String Theory - Ch. 2

[sesh_khem]

 Appassionato – passionately

Because chamber music is a conversation, sometimes one instrument must stand out, sometimes another. It is not always a simple matter for members of an ensemble to determine the proper balance³

Jim hailed a cab. They maneuvered the cello in with them and Jim gave the driver his address. They rode in silence until they neared the apartment.

“Hey Len, want to grab a drink before you go?”

“Naw, I should get home.”

“Well, care to watch me drink? I need to talk to you about something.”

“Um, ok, sure.”

Len paid the driver and they headed for the bar in Jim’s building.

“At least it’s your favorite bar,” Jim said as they settled at a table near the back of the darkened room.

“No it’s not. It’s a dive!”

“Then why…? Never mind. Look—”

He was interrupted by the waitress. Len changed his mind and ordered a double bourbon.

“Len, I’ve been meaning to tell you something, but I keep waiting for the right time. And the right time always—”

The waitress was far too quick in getting their drinks. After she left, each man took a long drink.

“Okay. Len, I—”

“Jim, I think I’m in love with you. And I hate that I do, because you’re my best friend and dammit we even work together. I swear I never saw it coming and if it wrecks our friendship I am soooo sorry, but I had to tell you or I was going to go crazy. Please, please don’t let it ruin the quartet because I swear that’s the only thing keeping me sane and—”

“Bones! Shut up. Idiot, that’s what I’m trying to tell you. I think I fell for you the moment your Southern ass walked into Music Fundamentals.”

***

The night was cold but the little apartment Nyota shared with Gaila wasn’t too far. Nyota had her viola case under her down coat and she held it as tenderly as a child. They walked in silence most of the way, speaking only of music when they spoke at all.

“Well, here we are. Thanks for walking me back, Spock.”

“It was a pleasure.”

“Would you like to come in? I’ll make us some tea.”

He hesitated a moment. “Yes. Yes, that would be acceptable.”

Nyota smiled and took out her keys. As they walked the three flights up, it suddenly occurred to her that Gaila might be home. She sighed with relief when she opened the door to find the rooms dark. She threw her bag on the little coffee table and unzipped her coat. “Sit down, I’ll be right back,” she called as she put the viola in her room, then went to the kitchen to make the tea.

Spock heard her humming the tune she was working on, incorporating the changes he and the others suggested. He heard the water beginning to boil in the electric kettle as she peeked out of the tiny kitchen. “Is it silly of me to be so excited that we’re staying together?”

Spock rose and went to join her. “No,” he answered quietly. “It is satisfying to know that there will be one constant for us after we graduate.”

She prepared the tea, Spock leaning against the counter, watching her. She handed him his tea cup, and noticed his expression. Her brow wrinkled slightly. “Spock, what’s wrong?”

He stared at his tea cup. When he didn’t answer, she moved closer.

“Spock, something’s on your mind. Talk to me. Is it about what you mentioned earlier? About talking to the Maestro?”

“I…this is difficult for me.”

“Spock, this is me. You know you can tell me anything.” She took his hand and led him to the living room. Taking his cup, she placed it and hers on the coffee table. She sat down on the sofa and patted the spot beside her. He complied.

She waited quietly, knowing that he would begin in his own time. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

You know that in my culture, we do not speak of certain things. We do not react as your people do, having been trained from an early age to approach all matters intellectually and spiritually. Only once we have considered matters thusly do we allow emotion to enter our consideration.

Yes, Nyota said. “You don’t allow emotion to color factual and moral considerations.

“Correct. In keeping with this approach, there is a matter that I have considered for some time, and I reached what I thought was a logical conclusion. I did not anticipate the emotion that would result. Fear.”

“Oh, Spock.” She hugged him. “Why didn’t you come to me? You know I’m always here for you.”

“I could not come to you, Nyota, because the matter with which I struggle involves you. In point of fact, the matter is you.” He finally looked at her.

She pulled away confused and concerned. Had she offended him in some way?

“I wish to…that is I…Would you be amenable to pursuing a romantic relationship with me?”

She released the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. He managed a glance at her, but quickly returned his focus to his cup of tea. She reached over, took the cup and placed it on the table. Then she took his face in her hands and pulled him closer.

“I have never—” he bagan.

“Shhh…it doesn’t matter.” She kissed him, and genius that he was, she found him a quick study.

By the time they were reclined upon the sofa, shirts half off, trousers undone, the front door opened. They weren’t fast enough to readjust themselves before Gaila spotted them, bestowing a condescending grin. “About time, you two,” she drawled, and headed for her room, but then stopped and faced them. “Can I watch?”

***

Subito — suddenly

For a quartet grappling with some of the most profound, intimate and heartfelt compositions in the music literature, the communal nature of decision-making is often more testing than the decisions themselves.⁴

Fall

Jim woke up to find himself still in his lover’s arms, smiling at the sensation of his warmth against his skin. It was the first time in weeks that they were waking up in their own bed. Work had taken them all over the country, and soon they’d be traveling abroad.

He got up to use the toilet, still smiling. He shook his head. Who’d have thought dreams actually came true? Dream job, dream man. He walked back to the bedroom. “Damn, I’m lucky,” he said as he ran his hands through his yawning lover’s hair.

“Damn straight,” came the answer, followed by a kiss. “Go get me some coffee.”

“Right away, your highness.” He bowed dramatically and walked backwards out of the room. Len soon followed, flopped on the sofa and turned on the news as Jim went to the kitchen.

They had a whole week off. Well, “off” was a relative term these days. They’d still rehearse, still work on their new pieces, still take calls from their agent. But no performances, no red-eye flights, no interviews. A thought suddenly occurred to him as he poured the coffee into mugs.

“Hey Bones,” he said as he handed Len his coffee. “Do you think we need to get a manager?”

Len didn’t answer. He didn’t even take the coffee. His eyes were glued to the screen.

“Len—” Jim looked at the screen to see what was so enthralling.

Len was standing up. “Oh, sweet Jesus…”

Suddenly the words and images filtered through to Jim. “Oh God. Go. Call them now.”

***

Nyota slipped out of bed as quietly as she could. Her fiancé was exhausted. Their recording had met with rave reviews, and they were touring and doing the morning show circuit. Time for a much deserved break, and she planned to surprise Spock with breakfast in bed and then, dessert.

She had just poured the pancake batter on the skillet when the comm chimed.

“Hello?”

“Ny it’s Len. Oh, God…Turn on the news.”

“What?”

“Turn on the news. Quick! It’s Vulcan!”

Pancakes forgotten, she ran to the bedroom and turned on the news. There it was, flames, blood, bodies.

“Spock!” she screamed. She shook him awake.

He rose slowly, “Mmm?”

“Spock, it’s Vulcan! Vulcan’s under attack!”

***

The small desert nation of Vulcan—with its highly educated, if rather insular, population of spiritual pacifists—had been attacked by the breakaway Romulan Republic. Once part of Vulcan, the Romulans split from their Vulcan ancestors, eschewing their focus on learning and peace. Instead, they sought to accumulate wealth from the vast natural resources in the region.

But without a decent educational system, there were no technological advances. The Romulans soon fell behind economically and socially. They chose to blame their kinsmen for their declining fortunes.

Vulcan had a painfully small defensive force. Used over the centuries only for rescue and humanitarian missions, it was woefully unprepared for the crude but effective missile strikes that the Romulans rained upon the most populous areas of the nation.

It was a massacre.

Spock sat stock-still watching the news. Nyota paced, hugging herself. Jim and Len came over, and Jim searched the ‘net for any additional information.

At length, Spock stood up. He looked at Nyota and she nodded, knowing exactly what was going through his mind.

“May I?” he asked Jim, who then slipped out of the chair in front of the terminal. They all watched as Spock contacted the site provided for Vulcan’s living in the States.

The screen displayed the Vulcan flag as the call went through. Soon a face filled the screen.

“This is the Vulcan Information Service. How may I assist you?”

Hello, I am Spock, son of Sarek, the Vulcan Ambassador. I wish to reach my father, assure him of my safety, and offer any assistance I can.”

The man’s eyes widened. “Yes, honored one.” He bowed at the screen. “Please wait.” The screen returned to the Vulcan flag.

A moment later a different person appeared on the screen. She raised her hand in the traditional Vulcan greeting. “Your Highness. It is pleasing to see you are well.”

Spock heard a collective gasp from behind him, but ignored it. “I thank you. Please, can you help me reach my father?”

“Indeed. I will send a message through several channels. Please send me your contact information.”

Spock did so and terminated the call. He turned to his friends.

“I knew Sarek was your father, but you never said anything about ‘Highnessness!’” said Len.

Spock cocked his head to one side. “I was born a prince, but am one no longer.”

Jim chimed in. “So when your father kicked you out…”

“I lost my place in the line of succession. I would never have been king. There are many princes in Vulcan.” His eyes returned to the television screen. “There were many princes in Vulcan,” he corrected himself. Nyota rose and went to him, wrapping her arms around him.

The terminal buzzed with an incoming call. Spock answered, and the screen filled with the face of an older man with tired eyes.

“Spock,” Sarek breathed.

“Father, I am pleased to see you well. What news?”

“None good. I cannot find your brother, nor can I reach the palace. I will leave soon. I must go home.”

“I understand. What may I do to assist you?”

His father looked ashamed. “I have no right to ask anything of you, Spock.”

“What is past is done, Father. Vulcan is in need.”

“You honor me and our homeland. I will be in touch as soon as I have news. Live long and prosper, my son.”

“Peace and long life, Father. Travel in safety. I look forward to hearing from you.”

His father nodded solemnly and closed the connection.

Spock stared at the blank screen. Jim got up and put his hand on Spock’s shoulder. “I’m glad you found each other. We’ll get out of your hair.”

Len turned to Nyota, who was wiping tears from her eyes. “Don’t worry about cooking tonight. I’ll whip something up for you,” he said. “Call us if you need anything. You know we’ll be right over.”

She hugged both men and followed them to the door. When she returned she found Spock in the same position, shoulders shaking slightly with the emotion he’d held in check until now. She pulled him from the chair and led him to the sofa, where she held him as he cried. She said nothing, knowing he had no need for words. She just held him, and let her tears join his.

***

Nyota was vaguely aware of the comm beeping. It seemed they’d been awake for days waiting for any news. She finally fell asleep on the couch while Spock continued trying to reach various relatives in Vulcan. Now she slowly awoke to the sound of Spock’s voice as he closed the connection to a call. She sat up and he joined her on the sofa. One look at him and she knew.

“I must go to my father.”

“I know.”

“I may have to stay for some time.”

She nodded. “I know.”

“But I will return to you.”

She smiled sadly through the tears. “I know that, too.”

Vivo — alive

When a performance is in progress, all four of us together enter a zone of magic. We become a conduit, messenger, and missionary... It is an experience too personal to talk about and yet it colors every aspect of our relationship.⁵

Eight Months Later

“Why the hell did I agree to this?” Len asked as he hauled his luggage and cello into the waiting rental van.

“You know perfectly well why,” said Jim, getting into the driver seat. “You miss him too.”

“Yeah, well don’t tell him that.” He buckled himself in. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

Jim drove the 10 blocks to Nyota’s. They found her practically bouncing as she saw them approach. Len got out of the van.

“Hello, beautiful. Ready to take a trip?” He helped her put her bags in the back.

“I’m going NUTS,” she said jumping into the back seat. “C’mon. Let’s go be peacemakers!”

Jim drove to the airport and they discussed the plan. Sarek had invited them to perform at the treaty signing and at various functions throughout the region. He reasoned that with so much destruction, his people needed not only the material aid that other nations were providing, but a reminder of all that was good and beautiful in the world. He now counted Spock as a living example of that in his own life.

They landed at the makeshift shuttle platform, and Nyota was ready to open the door herself since the pilot was moving far too slowly for her. She jumped out as soon as she could get through the door and ran straight to the arms of her beloved. Jim and Len gave them their moment, as Spock took her face in his hands and kissed her soundly.

But there was no time yet for a lengthy reunion. They got into the waiting car.

“My father’s looking forward to meeting you all,” said Spock. And we will have the unexpected honor of performing for the Queen.” He turned to Nyota and said softly, “Sarek is particularly desirous to meet you.”

“I’m so nervous! Meeting your dad and the Queen in the same day. I hope I don’t make a fool of myself.”

“There is no cause for distress. My father is pleased to welcome you into our tribe. As is my grandmother.”

“Your grandmother?” Len asked. “Wait, she’s not the Queen, is she?”

“She is. As a matter of fact, she has our recording and informed me that she finds your countenance most pleasing.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

Nyota laughed. “It means she thinks you’re hot.

Jim gave him a peck on the cheek. “The lady has good taste.”

Len straightened his tie. “I think I’m gonna like this place.”

References:

1.       Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamber_music)

2.       Bones are a musical instrument (more specifically, a folk instrument) which, at the simplest, consists of a pair of animal bones, or pieces of wood or a similar material (From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bones_(instrument))

3.       Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamber_music#Ensemble.2C_blend_and_balance

4.       Wikipedia: Paraphrased quote of David Waterman http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamber_music#Interpretation

5.       Wikipedia: Paraphrased quote of Arnold Steinhardt: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamber_music#The_chamber_music_experience