Author's Note: This installment continues the depiction of the aftermath of the breakup of Spock and Uhura's relationship that began with Chapter 18. In Chapter 23, Uhura, Sevat, Spock and T'Lau spar in a battle of wits at the House of Diarmuid. Guess who wins Round 1.

As always, your comments are appreciated.

Standing in the lobby of the House of Diarmuid with its Manager, Uhura decided she and Sevat should leave the premises before Spock realized they were there. However, she soon realized her attempt was too late in coming.

"What is the purpose of your presence?"

Without turning around, Uhura knew who was behind her. Spock. She could also sense 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?" Sevat replied drily.

"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 appearance 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, Diarmuid exclaimed lustily, "Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night."1

"Diamuid." Spock spoke sternly. "Make your rounds of the tables."

The Irishman knew his experienced wait staff did not require his assistance, but from the look on Spock's face he knew it would be best to follow his directive.

"Good evening, T'Lau." Sevat addressed her.

Recognizing his voice, T'Lau turned to him readying her greeting; however, when she saw Uhura standing next to him T'Lau seemed to stiffen slightly.

"Sevat. I must say your presence here is a bit unexpected."

"I have heard this establishment carries some of the finest teas on this planet. Since the beverage is such a staple of our culture and my former classmate is the proprietor, you should be more surprised by the fact that this is my first visit."

"Yes. The quality and variety of the teas here are quite exceptional. One usually expects to find only true connoisseurs here, since the pedestrian tea drinker would hardly know the difference."

Uhura knew T'Lau's slight had been directed toward her; however, she calmed herself so not to betray any overt disdain for the woman. Uhura advised herself, Don't give her the satisfaction of thinking she can affect you in any way.

"T'Lau, I am sure you are familiar with Ms. Uhura. Two weeks ago you attended her doctoral oral examination as my guest."

"Yes, I am quite aware of Ms. Uhura. I first became cognizant of her when she function as an aide for Spock." T'Lau spoke as if the East African were out of earshot, instead of next to Sevat. "In consideration of her performance under your astute questioning during her assessment, she was quite fortunate to have been permitted to pass on to the next stage in the doctoral process."

Knowing she was violating Vulcan spatial decorum, Uhura stepped forward so she were only several inches from the offending woman. "I am pleased to see you, too, Ms. T'Lau." The Cadet remarked with an acerbic smile.

Spock was not unfamiliar with the East African's bold countenance she exhibited. He was not concerned the situation would become physical, but he realized neither of the strong-willed females would back down soon without intervention. Strangely, he experienced pride in her handling of the situation.

"T'Lau." Spock interceded. "The two of us should proceed to our table. Your tardiness does not alter the fact I have another appointment to attend to later this evening. I will not adjust the time of the next meeting to compensate for your lack of punctuality."

T'Lau turned to Spock, and asked, "Ms. Uhura and Sevat are not also your guests this evening? Their proximity to you caused me to assume so."

"Your assumption is incorrect." Spock responded to T'Lau, but then glanced momentarily toward Sevat as he added, "However, I am not so sure our meeting, here, at the same time was purely coincidental."

"T'Lau." Sevat spoke up, knowingly avoiding direct comment on Spock's insinuation. "Ms. Uhura is partaking in a Directed Study with me to inform one of my research interests." Sevat spoke up. "I brought her here to this establishment as part of her instruction."

"I am sure Ms. Uhura's study of Vulcan language and customs will be greatly benefited under your tutelage." T'Lau remarked.

Since she studied Romulan with Sevat, Uhura began to correct T'Lau; however, Sevat spoke before given a chance. "I do not know why I did not think of this sooner. While Vulcan was not our original aim for this evening's lesson, it would be illogical not to take advantage of a unique opportunity for Ms. Uhura to have conversation with three native speakers."

"But Mr. Sevat," Uhura began to object, "we would not be able to get the benefit of a full hour of instruction. With live music to commence at 8:30, it will be difficult to carry on a productive conversation."

"I must agree." Spock added. "If Ms. Uhura's edification is truly your intent for this evening, then such dialogue may not be as instructive in such a social context."

"It is my understanding Ms. Uhura's study of Xenolinguistics is to prepare her for conversation in a variety of contexts, not simply an academic one." Sevat argued. "It is this broader facility with these languages that will be seen as most advantageous to Starfleet. Am I not correct?"

Neither Spock nor Uhura could refute Sevat's contention. Pure academic study of language definitely had its practical limitations. Since her interest in languages became apparent at an early age, the East African had often sought native speakers to supplement her school lessons. Upon her admittance at Starfleet Academy, her approach was no different. Besides Spock, whenever possible, she engaged in dialogue with native speakers of various Terran and alien cultures.

Still, Uhura continued to grasp on to the one remaining argument for not accepting Sevat's proposal. "Well, it's a shame this didn't work out." She said as she busily began buttoning her coat. "But the band's impending performance will interfere with too much of our time to –"

"Hey, boss." Diarmuid interrupted. "I just received a call from the band's lead vocalist. The SkyBus he was taking here has malfunctioned, so he does not think he'll be here for a while."

"Did he give a more precise estimate of his time of arrival than for a while?" Spock asked.

"You know it all depends on when they can get another bus to his location. However, from what he was told by the driver, the soonest he thought he could make it here was 9:10 or 9:15."

Author's Note: With the exception of dialogue with Diarmuid, please imagine the remainder of the conversation taking place between Spock, Sevat, T'Lau and Uhura to be spoken in Vulcan. The author will use more formal language to give more of a sense of their manner of speech.

Sitting about a small rectangular table, Spock and T'Lau sat in chairs opposite Uhura and Sevat. With outer garments removed, Uhura was very much aware of the Vulcan female's glances at her formfitting, cocktail dress. While she noted a hint of disapproval from T'Lau, she could not read any reaction from Spock. She realized when he had first seen her in the outfit his initial view would have been from behind. If there had been any sort of indication to his opinion of her attire, she had surely missed it.

Why do you even care? Uhura questioned herself.

While the East African disregarded T'Lau's apparent disdain for her appearance, she tried to rationalize the reason why she suddenly felt it necessary to explain her choice of clothing for that evening.

"Mr. Sevat," She addressed him. "I doubt if there is a term for this in Vulcan; however, after our dialogue this hour I am meeting some friends of mine for a Girls Night Out." Uhura stated the term using the Federation language.

While unnoticeable by Uhura and Sevat, T'Lau could hear a small sigh emanating from Spock with her pronouncement.

"Girls Night Out?" Sevat repeated. "I don't believe I have never before heard that term. Please explain."

"It's a social activity engaged by a group of women without any male partners." Uhura replied.

"There have been occasions when female members of my team have participated in this Terran ritual." T'Lau commented. "From what I have heard, it involves an overindulgence in alcohol, lewd behavior, and promiscuous sex."

Uhura remarked. "I suppose that may be true for some, but there really are a broad range of activities that might take place – from the banal to the raucous. It just depends on the group."

"And how would you rate your group, Ms. Uhura?" Sevat asked.

"Mr. Sevat, the group of women I am going out with tonight are all Starfleet Cadets." The East African answered. "Since we are technically on duty 24 hours a day, we cannot allow things get too far out of the boundaries of expected propriety. Moreover, I find that women in the service must be careful about the behavior they engage in within a public forum. Even in these modern times, there seems to be a double standard regarding the decorum exhibited by males as opposed to females."

Uhura looked to Spock and continued. "Mr. Spock, you have been in the service much longer than I? Have I been fair in my analysis?"

"I cannot deny there are still some in the administrative ranks who have differing perceptions based on sexual orientation as to what behavior is considered acceptable." Spock answered.

Sevat asserted, "Nonetheless, you have not directly answered my question, Ms. Uhura. How would you specifically characterize the group with which you will meet later tonight?"

Uninhibited, a huge grin spread freely across the East African's face that T'Lau could see appeared to somehow affect both men.

"I suppose the description that fits us best comes from an old Terran saying - Girls Just Want to Have Fun." Uhura's blithe giggle after she spoke the phrase brought her hand to her mouth to signal her slight embarrassment for her girlish response.

T'Lau scoffed, "You do not wear your modesty very convincingly."

"Now, T'Lau," Sevat chided her, "Has it been so long since you lost your reserve that you no longer recognize the genuine article. Her light-hearted expression served to underscore the sincerity of her emotional display born not so much from carnal knowledge as it is a playful innocence."

"Mr. Sevat, I do not know if your description exacting suits my reaction." Uhura told him. "Yet, I must admit your words caused me to blush."

"If that be so, Ms. Uhura, I advise you to hold fast to that virtue for as long as you possibly can. For I believe when a human woman ceases to blush, she has lost the most powerful charm of her beauty."2

As Spock saw how Uhura's face appeared to warm to Sevat's comments, he could feel a sense of envy rise within himself. He now wondered, Was Sevat feigning praise upon Nyota for the sake of the mission or was he truly expressing his unmasked thoughts?

Diarmuid's sudden presence at the table interrupted any further reflection by Spock on the matter. "So, Spock, have you decided what you would like to orderfor the table?"

"If I might be so bold," Uhura spoke up, "I would like to host the tea service for this evening."

"That's my girl." Diarmuid exclaimed proudly as the Vulcans around the table seemed to be caught off-guard by Uhura's offer. "What can I get you?"

Without looking to the others at her table to secure their consent, she answered, "Persimmon White Tea, please."

"Coming right up." The Irishman said as he left them.

"Ms. Uhura." T'Lau began. "Since we are presumably spending this hour with you to inform you of our customs, I must inform you of your breach of Vulcan etiquette. It is usually the host's prerogative to make the choice of the tea. Since you are a guest at Spock's table, you usurped a role that was not yours to assume."

Uhura answered. "I apologize if I have offended anyone at this table with my seemingly brash action. However, with all due respect Ms. T'Lau, over the past several months I have studied tea rituals of various cultures, including Vulcan practices and believe it is within the realm of your prescribed culture for me to take on this responsibility."

"Was this a self-study or did you have assistance?" T'Lau asked as Diarmuid returned and began to unload items from his tray before Uhura.

"I did quite a bit of reading, but I did enjoy a few personal lessons."

For a moment and for different reasons, her table companions all assumed she had referred to Spock, but she dismissed this notion with her next statement.

"I was fortunate to be able to take lessons with Diarmuid for a while."

"This one is a quick learner. " Diarmuid quipped, adding credence to her claim. "And for me, it certainly didn't hurt none that Nyota is quite easy on the eyes."

While not noticed by anyone else at the table, the Irishman suddenly became aware of Spock's intense glare and knew he had overstayed his welcome.

"I think I'm needed at another table." Diarmuid told them as he tucked his now empty tray under his arm and moved quickly away.

T'Lau commented to Uhura, "It certainly seems you have taken advantage of learning opportunities, but seem not to have always used much discretion as to whom you have allowed to be cast as your teacher."

Uhura thought, Doesn't she ever let up? Then she commented, "I admit, Diamuid's off-color remarks would be distasteful to most people. However, if you can tolerate that vice then you'll find him to be quite knowledgeable on the subject of tea not only of those grown here on Earth, but also those teas of quite a number of intergalactic cultures he visited during his many years serving in Starfleet. I am sure that is probably the primary reason why Mr. Spock has allowed him to remain in his employ."

Uhura looked to Spock, but when he offered no rejoinder she focused once more on the tea and removed the heating element from the pot.

"Diarmuid is the one who told me that within Vulcan society, the host is usually the person who chooses the tea for the guests." Despite the heat, Uhura allowed her index finger to slide unhurriedly down the ceramic pot. Spock knew he had taught her this method, not Diarmuid who preferred the use of a thermometer to gauge the water's temperature.

"However, he said there is an exception." Uhura continued speaking as she began to drop tea leaves into the pot to steep. "At a social gathering with three or more persons, the guests may assert their preference to host the tea service. With this in mind, I claimed this privilege. Yet, I do admit in my haste to demonstrate my newfound talents, I wrongly did not provide Ms. T'Lau and Mr. Sevat an opportunity to voice their preference."

"Speaking for myself, I took no displeasure from your somewhat unexpected action." Sevat remarked. "If prepared correctly, your choice of Persimmon White Tea was, indeed, an appropriate choice for early evening due to its subtle, yet satisfying flavor."

"I'll do my best, Mr. Sevat."

"I have no doubt you will if you apply the same ethic you have demonstrated toward your studies."

"Thank you, Mr. Sevat."

"I must also compliment you on your technique." Sevat told Uhura to Spock's growing irritation, since such praises were atypical in Vulcan culture.

Sevat continued. "The Tea House Manager is agreeably quite skilled in his instruction of our ways, as thus far you have used no thermometer, measuring spoon, or timer as one would expect of a novice. I do not believe I have noticed you have even glanced once at your chronometer."

Spock looked to Uhura in anticipation of her answer, but she acted as though she were not aware of his attention.

Uhura answered. "I suppose the answer lies in a truth that actually transcends all cultures and rank. I do not employ such artificial devices in the preparation of the tea, since there are some things in this life that cannot be left to a prescribed measure or calculation. Instead, we must rely upon our senses as our guide to unlock this . . . " She paused as if considering the right words. Then, her face suddenly brightened. "We must rely upon our senses to unlock this marvelous, but mysterious alchemy that allows us to connect with other sentient beings who share in a willingness to give over to its control."

The table fell silent, before T'Lau finally remarked, "I thought we were discussing tea, not some type of imagined metaphorical experience."

Spock then observed, "Ms. Uhura, I have known Diarmuid for nine years, 4 months and 23 days. Yet, I fail to recall one moment with him that evoked thoughtful consideration of any kind. Could it be possible you have mistakenly identified Diarmuid as the source of your enlightenment regarding the tea ritual, when another candidate is far more likely?"

"Mr. Spock, I do believe I know my own mind and experiences." She playfully feigned ignorance. "Who else could have inspired such thought?"

Uhura picked up the teapot and poured a thimble full of the reddish-orange brew into her cup. Spock recognized his own technique as she brought the cup to her lips and allowed the warm liquid to enter her mouth. With all eyes on her, she held it there for a few seconds before letting it slide down her throat.

Mmmmm . . . " Uhura sighed, giving an audible sign of her pleasure. T'Lau then answered the East African's expression with a look of displeasure that was hardly restrained.

"I am sure my apologies will soon ring hollow if you hear, yet, another expression of regret." She began as she started to fill their cups. "However, I know I once again am guilty of breaching Vulcan etiquette. I am sorry for making a sound that may be disagreeable to you. It really is not defensible, but I believe this has to be the best pot of tea I have ever brewed."

Spock started to pick up his cup to test it for himself, but stopped his motion when Uhura turned her attention to Sevat.

"Please try it, Mr. Sevat. I look forward to you opinion." The East African told him.

"Of course." He picked up his cup. "However, you must understand I will not hold my tongue if the review is unfavorable."

"I did not think Vulcans were capable of behaving any differently, sir."

Oddly, her audacious comment served to amuse Sevat. Still, he focused on fulfilling her request and drank from his cup. He allowed the brew to sit in his mouth for six seconds before swallowing.

"Your verdict, Mr. Sevat?" Uhura seemed to ask anxiously.

"I would say the temperature is on target. As for the taste, in its present form it may be agreeable to a human palate; however, I would have preferred the tea steep 40-45 seconds longer. Yet, overall, I would say you successfully have managed to have elicited the leaves' characteristic spicy, but fruity flavor that I deem worthy of our consumption."

"A mixed review, but I will gladly accept it." Uhura said as she happily topped off his cup with more tea. "I admit I have so much more to learn."

Spock began to drink from his cup as T'Lau suggested to Uhura, "You should not hesitate to schedule more lessons with the Manager."

Caught off-guard by her comment, Spock began to choke on the liquid. All eyes turned to him, but he held up a hand to signal his recovery.

T'Lau continued her remarks to Uhura. "Upon Sevat's assessment alone, there appears to be enough justification to spend many more hours under his careful instruction. You will at least please your Terran colleagues with your burgeoning skill."

"Thank you, Ms. T'Lau. I will have to seriously consider your recommendation."

"Ms. Uhura, I am afraid Diarmuid's schedule will not allow the level of instruction you probably seek." Spock interjected. "Business has increased most days to the point where it would be difficult for him to provide the attention you require."

"Then, perhaps, I may pose a more satisfactory solution." Sevat began. "Ms. Uhura and I could continue to meet here at the teahouse each Friday to supplement her academic lessons. In the interest of furthering her cultural pursuits, I would be pleased to impart my considerable expertise concerning our people's most prized beverage."

"Mr. Sevat, I could not take advantage of such generosity. Four times a week asks too much of your time for my benefit."

"Ms. Uhura, the hours of my day are much too valuable to engage in activity simply to profit your concerns. Since our meetings offer such worthwhile mutual benefits, it would only be logical to increase our appointments with each other."

"And risk the possibility of diminishing returns? Three meetings a week provide more than enough opportunities to satisfy your scholarly requirements." Spock attempted to reason.

"Since all seem to be offering opinions on this matter, I must side with Sevat." T'Lau remarked. "He knows best what rewards may be gleamed from these meetings to enlighten his research. Moreover, our experience this evening has proved Ms. Uhura is in dire need of instruction regarding the proper deportment of oneself in a Vulcan social context. I also have no doubt Sevat will be able to convey those more delicate aspects of our tea rituals of which the Tea House Manager is not privy."

"T'Lau, must you be so fickle with your arguments?" Spock contended. "Were you not previously a strong advocate of Diarmuid as Ms. Uhura's teacher?"

She retorted, "Spock, only a fool fails to accept a more logical alternative when it presents itself."

Amidst the volley of opinions, Uhura noticed Spock had not touched his cup since his mishap with his first attempt to taste the brew. As she picked up the pot, she remarked, "It is, indeed, difficult to mount a reasonable rebuttal against Mr. Sevat's proposal." The East African refilled Spock's cup. "However, after consideration of the matter, I find there is no other reasonable response than to accept the generous offer."

"While it took longer than should have been necessary to reach that conclusion, your choice was the most appropriate one under the circumstances." Sevat remarked.

Uhura gave a subtle look toward the newly refreshed tea cup and then to Spock. It did not take him long to realize she wanted him to taste it.

T'Lau looked to Sevat and commented, "Sevat, I hope you do not expect Spock and I to join you for these sessions. It would hardly be fair to expect us to be so charitable with our time when there is no gain for us to do so."

Spock picked up the cup and allowed the brew to pass through his lips.

"Of course not, T'Lau." Sevat answered. "I would not think to impose upon you and Spock, again, for these purposes."

Spock allowed the warm liquid to dance upon his tongue before swallowing it.

Sevat continued. "Frankly, I find Ms. Uhura seems to respond best with a more personal approach."

Although Uhura had not brewed the tea exactly to Sevat's liking, it was not he or T'Lau she had sought to impress.

"Ms. Uhura." Sevat turned to her. "In the future, we will meet here for our added hour-long session at 7:00 PM on Fridays so not to run the risk of conflict with the establishment's musical entertainment."

"Yes, Mr. Sevat. That would be wise." Uhura dutifully responded.

When the East African returned her look to Spock, she could tell by his eyes she had pleased him.

And, as Spock saw Uhura turn her attention back to Sevat, he could see the irrepressible beginnings of her blush.

Author's Note: The next chapter continues the dramatization of the scene at the House of Diarmuid. Warning to Romantics: Spock and Uhura are not ready to jump back into each other's arms, yet. So please do not be disappointed when this does not occur in the following installment. All the author can reveal is "life" becomes even more complicated for these two.

The author will try her best to post the next chapter sometime this upcoming weekend. However, the chapters will not come as often after next week as the author must once again focus some of my time on making a living.

Thank you, again, to longtime readers for not yet growing tired of this author's tales.

Your comments are always appreciated.

1

A quote from the film, All About Eve.

2 Most of you will be surprised to know, this is a paraphrase of a quote attributed to Pope Gregory I.