TITLE: IT WAS ONLY LOGICAL
AUTHOR: Ster Julie
Characters: Spock, Uhura, Christine
Rating: PG
Genre: Romance

DISCLAIMER: Don't own Trek. Wish I did.
It may own ME, however.

A challenge from GOOD TWIN/EVIL TWIN. Thank you!

It was the first Thursday night of the month and the Recreation Room
was buzzing with anticipation. It was Concert Night.

Now, some of the crew were classically trained musicians, First
Officer Spock and Communications Officer Lieutenant Uhura being two
of many. Others were natural talents who had not had the benefit of
voice or music lessons. Then there were those who loved to get up
on stage, even though their voices were better suited for the shower.

Inspired by their encounter with Mr. Flynt, Spock traded his Vulcan
harp this evening for the ship's very adequate grand piano. Dressed
in a soft midnight velour tunic and slacks, he showcased some of the
never-before-heard compositions of the man once known as Brahms,
Tchaikovsky, Bernstein, and more. It was a moving tribute to the
once eternal, but now very mortal man who had first been a soldier
in ancient Greece.

If Spock's performance gave a somber solemnity to the concert, it
was quickly forgotten by Uhura's rowdy, bawdy performance of show
tunes and love songs. Whereas Spock's performance drew polite
applause, Uhura received a raucous ovation.

Spock spent the remainder of the evening contemplating the disparity
in the crew's reaction during his and Uhura's performances. He
found that he was curious about the differences in the crew's
response.

Before he knew it, the formal portion of the concert was over. The
finale was usually all of the musicians on stage in one impromptu
piece.

"Do you know anything less highbrow, Spock?" McCoy teased.

Without taking his eyes from McCoy, Spock played a very bluesy
rendition of "Georgia On My Mind," which quickly turned into a sing-
along, at least, for those who knew the words. Again, Spock noted
the crowd's reaction and made a decision.

"Lieutenant Uhura?" he called softly after the performers' last bow.

"Yes?" she replied, turning toward him.

"I have a musical question for you." He said. "When would be a good
time to discuss it?"

Uhura thanked the last of her well-wishers and gave the Vulcan her
full attention.

"Perhaps if you asked your question," she began, puzzled, "I would
know how much time to set aside for our discussion."

Spock nodded.

"Fair enough," he replied. "I noticed tonight that your songs
evoked a greater response than the newly discovered works of Mr.
Flynt."

Uhura was confused. Was Spock saying that he was jealous that she
got a bigger round of applause than he did?

"Do humans place a greater value on songs with words over
instrumental pieces?" Spock asked.

Uhura thought a moment. She wanted to give Spock a proper answer.

"Mr. Spock," she began, "we humans need more time to process
instrumental music. We have to figure out what it is saying to us."

"Saying?" Spock repeated, puzzled. Uhura nodded.

"Music can evoke an emotional response," she continued. "On the
other hand, a song can tell us immediately what it means through its
lyrics."

"Ah," Spock replied. Uhura looked at Spock askance.

"Don't Vulcan songs evoke a similar response?" she asked. "Or are
they all logical?"

"Like any other culture," Spock began, "Vulcan music has a broad
range of styles. Some are logical, while others are not."

Uhura looked around playfully.

"And which style do you like, Mr. Spock?" she asked in a
conspiratorial manner, as if his answer would hold a secret truth.
Spock raised an eyebrow at the lieutenant's odd behavior, and then
he noted the playful twinkle in her eye. He leaned in and copied
her pose.

"I 'like' none of the styles," he whispered back, "but I appreciate
many of them."

Uhura leaned back and laughed aloud, shaking her head.

"Who knew you were so funny?" she chuckled.

Spock paused for a moment. The hour was late and he knew that they
both had alpha shift the next day. It would be logical to continue
this discussion at another time.

"Lieutenant," he began, "I have more that I wish to discuss on this
topic. When could we continue this talk?" Uhura thought a moment.

"How about after shift tomorrow?" she suggested.

"I have a department meeting at 1600 hours, Spock replied. Perhaps
after that?"

"I have something at 2000 hours," Uhura answered as she
thought. "How about during dinner? We could 'meet and eat.'"

"As a rule," Spock began uncomfortably, "Vulcans eat in silence, but
perhaps I can find an appropriate compromise."

Uhura chuckled softly at Spock's, well, Spock-ness.

"Good night, Mr. Spock," she said as she patted his arm. "I'll see
you in the morning."

"Good night, Lieutenant," he replied.

The next day's shift was so uneventful to be downright boring.
Uhura found herself thinking back to the discussion she and Spock
had had the night before about music. She stopped him with a touch
as he passed her station.

"The anticipation is killing me, Mr. Spock," she began. Spock just
looked at her, not understanding what in the galaxy she was talking
about. "What did you want to discuss further?" she added. "About
music?"

Spock briefly contemplated admonishing Uhura about keeping her mind
on her work before replying.

"I have been having difficulty in one of my compositions," he said
softly. "I was hoping to show my work to you, and perhaps to gain a
new perspective."

"Ooh, now I am intrigued, Mr. Spock," Uhura bantered
playfully. "What sort of compositional difficulties?"

"I am trying to write a song," he replied, his voiced pitched even
softer. "With lyrics."

Uhura batted her eyes at the First Officer.

"Why, Mr. Spock," she nearly cooed, "You have to be inspired to
write lyrics."

"I am," he said enigmatically. Uhura fanned her lashes again.

"Is it I, Sugar?" she whispered, smiling coyly.

"Not at this time," Spock replied as he gave Uhura his most
inscrutable gaze. Uhura did not miss the tell-tale twinkle in
Spock's eye. She pretended to be hurt and sniffed.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Spock," she began, "but I will be unable to help
you."

Spock leaned closer and whispered, "If I promise to write the next
song for you, will you reconsider?"

Uhura looked up and saw the silent plea in Spock's eyes. She could
se this was really important to him. She nodded and patted his arm.

"I'll help you," Uhura promised. "Are we still meeting at 1800
hours?"

"Yes," Spock nodded, straightening, "In the Recreation Room."

"Is something wrong?"

Spock and Uhura exchanged glances and turned toward the voice of
their Captain.

"No, sir," Spock replied. Kirk looked from one to the other.

"You two were whispering at length," Kirk continued as he placed his
fists on his hips in his best Alpha male stance. "Is there a
conspiracy brewing?"

Spock was about to answer when he caught "that look" on Kirk's
face. As his mother would say, someone was pulling his leg.

"Not at this time," Spock countered.

"Well, then," Kirk replied, "let's get back to work, shall we?"

Spock replied with a curt nod as he returned to his post.

"Yes, sir," Uhura replied meekly, even though she was practically
burning with curiosity. 1800 hours couldn't come fast enough.

When Uhura entered the Rec Room, she found Spock sitting at a corner
table, an air of "Do not approach me, I am working" surrounding him.

Uhura knew better. Grabbing a large mug of soup, she ventured right
up to his table.

"Is this seat taken?" she purred.

"It is now," he answered in greeting, clearing away some of the
clutter he had strategically placed to save a seat without looking
like he was saving a seat. Spock pulled out the chair for Uhura.

"Your mama taught you well, kind sir," she said playfully.

"Indeed," Spock agreed.

Uhura sipped at her soup, trying to be calm and patient. Spock
nearly jumped when she suddenly leaned forward in her seat.

"I can't stand it!" Uhura whispered fiercely. "Who is it?"

Spock reluctantly pushed a padd to her, but did not release it.

"I prefer not to say," he said in a low voice. "I think it is
evident in these lyrics, but instead of guessing who it is, I'd
rather you just rate the lyrics on their own merit."

Uhura eagerly took the padd and began reading. Spock studied her
facial expressions, which quickly went from a smile to a frown. She
returned the padd. Spock waited.

"So?" he prompted.

"Well, my mama told me, 'If you can't say anything nice, don't
say
anything at all.'"

Spock sat back.

"They were that bad?"

"Honestly?" Uhura asked. Spock nodded. "They were awful," she
replied. Spock slumped in disappointment.

"Then how do you suggest I proceed?" he asked in a small voice.

Uhura leaned forward, placed one arm on the table, and got into her
lecture mode.

"Let's look at lyric styles," she began. "Lyrics can convey a
message, or tell a story. The story could be told in a linear
fashion or in a circular fashion."

"Circular?" Spock asked. "Can you cite an example?" Uhura thought
a moment.

"Look at the creation story in Genesis. This story has a refrain
that denotes the progression of time," Uhura continued. "'Evening
came and morning followed, the next day,'" she quoted.

"A linear story is one that has a beginning, middle and end," Uhura
continued.

"Like historical facts?" Spock interjected. Uhura nodded.

"Or even like, 'O My Darlin' Clementine,'" she added. "The song
describes Clementine, tells about how she fell into the water and
drowned, and how the narrator feels about it."

Uhura looked up at Spock. The Vulcan seemed lost and dazed.

"Let's try another approach," she said, shifting in her
seat. "Think of her name."

"Clementine?" he asked.

"No, silly," she replied, "your ... the recipient of this song."
Uhura gave Spock a moment.

"I am not very romantic," Spock observed.

"Why would you say a thing like that?" Uhura countered.

"Because I just thought of her full name, rank, and position on this
ship," Spock replied, dejected. "Her latest performance review
report came to mind."

"Hmm," Uhura replied. "You're right. Not romantic at all." She
tapped a perfect fingernail on the table. "Try this. Picture her
in your mind."

"Clothed or unclothed?"

"WHAT?" Uhura breathed. "Have you already seen her unclothed?"
Looking up, she caught "that look" in Spock's eye and knew he was
teasing her. She gently punched his arm in response. "Picture her
however you wish," she said softly, adding under her breath, "you
naughty boy!" She leaned closer and nearly whispered, "Why are you
attracted to her? Does she have a beautiful face and body? Does
she have more of an inner beauty? Is it another quality about her
that draws you to her?"

Uhura sat back and watched Spock think. Except for a narrowing of
his dark eyes, his face was frozen in thought.

"She is very brave," Spock said at last, "and very gentle." He took
a breath. "As to her beauty..."

Uhura moved her soup mug so she could lean even closer.

"...she is aesthetically pleasing."

Uhura sat back. That must be how a Vulcan refers to something
beautiful. It didn't sound romantic either.

"Do you think she harbors feelings for you, Mr. Spock?" Uhura asked
dreamily, leaning her head in her hand. Spock nodded.

"She told me she loved me long ago," he answered.

"Long ago?" Uhura repeated. "What took you so long to write this
song?" Spock shifted in his seat.

"When she made this declaration," he murmured, "I was not ... free
to
accept her feelings."

"You were still engaged to be married," Uhura observed. Spock
nodded.

"We have been circling each other ever since then," he replied.
Uhura lurched forward.

"Write down 'circling,'" she said suddenly. Spock opened a new page
and wrote the words as directed.

"Why am I doing this?" Spock asked as he complied.

"Just looking for inspiration," Uhura answered. "Go on. Tell me
more about her. Are you friends?"

Spock considered this for a while.

"We are not friends in the same sense that the captain and I are
friends," he replied at last. "However, we behave in a friendly
manner toward one another."

"Hmm," Uhura replied again. "I'm not convinced, but write
down 'friends.'" Spock bent to his padd again. "Did you know her
before she came aboard?" Spock shook his head. "So you met her in
space?"

Spock looked at Uhura, his head tilted to one side.

"Should I write 'in space,' maestro?" he asked with a small smirk.
Uhura smiled.

"Now you're getting the idea!" she beamed. Uhura took the list and
looked over the four words written on it. "There's not much here to
work with," she murmured. "Tell me, Spock, why are you pursuing a
relationship with her now?" Spock shrugged.

"It was only logical," he replied. Suddenly two heads popped up at
the table. Spock reached for the padd just as Uhura was shoving it
in his direction.

"It was only logical," he wrote.

"That sounds like a promising title," Uhura commented.

Spock didn't hear her. He was moving words around on the padd's
little screen. "In space" soon became "between the stars."

Ignored, Uhura sipped at her mug one more time. Its contents had
gotten cold. She got up, went back to the replicators and reheated
her soup.

In the meantime, Spock was busy at work. The song seemed to be
writing itself, following an ABABCCAB pattern, but Spock felt that
something was missing. He needed one word, one syllable ...

"Aaah!" Uhura sighed in satisfaction after she tasted her reheated
soup.

"Ah!" Spock added to the song. His burgeoning relationship left him
feeling very satisfied. "Ah!" suited him - and the song - quite
nicely.

Spock reached under the table and pulled up his Vulcan lyrette. He
plucked a few notes, scribbled a notation on the padd, plucked a few
more notes, and made more notations.

Uhura finished her soup as she watched him in fascination. A change
here, another there, and soon Spock was done. He pushed the padd
back to Uhura as he began to play, humming softly. Uhura followed
along with the lyrics.

"How beautiful!" Uhura breathed as she brushed away a tear. "Chris
is going to love it!"

"Chris?" Spock questioned. Uhura's mouth dropped open.

"Isn't this for Christine Chapel?" she asked.

"Yes it is," Spock answered. "Was it that obvious?" Uhura looked
at the padd again.

"Not by your lyrics," she answered, "but by your earlier story."

"Should I make any changes?" Spock asked. Uhura read the short song
again.

"Oh, don't change a word," she breathed. "It's perfect."

Suddenly, Uhura put down the padd and placed her fists on her hips.

"I'm terribly jealous, Mr. Spock," Uhura stated in mock annoyance.
Spock looked at her in shock. "Remember that your second song is
promised to me." Spock sat back.

"Don't expect anything like this, Lieutenant," he replied with a
twinkle.

"Of course not," Uhura replied. "I expect my song to be written for
me to sing, something that will challenge my vocal capabilities.
Something as darkly beautiful as I."

Spock sat back with his harp on his lap, considering Uhura's request
with a playful look on his face again.

"As my mother also told me, 'Be careful what you wish for,'" he
replied. "You may just get it."

It was several days later when everything was arranged just so –
no
emergencies, no schedule conflicts, and – best of all for Spock

no witnesses.

Uhura lured Christine Chapel to an empty observation lounge. The
ship was passing through a spectacular region of space – the
Cat's
Eye Nebula (NGC 6543). Sitting in the center of the room was Spock,
holding his lyrette, dressed in a dark Vulcan robe. Uhura
disappeared into the shadows as Christine neared Spock.

Uhura couldn't hear the soft words Spock said to Christine, so she
tried to imagine them.

Just then Spock picked up his harp and began to play as he sang
these words:

IT WAS ONLY LOGICAL

It was only logical
That we should meet between the stars.
It was only logical
That we would be more than friends
Lonely journeys, lonely paths
Always searching, circling—Ah!
It was only logical
That I should take – you – in – my – arms.

Uhura slipped out of the room as Spock laid aside his harp and
gathered Christine into a long-awaited embrace. Uhura took once
last peek as the doors closed and saw Spock and Christine pull back
enough to find each others' lips with their own in a deep,
satisfying kiss.

"Aaah!"

FIN