Author's Note: Dramatized via Sevat's point of view, in Chapter 27 the Vulcan secret agent attempts to keep Spock focused on the mission to disclose T'Lau's conspiracy, while becoming more cognizant of his own growing attraction for Uhura.

As always, your comments are greatly appreciated.

On Thursday morning in Berkeley's Cesar Chavez Park, Sevat and Spock stood at their usual rendezvous point at the site of a solar calendar.

"It did not take us long to decipher the code." Sevat informed Spock. "The Romulans have neither the intellect or imagination to develop a cryptographic system of much complexity."

"Once I knew what to look for, I could identify the scraps of paper in the imposter's refuse that I thought might yield important information." Spock remarked.

"Indeed. We now have six names of possible conspirators."

Spock added. "None of whom are or were members of Starfleet."

"However, two were Starfleet contractors." Sevat told him.

"Surely, you now have enough information to share with Federation authorities to apprehend them."

"On what charge? Spock, are you still not aware we need evidence of wrongdoing that exposes their larger scheme?"

Silence. Sevat studied Spock detecting a slight tension in his face and body.

Spock finally admitted, "I do not know how much longer I can endure it."

"Spock, what you have uncovered in the last three weeks has provided us with more than we have learned from three years of surveillance. You must continue to gain her absolute trust."

"You know what she has done."

"From what you have described, it appears she has somehow triggered symptoms similar to those found at the onset of pon farr."

"Then, you also know there may come a time when I will no longer be in control of my being."

"The pretender is a devious one. However, you represent what humans would term as her Achilles heel. She most certainly does not want you to mate with T'Pring. Yet, she has accelerated the very act that necessitates the completion of your joining."

Spock responded. "There is no logic to it. At least, none I can presently identify."

"All will be revealed, Spock. If you are Vulcan, you must find it within yourself to control that which seeks to overtake you."

"Tell me, Sevat. How did you fare when you last experienced the pon farr?"

Spock could see Sevat's answer in the momentary quiver of his upper lip. Realizing his unintentional slip, Sevat turned away to regain control of himself.

Spock continued. "If pon farr takes hold of me to its full extent, I will be especially vulnerable. I do not intend to be at the mercy of T'Lau's machinations when that time comes."

Sevat replied tersely. "It is understood." The Vulcan secret agent began to walk away, when he heard Spock call to him.

"Sevat." Spock's former foe turned back to him. "Uhura has not been back to the teahouse since the time we shared a brew together three weeks ago. Have the two of you discontinued your informal sessions in Vulcan language and culture?"

Spock used Nyota's surname to encourage its use by Sevat. However, to Spock's chagrin, he quickly found the Vulcan agent did not adhere to the suggestion.

"Nyota expressed a desire to meet at different venues to elicit a variety of topics during our meetings. She was concerned having our sessions in the same location may lead to monotony."

"Perhaps, her concern rests with the perceived ability of her language partner to continue to engage in thoughtful conversation without such stimulus."

Spock noted he had hit his mark as Sevat replied with an edge to his tone. "Nyota appears more than satisfied with our arrangement as her command of the Vulcan language has improved quite noticeably. Her suggestion to vary our meeting places has served her well."

"Is Uhura the only one deriving benefit from the sessions?"

While riding in a packed trolley car, Uhura tried to suppress a smile as she noticed one of Sevat's hands gripping the edge of their wooden seat as the vehicle careened about a curve. The bodies of passengers crammed in the aisle occasionally touched the Vulcan as they tried to pass through.

"Sevat, is this your first time riding a trolley?" She asked, although sure she knew his answer.

"Yes. I assume it is not your first experience."

"I have ridden on it many times with other Cadets, as well as, friends or family when they come for the visit. Everyone enjoys the trolley."

"Not quite everyone."

"Is that so?" Uhura feigned surprise. "What do you find unpleasant about it?"

"The car is drafty and overcrowded. The wooden seats are quite ridged and uncomfortable. The cacophony of the rumbling of the car, that insufferable bell and the noisy passengers make it almost impossible to carry on a civil conversation. The vehicle uses antiquated technology which one should only experience via articles in historical manuals."

Uhura laughed lightly. "How do you really feel about it?"

With his voice rising slightly, he answered, "Nyota, I believe I have made it quite clear how I feel about the experience. Need I repeat my complaints?"

"Calm down, Sevat. I was only . . . " She paused. "Is there a Vulcan equivalent to the word, kidding?"

"No."

"Why does that not surprise me?"

"What surprises me is that you somehow find pleasure in this affair."

"I know it will appear strange to you, but I find it exciting to be among so many people. It is as if I am drawing off our collective energy."

"Apparently, I must not be plugged in."

Uhura laughed. "Sevat, you actually made a joke."

"If you would like to believe that, you may."

When she laughed, again, it pleased him.

"I suppose I can understand the obvious cultural and economic significance of recreating this historical tourist attraction." He continued. "However, I would appreciate your explanation of why you do not tire of this experience."

Uhura paused as though deep in thought before a smile finally came to her face. "I know it may not seem this way now, but in the evening the feeling is quite different. You will be delighted to know there are much fewer people. And, after just a few minutes of settling down in your seat, you will find yourself relaxed by the soothing vibrations and gentle swaying of the car. If you are lucky enough to ride on a night when the trolley is bathed in moonlight and caressed by a warm breeze coming off the bay, the ride can really be quite romantic."

As the car took a curve, it shifted unexpectedly causing Sevat to slide over to Uhura and press against the side of her body. Due to the number of people cramming inside the car, the Vulcan could not readily change his position. With his face a hairs-breadth from hers, he was quickly overcome by a sense of embarrassment.

"I apologize, Nyota." He finally managed to tell her. "I am afraid these present circumstances are beyond my control."

"I know." She told him, her eyes full of compassion as she empathized with his unease. "I feel partly responsible for putting you in this situation."

"Am I causing you any discomfort?" He asked.

"No. However, you would probably feel better if you pulled your arm from between us and placed it on the back of the seat."

When he did as was instructed, Sevat diminished some of the pressure the weight of his body had placed on hers. Gradually, the awkwardness of the situation began to dissipate as he became aware of the sensuousness of her yielding body.

Sevat then took advantage of his proximity to examine her coarse-looking kinky hair tightly bound by braids. He wondered if the tactile sensation would complement or contradict its appearance. The Vulcan then marveled at the unexpected urge he had to touch thought, How fascinating.

"How do you feel now?" She asked out of concern for his seemingly compromised state. "Is it better this way?"

Oh, yes. He thought, but instead voiced, "It is the best posture we could hope to achieve under these parameters."

"Fortunately, we only have a few more stops before we can finally disembark."

"Yes. How fortunate." He replied, although he did not feel that way himself. He found pleasure being so close to her. While most humans emitted an odor Vulcans found disagreeable, he curiously found he liked the intermingling of their scents. He carefully practiced shallow breathing, so she would not detect him slowly filling his lungs and holding the aromas inside him.

Uhura noticed Sevat suddenly became quite quiet and decided it best not to disturb him until they neared their stop.

"Sevat." She called to him gently. "Sevat." She repeated to the Vulcan as she pulled the cord with her free hand to signal the trolley driver. "We should start making our way to the exit."

For a moment, his face appeared disturbed by her request but she reasoned she must have misread it as he rose up, took her by the hand, and made their way to the exit.

Walking the seven city blocks toward the Starfleet Academy gates, Sevat slowed his usual gait and shortened his long strides. He reasoned he did so to accommodate Uhura's smaller physique, not to slow progress to her destination.

"Sevat, I am sorry the ride became so uncomfortable for you." Uhura commented as they walked. "I should have chosen a more agreeable activity for you."

"I am the one who suggested you chose a pursuit to your liking. I recall I put no constraints on that choice."

"Perhaps, next Friday we should return to the teahouse. Since it is such a significant part of Vulcan social culture, I should probably turn my attention back to my tea lessons."

"When we last met there, you seemed hesitant to share a table with Spock and T'Lau. Since Spock owns the establishment, we may likely come into contact with one or both of them there, again."

"Why would that pose a problem?"

"As I recall, it did not appear you and T'Lau were compatible table partners."

"I believe I handled myself quite well the last time I saw her."

"I would not want her to be disruptive to the session."

"Sevat, there is more than one table at the teahouse. We do not have to sit anywhere near her."

"Why go there at all?"

Uhura paused, as if thinking of an answer. Finally, she told him, "I was thinking of Diarmuid."

"Diarmuid? That crude fellow managing the teahouse? Why would he ever come to mind?"

"At times, Diarmuid may cross the line of propriety, but deep down inside his heart is in the right place. I must admit I actually am kind of fond of him."

"I suppose you feel the same way about dogs."

"Sevat. I was speaking about Diarmuid."

"Please proceed, if you must."

"With my crazy schedule I have found it difficult to visit with him and I don't like that. If the two of us were to meet at the teahouse next Friday, it would provide me with the opportunity to deal with several activities at once. We could hold our Vulcan cultural lesson and focus on sampling different types of teas. Afterwards, I could spend a little time talking with Diarmuid."

Sevat and Uhura approach the gates to the Academy grounds. Uhura continued, "Of course, you would not need to stay at the teahouse with me after our session. I really am quite capable of returning to campus by myself."

The two of them stopped outside the gates. "I will consider your proposal, Nyota, and will inform you of my decision during one of our Romulan language lessons at my Berkeley office. However, I must tell you next Friday's activity will not include my allowance of your returning unescorted to campus during the evening hours."

Sevat could see her body visibly stiffen with his remarks.

"Sevat, I do not mean to offend, but your attitude is rather paternalistic."

"That is not my intent. It is the Vulcan way. If you would like us to continue with these sessions, you must adhere to certain expectations."

"I have told you more than once how grateful I am for sharing your invaluable expertise on Romulan and Vulcan cultures. The amount of time you have allotted for my studies surely are more than any student could have expected. Of course, I would not want to do anything to affect that learning, but – "

"You need not qualify your statement, Nyota. There should be no objection." He interrupted. Seeing the displeasure on her face, Sevat added. "Is it so wrong to seek ways to ensure your safety?"

"No. Of course, not." She replied, but seemed to bite her lip as if to stop herself from saying anything more on the subject.

"Then, it is settled."

"Good night, Sevat." Uhura told him as she began to walk past the Vulcan without waiting for a reply.

"By the way, Nyota, your suggestion concerning the use of paper turned out to be quite effective."

Uhura turned back to him, her face now showing some interest. "Are you referring to that mystery game you are playing with some friend of yours?"

"Yes. I do not know why I had not thought of it myself. However, it appears messages to and from the Agent have avoided detection, because paper was used as the medium of transmission via a humanoid messenger system."

"Since virtually all of our communications are digitalized, sometimes we forget how useful such a medium could be for espionage." She told him. "I am glad my recommendation proved fruitful for you."

"More than you may ever know."

"I actually enjoy mystery games, but I had no idea they were of interest to Vulcans."

"I know it may be difficult for humans to believe it, but Vulcans do enjoy a few diversions."

"Well, when you start a new game, perhaps I might be able to play from the beginning."

"Hey, Uhura!" A voice called out to her from inside the gates.

Uhura turned to look through the Academy entrance and suddenly gave a gleeful gasp. Sevat looked in the direction of the voice and saw a blonde male cadet who seemed to strike a resemblance to someone he had seen before. A slightly older brunette male accompanied the blonde.

"Sevat, you will have to excuse me." Uhura said, her voice filled with excitement. "I'll see you on Monday for our next lesson."

Sevat watched as Uhura ran off through the gates. While the blonde male happily looked on, she hugged the other man while exclaiming, "Leonard, you're back!"

Then, Sevat suddenly realized why the smiling man looked so familiar. The woman assisting a stricken Nyota three weeks at that dance club was not a female at all. The Vulcan wondered. Who is he?

"Is Uhura the only one deriving benefit from the sessions, Sevat?" Spock asked.

Spock noticed Sevat appeared slightly jarred by the question. Sevat placed his hands behind his back and looked across the bay toward San Francisco.

Spock fronted Sevat, blocking his view. "You should never have involved her. You know what the imposter is capable of doing if she considers Uhura to be a threat."

"Nyota's involvement is a moot point. T'Lau's knowledge of your relationship with the Cadet is what brought her into this case in the first place. In addition, your continued signs of affection for her are what continues to place Nyota in possible peril."

Silence.

Sevat continued. "With the exception of normal Academy activity that may place you in her proximity, you must stay away from Nyota." He added with a stern tone. "Spock, that includes your occasional appearances outside her living quarters."

"What do you know about it?" Spock asked.

"Tevul-tor vi' tu."

In his Berkeley faculty office sitting about a small table, Sevat listened with a keen ear to Uhura as she practiced speaking one of the Romulan dialects.

"How did I do, today?" Uhura asked now using the Federation language.

"Much better with your inflections. However, when speaking the language you must remember not to allow human interpretations of a particular phrase affect how you would voice it from a Romulan perspective. For instance, you ended your dialogue with the phrase – Jolan tru – a term that approximates the phrase, Best wishes in the Federation idiom."

"In what way did I speak it incorrectly?"

"You said it as if it were a pleasantry. Even if one could not see your face, one could hear the genial quality in your voice that is unmistakably human. In contrast, when a Romulan uses that term, he does so as a matter of fact. To him, no adornments are necessary. Try saying the phrase, again, keeping this in mind."

"Jolan tru." She stated sternly.

"Now you have stated it with a note of gravity. You must find the middle ground."

Uhura paused long enough to practice the pronunciation in her mind before voicing the phrase.

"Jolan tru."

"Much better, Nyota."

His compliment was rewarded by her grateful smile.

"I hope at our next session we will have time to cover Module 16." She commented as she rose from her seat. "I also want to make sure we have time to review the morphology of the Romulan Minor A dialect."

Sevat glanced at his chronometer and got up from his chair. "I did not realize how quickly the time has flown by."

Uhura laughed lightly.

"Did I say something you found to be humorous?" He asked, not at all minding her cheery expression.

"It seems I must be having some sort of affect on you."

"In what way?"

"You just said, you did not realize how quickly the time has flown by. You used a metaphor . . . something I have found to be quite atypical of Vulcan speech."

"Any prolonged stay on an alien planet is bound to contaminate one's speech, no matter how careful one attempts to be."

"Not contaminate, Sevat. You should say it is bound to enrich one's speech." She stated good-naturedly as she picked up her bag.

"On that point, we must agree to disagree. Yet, you are quite correct in your observation of the scarcity of metaphors in the Vulcan language." Sevat remarked as he followed her to his door. He waited for her to turn back to him as she always did to voice her parting words. However, when she did, her face looked puzzled.

"Does something trouble you, Nyota?"

"There is a Vulcan term I have come across, which ironically I believe must be some type of metaphor. Yet, as you know, without the proper context the metaphor is difficult to interpret."

"Please share it with me and I will see if I can provide enlightenment on the matter."

"The term is, tevul-tor vi' tu. I realize the literal translation is crash into you; however, by itself the term appears to be nonsensical."

Sevat hesitated, before asking, "Where did you hear of this term?"

"Do you know what it means, Sevat?"

"One question at a time. Nyota, where did you hear of this term?"

"I read it."

"Does the source not provide you with the context for interpretation?"

"None that I can decipher."

"Perhaps, you should bring it to me for our next session."

Before she answered, Sevat could tell by her expression that Uhura thought she could not press the matter any further. "Please do not give any more thought to it. It really is nothing more than a curiosity."

Sevat studied her, before responding. "As you wish, Nyota. Good day."

"Jolan tru." She stated drily in a Romulan tongue, as she departed.

"Tevul-tor vi' tu!" Sevat stated, barely hiding his contempt.

"You did not tell her, did you?" Spock asked.

"No. And, I doubt if she will make that inquiry of me, again, since she would be concerned about inadvertently revealing the source. However, she has proved more intelligent that the average human female. It will be a matter of time before she learns the phrase's meaning. We must hope it is not revealed before T'Lau's plot is exposed."

"Uhura may be repulsed by the knowledge." Spock commented.

"Or, Nyota may want you even more than before." Sevat retorted. "The imposter would not take kindly to that turn of events."

"Yes . . . yes. I understand."

Silence. Neither man moved, although the cold wind from the bay chilled their bodies.

"Spock." Sevat called to him.

"Yes."

"Have you ever took a ride on one of the city's trolleys?"

"No." He answered. "Why would I want to experience what is surely an inferior, energy inefficient, and seemingly unpleasant mode of transportation?"

He watched as Sevat walked away, curiously content with Spock's response.

Author's Note: In the next chapter, Spock and Uhura end up in the waiting room of the Medical Treatment Facility for two different reasons. As they wait, each one reflects on the circumstances that brought them there.

Your comments are always appreciated.