Author's Note: In Chapter 43, Sevat attempts to convince Spock to be more proactive in exploiting T'Lau's unabated passion for him. Uhura stops by the Vulcan's office, but does not get the reception she expected. T'Lau readies herself for what she believes will be a romantic evening with the Spock.

As always, your comments are appreciated.

At 6:37 AM in Berkeley's Cesar Chavez Park, Sevat scanned the information on his iTablet view screen and nodded.

"Excellent." Sevat commented. "A pattern is definitely coming to light. T'Lau's network apparently includes known Romulan agents as well as former Starfleet contractors."

"Contractors barred from further agreements due to alleged unscrupulous practices. Surely, there is now enough information to apprehend the pretender."

Sevat removed the data crystal from his iTablet and placed it in his pocket. "My answer is the same as the one I am sure you have already received from your Starfleet contacts. Rather than just cutting off a limb, it would be best to cut down the entire diseased tree."

"Lately, T'Lau appears to be less attentive to securing otherwise confidential information. However, she has yet to provide a clue to any subterfuge regarding the Enterprise."

"Spock, her focus has strayed, because of you. As far as we know, you are her only weakness."

"I am no longer sure of it. Two weeks ago after my recovery from the Blood Fever, she met me at my living quarters. Initially, she appeared interested in resuming our carnal relationship. I cautioned her against it; telling her I suspected others might find it most improper due to the nature of our professional association. Strangely, she later seemed to accept my counsel much more quickly than I anticipated. While she has shown a few lapses that allowed me to obtain some of the information you now possess, she no longer attempts to seduce me."

"Yes . . . yes." Deep in thought, Sevat turned away from Spock. "Now, I understand."

"Sevat, if you have a revelation that sheds light on a course of action to complete this mission, your disclosure should be imminent."

Sevat turned back to Spock and provided an unexpected response. "It is time to bait her, Spock. She is indeed ripe for your taking."

"My intent in sharing the current state of affairs with you was not to find a way to resume activities of the flesh with that woman."

"Spock, I tell you by pursuing this tactic, the imposter may finally allow the mask to slip just enough to permit a glimpse of the Romulan scheme. It could lead to the break we have been waiting for to expose their duplicity."

"Have you not listened to what I have said? I no longer serve as a temptation for her."

"You are wrong, Spock. The strategy may not have been consciously deployed, but we should take advantage of the results. Her obsession is clear."

"What evidence do you have to justify such an improbable claim?"

"T'Lau's own words."

"When did you last speak with her?"

"Yesterday evening at dinner."

"You and T'Lau?"

"Yes, she called me under the pretense of requiring the translation of a term she overheard one team members use toward her. However, like most females searching for validation of their amorous desires, she ended up telling more than she learned."

In a vegetarian restaurant in the historic Haight District of San Francisco, T'Lau and Sevat gave their meal orders to the waiter before continuing their discussion.

"Are you sure one of your staff members used the expression, das Miststück?" Sevat asked after inputting the phrase into his mini-iTablet.

"Yes. I believe that is what I heard. I attempted to learn of its meaning by using the universal translator. However, it gave no response after I voiced the phrase. Perhaps, I did not pronounce it correctly."

"The context should have provided you with some hint concerning the term's meaning."

"At the end of our morning briefing, my Associate Project Manager Niklas Richter asked if the team could end their work an hour earlier to have time to celebrate one of our engineer's birthday. I promptly told him if the request was meant to be a joke, I was not at all amused."

"I am going to speculate that Mr. Richter did not find your response at all humorous."

"He argued with the project being executed well before schedule, sixty minutes could be afforded."

"I am sure you had a ready answer for such a contention."

"Indeed, I did. I replied that an hour wasted on such frivolity might be the time needed to correct an unanticipated issue. With the order for the Enterprise to be prepared for a demonstration flight in nineteen days, I want to ensure all systems under our contract perform as expected."

"Is that when Mr. Richter used the term in question?"

"No. It was after I ended the meeting and started out of the room. He said the phrase in a low voice; thus, I assume he did not think I could hear his utterance. These humans truly underestimate our auditory capacity."

"Then, from Mr. Richter's point of view, this translation most probably approximates his estimation of you at that moment." Sevat turned the iPad view screen toward T'Lau.

"The bitch? This is the Federation language translation?"

"Yes."

"Is there a Vulcan approximation?"

"It is a pejorative term civilized beings would never employ."

"What is its meaning?"

"On Earth, it is most often applied to a female one finds difficult, aggressive, assertive or belligerent."

"Why would I take offense if the term denotes such commendable attributes?"

T'Lau looked curiously at Sevat who appeared silenced by her remark. She then asked, "Why was my universal translator not able to provide this response?"

"The speaker used a Terran dialect known as German. The universal translator does not recognize colloquial languages from this planet, since Federation is the official language for United Earth."

"If that is the case, these translators are improperly named."

"The makers of these devices are creatures of business, not purveyors of truth. Languages are not fixed but are a constantly changing form of communication. It would be impossible for commercial makers of universal translators to keep abreast of all the revisions necessary for the hundreds of thousands of known languages and idioms in our quadrant of the universe. That is why they must make choices as to which languages will be included in their catalogue."

"How were you able to obtain a translation?"

"I utilized Terran language translator software given to me by Ms. Uhura."

T'Lau paused momentarily, betraying her disdain for the East African. "A gift? I did not believe such favors were appropriate between faculty and students."

"Ms. Uhura sought to provide a token of her appreciation for the assistance I gave her in regards to formulating her doctoral thesis proposal. I would think it ill-mannered of me to refuse such a gesture."

"That human certainly has quite a generous spirit." T'Lau remarked with her words dipped in sarcasm.

Sevat carefully chose his next statement. "Yes, I have heard she does not hesitate to give of herself when needed."

"Is that what Spock told you?"

"Spock? Why do you mention his name in conjunction with Ms. Uhura?"

"He is your friend."

"I know if that is an appropriate descriptor. Suffice it to say, we do have occasions to converse about matters of mutual interest."

"Such as Ms. Uhura."

"Yes." Sevat answered in an attempt to find out where her growing ire would take her. "There are times when this human is the topic of conversation between us."

"Then you must know she was with him. That Cadet was with Spock while he was in the throes of the pon farr."

"How do you know this?"

"It does not matter how this knowledge came to me." T'Lau seemed to spit out her words in disgust. "She is a human . . . yet, he chose to spill his seed within her!"

Sevat studied T'Lau. No Vulcan would behave in this manner. "This is hardly the subject for the dinner table, T'Lau."

"Why should I be attentive to matters of decorum, when it obviously is of no concern to him?"

"The Blood Fever came unexpectedly upon Spock, out of sync with the normal seven year cycle. As it neared its peak, the pon farr incapacitated Spock in ways a female could never understand."

"You are the one who does not understand. I was the one who should have been with him. I was the one who should have . . . joined with him."

Sevat gave T'Lau time to wallow in her emotional stewuntil he could decide where to lead her next.

"Perhaps, you have been on Earth so long, you have allowed your feelings to overtake your reason."

"Passion is not unknown to us."

"True. However, have you forgotten Surak taught us how not to allow it to rule our being?"

"How can I make sense of Spock's choice? That human knows not of our ways."

Before he continued, Sevat paused to clear his mind of the irony of the imposter's statement. "T'Lau, you must put an end to your orgy of self-pity so you can think with a rationale mind. Can you not comprehend why Spock would possibly use Ms. Uhura as his vessel of recovery and not you?"

T'Lau took time to reflect on the question as the waiter came by the table to fill their water glasses. Just as he began to pour, a passing diner bumped into him causing some of the liquid to spill upon the table. The waiter apologized profusely as he mopped up the water and left to retrieve new linens.

As Sevat looked to T'Lau, her face seemed to brighten as if enlightened with a revelation.

"Yes, the occurrence of the Blood Fever out-of-sync with his usual cycle would be most disturbing to Spock." She commented. "While the course of the condition can be unpredictable, he must have thought this incident to be potentially more volatile than usual."

Sevat gave her thought process one more push. "At a time when the pon farr separates one from all reason, Spock still found the fortitude to have one rational thought."

"He chose her . . . to protect me." T'Lau concluded. "He knew not how wildly his passions would rage. Thus, he chose the most logical option open to him. Instead of endangering my life, he used her as if she were his toilet. Ah yes, Spock chose her to protect me."

Spock stared at Sevat with contempt. "You never cease to amaze me, Sevat."

"How so, Spock?"

"I am sure you listened to those twisted thoughts of hers and then dined with T'Lau without the least bit of indigestion."

"Of course, I did. And, now that you know the full depth of her obsession, you must go much further than me to finally break this insidious plot."

"After listening to your story, how do you believe I can sully myself with that woman any longer." Spock replied. "I will continue to search for any abnormalities regarding the systems her team controls. However, her stench has become far too odorous for me to bear."

Spock began to walk away from Sevat when he heard him say, "And, what about Nyota?"

Spock turned back to his former nemesis, but controlled his tone when he asked, "Why is her name in your mouth?"

Sevat approached him. "I thought it strange you did not ask about her. After all, I see her three days a week, whereas you lack such opportunity by design."

"Before we parted two weeks ago, I told her it would not be advisable for us to see each other for a while."

"She has accepted this counsel with no explanation?"

"This concept is something you may not understand. However, I will speak of it, despite this flaw in you character. Ms. Uhura trusts me."

"From my observation, I must say she certainly seems to be taking it well. She comes to our sessions quite cheerful and ready to absorb her linguistic lessons. I have even found room in my schedule to expand the time we can spend together, so she shall have the opportunity to enjoy the full benefit of my . . . teachings. Yes, she is certainly quite the willing student."

Spock's retort proved direct. "I trust her even more than I trust myself."

Sevat did not flinch from Spock's glare. "Like father, like son."

"Has language failed you that you must resort to tired clichés?"

"Is there no truth in what I say?"

When Spock gave no answer, Sevat's contentment shone on his face.

The Vulcan agent continued. "If you do now have somewhat of an attachment for Nyota, you have no choice but take advantage of T'Lau's fixation with you."

"I will not betray Ms. Uhura."

"You say those words and, yet, have once again found a way to put her in danger."

"Explain."

"Now that T'Lau believes your affections actually do lie with her, she will not take well to a change in that perception."

"You nurtured that lie, not I."

"Assuage your guilt if you desire; however, the fact remains her assessment of your feelings toward her have been altered. Whereas before your relationship was of carnal origin, she now believes the wings of romance has taken its flight."

"You cannot be serious." Spock remarked incredulously.

"Spock, can we count on you to see this mission to its end or not?"

"I have stated the boundaries I refuse to cross."

"It is not enough."

"What more do you require from me?"

"Spock, you must make a choice."

Sevat stepped up so his face was only a few inches from Spock's, as he unflinchingly asked the question that haunted Sarek and Amanda's son all his life.

"Are you Vulcan or are you human?"

Cadet Goldberg sat at his desk in Spock's office, looking up a number on his contact log as the Vulcan strode in from the outside with a small data crystal carrying case in one of his hands. "Cadet Goldberg, have you reached her, yet?"

"No, sir. She does not seem to be answering her communicator. I have already tried two of the alternative locations you suggested."

"When I called ahead with this task, I calculated the time I thought it would take you to complete it along with a margin of error of 4 minutes, 12 seconds. I see now my approximations were in error."

"Sir, it could be she is not available." Goldberg commented, aware his duty shift was to have ended 17 minutes ago.

"Attempt to call her communicator, again. However, this time do so from my work station, while I return these data crystals to the conference room."

"Why would that make a difference, sir?"

Spock turned back to Goldberg. "Cadet, are you questioning my command?"

Goldberg felt his knees begin to buckle. "Yes, sir . . . I mean . . . No, sir . . . I mean . . . I didn't mean to question your command, sir."

"Then, carry on."

As Spock resumed his walk toward the conference room, his progress was once again halted by Goldberg's nervous laugh.

The Vulcan addressed him, again. "Cadet Goldberg, is there something more you wish to tell me before performing the task as ordered?"

"No, sir . . . I mean . . . Yes, sir . . . I mean I think I have figured it out, sir."

"Please enlighten me with your revelation."

"I just now realized why you wanted me to make the call from your console. If she sees your name in the Caller ID, there may be a greater chance she may answer her communicator if she knows the call is directly from you."

"Very good, Cadet. I am pleased you have found a way to justify my previous order."

Goldberg laughed nervously, again, still at his own workstation. "Good one, sir."

"Cadet Goldberg."

"Yes, sir."

"What now is the issue? Did I forget to say, please?"

Startled by his failure to move, Goldberg scurried to Spock's workstation. "Oops, I forgot the number." The Vulcan looked askance at his Course Assistant before retreating into the conference room. The beleaguered Cadet retrieved the number, then returned to Spock's station and made the call. Goldberg gave a sigh of relief when the woman finally answered.

"Spock?"

"No, Ms. T'Lau . . . it's Cadet Goldberg, Mr. Spock's assistant . . . Mr. Spock asked me to contact you."

"What is the message?" She asked drily.

"I don't know, sir, my task was only to contact you. He is the one who wanted to speak with you."

Moments passed by before T'Lau's asked in a voice tinged with annoyance. "And, where is Mr. Spock?"

"In the conference room, ma'am. I guess I can place you on hold, while I let him know I secured your call." Goldberg pressed the hold button on the console and then informed Spock via the intercom of his success in reaching T'Lau.

"Let her know I will be with her in approximately 95 seconds. And, Cadet Goldberg, you may also take leave for this evening."

"Will do, sir. Thank you, sir." Goldberg released the blinking hold button to give T'Lau the message. However, just as he was to place her back on hold, an unexpected visitor walked into the office.

"Hey, Uhura. What are you doing here?"

Uhura smiled, undaunted by Goldberg's less than enthusiastic greeting. "I could say the same for you. If I recall, duty hours ended at 6 PM."

Goldberg then responded in a low voice. "If you recall that, then you know that end time is a work of fiction." The Cadet moved quickly to get his jacket from a coat hook on the wall.

"Is Mr. Spock, here?"

"Yeah, but he has a call to deal with first." Goldberg said as he passed her on the way out the door.

"You mean he has to make a call or is he on a . . . " The door shut behind Goldberg before Uhura could complete her question. She turned back around and saw Spock coming out of the conference room.

Her eyes were filled with him . . .

Two weeks since they parted at the cabin . . .

Two weeks that seemed like an eternity . . .

Yet . . .

Instead of behaving as a lovesick child . . .

She remained bright feeding off the memories of their time at the cabin . . .

And the knowledge this Vulcan would be hers for always . . .

She began to open her mouth to call his name, but not before the Vulcan's eyes spotted the light on his console that was no longer blinking to signify T'Lau was on hold. Spock was now very much aware the pretender could hear all that was being said.

"Ms. Uhura." He addressed her with an air of indifference.

Uhura noted his tone and his stiff body posture, as she began to walk toward him. "Spock, if you are concerned about Goldberg, he's left the office."

The Vulcan clasped his hands behind his back and answered, "Cadet Goldberg has been known to return for a wayward glove or keycard."

Uhura stopped short of him, becoming confused by his cool reception. "Yes, you're right. Goldberg can be a bit scattered at times. He might come back and I cannot stay long, anyways. I just came by to see if you might have it with you."

"You must provide more information on what it might be."

"My chain . . . you know, the one with the Gye Nyame symbol on it."

Uhura looked to the Vulcan not understanding why he appeared so unresponsive. Sensing an unease in the air, she asked, "Spock, what is it? I know I had agreed not to see you . . ."

Spock cut her off before she could complete her statement. "Yes. You gave your promise."

"I suppose it was a little impulsive to put the chain in your bag before leaving the cabin. I thought it would be a good excuse to see you, again. But, in these last two weeks . . . " Uhura's smile reappeared upon her face as she recalled his words in her mind.

Marry me, Nyota . . .

Be my wife . . .

Let me be your husband . . .

She continued. "I'm sure you'll be glad to know I realized how petty I had been. So, if you will just return my property, you will find no more infractions in my pledge to you."

Uhura held out her hand, palm turned upward in the ancient human plea for assistance.

For a moment . . .

His eyes focused on her slender fingers . . .

The same fingers . . .

That combed gently through his black hair . . .

Combed through his hair . . .

As they made love . . .

But then, the unblinking light on his console once again reminded him they were not alone.

"I do not have it in my possession." Spock tersely replied.

"I should have known you would not have it at the office." She told him, as she lowered her hand. "Of course, after you found it in your bag when you unpacked it, you would have left it at your home."

T'Lau . . . Spock reasoned, That is how she knew Nyota was with me.

Uhura continued. "Should I come back tomorrow and pick it up? You could place it in an envelope or small box and place it in Goldberg's care until I come to retrieve it." She laughed lightly. "Oh, on second thought, that may not be such a smart move. Instead, if you just leave it in a safe place in your office and let me know where you put it, I'll get it myself."

When Spock did not readily respond, he could see a look of concern grow on her face. "Spock, my chain is in your home, isn't it? You wouldn't have thrown it away, would you?"

"I realize it is an object of religious significance to you."

"Yes. It does bear a symbol of my faith, but it also has other significance. It probably didn't look very valuable to someone like you; however, this jewelry is quite precious to me. I never shared this with you, but it is one of the few possessions of my mother I have remaining. It would truly pain me to lose it."

The Vulcan looked into the earnest eyes of the East African who stood awaiting assurance of the object's security. Yet, Spock could not provide the answer she longed for. While he was sure T'Lau had taken the chain, Spock could not presently assure Uhura of its safe return.

Spock told her, "Ms. Uhura, when I unpacked my bag, I did not come across this object you speak of."

Uhura cast her eyes downward, as she felt a mixture of emotions overcome her – disappointment, hurt and self-blame. "I suppose it is my fault . . . being so careless with it."

Spock recalled while in the intense heat of the pon farr, the chain had inexplicably escaped harm as he feverishly stripped Uhura of her clothing. Then, before he bathed her, the Vulcan carefully removed the jewelry and laid it on the nightstand next to the bed. When she awakened and discovered the chain on the stand, she appeared surprised, but happy.

He remembered how she touched it briefly with the tips of her fingers . . .

Her touch displaying a tenderness he thought odd for an inanimate object.

That was then . . .

It was clear to him now . . .

This was no ordinary chain . . .

"Well . . ." The East African finally managed to say. "Since you don't have it, there's no point in me keeping you from your work. Good-bye." Uhura headed quickly for the door.

"Ms. Uhura." Spock called to her, not wanting to let her go in such distress.

"Yes." She answered, reluctantly turning back to him.

"It is my understanding your doctoral dissertation passed review by your committee."

Uhura paused, searching her mind for the relevance of his statement to their previous discussion. She finally answered, "Yes . . . that is correct."

"I also received word you are proceeding well with additional revisions to sharpen your methodology."

"Yes . . . that, too, is an accurate statement. But, Spock, why are you bringing that up at this moment?"

"I, of course, realize such remarks are superfluous. After all, such a performance from you had certainly been anticipated. However, I recall you once commented on the need for humans to hear such praise, despite its actual benefit. Therefore, I offer these words to fulfill that service."

From the look on Uhura's face, it seemed he had done little to change her mood. Still he asked, "Are you not pleased, Ms. Uhura?"

His answer came as the East African placed her hands on her hips in a stance he knew usually preceded comments propelled by a sharp tongue she reserved for such moments. However, just as she began to speak, Uhura seemed unable to find her voice. After several futile attempts, the exasperated woman threw her hands up in resignation and headed out of the office.

As Spock watched the door close behind her, the Vulcan saw the call indicator light on his console go dark.

T'Lau bathed herself with a sponge in water scented with lilac bath oils, taking care to reach every inch of her body with the fragrance.

Lilac . . .

It will be most pleasing to him . . .

Upon coming out of her bath, she dried her body enjoying the feel of the soft fibers of the towel against her bare skin.

Mmmmmmm . . .

I cannot wait for him to touch me this way . . .

She unpinned her sandy blonde hair and let it fall down around her shoulders, liking the way it seemed to point in the direction of her full breasts with its nipples already erect in anticipation of seeing him.

Patience . . .

I shall not need to make use of my toys tonight . . .

She admired her body before her full-length mirror; content her shapely features suited his usual preferences for a woman more than the petite attributes of the East African. She covered herself with a thin satin robe, pulling the tie tightly about her to accent the curves of her waist.

I shall allow him to unwrap me . . .

And retrieve my waiting gifts . . .

She placed slippers upon her feet, giving her pause with the happy argument as to whether he would be able to wait to take them off before his shaft found its way inside her that evening.

Too long . . .

Too long . . .

It has been much too long, since I have felt you inside me . . .

Her heat swelled at the thought of him and she could not resist any longer.

Her hand . . .

Invaded her robe

Fingers poised over her nipple . . .

Taking hold . . .

She squeezed . . .

Sighing, she realized the relief was only temporary.

Hurry, Spock . . .

I need you . . .

After overhearing Spock's conversation with the East African, T'Lau had no doubt he would come. She reasoned, While it is now late into the evening, it is as was expected. He would not shirk his duty to supervise the projects of his Research Assistants. After his scrutiny of their progress, he will come to me. I am sure of it.

T'Lau replayed the dialogue between Spock and Uhura in her mind, choosing the parts she wanted to hear. Had he not put that human in her place? Had he not told her not contact him? Yet, the human came to him thinking he would change his mind. The fool!

The day had been good to T'Lau. Five years in the making, the Romulan plot against the Enterprise had, thus far, been deployed without a hitch. While she had no doubt there were those who had discovered she was an imposter, T'Lau still knew time was on her side as Starfleet and the Vulcan Secret Service would want to make sure they had first exposed the full extent of the scheme. Soon, she thought, It will be too late for them to do anything about the mines already set in place.

Even the imposter had to admit to herself a long-term relationship with Spock was an unreasonable fantasy. Still, she could not relinquish even the faintest possibility of this match. She had been successful in convincing her superiors the Vulcan had proved useful to their plot. Spock's oversight expertise was unquestionable in Starfleet ranks and she had managed to stay one step ahead of him in her manipulation of data to conceal her machinations.

If Spock truly cares for me . . .

If he loves me . . .

Then, before the plot is fully set in motion . . .

He can be convinced to join our people in our fight against the Federation dogs . . .

If he loves me . . .

If he loves me . . .

If he love me . . .

Perhaps, it will be possible . . .

Her hand found its way inside her robe once more to placate her growing desire. Just as her fingers sought her reprieve, T'Lau's door signaled the arrival of a visitor.

She took a moment to still herself, not wanting to seem too anxious. Yet, her legs did little to obey her appeal for calmness as she quickly found herself at the door, pressing the controls to allow his entrance.

Her mouth watered . . .

There . . .

He was there . . .

Spock was there . . .

Before her . . .

Within her eager reach . . .

And although he wore his Starfleet Academy uniform . . .

The tall, slender Vulcan with dark, brown eyes could not have been any sexier to her . . .

"Spock?" She said in a unsuccessful attempt to sound surprised. "What brings you to my apartment at such a late hour of the night?"

T'Lau felt his eyes piercing through her . . . showing her no mercy. She gasped in response, feeling her hunger for him take full control of her being.

Yet, in contrast, his strong and unwavering command made clear of his purpose.

"T'Lau, retrieve Ms. Uhura's chain for me. Do it, now."

Author's Note: In Chapter 44, Spock takes his relationship with T'Lau to another level. Also, Uhura receives some unexpected news from Dr. McCoy. Yes, the writer is sure you can guess what the news will be. And, please withhold throwing "bombs" at the writer in regards to Spock and T'Lau. The imposter will eventually get her "due," but you will need to be a bit more patient for that to happen.

The writer hopes to complete this story by Chapter 50 (or less), so the wait for the denouement should not be much longer.

Your comments are always appreciated.