Unbeknownst - Chapter 8
Author: Mousling1014
Story: Unbeknownst
Chapter 8 of ?
Rated: T
Pairing: AOS Spock/Uhura
Warnings: Mind-control, sexy times (rating will change to R for that)
Synopsis: What happens when you thought you were in control, but you're not....
Disclaimer: I don't own them - Paramount does and I'm making nothing from this.
Chapter 8
It took Uhura only a few moments to register that she and Spock were now being surrounded by people. An elder Vulcan woman appeared behind Spock and three other Vulcans, all males, tall, imposing and more than likely security, were now staring at both of them. Uhura only removed one hand from around Spock’s arm; she let her other hand swing loosely at her side. The three Vulcan males had not made any attempt to touch her and Uhura was counting on that being their last resort, while they were of course physically stronger than her, being touch telepaths had some disadvantages. Hell, she would even go hysterical and over emotional if need be just to make it uncomfortable for them, she knew from experience with her interactions with Spock, that he found it disconcerting to say the least when accidentally brushed up against, especially his hands, so Uhura wanted to make sure she could at least grab that one appendage on them should any of these Vulcans try anything.
No one moved; stalemate. Then another Vulcan, also male, joined the fray. The new Vulcan was older than Spock, but by Vulcan definitions would have been considered a young man. He was handsome, his hair actually a dark shiny brown rather than blue-black, was styled of course in the trademark bowl cut of his race. His eyes glanced at Uhura and then settled on Spock who now appeared to be coming out of a trance like state and seemed almost confused. The new Vulcan greeted the elder Vulcan woman who had now moved to Spock’s side, and the other Vulcans stepped back slightly in respect. Uhura kept her eyes on the two conversing, all the while continuing to keep Spock in a vice like grip. She was listening to the conversation and wanting desperately to join in, to ask questions..What illness were they talking about? Spock having to go to Vulcan? Uhura was shocked out of her concentration when she felt a very warm hand slip quickly over her empty one, palm flat to achieve maximum contact, he slipped into her mind.
*My name is Surat, I don’t have much time, things are not what they appear Cadet Uhura. Enemies appear as friends. I know you speak Vulcan, do not let on that you do. Walls have ears.* Amusement at this comment bubbled through the link, startling Uhura even more. *I will try to explain more when I can, I must help Spock right now, do not do anything foolhardy, he needs you more than you know and you will be of no use if you are reckless.* Surat slipped quickly out of Uhura’s mind, the contact of her hand in actuality only appeared as a brush, not noticeable to those around them. Surat came forward then with the Vulcan woman in tow and spoke to Uhura.
“Young woman, you were seen coming in with this Vulcan citizen were you not?” Surat said. “What is your reason for being here at the Vulcan Embassy?”
Uhura looked first at the Vulcan woman and then at Surat. “I am Cadet Nyota Uhura and I was invited by my professor Commander Spock to accompany him to the Vulcan Embassy to learn more about Vulcan culture, he informed me that he had an appointment here today and it would be agreeable if we were to come together.”
“Yet you asked for library privileges concerning Vulcan language glyphs, especially those pertaining to High Vulcan?” One of the security guards spoke without inflection to the elder Vulcan woman.
Great...just great, Uhura thought, come on Ny wangle out of it.
“Well of course I would want to look at your language, especially those of High Vulcan. My sister Akina, is an artist, whose work I might add can be seen in the Andorian embassy. Every time you pass by Ambassador Lema’k’s office, that wall hanging by the door is my sister’s work.”
Uhura made eye contact with the security guard and fixed her stare on him and continued. “And now she wants to work on some pieces that reflect Starfleet and the inclusiveness of interplanetary relations. And language can be a great inspiration, art-wise. So mystery solved as to why I asked to look at the glyphs, besides you can clearly see from the console logs that I honed in on quite a few and recorded them, have to get a lot of info for sis.”
With that Uhura deliberately turned her back and stared up at Spock. His eyes had returned to their natural warm brown and he appeared to be himself again, though puzzlement clearly showed by the furrowing of his brow. Surat and the elder Vulcan woman were again in discussion, Uhura tilted her head slightly to catch their words all the while focusing on Spock.
“…With all due deference Counselor Surat, if this is indeed such a case of Bendii, then it would be in Spock’s best interest to be escorted to Vulcan immediately, as you are aware once symptoms begin to manifest themselves it is only a matter of time. And Spock’s age makes this an extremely urgent case.”
“Healer T’Kayla, a definitive diagnosis can only be determined by thorough testing, and while I concur that testing should be performed on Vulcan, I am under an obligation to Ambassador Sarek as his former attaché to ensure that his son receives the proper attention and respect. I will accompany Spock and the young woman back to the academy and I will make the proper arrangements within Embassy channels to have Spock taken to Vulcan.” Surat deftly turned and ended the conversation, his eyes meeting Spock’s and then Uhura’s. “Follow me, I will make arrangements for private shuttle to take us back to the Academy.”
Surat lead them to a small office and quickly accessed the console there, and arranged for shuttle service. His glance moved from the console to Spock’s face when Spock finally spoke.
“Counselor Surat, I remember when you were my father’s attaché, I remember you expressing difficulty understanding human and earth culture with my mother on many an occasion during my youth. I am surprised that your new posting is on Earth.”
“Indeed Spock, my posting in part is due to your mother, Lady Amanda. I have a great admiration for her and her ability to not only accept the confines of an alien culture, but to actually thrive within it without losing herself and who she is.” Surat looked over at the door then again over at Uhura and Spock. “Come, the shuttle will be here at any moment. We can talk more freely and ‘catch up’ as humans say when we arrive at the Academy. There is also the matter of your ‘illness’ Spock, again a discussion for another time.”
All three left the office and made their way to the front of the Embassy, Uhura found herself behind both Surat and Spock, she glanced over her shoulder and noticed the Vulcan security guards were walking a discreet distance back. She said nothing, but instead moved closer to Spock. He whispered gently to her.
“Forgive me Nyota, I do not know what is happening and it is not my intention that you become a part of whatever this is.”
Uhura whispered back. “Spock, I’m a part of ‘it’ because I choose to be, one thing you’re going to find about the Uhuras, we are an extremely loyal bunch to our family and friends, and you sir are part of that group, so get used to it!”
Spock’s lips curved slightly upwards and Uhura’s stomach did a little flip flop and her body started tingling again. They didn’t speak again until they were out of the Embassy doors and into the waiting shuttle. Surat discretely used his communicator, speaking quietly, too quietly for even Spock to hear, he finished up and then sat back surveying both Spock and Uhura. No one spoke. They all just sat there, each appearing to be within their own thoughts. Uhura for her part was still trying to replay the voices she had heard, the sibilant language straining just out of her reach.
Just need to focus Ny, try to focus on the sounds, were they clicks or hisses? Come on Ny..her thoughts were interrupted when Surat announced that they were at the Academy. All three left the confines of the shuttle to make their way to the teacher’s dorms and Spock’s apartment, though not before a curious moment had presented itself. Surat had departed the shuttle first and had offered his hand to Uhura to help her out, she hesitated a moment and then not wanting to appear rude, had taken his hand in hers, the warmth of it flaring up her arm. Spock was behind her and staring at Surat, his eyebrow raised in an obvious question. Surat too raised his eyebrow and Uhura couldn’t help but think of them as two bookends, she quickly dropped Surat’s hand and ducked her head. Spock strode swiftly towards the dorms leaving Uhura and Surat to follow in his wake. They made their way up to Spock’s apartment, Spock quickly punched his code into the door pad and the group made their way inside to see someone else was already there…..
Uhura blinked several times, how had he gotten in? Premara Delarouix, Prem for short, Uhura remembered sat on Spock’s lounger and smiled at them. He looked over at Surat and spoke with some amusement.
“Surat, you are definitely slipping my friend. I should have known that Cadet Uhura would somehow involve herself, it’s one thing to make Spock disappear for a while, but now we have to include her as well in this? Though I have to admit, Spock appears to have done an excellent job of disabling the sensor devices they planted in here, I’m sorry that he got hurt in the process.” Prem wrinkled his brow at the Vulcan and to Uhura’s astonishment, Surat smiled at Prem. Spock appeared stunned at this, his eyebrows sliding under his bangs, his eyes becoming larger in his impassive face, the only outward sign of emotion.
“Cadet Uhura is quite persuasive Prem, I’m sure that Spock’s arguments couldn’t withstand her assault of them.” Surat now positively grinned, and Uhura found herself wondering if Spock would have that same expression if he smiled, it was quite attractive.
“You are V’tosh Ka’tur!” Spock didn’t quite spit the words out, but they were enough to make Surat stiffen, the smile slipping from his face, his features becoming stony.
“Spock, you surprise me. I would not have thought that you would be one to label another so. I am far more than those mere words you choose to rail against me. There is much that you do not understand. I have had to make choices, choices for the greater good as humans would say, or perhaps the Vulcan way is better, the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. I work for a better Vulcan Spock, and I will make no apologies for who or what I am.” Surat spoke softly, but his meaning was clear to Uhura and she hoped to Spock as well..Surat was telling Spock to ‘back off’. Spock did, but not before issuing a rejoinder.
“And you surprise me Counselor Surat. As a child I often listened to your conversations with my father, I must confess I was not so privy to those you had with my mother. But I remember on more than one occasion that you commented to my father about his illogical choice of mate. And yet you have clearly sought a path that puts your emotions into the forefront.”
“You’re right Spock, I did comment to your father, but that was before spending time with Lady Amanda. Your mother is quite a unique individual, and I am truly sorry that you have not….”
Prem stood up and interrupted Surat before he could say anything more. “O-Kay! We need to tone this down right now! This conversation is not helping anyone and while we know right now we’re safe and not being ‘listened to’, time is a precious commodity and we’re wasting it on pointless arguments.” Prem turned to Uhura. “Remember when I said that I sometimes seek out Vulcans just to bask in their emotional control? Well guess whose control I’m basking in right now..You, Cadet Uhura could make these two Vulcans ashamed of themselves.”
Uhura nodded agreeing with Prem. “Gentleman, I would like some answers. Now would be nice, later not so much, unless it involves feeding me. Today has been a hell of a day and I have the feeling it’s not going to get better. Now I would like to know who you are, and who you’re working for, that sort of thing, how do Spock and I know that you both can be trusted?”
“Firebrand like I said.” Prem spoke out of the corner of his mouth to Surat, who again smiled and inclined his head.
“And don’t any of you forget that either.” Uhura said sternly. “Now, and excuse me but this feels odd, kind of cloak and dagger like. But lets get started on those answers.” Uhura went over to the lounger and sat, she patted the seat next to her and indicated to Spock to sit down as well. He did and she felt his body heat against her, setting the tingles off again. Really she must ask someone about that feeling.
Surat gazed steadily at Uhura as if deciding on something and then pulled up one of Spock’s dining room chairs and sat in it facing her and Spock, Prem did the same.
“Now Cadet Uhura, where to begin.” Surat began.
“Nyota.” Uhura corrected him. “You can call me Nyota.”
“Very well Nyota. I cannot give you too much information at this point, I am sorry. It is for your safety that I don’t. What I can say is that Spock is not suffering from the illness that the healer at the embassy indicated. I know that you overheard our conversation about that and you were concerned.” Surat looked at Spock their eyes locked, Surat continued. “I also understand Nyota that you also became ‘ill’ at the same time that Spock’s meld with the healer terminated. You believe that you heard Romulan spoken?”
"How did you know that? I didn’t tell you, and I know you weren’t there when I was talking to Spock before those security guards and that woman appeared.” Uhura was puzzled.
Surat smiled at her. “My link with you was enough to glean your foremost thoughts. But to answer your question regarding Romulan. You, yourself speak Romulan, all three dialects do you not? I’m sure that Spock is an exemplary teacher. Many Vulcans speak one Romulan dialect or another. But as far as the other language you heard, we are still….” Surat waved his hand encompassing Prem into the conversation. “trying to ascertain who they are and what part they are playing in this.”
Uhura noted that Spock was sitting rigidly, his eyes still on Surat. Surat spoke gently to Spock.
“If you would permit me, I would like to link with you Spock. Not a meld like Elder T’Kayla performed, not that deep. But I do have some techniques that may allow me access where she was unable to go.” Surat waited for Spock’s response.
Spock acquiesced by quickly nodding. Surat looked over at Uhura, who understanding that he would need to get closer to Spock, got up from the lounger to allow Surat to sit by Spock. Soon the two men were facing each other. Surat placed the fingers of his right hand on certain points on Spock’s face and together they began to speak softly, eyes closed. Uhura looked over at Prem who was glancing behind him giving the two men some privacy. Clearly he had seen Surat perform this ‘linking’ before. It felt like it was over almost before it had begun to Uhura. Surat removed his hand from Spock’s face and both men looked at each other.
“They can be trusted Nyota.” Spock said simply. Uhura nodded, that was good enough for her.
“Spock, I will need to meld to go deeper, however I do not wish to cause further injury to either you or your bond-mate, so I will need both of your permissions to continue.” Surat looked expectantly at both Spock and Uhura, Uhura’s chocolate brown eyes met Spock’s, neither of them quite comprehending Surat’s words.
“Of course, I have made a grave error in not contacting her sooner. I will submit to the meld, but you are right I must contact T’Pring..I have not given thought to what she may be experiencing because of this.” Spock said.
Surat looked surprised at Spock’s statement and looked over at Uhura who was biting her lip. She, of course knew of T’Pring. Vulcan bonding customs had come up in a conversation with Spock when she was reading a poem written by T’Shel, a Vulcan poet, whose writing style could be considered erotic even by Earth standards. The poem had made reference to the poet’s own bonding experience as a child and adult, and Uhura had wanted to know more. Spock had been a little reluctant at first, but Uhura had coaxed enough information out of him to understand a little of what T’Shel had been writing about.
“Spock, from my link with you, I clearly do not feel a discernable bond between you and T’Pring. I assumed that that bond had been dissolved. I am referring to the bond that is developing between you and Nyota.” Surat’s statement hung in the air.
“I need to sit down, I feel faint…” Uhura felt her knees give way and felt hands gently guide her down to a sitting position. Prem shook his head slightly and mouthed to Surat and Spock that she was ok, just in shock. “Is that what the tingling feeling is? Why I felt Spock’s meld at the embassy?” Uhura raised her head to find Spock kneeling in front of her. She could feel the heat of his hands as they rested gently on either side of her legs. His handsome face not quite calm. “Is that why I feel you?” Uhura found herself reaching out to touch Spock’s face, gently tracing a finger down from his brow to jaw line before resting her hand on his shoulder. Spock was as shocked as she was, of that Uhura was sure.
“Spock, my discussions and the melds that I have performed with your father have afforded me a very limited understanding of how Vulcan bonding is with a human partner. Your father stated that his bond with your mother had to progress at a slower rate than if his mate were Vulcan, probably to do with not wanting to overload her synaptic pathways. And from my link with you just now, it is clear that your bond is progressing much like your father’s did with Lady Amanda.” Surat nodded to Prem and looked over at the small balcony that could be glimpsed outside of Spock’s kitchen door, he and Prem started to walk to that way.
“Prem and I will give you both some privacy now, though we don’t have much time and this new development raises some concerns on how we need to proceed. Oh, and Nyota? You will get more answers now, you cannot be left in the dark, though this is much more than an Academy Cadet should ever be asked to handle.” And with that Surat and Prem left Uhura and Spock alone.
“Hey you.” Uhura spoke softly to Spock. He was still kneeling in front of her, his face now averted, faint green staining his cheeks and flushing the tips of his ears. “Spock, please look at me, please!” Both of Uhura’s hands now rested on his shoulders, squeezing lightly. Spock reluctantly looked at her, dark eyes shimmering with emotion.
“Nyota..I am at a loss to understand how this happened. Please know I am not adverse to being bonded with you. But it is not a scenario that I remotely entertained at this juncture. We are in violation of several Academy ethical codes regarding conduct, which puts both of our careers in jeopardy. And there is the matter of my bond with T’Pring. I must find out exactly when my bond with her dissolved.” Spock’s eyes pleaded with Uhura to understand.
Uhura’s answer was to tilt her head and gaze into Spock’s eyes; she brought her hands up and gently cupped his face before leaning forward and placing a kiss on his lips. He held still for a moment and then leaned himself into it. Her lips were cool on his, slightly parted and her tongue tentatively reached out and stroked at his bottom lip, tracing the shape gently. This wasn’t like the kiss they’d shared before. While that kiss had been hot and passionate and made Uhura feel slightly undone, this kiss was gentle, sweet and hinting at promises. Uhura drew back to see Spock’s eyes heavily lidded. He leaned forward and captured her lips with his and it was his turn to trace her lips with his tongue, gently probing the warm confines of her mouth, teasing and tasting her. His arm had come up behind her and his hand gently angled her head, they both gently nibbled, stroked and teased each other’s lips and Uhura felt the tingling sensation continue to spread down her body and along with it an awareness within her consciousness of another presence beginning to join with her, within her….Spock
TBC…