Whip appeal
Chapter 1
On Monday, when he arrived, Sulu was shocked to see Nyota at the lab. Spock was there with Captain Pike. They were discussing the preliminary designs for the array. Nyota barely looked at Spock, even when he was speaking. She took notes when he spoke. When he addressed her directly, she looked down at the padd in front of him.
At lunchtime, she sat with Sulu. They chatted about the faculty at the academy. Nyota would soon be enrolled in her graduate coursework. She would still work on the project, but she would be in classes a few hours a week. Sulu was surprised the Pike made this allowance, but it really was Spock's project. Pike just signed off on it for the funding.
Toward the end of the day, Nyota stepped out to pick up beverages. She returned with sparkling juice for herself, Pike and Sulu. She brought Spock a steeping hot cup of tea. As Spock lifted the cup to his lips, his ears flushed green.
"Is it too hot, Mr. Spock?" Nyota asked.
Spock cleared his throat.
"I am not used to this brand of tea. It is fragrant," He replied.
Spock inhaled the tea. He licked the rim of the cup, and then he drank it down.
"Easy, Spock, that looks very hot," Pike said.
Spock closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"Well, we are done for the day," Pike said. "Do you want to join us for drinks?"
"I will stay here for a while, Spock said. : I will be meeting my father this evening."
"Goodbye, Mr. Spock. Would you like the same tea tomorrow, or should I change the brand?" Nyota asked.
Spock stared at Nyota. He had never met a woman like her before.
"I will have the same," Spock said.
Nyota chuckled. She gathered her things and walked out with Sulu.