Author's Note: In Chapter 39, Uhura contacts Dr. McCoy while Spock is in a meditative trance. When Spock finally revives himself, the East African finds herself ill-prepared for his verbal machinations.

As always, your comments are appreciated.

Warm . . .

So warm . . .

Thinking about him made her feel so warm . . .

Tingling . . .

A tingling sensation . . .

All over her . . .

All over her . . .

Body . . .

Just thinking about him . . .

Spock . . .

Made her feel this way . . .

She sighed happily . . .

"Oh, Yeah . . . "

And then . . .

Cold.

Empty.

The sheets were cold and empty beside her.

Her eyes opened abruptly to confirm what her hand had already told her. She sat up and began to call his name when she noticed a breakfast tray on the nightstand. It was filled with various fruits, cereal, juice and toast. She tossed the blanket from her and found her feet on the floor. She took a step, but found she had to steady herself before moving toward the bedroom door. Entering the living room, she found him.

Kneeling before a firepot, she saw the Vulcan wearing a white robe and black sandals. Beard growth on this face and neck appeared more prominent than she recalled from the night before. And while he was before her, Spock appeared to be distant . . . so far away, it appeared as if he were there in body, only.

Uhura stood no more than three feet away from him, hoping he would soon revive himself. She tried not to feel disappointed when he continued to exist as if she were not there. As she withdrew back into the bedroom, she cursed herself for the hurt that had overcome her. The previous night with Spock had been . . . so beautiful. She told herself. I shouldn't sully that experience with thoughts of self-pity.

But, her efforts to convince herself to view the situation differently were expended in vain. Resentment crept into her soul.

Uhura picked up her bag and went into the bathroom to take care of her needs and shower. After refreshing herself, she put on her usual white bra and panties. However, she added a small sanitary pad to the crotch of her underwear after discovering evidence of blood in the toilet bowl after her use. She also took a couple of pills to dull the pain from cramps she had begun to feel. She reasoned her symptoms could also signal the coming of her period, rather than any more serious physical issue Spock may have caused her under the full force of the Blood Fever. She told herself, It was just one of the unpleasant side effects of one's menstrual cycle.

She dressed herself in slacks and a print tunic that extended to the top of her thighs. Around her neck, she added her simple chain with the Gye Nyame1 symbol attached. She had removed it before coming to the cabin for fear this cherished article may be damaged. As she reached down into her bag to retrieve a pair of flats, she noticed her communicator indicated a series of messages from one man – Dr. Leonard McCoy.

"Leonard, it's Uhura." She told him in a low voice, as soon as he answered her call.

"It's about time you contacted me!" The excited doctor exclaimed. "I was just on my way back up there to fetch you. And, this time, Captain Pike won't be around to stop me. He's left to run an errand, so I got to take advantage of this opportunity while it's still available."

"Hold on, Leonard. I'm not ready to leave. I only called to let you know not to worry about me."

"Not to worry about you? How is that possible? The last time Pike and I were there, that Vulcan beast wouldn't even let us get a glimpse of you. I didn't know if you were dead or alive."

"Well, obviously, you don't have to wonder about that anymore. And, the Captain wouldn't have left if he really thought I were in danger."

"I wouldn't be so sure about that, Darling. He won't let anything get in the way of completing the mission."

"The mission? I thought this was about saving Spock's life."

"Uh, right . . . right. That's what this is about."

The halting nature of McCoy's reply did not go unnoticed by Uhura. However, he did not give her time to question it any further.

"Now, get your things and be ready to head out the door."

"Leonard, I'm not going anywhere." She told him firmly. "Not until I'm sure Spock has fully recovered from the pon farr."

"I take it, then, you chose not use the chloral hydrate.2"

"It wasn't necessary. The worst of it is over. Since then, he's really been quite attentive . . . as gentle as a little lamb."

"Your little lamb said he would kill me if I tried to take even one step into your cabin to retrieve you. And, from the look in his eyes, I sure as hell didn't have any problem with believing him."

"Leonard, he's not fully recovered, yet."

"But, he's passed the most critical phase in his condition. There's no need for you to stay with him, despite his manic obsessive behavior. He can return to normal – whatever that is – without you."

"How can you be so sure, Leonard? Right now, I'm the only one he'll let come close to him. If he needs anything . . .

McCoy interrupted her. "Enough about that Vulcan bastard, Uhura. You've been with that maniac for four days and it's time you think of yourself. I'm not going to rest until you've had a thorough medical examination."

"I'm fine." She tried to calm him. "Initially, the sex was a bit rough, but you know I really don't have much to compare it to. The experience may have been closer to normal for some people than I think."

"Don't try to bull s**t me, Uhura. I've been privy to anecdotes about the pon farr and they are anything, but normal. And, even though Vulcans of both sexes are physically stronger than most humans, there is evidence of cases when some of them do not survive this disorder either mentally or physically."

"Look, Leonard, I do have a few bruises that were much more noticeable yesterday, than today."

"Any swelling or bleeding?"

"A little swelling. I took some ibuprofen and that seems to have improved the situation."

"And what about bleeding?"

"None that I could see." She knowingly lied.

"Have you experienced any dizziness?"

"Yes. From all of these questions you've been asking me."

"Uhura . . . "

"Leonard, I've already told you I'm fine. You've just got to believe me. And, Spock told me once the condition fully manifests itself, it usually lasts 4-6 days. So, he could recover any time now."

"What's he doing now? I'm surprised he's letting you communicate with anybody."

"He doesn't know I'm using my communicator. I'm actually talking in the bathroom, while he's in the living room. He seems like he's meditating, but it almost seems like its deeper than that . . . like he's in a trance."

"A trance–like state? Hmmmm . . . "

"Leonard, does that have any significance to his condition?"

"Perhaps. It's only a guess, but he may have placed himself in such a state in an attempt to facilitate the reconciliation of the psycho/hormonal imbalance he's been experiencing. If that's the case, you may be out of there sooner than you thought."

Uhura did not immediately respond.

"That's good news, isn't it?" McCoy asked.

"Yes . . . yes, of course it is." She replied, now ashamed of her attitude. "That's what we all want."

Uhura completed her call to McCoy, promising she would contact him as soon as it appeared Spock was back to normal. Not knowing how long Spock would continue to be in his current state, she told the doctor she would contact him that evening if Spock's condition had not changed.

And then, Uhura found herself on her knees . . .

Her head bowed in humble submission . . .

She said these words . . .

Lord, I am . . .

Exposed . . .

I professed to have come here with the pure intentions of saving Spock's life . . .

But I came here for myself . . .

I missed him so . . .

I wanted to be with him . . .

I wanted to love him . . .

I wanted him to love me . . .

And . . .

Now that we have come together in a most intimate way . . .

I find my desire for him continues to grow . . .

And fills me with such delight . . .

Yet . . .

This consuming desire blinded me to giving him what he needs . . .

As well as . . .

What I need . . .

A discerning heart . . .

A patient soul . . .

And an inclination to surrender to your will . . .

This, I ask of you, Dear Lord . . .

Amen.

Uhura waited on her knees to receive an answer. After a few moments, she found herself feeling dizzy and suddenly losing her balance. She put her hand out to brace herself against the floor. Laughter came over her, as told herself, I suppose I have been so hardheaded lately; the Lord knew he couldn't be subtle with me. I won't be any good for Spock if I don't start taking better care of myself.

The East African picked herself off the floor and went to the breakfast tray the Vulcan had left for her in the bedroom. It was not until she began eating that she realized how hungry she really was. She fed herself in small portions until she felt satisfied. She then made the bed, before taking the tray past Spock to the kitchen area. There, she checked the cupboards and refrigerator and noticed them to be well stocked.

Uhura knew what she should do.

By the time Spock came out of his meditation, the evening had embraced the small cabin. He rose up from his knees with thoughts of her . . . his Nyota. His heart lightened when he saw the back of her head peeping out from the back of the sofa. Steps closer revealed Uhura sprawled along the couch, seemingly engrossed in reading something on her iTablet. Assorted snacks in bowls were within her arm's reach on a coffee table. Just as she blindly reached her hand to the table to retrieve a few carrot sticks, Spock made his presence known.

"Your reading must be quite engaging for you not to look up from your screen as you reach for nourishment."

Startled, Uhura's carrots tumbled from her fingers and unto the floor. She quickly sat up and saw the tall Vulcan standing besides the couch with his hands clasped behind his back. Although he had been on his knees for hours, it pleased her that he looked relaxed, strong and well rested.

"Spock!" She exclaimed, delightfully flustered by his presence. She quickly scooped up the fallen carrots with a napkin. Still on the sofa, she sat back on her heels to speak with him. "How long have you been standing there?"

"I estimate I have been in this position for 90 seconds. However, my aim was not to disturb you."

"Really? Then, what was your aim, Mister?"

Enjoying her saucy tone, the Vulcan took a moment to take her in with his eyes. On the surface, she appeared vibrant and ready for playful banter. He answered, "My original intent was to determine your presence."

Feigning innocence, she replied, "Was there doubt I would remain here?"

"Last night, there was talk of the perception of being held captive."

"In that case, perception equaled reality. The circumstance offered no choice for me."

"Today, during the period I had placed myself in quite a profound meditative state, you had ample time to call forth your chariot and speed away to relative safety."

"Yes. That is true." She smiled coyly and rose up so that she now stood on the sofa, a head taller than the Vulcan. "But then, I would have missed it."

Amused, he looked up to her and felt her hands on his shoulders. "Please explain."

She slid her hands slowly from his broad shoulders to his neck. There, she let her fingers tickle his black beard growth that she thought made him look even sexier. In a sultry tone, she replied, "I would have missed the opportunity to catch up on my reading of journal articles from the Xenolinguistics Society."

With her face only a few inches away from his, he answered in an indifferent voice, "Then please, let me not keep you away from your edification for another moment."

Before she could deliver a retort, the Vulcan swept her off her feet and sat her back down on the sofa. He then headed toward the bedroom with a surprised Uhura trying not to seem too disappointed by his departure. "Spock, where are you going?"

He turned back to answer. "I am hardly fit company until I clean myself properly."

"The beard?" She inquired as she got up from the couch. "You're not going to get rid of the beard, are you? I think I rather like it."

"You like me looking unkempt like some careless vagrant?"

"Spock, it only needs a little trimming."

"Instead of a vagrant, you would rather I play the part of a rogue?" Feigning surprise, he added. "I did not know you had such tastes, Nyota."

"Facial hair does not denote such a trait and you know it." She argued. "Besides its aesthetic appeal, many men of my ethnic group wear it as a sign of masculinity."

"Did you have trouble identifying my gender before I sprouted this unsightly biomaterial?"

"Of course, not. I was just suggesting a change."

"Was that also not my intent when I suggested a modification of your locks. Yet, you did not withhold your protest at such a variation."

Uhura recalled his reference to the change in her hairstyle Spock initiated mentally during their mind meld.3 Her hair appeared altered from its naturally kinky style to a smoother texture.

Spock continued. "Apparently, the human adage does not apply in this circumstance. What is good for the goose is not good for the gander. Now, return to your studies while I take the required measures to make myself presentable."

"But, you must be hungry, Spock." She told him, approaching him with her arms open in invitation. "I made dinner for us in anticipation of your recovery. Surely, a shave and shower can wait until after we have eaten."

"It is not in the Vulcan tradition to dine without properly taking care of one's personal hygiene."

Uhura smiled and attempted to lighten her tone. "Spock, you don't have to worry about offending me. I can take it."

"Nyota, I have had the opportunity to be in close quarters with humans previously in both professional and personal circumstances. Thus, I am quite aware of their seemingly unflinching tolerance for bodily odors. And, while my present condition may not offend you, I do not want to offend myself."

"But, it didn't seem to matter last night when we were . . . you know . . . together. At that time, neither one of us had the opportunity to bathe in several days."

"Neither was either of us in our right mind."

"What?" Uhura cried out, as her hands took their place on her hips. "Are you going to stand there and disavow what you did and everything you said last night? Because if that's the case, you're about to see what happens when . . . " shaking her head from side to side, " . . . I'M NOT IN MY RIGHT MIND!"

Then, she saw it . . .

The corners of his lips curve slightly up in a semblance of a smile . . .

Spock was back . . .

He had set his trap . . .

And she walked in . . .

Quickly becoming entangled in his snare . . .

Spock was back . . .

He had her . . .

And he knew it . . .

His eyes sparkling with the satisfaction of knowing . . .

He bested her in the game of verbal jousting he enjoyed so much . . .

"Nyota, you need not be concerned." He told her with a smirk upon his face. "It is obvious you have, yet, to fully recover so I shall go easy on you for the remainder of the evening."

"Damn, Vulcan." She said seething in an intense, but low voice that only served to feed his bravado.

"Such language, Nyota." He said, speaking in a tone of feigned disapproval. "Vulgarity does not become you."

"I concede this round, Spock. But, I will make sure my wits are adequately sharpened for the next."

"Although you may have more time to gather your thoughts, there's doubt you will be any more effective. While I should take pity on you, I do believe I will take full delight in tonight's diversions."

"Oh, yes . . . foul." Uhura remarked, determined to get in one zinger before he departed. "I do not know why I did not notice it before, but there is a foul odor arising. It would serve you well to take care thoroughly clean every orifice and return to me in better humor."

Spock spoke, while moving toward the bathroom. "Woman, I will do as you say in hopes my example will encourage you to do likewise."

"I'll have you to know I showered this morning."

Turning back to her from the bathroom door, the Vulcan retorted. "Has it been that long since you have been acquainted with soap and water? It is no wonder your presence is announced by smell, before sight. "

Both of her shoes missed their intended target as the Vulcan artfully dodged her impromptu missiles.

Before entering the bathroom, he could not resist to offer one more jab, "For the sake of your pride, you should hope your remaining barbs carry a more effective delivery. Or, better yet, you save yourself both time and effort by forfeiting your aspirations and, instead, prepare for your inevitable surrender."

Yes . . .

Spock was back . . .

Author's Note: In Chapter 40, Spock and Uhura continue their verbal sparring until their passion for each other can no longer be contained with words.

My promises often go unfulfilled, so let the author just say she will do her best to have the next chapter up before making a living, once again,intrudes on her ability to write these stories in a more timely manner. Hopefully, the next post will be up in the next 72 hours.

Your comments are always appreciated.

1 The symbol has meaning for Uhura in two ways. It reflects the Ghanaian belief in the supremacy of God, and thus mirrors Uhura's own religious convictions. Also, it represents a cultural connection to her deceased mother who was Ghanaian.

2 Chloral hydrate is a drug that when mixed in a liquid can cause the person to lose consciousness, if consumed.

3 See Chapter 36.