Author's Note: In Chapter 41,Spock and Uhura spend their last evening in the cabin together.
The chapter features lyrics from the musical genius known as Stevie Wonder. I make no claim to his work or pretend I could have written such a beautiful song.
As always, your comments are appreciated.
In a cabin in the Sierra Madres, Spock sought to conclude his conversation with Captain Christopher Pike via their communicators.
"I am well aware of my duty, Captain."
"Then, you also realize 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."
Upon hearing the Vulcan's response, Pike realized his question was not specific enough. Spock could affirm he understood the command and, yet, have no intention of following the order in its entirety. Pike had learned long ago, Vulcans were masters in the art of omission when they did not want to reveal their true thoughts on a particular matter. However, the Captain sensed it was now too late to clarify his First Officer's reply, without belittling the validity of the original directive.
"I trust you will inform Ms. Uhura of the plan."
"Of course, sir."
"Then, I will see you in the morning."
After the Captain ended his transmission, Spock noted another caller had signaled him.
T'Lau . . .
However, Spock would not answer it. He noted on the communicator log she had attempted to contact him at least twice a day over the last four days. He was sure she would have assumed he was in need of her. Under the full throes of the pon farr, it disquieted him in no small measure that he probably would have joined with her if she had been with him. That is why he asked Pike to take him away to a location he would not even reveal to Spock. Once at the cabin, the Vulcan was secure in the knowledge Starfleet communicators did not allow detection of one's location unless one possessed the specific code to that device. Even with T'Lau's resources, she would not have access to it.
The sound of Uhura's lyric soprano voice coming from the shower served to lighten the Vulcan's heart. Spock realized he eventually would have to deal with T'Lau.
But not tonight . . .
The Vulcan swore . . .
I will not allow any thought of the imposter to sully this evening with my Nyota . . .
With that vow, he put away his communicator and dressed himself. He donned a pair of gold silk bottoms, which he covered with a knee-length coat made of white brocade fabric. Similar in style to a sherwani, the coat featured intricate designs made with silver thread on its collar and cuffs.
Moving out into the living room, he found his ka'athyra1 and sat down on the floor upon his meditation mat. There, he began to play to pass the time, while Uhura readied herself.
Time passed . . .
And, he felt himself grow anxious . . .
He thought, Did I not hear the water stop flowing 17.5 minutes ago? He quickly estimated the amount of time he believed reasonable for her to thoroughly dry herself and put on each article of clothing and accessories. He reasoned, She should have completed this task at least three minutes ago. What could possibly be the delay?
And then . . .
She called to him . . .
"Spock . . ."
And, as he sat down his lute and stood up to face in her direction . . .
Suddenly time no longer mattered . . .
Framed by the doorway . . .
Her gown made of richly colored kitenge fabric –
Hugged each of her delicate curves . . .
The asymmetrical cuts for the neck and hemlines . . .
Teased him by baring a shoulder . . .
And exposing the calf of one of her legs . . .
While the silver of her bracelets and earrings shined brightly . . .
And, a gold gele2 sat atop her head like a crown . . .
These items were no match for the luminous radiance of her brown skin . . .
And her face . . .
The Vulcan could find no words to adequately describe such an exquisite sight . . .
Soft brown eyes . . .
A full nose . . .
Fleshy lips . . .
She seemed transformed . . .
Into a beauty so rare . . .
It took his breath away . . .
"What do you think?" Uhura asked laughing, as she twirled about to show off her attire.
Yet, when she looked into his eyes, Uhura was not met with the spirit of gaiety. For like an awkward child, he knew not how to respond in the presence of the East African. Tongue-tied, Spock could only stare at her with lips pressed tightly together betraying his discomfort.
"Come on, Spock." Uhura said smiling, as she moved to him and placed her hands on his shoulders. "Tell me what you think?"
Uhura first saw his answer in his indifferent facial expression, matched by his cool response. "You need not have me feed you with compliments. I am sure you are quite aware of your current physical appearance."
"Look, Mister." She began, encouraging him to provide a much more romantic response. "You seemed to have spent quite a bit of time acquiring these things. I just want to know if you think it was worth it?"
"I would not have provided these articles if I did not believe them to be fitting for your wear. I am, of course, satisfied with the products as displayed upon your person."
The Vulcan could see her expression sober with his words. Her hands slid down from his shoulders and lightly pressed against his chest. Her eyes never left his face as she told him, "Spock . . . When I came into the room and you stood before me . . . my first impulse was to head right back into the bedroom. So handsome you appeared in your white brocade coat . . . Coupled with your flawless posture, your attire gave you such a regal bearing. I said to myself, Nyota, you are way out of your league!"
Hearing her own confession caused her to laugh.
"I find nothing humorous in your statement. You should never make such statements about yourself." He protested. "I am the one undeserving of . . ."
"Spock." She interrupted and then gently chided him. "A few minutes ago, you had your opportunity to speak on the subject. It's now time for my observations and I expect no less than your silent attentiveness."
When the Vulcan began to give a verbal response, Uhura brought her hand over his mouth. After Spock gave a slight nod to signify his agreement to her conditions, she removed her hand and continued.
"So, here I am with this fine-looking Vulcan before me and I feel like I don't measure up. And then . . . I take a look at your face and . . . it's like suddenly I can see myself through your eyes . . . and guess what?"
Uhura waited for his response. When he said nothing after 30 seconds passed, she asked, "Spock, don't you want to know what I saw?"
"Nyota, you forbade me to speak. Do I now have your permission to do so?"
The East African paused as if considering his question, before she replied, "No, I think a silent, reflective Spock is what is needed at this time."
The Vulcan nodded, again, eagerly awaiting her to fully divulge her observation.
"Spock, when you looked at me, I felt so . . . beautiful! . . . Yes, beautiful! Not cute or perky as if I were someone's kid sister . . . Baby, you make me feel like a beautiful woman!" Uhura happily exclaimed.
Her joy could not help, but touch him and begin to lessen the Vulcan's barrier of self-conscious ineptness he had placed between them.
"And, one more thing." Uhura added. "While your heart is discernible to me, such matters should not be like a stranger to your tongue." She reached her hand up to his cheek, caressing it tenderly with her slender fingers. "Spock, I am your woman . . . and you are my man. We should not be hesitant to speak what we hold so dear."
Taking the hand she had used to caress her cheek, the Vulcan's lips gave her kisses upon her palm bound both by love and gratitude. When he raised his head, she laughed lightly and said, "Aaaah! Your speech is, indeed, improving. But, knowing you, there is still a long way to go."
"You must teach me, Nyota."
"I don't know." She teased. "You can be quite a difficult student."
Spock's arms encircled her and drew the East African's body against his to feel his rising heat. "I can make it worth your while."
"Oh, no you don't." She pushed her hands out against his chest and raised up her head. "Time for dinner. I spent too much time on it to let it go to waste. Come on to the table, Baby, and savor my flavors."
"Nyota." He remarked with feigned innocence. "That has been my intention all along."
Yielding to her insistence, Spock took a seat at the table while Uhura served bowls of vegetable stew and ugali.3 Her previous merry mood quickly changed as she examined the cornmeal mush, complaining it had dried out having sat in the pot too long. She told him, "I doctored it as best I could, but I am almost too ashamed to serve it. To make them even somewhat edible, I had to place balls of the ugali at the bottom of the bowls and cover them with the stew."
"On a trip to the African continent, I recall seeing this cuisine prepared for eating in this matter."
"My ugali is usually good enough to stand on its own." She contended. "I enhance the basic recipe by adding herbs, spices and minced greens to create layers of flavor and increase its nutritional value
Spock looked at the steaming bowl and remarked, "As is, your dish appears palatable."
"Aren't you going to try it?" She asked anxiously.
"I was waiting for you to perform your usual religious ritual."
Suddenly realizing she had forgotten to say grace, Uhura bowed her head and said a quick prayer barely audible to even the Vulcan with his superior hearing capacity. The East African then refocused her eyes on the Vulcan. He picked up his spoon and noticed she had not done the same.
"Will you not partake of your own cooking?"
"I will wait for you to taste it."
"My sampling of it will not alter its essence."
"I just would like to know if it is good or not."
"Would you not be the better judge? Since this food is of your culture, it would be much more familiar to your palate rather than mine."
"Oh, Spock . . . stop being so logical! Just taste it and let me know what you think!" She said in exasperation.
"It is not in the Vulcan tradition to speak during the main entrée."
"Spock!" Uhura took a moment to calm herself, and then tried a more quieter tone. "Take one spoonful and provide your opinion. That's all I ask of you. In deference to your tradition, I promise I will not speak again once you have shared your criticism."
"Very well." He told her as he picked up his spoon and delved into the stew. Making sure his utensil retrieved a piece of the ugali, he placed the sample into his mouth seemingly undisturbed by its hot temperature. Uhura watched with rapt attention as he methodically chewed and swallowed the tasting. She held her breath as he made his pronouncement.
"It is satisfactory."
Uhura watched as he scooped up another spoonful and placed it in his mouth. When he started to dip his utensil back into his bowl a third time, he looked up having expected Uhura to protest his terse review. Yet, he saw she had already began to eat from her own bowl with a seemingly content expression on her face.
"Nyota?"
"Hmmm?" She sounded with a mouthful of stew.
"You found my critique to be sufficient?"
The East African remarked, "I thought we were to maintain silence during the entrée."
"Yes, that is the Vulcan custom."
"Then let's not say another word until we have both had our fill."
The Vulcan watched Uhura as she resumed eating. When he recognized a sly smile on her face, he realized Uhura had caught onto his game. He tried to push her buttons, but she saw right through his ploy and chose not to fall into his trap.
As Spock began to eat again, he had to admit to himself how much he enjoyed vicariously experiencing her emotions when he prodded her. However, this time, her agile wit and perceptiveness proved to be a worthy match to his mischievous designs. He ate the stew heartily and asked for another helping upon completing his bowl.
Beaming with pride, she refilled his dish and brought it back to the table. Serving it from behind him, she whispered in his ear, "It's damn good, isn't it?"
After completing their meal, the two cleaned the dishes with Uhura at the sink and Spock taking on the drying duties. If one did not know better, it would appear as if they had carried out this task together countless times before. So at ease were they beside each other, the activity seemed less like a chore than an opportunity for them to share time with each other.
In good humor, Uhura passed a washed plate to Spock for drying. "I'm still trying to imagine you lying on the ground, watching clouds drift by."
"I must admit Jack had a way of getting me to participate in activities I would have ordinarily deemed as a waste of time."
"Oh, really. So, what's Jack's secret?"
"If I knew, do you think I would tell you?"
Uhura's laughter filled the air, before she commented. "If I could, I would definitely try to somehow pry the information out of him."
"Not that I would like you to obtain such information, but does the Captain's son no longer come to you for Spanish language lessons."
"Oh, no. Not since he caught Kirk and I kissing. Of course, being a male Jack put the blame all on me and told me he did not need my services any longer. And, before he left us Jack gave one last remark in quite an accusatory tone. He told me, I thought you liked Mr. Spock." Uhura laughed lightly and turned to hand another plate to the Vulcan; however, she could tell by his face Spock was not amused.
Spock's posture had noticeably stiffened as he took the plate from her and began to dry it. "And where did this lewd behavior take place?"
"Lewd behavior? Spock it was simply a kiss."
"Nyota, have you forgotten I have been the recipient of demonstrations of your affection. There is nothing at all simple about them. And, while I doubt if Kirk knew any better, I would have expected you to exercise more restraint."
"Spock, you really are overreacting. Kirk and I were in the Graduate Student Office when one thing led to another and Jack walked in."
"What thing was this, Nyota, that would have caused you to behave in such a manner?"
Uhura pulled out the drain stop and dried her hands on a towel. "I don't know why you're getting so upset. You knew Kirk and I were seeing each other. When we were together, did you think we just held hands?"
"Cadet Kirk was not worthy of your attentions."
"Well, you don't have to worry about that anymore. Kirk hates me!" Upon speaking those words, Uhura came to realize how the incident still affected her. She repeatedly, more quietly, "He hates me."
Uhura placed the towel on the kitchen counter and walked to the couch. She sat down dejectedly, turning her face from Spock so he would not see the beginning of her tears.
On first impulse, Spock thought it best to leave her to herself. However, another instinct took over which he hardly recognized. In response, the Vulcan sat down next to Uhura on the couch. She would not turn to him, but looked down to avoid his gaze.
Silence.
And then, Spock found the words to speak.
"Nyota, I have often wondered how you manage to give your heart to so many . . . and still have room there for me."
Uhura shook her head. "Spock, I'm not in love with Kirk. I chose you, don't you understand that."
"But these feelings for Kirk are there."
"Not the way you think, Spock. Sometimes, it seems like your perspective on male/female relationships are quite narrow."
"I am well aware there are different kinds of love. I saw one type demonstrated before my eyes last year on April 4."
"April 4 . . . " Uhura gasped, knowing the date all too well.
"I saw him in your room at the Medical Treatment Facility . . . the day after Cadet Leveque almost . . . " A flash of anger seized him at the thought of the attempted rape.4 After calming himself, he continued. "After you were sedated . . . Kirk stayed in your room all night long . . . so he would be the first you would see upon your awakening . . . He was there to hold you in his arms and catch your tears . . . He gave you much needed comfort . . . when I could not."
The Vulcan sat quietly, attempting to fight back his own feelings of helplessness emanating from the experience.
"So, you see, Nyota, I do understand why you care for him. Your capacity to love and be loved would not let you behave otherwise. Ironically, I must admit such an ability is both strange, yet compelling. It is one of the reasons I find myself so attracted to you."
When Uhura raised her eyes to look upon the Vulcan . . .
It was as if she were looking at him for the first time . . .
His remarks so filled her with joy . . .
She could hardly contain herself . . .
Spock observed the huge grin that appeared on her face and commented, "You appear pleased."
Uhura nodded happily.
"In fact, you seem quite pleased with yourself."
The East African nodded more vigorously.
"I see." The Vulcan seemed to reflect for a moment, before saying. "When I was a youth, my mother introduced me to your tradition of musical theatre. After viewing several shows, she asked for my opinion. I told her I did not understand the motivation for the characters to sing when there was no logical reason for them to do so. She answered saying, The characters break out into song when mere words no longer will suffice."
Uhura nodded in agreement.
"Would you care to express yourself through song, Nyota?"
She nodded, again.
"Use your iTablet to find the music of your choice so I may accompany you." As the Vulcan moved across the room to retrieve his ka'athyra, Uhura picked up her iTablet from the coffee table and took time to think of the right song. Suddenly, a selection came to mind. She quickly found a copy of the music and presented it to Spock who returned to the sofa.
"Another selection by the composer Stevie Wonder – your composer of choice for your holiday gift to me."
"You remembered?"
"So, it appears you can speak after all." Spock feigned surprise.
Disregarding his previous statement, she remarked, "Yes, Stevie Wonder is also the one who wrote 'Overjoyed' - the song I recorded for you before I left campus to study for comprehensive exams at my friend's New York apartment. I never even knew if you actually listened to it."
"Of course, I did. I found Mr. Wonder's music to be deceptively more complex than one would ordinarily assume of a Terran pop composer. In particular, I found his use of extended chords and melismatic melodies to be quite intriguing."
"Spock, I didn't send it for you to assess Wonder's talents."
"As I remember, your introduction to your performance did not provide insight on the recording's intent." Spock remarked, although at the time he first heard the song, it evoked strong emotions within him for Uhura.5 The Vulcan still found it difficult to be open about such thoughts with the East African.
"Oh, Spock must I spell out everything." She half-joked. "I was obviously expressing my love for you."
Spock's look of indifferent failed to change with her revelation.
Uhura continued. "So, I suppose I better not be subtle with this selection either." She stood in preparation of her performance. "The song is entitled, 'You and I.' Get it? I am going to sing about 'You and I.'"
"Nyota, I am not dense."
"No, but at times you can be intentionally obtuse!"
Spock turned his head at an angle, feigning incomprehension of her meaning. Uhura shook her head and asked, "Are you ready?"
Spock put his instrument in the proper position and placed one of his hands over the strings. "I shall follow your lead."
Uhura parted her lips . . .
And, lifted her lyrical voice into the air . . .
There . . .
He found her . . .
Through his music . . .
He found her . . .
With sensuous notes that rose up to meet her . . .
Dancing and intertwining with the melody flowing from her voice . . .
He created a pulsating, yet harmonious counterpoint . . .
That drove their passion higher still . . .
Giving wing to their deep affections for one another . . .
And embraced through the poetry of the lyrics . . .
Here we are on Earth together,
It's you and I,
God has made us fall in love, it's true,
I've really found someone like you
Will it say the love you feel for me, will it say,
That you will be by my side
To see me through,
Until my life is through
Well, in my mind, we can conquer the world,
In love . . .
You and I . . .
You and I . . .
You and I . . .
I am glad at least in my life I found someone
That may not be here forever to see me through,
But I found strength in you,
I only pray that I have shown you a brighter day,
Because that's all that I am living for, you see,
Don't worry what happens to me
Cause' in my mind, you will stay here always,
In love . . .
You and I . . .
You and I . . .
You and I . . .
In my mind we can conquer the world,
In love . . .
You and I . . .
You and I . . .
You and I . . .
Fire . . .
Fire . . .
FIRE . . .
It burned so . . .
When he came inside of her . . .
Torn panties strewn on the floor . . .
His silk bottoms hanging halfway down his thighs . . .
Could not make it to the bed . . .
No time to fully undress and make it . . .
Nice . . .
Back pressed against the wall . . .
Legs wrapped around his waist . . .
She felt each . . .
Unrestrained . . .
Thrust . . .
Again . . .
And again . . .
And again . . .
But she neither screamed . . .
Or cried out in pain . . .
For her hunger for him . . .
Would not let her do anything other . . .
Than open her legs even wider . . .
To fill her sweet pocket . . .
With his precious hot tonic . . .
Fire . . .
Fire . . .
FIRE . . .
Oh, how she loved to . . .
BURN!
Uhura lay nude in the bed under the warmth of a blanket. With a robe draped over his body, Spock walked into the bedroom bearing a small glass of cranberry juice. Sitting down beside her on the edge of the bed, he offered the glass to her. She sipped a little of the liquid, before placing it on the nightstand.
"Are you still experiencing any pain?" The Vulcan asked with great concern.
"Spock, I never called it pain. I felt some discomfort, but the analgesic you gave me did the trick. I'm a little drowsy, but other than that I'm fine."
"An analgesic is a pain reliever, Nyota. Using a synonym does not change its substance."
"Baby, I'm all right. Stop worrying." She could see by his face he was unconvinced, so she thought it better if she changed the focus from herself. "I see you're all covered up. Isn't that your meditation robe?"
"Yes, it is."
"I thought you were coming to bed."
"I will join you after I have completed my meditative process."
Uhura unsuccessful tried to stifle a yawn. "I might be asleep by then."
"I assume that will be the case. The pain reliever you took contained a sedative, which apparently is taking effect."
Uhura studied the Vulcan and then told him, "I don't understand, Spock . . . We made love."
Spock does not readily comment.
She continued. "I thought it was beautiful . . . I thought . . . I thought you felt the same way, too."
"The deed has been committed. It cannot be undone."
"Why would we want to do that?" She asked, anxiously.
"I should not have taken you, tonight. It was irresponsible on my part."
"You did not take me, Spock . . . I wanted you."
"You needed more time to heal."
"We'll just have to be more careful, tomorrow."
"There is no tomorrow, Nyota."
His words startled her. Her mind raced, trying to comprehend the subtext behind his statement. Finally, she dared to ask, "What are you trying to tell me, Spock?"
"While you were in the shower, Captain Pike called to ascertain the status of my health. Once he learned the Blood Fever no longer controlled my being, the Captain said he wanted us to return to the Academy. I argued to allow us one more night. He relented; however, he's made arrangements for Dr. McCoy to retrieve you at 6:00 AM. I will leave with the Captain shortly after you depart."
Spock could see a momentary flash of disappointed in her eyes. However, she quickly decided she would not waste a moment on self-pity. Uhura looked to him and said, "That doesn't give us much time. It's nearly midnight already."
"It is 11:53 PM."
"Baby, if we only have tonight, why don't you want to lie next to me?"
"What I want and what is best for you at present cannot be reconciled."
"You should let me be the judge of what is best for me."
"I do not trust myself with you." He snapped, before pausing in an attempt to quiet himself. "The emotions are too untamed and much too strong for me to control it."
When the Vulcan rose from the bed, she called to him, "Spock, please don't go."
"I will not risk hurting you, again, just to appease my hunger for you."
"Then, just stay long enough for me to fall asleep." She smiled. "Baby, I swear that medication is definitely doing a number on me. The way I feel now, I tell you it won't be long before I'm out for the night."
It was her smile . . . her smile that melted his resolve. He returned to her side, his posture erect. She innocently picked up one of his hands and began to playfully explore it. She measured her small hand against his large one, observing the significance in the size differential. She then used her index finger to trace the lifeline running throughout the palm of his hand. She examined his fingers, noting the length, width, and texture of each one.
Uhura's childlike recreation both amused and fascinated him. He asked, "Please explain how this activity facilitates nocturnal rest."
"It really is quite relaxing and comforting." She replied, still focused on her diversion.
"How much longer do you estimate your examination will take?"
"Probably, the remainder of the night."
"You have already conducted a visual inspection. What more is there to do?"
"I must test your hand against various stimuli."
"What impetuses are included in your experiment?"
"Well, for one . . ." Uhura brought his hand to her warm lips. There, her sweet kiss on his palm initiated a warm, amorous sensation that began to flow throughout his body.
"Nyota . . . " He gasped, feeling his arousal grow once more. Withdrawing his hand from her grasp, the Vulcan gazed upon the East African woman and wondered how such a petite, young woman could excite him so.
"That is enough, now." Spock warned her as he sought to calm his quickened breath and sexual heat. "I shall not stay by your side much longer if you persist with your teasing."
Uhura did not want to end her play, but neither did she want Spock to leave her side. She folded her hands on her torso, deciding not to further test the Vulcan's resolve.
No words were spoken between them. Then, Spock confessed, "This remark should not be taken as a license for you to continue your ministrations. However, I must say, I did indeed enjoy your . . . experiment. One day, we must take the time to allow you to bring it to full fruition."
Delighted by his admission, she remarked, "It may take more than one trial to insure the accuracy of the results."
"I am a scientist, Nyota. The requirements of research are quite evident to me."
"Of course. Do you have any criticisms of my technique?"
"I must take the time to more thoroughly reexamine your procedure. However, my initial assessment found your technique to be quite effective."
"Thank you. However, I must admit I've had some coaching."
"Is that so?" Spock's tone noticeably stiffened. "Who has provided such assistance?" He asked, hoping Kirk's name would not sprang from her lips.
"My roommate."
"The Orion?"
Uhura reached her hand up and allowed her fingers to lightly tickle the hairs along one of his arms. "Yes, Gaila. Of course, I am sure she thought it was a lost cause. Even when I was seeing Kirk, I doubt if Gaila believed I would ever go all the way."
The Vulcan reached up and stilled her hand.
Surprised at his action, she tried to suppress a sudden sense of rejection. "Spock, what's wrong?"
"You must no longer be the recipient of the Orion's instruction."
"I know you are use to more experienced women. Baby, I just want to please you."
"Orions use their sexual prowess to manipulate their partner to be subject to their will. Whether their partner pleases them is immaterial when they practice their sexual commerce. This is not what I want for you and, more importantly, I thought it was not what you wanted for yourself."
"Spock, there are aspects about the Orion culture I do not condone, but Gaila is my friend and means well by me."
"Then, as a friend, she would be better served to follow your example."
"Oh, Spock. What could I possibly teach her?"
The Vulcan looked to her, his eyes betraying his consuming passion for the East African. And, he told her, "The Orions know of carnal techniques, but share none of your gifts of love . . . The tenderness of your touch . . . sweetness of your lips . . . faithfulness within your eyes . . . the way your body moves in harmony with your man . . . and your words . . . wondrous words of affection that removes all belief your man could ever experience such rapture with anyone else. Nyota . . . you possess all of these talents . . . as well as my heart."
There was no sound . . .
She opened her mouth, but he had left her . . .
Speechless . . .
So filled was she with love for the Vulcan . . .
She thought, What possibly could be left to say?
He told her, "Nyota, close your eyes now and find rest. I will awaken you at the appropriate hour to allow sufficient time to take breakfast and ready yourself for your departure."
Uhura found her voice, although she could only speak in whispers. "How do you expect me to sleep after that?"
"You must not be so dismissive of your husband's counsel."
"Husband?" She shook her head, trying to fight off the sleep that was coming despite her protests. "Baby, this is crazy. We're not . . . married." She yawned. "You haven't even asked me."
"Asking you is simply a formality. However, if you so desire, I will do so."
"Spock . . . "
"Nyota . . ." He called to her as she closed her eyes.
He readjusted the covers over her body . . .
Making sure she would not experience a chill during the night . . .
Bending down he found her lips and kissed her gently . . .
Lifting his head slightly above hers . . .
He gazed upon her blissful face . . .
And tenderly spoke these words . . .
"Ashayam6, will you marry me?"
Author's Note: In Chapter 42, Uhura and Spock must part. T'Lau "welcomes" Spock upon his return.
Your comments are always appreciated.
1 A Vulcan lute.
2 A headwrap
3 Ugali is a popular African dish of cornmeal mush.
4 The events are dramatized in Chapters 34-35 of my story, "Needs."
5 See Chapter 43 of my story, "Needs."
6 Ashayam is the Vulcan word for Beloved.