The Promise
Title: The Promise
Author: rolletti
Fandom: TOS Star Trek
Pairing: Spock - Uhura
Rating: G
Disclaimer:No Paramount, I get no money for this my precious.
The
Characters are not ours my precious.Paramount is tricksy.
Feedback: rolletti@rolletti.com
The Promise
The Enterprise was on an assignment to collect data from a region suffering from a magnetic storm. Spock and Uhura were on their way in the shuttle Galileo to help the population of Ruddick who was indeed in need of technical and communication aid. The planet was suffering from a worldwide earthquake that caused many disasters and injuries. The damage was extensive with tsunamis and volcanic reactions changing the planets geography.
Uhura was sent to help the planet re-establish world wide communications and they needed Spock’s scientific knowledge to help establish transient stations until the planet was able to emulate its former semblance.
The Galileo traveled at warp four as it flew to its destination when it was suddenly seized and pulled by… something.
“Spock, what’s happening?”
“That is what I am trying to ascertain lieutenant. We are being pulled toward that cloud. If you would assist me and do a thorough scanning of the nebula please.”
Spock and Uhura worked so well together and were able to predict each others moves, that their performance at the control board was quick and precise as they raced to solve their immediate problem. Unfortunately, the closer they neared the cloud the more power they lost to their ship.
**********
Spock woke after he and Uhura crashed landed on a mysterious planet. Uhura began coughing as she too regained consciousness; her head ached and her hair was in array from the impact. She looked over at Spock and saw him slowly release his seat harness and swayed over to examine her.
"Lieutenant, are you suffering from any physical injuries?"
"No, Mr. Spock, I don’t believe so. My head hurts just a little though."
He examined her and noticed she had a small cut over her right brow. Making his way to the back of the shuttle for the first aid kit, for an instant his stride faltered because Spock forgot what he was going for and why. The laps was vague, only for a moment, then he proceeded to his destination. He took the kit and walked back to Uhura who was still sitting amid her tattered harness, which didn't completely protect her during the crash. He cleaned and bandaged her small cut silently and efficiently. Uhura noticed he tried touching her as little as possible while tending to her injuries. She watched him as he cleaned her cut and thought how hard it must be to exist as a touch telepath.
As she was looking at him she became confused and begun to wonder who he was and why he was tending to her head. Spock saw the momentary crease between her brows for just a second, and then she was once again smiling at him.
"Is something wrong Lieutenant?"
"Yes. I would like to know what happened and where are we?"
Spock accomplished his task and sat back in his seat. Testing the control board revealed there wasn’t any power to the damaged ship. Uhura couldn't raise the Enterprise or anyone in space from communications.
"I remember a strange cloud and a pull on the shuttle.”
"It would seem we were seized by a gravitational pull, drawn through the cloud and crash landed on this planet that was obscured from view.”
Spock looked sharply at Uhura as a thought entered his memory.
“Lieutenant, did you experience anything while we were traveling through that cloud?"
"Yes, now that you mention it. I felt a tingling sensation go through out my entire body; like a small electrical charge."
"As did I..."
Suddenly, Spock and Uhura felt the same charge again simultaneously, only stronger. They each grabbed the arms of their seats while experiencing the strong, shocking current flowing through their bodies. When it was over they opened their eyes and found…
*****************
"Any word from the shuttle crew communications officer?"
"No Captain. The counselors from the planet Ruddick said they expected them four hours ago. No one has heard or seen them since their last report."
Sulu and Chekov looked at each other with concerned glances. Before Spock and Uhura left the bridge, Kirk ordered them to report every hour on the hour. Two hours ago they lost communications.
"Mr. Chekov, plot a course to the planet Ruddick. The same course the shuttle took. Mr. Sulu engage whenever Mr. Chekov is ready. Warp four."
"Aye Captain, warp four."
"All right people let's go find our friends and bring them home."
********************
Spock looked around confused at his surroundings and at the girl sitting by his side. "Who are you?"
"Who are you? Where are we and why am I in this broken, ugly ship?"
Uhura looked around her while swinging her legs from the big chair she sat in. She wasn't happy when she was faced with unknowns such as this and she twirled her hair around her finger.
// Who's that boy anyway? And why am I in this ugly ship with him? I wanna go home. //
Uhura looked around and spied what appeared to be an exit then glanced at Spock one more time. She announced her confident departure and walked toward the door.
"Well, I'm going home. I don't like it in here. How do you get out of this thing?"
"I must admit I am at a lost as to how we have come to be here or how to gain access outside these doors."
"Yeah, uh right. How old are you anyway and what's your name?"
"I am fourteen, almost fifteen and my name is Spock."
"Well Spock, my name is Nyota Uhura and I'm twelve, going on thirteen. You are really tall to be fourteen."
"I believe you have that perception because you are small to be twelve."
The two children stood there watching each other wandering what to do next. Spock then studied the barrier and its surrounding area. He pulled a lever that was located near the door and… "whoosh."
Uhura jumped up and down clapping her hands squealing while smiling at Spock.
"You did it Spock, you did it! You are very clever."
Spock looked at Uhura with a slight smile and stood more erect and said with a hint of baritone, "Yes I am."
She grabbed his hand and ran outside afraid the doors will shut them in again. They were no longer Star Fleet Officers, so they didn't know to check the atmosphere out side before opening the door. Lucky for them it was a typical type M planet with breathable air.
"Wow, look at this place! We're in the middle of a jungle Spock!"
Spock was mesmerized when she continued to hold his hand; he was reading her thoughts although he knew he shouldn't. They were nice well ordered thoughts, for a twelve year old. Holding onto her a little longer than decorum allowed, he studied her thoughts even more and smiled at what he saw. Spock also realized how strange it felt to smile. He never over did it by showing his teeth, but it was a smile all the same.
He himself scored high with his telepathic abilities and was able to experience Uhura’s awe of their new surroundings; the sounds of insects, the lilac sky, the odd animals that jumped from limb to limb. The smell of the sweet flora enticed Uhura to close her eyes and inhale deeply, leaving Spock amazed with the simple pleasure she savored.
Suddenly they heard noises coming from behind a big bush covered with purple berries.
Giggling noises.
Then another, and another.
"Show yourselves if you know what's good for you," Uhura demanded at the giggles with her hands on her hips.
"No, don't let go," said Spock. Realizing what he said, he quickly avoided her shocked and questionable eyes.
Two heads popped up, then three, then two more. They were younger children of different races hiding. Spock looked at them, stepped forward and spoke with his chin held high and confident.
"Who are you? Come out this instance."
The seven children came forward and continued to giggle.
"Have you come to take care of us?"
"Where are your mothers and fathers little ones?” asked Uhura.
"Oooo, what's your name?" they all asked, charmed by her voice stepping closer.
"Nyota and he is Spock."
A little boy standing in the back pushed forward and said, "We don't have mothers or fathers here Nyota. We appeared here when we became lost and weren’t found. Will you two take our parents places? Will you tell us stories and take us on grand adventures?" All the children looked pleadingly at the two new comers with huge round eyes.
Uhura took pity on the orphaned children and decided to solve their problem with her long twelve years of experience. She smiled, stepped forward and joined Spock. She agreed joyfully for the fourteen year old boy and herself while bouncing on her toes. The children screamed and yelled with joy, instantly turning cartwheels. They grabbed each parent's hand and pulled them deeper into the forest. Spock stopped unexpectedly with apprehension. He looked back at the ship remembering his wish, as well as Uhura's, to go home. They had to get on with their life and the ship was connected to it. Uhura walked over to where he stood with his hands held behind his back. She stood by his side and took his hand in hers as she motioned with her index finger for him to bend closer so she could talk to him. He looked at her and smiled as she whispered, "Come Spock, our old home will always be there. Come with us where there are no grown up troubles. Let them worry about the ship, we didn't break it. If the adults are looking for us, they'll find us. If not, just think of all the adventures in store for us."
Immediately Spock was reminded of the story Peter Pan, it was one of his favorites. How strange that Nyota's words were similar to the character Peter. He looked again at the ship then at her hand holding his and her tempting thoughts. He threw caution to the wind to seek out childhood, discoveries and adventures. //Neverland // he thought. He shrugged his shoulders and off they ran through the forest as fast as they could, yelling and screaming, releasing the excitement that was within them.
On the way to their new home everyone played games Uhura taught them. Tag, red rover, duck duck le'matya and hide and seek. Their favorite was called, mother may I. For many years the seven children have wanted to say “mother” and strived to say it as much as possible, much to Uhura’s delight. Running through woods they came to a sparkling pond and decided to go for a swim after their hot amusing activities. Spock found a long strong intertwining vine hanging from a tree over the pond. He held it as Uhura reached hand over hand to pull herself up. Smiling at her anticipation with a raised brow, he pulled her and the vine away from the pond and let them go. She swung far out over the water and dropped screaming and laughing. As she hit the water, Spock cupped his hands over and around his mouth and yelled "Score" and climbed the vine himself. Some of the children found a muddy trail next to the pond, each taking a turn sliding on their bellies and splashed into the water. While wallowing and splashing, Uhura remembered a game called Marco Polo. The children would have liked the game but couldn’t truly bring themselves too. Because of Spock's keen sense of hearing he won every time and the children felt this to be very unfair. Later, they all crawled up the bank to lay and bask in the mid day sun to dry; they mistakenly took a nap.
After the afternoon of fun, they came to a big tree house with a ladder made out of vines. It was called, 'The Fort'. The trees on this planet did not grow like any normal tree colonist are use to seeing. Father and mother’s new home was located in a tree that was tall and the branches are four times as wide with a great amount of green and yellow foliage to conceal it.
Up went mother first, climbing the strong vines. Father Spock gave his children their first lessons in manners. “Always let a lady go first, unless there is danger, and never watch her climb when she is wearing a skirt.” Every eye was cast down until they heard the all clear call. Just to make sure all the children made it into the house; Spock went last after counting heads.
Once inside, Spock did not see any order and took command of the situation.
"If there are no adults present, then it is a good thing I came when I did. I will most assuredly be in charge from now on, seeing that I'm the oldest and the father."
Spock stood with his hands on his hips with his chin in the air with a smile as he said this. Unfortunately at that moment his arrogance irritated Uhura, who also put her hands on her hips.
"Well who put you in charge?"
Spock turned and walked slowly toward Uhura, holding her eyes with his as he lowered his chin. Uhura tried to keep her poise but the closer Spock came the more she faltered. Taking a couple of steps back, she came into contact with the wall of rough wood. Resting his hands on that wall, he placed them on either side of her face, bringing his closer to hers as he spoke with whispered authority. She saw his cold expression, piercing eyes and the feel of his breath on her face.
"Are you challenging me Nyota?"
"Well, no...I"
"It is only logical that I am in charge since I am the oldest and the father...mother!"
Spock slowly smiled at her and said, "Logical. I like that word. It is one I shall use more often. Logical. Yes it makes me sound even more clever does it not?" She didn’t know what to say.
He turned when he saw something glitter from the corner of his eye. It was a couple of swords with bows and arrows. He marched over to them and picked up a blade. He tested it by slicing the air a few times as he ended his mock battle. He placed the sword before his face with the pointed end facing the ceiling.
With a certain cockiness to his voice he said, "Perfect. I shall teach you how to use one mother so you will be able to protect the children."
Gathering up confidence again, Uhura walked over to where he stood and picked up the second sword.
"Maybe I don't need your tutelage... father."
Without warning Spock bore down his sword towards Uhura and she blocked it with hers, accepting the duel with a small but quick lift of her left brow. Uhura was exceptionally quick as she met each of Spock's swashbuckling strokes. Keeping her distance she kept her steps short while watching her balance. She lunged, retreat, lunged, re-doubled on guard then retreated again. She laughed at the surprised expression on Spock's face as she backed him into a corner. Spock made a fierce quick change in direction, performing what is called, turning the corner. He suddenly moved with a flash of speed catching her blade. As Uhura's sword flew from her hand Spock held his at her neck, the blade nearly piercing her skin.
The children gasped as they saw the tip of Spock's sword.
"Mother, father, please don't fight, you just got here. Father please don't kill her, who will tell us stories?"
Uhura was surprised at the turn of events as she looked at the confident Spock who had no expression, one hand on his hip and his blade at her throat. He lowered his chin again, looked at her with smiling eyes, one raised eyebrow and a cocky smirk.
"Not bad mother."
He walked over to where he retrieved the sword and tied on a belt to place his sword in its sheath. Spock walked over to a stunned Uhura and tied a belt around her for her sword as well.
"Keep your sword with you mother. I hear there are pirates about."
Each of the children ran up to Uhura nodding their head in agreement and showed her the secret door in the floor. Once you opened it you saw steps that took you down through the middle of the tree. There was a peephole to look out of, just in case there was a trap waiting for you. All the children went back up the stairs to gather bows and arrows. One never knows when an enemy is lurking about.
With assuredness, Spock sat in a big chair made of wood that was decorated with horns and fur. As the children gathered around him, one of them asked Uhura to tell them a story. Her eyes lit up as she eyed Spock, then returned his smile and raised brow.
"Yes mother, tell us a story so we can spank the children and...and put them to bed for a nap."
"No, no mother please save us," wailed a child while the others held on to each other for dear life.
With clutching hands, they fell on their knee's pleading before her.
"Give us medicine, send us to school, make us do chores, kill us, please anything but a nap.”
"No, we will not spank the children nor give them a nap father. They have built a very nice fort, in a tree with fruit no less. I’d say that was clever."
"Yes father we were very creative."
There was another plea that said, "Don't forget the unique capable trap door father!"
Spock's gentle smile and eyes never left Uhura's as the children begged and pulled on his arm.
"As you wish mother. Tell them a story."
Uhura then proceeded to tell them a story about their father and his trusty sword he named Logic. She told them of the many battles he was in with her by his side. Using her sword she demonstrated battles with giant Gorn lizards, salt sucking monsters and a big white beast with spikes on its back called a Mugato. The children cheered wildly as she demonstrated the kill.
"You are the best story teller ever mother, tell us another."
All the children chanted, "Tell us another, tell us another, tell us another..."
Spock rose as he said, "Enough, do you want her to die from telling too many stories. A mother can only do so much in a day so show some respect. Now, I'm hungry."
Spock looked at Uhura and she silently looked back. He raised his brow and Uhura said, “What?”
Looking at Uhura with two raised brows, Spock tried to be more assertive but couldn’t quite manage; looking a bit guilty instead remembering the scolding he just gave the children.
“You're the one who said I could only do so much in a day. I agree. Besides, I don't see any food here.
After saying this Spock brandished his sword taking a step towards her. He raised that boyish gallant chin of his and gave a command.
"Let's get dinner mother. I saw the pirate's ship from the window earlier. I'm sure they have plenty of food and I know there must be ... treasure. Children! Are you ready for an adventure?"
All the children rose and screamed, "Yes." and gathered up their weapons. With excitement Uhura searched and found two daggers and flipped one to Spock. He looked at it and the jewel in its handle and smiled. He cut his pants removing them from the thigh down and his sleeves. In the jungle it is much to hot for such clothing and it's too restrictive for fighting pirates. He walked toward Uhura, holding her eyes with the same smile and raised his dagger up to his ear. It looked as if he was going to stab her when he struck her arm. She didn't flinch. The long sleeve to her uniform fell to the ground. He ripped the other one as well, still holding her eyes.
"Let's go mother," he said.
"Shall I lead?"
Spock's smile disappeared as he saw her vanish down the secret door. When she came out of the tree, he jumped down from the vine in front of her.
With a look of triumph he held his sword in the air and shouted, "Permeate their ship."
Uhura rolled her eyes as you heard the metallic sound of her sword leave its sheath.
"Just say charge, will ya."
"Oh yes, thank you. CHARGE!" he screamed leading the way.
**************
Quietly they crept on board Captain Tyranny's ship. Spock led the way to the armory and gave each of his children a sword. He was a cunning boy who split the children up into two groups. Each group, eluding capture and danger, made their way to the ship's mess hall when a warning squawk came from above. It was the ugly scrawny watch parrot that barely had any feathers.
“Kill, kill, kill, kill, kill,” it continued to squawk.
Pirates came from everywhere attacking with swords. They were shocked to see their invaders were children, but it didn't matter. Some of the children had their orders to take food and treasure while making it back to the fort without being seen. The rest were to stand and fight.
Captain Tyranny charged angrily towards Spock, upset that anyone, especially children, would have the audacity to come board his ship without asking permission first. He would put an end to this new child who led the other conspirators. He slashed and lunged at Spock forcing him to retreat, but Spock came back strong laughing at this audacious well-dressed man.
"Is that the best you can do Captain?"
Spock laughed again with the laughter only a child can posses and his ego was as big as the very ocean it self. He was bold, brave and very assured while lacking unpleasant thoughts.
As Uhura was trying not to over extend her lunges, it dawned on her that she never heard Spock laugh before. Some how the laugh sounded foreign coming from him, as if it didn't belong. It was quite catching and soon she joined in. The laugh was contagious and all the children fought in merriment. Even the parrot started laughing and joined the fight by pecking the crewmen. Spock did a few fancy footwork with leaps and bounds while still fighting Captain Tyranny. He flipped his sword into the air and charge at the captain when it landed in his hand.
The sound of clashing swords all over the ship delighted Uhura and she promised herself to come aboard unannounced more often. She lunged, sliced, jabbed and laughed with amusement.
Spock constantly checked on 'mother' while fighting the captain to make sure she was holding her own. This look did not go unnoticed by Tyranny who leapt out of the way of Spock’s lunge. Tyranny turned and grabbed Uhura violently by the neck. He held his sword very close to her throat as a slow smile crept across his face.
"No. Please don't," shouted Spock.
For the first time Uhura noticed Spocks lack of arrogance as he looked pleadingly at Tyranny.
"Please, let her go. I'm the one you want."
"What's the matter boy? Where is your impudent laughter now? Could this little imp be someone dear to you? Let this be a lesson boy, you do not interfere with the best captain there ever was and will be; that’s me. Take a good look at her, because this is the last time you will see... her... beautiful...face.
He reared back to slit Uhura throat when a blade violently severed his arm from the elbow. Tyranny fell to his knees as the dismembered hand still clutched his sword. He looked up to see the cold expression of the enraged strange boy with a dripping bloody blade in his grip.
Spock ran and picked Uhura up, cradling her as she threw her arms around his neck. He stood with his feet apart lifting his chin defiantly at Tyranny, a bold smile on his dashing features.
"Yes, she is dear to me. She is the mother who tells us stories... about me." The smile left his face and the merriment from his eyes. He looked menacing and venomous, taking a step closer toward Tyranny who cowered.
"If you ever touch her again, I'll will cut off your other arm and both legs and feed what’s left to the crocodiles."
As the captain was helped by his men, he saw Spock raise a brow at Uhura, gave her a tender look and laughed while running off the side of the ship to land in the water. The children followed his example, taking the swords with them.
***************
"Anything Mr. Scott?"
"No sir I don't see a thing out there. We are continuing to scan the area but nothing has turned up."
"Keep looking, they are out there somewhere. It's been twelve hours and no one has heard from them."
Just then McCoy enters the bridge with a craggy worried face.
"I take it you haven't found them. Do you think they changed their trajectory Jim? I can't believe the shuttle's beacon isn't contacting us."
Jim Kirk looked at his friend and said, "They'll be alright Bones. They are as good as they come. If they are in any danger, you know they will protect each other. We'll find them."
Kirk knew McCoy was thinking of the worst scenario. That Spock and Uhura were out there hurt and dying, needing his attention.
"I'll call you when we find something Bones."
With that, McCoy nodded and left the bridge.
******************
When Spock, Uhura and the children came back to the fort, they saw dinner on the makeshift table along with candles for light. What was most interesting were the bags and bags of treasure. Everyone cheered at their success and ate a hearty meal of meat, fruit and some vegetables. Who grabbed the veggies? No one confessed. But you better believe mother made them eat it. Much to mother’s dismay, father declared authoritatively that he would not eat the flesh of an animal and for her to stop being so demanding. He didn’t explain to her why because he didn’t exactly know himself.
They examined the stolen treasure and found many fortunes there; most of it consisted of gold and silver coins. Beautiful jewelry with many rare jewels were in another bag.
Uhura watched Spock as he put a small gold crown on his head of perfectly combed hair, although she never saw him brush it, and deposited the rest of the jewels back into the sack. He sat in his chair and listened with curiosity while the children told of their adventures aboard the ship. Uhura walked over and leaned on his chair and smiled. Spock knew what she was thinking without touching her and gave a nod with his approval.
"Children, it is time for bed."
They looked at her as if she grew three heads with fifteen horns, each.
"We never go to sleep before midnight," whined a child.
"Yeah," they all chimed in.
She said, "That was before you had a mother and father to look after you. It is our duty to make you sad with bedtime when the evening fun is about to begin. You will miss out on the mysterious talks we'll have, the discussions of the adventures we had without you, and most of all...you'll miss out on the midnight snacks."
Spock stood with his feet apart, squinting his eyes a little and smiled while holding his hand on his dagger.
"If you don't obey your mother, I'll do something even worse. Worse than eating vegetables, worse than having leaches suck on you for two whole days and worse than…missing dessert.”
The children clung on to each other as they held their breaths and they waited for the doomed sentence.
“I'll make you... take a bath."
All seven children ran, not without bumping into each other, to the one big sleeping area screaming with dreadful fear. If there were a choice between leaches and a bath, they would choose leaches or even death any day. To have the days dirt washed off was cruel and unusual punishment. You wouldn't be able to remember the magnificent adventures you had without the dirt to sleep with.
"Tell us another story mother, please."
"Please mother, please."
To Spock’s disappointment, Uhura sat in his chair. Now where was he to sit? He decided to make mother her own special chair tomorrow, one that fit.
Her feet did not touch the ground so she swung them and told the children and Spock the story of, 'The Flying Dutchman'. They were all captivated and mesmerized with the crazed captain, the mutiny, and the curse that was put on him by the mysterious shadow that came from the sky. Before she finished the fascinating story, the children fell asleep. The little mother stood and walked over to the bed of her little ones and kissed each on the head. The youngest she called her baby and left him for last.
Uhura left the fort to stand outside on a very wide thick tree limb. She sat and watched the many fireflies, or what looked like fireflies, fluttering about in the warm night air. Two of them danced their way lazily around Uhura's head as she turned her attention to the clear sky above the trees. Spock joined her, following her gaze in the still night.
"The stars are beautiful mother."
"Nyota."
"What?"
"My name is Nyota, Spock."
"The stars are beautiful Nyota. Considering that your name means star, it is appropriate that you would reflect their beauty.”
Smiling she said, “Thank you Spock!”
“One does not thank logic Star.”
She looked at him with astonishment as he quickly redirected his attention back to the sky.
“Sometimes I wish I could just fly up there. I feel as if I belong among them. I know that statement is illogical, but it is a feeling that does exist."
"Yes, I sometimes get that same feeling Spock."
They looked at each other for a while then Uhura returned to her prior examination of the heavens. Spock continued to stare at her while biting his bottom lip.
"You forgot the proper ending to the first story Nyota."
"What?"
"You forgot, 'and they lived happily ever after.' "
"That part always confused me. What is happily ever after, and who said it?”
"I guess you find the answer to that question when you grow up."
Uhura pulled her knees towards her chest and wrapped her arms around them. She looked at Spock with a very serious expression and then with determination.
"I'm never going to grow up Spock, not you or anyone can make me. I want to be happy forever and I have a feeling that if I stay here, that's exactly what's going to happen. I won’t have to grow up and be bothered with grown-up things like broken ships and who’s responsible for it and who’s going to fix it."
He looked at her with sincerity and moved closer to where she was sitting. He studied her lips, then her eyes and whispered, "I have a feeling Nyota, that if you stick with me, we will live happily ever after."
He then proceeded to take Uhura's left hand and slipped a beautiful jeweled ring, which he took from the treasure bag, onto her finger located next to the pinky.
"I believe mother's wear such things."
Uhura looked at the ring he gave her with a question in her eye. She felt funny, different and she didn't know exactly why. She supposed she would have to grow up to find the answer, but she was afraid.
Uhura looked at a smiling Spock, who quickly looked at the night sky. She smiled at him, thinking about his confession of their happiness.
Shyly she said, "Thank you Spock. Oh look, it's too big."
He drew his dagger and cut a vine from the tree, stripping it of its leaves. He watched Uhura as he took her hand in his own and pulled the ring from her finger. Spock placed the vine through the ring making a necklace for her and he held Uhura's eyes with his own while looking through his lashes. He liked the effect that look had on her although he didn't wholly understand why. There were so many whys and no one to answer them, how confusing. He smiled as she trustingly bowed her head and he placed the necklace around her neck. Uhura fingered the ring and smiled back. Spock noticed the small cut on her throat where Tyranny's blade had been and vowed to himself to never let him near her again. They continued to look into each others eyes, moving closer with each passing second until…their beautiful intimate evening was shattered by one of the children shouting, “Who peed?”
Down below they didn't see the one eyed pirate sitting nearby listening to their every word. Imagine his surprise when he heard voices coming from the tree. He thought they were ghost, but immediately recognized the voice of the cold blooded boy who cut off the captain’s arm. He ran quietly back to give his report to Captain Tyranny.
While Spock and Uhura made their way back into the house, Spock paused and looked out into the dark jungle.
“What is it Spock?”
“I thought I heard something or someone running.”
“It’s probably some nocturnal animal. Come on, I think our “not me” child is here.”
************
Sixteen hours later Sulu saw a blip on his board.
"Captain, I have something. It's the signal from the Galileo!"
"Follow that beacon Sulu, warp five."
"Aye aye Captain, warp five."
****************
The next afternoon, Tyranny was walking through the woods feeling rather bloodthirsty. He was looking for Spock's only weakness; Nyota. His men accompanied him through the jungle treading quietly on the leaves.
"Captain, not to question your very wise decision, but why would you go after her. When I saw the look on that boy’s face after he announced his threat of vengeance, my blood turned cold."
"Because you blistering idiot, if you destroy the mother, you destroy the father. Now don't ask me any more questions or I'll rip you from throat to belly and rip out your guts and feed them to the animals. LOOK FOR THE GIRL!" Tyranny shouted.
The crewman ran to do the captains will and before he was told to scratch his stump. He hated to do that and it was his turn.
Father, mother and their seven children were out playing hide and seek. No one ever knows when the “not me” child will show up, so they gave no great concern of his whereabouts. They have learned of one thing about the “not me” child, he seems to only cause mischief and only showed up where mother and father weren’t. At one point mother was concerned about her child not getting enough to eat, but when extra food went missing the children all shouted, “not me”, then she stopped worrying.
It was Uhura's turn to count while the others hid. She heard a twig snap when she counted the number ten and she quickly turned around drawing her sword; it was met with a clash. Tyranny swung down hard on Uhura, she stumbled but regained her footing. He backed her into the tree she was counting from and brutally swung at her neck, striving for decapitation. Uhura was able to predict this move and ducked in time for safety and to see Tyranny’s sword embedded in the tree. She kicked his knees hard, making him cry out in excruciating pain as he fell to the ground.
Spock jumped down from the same tree, feet aimed at its target, with his teeth barred and landed on top of the seaman. The seven children joined the fight as well with the rest of the pirates of course; it would not be fair for mother and father to have all the fun. One child thought, “These are the best parents ever. They can summon an adventure at anytime or place!” Pirates and children where everywhere brandishing swords in the jungle; leaving a trail of leaves and branches strewn about.
All the children were laughing at this next adventure, all but Spock. He remembered Tyranny's blade against Nyota's neck and the mark it left. He was out to end this fight once and for all.
Tyranny was caught completely off guard and raised his sword just in time to block Spock's deadly stroke. Spock lunged, but Tyranny moved with fear; quickly out of his reach. He was being attacked by a savage and antipsychotic boy whose features were contorted as he skillfully dealt furious, vicious and hellish blows.
The evil captain decided this was the best time to use his well thought out heinous plan. Using the information his crewman brought to him the other night; he devised an iniquitous scheme to bring down this thorn in his side.
"Foolish boy, do you think you can beat me. You are just a child nothing more. You are not the father of these children and your affections will not be returned by your precious Nyota, who doesn't even know the meaning of... love."
Shock and horror enshrouded poor Spock with Tyranny’s last words. He shouted, "Don't say that, she'll learn, I'll teach her."
He fought harder to shut Tyranny’s mouth permanently, spinning and catching the blade of his opponent. He accelerated his lunges as he attacked, catching Tyranny off guard and slicing into his side. Spock parried and lunged again before the captain was able to compose himself; another bloody point for Spock. Through the pain Tyranny wouldn’t stop his verbal abuse.
"Not if she doesn't grow up. You'll be alone because you'll pine for her all your life. She'll be here having fun and adventures while you will be dealing with pimples, hormones and the tragedies of life. You’ll especially live with the knowledge of her… un…returned… love. You’ll retreat behind a passionless, unemotional mask all your pathetic days; dreaming of her. You'll grow up to be old and alone; like me. Face it Spock, she cares nothing for you, NOTHING!"
With this last accusation Tyranny delt a horrific blow. Spock and his sword Logic, fell with defeat as the malicious words entered his soul. The fighting in the jungle stopped as everyone looked on in shock at the conquered boy.
The children were crying silently as they watched their father overcome with Tyranny's grievous words. They were harsh words, words even the worst of enemies should not use against anyone.
Tyranny stepped closer to Spock with a look of triumph as he watched the crushed disappointment on his face. The defeater stood over the defeated with his blade poised; grasped in both hands he prepared to drive it into the boy’s, once hopeful heart.
"At last Spock, I have you where I want you. Prepare to die before the one who can't and won’t love you back."
At that very moment a sharp blade was thrust against the spine of Tyranny's back.
"Drop it Tyranny before I run this blade through your spine and out the other side. NOW!"
The children cheered as they saw their mother in action rescuing father. This gladdened and frightened them. They’ve seen her with such tenderness as she kissed boo boo’s and comforted them when they had scary dreams. They’ve even seen her angry when they were naughty and disobedient, but never have they seen the harsh look of a cold blooded murder in her eyes.
Hearing her piercing chilled voice, Tyranny did as he was told. He had not expected Nyota to be free. What happened to his plan? His first officer looked at him and shrugged.
"I didn't know she had a knife under her skirt Cap’em!"
Uhura walked slowly around Tyranny as she kept her eyes and blade on him. Standing directly in front, Uhura looked at Tyranny, batted her eyelashes and smiled.
"That's what’s called a woman's prerogative Captain. Now if you would be so kind as to step away, I would so appreciate it."
"But... but..."
"Not another word... please," she said through clenched teeth as the point of her blade passed through the first layer of his clothing.
"Spock, get up. Get up Spock, what's wrong?"
Spock lay on his back unmoved and emotionless, unable to escape from the malicious words Tyranny pierced his soul with. Uhura called to her eldest child and gave her sword to him with instructions.
“If he moves or even twitch, run him through.”
With concern and compassion, she looked at Spock; who didn't possess any of his brash arrogance, pride or confidence. This saddened her because she knew Tyranny's words were used against him because of her. She knelt by his side so he could hear her words of comfort, but before she could say anything her head tilted as she moved closer and studied his eyes; then her own brimmed with tears as she became aware of something powerful; Love! She swallowed hard while trying to comprehend this undeniable revelation. With a gasp, she tenderly caressed the ring at her throat and slowly smiled at Spock.
She whispered, "I will grow up Spock, I promise. One day I will understand what this love is and I am willing to share it with you. I will hold you to the promise you made to me, the night you gave me this ring."
A tear fell from her eyes and touched Spock’s lips, watering the budding love that sat there, waiting. With that fallen tear Spock was filled with hope, promise and...confidence. He smiled, sat up with triumph and whispered to Uhura as he held her eyes with his, "This, my Star, belongs to you. Keep it with you always until the appointed time." He slowly lifted her chin and softly kissed Nyota lips, the one who promised she would grow up with him.
Tyranny whispered, “No,” as he witnessed the lingering kiss and the powerful message it sent; loosing once more to this proud insolent youth.
Uhura gasped, shocked at this action, but smiled and told Spock once again, “You are very clever Spock.”
**************
"Scotty, how's it going? Do you have a fix on them yet?"
"Aye, it's going to be tricky with that strange cloud in the way. Got’em. Energizing now Captain."
Spock and Uhura started to fade before each other's eyes. Their molecules dissipated and passed through the cloud that brought them down to the planet below. When they materialized Spock was sitting on the platform of the transporter, opposite of Uhura, looking into her eyes with his chin down and a smile on his face.
"Spock, Uhura, are you alright?"
They looked at Kirk and McCoy with confusion, surprised to see them there. Then they looked around to find themselves in the transporter room. Uhura rose while helping Spock to his feet and gave him his sword, Logic. She thrust her dagger into its sheath as she looked at Scotty.
"Are you bringing up our children?"
Kirk, McCoy and Scotty’s looks of happiness changed into concern when they viewed the expectation on their friend’s faces.
Kirk walked up to the, what seemed, unstable couple rubbing his chin.
"Uh, Uhura, you two have no children," said Kirk
"Aye, you were the only reading I got down there."
Spock looked confused and astonished at Uhura as she fingered her ring that he made into a necklace. He was sure it wasn't an illusion because they had their swords and the ring.
McCoy saw the beautiful rare jewel and said, "Wow! Where did you get that?"
"Are you sure there is no one else on the planet Mr. Scott?"
"Aye, I'm sure Mr. Spock."
"You two come down to sickbay. I'm not confident you came away from that planet with all your marbles."
Spock looked at Uhura with his boyish smile, which shocked the three men, and said, "I am sure of this doctor, I came from that planet with two things, my sword and a promise."
finis
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