Observed

by Maven Cree

Part 1

Lieutenant Uhura stood patiently in the corridor waiting for the turbo-lift to arrive. When the doors finally opened, she stood to the side and allowed two female science officers to exit.

"Lieutenant," one of them said, nodding in greeting. The other smiled slyly.

Uhura stepped into the lift beside Captain Kirk who was silently watching the exchange. As the doors closed, she saw the two women put their heads together and then erupt into giggles. Uhura rolled her eyes.

Once the doors had shut completely, she punched Kirk in the arm.

"Ow! What was that for?" he asked, rubbing that spot.

The communications officer hit the hold button and turned to her Captain.

"Because you're a part of it! You were there, so you're a part of it!"

"Still not following…"

"This is getting out of hand! Everywhere I go, people are giving me these goddamn smirks, or I'll walk into a room and the conversation suddenly changes… I get within THREE FEET of Spock and everybody stops what they're doing to watch. They're not even trying to hide it anymore!"

"Ah. So this is about you and Spock… um…"

She glared at him. He held up his hands in defence.

"Hey, I never said anything to anyone. Far as I'm concerned, whatever you two… do, on your own time is none of my business."

Uhura rubbed her temples. "I kissed him. I kissed him on the transporter pad because the two of you were beaming into hell and I was terrified that I'd never see him again."

Jim shrugged. "Kinda got the impression that that wasn't exactly your first kiss."

"We're two consenting adults. Why does it matter?"

"Uhura," Jim paused to gather his thoughts. "Look at it from their point of view. Spock is Vulcan. Most humans never get to see a real Vulcan, let along get to know one. And given what's happened to their people, that's not going to improve anytime soon.

"When people think of Vulcans, what comes to mind? Pointy ears, logic, green blood and no emotions, right?"

"He has--"

"I know that. Or rather, I know that now. I didn't always. The bridge had just watched me make Spock go ballistic on me – something I really hated doing by the way – You, I'm sure were angry at me, but everyone else… they were just in shock. I mean, who's ever heard of an angry Vulcan? And, what, two hours later, he's kissing you in front of everybody--"

"What everybody? It was you, Scotty and Ensign Preeva."

"Ya, Ensign Preeva qualifies as everybody. You have to watch what you say around him."

"…I'll kill him."

"I'd rather you didn't," he said seriously before flashing her his most disarming smile. "…Paperwork…"

Despite herself, Uhura smiled. She disengaged the hold button and the lift began to move again… only to be stopped a moment later by Jim himself.

"Since you brought it up, there is that… other thing…"

She raised an eyebrow in an unconscious imitation of the ship's first officer.

"Other thing?"

"Well, you were his student in our second year…"

"Yes. Were. As in past tense."

"So you two weren't… together… while he was your instructor?"

"People think that?!"

"Some."

"Does that seem like a particularly logical think to do?"

"Not really."

"Of course not. We only started spending time together in third year. We kept bumping into each other at certain… common places of interest. I can't believe I actually have to explain this. I can't believe I'm explaining it to you of all people!"

"It's the gold shirt. Endears people to trust me and bare their souls." He pressed the button.

"Oh is that what it is?"

"Of course. I'm very sensitive you know. I'm not even going to court martial you for assaulting your captain."

"I could make it malicious assault."

The doors to the turbo lift opened.

"My stop!" Jim said quickly, stepping out. He turned in the doorway and smiled. "Seriously Uhura, people are just curious. They don't mean any harm by it… At least I hope they don't."

The Lieutenant sighed. "I know."

"But if anyone does step over the line, you let me know."

"Will do, Captain. Wow. It really must be the shirt."

"Gets 'em every time," he said, proudly as he allowed the doors to close, Uhura's laughter echoing in the small space.

TBC…