Title: Communication
Author: Maximum
Email: maximummii (at) googlemail (dot) com
Codes: S/U (who else?)
Rating: PG
Summary: Uhura wants a transfer.
Disclaimer: Star Trek and its characters are owned by Paramount. I'm just having a little fun with them.
Other: Thanks to H for reading it. By the way, it's not 'EEEWWW!' just because they're over 25.

"Spock, do you have anything important to do tomorrow?"

"Other than my normal duties, no."

"Good. I want you to go with Uhura when she tests that new communication equipment."

"Ensign Lorrimer is more than capable of assisting her, Captain"

"I know but I want you to go. It's not strictly ships business, so I'm asking you as a favour."

"May I ask why?"

"She's put in for a transfer."

"Lieutenant Uhura?"

"Yes. And she won't give any reason other than personal. Regs. say I can't force her to tell me."

"You wish me to pry into her personal affairs?"

"It's not like that. Perhaps it is but I get the feeling it's something to do with us, with the crew. If there's some sort of a problem, then I need to know what it is. She's the very best at her job, and part of the best crew in the fleet. We've got a damn good team and I don't want it broken up. If a situation is bad enough for her to want out then it's only a matter of time before others do too. If there is anything we can do, anything, tell her we'll do it."

"Very well, I will speak to her but I fail to see how I can succeed where you did not."

"Because you're you. She'll know that anything she says will be kept in the strictest confidence, and any advice you give will be impartial."

 

The following morning Spock and Uhura took the Copernicus out and started the field tests. They had to be repeated at varying distances so Spock decided not to say anything until they were on there way back. Uhura beat him to it.

"Well, aren't you going to ask me what's wrong? I know that's why the Captain sent you."

"You are correct. However I am sure that if you were willing to discuss the matter you would have done so with Captain Kirk. I am equally certain that you have already considered any reasons I may give you in order to persuade you to stay. I will only say that you will be greatly missed, both on and off the bridge."

"Sure."

"You underestimate your effect on those around you. You are valued not only because of your professional capabilities, but also as a friend." He paused for a moment, and then, so softly that she almost didn't hear him, he said, "Please stay."

"What?"

"I have – grown increasingly fond of you. Thoughts of you disturb my work, my rest, my meditation. I replay logs just to hear your voice. I do not wish you to go."

Uhura was totally dumbfounded. She decided that humour was probably the best way to cope so putting on her best 'school marm' voice she said, "Really Mr. Spock is that any way for a married man to talk?"

"I am not married."

"I thought that you and T'Pring…?"

"I believe the Human phrase would be she got a better offer."

"I see. Very well, would you come to my quarters tonight? Say 21.00?"

"That would be acceptable."

"Right," She turned to the board. "Copernicus to Enterprise. Come in Enterprise."

"Enterprise here."

"We've completed the first series of tests and we're on our way back."

"How'd it go?"

"It's going to need some serious work. We'll see you in twenty minutes. What the hell?!" There was a bang and sparks showered from the consol. The fire was soon extinguished but the new equipment was badly damaged.

They spent the return trip in silence. Uhura wondered if Spock understood the effect of what he had said. For his part, Spock could not imagine what had possessed him to speak like that.

 

Uhura took a long shower then dressed with extra care. Then she changed, and changed again.

"This is silly," she muttered to herself. "He couldn't have meant what it sounded like. Not him." Eventually she settled for a comfortable outfit that she often wore off duty. Making a fool of yourself was bad enough without spoiling your best dress into the bargain.

Spock arrived precisely at 21.00. Uhura invited him in.

"Please, sit down. Would you like a drink?"

"Juice, please." A sip was enough to confirm that it was what he would have chosen for himself.

Spock watched patiently as Uhura paced around her cabin. Eventually she took a deep breath.

"There is a man. I have -conceived an affection for him. Oh hell, I love him. I love him. Beyond all hope, beyond all reason. I would sell my soul for him. I would die for him. I would lie down at his feet and worship him if I thought that's what he wanted. I just can't cope anymore. Seeing him every day, hearing him, sitting almost close enough to touch him, and all the while having to contend with knowing that as long as I do my job he probably won't even acknowledge my existence. Besides, I thought he was married." She paused. "Seems I was wrong about that, though. How about the rest of it Spock? Was I wrong about that too? Can you, do you, love me?"

Spock stood and took her hands. "Do you doubt it?" he asked.

Then she was in his arms. The kiss was gentle, almost tentative at first, but rapidly deepened. Soon it was a matter of dancing tongues, teasing, advance and retreat, give and take. Nyota felt as if her veins were filled with liquid fire. Spock though that at last he understood why Humans placed such emphasis on a simple physical activity. Or at least he would have, if he were still capable of thought.

Suddenly he jerked back.

"What's wrong?"

"I- I am sorry. I cannot…"

"You can't, or you can't?" she asked.

"I cannot. I am Vulcan. We do not engage in casual sex."

"It's not casual when two people love each other." She caressed his cheek.

"Please try to understand. I am Vulcan," he repeated.

"No, you're not. You're half human. Would it really be so terrible to try the Human way? Just once? Please."

Spock looked at her face, her lips, so soft and inviting. Her eyes, bright with the tears she was too proud to shed. With a groan he pulled her towards him.

Afterwards she did cry.

 

Spock awoke with a start. Unusually he was disoriented. He was not in his own bed, and he was not alone. He gasped as memory returned. Spock shivered as he looked down at the face of this wonderful, glorious woman who… No, no he was Vulcan. Calm. Control. Nyota murmured something and then opened her eyes. She smiled. Any thoughts of control went straight out of the airlock.

The next morning he had no trouble remembering here he was. Apart from anything else, the alarm's increasingly urgent summons gave a hint.

"Nyota, wake up."

"What? Who? Oh my."

"We have twenty minutes until we are due on the bridge."

"Twent…Why didn't you say anything?!" She leaped out of bed and ran into the 'fresher.

"I have only just awoken myself."

"You must have had a good time, then." Her voice floated out above the sound of the sonics.

"Incredible," he murmured.

By the time she returned Spock was pulling on his boots. Nyota strutted across the room and turned a slow pirouette.

"Well, what do you think?" she asked.

"I think that if you do not get dressed, we will be late." She giggled. Spock decided that it was probably the most charming sound he had heard.

"Flatterer. You're welcome to shower here, if you like."

"Thank you, but unless you have a beard repressor I need to return to my quarters."

"If I do I'm certainly not going to admit it."

"Hmm. A bearded lady. I must admit I find the idea intriguing."

"Why you…" She threw her lipstick at him.

"A bearded lady with violent tendencies."

"Why... I… You… OUT!"

"Very well. I will see you on the bridge." Just before Spock reached the door she called his name. As he turned Nyota took a flying leap into his arms. Caught off balance he only just avoided dropping her. After a thorough kissing Nyota let go and slid to the floor.

"Well, go on. You don't want to be late. And wipe your face." She indicated the side of her mouth. Spock did as he was told, and noted the smear of lipstick on his thumb. That would have been difficult to explain away.

When Nyota arrived on the bridge Spock was already immersed in his status checks. After the handover she walked over to Jim.

"Might I have a word Captain?"

"Of course."

"I would like to withdraw my transfer request."

"That could be a problem."

"Sir?"

"I haven't acknowledged it yet, so withdrawing it could be a bit difficult." She gave a huge smile.

"Thank you Captain."

"May I ask what made you change your mind?"

"Mr. Spock. I had what I though was an insurmountable problem and he – surmounted it."

"I see," he said, slowly. "Right, now what about this new gear?"

"With your permission Captain, I shall go to the shuttlecraft," Spock said.

"Sure. Uhura?"

"It wasn't so much a case of recalibrating, more like rebuilding, even before the fire. How it got past the design stage is beyond me. I would have been using every swear word I know except even the Klingon ones aren't strong enough."

"That bad huh? I'm glad I'm not going to be helping you. Be gentle with Spock, won't you?"

"I'll try not to hurt him. If you'll excuse me, the sooner I start…"

"Of course."

When Nyota entered the Copernicus she found Spock sitting on the floor surrounded by components. He cocked an eyebrow at her.

"I surmounted it?"

"Several times as I recall." She came and sat down next to him. "You're alright are you? About last night?"

"In what way?"

"I know you were reluctant. I shouldn't have pushed you but I was desperate. We couldn't – I couldn't- go on like that."

"I must admit I am having some difficulty concentrating this morning."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let my feelings run away with me." Spock grabbed Nyota's shoulders and turned her to face him.

"Promise me you will never again apologise for being who and what you are. You were right. I have wanted you for so long, but I lacked the courage to say anything. I hid behind Vulcan propriety, but it was fear."

"You? Afraid? What of?"

"You. I was afraid that you would not reciprocate, and that I would lose your friendship as well. A temporary loss of concentration is a small price to pay for what we shared last night."

"And for many more nights I hope." She leaned closer. Just as their lips touched, they heard footsteps outside.

By the time Jim entered they appeared to be engrossed in their work.

"How's it going?" Uhura groaned and mimed pulling her hair out.

"It is going to need considerable adjustment, even after we have replaced the damaged components," Spock said. "It is inadequately shielded, and there is interference from the sensors. If you would assist me, Lieutenant?" He lay down and slid under the consol. Jim watched for several minutes as Spock worked, Uhura passing him tools when requested. As she leaned over him for the third time her breast brushed his open hand.

Spock hit his head.

So even Spock wasn't impervious to the charms of the communications officer. Jim grinned to himself, but he knew better than to comment. Spock had a very cat like quality at times. Just as he old tabby can stalk off and give the impression that not only had he not just fallen off the fence but he had never been on it in the first place, Spock's raised eyebrow and quizzical "Sir?" could leave Jim convinced that he had imagined something that he had been equally convinced that he had just seen.

Eventually Jim stood up.

"Much as I enjoy watching you two work I'd better get back to the bridge. Have you any idea when you'll be ready to take her out again?"

"It will take at least another hour, Captain." Spock slid out and started running a diagnostic.

"What? Not fifty nine point three two minutes Spock?"

"Taking into account how many faults I have already dealt with it is safe to assume that there are others I do not yet know about. Therefore it is impossible to give an accurate timescale."

"Okay, okay. I can take a hint. Let me know when you're ready to go."

"Very well."

"Of course Sir."

They worked in silence for a while. Eventually Nyota looked up and saw Spock staring at her.

"What's wrong?"

"I am confused. This emotion, this love, is so illogical and yet so overwhelming."

"On the contrary sir, I submit that love is the most logical emotion of all."

"Do you have any proof to substantiate that claim?"

"Observational evidence only. Love ensures the continuation of the species by inducing the desire to procreate. It also means that the young are surrounded by people willing to care for and protect them." Spock nodded thoughtfully.

"You have a very logical mind, Lieutenant." Nyota stared at him in horror.

"Wash your mouth out! I think you still need some convincing. My quarters, 21.00?"

"That would be acceptable."

And then he smiled.

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