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Pride and Logic Chapter 19

Nyota sighed and dropped her forehead to rest against the polished stonewall of the sonic shower. She could barely recall how she made it back to the main house and into her rooms after her unexpected encounter with Spock.

“What must he think of me?” Nyota asked herself once more.

Nyota was sure that the entire situation must have appeared to be rather peculiar to Spock. He could easily think that it was too much of a coincidence that her aunt happened to be school friends with his mother and that they chose to vacation at his childhood home. Nyota knew the Commander to be a very private person. After he had shared so much with her during the mind meld following his painful proposal, Nyota thought it was too great a violation to then come to his own home and befriend his mother. Nyota had hoped that she could pass her vacation undetected by Commander Spock. Indeed, Gaila had given her every reason to think that he would be off planet for the duration of her visit. Nyota would have never agreed to come otherwise. She would have concocted some excuse about having to return to the Academy early or asked for extra assignments from her internship—anything to avoid the awkward situation she now found herself in.

Nyota stepped out of the shower and changed into one of the outfits she purchased during their last shopping trip—a simple traditional tunic of cream silk with a crimson belt. She left the crimson undershirt hanging in her closet. She found the Vulcan climate much too warm for more than one layer. She wondered how Lady Amanda ever adapted to be comfortable in the three or four layers common in Vulcan women’s attire. Just as she finished pulling her hair up into an efficient bun, her door chime sounded.

“Come,” Nyota answered.

Seved stepped into the room.

“Ms. Uhura, Master Spock requests your presence for the afternoon meal.”

“Of course,” Nyota replied. “I’ll be there directly.”

“Then I shall leave you to your preparations,” Seved said with a bow before departing.

Nyota bit her lip as she turned back towards the mirror.

“I suppose there is no avoiding him,” she told her reflection.





Spock paced the length of the informal dining room, stopping to readjust a place setting every few seconds. He was determined that their private lunch together would be perfect. He had given careful instructions to the cook as to what foods to prepare for the meal. During their sojourn on Theta Sigma, Spock observed the cadet carefully removing the avocado from her meal, her nose wrinkled in distaste as she contended with the green fruit. He instructed the cook to ensure that the dishes were mildly seasoned and that no valnood, an avocado-like vegetable native to Vulcan, was used in any of the dishes.

Seved had informed him that his mother and the Uhuras were not due to return to the compound until just before the dinner hour. While Spock was curious to know more about Tonya Uhura and her friendship with his mother, he was grateful to have a few hours of the cadet’s time to himself. While their last meeting had been painful for them both, Spock had spent much of the last three months meditating on the cadet’s words to him:

I have never desired your affection and you have certainly bestowed yours unwillingly. I am sorry to cause you pain. I realize that expressing such…illogical emotions must have been difficult for you and repugnant to your Vulcan sensibilities. However, I suspect that the pain will be of short duration as you meditate further on my inferiorities.

While her accusations regarding his brother had been borne of ignorance, Spock felt that there was some truth to her charges regarding his own character. Perhaps he had been prideful and arrogant in his dealings with Nyota. Spock had been honest in his assessment of her suitability to be his bride. His own family and Vulcan society would expect much from whoever wed into the S'chn T'gai clan. Their family was ancient, wealthy and politically powerful. However, along with these expectations, there would be a great deal of criticism and scorn. As Spock had learned from his mother’s experiences—and his own—being human, no matter the pedigree of one’s clan, was enough to mark one as inferior.

Spock had thought that he had not inherited this illogical prejudice held by so many of his purportedly logical kinsmen. Spock spent most of his childhood proving to his classmates and elders that his human blood did not make him inferior. He graduated in the top one percentile of his class and was admitted to the Vulcan Science Academy with a flawless record. He completed his kahs'wan at the tender age of six years old. However, these achievements were not enough to prove his equality and suitability to the Vulcan people. The final indignity came when the council of the Vulcan Science Academy chose to slander his mother in the same breath with which they congratulated him for his achievements. Spock declined their offer of admission, choosing Starfleet Academy instead.

Indeed, Spock felt he had been immune to ascribing to irrational notions of Vulcan superiority. However, Nyota’s stinging refusal showed him that despite his own experiences, his treatment of other species had been tainted with prejudice. His objection to Shuran’s relationship with Gaila had been based less on the fact that she was a cadet—despite the numerous regulations he oft quoted to his friend—and more on the fact that Gaila was Orion. Spock had also thought that his own judgment on the matter was superior to his friend’s in part—perhaps—to this same Vulcan pride.

Even his proposal to Nyota dripped with Vulcan superiority. While he knew that flattery would not have resulted in a more favorable outcome, he had certainly not helped matters by repeatedly pointing out that her very humanity made her an unsuitable mate. Three months of these ruminations resulted in Spock coming to one firm conclusion—his behavior had been illogical.

This realization had caused Spock no small amount of perturbation. However, Spock was thankful for the mental agitation brought by this discovery for it led him to repent and to mature. He had already taken great pains to make amends towards Shuran—admitting his mistake and seeking his forgiveness. The always-affable Shuran was more than eager to give it, especially since Gaila was very receptive to his overtures despite his neglect. Shuran frowned for twenty eight seconds before smiling brightly and crushing Spock in a hug. Spock bore the unwelcome embrace with equanimity even going so far as to pat Shuran lightly on the back.

Spock did not expect that Nyota’s forgiveness would be so easily won. Nonetheless, he was determined to show her that her words had a profound impact upon him and that he had changed. If he could not earn her affection, he hoped that he could earn her respect.





Nyota worried her bottom lip as she followed a servant through the halls towards the balcony where Spock awaited her. She did not know what she would say to him. He did not appear to be angered by her presence at his home. Yet, Spock was a Vulcan. Even if he were enraged he would not permit himself to show it. Still, inviting her to lunch was certainly a good sign.

“Miss Nyota Uhura,” the servant announced as she arrived.

Nyota stepped around the servant and stopped short as Spock turned to face her. He was much more modestly attired than before, his small swimming briefs traded in for a dark grey high-necked tunic with matching grey slacks. Nyota looked down to find his feet encased in a pair of sensible black synthetic leather shoes. Even in this simple attire, Nyota found him to be uncommonly handsome. Then again, she always thought he looked well in his black instructor’s uniform. As Nyota took in his person, she thought it was all rather unfair. He could at least have had the courtesy to develop a large zit on the middle of his forehead to level the playing field. She admired the way the late afternoon sun reflected off of his silky black hair and gave his complexion a dewy golden hue. Her eyes fell to his lips and she wondered how they were always so perfectly pink before she noticed that they were also moving.

“Forgive me,” Uhura said as she shook her head. “Would you mind repeating that, Commander?”

“Certainly,” Spock replied. “I inquired as to whether the food selection met with your approval. I hope that you excuse me for taking the liberty of ordering the meal.”

Uhura’s mouth formed an “oh” before she scanned the table. A steaming bowl of rice sat beside what appeared to be a vegetable curry. A small platter of cut fruit sat to one side next to a basket of flat bread similar to injeera. Uhura looked up at Spock in surprise.

“My mother is fond of Terran Indian cuisine,” Spock explained. “She insists that such dishes be consumed in the traditional manner using bread to gather bites of food. Despite the Vulcan norm of refraining from touching one’s food, it is our household custom to provide such breads for my mother and any human guests when other Vulcans are not present. As you most likely have already deduced, other Vulcans would be most offended by the eating custom.”

“I know that Vulcans do not touch food with their bare hands, however, I must admit that I do not understand why it is considered so extremely offensive. None of the texts on Vulcan culture and mores that I have read explain why.”

Spock’s gaze slid from hers to focus on the wall behind her. “As you know, Vulcans are touch telepaths. The tips of our fingers are quite sensitive.”

Nyota stared at him blankly. “Yes…but…”

“The tips of the fingers are erogenous zones,” Spock quickly added.

“Oh,” Uhura gasped in surprise. “Oh, that makes sense then.”

Her mind immediately went back to her first date with Sybok at her favorite Ethiopian restaurant on campus. She had been surprised by his choice of restaurant given Vulcan customs surrounding dining. Sybok seemed to enjoy the meal with a peculiar relish, scooping up large portions of lentils with injeera and licking his fingertips clean. Her cheeks warmed at the realization that Sybok had been self-pleasuring in public.

“Well,” Nyota continued a little too loudly. “The food looks and smells delicious. Thank you, Spock.”

Spock nodded before pulling a chair back from the table.

“Miss Uhura,” Spock said as he gestured to the seat.

Nyota smiled nervously before walking over to his side of the table and sitting in the offered chair.

“Thank you, Commander.”

“Spock, if you please,” he corrected as he moved to take his seat adjacent from her. “As we are far from Starfleet it is acceptable to relax formalities.”

Nyota smiled as she recalled the first time he requested that she address him informally. “Of course, Spock.”

“Thank you, Nyota.”

The pair soon turned their attention to their plates. Nyota served herself a generous helping of the curry and rice. She tore off a piece of the flat spongy bread and scooped up a bite of the curry and brought it to her mouth. It was delicious. She glanced over to observe how Spock navigated the cuisine. He used a fork and knife to cut off bite sized portions of injeera and then scoop a bit of curry and rice on top with his fork.

“Is the meal to your liking, Nyota,” Spock asked.

Nyota swallowed a mouthful of water. “Yes, everything is wonderful.”

They continued to eat in silence. Nyota searched for a suitable topic to start some conversation. Just when she thought of some polite and mundane question to ask about his family estate, Nyota became aware of Spock’s observation of her person. Her eyes met his steady gaze just as she brought a bit of bread and curry to her mouth. He did not avert his eyes as she slowly chewed. Feeling a bit cheeky, Uhura quickly licked her fingertips. She thought she noticed a subtle coloring of his cheeks as he quickly looked away. Instantly remorseful, Nyota brought her hands to her lap.

“You must forgive me for coming to your home like this, Commander,” she began. “Like I said, I was under the impression that you would not be on Vulcan during the break. I would never have agreed to come with my aunt on this visit if I had known that your plans were different. I would never willingly invade your privacy.”

“You have no cause to apologize, Nyota,” Spock replied. “Indeed, your presence here, though unexpected, is not undesirable. You are most welcome to D'H'riset.”

Nyota looked down at her plate before favoring him with a small smile. “Thank you, Spock.”

They continued their meal in amicable conversation. Spock asked Nyota about her relations and their visit to Vulcan thus far. Nyota complied answering his questions cheerfully. Spock listened, watching her thoughtfully as she spoke animatedly about her cousins, her aunt and uncle’s research and the activities they had participated in during their visit. Likewise, Spock answered her questions about Vulcan, D'H'riset and his mother’s career prior to her entrance into interstellar politics. After the meal, they carried their conversation to the rock garden.

As the sun set, the oppressive heat of the day morphed into a pleasant warmth. They walked around the garden a few times before taking a seat on a large stone bench. They lapsed into a comfortable silence, their faces tilted up to observe the night sky. Nyota sat back, enjoying the warmth of the stone against her thighs. She could hardly believe that she was having such a pleasurable time with Spock. She turned and observed his profile in the dim light that filtered into the garden from the house. She noticed a pleasant softness there that she had never seen before. Noticing her look, Spock turned towards her and lifted one eyebrow. Nyota laughed lightly and turned her gaze back towards the sky.

“This is nice,” she said softly.

“The Vulcan night sky is visually appealing,” Spock replied.

Nyota smiled and turned towards him again. “Yes, it is, but that is not what I meant.”

Spock observed her quietly for several long moments. Nyota swallowed before turning towards the sky once more.

“So, I know Vulcan has no moon,” she began. “But does Vulcan have any constellations?”

“Yes. There are several star formations currently visible that pre-Surak Vulcans attached particular meaning to.”

“Will you show me a few?”

Spock sat quietly for a moment, his dark eyes scanning the skies. Soon Spock lifted his right arm and pointed one long elegant finger at a grouping of stars.

“Observe the bright star surrounded by a semi-circle of five dimmer stars in the south east quadrant.”

Nyota followed the length of his arm and outstretched finger in search of the constellation he described. She squinted as she searched the sky in vain. The sky was full of stars and she could not readily distinguish one formation from another.

“Is that it?” Nyota asked as she pointed at one cluster of stars.

“Negative,” Spock replied. “If you would permit me.”

Spock rose from his seat and positioned himself behind Nyota. He crouched down until his head was level with hers, his chest pressed gently against her back as he leaned over her. He peered over her shoulder until they were cheek to cheek. Nyota quickly inhaled as Spock’s warm cheek grazed hers. She resisted the urge to turn towards him, choosing to watch him from the corner of her eye instead. Spock met her gaze and held it as he raised his arm alongside her outstretched one and gently grasped his hand in hers.

“This is the correct constellation, Nyota,” Spock said as he moved her arm into position, his eyes never leaving hers.

Nyota swallowed. “And, what is it called?”

“The mythological name associated with the star formation is T’ryel and her Suitors,” Spock replied as his gaze left hers to view the constellation. “The stars only appear in this particular formation three months out of the year when this region of Vulcan experiences our equivalent of Spring.”

“Why only in the Spring?”

“Before Surak, Spring was the traditional time of mating. Eligible males would fight to the death for the hand of the females they wished to be mated with. It was a time fraught with violence, bloodshed and savagery. T’ryel, legends have it, was the most aesthetically pleasing female in her village. She was also an accomplished warrior and hunter. Year after year males from villages throughout the province travelled to her small village to compete for her hand.”

“I thought Vulcans mated for life?”

“You are correct, Nyota. We do. Year after year men competed for T’ryel’s hand to no avail. You see, not only did the suitors have to fight one another to the death, they also had to best T’ryel in battle. T’ryel was an accomplished swordswoman and wily. All of her suitors died by her blade.”

Nyota’s eyes widened. “So the five suitors in the constellation are those bested by her?”

“No, Nyota,” Spock replied as he dropped his hand from her wrist and moved resume his seat beside her. “They represent the five suitors who won her hand.

“One spring five cousins came to the village. They heard of T’ryel’s beauty and wealth as well as her cunningness. They conspired together to win T’ryel’s hand. As T’ryel had shown herself to be incapable of being mastered by one man, they reasoned that she was formidable enough for multiple husbands.”

“So how did they best T’ryel?” Nyota asked as she leaned against his shoulder. She held her breath as she waited for his reaction.

Spock remained silent for a long moment before shifting slightly so that Nyota was tucked more comfortably against his side. Nyota released a long breath.

“The cousins fought each other as required,” Spock continued, his voice a low rumble. “They used all of their skill and ability to best one another. However, they were all equally matched and the combat ended in a draw. Not one drop of blood was shed nor did any blow land true. Knowing that she was bested, T’ryel laid down her weapon and submitted to her five suitors.”

“Something tells me that that is not the end of the tale,” Nyota whispered.

“It is not. On the eve of her bonding ceremony, T’ryel fled into the hills and threw herself off of a cliff. The cousins pursued her to no avail. In their grief they leapt after her to their own deaths. Once a year they are reunited in the heavens for a brief time.”

“What a dreadful story,” Nyota replied as she turned to look up at him. “Please tell me that Vulcan parents do not tell their children that story before bed?”

“Myths and fairytales are illogical and generally deemed unsuitable for the instruction of youth,” Spock replied before returning her look. “However, I suppose it is possible to derive some lessons from the myth on the superiority of cooperation and diplomacy over war.”

“And the illogic of pride,” Nyota replied.

“Yes, pride is quite illogical.”

Nyota smirked. “Even when it is under good regulation?”

Spock’s lips quirked. “That is when pride is at the height of illogic, Nyota. For one must be very prideful indeed to believe that one can control it.”

“Spock-am!” Amanda’s happy shout saved Nyota from the necessity of forming a reply. The pair stood from their perch and turned to watch Amanda walk towards them.

“Oh, I am so pleased to have you home, sa-fu,” Amanda replied as she approached Spock and took him by the shoulders. “Let me get a good look at you. You seem to just keep getting taller and skinnier. Are you eating properly at the academy?”
“I consume sufficient nutrients for my needs.”

“Hmmm. Well, you certainly will now that you are home,” Amanda replied before her look of concern was replaced with a small grin. “I see you have acquainted yourself with Miss Nyota.”

Spock lifted one eyebrow. “Cadet Uhura was my student at Starfleet Academy, as you are no doubt aware, mother.”

“Spock was just pointing out some constellations,” Nyota piped up. She was as eager as Spock to alter the course of the present conversation.

Amanda’s smile only grew. “It is a lovely evening for star gazing. You know Spock, you should take her up to the patio on the east wing. There is a lovely fire pit there and you have such a clear view of the sky and Mount Tar’Hana.

“His father would take me up there when we were first married,” Amanda addressed Nyota as she looped one arm through hers. “We would sit and star gaze late into the night. Sarek wasn’t much for retelling myths, but he would point out each planet or star and recite a litany of facts. I could care less about the nitrogen make up of Gru’ther IV, but I listened attentively anyway. Sarek can be very romantic in his own peculiar way. I see his son is just as capable.”

Nyota bit back a smile.

“Mother, are not the Uhura’s with you? I should like to make their acquaintance,” Spock added hastily.

“Yes, yes,” Amanda airily replied. “They are changing for dinner, which is why I came out here to fetch you. I wouldn’t have disturbed you two otherwise.”

“Oh, I hadn’t realized it was that late,” Nyota gasped in genuine surprise.

Amanda patted her arm. “No matter. Sometimes time has a way of sneaking up on you.” She glanced at her son significantly. “But there is no need for you to change, dear. You look lovely as usual.”

Nyota smiled before darting a glance at Spock. “Well, I should go speak with my uncle.”

Nyota slipped her arm out of Amanda’s embrace and made her way towards the door before stopping to turn towards them once more. “By the way, thank you for a lovely afternoon, Spock.”

“You are most welcome, Nyota,” Spock replied with a small bow.

Nyota flashed him a final smile before walking into the house.





“Mother,” Spock said once Nyota had left the gardens. “When you contacted me to request that I visit, you failed to mention that you would also be entertaining house guests. Please explain.”

“Its not unusual for your father and I to entertain at the house,” Amanda replied.

“That is true, mother. However, I have reason to believe that you intended for my visit to coincide with they stay of these particular house guests.”

Amanda cocked her head and leveled a curious look at her son. “And why would you come to that conclusion, sa-fu? Are these house guests particularly important to you?”

Spock looked away from his mother. He reasoned that it was illogical to attempt to evade his mother’s questions. She had always been inordinately curious about his relationships with females since he left Vulcan. It was no secret that Amanda Grayson did not approve of or like T’Pring, his betrothed. She had desired that Spock choose his own bride as his father had done with her. Spock was pleased to find that his mother appeared to approve of Nyota. As Spock would need the assistance of both his parents to formally sever his bond with T’Pring, Spock further reasoned that it would wise to speak plainly with his mother now.

“As you have already deduced, Miss Uhura is of particular interest to me.”

Amanda’s smile grew. “She’s the young lady you contacted me about…when you wanted advice about gowns.”

“Yes. In fact, I declared koon-ut.”

Amanda gasped.

“Nyota was wise to refuse my suit. I had shown myself to be unworthy of her by my conduct. She was also deceived as to my character.”

“How could she think you unworthy?” Amanda asked as she stepped toward him and cupped his right cheek.

Spock slowly removed his mother’s hand from his face and held it in his.

“That is of no consequence, mother. She is no longer deceived as to my character and I have taken steps to prove myself worthy of her. While I do not approve of your use of deception to lure me home, I cannot say that I am displeased to be given this opportunity to make amends with Miss Uhura.”

Amanda bit her lip as she looked up at her son. Her eyes were suspiciously wet and Spock feared that she would have a crying fit.

“Do you love her?”

Spock considered his mother before replying. “She is necessary to me.”

Amanda nodded, her eyes welling up in earnest.

“I am happy for you, sa-fu.”

Spock dropped his mother’s hand and stepped away from her.

“It remains to be seen if Miss Uhura is similarly disposed towards me.”

“Oh, Spock-am,” Amanda replied, her smile back in place. “From what I have seen she very well may be.”





Dinner was a pleasant affair. Nyota was surprised that Spock’s new level of openness extended towards her aunt and uncle. During dinner Spock rather than Lady Amanda carried the bulk of the conversation. He had every appearance of being genuinely interested in knowing her relations better and of gaining their good favor. He easily got Uncle Jomo talking animatedly about his physics research and asked for the pleasure of reading his latest working paper. Uncle Jomo readily agreed and invited Spock to share his own observations and critiques. When the party retired to the drawing room for tea and desserts, Spock turned his attentions towards Aunt Tonya complementing her on the publication of her latest book on comparative humanoid linguistics and, much to her amusement, conversing briefly with her in one of the obscure old Vulcan dialects she had used as the basis of her research. When Uncle Jomo mentioned his interest in archery, Spock offered to give him a tour of his father’s collection of old Vulcan weaponry which included an extensive array of bows and crossbows.

Soon the party retired to their quarters for the evening. Spock took it upon himself to escort them to the guest wing, bowing slightly at the waist as he bid Nyota a good evening. As soon as Spock turned to make his way to his own quarters, Aunt Tonya took Nyota by the elbow and steered her into her room with Uncle Jomo following behind.

“Nyota, I must say that I cannot understand why you were so concerned about meeting Spock again. He was all politeness and certainly eager to please.”

Nyota sat down at the foot of her bed. “I can hardly understand it myself, Aunt. I'm very surprised by his behavior.”

“There is something a little stately in him, to be sure, but nothing unusual for a Vulcan. Perhaps upon a very superficial meeting someone might call him proud, but I could see nothing of it. From what you told me of his acquaintance with yourself, I did not expect him to be so very attentive.”

“And I would not have expected him to be so civil--no more than civil-- welcoming to us,” Uncle Jomo added. “You should have seen the size of his father’s archery collection, Nyota. And he promised to teach me the proper techniques for their use tomorrow afternoon.”

Nyota could not help but smile at her uncle’s excitement.

“Spock has been much more attentive then I could have ever expected,” Nyota replied. “But I can’t account for it.”

Aunt Tonya cocked her head to one side and looked at her niece carefully. “Can you not?”


Glossary:
kahs'wan= Vulcan rite of passage into maturity for pre-teens whereby they must survive for ten days without food or water in Vulcan’s Forge, a harsh desert canyon.
Koon-ut= proposal of marriage
Sa-fu= son
Spock-am= similar to “Spock, dear.”











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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.