Author's Note: In Chapter 42, Uhura and Spock spend their final hour together at the cabin. Upon Spock's return to the Academy campus, T'Lau surprisingly shows up at the Vulcan's apartment.
As always, your comments are appreciated.
Uhura stood in the shower, only vaguely recalling being awakened by Spock a few moments before. She normally was an early riser, but she still felt a little groggy from the sedative contained in the pain reliever she had taken. As the warm stream of water hit her skin, details of the previous evening slowly came to mind bringing a warm flush all over her body.
Thinking of him . . .
Made her smile . . .
She felt so good . . .
So good . . .
So damn good . . .
And then . . .
Something came to her mind that seemed so unbelievable she initially could do nothing, but dismiss it.
But then . . .
The thought returned. She wondered if it really happened or was it really a dream.
At 5:33 AM, Spock waited patiently as Uhura placed her last spoonful of hot kap-yar1 cereal in her mouth.
"Would you like another serving, Nyota?" The Vulcan asked.
"No, Spock. This one bowl was quite filling."
"The nutritional value of kap-yar is higher than most of your Terran grains. Similar to your wheat bran, it is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. It is also a good source of protein, thiamin, riboflavin, potassium, dietary fiber, niacin, vitamin B6, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese and . . . "
"Spock . . ." She gently interrupted him. "We have less than 30 minutes remaining."
"Does the subject not interest you?"
"Baby, I can read a food label any time." Uhura placed her hand on his. "But I don't know how soon we'll have another chance to be together like this."
"Nyota, I still do not think you are ready for intercourse. As I told you last night . . ."
"Spock!" The East African exclaimed as she took away her hand. "I wasn't talking about making love!"
"Then shall I continue with my recitation of the nutritional advantages of kap-yar?"
Uhura gave Spock the look.
"Nyota, do you have a subject you would like us to discuss?"
"Well . . . " She hesitated. "I do . . . but it's kind of crazy."
"Crazy as in mentally deranged?" Spock asked.
"No . . . crazy as in . . . " She paused to think of the right word. "Crazy as weird . . . bizarre . . .no, unexpected . . . yes, unexpected is the right word."
"In what way would a topic of this nature be preferable to information related to one's physical health?"
"Spock . . . " She hesitated, again. "By any chance . . . last night . . . did you mention . . . or say something about . . . "
"Selenium."
"What?"
"It's a trace mineral found in kap-yar. When incorporated in a protein, it produces antioxidant enzymes important in the prevention of cellular damage from free radicals."
"Spock!" She exclaimed, and then took a breath to quiet herself. "Baby, last night, did you ask me to marry you?"
"Yes."
It wasn't a dream. The East African told herself as she tried to come to grips with the revelation. "Did I give you an answer?"
"The moment the question was posed, the sedative took its full effect. Your response took the form of a state of unconsciousness."
"Spock, if I did not give you an answer, why didn't you ask me about it this morning?"
"I did not find it at all necessary."
"You asked me to marry you, but you don't think my answer is actually required? What sense does that make?"
"Your response was assumed, since you were the one who prodded me into making the proposal."
Stunned, Uhura fell into the back of her chair trying to remember last night's conversation. Unable to make sense of the hazy details, she asked, "In what way did I prod you into making the proposal?"
"As I recall, after I referred to myself as your husband, you responded – We're not married. You haven't even asked me."
The words suddenly evoked a sense of clarity within her. "Right . . . right. I think I do remember, now . . . You . . . You said something like . . . As your husband, you shouldn't blow off what I say to you."
"Nyota, I would never use such colloquial language."
"OK . . . OK . . . it's not an exact quote. But, Spock, why did you refer to yourself as my husband?"
"We were joined during the pon farr. While we have, yet, to travel to Vulcan for the formal kal'I'farr,2 it is customary for the couple to refer to each other as husband and wife."
"Is that what she would call you?"
"To whom are you referring, Nyota?"
"T'Pring . . . your fiancé!" Uhura bolted from her seat and went into the bedroom to pack her bag. Cognizant of the blunt reality of the situation, she wondered if the last few days had simply been an elaborate fantasy.
Uhura could feel his presence as he filled the bedroom doorway.
"Nyota, there is no reason for you to be upset."
"Oh, really?" She snapped as she tossed her clothing into her bag. "I don't know what kind of practices they allow on Vulcan, but polygamy is frowned upon here on Earth!"
"T'Pring refused to make the journey here to accommodate my need. It is my understanding she was motivated by her choice of another mate. When I petition the Council of Elders, they will surely declare the marriage contract void. I will then be free to fulfill my promise to you."
Uhura considered his words, but then shook her head with uncertainty. "What if T'Pring changes her mind? What if the Elders won't nullify the agreement?"
"You ask me these questions, while your own father stands in the shadows filled with hate for those like me?"
Spock's cutting question found its mark. Uhura's father was a member of Terra Prime – a xenophobic terrorist organization founded in the 22nd century. In the 23rd century, an extremist faction of the group began to murder bi-species children living on Earth. Nine youths were killed before United Earth authorities could arrest those involved in the conspiracy, including Uhura's father. Although later acquitted of the heinous crime, her father never disavowed the acts committed by other group members. He later took a band of his followers to found a colony prohibiting intermingling with races from other planets.3
Uhura lowered her head in shame as she recalled the thoughts that had stifled the beginnings of their relationship. She knew . . . Baba would not approve.
Spock moved beside her and said, "Nyota. My intention was not to cause you any pain." She raised her head up to meet his eyes. "Between the two of us, there are a number of external forces that seek to threaten a relationship such as ours. However, between you and I there can be no room for doubt, since it is the element that previously drove a wedge between us. Now that this division has been removed, we must never let it separate us, again."
Still, the words haunted her . . .
Baba would not approve . . .
She turned away from the Vulcan . . .
Her eyes now resting on the kitenge gown Spock had given her . . .
She moved to this gift that was draped across a chair . . .
Her hand reached out to touch it . . .
Fingers lightly brushing against the rich fabric . . .
Baba would not approve . . .
"Baby . . . " She began with tears welling up in her eyes. "I want to believe . . . I want to believe we can make it."
His hands took her by the shoulders . . .
Turning her around to face him . . .
"Marry me, Nyota. Be my wife." He gently implored her. "Let me be your husband."
Uhura looked to the Vulcan knowing there was no one else. And, there would never be anyone else she could love as much. Her father's approval did not matter. Wound up tightly inside of Spock, there was no desire to escape.
"The answer is . . . Yes!"
In his strong arms . . .
Her head cradled against his chest . . .
Feeling his warmth . . .
So secure . . .
So secure in his love for her . . .
And as the Vulcan held her . . .
A new emotion seemed to overtake him . . .
No longer earthbound . . .
This feeling lifted them up . . .
Up . . .
Up . . .
"Is this joy, Nyota?" He asked in soft voice, as if afraid to disturb the moment. "Is this joy?"
"Yes, Baby." She answered him. "This is joy."
"Strange . . . this emotion gives one the sensation of weightlessness."
Her laughter filled the air.
"Do you like it up here, Baby?" She asked. "So, high off the ground!"
"It is indeed most pleasurable. This phenomenon would be a fascinating topic of study."
Her laughter once again filled the air.
And then . . .
Uhura's communicator called for her attention. She lifted her head and attempted to free herself from his hold, but the Vulcan did not release her.
"Spock, let me go so I can answer my communicator. It's probably, McCoy."
And, she saw it . . .
She saw it in his eyes . . .
There was something in his eyes she thought she would never see . . .
Fear . . .
"Spock." She called to him as she brought her hand up to his cheek to reassure him.
"Nyota, it is such a long way down." He confessed, barely above a whisper.
"Don't worry, Baby." She smiled. "My arms are strong enough to catch you if you fall."
The Vulcan loosened his grip and watched as she left him to retrieve her communicator from the nightstand.
"It's Uhura." She said, speaking into the device.
"Where have you been?" Dr. Leonard McCoy barked on the other end.
"Look, McCoy, contrary to popular belief my communicator is not affixed to my person at all time. How much longer before you can pick me up?"
"Uhura, I'm on my way to your cabin now. I should be there in less than 10 minutes." The East African's heart sank as she checked her chronometer and noted the time at 5:57 AM.
McCoy continued, "Didn't that damn Vulcan tell you what time I would be there to pick you up?"
Uhura gave a quick glance at Spock, who appeared unfazed by the expletive the doctor used in conjunction with his name. She then answered, "Of course, he did. But this is supposed to be semester break, isn't it? Can't I get a little bit of slack with the time?"
"I'm already late as it is."
"I'll be ready in 15 minutes."
"I'm not negotiating with you. As soon as you're in the car, we'll be heading straight to the Medical Treatment Facility so you can undergo a full physical examination."
"He is right, Nyota." Spock commented. "You should be examined as soon as possible."
"Is that Vulcan in there next to you?" McCoy asked. "Jeez, Uhura, you could have given me a little warning."
"All right . . . all right, Leonard. It's not as if you would change your way of talking just because you knew Mr. Spock was in earshot."
"According to my control panel, it's now 8 minutes, 25 seconds to destination. Ready or not, I'm coming to get you."
Uhura ended the transmission and from the nightstand picked up her chain with the Gye Nyame4 symbol on it. She began to place the chain around her neck, when Spock came to her assist with fastening the clasp.
"Do you have everything?" He asked.
"I'll make one last sweep through the cabin." Uhura raised her hands up and placed them on his shoulders.
"Your current position does not suggest a sweeping motion." He said as his large hands curled about her waist.
"I was just considering whether it would be possible to stuff you in my bag."
"My own volume clearly exceeds the capacity of the container. In addition, even if your bag could be expanded to accommodate my bulk, my weight would render your carry-all difficult to lift and carry for more than a few meters at a time."
She brought her sweet wine to his lips . . .
And he did not hesitate to accept her offering . . .
He drank of it greedily . . .
Claiming all she had to give . . .
"We better stop this." She reluctantly told him, as she caught her breath. "I'm not going take the two hour ride back to the Academy in a pair of wet panties."
Uhura could see his self-satisfied face staring back at her. While the Vulcan was cautious about engaging in intercourse in her current condition, she knew he took great pleasure in being able to arouse her.
"When do you think I can see you, again?" She asked.
"It is difficult to say. Besides my regular responsibilities, I must increase the time spent concerning oversight duties for the construction of the Starship Enterprise."
"Just my luck to fall in love with someone who'll soon be off on a five-year mission without me."
"You will be assigned to a Starship next year."
"Don't remind me. When you also consider my tour of duty, it may be six years before we can openly be together for any length of time."
"I promise you, Nyota." He told her. "I will make it worth your while."
"I'm sure you will." She teased, as she played with the zipper to his sweater by pulling gently on the tab. "Because I'm telling you right now when the time comes I'm not just settling for some little wedding ceremony on your home planet. I want a real wedding."
"I assure you the marriage ceremony on Vulcan is quite substantial."
"That's fine for you. However, it is just as important for me to have a wedding here on Earth with bridesmaids, grooms, flower girls, a ring bearer, lots of guests and . . . oh, yeah . . . you can come, too!"
"That is quite generous of you to include me in the wedding party."
"And by the way, none of your ex-girlfriends are allowed – especially T'Lau."
"T'Lau was never my girlfriend. I take offense at the fact you would even jest in that fashion."
"Come on, Spock. It's all right to be open about it. That old family friend must have meant something to you."
"Nyota."
From the serious tone of his voice, Uhura could tell he was in no mood to joke about it.
"Do you trust me?" The Vulcan asked.
"What a question to ask." She responded. "I couldn't marry someone I didn't trust. It's the foundation of any relationship."
"As I stated earlier, I must increasingly allocate more time to my oversight tasks regarding the construction of the Enterprise. Since T'Lau serves as Project Manager for one of the ship's critical systems, my position will necessitate spending more time with her than it will be possible with you."
"Spock, I do trust you, but I can't say the same for that woman. She doesn't seem like the kind of person who would take rejection very well."
"Nyota, if by chance you see me in T'Lau's company, you must know I am not betraying you."
Uhura looked to the Vulcan . . .
Strange . . .
She could sense there was something . . .
Something left unspoken . . .
Something he was not sharing with her . . .
It disturbed her . . .
That he could not tell her all . . .
And yet . . .
She wondered if this was not a true test of whether she could really trust him as she had proclaimed . . .
So . . .
She found herself nodding and telling him in hushed tones . . .
"Nakupenda, mume wangu . . . Nakupenda . . ."5
The communicator sounded once more, reminding them their time together was at its end. Uhura told McCoy, "Two more minutes." She then turned back to Spock and asked, "Baby, do you mind checking the living room and kitchen for any of my wayward items."
"Of course not." He answered as he left the room.
Uhura retrieved the kitenge gown from the chair and brought it to the bed. Carefully, she folded the precious dress and placed it in her bag. She then looked about the bedroom for any other personal effects she neglected to pack. Seeing Spock's bag packed and ready for its owner's retrieval, suddenly a mischievous grin came to face. Her fingers quickly unfastened the clasp to the chain holding her Gye Nyame pendent.
At 9:46 AM, Spock was back in his apartment. He had already removed his ka'athyra from its case and placed it back on its stand. In the closet, he hung his garment bag containing his brocade jacket and pants. He checked his chronometer and reasoned it was still too early for him to contact Dr. McCoy for the results of Uhura's physical exam. Then, the tips of his finger absent-mindedly rose up to touch his lips where she left her honey. And, he wondered if she were thinking of him, too.
Spock headed back into the living room to retrieve his carry-all he had left on his couch, when the door signal sounded.
Nyota . . . Could it be she?
As he moved to the door, Spock told himself he would have to scold her for taking the chance to come to his apartment. While it was still the semester break, someone still might see her. Yes . . . He thought, I will need to scold her . . . Right after I take her in my arms and . . .
He opened the door and found . . .
T'Lau . . .
"Spock?" T'Lau said his name as if surprised to see him before her eyes. "You have returned."
"What brings you here, T'Lau? Did you not receive my message? It stated I would be at the Command Center by 11:00 AM."
"Of course, I received your message." She said as she moved past him and into his apartment. "Did you not receive mine this past week? I have been quite concerned about your well-being."
"For the past six days, I was not at liberty to respond to your communications."
"When I could not reach you, I could only think the worst."
"Did you not make your inquiries to my superiors?"
"I first attempted to reach Captain Pike. However, my calls to him also went unanswered. It was not until I reached an aide in Admiral Pok's office that I was informed you were incommunicado with your whereabouts listed as classified information."
"Your attention would have been better spent on assuring the optimum operation of the Enterprise components under the purview of your contract. For as you can see, your concern has been for naught."
T'Lau scanned his body with his eyes. The stress, anxiety and rigidity of his body seemed to have vanished. He now appeared relaxed and content with a warm, healthy glow to his skin.
"When I last saw you, the Blood Fever seemed to have almost taken possession of both your body and mind."
"Your assessment was indeed accurate."
"As you know, I was fully prepared to see you through it."
"Thankfully, there was no need to take you up on your offer. Now, if you will excuse me, T'Lau, I would like to change into my uniform and then go to Command Center to review the progress your team has made since the last inspection."
"Yes, of course. I am sure you will be pleased." She moved closer to him; much closer than the spatial distance usually employed by Vulcans. "Perhaps, after your review, we could have dinner together in my apartment. I have a new recipe I would like to try out and would appreciate your assessment of my culinary skills."
Spock could readily tell T'Lau's attraction to him had not been diminished. He knew he could use this to his advantage, but did not want to place himself in a potentially sexual compromising situation that would break his vow to Uhura.
"T'Lau, I believe we must be careful about creating a perception of anything more than a professional relationship between us."
For a brief moment, there appeared to be a flash of disappointment on the imposter's face.
Spock continued. "Even your present visit to my apartment could be misconstrued as improper by someone who may have seen you enter my living quarters."
"Since the beginning of the year, we have increasingly been public with our association with each other outside of the confines of our professional work. Why the sudden change in approach?"
"I am not free to discuss it at the moment, but I have my suspicions there are more than gossips concerned about the depth of our relationship. I would not want to unnecessarily feed their wary minds."
"Of course not . . . unless . . . there is truly something between us that should be concealed from those alien to such . . . passion."
Spock studied T'Lau. While his recovery from the pon farr was clearly evident, her attraction to him ironically appeared rooted in the sexual heat she had artificially set in motion. Like an addict, she wanted more and the Vulcan realized withholding himself from her might initiate a major break in the plot he had been trying to uncover.
"It shall not take me long to change my attire. Wait here for me." He told her before walking into his bedroom and closing the door behind him.
T'Lau's mind raced wondering where Spock had been, as well as, who he had been with. She wondered, How could he have possibly survived the pon farr without me? T'Pring had refused to come to Earth. And, even if Captain Pike had somehow been involved, the Starfleet officer could not have met Spock's consuming physical/psycho needs unless it involved a violent fight that usually led to one of the combatant's death. What happened?
The pretender spied Spock's bag on the couch and moved to it hoping to find some clue to his activities over the last week. She opened the carry-all and carefully searched through his clothing and toiletries, trying not to substantially disturb the contents.
And then . . .
Just as she thought she her exploration would go unrewarded . . .
She saw it . . .
A plain piece of jewelry . . .
A simple gold chain with a pendent bearing a symbol . . .
Jewelry she recognized the moment she saw it . . .
The evening she, Spock, Sevat and that East African woman shared a table at the House of Diarmuid6 . . .
This very chain with the pendent had been around the East African's neck . . .
And, T'Lau spat out her name as though it had been caught in her throat . . .
Cadet Uhura!
Author's Note: In Chapter 43, T'Lau attempts to reconcile her knowledge of Spock's probable pon farr partner with her desire to be the sole object of his affections. Uhura stops by the Vulcan's office, but does not get the reception she expected.
Your comments are always appreciated.
1 Kap-yar is the Vulcan word for "wheat."
2 Kal'I'farr is the Vulcan word for "marriage."
3 This is first discussed in Chapter 22 of my story, "Needs."
4 It is a West African (Andinkra) symbol representing the supremacy of God.
5 The phrase is Swahili for "I love you, my husband . . . I love you."
6 See Chapter 24.