THANK YOU for all the reviews (!!!!!). Keep the criticism and love coming...it makes me want to write more for you!

There is a little of Spock's POV in this one...but writing through his eyes makes me nervous because he is so complex and amazing. My apologies if it sucks and then I won't do it again. Otherwise...enjoy! Disclaimer: I only own Linell's character.


Chapter Four

Some Decisions

After I had woken up and showered, I had a rather long think session before I headed to the bridge. First off, I concluded that I had made several mistakes the day before—mostly revolving around the two attractive men that I had spent questionable time with.

Two? TWO of them, Linell? What were you thinking?

I wasn't particularly angry with them, more so with myself. From my perceptions of Spock thus far our interactions hadn't seemed to mean much to him, although I was curious to know why he had come upon me in the training rooms and what our interactions would be like today. And something about Kirk made me want to brush away the potentially wrong idea I'd gotten about him. Some small part of me wanted to believe that his friendly invitation last night was more of a joke than a serious proposition. Maybe he was just flirting. Still…I couldn't be sure.

Once I'd reached these conclusions I made a few important decisions. First, I would be completely professional with both men from now on. During our off hours I would consider being friends, but otherwise I would be very careful. Second, I would make a determined effort to get to know other people on the ship, even if it meant ignoring Kirk and Spock. Third, I would find a way to quit doing whatever it was that was attracting them to me (if that was possible).

Pleased with myself, I headed to the bridge, running into Scotty on the way.

"Morning, Cadet!" he said brightly.

"Morning, Chief. Interested in grabbing lunch? I have to spend the morning getting assessed by Commander Spock."

Scotty paused to think. "Yeah, lunch should work. Later, Cadet."

Start making other friends. Check.

I admit, my first visit to the bridge was almost more overwhelming than when I had beamed onto the ship itself. It was an incredible place to be and I loved how everyone looked so intent on doing their jobs.

"Ah, Cadet Crow. Glad you're here. Looking marvelous, of course."

I walked over to Kirk who was lounging in his captain's chair, his blond hair slightly mussed.

"Morning, Captain."

"Cadet, I'm going to turn you over to Commander Spock in just a moment. Unless you're interested in a cup of coffee first?" His eyes twinkled hopefully.

"Thanks, but no. I'll just get on with my job, Captain." Wow, that came out more stoically than I expected. His eyes lost the twinkle, but it was just as well.

Be professional with the Captain. Check.

"Okay, Commander Spock is over there waiting for you."

I nodded and headed for the complex desk where Spock sat inputting some information into the system. He rose when I reached him, the cut from where I had decked him yesterday barely visible on his left cheekbone.

"Cadet Crow."

"Commander." I was glad that I was able to find my voice with little trouble. Somehow he was more intimidating in this environment, but not in quite the same way. Here, we were intellectual opponents, rather than physical. We sat.

"The Captain informs me that you have some education in foreign species."

"I have always been a fan of…creatures, Commander. I raised several common Earth species as house pets in my younger days which led me to pursue a certain focus on the subject while I was at the Academy."

"Fascinating. I have yet to speak with a human who had a real affinity for "pets." Can you tell me more about your experiences?"

This wasn't exactly what I had expected to discuss with Spock. I figured he would have flashcards or some sort of quiz to assess my capabilities at identifying various alien species. This personal inquiry was…strange.

"Well, I raised a beagle, an elf owl, and a very fat and grumpy stray cat."

"Breed?"

"Um, I was never sure."

"You never attempted to identify the breed of your cat?"

Suddenly it was very hard not to laugh. What a ridiculous sounding question. Except Spock did not find it ridiculous at all. He was waiting patiently for an answer. I let my eyes flit over his features as I searched for a good excuse. I couldn't find a single thing that wasn't appealing, from his pointed ears, to his soft dark hair, to his full lips and adorable chin—he was delectable. Enough of this. He was waiting…

"Commander, I was a child."

I cringed inwardly at my lame excuse.

"I find that those who are inquisitive and resourceful as children are similar as adults. The Enterprise crew appreciates such qualities and I am merely trying to assess if you possess them."

I was getting exasperated now. "Well, Dickens had long, coarse fur, yellow eyes, a flat face. I mean…do you want me to research his breed now?"

"No, Cadet. I can see you are getting upset. Perhaps we should move to a new topic of conversation."

I looked around and realized a few people were staring. Maybe I'd been louder than I thought. I met the eyes of Lieutenant Uhura. She frowned, glanced at Spock and then returned her attention to the switchboard.

The next thirty minutes were different. Spock did more of what I had originally anticipated, discussing a few alien species with me and eventually approving of my extensive knowledge, particularly of parasites. By the time he was done, it was still too early to meet Scotty for lunch. I guessed the best thing to do would be report to Kirk and see if there was anything else that he wanted.

Before I could rise, Spock stopped me with a touch on the wrist.

"Cadet, I was wondering if perhaps you had calmed down from your earlier display of frustration. It seems that you have on the outside, but I am never sure these days about how people are faring on the inside." He glanced at Uhura as he said this.

"I'm fine, Commander. Thanks."

"Then perhaps you might return to my earlier query. About your experience with 'pets'?"

"They were kind of…my friends," I admitted. "I talked to them, spent a lot of time with them, loved them. Almost as though they were people." Spock listened intently, his eyes on mine. I was starting to lose my train of thought again…those eyes. "I, uh, had to leave them behind when I left to attend the Academy. I haven't seen them since."

"And this brings you sadness?"

"Sometimes I remember what it was like to feel Milo's wet nose on my hand, or Ophelia's claws on my shoulder. When Dickens was a kitten he would curl up under my hair and fall asleep in the curve of my neck."

"Right here?"

Spock's hand reached up and warmed the bare skin under my ear. I could only nod as he scooted closer, placing his other hand on my knee to steady himself.

"So animals brought you comfort? Love? Like human love?"

"Um, well their love is unconditional… loyal. Not like human love."

"Fascinating." He removed his hands and I felt the skin on my neck turn immediately cold.

"You like learning new things, don't you?" I asked.

"Yes. It is logical to improve my knowledge, particularly of things considerably less scientific—like affection for animals. I have a harder time understanding such things on my own."

"Well, I have plenty of experience with the darker side of human emotions—if you ever want to know more about those."

He nodded and dismissed me.

Be Professional with Spock. Not so easy.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--Spock's POV--

I watched as Cadet Crow left, curious why she would consider herself an expert on darker emotions. The logical explanation was because she had experienced them, but that still did not tell me what the situations were that had elicited such responses. I briefly wondered what emotions I had made her feel.

Nyota slid into the empty chair, taking my hand.

"Spock, were you touching the Cadet? On her neck?"

She didn't hide her anger.

"It was a part of the conversation, Nyota," I replied calmly. Always this possessive attitude from the Lieutenant. She was the only person who could set me on the defensive, the only person.

Nyota stroked my cheek. "Well, she's pretty, I suppose." She was baiting me, waiting to pounce if I agreed. I said something else instead.

"I was learning about her childhood pets. Sometimes discovery requires risk-taking. You taught me that, I believe."

This made her smile. She pressed a kiss to my lips and I found my mind was occupied with an image of Linell Crow. Strange. I would have to think more about this. Perhaps my attachment to Nyota was coming to an end. I had been told this happened in some relationships, but I would have to figure things out in a way that was logical but that allowed me to contemplate some of my emotions.

One thing I was sure of was that I wanted to have another conversation/sparring match/encounter with the new Cadet. I liked her.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--Linell's POV--

"Spock is dating Lieutenant Uhura?!!"

Scotty nodded calmly. "Not real obvious is it?" he said with a wink. "But, well, that's Spock for ya."

I mused over this new information. It was just as well, seeing as I had declared him emotionally off limits this morning. Besides, I was enjoying lunch with Scotty, no need to ruin it with disappointed thoughts of Spock.

"So what's the game plan for me this afternoon, Chief?"

"We'll test the new phasers, repair a few old ones. Not terribly exciting I'm afraid…but I want my dear girl to always be in the best shape possible."

I chuckled, even if Spock and Uhura's relationship wasn't obvious…Scotty's love affair with the Enterprise was quite evident.

"Cadet Crow?" I turned in my seat to find Spock standing behind my chair. He was tall, taller than I had realized. "Might I request a second match? This evening, perhaps?"

I figured that scrutinizing his face for any sign of why he might have asked me this was futile. Perhaps it would be best to just agree.

"One condition."

He waited patiently.

"No more hand-to-hand. Tonight it's fencing."

The Vulcan was a rock. No reaction whatsoever. "Very well, Cadet. I will see you at 8:30."

Scotty shook his head. "You'll lose, Crow. Only person who can best Spock is Sulu."

I shrugged. "Losing happens to me on occasion."

Scotty laughed in response, "Let's go, Crow. I'll give you the advantage of not exhausting you before this showdown. Something about you has caught Spock's eye and it would be better to shine for him than fail."

Oh dear.

Find a way to quit attracting men. Failed.

All right GAH I think I'm finding myself jealous of Linell. Too much hottness. Hope that satisfies your appetites for a bit. I promise you'll get some of what we're ALL wanting next chapter. I'll just leave you to wonder whether it's Kirk or Spock. PLEASE REVIEW!!!