Language Lessons

K/S Fanfiction
Title:	Language Lessons
Author(s):	Jesmihr
Date(s):	2005
Length:
Genre:	slash
Fandom:	Star Trek: The Original Series
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Language Lessons is a Kirk/Spock story by Jesmihr.

It was published in the print zine Beyond Dreams #8.

Summary

"Kirk and Spockʼs relationship as seen through Uhuraʼs eyes, from their first tentative steps to the inevitable outcome."

Reactions and Reviews

In the last issue, Ivy requested suggestions for very romantic stories. In response, I’ve chosen to review Jesmihr’s Language Lessons, a beautifully written, lyrical story with ‘you are there’ imagery and detail, and characters that act and sound like they just stepped out one of the better episodes. Language Lessons is easily one of the two or three most romantic stories I’ve read. It is presented as a long letter from Uhura to her close, childhood friend Kamaria.

After a standard opening, Uhura announces that tomorrow she is going to a very special wedding, Kirk and Spock’s wedding on Vulcan, and reminds Kamaria why Captain Kirk is such a remarkable person. She then confesses that when she first began to serve with Spock under Pike, she didn’t like him. He seemed cold, unappreciative and distant. Once, when they worked together continuously for 24 hours to break a particularly difficult code, a breakthrough that had been Uhura’s, Spock had deemed her work merely ‘satisfactory’. She was angered and that, in turn, made her a Spock watcher. She was determined to break his code. Uhura quickly realized a ‘satisfactory’ from Spock was high praise, indeed, that she greatly admired him and that they had much in common. They both knew what it was like to learn a new language from scratch and Uhura resolved that she would help him become fluent in the language of humanity, i.e. the art of living among humans.

Uhura draws on her special kinship with Spock and her deep respect and affection for Kirk to describe the growth of their relationship with the humor, sensitivity and perception that are hallmarks of Uhura’s character and of this author’s writing. She tells of the first time Kirk did the unthinkable, violated Spock’s personal space and Vulcan sensibility by putting a hand on the back of Spock’s chair at the science station and asking if he was ‘having fun’, how Spock tried to back him off by spouting technical-ese, how Kirk successfully countered with competence and drive and how, in that moment, they were on the road to close friendship. She describes Spock’s hungry eyes following Kirk around the bridge, how much she didn’t want Spock to be hurt and how difficult it was to break Kirk’s code.

Months later, when Uhura is late for her shift, she dashes for a turbolift held by Spock and wonders what he must think of her ‘less than professional’ appearance and behavior. A suggestive call from the ‘even more tardy’ Captain to a blushing Spock reveals why Spock himself is late and standing in the turbolift on the way to the bridge with wet hair. Uhura grins all the way to her station. Later, when a gabby crew member sees Kirk and Spock run from the captain’s quarters during a red alert pulling on their tunics, their relationship is the hot gossip topic aboard until it’s superseded by a spectacular breakup in the bowling alley.

Uhura speaks of wondering how Kirk and Spock would deal with a conflict between them and her concern for Kirk if he should have to order Spock into harm’s way, then describes Kirk’s intense actions and reactions during the Immunity Syndrome crisis. Two days later, after a funny interaction in the officer’s mess, Kirk asks Uhura for Vulcan language lessons. He wants to say something beautiful in equally beautiful Vulcan. The story comes full circle in the turbolift.

Using Uhura’s POV is particularly effective. This is the perspective of most readers. We identify with it. By providing only those details Uhura would have been privy to as she was privy to them, Jesmihr crafts a story with an open weave which our imaginations can easily embellish, enhancing the emotional impact. This is a great read for the romantically inclined and a wonderful homage to Alfred Hitchcock’s use of his viewer’s imagination as a key element to elevate his films. I’ve outlined the barest skeleton which doesn’t begin to do justice to Jesmihr’s work. This story might even pull a few of the ‘hot sex all the time’ crowd over to the side of romance… at least, temporarily.

Thank you, crunchy, for steering me toward this inspiring piece of writing! Yes, I’d read it before, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is how correct you were to label it a romantic story, which is a bit unexpected, since there is no direct contact between Kirk and Spock, either verbal or physical.

Through Uhura’s discerning eyes, though, we witness what true love is all about. And crunchy was correct in thinking this might awaken my sleepy K/S absorption. One of my favorite episodes is highlighted in retrospect: The Immunity Syndrome. I have never doubted how much it cost James Kirk to send the man he loved into that blob of protoplasm knowing the chances of his return were slim to none. It’s extraordinary how well Jesmihr describes it. Uhura has long recognized the attraction between her commanding officers and has been concerned how they would deal with a situation where one had to sacrifice personal feelings for the good of the ship and crew. She describes the ill concealed agony on Kirk’s face; the way his hands clenched into fists when contact was lost with Spock; and his tone of voice when he gave the orders to lock onto the shuttle when he realized Spock still lived. We all saw this. Yet, it is so powerful to read how the empathic comm officer describes it in a letter to her dearest friend.

I’ve always seen Uhura as an astute observer and staunch supporter of the love she sees between Kirk and Spock. I love seeing her sensitivity depicted the way it’s been done here. I find a special satisfaction in reading how others see our heroes, especially in this context, and this author does it so well.

A fine read that has me searching for more romantic K/S encounters. Thanks, Jesmihr and thanks crunchy for giving me directions!

You know, it's always been kind of a fantasy of mine to actually be a member of the bridge crew on the Enterprise, so that I'd be able to spend my days just sitting back and watching Kirk and Spock, and how they interact with each other, not only during moments of crisis, but also when there's really nothing much going on. To be able to witness that close, loving friendship first-hand, maybe even get lucky enough to catch a special "little moment" or two, what more could a K/Sr ask for? I think that is why I've always had a particular fondness for third person POV stories. For me, there is something immensely satisfying in seeing these two very unique and special men through the eyes of another. Especially when that person is someone who knows them well. Such is the case with this particular tale. Here, it is Uhura who is the narrator, telling the story in the form of a letter to a childhood friend. The title stems from Uhura's various dealings with "language lessons", from the quite literal to the more subjective. All, however, have one common denominator—a Vulcan science officer named Spock. But contrary to what one may think, he is not the teacher of those "lessons", but the student. It is Uhura who finds herself in that role and at first, has some misgivings regarding same as her efforts seem to go unappreciated. But after some thought, she realizes such is not the case and sets out to give a lonely Vulcan some "lessons" in dealing with his human shipmates. All this takes place before Kirk assumes command, but when he does, that's when the real "lessons" begin. Uhura soon finds her position as teacher has been usurped by the charismatic human who wastes no time in teaching Spock some "lessons" of his own. The result is an encounter in the turbolift between Uhura and her former student, an encounter which speaks volumes as to the exact nature of the "lessons" Kirk is teaching the Vulcan, "lessons" which Spock is most eager to learn. Soon the entire ship also knows the results of those "lessons" and while the news has no impact on the efficiency of the crew, it does make for a happier ship.

That is until the events of "Immunity Syndrome". Uhura bears silent witness to Kirk's agony when he is forced to send Spock on a suicide mission, then his subsequent relief when the Vulcan is returned to him safe and sound. Two days later, Uhura discovers Kirk is still shaken up by the recent events and to her surprise, he asks for some very special "language lessons" for himself, lessons which he wants to keep secret from Spock as the "lessons" will effect his relationship with the Vulcan in a most profound way. Two weeks later, another encounter with Spock in the turbolift leads to the discovery that not only has he learned about those "lessons", but also that they had the desired effect, leaving both "teacher" and "student" pleased and happy with the results.

Another wonderful tale from a relatively new, yet immensely talented K/S author. I look forward to her next work.

Oh, how I wish for a language lesson right now— something to give me the words to say how much I loved this love story. It is sensitive and heartwarming and brought more than one tear to my eyes. As I’ve said before, seeing Kirk’s and Spock’s love for each other from another’s perspective always hits the spot with me. You know the spot—the one that goes “awwwww” when you touch it. Hearing Uhura’s description of the subtle touches and looks that she observed between them on the bridge—and the conclusion to which they led her—are so special. Never did her private speculations become voyeuristic, she saw only the deep abiding love and how it grew from day to day. Her excitement over her small discoveries were revealing of her charming, caring personality. I’m left with such a feeling of fullness, happiness, hope and peace. Thank you, Uhura, and thank you, Jesmihr.

Jesmihr is another very good net writer that is now writing for zines as well. Yay! I’ve come to anticipate an excellent story when I see her name. “Language Lessons” is a fine example of her ability.

The story takes the form of a letter from Uhura to her childhood friend Kamaria back in Africa. I enjoy third person observer stories, and Uhura is the perfect person to see the relationship Kirk and Spock begin to forge with each other—outsider yet close confident, and of course, an expert in languages and the ways in which we communicate with each other. She is the bridge that enables both men to make their dreams come true. I love that she helps Spock “ become fluent in his second language of humanity.” What a lovely phrase. It’s absolutely no stretch to envision the characters acting the way they do in this story. Dialog is right on the money as well. I think Jesmihr also has a gift for description. It’s fairly easy to describe scenes on the ship that we’ve all seen so many times, but she also made me feel the heat and see the horizon shimmer in the late afternoon African sun and remember what it was like to be a young girl lazing away an afternoon in the company of her best friend.

A story full of warmth and love.

This is an artful little story told from Uhura's point of view. In a letter to her friend, Uhura spills over with all the luscious details of Kirk and Spock's budding relationship. She delights in the subtle progress of the romance between her two favorite fellow officers. This is a tender rendition of Uhura's feelings, her generous nature and how happy she is because of their happiness. I enjoyed particularly the lieutenant's cute verbal contact with Spock. Well written, sweet and fun.

This is a very unusual story, told in the form of a letter from Uhura‘s point of view to a friend. She is a very astute observer, and clearly enjoys watching her captain and his first officer‘s developing relationship. The author has a lovely flowing style of writing, which perfectly compliments Uhura‘s observations of their growing relationship. She is able to pinpoint the exact day they take their relationship to the next level, because of a chance encounter in the turbolift with Spock, who is most uncharacteristically late for duty and a revealing conversation between him and Kirk confirms her suspicions.

Later, when Kirk asks her to teach him Vulcan so that he can say some very important words to Spock in his own language, she becomes drawn into their inner circle, in a pleasant conspiracy with Kirk so he can achieve his desire—to propose to Spock in his own language. I particularly enjoyed this author‘s portrayal of Kirk‘s relationship with both Spock and Uhura, warm and comfortable friendship with one, the blooming of love with the other, and Kirk‘s desire to ask the most important question of his entire relationship with Spock in his own language, a compliment Spock appreciates and in another early morning turbolift encounter, he is able to convey his gratitude to Uhura as well as telling her his answer to Kirk‘s question!

The fact that this is written in the form of a letter was a nice change, and it was interesting to see Kirk and Spock through the eyes of someone else on the ship especially when it was communicated so well (as we would expect with Uhura), whose sympathy and understanding is well described.

Thank you, crunchy, for steering me toward this inspiring piece of writing! Yes, I‘d read it before, but that doesn‘t matter. What matters is how correct you were to label it a romantic story, which is a bit unexpected, since there is no direct contact between Kirk and Spock, either verbal or physical.

Through Uhura‘s discerning eyes, though, we witness what true love is all about. And crunchy was correct in thinking this might awaken my sleepy K/S absorption. One of my favorite episodes is highlighted in retrospect: The Immunity Syndrome. I have never doubted how much it cost James Kirk to send the man he loved into that blob of protoplasm knowing the chances of his return were slim to none. It‘s extraordinary how well Jesmihr describes it. Uhura has long recognized the attraction between her commanding officers and has been concerned how they would deal with a situation where one had to sacrifice personal feelings for the good of the ship and crew. She describes the ill concealed agony on Kirk‘s face; the way his hands clenched into fists when contact was lost with Spock; and his tone of voice when he gave the orders to lock onto the shuttle when he realized Spock still lived. We all saw this. Yet, it is so powerful to read how the empathic comm officer describes it in a letter to her dearest friend. I‘ve always seen Uhura as an astute observer and staunch supporter of the love she sees between Kirk and Spock. I love seeing her sensitivity depicted the way it‘s been done here. I find a special satisfaction in reading how others see our heroes, especially in this context, and this author does it so well.

A fine read that has me searching for more romantic K/S encounters. Thanks, Jesmihr and thanks crunchy for giving me directions!

We all loved this. How could we not? It's a first person story—not always my personal favourite format— but here, the author uses it to great effect: Our narrator is Nyota Uhura, but she's not really addressing us. The story takes the form of an 'anachronistic letter, on paper, in ink', written to Uhura's girlhood friend, Kamaria. First person can be a limiting form of narrative: not here, however. In fact, we learn much of Uhura herself: we see her amazing powers of observation as she relates her part in Jim and Spock's love story to her friend. Yes. That's her purpose in writing. Virtually at the beginning, she reports that she's due to take part in their wedding, so the outcome's not a mystery to us, the readers. Reading the letter with Kamaria, seeing first Spock (with his 'painful uncertainty') and then Kirk through Uhura's eyes becomes even more of a pleasure. By reminding her friend of their shared past, mentioning a place they used to go to daydream, Jesmihr's Nyota creates a wonderful mood which somehow lasts throughout the entire story... It's almost cosy! We loved how the title works on different levels, and in fact we see how she teaches Spock, as well as Kirk. And the story is firmly series-based, too, which is always a treat, isn't it? The events of the Immunity Syndrome are pivotal... I don't want to retell the story, but snippets are inevitable; Jim asks Uhura for help. For some literal Language Lessons. His character is so well drawn, and although she supports him, she is aware that 'he had a plan'. We enjoyed this glimpse—it was classic Kirk! Uhura has already acknowledged to her friend that her Captain is a complex man: She could not discern his feelings towards Spock, even when she's seen the latter's emotional response quite clearly. She sees so much, we almost don't notice the slight plot device of her being late on the very same morning that Spock is rushing to the bridge, the very picture of 'an-embarrassed—late—wet-haired—Vulcan'! Every word in this passage, especially, is a gem, and we are led to her conclusion, that Jim and Spock have spent the night together, at her own pace. It's wonderful, and needs to be reread. Her interactions with Kirk are amusing and touching; she gently criticises his early pronunciation, whilst reminding him of her discretion. And she is honest, but never arrogant, when asked about her own talent for languages; truly, this lady deserves her rank and position as Chief Communications Officer and this story, her letter, needs to be read!