Dear Readers:

I hit a snag in posting additional chapters and had to delete my story. It is in tact and I will post it in book number format because I keep making the same mistake and I can't figure out what it is. So this is Book One She Is But A Child Chapters 1-14. Book Two Chapter 15-25 will complete the story. So that you know, all the stories I post are complete and after each chapter is previewed I will post, as long as my technological impairment doesn't kick in. I can't seem to get past the fifteen chapter limit without deleting everything posted. Thank you so much for your continued interest.

My biggest regret is I have lost all of the treasured comments received from you dear readers. Please bear with me as I bring you up to date.

She Is But A Child

Book One

Chapter One

Acceptance…

Lieutenant Commander Nyota Uhura straightened the jacket of her instructor's gray uniform. The tailored garment fit her body perfectly, the trousers just barely brushed the tops of her shiny black boots. She observed her reflection in the mirror; her hair drawn back into her signature pony tail which emphasized the gracefulness of her long neck. The hair's unobtrusiveness only served to draw attention to the exquisite beauty of her face. But outward appearances were not what had propelled her with unequaled speed, through the educational system of her homeland, The United States of Africa. Thus allowing her to receive her double masters degrees at the tender age of fourteen. Noyta Uhura was brilliant.

She was fluent in forty-seven Federation languages, knew ancient and modern Greek, all the Romance languages, Russian and every language and dialect of her native United States of Africa. Quite an achievement, but even more so amazing, in one so young.

She slowly sank down into a waiting chair and placed her elbows on her thighs. Her cupped hands awaiting her face as she sighed. She was not nervous. She was the ultimate achiever. Always prepared. It was as natural to her as brushing her teeth. As she analyzed her temperament she discovered the real cause of her disquietude. She was homesick.

"Nyota, Nyota, wake up. A letter has arrived for you from Star Fleet Academy."

Her sister, Depreia was shouting loudly and shaking her violently. Of course she was awake after that racket.

Nyota turned and brushed the hair from her face and sat up, resting her back on the headboard. She extended her hand and her sister released her grasp and plopped down on the bed next to her. She tore open the envelope and gasped.

"I've been accepted," she said her small hand covering her mouth.

Nyota had left home before. But always it was with the understanding that home was still home. Her roots ran deep in the red earth of her homeland. She could visit of graves of her family member going back ten generations. An amazing thing in any culture. But this was different, accepting this invitation meant her home would become a starship. She would be committed to Star Fleet for five years. Her teaching assignment here was just a stop gap-her ship, The Enterprise, was not ready.

Her first teaching assignment would prove to be a challenge. She would be teaching a course entitled, 'Terrans' Non-Verbal Communication' to an entire class of non-Terrans. Including possibly Vulcans, Tellerites, Andorians, Ardinans, Rigillians, Rigilians. Denobulans, and Orions.

The purpose of the class was clear enough, to avoid possible misunderstandings between the newly enrolled cadets and their host planet's members. This need was especially profound for off-worlders would have to not only interact with human faculty and students they would also have contact with the communities surrounding Star Fleet Academy. It was expected that the information received by these new cadets would carry through to their eventual assignment to a ship. She was in fact, training personal that one day might work right beside her.

"Enough," she said emphatically as she rose from her seat and headed toward her apartment door. She strode purposefully toward the lift and exited her building into the bright San Francisco sunlight.

Her first stop was a brief visit to Commander Venable's office. Although this was a new course, her syllabus had been submitted long ago. For older students it would serve as remedial training; for first year cadets an entry level course. She felt it wise to meet with the department head one last time in case any last minute tweaking was necessary. After getting his (her) seal of approval, she checked her time and joined with other instructors as they made their way to their assigned rooms. It was then she realized that she truly appeared insignificant. And no wonder, she was shorter than all she encountered, and with a much smaller body frame. She even might even appear, she thought to herself, as a young child dressed up for masquerade. She would have to project an air of authority to be taken seriously by her students. She was certain that at eighteen she was younger than many of them and certainly was the youngest of all the instructors.

Approaching her door she checked the number and, using the end of her sleeve, shined the brass number to greater luster. This was her room, her office and her space. Her cadets had best not forget that.

She took her seat at her desk, aligned whatever PADDs or teaching necessities were in front of her, and waited. Her eyes were down when the first student entered, one Orion, then three Andorians, one Vulcan, a tall, slim handsome figure, four Ardinais, one Tellerite, one Regellians, one - and what made up the majority of the class ten Denobolans.

She pressed the button by the side of her desk, and the entrance door closed-preventing any late comers from sneaking in.

She gracefully rose from her seat, walked to the enhanced white board and wrote her title and name. She then faced her students, smiled and gave a sincere welcome.

Each student acknowledged her in the way unique to their species. Some applauded, some waved, some stomped their feet, there was an assortment of other sounds-grunts and snorts and the Vulcan nodded.

She gave an outline of what the class would entail, her specific requirements, what would be accepted for extra credits, the passing grade for this course and her office hours. She then open the floor for discussion.

Some of her students verbally expressed the thought that they did not feel that they needed this course since they had spent many years in the company of humans and other Federation members. One of these in particular was her Vulcan student, the son of Vulcan's Ambassador. In that position she understood that he probably had been introduced to many worlds, customs and languages. But as a Vulcan, his usual tendency toward bluntness, his honesty which boarded on being hurtful had caused comments from fellow students and his teachers. They all pointed toward his lack of communication skills. Hopefully, this course would improve his abilities in this area. This would be especially necessary in view of his impending assignment to a star ship. To cover up Star Fleet's intent, she stated that even though he had experienced interaction with many cultures he would serve as a touch stone for other Vulcans that might follow him into Star Fleet. He graciously nodded and accepted this explanation. This she felt was commendable, he must not be a spoiled brat after all.

She advised the students that a welcome gathering was scheduled for that week-end. Attendance was mandatory, the dress casual. She also informed all that if they wished to entertain the audience with music, dance, poetry or any other offering from their home world they would be welcome. The time for the start of festivities was 1900 hours on Saturday, at the Academy's physical activities site. Light refreshments and drink would be provided.

As the time for the end of the class approached, her Vulcan student requested a private audience with her. She had looked at all the student's scholastic records and of all of them, his was the most impressive. He had graduated at an early age with honors from Vulcan's most prestigious university, had then received his doctorate from Harvard, had then been accepted for entrance into the Vulcan Science Academy but had chose

Star Fleet-amazing. He was in his fourth year and he would graduate with honors. She saw a similarity in the turn of both their minds, the Vulcan and herself. Both are over-achievers and goal orientated persons. Interesting.

Nyota Uhura stretched herself to her fullest height as she sat behind her desk. A light tap on the door was answer by her, "Enter".

The Vulcan walked in, his hands behind his back and positioned himself in front of her desk, eyes straight ahead.

She cleared her throat and said, "At ease cadet,"

With that her student took a more relaxed stance in front of her.

She made her inquiry,

"How may I help you Cadet Spock?"

Spock responded, "I was wondering if I might be of service to you, Lieutenant Commander. I was truly impressed when I read your credentials but there was no mention of your age in that information. Begging your pardon, as Terran's say, may I inquire as to your age."

Nyota quickly scanned her student's visage, but as she remembered, Vulcans do not register emotions or anything else outwardly. So, she could not suspect anything but a benign curiosity behind this question. But, as she had already formulated how she would respond to such an inquiry she continued,

"I believe we share something in common, Cadet Spock. As I understand it, a Vulcans' age can never be determined by observation. So, I guess I could make a similar inquiry about you. But, I shall not. Since Star Fleet felt my record speaks for itself, and made no mention of my age, I shall not over shoot their authority.

Spock nodded perceptively and there was a slight upturn to his lips, 'Fascinating' was his mental response to her answer.

Uhura thought to herself, 'Touché'. Then with a mischievous glint in her eye she stated,

"Where I come from Cadet Spoke, it is a given, we never look our age. My great-grandmother still lives without one wrinkle on her face."

Then to soften the atmosphere, she questioned.

"What is your area of expertise, Cadet Spock?"

"I am fluent in seventeen Federation languages," he stated, not in pride but to simply supply information.

"I can speak quite a few of our Federation's languages. Perhaps, you could be extremely helpful on that level Cadet, we will compare notes. I shall keep that in mind. Is there any other inquiry you have?"

Spock raised himself into his attentive stance and saluted. "I look forward to being of service. Thank you, Lieutenant. " was his reply as he did a sharp about face and left his superior officer's presence. All the while thinking to himself, "She is but a child."

I wish to thank Lady Fangs for serving as my Beta.

In addition, I am deeply indebted to the following authors who inspired me to put to paper the imaginings of my heart.

StarTrekFanWriter (When I grow up I want to write like her. She is my cannon)

Aashlee Elizabeth (Her 'Insight' was the first FanFic I read and I was hooked)

Linstock (her depictions of Spock and Nyota as a couple are beautiful

and touch my heart)

Simply Mare (She took me to a whole different world with her stories. The other Vulcan that can steal hearts is her Sa'aat)

StarQuilter57 (I love her original characters in Tuesdays With Sirin)

Notes From the Classroom The Interview-Spock's thoughts as he runs with a live grenade sum up his life perfectly.

Lady Fangs Her Prince Ascension and Sarak's stories are wonderful background information.