Author's Note: In Chapter 40,Spock reveals a gift for Uhura with special meaning for them both. Captain Pike contacts the Vulcan to question his need to remain at the cabin any longer.
As always, your comments are appreciated.
In a cabin in the Sierra Madres, Uhura removed a lid from a pot and took in the aroma of the stew. Picking up a spoon, she took a sample of the simmering mixture of vegetables and nodded with satisfaction upon its tasting. After closing the pot, she turned her attention to the ugali1 that had already pulled itself away from the sides of the pan, signifying its readiness. With the table already set, she hoped Spock would come out of the bathroom soon to enjoy the meal she had prepared.
Uhura's answer came a moment later when the tall Vulcan strode into the dining area. Clad only in a black boxer brief and beige towel around his neck, the East African tried not to focus on his seemingly sculpted physique. His prior comments about her body odor had not sat well with her, so she was not yet ready to forgive him.
"Nyota, the bathroom is now available for your use."
"I didn't say I was in need of it."
He looked at her curiously, while several of drops of water fell down onto his forehead from his wet hair. He advised, "I believe you will find it preferable to freshen up a bit before donning a change of clothing for dinner."
Uhura found herself being distracted for a moment, as the water droplets seemed to cling to his skin. "Spock, I'm already dressed." She said, indicating the slacks and tunic she had put on that morning. "But you certainly don't expect to dine with hardly anything on, do you?"
"I understand what remains for me to do to be properly dressed for dinner. It is you who is still in need of persuasion."
"Spock, I'm fine with what I have on. Now, there's no reason to belabor the subject." She said, pulling his towel from around his neck. He stood by as she used the towel to gently mop his forehead with seeming familiarity, as if the two had performed this gesture many times before.
"I believe you could make a more informed opinion if you allowed yourself to gaze upon the clothing and accessories I have laid out for you in the bedroom. I thought if given the opportunity, you might want to present yourself in more attractive attire."
Uhura crossed her arms, weary of the discussion. "Spock, I did not pack my bag thinking I would have the occasion to play dress up. I am sure whatever clothing you retrieved from it does not look any better than what I have on."
"Woman, the articles I speak of did not originate from your closet." He took the towel from her hands. "Come and inspect these items. You can then decide if they are worthy of your attention."
Uhura looked to the Vulcan with a circumspect eye, but then relented as curiosity got the better of her. She entered the bedroom, with Spock following behind her. So close was he that when she stopped abruptly, he fell into her and had to grab her around her waist to steady both of their bodies.
"What's this?" She gasped, as her eyes gazed upon the articles upon the bed. Reluctantly, the Vulcan released her as she sought to move closer to the treasures before her.
A pair of sepia-toned sandals with a thin sole and delicate straps . . .
Silver teardrop earrings with a matching bangle bracelet composed of six slender strands . . .
A gold gele2 . . .
And . . .
A gown made of purple and yellow kitenge cloth . . .
The origin of the lovely fabric was not lost on the East African . . .
Uhura moved to the gown and lifted it from the bed, holding the dress in her arms with great care. In a hushed voice, she finally managed to say, "This gown is made from the same fabric I rejected earlier this year, because I felt ill-at ease about accepting such a costly gift. The ensuing argument led to our . . . separation.3"
"This cloth did not cause our estrangement, Nyota." The Vulcan held the East African with his eyes. "Fear took hold of me that evening . . . a fear that you would one day see who I really am and not want me. It seemed logical at the time to let you go, before that took place."
"Really?" She said, unable to hold back the painful memory. "So, how did that turn out for you?"
"I realized I had miscalculated my emotional capacity for you."
"Under . . . or . . . over."
"To use a human expression, I was . . . in . . . way over my head."
Uhura took a moment to let his words take hold, suppressing unpleasant thoughts of the past. Then, she remarked, "We both became involved with other people. Why did you have the dress made not knowing if I would ever accept it?"
"I believed if I contracted to have the gown created and presented it, a reasonable woman would not reject this gift."
"Why did you wait until now to reveal it to me?"
"There are many aspects about the pon farr that are not understood. My people have never undertaken a comprehensive medical or psychological study of its triggers, symptoms or effects. However, as the Blood Fever came to take hold of my being, an archetypal memory of a ritual known as the adornment found its way into my subconscious."
The adornment. She repeated the term to herself having recalled Spock referring to it during the mind meld. However, at that time he had not explained what was meant by it.
The Vulcan continued. "I found myself compulsively preparing for this moment. I engaged a seamstress to fashion the garment and ordered the gown's accessories."
"Spock, you could not have known I would come. Dr. McCoy even told me it seemed as if you were preparing for your . . . "
Uhura could not say it. She could not bring herself to give voice to the probable grave result of the Vulcan not being able to reconcile his extreme psycho/hormonal imbalance. Spock spared her from completing the sentence.
"It was illogical to think you would come and I knew of the risks posed to your own person if you were to submit. Yet . . . I wanted you so . . . I believed you would come."
"But, I still do not understand how the adornment has anything to do with the pon farr."
"While there are no scientific studies of the pon farr process, there are a few writings on this aspect of the phenomenon that date back to the time of Surak.4 One poetic work speaks to the experience of one Vulcan male and his appointed mate. The piece is unusual in the Vulcan literary tradition for its striking eroticism. Yet, considering the subject, it would be difficult to express it any other way."
"Is the work accessible?"
"It is not available to those outside the Vulcan home world. Since it is written in an archaic Vulcan style, many of our people would even have difficulty reading it. However, if you desire, I will translate and recite it to you."
"Please do."
Spock diverted his eyes for a moment, as if to recall the words. Then, he looked back to her to speak these words.5
Lover . . .
When my eyes first met yours . . .
You were young and innocent . . .
Your eyes gleaming bright with promise . . .
I watched you . . .
Once, a gem in the rough . . .
Find your womanly shape . . .
Your breasts formed . . .
Your hair flowed down to touch your back . . .
Your hips ripened with fullness . . .
Indeed . . .
You developed into the most beautiful of all jewels . . .
And when the pon farr last came over me . . .
I knew you were at last old enough for love . . .
When I needed you most . . .
You came to me naked and without pretense . . .
Your desire was only for me . . .
While you were in my arms . . .
I covered you with my garment . . .
Shamelessly exalting in my lust . . .
I thrust my shaft into your ready meat . . .
Igniting a fire of white flames . . .
My passion fed off my immense hunger for you . . .
That seemingly had no end . . .
Our bodies . . .
Coupled together . . .
Sought to become one . . .
Until . . .
Our thighs became raw . . .
Covered in your virgin blood . . .
And . . .
When this wanton need for you finally found pause . . .
I picked you up in my arms . . .
Bathed you with water . . .
Washing away the sanguine fluid . . .
I anointed you with oil . . .
And happily adorned you . . .
Bracelets on you arms . . .
Jewels about your delicate neck and earlobes . . .
I dressed you in fine linens . . .
Covering you in costly garments . . .
And from my fingers . . .
I fed you sweet hirats, kasas, and pla-savas6 . . .
Until you had enough . . .
Now, I wait at your feet . . .
And, gaze upon your face . . .
Awaiting your instruction . . .
My woman . . .
My lover . . .
I will forever be your servant . . .
In the silence that followed, all that could be heard was Uhura's quickened breath. She was painfully aware of this and other telltale signs which left no doubt of her sure arousal . . . nipples which stood erect underneath her tunic . . . a delicious wetness she felt in her crotch . . . and a sexual heat rising within her. Yes, if she had not previously needed a shower, she knew it was now necessary.
"Dangerous." Was the first word that escaped from her lips. "You, Spock . . . you are one dangerous Vulcan."
"Why have you chosen such a word to describe me?" He questioned with feigned innocence. "Did my recitation encourage such a label?"
The East African studied the Spock, before she responded. "I do not know which is more treacherous – your touch or your tongue."
"Shall I lay hands on you presently, to allow a more recent comparison for your analysis?"
Uhura shook her head from side to side in disbelief of his offer. However, instead of disapproval, the Vulcan saw a grin come across her face.
The sight of her this way . . .
Pleased him so . . .
Knowing that he could move her . . .
Knowing he could awaken her arousal for him . . .
Fed his avarice . . .
So drunk was he for the love of the East African . . .
He told himself . . .
Knowing others have sought your hand . . .
Men who have wanted you . . .
Men who still want you . . .
To cast your favors upon them . . .
But, please T'hy'la7 , , ,
Let it be me . . .
Let it only be me . . .
Oh, how I love you so . . .
Uhura told him, "I suppose I had better hurry or the dinner I've been cooking all day will be inedible."
"Take your time, Nyota. The cultivation of beauty should not be rushed."
His reward came in the form of a kiss upon his lips. "I concede Round 2 to you." She happily quipped. "But, I certainly plan to come out strong for Round 3."
"I will be well prepared for your challenge, Ashayam."8
The Vulcan watched as she walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower.
Spock knew it was unrealistic, but his steps appeared lighter as he moved across the room to the closet to dress himself. Just as he did, the Vulcan heard the familiar sound of his communicator. As a Starfleet Officer, he knew he could not ignore it.
"Yes, Captain." He answered the call upon viewing the identity of the caller.
"Spock, Dr. McCoy informed me he spoke with Cadet Uhura earlier today. From what she described, he thought there might be a possibility the crisis may be over by now. Is it true?"
"Yes, Captain. My bio-readings appear to have returned to normal levels."
"Then, why didn't you contact me, so we could return to the Academy? You know McCoy has also been anxious to take Cadet Uhura back for a full examination."
"We are not ready to return, sir." Spock said with no hesitation.
"If you are no longer incapacitated, there is no reason for you to remain."
"Sir, I cannot leave her." His replied, his voice remaining resolute. "I cannot leave her this way."
"What do you mean by that statement? If Cadet Uhura's health is impaired, she should leave immediately."
"Captain, I am no longer under the influence of the Blood Fever and have returned to my right mind. If I believed her health was in serious peril, do you think I would hesitate to seek medical attention for her?"
"Then, what is this about?"
"One more night, sir. I only ask for one more night."
Pike heard the Vulcan's voice, but the Captain could not yet relinquish concerns of his military office. "Spock, the purpose of this interlude was not to give you the opportunity to play house."
"You of all people know what she means to me."
"It is forbidden."
"Captain, you sent her to me while I was in the full throes of the Blood Fever, knowing I could not restrain myself from want of her. You knew not if she would survive the ordeal."
"Spock, this mission cannot risk failure. You know lives are at stake."
"Sir, you contend you are concerned about preserving life." Spock remarked coolly. "Yet, four days ago, it was acceptable to risk Cadet Uhura's life. Is that not true, sir?"
Silence.
Finally, Captain Pike found his tongue. "You know what is at stake, Spock. And, the strategy has proved sound."
"Then, grant me my request, sir."
"One more night and then what, Spock? For the sake of the mission, you must return to T'Lau. You must help us break this conspiracy."
"I am well aware of my duty, Captain."
"Then, you are also aware you will not be able to share any details of this operation with Ms. Uhura. And, without such knowledge, your continued association with T'Lau can only serve to cause the Cadet heartbreak? Why risk tormenting her this way?"
"Captain, I will deal with the imposter and fulfill my charge. However, in doing so, I will not betray Ms. Uhura. Upon my life, I swear it."
"Spock . . ."
The Captain called to him, but knew it was in vain. He had known the Vulcan long enough to understand he would not be persuaded. Instead, the Captain gave the following orders.
"I will have McCoy come for Cadet Uhura at 6 AM. I will arrive for you, as soon as they depart. And, when we return to the Academy, other than incidental contact you must not resume relations with Cadet Uhura. Is that understood, Mister?"
And, without hesitation Spock answered, "Yes, sir."
Author's Note: In Chapter 41,Spock and Uhura spend their last evening in the cabin together.
The first draft of the next chapter is almost written. The author will make an attempt to post by the end of the upcoming weekend.
Happy New Year, to all!
Your comments are always appreciated.
1 Ugali is an African version of cornmeal mush.
2 Head wrap
3 See Chapter 17. Spock attempted to make a present of the material with the intent of having a dress made for it. Uhura
4 According to Earth's calendar, Surak lived during the 4th C. AD.
5 The following draws much from the Biblical passage, Ezekiel 16: 6-14; however, it is obviously taken out of context.
6 These are types of Vulcan fruits.
7 T'hy'la is the Vulcan word for Lover
8 Ashayam is the Vulcan word for Beloved.