but I don't need to see you anymore." He paused, and then said in an accusatory voice. "I thought you liked Mr. Spock."
Uhura finished her office hours, went to rehearsal for the Academy Chorale, and at 7:10 PM hurriedly entered into her dorm room knowing she had little time to take a shower, dress and meet Mr. Sevat at the front gates. As she readied herself, she tried to keep her mind clear of Jack's comment. Last Tuesday when Spock came to her office at the time of the boy's lesson, Jack must have assumed more was going on between she and the Vulcan than Academy business. Seemingly loyal to both Spock and Kirk, she wondered, Did he now think I'm some sort of Jezebel? Typical male response to blame the woman.
After stepping out of the shower and drying herself off, put on her white bra and panties before checking out the green cocktail dress made of jersey that she assumed Gaila had borrowed from their classmate, Marcella. When she slipped on the formfitting, ribbed dress, she quickly realized the V cut back plunged ¾ of the way down her back, making her bra inappropriate for the outfit. Seeing thin pads and wires strategically placed in the bodice, she convinced herself she could go without a bra although the plunging neckline showed more cleavage than she was usually comfortable with revealing.
After painting her lips, putting on her shoes, and covering herself with a knee-length coat, she gave herself one last look in the mirror. She thought about removing the Gye Nyame symbol from around her neck that she wore on a simple silver chain. However, she decided against it feeling she would almost feel naked without it. Her eyes then sighted the bottle of lilac perfume on her dresser – the fragrance Spock had so enjoyed. She reasoned, I might as well not let this go to waste. With that thought in mind, she dabbed a touch of the fragrance behind her ears and wrists, picked up a small handbag, and quickly left the room.
At exactly 7:45 PM, Uhura came through the Academy gates and into Sevat's waiting SkyCab.
"You may proceed." Sevat told the driver who sped off at his command. The Vulcan then noted Uhura trying to steady her breath. "Ms. Uhura, you appear to be a bit breathless."
"I felt I was running behind most of the afternoon . . . I hurried from my dorm. . . . I thought you might leave me . . . if I were late." She told him between breaths.
"Your assumption was quite correct." He commented, as he suddenly became aware of her perfume. "Ms. Uhura, you seem to be omitting a fragrance you do not ordinarily wear upon your body."
"It's lilac, sir. I hope you don't mind. I know some people are sensitive to fragrances."
"I believe I can tolerate it." He said, as he unconsciously deepened his breath to better enjoy the smell.
Uhura adjusted her position in the cab, to get a better view of where they were headed through a window. As she did, the Vulcan took notice of her silky looking brown legs and then awkward looked away.
"Mr. Sevat?" She called to him, unaware of his momentary ogling at her legs.
"Yes, Ms. Uhura."
"I neglected to ask you where we were headed to for our lesson."
"You must excuse me for picking a site that I believe not only will accommodate our work, but gives me an opportunity to sample tea of a quality not typically available in the region of your world."
Just as the cab set down, Uhura's eyes widened as she saw where he had taken her. "The House of Diarmuid, sir?"
"Yes, Ms. Uhura. Are you familiar with this establishment?"
The Cadet did not answer as they exited the cab and Sevat paid the driver. She followed Sevat into the teahouse hoping Diarmuid would somehow be ill that evening. However, her wish would not be realized as she heard the booming Irishman's voice.
"Nyota, darling . . . I was wondering when I'd see you, again, after he let me know you weren't a couple any more. Of course, he didn't give any details about the matter. You know how he is."
Sevat watched with a bemused face as Uhura squirmed, unaware of his knowledge of her history with Spock. She said a quick prayer under her breath, hoping Diarmuid would not mention Spock's name.
Diarmuid continued. "But I made it clear to him that you are welcome here at any time as my guest." He winked at her, adding. "Now, maybe I have a chance."
"So, Ms. Uhura, I see you are no stranger to this place." Sevat quipped.
Uhura smiled, wondering how the day could possibly get any worse.
"Hey, is this Vulcan with you?" Diarmuid asked her.
"Yes, Diarmuid. This is Mr. Sevat."
"You've picked up another – "
Uhura quickly interrupted the teahouse manager, "Mr. Sevat is my instructor for a Directed Study course I've elected."
"Is that right?" Diarmuid said giving Sevat a hard glance. "Well then, come on off with your coat, girl. You know when the boss man is here he likes it warmer than I'd like it. But what can I do when he's the one paying the bills?"
Uhura heart sank with the knowledge of Spock's presence. After her experience with Kirk earlier that afternoon, she did not want to see her former Vulcan lover in a place that held such intimate memories of their relationship. She removed her coat not thinking of what was beneath it until Diarmuid's sudden exclamation.
"Damn it, girl! Just what is it you're studying with this Vulcan, tonight?"
Uhura looked to Sevat to answer Diarmuid's question, but noticed Sevat's eyes had quickly scanned her body.
"Romulan dialects." She said, feeling the urge to pull down her hemline she now realized only ended midway down her thighs. "Mr. Sevat is introducing me to two other dialects other than Romulan prime."
"Ms. Uhura is an extraordinary student." Sevat commented, seemingly amused by the turn of events.
Diarmuid looked to Uhura and then Sevat as if trying to size up the situation.
The Vulcan added. "If a table is available, we would like to be seated."
"I'll try my best, but it's not going to be easy." Diarmuid answered. "This place fills early on a Friday evening, since we have live music beginning at 8:30."
"Live music?" Uhura said happily, finally feeling she had an excuse to leave without seeing Spock. "Mr. Sevat, it does not seem as if this will be a suitable . . . "
"What is the purpose of your presence?"
Without turning around, Uhura knew who was behind her. Spock. She could also feel his hot stare, fixed not on her but the seemingly unflappable professor.
"Spock, is this the way you treat guests at your place of business?"
"Such niceties are hardly warranted under the circumstances. You will answer my question, Sevat."
"He's going to give Ms. Uhura a language lesson. Isn't he, girl?" Diarmuid remarked with a wicked grin.
"Don't help me, Diarmuid." Uhura admonished him.
"Diarmuid, it appears you are neglecting our patrons. I advise you to get back to work." Spock told the Irishman.
"That's what I was trying to do by seating these two."
"We can't stay." Uhura said as she took her coat from Diarmuid's arms and started to put it on. "When the music begins to play, it will be impossible for us to continue our . . . "
The door suddenly opened bringing in someone whose presence caused Uhura to bite her lip to keep from making a sound. T'Lau.
The Vulcan female seemed not to recognize Uhura at first as she walked directly to Spock and told him, "I apologize for being late. I was at the lab far longer than I expected."
As Uhura fumed within herself as Diarmuid exclaimed lustily, "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night."1
Author's Note: The next chapter continues the dramatization of the scene at the House of Diarmuid. The author cannot promise you when she can post it. However, she will try her best not to be longer than a week.
Your comments are always appreciated.
1
A quote from the film, All About Eve.