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Thanks to my beta Julia R! Also, I found this lovely review of Pride and Logic on youtube from one of my Valent Chamber readers. I was tickled pink to find it! You can watch it here. Only 4 chapters to go! 


Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.


 Pride and Logic Chapter 18


Nyota waited to disembark the flitter, watching as Aunt Tonya stepped down the stairs with the assistance of Uncle Jomo. The Sch T’gai house was just as impressive as their lands. Nyota looked up in awe at the graceful stone arches that framed the entrance to the estate. The walls of the four-story structure were carved from a pale red stone with several balconies breaking up the expanse. A variety of green and purple hued succulents lined the mosaic-tiled path to the front door.

“Tonya!” A happy cry drew Nyota from her inspection of the house to the figure of a middle aged human woman elegantly hurrying towards them.

“Mandy!” her Aunt Tonya cried as she released her husband’s hand to run towards her friend. The pair met in a fierce hug punctuated by happy murmurs of delight.

Nyota watched the reunion with a broad smile of her own. 

“Miss Uhura,” a calm male voice drew her eye to the Vulcan standing at the base of the flitter steps. “May I assist you in disembarking.”

“Of course, nemaiyo,” Nyota replied as she took his offered arm.

Nyota stepped down from the flitter and walked towards the embracing pair. Uncle Jomo stood off to the side watching with an amused grin.

“Amanda,” Aunt Tonya began once Amanda finally released her. “I’d like you to meet my family. This is my husband Jomo Uhura.”

“Ne-shau,” Jomo greeted with a bow.

“Pssh,” Amanda replied as she waived away his formality. “Please, no bowing. Come give me a hug! It is so nice to finally meet you.”

Uncle Jomo smiled broadly as he complied, stepping into the petite woman’s outstretched arms. 

“And this is my niece, Nyota,” Tonya continued as she pushed Nyota towards the woman. “She just completed her first year at Starfleet. She is a linguist as well.”

“Oh, the famous Ms. Uhura,” Amanda said as she turned her broad smile towards Nyota. 

Nyota’s smile slipped. 

“I’ve heard so much about you from your aunt,” Amanda continued to Nyota’s visible relief. “Aren’t you just lovely. Come. You get a hug too.”

Nyota laughed lightly as she embraced the woman, suddenly at ease. 

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Amanda,” Nyota said once Amanda released her.

“It is nice to meet you as well,” Amanda replied as she looped her arm through hers. “Tonya has told me that you were in one of my son’s classes. It has been ages since I have seen him. How is he doing? Does he look well? He was always such a skinny thing.”

Uhura blushed. “I had the pleasure of seeing your son a month ago. He looked very well. Very well indeed.”

“I see,” Amanda said with a mysterious smile before turning towards Tonya. “Well, welcome to D'H'riset. Lets get you all inside where it is nice and cool. Well…relatively cool.”

Amanda gave them a brief tour of the guest wing before showing them to their rooms. Their quarters were well appointed, although not lavishly decorated. Nyota found her room to be very comfortable and inviting with cool seagreen walls and a balcony that overlooked a rock garden studded with succulents. After they had freshened up from their journey, the Uhuras joined Amanda for a light lunch and a more extensive tour of the house that would be their home for the next month. 

Uhura observed Lady Amanda closely during the tour. She appeared to be well recovered from her ordeal with Sybok; she was all brightness and levity. She wondered how such a warm and affectionate woman won the love of the stoic Vulcan ambassador. Then she remembered Commander Spock’s declaration of love and she no longer thought it so extraordinary. Uhura’s heart clenched at the thought of the commander and she felt something akin to regret as Amanda turned her bright smile towards her once more. Nyota briefly allowed herself to imagine what it would have been like to be led on this tour as a daughter-in-law rather than as a temporary guest. However, Nyota soon shook herself free from such thoughts. It would not do to dwell on what could never be.

“And this is my private sitting room,” Lady Amanda said as she led them into a cozy rose hued parlor that overlooked the rock garden. “This is where I come when I need a break from being Vulcan.”

Uncle Jomo and Aunt Tonya began examining Amanda’s rows of old paper books as Nyota was drawn to a collection of holos. There she found holos of Amanda when she was a young woman as well as holos of various people Nyota assumed to be family members. Nyota examined a picture of Amanda standing next to a serious Ambassador Sarek in what appeared to be her wedding gown. Nyota could not help but to smile at the holos of a very pregnant Amanda and of her and Sarek cradling a small infant. Nyota reached out with tentative fingers towards a few holos of Spock as a young boy before drawing back her hand at the ridiculousness of her actions. However, Nyota could not prevent herself from reaching out to pick up a holo of Spock standing beside his parents as a young man.

“Isn’t he a handsome boy,” Amanda said as she came to stand beside Nyota.

Uhura started before replacing the holo on the shelf. 

“Yes,” she replied before wincing at her statement.

Amanda laughed lightly. “But, you must agree that that is an awful sweater.”

Nyota tilted her head as she examined the dark brown shapeless garment that Spock wore.

“It is…different,” Nyota offered diplomatically.

“It is monstrous,” Amanda replied with a laugh. “I can say so because I am the one who knitted it. Either my son lacks an eye for fashion or he just really loves his mother.”

Nyota smiled as she remembered the gown he picked out for her a few months ago. “I think it is more likely that he just loves his mother.”

“Yes,” Amanda replied. “I’d have to agree. He never said as much to me, but he would demonstrate his affections in his own quiet way. He wore that sweater when he went to stand before the council of the Science Academy to hear their verdict on his application for admission. Neither he nor Sarek would tell me why he turned them down that day—I was sure he was set on attending the VSA. But, I can’t say that I’m displeased by his choice. I know it is rather illogical of me, but I’m very proud of my son.”

Nyota continued to admire the holo as Amanda turned to answer a question from Jomo about her book collection. 

“How little I really know him,” Nyota whispered to herself.

On the fourth day of their visit, Amanda took Nyota and her aunt into the capital to go shopping. Lady Amanda seemed to think it a rare treat indeed and planned for them to have a late lunch in the Terran District complete with girly martinis as a way to end their day. Amanda proved to be a very generous host, insisting on paying for all of their purchases. By the time they entered their last shop for the day, Aunt Tonya had purchased three traditional Vulcan gowns, three tunics for Jomo, four dresses for Kaylee and Keisha, a traditional school uniform and suit for Raymond and several pairs of shoes. Amanda purchased two reams of fine silk, three gowns, a robe for her husband Sarek and two parasols. Nyota was more restrained in her purchases. She opted to acquire one pair of faux leather boots that fit the requirements of her Starfleet uniform, two pairs of earrings, a shawl and a cropped silk jacket to match one of her little black dresses back on campus. 

“I insist that you buy at least two Vulcan gowns, Nyota,” Lady Amanda said as they entered the last scheduled shop for the day. “I know you think it extravagant, but I am sure they will be useful. If my husband returns early from his trip to Elba, we may host a formal dinner.”

Nyota reluctantly agreed much to the woman’s delight. Nyota had to admit that shopping with Lady Amanda was a real treat. They were treated like royalty in every store that they entered. It was obvious that Amanda frequented these shops regularly and that they were well aware of her wealth. There was no trying on of clothes here. The three ladies sat and sipped herbal tea as the clerks picked out clothing for them that would then be modeled on holograms or live models.

“Oh, this gown would look lovely on you, Nyota,” Aunt Tonya said as the clerk presented them with a floor length gown in deep red. 

“That would look well,” Amanda agreed. “This is an Eradinus original. She is my favorite designer.”

Nyota looked at the dress with wide eyes. “I already own this gown,” she replied.

“Really, Ny-ny? But this dress is so expensive,” Tonya asked in Deltan as the store clerk watched with a critical eye.

Nyota blushed and glanced at Amanda who watched her with a knowing smile.

“It was a gift, Auntie,” Nyota replied in the same tongue.

“Perhaps a different Eradinus design would be acceptable?” the clerk asked.

“Yes. By all means,” Amanda replied before the clerk left them to fetch another dress.

“Who would give you such a gift, Ny?” Tonya asked.

“Auntie, really. It was no big deal…” Nyota demurred as she avoided Amanda’s eye.

“Nyota, that gown costs three thousand credits...”

“Tonya, have you seen this necklace?” Amanda called in Standard as she sat peering at a selection of jewelry displayed by another store clerk. “This would look so well with the dark green gown you just purchased.”

Nyota sighed in relief as Aunt Tonya’s attention was drawn towards the jewelry selection. However, her relief was short lived as her eyes met those of Lady Amanda. The woman sat smiling at her mysteriously, a calculating gleam in her brown eyes.

As the days drew into weeks, Nyota found herself enjoying her time on Vulcan more and more. Lady Amanda was an excellent host. Their days were filled with a variety of interesting activities tailored to their individual interests. Amanda had taken them on a tour of the Vulcan Science Academy where the ladies were able to sit in on an advanced linguistics lecture while Uncle Jomo was given an in-depth tour of the chemistry labs. They attended the opera in Shi’K’har, much to Nyota’s delight, and a performance of the Shi’K’har symphony that was more to Aunt Tonya’s taste. Amanda, with the assistance of Seved, even took them on tours of the planet’s more famous natural wonders. They toured Vulcan’s Forge by flitter where they saw a pack of wild sehlats feeding on some unfortunate creature. They sunbathed and swam in the Voroth Sea and went for a dinner cruise after sunset. The bioluminescent whale-like creatures that swam alongside their skiff captivated Nyota. They even went for a short hike on Mount Tar’Hana, an active volcano visible from the estate. Nyota found herself having such an enjoyable trip that she almost forgot that she was vacationing at Spock’s boyhood home. As she sat on the balcony of her suite nursing a glass of iced tea as she enjoyed a rare evening breeze, Nyota allowed herself to wonder what it would be like to call such a place her home.

“Are you certain you won’t come with us, Nyota?” Lady Amanda asked as she stood outside of her waiting flitter the next afternoon. “I know you’d just love Professor T’Mar’s lecture on 12th century Denubian syntax.”

“I’m sure, Amanda. I’m still knackered from yesterday’s hike. I think I’ll just stay here and rest.”

Lady Amanda frowned before favoring her with a resigned sigh. “Alright, dear. If you need anything at all, just ask T’Lyng. And if you get bored of sitting around the house, feel free to take the red flitter for a spin. T’Lyng has the access codes.”

“Thank you, Amanda,” Nyota replied as she accepted a hug. “Have fun Aunt Tonya and Uncle Jomo!”

Nyota waved to the departing flitter before turning back towards the house. She had been honest when she told Amanda that she was too tired for another lecture and round of sightseeing. While she would love to hear Professor T’Mar’s lecture, she was anxious to have a moment to herself. She wanted nothing more than to go for a nice long swim where she could stretch her tired limbs. During their tour of the grounds, Amanda showed them an artificial waterfall and pool that Sarek built for her as a wedding gift. The indoor oasis featured a climate-controlled pool suitable for swimming laps and a garden of Terran flowering plants and fruit trees. It was truly an extravagant gift for a planet where water was a precious resource. Nyota supposed that the gesture was rather illogical, however, she could not disapprove of the ambassador’s actions. Love was rarely logical.

After a light breakfast, Nyota borrowed Amanda’s red flitter and drove out to the pool. It was a short flitter ride, the pool being located about five miles from the main house. Nyota enjoyed watching the passing landscape of irrigated fields, red sand desert and stone plains. As she pulled up to the pool, she could not help but smile at the thought of a young Spock sneaking off for a swim in his mother’s private oasis. Amanda had regaled Nyota and Tonya with many stories of the commander’s exploits as a headstrong and inquisitive young Vulcan. Selek had told her many of the same tales. Then she had found them to be quite incredible, but after meeting his mother and seeing his home, they no longer seemed so extraordinary.

Nyota stepped into the enclosure and took a deep breath, the scent of roses, lavender and honeysuckle teasing her nose. She stepped to the edge of the pool and stripped down to her bathing suit before stepping into the gently lapping waters. The water was comfortably warm. She waded out towards the center of the pool until her toes no longer touched the pebbled bottom. She took a leisurely swim out towards the far wall where the artificial waterfall thundered into the pool before turning onto her back to float aimlessly. Nyota enjoyed herself for about an hour before she felt the skin of her fingers and toes begin to prune. She slowly began to make her way back. As she drifted along the edge of the pool, she allowed her eyes to slide shut. 

“Nyota,” a deep male voice rumbled.

Uhura’s eyes shot open. Her eyes connected with a pair of pale green feet, muscled calves and thighs sprinkled with dark hair before landing on an almost indecently small pair of swimming briefs. Nyota found her gaze lingering there momentarily before making the trip up a bare torso that shimmered with a fine sheen of perspiration to take in the surprised visage of Commander Spock. 

“Spock?” Nyota blinked and looked again. Perhaps she was hallucinating.

“Ms. Uhura,” Spock replied, the tips of his ears turning a bright green.

Nyota gasped and promptly went under with a flurry of waving limbs and splashing water. She came up spluttering and coughing, having swallowed a good deal of water, before she went under again. Suddenly she found herself caught up in a pair of strong arms, slung over a broad shoulder and carried fireman style out of the water. 

Spock deposited her onto a lounge chair and began to gently pat her back as she continued to cough. 

“Do you require medical assistance, Ms. Uhura?” Spock asked as he handed her a towel.

“No, thank you. I’m fine,” Nyota mumbled as she scrubbed her face.

“Perhaps it would be advisable for you to refrain from swimming without an escort until you have mastered the exercise,” Spock continued.

Nyota dropped her towel and glared at him, a suitable insult on the tip of her tongue before she noticed the concerned set of his mouth.

“I know how to swim, Commander. I was merely startled. What are you doing here?”

Spock lifted one eyebrow before replying in a slow deliberate manner. “I live here, Ms. Uhura.”

Nyota flushed. “Yes, I know that. I thought you were spending the remainder of the summer break at the Academy.”

Spock’s eyebrow twitched upwards once more.

“I mean…Gaila said that you and Shuran were planning on returning to campus. What are you doing here?”

“I intended to go swimming following my customary run around the estate,” Spock replied.

Nyota lifted an eyebrow. “I meant on Vulcan.”

“I desired to visit my mother and as I had sufficient time to make the trip to Vulcan and return prior to the start of classes, I took the opportunity. I just arrived,” Spock explained. “May I ask what brings you to Vulcan and D’H’riset, Ms. Uhura?”

Nyota flushed, abashed by her rudeness. “I’m taking my annual summer trip with my Aunt and Uncle Uhura. Apparently, your mother and my aunt are old school friends. She invited my aunt to vacation here when our original plans fell through.”

“Indeed,” Spock replied, his eyes shifting from Uhura’s face and back again. “Then, I welcome you to D'H'riset.”

Spock stood and Uhura found herself averting her eyes before sneaking a quick peek at his figure. 

“If you do not require further assistance, I will return to the house.”

Nyota nodded her consent before recalling herself.

“Spock,” she called as she stood from her seat.

Spock stopped his progress and turned to face her.

“Would you like a lift to the house? I drove your mother’s flitter.”

“Thank you, Ms. Uhura. That will not be necessary.”

“It is at least five miles and you have no shoes.”

“A pleasant jog,” Spock replied before inclining his head and jogging from the room.

Nyota nodded and watched his retreat.

“What must he think of me?”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Spock arrived back at the compound and went directly to his rooms. He took a sonic shower, shaved and changed his clothes. The manner of his meeting with Ms. Uhura was wholly inappropriate. While he enjoyed seeing the cadet so skimpily attired and wet, his surprise at her presence had been so great that he momentarily took leave of his manners. When his mother had called him the week before to plead with him to visit, she failed to mention that she was entertaining house guests. As he replayed their previous conversation in his mind, he deduced that his mother was well aware of the significance of her houseguests, especially Ms. Uhura. While his mother’s machinations were unfortunate, Spock could not help but be satisfied with their results. Nyota was here at his home. 




Glossary:
Nemaiyo= Thank you
D'H'riset= the estate of Sarek and Amanda located on the outskirts of Shi'kahr
Holo= holographic photograph
Flitter= a flying car











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Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.