Thanks giving.
Spock had decide upon wearing plain black trousers with a white shirt and black jacket, he did not put on a tie as he believed that to be too formal. He pressed his palm to the door plate so that it would announce him to Uhura. He waited for two minutes before pressing his palm to it again, wondering why she wasn't answering her door. This time she answered after 34 seconds, she had changed into a knee length purple dress, Spock found it quite suitable. It was plain with short sleeves that were cut to leave her shoulders bare and a plain white ribbon wrapped round the waist. He had surmised that the last dressed he'd seen her in, on the night of the staff mixer, she had borrowed from Galia. This one looked younger, sort of sweet and innocent but still beautiful. She wore no make up and her hair was worn down and fastened behind her ears with pins.
" Are you ready to leave?"
"I don't know, how do I look?"
" You look like yourself."
" Is that good?" She asked looking puzzled.
" Yes, we do need to start walking now."
" I know, just let me grab my bag."
She jogged over to her bed where there was a small black bag, she swung it round her shoulder and then joined him. They walked side by side through the grounds, there was a crisp wind coming in off the bay and Spock found it pleasant. They walked in a comfortable silence, every now and then sharing a few sentences when something caught there eye that they wished to share with the other.
It was a beautiful walk, it was peaceful with few people around and there journey kept them close to the water which sparkled and reflected the sunset. Nyota commented on the flowers growing alongside the path, Spock asked her if botany was one of her interests she replied that she just liked them because they were pretty. He nodded his mother had always grown colorful flowering planets in the house as he was growing up. He told her he would send her some articles on xenobotany that he had found interesting. She thanked him with her wide smile, he noticed that it made him feel warmer and made his heartbeat 12% faster.
The restaurant had a large open courtyard with a fountain in the middle and three trees filled with small twinkling lights he had heard called fairy light. Painted on the walls around the courtyard was a green vine with little bunches of purple grapes. The waitress showed them to there table, it was to the side and was in a small alcove built into the wall, so that when they sat down facing each other they could see only each other. Though looking to the side allowed them a view of the fountain.
' This is amazing." Nyota said. Spock shot her a questioning look, to him a restaurant didn't give him any sense of amazement.
"I meant the atmosphere." She continued.
"The atmosphere is the same as anywhere on earth, it is roughly 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, and 1%Argon."
Nyota smiled at him. She opened her mouth to say something but the waitress who had seated them had stopped next to there table and was bending to light the three small tea lights that rested down the middle of the table and laid two menus in front of them. Spock thanked her, he looked over at Nyota, the sky was starting to darken and he appreciated the candles as their little alcove was starting to grow a little dim.
"I was referring to the fountains and lights and the music. Atmosphere as in the emotions that a certain place creates."
Spock nodded at his mistake, he wondered why he had missed this definition as it was one he had often heard used, he had once had a student ask him how he created a peaceful atmosphere when meditating.
" You find it pleasing?"
"Yes, don't you."
"I am not affected by surrounding as most Humans are, though it is satisfactory."
He looked back at the menu, it was labeled thanks giving starters and main. The main was easy as there were only two options, Turkey with all the trimming or Nut loaf with all the trimmings. Spock wondered what exactly the trimmings were having never taken part in this ritual feast before. The starter was more difficult, there were three vegetarian options, the mushroom medley. sweet potato balls or Cheese balls. He wondered why it was that two of the starters came in spherical shapes. The waitress returned, she asked which drinks they would like and both ordered Water, Spock ordered Sweet potato balls and Nyota had scallops. When the waitress left the resumed their conversation.
"So you enjoy classic Human literature?"
" It is a satisfactory way to spend my time when I am not fulfilling my duties. The literature of any given planet gives good indication of the characteristics of it's dominant species. The classical literature of this planet shows the humans races advancement over time. I find it interesting. Tell me Miss Uhura, have you any knowledge of literature from other species?"
" Not much, I was able to get a hold of some Vulcan literature when I was learning the language, most of which were childrens books because at the time I had not enough knowledge of the language to read anything more advanced that that. One was a simplified version of Suraks teachings."
" I have a substantial collection of Vulcan literature, you are free to use them If you wish."
" Thank you Spock."
"Have you ever read anything from before the time of awakening?"
"No, I imagine they are quite rare."
" On the contrary copies of what you would call folk stories from that time are often given to children to illustrate why Vulcans must choose to follow the path of logic. I have noted that there were a lot of similarities between our cultures during that time period, you might find them interesting."
" I think I would."
There starters and drinks arrived Spock again thanked the waitress, the mashed potato with nuts and spices was a little plain for his tastes but it was not inedible.
"Galia lent me an Orion novel a few weeks ago. I did not finish reading it, I'm sure it gave a good insight into the Orion mindset but... I'm not sure I appreciate having insight into the Orion mindset."
" It may come in useful at some point, as a people they do tend toward thinking that act they find pleasurable is one of the most important aspects of life. You are free to borrow any book from my personal collection that would help you improve your knowledge of other cultures and languages. I have two Klingon novels you might be interested in."
" Klingon's write novels?"
" Yes, though I should warn you they are quite violent and some may consider them perverse."
" Did you find them perverse?"
"I have respect for all cultures."
"They say Vulcans don't lie, it seems they just avoid the question instead."
"Indeed."
She laughed again, this time though the golden glow of the candle light lit up her skin and caught in the liquid of her eyes making them literally sparkle. It was one of the most beautiful things he thought he had ever seen and he felt his breath catch in his throat. Breathless, that was something he'd heard but never experienced. He had never expected to, he could appreciate beauty but he'd never before felt overwhelmed by it. It seemed he could nothing but look at her. Her eyes meet his and they were silent for a few moments, Spocks internal clock did not seem to be functioning properly because he couldn't say how long he sat just looking at her. He took in her every feature, those long feather like eyelashes and the curved shape of her upper lip. He came to awareness , what would she think of him just staring at her, it must seem strange to her. He looked down at his plate, he had finished his food whilst they had been talking, he glanced at Nyotas hers was also empty. He raised his hand gesturing for the waitress to come over.
" We would like our main now."
He waited whilst she collected there plates.
" I hear you have been moved up to the intermediate level in your physical training." He said hiding his previous behavior with a new topic of conversation.
"Yes, to be honest I'm not so sure about it myself, it feels to soon."
" It is always good to push yourself to new levels, but if after a few lessons at intermediate level you feel as if it is too difficult you can ask to rejoin the beginners class until you feel like you are ready."
"That's good advice, thank Spock. "
"When you first arrived you told me that when you got used to how different San Francisco was to your home you would start to see the similarities. Tell me, do you now see the similarities?"
"Yes, I guess I've settled in now. It doesn't make me home any less though."
" And have you experienced any other problems?"
" I thought you weren't on duty now." Her voice was light, she was not reprimanding him.
" Vulcans are not the only species who avoid questions."
The waitress arrived and placed two large platters of food in front of them, it contained 85% of the calories Spock required in a day, and as a Vulcan he required more than a Human. He found this tradition of eating more than necessary on Human holidays an illogical one. But for the sake of scientific inquiry he would participate.
" I," Nyota hesitated, "you remember when Cadet Williams had a go at me in the mess hall?"
" Yes, there is nothing wrong with my memory."
" Well, he's not the only one whose been bothering me. There are several male cadets who keep bothering me."
"Their attention is unwanted?"
"Yes."
Her answer pleased him.
" Why do you not tell them that their attention is unwanted?"
'I have, on several occasions. They're just persistent."
" They see you as an attractive potential mate, they are not being entirely illogical. Is there any way in which I can help with this?"
" I don't think so, I think I just have to learn to put up with it. It's just irritating. "
"I am sorry I cannot be of more use In this issue."
"It's just nice to talk to somebody about it, Galia doesn't think male attention is a problem."
" Have you resolved you problems with your roommate?"
"Yes, it took a while but I go her to agree not to bring men back to the apartment."
" I am glad you were able to resolve that issue."
"I know she's loud and flirty and drinks too much but she is a nice person."
"She seems very intelligent, it is rare for Orions to succeed in the academy, it appears that the environment offers to many distractions for them but based upon her current performances I believe that she will do well."
"I'm glad you see that in her, I know many people see her as, well, empty headed and just here to have fun. You know I think I'm going to leave most of this so I can have a dessert."
Spock nodded, most Humans had a preference for sweet foods over any other kind.
" I've noticed they're serving chocolate brownies with cream and sauce. " She said leaning in her voice becoming quieter as if it were a secret.
" I shall order it for you."
" Will you have some?"
" No,. Vulcans do not eat chocolate except on rare occasions, it has an affect on the motor sensor cortex and the frontal lobe. "
She didn't question him any further, they continued eating till Spock saw the woman who had been serving them all night come out of what he suspected was the kitchen.
" Shall I order dessert now?"
" Yes please."
He raised his hand again trying to get the waitresses attention, when she came over he ordered the chocolate brownie for Nyota, he would not eat dessert himself, he had eaten 153% of his daily required calories and fulfilled all his vitamin needs as well . She cleared there plates and Spock again was left looking at Nyota wondering if he should say something. Nyota though was watching two people next to the fountain, the were moving together in a traditional earth dance.
"Do Vulcans ever dance?" She asked him her voice low and softer than usual.
" No. There are more effective forms of exercise. I did on one occasion see my parents dancing, I do not believe that they knew I was observing them."
" My parents dance together all the time, sometimes after I'd been sent to bed I'd hear music on and I'd creep downstairs to watch them dancing together, my Mother always laughs when she's dancing."
" It seems to me that you were intruding on a private moment."
She smiled.
" Yes I suppose, but they'd always see me and order me back to bed. Except one time, when my father picked me up and danced with me. I was always a daddy's girl."
" I do not understand this phrase."
" It means I was always trying to please my father always trying to get his attention. I have a lot in common with him."
" I understand."
The waitress placed her dessert in front of her. She thanked her smiling widely. Spock happily watched her minute changes in expression as she tasted the chocolate cake. He'd taught himself to identify the different emotions that humans so readily show with there facial muscles because it had helped him to adapt to life on the planet but he'd never watched them with such interest before.
'It is too your satisfaction?"
" It's delicious. I think I feel sorry for you, not being able to eat chocolate, it has to be one of the best food there is."
" I believe that most Humans find so much satisfaction in it because it makes the Human body release endorphins and acts as and aphrodisiac."
" And it's delicious."
" Humans have a lot of positive adjectives for food, how do you distinguish between something that is delicious, and something that is scrumptious? "
Her head tilted to one side slightly and she peered over his shoulder.
" I guess they mean exactly the same thing."
" It is illogical to have two words in the same language that mean exactly the same thing."
" Yes, it is isn't it."
When she finished the dessert she looked down at the plate with a hint of sadness. The waitress placed their bill on the table. Spock reached out to pick it up but felt a shot of electricity travel up his arm as Nyotas hand touched his having reached for it at the same time. He heard her sharp intake of breath and looked up to see a slight shocked expression on her face. She recovered quickly.
" I'm sorry." She said her voice fast and slightly breathless sounding.
"It was accidental." He answered, but he was concerned he usually got a small emotional transference from small touches but this was not an emotion, it felt almost as though he had received a small electric shot, his breath had caught and his heartbeat had increased with it but it still seemed as if it were a pleasant sensation. He wished she would touch him again so that he could feel the thrilling sensation again.
He drew a payment card out of his pocket the waitress was there quickly to receive it.
" Can you put half on this one please." Nyota said drawing her own card out of the bag she had brought with her.
" Okay." The waitress said cheerfully. "I'll be back in a moment."
" I did not expect you to pay Nyota, It was I who invited you."
" I know, but I wouldn't feel right if you paid for all of it."
He nodded, Humans could be sensitive about such things and he would not wish to upset her again. When the waitress returned with their cards they got up and left the restaurant, it was fully dark now and though there was nobody on the particular street they walked down Spock could hear shouting coming from further into the city. It sounded joyous but he still kept alert.
"Stay close to me Miss Uhura." She nodded and walked side by side with him st a brisk pace, when they had started on the long path that ran down the water Nyota started to speak.
"Why are you calling me Miss?"
"We are off duty, I apologize if you think it presumptuous of me."
"No I don't. It is just that early you called me Nyota." Spock realized that he had indeed called her Nyota whilst they were at the restaurant. It shocked him, he had not been aware of the fact until she pointed it out. When he thought of her she was always Nyota to him but he had never actually called her by her first name before.
"Indeed."
" I would prefer it if you continued to call me that."
"Very well, thank you Nyota. I will proceed to call you via your given name if I see you outside of class."
She continued walking after another three minutes he noticed her walking was slowing, she was looking upwards. Her arms were wrapped tight around herself, he surmised that she was cold. He took his jacket off and held it out for her, she looked at him slightly surprised.
"You are cold, I am more resistant to the low temperature than you are." He explained. She took it and he had a small feeling of satisfaction as she put it on.
"Thank you Spock. " He continued to walk but after three steps realized she was not following he turned again to see her head tilted backwards looking up at the sky she was rotating very slowly,he had never before seen anybody behave in this manner. She stopped and looked at him.
"You know on nights like this I look up at the stars and I think of all those planets out there that I'll get to see when I graduate."
" It is impossible to know at this point which planets you will visit if you are assigned to a star ship."
" I know, I'm speculating."
She walked over to join him and they continued back to the academy grounds. Spock did not hesitate to walk her all the way to her door. It was quite late and star fleet always recommended that no cadet walked out on their own after dark.
Nyota unlocked the door and turned to face him.
"I had a good night."
" So have I."
She turned to walk through the door hesitated then looked back at him.
" Would you like to come in for a drink?"
" I am currently well hydrated. Also I believe that may be seen as inappropriate." She blushed a little Spock wondered as to it's cause. Had he embarrassed her.
" Yeah, good night Spock."
"Good night Nyota, sleep well."
Spock thought as he walked back to his apartment, he had carefully monitored his responses to her all night and there could be no other conclusion. He had as the Humans put it, fallen for her. He did not know what to do with the information, he was her teacher, she had been put under his care by the academy and he had promised her own father that he would do everything within his abilities to protect her. Wishing to bond with her, wishing to mate with her, was immoral. On this planet she was not even considered a full adult yet, she was an adolescent. A word they did not have on Vulcan. Indeed this was a situation he would not have to face on Vulcan. If he had stayed he would be Joined to T'Pring. Wishing to be with somebody that was unsuitable, it was illogical. Probably the most illogical thing he had ever experienced. He could not allow further contact with her outside of that of a teacher and student. He could not allow these emmotions to continue and through cutting off the friendship bond that seemed to be forming between them he believed that they would again become under his control.
First week of December.
She was ill, her eyes were red and swollen. Her skin appeared dry around her nose and she had coughed twice in his lecture, wincing and giving apologetic glances to those around her. A part of him wished to ask her what was wrong, to check in on her everyday to make sure the ailment was not getting worse. He knew he should not though, it seemed to be caused by a rhinovirus, the students got them this time of year. The doctors often refused to treat them believing that medicating the slightest ailments would result in the devolution of the human immune system leaving the Human race unable to withstand the smallest of infections. Rhinoviruses were treated on star ships though, as they spread quickly and could result in many of the crew being unable to function efficiently.
His eyes kept drifting to her as he gave his lecture, he did not pick her on the three occasions he asked questions. In a class of this size it wouldn't be seen as him consciously ignoring her, just letting the other Cadets have the opportunity to show him their skills. But he knew that his reason for doing it lied in his belief that if he heard her voice today his resolve to move their relationship back to a professional path would waver. When he dismissed the class he kept his eyes on his PADD looking at the atmospheric analysis of a recently discovered class B planet. He did not wish to see her walking away from him.
On Wednesday Spock meet with Uhura as he usually did, and he agreed to have lunch with her afterward but as they conversed in Ontarian he did not ask for her opinion on things or ask her anything personal other than the conventional 'how are you?" He was glad to know she had recovered from the virus that had been affecting her. Instead, he kept their conversation to describing objects around them. It was more of a one-to -one lesson than an actual conversation, his aim was to make all their future lunches like this.
Second week of December.
Spock was browsing through his book shelf, today had been the last day of lessons and he now had free time for three weeks. He had already requested that he spend a few hours a day in the science lab and had been assigned several new plant samples from a class M planet that had been explored a few months ago, it did not hold any humanoid life forms or any dangerous indigenous species. The soil and atmosphere on the planet made it suitable for farming, so it was a possible site for a relocation program. Therefore his main task would be to see if the indigenous plants had any medicinal or nutritious values.
The door chimed, he hadn't been expecting anybody. He walked over, checked the I.D, It was Nyota. He opened the door, she was still wearing uniform, he had grown use to her expressions and could sense her anxiety.
"Cadet, is there something troubling you."
" No. No, I just.. I just wanted to come say goodbye in person."
" I will see you in twenty-four days Cadet."
" I'll still miss you."
" That is illogical, you will see me again."
" Good -bye Spock."
" Good-bye Nyota."
He shut the door on her, his determination to keep her at an emotional distance from him was fading. He wished to open the door and tell he would also miss her, but it would be inappropriate. Instead he entered the small room he kept for meditation. It was unlike the other rooms in his apartment as it had soft padding on the floor and it was decorated with items from his ancestral home, meditation aids handed down for generations. He lit incense and settled down onto the floor. Over the holiday period he would come up with a solution to this problem, or at least prepare himself so that he was better equipped to deal with such emotions. He would learn to suppress all feelings he had towards her.