Story [Star Trek] Strengthening Connections through Eventful, Tender Times. Post: 07/31/17

by WNSA

Genre: Adventure, humor, mush, friendship.

Characters: Whole cast and crew. LOL Of canon/OCs.

Retelling and expansion of pivotal adventures.

~~~~~~~!!

Prologue

Skyler approached me one late afternoon and said: "Whenever I ask Dad to tell me about his most memorable adventures, I have a hard time..." He trailed off, embarrassed.

I smiled encouragingly. "What is it? You can tell me."

Skyler grimaced. "I don't know if he's embellishing." He said, in a way that I knew he was being discreet and picked that word carefully, judiciously, in lieu of saying "exaggeration."

I laughed. "That's the marvel of it, dear heart! He wouldn't be."

Skyler's eyes widened. "Wow! So I thought if I asked you -- you could tell me honestly. Mom was there for some of it but not all."

I grinned. I had kept logs and diaries for my own recollection, which I fondly perused now and again. I could comb through those and put together a journal that would enthrall Skyler's sense of adventure.

"If I include stuff about your dad and mom and other soul-bonded couples, would that be a problem for you, Skyler? I'll try to tone it down if you'd rather."

He smirked. "I can handle it, Aunt Nyota." He then gave a lopsided grin that was all Jim.

I laughed. "Okay, then. I'll message you something by next weekend."

"Thanks!" Skyler dashed off, with an anticipatory gleam.

+++++

 

Oh, how sweet! So Skylar is the son of Audrey and Jim? I love it. And dear, sweet Aunt Nyota would be the communicator - the person you can turn to for the accurate retelling of the adventures of the past.

This is so interesting.

 

Nice beginning with Nyota sure having enough to tell

 

One of my faves. Mira_Jade

---

"Enterprise Incident"

Sulu stared in disbelief. A strange glitch had suddenly arisen and now they were in the Romulan Neutral Zone. His stomach tightened into a large knot as he announced the approach of 3 ships.

Nyota sent a quick burst of a message saying that they had strayed in inadvertently but the flagship still hove closer menacingly.

The Captain reiterated what the automated message had stated, but the Subcommander -- Tal he said his name was -- insisted that the Captain and executive officer come onboard the flagship for a "discussion".

"Hmmm. At least Romulans go through the motions of talking first." Chekov commented. "Klingons just skip that part altogether."

Sulu laughed lowly and nodded in agreement.

"Very well." The Captain capitulated. "But we will want two of your officers sent over as a guarantee of good faith."

"That is satisfactory." Tal agreed after a brief off-comm exchange with his Commander.

****

The austere conference room was a stark backdrop to the attractive Romulan lady commander, Jim thought. She eyed Spock with curiosity. "A Vulcan exec?" She queried. "I had no idea there were Vulcans in Starfleet."

"Not too many." Spock assented. "Mostly they are in the sciences and strictly noncombatant branches."

Upon querying, Jim avowed what he had asserted earlier. "There was an unintended malfunction."

"I must respectfully apprise the Commander of the actual state of affairs." Spock interjected. "Nothing is served by dissimulation. The reason is actually an impulsive unauthorized action of the Captain. He has been under a great deal of strain lately and I am afraid this act is merely the first indication of a pending imbalance."

"You traitorous ...." Jim railed. The outburst is interrupted as the Praetorian Guards which were more or less part of the background surged forward and led Jim away to the brig at the Commander's unobtrusive signal.

"You and I will have to talk later." She told Spock, a gleam of something warm in her dark eyes.

***

Christine frowned as she listened in on the exchange between McCoy and the Bridge. "What is all that about?"

"Jim attacked one of the guards. The Commander wants me to affirm his mental condition as being somewhat fragile. I just affirmed that he might decompensate at any moment."

"What?" Christine exclaimed. "I never ....!"

"Oh my! They just fired on him with a stun burst that is 3/4 higher than our weaponry carries." McCoy said. "I must insist they beam him back over here immediately for medical attention."

The Commander argued that their medical staff was quite competent but McCoy shot back that they certainly were not competent in Human physiology and certainly not neurologically. The Commander agreed.

****

As soon as Jim was placed on a med-bed, McCoy revived him.

"He looks all right to me." Christine said, eyeing the monitors.

McCoy grinned. "He is, Chris. This was all part of a ruse. Jim and Spock were working undercover to recover a working cloak."

Christine's eyes widened. "Really? Well! Did Ny know?"

"We three were the only ones." McCoy answered. "Deniability and all that."

***

The Commander's quarters were utilitarian but with a strong air of femininity, rather like she herself, Spock noted as he settled on a long couch.

The Commander poured a burgundy liquid into a fluted glass and peered at Spock over the rim. "It must be hard serving aboard a ship where there are no others who share your physical and mental strengths. It must make you feel quite isolated more often than not. If you were to join me, you would find others who would have an affinity for your heritage and a place where your full potential could and would be appreciated."

"I have no doubt." Spock said, eyeing her speculatively. "It is something to consider. It must be rare indeed for a woman to rise so high in the ranks of command."

She smiled. "Yes, but I assure you I worked my way up through consistently and tangibly proving my mettle under test."

"Yes. I can well imagine working closely with you would be of advantage and quite interesting for your crew as well."

"And you would find it even more so on a purely personal level I hope." she answered. "Let me change into something more comfortable." She left.

***

Spock's commlink buzzed.

"Captain? Are you aboard?"

"Yes. I "borrowed" one of the hostage's uniforms as we arranged. The cosmetic surgery went without a hitch too I'm glad to say. Quite stylish if I do say so myself." Jim said with an amused tone. "Where is the cloak?"

Spock raised a dubious brow at the "stylish" remark and sent the coordinates over the comm and then switched off before its signal was detected.

However, Tal did detect it and he and a group of Guards arrived at the Commander's quarters as she emerged in elegant but clearly off-duty attire.

"We picked up an alien transmission, originating from here." He told her.

"The cloak! Commander, it's been taken!" An urgent voice came over the intercom.

The Commander put 2 and 2 together and got 4 quickly.

She gave Spock a cold accusing stare.

"I will deny nothing." He said and proceeded to give a lengthy statement, to buy time.

****

On the Enterprise, Scott finally got the cloak configured and Spock's signature isolated from the Romulans.

When he beamed aboard, the Commander was with him.
It turned out she had been insisting to detain him in the brig and was about to escort him there, not trusting her crew not to "lose" him when he had been caught in the transport beams.


"Now I guess I can have Bones reverse this surgical procedure." Jim commented with a laugh. "Although I'm getting rather sold on the Romulan look. What do you think Spock?"

"Captain, the ears don't quite do it for the Humaan facial structure, I have to admit." Spock said wryly.

Jim laughed even more.

***

In the turbolift to take her to her quarters en route to the nearest Starbase where the cloak would be analyzed and the diplomatic tangle unraveled if possible, she sighed in resignation.

"You are aware this victory of yours will be short-lived. We'll just build a cloak that is impervious to hijacks or duplication?"

"Military victories are the most transient." Spock agreed.

"You were very convincing. I almost thought I had you persuaded."

Spock demurred: "If you will recall, I never said so directly. I am not even aware that I implied as much. I assure you, Commander, if I were not already committed personally and professionally, your offer would have held greater appeal."

*****

Naturally, Spock told Nyota of all that transpired not leaving anything out, even the more private exchanges between he and the Commander.

"So," She said when he finished, giving him the Mara-as-Hand glare. "How easy was it to enter into the role?"

"Nyota. I did admit to being personally as well as professionally committed."

"But what if she had ... done this?" She said and leaned in to blow into his left ear. "Or this?" She trailed kisses along his jawline and suddenly found her ire dissipating in favor of something else altogether.

"I would not have consented to such, you know that, even if it had become necessary." He seized her around the waist and tickled. She wriggled.

"You'd better be glad I believe you." She said around a laugh as he silenced her with a kiss that was the "last word" on the subject.

+++++

 

Interesting and funny take on that beloved episode with Nyota now in the mix

 

Thanks. Here's another yummy adventure.

earlybird-obi-wan & Mira_Jade

---

"City on the Edge of Forever"


We were poised above a desolate world where odd time anomalies seemed to be interacting with the subspace bands most bewilderingly. This intriguing conundrum had Spock and I working closely together. Our frequent glances spoke of our pleasure at this and our enthrallment in the mysterious scientific puzzle.

McCoy was on the bridge, giving Mr. Bradley a shot to stave off a pending migraine. As he was about to return the hypo device to its housing, it misfired - and a hundred times the lethal amount of the drug was pumped into his bloodstream in a split second!

With a panic-stricken, incoherent cry, the surgeon fled the bridge.

Within minutes, Captain Kirk had the entire ship alerted. The library files on Imatrex said that at such massive dosages, paranoia was a frequent result, but McCoy knew the ship too well to be retaken.

By the time a search was organized, he had reached the transporter room and beamed himself down to the planet below. The transporter chief had been monitoring the time disturbance, and the settings had not been changed.

McCoy could be in the middle of anything, so the Captain wasted no time. The landing party included Kirk, Spock, Scott, Mr. Bradley, and I.

We materialized in the midst of extensive ancient ruins. Much of it was mounds of dust, but there were enough scattered sections of broken wall and piled stone to provide hiding places for McCoy.

This planet was frigid, as a burnt-out sun put out a permanent, silvery twilight. The ruins extended past the horizon--a city of tremendous size; but there could have been no life in it for ten thousand centuries.

In the midst of the desolation, we were instantly struck in amazement by one object, polished like new.

It was a large, octagonal mirror. Its framed, cloudy surface was nebulous, shifting. Whatever it was, it gleamed, untarnished, agelessly new.

A cube, also untarnished but half-buried in dust and rubble, sat beside it.

Spock aimed his tricorder at it.

"Whatever that is," Jim said crisply, "make it the center of our search pattern. Fan out".

We separated quickly--all but Spock, who was drawing closer to the shining object instead.
I moved away but kept them in range as I searched and left my communicator on to give and receive a running commentary from the Acting Captain.

Spock exclaimed, "Unbelievable! This one, single object is the source of all the time displacement we detected out in space. I do not understand where it gets the power, or how it applies it. It cannot be a machine, not in any sense that we understand the term..."

Jim eyed the object. "Then what is it?"

At once, the dead air was stirred by a heavy hum; and then a resonant, vibrantly throbbing voice spoke from the object itself.
"After so many millenniums, a question is posed." It boomed.

"Who, what are you?" The Captain assked.

"A civilization older than the most ancient on your world discovered the aspects of temporal fluxes and how the timestream flows in both directions." The resonant voice replied. "They were not wise enough to use this knowledge prudently and expired. However, at the zenith of their brilliance, I was conceived."

"Fascinating." Spock observed. He perused tricorder readings. "I have the time coordinates of when McCoy vanished into the portal. If we go back through, maybe we will be fortuitous enough to encounter him." This last he suggested thoughtfully.

Jim grabbed at this possibility eagerly. Even if it was remote. "Is this viable, likely?"

"Perhaps." The voice said, noncommittally.

"What, if anything do we call you?" Jim asked. The "being"? ... seemed too articulate to be called "it."

"I am the Guardian of Forever."

A picturesque self-designation I thought. I gasped. "Captain! The Enterprise, I cannot get them any longer! They were there, and then ... not."

"Your ship has vanished. All you know is gone."

I felt a knot tie itself in my stomach. "Would retrieving the Doctor set things right again?" I asked.

"Apparently his going back in time, whenever that was, altered history as we know it." Jim said. "If we found him, bringing him back might restore things or not. It might be something he did or didn't do in that time and place. Just figuring out which ..." He sounded disheartened. "Yet, what choice do we have?"

"I have the time point of reference." Spock said. "We must go through the portal in the next 30 seconds."

"Scott, Nyota," Jim said, "If we're not back in a week, you and Scott must find a way to leave here and find a home-place somewhere ... build new lives." He clasped my hand briefly.

"Of course." Scott said, and I gave a nod of assent.

Spock held my gaze with deep and unspoken love and farewell before they stepped through. I hoped desperately that it would not be a permanent one!


****

When they returned, I saw the haunted look in the Doctor's and Captain's eyes. It was a profound relief to return to the Enterprise. We were all home, again.
My eyes went to Spock instantly, and we shared a fervent, silent, and relieved greeting.

During the briefing that followed, I heard (along with the other top officers) of the encounter with a well-known, compassionate philanthropist, Edith Keeler. Ironically, saving her life from a vehicular accident had ppaved the way for global peace and averted war, but it also stymied the space race. The Captain had to forestall her survival, which the Doctor had precipitated on his earlier venture through the Portal.

I cornered Jim after the meeting dispersed.
"Lands, I cannot even begin to comprehend how hard that must have been for you, and for Leo, having to watch as you deliberately stood still and didn't intervene!" My voice became husky. "Knowing it was necessary, I know that didn't make it any easier. I am so proud that you were able to make that difficult choice in spite of."

"In a way, it did." He affirmed. "She was beautiful and if it were only me, I could have developed feelings for her, eventually. She did make an interesting perceptive point about Spock and I by the way, that we seemed to work together well, that his place was at my side, as if that was where we belonged even though naturally she knew nothing of our actual history."

"Don't fix it if it isn't broken." I said, with a smile.
I gave him a quick sympathetic hug and before I could completely disengage, he said, "Nyota, you are one sweet, special lady. I'm glad to count you as a friend."

I beamed, then, touched.

*****

When I and Spock were alone together, he crushed me close, and I basked in our renewed, restored physical and mental proximity.

He told me over Earl Grey tea that finding a way back had been essential because he knew that time had to be reasserted in its rightful stream and because he must return to me at all costs.

"It could so easily not have succeeded." I observed. "I'm happy that it worked, for all our sakes and for all the trillions of lives we aren't even aware of. The hard parts ... only time will heal that, for Jim, especially."

"Yes." He agreed.

Little did we know that soon a new transfer in the form of Security and Intel Chief Audrey Pearce would be arriving and would be crucial in that very healing.

+++++

 

love your take on that touching episode. It was one of the best and had quite an impact on Jim

 

Thanks. I love doing the multiple POV.

This first section deals with "Beyond" and is in the form of a letter. Also uses Ripples.

---

"Crossroads"

Dear Audrey:

Wow, now that the mission logs are declassified, I can share events with you. You do have high Intel clearance, but better safe than sorry. Your being away at this juncture ... Jim misses you a great deal, but he realizes you had to help clear up that whole Qeldoran crisis before it blew up. We've dealt with them before, and they never seem to stay quiescent for long.

We stopped at Starbase 52 and Sulu met his folks there who were working on revitalizing the biosphere and upgrading the technology. His dad repairs computer hardware, and his mom is an eco-shaper, making ecosystems harmonious and fixing damaged biospheres. He took the opportunity to introduce Yolette to them as "someone I care for a great deal". She and they got along very well.

"I was nervous about meeting them." She told me after. "Hikaru was sure they would love me." she smiled.

I answered: "Yes, meeting the parents officially can be daunting!" I winked. "It's quite the milestone once the first meeting is gotten through. Funny how we always think there'll be awkwardness but happily there isn't any to a measurable degree."

Yolette reflected: "I think that's because if one's folks see that one is happy with whom they're with and that he/she makes them so and there's reciprocal love, respect, and trust, that smoothes out any rough spots in the initial encounter."

Not long after, we got a distress signal from a planetoid located near a nebula. It seems a ship from the nearby mining colony had suffered ion storm damage and crashed. We rescued the family of miners. Their daughter it turns out is named Jayla, and she is very interested in engineering and navigation. I think she will be applying to the Academy soon.

We also found a relic during the rescue. A crashed ship there turned out to be the Franklin, a scout ship lost 75 years ago. There were a few survivors, or rather, descendants of survivors. They had went through a wormhole apparently and disappeared. Now we can close that chapter of history, it seems.

It seems temporary leaves are catching. Like ripples in a stream... Spock is considering going to New Vulcan to "test the waters", to see how it would be to settle there on a more or less permanent basis.

He told me about this before sending in the formal request, asked how I felt about it.

I shrugged. "I don't want to hold you back from anything you want to do." I said. There was nothing half-hearted in this attestation. I meant it sincerely, but I would be less than honest if I denied it gave me a qualm.

"I do not want to make you feel any obligation now or in the future to follow that course, if it is not what you desire. I know you wish to pursue diplomacy full-time." He replied.

I frowned. "Why couldn't I do both? Or is this your not-so-subtle way of parting ways?" I semi-half-teasingly asked.

"Nyota! That is not even remotely amusing." He answered quellingly.

I sighed. "Well... All right. Submit the request then."

So he did and got an acceptance.
He'll be away for 3 months.

I don't want to feel like we're being pulled in two directions. I hope we're not... that that's not what will come out of this.

Our love has always been strong enough... I've no doubt it is now. But there are moments when I admit I suffer a pang of "what if it isn't?" Those thoughts don't come often and don't last long. Still... time will tell, as they say.


Nyota

~~~_______ ~~~

Dear Nyota:

Gracious. What a lot of jumbled emotions you're dealing with! I'll be back soon. I'm so relieved this Qeldoran issue has been resolved. I can understand your feelings; let me assure you that your love is strong enough to weather this crossroads moment. Of that I have not even the flicker of a doubt.

Audrey


****

I hugged Audrey. "That was such an encouraging letter you sent. Thanks."

"Now for some decadent indulgence. Fudge brownie sundaes!" Audrey grinned. "With extra chunks!"

I laughed. "It is good to have you back, girlfriend."

****

When Spock returned, he regaled me with the events and happenings of the developing colony. He was gently enthusiastic. I must confess, with relief, that it was infectious.

He put down his cup of steaming Chai tea and reached into his travel satchel. He withdrew a slim volume with embossed gold lettering on the cover. I was fond of books you could hold in your hand. There was something so sweetly renewing about the feel of the pages and the soft touch of tooled leather. For all the convenience of a 'padd, nothing could touch the literal feel of a book.

This, I noticed, was by one of my favorite poets, Pablo Neruda. (Naiira Waheed and e.e. cummings being two others.)

"Nyota, I purchased this for you while awaiting transport back to the Enterprise." He said lowly. "Please go to the 17th sonnet. I believe that you will find that will allay any doubts you may have held at our recent parting and hopefully it will somewhat adequately
express what you are to me."

Sonnet XVII

I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.
I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way
than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.

Touched nearly to tears, I was actually speechless.

/How I do adore you!/ I sent across to him.

We reached to embrace fiercely. My kiss was full of gratitude and serenity.
Yes, my transient doubts were allayed beautifully, and euphoria and a profound love had taken their place.

+++++++

 

She stays with him. Great to express her feelings in a letter

 

"An Obscured Mirror"

When that particular day started, Nyota was preparing for the conference with the Halkans little guessing that things would take a most unpredictable and unusual turn.

Her love brought her a steaming mug of mocha with a healthy dollop of whipping cream.

She took a sip and kissed him a thank-you.

"Do you think Mr. Conrad will be able to handle my post today?" She teased, eyes twinkling at him.

"One would hope so." Spock replied wryly.

Her glance was soft and warm.
"I'll miss you.

He took her free hand and squeezed. /And I, you./

* * *

The Halkan Council was absolutely polite, but its position was rock-hard, and nothing that Kirk, McCoy, Scott or Nyota could say would alter it. The Federation was not to be allowed to mine dilithium crystals on the planet. There was too much potential for destruction in the crystals, and the Halkans would allow nothing to compromise their history of total non-violence.
"To prevent this, we will die as a race. That is a risk we are willing to take." The Halkan representative said staunchly.
"I assure you, the Federation's goals and aims are peaceful. We do not initiate conflict with other worlds, but neither will we back down if provoked."

"What of the future? There had been mention of a hostile Klingon Empire, as well." The Councilor objected.

"It is true. We have no control over any aggression that government might pursue."

"Then, our decision stands."


Jim sighed. He wished there was more time, a point he could raise that would change their minds.
However, he had already received word from Spock that an ion storm of considerable violence was beginning to blow through the Halkan system, and in fact evidence of it was already apparent in the Halkan weather, which was becoming decidedly foreboding as time went on.
To stay longer might risk disruption of transporter transmission, which would strand the landing party for an unknown time.
In addition, it was Spock's opinion that the heart of the magnetic storm represented a danger to the Enterprise.
Based upon this stipulated likelihood, leaving was of the essence.
Jim would not have quibbled with Spock for a second even to procure a diplomatic advantage, not when it came to crew or ship safety.

On the first attempt, the transporter got the party only partly materialized aboard ship when the beam suffered a phase reversal.
Suddenly, they found themselves atop a bare plateau on the Halkan planet, illuminated only by a barrage of lightning. It was nearly five minutes later before the familiar Transporter Room sprang fully into being around them again.

Jim stepped quickly from the platform toward Spock. "We may or may not get those power crystals." And then he stopped, in midstep as well as midsentence. For Spock and the transporter chief were saluting, and a most peculiar salute it was: the arms first folded loosely, then raised stiffly horizontal and squared out.
Their uniforms were different, too; basically, they were the same as before, but they were much altered in detail, and the detail had a savage military flair. broad belts held exposed phasers and what seemed to be ceremonial daggers, shoulder boards, and rank-braid. The Federation breast symbol was gone; instead, there was a blazon which looked like a galaxy with a dagger through it. A similar symbol, in brilliant color, was on one wall of the room, and the equipment was all in the wrong places; indeed, a few pieces of it were completely unfamiliar.

Nyota fixed her gaze on the "Spock" at the controls. She felt her connection to *her* Spock still, though it was not as intense and vivid, like they were separated by a great distance of space, rather than time and space.
This Spock looked cold, hard, almost fanatical. He sported a beard, as well, a very different look to be sure!

Jim dropped his hands to his belt since he did not know how to return the strange salute.

McCoy and Nyota looked at each other. "We're in that odd get-up, too." He said to her soto voce.

It was true! Their uniforms had undergone the strange changes.

"At norm," Spock said to the transporter chief, in a voice loaded with savage harshness. "Captain, do you mean the Halkans have weapons that could resist us?"

At that moment Sulu entered the Transporter Room.
His movements, his manner, were cold, arrogant, ruthless. Nyota gazed at him, shocked. His eyes fastened on her with avid interest. It made her skin crawl.

Sulu, apparently, was the head of security.
He did not salute. He barked, "Status of mission, Captain?"

"No change," The Captain responded carefully. He was treading warily, not knowing what situational context they had literally landed in.

"Standard procedure, then?"

The Captain nodded curtly.

McCoy scowled. This Spock was even more imperious than he claimed the "original" could be, but that assertion was made strictly in jest. This was completely different. What in blazes had happened anyway, when the gentle, efficient Sulu had altered so dramatically?

****

Thanks to the Captain's not unconsiderable knack for apprising the situation while sizing up the intangibles and gathering all pertinent facts while appearing completely nonchalant, he was able to speak to the Halkan Council and ostensibly threaten them with harsh consequences.
"You have 24 hours to decide. Let us hope for all our sakes it is a prudent one."
This apparent leniency caused Spock and Sulu to give him strange looks.
He glowered at them until they turned away.
He's buying time, Nyota realized. He says he expects the Halkans to capitulate, but this is only to have sufficient opportunity to adequately assess the situation and discover what is behind this odd transformation.
"This is most peculiar. Diplomacy and forestalling of punitive measures is not in the regulations." Spock observed.

"I decide what is mandated." Jim retorted crisply. Apparently this was in line with whatever the crew expected "their" Captain to say, so no further objection was raised.

*****

Jim called a private conference in his ready room with the members of the landing team.

"Let's see what the computer files have to say." He said. "Something is completely out of line here."

"Why do I feel like Alice in the looking glass?" Nyota asked rhetorically. "Any minute I expect the Mad Hatter and the March Hare to waltz in here singing about jabber-wokky."

Jim and the Doctor laughed.

They discovered the Federation was actually a brutal Imperial regime.
Ranks were obtained through vicious attacks, defamation of character, framing and implicating rivals in crimes, and finally outright assassination.
You really had to stay on your toes to survive.

Scott and McCoy went to the Engineering level and then the Transporter room to see what could be determined about "making the switch."
"I'm liely to short something out like as not." McCoy groused. "Don't blame me if some vital element fizzles!"

"Have a little confidence, Doctor." Nyota encouraged. "Next to some of the more harrowing surgical procedures you've done, this should be a stroll in the park."

"Yeah, right." He said disbelievingly, but his eyes twinkled.

They reported that it would necessitate rerouting circuits.
Sulu, as Security Chief, would have to be distracted from noticing the telltales.

"Lieutenant," Jim said when they were alone, "I hate to bring this up, but every since we beamed aboard, Sulu hasn't been able to keep his eyes off of you."

Nyota scowled. "I did notice. I tried ignoring it, but he still ketp ogling."

"Perhaps you could ... not encourage him, exactly, but seem to? If it wasn't strictly necessary, I wouldn't even ask." Jim's tone was apologetic.

Nyota sighed with obvious reluctance, then nodded. "As Sulu's friend and as an affianced lady, that just makes me have all kinds of squicky feels ... but you're right. It's what has to be done. All right. I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you." Jim smiled sincerely.

****

"Hey, Lieutenant," Sulu assayed softly to Nyota. "How about drinks after-shift?"

"Hmm. You want to join me for drinks?"

"Sure. For a start." He leered.

"I'll think about it." She said, appearing to consider.

He grinned in anticipation. Triumph at last!

When she got the go-ahead from the Doctor, she came to stand beside Sulu and gave him a quick nudge.
"Well, I've given it some thought, Chief."

He smirked and reached out to slide an arm around her waist, accidentally on purpose squeezing her hip.

She squirmed free and gave him an admonitory slap. "I said I thought about it! I think I'll be able to find myself better company; thank you."

"Who, the First Officer? He's all icicles and thorns. You'll regret this, Lieutenant."

"I doubt it." She rejoined.

The Captain signaled from his ready room. "Meet us in the Transporter Room Leiutenant. Exit casually." He took the emergency lift accessed directly from the ready room that bypassed the bridge's main car.

****

Jim had persuaded the First Officer that an oppressive regime was the height of irrational. "You are intelligent enough and principled enough to make changes happen. I know you can do it. Find allies you can trust and push for liberty and security for the populace."

Spock was assenting: "I have seen how flawed this government is. I will consider your words carefully."

***

When they arrived back on their Enterprise, it was with a profound sense of relief.

"I liked Spock better with a beard." McCoy commented.

"Not me!" Nyota rejoined. Her eyes drank in Spock who was at the Transporter controls. He gazed back at her with something which felt across their bond like satisfaction.

"Welcome back, Captain, Lieutenant." Spock greeted, and nodded to the Doctor and Scott in greeting. "It appears we were unknowingly working in tandem. As you beamed in, your counterparts transported out."

They settled around the large conference table.
"We didn't have too hard a time fitting in." Jim said. "I was able to bluff my way through quite a bit."

"Your counterparts, on the other hand, did not acclimate well at all." Spock observed. "They were quite brutal and arrogant. The Communications Officer was especially so."

"Hmmm!" Sulu was a piece of work let me tell you!" Nyota remarked.

"At least now we can try persuading the Halkans again. Or shelve the discussion until a better opportunity." The Captain mused.

****

"It was like peering into an obscured mirror." Nyota said thoughtfully when she and Spock were alone later. "Our bond felt muted somehow."

"Yes. I got that same impression." He said and slid an arm around her shoulders. "Little did we know that your day would be so eventful when we parted this morning."

"That's so true!"

"It fascinates me that in that alternate universe, Sulu was pursuing you, whereas here he never even attempted to."

"I was blatantly taken is why." Nyota chuckled.


++++++

 

Mirror Mirror with Nyota Uhura's POV!

My favourite episode of Trek!

What did Mirror!Uhura do?

 

DARTH_MU Mirror Nyota was demanding and pushy whereas our Nyota had to fend off Sulu I like all fics, SW and Trek, that deal with time/dimension hopping. In SW it lends itself to fixing all kinds of ... In Trek, it's just fascinating.

 

Mirror mirror; Love how you visualized the whole episode and the aftermath

 

~~~~~~!!!
I am posting this delightful thing in one go.


"Eventful Journey"

Chapter 1

"Captain's Log: We have the distinct honor to transport some delegates to the Babel conference."

Here Kirk pauses and winks at Uhura. "All those opinionated ambassadors/delegates in a confined space..."

Uhura laughs and rolls her eyes in commiseration.

"There are 32 ambassadors, 14 delegates. Two weeks of conferences will be held."

(If we're lucky.) Uhura thinks wryly.

"Delegates to this conference are to consider the admission of Coridan's system to the Federation. Coridan has lots of dilithium, but it is under-protected and underpopulated. The Tellarites don't want Coridan in the Federation. Gav is their chief Ambassador, and like the rest of his kind, reputed to be quite beligerent and intractable."

"The Tellarites want to have more access to the crystals." Sulu observes.

Uhura groans at the mention of Tellarites. Not exactly winning in looks: Black and beady eyes with pinched, pig like faces. Meaty hands and hairy bodies concealed under gaudy silver and blue uniforms.
Unlike Vulcans, she smirks, who as a rule are easy on the eyes.

Kirk concludes: "Ambassador Sarek, among other voices of reason, should provide a needed balance."


"Hopefully the dunderheads will have enough sense to pay heed." Nyota comments.

"I wouldn't hold my breath on that score, but we can hold a slim candle of hope." Jim answers, and she chuckles.


***

Nyota dresses in a lovely black evening gown for the Ambassadorial welcome and reception. She wears her betrothal ring and firestones.

Spock gazes raptly at her. He refrains from touching her, since her delight would ignite his, and her gown would become hopelessly rumpled as a result.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing Sarek again." She remarks, noting how absolutely delightful her intended is looking, himself. "We can talk about our decision to apply for another tour, hopefully."

"He is bringing T'Mai his chief aide along." Spock replies, with a note that clearly said: "I do not see the point in his doing so."

"Surely, he's not the only one who is doing such?"

"I believe others are but --"

"I met T'Mai before; she is very pleasant and seems to like Sarek quite beyond the professional." Nyota pauses. "That's it, isn't it, my love?"

He considers this for a moment and then says: "I had not thought of it, precisely, before you posed the possibility. It is something to ponder, certainly."

"It is a situation that is definitely fraught with mixed emotions." Nyota answers with sympathy. She wraps herself around him for a quick hug.
His hands slide around her waist. She melts into him.

"Oh," She sighs regretfully. "We can't -- we have to cut this short, unfortunately."

They make their way to the reception hall, hands clasped.

***

McCoy asks Spock how to do the salute sotto voce, as Sarek approaches.

Christine laughs.

"You are looking remarkably well, Lieutenant." Sarek greets Nyota, whose answering smile is warm.

"Tell me, Ambassador," McCoy drawls after introductions and/or greetings. "Did Spock have a pet growing up?"

T'Mai gives the doctor an inscrutable look at this question.

Sarek replies, mentioning Spock's pet growing up . "like a teddy bear. Alive, with six inch fangs."

Christine gasps and Audrey smirks.

Nyota grins. "I've heard him speak of it before. Rather like having your own pet lion cub."

***

Taking his son aside, Sarek tells Spock that Amanda would have been proud to see him operating as he is, with warm friendships and such a worthy, cherished fiance.

"Thank you, Father. This revelation is quite gratifying; Nyota and I have been weighing a particular matter. The various points for and against are ones we are still considering. Further, our bond has grown much stronger of late, very probably necessitating an earlier joining."

"I can hardly think this is objectionable to either of you?" Sarek observes wryly, having noted how fervently devoted Nyota's glances have been, and how readily these are returned.

"Naturally, not. Nyota would be especially pleased. But it has almost reached the point where a protraction might be harmful."

Sarek probes: "In that event, I believe that would be the wiser course."

+++++

Chapter 2

"The configuration is of a scout ship." Sulu reports.

Nyota tries raising them. "It doesn't answer a hail, not on any frequency." She relates.

"Starfleet records no authorized vehicle with these specifications." Spock adds, after scanning the data-files.

Kirk asks Spock to guess.

"Captain, there is not enough data to guess." Spock replies.

Kirk and Nyota both favor him with a questioning glance. He usually had a strong supposition if pressed, a wonderful blend of Holmesian reasoning and (although he would never call it that), an intuitive leap.

The ship is coming towards them at almost warp ten!

Sulu and the Engineering staff do some fancy coordinating and tweaking to attempt to keep a safe distance, although with an unknown ship, what that would be is hard to speculate upon.

Meanwhile, Nyota has queried Starfleet directly and confirms no authorized ship of that type.

On the viewscreen, the ship changes course and remains parallel to them.

The Captain frowns. "Whoever they are, they appear to be testing our limits. Sulu, keep them guessing, and continue to monitor all channels and life signals."

**

In Sarek's quarters, he and T'Mai are going over notes for the upcoming conference when he suddenly feels ill.

T'Mai is one who has always striven to be completely professional and respectful, but her admiration for Sarek has been growing steadily, and also an undeniable attraction ... he is possessed of a keen intellect, unshakable integrity, and loyalty.

Her impression of his son even on a brief acquaintance, is that he shares many of these exemplary qualities.

As to the Lieutenant, T'Mai is struck with each encounter by that lady's incredible empathy and vivacity.

T'Mai gives Sarek a concerned glance, but he demurs when she offers to summon medical assistance.

On the bridge, Spock senses his father feeling ill.

"Captain, my father seems to have been taken ill, and--"

"Have Ms. Blake take over Science," Kirk responds quickly.

Officer Kailyn Blake is summoned and duly arrives.

"I'll go with you." Kirk offers solicitously. He and Spock both glance at Nyota, whose dark eyes are large and liquid with concern.

"My love..." She murmurs softly to Spock. "I believe I should stay here. The situation requires--"

Kirk gives her a lopsided smile. "A surer hand than Conrad's? Say no more."

***

Sarek goes down to the banquet-room to take meds, and finds Gav.

"I wish to speak with you!" Gav says without preamble.

"It does seem unavoidable." Sarek sighs. "We favor admission." Sarek finally admits.

"Why?" Gav asks, astounded.

"Under Federation law, Coridan can be protected, and its wealth administered for the benefit of its people."

"There would be no wealth for you. New Vulcan has no mining interest!" Gav sneers derisively.

?Coridan has these, however. This invites illegal mining operations." Sarek says. "If Coridan is protected sufficiently, this illicit activity would cease perforce. It would seem that any who object to admission have some ... secret schemes and rationales behind it."

"Illegal? You would accuse us?" Gav asks defensively.

"Some of your ships have been found carrying Coridan crystals." Sarek answers.

"You would call us thieves?" Gav demands.

Gav attacks with a hidden dagger, but Kirk breaks in. "I don't care what you two have going on between you, but next time, you can take it outside."

Gav threatens: "There will be payment for your slander, Sarek."

Sarek is unfazed. ?Threats are illogical, and payment is usually expensive." He returns with a steely tone.

Sarek then assures Spock and the Captain that he is all right, and that the momentary disequilibrium has passed.

Therefore, they return to the bridge, although Spock is only half-persuaded all is well.

***

Security is alerted to Gav's belligerence.
Later, he is found murdered in a fashion known only to ancient Vulcans.
This implicates Sarek, and he is questioned by the Security Chief.
No one believes he is truly guilty and hopes he has an alibi.

+++++

Chapter 3

Sarek's alibi is meditation, according to the interview conducted by Commander Pearce.

T'Mai is unable to substantiate or negate this point.

"Hmm." McCoy remarks when he learns of this. "That is a very convenient excuse, if it could only be confirmed."

Suddenly, Sarek collapses!

McCoy and Christine scramble for their diagnostic instruments.

Spock feels Sarek's pain and presses for an explanation from McCoy.

McCoy retorts: "Dammit, I am a Doctor, not a miracle worker, give me a second."

While McCoy is working on his readings, Ms. Blake calls him for assistance with the readings, and he leaves to help.

"We'll let you know as soon as we know." McCoy says gruffly, his eyes warm with sympathy.

Nyota notices that Spock is uncharacteristically restless and 'off' compared to his usual superlative level of proficiency. She smirks proudly, even his 80-90% is higher than most.

The ship is high density, manned, and yet the sensors cannot make out any specifics.

Kirk asks: "The Romulans have nothing like it? what about the Klingons?"

Spock says after perusing pertinent Intelligence data: "Not that Intelligence sources are aware."

Nyota picks up something suspicious. "Reception points indicate that someone onboard is in contact with that vessel out there, but it fits no known code or pattern; no standard frames of reference apply."

Although distracted and preoccupied, Spock is struck anew with admiration for Nyota's competence and thoroughness.

"Since the ship fits no records, it has an alien origin." Kirk concludes.

***

McCoy contacts the bridge when Sarek is conscious again and says that he had a heart-attack or something analogous.

Sarek clarifies: "Not quite, Doctor. It is actually Bindisydriac syndrome, and I suffered two attacks before I left for this conference and had a third a few hours ago."

T'Mai's eyes widen perceptibly. She had known of the first one only and had urged him to consult the Healers.

Sarek continues: "You see, Doctor, I was quite incapacitated when Gav was murdered."

The relief this announcement brings is deeply mitigated by the grave news about Sarek's medical condition.

**

On the bridge, Dr. McCoy says that he knows of this particular disease and knows that the construction of the Vulcan heart doesn't make the needed surgery easy.

"One needs a large quantity of hemoglobin and a higher blood volume. We need volume expanders to increase fluid and drugs to stimulate hemoglobin production, but if there has been any valvular or arterial compromise--" He frowns. "We'd need to get a blood match to connect into an closed-circuit loop to help with heart function and blood flow."

Spock offers his without hesitation.

McCoy replies: "I would need to filter out human factors. You wouldn't be able to give that much blood without the full services of a Starbase OR. I could probably rig the needed apparatus, but I don't have any of the needed drugs on board. Once Sarek would be able to generate his own blood supply safely, this would cut down on the risks tremendously."

Spock begins to estimate the odds.

Nyota snaps: "Don't," in fond exasperation. Her pride mingles with apprehension.

Spock suggests a theoretical drug, which is just starting in clinical trials.

McCoy doesn't want to use it. "I studied the procedures ... but if I don't kill him with the operation, the drug probably will. It'll be too much of a strain on spleen and liver."

Spock responds: "I do not know of a logical alternative Doctor. If you don't operate, he dies."

Nyota feels Spock's inner turmoil over that potential outcome.

McCoy agrees, begrudgingly. "I'll set to work, immediately, and none of my staff will go off-shift until we have something viable, I promise."

**

T'Mai draws Nyota aside. "I will stay with him, with both of them when the operation occurs. I understand that your duty demands you be on the bridge."

Nyota frowns, her eyes filling. "I don't know what ... good I'll be."

"Do not underestimate your strength or resolve in this matter."

+++++

Chapter 4

While McCoy works on the serum, Spock is going back and forth between the bridge because that ship is becoming more and more of a threat. It hasn't made any overtly hostile moves, but everyone feels it is a matter of time.

He's feeling the strain, though. Both Nyota and Sarek feel it through their individual connections.


***

Meanwhile, Kirk is attacked by Thelev. The Andorian is angry that such a brutal attack as happend against Gav could take place and demands tighter security for the delegates so that there won't be a repeat of that incident.

Kirk does not want to divulge that perhaps Gav was the intended, and only target. This hasn't been proven, and it isn't something that needs spreading abroad among the gossip-mongering delegates.

The Captain calls Security who haul Thelev off to the brig.

Audrey is very worried. He tries to literally shrug it off, but his wince spoils the effect.

"Go to Sickbay, before I stun-cuff you and drag you there." She warns.

He chuckles gently. "I love you too, 'Rey."

She tries to scowl in reply, but laughs instead.

***

McCoy is irate when the Captain arrives. The latter tries to minimize his injuries, but he has 3 practically cracked ribs and a nearly dislocated shoulder.

"As if I didn't have a full plate already!" McCoy grumbles.

"I'd like to get my hands on the guy with the sledgehammer." Kirk tries to make light.

McCoy asks: "Who? The one who hit you?"

"No, the one in my head." Kirk groans. "It's worse than overindulging in that ... special brew of Mr. Scott's."

Spock remarks that he needs to take over for Kirk, but he'll pass it off to the third in line, when the need arises to perform the surgery. "Or, when the situation with the unidentified ship has been resolved, then we can proceed..."

Sarek insists firmly: "You must take command."

Spock agrees at last.

Nyota is irked and tries to change his mind. She places her hands on her hips and forthrightly says: "You cannot be in two places at once. Regulations demand one thing, but only you can determine what is more important ... what consequences you can and cannot live with."

T'Mai, observing this, is impressed by Nyota's fierceness and the affection for all involved which drives it. It is evident in the tone and in those expressive dark eyes.

Spock reaches a hand out and clasps Nyota's lightly and murmurs softly: "I am weighing all factors, and this is the only recourse."

Sarek, irregardless of the fact that he is not able to be wholly impartial either due to filial impressions and ties, nor by virtue of the circumstances, is moved by this degree of warmth and openness thus displayed, and by the fact that the words and the touch immediately melts Nyota. She sighs with a rueful glance: "You are both stubborn. Quite a human trait, don't you think?" There is teasing in the tone.

Both give her an inscrutable look. She chuckles, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

***

Kirk plots to get Spock off of the bridge.

He assures Nyota: "I'll talk Spock into thinking I'm okay," then to the Doctor: "...get ready to begin operating."

McCoy observes with a note of teasing surprise: "Hey Jim, that's ..."

Kirk laughs: "Logical? Someone has to be the sensible one."

***

Spock, assured of the Captain's ability to retain command, decides that there is no need to defer surgery any longer. Christine puts up a privacy screen so he and Nyota can have a private moment.

He pulls her close for a kiss so thorough it leaves her breathless and tingly all the way down to her toes.

"I cherish you, ashal-veh." He murmurs, taking in every detail of her loveliness.

"I love you, my heart." Nyota answers. "I'll be back here as soon as may be." She promises.

+++++

Chapter 5

As it turns out, Kirk is pleased to have remained when things take an unexpected turn. Nyota catches a transmission coming from the brig.

"Hmmm. There should not be one from there. Search Thelev immediately." The Captain directs.

The guards find a transmitter in an ear-piece.

"Actually," Audrey reports, "His antennae are false. They concealed a transceiver."

"Then," Kirk surmises, "He is not Andorian at all but was surgically altered to look like one. This is why his disguise/impersonation was so convincing."

***

The unidentified vessel now closes in to attack the Enterprise, moving at extreme speed; far faster than the Enterprise can lock weapons on it. Kirk orders Thelev to the bridge and questions him about his and the attacking ship's motives, though Thelev is evasive. The ongoing attack damages the Enterprise and Kirk decides to try a ruse, shutting down internal power to make the Enterprise appear crippled. This lures the attacker to slowly approach and the Enterprise damages it with a surprise phaser counterattack.

The disabled ship self-destructs, and Thelev reveals that both he and the ship were on suicide missions; he then collapses and dies from a delayed-action poison.

***

"It must be tied to renegade pirates who are interested in sabotaging the conference." The Captain concludes. "We must be on high alert that another, back-up plan hasn't been put in motion at the actual talks."

"I will send a copy of the logs to the conference Chair." Nyota suggests.

"An excellent precaution."

She scrambles and encrypts these files and sends them on an intense, emergency beam.

"Now, will you go to Sickbay?" Audrey insists. "The Doctor has been paging..."

"I know. I was occupied and then - frankly, just tuned him out."

Everyone laughs.

"Yes, I have no reason not to, now. Coming, Lieutenant?"

"You couldn't keep me away." Nyota answers and pages Janice to take over her station, as had been arranged between the two of them.

++++

Chapter 6

Kirk returns to sickbay for further care and finds Spock and Sarek both alert, the surgery having been an apparent success.

McCoy quips while cauterizing: "Are you quite through shaking the ship around?"

Kirk lets all in on the situation as it transpired.

"It turns out Orion smugglers have been raiding Coridan to supply dilithium to the highest bidder. The ship was constructed for a suicide mission and used full power for their attacks."

Spock ponders: "I wonder why I didn't figure it out earlier."

Nyota asks softly: "Could it be you had something crucial on your mind?"

Spock replies thoughtfully: "I would hardly think so."

Nyota grins and says: "Yeah, right. Forgive me if I'm not convinced." There is laughter in her tone.
Then she suddenly favors Sarek with a firm glance and directs him crisply:
"You, say thank-you to Spock! And don't you deny the fact that it is necessary such things are openly acknowledged."

Sarek says in an aside to his son: "Emotional. Isn't she?"

Spock answers: "She has always been that way." There is fondness in the tone.

"Indeed ... why ever did you decide to marry her?" Sarek rejoins.

Spock replies: "I must avow that it seemed the logical course at that juncture."

Nyota gives him a questioning look; their bond is muted.
She gets an intimation of teasing, but because he wants to convey seriousness to Sarek, this presents an apparent, contradictory overlay.

Sarek reflects that he also found Amanda to be emotional and sentimental, and that it had been quite diverting and exhilarating.

***

Kirk tries to get up, and McCoy says:
"Argue, kid, I dare you. You want to spend your next ten days here?"

Nyota laughs softly and thinks: When Jim makes Admiral, he'll still be 'kid.'

Kirk grumbles: "Sadist."

McCoy says with utmost innocence: "Nothing of the sort, just your friendly family doctor..."

"No. I would definitely call that a Sithly penchant. Anyone asks, your lightsaber is ruby-red."

McCoy warns with a twinkle: "Cooperate, and you'll be out in two."

Jim hastily retracts: "Forget I said anything. Your lightsaber is blue, not red."

Nyota's amusement shines in her eyes as she takes in this brotherly fond exchange.
"Very accommodating of you, Leo. Audrey will thank you for that by saving you an extra slice of caramel apple tart. She's making it for our next ladies' evening."

"Oh, why didn't you say so before, Uhura?" McCoy asks, eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Just for that, it cuts down to one. day in recovery"



Spock tests the waters: "I think I'll return to my station."

McCoy doesn't go for this attempt and firmly says: "You are at your station!!"

Nyota's sense and eyes convey her definite agreement. She says to the Doctor, chuckling: "I believe you are enjoying all of this... way too much!"

Spock adds: "Indeed, Nyota. I have never seen him look so cheerful."

The Captain and Nyota both laugh at this.

McCoy can't deny it, so he says decisively: "Quiet, all of you!"

There is silence all around, with mirthful glances exchanged.

McCoy basks in the moment: "Well. What do you know? I finally got the last word."

Kirk mouths to Nyota: "Just you wait, Doctor."

She stifles another laugh.

***

The Security staff deepen their investigative probe. they do not find Thelev had any shipboard collaborators.
Mr. Freeman, however, notices a conspicuous blank spot on one of the security cams, such that when one ran it back, there seemed no missing seconds/minutes. But the time-stamp was different. He and Audrey worked on this and discovered a tampered record showing Thelev attacking Gav.

This was filed along with the official mission logs.

"Apparently Thelev had this all planned out to the minutest detail." Freeman comments.

"Yes." Audrey agrees. "He almost pulled it off in a foolproof fashion, too."

"But when the evidence seems too airtight..." Freeman begins.

"Security gets suspicious." Audrey finishes with a grin.

***

While this all is transpiring, in the Sickbay Sarek talks to Spock about how his bond with Nyota is deepening and the ramifications.

Sarek has been moved by the recounting of Nyota's harrowing experiences on Serillious. He feels his son has comported himself in the best ancient and modern traditions.

"It speaks well of Nyota's courage and quality of character and also of her indispensability that you would do such." Sarek observes, his deep voice thoughtfully resonant. "The bond between you is more pervasive than when last I saw you, and there is a stronger entwinement than is usually encountered. This experience must be quite fulfilling to you both; yet, I would personally recommend a full joining for the sakes of both of your mental wellness. Although my health has been stabilized, it could change unexpectedly. New Vulcan would need keen minds such as yours to guide its future."

"We would be pleased to help in whatever capacity that is needed, as we hope to undertake a diplomatic path. However, I must confess that I am surprised and disappointed that you didn't tell me of your illness before it became critical."

"My physician was monitoring my condition, and he did not know if it was going to worsen or stabilize. I did not feel it necessary to relate anything specific when it would only foster anxiety."

"And T'Mai? Is something occurring there that I should be aware of?"

Sarek does not deny this but simply avows, "We are exploring a friendship only, at this point."

Spock's tone is definitely amused as he thoughtfully responds: "I believe I made that exact assertion during my first acquaintanceship with Nyota."

"And we all know how that turned out." Nyota beams proudly, coming over to join them, and twining hands with her betrothed.

"Yes. Very auspiciously for all concerned." Sarek responds.

****

T'Mai presents Nyota with a gift. "Sarek had this made for you, and I believe it is quite appropriate. Please accept it as mine, as well."

It is a lovely mini-but-to-scale sculpture of the Vulcan Goddess of Wisdom and Love. Where passion melded with Wisdom... Nyota is completely touched.

"Look!" She exclaims to Spock later as he joins her in their shared quarters.

"Hmmm." He answers, perusing it carefully. "Yes. It is an apt gift, indeed."

"Do you think so?" Nyota asks, touched. "It is a magnificent work of art and culturally very meaningful."

"Yes. It is, and you richly deserve it."

"I'm so happy you were released from the med-ward." Nyota enthuses, turning on a soft and sultry melody. She curls up against him and he wraps an arm around her waist and draws her near.

****

After the conference concludes, leave is taken on a world of verdant meadows and wooded glades with rippling rivers framing them in a picturesque, serene setting.

"I've been wondering," Nyota broaches, "When you said that marrying me was the logical thing to do ... does that mean it isn't now or what precisely?"

"It means exactly this." Spock replies. "Being with you was at that time and will always be the only reasonable one I could have made. You are indispensable to me."

She answers softly. "As you are to me. It was so wonderful that through this recent experience we all got closer together, at least I feel like we did, each of us to your father. Do you feel that is the case, too?"

"Yes. I did sense a strengthened affection and enhanced understanding."

"Terrific when that happens in the midst of arduous circumstances." Nyota remarks.

"Your support throughout was integral to that outcome." He tells her tenderly. "You have always proven to be an unfailing source of empathy, and each instance just makes you that much more essential."

Their loving caresses and ardent kisses make them the last to return from leave.
No one is surprised in the slightest, and her lady friends smile knowingly.

End

---

Enjoyed redoing these immensely

Mira_Jade & earlybird-obi-wan

 

A great episode - one of my favorites - given so much depth and added details of the ST2009 verse

 

Thank you so much! I love delving into emotional implications and intricacies and these characters are like chocolate Pure self-indulgence.