Author's Note: In Chapter 24, Uhura, Sevat, Spock and T'Lau continue to spar in a battle of wits at the House of Diarmuid. Uhura unexpectedly makes a surprising observation about T'Lau.
With the exception of dialogue with Diarmuid, please imagine 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 a better sense of their manner of speech.
As always, your comments are appreciated.
Sitting about a small rectangular table, Spock and T'Lau sat in chairs opposite Uhura and Sevat. The foursome sipped tea prepared by Uhura. The East African knew Spock had especially enjoyed her brew. After all, she had made it to the specifications he recommended the last time they shared a cup of White Leaf tea.
While she had accepted the fact they were no longer a couple, Uhura told herself the motivation behind assuming this task was simply to demonstrate her burgeoning tea making skills. Yet, she questioned why she felt something more than pride when it became clear her brew had pleased him. And, each time she felt his eyes on her, she wondered what thoughts were going through his mind. Why do I even care?, she asked herself.
Soon, Uhura realized Spock was not the only one whose looks lingered longer on her than she had anticipated.
"Ms. Uhura." Sevat called to her. "I could not help noticing the pendant on your necklace. Is it an insigne or simply a decorative design?"
Uhura touched the pendant, framing it between her slender fingers. "It is a Gye Nymane . . . an Adinkra emblem of the Ghanaian people of West Africa. My late mother was Ghanaian. I honor her and my beliefs by wearing it."
"What is the meaning of this symbol?"
"It's sometimes difficult to translate, but in essence it is symbolic of the supremacy of God."
"An object of superstition." T'Lau interjected.
Such comments used to raise Uhura's ire. However, her Christian friend, Jordan, advised her to keep calm and see such challenges as an opportunity to share her beliefs.
"I do not think of it that way at all, Ms. T'Lau." Uhura countered quickly. "It is a visual representation of my Christian faith. Wearing the Gye Nymane keeps me grounded by reminding me I am a child of God."
T'Lau retorted. "I thought most humans had rid themselves of such religious artifacts."
"In our 21st Century, Earth's cataclysmic World War took the lives of millions of humans and also stripped away the faith of many who once believed in a divine power." Uhura remarked to T'Lau. "Like most others of my generation, I grew up in a home in which religion was talked about from a distant historical lens. Ironically, I am sure my African ancestors would not have understood how we had come to such a place. Through much of our history, there had been no word for religion because there was no separation between self and God."1
"So, what calamity caused your regression?"
Uhura could hear the sarcastic edge to T'Lau's question, but she did not let it affect her. Instead, with a smile, she confessed, "It was a man."
The admission came as no surprise to Spock, since Uhura had already discussed it with him.2 Yet, the Vulcan noted how the revelation seemed to have intrigued Sevat as his former nemesis shifted his body slightly toward the Cadet.
Sevat remarked, "I must say, Ms. Uhura, I am curious how a man led you to adopt a religious belief amidst an irreligious society."
In deference to Spock who knew the story, Uhura answered, "I will not bore you with all the details, Mr. Sevat. However, suffice it to say, I am guilty of indulging in a human infatuation with a fellow classmate named Jordan when I was an undergraduate. Since he was also a Christian, I initially feigned interest in his faith in order to attract him."
"Ah, yes. I am told human courtship rituals often involve dishonest behavior." Sevat commented.
Uhura glanced quickly to Spock who appeared amused by Sevat's remark.
"I suppose most humans do adhere to the saying, All is fair in love and war." The East African replied to Sevat. "However, I have never lied about what I felt in my heart."
Out of the corner of her eye, Uhura could see the Spock's former smirk giving way to a cool stare.
Uhura continued. "It was not long before I found out my attraction was not reciprocal. At least, not the way I wanted it to be. One day, the object of my affections spoke the words dreaded by most would-be lovers. He told me, Let's just be friends."
The Cadet laughed, but her table companions did not join her as their faces returned only blank looks.
T'Lau remarked. "I fail to understand your gleeful reaction. Was not his rejection upsetting to you?"
"Believe me, I laugh only in hindsight." Uhura answered. "At the time, I thought Jordan was definitely the one."
"The one?" T'Lau asked, although not understanding why she was suddenly interested in the story.
"I am sorry. I know the concept probably does not translate well in Vulcan." She paused, as if considering her words before she continued. "The one with whom you would want to spend the rest of your life." She laughed, again, lightly this time. "I know that may seem like an alien concept to you. I must also admit in reality the ideal of the lifelong partner for many is too elusive to realize. Yet, I choose to believe it possible."
"Ms. Uhura, I will have you to know the concept of a lifelong partner certainly is no stranger to Vulcan traditions." Sevat remarked. "Once we are joined with our mates, we are strictly monogamous in our relationship until the termination of life signs from one's spouse."
Uhura bit her lip so not to betray her amusement with the way Sevat described death. However, she did appreciate the information, since she had never spoken about such matters with Spock.
"Enough with the digression." T'Lau interjected, anxious to get the story back on track. "Ms. Uhura, you were saying your lover's rejected you."
The Cadet took a sip of her tea. Spock knew she did not do so to give herself more time to choose her words. Instead, she was buying time to consider how much she would disclose.
Uhura admitted, "Jordan was never my lover."
"Is that so?" T'Lau remarked. "Then, you failed to satisfy even a primal desire."
Spock knew T'Lau had violated Vulcan decorum with such a comment. However, he was not the first to object to her statement.
"T'Lau, have you been away from our planet so long you would venture to speak of such matters in a public setting?" Sevat intervened. "I now wonder who is more in need of instruction in our customs, you or the human."
Spock noted how Uhura looked to Sevat with appreciative eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Sevat. However, I am partially at fault for encouraging such a comment. It reminded me of something my grandmother once told me. Do not open your door so wide that you allow trash to come into your house."
"Surely, the alleged adage has lost something in translation." T'Lau commented drily.
"Ms. T'Lau," Uhura smiled, "I do believe you caught the gist of its meaning."
T'Lau considered Uhura. She was certainly much quicker with her tongue than expected when the Cadet did not have the constraints of Academy protocol to temper her words.
"All right, Ms. Uhura. I will redirect the dialogue." T'Lau told her. "Would you say the primary motivation for your religious conversion was to compensate for a void you experienced when you could not bring your relationship to the end you desired?"
"Not at all. I do not confuse romantic love with my love of God." The Cadet quickly replied. "For me, my faith is a recognition of something much bigger than myself which serves as a connection to all sentient beings. It represents a spiritual awakening that continues to grow through study, prayer and fellowship with others who are also part of the body of Christ. I know such spiritual beliefs may appear irrational to Vulcans, but my walk with God tells me this is true."
"Why do you believe we would find such spiritual beliefs irrational?" Sevat asked.
Uhura did not expect the question, but answered, "I am aware your ancient history includes worship of a pantheon of gods. However, it is my understanding modern-day Vulcans are primarily atheists."
Uhura statement evoked a slight sigh from Sevat.
"Mr. Sevat, have I offended you in some way?"
"Your education provides the affront, Ms. Uhura." Sevat replied. "Have Vulcans not been among humans for 187 years? Why do there remain so many significant aspects about our philosophy, culture and traditions that you do not understand?"
Uhura suddenly felt on the defensive with Sevat's assertion. She unexpectedly felt herself channeling Kirk with her response. "While it is true our races have engaged with each other for nearly 200 years, Vulcans have been far less forthcoming than humans with details on their civilization. Long term visas to your home planet are still quite rare and no human has ever been admitted to any of your institutions of higher education."
"Ms. Uhura, we are the ones who made first contact when most of your race were still living amongst the devastation of your World War." Sevat countered. "It was our responsibility to guide your people into modern times. The control of information was key to the success of the shepherding process. Judging from the extraordinary rate of human progress since our intervention, you cannot dispute the effectiveness of our strategy."
"It would hardly be worthwhile to debate the merits of the Vulcan tactic in introducing humans to the intergalactic community. I agree, during the early years of our relationship, Terrans excelled under Vulcan tutelage. However, I question the seeming inability of Vulcans to let go of the reins of paternalism and recognize humans as worthy partners in interplanetary affairs."
"Ms. Uhura, I hope you are not suggesting Terrans are equals to Vulcans." Sevat argued. "Let not relatively recent advancements in human development so color your assessment that you dare believe your race has achieved parity with our people."
The Cadet paused for a moment, taking in all three Vulcans awaiting her reply. When she took another sip of tea, Spock knew the East African performed the gesture simply for dramatic effect. Nyota knew exactly what she was going to say.
Uhura told them, "Equal to the Vulcans? Mr. Sevat, those were not my words. On average most Vulcans possess a superior physical and mental capacity to that of humans. That is a fact. However, that does not mean Vulcans are our superiors."
"You have just contradicted yourself, Ms. Uhura." T'Lau contended.
"Having superior capabilities should not afford one higher rank or importance. Instead, we should recognize the talents and skills that each of us possesses which contribute to the good of all races. That is one of the qualities that make a partnership so valuable. Would you not agree, Mr. Spock?" She said turning to him.
Spock had not expected her question. For much of the conversation, he had looked upon her through the lens of a voyeur enjoying her quick wit, as well as, Nyota's insightful remarks. Her intellectual demonstration had not only stirred his mind, but touched his affections for her he found more and more difficult to suppress.
How he loved his Nyota . . .
Spock directed his focus to Uhura's argument. "I must agree with Ms. Uhura. In particular, years of Starfleet service under the command of Captain Pike has taught me to be cognizant of those attributes inherent in each individual that can be utilized most effectively in a team setting to complement our mission. As his First Officer, Captain Pike usually consulted me and other senior personnel on most every critical decision affecting a particular assignment or an issue involving the safety of the crew. While my counsel was always reasoned and analytical in its formulation, there were several times he chose to base his action plan on what he called a hunch."
"What is this hunch?" T'Lau asked.
"It is a feeling based on intuition rather than known facts." Spock replied. "While no Vulcan would dare to use such an approach, I must admit when Captain Pike employed it, the ends did justify the means."
Spock glanced momentarily toward Uhura who appeared quite pleased with his response. He then added, "There are many differences that separate our races. At times, these issues that divide us appear insurmountable even under the best conditions. Yet, time has shown it would indeed be best to learn how we can continue to foster our relationship with humans in an effort to identify how our interaction may mutually benefit our respective races."
"It is, indeed, logical." Sevat commented.
T'Lau chimed in. "While expected benefits to Vulcans are rather insignificant, it is the best that can be hoped for under current circumstances."
"With such goodwill," Uhura began glibly with a dash of sarcasm, "Perhaps, this signals a time soon when a Vulcan will finally accept a seat on the Federation Council."
Her Vulcan table companions stared at her with blank expressions as if her statement was absurd. Vulcan Minister T'Pau had been the only individual ever to turn down a seat on the Federation Council. No Vulcan could even imagine a day when their people would believe it would ever be desirable to accept such a position.
"It was a joke." Uhura laughed lightly, but the Vulcans were not amused. She thought it best to change the subject. Good-naturedly, she continued. "I believe we were initially led to this conversation when I stated Vulcans were atheists. That is when you, Mr. Sevat, appeared to begin to refute my assertion."
"My disagreement with your characterization of our people did not begin with that statement." Sevat replied. "Did you not say, I know such spiritual beliefs may appear irrational."
"Yes. Those were my words."
"While it is rare to find those who still worship the gods of our ancients, Vulcans are quite spiritual in nature and practice." Sevat informed her. "For instance, through the teachings of Surak we have learned to use meditation to enhance one's inner life while developing a connectedness with a larger reality. Meditation strengthens our sense of our katra."
"Katra?" Uhura asked. "What's that?"
"It is difficult to find a suitable word for it in translation. However, in essence, it is one's living spirit." 3
"Is it analogous to the concept of one's soul?"
"Yes, Ms. Uhura. If, according to your faith, the soul is one's immaterial essence, then it would be fair to say they are similar concepts."
"Then, Vulcans do believe there is a God."
"Not in the primitive way you view your deity." T'Lau interjected.
"What do you mean?" Uhura asked.
"Do you not pray to your God, Ms. Uhura?" T'Lau questioned her.
"Yes." Uhura replied. "It is an important part of my religious practice. It is one of the ways we strengthen our personal relationship with God."
T'Lau asserted. "Unlike humans, Vulcans do not pretend to speak to a deity as if connected by some type of mystical communication device."
Sevat added more thoughtfully, "Ms. Uhura, we do not refute the existence of a supreme creator. However, if such a divine being does exist, we believe it would not exist to concern itself with the affairs of its creation. This concept of God transcends time, space, movement thought, motion, energy and form. It just is."
Savat's words caused the East African to suddenly become deep in thought. She wondered why Spock had not revealed this side of his culture, when he knew how much spiritual matters meant to her.
Diarmuid soon interrupted any further contemplation on the issue. Picking up the teapot, he stated, "Nyota, darling, I'll be back in a moment with more water. The band members are all here now, so I know you'll want to have another pot for you to enjoy when they start their set."
"The band members are all here? I thought one of them was going to be late." Uhura said as she checked the time on her communicator.
"He was over an hour late waiting for transportation, but he's here now." The Manager commented. "It ought to be a great show."
"Oh, no . . . it's 9:17 and my roommate has already sent me a text asking for my whereabouts. She was expecting me to be at Schmaltz two minutes ago." Uhura quickly opened her purse and produced her credit card. "Take this, Diarmuid. And please add the cost of another pot to my bill for the others."
Spock was saddened to hear the news. He did not want her to leave. Not yet. However, it was Sevat who lodged the first protest.
"Ms. Uhura, do you really believe we would take advantage of a Cadet's meager stipend for our own pleasure?" Sevat spoke up. "Now, put your card away and I will take care of our refreshments for this evening after we have had time to enjoy another cup."
"Mr. Sevat, as the host of the tea it is my obligation to . . . "
"Ms. Uhura? Mr. Sevat? What kind of nonsense is this?" Diarmuid interrupted her. "Now, I can forgive your new Vulcan friend for not knowing the House Rules, since this is his first time here. And, Mr. Starfleet over there," Diarmuid nodded toward Spock, "often conveniently forgets to leave that protocol crap at the door. But, girl, you know better and you also know I won't stand for it."
"Diarmuid," Uhura began a futile attempt to reason with him. "Mr. Sevat is my Xenolinguistics Professor who was providing me with a valuable opportunity to practice the Vulcan language, tonight. I can't treat him like he was one of my friends."
"And Spock was also one of your instructors, but you learned to . . . "
"All right! All right!" She exclaimed quickly, concerned Diarmuid would reveal too much. She turned to her professor. "That is, if you do not mind the informality."
"If that is the custom of the teahouse, I have no issue with it, Ms. Uhura." Sevat answered.
"Nyota." Diarmuid corrected Sevat, unaware of how the hairs rose on the back of Spock's neck in dreaded anticipation of Sevat saying her name. T'Lau also did not look forward to hearing the Cadet's first name, with the still painful memory of Spock accidently voicing it in the midst of sexual relations.4
"Ah, yes." Sevat said. "Ny-o-ta . . . Nyota. Did I say it correctly?" He asked Uhura.
"Yes, sir . . . I mean . . . just . . . yes." The East African answered.
Spock scoffed to himself. She should have told him the truth. There is no poetry when he speaks her name. The lyricism is sorely lacking.
With the sound of the band making mike checks and tuning up in the background, Diarmuid finally caught Spock's icy glare and hurried away with the empty teapot.
"Nyota," Sevat said her name, again, to T'Lau and Spock's chagrin. "It is my understanding of human social affairs that tardiness is acceptable and, often, expected. How much time would it take to reach your destination by SkyCab?"
"Assuming no more than 2-3 minutes to secure a vehicle, it should take less than five minutes to get there."
"Then, Nyota, send your friends a message that you will be present within the next 30 minutes."
Uhura took up her communicator to text a short message to Gaila, knowing her roommate would not be pleased. However, she told herself it was not everyday she would have the opportunity to learn about Vulcan culture, while practicing the language with three native speakers. She also tried to convince herself sharing a table with Spock had nothing to do with her decision to remain a while longer. After all, she reasoned, Spock and I are no longer a couple and he's free to date anyone he wants . . . even T'Lau.
Diarmuid returned to deposit a ceramic teapot filled with hot water as well as four clean cups. However, this time Sevat took over the tea preparation duties.
Hmmm . . . Uhura reflected as she reconsidered her last thought. Why is Spock with T'Lau? Is that what he really wants? She wondered before again reminding herself his relationships with other women no longer meant anything to her.
"Would you be needing anything else?" The Irishman inquired.
"Does your establishment carry Kreila?" Sevat inquired.
"We keep some around when the Boss gets a craving for them."
"Bring us an order." Sevat commanded as he continued to prepare the tea.
Uhura asked, "Kreila? I do not believe I have ever heard that word."
"It is a form of biscuit we occasionally have with our tea." T'Lau answered.
"Is it a common food of your home planet?"
"It would be more accurate to say, it is particular to our region of Vulcan." Sevat replied.
Uhura found herself taking a glance at Spock who wore his usual indifferent expression. She wondered, If it is a Vulcan food which Spock enjoyed, why had he never ordered it for her to try during one of her visits to the teahouse.
Sevat continued. "Nyota, since I am sure you may not have eaten for a while, I thought it may be wise to order it as a complement to my tea. You will find my brew to have more of a stronger, robust flavor than what you have no doubt experienced."
Spock knew the slight was meant for him; however, he chose to direct his comment to Uhura.
"Kreila has some properties that may be unsettling to the human digestive system."
"How could that be true of a biscuit?" Uhura contended. "Sometimes we, too, use biscuits as a preventive measure against nausea and motion sickness."
Diarmuid returned with a small tray containing the Kreila. Uhura quickly noted it did not at all resemble the smooth cookie-like biscuits she had eaten in East Africa or the bread-like creations her African American friend, Shaniqua had made once for their breakfast. Looking like a deflated, grayish tennis ball, Kreila did not at all appear appetizing to the Cadet.
After distributing four small napkins, Diarmuid bent over to mischievously whisper in Uhura ear, "Bon appetite, Darling!"
Uhura noted how T'Lau used her napkin to pick up one of Kreila so – in accordance with Vulcan custom - her hand would not come in contact with her food. She watched as T'Lau raised the biscuit to her mouth and took a small bite. T'Lau's expressionless face gave Uhura no clue to the taste. The East African now thought better about trying the Kreila, but was curious about one of Sevat's statements.
"Sevat, you commented Kreila is particular to your region of Vulcan. Of course, I realize your home planet has over 6 billion inhabitants; however, you seemed to imply you and Spock are from the same area."
"Spock and I were both raised in the capital of Shi'Kar." Sevat replied.
Spock added. "We attended the same learning academy during our formative years."
"Really? I did not know you were school friends." Uhura remarked.
"I made no such claim about us being friends." Spock quickly corrected her. Uhura noticed a slight smirk come to Sevat's face with Spock's pronouncement.
"I know it may appear to be quite a coincidence, but I share a similar background to Sevat and Spock. My family especially has close ties to Spock's." T'Lau commented.
"Really?" Uhura remarked.
"Why do you seem a bit surprised?" T'Lau asked.
The East African hesitated, and then said, "I can tell you are not peers of Sevat and Spock; and it seems the time spent in Shi'Kar must have been negligible." The East African surmised.
The table fell silent, as the three Vulcans all appeared caught off-guard by Uhura's statement.
With a slight edge to her tone, T'Lau asserted, "Yes, I am slightly older than both Spock and Sevat."
"By six years." Sevat commented.
"In the context of the average Vulcan lifespan, six years is quite insignificant." T'Lau defensively contended. "And, Ms. Uhura, while I might not be considered peers of Spock or Sevat in the strictest since of the word, my family's association with Spock spans hundreds of years."
"I do not pretend to know of your family's history. I commented only on the fact you had not spent as much time in Shi'Kar as Spock and Sevat." Uhura retorted.
"All right, Ms. Uhura, I feel the need to be amused." T'Lau said with a biting edge. "Please explain how you came to such a conclusion."
While T'Lau had asked the question, Uhura's other table companions also waited with anticipation to hear the Cadet's explanation.
Uhura began. "It has to do with my proposed dissertation topic. Being a Xenolinguist, I am intrigued not only about differences in language systems, but also regional deviations within those languages."
"Have you chosen the language for your inquiry?" Sevat asked.
"Not yet. However, I have narrowed my choice down to one of the prime dialects spoken by the Deltans, Orions, Talosians or Vulcans. I suppose that was one of the reasons why I was listening so intently to the conversation to detect such differences."
T'Lau remarked. "I have, yet, to see how this has anything to do with your alleged claim about the length of my residency in Shi'Kar."
Uhura explained, "One's formative years shape one's manner of speaking for the rest of one's life. The way one pronounces consonants, vowels, the emphasis given to accents on syllables and even one's vocabulary are fairly set by the end of one's teenage years. As a result, those coming from the same region share similar characteristics. Those living in other areas will adopt their own unique variations on the language. Even on a homogeneous planet like Vulcan, my theory is that slight differences will appear between speakers from different regions."
Sevat and Spock both knew Uhura's reasoning to be sound. However, it was Sevat who would encourage her to continue to expound upon her contention.
"What did you detect in T'Lau's speech that was different than Spock's and my manner of speaking?"
"I noticed there were differences in word choices and inflections placed on the pronunciation of certain words."
"Word choices and tonal modulations?" T'Lau countered. "Does not the Federation language usually offer more than one choice of a word which have identical or similar meanings? And, concerning inflections, how long have you been an expert with our language that you can easily discern such differences between native speakers?"
Spock could no longer sit by passively. Nyota's perceptiveness had greatly impressed him, for he knew as well as Sevat that she had unknowingly uncovered T'Lau as an imposter. However, he did not want the pretender to begin to view Nyota as a threat. He knew all too well of the possible dire consequences and wanted to mitigate any probable danger.
Spock stated, "As is characteristic of humans, Nyota perhaps relied more on intuition than on facts. As I earlier offered, such an approach may have its advantages in some case, but it does not appear to be the most prudent strategy for the matter at hand."
Taken aback by his comment, Uhura attempted to defend herself. "I admit the evidence is not overwhelming, but I know what I heard."
"Then, we shall quickly resolve the issue with one question." Spock turned to T'Lau. "In what location, did you spend the majority of your years as an adolescent?"
"Shi'Kahr." T'Lau tersely replied.
Spock looked back to Uhura. "There you have it. Would it be logical to accept anyone else's answer?"
"No, sir." Uhura reluctantly agreed. "It would be foolish to think otherwise."
Satisfied with Spock's handling of the matter, T'Lau rose from her chair with an air of self-satisfaction. "Now that this matter has finally been resolved, please excuse me while I go to use the waste disposal facility."
When T'Lau left, Sevat began to fill the teacups with the steeped brew. "I do believe your topic has great merit, Nyota. Perhaps, you should direct your research to one of the other cultures you mentioned. I have found the Deltans in particular to be quite receptive to such linguistic studies."
"Thank you, sir." Uhura replied soberly, feeling very much like a novice student, as well as, a bit betrayed by Spock. "It probably would be best if I heeded your advice."
"Nyota, you will want to sample your tea, now, while it is at the optimum temperature." Sevat suggested, in a voice seeming to unexpectedly carry a trace of empathy.
Uhura hesitated. She knew Sevat had measured out more tealeaves than she had previously used and steeped them longer than Spock had taught her. Remembering how Spock had warned of inviting a bitter taste to the tea if it were allowed to sit too long, she was not anxious to try the brew. However, Uhura also felt she could not afford offending her linguist professor by refusing to at least take a little taste.
Uhura reached for her cup just as the band began their set. Performing ambient music, the music artists infused the teahouse with soft, sublime tones.
Nyota allowed her hand to envelope the cup . . .
Unexpectedly, she found herself enjoying the rush of the heat as it travelled up her arm and dissipated throughout her body . . .
She then brought the cup just below her nose, breathing in the rich aroma . . .
She sighed, ever so lightly as if becoming aroused by its scent . . .
Bringing the cup to her mouth, she parted her lips just enough to allow the dark amber liquid trickle unto her tongue . . .
She closed her eyes to more deeply experience the sensation . . .
The initial bitter taste did not sit well with her at first, causing a slight shudder . . .
Yet, she held the tea in her mouth and found the unpleasant flavor giving way to an intense tart and savory taste that she found strangely quite pleasing . . .
As she allowed the warm liquid to find its way down her throat, she felt . . .
So relaxed . . .
So calm . . .
Yet, so alive . . .
Nyota suddenly opened her eyes, momentarily concerned she had been too self-indulgent in her exploration.
However . . .
When Nyota looked at the faces of Sevat and Spock . . .
It did not take her long to realize . . .
She had not gone on her journey alone.
Author's Note: The next chapter concludes the episode at the House of Diarmuid and then follows Uhura to Schmaltz to enjoy a Girls Night Out with her Academy friends. It probably will not take you long to guess who else ends up at the bar.
Your comments are always appreciated.
1 Thanks to WrittinInStone for this fact.
2 See Chapter 22 of my story, "Needs."
3 See "Ex Astris Scientia: Bernd Schneider's Star Trek Site."
4 The incident occurred well before Spock began to date Uhura.