Week 3: Saana-Life Gets Interesting

Saana couldn't believe the respect with which the Vulcans had treated her since she arrived at the Embassy. She felt like royalty in a palace. She sat quietly, reciting her Vulcansu; she had completed a good part of the first module and had mastered many of the basic phrases. She had also practiced her pronunciation and conversational skills with Semek and Stinek, who gently corrected her and helped her with the fine distinctions in meaning between similar words. One thing she noticed about the Embassy was that it was very quiet and warm, providing a tranquil ambiance. She got a com-link signal from one of the aides:

"Excuse the interruption, Professor Uhura. I have S'chn T'gai Amanda Grayson requesting to speak with you."

Saana listened closely to how the aide pronounced Amanda's title and name and found it interesting.

"Thank you, T'Zora. Please connect us."

"I am here to serve."

Amanda appeared on her monitor and smiled.

"Good morning, Amanda!"

"Hello there, yourself! How has your stay at the Embassy been so far?"

Saana looked at Amanda and sighed deeply: "This week has been like a free-fall shuttle ride! Amanda, it's been awful, and you were truly right about the news media! But I have been able to relax since I got here. The Vulcans have been nothing but kind and respectful."

Amanda lost her cheery look, turning somber as she commiserated with her friend: "I'm sorry you have to go through this. It's not easy. One minute you're admired, and then the next you're infamous!"

"Wow! I can't believe that all this is happening just because two people got married."

"It's not easy. As a child or an adult, we never put Spock in the spotlight. As a matter of fact, Sarek and Spock hate attention of any kind."

"Have you heard from our children yet?"

"Yes, Starfleet approved their leave, and as we speak they are both en route to Vulcan!"

Saana clutched her chest in excitement and sighed with relief. Tears formed in her eyes; finally, she would meet Spock. "Starfleet,"Saana thought sarcastically. "Now that one mountain is climbed, the next one is right in front of me."

"Amanda, I'm so excited to meet your son and visit Vulcan! I don't know how to thank you!"

"We are family now, Saana, and we support and help each other."

Saana sighed: "Amanda, is there anything I can do about the news media?"

Amanda sat and turned her mind back to her run-ins with the media. She had tried giving a few interviews, only to have them exploited and her words misconstrued by most of the news syndicates.

"Back then, I did have a connection with one reporter who was fair. But I know he passed on; I don't know anyone in the media these days."

Saana wanted to make a simple statement to clarify her thoughts about Spock and Nyota's marriage.

Amanda could see that Saana's mind was racing and she had a determined look on her face. Curiosity got the best of her and she said, "Why do you ask?"

"I want to make a positive statement about our children."

"That would be nice. It would relieve some of the pressure from the news media and shut down some of their speculations."

"I have the beginnings of a plan. It will take some time to put it together, but I think it will defuse the situation somewhat."

"Okay. I'll trust you. I hope it works. How is your Vulcansu coming along?"

"Well, I'm working on it. According to Stinek, I need to improve my pronunciation."

Amanda laughed: "It is a hard language-I found it challenging when I was younger."

"I don't care; I like a challenge. I'll keep at it or bust!"

Both women laughed at that.

"I will let you go, Saana. Keep practicing. Stay at the Embassy as long as you want-well, at least until you can no longer handle the media. Starfleet did a good job responding to our request and allowing Spock and Nyota to come to Vulcan so soon!" Amanda said excitedly.

"Oh, brother! Starfleet," Saana said sarcastically.

"What's up with that?"

"Starfleet took my Nyota into space, and now I barely see her!" Saana snapped.

Amanda was a little confused, but she heard the tone of resentment in Saana's voice: "Okay, Saana. I will keep in touch and will let you know if anything changes. It's just a matter of time before things get better."

Saana held up her hand and tried to spread her fingers in the ta'al without success:

"Dif-tor heh smusma [Live long and prosper.], Amanda."

"WOW, that was perfect!"

Amanda held up her fingers in the ta'al: "Sochya eh dif [Peace and long life]."

Saana interpreted: "That means peace and long life."

Amanda smiled: "Also correct. I can hardly wait for your visit. Have a wonderful day, Saana!"

"Bye!"

Both women faded from their com-link with a smile. Saana was right proud of herself. She was learning something new.

Then her com-link beeped again and she answered:

"SAANA! Are you all right? I was so worried about you!"

Saana saw how concerned and worried Reuben looked. She hadn't meant to forget about him; she had been quite busy.

"Reuben! I am so happy to hear from you!"

Reuben smiled. He was glad to finally reach her after seeing how the media had treated her and driven her from her job.

"Are you all right? I saw those Vulcans take you away. Are you in trouble?"

"No, they were helping me."

"They were?"

"Yes. I'm at the Vulcan Embassy in San Francisco, living in their building for now."

"SAN FRANCISCO?! In the United States of America?" Reuben realized that he was far from her; it intensified the feeling that he really missed her.

"Yes. I'm sorry that I worried you."

"I don't understand-why the Vulcan Embassy?"

"My daughter is married to a Vulcan. Didn't you see the news?"

"Yes, I did, but why are you there?"

Saana took a deep breath; she had heard the concern in his voice: "The media harassed me so bad that it affected my job and I didn't feel safe in my own home. So the Vulcans offered to shelter me from the news media. Believe me, the media got on my nerves with all the mean things they said about my daughter and her husband!"

Reuben looked sorrowful: "I miss you, Saana. When are you coming back?"

"I don't know?"

"Do you want me to come there to support you?"

Saana was taken back by the thought of Reuben coming to be with her; it made her cheeks warm. She didn't know how to take it. She realized that he was definitely attracted to her, on a more-than-friends level.

"I don't know about that either. I will inform you if anything changes. This about my daughter, Reuben. I need to know that she is safe. I hate the fact that the world-maybe the galaxy-has judged them, and that upsets me."

Just then someone buzzed her door.

"Reuben, I will contact you in the coming days and give you updates; okay?"

"All right, Saana. I just want you to know that I care about you. Be safe!"

Saana was touched by the statement and smiled warmly: "Thank you. I will contact you soon."

Reuben disconnected from Saana with a heavy heart. He felt like it might be the last time he would ever see her. He hadn't gotten the chance to express his true feelings. "Saana is a very beautiful woman," he thought. He was unsettled by the thought that immediately followed: that males from other species might be attracted to her. He wished he'd had more time to make a commitment with Saana before this situation erupted. "I will miss you, Saana, my heart."

Saana gave the computer the command open the door, and Semek entered with Stinek, both wearing the long robe-like coats. She wondered if they ever got hot in their clothes; they were the two coolest looking men.

"Pardon, Professor Uhura. Two Starfleet representatives are requesting your presence," Semek said.

"Really? I wonder what they want?"

"They are waiting for you in one of the guest offices. We will escort you if you wish."

Saana had lost her good mood: "Starfleet." Not her favorite institution.

"Let's go see what they want."

Saana followed the two Vulcans down the elevator to one of the offices on the main floor. There she saw two Starfleet officers standing at attention; Saana was not impressed.

The two men turned to greet her:

"Good afternoon, Professor Uhura. I am Lieutenant Commander Dent, and this is Lieutenant Commander Xui from Starfleet Command."

Saana gave them a quick once-over, more of a glare. She turned to Stinek and Semek, who were leaving the office to give them privacy:

"Stinek and Semek, please stay!"

Both Vulcans returned and stood behind Professor Uhura. The two young men stood taller and somehow managed to look intense, despite the stoic looks on their faces and holding their hands behind their backs.

"Yes, gentlemen. You wanted to see me?"

Dent spoke up:

"Professor Uhura, on behalf of Starfleet Command, we offer you congratulations on your daughter Lieutenant Nyota Uhura's wedding to Commander Spock of Vulcan. We are here to render any services that you might need."

Saana looked at the two Starfleet men and folded her arms across her chest. She had been at the Embassy for one day, and before that she had been living and working in a hostile environment created by the media. Her face, and those of Spock and Nyota, had been plastered across the planet. Only the Vulcans came to find out how she was doing.

"Starfleet, humpf," she said, only barely resisting the urge to roll her eyes. Saana put a hand on her hip and started tapping her foot.

"Aren't you a little late?"

The two commanders looked at each other, wondering what she was talking about.

"Excuse me, Professor?" Dent asked.

"The news media have been hounding me for almost three days. They showed up at my job, my home. They would have cost me my job if the chancellor hadn't been sympathetic. But thanks to the Vulcans, I'm safe here."

The two men looked at each other again and then back at her:

"Admiral Nimitz extends an invitation on behalf of Starfleet Command to accommodate you in a secure area and provide protection, Professor," Xui stated.

She didn't know this Admiral Nimitz or care to, and so she gave a snarky answer:

"Thanks, but no thanks. Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan has provided lodging and security for me. So, gentlemen, why don't you thank Osu Semek and Osu Stinek for taking care of me?"

Saana glanced behind her and looked up at the two Vulcans and then she slowly turned toward the Starfleet Commanders, waiting for their response.

The two Commanders looked at each other; they were embarrassed and dumbfounded by the situation. Commander Xui looked toward the two tall Vulcans:

"Thank you, gentlemen, for your services in safeguarding Professor Uhura."

Semek spoke without changing his facial expression: "Thanks is not necessary; we are here to serve Professor Uhura."

The two officers became really nervous and felt out of place. Dent bowed slightly toward Professor Uhura:

"Our apologies, Professor Uhura, for any misunderstanding. Have a good day, madam."

The two men could not leave the office quickly enough. Neither of the two Vulcan aides was exactly sure what had occurred; they were not well versed in Terran sarcasm. They did manage to understand that Professor Uhura was upset with the Starfleet officers for some unknown reason, but that was not their concern-only her safety. Saana took a deep breath before turning to the two aides with a smile:

"Ish-veh dvin dor-tor nash-veh [Your service honors me]."

Stinek bowed his head and responded, "It is an honor to serve you, Professor Uhura. Your Vulcansu has improved since your stay here."

The two aides led her back to her suite.

"I have been practicing, plus your conversing with me has made it easier."

"We will continue to engage in conversation to enhance your Vulcansu skills if you wish," Semek said.

"I would like that very much."

Saana liked the Vulcans; they had grown on her. She admired their quiet demeanor and their ability to analyze things in practical ways. She enjoyed the dinners (end-meals) she had with Ambassador Sern and his aides. The conversations were always factual and to the point but still interesting. Many times she had to turn her head to stop herself from laughing out loud about their interactions. But they treated her with the utmost respect, and they helped her practice her Vulcansu, appreciating her willingness to learn.

When she lay down to sleep, Saana thought about Nyota and Spock, wondering when she would be able to meet with them. It has been a while since Nyota's last shore leave on Earth. Amanda was confident that Saana would make it to Vulcan in time for the festivities, and Saana was developing a deep feeling she would too. "Why the fuss about all my travel documents?" she wondered. She had a suspicion that things were in the works to expedite her documents. Then her mind drifted to the way Reuben had said goodbye. "Do I like him? Am I ready for a relationship? So many things are happening so fast; would Nyota like him if I date him?" Saana fell into a restless sleep.

Earlier in the day, at Starfleet Command, after the two commanders met with Professor Uhura:

Admiral Chester Nimitz got the report from his two officers. They were ruffled by Saana Uhura's statements. This didn't sit well with him after what Federation President Demetrios had said. He was incensed that the family of stellar Starfleet officers had been treated as second-class citizens. "This won't look good for the Fleet, the Federation, or Vulcan if Starfleet neglected the families of its personnel on my watch." He smoothed down his mixed black and platinum hair. A public relations initiative across the board was a must. He wished people would put away their differences and work together for the common good. The media hounding the woman at her job and home was not doing anyone any good. Then he was invited to their wedding reception and had not shown respect to or even checked on the mother of the bride? Chester sighed deeply, thinking about the debacle with Professor Uhura at the Vulcan Embassy. Both of his officers had reported that she was standoffish and had snapped at them for reasons they didn't know. He needed to do something-fast before things between Starfleet and Professor Uhura got worse. He snapped his intercom:

"Walters?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Clear my schedule from mid-morning through the afternoon."

"You do have a chief of staff meeting at 1600 hours tomorrow."

"Clear it just in case I'm not back in time."

"Yes, sir. I will notify the personnel right away."

"Walters, after I leave tomorrow, you can take the rest of the day off."

Walters got excited: "Thank you, sir!"

Chester closed his intercom and leaned back in his chair, wondering what this woman was like. A little feisty it seemed. This piqued his interest in Saana Uhura even more. "It will be quite interesting to have lunch with her."

The next day, Saana started her day with the Vulcans, even though they normally started their day much earlier than she. She sat staring at Nyota's wedding vid, admiring the gown and the wedding party. She had an idea of how to present them to the world, but she needed their permission. Somehow she needed a com-link to the Enterprise. The Vulcans could do that for her. She took a walk around the garden and then ate her breakfast. Then Saana continued with her language lessons, where she found it hard to pronounce some of the words because there were no vowels, only consonants. She felt like she was spitting out words; the computer continued to correct her, to her frustration. She decided to take a break and drink some tea. On her way down to the breakfast area, Saana received a page from Semek;

"Professor Uhura, you have a guest."

"Really? Another guest?"

"Yes, Professor. What are your instructions?"

"I'm on my way now. Who is it?"

"Admiral Nimitz from Starfleet Command. Do you wish to see him?"

"Oh, they sent the big guns to deal with me," she thought. "Sure. Can we use the same receiving area, Semek?"

"Yes. Do you need me to remain?"

"Naw. I think I can handle one admiral."

Saana thought about what to say to the big brass as she walked down the corridor.

"Thanks, Semek."

Semek inclined his head and opened the door to the receiving area, taking a position outside the door. When Saana entered the room she was ready to pounce on the man, but to her surprise, she held her breath. A tall, broad-shouldered man with gray/platinum hair and grayish-blue eyes stood before her. Her heart skipped a beat. It was those eyes-she couldn't talk, only stare. He was wearing a gold uniform that fit him well, he looked handsome for a man his age.

Chester heard the door open and turned to see Saana Uhura enter. She walked like a cultured woman. For a woman her age, she had the most sensuous figure. "Why is she not taken or remarried?" he wondered. At that moment, Chester's mouth went dry. He moistened his lips; he felt like a teenager asking for his first date. With his arms crossed behind his back he introduced himself:

"Good mornin', Professor Uhura. Thank you for taking the time to see me. I am Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, and it's an honor to meet you."

He gave her a slight smile; he didn't want to mess up like the messengers he had sent yesterday.

There was a slight pause before Saana could respond; she kept looking into his eyes:

"Ad-mir-al. Nice to meet you."

Chester approached her with a warm smile, taking one of her hands and looking into her eyes.

"My deepest apologies for the inconvenience to you because of this media circus. Starfleet Command was unaware of its impact on you and your job. The media have misconstrued some of the information they've got their hands on. We've been working like crazy to plug the holes in our system that let them access Commander Spock's and Lieutenant Uhura's Academy files."

"Oh, I-see."

Saana was lost in his eyes and the warmth of his hands.

"We only found out recently that you were staying here with the Vulcans. I personally sent the commanders to render any services that we might have overlooked. We have a great relationship with the Vulcan diplomatic corps, and we wanted to extend that courtesy."

"It goes deeper than that; maybe I was hasty coming to the Embassy," Saana said with a slight smile.

Chester took it all in and stepped closer to her:

"Are you doing anything for lunch? It's almost lunch time. I would be honored if you would join me. I would like to discuss how your daughter's work has impacted Starfleet and the Academy."

"What about the circus outside?"

"I have a special place where we won't be disturbed or interrupted," he replied, holding out his arm to her. "Shall we?"

Saana looked up into those stormy gray eyes. "There's something about him," she thought. Saana felt drawn to him. She wrapped her arm around his and they left.

After asking Semek for directions, they went to the Embassy's transporter room and were beamed back to Starfleet Command headquarters, to one of their restaurants, a nice place where there few people, and soft music was playing in the background.

Saana looked around the cozy place: "What is this place?"

"It's the officer's lounge at Starfleet Command headquarters. See? No media; just a restaurant with a bar. I come here sometimes when I work late."

They sat down. A waitress appeared and gave them thin menu Padds. Chester didn't want to blow this; he was really attracted to Saana and he was grateful that she had accepted his invitation. This gave him a better opportunity to talk and get to know her. He was hoping for more if she would allow it.

"I didn't know your husband, but according to his records he was a fine officer."

"Yes, Kayode was a fine man. I was happily married to him. Things had changed after his death; it was a shock to me, and still to this day STARFLEET has never found the cause!" Saana said, becoming emotional.

Chester caught the tension in her voice. That was when he realized that she blamed Starfleet for her loss."That was strong, I need to change the topic if I want to know her in a more meaningful way."

"Saana, I see you are still dealing with your loss, and I respect your sorrow. I've lost crew members during my career; anyone who has been in a command position for as along as I have has lost crew members. But you never get used to it. And I cannot imagine the grief of losing a spouse."

Saana took a deep breath. She was touched by Nimitz's sincerity. She gave him credit and smiled at him for his effort. "Thank you for your kind words, Admiral. I do appreciate them. But perhaps we should discuss a lighter topic."

"Then tell me about your work at the University of Rhodes-how did you choose that career?"

"I teach anthropology there, which I enjoy. I am currently working on a research paper on ancient hominids whose remains have been found at Olduvai Gorge. Although the site has been excavated since the mid-20th Century, there is still more to be found. I have been interested in the ancient origins of humankind and the ebb and flow of cultures throughout history since I was a girl."

"Really? I'm impressed that you have accomplished so much for such a young woman."

Saana looked at Chester and saw a twinkle in his grayish/blue eyes; it threw her off:

"You do see the gray streaks in my hair, Admiral? And you are aware that I have a married daughter in Starfleet?"

Chester chuckled at her remark, revealing a winning smile.

Saana was taken back by it and took a deep breath.

"Please call me Chess or Chester."

They ordered their lunch and discussed their careers. Saana learned that Chester had been divorced for some years and had two grown sons working in different parts of the Alpha quadrant. They talked into the late afternoon.

"Look at the time! Saana said. "I need to study my Vulcansu and practice with my tutors."

"Learning Vulcan because of your new son-in-law?"

"Yes. If my plans fall in line, I'll be visiting Vulcan for their wedding reception."

"Oh yes, I see," Chester said knowingly. He was aware of the plans and he had investigated the delay in processing her credentials. "Things should be resolved in less than a day, he thought. Politics!"

As Chester escorted Saana back to the Embassy compound, his heart was drawn to her and he wanted to see her again:

"Saana, may I ask you to join me for lunch tomorrow-same time, different place?"

Saana looked up at him and smiled: "I don't see why not; I had a good time with you, Chess. Thank you."

Chester lifted one of her hands and kissed her knuckles, showing his feelings. Saana gasped and felt her face flush.

"Until tomorrow, Saana! Have a wonderful evening."

Chester left Saana feeling confused, her heart torn. She felt like she had betrayed Kayode. She entered the Embassy and was greeted by Semek.

"Good afternoon, Semek."

"Good afternoon, Professor Uhura. Would like to be served mid-meal?"

"I had a long lunch, Semek. No thank you."

"As you wish. If you require more sustenance, the service facility is at your disposal. One of the staff can provide a meal for you. Also, Professor Uhura, we have adjusted our com-link to reach the USS Enterprise at your convenience."

Semek handed her a thin Padd with the codes.

"WOW-that's wonderful! I think I'll call them now."

Saana wanted to hug the young Vulcan, but she remembered reading that Vulcans are very sensitive to touch and that touching them without permission is a violation of Vulcan etiquette. She quickly placed her hands at her sides.

"Your service honors me."

"I am here to serve. Good evening, Professor Uhura." Semek said, returning to his station.

Saana was so excited as she quickly returned to her suite with the Padd in her hand. She looked down at the codes. "Now I can reach them without the signal being lost!" She smiled at the thought that she would be speaking with her daughter very soon.