Jennifer looked thoughtfully at the list of recommended courses to take during her second semester at Starfleet Academy. With careful deliberation she decided to make a schedule that would outline her entire Academy career course instead of taking it one semester at a time. She had no doubt that she would be able to test out of certain courses, and that she would pass all required courses in her track. She even thought that she might try her hand at minoring in engineering if possible, or at least Warp Theory, but she left that to be determined at a later date. She drafted her proposal for the next semester and quickly sent it off to both Captain Pike and Commander Spock, now that he was going to be an assistant advisor, she ought to copy him in each communique as far as academic proceedings went.
To:/Pike, Christopher, CPT, Starfleet Academy
Cc:/ S'chn T'gai, Spock, CDR, Starfleet Academy
From:/ Kirk, Jennifer, CAD, Starfleet Academy
Sir,
Outlined are the courses I would like to take during the next semester and the courses I would like to test out of during the summer session if possible. Please let me know if this outline is acceptable and whether or not the classes still have openings.
V/R,
Cadet Kirk, Jennifer
Starfleet Academy
Courses for 2nd Semester:
Command 102 (Leadership Styles & Applications)
Federation Languages 101 (Andorian, second semester)
Basic Warp Design Astrogation
Creative Writing
Starship Electronic Operations: Security Systems
Adv. Hand to Hand Combat (Please see personnel file for the required pre-requisite qualification equivalent).
Additionally, if possible I would like to test out of any programming courses and/or physics courses up to Astrophysics if possible. I believe my file states a gross understanding of physics as is. Also, if possible, I would like to make note that I have already had Zero Gravity training, and therefore should not be required to take the compulsory course.
Post Script: I can also provide an outline for the remaining preferred course selection to completion of my Starfleet Academy education if so desired.
It was not long before she received a reply in response to her academic curriculum. The reply, however, was not from who she expected.
TO:/ Kirk, Jennifer, CAD, Starfleet Academy
Cc:/ Pike, Christopher, CPT, Starfleet Academy
From:/ S'chn T'gai, Spock, CDR, Starfleet Academy
Cadet Kirk,
As Captain Pike has unfortunately been called to deal with official emergency business regarding the construction of the U.S.S. Enterprise, I have taken the liberty to match your preferred courses through open curriculum classes as required. The courses you have selected are indeed open to more applicants, as they have not been filled to maximum capacity, as such I have enrolled you in said courses for your second semester at Starfleet Academy with one exception.
Furthermore, I do not yet have access to your complete personnel file, as such, I will need to understand how you qualify for Advanced Hand to Hand combat if I am to enroll you in this particular class for next semester. You will be required, as all first year cadets are, to undergo a survival practical which is held at the first week after finals during the summer. If it is amenable to you, perhaps you can provide me with your personnel access code in person and I will view the needed qualifications forthwith until such a time that Captain Pike is able to grant me full administrative access to your file.
It would be, as you suggested, desired, that you submit an outline for courses you wish to take and test out of for the remainder of your Starfleet Academy education, so as to provide the most efficient use of time.
V/R,
Commander Spock
Starfleet Academy
Jennifer thought it strange that Captain Pike had been immediately pulled away to official business, and if she was being honest with herself, annoyed at the commander's ready willingness to do Pike's job as advisor. Granted, Pike had given Commander Spock the authority to act as an assistant advisor, however, that didn't mean he couldn't wait until the captain returned from his emergency business, did it? She was also annoyed that he seemed to have the audacity to question her claims. He had, after all, been involved with grading her first test-out exams. Shouldn't that have proved qualification enough?
To:/ S'chn T'gai, Spock, CDR, Starfleet Academy
From:/ Kirk, Jennifer, CAD, Starfleet Academy
Sir,
Seeing that you are still active, if you would so desire, I can meet with you today regarding my personal access code to my personnel file. Name a time. Furthermore, I have written a detailed description of the classes I intend to take and in which semester I would like to take them, if it can be approved in such a fashion.
The course lists are as follows after the already given second semester:
Semester Three:
Command 201 (First Contacts & Traditional/ Non-Traditional Situations).
Federation Languages 201 (Tellarite)
Interspecies Ethics
Warp Theory
Starship Electronic Operations: Weapons
Piloting Runabout
Semester Four:
Command 202 (Bridge Crew Operations)
Federation Languages (Tellarite)
Interspecies Protocol
Starship Electronic Operations: Communications
Plasma Physics
Advanced Tactical Analysis
Summer Session: Starship Duty Tour if scheduled.
Semester Five:
Command 301 (Strategy and Management)
Federation Languages 301 (Vulcan)
Subspace Theoretical Physics
Interstellar Ethnology
Astrophysics
Multi-dimensional Calculus
Physical Training (As required by all cadets)
Winter Break: Short-term internship if approved
Semester Six:
Command 302 (Comprehensive/Thesis)
Federation Languages 302 (Vulcan)
Interspecies Diplomacy
Military Writing
Advanced Engineering (Mechanics and propulsion systems)
Quantum Physics (In relation to Relativity and subspace travel)
Public Speaking
I would like to add that I believe the outline above to be both attainable and realistic for myself.
V/R
Cadet Kirk, Jennifer
Starfleet Academy
Jennifer waited patiently after she sent the reply. She didn't know what got under her skin more, the fact that her abilities were being called into question, or that Pike's faith in her was being questioned. As if Captain Pike didn't have a grasp on what he was dealing with. Obviously Pike was competent enough to deal with cadets and their education. So she waited. And waited. What she wouldn't give to have Bones here with her to vent with. At least then she wouldn't be so surprised and jump at the sound of her computer terminal beeping with an incoming video call. A video call from the same person she didn't really like.
"Commander."
"Cadet. As it seems you have free time, would you be willing to meet with me in my office to discuss your academic curriculum?" The same cool, even, and detached voice rang over her terminal, but somehow, she could hear something she hadn't quite paid attention to in Pike's office earlier. An accent, obviously Vulcan, and being distracted enough by the new observation, her brain allowed her to make note of another before she could quash the thought, the commander wasn't bad on the eyes, if you could get past the his being Vulcan part. "Cadet?"
"Sorry, commander, I was distracted for a moment. Yes, I can meet you in your office. Is now good?"
"Evidently. Not now. I have a meeting with another student in 4.3 minutes. Meet me in one hour to discuss your upcoming courses."
"One hour. Got it."
And without even a simple goodbye the video chat ended. Well that was rude. I wonder who he's meeting with. Not many students elect to stay at the academy during breaks. Jennifer thought to herself, still slightly annoyed. But now the annoyance was shifted to herself more than anything. She didn't need a distraction. Boys, men, Vulcans, whatever, were distractions. Sure, she flirted shamelessly, but that was in good fun, a good way to relieve stress without getting involved with complicated relationships, or lack thereof.
Jennifer Kirk was well aware of her already rather popular reputation as a promiscuous woman, and honestly, she didn't care. She was too involved with her studies to care. She didn't have time to care. She wasn't here to correct the presumptions of her classmates, or professors, she was here to learn, and to, hopefully, earn a commission into Starfleet. She was here to fulfil a dare made to her only six months ago. She was here to become awesome. And she would excel at what she set out to do, because was there really any alternative?
So when she arrived ten minutes early at Spock's office she wasn't deterred by the fact that his door was closed. It was a habit left over from her time in MACO to be at least ten minutes early to every hit time. So far it hadn't led her astray. In fact, it had actually helped her out in some areas. Mostly getting the seat she wanted in whatever class she was in. So she just stood outside the door waiting for whoever he was meeting with to come out.
She didn't have to wait long, only a little over five minutes, before a familiar figure emerged from the commander's office laughing.
"Thanks Commander Spock. I'm glad I spoke with you." It was Uhura, no first name. Well actually, Jennifer knew her first name, she'd hacked the academy's personnel files within the first week of her being at the academy. It was really too easy, much easier than she'd thought it would have been really. But she wasn't about to let Uhura know she knew her first name, not yet anyway, because then she would have to lie about how she found out. And it was a funny game they would play. Jennifer would flirt with Uhura, ask for her first name, and Uhura would grow annoyed and refuse to give it to her. Okay, so it was really only funny for Jennifer.
"Uhura." Jennifer said, shocking the other cadet so that she actually jumped from being startled.
"Oh. It's you! Wait, what are you doing here? Last I knew you weren't taking any classes from Commander Spock." She spat out, almost angrily.
"And? I have a meeting with him regardless. Have a good evening." Jennifer just beamed at her and walked into the commander's office, pleased that she had apparently upset Uhura.
Jennifer knew, through careful observation, mainly eavesdropping, that Uhura was completely infatuated with the commander. Her and her roommate Gaila Vro, who Jennifer actually did like, would talk about him all the time at the mess hall, and Jennifer would hear because, well, they weren't really that discreet. Of course all the time was a rather relative term, due to the fact that Jennifer only ate at the mess hall three or four times a week if not less. She was content with the replicator in her shared common area with Bones, as it allowed her more time to study, but every so often, she craved real food.
"Cadet Kirk, please take a seat." Commander Spock spoke, not bothering to look up from his desk. It was creepy. Jennifer knew she hadn't exactly made a stealthy entrance, but still, he'd only heard her voice once.
"Commander." She acknowledged him while taking a seat in front of his desk, deciding to scoot it back some. Obviously Uhura had no qualms about being in his personal space, and while Jennifer was a relatively tactile person with those she was close with, which was at the time only Bones, she had no desire to be that close to the commander's personal space, or have him in hers. She'd heard about Vulcan telepathy, which was probably where her aversion of him stemmed from in the first place, and while it was said that Vulcan telepathy was almost strictly through physical contact only, there were cases of the stronger telepaths that could extend their abilities a short distance without requiring physical touch. As such, she had no desire to be in any telepathic species' sphere of ability unless absolutely necessary or avoidable. Therefore, physical distance was a must with the commander until such a time his 'sphere of ability' could be identified and proven.
"Cadet Kirk, the reason I asked for your personal attendance is so you could input your access code personally, as opposed to giving it to me via electronic communications, as if prohibited by Starfleet regulations. You are not required to grant me this access, however, it would greatly benefit you to do so in regards to your academic calendar. Captain Pike would eventually grant me full access to your personnel file, but was unable to due to the time restraints of the emergency he was called to. This being the case, I must ask, are you willing to provide me with your personal access code to use for the sole purpose of assisting you in creating an appropriate academic calendar which is best suited to your competencies?"
Well, Jennifer thought, he definitely knows how to spell things out, that's for sure. Maybe I should just give it to him to see the shock on his face when he finds out about MACO. Not that he would show it, if the previous meeting with him was any indication.
"Sure. I have two access codes, by the way. I'll give you the public one, commander, if you don't mind." The public one used for any manner of things. The private one, used for applications to prestigious institutes and organizations like MACO, and Starfleet itself.
"Please explain. I was unaware that citizens possessed two access codes to their files." He said evenly as always, although Jennifer caught his raised eyebrow. Apparently she had gotten his attention.
"The public code is the one used when applying for normal jobs, and such. The private one is only for use by organizations such as MACO and Starfleet. Due to the nature of the access you need, I don't think the private one is needed. You just need to see my academic requirements, right? MACO's academic equivalents have been transferred over into a public format, so the public code should be enough. The qualifications won't say MACO on them, using the public code, but that's where they're from, if you got curious." What Jennifer didn't say was that there was much more in her personnel file than just her previous affiliation with MACO.
Another eyebrow raise. 'You were in MACO?' It seemed to say, but he didn't voice the question aloud. "It is sufficient. I assume Captain Pike is well aware where the qualifications come from, as well as Starfleet in general. They would not have been added if they could not have been verified. Very well," he held a general PADD over his desk, which was actually a portable computer terminal really, "please enter the correct public access code."
Jennifer stood from the chair and carefully grabbed the PADD from the commander, making sure not to make any physical contact. She quickly input the access code for her file and handed the PADD back to him before returning to her seat.
It didn't take long for Commander Spock to review the full length of her public file.
"I do not see any physics qualifications based on these certifications. All other qualifications seem sufficient for the desired courses you wish to test out of." He said. It was a statement and question both. What makes you think you can test out of physics courses? He seemed to say.
"I understand, commander. I assure you I can pass the most basic physics courses, however, up to astrophysics at least. I could probably pass quantum physics, but I would rather take the course."
"That remains to be seen. A placement test will be required. After which, you will be given clearance for the level of physics you show appropriate aptitude and competency for, but not credit. As a command track cadet you are only allotted certain courses in which you may test out of to receive credit for. As more than general physics is not a core competency for command track courses you will not receive any credit beyond that course for whatever level you test out at."
"Understood, commander."
"I would also recommend testing out of as many courses as possible earlier rather than later, if you are able." Commander Spock stated. Jennifer took this as a challenge. "I see that your programming level is currently rated at a level 5. If you wish, I could schedule you to take the advanced programming exam in two days."
"Don't I need to test out of the intermediate course first?" Jennifer asked, suddenly taken aback from his offer.
"I see no reason to. In fact, I am surprised that Captain Pike did not suggest it earlier. It would have certainly cut back on your courses. If your programming level rating is indeed accurate, I foresee no problem with your passing the advanced course exam." He raised an eyebrow, another challenge. Jennifer took it as such.
"Of course not, commander. Two days?"
"If you require a longer period to prepare, cadet-" he started.
"I don't. I could take it now, but it is rather late in the evening."
"Certainly. I will make the appropriate change in my schedule. I must forewarn you, the advanced programming exam is significantly more difficult than the programming 101 exam. You will be timed, if you do not complete the practical exercises in a pre-determined but unrevealed time, you will not pass the course and I will make the appropriate adjustment to your calendar for you to attend the intermediate level course as well as the advanced course."
"Wait, what?" Jennifer exclaimed, her emotions finally getting the better of her. She didn't understand.
"The intermediate course prepares the student for the advanced course. There are aspects of the advanced course exam which pull from the intermediate course's curriculum specifically. Therefore, if you cannot pass the advanced exam, you will need to complete the intermediate course as well as the advanced course to receive the appropriate credentials from Starfleet."
"I still don't understand. I already have a level 5 rating. Why would I need to retake a class that is below that rating?"
"Your rating would change if you were to fail the advanced exam. If you cannot correctly and efficiently use your credentialed skills in combinations, what use is the rating?" Commander Spock raised his eyebrow again, and Jennifer fought the urge to yell back at him, clenching her fists at her sides
"Of course, commander."
"Do you still wish to sit the exam in two days' time? If not, your current level will not change. However, I will add, that if you do pass all parts of the advanced exam, your current rating would increase to level 6."
"Level 6? Wait, how many people actually pass the advanced exam?" Jennifer suddenly grew nervous. If she didn't pass the exam, her rating would decrease, if she did, it would increase. But level 6? A level 6 programming rating was not common. Usually only specialized programmers ever achieved a level 6 rating. Getting a level 5 rating in programming was not without its difficulties, and although Jennifer knew she could do more than her current credentials gave her credit for now, she was still a bit apprehensive. There were only 7 levels of rating for programmers, level 7 being the hardest to achieve, and most difficult to maintain. Jennifer knew that if she tried, she could probably achieve a level 7, but it would take time, study, and effort. A level 5 rating was still pretty high and usually more than adequate for most occupations requiring a programming level rating.
"On average only 12 cadets per year pass all parts of the advanced programming exam. Only one has passed the exam without taking the actual course in the past five years. Because the practical is exercise is done in three parts, the rating level is increased to level 6. If for any reason a cadet fails to achieve an appropriate score, the rating is either decreased or kept at level 4."
"Oh." Jennifer said. She was apprehensive, indeed, but she did say she wanted a challenged. "Five out of how many cadets?"
"On average at least 80 cadets sit the advanced programming exam." The commander replied instantly. Jennifer noticed then the depth of his brown eyes, daring her to sit the exam, daring her to take the risk almost. It was odd.
"And who was the only one to pass the exam without taking the course?" Jennifer asked, but she had a feeling she already knew the answer.
"Myself." He answered simply. Yes, Jennifer knew exactly who that one person was. She suddenly felt her competitive streak rise up and immediately, without thinking, responded.
"I'll take it." She said defiantly, as if daring the commander to hesitate in accepting her word.
"Very well. I will note in in my schedule and reserve the lab. It is a six hour exam, not to exclude the written exam. In total, you will be given eight hours to complete the exam, the first two spent on the written portion, following a monitored break before entering into the practical exercise."
Jennifer gulped. MACO's tests weren't even that long or rigorous. So far, she decided, that while the commander might be physically attractive, and rather intelligent, of course he was, he was not someone she wanted to interact with on a normal basis. But she couldn't back down from the challenge he presented. He obviously didn't trust her enough to take her at her word about her qualifications, nor apparently did he trust his commanding officer enough for the same, which is what really pissed her off if she was being honest.
"I'll do it. Two days? No problem. I'm here anyway. Might as well make use of the time."
"Naturally. It is illogical to waste one's time, especially when it could be better spent in the pursuit of academic progress."
"Naturally." Jennifer replied in the same dead even tone, although it was for a very different reason.
"I will contact you with the specific details of the location and time tomorrow. Dismissed."
Jennifer stood to attention. "Commander." She nodded and swiftly made an about face.
She rushed back to her room. When she sat down at her computer terminal she hesitated. Should she call Bones first, or start studying up for the advanced programming test now? She decided to call Bones. He'd give her grief, sure, for adding more stress, but she really needed to vent, and Bones was really the only true friend she had.
"Jenn. Do you have any idea what time it is here?"
"Ummm…no?" She said honestly. "Why are you whispering?"
"What time is it there?" Bones asked in a half-angry whisper.
"1900 ish. Why?"
"Exactly. And Georgia is three hours ahead of San Francisco. So it's like 2200 here. Joanna's asleep. The beeping could have woken her up."
"Sorry. Wait, why are you in her room if she's asleep? Isn't that kind of weird?"
"I just got her to go to bed, and then my communicator goes off saying I'm getting a video call, so I had to rush into my room and open up the terminal."
"Oh. So that's why it took you so long to answer. Sorry. I can call back later if you want."
"Don't worry about it. What's up?"
"So you know how I did a few test out exams this past week?" Jennifer started hesitatingly.
"Yeah, the ones you crammed for? The ones you promised that once were done you would get some much needed sleep and eat real food after." Bones gave her warning look, narrowing his eyes.
"Yeah those ones. Well apparently Commander Spock wants me to take the advanced programming exam in two days." Jennifer bit her lip.
"Advanced programming…. What? I thought you only just took the programming 101 exam? And who is Commander Spock? Does this mean you won't be sleeping? You can't do that. You need to sleep. You promised me you would sleep."
"Yeah, well apparently he looked at my credentials and said I should give it a shot basically. Apparently only one person has passed the exam without taking the course in the past five years, and about 12 out of 80 cadets pass the exam period each year."
"What the fuck? Jenn! I thought I said no more stress. I thought I said rest and sleep! Jesus, kid, what the hell were you thinking?!"
"Something along the lines of I really want to prove to this cold bastard that he isn't the only capable person on the face of the planet Earth at the moment?" Jennifer half-heartedly replied.
"Of course this is because of your god-damned ego. You don't have anything to prove to anyone. You're doing just fine, Jenn." Bones sighed. "You need sleep. If I find out you haven't slept at least a full eight hours in two days after this exam I am coming back to San Francisco early and sedating you into submission."
"Yes, mom. Just wish me luck with this test. If I don't pass, my credentials get damaged. And as much as I can make that up, I really don't want to. You don't just get level 5 programming creds from anywhere."
"Level 5?" Bones gasped in shock. "I mean, I knew you were good, what with the replicator program and all, but damn!"
"That's not the most impressive thing in my file. Anyway, I need to cram, see ya in a week, Bones, and thanks."
"Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Get some sleep though. Seriously. You look like you haven't slept since I left." Bones looked at Jennifer hard. "You haven't have you? Jenn, if you don't get at least four hours of sleep tonight I am coming back tomorrow first thing and I give a damn about your credentials, I will make you sleep. Is that clear?"
"Yes, mom. Don't worry, Bones, I'll be fine. I'm going to study now. Love you. Bye!" Jennifer quickly terminated the call and froze. She'd said it. That word. That phrase. Obviously she hadn't meant it that way, but still. She couldn't remember the last time she'd said that. No, actually she could. But it had been… years. She shook her head, trying to refocus. She had a programming exam to ace and she needed to study up for it.
Only one person has passed it without taking the course in the past five years? Yeah, well there was about to be another! And her name was Jennifer T. Kirk!
The next morning, promptly at 0900 hours Jennifer Kirk's computer terminal chimed with a notification that she'd received a message. A message from Commander Spock.
To:/ Kirk, Jennifer, CAD, Starfleet Academy
From:/ S'chn T'gai, Spock, CDR, Starfleet Academy
Cadet Kirk,
This is to notify you of your scheduled exam time for the Advanced Programming written and practical exercises exam. The time will be 0930 hours located at computer lab 3 in the science building tomorrow, December 23rd, 2255.
You will be given precisely two standard hours to take the written portion of the exam, following which will be a one and a half hour meal break which will be monitored by myself as there is not another proctor available on such short notice. You will then proceed to simulation lab 4 where you will begin the first of three practical exercises. You will be given a total of six standard hours to complete the three practical exercises in total. You will not be informed if you have passed a single exercise until completion of the third and final practical. You will be given ten standard minutes in between each practical for a rest period if it is desired, but you are not required to partake in said rest period, you may if you wish, continue into the next practical exercise.
It is recommended that you bring with you a blank PADD and stylus.
I will notify you within one standard hour upon your completion of the third and final practical if you have passed and your graded score. If you have completed the exam with an acceptable passing score your programming rating will be increased to level 6. If you pass the exam with a 98% score or higher your rating level will be increased to a level 7. If you do not pass the entirety of the exam, your programming rating level will be decreased to a level 4. In the event that you do not pass this exam if you desire to increase your programming rating level you will be required to take both the intermediate and advanced programming level again.
V/R
Commander Spock
Starfleet Academy
Jennifer read the message three times, committing it to memory. She had to pass this exam. But did she read that correctly? If she passed with a 98% or higher, she would be granted a level 7 rating in programming? She blinked, reread that passage to ensure she had indeed read it correctly. So there was a point to the three practical exercises. She had to pass that exam. There was no other way.
Jennifer spent the next three hours studying in her room before deciding to take a walk, grab a bite to eat from the mess hall and a coffee, and then proceed to the library.
She was not prepared for the interaction that would take place in the library, nor did she particularly desire said interaction.
The old style library doors swung open and she walked right into a familiar cadet. It was unfortunate that said familiar cadet was not familiar in a good way.
"Ugh! Kirk! What are you doing here? I thought you were off to Hicksville?" Uhura exclaimed after gathering up a stack of informational PADDs that had fallen to the floor in the collision.
"Um, studying? I mean it is the library. Look, Uhura, I'd love to stay here and flirt with you, but I really do need to study, so if you wouldn't mind?" Kirk gestured to inside of the library as a whole, which Uhura was currently blocking angrily.
"What could you possibly have to study for? Finals are over. Unless you're trying to get a leg up on next semester, because, well, you would have to." Uhura seethed. Jennifer thought that if it were humanly possible she would have steam escaping from her ears. Uhura really hated her for some reason. It went deeper than harmless flirtation, but she couldn't put a finger on what the issue was.
"Actually I'm studying to test out of the advanced programming course, thank you very much." Jennifer replied, frustrated and moved to side-step Uhura."
"Wait, what? Only seniors ever take that class. And practically no one passes it. Especially if they haven't taken the class."
Jennifer swung around and glared at Uhura icily, not at all feeling flirtatious. "Yeah, well, one person has. And I'm about to be the second. Now, if you don't mind, I really do have to study thanks. Not all of us can just smile at our professors and expect to pass." Jennifer knew it was a cheap shot. She knew Uhura was actually really smart. Like in the top five of her class smart. And definitely in the top of her linguistics classes smart. She'd practically memorized her academic profile. But, there was an ancient saying, 'an eye for an eye'.
It had the intended effect. Uhura blanched before she grew extremely angry. "I have never. Would never. That would be… oh my god. I'm not YOU!"
"So you deny that you're totally in love with Commander Spock?" Jennifer threw at her faster than any fastball could ever be thrown. It worked. Uhura blanched again, but instead of continuing on with her angry tirade she became indignant, chagrined. Her secret wasn't so secret after all.
"How do- I'm not!"
"So you weren't laughing at something he said when you were exiting his office yesterday, knowing full well that Vulcans don't prescribe to humor?" Jennifer didn't know this as a rule, it was mainly a shot in the dark based on prior experiences and what she had observed of the commander's attitude during their meeting with Captain Pike. "You weren't deliberately trying to flirt with him? You weren't deliberately trying the oldest trick in the book on him? Come on, Uhura. I'm not blind. And neither is anyone else. Honestly, the only person blind to your act is probably the commander himself. He probably just thinks that your inconsistent behavior is illogical." Got it in one! Jennifer thought. Uhura blanched even more. Kirk knew she'd hit the proverbial nail on the head. She knew Uhura was fairly intelligent, and that the commander probably saw that, but she also knew Uhura was attracted to him, who wouldn't be, physically at least, but Jennifer knew that for Uhura it went beyond physical attraction.
"I'm late for an appointment." Uhura finally said before storming out of the library.
"Yeah, I thought so." Jennifer whispered. She hated how easily she could manipulate people sometimes, how easy it was to read them, and us seemingly anomalous information to achieve her own goals, but in this instant, she felt good about it. Nothing she had said was strictly true, nor was it anything she had strictly seen or observed. But it definitely matched up with what Uhura felt. And that was good enough. Maybe after the exam Kirk would start up shamelessly flirting with the woman just to get under her skin some more, but right now she needed to concentrate and study.
Jennifer Kirk spent the next several hours pouring over vast amounts information, most of which was just a review of what she already knew, but some of which was new, and once again she thanked whoever had decided to bless her with the genetic code allowing her to have an eidetic memory. The new information she read, processed, and tried out on a simulation computer seemed like some really good stuff. It was a good thing there was an extra copy of the advanced programming PADD filed in the library as well as several other texts involved with advanced programming. Some of the codes and techniques she'd read up on she'd never even heard of, and she didn't doubt she would need every last bit of information to pass the exam tomorrow.
When the librarian on shift informed her that she was closing for the night, Jennifer checked the time and instantly her stomach groaned with hunger. She'd spent almost 10 hours in the library. She decided to check out a couple of the informational PADDs before retiring to her room for the evening. She'd stay up a few more hours studying then try to sleep for a few hours. She would need it.
At exactly 0925 Commander Spock appeared in front of the computer lab 3 door to unlock it. Jennifer had been waiting for five minutes, sticking to her strict adherence of being ten minutes early to every hit time given to her. It was actually surprising to her that the commander was only five minutes early.
"Cadet."
"Commander."
"I will power up the computer terminal for you and you will begin your written exam at precisely 0930." He said opening the door for her to move inside before closing it behind them.
Commander Spock gestured to a specific computer terminal, implanting the power on sequence, and then pulling up the written test from a transfer file folder on the desktop with a password which Jennifer purposely did not peek at. Okay, maybe she peeked a bit. It was a Standardized version of Vulcan that much was noticeable.
"Cadet Kirk, please be seated and begin the test on my mark." She took her seat, breathing deeply. I can do this. I will do this. This is nothing. The mantra went on inside her head, and she almost didn't hear the commander's instructions to begin. Almost.
She finished in 1:52 minutes. Eight minutes to spare on the written test. And she thanked high heaven, if it existed, that she'd found that information PADD with the latest Advanced Programming textbook on it. That and her eidetic memory.
She backed the chair up from the computer terminal. "I'm finished, commander." She announced, turning to face him.
"You have eight minutes remaining." Commander Spock replied, a raised eyebrow.
"I know. But I'm done." She insisted.
"You do not wish to check your work?"
"Nope. Did that already. Can I eat now, I'm hungry." She smiled, trying to keep a light mood, trying to suppress her nervous energy about the practical exercises.
"If that is your wish, yes. I will accompany you to the mess hall." The commander rose from his seat behind Jennifer and went to turn off the computer terminal after saving the exam and transferring it to his personal PADD tablet.
Eating lunch with the commander was… strange for Jennifer. They ate in complete and total silence. It was awkward. Or at least, the quick stolen glances were awkward for Jennifer, as she kept expecting him to look at her or say something about the exam. No, she didn't exactly expect him to say anything at all, but she didn't expect him not to. When they were finished eating the commander finally spoke.
"May I ask a personal query?" Commander Spock looked up from his finished bowl of soup and Jennifer swore his eyes bore straight into her mind, which she tried to keep as blank as possible.
"Sure." She shrugged. Why did he make her nervous? Or was it simply the practical exam portion filling her with nervous energy? She attempted to correct it by acting as nonchalant as possible.
"Are you vegetarian? I understand that while many humans practice the lifestyle, many more are inclined not to."
Jennifer thought this over, trying to answer without giving any emotion away. "Not strictly, no. I do enjoy seafood." Which was true, she did. Scallops, crab, lobster. That was about it. Anything that didn't remotely smell like burning flesh or rotten corpses. Fish, she could do fish. And those three didn't really smell all that fishy.
"May I ask why?"
Jennifer shrugged again, trying to bury the box deep down inside. It's over. Done. Forget. It was the mantra on repeat in her mind. "Personal preference?" It was time for a new tactic. "Are all Vulcan's vegetarian, or just you?" She asked, having noticed that his soup, while appropriate for colder weather, also did not contain any meat products. "Or is it Vegan?"
"Vegetarian is the most applicable term, however, some Vulcans have chosen to adopt a strictly Vegan diet. As a whole, Vulcans are mostly vegetarian, however, there are a rare few that will eat replicated flesh." The commander was, surprisingly to Jennifer, rather forthcoming.
"Hmm. May I ask why?"
"Vulcans as a race detest violence. While some go as far to philosophize that violence in any situation is absolutely abhorrent even at the risk of one's own life, many do not. However, violence in any form is most distasteful to all Vulcans, which extends to the extinguishment of semi-intelligent beings from which most meat is taken for the purpose of nourishment."
"So basically Vulcans are vegetarians because they don't want to kill animals to provide nourishment?"
"Crudely put, but correct."
Anything. Anything to shove it all back down into a box and to be forgotten. It's over. Done. Forgotten.
"But explorations of planets have found that some plant life is in fact semi-intelligent. Furthermore, life is life, in any form, be it plant, animal, or insect. Why then should a difference be made between plant life and animal life in the concept of acquiring nourishment which is essential to survive?"
"Your argument raises interesting topics I had not thought of. However, I argue that having a vegetarian diet is logical." Jennifer looked at him expectantly, clearly asking for clarification. And her annoyance flared up once again. Because it was said to be logical, it was assumed that the other party would recognize the logic itself, or so she thought. But she didn't.
"Just what is your argument for it being logical, commander?"
"In order to facilitate the production of meat products available for nourishment, primarily before the invention of matter re-sequencers, known commonly as replicators, livestock had to be raised and fed." Jennifer nodded, the process still existed today, because, according to others, you just couldn't replicate the taste of real meat. "Why then would the feed appropriated to said livestock, most of which is edible for the varying species raising the livestock, not be given to the species raising the livestock as nourishment? It is logical, therefore, to cease eating meat, and eat what feeds the production of meat itself. Thereby eliminating part of the process as a whole."
"Wait, your argument for the complete logic behind a vegetarian diet is basically, why feed your food if you can just live off the feed itself?" Jennifer was taken aback. She'd never thought of the diet's logic before, and certainly never thought of it like that. Her aversion to meat was much more a personal choice, borne out of necessity at times.
"Simply put, but summarily accurate."
"Huh. Never thought of it like that." The silence that was present during their meal enveloped the Vulcan and human once more. Kirk waited a few minutes while the commander perused through a PADD he'd brought with him to the mess hall before speaking again. "So, commander, why did you want me to take the advanced programming exam to test out of it?"
Commander Spock raised his head and looked at her, eyebrow raised. "It was logical. You had sufficient time remaining, and your credentials proved you were competent enough to attempt the exam. Usually students who sit the final exam for advanced programming are credentialed with a level 4 programming rating."
"Which is obtained after successful completion of the intermediate programming course offered at Starfleet Academy and subsequent passing of the final exam." Jennifer added automatically. She'd read the course pamphlets.
"Precisely."
"But you said that upon passing the advanced programming exam one could be credentialed with a level 7 rating. How is that possible if they only have a level four rating going in?"
"If a passing grade is received on the advanced programming there are three rating levels that are possible to be credentialed to the individual. I am prohibited from informing you exactly what score is prescribed to each rating level with the exception that a level 7, as I previously informed you, is only credentialed by receiving a 98% score or higher on the overall exam."
"Right. So I know you said score factors into the rating, but what factors into the score? The written test is obvious, as the correct answer denotes the proper scoring. But what about the practical exercises? Everyone has their own developed techniques at that level, their own signature if you will."
"It is determined entirely by the individual taking the exam. Time factors into the overall score. Fundamental skills, certainly, as well as what is built off of those fundamental skills. Technique, as you described it. How strong are codes? Are they too rigid, or too flexible? There are various factors that determine the overall score. What you must do is analyze the situation before you and implement the best plan of action, reaction, and follow through, as humans say, to ensure your programming does not fail at the very least."
"And at the very best?"
"To ensure that your programming, your code inputs and relationships are better than simply works."
In other words, nor pressure, Jenn. Jennifer was suddenly very nervous again, but she didn't have time to overthink, analyze what the commander was saying because Uhura suddenly dropped into view. If looks could kills, Uhura's would be torturing Kirk for all the anger that was so clearly evident in her eyes.
Uhura started walking towards the table the commander and Kirk were occupying.
"Uggh." Jennifer groaned softly. Not, however, softly enough for Vulcan hearing.
"Cadet, are you unwell?"
"That remains to be seen." Jennifer responded cryptically, and she was rewarded with yet another of the commander's, obviously characteristic, eyebrow raises.
"Commander Spock!" Uhura exclaimed as she approached the table. Jennifer was mentally adding the time they had spent since she finished her written portion of the exam, the amount of time they had spent eating, and estimating the amount of time it would take to walk to the simulation lab. There were, unfortunately, at least five minutes extra, and Commander Spock would be very much aware of this. "Cadet Kirk." Uhura clipped. "Commander, I'm glad I ran into you. I didn't find you at your office this morning, and I was wondering if you could take a look at my translation of the Andorian Imperial Decrees to the People."
"Cadet Uhura, I regret to inform you that I cannot at present assist you in your translation. I am currently overseeing an exam with Cadet Kirk and we must soon depart to resume said exam. My office will be open tomorrow morning for any assistance you require." Jennifer fought back a smile at the disappointed look on Uhura's face. More so at the jealousy that seemed to be emanating off her in violent waves.
To her credit, Uhura brandished a smile anyway. "Certainly, commander. I apologize for disturbing your progress."
"An apology is unnecessary, as no progress was disturbed. I was simply escorting Cadet Kirk to her meal as is protocol during the advanced programming exam, as there were no other proctors available today. I will be more than capable of assisting you tomorrow."
"Of course, commander. Have a pleasant day!" Uhura seemed to wait for a moment, but when all she received was a cursory nod in return she walked off again, glancing over her shoulder once more to shoot Kirk a dirty sidelong glare. Jennifer returned the icy look with a smile.
As nervous as she was, Jennifer T. Kirk currently existed in a State of fluctuating emotions and thoughts. Only one thing was clear. She was going to do her damnedest to ace the exam.
