Author's Note: In Chapter 49, Gaila tries to find out the identity of Uhura's romantic interest as they prepare to go on duty for Federation Day activities. After breakfast, Spock asks Sarek about the results of his petition to dissolve his marriage contract with T'Pring.

The author's depiction of Sarek adopts the physical look of the character in the 2009 Star Trek film. However, his character traits are based primarily on the persona first created by actor Mark Leonard for TOS. As such, Sarek has much more of a strained relationship with his son than shown in the most recent film. He also can be patronizing toward humans and tends to display an imperious attitude toward his wife, Amanda Grayson.

As always, your comments are appreciated.

What a day! Uhura sighed, as she plopped down in the chair of the Academy Ambassadors Office for the first time that day. Taking advantage of a 15-minute break, she loosened the red scarf about her neck and then rested her head against the back wall. As she attempted to relax, her thoughts returned to her morning conversation with Gaila.

Already dressed at 4:55 AM, Uhura pulled a hungover Gaila out of bed and stuck her into the shower. The Orion protested as the cold water hit her body.

Looking in the mirror while applying her a light touch of makeup, Uhura remarked, "Don't complain to me. Remember, I'm the one who told you not to stay out late last night. With this Federation Founders Day Celebration, you know we're on detail for the next 48 hours."

Uhura threw a towel on the shivering Orion, as she stepped out of the shower. "Why so early? None of those VIP's are going to be crazy enough to be here this early."

"Have you forgotten they'll be lots of media here representing all of the Federation planetary members. Briefings begin at 6 AM." The East African commented as she gently guided Gaila back into the bedroom where she had laid out the Orion's uniform.

"Why are so many events happening on our campus?" Gaila asked as she reluctantly began to get dressed. "This is not Starfleet Command."

"Weren't you listening to a thing the Commandant told us at last Monday's assembly?" Uhura chided her. "Starfleet Command was not designed to deal with the number of visitors expected for these activities. In contrast, the Academy has a variety of venues and the security necessary to host these events. That's why most of the significant activities will take place on our campus." Uhura told her, while tying a red scarf around her neck.

"You've got it easy. I wish I could be giving tours to dignitaries."

"Be careful what you wish for. I enjoy meeting people and talking about the Academy. However, those few times I've been on tour duty all day, I found it becomes difficult to maintain a pleasant attitude when your feet start aching and you get so tired it's difficult to keep your script straight."

"It's better than being stuck with IT duty."

"IT? But that's your field."

"I'm a computer programmer, not an IT technician. I didn't go to school to waste my time servicing people too stupid to know the answer to their problem can be something as simple as a cable being unplugged."

"Ouch." Uhura laughed lightly. "I think that sounded a lot like my issue last week."

"Uhura, I didn't mean to offend you. But, when you get dozens of these requests in one day, it's kind of frustrating."

"Well, roommate, I think both of us will survive." Uhura told her good-naturedly as she handed the Orion her jacket. "I'm sure this won't be the last time we will be called upon to perform some duty not exactly to our . . . "

Gaila interrupted Uhura with a gasp as she looked toward a mirror over her dresser. "Look at me! My eyes are so puffy!" She commented, as she took out her makeup kit and began work on her face. "How do they expect me to go on duty in this condition?"

"Is this where I'm supposed to say, I told you so?"

"I wasn't even planning on going out last night."

"So, what happened?"

"Kirk."

"Kirk?"

"I mean . . . it wasn't a date or anything. So, don't get upset."

"Gaila, I told you already it's over between me and Kirk. I have nothing to get upset about."

"Well, I think Kirk is cute and everything, but it would be kind of creepy to think about him in a romantic way so soon after you and he were going to do it."

"Gaila, I think we're both adults here. It's all right if you say it."

"You mean, it's all right to say you two were going to f**k?"

"Maybe not so crudely. It's not that I didn't have any feelings for him."

"Well, when I met with him, he did ask about you."

"I'm sure it wasn't pleasant."

"No. It wasn't bad. Just a typical question a guy asks after getting dumped. He wanted to know if you were seeing anybody. But, of course, what he really wanted to know if you were sleeping with anybody."

"Come on, Gaila. I'm sure he didn't say or imply anything like that. And, anyways, in the last few weeks, I've seen him at functions with a different woman on his arm for each occasion. My ego is not so huge that I think he's still hung up on me."

"All right. He didn't come out and say, Is Uhura seeing anyone? But, I could tell from his voice it is what he wanted to know. Do you want to know what I told him?"

"Not really."

"I told him you've been spending a lot of time with that Vulcan professor over at Berkeley."

"Oh, Gaila." Uhura sighed, as she shook her head.

"Isn't that the truth?"

"You probably made it sound as though I left Kirk for Professor Sevat."

Gaila began to comb her red hair. "Well, you know I have no idea how anyone could be attracted to a Vulcan. However, besides the increased amount of time you two have been together, there certainly has been something different about you."

"Really?" Uhura feigned innocence. "In what way?"

"There's been a sort of glow about you."

"A glow? What am I? Radioactive or something?"

"Don't try to play games with me, Uhura. I've come to know you too well."

"Is that right? Then, if you know me so well, then tell me what could possibly be the reason for this glow I supposedly am radiating."

Gaila put down her brush on her dresser and studied the smiling East African. "Will you tell me if I guess it?"

"It depends."

"What kind of answer is that?"

"It's the only answer I'm going to give you."

"Does it have to do with a Vulcan?"

Uhura now regretted allowing the conversation to go so far. There were those with biases against Orion women due to their infamous sexual prowess. However, the East African knew Gaila to be quite an intelligent woman who could not be deceived for long.

When Uhura did not answer right away, Gaila realized she was on to something. She recalled, "When I came back from Winter break, I noticed something different about the way you were carrying yourself. For a few days, you seemed to be walking gingerly."

"I was walking gingerly? What is that supposed to me?"

"This is going to sound unbelievable considering who I am talking to. But, you were walking kind of carefully like someone who had been involved in sex orgy."

Uhura thought back to the rough sex she had experienced with Spock while the Vulcan was under the influence of the pon farr. She knew very well her roommate had accurately identified her malady, but she could not admit it without giving her more information than she wanted to divulge.

"Me, involved in a sex orgy?" Uhura feigned innocence.

"I told you it was unbelievable." Gaila responded. "Knowing you and the fact you had broken up with Kirk before the semester recess, I didn't say anything to you about it at that time. But, then I thought you did have an opportunity to be with someone else who now seems to be more prominent in your life." The Orion moved closer to Uhura, until she was only inches from her roommate. "Uhura, have you been having sex with that Vulcan?"

Uhura stood mutely, suddenly not knowing what to say.

Gaila's eyes widened. "Uhura, you've had sex for the first time and you didn't tell me? And, with a Vulcan! So, that's why you've been spending so much time at Berkely?"

Uhura mustered a small laugh, grateful the Orion had provided a way out of her corner. "I didn't have sex with Professor Sevat, Gaila. That's ridiculous."

Gaila took a couple of steps back and looked at Uhura with a skeptical eye. "You wouldn't lie to me, would you?"

"Why can't you believe me?"

"Because when I first asked if you were having sex with a Vulcan, you didn't answer me right away."

"Gaila, during the last three years we've been Cadets, there has only been two male Vulcans with whom I've had more than incidental contact – Professor Sevat and Mr. Spock. Now I have told you there has been no sexual contact between Professor Sevat and me. How likely is it that Mr. Spock and I got together over the semester break and made love to each other?"

Uhura's forced laugh sounded hollow to Gaila's ears. The Orion asked, "Who said anything about making love?"

"Come on, Gaila . . . think about it. Mr. Spock and me? How would that even be possible?"

"So, you're really not lying to me about you and Professor Sevat?"

"What do you want from me? Should I take a lie detector test or would you like to administer a truth serum?"

"Say it one more time." The Orion demanded, looking intensely into Uhura's eyes.

Unintimidated, Uhura knew she could speak with confidence, "Gaila, I swear Professor and I have never had sex or any sexual contact of any kind."

The two women leave their room and make their way out the residence hall. As they are about to head off in different directions, Uhura asked her roommate, "Hey, Gaila. If you find yourself totally bored and have some time, why don't you run some more of those computer simulations trying to figure out the relationship between those StarShip parts?"

"You mean those computer simulations for a certain Vulcan professor for whom you have no romantic interest?" Gaila shook her head in disbelief. "OK – I'll see what I can do."

Back at the Academy Ambassadors Office, Uhura slid off one of her shoes and massaged her aching foot with her hand. Just as she began to feel some relief, she unexpectedly heard her name called although she thought she had enjoyed little of her promised 15-minute break.

"Cadet Uhura." Ensign LaMotte called to her.

When Uhura lifted her eyes from her ministrations, she saw Ensign LaMotte was not alone. Beside her supervisor stood a tall middle-aged looking Vulcan with quite a familiar face. It did not take the Cadet long to realize it was Spock's Father, Ambassador Sarek. He wore traditional Vulcan clothing; however, the material seemed to be made of a richer, more ornate fabric than she had ever seen any other Vulcan wear – including Spock.

"Yes, sir." Uhura answered as she stood up quickly and tried to regain her composure after having been caught in a less than appropriate position. LaMotte flashed a look of disappointment, as he looked down and saw the Cadet attempting to slip her foot back into her shoe.

LaMotte turned to the Sarek and told him, "Mr. Ambassador, this is your guide, Cadet Uhura." Then, he turned back to the East African to add, "Cadet Uhura, this is Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan."

"Yes, sir." Uhura spoke up. "Of course, it would be difficult not to recognize someone as highly esteemed as Ambassador Sarek." Before she could catch herself, she offered her hand to the Ambassador. As she saw Sarek turn his head slightly to LaMotte, she immediately realized her faux pas. She knew it was proper etiquette for the person with superior standing to first offer his hand. Moreover, even a human would find her gesture to be especially egregious, since she had offered him the same hand she used to rub her foot.

"Cadet Uhura!" LaMotte snapped.

Uhura quickly clasped both hands behind her back and directed her comments to Sarek. "I am sorry, Mr. Ambassador." She apologized. "I don't know what I was thinking."

LaMotte turned back to Sarek. "Mr. Ambassador, I also apologize for the Cadet's lack of deportment. It would be no trouble to assign you someone else to escort you to the Physical Science Complex, if you desire."

To Uhura, it seemed to take an eternity before Sarek gave his answer. However, he finally told the Ensign, "I believe this Cadet will do."

Upon leaving the Administration Building, Uhura found herself having a difficult time keeping up with the Vulcan. Although he appeared to be the same height as Spock, she realized the Ambassador appeared unaware or unwilling to adjust his stride and speed to compensate for her shorter legs. Although now late afternoon, campus still appeared full of visitors with Academy escorts. However, the sea of people appeared to miraculously part for the imposing and swift moving Vulcan.

"Sir." Uhura called to him, determined to start a conversation despite the pace. "It does not appear you need much guidance from me. You seem to know exactly where you are going."

"I am only two years younger than the founding of this campus. After having witnessed its development over the decades, I dare say I may know it better than you. The requirement to have an escort seems quite excessive for those with my knowledge; however, I did not come here with the intent of debating Starfleet Academy policy. "

"You're two years younger than the Federation and Academy's founding, sir? If that's true, then you would be over 90 years old."

"If that's true? Why would I lie about my age, Cadet Uhura?"

"I'm sorry, sir." Uhura said quickly wondering if she could somehow learn to keep her foot out of her mouth for the rest of the day. "It's just that you appear to be half that age."

"Cadet Uhura, is your education so sorely lacking that you are not aware Vulcans have a longer lifespan than Terrans? Therefore, it would be inappropriate for you to judge my age by my physical appearance according to a human lens."

"Yes, sir. Of course, I am aware of the difference." She stammered defensively. "Mr. Ambassador, I thought I was paying you a compliment."

" A compliment? Such a practice is alien to our people. Why should a factual statement ever be considered commendable? Cadet Uhura, are you aware there is no word for compliment in the Vulcan language."

"Sir, I have no trouble believing that." Uhura retorted, in an unguarded moment that did not go unnoticed by Sarek.

The Ambassador wondered, Is this really the female who is the object of my son's attention?"

Earlier that morning at a hotel restaurant, Spock and Sarek shared a pot of tea after eating their breakfast meal.

"How is mother?" Spock asked as he partially filled his Father's cup with the hot beverage and waited for his approval.

"She is obviously well, Spock. Would I be attending these festivities, if that were not so?"

Accustomed to being talked to this way, Spock did not flinch at his Father's rebuke. "Mother is so often at your side, I was curious about her absence."

Sarek tasted the tea and then nodded his acceptance, before Spock replenished his Father's cup and poured his own serving.

"Your mother is visiting Tellar Prime to deliver a paper at the Xenoanthropological Conference on Intercultural Relations."

"I was not aware the conference was held during the same period as Federation Day."

"It usually is not the case. However, with the Tellarites hosting the conference this year, they are certainly not known for their attention to detail. Apparently, the conflict in events was pointed out to them over a year ago, but they refused to consider an alternative date. Their uncooperative spirit is unfortunately quite true to their usual disposition."

Spock took a moment to savor his tea, before asking Sarek, "Father, did you have the opportunity to speak with T'Pol about my marriage contract with T'Pring?"

"Yes. She advised not going before the Council of the Elders with the matter at this time."

"I do not understand this recommendation."

"You do not understand it, because you do not agree with it."

"Then, please explain her logic regarding this matter. After there was no doubt I was experiencing symptoms of the pon farr, did I not inform T'Pring of my condition in a timely manner? Yet, she failed to come to me when my need was most great."

"T'Pol cited two mitigating circumstances to justify T'Pring's lack of response. First, it was not your natural time. In your deposition, you stated your suspicion the pon farr had been artificially provoked. Second, as you know it is our tradition for the male to return to Vulcan when possessed by the Blood Fever. T'Pring was under no obligation to travel to your side."

"Even if it meant saving my life?"

"Could you not make the same charge against Starfleet? Was it not by their order you were forbidden to take this journey which would have united you with T'Pring?"

"Father, why can you not understand? T'Pring does not want me and I have no longer have any use for her."

The two men drank their tea for several minutes in silence. Anyone passing by their table would think the Vulcans were oblivious to each other's presence. Finally, Sarek attempted to break the impasse.

"Spock, can you not see the marriage contract was initiated for your own protection. You survived this recent experience without completing your bond with T'Pring. However, you have no way of knowing if the Blood Fever has, yet, reached its peak."

"I asked you to take my case before T'Pol and serve as my advocate. However, it appears I may have chosen the wrong emissary for this task."

"I spoke to T'Pol on your behalf with your words upon my lips. Do not fault me if I could not also manipulate the results according to your own vision of a satisfactory end."

"Just how convincing could your argument be, if my desired outcome is not aligned with your own opinions?"

Perceiving a slight rise in the intensity of Spock's voice gave the elder Vulcan pause. Sarek then remarked, "As evidence by your elevated tone, this conversation may be motivated by something more than an abstract exercise of freedom of choice. Has Ms. Kalomi1 returned to your life?"

"No, Father. I have not communicated with Leila for over eight years."

"Then, has some other female garnered your attention?"

Spock knew this was not the time to divert the discussion to his relationship with Uhura and their unborn child. Despite his Father's personal opposition, Spock realized he would still need Sarek's assistance if he ever hoped to win the Vulcan elders' approval to dissolve the marriage contract.

Spock responded, "Your question is not germane to this dialogue. Father, you chose your own mate. I only ask I be afforded the same opportunity."

"Have I not already confided in you the tragic circumstances which allowed this choice?2 Moreover, by the time I first met Amanda, I had passed the time the pon farr would pose a threat to an uninitiated partner."

"You mean, a non-Vulcan."

"Your correction is unnecessary, Spock. My word choice suited my meaning most appropriately."

Spock pick up the teapot and freshened Sarek's cup. "Father, what if you had met Amanda Grayson when you were still bound by your marriage contract?"

"Spock, I see no purpose in indulging in such pointless speculation."

"Then, let me pose it in another way which might better encourage your response. Why did you marry her? Why did you marry Amanda Grayson?"

"After 36 years of marriage, I fail to see why this question carries any meaningful import."

"You chose to marry a human. You of all people understood the significance of such a union with a being commonly believed by Vulcans to be of an inferior race. Father, tell me why you married her? I need to know."

While Spock appeared composed, the Ambassador could hear the plea in his son's voice. Sarek wanted to answer from his heart; however, the Vulcan could not find the words to express his feelings. His answer failed to satisfy either one of them.

"It seemed the logical thing to do at the time3."

Silence.

After the two Vulcans drank the remainder of their tea, Sarek charged the bill for their meals to his room. As they headed out of the restaurant, Spock asked his Father, "Do you still plan to visit the astrophysics lab after attending the day's festivities?"

"Yes." Sarek answered. "However, it is my understanding Starfleet has imposed a security measure requiring escorts even for those familiar with the Academy campus."

Spock knew the imminent threat posed by T'Lau and her conspirators to be the reason for the heightened security measures. However, he was not at liberty to divulge this concern.

The younger Vulcan commented, "When you are ready to travel to the Physical Science Complex, you need only be directed to the Academy Ambassadors Office."

"The Academy Ambassadors Office? Is this the same office housing the campus tour guides?"

"Yes. Cadets volunteer there to serve in that capacity. However, over the next two days, they will primarily act as escorts. If you are interested in a tour, I am sure it can be arranged."

"Nothing could be further from my mind. However, if you will recall, your mother took advantage of this opportunity the last time we visited the Academy. Amanda suggested if I was ever in need of one of these guides, I should request the one with whom she ended up spending most of the day. I believe her name is Uhura . . . Cadet Uhura. Are you aware of her?"

Despite the question, Spock's face retained its characteristically Vulcan expression many humans mistook as aloofness. "Ms. Uhura, mother and I had dinner together that evening. You would have shared this experience, too, if you had not been engaged in another social occasion more closely aligned with your current vocation."

"The derivation of the name, Uhura, is curious to me. What is her planet of origin?"

Spock answered. "She is human, born here on Terra."

"Human?" Sarek said, as he stopped near the bank of hotel elevators. "I suppose since 63.7% of Starfleet personnel are humans, it was most likely this Cadet would be human rather than of any other heritage."

Spock remarked, "You seem to display a note of disappointment concerning that fact."

"Your mother appeared quite taken by her. I did not know she was only human."

"Only human, Father?"

"You need not question my use of the term, Spock. I meant no offense. Since your mother is a cultural xenologist, I only reasoned she would have chosen to spend the day with someone unlike herself."

His son opined, "Living among them, I have found humans tend not to view every interaction with another being as an opportunity to further one's work."

"Yes, humans can be display this unfortunate characteristic."

"Father, I did not mean my comment to be taken as derisive. I was only making an observation based on my study of human behavior."

Sarek remarked, "In all my years with your mother, I thankfully witnessed few times she has displayed such a trait."

Spock contended, "Perhaps, she simply chooses not to do so in your presence."

An elevator door opened, but Sarek did not immediately enter the car, as he pondered the possible validity of his son's comment. However, Spock did not give the elder statesman the opportunity to provide a retort.

The Ambassador's son had made his way through the lobby and out the hotel doors to catch a cab back to campus. What Sarek did not know was his son was not yet headed to the Academy's Physical Science Complex. The younger Vulcan was first expected to report to the Medical Treatment Facility to prepare for what seemed more and more likely to be Spock's inevitable fate.

Author's Note: I have already written Chapter 50, but I still need time to review it once more to correct errors. My intention is to publish it within the next 8-10 hours. For most of you, this note will be a moot point since I probably would have already posted the next chapter.

Chapter 50 dramatizes Spock and Uhura's constrained meeting at the Daedalus Astrophysics Lab. Then, back in her dorm room, Uhura receives an unexpected gift.

Two to three more chapters remain for this episode (Yes, the author knows she said this for the last chapter. However, she thinks she really may mean it this time. LOL!).

Your comments are always appreciated.

1 While a Starfleet Cadet, Leila Kalomi was Spock's first love affair with a human.

2 Sarek's first pon farr encounter with his intended mate, became their last together as the uncontrollable brutal experience led to her death. See Chapter 19 of my story, "Needs."

3 This line is first spoken by Sarek in the TOS episode, "Journey to Babel."