Author's Note: Thanks to my friend, Acquanetta, who took quite a bit of time out of her own life to assist me with this revision.
Series Summary: When watching the film, I was most intrigued with the scene where Uhura confronts Spock about her assignment to the USS Farragut. As the scene is played, she is both angered and surprised by her placement. In this series, I will explore what led up to this incident with chapters involving our favorite twosome as well as Pike, Kirk, Gaila, Bones, and Sulu. Please note: The narrative will not be told in chronological order; and Uhura and Spock will not get it on for quite some time. If you have the patience to stay with me, I would appreciate your comments to keep the story honest, yet, entertaining. I will attempt to post a new chapter once a week if my muse is willing.
Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I do not own Star Trek. The only thing I own is my imagination.
At her work station in Mr. Spock's office, third year student Cadet Uhura could not help hearing her supervisor's voice as he spoke into his communicator at his desk. Although calm and even-tempered, his words spoke of his displeasure with the progress of one of the research projects. "Another negative trial . . . Ensign Slovich, let me remind you the experiment has surpassed its expected completion date by 33.4 days and is over budget by 49,378 credits . . . You should know I am very close to relieving you as Project Manager . . . The deciding factor will be a plan detailing the course of action needed to be taken to ensure the success of this venture. I expect it in my e-box within the next 72 hours.'
Spock closed his communicator and walked over to the office window. His behavior caught Cadet Uhura's attention. This was the day she had promised herself she would speak with him about upgrading her current position, as a Course Aide. Given the circumstance, she realized it was not the best time to bring up this issue, but she had already put off addressing it for several weeks. Luckily, she had another matter to first bring to his attention. Perhaps, this would put him in a better frame of mind. Uhura met him at the window with data crystal in hand. "Mr. Spock, I completed the papers you asked me to grade."
"Did you send the corrections and comments to the students?"
"As instructed, sir. I placed your electronic copies of the corrected papers in the Shared Folder for the course."
Without looking at her. "Very good. You are quite efficient with your work."
"Thank you, sir." Losing her nerve, she started back to her desk to began the next task. Hesitates. Uhura, he actually gave you a complement. Don't back down now. She returned to his side.
Taking notice of her return. "Cadet – do you not have your next assignment?"
"Yes, sir. I have my assignments for the entire semester, as you have provided for me."
"Then why are you not initiating the next task?"
"Permission to speak freely, sir."
"Permission granted."
"Sir, I looked forward to serving as one of assistants, because of the challenges I was sure it would bring. If one looks at the record, a number of your assistants have co-written major articles with you and presented their work at intergalactic conferences. However, after 11 weeks all I am offered is the opportunity to apply your detailed rubric and pre-written comments to student papers and record their scores. Something I am sure a trained monkey could do."
"First, Cadet Uhura, you have only functioned in this position for 10 weeks, four days, 10 hours and 17 minutes, not 11 weeks. Second, apparently, you did not read your position description carefully. You are a Course Aide, not a Research Assistant. It is the latter position which better lends itself to the scholarly activities you have cited. While your responsibilities may not appear as challenging as you may like, this type of work is necessary for courses to which I am assigned in order to provide me with the time required to oversee the scientific research division. However, if you are not satisfied with you current placement, then I will take the time to arrange another assignment for you which may better suit your aspirations."
Silence. This is not the way she had wanted the conversation to turn. She felt his dark brown eyes burrow into her. For a moment, she closed her eyes, and then opened them, again. He had not moved and the impassivity of his facial expression had the affect of slightly unnerving her.
Uhura took a breath and spoke. "Mr. Spock, I apologize. The last thing I wanted to do was to give you the impression I would desire a change in my placement. I would be less than honest if I said I was not a bit disappointed in not securing a RA position. However, as Course Aide, I feel privileged to support the department in some way." Another breath. "I just thought by now you would have confidence in my abilities and provide me with greater responsibilities."
"I have already conveyed my assessment of the proficiency of your work. Your skills have undoubtedly been allocated appropriately. I see no need for a change at this time."
There was no opposing subtext here. She could hear nothing in his tone of voice or see anything in his body posture or facial expression that offered any hope she could persuade him otherwise. She capitulated, but with an edge to the tone of her response. "Thank you for your consideration of the matter. I am looking forward to the next assignment of reading the preliminary thesis statements from the students in your ethics course. I will apply your rubric and pre-written comments, as directed."
Matching her tone, Spock sharply replied, "Then please proceed, Cadet Uhura." He then turned back to the window, body rigid and hands clasped behind his back.
She finally evoked a rise out of him, but the exchange had not been constructive. One part of her thought it best to return to her work station. However, something else spoke and advised another option.
"Sir."
Three counts. "Yes, Cadet Uhura."
"I could not help overhearing there is a significant problem with one of your projects."
"Unfortunately, the format of these offices does not allow for more privacy. I am sorry if the conversation disturbed you." Turning to her. "Now, Cadet, I believe you were to begin grading the next set of papers."
"Sir, in the past, you have spoken glowingly about Ensign Slovich and his research team. Your commendations demonstrated confidence in their approach and ability to see the project to fruition. However, a little while ago your conversation displayed no indication of that former assessment. Your talk with him would hardly inspire confidence, but rather convince him that you already expect the project to fail."
"While I would not have used the word, glowingly, to describe my previous assessment of their work, Ensign Slovich and his team had initially shown great promise."
"Perhaps, the team just needs a little help from their friends . . . I mean, the scientific community. If there was a way . . . a forum to discuss the crux of the issue . . . it might possibly trigger the spark that may lead to a more fruitful course of action."
Silence. His head cocked to one side. Body . . . motionless. Yet, there is something going on behind those eyes, those piercing dark brown eyes. She prepared herself for one of his patented stinging retorts, but something else surprisingly was said.
"A symposium . . . the answer could be a symposium based on Ensign Slovich's research project. Cadet Uhura, in the department shared folder on your computer you will find the names and contact information of my RA's. I will give you access to their calendars, so you may set up a time for a 90 minute symposium which will be mandatory for them to attend. Once you find a suitable period, invite the faculty. I will also provide a list of other guests to be added to the invitation list who I believe may add to the value of this activity."
"I assume you will discuss this matter with Ensign Slovich and his team."
"Yes, I will speak with them tomorrow about the symposium's objective and format."
"Sir, it may be helpful if you contacted Ensign Slovich's right away to let him know of your plan. It may serve to relieve . . . I mean . . . the knowledge may prove to be productive."
"Thank you. I will consider your advice."
She smiled. "Thank you, sir." She starts toward her desk.
"Cadet Uhura, you can also include yourself on the invitation list."
Her smile broadened. "Thank you, sir."
Walking to his desk to pick up his communicator, "The conversation may be a little too advanced for your full comprehension; however, you may find it enlightening."
Stunned, then a slow burn. Sarcastically. "Mr. Spock, you are too kind. Perhaps, I could even be more helpful by accepting the responsibility of taking notes."
"Excellent suggestion. Of course, the event will be recorded, but personal notes may prove useful when summarizing the proceedings for our scientific digest."
"Do you believe it wise for such a responsibility to be assigned to someone who may not be capable of fully understanding the discussion?"
"Do not be concerned. I will review your document carefully and make any necessary revisions before publication." Speaking into his communicator. "Ensign Slovich? You will meet with me, tomorrow morning . . . No, I do not want or will accept your resignation from the project . . . I want to help you to succeed. It is illogical to believe otherwise . . . Is there something wrong with the reception at your end? . . . Yes, Ensign . . . 9:45 AM . . . Very good . . . In conference room . . ."
The correction of the ethics papers could wait. By the time she accessed the appropriate contact files, she received a message from him granting her permission to access the RA's calendars. While still talking on his communicator, Spock sent an electronic message to Uhura when he was no more than six feet away from her. Could he not just wait until he completed his call and then just turn around and speak to her? She typed and sent her response, "Thank you, Mr. Spock."
She thought, Uhura, you've done it now. The sarcasm went right over his head or – perhaps, he was just ignoring it. Whatever the case, instead of being a step closer to earning a position as a Starfleet Officer, you're on the fast track to becoming a personal secretary.
Still, after 10 weeks, four days, 10 hours and 23 minutes – today's conversation had been the most they had ever said to each other at one time. Michelle Yu, one of Spock's previous CA's, advised her of his deliberate and imperturbable behavior. "I actually preferred it that way." She commented. "The assignments are clearly written and succinct. Just follow the instructions. I believe even a trained monkey . . ." For Michelle, the CA position had primarily been a way for her to earn some extra credits for her family of four. Her sights were set no higher than a Starfleet administrative post based on Earth.
Still, Uhura had sought out Michelle as a mentor. Despite the lip service given to equal opportunity, with few exceptions Starfleet was very much a man's world. While Michelle enjoyed playing the role of counselor to the younger cadet, Uhura soon learned her lessons only went as far as how one can get by. But this could not satisfy Uhura, for she wanted so much more. She would find a way to enter the men's club and surpass all expectations from her Baba, the precious ones, fellow cadets, faculty and, even Mr. Spock.
Using the calendar meeting maker function, Uhura found a time the RA's, Mr. Spock and the secretary could meet. She set the appointments in their calendars, and then created an invitation which she forwarded to faculty. Setting herself up to receive the responses, she then scheduled a suitable room. The Charles "Trip" Tucker III Conference Room would be best. It contained the latest audio-visual equipment and could be configured according to Mr. Spock's specifications. I could ask him about the room layout, once the count was in. The event had a 4:00 PM start time. Snacks would serve to raise their energy level at that time of day. She would need to ask Mr. Spock about a budget. If she were to play this role, I going to be best damn secretary I could be. He is going to take note of me. I need him to get what I want.
Author's Note: Your reviews are always welcome.