Author's Note: In Chapter 46, Spock escorts T'Lau to her apartment after being informed of Uhura's condition. Spock teaches Captain Pike's son a lesson in love. The Vulcan reveals his true feelings concerning the East African's pregnancy.
As always, your comments are appreciated.
Outside of an apartment building, Spock and T'Lau climb out of a SkyCab. Spock told the driver not to wait for him, while T'Lau looked down the street at another vehicle that had caught her eye.
"It appears we are being followed." She informed the Vulcan.
"Have I not told you we must be careful how our relationship is perceived?"
"Yes, this behavior should have been expected. Paranoia is, indeed, one of the ignoble traits of humans."
"Be that as it may, I hope you now understand why it would not be wise for me to join you in your private quarters. Obviously, suspicions have been aroused and I would rather not exacerbate them."
"It is well understood. However, despite the fact I will be without your touch for several weeks, my spirits have never been higher."
"I thought the news of Ms. Uhura's pregnancy might have served to upset you."
"I must say, the news was a bit jarring at first. I could see it had a similar effect on you, Spock. After you dismissed the Teahouse Manager from our table, you voiced only a few words during the rest of our time there. Even our ride to my apartment proved inadequate for conversation."
"The subject was not for our driver's ears." Spock replied. "Before we left the Teahouse, I made Diarmuid quite aware he was not to speak to another person about it."
"Of course, this outcome probably should come as no surprise. The pon farr represents the highest point of fertility for the Vulcan male. Also, it is my understanding the Cadet comes from a people once used as Terran breeding stock."
Although seething from her comment, Spock managed to keep a cool countenance as he responded. "Just because her people were, at one time, reduced to such immoral purposes, it does not justify your speaking of Ms. Uhura in those terms. You will do well not to do so, ever again."
T'Lau took no offense from his statement. "It is obvious the matter is of great concern to you. As a Vulcan, you most certainly feel morally obligated to provide the material support necessary for this child. However, I sense your concern runs much deeper than that."
Spock studied T'Lau, wondering if the implications of her comment involved his affections for Nyota. Yet, he knew he should be careful not to put such a concern in her mind if it had not previously been there. So, he asked directly, "What interest do you suppose I have in the matter?"
"You are obviously concerned about how this information may affect my relationship with you. You must obviously be wondering, if I would love you any less."
Spock nodded slightly, but not for the reason the imposter had given. When Diarmuid blurted out the news of the pregnancy before them, the Vulcan had immediately feared for Nyota and the unborn child's safety at the hands of a proven murderer.
T'Lau continued. "While I am not one to believe in the concept of providence, I must say this turn of events could not have been better scripted."
"While it pleases me the circumstance does not upset you, I still would like to understand why the situation has seemingly evoked such satisfaction for you."
T'Lau paused for a moment, as her mood appeared to take on a more somber facade. "Spock, there's something I never told you about my departed husband and I. Did you ever wonder why Tuval and I did not have any children?"
"It is not rare for our people to postpone pregnancy until much latter in one's lifespan. Moreover, it was none of my affair to speculate on or if you even wanted to have children."
"Of course, it is your right to know, T'hy'la.1 After all, our bond is not for this moment, but for a lifetime."
Spock gave no response.
T'Lau continued. "However, I was concerned about what you would think of me if you were to learn . . . I had become barren after a bout of Regillean fever." For a moment, T'Lau looked away from Spock.
Spock commented. "The situation appears to have caused you great distress."
She turned back to him. "I suppose Tuval and I would have adopted, but he died before we had the opportunity to make such an arrangement."
Spock sensed her desire to have children might actually be sincere. However, he knew the pretender would have had no affection for Tuval, as she most certainly had something to do with the alleged shuttlecraft accident that led to his death. The Vulcan speculated that instead of the Regellian fever, her barrenness was more likely due to the numerous operations the Romulan would have undertaken to transform herself into the Vulcan T'Lau.
The imposter's attitude now seemed to brighten, as she remarked, "Spock, do you not understand how the Cadet's pregnancy with your child can now be seen in such an agreeable light? There will not be any need for us to adopt now that this child can be ours."
Spock tried not to betray his true feelings toward the audacious comment. "Will you not be reluctant to raise a child whose probable appearance will remind you of the biological mother?"
"You are living proof Vulcan genes will dominate in such interracial couplings. However, even if there is some physical resemblance to the Cadet's ethnic heritage, I will be consoled by the knowledge the child is a product of your loins. Away from this backward planet, we will raise our child in the best traditions of our peoples."
"It is curious you used the plural – peoples – instead of the singular." Spock noted.
Caught momentarily off-guard, she recovered by saying, "Just a slip of the tongue, T'hy'la."
"And, what of Ms. Uhura? Have you forgotten she will have to agree to such an arrangement?"
"Spock, you have lived among them for over a decade and, yet, it seems you know so little about them. Like other career-minded human females, Ms. Uhura will be relieved to know she will be unburdened of this matter in due time. Moreover, with us the child will have many more advantages than the East African would ever be able to afford. If she is a reasonable female, she will acquiesce to this position with little thought."
Spock knew T'Lau had greatly misjudged Nyota's reaction. The woman he loved would never agree to such a pact that would separate her from her child. Yet, for a moment he could console himself with the knowledge T'Lau's plot against the Enterprise would need to be exposed by Founder's Day, which was less than three weeks away. Since Uhura would still be in the early stages of pregnancy, he felt relieved the East African would be relatively safe from the imposter's machinations.
Months before the child's birth, he reasoned, they would surely uncover enough evidence to finally apprehend T'Lau and her conspirators.
However, Spock's respite did not last long as he felt T'Lau's long fingers begin to caress one of his hands. Catching his eyes, a small smile came across her face that Spock was certain she meant to be reassuring. "Do not worry, T'hy'la. Even if the Cadet proves irrational, it does not matter for she will have little choice in the matter. I will see to that."
T'Lau defiantly looked back in the direction of the suspect vehicle and then disappeared behind the doors of her apartment building.
Later, Five blocks away from T'Lau's apartment, a car pulled up beside the walking Vulcan. A voice called out to Spock saying, "It will be safe for you enter my vehicle, now."
Spock obeyed the recommendation and sat beside the driver of the car in question. He then commented, "The ploy worked, Sevat. T'Lau is convinced we are now under surveillance."
"It should at least provide you with an excuse to avoid any further sexual contact with her." Sevat responded as he drove off.
"I switched on my communicator. How much of my conversation with the imposter did you hear?"
"Enough to know you are obviously in her plans for domestic bliss."
"Sevat, this is no time for levity."
"I made no attempt at humor, Spock. I was only stating a fact. T'Lau appears confident she will successfully carryout her plot and believes you will be with her to enjoy the spoils. She is bound to make a slip or feel more confident in the sharing part of her plans with you as we move closer to Federation Founder's Day - the assumed date of this expected nefarious activity. You must continue to play along with her perception of what the future holds for the two of you."
"I am not a professional actor, Sevat. I can barely sustain my current deception in regards to T'Lau. How can I be expected to feign even the remotest possibility of raising a child with that female?"
"Spock, you must remember your first priority is to unmask the pretender and this conspiracy."
"You know where my allegiance lies, Sevat. However, I must make sure Ms. Uhura and our child are protected."
"Your attention must be on the imposter." Sevat reiterated.
"It is not an either/or situation." Spock interjected. "I will do all that is within my power to reveal this plot before it is brought to fruition. However, at the same time, my family will be secure."
The car now came to a stop outside of the Academy's gates. However, Spock remained unmoved, awaiting Sevat's response.
Sevat finally told Spock what he wanted to hear. "Dr. Greeley may be a bit reluctant; however, I believe I can persuade Ms. Uhura's advisor to allow the Cadet to spend more time under my supervision as she performs her preliminary dissertation activities and intensifies her Romulan studies as we approach term's end. I will also provide Ms. Uhura with the proper escort when necessary. Now, does that ease your conscience, Spock, or must I also promise to tuck her into her bed at night."
"You must send a report to me each day you are with her."
"Me, report to you?" Sevat asked with an incredulous edge.
"These are my terms, Sevat." Spock replied sternly.
Sevat appeared to hesitate, but then replied, "I will speak with Dr. Greeley tomorrow to make the changes in the Cadet's schedule. After I meet with Ms. Uhura on Monday, you shall receive the first of the daily briefings. Does this course of action not meet your stated requirements for your continued participation in this mission?"
Sevat watched as Spock left the vehicle and wondered if his former childhood foe had sensed the now thinly veiled fondness he had for the East African. After contemplating on the matter, Sevat reasoned, Spock is using me . . . He is using my feelings for Nyota to assure my devotion to this task.
While Sevat had never laughed as humans do, he did find the situation to be quite humorous. He then said to himself, If this is the way Spock wants to use me, I certainly do not mind at all being used.
At 7:23 AM, Spock and Captain Pike sat at their usual booth at a local city diner indulging in their usual Friday ritual of running and then having breakfast together. However, this morning they remained at the restaurant much longer than usual as Spock filled in Pike on the latest information he had gathered on T'Lau and her alleged conspirators. Yet, the Vulcan decided not to inform his superior officer and friend of anything regarding Uhura's pregnancy. He reasoned if he were to tell Pike, the Captain would be duty-bound to report it to his own superiors. While he trusted his friend, he did not want one of the brass to make a decision that might impair Spock's ability to protect his family before the mission was accomplished.
As their conversation appeared to near its end, the sudden unexpected presence of Jack interrupted their dialogue.
Pike looked to the solemn-faced boy, knowing the ensuing conversation would not be pleasant. The Captain remarked, "Jack, I thought you would be headed to school by now."
"Mr. Spock . . . " The boy began, avoiding the Captain's look. "Will you tell my father I need for him to reload my credit card so I can buy my lunch?"
The Vulcan regarded Jack curiously, before responding, "Your father is not more than four feet from your current position. I am sure he heard your request."
"But I'm not talking to him."
"I do not understand this circumstance." Spock remarked. "You obviously have the ability to speak to the Captain."
"I am being punished." Pike interjected.
"By who and for what reason?" The Vulcan asked.
"Jack." The Captain replied. "He's upset we're scheduled to begin our tour of duty on the Enterprise in less than two months. He says I'm abandoning him."
Spock cocked his head at an angle as though trying to make sense out of what Pike has told him. The Captain rose from his seat.
"Jack, let me have your card so I can refill it next door at the credit machine."
The boy reached into one of the pockets of his backpack and retrieved the card. He then deliberately set it down on the table.
"Jack." Spock quickly addressed him before Pike could say a word. "Pick up the card and hand it to your father."
"But, Mr. Spock." The boy voiced his indignation. "I thought you were on my side."
"I cannot support nor understand such illogical behavior. You must retrieve the card at once and hand it to your father." The Vulcan commanded.
Reluctantly, Jack picked up the card and gave it to the Captain.
"Jack, you can wait here. I shouldn't be long." Pike said before heading out the diner.
Spock studied the sulking boy standing with crossed arms beside the table.
Spock asked him, "Would you like to sit down, while your father completes his transaction?"
"No." He answered tersely.
"I believe the Captain would want you to be comfortable."
"Why do you think that? He doesn't even care about me."
Spock raised his eyebrow, confused by Jack's statement. "Have you lived with your father for the last 3 years, 11 months, and 8 days?"
"Yes." Jack hesitantly agreed, not know where Spock's reasoning was taking him.
"Has he provided you with shelter, sufficient food and clothing?"
"Yes."
"Has he provided you with ample verbal and physical expressions of his affection for you?"
"Yes. But, if he cared, he wouldn't leave me!" The boy angrily replied.
"Your argument is quite flawed, Jack. There is still much I have to learn about human relationships; however, I know of no better example of a father's love for his child than what I have observed between the Captain and you."
"You don't know what you're talking about, Mr. Spock. He doesn't really love me."
"Why do you voice such a statement? Because expected life events do not coincide with your own preferences?"
"He would rather be a Captain than be my father!"
"Being a Captain is your father's life calling. He cannot deny it, even if it means being physically away from the one he cares most about. You must remember, mere distance cannot affect the link between the two of you. I assure you this bond is impenetrable."
Jack lowered his head, his face betraying the conflicting emotions within him. As a single tear rolled down his cheek, he caught the Vulcan's gaze. Abruptly wiping away the tear with one hand, he snapped, "What are you looking at?"
"You are obviously the subject of my attention, Jack. Have we not been involved in a dialogue?"
"That doesn't give you the right to look at me!"
Spock continued his calm repose unaffected by the boy's hostile stance. He studied the boy for a few moments, before commenting, "Strange how I had not recognized it until now, but you appear to have grown at least a foot over the last six months. You also seem to be taking on more of a resemblance of your father as you advance in age."
Upon giving the remark, Spock began to sense the dissipation of Jack's anger. "You're saying . . . I'm beginning to look like Dad?"
"Your dark brown eyes and hair obviously are the result of your mother's genetic contribution. However, your father's influence can most prominently be detected in the shape of your physique and facial structure."
"Really?" The boy seemed to brighten. "You really think so?"
"My perception is quite accurate. However, as your body matures, you also must be attentive to the nurturing of other aspects of your being as you grow into adulthood."
"What do you mean?"
"It is unlikely we have time to speak on this subject at length at present. Yet, there is a Vulcan saying I can recite which will provide you with sustenance for reflection. Our ancestors have written, When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways."2
As Jack began to consider the passage's meaning, Pike reentered the diner with the boy's card in hand.
"You wouldn't believe the line at the credit machine this morning. I had no idea it would take me this long." Pike remarked as he handed the card to Jack. He watched as the boy placed the card in his bookbag, but then made no sign of leaving.
The Captain commented, "Well, Jack, you better go on to school. You're already going to be late."
When his comment still seemed to have no affect on the boy, his immobility fed the Captain's frustration. "All right, Jack." He began. "This foolishness has gone far . . . "
"Dad?" Jack interrupted.
"What is it, now?" Pike barked.
The boy looked to him, now noticing his eye level nearly matched his father's. His voice seemed tinged with contrition. "I wanted to know if you had the time to walk me to school. From here it shouldn't take more than 20 minutes."
Pike stood mutely wondering how his son had mysteriously returned to him.
Spock commented, "Captain, I'll pay for our meals. Do not feel compelled to remain any longer."
Pike turned to Spock with a knowing look. "Thanks, Spock."
"No need to thank me, sir. I believe it is my turn to take care of the bill."
"I wasn't talking about the bill and you know it." The Captain retorted. "You know one day, you'll make a great father." The Captain placed his hand reassuringly on Jack's shoulder and said, "We should be on our way, son."
Spock watched as the two went out the door, marveling at how easily the Captain had made the intimate physical gesture. The Vulcan wondered if he could possibly learn to do the same with his own son or daughter. The Vulcan recalled the comment Pike made about his ability to be a father, but he thought to himself, Nyota . . . I have so much to learn.
The Vulcan paid the check and then began his return run back to the Academy campus. As he ran, he attempted to focus on his tasks for the day. However, as he entered the campus gates, his mind could not help but return to the events that occurred earlier that day.
In the wee hours of Friday morning, Uhura and he friend, Cadet Jordan Williamson made the rounds on the grounds of the Academy, as part of their security detail. Dressed in jackets over their uniform, both sported a utility belt around their waists.
"You're not very talkative tonight." Jordan commented.
"Well, you should have caught me earlier in the evening. In fact, I probably talked too much for my own good." She remarked, now lamenting the fact she had said anything to Diarmuid about the pregnancy.
"What are you talking about?"
"Oh, no. I don't think I should make the same mistake twice."
"Just trying to pass the time."
"Then, what's stopping you from starting the conversation?" Uhura looked to Jordan who suddenly slowed his pace. "Hey, what's up with you?"
"I don't know."
"Come on, Jordan."
"Shhhhhh . . . " He said in an attempt to quiet her.
Uhura raised her head attempting to listen more carefully to her surroundings. "Do you really hear anything?"
Jordan listened for a few more moments and then relaxed. "I suppose not. I just had this feeling someone was following us."
"Look, I'm the one who should be punchy about now. You said you had a nap before you went on detail. Well, I didn't."
"It probably proves what Ensign Lin said. Sometimes it's worse to get a little sleep before doing one of these midnight details, than not getting any rest at all."
Uhura checked her chronometer. "Look, it's past time for our break. Why don't you go inside Mayweather Hall to get yourself some water or something else to refresh yourself? I even understand there's someone special we both know who pulled night duty this evening."
"You mean the fact that my girl is on duty?" He unsuccessfully feigned innocence. "Where did you hear that?"
"You only mentioned it three or four times while we've been making our rounds."
"All right . . . all right. You don't have to twist my arm. Let's go."
"Oh, no." Uhura resisted. "I'm not looking to be a third wheel."
Jordan hesitated thinking about his earlier sensation of being watched. "I don't know."
"Oh, Jordan, what's the problem? The only thing that ever happens on one of these details is that we catch someone breaking curfew and I certainly can handle one of those violations without any backup."
"I still don't like the idea of leaving you out here by yourself."
"Why? Because I'm a female?"
"This has nothing to do about you being a woman. There's a reason why these midnight security detail are conducted in pairs."
"Yeah, I know. It's just that the odds are better two people can keep each other awake during this god-awful shift."
"Uhura . . ."
"Go on, Jordan." She interrupted him. "I'm getting ready to call in our break and when I do, we'll only have 10 minutes. I'm sure Yolanda is in there waiting you, right now."
"All right." Jordan reluctantly relented. "But keep your audio on, so I can hear you."
"Hear me? Do you think I'm going to be out here mumbling to myself like a crazy person?" She took him by his shoulders, turned him around, and then gave him a hearty shove. "Now, be off with you."
Uhura retrieved her communicator from her utility belt and called the security command post to report the break time and position. It was a moonless evening, with the campus lights providing the only illumination. The East African then scanned the area for a place to sit down, but just as she did the Cadet heard the sound of movement behind her.
And then, before she could turn, someone grabbed her from behind, covering her mouth and immobilizing her arms while pulling her away from the lights and into the darkness. As she struggled against her abductor, her utility belt fell off. She tried to kick, but it was too difficult to get leverage from her position.
And suddenly, she heard a familiar voice . . .
Nyota . . .
It is your husband . . .
He removed his hand from her mouth as she stilled herself long enough to recognize him . . .
Pressed against his torso . . .
Firm . . .
Strong . . .
So masculine . . .
Spock felt her body relax as he gently lowered her until her feet touched the ground . . .
She turned her body around to face him . . .
With his hands around her waist . . .
She raised her hands to rest on his upper arms . . .
Spock." She said, barely able to see his face in the darkened environment. "You're the one who had been following us? Why didn't you just call to me after you saw Jordan had left?"
"Initially, I was not sure if you had left your audio on as Cadet Williamson had suggested."
"I can't say I'm not glad to see you. But, what are you doing out here?"
"I needed to speak with you."
"At this hour of the morning?" Then, she gasped as her concerns about the Irishman had been realized. "Diarmuid!"
"Do not be upset with him, Nyota."
"I wanted to be the one to tell you about our baby." She said, her voice betraying her disappointment.
"Diarmuid thought you had already told me when I came to your table at the Teahouse to return your pendant. He did not know my actual purpose."
"Then, that only leaves one other issue." She remarked, her eyes petitioning his through the night air. "How do you feel about it? I mean . . . since it wasn't planned or anything . . . I wasn't sure what you would think."
Spock rarely initiated their kisses, since the tradition was alien to his people and considered unsanitary by some. However, those thoughts were furthest from the Vulcan's mind that evening.
Swept up into his arms . . .
His warm lips removed any doubts with kisses . . .
Sweet kisses . . .
Which covered her face . . .
Covered her face . . .
With his love for her . . .
Love for her . . .
That touched the depths of her soul . . .
She laughed . . .
She laughed with joy . . .
A joy intertwined with his love . . .
When her feet finally felt the ground beneath her, again . . .
He had turned her so her back once again pressed against his body . . .
But this time she felt herself melt inside of him . . .
Feeling herself part of him . . .
Bearing his child . . .
She softly sang her new mantra . . .
"Our child . . ."
"Our child . . ."
His fingers . . .
Anxiously found the pull tab of her jacket . . .
And quickly opened her garment . . .
His right hand then took its time to take pleasure in the touch of her body . . .
To move ever so slowly . . .
His hand moved ever so slowly along the contours of her torso . . .
Then down further . . .
Until he found it . . .
Until he found the child's home . . .
And, he held his hand there . . .
Right there . . .
Covering her womb . . .
Her head . . .
Her head fell back against his chest . . .
In sweet, sweet surrender . . .
Surrendering to his . . .
Touch . . .
And then . . .
He . . .
Closed his eyes . . .
Quieted his breath . . .
Stopped the beating of his heart . . .
Until could feel it . . .
He could feel it . . .
The barely perceptible life force emanating from a microscopic embryo from inside her . . .
"Yes . . ."
He sighed as he joined the song of new life . . .
"Our child . . ."
"Our child . . ."
And . . .
Although only moments passed . . .
They spun a web of time . . .
Time that enveloped the three of them . . .
Allowing three . . .
To be as one . . .
Uhura's communicator sounded.
"It's probably Jordan." Uhura told Spock, "I've got to answer it."
The Vulcan released her and watched as she quickly found her utility belt and answered her communicator just before it was going to turn over to her voice mail.
"Uhura, here."
"Uhura, where are you?" Jordan asked with concern. "I'm looking at the external monitors and you're nowhere to be seen."
"Maybe I'm trying not to be seen, Jordan."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Maybe I was trying to take a leak or something."
"Nyota," Spock began disapprovingly, "Must you be so crude with your . . ."
Uhura covered the communicator speaker, "Spock, please!"
"Uhura!" Jordan called to her. "What's going on out there?"
"If you would just let me finish my business, everything would be all right." She responded.
"Three minutes, Uhura." Jordan told her. "Whether you're finished with your business or not, I'll be out there in three minutes."
Uhura ended the call. "I better get ready." The East African told Spock as she zipped up her jacket and put the utility belt around her waist. "When do you think we might be able to see each other, again?"
"It is difficult to make a meaningful estimation." He answered.
"A few days . . . a week or two . . . "
"Nyota, it would serve no purpose to speculate. However, what I do know is we must be much stricter in our practice of not seeing each other. I took a chance even coming here to see you, tonight."
"Not even at the Teahouse?"
"Only incidental contact is permissible."
"But, Spock . . . " She began, moving closer to him, again. "We have such little time before you'll have to leave for your tour of duty."
"It is but a small sacrifice for a lifetime together. Is this not true?"
Uhura nodded, although she was not sure if he could see her gesture.
Spock added. "Starfleet is not completely without compassion regarding these matters. When the time draws near for you to give birth, I will be permitted a leave of up to six months before I must return to duty. Does this fact please you, Ashayam?"3
She answered him with a single kiss . . .
A kiss embodying . . .
Her trust . . .
Her hopes . . .
Her faith in the future . . .
Their family's future . . .
"Uhura!" Jordan called, after he left Mayweather Hall. Still unable to make out her figure, he called to her, again.
"Got to go." She whispered to Spock. Yet, when she tried to pull away, the Vulcan did not readily release her.
Uhura's soft laughter fell gently on his ears, before she told him. "You are quite a greedy man, tonight."
She found his lips, again, and then whispered . . .
"We'll be waiting for you."
The East African found release from the Vulcan's hold. Hidden by the cloak of the night, he watched as Uhura joined her fellow Cadet to continue their security rounds.
It is but a small sacrifice for a lifetime together.
His own words haunted him, as his body seemed to become uncomfortably cold.
It was no small sacrifice to be without her. He admitted to himself. No small sacrifice.
Author's Note: The next chapter skips nearly three weeks ahead to a few days before the Federation Founder's Day and the ceremonial inaugural flight of the Starship Enterprise.
Your comments are always appreciated.
1 T'hy'la is the Vulcan word for "lover."
2 Yes, this is actually a Bible passage – 1 Corinthians 13:11; however, I wanted to use it for this moment.
3 Ashayam is the Vulcan word for "Beloved."