Author's Note: 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.
As always, your comments are appreciated.
After having breakfast with Sarek at the Ambassador's hotel, Spock took a cab back to campus to report to the Medical Treatment Facility. There, he was expected to prepare for what seemed more and more likely to be his inevitable fate.
Earlier in the week, members of the Federation Security Council met in a clandestine session and were apprised of the potential threat to the newly constructed StarShip Enterprise. However, with no concrete information concerning the exact nature of the conspiracy, the Andorian representative persuasively argued, "The plans for Federation Day should not be held hostage to speculation." As a precaution, security measures were increased, but only a few really believed Romulan operatives could possibly have the wherewithal to commit a major terrorist strike in Federation space.
"Spock, you don't have to do this." Captain Pike told his Vulcan friend who sat shirtless on the edge of the examination table at the Medical Treatment Facility. However, Pike already knew the answer to his perfunctory question.
Spock replied, "It is not what I have to do, but what I must do, sir."
Pike nodded, aware the next day he must also captain the StarShip that was the suspected target of T'Lau's plot. He then witnessed the work of a Starfleet physician sent by Admiral Pok to embed two devices within the Vulcan. Beneath the skin of Spock's right shoulder blade, the doctor placed a half-inch transmitter. Inserted under the skin of the Vulcan's left forearm was something much more ominous; an explosive device Spock could detonate by pressing firmly against it for five seconds. Although only one-inch in diameter, if strategically ignited in the right place, the destructive force of the weapon could bring down a ship.
By the time Spock reached the Physical Science Complex later that morning, he found his Research Assistants already busily entertaining media representatives and dignitaries with tours of the facilities. The Vulcan quickly found himself involved in these activities and, unexpectedly, found solace in the distraction from the much more serious task that possibly lay before him in the next 24 hours.
As the hours went by, Spock wondered if his father would really request Uhura as his escort to the complex later that afternoon. He made a mental note to himself to make sure to be in the Astrophysics Lab at Sarek's expected time of arrival. He did not want to miss the chance of seeing her – his Nyota – which he understood may be the last time he might do so in this life. This moment, he promised himself, would not be filled with morbidity or regrets. That was not the last image he wanted Nyota to have of him. And, when she would one day speak of this moment to their child, he did not want this final memory to be one evoking pain for either of them.
As Uhura and Sarek continued their brisk walk to the Astrophysics Lab, the East African found herself falling slightly behind the long striding Vulcan. She sped up her pace to the point where she was almost jogging beside him.
By now, the Ambassador was well aware of her efforts to keep up with him, but Sarek did not adjust his steps to accommodate her. Instead, he noted her surprising determination and resilience for someone he deemed as quite petit. In fact, when he first met Uhura at the Academy Ambassadors Office, Sarek immediately discounted Amanda's speculation the Cadet may have helped his son survive the pon farr. However, Uhura's ability to keep pace with him without seeming winded gave him pause to reconsider his earlier assumption. Perhaps, he thought, there is more to this female than meets the eye.
Upon finally entering their intended destination, Uhura could scarcely hide her disappointment when they were met by a lab staff member, instead of Spock.
"Ambassador Sarek, welcome back to the Daedalus Astrophysics Lab." The staff member greeted him. "I do not know if you remember me from your last visit, but I am Ensign Lao – one of Mr. Spock's Research Supervisors."
"Ensign Lao, why would you think I would not be able to identify you?" Sarek remarked. "It has only been one year, 2 months, and 17 days since I last came to this facility. My capacity for recall has not been diminished since that time."
"Of course not, sir." Lao responded.
"Is Mr. Spock not on-site?" Sarek asked.
Lao told him, "He asked me to begin the tour of our projects, sir. He will join us shortly." Turning to Uhura, he told her, "Cadet, you may return to your post."
"Yes, sir." Uhura answered. However, just as Lao and Sarek started to walk away, she spoke up once more. "Ambassador Sarek."
The Vulcan turned back to her wearing his usual expression of indifference.
The East African took on an unmistakable air of self-confidence with no trace of any lingering effects of her earlier faux pas. Poised and steady in voice, Uhura told him, "Ambassador Sarek, it was my pleasure to meet you. It is my hope your remaining time at the Academy will be most enjoyable. Good day, sir."
It only lasted a few moments, but Uhura could feel Sarek eyes upon her as if searching for . . . something. Then, the Vulcan suddenly seemed to relax, as he gave a slight bow with his head. She returned the gesture and then watched as the Ensign and Ambassador walked away.
So, that's my future father-in-law, she commented to with relief the ordeal had ended on a somewhat promising note, she turned sharply around and almost ran into . . .
"Spock!" She exclaimed, at the same time surprised and happy to see the younger Vulcan before her. Then, quickly aware of the possibility of being overheard by Academy personnel and visitors that continuously passed by, Uhura realized she needed to modify her behavior along the lines of appropriate Academy conduct. Lowering her voice while maintaining military protocol, she told him, "Please excuse my reaction, sir. I did not expect you to be standing behind me."
"I took this position as Ensign Lao initiated the tour of the lab with the Ambassador."
Spock moved so he now stood beside her with their bodies facing in the same directions. In such a position and with their eyes focused straight ahead, those passing by would scarcely realize the two were engaged in a conversation.
"I see you survived your first meeting with Sarek."
"Just barely, sir. Initially, I'm sure I must have come off sounding like an empty-headed idiot."
"Knowing the Ambassador, he can appear a bit intimidating to those not accustomed to his manner."
"Were you ever intimidated by him, sir?"
Spock paused to consider the question, before answering, "I suppose I was in awe of him. Sarek was already a renowned scientist and diplomat well before he married my mother. As a youth, living in his shadow of greatness was quite a daunting task. I always felt the need to show myself worthy of his approval. Even as an adult, I must confess there are times when this issue still plagues at me."
Never before had Uhura heard Spock speak so openly about his father and feelings concerning acceptance. Restrained by circumstances, she could only move her hand toward his and allow them to touch lightly to convey her empathy. "Sir, surely knowledge of your many scientific accomplishments and outstanding Starfleet service record have surpassed your father's expectations."
"I do not know what impressions these achievements have made on the Ambassador. However, I do know this . . . our child must not wonder. I wish not for this knowledge to ever be withheld from our child."
"Of course not, sir." She told him reassuringly. "Our child will never have that concern. Our daughter or son will have no doubt of our love."
"Thank you, Nyota." He told her, barely above a whisper.
The sound of her gentle laugh . . .
"Oh, no you don't. I can now see where this is going." She told him, dropping her volume even lower as she spoke with a more colloquial tongue. "If you really think you can push all of the feely-touchy parental responsibilities off on me, you have another thought coming. We're in this together and you're just going to have to learn how to be more vocal with the sharing of your feelings. Is that understood, Mister?"
"You make it quite difficult to refuse you." The Vulcan retorted.
"The question requires a yes or a no, Spock."
"You must give me time to consider the matter."
"How much time?"
"24 hours."
"Why so long?" She asked.
"It will not be until after tomorrow's Federation Day activities that I will be afforded the time to fully assess my ability to meet your demand."
"All right. I'll let you have it your way this time." She conceded. "I realize you do have other things on your mind of more immediate concern. I must admit I'm looking forward to the ceremonial launch of the Enterprise, tomorrow. The word is the test flights, thus far, have been performed without any major problems. Is that true?"
"No issues of any significance." Spock answered.
"Then, that means T'Lau and her team will have completed their contract and she won't have any further reason to remain here."
"Nyota, I do not perceive a hint of jealousy in your tone, do I?" He asked her. "If you harbor such an emotion, I tell you it is ill-placed."
"Spock, I know she means nothing to you, but that doesn't mean I like her sniffing around you like a . . . "
The sound of Uhura's communicator interrupted her speech. Answering it, she received news she must return to her station to assist more visitors. Placing the communicator back on her utility belt, she looked up to Spock and said, "Sir, I am needed back at the office."
"Stay." He commanded.
"Mr. Spock, I have my orders."
"97.5 seconds."
"What?"
"Can you spare 97.5 seconds?"
"You need a minute and a half of my time?"
"No. I require 97.5 seconds."
"All right, 97.5 seconds . . . but, why that amount of time?" She asked.
"The explanation will reduce the time you will have available."
"But . . . "
"Silence, Cadet Uhura." He ordered.
The East African pressed her lips together tightly in compliance. The Vulcan cocked his head to the side, taken aback by her odd facial expression. His reaction caused her to consciously try to relax her face. Taking several breaths, a slight smile came across her lips, as she finally felt confident her expression had returned to normal.
But . . .
She did not stay normal for long . . .
For his eyes fell upon her . . .
Searching . . .
Probing . . .
Penetrating . . .
Moving beneath the surface . . .
Deeper . . .
And, deeper . . .
Until she could do nothing, but let him dwell . . .
There . . .
There . . .
There . . .
Taking up every space of her being . . .
Intertwined with her soul . . .
There . . .
There . . .
There . . .
Holding her . . .
That way . . .
With his eyes . . .
And . . .
When words finally left his heart and found expression in his voice . . .
The Vulcan's meaning was unmistakably clear . . .
"I love you, Nyota . . . I love you."
His reward came without hesitation . . .
As she untied the red scarf from around her neck and placed it in his eager hand . . .
And, she whispered . . .
"I'm looking forward to the day you won't be in such a need of these . . . aids."
"You are to blame for my greed, Ashayam.1 Mere thoughts of you bring great heat to my loins, which too often demand immediate relief. Believe me when I say to you, my lonely hand is but a poor substitute for the snug fit in your welcoming harbor."
Uhura gasped at his boldness, covering her mouth in delightful shock.
Spock watched, as she hurried out of the lab on her way to report back to Academy Ambassadors Office. Yet, he found he felt no sadness with her departure as her comforting spirit remained. He questioned the logic in believing he could possibility survive his mission when the odds seemed decidedly against him. However,somehow Nyota – his Nyota – made him believe that all things were possible . . .
T'Lau's plot could be exposed before Federation lives were lost . . .
His father would support his right to choose his own mate . . .
The Vulcan Elders Council would annul his marriage contract with T'Pring. . .
Nyota and he would marry and live together as husband and wife . . .
He could be a good father to his child . . .
"So much to believe," Spock said to himself. "So much to live for."
At 10:47 PM, Gaila already had on her nightgown and was lying in her bed. Hearing Uhura loudly singing, "I Feel Pretty," the Orion could not help but notice her roommate as she came dancing out of the bathroom.
"So, what's gotten you, tonight?" Gaila asked.
"97.5 seconds." Uhura quipped, as she took down her hair from the bun she had worn earlier that day.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Uhura laughed. "You had to be there."
Gaila immediately sat up in her bed and asked, "You saw him, didn't you?"
"Him who?"
"Don't play games with me, Uhura. I'm not in the mood. My entire day was even lamer than I thought possible. The only thing that would possibly make it better is to find out who's finally gotten into your pants."
Uhura laughed and teased, "That's certainly is a romantic way of putting it."
"Who is it, Uhura?"
"Didn't we already have this conversation earlier today?"
"You never told me his name."
"Is that right?" Uhura answered playfully.
"Uhura, you can't go around dancing and singing corny songs and not tell me . . . "
"Corny?" Uhura interrupted her. "You're saying one of the songs from West Side Story is corny? It's a classic of the Terran musical theatre."
"Uhura, I'm not going to argue with you about the merits of Terran music. I'm just dying to know who this guy is."
Their room buzzer sounds.
"Who's that?" Uhura questioned.
"Oh, it's probably Damitra. She called up here while you were in the shower to say there was a package for you at the front desk."
Uhura opened the door, allowing the Jamaican Cadet to enter with a small package in her hand.
"Here you go." Damitra said, as she handed the 4" X 4" package to Uhura. "Jacinta, at the front desk, says its been sitting there for you for the last few days. She said she hasn't been able to catch you when you've walked by to get it to you."
"Thanks." The East African replied, as she examined the plain packaging which only contained Uhura's name and living quarters.
Gaila got up from her bed to join the other two women. "Open it, Uhura. What are you waiting for? It's probably from your secret lover."
"Uhura, you have a secret lover?" Damitra asked. "Girl, why have you been holding out on me?"
"Listen, you two." Uhura said as she began to open the package. "This is probably nothing."
"A box of chocolates!" Gaila squealed, as the contents were revealed.
"It's a very small box of chocolates." Damitra remarked with disappointment.
"It's not about the size, Damitra." Gaila retorted. "It's the thought that counts."
"Well, Uhura's lover doesn't think much of her if he's going to send her a sample size. I tell you, Uhura, I certainly wouldn't put out for something as pathetic as that." Damitra commented as she headed for the door. "I'll see you, tomorrow."
Gaila noticed the way her roommate seemed not to be pleased with the gift. "Hey, Uhura, I hope you're not letting Damitra get to you. She's probably just jealous."
"It's not that at all." Uhura said, knowing such a gesture would have been uncharacteristic for Spock. And, if Spock had sent them a few days ago, she thought, why didn't he ask about them when I saw him earlier today?
Uhura opened the lid to reveal four small pieces of confection.
"Well, you don't look very happy about the chocolates. You should be glad he thought of you."
"Gaila, I have no idea who sent me this box."
Gaila's eyes widened with glee. "You mean you have more than one lover? Uhura, you really have been holding out on me."
"No, Gaila. That's not what I mean. There's no card or anything to identify the sender."
"Why are you making such a big deal about it? I thought you loved chocolates."
"I do."
"Then, why don't you have a piece?"
"I just brushed my teeth."
"Oh, Uhura!" Gaila bristled. "I'm beginning to think you don't have one romantic bone in your body. Just take one right before you go to bed, so you can dream about your lover."
Within the next fifteen minutes, Uhura finished readying herself for bed and managed to avoid revealing any more information about her hidden relationship with Spock. Just before she ordered the lights to dim to darkness, she saw her roommate had already fallen asleep. The East African had meant to ask Gaila if she had time to run any more simulations concerning Sevat's mystery clue on the seeming unrelated Starship parts. Uhura made a mental note to herself to ask the Orion about it in the morning.
It comforted Uhura to know she would not need to keep up the deception much longer. She could feel her clothes tightening on her as she gradually began to gain weight over the last few weeks. Suspicions surely would be aroused and then confirmed over time. Initially, she knew their affair would be viewed as scandalous and probably attract widespread attention. Yet, despite the expected issues with Starfleet and the media, she looked forward to the day she could openly live as Spock's wife and mother to their child.
But suddenly . . .
She felt her body grow cold as . . .
Old ghosts returned to haunt her . . .
Baba2 will not approve . . .
He will condemn your marriage to an alien . . .
He will hate your child . . .
And . . .
Just as the darkness threatened to overtake her . . .
The light returned to her mind's eye . . .
97.5 seconds . . .
She whispered . . .
Thank you, Baby . . .
97.5 seconds . . .
Stay with me . . .
97.5 seconds . . .
Mmmmmmm . . .
She moaned softly as the mere thought of him sent a delicious, warm flush all over her body . . .
Uhura told herself, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to take Gaila's advice and think about Spock, tonight. She laughed lightly, As if I could think about anything else.
In the darkened room, the East African reached over to the nightstand between the beds and found the small box of chocolates. Removing one of the pieces from its container, Uhura parted her lips, placed the confection on her tongue, and let the sweet chocolate melt slowly in her mouth.
97.5 seconds . . .
Husband . . .
97.5 seconds . . .
I am yours . . .
97.5 seconds . . .
Body and soul . . .
97.5 seconds . . .
And, she sighed . . .
Oh, Spock . . . how I love you.
Author's Note: On Federation Day, T'Lau unleashes her plot, confident it cannot be foiled. Can Spock and Uhura survive her wrath?
Your comments are always appreciated.
1 Ashayam is the Vulcan word for Beloved.
2 Baba is Swahili for Father.