The Valentine Duel
Title: The Valentine Duel
Author: rolletti
Fandom: TOS Star Trek
Pairing: Uhura/Spock
Rating: PG
Summary: Uhura is informed about her future and she refuses to accept it.
Disclaimer: Paramount owns all of the characters I promise.
Feedback: rolletti@rolletti.com
Archive: Yes
"Oh, excuse me Mr. Spock, I didn't see you there."
"It's quite alright, Lieutenant."
"I'll leave you to the rest of your walk."
"Lieutenant, if you will allow me a moment of your time."
"Yes, Mr. Spock?"
"It is most interesting that I would meet you here on this garden path."
"How so?" she asked.
"I have some questions about a holiday that is celebrated on Earth and I was just thinking you were the perfect person to inquire about it."
"I'll help if I can. Which holiday is it?"
"It is approaching soon, Valentine's Day, a day to celebrate the emotion, love."
"You want to know about…love?" Uhura asked with uncertainty.
"No, I do not. May I ask you a personal question, Lieutenant?"
Uhura noticed the slight change in his demeanor. He made the gap between them smaller and placed his hands behind his back while tilting his head. His expression remained impassive, but his eyes, his hypnotic gaze made her feel as if he owned her body and soul for just a moment in time.
"Have you ever secretly admired anyone…on this ship?" he asked.
Uhura shook off the strange feeling that possessed her for an instant and concentrated on Spock's question.
"Uhh, I admire Christine Chapel; her ability to assist the doctor with immediate complicated procedures will surely earn her a MD someday. There is Scotty, who's able to make the ship do the impossible while we're plunging to our deaths, and there…are others." Her voice trailed away.
"When I referred to admired, Lieutenant, my intentions were to make inquiries of the possible affection you have for someone, as in the emotion you Earthers embrace called love."
"I'd rather not answer that particular personal question, Mr. Spock."
"May I ask why?"
"Because it is of a private nature and I'd rather not discuss it. What was your question about Valentine's?"
"I have read and observed that roses are given on such a day. Is there some significance to this gesture? Does it immediately convey that the provider loves the recipient? And, if you will, does each color of the flower express said emotion?"
"Well, roses can be interpreted many ways. As you see here, Sulu cultivates a variety of colors and styles. A bouquet of roses can be given to someone who's sick, because you wish them to know you care, as well as give them something pleasant to look at besides the ceiling over their beds. Its beauty alone could stimulate their minds, giving them something else besides their illness to think of. Yellow roses signify friendship, while white signifies humility, and pink…well, pink signifies passion."
Uhura watched as Spock absorbed all the information she provided and thought it interesting that he would inquire about such a thing as Roses and Valentines. Amused, she began to wonder if he was finally giving Christine a chance. She wanted to ask, but instead she continued her lesson and made it a bit more vivid for Christine's sake.
"The most dramatic of all roses is the red long-stem rose. It carries a more intimate meaning when presented. When she receives it, you want her to be instantly captivated, the tantalizing scent teasing as she inhales its beauty. Before she exhales you'd want her mind to be spiraling with alluring thoughts of you and only you. A red rose, Mr. Spock, will whisper poetry of love to your fair lady."
Sporting a winning smile, Uhura watched Spock reflect on her words of wisdom. He placed his thumb on his bottom lip as he crossed his opposite arm over his chest, thinking.
"Why would you say that?" he asked.
"Well, a red rose is a symbol of love."
"Why did you say, 'your fair lady'?"
Uhura looked at Spock with a knowing smile and stepped closer as she held her arms behind her back and whispered, "Surely all these questions are to help you prepare a little visit to a certain tall, platinum blonde nurse named Christine Chapel for Valentines Day. Am I right?" Her smile increased.
"No, you are quite wrong. You see, Lieutenant, it is you whom I desire for my Valentine. I have two weeks to make it so."
Startled by Spock's statement, Uhura studied his sober expression, then began to laugh.
"Mr. Spock, your deadpan humor is hilarious, I don't care what Doctor McCoy says. Okay, let's be serious now. Am I right?" she said in anticipation.
"I assure you, I am quite serious. You are most becoming, Uhura, with your intelligence and becoming beauty. I value you a great deal more than you know; the time for a more intimate relationship is overdue. Now if you would excuse me, I must take my leave and return to my duties, now that I have informed you of my intentions."
Leaving Uhura speechless, Spock placed in her hand a miniature red rose and exited the garden room without another explanation.
Numb, Uhura stood watching Spock's retreating back, then at the small rose in her hand. As she stood there thinking about what just happened, everything fell into place. Spock did not just happen to be there; he knew of her retreat to the gardens during her assigned breaks and waited for her to show up.
// What of Christine? She's been after him since day one, not me. How dare he…my heart can not be won in a few days! Two weeks or two years, I refuse to be his, and if he thinks I'm that gullible…I mean…what gall! //
Uhura threw away the crushed rose and stormed out of the room in the same direction. She nearly bumped into Kirk when the doors slid open and he held her steady before she toppled over.
"Whoa, where's the fire!" said Kirk followed by his famous grin that is known across the galaxy.
Uhura apologized embarrassingly as an idea popped into her head.
// An ally. //
Kirk noticed the frown that replaced a smile that would light up a room. He suggested they take a walk into the garden and placed her hand into the crook of his protective arm as he led her down the artificial pathway. He directed her into his favorite alcove and sat her on a hidden bench. Uhura noticed many female names written on it, but decided not to inquire about them. Taking a closer look, she found the bench had been painted with many layers, and from the lack of space for another name, it looked as if it were ready for another coat.
Kirk had come to know Uhura as one of his very closest and dearest friends. She had been there for him in some of his darkest hours and it pained him to see her so distraught. He vowed he would do anything within his power to help her with whatever imbecile had upset her, and he would demand that a sincere apology be given. It infuriated him to think that anyone could be the cause of her unhappiness. There was not one life on the Enterprise that had not been touched by her saintly hands. Birthdays and anniversaries were always remembered, and sick crewmen and those in mourning were all visited by this angelic being in disguise.
"Would you like to talk about it?" Kirk asked.
"It's Mr. Spock," she replied, not wasting time.
"Spock?!"
"Yes, he just left. I'm not quite sure, but I think he said he loved me and he has two weeks to convince me to become his Valentine. I had no idea he…well what do I do, I'm not in love with him! He and everyone onboard this ship knows Christine is crazy about him and yet he's going to pursue me? Captain, you must speak with him. Tell him to leave me alone because I'm not interested."
Kirk began to pat her hands animatedly, then placed them in her lap as his predatory instincts instantly abandoned him. Uhura's would-be knight in shining armor stood and pulled on his collar as if it suddenly became two sizes too small. He cleared his throat as he found himself inarticulate while watching Uhura's imploring eyes.
"Ah, I see. I'm uh, sorry, Uhura, but when it comes to the matters of the heart, I try not to interfere. I must admit I am amazed he has finally come out and said something."
Uhura stood and looked at Kirk accusingly, making him more uncomfortable with those elegant, velvet eyes of hers.
"You knew and you said nothing?"
"He never confided in me, I just saw the signs. He was always the first to come to your rescue planet-side if there was any danger, and there are the lessons with the Vulcan lyre. I'd say you are just as good as he, nevertheless the lessons continue. I've been trying to get him to teach me for years and that hasn't happened so far."
"Forgive me if I sound cold, Captain, but I refuse to be with someone who will not acknowledge our relationship, keeping us a secret as if it's something to be ashamed of. That's the Vulcan way. Spock protects his private life so much that I'm sure you and McCoy don't know as much as everyone thinks. That may be good enough for Christine, and I wish her all the happiness, but it's not for me."
"I understand."
"Will you explain that to him? I refuse to change, and I wouldn't want him to. Captain, do you believe in destiny? I do, and I believe that Spock and I are not destined to be together. Please, tell him to give Christine a chance, I believe she's the perfect match. She'll be completely devoted to him and she knows how to make that…that…that soup he likes."
"I'm sorry, Uhura, I can't do that. This is between you and Spock, and like I said before, I refuse to get involved. You both are very dear friends and competent officers, I trust you two will see this thing through without my help. All I ask is that it won't interfere with your performance on the bridge. If it does, at that point I will get involved and it won't be as a counselor. Love or not, this ship comes first."
Kirk relaxed as he watched the officer in Uhura return. He did not mean to get carried away, but when it came to his lady love, he would protect her first from any perilous threat. The only thing he had to offer Uhura was a sympathetic smile and a kiss on the forehead as he held her hands.
"It will all work out in the end, Nyota. You'll see."
Kirk walked out of the room to leave Uhura alone with her thoughts. Be they for or against Spock, they would all find out soon enough.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
When Spock left Uhura he went to his quarters instead of reporting to the bridge. He needed to be alone. He stood just inside his door trying to regain control after his unsightly display of emotions. In the garden he did not want to take a step near Uhura, yet he did. It took an extreme amount of control not to grab her, his lips demanding the right to claim hers. Obviously, his actions were startling to Uhura as well as himself. There was an unexplainable ancient drive to possess her, to claim her for his own. He did not understand what had possessed him so. Staring at his reflection in the mirror, he decided to do something he had not done for many years: contact his father.
After informing the bridge of his whereabouts, Spock gave the computer the code to his father's ambassador vid-phone. It was just after the evening meal on Vulcan, and if his father were on the planet, his home office is where he would be located. He had no desire to speak with his mother at the moment, seeking his father's assistance was going to be challenging enough since their last words were over a dispute of Spock joining Starfleet. He had, if he would admit it, a case of nervous jitters speaking to his father again, but he could not avoid what he called the unquenchable thirst within; he needed Vulcan wisdom, moreover, wisdom from a Vulcan who had a human wife.
Being the First Officer of the Enterprise and the son of one of the most important Ambassadors in the Federation had its advantages; therefore Spock's request went straight through all the channels without any questions or complications.
Sarek's vid-phone flashed, Priority One Enterprise, while he was at his desk working on the Coridan issue, wanting to avoid a future meeting on the planet Babel. He did not answer immediately as the notification gave him a sense of foreboding. Was he to be informed of his one and only child's death? If that were the case, how would he tell Amanda? These were his thoughts as he took 5.38 seconds to compose and brace himself before accepting the call.
"Sarek speaking."
Spock watched as his father blinked twice, an expression he knew to be a form of shock and with what looked like relief?
"Greetings, father."
One of Sarek's brows rose high with Spock's salutation as he took in the sight of his son, in perfect condition. Amanda often commented on how their son was stubborn like his father, and she said neither of them would reconcile their differences unless under duress. Therefore, curiosity seized the best of him as he watched his son and waited for the decisive stroke of bad news.
"Greetings, Spock. To what do I owe this honor?"
"Father, I am in need of assistance."
"Yes?"
"Father…father, something has happened to me."
//Here it is at last. The news must be of a fatal nature for him to make such a contact. //
"I am interested in someone…a human woman."
Sarek's second brow joined his first as he listened to the hint of desperation that tainted his son's words. This was very unexpected.
"By, interested, I take it you mean you are fond of her?"
"Yes father. I am no longer bonded to T'Pring, and you have found no one to replace her, therefore…"
"I assume it is the nurse you have written your mother about. We decided if she is the one of your choice, we would not interfere by arranging another bond-mate."
"No, father, Christine Chapel is not the one. I am interested in another, the Communications Officer, Nyota Uhura of Earth. I have suppressed my…feelings shall we say, for her for quite some time. Thoughts of her have forced their way to the surface of my consciousness and refuse to be buried again. These thoughts interrupt my sleep and every waking moment. Lately, I am unable to maintain focus at all times, and that is quite disturbing. Father…I…want her, and I intend on having her no matter the cost, nor how impractical it may be."
"Calm yourself, Spock; you are not living in Vulcan's past. You cannot just take ownership of Ms. Uhura without her consent. Does she return your…affection?"
"No, she does not. I am able to say two years ago I touched her consciousness with a mind meld in order to insure her progress after her memory was erased by an intelligent machine we found in the Malurian system. It was then that I saw a hint of endearment towards me. It was buried deep where she could not access it easily. I wanted to bring it to the surface, but it would have been an abuse of my ability."
"Yes, that would have been most distasteful. How long have you admired the lieutenant?"
"Three years."
"That is a considerable amount of time without telling her."
"Yes, well, there was T'Pring."
"Yes. Spock, what assistance do you need? She is not Vulcan; I cannot go to her parents and arrange a bonding."
"If only it could be as simple as that."
"Son, when it comes to human women, nothing is simple."
"Yes, I know this. They are illogical in some ways, impulsive and extremely emotional, which is unsettling at times and taxes my mental shield."
"Then why are you interested in this Ms. Uhura?" asked Sarek.
Spock's expression softened just a fraction with a mixture of inner turmoil as he thought how to explain the vision of confusing beauty.
"She is a metaphysical mystery. Lately I have attempted to put up mental blocks, discouraging thoughts of her before I sleep, but it has been ineffectual. Thoughts of her persistently push through causing me uncontrollable frustration. I have checked for aphrodisiac substances in her perfume, hair products, and for jewelry designed with hypnotic properties which she could have collected from her shopping trips during our many travels. These are all items that would leave me vulnerable to an unexplainable awareness."
"And how were you able to conduct these tests?" asked Sarek.
"I told her I was conducting a science experiment and asked for her cooperation."
"A lie?"
"No, it was an experiment. She trusts me, for that reason she complied without question."
"Continue," said Sarek
"I found nothing."
"Have you considered it may be the beginning of…?"
Spock looked away from the screen as his father hinted toward the blood fever. The subject rarely discussed amongst themselves as a race was uncomfortable enough, but to discuss the embarrassing flaw with one's father was even less favorable.
"Yes, Doctor McCoy ran some tests as well and the results were normal. I can no longer fight against this want. I need to know what logical solution you used to obtain mother's affection."
"Spock, the logical solution…is to bend."
"I beg your pardon?"
"If your affection for Ms. Uhura is as great as it seems, you will have to make sacrifices on your part to win her. It may be unsightly and something you would find distasteful, but because of the relationship you seek, it may need to be done. If she really cares, she will recognize the sacrifice and not expect it in the future once she accepts you offer. I also suggest you read some old Earth literature on the subject, poetry and what-not to help guide you. It may give you some understanding of the female psychological mind."
Sarek watched his son carefully and could see the turmoil and battle within him despite his dispassionate expression.
"I cannot help you any further, Spock, you know her, I do not. You must take that knowledge and use it to your benefit. I will leave you with one word: persistence. Live long and prosper, my son."
"Peace and long life, father," said Spock, returning the Tal symbol. There were many more questions he wanted to ask, but it was obvious the conversation was over.
Amanda walked into Sarek's office carrying a glass of his favorite juice.
"Here you are, Sarek, one glass of Ja'ma."
"My wife, do you remember after knowing you for six months, I sent you red roses without understanding the symbolic meaning?"
Amanda smiled and took his hand in hers gently stroking his palm.
"How could I forget? It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship."
"I agree. Why don't we turn in early tonight," he said with a rare suggestive smile.
Not waiting for an answer, he picked her up easily and walked out of the room.
"Why are you suddenly so amorous?" asked Amanda, trembling with the knowledge of what was about to happen.
"I just remembered what happened the next time I gave you roses."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
As Uhura dressed the next morning, she thought of Spock and his accursed plans. She came to a decision to speak with Christine about her conversation with the captain and his determined first officer. The last thing she wanted was to hurt her friend who had been like a sister to her, but having her find out any other way would be dreadfully detrimental. After she inserted the last pin in her hair, Uhura gave herself a final appraisal in the mirror and reached for her favorite perfume. She withdrew her hand immediately as if it were a snake ready to strike an unsuspecting hand. Deciding not to add fuel to the fire, Uhura re-examined herself in the mirror wondering if there was anything else she could change, her hair, her make-up?
// What am I doing? I will walk proudly onto that bridge just as I am and not be intimidated. I won't change my appearance because of him. Arrgh, I can't believe this is happening! //
Uhura picked up her PADD and with determination exited through the sliding doors. A moment later she reappeared and with a defiant air, sprayed herself with the most seductive scent she owned, turned and left the room wishing she could slam the door.
"Well, morning ma'am. May I accompany ya'll to breakfast?" asked McCoy while pouring on the southern charm.
Listening to the doctor immediately lightened her mood and with a deep curtsy, she graciously returned the southern charm with an impressive southern accent of her own.
"Why suh, I'd be honored to have you escort me to the dinnah for my fust meal of the day."
McCoy extended his arm toward her with a smile and she took it, happy for the distraction. Unfortunately, the distraction was short-lived as Uhura saw McCoy's slight assessment.
"Go on, say what you want to say. I know you're dying to get it out."
"Why honey, I don't have a clue as to what you're talking about."
"Oh really?" she said tilting her head up at him.
"Okay, okay, you got me. Jim told me about what happened yesterday in the garden between you and Spock. You looked as if you could spit nails when you came out of that room of yours just now. Are you okay?" McCoy asked, concerned.
"I'm on the arm of a southern prince, how can I be anything but okay," she said with a big smile.
McCoy knew she was a strong woman, a woman who could handle herself regardless of the situation. He watched her expression, her mannerisms, her overall attitude, and decided she was mentally sound. Nevertheless, he made a note to himself to re-examine her after two weeks. After all, she was dealing with a stubborn Vulcan.
Withdrawing his disk from the food dispenser, McCoy slid the door open and retrieved his breakfast. He stood to the side as Uhura slipped in her disk and programmed her order. When she slid the door open, she retrieved…a red rose.
McCoy snickered and shook his head. Uhura pursed her lips together and looked up to find Spock watching her. Keeping eye contact, Uhura walked to the recycling unit, tossed the rose in and stormed out of the mess hall.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
By the time Uhura reached the bridge she had regained her composure and confidently stepped through the sliding red doors. The tantalizing smell of synthesized coffee and juice greeted her as well as greetings from Scotty and other fellow officers. Familiar sounds welcomed her also and had an odd, tranquil effect as she made her way across the bridge. This was a familiar, stable part of her life, and that included Spock as her superior officer.
// It's okay, life will go on just as any other day. //
Before she reached her work station, Kirk and Spock entered, ready to start their day. Spock slowed his pace a bit when his long strides crossed Uhura's path, and she watched as he subtly inhaled deeply and slowly exhaled. Suddenly she regretted her choice of fragrance. After stopping in his tracks, he immediately retraced his steps and came face-to-face with her. Uhura lifted her elegant chin in preparation for the cold Vulcan wooing of logic or a direct order.
"I must confess, Lieutenant, that perfume you are wearing is most…pleasing. You have worn it before I believe, it…delights one's senses."
"Aye, lass, that it does. You should wear it more often!" Scotty flirted in pure innocence.
"You see, even Mr. Scott agrees," said Spock as he gave a slight teasing smile and quirked a brow before he started for his station.
Uhura gawked at such a display and found she was the only one to see it happen. She was even more irate when she arrived at her console to relieve her counterpart, and found a red-long stem rose waiting for her. She was informed that it was delivered an hour ago, as it was gently placed into her hands. Janice Rand said quietly in a sing-song voice as she passed by, "Somebody's got a secret admirer," and she stepped into the turbolift. Before the doors consumed her, she mouthed the words, "Who could it be?"
Holding the rose in her hand, Uhura looked at Spock, who in turn was looking at her. She repeated her actions in the mess hall by disposing the rose in the recycler and returned to her station to begin her day. Spock watched a second more then swiveled his chair back toward his viewer.
Kirk, who never missed anything on his bridge, chuckled to himself and shook his head as he secretly decided to refer to this two week episode as, The Valentine Duel. He knew he could not keep such a juicy title from McCoy and decided to pay him a visit later for a good laugh. He hoped the outcome was in Spock's favor, and he wished he could help.
Uhura met Christine for lunch in the mess hall and found another rose delivered to her when she dialed up her lunch. Starving, she redialed her request and received the desired food she craved.
"How romantic, Ny! It seems you have a secret admirer. I bet it's Scotty, who else could fiddle with the food dispenser and have it deliver you a rose, a red one at that."
"Oh Chris, if you only knew what this rose really meant…you and I need to talk. Let's have a seat all the way in the back," said Uhura on her way to the recycler.
After taking a few savoring bites, Uhura reluctantly explained what happened in the garden with Spock and the captain. By the time she finished, Christine was paler than Earth's winter moon. The women sat in silence, each refusing to look at the other as they were swept through the emotions of anger, jealousy, suspicion and eventually sympathy.
"We're out here alone in uncharted space, the captain won't help me, and you, you're in love with my enemy. I can't file a complaint. What will I say? Mr. Spock is harassing me with roses? I know this sounds cliché, but I feel…alone."
Christine reached across the table and held Uhura's hands and said, "This is…quite devastating news and I envy you, boy do I envy you…but you're not alone. I'm here, Ny, despite everything, I'm here." With an endearing smile, Christine said, "After all, we're sisters, aren't we? And no man…well, no Vulcan, will come between us, right?"
Studying the pain in Uhura's eyes, Christine ventured on to say cautiously, "Spock has made his choice and he is very stubborn when it comes to having his way, something about that darn logic and all…so…please Ny, don't feel guilty for my sake if you do fall in…"
"Never! So don't say it," said Uhura as she snatched her hands away.
"All right, Ny," said Christine, regretting her choice of words.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Days went by with the scent of roses in the recycler that left those working in sanitation confused. And Christine continued to lend her encouraging strength at the end of each day to her aggrieved friend. It was difficult at times to hear about the things she dreamed would happen to her with the ever-assertive Spock as her pursuer. There were days she wanted to scratch Uhura's eyes out because it should have been her, and immediately regretted the selfish thought. She waited till she was alone in her quarters to cry bitter tears of her own, pain and suffering her only companions.
Uhura was finishing up her end of the day duties when she had been given a disk to send with her day-end reports to Star Fleet. As she transferred the recorded information of stars located in the new system, she noticed her name appeared amongst the endless categorized numbers that identified each star. Her name appeared not once, but in twenty different languages from twenty different worlds, one name per star. As she continued to transfer, she found her given name, Nyota, accompanied by its meaning…Star. It was the biggest and brightest in the area and Uhura remembered Spock saying it was beautiful and mysterious. It was unlike the rest in the system and because of its mystery it was unique. Blushing, she also remembered him saying he would like to further investigate it and perform some research.
One day the Enterprise hit a terrible ionic storm that sent everyone flying unexpectedly from their seats. To Uhura's horror, she flew awkwardly over the bar located behind her. Hurtling through the air was not the misery of her experience, it was the dismay she felt when she found herself caught safe and sound in Spock's protective arms. He deliberately did not let go immediately because of his concern, but the longer he held onto her, the more pleasurable the situation became. His heroism was accompanied by another slight smile when he saw that she was in perfect condition, but rewarded with the malcontent of his rescued damsel in distress.
"I got it, I got it! Thank you, Mr. Spock, I appreciate your help," she said as she fought her way out of his embrace and blowing her disheveled hair out of her eyes.
"My pleasure, Ms. Uhura," expressed Spock as he watched her return to her seat, smoothing out the ruffled uniform.
Kirk turned away with his smile hidden from Spock, who almost sighed as his Vulcan brows disappeared underneath his hairline.
"The human female is quite difficult to conquer, Captain. However do you manage it?" Spock purposely whispered loud enough for Uhura to hear before she could reach her seat.
Kirk heard Uhura gasp and he suddenly became interested in the stars on the main view screen. He wanted to avoid anything and everything to do with that comment.
There was another occasion when Uhura met Janice and Christine in the rec. room for an evening of gabbing. It was comforting to be among friends and away from the very determined pointy-eared pursuer. Normally she loved wearing the short uniform that exposed her beautiful legs and thighs with a peak of the matching under garment, but lately there was only one pair of eyes always watching, and those were the eyes she did not want to entice. Therefore, as she sat in the rec. room with her friends, Uhura relished the feel of her comfortable loose-fitting clothing that exposed neither leg nor ample cleavage. A messenger approached Uhura as the three women were laughing at an incident Janice found herself in with Sulu. She stopped laughing immediately and her spirit became woebegone when she was presented with yet again, a red rose that made Janice squeal with delight as she elbowed Christine.
"I feel like I'm in an old 'Le Pew' cartoon where I'm running away at full speed, while he patiently pursues and finds me every time," Uhura said with a sigh.
"Who do you think this mysterious person is? There's a rose on your console every morning, and thornless too. Did you know when someone gives you a thornless rose it means love at first sight?" asked Janice as she sighed deeply with thoughts of romance.
"Nyota, I don't get you," she said when Uhura came back from the recycler. "Why do you continue to throw away those beautiful flowers every day? Besides, they're your favorite. You should be happy you're not getting just the stem with thorns. That means 'I detest you.'"
"Oh really?" asked Uhura with a devious smile.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
In his world of torment, Spock stood alone in the soothing heat of his quarters. "Sacrifice…sacrifice…sacrifice." The one word that haunted him day and night in his father's voice, while intertwining with invading thoughts of Uhura and her beautiful sable eyes. He gazed into the firepot, his muscles rippling as he instinctively squeezed his hands together, willing the answer to come forth. The agonizing and tantalizing knowledge of her daily rejection plagued him instead.
// Why this sudden inextinguishable flame of possession after three years? It has turned into a physical pain I am unable to subdue. Nyota rejects everything I do for her, and to dispose of her favorite flower is not logical. What must I do, get on my knees and beg? The woman has become perversely insufferable. What is the meaning of a decapitated rose with the sharp thorns remaining on the stem, and why did she send it to me? The answer to her mystery is there, I only need to seize it. Surely my parent's relationship birthed from deductive reasoning, but how was it obtained? What is the answer to my father's riddle? //
"Computer."
"Working."
"Define the word 'love' in verb form."
"Love; an intense desire and attraction toward one person whom one is willing to become a pair. Used as a term of endearment, an expression of attraction, sexual passion, sexual intercourse, A love affair…"
"Stop," he said before the computer became too descriptive.
// Illogical…yet fascinating…'an intense desire'. Intense, the very description of my disposition. //
"'Knowledge, persistence, sacrifice.' Love?" he whispered with drawn brows as his mind's eye filled with the vision of long, dark lashes that graced Nubian eyes, exotic skin that teased as if it longed to be touched. His pulse began to increase as he heard the sound of blood rushing through his veins, a slight tremor in his hands.
// It is illogical to love…yet I cannot find the logic in this powerful want, this…hunger. Sacrifice. //
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
More lifeless planets were discovered and cataloged for future expeditions of assertive space scientists who were bound and determined to find an organism of some sort on a dead rock. Uhura sat in the observation room alone one night after her busy workday to give herself a chance to wind down. She heard the door open and close and hoped no one found her in the secluded spot she occupied. She sat back in the darkened room and closed her eyes, relishing the quietude. Uhura smelled his scent before she felt the sofa give way to his weight and she sighed with frustration. She was annoyed because she
had to admit his scent was most pleasing and knew she could pick him out with her eyes closed in a room full of beings.
"I came here for some peace and quiet, Mr. Spock," she said.
"I find it quite fascinating that you knew it was me without sight."
"Is there something I can help you with, Mr. Spock?"
Spock studied her for awhile then rose and crossed the room to the observation window with his hands held behind his back. Uhura watched him beneath her long lashes as he stood, deep in thought.
"Dreamers of Earth's past used to say that the stars are untouchable diamonds in the sky that touch the soul. Nyota, we are the dreamer's dream: the impossible, becoming possible," said Spock as he continued to watch the poetic lights.
Spock did not say another word; he just stood in silence watching the stars go by. For the first time in three years, Spock seemed vulnerable in Uhura's eyes. She did not know what to say, so there she sat in the deafening silence. After a minute or two went by, Spock slowly walked toward the door. He paused when he neared her seat and reclaimed his aristocratic air, keeping his face forward.
"Nyota, I would like to inform you there are four point five days till the holiday and you, Star, will realize you are not as untouchable after all. How hard you try not to touch my soul, nevertheless you do. A beautiful agony isn't it?" said Spock and left the room.
Uhura was speechless and riled enough to throw an unseemly tantrum.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A few days before Valentine's Day, Uhura was in gym A having a vigorous workout with a red punching bag. It reminded her of roses. McCoy watched her as she attacked the bag with multiple solid blows, one after the other. He became concerned as her scowl turned into bared teeth accompanied by sharp, deadly kicks.
"I don't know, Jim, Spock may have come against the biggest challenge of his life with that Uhura," said McCoy with deep concerns.
"Is…that…a picture of Spock on that bag?" asked Kirk, and they both leaned in unison to get a better look.
"I believe it's a snake…with Vulcan ears," said McCoy. The two men began sudden stretches when Uhura turned around to leave, drenched.
Spock spotted Uhura as she made her way to her quarters, but before she could evade him, again, he quickened his pace until he was by her side.
"Are you ready for today's lessons, Ms. Uhura? I have selected a new piece for you to try. I believe it will ameliorate your timing with such a difficult instrument."
"Not today, Mr. Spock, I have a headache," she said as she continued walking.
"Perhaps I should accompany you to sickbay?"
"No thank you, I'm sure it will go away as soon as you leave," she said as she reached her quarters, avoiding his eyes.
"As you wish," said Spock with a slight bow.
Upon entering her room, she breathed a sigh of relief as she ordered the computer to activate the cabin lights. She felt bad saying those mean words as looked around and found her room devoid of roses. Her bed was clear, her desk was clear, even the refresher was clear. Satisfied, she stripped off her sweaty gym clothes and stepped into the sonic shower.
She debated asking McCoy's permission to use real water although she had no medical reason to use it. Not wanting to admit to the stress her body was under from Spock and the hard workout, she decided not to ask.
Uhura wished to take a nice long leave on a planet in a secluded area with a fine, warm cabin in the middle of winter. She closed her eyes and imagined herself gently caressed with hot water and scented bubbles in a tub fit for a queen, surrounded by candles and soft music. Next, she was casually sitting in front of a warm fire, drinking her favorite herbal tea; she would catch up on pleasurable reading material as a snowstorm raged outside, the sound of the wind somehow comforting. She opened her eyes and heavily sighed with disappointment.
"On," she said, and closed her eyes again as she prepared for the vibration to leave her skin tingling with cleanliness. Uhura jumped and opened her eyes when she felt something hitting her head, shoulders and feet. She looked up to find containers strategically placed and activated for a light shower of red rose petals with the vibration of the shower.
Her shock turned to anger, but just as quickly her anger turned into laughter. Uhura began to wonder if Spock would ever give up, and admired him for his persistence. She loved it, but was convinced this act would not change her opinion. Little did she know, when she extended her hand and caught that last delicate petal, a spark ignited inside her heart.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Valentine's Day and I win!" said Uhura triumphantly as she threw off her sheets.
She sung a glorious victorious song as she danced across the room, and strummed the Vulcan lyre as she passed it by. Invigorated, she was ready to decipher life-threatening messages, face unknown dangers, the most adventurous being on a bridge full of male egos. She smiled as she thought of her little boys on the bridge, except Spock; she could not categorize him as a little boy. She caught a dreamy smile in her reflection and immediately removed it from her face.
She showered and dressed with only the red of her uniform making an appearance; it had been upstaged by a red rose for the past two weeks. She went to breakfast and sighed with irritation in anticipation of another rose in the food dispenser. This time, the only things which appeared were fruit, toast and juice. For the first time in two weeks her breakfast was devoid of a flower.
Making her way to the bridge, Uhura thought about the beginning of her uneventful morning. While she waited for the turbo lift to arrive, she wondered if Spock gave up on his ultimate pursuit. When the lift arrived, the doors opened to reveal Spock inside. Uhura paused at the threshold, and contemplated taking the next flight up. She did not want to give him the upper hand by arriving late, so in she stepped.
"Good morning, Ms. Uhura," said Spock.
"Good morning, Mr. Spock," she said reservedly as she stepped in.
Uhura thought it interesting when he did not offer another word, so the rest of the trip was traversed in silence. After her morning greetings, Uhura's pace slowed before she reached her console. There was no rose. She looked at Spock out of the corner of her eye and found him studying his board and not her; she had to admit to herself that she felt a twinge of disappointment.
The whole day was uneventful and not a rose was in sight. Lunch and dinner were not imposed upon by messengers bearing last-attempt gifts, which told Uhura Spock's two week obligation of wooing must be over. Tired of looking at engaging couples with love-struck eyes at the dinner tables, Uhura decided it was time for her to retire and said goodnight to Christine.
In every hall there were flowers and love notes attached to doors for unsuspecting Valentines, hers included. Gathering them in her arms, she took them inside her room and spread them across her floor. Sitting among her gifts, she read each card and found words of endearment from Sulu, Scotty, Chekov, M'benga and countless others. To her surprise, there was not one single gift, card or rose from Spock…so she looked again.
"Of course he wouldn't place anything of the sort with his name on it, that would be too passionate for public display. Maybe all this assertive and evasive wooing is good enough for Vulcan women, but I know I could never be with someone with such convictions. Why do I care and why am I babbling to myself like an idiot?"
Arranging the countless bouquets around her room, Uhura's mind continued to wander back to that enamored Vulcan. She caught herself smiling an enumerable amount of times as she thought of Spock and his different antics to win her over. Each time she scolded herself for showing signs of weakness. But gradually, that little spark from deep within became inflamed as reality revealed the blindfold she desperately held onto for years. Now she was free to acknowledge the once-forbidden desire she felt for this handsome Vulcan.
// Oh no. // she thought as she stood there shaking with disbelief, tingling with delight.
Defeated, her thoughts returned to that day in the garden with Spock, his promise and unwavering stare as he made his declaration. She felt as if he were looking deep into her bare soul and closely examining her very thoughts with intent, dark eyes.
"Why did I have to fall in love with him now?! Bad timing, Uhura. Well, it's the evening of Valentine's Day and too late to…"
The chime of her computer interrupted her thoughts and she found she could not move. She wanted it to be Spock; she wanted his face to appear on the screen requesting her presence, she wanted him to try one more time. Slowly, she turned and made her way to her desk, her mouth suddenly dry. As she bit her bottom lip, countless thoughts raced through her mind, including the words, "I was wrong". The chime became more insistent as she stood in front of her computer and raised a trembling hand to smooth her hair into place.
"Uhura speaking," she said, bringing the computer to activation.
"Uhura, I need you to report to the bridge. I have a message that needs special coding before it's sent," said Kirk with a stifled yawn.
"Yes, sir."
"Kirk out."
Uhura's shoulder's dropped a bit when the computer went blank; it stared back at her mockingly. She took a deep breath as she scooped up her PADD and walked out of the door with her professional face on. Men and women walked by with dreamy expressions as she made her way to the lift. Some she remembered at dinner sitting at tables littered with red carnations and heart-shaped graffiti. Besides herself, there was Christine and a few others who stuck out like a sore thumbs for obvious reasons. Uhura noticed Spock did not glance her way while he was eating with the captain as he had done for every meal the last couple of weeks.
When Uhura arrived on the bridge she was given a disk by the third watchman, as were ordered by Kirk. Wanting to be alone for the rest of the evening, Uhura quickly, but efficiently encrypted the captain's message with the latest Starfleet codes. Almost complete with her task, she heard the captain make a ship-wide announcement.
"This is the Captain. There is a mandatory meeting for everyone onboard in hangar deck B. I repeat, there is a mandatory meeting for everyone onboard in hangar deck B. We will begin in five minutes. Captain out."
"Uhura," Kirk said through the communications officer's earpiece.
"Uhura here."
"I need that message sent before you come to this meeting. I want you here in ten minutes, no less."
"Aye, aye sir."
"And Uhura, I know you don't want to hear this, but…I'm sorry things didn't work out between you and Spock.
She could not answer.
"Kirk out."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Making her way to the hangar deck, Uhura thought about Kirk's last words. He caught her off guard and she did not know what to say. She thought it ironic that the best Communications Officer in the fleet did not know what to say to something so simple. Or was it?
Once Uhura saw the crowd, she wondered as she stepped through the sliding doors what could be so important to call the whole crew and leaving junior members to man the ship.
// It could have something to do with that message I coded I guess. //
Her place was in front with all the senior officers, and just as she was determining which course to take, the crowd seemed to part for her. As she made her way forward she noticed everyone was smiling at her and holding a single red rose. Intrigued, she looked up the petal-strewn path to find Spock at the end of it, surrounded by long-stem red roses…waiting. She was forced forward as the pathway began to close behind her as onlookers became interested in what Spock had to say.
The room was completely silent besides the echo her boots made as she conscientiously approached Spock, her heart beating wildly in her chest. When Uhura arrived, she noticed Spock was wired for all to hear and sporting that insufferable slight curve of his mouth that she has grown to love. She could not believe he was smiling at her-- well what constituted as a smile-- and in public no less. Spock looked deeply into her Nubian eyes as he addressed the crowd.
"I state the obvious; I am Spock, a Vulcan. We Vulcans are ruled by logic and not by emotions. We keep our private lives to ourselves, this is our way. But today I would like to share a part of my life with you because I have come to realize, to deny oneself of the one emotion, love, is not logical, but perversely ignorant to a natural process of life. I, Spock, love Ms. Nyota Uhura."
Astonished, everyone in unison gasped, clearly shocked by this self-declared proclamation, including Uhura.
"She is exquisite, captivating, sophisticated and an exceptional woman. Before I ask her to be my Valentine…"
"Awww," said a majority of the listeners as some women clasped their roses to their hearts.
Uhura tried to keep her emotions under control as she saw the sacrifice Spock made, along with this public announcement. She knew this was not the Vulcan way; nevertheless, this is what she desired in a relationship. She was ashamed of herself and her unyielding past attitude, and there was Spock going against his Vulcan heritage and reserved dignity to prove himself in front of her and a hangar full of people.
Spock encased her shaking hands in his and said, "I would like to quote a poem by an ancient poet from old Earth, Robert Burns.
Once again the room was completely silent as everyone held their breaths in anticipation, including Uhura, who was also losing the battle to the tears that threatened to fall. Spock paused for dramatic effect, and to give Uhura a chance to compose herself; he wanted her full attention. With a hint of baritone, his voice rang throughout the ship as he recited Burns victoriously.
"'My love is like a red, red rose
That's newly sprung in June.
My love is like the melody,
That's sweetly played in tune.
As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in love am I,
And I will love thee still, my dear,
Till the seas gone dry.
Till the seas gone dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt with the sun!
And I will love thee still, my dear,
While the sands of life shall run.'"
Kirk quickly wiped away a small tear along with his crew, and McCoy tried to clear the large lump that formed in his throat. Because of the vid screen that was centered on that path devoted to love, everyone saw Spock present a delicate red rose to an overwhelmed Uhura.
With tears flowing freely now, Uhura accepted the rose that was lovingly offered without hesitation. As she looked at it through blurred vision, she found Spock's caressing hand under her chin tilting her face towards him. She relished the warmth of his thumb as it brushed away her tears, his eyes pleading with hers.
"Nyota, I beg of you to honor me with your love and to become my one and only Valentine. Please say yes," he whispered.
Christine, like everyone there, hoped Uhura's answer would be yes. For two weeks she had sat back and watched Uhura throw away roses and countless requests from Spock. Each time, she noticed it became harder for Uhura to rid the items than the last. She also saw that Spock came to the same conclusion because he too, was watching. She loved Uhura, and since Spock would no doubt want to marry her someday, she totally conceded. Christine wanted nothing to come between their friendship and she was certain Uhura felt the same. And if the stories about Vulcan men and the way they treated their women were true, then she would be there for Uhura as well.
Too overcome with this second chance, Uhura could not speak. She screamed at herself to answer before Spock misunderstood her silence. Her head moved before her lips and she answered, "Yes."
Roses were thrown into the air followed by loud applause and whistles as the Enterprise family celebrated the breathtaking drama that unfolded before their eyes. It was said that this event would go down in Enterprise history and all who heard readily agreed.
Scotty stood between McCoy and Kirk with his arms crossed over his chest. He looked at his companions and back at the Enterprise's latest couple and said, "It's a bit melodramatic for my taste, but I must admit, this is the best drama the Enterprise has had…ever. Ooch, a Vulcan in love! What is this Universe coming too?"
Janice Rand was a bit disappointed after Uhura said yes. She wanted to see Spock give her a heart-stopping kiss, but all she saw were his lips pressed against the back of Uhura's hand. Then she wondered if that was heart-stopping for him. // After all, he is a Vulcan. // she thought.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Spock and Uhura stood on the quiet Observation deck with only the stars to keep them company, winking approvingly. They watched as Spock gathered Uhura in his arms and delivered an exquisite, thorough kiss that left her shuddering and breathless; such a kiss was not expected and completely caught her off guard. He placed his hands at the small of her back, drawing her closer as she eagerly responded to a second kiss; the impossible becoming the possible, she was now part of the dream.
Uhura looked up into Spock's dark, triumphant eyes and said, "You were very persistent, if not patient."
.
"Yes, I have been patient for three years and I have always been a firm believer of, 'good things comes to those who wait.'"
"Three years?" Uhura asked, taken aback.
"A miniscule amount of time when calculated and compared with the lifetime we will spend together," said Spock with a smug, secretive smile, once again leaving Uhura with her chin closer to the floor.
Before she could protest Spock's apropos statement, he captured her lips dispersing the storm of vexation, as Uhura found herself blissfully melting in his arms.
Fin
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