Musical Memories
By Marie Nomad
Tonight, Spock and Uhura should have been playing in the recreation room. She would sing while he would play on the Vulcan lyre. It was a weekly ritual that they do together baring any emergencies. He finds it helpful in controlling his emotions.
There was a misconception about Vulcans that Spock never disagreed with. Most humans believe that Vulcans cannot feel. That was the opposite. Vulcans can feel but emotions are toxic to them. There was a time when Vulcans embraced emotions and nearly caused their species to go extinct. Vulcans turned to logic to maintain themselves and others. He can feel but he chose to suppress those emotions and channel them to useful endeavors.
He looked at Uhura who was studying advanced Spanish. So far, she had regained the ability to speak ten languages, nowhere near the amount that she had known before. Her mind was wiped by the probe, and she had been recovering. “Greetings, Lieutenant, how are your studies?”
She looked at him with the eyes of a stranger, despite the fact that they had known each other for years. “You’re… Commander Spock, right?”
“That is correct. You are retaining knowledge, which is pleasing.”
The young woman shook her head. “We served together but I can’t remember anything. I remember how to speak at least ten different languages but… I don’t remember my family! Captain Kirk said that my family died in an accident but… I can’t remember their faces.”
“Jim.” Spock corrected. “His name is Jim.”
“But he’s my superior officer.”
For some reason, that sentence felt illogical to him. While it was true for Spock to call Jim ‘Captain’ especially in professional situations, to hear Uhura talk about her friend in a distant way seems illogical. “He is your friend. Do you recall how you two met?”
“No.” Uhura’s shoulders trembled, and tears started to fall down her face. “I’m scared. I look over the past Captain’s logs, but nothing is… clicking. I feel like I’m studying someone else’s life.”
“You are not alone, Nyota.” Spock reassured as he put a hand on her shoulder. “Do not be afraid. Now that the current situation has been dealt with, the ship can devote more resources to your recovery.” He paused and asked, “Do you remember the previous Captain of the Enterprise?”
“Fleet Captain Pike, right? He was in an accident and died recently.” Uhura recollected.
Spock’s mouth twitched downward slightly. Uhura had respected Captain Pike deeply and she was concerned about him after the accident. The way she spoke about him was not like she knew him. “You served under him as a Cadet. You do not recall at all?”
“No. I’m sorry.”
“It is not your fault.” Spock reassured. “I will go and seek a way to remedy that. Have a good day, Nyota.” He turned away from the bed.
“Thank you, Commander.”
Spock stopped and stiffened up slightly. It was acceptable to be spoken to in a formal manner on the bridge but not here. “Call me ‘Spock’.” He marched away.
XXX
“Doctor, Lieutenant Uhura’s rate of recovery has not been satisfactory.” Spock told Dr. McCoy.
“We’re having her recover her lost knowledge. Considering the fact that it was literally from a blank slate, that’s impressive.” Dr. McCoy stated. “Right now, we’re just focusing basics, knowledge that can be relearned easily.”
“And what about her personal memories? She is… she is treating us like crewmembers rather than friends.”
“That’s a pickle.” McCoy sighed. “She can name about every crew member on this ship, but she can’t talk about what are they like outside of recordings.”
“She forgot about Captain Pike.” Spock stated. “She called Jim ‘Captain’, me ‘Commander’. That is not Uhura.”
“You’re worried about her.” McCoy acknowledged. He knew that Uhura and Spock are good friends, the way she spoke to him, in a slight teasing way that Spock seemed to enjoy. At least, he never complained about it. They would often play music together and if he didn’t know any better, he could have sworn that Spock was having fun.
“Starfleet would lose a good Communications officer if this continues.”
“I don’t know what to tell you. The other parts of her brain are functional. If we can somehow connect those parts to her knowledge of the crew and her past. It might spark something. What if you mind meld with her?”
“Her mind is in a fragile state and her condition is not standard. I cannot take that risk. I may end up causing her to be like what I picture her to be and not her actual self.”
“I guess so. There was something interesting though, she can recall songs if she listens to them, emotions.” McCoy said. “We tried music therapy, and she learned the languages fast using that. Makes sense since that music triggers a different part of the brain.”
Spock’s eyebrow raised up. “So, if she were to hear past music, she can recall memories attached to them?”
“Yeah, but we can’t exactly have the ship’s crew do a great big musical in front of her since we haven’t done that before.”
Spock’s shoulders slumped and he closed his eyes. He must do what he can for Uhura, even at a cost to himself. “I… If it is to help our crewmember, I must do what must be done. We must speak to Captain Kirk right away.”
“You have an idea?”
“It is most unorthodox, but I am confident that it would help.”
XXX
“So, Spock, you have an idea on how to help Uhura?” Captain Kirk asked in his office. He was concerned about his officer as well, he wanted to help but he had to deal with the planet destroying probe first. Now, things have calmed down and Kirk had a chance to focus on his friend and subordinate.
“That is correct. When a human listens to music, it triggers memories in a different part of the brain where knowledge is not kept. When Uhura listens to music, she does feel something connected to the past. We have the means to help Uhura in her study.” Spock paused as he summoned the willpower to suggest something that would make him feel emotions. “Do you recall the ‘Great Musical Outbreak of 2259’?”
“Oh, how could I forget that?” Kirk snickered. “Everyone was singing and dancing and you have a beautiful voice. There was a girl that confessed her crush to me, and I had to let her down gently.” Kirk’s eyes widened. “Uhura had all the recordings.”
“That is correct. She had been collecting every song sung on this ship that was outside private quarters. If she listens to all the songs, she may have memories connected to them.”
“Oh yeah, I remember that, but I wasn’t on the ship at the time.” McCoy pointed out. “A lot of the crew wasn’t.”
“It is my belief that memories are intertwined. She may remember Nurse Chapel and then as a result, remember you since she saw you with her. The Universe and its people are more connected than you may believe. She will remember you. Besides, she has other recordings of herself singing music with others.”
“Spock, you go and get all the music that Uhura collected.” Kirk paused as he remembered what Spock went through during that time. “Will you be okay with it? It was an embarrassing time for you.”
“It is a logical course of action. I will not be affected.”
“I want to see Spock sing.” McCoy said gleefully.
“I am willing to endure.” Spock sighed.
XXX
It was relatively easy for him to gather all the music from ‘The Outbreak’ from Uhura’s quarters. She had them all labeled and sorted by time with names of the different crew members on each one as the ‘singers. He looked at the tapes that was marked with Nurse Chapel and Spock’s names.
“Embarrassment is not logical. I had moved on from that time. Christine doesn’t mean anything to me anymore. This is to help Uhura.” He said to himself.
XXX
The main crew gathered around Uhura in the Conference room. Spock felt a slight bit of annoyance at seeing so many people. He could understand Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy, he could even understand Nurse Chapel, but he could not comprehend why Sulu, Chekov, and other crew members were there. “This is a private situation.”
“We wanted to see Spock sing.” Chekov spoke up.
“We needed to confirm that Uhura would remember the ones that aren’t in the songs.” McCoy said. “Don’t you think that it’s ‘logical’ to find out in person?”
“You are correct.” Spock was reluctant to show more but Uhura’s well-being comes first. He and Nurse Chapel saw each other and then turned away.
Uhura glanced at the two. Even with her lack of memories, she could sense that the two of them were acting off. “Ummm… is it okay? You two are acting… like you don’t like each other, or you do…”
“It’s complicated, Uhura. Relax, Spock. Enjoy the show.” Kirk said as he smiled and sat down.
“This is a rehabilitation process.” Spock said as he got out the first tape. “I had chosen songs where Uhura had taken part personally to increase the chances of her recollecting everything.”
He put the tape into the projector. The group sat around watching the much younger looking Spock playing a song into the abnormality and causing a wave. All of a sudden, the visuals appeared crisper and more like a television show rather than security footage.
“What happened to the visuals?” Scott asked.
“Apparently, the wave made recordings look more ‘professional’.”
And then, the Spock on the screen started to sing. His singing was low and methodical and yet more emotional than any of the crew remembered. Music came out from nowhere and the video showed the different people singing with lyrics being shown at the bottom.
“I’m impressed with the editing.” Checkov admired. “Reminds me of Ancient Russian musicals.”
“They are not edited. Evidently, all of the recordings affected by the abnormality had lyrics and special effects.” Spock recalled.
The audience watched as the crew on the ship sang against their will, looking stunned as they kept on singing. All of them repeating how that it was peculiar and how they are singing. They are even moving in unison that looked well choreographed.
Finally, it ends with Captain Pike looking up at the camera and asking, “Why are we singing?!”
Uhura hummed catchy music. “The crew looks so different from now.” She said as she looked at Kirk. “You… were training there, right?”
“Yes.” Kirk smiled. “I was training under Captain Pike at the time.” He felt relieved. Uhura was remembering things.
“And… your brother was there. His name was Sam.” Uhura looked down. “He…” She started to cry. “I feel sad.”
“It is working.” Spock acknowledged.
“And… I don’t know why.” Uhura whispered. “I think something was lost at that time.”
“Something was lost?” McCoy asked.
“No one died during that incident. Everyone was embarrassed but everyone was okay.” Kirk recalled.
“I don’t know how to describe it.” Uhura said as she put her hand over her heart. “Just that… I feel like something was lost.”
“Well, you’re connecting emotionally to your memories which is a start.” Spock took a deep breath. “Let’s play another tape.”
“Do one with me and Commander Una Chin-Riley.” Kirk suggested. He knew that time was a sensitive time for Spock. While it was a little fun to see him sing, he also wanted Spock to keep some dignity.
“Number One. I heard she’s the most beautiful woman in Starfleet.” Chekov perked up. “Did you and her…”
“Nothing like that.” Kirk suavely said, “She and I were professional.”
Spock played another tape. This time it was the young Lt. Kirk and Number One. Una and Kirk started to sing, and the tall woman was giving instructions to young Kirk and they started to dance in the hallway while singing.
“She’s so graceful. Are all Illiyans that way?” Chekov admired her as he gazed at her.
Sulu looked closely at Una and then at Nurse Chapel. “Don’t you two… look alike?” He noticed.
“What are you talking about? Nurse Chapel and Number One look nothing alike. No offense, Nurse Chapel, but Una is prettier.” Chekov said as the young Russian grinned and gazed at the image of Una.
Uhura smiled slightly at Kirk. “You did get to know your crew. I still remember that time I broke your nose and then you offered me a cookie.”
“You remembered how we met.” Kirk smiled. “And even the cookie.”
“I’m remembering more.” Uhura sighed in relief. She looked down and then said, “I’m sorry about Sam. He shouldn’t have died.” It dawned on her that Sam and most of his family died by that strange parasite, he had gone on to live a normal life. It wasn’t fair that he had to die in such a senseless way.
“I’m just happy you remembered him.” Kirk nodded. He was still processing his grief from losing his brother and helping his nephew. The fact that Uhura remembered Sam again was reassuring. It was like he had some small part of his brother back.
“Oh, here’s one featuring Nurse Chapel.” Dr. McCoy held up a tape.
Nurse Chapel smiled slightly. “Must be when I was singing about the fact that I got the Fellowship.” She took a deep breath as she glanced at Spock who just gave a nod.
“Oh right. Sam talked about how happy you were.” Kirk recalled and saw Spock looking even more stoic.
“Uhura was there, it may spark something more.” Spock stated with his voice increasing in its neutrality.
“Do you want to listen to it… Spock?” Uhura asked concerned.
“The songs must be played.” Spock added.
McCoy noticed how on edge the Vulcan and his nurse were. He always knew that there was some sort of history, but they never talked about it. While he loved to tease Spock, he also somewhat respected Spock’s feelings, even if he loves to deny the fact that he has them. “If you really don’t mind.” McCoy said cautiously.
“What makes you think that I mind?”
“A human gut feeling.” McCoy answered as Spock entered another tape.
The group watched the monitor to see Nurse Chapel singing. Nurse Chapel looked so much more vibrant and youthful than she did right now. The other crew mates were all drinking and celebrating at the Ten Forward.
“I shouldn’t have left.” Nurse Chapel muttered as she walked out of the room. The older woman started to cry as she stood in the hallway.
“You okay?” Dr. McCoy asked. He knew that Nurse Chapel was more of a scientist before she left the Enterprise for the first time.
“You ever wondered what would have happened if things had been different?” Christine wondered.
“A few times, especially with all the time travel shenanigans we did.” McCoy shrugged.
“I wanted to make a difference and… I thought I was on the right path. But now I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”
“I understand. I was divorced and I didn’t think I would end up being on a spaceship of all things. But I don’t regret what happened. And you have been making a difference here. Heck, you have been helping Uhura a lot this past week. Who knows, maybe you and Spock can get back together.”
“I… doubt it. But thank you, Doctor.” Christine wiped her eyes.
“Let’s go back before we miss any more musical numbers.”
The two reentered the room. Uhura got out of her chair and hugged Christine. “I’m sorry about your fiancé.”
“You remembered him?” She asked.
“I think so.” Uhura said. “He was dying and then had his mind copied to a robot?”
“Yes. He lost what made him human. I don’t know.”
“Lost… what made him… human…” Uhura muttered to herself as she held her chest again. “That song felt familiar, there was another one. Very similar.” She started to hum to herself that song again.
“Did you remember what was lost during that time?” Kirk asked.
“I… think so… Spock was singing… it… was so… painful.” Uhura shivered.
“Spock, is there a song with just you and Uhura?” the captain asked.
“Yes.” Spock answered.
“Why don’t we leave the two alone while they listen to the song?” Kirk suggested. “Spock, you keep track of Uhura’s progress.”
“Agreed.” McCoy handed the Vulcan his tricorder. “Too bad we won’t be able to watch the duet.” He sighed as he joined everyone walking out of the conference room.
“Let us know when we can come back.” Kirk ordered Spock.
“I will. And… thank you.” Spock said gratefully.
“Was it that bad?” Uhura asked as everyone else left.
“It… is a rather personal song. At the time, when we feel strong emotions, we lose control and start singing.”
Uhura paused. “But I thought that Vulcans don’t feel emotions.”
“I am half human and I do feel… just more deeply. Do not tell Dr. McCoy.” Spock put in the tape.
Uhura watched as the Spock on the video sang. It was very similar to the song that Nurse Chapel sang but this felt sadder. She could see the way Spock started out emotional, grieving, and then slowly his emotions started to die down, she could see how the Vulcan in Spock overwhelm the Human in him. “This is when you decided to be Vulcan.”
“I prefer to think of it as being logical. It was my fate.” Spock stated.
“But, to deny half of yourself, isn’t that cruel?” Uhura cried. “Emotions are a wonderful thing.”
“For humans but not for Vulcans.”
“But you’re denying them. You feel things, all Vulcans feel, but you just don’t express them.” Uhura looked at her past self just watching. “That’s what I was feeling then. Just this sadness that you are just not going to express yourself, to deny your humanity.”
“And that embracement of logic had saved this ship many times.”
Uhura sighed. “I failed to change your mind in the past, I don’t see why I should try again right now. But I appreciate you sharing your last fleeting moments of humanity with me.”
“I am doing what is only logical to heal you.”
After the others came back in, Dr. McCoy did a brief test.
“You seem to be better. Good thing you kept records of all that music.” McCoy said as he finished.
“I remember the song that was used to stop the anomaly. Can we watch that one? Just… to make sure that my mind is fully healed?” Uhura asked as her eyes twinkled.
“I remember that. It was great. Well, Doctor McCoy, we had to make sure that her mind was fully intact. Everyone was singing in that one.” Kirk asked smirking.
“It wouldn’t hurt.” McCoy returned the smirk. “I don’t see the dangers of an overdose of music.”
“Might as well.” Spock put in the tape with the name ‘Grand Finale’.
The group watched as Captain Pike spoke about being united under one voice of Enterprise. Uhura felt slightly guilty for forgetting him. “Oh, Chris.” She muttered as her eyes watered.
“He’s fine now, Uhura.” Spock gently reminded her.
They watched the grand finale. Everyone was singing and dancing, all of them were working on making sure to keep on singing. Then, the Klingons appeared. Chekov looked surprised at them. They looked far different than the Klingons than the Klingons he normally see. They have huge ridges and long wild hair. “Those are Klingons?” He asked.
Spock nodded. “They are Klingons.”
“What happened?”
“Maybe, genetic engineering?” Sulu pondered.
“Or maybe a plague.” Chekov chimed in.
“They do not talk about it.” Spock answered.
“Guys!” Uhura hushed.
The group watched in amazement as the whole ship sang and dance and even the ships danced in unison. Uhura noticed amused that the anomaly wasn’t destroyed until Spock joined in the dancing.
“That was fun.” Kirk sighed. “A lot funnier looking back. All the strange things we go through, the Enterprise is always at the center.”
“Sir, if you want a copy involving Sam singing, I can make those for you and Peter.” Uhura offered. “Sam has a son, right?”
“That’s right. He’s living on the old farm and recovering well. I’m sure he’ll like it.” Jim was relieved at the fact that Uhura was more of herself than before.
“Well, I’m going to need to do tests to make sure that you have the needed knowledge for going back to duty for the paperwork but in my opinion, I say that the treatment is successful.” Dr. McCoy said.
“I feel more normal.” Uhura smiled.
XXX
Spock watched as Uhura stood in front of the larger than normal crowd at the Recreation room. He was sitting behind her with his finely tuned Vulcan lyre ready to play. It had been a time of celebration. Uhura had been approved to return to active duty and she could not be any more happier. “Did you miss me?” Uhura asked.
The crowd cheered even louder.
“I missed you. First, a song for the man who helped me while I didn’t know myself.” Uhura smiled at Spock and he nodded back.
Oh, on the starship Enterprise
There's someone who's in Satan's guise,
Whose devil ears and devil eyes
Could rip your heart from you!
As Uhura sang, Spock played along. Spock concluded that now, everything is as it should be.
The End
By Marie Nomad
Tonight, Spock and Uhura should have been playing in the recreation room. She would sing while he would play on the Vulcan lyre. It was a weekly ritual that they do together baring any emergencies. He finds it helpful in controlling his emotions.
There was a misconception about Vulcans that Spock never disagreed with. Most humans believe that Vulcans cannot feel. That was the opposite. Vulcans can feel but emotions are toxic to them. There was a time when Vulcans embraced emotions and nearly caused their species to go extinct. Vulcans turned to logic to maintain themselves and others. He can feel but he chose to suppress those emotions and channel them to useful endeavors.
He looked at Uhura who was studying advanced Spanish. So far, she had regained the ability to speak ten languages, nowhere near the amount that she had known before. Her mind was wiped by the probe, and she had been recovering. “Greetings, Lieutenant, how are your studies?”
She looked at him with the eyes of a stranger, despite the fact that they had known each other for years. “You’re… Commander Spock, right?”
“That is correct. You are retaining knowledge, which is pleasing.”
The young woman shook her head. “We served together but I can’t remember anything. I remember how to speak at least ten different languages but… I don’t remember my family! Captain Kirk said that my family died in an accident but… I can’t remember their faces.”
“Jim.” Spock corrected. “His name is Jim.”
“But he’s my superior officer.”
For some reason, that sentence felt illogical to him. While it was true for Spock to call Jim ‘Captain’ especially in professional situations, to hear Uhura talk about her friend in a distant way seems illogical. “He is your friend. Do you recall how you two met?”
“No.” Uhura’s shoulders trembled, and tears started to fall down her face. “I’m scared. I look over the past Captain’s logs, but nothing is… clicking. I feel like I’m studying someone else’s life.”
“You are not alone, Nyota.” Spock reassured as he put a hand on her shoulder. “Do not be afraid. Now that the current situation has been dealt with, the ship can devote more resources to your recovery.” He paused and asked, “Do you remember the previous Captain of the Enterprise?”
“Fleet Captain Pike, right? He was in an accident and died recently.” Uhura recollected.
Spock’s mouth twitched downward slightly. Uhura had respected Captain Pike deeply and she was concerned about him after the accident. The way she spoke about him was not like she knew him. “You served under him as a Cadet. You do not recall at all?”
“No. I’m sorry.”
“It is not your fault.” Spock reassured. “I will go and seek a way to remedy that. Have a good day, Nyota.” He turned away from the bed.
“Thank you, Commander.”
Spock stopped and stiffened up slightly. It was acceptable to be spoken to in a formal manner on the bridge but not here. “Call me ‘Spock’.” He marched away.
XXX
“Doctor, Lieutenant Uhura’s rate of recovery has not been satisfactory.” Spock told Dr. McCoy.
“We’re having her recover her lost knowledge. Considering the fact that it was literally from a blank slate, that’s impressive.” Dr. McCoy stated. “Right now, we’re just focusing basics, knowledge that can be relearned easily.”
“And what about her personal memories? She is… she is treating us like crewmembers rather than friends.”
“That’s a pickle.” McCoy sighed. “She can name about every crew member on this ship, but she can’t talk about what are they like outside of recordings.”
“She forgot about Captain Pike.” Spock stated. “She called Jim ‘Captain’, me ‘Commander’. That is not Uhura.”
“You’re worried about her.” McCoy acknowledged. He knew that Uhura and Spock are good friends, the way she spoke to him, in a slight teasing way that Spock seemed to enjoy. At least, he never complained about it. They would often play music together and if he didn’t know any better, he could have sworn that Spock was having fun.
“Starfleet would lose a good Communications officer if this continues.”
“I don’t know what to tell you. The other parts of her brain are functional. If we can somehow connect those parts to her knowledge of the crew and her past. It might spark something. What if you mind meld with her?”
“Her mind is in a fragile state and her condition is not standard. I cannot take that risk. I may end up causing her to be like what I picture her to be and not her actual self.”
“I guess so. There was something interesting though, she can recall songs if she listens to them, emotions.” McCoy said. “We tried music therapy, and she learned the languages fast using that. Makes sense since that music triggers a different part of the brain.”
Spock’s eyebrow raised up. “So, if she were to hear past music, she can recall memories attached to them?”
“Yeah, but we can’t exactly have the ship’s crew do a great big musical in front of her since we haven’t done that before.”
Spock’s shoulders slumped and he closed his eyes. He must do what he can for Uhura, even at a cost to himself. “I… If it is to help our crewmember, I must do what must be done. We must speak to Captain Kirk right away.”
“You have an idea?”
“It is most unorthodox, but I am confident that it would help.”
XXX
“So, Spock, you have an idea on how to help Uhura?” Captain Kirk asked in his office. He was concerned about his officer as well, he wanted to help but he had to deal with the planet destroying probe first. Now, things have calmed down and Kirk had a chance to focus on his friend and subordinate.
“That is correct. When a human listens to music, it triggers memories in a different part of the brain where knowledge is not kept. When Uhura listens to music, she does feel something connected to the past. We have the means to help Uhura in her study.” Spock paused as he summoned the willpower to suggest something that would make him feel emotions. “Do you recall the ‘Great Musical Outbreak of 2259’?”
“Oh, how could I forget that?” Kirk snickered. “Everyone was singing and dancing and you have a beautiful voice. There was a girl that confessed her crush to me, and I had to let her down gently.” Kirk’s eyes widened. “Uhura had all the recordings.”
“That is correct. She had been collecting every song sung on this ship that was outside private quarters. If she listens to all the songs, she may have memories connected to them.”
“Oh yeah, I remember that, but I wasn’t on the ship at the time.” McCoy pointed out. “A lot of the crew wasn’t.”
“It is my belief that memories are intertwined. She may remember Nurse Chapel and then as a result, remember you since she saw you with her. The Universe and its people are more connected than you may believe. She will remember you. Besides, she has other recordings of herself singing music with others.”
“Spock, you go and get all the music that Uhura collected.” Kirk paused as he remembered what Spock went through during that time. “Will you be okay with it? It was an embarrassing time for you.”
“It is a logical course of action. I will not be affected.”
“I want to see Spock sing.” McCoy said gleefully.
“I am willing to endure.” Spock sighed.
XXX
It was relatively easy for him to gather all the music from ‘The Outbreak’ from Uhura’s quarters. She had them all labeled and sorted by time with names of the different crew members on each one as the ‘singers. He looked at the tapes that was marked with Nurse Chapel and Spock’s names.
“Embarrassment is not logical. I had moved on from that time. Christine doesn’t mean anything to me anymore. This is to help Uhura.” He said to himself.
XXX
The main crew gathered around Uhura in the Conference room. Spock felt a slight bit of annoyance at seeing so many people. He could understand Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy, he could even understand Nurse Chapel, but he could not comprehend why Sulu, Chekov, and other crew members were there. “This is a private situation.”
“We wanted to see Spock sing.” Chekov spoke up.
“We needed to confirm that Uhura would remember the ones that aren’t in the songs.” McCoy said. “Don’t you think that it’s ‘logical’ to find out in person?”
“You are correct.” Spock was reluctant to show more but Uhura’s well-being comes first. He and Nurse Chapel saw each other and then turned away.
Uhura glanced at the two. Even with her lack of memories, she could sense that the two of them were acting off. “Ummm… is it okay? You two are acting… like you don’t like each other, or you do…”
“It’s complicated, Uhura. Relax, Spock. Enjoy the show.” Kirk said as he smiled and sat down.
“This is a rehabilitation process.” Spock said as he got out the first tape. “I had chosen songs where Uhura had taken part personally to increase the chances of her recollecting everything.”
He put the tape into the projector. The group sat around watching the much younger looking Spock playing a song into the abnormality and causing a wave. All of a sudden, the visuals appeared crisper and more like a television show rather than security footage.
“What happened to the visuals?” Scott asked.
“Apparently, the wave made recordings look more ‘professional’.”
And then, the Spock on the screen started to sing. His singing was low and methodical and yet more emotional than any of the crew remembered. Music came out from nowhere and the video showed the different people singing with lyrics being shown at the bottom.
“I’m impressed with the editing.” Checkov admired. “Reminds me of Ancient Russian musicals.”
“They are not edited. Evidently, all of the recordings affected by the abnormality had lyrics and special effects.” Spock recalled.
The audience watched as the crew on the ship sang against their will, looking stunned as they kept on singing. All of them repeating how that it was peculiar and how they are singing. They are even moving in unison that looked well choreographed.
Finally, it ends with Captain Pike looking up at the camera and asking, “Why are we singing?!”
Uhura hummed catchy music. “The crew looks so different from now.” She said as she looked at Kirk. “You… were training there, right?”
“Yes.” Kirk smiled. “I was training under Captain Pike at the time.” He felt relieved. Uhura was remembering things.
“And… your brother was there. His name was Sam.” Uhura looked down. “He…” She started to cry. “I feel sad.”
“It is working.” Spock acknowledged.
“And… I don’t know why.” Uhura whispered. “I think something was lost at that time.”
“Something was lost?” McCoy asked.
“No one died during that incident. Everyone was embarrassed but everyone was okay.” Kirk recalled.
“I don’t know how to describe it.” Uhura said as she put her hand over her heart. “Just that… I feel like something was lost.”
“Well, you’re connecting emotionally to your memories which is a start.” Spock took a deep breath. “Let’s play another tape.”
“Do one with me and Commander Una Chin-Riley.” Kirk suggested. He knew that time was a sensitive time for Spock. While it was a little fun to see him sing, he also wanted Spock to keep some dignity.
“Number One. I heard she’s the most beautiful woman in Starfleet.” Chekov perked up. “Did you and her…”
“Nothing like that.” Kirk suavely said, “She and I were professional.”
Spock played another tape. This time it was the young Lt. Kirk and Number One. Una and Kirk started to sing, and the tall woman was giving instructions to young Kirk and they started to dance in the hallway while singing.
“She’s so graceful. Are all Illiyans that way?” Chekov admired her as he gazed at her.
Sulu looked closely at Una and then at Nurse Chapel. “Don’t you two… look alike?” He noticed.
“What are you talking about? Nurse Chapel and Number One look nothing alike. No offense, Nurse Chapel, but Una is prettier.” Chekov said as the young Russian grinned and gazed at the image of Una.
Uhura smiled slightly at Kirk. “You did get to know your crew. I still remember that time I broke your nose and then you offered me a cookie.”
“You remembered how we met.” Kirk smiled. “And even the cookie.”
“I’m remembering more.” Uhura sighed in relief. She looked down and then said, “I’m sorry about Sam. He shouldn’t have died.” It dawned on her that Sam and most of his family died by that strange parasite, he had gone on to live a normal life. It wasn’t fair that he had to die in such a senseless way.
“I’m just happy you remembered him.” Kirk nodded. He was still processing his grief from losing his brother and helping his nephew. The fact that Uhura remembered Sam again was reassuring. It was like he had some small part of his brother back.
“Oh, here’s one featuring Nurse Chapel.” Dr. McCoy held up a tape.
Nurse Chapel smiled slightly. “Must be when I was singing about the fact that I got the Fellowship.” She took a deep breath as she glanced at Spock who just gave a nod.
“Oh right. Sam talked about how happy you were.” Kirk recalled and saw Spock looking even more stoic.
“Uhura was there, it may spark something more.” Spock stated with his voice increasing in its neutrality.
“Do you want to listen to it… Spock?” Uhura asked concerned.
“The songs must be played.” Spock added.
McCoy noticed how on edge the Vulcan and his nurse were. He always knew that there was some sort of history, but they never talked about it. While he loved to tease Spock, he also somewhat respected Spock’s feelings, even if he loves to deny the fact that he has them. “If you really don’t mind.” McCoy said cautiously.
“What makes you think that I mind?”
“A human gut feeling.” McCoy answered as Spock entered another tape.
The group watched the monitor to see Nurse Chapel singing. Nurse Chapel looked so much more vibrant and youthful than she did right now. The other crew mates were all drinking and celebrating at the Ten Forward.
“I shouldn’t have left.” Nurse Chapel muttered as she walked out of the room. The older woman started to cry as she stood in the hallway.
“You okay?” Dr. McCoy asked. He knew that Nurse Chapel was more of a scientist before she left the Enterprise for the first time.
“You ever wondered what would have happened if things had been different?” Christine wondered.
“A few times, especially with all the time travel shenanigans we did.” McCoy shrugged.
“I wanted to make a difference and… I thought I was on the right path. But now I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”
“I understand. I was divorced and I didn’t think I would end up being on a spaceship of all things. But I don’t regret what happened. And you have been making a difference here. Heck, you have been helping Uhura a lot this past week. Who knows, maybe you and Spock can get back together.”
“I… doubt it. But thank you, Doctor.” Christine wiped her eyes.
“Let’s go back before we miss any more musical numbers.”
The two reentered the room. Uhura got out of her chair and hugged Christine. “I’m sorry about your fiancé.”
“You remembered him?” She asked.
“I think so.” Uhura said. “He was dying and then had his mind copied to a robot?”
“Yes. He lost what made him human. I don’t know.”
“Lost… what made him… human…” Uhura muttered to herself as she held her chest again. “That song felt familiar, there was another one. Very similar.” She started to hum to herself that song again.
“Did you remember what was lost during that time?” Kirk asked.
“I… think so… Spock was singing… it… was so… painful.” Uhura shivered.
“Spock, is there a song with just you and Uhura?” the captain asked.
“Yes.” Spock answered.
“Why don’t we leave the two alone while they listen to the song?” Kirk suggested. “Spock, you keep track of Uhura’s progress.”
“Agreed.” McCoy handed the Vulcan his tricorder. “Too bad we won’t be able to watch the duet.” He sighed as he joined everyone walking out of the conference room.
“Let us know when we can come back.” Kirk ordered Spock.
“I will. And… thank you.” Spock said gratefully.
“Was it that bad?” Uhura asked as everyone else left.
“It… is a rather personal song. At the time, when we feel strong emotions, we lose control and start singing.”
Uhura paused. “But I thought that Vulcans don’t feel emotions.”
“I am half human and I do feel… just more deeply. Do not tell Dr. McCoy.” Spock put in the tape.
Uhura watched as the Spock on the video sang. It was very similar to the song that Nurse Chapel sang but this felt sadder. She could see the way Spock started out emotional, grieving, and then slowly his emotions started to die down, she could see how the Vulcan in Spock overwhelm the Human in him. “This is when you decided to be Vulcan.”
“I prefer to think of it as being logical. It was my fate.” Spock stated.
“But, to deny half of yourself, isn’t that cruel?” Uhura cried. “Emotions are a wonderful thing.”
“For humans but not for Vulcans.”
“But you’re denying them. You feel things, all Vulcans feel, but you just don’t express them.” Uhura looked at her past self just watching. “That’s what I was feeling then. Just this sadness that you are just not going to express yourself, to deny your humanity.”
“And that embracement of logic had saved this ship many times.”
Uhura sighed. “I failed to change your mind in the past, I don’t see why I should try again right now. But I appreciate you sharing your last fleeting moments of humanity with me.”
“I am doing what is only logical to heal you.”
After the others came back in, Dr. McCoy did a brief test.
“You seem to be better. Good thing you kept records of all that music.” McCoy said as he finished.
“I remember the song that was used to stop the anomaly. Can we watch that one? Just… to make sure that my mind is fully healed?” Uhura asked as her eyes twinkled.
“I remember that. It was great. Well, Doctor McCoy, we had to make sure that her mind was fully intact. Everyone was singing in that one.” Kirk asked smirking.
“It wouldn’t hurt.” McCoy returned the smirk. “I don’t see the dangers of an overdose of music.”
“Might as well.” Spock put in the tape with the name ‘Grand Finale’.
The group watched as Captain Pike spoke about being united under one voice of Enterprise. Uhura felt slightly guilty for forgetting him. “Oh, Chris.” She muttered as her eyes watered.
“He’s fine now, Uhura.” Spock gently reminded her.
They watched the grand finale. Everyone was singing and dancing, all of them were working on making sure to keep on singing. Then, the Klingons appeared. Chekov looked surprised at them. They looked far different than the Klingons than the Klingons he normally see. They have huge ridges and long wild hair. “Those are Klingons?” He asked.
Spock nodded. “They are Klingons.”
“What happened?”
“Maybe, genetic engineering?” Sulu pondered.
“Or maybe a plague.” Chekov chimed in.
“They do not talk about it.” Spock answered.
“Guys!” Uhura hushed.
The group watched in amazement as the whole ship sang and dance and even the ships danced in unison. Uhura noticed amused that the anomaly wasn’t destroyed until Spock joined in the dancing.
“That was fun.” Kirk sighed. “A lot funnier looking back. All the strange things we go through, the Enterprise is always at the center.”
“Sir, if you want a copy involving Sam singing, I can make those for you and Peter.” Uhura offered. “Sam has a son, right?”
“That’s right. He’s living on the old farm and recovering well. I’m sure he’ll like it.” Jim was relieved at the fact that Uhura was more of herself than before.
“Well, I’m going to need to do tests to make sure that you have the needed knowledge for going back to duty for the paperwork but in my opinion, I say that the treatment is successful.” Dr. McCoy said.
“I feel more normal.” Uhura smiled.
XXX
Spock watched as Uhura stood in front of the larger than normal crowd at the Recreation room. He was sitting behind her with his finely tuned Vulcan lyre ready to play. It had been a time of celebration. Uhura had been approved to return to active duty and she could not be any more happier. “Did you miss me?” Uhura asked.
The crowd cheered even louder.
“I missed you. First, a song for the man who helped me while I didn’t know myself.” Uhura smiled at Spock and he nodded back.
Oh, on the starship Enterprise
There's someone who's in Satan's guise,
Whose devil ears and devil eyes
Could rip your heart from you!
As Uhura sang, Spock played along. Spock concluded that now, everything is as it should be.
The End
