Author's Note: In Chapter 44, Spock goes to T'Lau's apartment to retrieve Uhura's missing jewelry. Uhura receives some unexpected news during her visit with Dr. McCoy.
As always, your comments are appreciated.
T'Lau's hand found its way inside her robe once more to placate her growing desire. Just as her fingers sought her reprieve, the imposter'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 and pressed 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 an 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."
"Spock, would you not like to step inside?" She said, feigning concern. "My neighbors would not know what to think if they overheard such an accusation."
T'Lau closed her door after the Vulcan stepped inside.
"That is better." She commented. "Now we may discuss the matter like civilized beings."
"T'Lau, there is no need for talk, only action."
"How can you be so sure I have any item of that Cadet in my possession?"
"Is this game necessary, T'Lau? Can you not freely admit your wrongdoing?"
"Does the accuse not have the right to hear arguments against her?"
Spock fought against the inclination to leave. The image of Uhura's distressed face over the loss of the jewelry remained with him. He did not want to leave her disappointed much longer.
Spock gave a cool and detached summation. "Seventeen days ago, Ms. Uhura left a silver chain amongst the belongings I had placed in my duffel bag. When I returned to my living quarters, I had not taken the time to unpack by the time of your arrival. While I went into my bedroom to dress in my uniform for the day's activities, you had the occasion to be alone with the carryall. It is at that time you opened my luggage, no doubt to find some clue to my whereabouts during the prior five days. During your search, you must have come across Ms. Uhura's chain and like a thief took that which did not belong to you."
"Spock," She began with pretended innocence, "When would a Cadet have the opportunity to place such a personal object in your travel bag?"
"You eavesdropped on a conversation I had with Ms. Uhura earlier today. Need I recount details that surely must still be fresh in your mind?"
"I was an unwilling participant. The opportunity was made possible by your Course Assistant's ineptness. When he failed to properly place my call on hold, I was forced to listen to your discussion."
"Then, you heard Ms. Uhura confess to putting it in my bag. Moreover, your knowledge of her action proceeded my own."
"That would only be true if your suspicion is accurate and I have, yet, to verify such a claim." T'Lau turned her back on Spock and began to move away.
"Do not take another step." The Vulcan commanded firmly.
She immediately obeyed.
Spock walked about her to stand in front of T'Lau; his eyes now burrowing into her. He could see a slight quivering of her lips and the quickening rise and fall of her breasts beneath her robe, betraying her growing arousal.
"What kind of woman are you, TLau?" He asked. "What presently awakens your body in such an carnal way? Do you mistake my naked disdain for something else?"
"Spock, there is no need for you to conceal your affections for me any longer. I know it is not the Vulcan way to directly speak such thoughts. It is, indeed, fortunate you have found other ways to declare your true heart more openly than words could ever reveal."
Spock studied T'Lau, strangely curious how she could find a way to twist reality to her liking.
"T'Lau, please provide at least one example of what leads you to such a conclusion."
"Gladly. When you and the East African were engaged in dialogue earlier today, how long did it take you to become aware my call was not on hold as you had anticipated?"
"Approximately, 3 to 4 seconds into my discussion with Ms. Uhura, I noticed the signal on my console indicated the caller was privy to the conversation in the office."
"Yet, you did not halt your speech, so you could complete the task your Assistant had failed to do."
"Yes, that is a fact." He replied.
Spock knew he had taken a risk not to remedy the situation as T'Lau described. However, he thought if she were not party to the conversation, her suspicious mind would spin a story that might place Uhura in far greater danger.
"You see, you wanted me to listen." T'Lau remarked. "You wanted me to know she meant nothing to you. It was at that point I came to realize this human and I could never share the same space in your heart. Is this not true?"
Spock did not hesitate with his answer. "There is, indeed, no lie in your statement regarding my affections. My being speaks love to only one."
Upon hearing his response, the pretender's Vulcan mask slipped enough to allow a smile to come across her now unguarded face. Spock noted, unlike Uhura, T'Lau's expression failed to make her any more attractive.
"Oh, Spock . . . " She cooed. "How you move me so."
"Then, why do you not do as I say?"
"The chain, again? Why does an item belonging to that woman cause you such great concern? As you recall, she blamed herself for the object's loss. Would it not be a greater lesson live with the daily reminder of her error?"
"T'Lau, it is not your place to school her."
"You owe her nothing."
"Although I had no knowledge of it at the time, Ms. Uhura placed this jewelry in my care. As a Vulcan, I am honor bound to return the object to her. Do you still pretend to have no knowledge of it?"
"No, Spock. I must admit I did remove it from your bag as you claimed. You do not know how it pained me to know it was she, instead of I who was with you at your hour of greatest need. It took a rational mind to later come to realize you chose to protect me from the potential hazards of such a coupling. After all, the coming of the pon farr was far from expected."
The audacity of her statement took him aback, considering she had most likely placed an agent in something he drank or ate which triggered the Blood Fever.
"Oh, Madame." He told her. "You do amaze me."
"Thank you." She replied, taking his statement as a compliment. "Come with me, now, and I shall give you all that you desire."
Spock watched as T'Lau headed into the bedroom. The Vulcan hesitated to follow, still holding fast to his vow not to betray Uhura. Yet, after a few moments, he entered the room thinking he could finally retrieve his true love's chain.
In her bedroom, the Vulcan found T'Lau's robe discarded onto the floor. Giving up the notion of allowing him to unwrap her, she decided to more directly remind him what he had been missing. Tall and shapely, T'Lau stood naked before him with her sandy blonde hair about her shoulders and her full breasts inviting his touch. Like no Vulcan female Spock had known, he saw T'Lau dip the tip of her tongue down to wet her lower lip in fervent anticipation.
Yet, Spock's eyes came back to one thing . . . the object dangling from the fingertips of her upraised hand . . . Uhura's chain. He moved to T'Lau and reached up to remove the jewelry; however, just as he did T'Lau snatched it up and teased, "No, Spock. You must first make love to me and then . . . if you have been good . . . I shall reward you with this dubious prize."
"Have you mistaken me for your monkey, T'Lau?" He barked at her, his tone not concealing his contempt. "Dare you think I must perform as a common gigolo before you do what is right? Woman, you will provoke me no longer." Spock turned away from her and strode out of the bedroom heading for the front door of the apartment.
"No, my love." She told him as she followed closely behind. "Please, Spock, do not go. I did not mean to offend you."
"The transgression has been dealt. Your intent is immaterial."
Just as he reached the door, she called to him desperately. "Spock, here is the chain. Take it with you as you have desired."
The Vulcan stopped his progress and turned to her. His look still displayed his ire, even as she deposited the object into his hand.
She spat angrily. "Where are you going, now, Spock? To spill your seed, again, in that human!"
Her vehement tone reminded Spock he needed to be careful not to stoke T'Lau's impassioned thoughts of jealousy. For Uhura's safety, he could not leave the imposter in this emotional state.
"I do not understand you, T'Lau. You call me your love in one breath, and then disparage me with the next. Which opinion of me am I to believe?"
Relieved, he had not yet left, T'Lau took a few moments in a attempt to try to calm herself before answering, "Stay with me, tonight, Spock. My offense to you should not go unpunished. Command me as you so desire and I will perform any act that will please you."
"As you have so crudely cited earlier, delights of the flesh are not solely your domain. You are quite aware I have never long suffered without feminine attentions when desired."
"Until bonded to your mate, I do realize it would be most difficult for a virile male like yourself to do otherwise."
"Then, what sign can you provide me that can serve to anchor our understanding in something deeper than mere carnal knowledge?"
T'Lau cast her eyes down as if deep in thought. However, when she returned her gaze upon him, she provided an unexpected response. T'Lau raised her hand in a gesture similar to the Vulcan hand salute. However, Spock recognized it as no simple greeting. She called upon him to engage in one of the most erotic and intimate acts practiced by Vulcans. Spock had not, yet, even performed this act with Uhura, since the ritual would require training in the mind arts for it to produce its desired effects.
Moments passed as T'Lau continued to wait for him to join her. He finally decided he had to indulge her. Transferring Uhura's chain to his left hand, he raised his right hand and then moved it toward T'Lau's until their fingers finally touched. He then allowed his fingers to move along the outside her digits, massaging them with all the gentleness he could attempt to muster for the imposter.
Nothing . . .
Initially, they felt nothing . . .
Her long fingers yielded no tenderness . . .
No passion . . .
No desire . . .
That could be exchanged between them . . .
Since the act could not be compromised . . .
Neither one could experience the euphoria of this moment if only one partner was willing . . .
And then he saw it . . .
He saw it come onto her face . . .
Fear . . .
Fear she had been mistaken, after all, as to where he placed his affections . . .
And the cold reality began to grip her . . .
Does he not love me?
Does Spock not love me?
The Vulcan could sense feelings of doubt and betrayal rise within T'Lau. If he did not act in a few moments, she would release him and perhaps turn her frustrations into vindictive retribution for Uhura.
The Vulcan could not let that happen to the woman he loved.
Fondling Nyota's chain with the fingers of his left hand . . .
Spock closed his eyes and remembered . . .
Back at the cabin . . .
Images and sounds of her . . .
Nyota . . .
His Nyota . . .
Her easy laugh . . .
The way she tossed back her hair . . .
Her saucy talk . . .
Tender eyes . . .
Gentle touch . . .
The sass in her walk . . .
Her strength of character . . .
He wondered . . .
How could such a petit woman so fill his arms . . .
With love . . .
Her love . . .
Tangled . . .
Caught up . . .
Tousled . . .
Intertwined . . .
Together . . .
Forever . . .
And . . .
Unable to still his tongue any longer, he cried out for her . . .
Ashayam! . . . 1
And, yet when he opened his eyes . . .
It was T'Lau was before him. She moaned with lustful abandon as she succumbed to the orgiastic wave that possessed her body. He caught her by the shoulders, as she was about to fall to the floor. He picked her up and carried her to her bed, where he deposited the woman still enjoying the last of her passionate journey. The Vulcan covered her with a blanket and then started his way out of the room.
"Spock!" T'Lau called out, trying to catch her breath. "You are not leaving me, are you?"
Spock halted his steps, but did not turn back to her for he regretted the use of his memories with Uhura to evoke feelings of passion within T'Lau. Feeling unclean and contrite, he now thought these sweet remembrances would forever be stained by this act.
T'Lau continued. "Oh, Spock. You have confessed your love with a depth I could never imagine. Come to me, T'hy'la.2 Your slave begs you to give me this night to express my undying gratitude."
He replied, "I have already stayed here longer than was my original intent."
"Spock, between us there is no need for Vulcan barriers of emotion. Let us speak as freely of our desire for each other as you have shown just now by your loving touch."
Spock turned back to her. "You speak as if there is a future for us, T'Lau. Yet, there has been no delay in the construction of the Enterprise. If all continues as scheduled, the ship will be ready for service in 19 days, in time for the celebration of the Founding of the Federation. Precisely 23 days after that, I will be among the crew of that ship slated to begin its five year mission."
T'Lau leaned back against her pillows, blissfully luxuriating in her sexual heat. "My love, fate has a way of making all things right."
"I speak of reality, T'Lau, not of a future determined by an imagined supernatural power."
"Spock, do you not know we create our fate every day we live?3 I promise you the fruits of this creation will soon be reaped. And then, we can be together . . . always."
"You must tell me more how your labors will bring about such an end."
"All will be revealed in due time, Thy'la. One day, I swear there will be no more secrets between us."
Spock studied T'Lau, now looking quite satisfied lounging in her bed. He replied, "Then until that day comes, I must return to my original strategy and make no more visits to your living quarters."
"Such conditions displease me, but knowing we will be together a lifetime has tempered my discontentment."
"Good night, T'Lau."
"Good night, Ashayam." She answered, as the Vulcan strode quickly out of the room anxious to put distance between them.
On a bright late-March afternoon, Uhura walked briskly toward the Medical Treatment Facility. Feeling the warm sun upon her face, she was glad temperatures lately had regularly climbed into the 60's. Spring has at last come to San Francisco, she told herself. While not anxious to reach her destination, she had grown weary of Dr. McCoy nagging her about coming in for a follow-up to her initial examination after she returned from her time at the cabin with Spock. She argued with McCoy about the necessity for another exam, since felt healed of any physical issues that arose from the pon farr experience. However, McCoy remained steadfast in his request. It was not until he threatened to have her ordered to comply that she reluctantly agreed to set an appointment.
In her examination room, it pleased the East African to have her friend – Nurse Theresa Binkowski – take her vitals and run a series of tests. While the Nurse busied herself with these tasks, Uhura sat on the edge of the examination table in a t-shirt, but otherwise was fully dressed.
"Uhura, did you ever find your chain?" Theresa asked.
"There was a moment I thought I did." Uhura replied.
"What do you mean by that?"
"This morning, I overslept."
"That is unlike you. Didn't you tell me once you're usually out of bed by 6 AM?"
"Yes, I try to be. Anyways, when I finally did awaken I noticed Gaila had already left the room."
"Gaila already showered and out the door? You really did oversleep."
"Tell me about it. So, when I finally got out of bed, on my bureau was an envelope with a note on it, reading – This is your lucky day! Oh, Theresa, you don't know how excited I got thinking Gaila had found my necklace. And, while I was opening it, I thought it was just like her to surprise me with it that way, instead of giving it to me herself the night before."
"So, why doesn't this story have a happy ending?"
"I opened it up and took it out to immediately put it back around my neck where it belonged. However, it didn't take long to spot the price tag still hanging from it. It was clearly not the original chain and pendant."
"Oh, that Gaila." Theresa commented, as she drew a blood sample from Uhura's arm. "You have to admit she meant well."
"I know she did. I tell you, Theresa, I can still kick myself for not leaving the chain aroung my neck."
"Where did you say you think you left it?"
"It was in a duffel bag. I know it's a long shot, but perhaps it fell out somewhere on the Academy grounds."
"That's really weird. I've never even known you to take the chain off from around your neck." Theresa remarked, as she picked up the specimen tray.
"How soon will you be back with the results? I'm suppose to be on mentoring duty at the Graduate Assistants Office in less than an hour."
"It shouldn't take but a few minutes for Dr. McCoy get the results of the tests. I can tell you vitals couldn't be better. So, hopefully, Dr. McCoy won't keep you here long. I'll see you, Uhura."
As the door closed behind her friend, Uhura's mind drifted back to the conversation she had with Spock about her missing chain several days ago. She thought she had placed the jewelry deep enough inside the bag, so it would not have fallen out even if the carryall had somehow opened during transport. She wondered why the Vulcan had not volunteered to look more carefully through his apartment or the items that had been in his bag in order to locate this precious article.
Still, Uhura had to smile at the turn their talk took when Spock suddenly began to commend her progress on her doctoral thesis. While she was too distraught to appreciate it at the time, she later realized he had tried his best to brighten her mood. The East African thanked God she had such people in her life who cared about her. She already decided she would treat Gaila to a bowl of the pistachio ice cream the Orion woman often craved.
As for Spock, it would be more difficult to identify just the right gift for someone like him who was privately wealthy enough to obtain almost anything he desired. Moreover, she was not sure how soon she would see him, again, since she promised she would avoid anything but incidental contact until he advised her otherwise. She knew not why he had asked this of her, but Uhura did not want to begin their engagement with doubts as to whether she could trust him. And, while she knew the Vulcan would begin his five-year mission aboard the Enterprise in less than two months, like all crew he would have a week of personal leave before shipping out. He promised they could spend that time together as a prelude to their future lives as husband and wife.
Dr. McCoy entered the room with iTablet in hand, interrupting her current thoughts. She asked, "So, what's the verdict, doctor? Was this or was this not a waste of time as I predicted?"
"You appear to be in excellent health."
"You see, Leonard. I could have saved us both time and effort if you just would have listened to me. Obviously, you have proof I followed your initial instructions without deviation and have long stopped having any health issues associated with my experience with Spock. I really don't think I've felt any better in my life." Uhura hopped down from the table and headed to a wall where her uniform jacket hung from a hook.
"Hey, wait a minute, Uhura. I said you are in excellent health, but I didn't say you were clear of the effects of that rendezvous you had with that Vulcan."
"Come on, Leonard." She told him as she put on her jacket. "How can that be true and, yet, I'm physically fit?"
"Have a seat, Uhura?"
"Leonard, just tell me so I can get out of here. Didn't Theresa let you know I've got to get to the Graduate Student Office?" She quickly checked her chronometer, as she grabbed her bag from another hook. "If I leave in a few minutes I'll have just enough time to get there and not be late."
"Uhura, you're pregnant."
She did not know how she found the chair and not the floor. The East African sat in the office trying to come to grips with the news she just heard as McCoy moved by her side.
McCoy continued. "That's the main reason I wanted you back here after you initial examination. Even with modern technology, pregnancy tests are not always accurate within the first few days after conception. However, after two weeks, it is quite rare for there to be any false results."
"How could this happen?"
"I think you're old enough to figure that out."
"But I feel fine. I don't have any symptoms of pregnancy. While its true I've had very little evidence of a menstrual period, I thought that was primarily a function of the type of birth control I am on."
"Not all women react the same way during the first trimester. Some experience symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, or stress; while others seem not to have any such physical signs. However, within the next 10 weeks, you would probably noticed you'd be gaining weight."
"But why wasn't the birth control effective?"
"The birth control administered to you was designed to provide protection with human contact. Under ordinary circumstances, studies have shown it also has been very effective in sexual contact with some alien races. However, the data is not available for Vulcan-human relations, since such associations have almost been nonexistent."
"But Spock's mother is human."
"Biologically, his Vulcan characteristics are dominant. With the exception of his DNA, one would find it difficult to distinguish him from any other Vulcan male."
"I still do not see how this makes any difference. The birth control should have prevented me from ovulating, so there would not be an egg to fertilize."
"Thanks to the Vulcan's almost Victorian attitude toward the pon farr, we have little scientific knowledge on this phenomenon. However, during this extraordinary fertile period there may be some agent in the male's sperm that triggers ovulation in the female. Obviously, males are not impregnating women each time they go through this cycle. So, Vulcans must have figured out an effective birth control method. However, there has previously been little reason to share this information with non-Vulcans."
McCoy allowed Uhura time to sit and gather her thoughts. He could see by her face she was still processing the unexpected news.
"Spock . . . " She gasped, suddenly getting up. "I need to let him know."
"Under Federation law, the father has a right to know. However, it is still your decision whether or not to go through with this pregnancy. He has no say in that matter."
"Dr. McCoy!" She snapped, taking on the role of a mother protecting her child. "Abortion was never an option for me. You don't know me very well at all if you think I would ever consider it."
"Then, you must realize for you to go through with the pregnancy won't be a simple matter. Spock is a very high profile Starfleet Officer and valuable Federation scientist, who also happens to be the son of an influential Vulcan Ambassador. Only a few in Starfleet knew about the setup between you - an Academy student, and Spock - an Academy professor. There will certainly be a major scandal unleashed when this hits the wind. And, you will bear the brunt of it."
"Spock and I will deal with it, McCoy."
"Within two months, your loverboy will be taking off on a five year mission leaving you to confront this situation all alone. The military has never terminated someone's service commitment due to matters like this."
Uhura paused in reflection, and then softened her tone. "I won't be alone. I have family and friends who I can rely on." She reached out her hand and touched his shoulder. "I thought you was one of them, Leonard."
McCoy covered her hand with his. "You know I'm here for you, Darling. It was stupid of me to say you of all people wouldn't have any support."
"Thanks, Leonard." She said as she removed her hand from his. "So, what's the next step as far as the baby is concerned? I want to make sure to do what I can to nurture the child's healthy development."
"You're certainly not the first nor will you be the last member of Starfleet to get pregnant while in the service. We have three gynecologists on staff who have joint specialties in obstetrics. According to your medical records, I believe you have already had a chance to consult with Dr. Saad."
"Yes, on a birth control method4." Uhura found it within her to laugh lightly. "All things considered, I think I better pass on Dr. Saad."
"Well, then when you're ready, I'll brief you on the other two so you can make an informed choice and, later, set up a regular schedule of visitations."
Uhura slung the strap of her bag across her shoulder in preparation to leave. "I want to first tell Spock the news and get his opinion on the matter. It's only right that he's party to these types of decisions."
"Are you going to see him, now?"
"Not, yet. I don't want to catch him while he's coming out of class or advising his Research Assistants. However, at the end of the day, there's a teahouse where he often goes to unwind. I am going to try to meet him there."
"Spock, unwind? How can you tell?"
"I've come to know a few thing about him, Leonard."
"Obviously."
"So, first I'm going to put in my hours at the Graduate Office and then . . . "
She was in his arms . . .
Before he knew it . . .
She was in his arms . . .
Laughing and crying all at the same time . . .
And he held her against him and comforted her with his presence . . .
As if only this moment mattered . . .
"I'm sorry, Leonard." She finally managed to say. "I just had to hug somebody."
"It's all right, Darling. I told you I'm here for you. It's a scary thing you're going through."
Uhura lifted her tear-stained face and told him. "No, Leonard. I'm really not afraid. With all of the uncertainties ahead, I suppose it would be natural to be fearful of the future. But, right now, I don't feel that way at all. Gaila was right. This is my lucky day!" She rested her head against his chest once more. "I can't imagine what could make me any happier!"
"That's fine, then." McCoy said as he continued to hold her in his embrace. "You don't have to be afraid . . . Because I have enough fear inside of me for the both of us."
Author's Note: In Chapter 45, Uhura waits at the Teahouse of Diarmuid to inform Spock of the pregnancy. However, the Vulcan is not the only one to learn of the news.
Your comments are always appreciated.
1 Ashayam is the Vulcan word for Beloved.
2 T'hy'la is the Vulcan word for Lover.
3 This quote is attributed to American author Henry Miller.
4 In Chpt. 29, Uhura sought birth control in preparation of losing her virginity to James Kirk. However, she ended their romantic relationship before that event took place.