Path: newsspool2.news.atl.earthlink.net!stamper.news.atl.earthlink.net!stamper.news.pas.earthlink.net!elnk-nf2-pas!newsfeed.earthlink.net!newshub.sdsu.edu!newshosting.com!nx02.iad01.newshosting.com!news.glorb.com!bigfeed.bellsouth.net!bignumber.bellsouth.net!news.bellsouth.net!bignews6.bellsouth.net.POSTED!a25ce115!not-for-mail From: Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Subject: NEW:TOS "Unexpected Awakenings" Spock/Uhura PG-13 Lines: 1347 X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Newsreader: Microsoft Outlook Express 6.00.2900.2180 X-RFC2646: Format=Flowed; Original X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.2900.2180 Message-ID: X-Complaints-To: abuse@bellsouth.net X-Abuse-Info: Please forward a copy of all headers for proper handling X-Trace: ofjmidbaofeaohdodbdpiflmbcekedmfhojhikkbagflhcbobhffeedbeeedgknlijbfbfijilhhhcphjoomclkffjdmpgbklkfnomfjaomgdddofdhamcchgdmaielfmanhpggaphcoamgefjebpcldjjpilnie NNTP-Posting-Date: Fri, 07 Jan 2005 08:38:15 EST Organization: BellSouth Internet Group Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2005 08:39:43 -0500 Xref: news.earthlink.net alt.startrek.creative:161828 X-Received-Date: Fri, 07 Jan 2005 05:39:48 PST (newsspool2.news.atl.earthlink.net) Title: Unexpected Awakenings Author: Rolletti Fandom: TOS Pairing: Spock/Uhura Rating: PG-13 Disclaimer: I do not own the characters or profit from them. I only take them out to play with once in awhile. Paramount owns all. Summery: Uhura discovers there is another besides Christine Chapel who is in love with Spock, First Officer of the Enterprise. Archive: Yes Christine Chapel sat with Uhura and a refreshing drink socializing after a hard workout they had had earlier in the evening. Before Uhura's day began she called and asked her best friend to join her in the gym after dinner to help her perfect some new defense techniques Sulu acquired while on leave, and in turn taught her. They were moves she could not quite master and Christine agreed to be the guinea pig against the new methods. Uhura knew Sulu had plans with the new brunette in the Botany Lab and would be unavailable to her as a teacher, but she could not help but to rejoice a bit at his new project, as his demand for perfection was worse than that of Starfleet. With Christine, Uhura knew she could work at her own pace without having the urge to scream at what she called teacher dictatorship. Rec room B was unusually crowded as crewman after crewman decided on an evening of relaxation. Towards the back of the room, Spock sat accompanied by Kirk for their usual evening game of chess, and it was during this game that Christine had a complete view of the two players. When she and Uhura first entered the energized rec room, they walked toward the water dispenser to place their order for some much needed drinks. Table after table was completely occupied until Christine happily found a seat a few rows away from the chess table. Quickly, she chose the seat facing towards the chess players to have her fill of the slightly green eye candy she had been in love with for a number of years. "Chris, are you listening to me?" "Sorry, Ny," she said blushing. "What are you looking at?" asked Uhura as she turned around and saw the captain and first officer. At that moment, Spock looked up and made eye contact with Uhura and she turned around smiling. Christine looked at her and said, "Did you see that? He looked right at me. Ooh, he's coming this way. Don't look back." "What? Why would I look back?" whispered Uhura. With a small nod, Spock walked by the women's table with Kirk in the lead. "Did you see the way he looked at me, Ny? I can see through his pretense. Just think-- after all these years, he's finally coming around. Should I let him make the first move or should I? There's that Vulcan pride, you know and I don't believe he would truly say what's on his mind, like his feelings for me. I'm so excited, Ny! It goes to show that a little perseverance pays off." "Calm down, Chris. What are you talking about?" "Oh come on, you of all people should know what I'm talking about!" Christine exaggerated a sigh. "The Christmas party the Captain throws every year, one of many with earth's New Year coming up. Any of this ring a bell? Surely Spock is going to ask me this year." "Oh yeah, sorry. Spock has me so busy helping him with his new project on top of my regular duties, I've barely had time to think. I can't believe the party is here already and I don't have anything to wear." "Oh please, Ny, my heart bleeds for you. You're always shopping and you have more than what regulation allows in your closet. You're in that uniform so much that the holoprice is still attached to eighty five percent of your stuff. I should know 'cause I borrowed the other fifteen percent. So, what's this big project you're working on with Spock?" "Well, when we last visited the Rebburshny system, Spock had me record the strong magnetosphere of four of the planets there. The planets produced an aurora symphony if you ask me. The vlf's are a little higher than earth's so you can hear more distinct tones and pitches. You can never tell with Spock's hearing, but I'm sure he's detected something at a deeper level that I couldn't pick up. He's looking at the project from a scientific point of view, but I believe the musician in him may be captivated as well," she said with a soft smile and far off expression Although Spock was a noted musician, Christine doubted the all too logical, scientific Mr. Spock would take something like the sounds of auras and turn it into a musical piece. // Ny, you just don't understand him like I do. No one does. One day, and one day soon, Spock will come to his senses and see I'm the only one on this ship totally dedicated to him, and have been for years. Christine, your perseverance will find Spock standing next to you saying, 'I do' and I'll be bonded to my dream.// "Enterprise hailing, Christine, come in please. Chris, you're being hailed from your dream world, hun." Once again, Nurse Chapel blushed with the knowledge that Uhura knew exactly where her thoughts were, and decided to change the subject. "Hey Ny, I heard there are some new vids onboard. You wanna go and see if Robert Conyers is on one of them?" "Chris, you only want to see him because he reminds you of Spock." "Mmm, yes, he does resemble Spock, without the ears of course, but I'd guaranteed a hot dream tonight if there is one." "Well, let me shower and get comfy and I'll meet you in vid room three," said Uhura a little less enthusiastically. They finished their waters and took their containers to the recycler. They stopped to talk to friends at nearby tables as they made their way to the door, and the upcoming party was the subject many times. Uhura could feel the excitement in the air and started making plans for what she would wear. The two friends went their separate ways as they left the room, later to meet for an evening of relaxation and dreams. ***************************************** Uhura was at her console running the daily diagnostic test as the Enterprise was en route to Pleasure Planet for two weeks of shore leave when she was approached by Spock with a shocking special request. With a hint of disappointment discreetly concealed by the communications officer, she looked at him with a blank expression which had been perfected through years of practice. "But Mr. Spock, the Christmas party is next week and I was hoping to attend." "I do not make this request lightly, Ms. Uhura. I find this to be the most opportune time to conduct this research with neither the crew nor the ship to interfere. Your skills and input would ameliorate this project; furthermore I confess my request is not required." Uhura looked at the scientific Vulcan, whose mind was constantly alert and enterprising. She sat there debating whether or not she should accept his offer or take advantage of the R&R she had made plans for, which included the Christmas party which was the envy of the entire fleet. It was no secret that Captain Kirk of the Enterprise gave the best Christmas parties; moreover, other Star Class ships tried to be in the vicinity of the great lady during that time, while others were left simply longing. "Yes, I'll help with the completion of the research, Mr. Spock. Do you think it will take the whole two weeks?" she asked with quelled disappointment. "I do not need to tell you that which you already know, Lieutenant," said Spock with a raised brow and a hint of a smile at the right corner of his mouth. He walked away saying, "I'll make all the arrangements." Uhura exhaled her frustration through her nose as she turned to now prepare her communication board for her replacement and departure. "He could've at least said thank you," she muttered. *************************************** "WHAT?!" The nurse stood by Uhura's bed with her hands on her hips as Uhura packed her travel bag full of personal belongings. "You heard me, Chris." "But what about the party? I was sure he was going to ask me this year." "Well, while you're here having all the fun, I'll be on Pleasure Planet in a cabin experiencing no pleasure," said the exasperated communications officer. Uhura walked passed Christine and gathered up another garment, snatching off the holoprice. "And I refuse to wear that uniform on my two weeks of so-called R&R, and if he doesn't like that, then tough. As a matter of fact, I won't even wear my uniform down to the planet. See how you like that, Mr. Rules and Regulations." Christine regretted her words as she witnessed her melodramatic friend don her new attire. She walked over to help a stuck Uhura free herself from the article of clothing she had entangled over her head. "I'm sorry, Ny, how foolish and selfish of me. Of course I'll still be able to go to the party while you're stuck doing research with Spock." "How can he be so uncaring? It's THE party of the year! Surely the research can wait one day! Ooooo I could just...just...just spit! You know, I could just tell him to take that research and stick it where the sun doesn't shine." "Ny!" "Sorry!" Christine stood there shocked at her friend's brazen attitude. She knew Uhura was really looking forward to the leave and Christmas party, and was upset by Spock's request, but she didn't expect her to be so resentful. She watched Uhura put on six inch heels, matching skirt and very low cut blouse and asked, "Uh, Ny? Is that what you're going to wear?" "Yeah, why?" "Well it's kind of provocative, don't you think?" "For who, Spock? Oh please. If I were standing there naked the only thing he would say is, 'That is not the standard uniform, Ms. Uhura.' Believe me, he will in no way be enamored with what I'm wearing, Christine. You were right when you said I never get to wear anything but that uniform, and for the next two weeks I'm going to research in style," said a smug Uhura as she put more jewelry into her bag. Christine sat on the bed that was littered with many colorful pillows and held one in her lap. She played with one of the corners as she looked up to see her beautiful exotic friend admire herself in the mirror. She found she was a little jealous as Uhura-- and only Uhura-- could get away with wearing that daring outfit. "Don't you find it odd that he arranged for you two to be staying in a cabin, alone? I mean for propriety's sake, don't you think you should stay onboard the ship?" With two pumps, Uhura sprayed perfume into the air above her head and Christine watched as it slowly fell, caressing Uhura's hair, bare arms and shoulders. "Chris, Spock IS Mr. Propriety," she said as she slid a gold bracelet up to her strong bicep. "Besides, he wants total peace, no interruptions. He's had everything we need beamed down: food, equipment and odds and ends," she said as she clasped on a gold anklet with little bells that jingled with every swaying move. "Sensor readings will be our only companions for two weeks," said Uhura with a little sigh. // Make sure you two snuggle up the sensor readings and not each other. // Christine stood and walked over and gave her a sympathetic hug. "Well, I think that's it. Do you want to walk with me to the transporter room?" asked Uhura as she sealed her bag. "Sure, Ny," Christine said as she shouldered the luggage. She placed Uhura's arm in hers, shaking off the little green-eyed monster and said as the door slid open, "Just think, two weeks will eventually come to an end and maybe the captain will give you some time off as hazard pay. At least we'll get a treat by watching Spock's expression slip when he sees you breaking regulation by wearing that outfit. That split is so high it's going to expose more than your leg." "Yeah, watch his face closely too 'cause I have nothing. on. underneath," she said with a wink. ************************************************* "Spock, are you sure you want to do this?" asked Jim Kirk as he, Doctor McCoy and Christine Chapel watched the two researchers step up to the platform taking their positions on the transporter followed by a jingling sound. McCoy took a whiff of the air as he watched Uhura's swaying hips and whispered to Kirk, "All that wasted on an unappreciative Vulcan." Kirk nodded with envy as he saw the split and beyond. "I would not be going if I were not sure, Jim. It is imperative we do not misuse our time during this small window of opportunity to come to an empirical conclusion. The lieutenant and I will report back to the Enterprise in two weeks' time." With that, Spock took note what Uhura was wearing and one eyebrow rose to the top of his hairline. Spock was quite surprised to see the lack of uniform worn by Uhura when she entered the transporter room and her choice of clothing did not go unnoticed. When he met her cool stare, he acknowledge her upraised chin and thought it wise not to say anything. He had learned that much from his Human mother. Spock found it peculiar that he would find this.amusing? // Illogical. // Uhura wore a blank expression as she stood on a disk and listened to the exchange between the two ranking officers. Kirk took note of her brave attempt at appearing impassive, and going forth to vanquish the project without vacillation. Once this was all over, he would give her a commendation for her hard work. // And they will be successful, they always are. // He knew that she above all looked forward to the annual Christmas party. Uhura was that one entity that lit up the room, bringing a smile even to the new officers who suffered from major homesickness during the holidays. Nyota Uhura was the life of the party and she would be greatly missed. McCoy saw through Uhura's pretense and said in the craggiest voice he could muster. "You're gonna miss the party of the year, Spock, and it's not fair you dragging Uhura down into isolation with you. Look at her! She doesn't want to go and spend two weeks in a cabin with a jack rabbit. Let her stay while you go cuddle up with your data, and she can help you when you get back." The only comment Spock had was, "Energize." **************************************** Spock and Uhura worked around the clock since the day they arrived at their temporary home and research center. Uhura found that her expertise was of great significance to the project just as Spock had suggested, and tried not to think of the Christmas party nor the eye catching dress she had planned to wear. Looking into the viewer at the recorded sensor readings of the charged particles from the planet they focused on, the two became very aware of the proximity of the other. This was startling to Uhura and confusing to Spock, and the two moved slightly apart. Hours later they walked out of the small office and into the living room to take a short break from the readouts they were studying, and decided to discuss their findings instead. Because they worked through their lunch hour, Uhura walked into the kitchen and came back with two units of juice and a light snack. As she gave Spock his drink his fingers accidentally brushed against hers. Both were conscious of the sensual sensation that instantly drew the attention of the other. Surprised, Uhura quickly retreated and glanced at her hand as her heart began to race, while Spock became motionless, still holding his juice in mid air. As she took her seat, Spock was analyzing her reaction to his touch and his own response to hers. "Is there something wrong with your juice?" asked Uhura "I beg your pardon?" "Your juice, you're still holding it in mid air." "Ah, yes. No. Forgive me. The juice is sufficient," said Spock. "Sufficient? Spock why can't you just say, 'thank you?'" "Why should I thank you? You gave me something to eat and logically I would need something to drink as well. One does not thank logic, Ms. Uhura," and with that, Spock took a sip. Uhura abruptly closed the gape that she unconsciously formed with her mouth, then looked away. Spock tilted his head as he saw the small flare of her nose and had come to understand this to be a sign of her anger; he was curious to know if he was the cause of it. Taking into consideration that they were the only two people there, he deduced that he was. "How have I made you angry?" he asked. Uhura was stunned that he knew how to interpret her emotion. Usually aboard the ship he ignored such responses from the crew and she attributed his silence to his lack of understanding. "Why would you say I'm angry?" she asked. "You are acknowledging the question with a question. Are you avoiding the answer?" Exasperated, Uhura looked away with a slight flush to her cheeks. "It's nothing, Spock Let's continue discussing the dense magnetosphere and Trans-Ionopheric Pulse Pairs," she said as she took a sip of her own drink while watching Spock over the rim, who in turn was staring at her with drawn brows. *************************************** The next day, Spock and Uhura were hard at work deciphering and decoding the measured solar winds recorded in the Rebburshny system. The gas atoms the planet provided displayed a beautiful array of colors once it collided with the solar winds. Studying the strong electrical charges not only located at the two poles, but all over the planet, proved to be exhausting by evening. Some days the two worked straight through to the mid-night hour before taking a break, while other days they found ways to relax as a balance. Stepping out of their small cabin into the evening air, Spock and Uhura prepared themselves for their daily stroll through the woods. Spock turned and disappeared back into the cabin and reappeared with a jacket for himself and Uhura. The weather turned unexpectedly cool that evening and Uhura suggested Spock stay inside due to the extra heat his body required. He would not permit her to walk through the woods alone so he accompanied her and found, like always, that he enjoyed the leisurely stroll and intimate talks they had. At times they walked in silence down a leaf- strewn path that became well- worn with their much needed treks. One day on one of their strolls, they discovered a golden pond with frogs sitting atop lily pads and turtles sitting on the bank resting before they continued their slow journey ahead. Uhura was positive the pond didn't exist before, just as a lamentation of swans floated gracefully by. Spock assured her the pond was not there in past days and because they are on Pleasure Planet, it may have been only her wish to see the small body of water and its life forms that brought it into existence. With a surprising giggle, she ran towards the water's edge and looked around to find the perfect stone. Just as Spock joined her with his hands held behind his back, a bird soaring into the air called as if to ask him, "What is the lady doing?" and Spock looked up as if to say, "Humans," then continued to watch her erratic behavior. He looked on as she stepped back on her right leg and took aim. Uhura looked at him with a playful smirk and wiggled her eyebrows then let the rock fly. Spock watched as the rock skipped across the surface of the water then back at the woman performing a victory dance. "I've still got, I've still got it, I've still got it." "What is it that you have?" asked Spock. With one hip thrown out and one finger in the air, she stopped in the middle of her performance and realized how silly she must have looked. Smoothing her skirt Uhura cleared her throat and tried to explain the fascination of the game without laughing at the confused look on Spock's face. "I guess to a Vulcan it looks a bit trivial to have a rock skip across a body of water." With deadpan expression, Spock's only answer was, "Incomprehensible." They continued their walk through the woods conversing about their past. Spock stopped to watch her as she began to reminisce about Christmas at home on earth as a child with her paternal grandmother. Her voice began to fade when he became entranced, the light breeze causing the sweet scent of her hair to tease his senses, along with the illuminating sunset on her face. Her eyes and captivating smile seemed to reflect the beauty of their surroundings and without warning Spock experienced an indescribable ache in his chest. She resumed their walk then suddenly realized Spock was not with her. When she looked back he was standing in the same place rubbing his chest, deep in thought. "Spock?" He looked up as he heard his name and apologized for his lack of attention and joined her. He decided that he would see McCoy when the two weeks were over to discover what might be causing the discomfort. By the time they arrived back at the cabin, the temperature had dropped another ten degrees. Uhura was confident that with the aid of Spock's body regulating its heat, a seat in front of the fire with a cup of tea would warm him right up. She went into the kitchen while he placed kindling and logs into the fireplace and soon had a roaring fire going. Uhura joined him with a tray of Vulcan herbal tea and gracefully sat down next to him in front of the fire, ignoring the raised brow when he took a sip. "Where did you find the herbs for this tea?" Coyly, she smiled as she blew into her cup before taking a sip. Spock watched as the light playfully danced in her eyes, warming him just as much as the fire itself. "Well Spock, we are on Pleasure Planet so all I had to do was ask," she said smiling. "Are there any more pleasurable surprises you have hidden?" Uhura sat looking into his eyes and impassive expression, not quite understanding his comment. If he were human she would have guessed he was flirting. Since he was Spock, she dismissed it as an honest question and softly blew into her cup before taking another sip. "Yes, tomorrow we're having Plomeek soup, your favorite and mine," she said. "Yes, yes it is," he said before he in turn took another savored sip. Spock placed his tea on the floor between the two of them and stood up and walked across the room disappearing into his bedroom. When he emerged, he carried with him his Vulcan lyre and returned to his seat next to Uhura. His fingers adjusted and fine-tuned the treasured instrument, much to Uhura's delight. She loved to hear him play and it was a perfect setting for an enjoyable evening of music. She was not familiar with the certain pitches Spock had chosen to use, so she knew this was to be a new piece, piquing her curiosity. Spock reached down to retrieve his teacup and took another sip as he watched Uhura. He took his time with it and he knew she knew he was teasing her by dragging out the awaited new composition. They sat in silence watching the fire while stealing glances at the other while they finished their drinks. When Spock reached out to place his empty cup down, his fingers met Uhura's as she took the cup away from him. She was losing the battle of patience and a slight victorious smile edged the corner of his mouth. "You are most kind," said Spock "You're welcome," she replied. Slowly, Spock's slender fingers drew the desired rhythm from his instrument, producing intriguing sounds he integrated from the auras he and Uhura had been studying for the past month. Listening to the enchanting music, Uhura drifted into another time and place as she experienced the beauty of unexplored planets with secrets that had been untold until now. Spock exposed this hidden beauty, unfolding it for her and her alone. So entranced was she, that she did not notice her face was wet with an escaped tear till Spock reached over and gently brushed it away. ******************************** The scientist and communications officer were once again hard at work searching for the elusive mystery that would tie so many unanswered questions together. Uhura did not feel as if they were getting any closer to the end although their work did show signs of progress. She sat at their desk studying the viewer as she listened to the sounds of the multi frequencies of the auroras, while Spock stood across the room deep in thought, his thumb against his lip. "It is not logical for the hot storm plasma to be dense on the day side of the planet alone. The sensors indicated the temperature to be 5.6e+04k and the density at 0.2 particles cm negative 3. I confess I am more at a loss now than when we began," he said. "Well, we have a week more to find the answer; I'm sure it's right there in front of us." "Precisely" said Spock and returned to his seat next to Uhura to continue analyzing. Later that night, Spock was aware of Uhura's wearied state when she rubbed her eyes and stifled a yawn for the third time. He often forgot the need for rest for his human counterparts, and fatal flaws were detected later as he scrutinized the experiments. Typically, Spock found the much needed rest to be inconvenient, but for the second time within a few days, he illogically took pleasure in watching this simple act of Uhura's without her being aware. "Ms. Uhura, it is 0200 hours. You may retire and re-join me at 0700." Uhura started to protest when an un-stifled yawn took over in mid sentence. Quite embarrassed, she shook her head in defeat and decided to do as he suggested, or was it an order? "You're right, Mr. Spock," she said with one hand rubbing the back of her neck and the other on her hip. "I guess I'm more tired than I realized. Did you find which pole has the strongest magnetic field?" "Go to sleep, Lieutenant," said Spock at her attempt to continue. "Ok, ok, you don't have to be pushy. Good night, Spock." Uhura smiled. "Technically, it is morning," he said with a hint of humor as he gave a slight bow. His eyes followed her until she was completely out of sight. For the first that day he felt lonely without her presence and found himself, lost in thought about Uhura which seemed to be occurring more and more frequently. "Spock!" Uhura was surprised at having to call his name a second time. She was sure he heard her walking back towards the office. "Yes, Uhura?" "I said, don't stay up all night yourself." "I am capable of ." "I know, I know, but you should get some sleep too. That way both our minds will be fresh when we continue with the research come daylight," she said. Spock's right brow rose at her comment and interruption. As Uhura turned to leave, she stopped and stood in the doorway with a nagging personal question she'd wanted to ask him for a number of years. She looked at the old style doorframe and fingered it as her curiosity established a firm hold on her thoughts. "What is it, Lieutenant?" he asked. "Hmm?" she asked with a motive of discourse as she walked into the room. "You have a question." "Well, now that you've mentioned it, yes. It's of a personal nature and I just want you to know that you don't have to answer if you don't want to." "I concur," he answered. "It's something I've wanted to know for quite some time," she said. Spock did not say anything; he only stood with his arms crossed over his chest waiting for her to ask him her question. She walked further into the room, suddenly becoming bashful and avoiding eye contact. When she stood a couple of feet in front of him she hesitated, then looked up. "Spock, why haven't you ever taken Christine out on a date, or to a private dinner on board ship? It's been years since she's been interested in you; shouldn't her perseverance count for something?" "Are you inquiring for her or yourself?" he asked with an unwavering stare. She swallowed hard and said, "Well, although she would like to know, I'm asking for my own curiosity," she said. Spock stood watching her in silence before he said, "I have given the distressing thought great consideration and I have come to the conclusion that at the completion of said date I would be expected to end it with what is known as a kiss." He placed his hands behind his back and raised a brow as he waited for her response. "Why is it distressing?" "I am not interested in Nurse Chapel," he said, as if it should have been obvious. "It is the kiss, which is an area I have no expertise that has hindered me from escorting her to dinner. Do you know of the kiss I am referring too?" "Yes, I believe I do," she said. "Would you be willing to teach me?" he said matter-of- factly. Stunned, she exclaimed, "Mr. Spock!" "Did I say something wrong?" "I...I guess there is no harm in teaching you the art of kissing." Spock watched as she blushed. "Does my request unsettle you?" he asked. "No, it doesn't. When would you like to start?" "Now," he said "Oh.now?" she said a little shaky, losing her bit of valiant attitude. There was a quirk to Spock's brow as he detected the small tremor in her voice. Uhura took note of that and rose to the occasion by gaining back her full confidence. "Very well, Mr. Spock, Lesson number one: you must first look deep into her eyes as you wrap one arm around her waist as you draw her close to your body. Some men grab the shoulders or caress and hold the woman's face, but always remember, Spock, a woman likes to be held. No, Spock you must be gentle, here give me your arm. Now place it just so around me. No, bring your hand up a little higher. Ahem. Now draw me closer. Just a little more to make body contact. Yes, now slowly bring your lips close to mine and follow my lead," suggested Uhura. With his arm awkwardly around her, Spock leaned in and imitated Uhura's move, but the action only frustrated her. "Spock! What are you doing? You've gotta loosen up. Tilt your head and don't be so cold about it and, and close your eyes when your lip comes into contact. Now I know how you are about feelings, but you must feel the passion. Express it through your kiss and be in control. You don't want to give her a sloppy lip bath leaving her extremely wet. Unless you want to leave her.um sorry, I'm getting ahead myself, forget it. Now I'll step back and we can try this again. Spock, let go and I'll step back so you can pull me toward you again." Spock did not let go. He had no desire to. He held onto her, letting his hand slip a little where he wished it to be and he held her attention with his soft gaze that slowly made its way to her supple lips. She became mesmerized as she fell into his brown eyes and automatically her lips parted as he tilted his head and leaned down to capture her lips with his own. Spock was in full control as he pulled her further into his kiss with both arms wrapped around her, his tongue caressing and searching for the sweetness he sampled a minute before. Uhura trembled in Spock's embrace as he slowly, reluctantly ended the kiss. He whispered, "Was that attempt acceptable?" Captivated she sighed, "Perfect," and leaned in for another moment of abandoned bliss. Her fingers caressed the nape of his neck and traveled into the softness of his hair as his hands gently stroked her back with tenderness, bringing forth a whimper as she kissed him back. Instantly, an alarm went off inside her head and without warning she broke off the kiss, trembling and breathless. She began backing away towards the door as Spock watched, his expression once again buried deep within the confines of Vulcan logic. "Well, umm, I believe you have it down now, Spock. I.I should go to bed now, goodnight," said a confused and flushed Uhura as she turned and made her way towards her bedroom with Spock watching after her. ******************************************** Just before dawn, Spock stood watching Uhura sleep admiring her soft features, features he resisted to caress. Instead he sat next to Uhura and called her name. "Mmm, oh yes, Spock." Spock quickly decided to shake her awake before she said anymore. She laid there a minute trying to focus on reality as her erotic dream vanished back into her subconscious. When her mind was clear, she rubbed her eyes and yawned as she tried to focus. "Spock? Is it time to get started already?" "Nyota," said Spock, bringing Uhura to full attention with the use of her given name. "Spock, what's wrong?" He told Uhura there was a message from the Enterprise that he needed to discuss with her, which required her full attention. She sat up with a sense of foreboding as she looked into his shadowed face, not being able to read him with what little light there was. She saw him reach for the old lamp positioned by her bed and programmed dim lighting. Returning his gaze, he informed her of the accidental death of her grandmother, whom he had grown to know through their daily walks and talks through the woods with Uhura. She allowed him to enter into the close relationship she had with her grandmother who resided in the African states. With stories of her childhood he saw Uhura's grandmother through her eyes, a genteel, yet strong woman who greatly influenced a girl who would resemble her in nearly every way. The more Spock learned of this woman, the more he knew what shaped Uhura into the being he had come to know as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura. The information put her into a mild state of shock as she sat looking into the eyes of Spock, the very eyes people found cold, dark and disturbing. At her hour of need, Uhura found concern and warmth which were the keys to releasing her tears as she realized what he had told her. Before she knew what she was doing, she leaned over and into Spock's arms and cried tears of sorrow for the woman who was so dear to her heart. Spock held her as she mourned, calling out to the woman who gave her strength and confidence. He did not know any of the comforting words to say so he could only hold her close and let her cry. He found he held the little girl whose grandmother wiped her tears when she fell and skinned her knee, the girl who, with her tears of sorrow, cried after she broke up with her boyfriend and was told she would find true love someday. He, Spock, held the girl whose grandmother was no longer there to wipe away her tears. They sat that way for an hour as the sun slowly peeked into the room, as if asking permission to shine on the sorrowful day. It was a bit chilly because of the cold that insisted on invading their lives and Spock picked up her favored down comforter and wrapped her inside it. "I took the liberty of packing our belongings and all of the equipment has been beamed aboard the Enterprise. I've made arrangements for us to board a ship that will travel near Terra and from there we will rendezvous with a cruiser bound for earth. We both have more than enough leave time to attend the funeral and there are no pressing matters onboard ship. Everything has been cleared with the captain and since we have our personal belongings, we will leave in one hour. Through flowing tears she looked up and asked, "Why are you coming along?" "In your state of grief you need an escort and a friend. And are we not friends?" Uhura leaned back against Spock's chest and said, "Yes, yes we are." ******************************* With everything onboard the Enterprise, Spock and Uhura left orbit on another ship to the surprise of their shipmates. When Kirk related the news of Uhura's grandmother to Spock he did not expect the request that followed it. He understood why Uhura would want to leave for Earth, but Spock wanting to escort her caused him to stumble as he searched for words of approval. After the screen darkened, Kirk continued watching as if Spock's image would return to clarify his appeal for the trip. Although he would be lacking two of his best officers he knew from somewhere deep inside, that he made the right decision to let them both go. Uhura sat on the observation deck alone as Spock spoke with the captain who was to be their host for the next few days. She sat in the darkened room as Spock's grief-stricken words played over and over again in her head. In her mind's eye Uhura saw her grandmother applauding, displaying a proud smile as she graduated from Starfleet Academy, splendidly arrayed in gold braids that signified her at the top of her class. In her excitement she stood giving Uhura a standing ovation, the only one to do so as she cried out, "That's my baby, that's my baby." "It is a pleasure to see you smile again," said Spock as he stood before her with a glass of water he presented. She accepted the drink as he took the seat next to her and he noticed how Uhura mechanically swallowed, unaware of her need for it. Although he was looking out into the vastness of space, he was also watching her. "Nyota, you must eat something tonight. Remaining functional is imperative." "Yes, I know Spock. I'm just not in the mood to eat." "But you must, regardless," his tone definite. **************************** Uhura sat alone during the lunch hour pushing her food around tray when a woman stepped up to her table. "Hi, may I join you?" "Oh! Yes, yes please do," answered Uhura. "I've wanted to say hello for sometime but you're always with your.husband?" "Uhh, no I..uh." "Well, everyone only supposed because you're constantly together. I'm surprised he isn't with you now," she said looking around for Spock. "He's talking to the Captain. He should be here soon." "I'm Candace, by the way." "I'm Nyota." "Yes, I've heard him call you that, such a pretty name. So are you finding everything to your liking? How's your room? "Everything is just fine thank you and the room is beautiful." "The room is mine and I was wondering if you liked it. You're from the Enterprise right? The Captain wanted everything to be perfect for you. Wow, the Enterprise. I feel like I'm entertaining royalty. I'm the communications officer, that's how I knew where you're from. So, are you ok? Since you've come on board you've looked sad, and well, you just can't tell what a Vulcan is thinking so I don't know if he's sad, they are so unemotional. Ahhh but I can tell his feeling for you run deep. He's constantly catering to your needs. I'm the communication officer so I know just about everything that goes on around here. Uhura tried in vain to get a word in to clarify things, but decided to give up as the big haired, gum chewing woman continued talking while expressing herself with her hands. "Hmm, now that I think about it, how un-Vulcan. Anyway, that's how I guessed he was your husband, surely only a Vulcan husband would take extra care to get your meals and making you eat too when you're not well. Don't deny it, I've seen him. That's why your food is still on your plate because he's not here. I've seen with my own eyes how he stands by your door as if he's listening, betcha didn't know that. Hey if you're married why do you have separate rooms?" Then she whispered, "Is it a Vulcan thing?" She held out her hand and said, " Stop, don't answer that. It's none of my business honey. That's between you two. Now what was I saying? Oh yeah, and when he escorted you to sickbay that was just the. wait a minute, wait a minute, now that I put it all together.are you pregnant sweetie? Hmm I should have known that being the communications officer. How sweet of him to escort you here and there. Now I would have thought differently because they seem to be so cold, you know. Boy and what a Vulcan. I've seen plenty of them, but he, well let me just say you've made a wonderful choice because he's a looker. Oh I'm sorry am I distressing you? You look like you're gonna be sick. I talk too much. It's a horrible habit of mine. I guess that's why I chose this career. Well speak of the devil, ha, I just made a funny. Here comes the papa now. Look at the darling, he wasted no time looking around, he knew exactly where to find you. Well, I'll scoot cause no doubt he'll want you all to himself because of the way he's been keeping you in isolation. Bye honey, and if you need anything just ask for Candace. As Spock approached the table, Candace walked passed him and said, "Congratulations," and left room. Spock sat across from Uhura and asked, "Why was I congratulated?" "Because we're having a baby." ***************************** The door to the small transporter room swished open to allow the Captain, Spock, Uhura, and a few crew members to enter. The yeomen placed Spock and Uhura's baggage on the transporter disk and stepped down to allow the two Enterprise officers to take their places on the platform. "I thank you, Captain Sheridan for your hospitality." Spock held up his right hand and said, "Live long and prosper." The Captain gave a quick nod of her head and said, "Anytime Mr. Spock. I'm glad to be of service and may I also say, congratulations to the two of you. Energize Mr.Brainer." Candace was there to see them off as she considered herself to be a close friend of Uhura's and waved good-bye while she blew a kiss. When the couple disappeared she said, "Oh my, did you get a good look at her face right before beam out? She had that same expression when we talked last. I think she's gonna be sick." *************************************** Uhura laid on her bed looking at the ceiling as her mind began to wander into places she had unconsciously avoided. Her eyes roamed around the luxurious room Spock arranged for her to have on the cruiser, the only available ship in the area that was headed for earth. //Hmm.Is this the deluxe suite? It's so extravagant. Food dispenser, simulated fireplace, lavish furnishing, I wish I had this bed on the Enterprise.// Uhura ran her fingers along the plush bed covering thinking of Spock and all he had done for her. The past few days had been a blur in her weakened state, but one thing remained prominent-- Spock. She smiled as she remembered the look on his face as he relayed a message of congratulations from Captain Kirk on the surprised pregnancy, and how there would be a mandatory meeting with them both when they returned. Uhura laughed, something she had not done for days, at the memory of Spock's green complexion darkening when his father demanded an explanation for why had he kept his marriage and upcoming child a secret. "It would seem that Ms. Candace's communication skills reached far beyond her own ship," he had said. Uhura turned on her side and sighed as the bed caressed her body and her eyes continued on their journey until they stopped on Spock's adjoining door. // That kiss. // Something plagued her and Uhura knew it lay within that kiss. She sat up as her heart opened like soft petals of a rose under the loving care of time. She gasped. // I'm in love with Spock and he. // she looked around the luxurious quarters he had arranged for her to have. // Surely there were rooms less extravagant. // She stood and slowly walked across the room, her feet sinking into the plush flooring as she made her way to his door. The truth was indisputable the longer she stared at it. Behind that door held the key to her future as years of past memories came flooding back: Spock's quick response to her being reeducated after Nomad's damage, Spock helping her into her seat after the ship's been attacked, Spock teaching her to play the Vulcan lyre, Spock's invitation for duo performances, Spock holding her after the news of her grandmother.Candace's observation. // That kiss, that kiss was meant for. me. // She touched her lips with her fingers as she remembered the sensations of that endearment causing her to arbitrarily press his door chime. It felt as if an eternity went by in the short amount of time she waited for Spock to answer. The door slid back and suddenly, there he stood. Not a word was spoken as they listened to their hearts speak. Spock smiled slightly as he saw the realization he had been waiting for in her eyes. He reached out and gently caressed her cheek as he whispered, "Love, is the one emotion that overwhelms logic, it can not be controlled, Nyota. Despite my Vulcan teachings, I have fallen in love with you." He then repeated the lessons he had learned on Pleasure Planet. He put his arm around her waist and drew her close as he looked deep into her eyes. He closed his own when her lips parted and he deliciously savored the sweetness of that first kiss. End NewMessage: