She Is But A Child
Chapter Three
Welcome!…
Part of the Welcome Event was scheduled entertainment. This part of the evening did not require Spock's intervention and so he again settled into a darkened corner of room. He stood with his hands behind his back and observed the now seated audience. With his extra sensitive eyes, he was able to keep an eye on his charges.
In the front of the room a temporary stage had been set up. Star Fleet Academy's Chancellor took center state. With his hands raised he silenced the appreciative applause. "Instructors, cadets and other visitors, welcome. This affair is traditional. Every year new students are welcomed by this of passage. The purpose, is firstly to welcome you to Star Fleet Academy, the second is to allow all to have insight into all the varied ethnicities that will share, instructors, instruction, classrooms, dorm rooms, and other Academy space for the next four years. So first we say WELCOME."
Next, several members of the faculty provided entertainment. There was a four males who sang together in what was called a 'Barber Shop Quartet. Several faculty members played instruments, there was an operatic solo, a jazz dance several dramatic readings, and finally his instructor came to the state with a guitar. She seated herself on a tall stool and spoke.
"I will sing for you tonight. A song from The United States of Africa. This song, from the twentieth century was sung by a woman from the township of Johannesburg named Miriam Makeba. The song is sung in the Xosa, language noted for its distinctive click sounds. The song is entitled, 'Pata Pata' but the then Europeans living in South Africa called it 'The Click Song'.
Her hair released from its characteristic pony tail cascaded down her back. As she sang she closed her eyes and put her head back. Her booted foot kept time with her strumming. The effect was magical. She was hardly finished, before the crowd broke out into thunderous applause. She shyly smiled took a bow and left the stage for the next performer.
The evening progressed quite nicely. Several Andorians played their native flutes. Two reptilian Rigillian played their scaly skin in harmony. Several other new students sang songs, two Terrans played the piano, one beautiful female cadet danced. As Spock stood in the background observing others perform, he decided he would add to the nights performances by reciting a Vulcan poem. His choice was an ancient Vulcan love poem.
As he stepped upon the stage he walked to the center, took a relaxed stance and explained the origins of the poem. He acknowledged that such writings were discourage in present Vulcan society. He explained that this writing was pre-Surak and so it was prior to the Vulcan race's surrender to logic. He proceeded in his rich baritone…
The Raging
Like the fires of Mount Selaia
Are the raging of my heart
As the ground's trembling beneath me
Is the disquietude of my soul
When will peace come?
When will there be silence?
What consolation will I find?
Will peace actually find me?
Your touch will bring me calm
Your voice will be sweet upon my ears
Your steps coming toward me, will be restful
Serenity you hold in your hand
I await you
To quench the flame
To cool the heat
All to be replaced by you
The audience's response though not thunderous, was receptive and warm. Spock thought, 'Perhaps the subject stirred emotions, maybe of lost love.' As he left the stage he caught Nyota's eye. He acknowledged her notice with a nod and proceeded to his dark corner.
I wish to thank my Beta, Lady Fangs for her assistance.