Author's Note: In Chapter 28, Spock and Uhura find each other in the Medical Treatment Facility for two very different reasons. In a flashback, Kirk maneuvers to take his relationship with Uhura to the next level and Amanda unexpectedly calls the East African.
As always, your comments are greatly appreciated.
With five other Academy personnel and Cadets, Spock sat in the waiting room of the Medical Treatment Facility anticipating a nurse to signal for him. He checked his chronometer to confirm what he already knew; the time of his appointment had already passed.
Beads of perspiration formed on his brow . . .
The temperature of the waiting room usually seemed too cool for the Vulcan. However, this Saturday morning he welcomed the coolness as a welcome relief to the above average internal temperature that had lately become a chronic condition.
His large hands trembled . . .
Spock closed his eyes and placed himself in a light meditative state. Finding his center, he abated the tremors until they finally ceased.
Nurse Binkowski's voice brought him out of his self-imposed trance. "Mr. Spock . . . Mr. Spock."
The Vulcan arose from his seat ready to follow her into an examination room.
"Oh, Mr. Spock." She began, noting his action. "I'm afraid I'm not here to bring you back, yet. Dr. McCoy wanted you to know the patient before you is taking more time than we had anticipated. It may be another 15 to 20 minutes before you can be seen."
"Just how long does it take to tend to Lieutenant Commander Franzen's hangnails?"
"Mr. Spock, you must know I cannot comment on any of our patients or their conditions without that individual's permission."
"I am specifically in need of Dr. McCoy's specialized skills. Franzen's typical frivolous medical complaints can easily be assigned another doctor."
"That is not our usual procedure, Mr. Spock. Once the patient is with a doctor, he is entitled to the physician's services until that patient's concerns have been fully addressed."
The Vulcan's voice rose as he retorted, "Must your usual procedure penalize those with legitimate medical issues?"
McCoy warned Binkowski that Spock might be irritable, but she was not prepared for his sharp tongue.
"When your turn comes, you will also be afforded as much of the doctor's time as necessary."
"Nurse, I believe it has already been established my appointment time has already passed and, yet, I have not been afforded the opportunity to benefit from Dr. McCoy's expertise."
"Mr. Spock, we are doing the best we can to accommodate all patients."
"Then, obviously your best is not enough."
"Theresa. May I see you for a moment?" A familiar voice called to her from across the room.
Nyota . . .
Spock had no idea when the East African had entered the room or how much she had witnessed. However, it was clear from the nurse's relieved look on her face that she welcomed Uhura's interruption. The Vulcan watched as Binkowski walked to Uhura, exchanged a few words, and then left the waiting room.
Uhura caught his eye - her face momentarily betraying her disappointment with his treatment of Nurse Binkowski. Then her expression changed to something less easily discernible as it revealed the conflicting emotions of the last 24 hours.
At a small bar frequented by the locals, Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy sat a table with Uhura and Kirk at either side of him.
"The situation was still fairly unstable when I arrived." McCoy commented, as he fingered his shot glass of whiskey. "However, after putting stricter medical protocols in place, the spread of the disease was finally abated and a sense of normalcy seemed to return to the colony."
"Bones – the Miracle Worker." Kirk toasted McCoy with his beer stein before bringing the brew to his lips.
"No miracles were involved. Just hard work by medical professionals doing their job."
"That's not what we heard." Uhura remarked. "According to the reports in the Academy e-Newsletter, if it were not for your expertise the mortality rate could have easily doubled. I'd say the title of Miracle Worker is most fitting."
"Save that crap for someone who really deserves it." McCoy snapped as he downed his drink.
Uhura and Kirk looked at each other and smiled, acknowledging their delight with having their friend back at the Academy.
"We thought you weren't coming back from Alpha Colony V until the end of the semester." Kirk told the doctor. "So, who did you have to pay off to get back to the Academy so soon?"
"It certainly wasn't my doing. Do you really think I really wanted to come back here and be subjected to those damn military exercises every other weekend?" Bones replied.
"Let's see. Military training versus possible contraction of the deadly Quazulu VIII virus. I guess I see your point." Kirk quipped.
"Then, Leonard, why do you think you were brought back to campus sooner than expected?" Uhura asked.
"I'm not sure, yet. But, I do know Captain Pike was the one who requested it." McCoy answered her.
Kirk retorted. "Well, if it had been anybody else, I would have thought you were recalled to deal with a blister on the toe of one of the brass."
"Whatever it is, I'll find out in the morning. I've got to report to the Medical Treatment Facility at 8 AM."
"Then, let me get you another drink." Kirk raised his hand to signal one of the waitresses, who then promptly came to their table. "All right, kids, what can she get you?"
"None for me, Jim. You know I have a two drink minimum when I've got to work miracles the next day."
"What about you, Wendy?"
Uhura did not even bother to roll her eyes. "I'm still nursing this one." She replied nodding to her half full glass of peach schnapps on the rocks.
"Well, I suppose that just leaves me. I'll have a . . . "
"Don't bother, sugar." The red-haired, young woman interrupted Kirk. She then said with a knowing smile. "I know exactly what you want."
Kirk's blue eyes glistened as he watched the shapely woman walk away.
"Down boy." Uhura warned him.
Kirk gave her an innocent look. "Hey, what did I do?"
"It's not what you did. It's what you're thinking."
"Well, I think . . . " Kirk paused when he saw Uhura's expression seeming to dare him to give a flippant response. "I think I need to visit the little boys room." He stood up and then walked behind Uhura's chair. Bending over so his lips nearly touched her ear, he whispered in a sultry voice. "If Audrey comes back before I do, just tell her to leave it right on the table for me. Then, you can give it to me, Baby . . . you can give it all to me."
Uhura's yawn caused McCoy to laugh out loud. Jim pulled up his head and feigned indignation. As Iowan headed toward the restroom, Uhura and McCoy noticed how another woman stopped Kirk and appeared to flirt with him. They exchanged a few words, before he continued on to his destination. Uhura took a sip of her beer.
"Hey, Darling." McCoy began. "Jim is probably my best friend at the Academy, but you don't have to take that kind of shit."
"We never said we would be exclusive to each other. At least, not yet."
"But he's crazy about you and I don't want him to mess it up. Take it from me, I know a good thing when I see it and you're the real deal."
"Thanks, Leonard."
The doctor felt the warmth of her smile and enjoyed her touch as placed her hand over his on top of the table.
Uhura continued. "But, I am well aware of who I'm mixed up with. There are those women who want him and others who hate him because they think they can never have him."
"Do you want him, Uhura?"
She paused, and then answered. "Half the time we argue and half the time . . . I feel closer to him than most anyone I've ever known."
"You didn't answer my question."
"I trust him, Leonard. I know he'll always be there when I need him."
"Uhura, you can say the same thing about a dog."
They share a hearty laugh.
As the laughter died down, McCoy continued now in a sober tone. "He's a good man, darling. Don't forget that."
Standing under a cherry tree in the dimly lit Golden Gate Park, Uhura let her head fall back against one of the low lying branches as Kirk's lips covered her neck in gentle kisses.
"What were you and Bones talking about?" He asked between hot breaths.
"Weren't you there?" She teased.
"I went to the head and when I came out the two of you were looking kind of cozy."
"The good doctor . . . was questioning me." She replied breathlessly, becoming aroused by his attention.
"What was the subject of discussion?" He asked, while he seamlessly unzipped their jackets.
"Weren't your ears . . . burning?" She gasped as she felt his strong hands grasp her hips and pull her against him.
"Something's burning . . . but I don't think it's my ears."
"That was . . . corny . . . but what can I expect from someone from Iowa."
"Ha . . . Ha . . . "
"Ahhhhhhh . . . " She moaned softly as he gently massaged her hips beneath her coat.
"What did you say about me?" He asked as he brought his lips to her face.
"Trust . . . you . . ." She barely managed to speak. "Always there . . . when . . . needed." Uhura added.
"I had a dog like that." He told her and then licked one of her ear lobes.
"That comment . . . sounded familiar."
"What?"
"Nothing."
"You didn't have anything else to say about me?"
"I was . . . too embarrassed to mention . . . mmmmmmmmmm . . ." she moaned ". . . your talents."
"Oh, yeah." He then whispered in a raspy voice. "I haven't begun to show you what I can do."
As Uhura swooned with laughter, Kirk held up her petite body with one hand. "Oh, James . . . " She said, trying to regain control of herself.
"It was one of my best lines." Kirk playfully protested.
"Does it really ever work for you?" She teased.
"Apparently, not tonight." He retorted with a grin, and then zipped up her jacket. "Let's head back to campus."
The Iowan's hand slipped easily into the East African's as they began to walk toward a transport stop.
Kirk remarked. "I'll have to come up with better lines before we get to the semester break. I want your first time to be perfect in every way."
Surprised with his revelation, she asked. "Your cousin is going to let us use his cabin? I thought he was still deciding if he was going to use it for his own family that week."
"I told you he owed me a favor. I just had to remind him of that fact."
"And it's in the Sierras?"
"Less than an hour away by SkyBus."
"It's all falling into place." She replied with seeming resignation.
Kirk laughed. "Hey, you could sound a little more enthusiastic."
"What do you expect for me to do? Jump up and down like a schoolgirl? I just hope I don't disappoint you."
Kirk stopped and turned her around to face him. "Disappoint me? There no way that can happen." He replied with his voice betraying his affection for the East African. "After what that creep tried to do to you last summer . . . "
Kirk paused to quell the anger rising in his voice at the thought of the attempted rape. He then continued. "I want to make sure that it's good for you. So, you see, all the pressure is on me and I do aim to please."
His confident smile did more to ease Uhura's concerns than anything Kirk said. She did trust him.
As they began to walk, once more, Kirk asked, "Did you make the appointment at the Medical Treatment Facility?"
"Yes. I have an appointment with an gynecologist at 9:15 tomorrow morning."
"On Saturday? I might have security detail, but if I do I'll switch with somebody."
"It's all right if you can't change your schedule. If you come, you won't be able to go into the examination room with me."
"I know. But, I think I better be there anyways."
"Because you care about me."
"Well, that too."
"What do you mean, that too?"
"I suppose you can say I sort of care for you."
"Sort of care for me?"
He tried to suppress his smile. It was so easy to raise her ire.
"My real reason for wanting to accompany you is that I want to be there in case you decide to change your mind!"
Kirk's laughter could be heard for blocks as he ran with Uhura in hot pursuit. The Iowan knew he would let her catch him after a few more minutes and allow her to give him a few playful licks with her hand. And then, the Iowan would take her in his arms and leave no doubt about how much he cared for the East African.
Gaila was already asleep when Uhura made it back into her dorm room. Without removing her jacket, she went into the bathroom and closed the door so not to disturb her roommate. Once inside, she checked her neck and sighed with relief after determining none of the hickeys Kirk dispensed would leave any noticeable marks by morning.
Uhura began to take off her jacket when she heard her communicator sounding off in her pocket. At first she thought it had to be Kirk, but the Caller ID read, Unknown. While she normally would not answer such calls, especially late at night, she found herself accepting this one.
"Uhura, here."
"Nyota?"
The voice was unmistakable. "Dr. Grayson!"
"Now, Nyota, I know it's been quite a while since we last saw each other, but you can't start treating me like you barely know me."
"I'm sorry, Amanda." Uhura said as she sat down on the lid of the commode. "I'm just surprised to hear from you."
"Over the past year, the Ambassador has been involved with very sensitive negotiations which required almost a total communications blackout. During that time, I was able to catch up on my reading, but I regretted I did not have much time for my friends."
Amanda's comment warmed her heart. The women had only spent one day together over year ago, but it was all the time needed for them to feel an affinity for each other.1
"I tried to contact you a few times soon after we first met; however, the digital messages were returned unopened."
"I'm sorry. Even though I'm just the Ambassador's wife, Security Personnel can be overzealous in what communications are allowed to come in and out."
"You're not just an Ambassador's wife. Amanda. You are a renowned intergalactic cultural anthropologist."
"Nyota, I must remind myself to contact you if I ever need an ego boost."
The women laugh.
"Where are you, now?"
"You'll never guess, but the Ambassador is attending an Environmental Summit in your homeland."
"You're in Kenya?"
"I'm in Egypt. Cairo to be exact."
"Amanda, you're over 2,000 miles from my birthplace. And, I've never thought of Egypt as my homeland."
"Just a week ago I was thousands of light years from Earth. So, relatively speaking, I would say I am in the same neighborhood as Kenya."
Uhura smiled, thinking, Surely, both the Ambassador and Spock would have deemed her reasoning as quite illogical. But that's one of the reasons why I like Amanda. She's got her own way of looking life.
"So, how has my son been treating you?"
Uhura paused. At the time Amanda visited the Academy, the East African and Spock were not seeing each other romantically. Uhura wondered how much his mother knew of their relationship, as well as the fact this liasison had ended not too long ago. Uhura decided to play stupid.
"I've only had one class with Mr. Spock. It was an ethics course taken when I was a second year student. Since we're not in the same disciplines, I've had no reason to take another class from him."
"Are you still his Course Assistant?"
Uhura hesitated. "Did Mr. Spock tell you I served in that capacity?"
"I saw it in the Academy Directory."
"If you saw it in the Directory, it hasn't been updated, yet. I was his Course Assistant for just one semester. I was lucky enough to obtain a Teaching Assistant in my own field for Winter Term."
"Then, I must congratulate you for quickly finding a way to get from under him to find your own space. It will be important to keep that in mind for the future."
"Amanda, I'm not sure . . . "
". . . how much I know." Amanda completed her sentence.
"Yes." Uhura conceded.
"The night the three of us had dinner together, neither you or Spock were particularly subtle about your attraction to each other. I knew it would just be a matter of time before the two of you would . . . take the time to explore your feelings for each other."
Uhura hesitated, before admitting, "It was difficult for us. Our relationship was forbidden, because Spock is a faculty member and Starfleet Officer while I am just a Cadet. We had to be careful not to be discovered."
"But you found a way."
"For a while, but . . . there were too many differences between us to reconcile. The inability to do so led to the end of our relationship. However, we've moved on. We're both involved with other people now."
"Nyota, you make it sound like you purchased an outfit, had buyers remorse, and simply exchanged it for another item."
"Spock was the one who became dissatisfied with our relationship." She reluctantly admitted. "He didn't want me."
Silence.
"Nyota, did I ever tell you Spock's father was on my dissertation committee? At the time, he was a Visiting Professor at Princeton whose stellar reputation in both the scientific and diplomatic worlds gave him this almost impenetrable aura. And, in his shadow I seemed to be next to nobody. I was this young, twenty-something scholar from Little Rock, Arkansas who was more than 30 years his junior."
Amanda laughed lightly and continued. "I probably fell in love with Sarek at first sight and thought he would be mortified to know it. But one day . . . in his own way . . . he let me know my feelings for him were reciprocated."
"He told you that he loved you?"
"Sarek?" She laughed, again. "I don't think I've ever heard him say those words. But, there was no doubt . . . there is no doubt how much he loves me. Still, at the time, if University administrators had learned of our relationship, I would have probably been expelled. So, for seven years we carried on a clandestine affair, while I conducted my research throughout the galaxy for my doctorate and a postdoctoral fellowship. That is, when our schedules somehow allowed us the opportunity to be together."
"Seven years? You must have been dedicated to each other to be able to foster a relationship under those circumstances."
"Nyota, I wouldn't say our relationship was fostered during that period. It would be more accurate to say somehow it survived. We called it quits, perhaps, five or six times, with one separation lasting nearly 14 months. And, then when he finally got around to asking me to marry him, it took another three years for me to immerse myself in Vulcan culture and traditions before T'Pau would grant permission for Sarek and me to be joined. So, you see, Uhura . . . I am quite experienced with difficulties and differences that stand in the way of two people who love each other. But, I can tell you if I had to do it over again, I would not change a thing."
"Amanda, it's too late for Spock and me."
"It's only too late if you have closed yourself to him. However, your willingness to listen to my story confirms my belief of your continued love for him."
"Has he . . . " She began hesitantly. "Has Spock said anything to you about us?"
"Spock is my progeny, but he is very much all Vulcan when it comes to these matters . . . chauvinistic, overprotective and possessive. He's brilliant and an accomplished scientist in his own right. Yet, in human terms, he's emotionally immature when it comes to romantic feelings. I think you've already found that out."
Uhura knew Amanda spoke the truth, but she did not respond as she began reflecting on all that was said.
"Nyota?" Amanda called to her gently. "Nyota, are you still there?"
"I'm sorry, Amanda. You've really given me a lot to think about."
"I know. However, I want you to know the Ambassador and I will be in Cairo for two more days. So, if you want to talk some more, I'll be glad to do so."
"Thanks, Amanda."
"So, I better let you go. We just finished lunch; however, if my calculations are correct, it must be close to midnight in San Francisco."
"Yes, it is getting late. But, if you don't mind, there's one more thing I would like to ask you."
"Yes. What is it, Nyota?"
"Have you ever heard of the expression, tevul-tor vi' tu?"
Now, it was Amanda who gave pause before she spoke.
"Tevul-tor vi' tu? Where did you hear that term?"
"I'm taking an Independent Study Course with a Vulcan professor at Berkeley this semester." Uhura was well aware she did not directly answer Amanda's question, but she could tell by the woman's hesitant tone she should be careful how she approached the query.
Amanda asked, "Didn't your professor explain it to you?"
"It's become sort of a research project for me."
"Then, it probably wouldn't be fair if I just told you the answer."
Uhura screamed with exasperation to herself, and then tried to speak calmly. She felt she would bust if she did not learn more about phrase, soon. "I know it roughly translates as Crash into You; however, I don't have the context for it to decipher what appears to be a metaphor."
Another pause, and then Amanda replied. "Nyota, are you familiar with the Vulcan pedagogical system?"
"It is my understanding youth are engaged in school six days a week. Three of those days are spent alone in learning pods. The other three days are reserved for research activities, as well as, facilitator led deliberations in logic and reason."
"That is correct. The modules include intensive study of the history and culture of worlds, like Earth, in which Vulcans have assumed a shepherding role in bringing that society into the modern era. Tevul-tor vi' tu or Crash Into You appeared as a case study of popular music in Terran culture. "
"It's a reference to a song?"
"Yes. Although written several hundred years ago, its metaphorical language lending itself to conflicting interpretation proved quite compelling to Vulcans. I remember at one time Spock appeared to be obsessed by it during his adolescent stage. He and Sarek used to debate its meaning for hours."
"I don't understand why you did not take part in those discussions. If it is of human origin, it seems you would have been better able to ascertain its interpretation."
"When you read its lyrics, you will be quick to realize it is from a male perspective and elicits for them multiple analytical possibilities. For women, the matter is black or white. They are either repulsed by it or find it somewhat . . . arousing."
"What do you think of it, Amanda?"
"Rather than ask my opinion, I think you should be much more concerned about someone who would give you such a reference as a research project." Amanda advised. "He's obviously has something baser on his mind than academics."
At the Medical Treatment Facility, Spock watched as Kirk hurried into the waiting room. When the Iowan greeted Uhura with a kiss on her lips, the Vulcan turned his body toward a window so not to be privy to any more signs of affections. He especially did not want to witness any reciprocal action Nyota might demonstrate to the male Cadet. Spock had accepted the fact Nyota would date others, but he did not understand why the two of them were at the clinic together.
"I thought for a moment you weren't going to make it." Uhura said to Kirk in a low voice.
Mimicking her low tone, Kirk answered, "Why are we talking in whispers?"
"I just don't want everybody to hear my business, that's all." She said, unaware the Vulcan was readily listening to their conversation. "So, were you able to trade security detail with someone else?"
"I ended up switching with Robinson who had last night's graveyard shift. After putting in my hours, I barely had enough time to get a quick shower and make it over here."
"You haven't slept, yet?"
"Not since I saw you last night. Funny thing, you look a little tired yourself."
"Thanks."
He laughed. "I just meant to say you don't look like you got much sleep."
"When I got to my room, I took a call. You know how it is. When you take a call too late, its hard to get to sleep."
"Not for me."
"I meant for normal people."
"Ouch." Kirk pretended hurt by the comment.
"Uhura." The Vulcan heard Nurse Binkowski's voice call for the East African. " Dr. Saad will see you now."
"James, are you sure you don't want to go to your dorm and get some sleep?" Uhura asked him. "It may be a while, since I know I'll have lots of questions."
"I can take a nap anywhere and these seats are a lot more comfortable than some of the places I've laid my head." He told her. "So, I'll be right here waiting for you as long as it takes."
Within a few minutes after she escorted Uhura out of the waiting room, Nurse Binkowski returned to retrieve Spock. As he walked passed Kirk, he noticed the Iowan had already nodded off. The Vulcan scoffed at the lack of endurance shown by the human.
Then, as Spock passed by the reception desk, he discreetly picked up a business card for Dr. Muruj Saad. After glancing at the specialty, he crushed the card within his hand as if to erase the knowledge from his mind that Dr. Saad was trained as a Gynecologist and Obstetrician.
Author's Note: In the next chapter, Uhura talks to the "Precious Ones" about Amanda's call and "Crash Into You." She then finds Spock, once again, outside her window and decides to confront him.
Your comments are always appreciated.
1 See Chapter 28-30 in my story, "Needs" for the dramatization of Amanda and Uhura's day together.