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From: <rolletti@rolletti.com>
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Subject: NEW: TOS A New Beginning - Iinar Spock/Uhura  PG -13
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A New Beginning - Iinar
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: A New Beginning - Iinar
Author: rolletti
Fandom: TOS Star Trek
Pairing:S/U
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer:No Paramount, I get no money for this my precious.
The Characters are not ours my precious.Paramount is tricksy.
Feedback: rolletti@yahoo.com



Sitting leisurely at her communications station, Uhura sat feeling blasé. 
The Enterprise was completing its fifth milk run this month and the captain 
was in his office buried in unwanted paper work. With her legs crossed and 
biting her stylus, she sat looking around the bridge spotting Spock in the 
command chair. Suddenly in a teasing mood, she sauntered up to him and 
looked into his dark brown eyes. Leaning against the chair she used her 
sultry voice to get his immediate attention.

"Mr. Spock, why don't you ever tell me how beautiful I am and recite poetry 
that was written in the light of the Vulcan moon."

With a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth, Spock leaned toward her 
and spoke in a deep soft hypnotic whisper.

"Vulcan has no moon Uhura, but I am willing to quote," holding her eyes with 
his, "'She walks in beauty like the night, Of cloudless climbs and starry 
skies. And all that's best of dark and bright, Meets in her aspect and her 
eyes. Thus mellowed to that tender light, Which Heaven to gaudy day 
denies.'" He smiled with his eyes at the accomplished effect of turning the 
tide.

Feeling her heart beating wildly in her chest and her mouth agape, Uhura 
catches her breath and moves slowly back to her seat with a heated face. 
Spock watched her with one eyebrow raised then returned to the matters at 
hand.

****************************

Later in the mess hall Sulu sat eating his lunch accompanied by Chekov and 
Uhura. Something in Sulu's subconscious mind wanted to be enlightened; 
therefore it continued to make its presence known consciously. Eating his 
lunch he watched Uhura, while trying to comprehend the mystery.

// It's odd that Spock would whisper to Uhura on the bridge. He looked as if 
he were...flirting? Teasing? No, but something was amiss. //

"What were you and Spock whispering about on the bridge? Third year into our 
mission, I would venture to say I could read him a little. He had a look of 
amusement on his face, for a Vulcan, after you went back to your console.

Hesitatingly Uhura slowly looked up and passed Sulu who was sitting in front 
of her to sneak a peek at Spock, only to find that he was looking at her. 
She quickly lowered her eyes, suddenly interested in her salad. She felt the 
heat rush to her face under Spock's discerning eyes.

"Uhura, what's wrong? You're suddenly flushed. Do you need to see Dr. 
McCoy?"

"No Sulu, I'm all right, sit down please."

He looked at her with reservation as she attacked her salad vigorously. Sulu 
and Chekov watched her disbelievingly.

"Really I'm fine, now sit and finish you lunch, it's getting cold."

The three continued their lunch in an uneasy silence. Chekov and Sulu 
anxiously glanced her way and each other; both silently agreed to keep an 
eye on her. Uhura knew her two friends well and saw the concerned meaningful 
look that passed between them.

"It was nothing. I...I just had to ask him a question that's all and he was 
answering it."

Uhura was wondering if Spock was listening to their conversation, she dared 
not look at him again. How embarrassing it would be for her if Spock heard 
Sulu talking about them. Their very logical, considerate Mr. Spock wouldn't 
eaves drop, so she decided against it.

"Well you two better be careful. If I didn't know you both, I would have 
assumed you were flirting."

Uhura gasped while looking at the laughing Sulu and Chekov. She stole 
another blushing peek at Spock, also finding him looking at her, quite 
amused with a raised brow.

//So he was listening.//

*********************************

"Spock. Spock where are you?"

"I am here captain," said Spock as he looked at Kirk questionably.

"Physically yeah, but mentally you're someplace else. You've seemed 
distracted ever since I came back to the bridge this afternoon. Please 
forgive me for asking this. Are you well?"

The doctor in McCoy took over instantly looking surprised and concerned. 
"Well Spock, are you well?"

Perturbed, Spock said while crossing his arms, "Dr. I assure you I am quite 
well. There is no further need for observation."

"Just checking Spock! I have to depend on others to tell me if they see any 
signs of illness because YOU are always so secretive. It seems I'm always 
the last to know when something is wrong. Then I'm expected to magically to 
pull a rabbit out of my hat and say abracadabra to make things better."

"Telling the secret of your success? I would think it to be unethical 
doctor."

"Why you green blooded leprechaun!!"

"That's enough gentlemen. Spock? Why are you so distracted?"

Looking at Uhura he steeple his hands and said, "It is only... something 
that has caught my attention." Looking back at Kirk and McCoy he said, "It 
is of a private nature gentlemen and I see no need to discuss it further."

He returned to eating his Plomeek soup, while giving an occasional glance 
towards a beauty that walks among the stars.

Kirk and McCoy looked at each other, shrugged and returned to their meals. 
Spock on the other hand became lost in his thoughts once again.

***************************

Uhura finished her salad and stood up to leave.

"Well gentlemen, I must be on my way. I have a pressing matter to attend too 
before I report back to the bridge."

Sulu looked up. "Well, wait just a second and I'll join you."

"That's ok, I'll just meet you on the bridge."

When she turned to leave she bumped into someone who was standing directly 
behind her. She gasped with surprise when she saw who it was.

"Mr. Spock!"

"Lieutenant Uhura, may I have a word with you? In private."

Sulu and Chekov stole a questioning glance at each other, curiosity getting 
the best of them.

"Yes, Mr. Spock."

She swallowed hard and preceded him out of the Mess Hall.

*********************

"What was that all about?"

"I don't know Bones. He did get up rather quickly. Maybe he solved some 
problem he's working on in that head of his and needs the lieutenants help. 
You know how he gets."


**********************

Once outside the door, she followed Spock to their destination. They walked 
in silence side by side as Uhura stole side-glances at him. She noticed how 
he slowed his long strides so she wouldn't have to hasten her steps to keep 
up. Spock led Uhura into an empty conference room to have the private 
conversation he requested. He stopped before they reached the chairs and 
faced her with an unreadable expression. Standing before her with his hands 
held behind his back, he studied this petite woman, observing her long 
lashes that graced her Nubian eyes. He had the sudden urge to reach out and 
touch her cool exotic skin.

"Lieutenant."

"Yes Mr. Spock?"

//Great Uhura, surely he's going to reprimand you for your actions this 
morning on the bridge. The next time I get bored... What? What did he just 
say?//

"Excuse me Mr. Spock. Would you repeat what you just said?"

"It would be my honor if you would attend the ship's dance social with me. 
That is, if you are not accompanying someone else."

"Yes."

"Yes you will accompany me or yes there is someone else to escort you?"

"Yes, no, sorry. What I'm trying to say is, I will be pleased to accompany 
you."

She realized she had answered much too quickly and her face darkened with 
embarrassment. Spock was pleased and amused, although he did not show it, 
with the sudden reaction he caused within her. He continued watching her for 
an extra point five seconds before ending their meeting.

"Very well. I am on my way to the bridge, may I accompany you there?"

"Ah no thanks Spock. I have to run a few errands before I report in."

With a nod he left her standing there feeling as if someone shot her with a 
phaser set on stun.

Suddenly Uhura urgently wanted to get to her quarters. By the time she 
reached her door, she was panting. Her heart was beating twice as fast now 
and she didn't think it was because of the fast retreat to her room.

// What just happened? Is he still teasing me? I'm being silly. Spock! No, 
he just wants me to go to the social with him because... because...// With a 
crease between her brow she couldn't come up with a single answer.

//The prestigious, gallant Mr. Spock asked me to the social. //

She felt weak at the knees and chided herself for acting like a silly 
schoolgirl. Uhura decided there was a logical reason for the invitation and 
tried not to read something more into it.

// " Oh no! How am I going to tell Chris? It has always been her dream to go 
with Spock."//

Uhura sat on the bed in her quarters and crossed her legs with agitation. 
She held on to her knees and huffed. She stood up, then sat down. This was 
repeated a couple of times when she decided that there wasn't anything to do 
but tell her.

"I should tell her now. Yes, now would be a good time."

Uhura walked up to her door that opened for her when she stepped through the 
sensors. She stood there, frozen to the spot with a racing heart and sweat 
beading on her nose and upper lip. A crewman walked by and did a double take 
when he saw her pained expression. He asked if she needed his help but she 
respectfully declined and stepped back into her quarters giving herself a 
chance to calm down.

"Well, maybe now isn't a good time. I'll tell her after dinner."

The communications officer walked over to her mirror to refresh her make-up. 
She stood there and took a good long look at herself.

"Wait a minute! I've done nothing wrong so why am I feeling guilty? If 
Christine has a problem with it then I'm sorry. Spock asked me and that's 
that. And why am I in here hiding and talking to myself!"

Her demeanor changed as she took determined confident steps out her door and 
onto the bridge.

**********************************

"Come"

Kirk was expecting Spock for their usual game of chess. One look at his 
friend and body language, he knew chess would not be the subject of the 
evening.

"Out with it Spock. I can tell something is amiss. Have a seat and tell me 
what's on your mind."

With mild surprise and a raised eyebrow Spock said, "Jim, I do have a 
concern I would like to discuss with you. I have asked lieutenant Uhura to 
the dance social and she has accepted."

Kirk was astounded by his friend's confession.

// He never was one to mince words. Spock and Uhura? No way //

"Why Spock?"

"Why not?"

Speechless, Kirk erased his surprised expression and closed his mouth.

//Surely there wasn't anything wrong with it; I just didn't know they were 
interested in each other. Uhura is intelligent, bright, talented and let's 
not forget beautiful. I would have liked to had a go with her myself if it 
wasn't for the no fraternization with the crew rule. //

"What's your concern?"

"My concern is Jim; I have never had the opportunity to indulge, per say, in 
the art of rhythmic movement."

"You can't dance."

"I believed I just said that. Would you assist me that I may acquire this 
knowledge?"

Kirk looked at his friend and swallowed, not believing what he just heard.

//Spock wants me to teach him how to...dance?//

Kirk couldn't imagine his friend doing the Cha-Cha with Uhura or any of the 
ostentatious dances of today.

"Well Mr. Spock, since this is a social event, the number one type of dance 
will most likely be the waltz.

Considering the music for his pupil's first dance lessons, the teasing 
little boy that lived inside of Kirk decided to show himself.

With a twinkle in his eye he looked at Spock and said, "Now, what music 
should we play? Oh I know, Computer, play... An Affair to Remember by Harry 
Warren, old earth."

Kirk watched Spock tilt his head where a crease would unquestionably form 
between his brows.

//Bingo//

"I approve this piece of music, what an appropriate title."

As the cabin filled with beautiful soft music, Kirk nervously made eye 
contact with Spock.

//I can do this. He's my friend and he's been there for me countless times 
no matter the situations or dangers.//

Shoulders back, Kirk walked up to Spock.

"I'll be the male, you... (clears throat) female."

Twitching his lips, he guides Spock's left hand to his right shoulder. He 
hesitated then put his right hand to Spock's left hip. Next, he took his 
left hand and placed it into Spock's.

Just then the good doctor walked in with a bottle of Bourbon. He stopped in 
mid-step with his mouth opened and his eyes wide.

"Ahh...May I cut in?"

He quickly recovered wondering what to do next.

"Maybe we should continue this at another time Captain."

"Nonsense Spock, follow me. Come in Bones. It seems Cinderella here is going 
to the ball."

"What? With who?"

"With whom doctor," said Spock.

"You'll never guess."

"Try me"

"Relax Spock or you'll step on me. Now, one, two, three, one, two, three, 
that's right."

"Lieutenant Uhura has accepted my invitation to the dance social Doctor."

McCoy sat down dumbfounded.

"Now I have seen everything. Hmm Christine is not going to like this. Why 
didn't you ask her?"

"Ouch! Spock, pay attention. I liked that toe."

"Dr., I do not wish to escort nurse Chapel, only the Lieutenant. Besides, I 
do not wish to encourage Miss Chapel's capricious illusions."

"Owww Spock."

Kirk grabbed his foot and hopped over to a chair.

"My apologies Jim."

"Bones, take over for me."

"Me!!!"

"Yeah you. The dance is in a few days and as you can see, there is much to 
be desired. We can't have him stepping all over Uhura."

Growling, McCoy stood before Spock. He put his arm around him and rolled his 
eyes.

"I can't believe I'm doing this."

********************************

"Captain, message coming in from Command."

"Put it through Lieutenant"

"Captain Kirk. You and the crew of the Enterprise are assigned to the Bethsa 
quadrant near the Klingon Neutral Zone. There is a planet there that needs 
further study, Prime Directive stands. The coordinates will be coded and 
transmitted to you at the end of this message. Komack out."

A very disappointed Chekov sighed. He really wanted to take the new red head 
in engineering to the dance. He tried for months to get her to notice him 
without any luck. He finally got up the nerve and took her some flowers from 
botany and asked her out. She said yes when he expected the answer to be no.

"Well there goes the social."

Kirk glanced at Spock. He couldn't read his expression or Uhura's. Were they 
disappointed? He returned to his command seat and addressed the downhearted 
ensign.

"Only delayed Mr. Chekov, only delayed."

"Receiving coordinates now Captain."

"Patch them to Mr. Chekov lieutenant."

"Aye, aye sir."

"Course laid in Sair"

"Mr. Sulu, if you would do the honors, warp three."

"Warp three, aye aye."

"Mr. Spock, What do we know of this planet?"

"Class M, very similar to your earth. The humanoids are primitive and 
reports show they are very receptive of others who wish to join their 
villages. The males are very dominant with extremely submissive females for 
mates. They thrive on plant life. From food to medicine, plants and flowers 
are their chief resource. No doubt someone who is skilled in Ethno botany 
would like to join the landing party captain.

"ETA Mr. Chekov?"

"Five point six hours Keptin"

**********************************

The landing party consisted of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Uhura, Sulu and one 
security guard. They stood just outside a village on the biggest continent.
Wearing the native clothing, they stood in a beautiful, flourishing and 
luxurious forest. It was mid morning when they beamed down on that side of 
the planet's summer, enjoying the light warm breeze. It felt pleasant on the 
faces of the crew who spent most of their time in a sterilized environment 
onboard ship.

The flora was very pleasing to the eye with its lushness that reminded one 
of old earth's Amazon forest, its fragrances were very intoxicating. The 
soil was rich; the trees were tall and bore the most delicious looking 
fruit. Upon inspection Uhura noticed there were many different varieties.

"Dr. McCoy, would you scan the fruit to see if they're edible? I would like 
to gather some to eat with our evening meal."

"Sure thing Uhura, good idea. Yes, they are edible, high in nutrients. This 
soil looks as if it could grow just about anything."

Uhura took her basket with hidden equipment and clothing to one of the fruit 
bearing trees. She picked big, juicy, plump fruit and when plucked it 
released a fragrance that made your mouth water.

While scanning the area with his tri-corder, Spock also watched Uhura. He 
noticed how remarkably exotic she looked in the native clothing and their 
surrounding environment. Sun rays shown through the trees as it washed her 
with its golden light. She looked like a wood sprite conducting the music of 
the forest as strange flying insects flew about her from flower to flower.

Uhura picked as fast as she could. She was sure the captain would want them 
to enter the village soon and there was that one pesky fruit she could not 
reach. Stretching and straining while standing on her toes, she reached to 
no avail. Suddenly long slender fingers gently wrapped themselves around the 
fruit and plucked it from its branch. Uhura turned to see Spock standing 
astonishingly close to her with the fruit in his hand.

There they stood, staring into each other's eyes. Uhura had to remember to 
breathe as he moved closer, closing the gap. Spock whispered to her using 
the same deep sensuous voice when he returned her teasing yesterday. Except 
this time, the teasing did not exist.

"You look to be in need of assistance."

Sulu noticed this and raised his eyebrows so high they began to hurt. His 
mouth dropped open as he saw the frigid, disciplined, emotionless Spock 
forgetting himself only centimeters away from Uhura waiting lips.

When Kirk saw Sulu's expression, he turn to see what his navigator was 
looking at when...

"Welcome strangers."

Everyone turned to see a man holding fresh game and what looked to be 
similar to a bow with an empty quiver. He smiled as he approached the 
landing party.

"I am called Ger'lain, the elder of my village, and you are new to these 
hills. I have never seen you or your kind before. Welcome."

"Yes, we are new here. We come from a village far away and wish to be apart 
of yours."

"We have two empty dwellings. One could be for the tall man and his woman 
and you four could share the other until you are ready to build your own."

With a look of shock Uhura started to protest but Kirk interrupted her.

"Thank you Ger'lain. We are tired from our long journey and are willing to 
accept."

Taking his cue from Kirk, Spock turned to Ger'lain and offered his 
gratitude.

"Yes, thank you. You are most gracious sir. I am sure my wife and I will 
find our new home most agreeable."

Ger'lain smiled as he led the six-crew members into the large well ordered 
village. They passed more foliage and attractive flowers that captured their 
attention. One flower in particular was as large as a man's hand, golden in 
color with a sweet enchanting scent.

"Why would he assume Uhura belong to you Spock?" Whispered McCoy.

"Curious, he must have noticed when I picked the fruit that was out of her 
reach. No matter. Since this is a male dominant society, we will not have to 
concern ourselves with other males making a "claim" on you lieutenant."

"I agree. I want a daily report Uhura on the women here. How do they conduct 
themselves when out of the presence of the men, how they interact with each 
other, their children, daily jobs and so forth."

"Yes Captain."

She stole a sideways glance at Spock and smiled to herself.
// A little bonus before the social. I'm beginning to like this assignment. 
//

Ger'lain continued to lead the landing party into his village. It was a 
beautiful place with decorative mud huts and a community well. Each home had 
a big garden in back and strange colorful birds that dug in the soil for 
food lingered near. Uhura noted there was one constant fact that held true 
universally, children laughed and played together without the cares and 
worries adults have. They are untroubled and carefree.

"The men are out catching game and the women are tending to their duties. 
Come, my home is almost in sight."

Ger'lain was tall and muscular with golden skin and broad shoulders. He had 
a commanding presence with the look and build of an expert hunter. He spoke 
aloud, using a deep baritone voice.

"Here is my home. Woman, I am home and I have brought guests."

As they entered Ger'lain's hut they saw a very tall and muscular golden 
woman. She gave a humble nod at the men but faltered at Uhura. She looked at 
her questionably and whispered softly to her husband.

"My woman asked of she, who is yours. To her she looks to be a child, but we 
men know the difference.

Ger'lain roared thunderously with laughter while slapping Spock on the back. 
The other men joined Ger'lain using Spock's expression as an incentive.

"Granted she is small, very small. Don't worry my new friend, she has the 
hips that will bare you many sons."

Spock was rewarded with another slap on the back while Uhura recovered from 
the personal remark.

"Woman, take, I'm sorry, I do not know what you are called."

"My name is Spock and my wife is Uhura. This is Kirk, McCoy, Sulu and 
Benson."

"Woman, take Spock's woman Uhura to get us something to eat. We men are 
hungry, we need nourishment!"

Crossing his legs he sat on a reed matte encouraging the other men to 
follow.

Uhura took great care to notice how the hut was set up. There wasn't 
anything in the ship's library to give her an impression. There were furs on 
the floor that she took to understand to be the sleeping area. Clay pots, 
bowls, cups and wooden spoons were carefully tucked away on mattes made of 
reeds.

Looking at the tall muscular woman make preparations, Uhura initiated the 
conversation.

"I'm Uhura. What are you called, your name?"

The tall woman looked as if she'd forgotten Uhura was there.

"I am called O'deen. Are you really his woman? You look like a child just 
beginning to bloom. You are strangers, I have never seen such colors of 
skin."

"O'deen. That's a beautiful name. Where we come from there are many 
different colors of skin. That's one of the things that make us unique. Now, 
what do we do first? My... husband will be wanting to at least drink some 
water."

O'deen gave her a heavy clay pot and Uhura followed her out the door to the 
community well. Uhura drew curios glances from other women in the village as 
she tried to keep up, carrying her burden.

"Do you have any children O'deen?"

"Yes, I have two girls tending the garden and a baby boy asleep. Do you have 
offspring Uhura?"

"No, we were married a short time ago. A very short time ago."

"They will come soon enough. Ger'lain was correct in his observation about 
you. You have the hips to bare good strong children and the breast to keep 
them well fed."

That was the third time Uhura was shocked into silence today. She quickly 
picked up her heavy clay pot full of water and followed O'deen into the hut. 
It wasn't easy carrying a pot full of water and keeping up with the woman's 
long strides, but she managed.

McCoy saw Uhura sneak in some instant water purifier pills into the pots of 
water. She then filled some clay cups and knelt before Spock imitating 
O'deen.

With down cast eyes she offered Spock fruit and water first.

"My husband, please accept this humble offering from my hands."

Shocked, Spock answered her with unwavering eyes, brushing her hands with 
his as he took the offering. This sent an inevitable warming sensation 
throughout her body.

Spock responded with a natural regal air that was undoubtedly bequeathed to 
him by his father.

"Thank you my wife, you may now serve the others."

She stood up gracefully; giving him a quick look that said, don't get use to 
this. Spock raised an eyebrow as he continued to watch his young rebellious 
bride. He thought, illogically, of how he was going to enjoy himself while 
on this assignment. She looked at him as if to read his thoughts and raised 
an eyebrow of her own.

Sulu witnessed the silent conversation between the two and wondered how long 
had they been a couple.

After their refreshments and the women took their places beside their 
husbands, Ger'lain continued to speak with the men and told them of how the 
village operates. He unknowingly gave them an abundance of information in 
such a short time.

"Tonight there will be a celebration in honor of the new village couple, 
Spock and his woman. A celebration of the children to come."

"That will not be necessary Ger'lain. I'm sure my wife would like to relax 
after her long journey."

Ger'lain stood and the party followed.

"Is she frail as well as small?" he boomed. "She looks strong enough to 
celebrate. It is tradition my friend. Maybe it will give these single men 
here a chance to find a wife of their own. Eeh."

Another slap on the back.

Uhura asked, "Ger'lain, will the women be there as well as the men?"

There was a look of shock from O'deen to her husband and she quickly walked 
away. Ger'lain looked at Uhura long and hard, daring her to speak another 
word.

Spock slowly reached out and closed his hand around Uhura's wrist, drawing 
her behind him. Shocked at Ger'lain's attitude, Uhura let Spock put his body 
between her and the village leader.

"Ger'lain, did my wife say something to offend you?"

"No woman dare speak to a man she does not belong to unless addressed. You 
are new here Spock and are not accustomed to our ways, but I advise you to 
teach your woman the ways of our village."

Slightly bowing his head Spock said, "My humble apologies Ger'lain. If your 
woman would be so kind to teach my wife, I would be most honored. After all, 
she is a new bride."

Anger dissipating after Spock's revelation, Ger'lain offered his wife's 
tutelage.

"Come I will show you to your new dwellings."

Uhura said to herself, //This is going to be harder than I thought. //

******************************

After depositing Uhura at her new dwelling, Ger'lain took the men to meet 
the people of the village. Some men came back early from the hunt and 
deposited their kills at home.

Upon Spock's arrival at his new home, he noticed the front of his hut was 
covered with strange flowers, something similar to earth's orchid. When he 
entered he noticed the inside looked just like Ger'lain's home. He placed 
his hands behind his back as his eyes stopped on the furs; it was not set up 
as separate beds. With a raised brow he looked at Uhura for an explanation.

Blushing, Uhura explained.

"O'deen helped me decorate. And since I'm her new pupil, she's going to be 
over here for a while. They'll have to remain in that position."

"Indeed." he said dryly.

"Would you like to walk out back to see our potential garden?"

"Yes."

Stepping out the back door Spock noticed a cooking pot with food simmering.

"And what is this?"

"Well I was told since we are new here we will be supplied with fresh game 
for a few days. I respectfully declined and took to the forest. I found 
plenty of edible herbs to make a nice soup and picked some more fruit."

"Ah, I assume that is where you acquired the flowers that are on the hut. 
and in your hair."

Smiling, she reached up and bashfully removed the flower. "Sorry, I just got 
caught up by the beauty of the wood."

Spock took the flower from her hand and placed it back in her hair. He made 
eye contact with her as his thumb gently caressed her face.

"Somehow, it belongs there." He whispered.

"There you are! We've been looking all over for you. I must admit Spock I'm 
jealous. Look at your place, and dinner to boot."

"I made enough for everyone Captain. Welcome to my husband's, who is the 
center of my universe, humble abode."

Uhura finished with a deep exaggerated curtsy.

"Indeed."

At Spock's dry remark everyone had a good hardy laugh at his expense.

Looking over the garden, it was more like a field; Spock noticed that it 
needed a lot of work. Surely Uhura couldn't do this by herself woman's work 
or not.

"Captain, I believe tomorrow I will stay behind and help the lieutenant with 
the fields."

"Yes, I was thinking tomorrow we all should come over and get the garden 
ready. Then the next week or two we'll work on ours. Of course I hear the 
celebrating is going to be well into the night. We might be too tired to do 
anything."

"I find it most illogical Captain to engage in something so profusely, that 
it would make you inefficient for the next day's task."

Spock will soon find out that he spoke to soon.

"We will be right here Spock, with bright eyes and bushy tails."

McCoy knew that little adage would confuse him. //Serves him right. He gets 
Uhura and we get... each other. //

"Would you like to eat now gentlemen or would you rather wait?"

"Now would be a good time my wife. I assume the celebration will be starting 
soon from the looks of things and we'll need to eat before then."

"I don't know Jim, he's falling into this role too easily."

"Dr., it would be most illogical not to keep up with the pretense. May I 
remind you we are on a mission? Let's keep that in perspective."

Uhura brought out bowls with spoons and fruit she picked herself. Something 
similar to bread was given to them by O'deen.

Spock noticed as Uhura sat next to him that she did look small and frail, 
especially holding a spoon that was meant to be held by much larger hands.
Of course he knew better. Under that genteel exterior was a well-trained 
Star Fleet officer who could probably bring down three of the native men. 
All at once.

"Uhura, that's a very beautiful flower in your hair. May I see it? I noticed 
you have it on the front of the house too."

"Sure Sulu be my guest. Isn't it beautiful? Smell it. Its fragrance is very 
intoxicating."

"I shall like to take this back with me to the ship. Remind me about it when 
we leave."

They all heard something that made their blood turn cold. The communicator. 
No one was to contact the captain unless there was an emergency.

"Kirk here."

"Captain, we just received orders from Star Base 11 to move to the Alpha 
Beta system. Klingons have crossed the Neutral Zone and the Enterprise has 
been ordered to comply right away. HQ knows you're there. We were told to 
leave you and the landing party and come back after we have dealt with the 
situation. Both are critical. We are to leave ASAP.

A very worried Kirk said, "Take care of my ship Scotty!"

"You know I will give her a good night kiss each eve'nin. Scott out."

**************************

Music. Soft music drifted through the air. Then became louder and as it 
neared Spock and Uhura's hut. Spock stepped out and was received by a large 
crowd and cheers. He reached in and drew Uhura out and the cheers became 
wild.

Picking up husband and wife, the natives carried them over their heads into 
the center of the village. Kirk and McCoy looked on with amusement at the 
site of Spock and Uhura, posing as a wedded couple. There was dancing 
dedicated to Uhura's womb, her breast, her eyes and all that is beautiful 
between husband and wife. There was what seemed to be a magical beat to the 
music. Many different instruments seemed to arbitrarily join in and were 
accompanied by songs, sung in a totally different language. The beautiful 
alien language captivated Uhura.

Spock and Uhura were placed in the center ring of the villagers and the 
music unexpectedly stopped. O'deen presented a bowl to Ger'lain, and he held 
it in front of Spock and made a speech.

"This is the sweet nectar from the Golden Flower. Drink and share with your 
woman. May you have good fortune, offspring and a contented wife my friend."

Ger'lain placed the beautiful, decorated bowl in Uhura's hand. With her head 
bowed, Uhura offered the clear liquid to Spock, and then helped him to sip. 
Spock in turn took the bowl, brushing his hands once again against hers. He 
then watched her lips, as he too helped her to drink the smooth, sweet 
nectar. When she sipped there was a deafening sound of cheers.

McCoy smiled, satisfied to see his friend at the center of attention. //Hmm, 
it's good for him. //

Spock and Uhura were encouraged to sit down and watch the single women of 
the village do a fertility dance with flowers that gave off a seductive 
scent. The women circled the couple, gently raining petals upon them.

They both felt a light buzzing sensation in their head, confused as to how 
nectar from the Golden Flower could affect them in such a way. The dancing 
continued around them and became faster and faster with the music. Flowers 
and scents filled the air, working with the nectar that flowed hotly though 
their veins. Spock and Uhura gazed at each other and repressed feelings 
began to surface. The two began breathing slightly faster.

//Her eyes//

//his mouth//

//her neck, her... her...//

"I don't like the looks of this Jim"

"What was that they drank a love potion? Look at how they're looking at each 
other. What...does... he think he's doing?"

"There's no way we can stop all this Jim," McCoy said looking around 
franticly. "We would have the whole village down on us."

Spock stood up gracefully, and pulled Uhura to her feet. He reached out and 
drew her closer, inhaling the lingering fragrance of the flower that was 
still in her hair.

//Mmm, she smells good, // he said to himself as the music became faster and 
faster. He nuzzled her neck, she let him, he stroked her back, she let him, 
he drew her closer, she let him, he tilted her chin, she let him, he kissed 
her passionately, she let him, she kissed him hungrily, he let her.

Spock pulled her tightly against him, feeling the contours of her body.
An aroused moan escaped her as she experienced the strong, yet gentle hands 
and returned his sweet hot passionate kiss. The nectar coursed its way 
through their veins, seductive odors in the air, magic, music, dancing. They 
couldn't stop, they didn't want to stop. Every second the nectar worked its 
magic stronger and stronger through the fibers of their bodies. Finally they 
yield, giving total abandonment to the smooth ambrosia.

Spock was kissing her throat as he worked his way down. He quickly picked 
Uhura up and took her to their hut. The crowd went wild with cheers.

There stood Kirk, McCoy, Sulu and Benson blinking with open mouths, shocked 
at what they saw. The last thing they heard coming from the hut was Spock 
calling her name.

"Nyota!"

*******************************

The next morning, the single men of the Enterprise got up early to go 
hunting. They did not want to face Spock and Uhura. They were ashamed 
because of their helplessness the night before. Kirk couldn't help but 
replay the images from last night, ending with the sounds of passion he and 
everyone heard half the night coming from Spock's hut.

The sun was well into the sky when they came back with meat, fruit and 
vegetables. They stood by the well with their peace offerings stunned. The 
door was still closed.

"Should we go over there Captain?"

"I don't know Sulu, it doesn't look as if there is any activity over there 
yet. (Clears throat) No pun intended gentlemen."

"Let's get started on their garden Jim. It will give us something to do."

"Sir, do you think they'll remember what happened, last night I mean. Maybe 
the nectar affected them like alcohol."

Kirk looked at the security officer and decided not to answer that.

Sighing, "Well, to the garden gentlemen."

****************************************

Uhura woke up to find Spock's arm around her lovingly. She felt so secure 
and warm under the furs with him, truly at home. She snuggled closer into 
his arms.
// What! Oh no, Spock! // She gasped and sat up quickly. Realizing her lack 
of dress, she decided to get back under the furs. She turned only to find 
that Spock was looking at her.

"Don't be alarmed my wife."

Swallowing hard Uhura looked at him not comprehending his words.

Propping up on his elbow and resting his head on his hand he said, "I had 
enough control last night to do one thing. Bond us together. You are now my 
wife Nyota. Vulcans do not participate in premarital sex and I could not let 
you be shamed or disgraced. You will hold your head high as a true married 
woman who spent the evening with her husband."

She loved hearing her first name spoken by him; he's never done that before, 
until last night and into the morning.

With unshed tears in her eyes Uhura said, "I remember. Thank you Spock, that 
was very considerate of you. I... do feel the bond; I feel as if I were to 
go outside you'll be even closer to me than you are now physically!"

"Indeed. Our minds have touched and we are now one, physically and mentally. 
We could be light years apart and remain mentally conjoined. My wife, we are 
inseparable and interwoven into each others being. You will remain Nyota 
Uhura and I Spock, but there, in the corner of our minds, we will find the 
significant other. Nyota, I know what you did on the bridge intended to be 
an amicable tease, but we both know consciously we wished to reveal our true 
feelings for the other. I... love you Nyota. I have always said it was an 
illogical emotion, but as you can see, my perspective has changed."

He looked deeply into her dark brown eyes and held them.

"I love you Nyota. I have for quiet some time. No longer will I hide under 
the mask of logic when it comes to loving you. If you... find that you do 
not wish to be married to me, we can visit Vulcan and the Healers can... 
sever our bond."

Uhura looked at him with the love that was once denied her and smiled at her 
new husband.

"I do not wish for our bond to be broken Spock. I just see this as a 
fortunate time saver, because I feel the same love for you. We've wasted 
enough years, don't you think?" For the first time in three years, Spock 
rewarded Uhura with a smile.

Placing his hand on her back he drew her into his embrace. He softly kissed 
her brow, her eyes, her cheek and finally her lips.

//Spock is kissing me, Spock is kissing me, Spock, is kissing me! //

// Yes, I am my wife. //

Realizing she heard Spock speaking to her mentally, she pulled away with a 
start.

"Forgive me; evidently the kiss consequently opened our bond. I am new at 
this myself and I do not know exactly what to expect. We are very compatible 
in more ways than one," said Spock matter of fact which caused Uhura to 
blush.

"I will teach you how to shield your thoughts when we get back to the ship."

Tenderness replaced her shocked and flustered expression and he kissed her 
again with mounting passion.

In a panic she realized something about her best friend and broke off the 
kiss.

"Spock, what of Christi..."

He quickly placed his fingers on her lips, "shhhh". A millisecond after he 
removed those long slender fingers that made her body sing, he deepened his 
fervent kiss. Uhura became weak in his arms, receiving a kiss like never 
before.

Reluctantly, slowly breaking off the kiss, Spock sat up pulling Uhura with 
him. The fur slipped from her shoulders and she quickly reached to cover 
herself. Spock gently held her hands letting the fur fall.

"No Nyota. There is no shame in our union. I want to see all that I posses."

He was not disappointed.

Finding her eyes with his he said softly, "Trust me."

Lightly, he placed his fingers at the contact points on her face. Slowly he 
entered her mind, penetrating deeper and deeper till he found the very fiber 
of her being.

He then brought back memories of last night. Instantly she relived the 
erotic evening and drew in a quick breath, it was incredible. She remembered 
the bonding, the sealing of each essence into the other's mind and the 
exploration of the sensual landscapes of their bodies, well into the 
morning.

//Fascinating. //

She remembered the feeling of dry heat from his flesh, so alien, against 
hers, his hot breath against her neck, and the smell of the desert from his 
home world.
She was one with him, his mind, his body. She felt his control completely 
slip when she passionately caressed the tips of his ears. She did this from 
the bottom, working her way to the very tip with her lips, teeth and tongue. 
From there they soared reaching higher and intertwining among the stars, 
blissfully exploding with the super nova's of space.

"Nyota" he screamed.

He slowly withdrew, passing many unexplored doors of her mind, till Uhura 
found herself looking at him, shaken. //Intense// He kissed her again and 
instantly she knew of the erotic pleasure he was experiencing, a bonus of 
their bonding.

Sharing the memory of last night ignited their desires and once again Spock 
explored what now belonged to him.

**************************************

"They've been in there for quite a long time now, it's almost noon. You 
don't think that nectar made them sick do you? Maybe I should go over and 
check on them."

"No Bones. I think they could be suffering from a little embarrassment. 
Although it's not like Spock to be inactive for so long."

If Kirk only knew how active his first officer was at that very moment.

Wiping his brow he said, "Let's get back to work."

Two hours later McCoy saw Uhura starting a fire under the cooking pot.

"Look there's Uhura."

All four men left their task and headed for the hut. When they arrived, they 
followed Uhura into the hut and were astonished to find Spock passionately 
kissing her with roaming hands.

"Do you see what I'm seeing Jim?"

"Yes Bones, but I don't believe it. Maybe the nectar hasn't worn off yet."

He slowly broke off the kiss, looking up to find the landing party watching 
them, perplexed. He walked over to face his friends with a small smile at 
the corner of his mouth.

"Gentlemen, May I present to you she who is my wife."

Uhura joined her husband, accepting his two extended fingers with a huge 
smile on her face.


***************************


Sitting around the cooking pot out back, Spock explained that a Vulcan 
marriage bond took place before the full effect of the nectar took over. 
Kirk looked at Uhura, concerned she was forced into a marital relationship 
that she didn't want.

"Uhura, do you agree to this bond?"

"Yes captain, I do."

"This is all of a sudden don't you think? Are you sure your feelings for 
each other aren't from the effects of the nectar?

Uhura smiled at her husband and reassured the captain that this started on 
board the Enterprise three years ago.

"Well, I guess now that I look back Jim, the signs where there. The glances, 
the light touches. You know Spock didn't like anyone to touch him, but Uhura 
did and he didn't mind."

"I most certainly did not touch him Dr."

"Every time you sang in the Officer's lounge, Spock accompanied you with 
music from the lyre or what ever you call it. Anyway I always noticed how 
you would lightly touch him a little. I never said anything because I 
thought it was good for him. It was done subconsciously I'm sure, but it was 
there all the same."

Sulu said, "I won't even say what I saw."

"Now that you mention it Bones, he did let her get away with a lot more than 
anyone else on the bridge. Take the Tribbles she brought on board for 
instance. A bridge full of Tribbles and he just sat there. Now it all makes 
sense."

"Gentlemen!"

Spock was rewarded with a laugh from his friends as he took the bait.

"We're just teasing Spock. Congratulations you two."

"Thank you Captain."

"Well, I'm making some lunch, would you four like to join us?"

"Yes, I'm starving."

"Easy Benson." said Sulu

Grabbing a clay pot, Uhura left to draw water from the well. As she reached 
her doorstep she suddenly stopped.

"What's this?"

Spock and the others joined her at the front door. There before her were 
gifts from the community. Clay bowls, cups, wooden spoons, mats, furs, 
baskets, grain, seeds for planting and something that looked similar to 
flour. Uhura picked up a small basket lined with fur. With a question in her 
eyes she looked at Spock.

O'deen approached them while on her way to the river stopping to answer 
Uhura's question.

"It is a bed for your child."

All the men plus one Vulcan eyebrows shot up to their hairline. Uhura 
dropped the basket and the fur went flying. Kneeling to help a blushing 
Uhura pick up her gift, O'deen said to her, "These are gifts to start your 
new life here Uhura, you and your man."

" Uh, thank you O'deen."

*********************************
A week had gone by and no word from the Enterprise. Kirk and the men 
continued to tend the garden, although it was considered woman's work. Uhura 
just wouldn't be able to handle it on her own. Considering her size, the 
villagers felt sorry for Spock and said nothing about this.

Kirk stood wiping the sweat from his forehead.

"Whew! I didn't think it would take this long for this so-called garden. The 
field has been extremely neglected. I guess we'd better start on our garden 
soon too. You never know when we'll hear back from the ship. We'll need 
plenty of food for the up coming winter if we are still here."

"Aye, I saved half the seeds that was given to us to plant in your field. I 
believe we can start tomorrow."

"Thanks Spock. It would seem if you're not married your pretty much on 
you're own around here."
*********************


As the men where out hunting, Uhura left to bathe in the river with the 
other women in the community. It was a time of relaxation before she started 
her dinner preparations. All day she worked beside these women, learning of 
their ways. She drew water from the well, prepared Spock's meal, (he helped 
her as much as he could without being seen by the villagers) sat and made 
baskets with the reeds from the river, skinned the animals Spock brought 
home and cooked the meat for her shipmates. Since Spock is a vegetarian, she 
would walk to the forest everyday to look for edible roots and herbs for 
their dinner. She would pick extra juicy fruit to slice and dry in the sun, 
making a snack. For the other four she would take slices of meat and make 
Jerky, much to the joy of security officer Benson. She would make bread with 
the flour that was given to them, tended what looked like caterpillars which 
made a form of silk and did what she could in the garden.

By bath time she felt she deserved a much-needed break. Bathing with 
extractions from a purple flower called Verbinium, cleansed your body.
Bathing also with the extraction of a red flower called Iinare drew men to 
their wives, she used that one quite often. That was one secret of the women 
she kept out of her evening reports.

One day Spock decided not to go hunting when he awoke. Uhura came in from 
the well carrying water to their make shift kitchen.

"My wife, attend."

"My husband you have slept late this morning. Are you well?"

She wore a worried expression as she sat down next to Spock.

"Yes, I'm just worn out from the effects of the Iinare flower."

A gasp left Uhura as she stared at her teasing husband.

"Yes, I know of the flower and its effect. I must admit I'm very pleased 
that you have chosen to use it everyday this week."

"Scoundrel."

"Seductress." and he kissed her.

"What is it you want anyway?"

"You, but because of what I have planned today, this cannot be. My wife, 
today we will have a full day dedicated to us. A honeymoon of sorts."

"A honeymoon! I never thought about a honeymoon, there was so much to do 
after we became stranded here."

"We will eat a big breakfast, pack our lunch and come back in time for 
dinner."

"That's a wonderful idea Spock."

Uhura prepared what they had for dinner the night before for a quick 
breakfast.

When she goes into the woods to gather fruit, she takes the backpack Spock 
made for her. It was made of animal skin and strong tree limbs. This she 
used to pack their lunch; which consisted of bread, fruit and dried grain 
cake.

Spock had an errand to do first, but before leaving his hut he walked behind 
Uhura and slid his left arm around her waist pulling her body close to his. 
He kissed the back of her neck as he inhaled the faint lingering scent of 
Iinare from the night before. Turning her to face him, he found 
unconditional love shining through her eyes. Spock brushed her thoughts as 
his fingers lovingly caressed her face. With his thumb and index finger, he 
tilted her chin towards his and gave her an intense, sensual kiss. This left 
her trembling and breathless. He was still amazed that he, Spock, was able 
to get such a reaction from her.

"You are very beautiful my wife. Today we will see many captivating things 
nature will offer. None will come close that will match your beauty."

He kissed her softly then departed to look for Kirk and inform him of their 
plans.

Uhura stood immobilized as her husband walked out the door. Spock has never 
said she was beautiful, it was quite a shock. Although he proclaimed his 
love for her, he still remained the non-emotional Vulcan they all knew. At 
certain times in their private moments Spock would show Uhura a soft, warmer 
side. She treasured those moments and hid them in her heart. Knowing those 
earth shaking occasions were reserved for her only gave Uhura pleasurable 
satisfaction. Through their bond Spock knew what she was thinking and sent 
her waves of tender thoughts. She smiled and continued packing with a love 
song in her heart.

By the time Spock came back, Uhura had their lunch packed. They stepped out 
of their door to enjoy a full day of exploring. The land was beautiful and 
interesting, along with its bizarre animals and insects. They discovered a 
cave with a subterranean river and went exploring. It was very impressive 
with the sunlight shining from an opening above. You saw the unusual colors 
and shapes reflecting off the water onto the cavern walls. Like old earth, 
there were hieroglyphics representing numbers and events. Husband and wife 
took extra care to notice the condition of these symbols; they were not that 
old.
Creatures swam in the underground river, creatures one would scrupulously 
avoid. Some would surface the water to look at them with iridescent eyes 
that wouldn't keep still. Others displayed fangs, spikes and occasional sour 
odors. What really surprised them was the penguin bird like animal that 
appeared from the back of the cave. As it approached them it gave a 
whooping, screeching sound while displaying its round teeth and jumped into 
the water. The bird had a variety of fur, skin and hair on its body with 
clawed feet.

The Science Officer in Spock couldn't stay in hiding long. He took out his 
tri-corder and started recording and analyzing. Uhura didn't get upset 
because she knew Spock's passion for science. Only he could serve as Science 
Officer and First Officer on board a star ship. She was very impressed.

Later they came across a magnificent, awe-inspiring chasm with a sunken 
forest floor. Because they lacked the proper equipment, repelling off the 
canyon walls and exploring was not to be. Uhura looked down one more time to 
file away the untouchable beauty she saw in her memory.

Later, as the sun climbed higher into the sky, they came across a little 
lake hidden by some trees. It was so still it reflected its surroundings as 
if made of glass.

Humming, Uhura caught Spock's eye and did a very impressive dance while 
stripping to her bare skin. Putting down the load that carried their lunch, 
Spock stepped forward and reached for his wife. To his surprise she avoided 
him and stepped out of the way. With a look of confusion, he reached for her 
again, only to have her sidestep out of his grasp.

"Nyota, I do not understand!"

She stood with a good distance between them, her hands clasped behind her, 
playfully swinging her hips from side to side. "Ahhh Mr. Spock, if you want 
me, you will have to catch me," she said teasingly with a seductive smile.

With a crease between his brow he tilted his head and said, "Why do you feel 
I should pursue you in such a manner?"

With an exaggerated sigh, Uhura put her hands on her hips and said, "Humor 
me Spock."

Suddenly, quick as lightening, Spock ran towards Uhura almost catching her 
off guard. She faked to the left then right. She ducked, but not fast 
enough, for her husband caught her with long, strong slender arms. Picking 
her up like a trophy won, he walked over to the quiet lake and threw her in.

Surprised, Uhura screamed as she was thrown into the water. By the time she 
came up Spock had shed his garments and joined her.

Astonished, Uhura looked at Spock, pursed her lips then narrowed her eyes.

"You are wicked Mr. Spock."

"Well in that case, you will not be surprised when I do this."

"Mmmm...Mr. Spock," she said while smiling in a sing song voice.

They swam till they grew tired and went ashore for lunch. Uhura couldn't 
remember the last time she was so hungry. After their meal, they laid on the 
soft green grass, basking in the sun, soon to fall asleep in each other's 
arms.

*****************************

Ger'lain approached Spock one day while hunting in the forest. they were 
looking for big game this time. Spock wanted Uhura to have a nice warm fur 
cape for the winter if they were forced to stay.

"Spock, your woman likes to go into the forest a lot."

"She likes to harvest fresh fruit, roots and herbs among others for our 
meals."

"Spock, do not let your woman go to far into the forest anymore. They will 
be here soon."

Ger'lain said this with so much fear; the men from the Enterprise joined 
them to listen.

Spock turned toward Ger'lain with great concern at any thought of a threat 
concerning his wife.

"What is it Ger'lain? What is in the forest that is a threat?"

He leaned in closer to the men and whispered," The wild men come soon. They 
come from high in the mountains before the winter snow approaches, taking as 
many of our women as they can for themselves. Those who go after them are 
never heard from again, neither are their women. No one has lived in your 
home for quiet some time. You must strengthen your doors my friend and order 
your woman not to bathe with the sweet nectars. That is how they find them."

With a far away look, Ger'lain recalled a time of long ago.

"I lost my first wife to the wild men fifteen years ago. She was a lot like 
your woman. She didn't live to please only me, but others as well. She 
worked hard to make sure our home was well supplied for the winter months, 
just like your woman. She took care of the elderly in the village, tended 
the other women children so they could relax, making things to barter with 
to make our home more pleasurable. My Sher'ana was loved by all. If your 
woman wasn't so small, I would think you found my first love."

"Tell me more of these men. When do they strike? Why take every year?"

"They are wild and hairy men, they do not speak only grunt. They are shorter 
but very muscular. Their shoulder span is very wide and their legs are like 
tree trunks. Very strong, very strong. They strike right before the winter 
snows are due to block the passage they take. It starts to snow up there 
days after our harvest. They first take those who are easily obtainable."

Here he held Spock's eyes.

"Spock, those who are not pregnant and work in the forest are the obtainable 
ones."

"Ah, that explains the fertility celebration upon our arrival."

"Yes. I believe they invade us every year because the women are not lasting 
the winters up there. They must not be caring for them. Our women are 
strong, but who could survive without the proper shelter and basic needs 
met. Our winters are very harsh. Spock, I don't believe your woman would be 
able to fight back or survive the trip up the mountain. It's a long way with 
jagged rocks that cut your feet like blades. There is a possibility that 
they would think she is just a child, but upon further inspection it is 
clear she is not. Even if she did make it she would be fought over, possibly 
killed. There is something special about your woman Spock. She moves with 
grace, like a small petal floating on a gentle breeze, a precious jewel 
among stones. She is the prize they will fight over."

Sighing, he said, "Sher'ana."

"I have warned you Mr. Spock. Do not let what happened to me, happen to 
you."

"I will fortify my home starting today sir and I thank you."

McCoy looked at Kirk and whispered, "I bet the wild men never met a jealous 
Vulcan before. We all better pitch in to fortify that hut. For the wild men 
sake."

"I agree Bones."

Meanwhile, Uhura was in the forest harvesting more of the red Iinare flowers 
for the winter. And just in case Scotty comes back soon, she'll take some of 
it's nectar with her and ask Spock to synthesize it. She was sure he 
wouldn't object, and she smiled to herself.

//What was that? // She turned around and found nothing. She continued to 
pick Iinare and fruit for dehydrating. She liked to squeeze sweet nectar 
from a particular green flower unto some of the fruit and dry them in the 
sun. Spock never mentioned the difference in flavor, but Uhura noticed he 
chose the extra sweet nectar fruit over the others. He wouldn't admit it, 
but she knew it was his favorite.

She found a cluster of small delicate pink flowers and placed them in her 
hair. She sighed in contentment with the new temporary life she led. Spock 
loved her; they have a beautiful little home and maybe someday...children. 
Granted, she did not like being a subservient, but for appearance sake she 
had to. Spock didn't treat her that way behind closed doors. Instead he 
treated her as if she was the queen of the universe, his t'hy'la. She will 
look back and always cherish this joyous, auspicious experience with her 
Spock. One day and probably one day soon, they will go back to their 
reality, and she will once again become the career woman she was. She picked 
more of the cluster of small flowers for Sulu to examine, then she heard 
that strange noise again.

Feeling uncomfortable suddenly, she decided to walk back towards the 
village. Upon entering, Uhura heard the most horrible, frightful, hideous, 
sound coming from behind her. Before she could turn around something very 
smelly and hairy grabbed her throat from behind. Instantly she went into 
Star Fleet training mode. She slammed her foot into its instep, not once but 
twice. She then proceeded to raise her elbow up and ram it back into the 
face that was breathing heavily onto her neck. She drove it home three more 
times before she flipped whatever it was over her back onto the ground with 
the air rushing out of it's lungs. Uhura didn't give it time to get up; she 
wanted to keep the advantage on her side. Running towards what she 
identified as a hairy man, Uhura jumped into the air, grabbed her right 
wrist with her left hand, and with a look of determination drove her elbow 
into his vocal chords as she fell.

While this was happening the hunting party was just coming through the 
woods. Earlier, Spock knew something terrible was happening to his wife 
through their bond. His companions didn't ask any questions when he suddenly 
stopped walking and uttered, "Nyota", and ran for home. They followed trying 
to keep up with Spock; who revealed a split second of fear across his face.

The women of the village screamed, frozen on the spot, fear gripped their 
hearts. The men from the Enterprise emerged from the woods and ran towards 
Uhura with Spock in the lead. By the time they reached her, the wild man was 
unconscious with Uhura standing over him, blowing the hair out of her eyes.

"This man came from out of nowhere and attacked me."

Smoothing her hair she looked for the flowers that graced it earlier. With 
disbelief Spock examined her to make sure she did not suffer harm and 
arbitrarily hugged her for all to see. With a sigh of relief he breathed...

"Aduna."

All the villagers stood around them aghast, watching the five new men, the 
unconscious one and the tiny woman who brought him down.

Ger'lain walked towards Spock with huge wide eyes and an enlarged opened 
mouth.

"I can't believe what my eyes have seen! Such courage, such strength. Is 
your woman a witch from where you come friend Spock?"

Looking at his wife, Spock answered with a slight smile, his thumb caressing 
the side of her face, "No, she is no witch, just Star Fleet material."

Relieved to have her with him unharmed, he bent over and lightly kissed her 
on the lips. Spock shocked the four men from the Enterprise with this 
display of open emotion, then he returned to his normal stance as if nothing 
happened.

Suddenly, there was a look of respect for this little wife child, from the 
women and the men of the village. No, there will no longer be looks of pity 
for this little woman who could barely carry the water pot that looked to 
big in her arms, no longer will there be sympathy for the husband who worked 
the gardens for her, no longer will they watch to see her fail.

"Well, what do we do with him? I've looked him over, he wont be talking or 
grunting for a while but he'll live. He won't be able to see out of that eye 
either till the swelling goes down. I could give him something to alleviate 
the pain he's going to feel when he comes too."

"Don't concern yourselves with this one. We will take care of him. Go, 
fortify your homes, the rest will come one day soon. They usually attack at 
night."

She looked at Spock and asked him to clarify Ger'lain's remark. Spock led 
Uhura to their hut but not without a glance towards his captain. They both 
spoke volumes with that glance and each knew what needed to be done.

Kirk led his men to the thick forest for strong material. They will fortify 
the huts with the strongest wood they could find, making entrance into the 
home impenetrable.

"I was really hoping Ger'lain was just getting his stories mixed up with 
superstitious tales. Clearly that big aggressive hairy man was just as real 
as you and me."

McCoy looked at him with a mischievous grin on his face.

"Yeah, but did you see how Uhura brought him down. For a moment there I 
almost let out an old southern rebel yell. That guy isn't going to see, talk 
or walk without thinking of her first."
*************************

Spock explained to Uhura about the wild men and the terror they rain upon 
the village every year.

With a very phlegmatic and bleak expression including a severity to his 
voice, Spock said, "You may not wash in the river by yourself and do not use 
anything from the plants. Just rinse the day's dirt off and come home 
immediately. They use their noses to help them locate the females here. I do 
not believe altering how you bathe will deter them however, you posses a 
sweet musky scent of your own, pheromones to the Wild men. They are coming 
Nyota, we must do everything to prevent them from trying kidnap you."

His look softened as he said, "I am your t'zaled, and you shall ever be my 
taluhk t'hy'la Nyota."

Her voice soft, reacting to the deep sultry sound of his asked, "You are my 
what Spock?"

"It means I will protect you till the end of my life and you are my precious 
love."

He regarded her a minute longer then walked out the door to help the men.

*************************

The doors were replaced in the mud hut with stronger solid wood. Uhura went 
to her fellow officer's hut and gathered everyone's belongings. They will 
stay with Spock and Uhura till the attackers have come and a few days after 
that.

"That should do it. If worse comes to worse, we'll have to use our phasers."

"What about the Prime Directive Captain?"

"We very well can't let them just come in here and haul you off Lieutenant 
now can we? We'll get around it, we always do," he said with a wink and a 
smile.

******************************

Sulu found Uhura out back squatting on the ground with a clay pot between 
her legs. Although Spock would alert them if something were wrong, each 
crewman watched her regardless. They tried to look inconspicuous, but Uhura 
knew exactly what was going on. Even the women of the village knew and found 
it odd. Why would a man, other than the husband, protect another woman? She 
smiled at her friend's defensive behavior.

"What are you doing Uhura?"

"Hi Sulu. I'm adding color and design to my clay pots before they dry. Do 
you like them?"

"They're beautiful. I didn't know you were such an artist."

"I didn't know a lot of things about myself till we became stranded here. I 
would say we all have become quite accustomed to this place, revealing what 
we all are capable of when given the opportunity."

Sulu smiled at Uhura's insightful thoughts.

"You sure do have a lot of pots."

"They're for the harvesting. Who knows when Scotty will get back and I don't 
want us to starve for lack of storage for our food."

"You've taken stock of the little details of our future here Uhura. I 
appreciate all the hard work you do. The women around here are taking care 
of one home and you're taking care of two. You're going to make a wonderful 
commander someday. If not that, do I dare say mother?"

Uhura blushed at this remark. She was thinking about the little fur-lined 
basket when Sulu came up.

"I hope your right. I like the sound of that, Commander."

She then continued working on her pots to avoid Sulu's eyes. He and Chekov 
are her very close friends and she knew she could talk to them about 
anything, but for now she needed Christine.

"You know, I see all these children and how they're loved, then all I can 
think about is having my own. On the other hand I wouldn't want any now; the 
ship isn't a place to raise a family. Spock would send me away to his 
parents the minute he found out I was pregnant anyway. I wouldn't want to 
leave him now that we are honest about our feelings for each other. Besides, 
I'm up to date on my preventive pregnancy shots thanks to Star Fleet 
regulations."

Feeling uncomfortable with the way the conversation has turned, Sulu decided 
to leave.

"Well I better get back to work. Do you need anything? No? Well, see ya this 
evening."

"Bye Sulu. Hey, I have a surprise for everyone after dinner. Tell them for 
me ok?"

"Yeah, can't wait."

He waved good-bye and ran to join his companions.
She quickly finished up her pots so she could wash and start on dinner.

*********************

"Mmm Uhura, you make the best meals."
"Thank you Captain."

"I agree Jim, you can't get any better." McCoy looked at Spock and pursed 
his lips into a thin line.

"Well Spock, aren't you going to tell your wife the same? She made this meal 
hearty without any meat."

"It is illogical doctor to declare what is relevant."

Uhura smiled her cunning smile and said, "It's alright, I knew he liked it 
when he took a big second helping."

Spock's eyebrows shot up as he heard snickering from his friends.

"Are you gentlemen ready for your surprise?"

There were looks of eager faces. //Ah, my little boys. //

She walked over to her makeshift kitchen and pulled out something that 
looked like a deep-dish clay Dutch oven. She opened the lid and to their 
delight they saw...desert. It looked wonderful with a nice golden flaky 
crust on top. Although they just ate, their mouths began to water.

Benson held his bowl out first as she served.

"It took some experimenting, but I believe I got it right. It's similar to 
my grandmother's famous peach cobbler."

"Mmmm. Just like mom use to make." Replied Benson after taking his first 
bite.

Everyone laughed except Spock, but Uhura noticed the little smile at the 
corner of his mouth as he took an appreciative bite.

Later, when everyone retired for the evening, Spock held Uhura in his arms.
"My wife, is there anything you cannot do? Maybe you are a witch and I have 
fallen under your spell."

"Ahh, you found out my little secret, now the spell is broken. Will you stay 
and be mine forever or will you leave me to wander the stars alone?"

Spock studied her beautiful eyes then gave her a deep slow kiss for his 
answer. Placing his fingers softly on her familiar melding points, he 
slipped easily into her mind. Since the captain and the men were sleeping in 
the hut with them, they were not able to have physical intimacy. But 
mentally... Uhura was sure all the females on board the Enterprise would be 
pea green with envy if they knew what she knew.

*************************************

With their bellies full everyone was ready for harvesting. The weather was 
perfect and Uhura's variety of pots were done. She made sure to make enough 
for both homes. Uhura was in charge of picking a plant that looked like corn 
and collards. There were others she turned her nose at, but was sure she'd 
learn how to prepare them. There were three types of grain she was able to 
store in five of her 4ft. pots. All day they harvested with little breaks 
between.

Uhura informed Spock as she was storing their yield, of the joy of having 
real food and how it tasted better. He in turn informed her how illogical 
her statement was. He lectured on how sufficient synthesize food properly 
nourished the body and how the different variety of flavor was duplicated to 
make the meal palatable. She hugged her scientific husband and declared she 
still found the unconventional food more desirable.

"Let's hope it lasts the winter my wife."

"Speaking of food," she hesitantly said, "I really need to go to the forest 
for more things."

"No."

"But Spock..."

"No, and I will speak no more of it Nyota."

For the first time she experienced how difficult it was going to be married 
to a Vulcan, some of their ways were similar to this society. She was a 
gifted communications officer and she put her talent to work, she tried 
Spock from a different approach.

"Spock?"

He almost sighed audibly and looked at her with a raised brow.
She continued speaking, gathering speed so he wouldn't interrupt.

"How about if I took Sulu and Benson with me. That way Sulu could continue 
his botany research and I can complete my work with Benson standing guard. 
There are things I can only harvest in the forest Spock and the weather is 
changing. If I don't get out there soon it will be too late."

He studied her for a while looking for a niche into her well thought out 
plan. He couldn't find one. They had to have food for the upcoming winter 
and the season was changing rapidly.

"Very well, but we'll all go. I'll inform the Captain over our change of 
plans. I'm sure he'll want to join us."

Uhura couldn't help but smile over her little manipulated victory.

The next day she encouraged them all to bring sacks and baskets with them to 
the forest. The women of the village saw Uhura giving instructions to the 
five men and wondered how she was able to do this without facing punishment 
from her man.

// At times she lead and the five men follow. The men are not weaklings; she 
obeys her husband's authority and never complains. What a strange concept 
this is. // Thought O'deen.

"Ok Sulu, you go do your thing and the rest of us will harvest till we have 
enough. Dr. McCoy, if you could look for as many of this kind of fungus it 
would be a great help. Captain, you can fill your sacks with fruit from that 
tree, Benson you can pick from that one. Spock, look around for that root 
that taste like ginger and I'll look for some herbs and flowers. Fill your 
sacks gentlemen as much as you can. I brought skins of water and some lunch, 
so we should be able to work through the afternoon."

"Aye aye Captain," said Jim Kirk with a salute and a smile.

***************************

A week after harvesting, Uhura had everything set up accordingly for both 
homes. Dried fruits, grain cakes, herbs, a variety of beans, edible fungus 
that looked like mushrooms and roots. She even had dried flowers to remind 
her of spring during the long cold winter days. The men had enough jerky to 
keep them content, at least Benson anyway, along with everything else from 
their garden. Yes, this has been a productive six months.

She made sure to harvest enough Iinare flowers to extract the nectar and 
place them in fifteen sealed jars. She kept five for herself and gave the 
rest away, much to Spock's relief. //But then again, what else was there to 
do but keep warm all winter? // He saw that she caught him slightly smiling 
to himself and she knew exactly what he was thinking. He cleared his throat 
and left the room. (giggle)

Uhura lay asleep on her husband's chest dreaming dreams of their future. 
They just brought home their quadruplets, James, Leonard, Hikaru, and 
Benson? Uhura was thrilled by what they had accomplished together and Spock 
was very proud, although he didn't show it. As he drew nearer to his sons, 
Spock couldn't help but notice they smelled like Iinare nectar. No sooner 
had Uhura placed them in their beds made of clay, lined with fur and herbs, 
they started to cry. First one, then the other, then the other, and then the 
other. The crying became louder and louder, turning into shrieks... she woke 
up.

"The wild men are here my wife."

They screamed and shrieked like wild beast. Doors that once thought to be 
strong shattered and splintered in the night followed by screaming women and 
their husbands. The wailing cries of children filled the air as their 
mothers were kidnapped, never to be seen again. Older fathers and mothers 
watched in horror as their adolescent daughters were dragged out of their 
homes kicking and screaming terrified.

It was very disturbing to know that they couldn't help their new friends. 
Then there was a banging at their door, front and back. Spock tried to hide 
Uhura under a mound of fur, though he knew it was illogical. She protested, 
wanting to stay by his side and help protect their home as she had done 
countless times aboard the Enterprise.

For the first time Uhura had a glimpse of the male mannerism of Vulcan's 
past. She no longer faced a logical and unemotional twenty-third century 
Vulcan as he grabbed her by the arm and forced her under the furs. Memories 
of what she learned of male Vulcan's protecting their women came flooding 
back to her, reminding her of the war of Vulcan's past. Their society was 
uncivilized, bloodthirsty and barbarous. Did she tremble from the possessed 
possessive look in Spock's eyes or was it the sound of the wild men at their 
door? She did not know.

The door was fresh and strong. One must push it forward from the outside to 
enter into the house. Spock made a special lock that basically sealed them 
in. For extra protection sturdy young thick trees were cut down to prop 
against the doors; one for each man to hold. There were no windows, but you 
could hear the wild men banging and scratching on the hut. Bleeding fingers 
jammed under the door to pull it down and the five men held their restraints 
in place; the screams and screeches built up to a crescendo then stopped. 
Silence.

"Are they gone?" A muffled trembling voice asked.

He wanted to leave his post and assure his wife of the odds of this 
situation being favorable for them, but he dare not leave. He sent her a 
mental picture of comfort to relieve her of the distress she was 
experiencing.

"Keep holding men, this may be a ruse."

"Aye, Captain." They all agreed.

After thirty minutes of standing their post they removed their hands from 
their obstacle and Spock walked over to release his wet, sweltering wife."

"We'll each take a turn on watch duty tonight just in case they come back. 
Benson, you have first watch. Keep the wood propped against the doors."

"Aye sir. Good thing the lieutenant advised us to keep our food supplies 
over here; it sounded as if those men ransacked what houses they broke 
into."

"Is that all you think about Benson, your stomach?" asked Sulu.

"No, I just didn't want to see all that hard work thrown across the floor 
and trampled on."

Despite herself Uhura was shaking. Spock did not fault her for such a 
display of emotion, it was very frightening to listen and know some of your 
friends were taken. Kirk watched as Spock comforted her with words of Vulcan 
in hushed tones. His friend assured him that she would be fine with a quick 
nod of the head.

"Let's get some sleep everyone. We're going to have a long day tomorrow."

"I'm all for that Jim."

First McCoy walked over to Uhura to make sure she didn't need his help. 
Spock was already laying her down, slipping a protective arm around her 
pulling her close. From that day on this is how they slept, her secured in 
his arms.

************************************

Spock came back from hunting early one day and went looking for Uhura. He 
looked in and around the house and she wasn't there. He dropped his kill by 
the back door and went to the well. Hmm she wasn't there either. He walked 
to her favorite spot in the forest where the leaves are now changing. The 
river flowed through the forest and he followed it, sure to find his wife in 
the woods.

He heard a small splash in the water and expected to see some river animal, 
instead he saw his wife who was unaware of his presence. She was alone, 
finally confident that the tyrants where gone till next year.

He saw her pour the Iinare into the palm of her small hand and bathe her 
muscular body. She was the perfect candidate for a sculptor to make her 
immortal. Round in all the right places, flat stomach, Nubian eyes and 
exquisite lips. How did it come to be that this Siren belonged to him? 
Catching a whiff of the arousing scent, made him wish he were bathing her, 
his hands replacing hers, traveling to the secret places where only he can 
explore.

He sent her a mental picture of him bathing with her and she turned around 
to see him standing there, naked.
Rising slowly out of the water, she took his breath away. She smiled her 
seductive smile as she walked towarded him gracefully. She held his hand and 
drew him into the water without saying a word. After drawing her close, he 
savored the sensation of her body touching his. She felt just like he knew 
she would, soft and silky. Slowly, he bent to kiss the lips he had been 
admiring earlier as she put her arms around him receiving her gift.

This is how Jim Kirk found his First and Communication Officers, he was 
happy for them.

//Nectar or not, they would have come together eventually.//

He left quietly forgetting why he needed Spock, leaving husband and wife to 
each other's company.

************************

"Spock, if you bring anymore furs home there's not going to be any left for 
the animals." She smiled at him as she was making leggings.

"I just wanted to be sure you had enough material my wife."

"I know, I'm just teasing Spock. You have made quiet a name for yourself 
around here. I am the woman of the 'Mighty Hunter'. Our neighbors do 
appreciate the extra meat. Here, I finished your not'tye, coat. See, I'm 
picking up some of the language. Try it on."

Uhura stood back to admire her work on her tall handsome husband.

"There, perfect. I made you some mittens and I was just finishing up your 
leggings."

"You are very talented Nyota. I'm sure the others are appreciative of their 
winter apparel as well."

"I'm not all that talented. I just paid attention in my home economic 
classes. I never thought I would be using most of those skills. Not to this 
degree."

"I'm sure your grades were more than satisfactory."

"You're just saying that so I will make your favorite dinner tonight," she 
said hugging him with a teasing smile.

Raising both eyebrows, Spock hid behind his "I'm innocent" mask.

"Well, now that you have mentioned it, I would like to partake in a meal 
that is favorable to my pallet."

"Well you are going to have to earn your meal tonight buster. We need some 
dinner music."

Head tilted, Spock asked, "Who is Buster and why will he eat the food that I 
have to earn?"

"Don't play innocent with me. I've got your number."

Now he was really confused.

**********************************

Uhura and the men were quite busy after the harvesting. Adding to the 
wardrobe Uhura created for the six of them, Spock tanned the skin of animals 
and made fur lined leather shoes. He and the men made sure they had enough 
fur and wood to last them throughout the winter.

Taking a break, Uhura sat and chatted with the women as she braided O'deen's 
golden hair. When she reached for the last of the Malayay flower, an insect 
stung her from behind.

"Oww. That nasty little bug stung me!"

"I'm sorry Uhura, I know it stings but the pain will wear off soon. It's 
just a Jujue bug. They are aggressive this time of the year."

Uhura rubbed the stung spot on her leg and thought nothing of it a few 
minutes later.

The next day at dinner, Uhura had a small minute cough and cleared her 
throat. Spock noticed it immediately along with McCoy.

With concern in his eyes he studied her.

"Are you well my wife?"

"Yes, I'm fine Spock, just a little tickle in my throat."

With a crease between his brow, Spock became even more watchful.

The next morning she rose fifteen minutes late. Spock thought it odd since 
she woke up everyday precisely at the same time.

"Good morning my husband."

"Good morning my wife. How are you feeling this morning?"

Spock studied her as she yawned and stretched like earth's house cat.

"Fine. Are you ready for your breakfast?"

"I have already started it and drew the water for you."

"Oh Spock, how thoughtful."

"Sleep a little longer my wife. I will call you when it is ready."

And she snuggled down into the soft warm blankets of furs on the cold winter 
morning.

By evening Spock noticed her lack of enthusiasm when the men came for 
dinner. She liked to keep them guessing about desert but not today. She made 
a juicy Hanar pie to Benson's delight.

Kirk noticed how Spock wouldn't leave Uhura's side for most of the day and 
remembered Uhura's reply of having a tickle in her throat to his concerned 
question.

// Spock is very protective of her. Maybe he is being overly cautious, it 
was just a cough. //

What astonished Kirk was how Spock watched Uhura's every move. It was as if 
he was becoming obsessive. An obsessive Vulcan, the thought was unnerving. 
Kirk studied Uhura for himself at dinner. She looked fine to him, a little 
tired maybe. Spock's unconventional behavior was unquestionably, to borrow a 
phrase, illogical. This aroused Kirk's curiosity and he was about to 
confront Spock when Uhura simultaneously stood to start the dinner clearing.

She fainted.

Spock caught her before she hit the ground.

"Bring her over here Spock and lay her on the furs. I thought she looked a 
bit piqued. Sulu, run to the hut and get my bag. Hurry.

Kneeling over his wife, Spock looked pleadingly at McCoy.

"She'll be ok Spock, she probably just wore herself out. She did more to 
prepare for winter than all of us put together, which includes the women of 
the village.

McCoy smiled. "It wasn't enough just to complete the task; she had to be 
artistic as well. Hmm, well I know she's not pregnant; I injected her myself 
with the preventive pregnancy shot. Then again, I don't believe it has been 
tested against the strength of Vulcan's... (he cleared his throat when he 
made eye contact with Spock.)

Sulu burst through the door with McCoy's medical bag and the beginnings of 
the first snow.

McCoy quickly examined Uhura, who at that time eyelids began to flutter and 
opened her eyes.

"What happened? Hmm, why does my head hurt so bad?"

"Lie still Nyota, the doctor is examining you."

Whirling, whistling noises came from McCoy's medical instrument while 
knitting his brows in concentration.

With relief in his voice he looked at Spock and said, "Well she's not 
pregnant. I'd hate to be forced to deliver your baby here, there's bound to 
be some complications due to the mixed heritage."

Uhura only caught certain parts of what McCoy was saying and was shocked at 
what she thought he said. She gasped and sat up quickly and shouted, 
"Pregnant? I'm pregnant?"

"I said you're not, now lie down. It does look as if you're fighting 
something. I'll give you this for the headache and it's going to help your 
white blood cells fight whatever cold you're coming down with."

Sounds of the hypo spray filled the room and Uhura instantly relaxed.

"That also will help you sleep. Goodnight."

He patted her on the arm and got up. Spock pulled the furs up to her neck 
and shocked the men once again with his next move.

He tenderly kissed her on the head and laid down next to her, his eyes never 
leaving her sleeping face.

Spock has always been a very impersonal and reticent. Sometimes the men 
wondered if he was good to Uhura because of his chilled demeanor, but at 
times he astonished them by displaying tender emotions towards her.

"Ok men, let's make Uhura proud and clean this place to her standards.
Then we go home."

"Aye captain."

******************************

McCoy stayed the night to keep an eye on Uhura; a slight cold shouldn't have 
made her faint and knew something else was wrong, but what? He looked over 
to see Spock asleep, clutching his wife like a lifeline.

// I suspect he'll let her get away with anything when this is all over. 
Tribbles indeed. //

"Doctor, wake up. Nyota's infirmity has worsened. Her temperature has jumped 
three point two degrees in the past five minutes."

"What?" Grabbing his bag, an alarmed McCoy ran to Uhura's side.

"Help me get the furs off her Spock, she's cooking."

As they threw off the heavy furs McCoy knelt by her side; shocked at what he 
discovered.

"Spock, look at her leg! What happened? I didn't see that earlier."

"I assure you doctor neither did I."

McCoy leaned over for a closer inspection and was surprised at what he 
found. A stinger.

"Did she mention being stung by anything?"

"No, she didn't."

"Well that's what this is."

McCoy examined Uhura with his medical scanner.

"Oh no," he whispered.

Spock looked at McCoy. He knew his friend and his many phrases, this one 
made his hot blood run cold.

McCoy wouldn't look at him, he couldn't.

"Doctor."

Silence

"Doctor!"

"Uh, I can't give you a diagnoses yet Spock, give me a little time." He 
tried to clear the lump in his throat. Instantly Uhura was grasped by a 
violent seizure. McCoy shouted instructions for Spock to follow while he 
looked into his bag.

"Hold her Spock, hold her!"

Just then Benson came rushing in and saw what was happening then left. He 
ran as if a hundred wild men were behind him as he headed toward his hut 
where he woke its occupants.

"Captain! Something's wrong." he shouted.

"Report!" Demanded Kirk waking up instantly.

Trying to catch his breath Benson said, "I was out when I heard this 
commotion coming from Mr. Spock's hut..."

"Uhura." Kirk whispered while glancing at Sulu.

They ran out the door through the snowstorm forgetting to retrieve their 
coats. Wild dreadful thoughts went through the minds of the four men as they 
raced toward uncertainty at Spock and Uhura's doorstep.

All three men burst through the door as McCoy was administering another 
hypo.

Kirk went to Uhura and fell to his knee's looking at what his pale friends 
saw. Pain and anguish crossed his features. The other men couldn't believe 
what they were seeing. Uhura wasn't this bad off a few hours earlier, what 
happened?

There she lay, skin gray where it use to be warm and exotic, her face 
drenched in sweat, lips cracked from the effects of the fever. // How can 
this be? //

Kirk looked at Spock. Wretched, torment and agony were his only comfort. 
Kirk has never seen his friend suffer so much sorrow and distress.

"Bones?"

McCoy turned troubled eyes toward him.

"Jim!"

"Bones, what happened?"

"I just found a stinger in her leg. It seems there's a bacterium that lives 
on the stinger itself, working with the venom that is injected into the 
body. I don't know what kind of insect it is. As you can see from the 
circular rash, that's where all her trouble began and I don't know of the 
effectiveness of the drugs against the venom. I need to know what stung 
her."

Everyone except Spock turned to see Sulu rush out of the hut. Benson ran to 
the door to close it against the brutal wind that was stirring outside. He 
leaned against the wall and slid down to the ground in disbelief as he saw 
Uhura's face between the bodies of Spock and his Captain. He placed his 
hands on his knees and bowed his head holding back the stinging tears that 
threatened to fall. Uhura wasn't just his superior officer, she was a true 
friend. She personally welcomed him aboard the ship and set his anxiety at 
ease among other little things that mattered to him. She also made sure he 
received extra dessert because she knew it reminded him of home.

"Her antibodies aren't working against the bacterial infection. It seems to 
be attacking her nervous system and also acting like pneumonia. Her 
situation is changing rapidly right before my eyes Jim. If the medicine 
doesn't work soon there could be permanent damage to her nerves, heart and 
lungs."

Afraid to say what needed to be said next, he looked at the nearly unstable 
Spock then back to Kirk.

"She mustn't need respiratory support; I need the Enterprise for that."

Spock sat there forlornly looking at his beautiful young wife.

"I love her."

Kirk and McCoy sat there looking at Spock not knowing what to say.

"All my life I embraced my Vulcan heritage, denying myself the pleasures of 
this life. Even when I met her I denied my...feelings. It has been three 
years of emphatic torture."

His eyes never left her face and he spoke to no one in particular.

"I've never met anyone like her; dignified, loyal, beautiful." He slightly 
smiled. "She can co-pilot a star ship, climb underneath and repair her 
console only to come out with carefully manicured nails and not a hair out 
of place. Only she can light up the bridge when she reports for duty. An 
excellent student when it comes to learning and understanding the difficult 
art of the Vulcan lyre. She faced many challenges with determination, 
optimism... and a meaningful smile. I see her helping those who need it no 
matter how small the task and putting herself last, never complaining. I 
threw logic to the wind and decided on the night of the dance I would tell 
her. I would tell her how much I loved her. It was to be, a new beginning. I 
am fortunate to have her as my wife; my t'hy'la."

**************************************

Sulu came rushing in with O'deen.

"She knows what stung Uhura!"

McCoy and Kirk jumped up to face her. Spock never left Nyota's side but 
listened all the same.

"It was a Jujue bug."

O'deen kneeled over Uhura, studying her face and leg. Great sorrow grasped 
her heart as she saw what lay before her.

"It has not effected anyone like this since the old days."

She has grown to love this little wife child like her very own sister and 
has learned great things from her. She looked and saw Uhura's husband, the 
strong, dignified one who walked like a prince yet ready to serve others. He 
loved Uhura, he tells her so with his eyes although his face is very stern. 
O'deen often wondered if he smiled at his wife in private. Now, he does not 
resemble the one she knew as Spock. Such heartache and misery troubled his 
brow.

"I know of a remedy the old ones use to make."

A flicker of hope. All the men rushed to her.

"Please forgive me for speaking first," she pleaded.

"It's ok O'deen. You have leave to speak to us first anytime you want. 
Please help us."

"I can try Kirk. I can make a remedy but it won't be easy. We need nectar 
from the Banku flower."

"But there aren't anymore flowers. Besides it would be under all that snow 
if it was still around." said Sulu.

"It grows in a cave near a hot spring. It is a good half a days journey... 
without the snow."

"I will accompany you."

Everyone was surprise to hear Spock speak.

"We must hurry. Let's go."

"I'll inform your husband O'deen," said Sulu.

Spock walked along with O'deen through the blinding snow, which turned into 
a blizzard. The Vulcan continued walking with determination in each step he 
took. He was not going to let his wife die; he needed her like he needed the 
air to breathe. // t'hy'la //

**********************

"Her pulse is getting weaker Jim. I don't think she's going to make it."

"She can't die Bones, not only for her sake, but Spock's. Let's not forget 
the bonding they share. If she died she would be ripped from Spock's mind; 
he'll not be fit for anything, that includes living. We can't loose them 
Bones."

Uhura opened her glassy feverish eyes without really seeing, trying to speak 
around her swollen tongue.

"Spock? Where are you? The Wild men are coming, they're coming Spock! Don't 
let them take me away from you. No, no, they're coming!"

She screamed hysterically Spock's name while fighting the imagined wild men.

"Hold on Nyota, he's coming."

She reached out, searching in vain for Spock, while Kirk took her hands and 
held them. Her face expressed more agitation; she knew he was not her 
husband, her bond mate.



"I'm sorry I pretended I didn't know how to play the Vulcan Lyre. I just 
wanted to be near you. I'm sorry I touched you on purpose when I sang."

She moaned her feverish moan of sorrow.

************

Through their bond Spock heard every word and smiled. It faded when a big 
gust of wind blew O'deen over. She was tumbling half way down the hill they 
just climbed when Spock caught her. She was shocked to find such strength in 
his hands. He pulled her to her feet and steadied her. On they climbed 
pulling their furs tighter around them, hoping they were going in the right 
direction.

The blinding snow and howling winds made the journey difficult. They came to 
a mighty wild raging river that was affected by the storm making it 
difficult to cross; the bridge was washed out. Valuable time would be wasted 
if they crossed the second bridge that was located five miles from where 
they stood. Up ahead through the blinding snow, Spock saw a thick fallen 
tree that crossed the river. He coaxed O'deen to where the tree met the bank 
and led the way as he started the slow trek across. On his knee's, embracing 
himself against the powerful wind, he crawled onward to the other side of 
the river. He assured O'deen it was safe and to move cautiously across.

The snow piled higher and higher with each passing minute. The special shoes 
O'deen insisted they wear were beginning to be a nuisance, but Spock knew 
they were vital to their quest. Without them they would be restricted; not 
be able to walk on top of the snow and pulling each leg out of its sunken 
depression.

They trekked through the forest and climbed many challenging hills on their 
vital and difficult quest. Spock knew his wife was dying and made all the 
effort within his body to get to that cave. He wanted to see her smiling 
teasing face again, to hold her soft exotic body in his arms and to touch 
her mind. He's only had her for seven months, how could he go on without 
her. They were to grow old together, although he knew there was a great 
possibility he might outlive her by a hundred years.

She embraced life; she turned a dark dank mud hut, into a beautiful airy 
bright inviting home. She dried herbs to add mouth-watering flavors to his 
meals. The leggings, mitts, coats and hats she made him for the winter was 
only one of the ways she expressed her love. She was very concerned about 
him getting cold, knowing her Vulcan husband came from a dessert planet. She 
became a vegetarian like the Vulcan people, her first step into her future 
with her husband. Her pots were beautiful with their array of colors and 
design. Even down to the little vases she made for the dried flowers, 
keeping their home vibrant during the gray winter months. //t'hy'la//


***********************

"Sulu, Benson, take that extra fur blanket and fill it full of snow 
quickly."

Kirk's questionable look didn't require an explanation and McCoy wasn't in 
the mood to give one.

"Here, help me place her in the snow. Hold on Uhura, I'm trying everything I 
can."

The men took turns watching over Uhura while the others laid down to rest.
Her sleep was restless and the snow didn't seem to help reduce her fever 
much. Each man looked at her with worry and despair, wishing Spock and 
O'deen would walk through the door at any moment.

*************************

O'deen spotted the cave first and grabbed Spock's arm. With the noisy wind 
and blinding snow, she could only point out the opening to Spock. They both 
ran to the hole that gave inspiration to hope and stepped through upon their 
arrival. Spock lit the protected torch he carried and held it out before 
him, casting shadows on the cave walls. Yes, it was there, growing next to 
the hot spring just like O'deen had said. As they neared the precious plant 
they froze in horror. A sleeping, deadly and venomous animal lay near the 
hot spring itself. Cautiously and quietly O'deen made her way across the 
cave floor to the plant and the ferocious hibernating animal. Quietly she 
gathered three handfuls plus a little extra and placed it in the pouch she 
carried as the animal twitched it's ear. Discreetly they turned to leave; 
they would rest when they arrived home.

*************************

"They've been gone twenty-five hours now. Her pulse is so faint I can barely 
detect it. What will we tell Spock Jim? He found the courage to go against 
everything he was taught and opened his heart to a sweet little girl who 
would dare to love him back."

The door opened to two very frozen fur clad people. One headed straight for 
the makeshift kitchen where Spock built a small fireplace so his wife 
wouldn't have to cook outside during the winter. It was crude but efficient. 
The other ran and kneeled at Uhura's still body, not noticing Kirk stripping 
him of his wet furs and replacing them with dry warm ones.

O'deen worked in earnest while trying to remember the remedy. McCoy stood 
there watching in disbelief as this woman worked with skill and speed. When 
she was finished she held out the bowl to McCoy with the herbal cure with 
hope in her eyes.

"It is ready. It is to be placed under her tongue and bottom lip."

McCoy took it from her, walked towards Uhura, who was at deaths door, and 
did as he was told.

They waited while Spock held her hand.

They waited while Spock kissed her brow.

They waited while Spock kissed her cheek.

They waited.

Sulu walked over to O'deen and offered to take her home, she refused. She 
wanted to be there if it worked and to offer her condolence if it didn't. 
Although he was undeniably proficient, O'deen knew this slightly odd man 
would need extra strength if his wife died. Strength to help alleviate his 
suffering that will be all too apparent. All five of them would need 
comforting. There was a certain connection between the six of them with this 
little wife at the center.

Spock reached over and melded with his Uhura before anyone could stop him. 
There he searched and couldn't find her, only her memories. Most of them 
were of her watching him the past three years.

// Hmm, three years? I didn't know that. We wasted so much time aduna. //

He continued looking for her his t'hy'la. There, there she is.

//Spock? //

//My love, I found you. You have been sick; you must come back with me. //

//I want to. I've tried to, but I'm tired and there is a wall of flame 
stopping me. //

//The flame isn't as bad now my wife; it is the fever, look it is 
diminishing. Nyota, Nyota answer me, follow me. //

//I can't Spock; you know I would do anything for you. For now I'm just so 
tired and weak. //

//Nyota, Nyota!! //

"Spock!! Sorry Spock but you had to break the meld. You were digging into 
her face. I had to remove your hands."

Kirk looked into his friend eyes hoping he did the right thing. Besides, 
Spock was scarring O'deen. He was sure she never saw a Vulcan mind meld 
before.

"The fever is diminishing, but I don't think my wife is coming back."

***************************************

Everyone one was asleep except McCoy and Spock. They could do nothing but 
sit and wait.

"Spock, I'm going to be. very sad if Uhura dies. There will be so much about 
her I'll miss. I am pleased of one thing Spock; that you were able to love a 
woman in this lifetime. It is obvious that you truly love her."

"Is it better to love than to not love at all doctor?"

McCoy did not answer, hearing the bitterness in Spock's voice and witnessing 
the retreat behind the stone cold Vulcan mask.

Suddenly, Spock became instantly alert looking at his wife, life and hope 
returning to his eyes. Through their bond there was a faint connection 
gaining strength with each passing moment that slipped by.

"Doctor, she's regaining consciousness," said Spock, his countenance 
softening.

McCoy didn't see anything; she looked the same to him. He didn't doubt Spock 
so he waited.

"Spock, she's waking up!"

Spock sat there continuing to hold her hand, willing life into her weak 
frail body.

Fluttering eyelashes gave way to the most beautiful sight Spock had wished 
to see again.

"T 'hy'la."

Uhura gave a weak smile and fell into a peaceful sleep.

"That was for you Spock. She woke long enough to tell you that it's going to 
be all right. Now get some sleep my friend. Your wife is going to live."

McCoy stood up and quickly brushed away a tear as he turned to escort O'deen 
home. She walked with McCoy smiling to herself and giving instruction of 
what to do for the follow-up care.

Spock laid down next to Uhura and put a protective arm around her. He set 
his body to wake up in one hour and fell into a blissful sleep.

*****************************

Uhura woke three times the following day, only long enough to drink water.
During the next two days she woke long enough to take nourishment.
On the fourth day Spock woke to find Uhura watching him with this thought, 
// How does he sleep and wake with every strand of hair in place? // There 
was so much love that shone through Uhura's beautiful eyes and Spock wanted 
nothing more but to kiss them.

"Good morning my wife. How do you feel?"

"Good morning Spock. I feel so weak, what happened?"

"Well, it's about time you woke up little lady. I think you're taking these 
house calls too seriously. Spock get her some more water while I examine 
her."

Spock looked as if he couldn't leave her, as if he were afraid it was all a 
dream and his wife was really...

"It's ok Spock, she'll be all right. I promise I won't leave her till you 
get back."

Uhura smiled at her hesitant husband then he left.

"That Vulcan is in love, you are aware of that, right?"

"Who's the lucky girl?" she asked with a radiant smile, stretching.

McCoy's smile faded and he said with his voice very serious, "You."
He then proceeded to tell her everything Spock went through and did during 
her near fatal illness.

Uhura eyes stung with tears with the knowledge that this Vulcan could love 
her so deeply. This unemotional, (with exceptions) very logical and 
disciplined, Vulcan.

"Doctor I can't believe he would risk his life walking through that 
blizzard. He's Vulcan, they can't experience that much cold."

"Shhh, don't get yourself all worked up. Do you want Spock to perform the 
tal'shaya on me? No thank you, I like my neck the way it is. Let me give you 
some advice, in the future please tell us if you get bit or stung by 
anything. You're too weak for a lecture right now, but you have a good 
tongue-lashing coming your way when you get better. Now, let's get on with 
this examination before Spock gets back."

********************************

"How's Uhura Bones?"

"Well it's been three days since she woke up and Spock won't let her out of 
his sight. He won't even let her feed herself. She used her new found 
feminine power to convince him to let her walk across the room though."

"At least he let her do that," Kirk said with a lopsided grin.

"Yeah, but he carried her back. He said she didn't say anything about 
walking back on her own. After using all her womanly wiles he still wouldn't 
budge, you know how stubborn he can be. "

"That's love for you Bones. Can you believe it, Spock; our Spock has fallen 
in love and married before us?"

"Inconceivable."

************
Two weather patterns joined, forming two blizzards burying everyone in their 
homes. Spock and Uhura didn't mind. This gave them a chance to be alone. 
Spock made a blazing fire for them to sit by while enjoying their herbal 
tea. With Uhura sitting between his legs Spock covered them with a fur wrap, 
but it was peace and contentment that covered them both.

After finishing their tea in serenity, Spock gathered their mugs and spread 
out their fur in front of the fire. Uhura smiled seductively as he pulled 
her down into his arms. He kissed her lightly then looked into her soft 
brown eyes and kissed her again, only deeper. It has been a month since he 
made love to his wife and he wanted to take it slow, although it was with 
great difficulty.

He kissed her neck as he took a deep breath, initiating the bond to unfurl.

//Mmm Iinare. //

Uhura trembled when she remembered making love on a different level using 
their bond, as well as their bodies, to explore and lose their individuality 
by becoming one before reaching satiation.

He exposed her shoulders feeling her silken skin under his slender fingers,
she trembled at his touch. He kissed her throat, tasting her, stirring the 
fires within them both. His touch was gentle and encouraging, coercing a...

"mmmm"...

//ah, a sensitive spot. //

He gently kissed each finger on her right hand, brushing her palm as he made 
his way to her wrist with soft lips and tongue willing only to stop at the 
soft skin found in the crook of her arm. There he brushed his lips against 
that spot, kissing the tender skin, sending a shiver through her body. 
Slowly he undressed her, reacquainting his eyes with every inch of her body. 
He kissed her navel then worked his way up between her firm mounds and using 
his tongue to taste her reminding him of her earth's salty oceans. She drew 
in a quick breath between her teeth while experiencing the exquisite 
tantalizing pleasure.

They both trembled with the intense sexual energy stirring between them, 
knowing soon they will indulge themselves in uncontrollable passion; with 
mind and body. Inevitably the storms of sensuality impacted with passion and 
lust, matching the double blizzards outside their door. The rhythm of the 
two storms intensified as they raged on and on meeting and clashing into 
each other, correlating what was happening inside the hut. All storms raged 
until finally they reached their summit, lingering for what seemed an 
eternity accompanied by the sounds of raw painful pleasure, slowly ending in 
blissful contentment. Controlling his rapid breathing, Spock held his wife 
tenderly in his arms as they both basked in pure bliss. Rediscovering each 
other is how they spent their many days buried deep in their hut.

"T'hy'la"

**************************************************

Kirk, Spock and McCoy were taking a walk sloshing through the last of the 
winter snow. Buds and shoots soon showed the promise of spring, creating new 
life. Insects buzzed along with animal life lurking about. Birds flew over 
their heads and through the trees reciting their mating calls.

"We've been here almost a year now. I wonder what's happening in our part of 
the universe. Do you think there was a war? Scotty left pretty quick to help 
take care of the Klingon issue, I hope he and the crew are well."

"Go ahead and say it Jim. The Enterprise too."

With a crooked grin he said, "The Enterprise too Bones, the Enterprise too."

With a nervous glance at Spock, McCoy clears his throat and brings one 
concern to light.

"Well.we just can't stay here another year. If we do there will be seven of 
us instead us six, weighing about seven pounds and six ounces."

Spock and Kirk stopped suddenly trying to comprehend McCoy's words.

"Dr., are you saying my wife is pregnant?" Before McCoy could answer Spock 
said out loud to himself with his hands behind his back, "Of course it has 
been a long winter."

Stifling a laugh, McCoy said, "No Spock, that's not what I meant. I'm trying 
to say her preventive shots are going to start wearing off soon, very soon. 
I just thought of something else too, there are twins on Uhura's side of the 
family and your mother's Spock. Hmm. We need to get off this planet."

Kirk wanted to change the uncomfortable subject, but instead Kirk gives 
Spock a curious look.

"Spock, what is that on your wrist?"

Crossing his arms and avoiding Kirk and McCoy's eyes, Spock mumbled 
something and resumed their walk.

"What was that?" asked McCoy as he and Kirk ran to catch up.

"It's a scarf."

Now it was Kirk and McCoy's turn to stop walking.

//Spock wearing a scarf? //

Spock stopped walking and came near to rolling his eyes upwards and 
confessed.

"My wife, as you know, raised silk caterpillars last summer. She was only 
able to gather a small amount of silk from them, therefore being of a giving
nature she made a scarf... for me."

Kirk and McCoy erupted with sudden laughter. They laughed so hard they had 
to hold each other up, while poor Spock stood there... displaying his scarf. 
Wiping the stinging tears from his eyes Kirk found his voice.

"But Spock why is it pink?"

Afraid of another shameful display on his account he didn't answer.

Sobering, very seriously Kirk said, "Come on Spock we won't laugh. You can 
tell us."

Sighing, Spock said, "She said it... "

"Come on Spock," Urged his friends.

"She said it compliments the color of my eyes."

Another peal of uncontrollable laughter filled the crisp cool air. Spock, 
who was only trying to please his wife could do nothing but sigh.

"Love... will... make us do the... darnest thing Spock," an uncontrollable 
McCoy said while holding onto his knees.

Suddenly they all heard a welcoming sound; the communicator.

Kirks eyes lit up at the sound of a mother calling her children home. He 
carried the communication device around for almost a year, anticipating, 
hoping and longing to hear the yearning of the ship calling for its captain.

"Kirk here."

"Aye, Captain Kirk! It's good to hear your voice."

"Scotty!"

"Are you ready to come home?"

"Boy am I."

"When would you like to beam out?"

He looked at Spock and his scarf and said with a smile," Give us one more 
night Scotty."

"Acknowledge, Scott out."

**********************************

Everyone from the village was sorry to see their new friends pack up their 
belongings. With tears, Uhura kissed and hugged the women and smiled at the 
men. There they stood holding the gifts that were given to them by Uhura. 
She gave them most of the items that was in her home and took only a few for 
herself, especially the Iinare and baby basket. She had grown to love these 
people and the simple life they led, and hoped to do the same one-day with 
Spock and their children.

Ger'lain stood before the six companions with O'deen.

"Good-bye my friends, safe and happy trip to your new home. I'm sorry you 
were not able to make a permanent home here."

Kirk came forward and spoke for his people. He knew they had to leave, but 
it was hard to say good-bye. They had become part of their lives, part of 
their family. Now it was time to rejoin their real family up among the 
stars.

"Good-bye Ger'lain. There is a probability that one day we all will meet 
again. Thank you again, for allowing us to be apart of your community and 
family here."

Acknowledging Kirks farewell, Ger'lain faced Spock and Uhura and said, "May 
you be blessed with many children to fill your home Spock."

"Thank you Ger'lain, we will endeavor to do so."

His shipmates and wife raised their eyebrows at the word, endeavor.

With that the villagers said good-bye and watched their new friends enter 
the forest from which they came.

Reaching from space, Scotty gently guided the six missed crewmembers back to 
the safety of the Enterprise.

"Welcome home."

***********************************

Spock held Uhura's surprised eyes with his, as he escorted her onto the 
dance floor. The room was dimly lit with the sound of soft music in the air. 
Spock held Uhura in his arms as he guided her into a beautiful waltz across 
the floor. Noticing the sparkle in her eyes he whispered with his deep 
intimate voice,

"'She walks in beauty like the night
Of Cloudless climes and starry skies
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meets in her aspect and her eyes.
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which Heaven to gaudy day denies.

And on that cheek and o'er that brow
So soft so calm yet eloquent.
The smiles that win
The tents that glow
But tell of days and goodness spent
A mind at peace with all below
a heart whose love is innocent.'

- The End"





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