AN: I have been staring at this blank page for so long, trying desperately to think of something that would help me continue this story. After receiving so many reviews, and having this story recommended on Tumblr, I did not want to let you guys down.
...It is strange you know, being part of this fandom. Being recognised as a part of it, instead of just another blue bar with a heart or a reblog symbol next to it. I feel like an important crew member on board our little ship. And I have you all to thank for it. :D
On a side note, I have put some character links on my profile page. We all know what young Spock looks like, but I also have a picture of little Uhura and her mother and her outfit, as well as Kuvuli Bado. Please feel free to have a look. :)
The small shuttle shook slightly as it touched down, shaking the inside of the cabin and alerting the two men seated inside of what they already knew – they had arrived.
The shuttle bay looked the same as any other. Dull grey walls, lined with the small lights that flashed obediently in the colours that had been assigned to different situations. As the small vessel had begun its descent towards the allocated space, they had flashed red. Warning those around that they needed to take care. Now the faded to a burnt orange. A signal for the shuttles docking ramp to lower.
Unfastening himself from his safety harness, Spock took a moment to observe the seemingly organised chaos that was visible to him out of the shuttle window. Many humans hurried this way and that, the majority dressed in civilian clothing. That was not unusual. As far as he knew, there was no Star Fleet base in this part of Kenya. There had been no urgent need to have one built here, as many of the Star Fleet officials that visited were like him, in the area to recruit new students into the academy. Should these needs arise for a base to be built in this certain area, he was certain the request would be completed without protest.
Turning away, Spock removed himself from his seat and turned towards his companion. The man did not acknowledge him, his hands and mind busy with making sure their vessel was properly secured and ready for their turn.
Stepping between the small gap that separated the two chairs of the pilot and navigator, Spock walked the short distance to the back of their shuttle, reaching into a storage compartment to retrieve his small duffel. As an afterthought he also removed his companions.
Setting the other man's belongings to the side, Spock pulled open the zip of his bag and did a quick mental inventory of what he would need.
Today he and his companion, Commander Christopher Pike - his superior officer and one of the few humans he was acquainted with that he could consider a friend -were assigned to meet two very talented students who had each applied for a place in the Xenolistics department at Star Fleet.
There had been many other situations like this over the summer to which Spock had attended, each of these meetings had been the same. He would introduce himself to the possible new cadets, give them each information detailing the departments they wish to join, or the subject they wished to study, and then he would thank them for their time and leave.
There was one important difference with this certain recruitment trip however, and that was the actuality that there was only one more position available for a Terrean student. The lack of available positions was the result of a herbivorous planet having recently joined The United Federation of Planets. As an attempt to assure further positive relations with the planet, known in the common tongue as 'Rhozaria', fifteen percent of all available Star Fleet vacancies had been awarded to Rhozarian candidates. As a result of this decrease in available positions, Spock had been assigned to interview each student, assess their xenolistical abilities, and ultimately decide which of the two humans would be more beneficial to Star Fleet in the future. Commander Pike had volunteered to assist him on this particular mission as a human representative of the federation.
The meeting place for this interview was situated exactly fourteen miles from the shuttle bay, in a small town named Kitui.
Closing his duffel back, Spock turned towards the older man. He had removed himself from the pilots seat and was now waiting expectantly at the shuttle door, his own bag balanced on one shoulder.
"Ready to go?" He asked. Spock nodded, and gestured for the other man to continue ahead of him. The two men lowered their heads under the low bar, and stepped into the busy shuttle bay. A young boy met them at the end of the walkway.
"Commander Pike?" The boy asked. Spock found the question unnecessary, as their arrival had been announced several minutes before their shuttle had landed, and they were the only two Star Fleet personal in the area. He assumed the young man was identifying the commander for personal recognition.
Pike nodded, and shook the hand the boy offered.
"Your transport has already arrived and is waiting for you by the main gates" The boy informed them. Pike nodded and followed the boy, Spock following behind them.
As they stepped out of the cool hanger, the natural heat of the country washed over them. The midday sun sat high on the horizon, casting a deep orange glow across the ground. As they stepped out into the sunlight, Pike raised his arm to cover his eyes, squinting up into the bright glow.
"Damn...bit of a change from San Francisco" He said. Spock nodded his agreement, but said nothing. The heat was a welcome change, a warmth he had missed when he had permanently relocated to Earth from Vulcan. The surrounding air had a questionable scent however. Turning his head slightly, Spock observed the buildings that were in sight of the shuttle bay. The air had the faintest traces of the sharp spices that were indigenous to the country. Hanebero chilies, Piri-Piri and Berbere spices. Spock momentarily wondered if there was a market nearby.
Pushing the irrelevant thought from his mind, Spock turned towards the four wheeled, open-top vehicle. Commander Pike had already seated himself in the space next to the driver. Walking the short distance to the vehicle, Spock placed his duffel bag in the seat behind the driver, and settled himself down behind Pike. Pulling the basic safety harness over his shoulders and fasted the straps securely around his waist.
The driver quickly glanced behind him to assure the other man was firmly fastened in his seat. The car raised slowly off the ground, wheels folding upwards until the vehicle hovered a foot from the ground. With a minor jolt, the car turned, and they started the twenty three minute journey towards their destination.
Due to a small incident involving civilian transport on the main road, they did not arrive in Kitui until forty seven minutes after they left the shuttle bay.
The room they were assigned to conduct the interviews with the two candidates was situated inside a large Consul building. When their vehicle settled down next to the allocated building, a man dressed in a military uniform met them at the main doors.
"Good Afternoon commander" The man greeted. His English was heavily accented with his native language. Stepping out of the vehicle, Spock stood next to Commander Pike as he made the introductions.
"Officer Abasi I assume?" Pike asked. The man nodded.
"I am Commander Pike. This is Commander Spock, the head of the Xenolistics recruitment department at Star Fleet" Spock tilted his head politely in response to the man's welcoming nod.
"Miss Uhura and Mr Bado are waiting for you in room 24a. I shall escort you there" Abasi said. Turning swiftly, the officer pushed open the main doors and stepped inside. An unseen fan blew soft air as they entered the reception. The cool air was welcomed with a smile by Pike. He seemed to be relieved to be away from the increasing African heat.
They followed the guide towards the end of the reception, and stood waiting patiently for the lift to arrive on the ground floor. The lift announced its arrival with a high pitched tone, and the doors opened.
There was a young man inside the metal compartment, his head lifted in surprise when he noticed the two Star Fleet officials standing on the other side of the door. He quickly stepped back into a corner, allowing the three men to enter.
Stepping into the lift, Spock titled his head slightly to acknowledge the young man who seemed to be focusing on both himself and Commander Pike very intensely. Spock momentarily wondered why the young man had not left the elevator when it had arrived in the reception. His mental question was unknowingly answered by Officer Abasi.
"Commanders, this is Kuvuli Bado, one of the individuals you are hear to see today" The man said. Bado quickly cleared his throat and straightened his posture, folding his hands behind his back. His eyes quickly assessed the silver stripes that decorated the two officials uniforms, before acknowledging Commander Pike as the senior officer. He bowed his head in acknowledgement, before holding out his left hand.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Commander" Bado said. His English was very well spoken. Pike took hold of the offered hand and shook it. His posture friendly and welcoming.
"Chris, please. And the pleasure is all mine. This is Commander Spock. He is the one that shall be interviewing you today" Chris said. Bado turned towards Spock, his hand outstretched. Spock internally hesitated. If would be considered rude if he did not return the greeting, yet he thought that as a prospective xenolinguistic student, the young man should know the correct and appropriate ways to approach and greet those of a different species.
Pike glanced at his companion, his stoic expression revealing nothing of his thoughts, as was usual. The young man, Bado, was starting to look uncomfortable. He opened his mouth, intending to come to the poor man's rescue, when the offered hand suddenly re-positioned itself behind his back.
"Oh, please except my apologies Commander. I had not realized you were Vulcan" He said quickly. Spock nodded in understanding and turned away. Given the angle of the younger man's line of sight, and the five inch difference in their heights, he surmised that his impropriety was innocent. It was commendable and a positive merit towards his personality that he realized and acknowledged his mistake.
The elevator doors opened, and the four stepped out. Once more following Officer Amasi down a narrow corridor. After another twenty one seconds, they stopped outside a closed door. The printed black numbers announcing they had arrived at the correct place.
Officer Amasi turned towards them.
"Miss Uhura should be waiting inside. If you need any further assistance, I shall be in the reception. The main office is accessible by com-link, there is a video screen available for your use inside the conference room"
Pike smiled and nodded his thanks.
"I am sure we can manage" He said. Officer Amasi titled his head and politely excused himself, walking passed the three man back towards the elevator.
"Well then, shall we?" Pike asked.
Seeming anxious to impress, Bado reached passed the two men and pushed the door open, holding it in place as Spock and Pike stepped into the room.
The assigned room was bare of any non functional furniture. A large round table sat in the center of the room, surrounded by thirteen identical chairs. A large projector screen took up 80% of the wall opposite the doorway, the adjoining projected fastened securely in the center of the table.
A young woman sat quietly on one seat, her back to the doorway. As they entered she quickly climbed to her feet, her long black pony tail swinging loosely over her shoulder as she moved. In the process of closing the door behind Bado, Spock did not get to opportunity to receive a full view of the woman, although he did hear her polite greeting. Her English, much like Bado's, was very well formed and pronounced.
"Miss Uhura? I am Christopher Pike. And this is my associate, Commander-"
"Spock?"