Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Thanks so much to Chapter 3 reviewers T'Slash, Red Button, Miss Fenway, Ragdoll, Lorientmnt and Aashlee!

A/N: I have taken much liberty with Nyota's childhood. All I have ever heard about her past in canon is that she is from the United States of Africa and speaks Swahili, so I've added the re-boot Kelvin disaster to her past for this purpose.

I boldly present ~ Nyota

The modern day embodiment of the ancient female warriors known as the Amazons was Lieutenant Commander Nyota Uhura. One look from the Chief Communications Officer sent grown men scampering away in fear. Her respect is earned, her time valuable and her wrath mighty. Not even Jim Kirk wished to evoke her fury. She was a force of nature, an impenetrable brick wall and she was known through-out the Fleet. Her head held high as if daring someone to cross her, her pony tail whipping behind her on some unseen breeze and her eyes constantly scanning the scenes around her.

Although Nyota and the ship's physician had an amicable relationship, she was never the one to seek out his company unless she needed something, and only if she needed it really bad. It had nothing to do with Bones' gruff attitude or sharp tongue though; it was because he saw the real Nyota. The Nyota she thought she had hidden deep down inside her. No words had ever been exchanged on the matter, but she could see the knowledge in his eyes, the words in her medical files not quite mocking her from his gaze but reflecting back at her none the less. She knew he would never shatter the confidentiality between patient and physician, but just the thought of him knowing the truth tortured her. Around Bones she became the childhood Ny from all those years ago.

Jim Kirk was not the only one whose life had been altered by the Narada attack. In fact most everyone alive today, including Pavel, Hikaru and Scotty, had been affected. Nyota was no different. Her father had been the first in her family to join Star Fleet. He was ending his five year mission, was on his way to retirement when the Kelvin was attacked. In a way, Kirk and Nyota had more in common than they chose to realize or acknowledge but neither was going to talk about such a grim subject. Although, Nyota's mother was not as grief stricken as Wynona Kirk had been so she was not as much of a basket case as Jim, but Nyota had still grown up without a father. Her accomplishments now could not repair her broken heart or ease the pain of only having one parent's love. Bones McCoy was the only one aboard who could see her grief and despair under her rough edge.

Bones was eating his lunch next to Scotty and across from Jim in the mess. The banter at the table was light, but mostly they ate in companionable silence each lost in their own thoughts. Pavel Chekov had taken his seat next to Jim with Hikaru Sulu right behind him. "Zere iz an avful rumor going around zat Spock has broken up with Nyota." Pavel's voice was low, but his wide eyes were locked with Bones' narrow stare.

Bones nearly choked on his bite. "Are you sure?" He wiped his mouth, pushing his plate aside.

Pavel nodded. "Nyota has not been seen out of her room today." He shared a concerned look with Hikaru.

Jumping up, Bones nodded to the group. "I'm going to check on her." He didn't wait for a reply before he strode out of the room. Scotty, Hikaru and Pavel exchanged glances while Jim just shrugged reaching for the fruit still left on Bones' plate.

B ones might not be a psychiatrist by trade, but he was getting damn efficient at mental evaluations from all the experience he gained with this crew. He's feet carried him to Nyota's quarters, which were just a few doors down from his, as his mind began to draw possible conclusions. Bones knew that Nyota had constantly had a boyfriend throughout their days at the Academy. It was a defense mechanism. No doubt she would take the news of this break-up bad. Bones ran a hand through his hair and pushed the buzzer for entrance. He was not going to be the one she wanted to see at her door, but he had to do something, he had to convince her she was above all this – no matter her past.

It took several times, but finally Nyota answered the door. Her quarters were dark, her usual impeccable clothes had been traded for some sweatpants and a tee-shirt that were several sizes too big. "Can I help you, Dr. McCoy?" Her voice was ice.

Not one to be deterred easily, Bones sighed. "Yeah you can, but first will you let me in?" He kept his voice neutral. He was going to strangle that pointy-eared bastard. Spock had no doubt given her some 'logical' explanation, not taking into consideration her 'illogical' human emotions.

Nyota moved aside and Bones wasted no time in entering before she changed her mind. Once the door had shut, blocking the bright light from the hall, she relaxed against the metal structure. "I've have let you in, so now you can tell me why the house-call?" She crossed her arms refusing to let him see how far she had fallen.

Bones had to admire her courage and will-power. He slowly sat down on the couch and patted the seat beside him. "Come sit by me, Ny, I'm not your enemy." His voice was soft and reassuring to the woman. She did his bidding, but sat just out of his reach. "I have heard what happened with you and Spock." He raised an eyebrow, she merely shrugged. "I wanted to see if you were alright." He leaned back into the cushions. If he was going to get her to talk, he was going to have to get her to relax first.

Lifting her chin in defiance, she eyed him. "I am well, thank you for checking on me." Her eyes were stony in the dim lighting. If Bones didn't know any better, he would have thought some of Spock's emotionless attitude had rubbed off on the woman.

Pursing his lips, he changed tactics. Nyota was a straight-to-the-point kind of person, so he was going to just let it all out. "Listen, I am not going to sit here and beat around the bush. You might be able to pull off this crap with everyone else, but I know, Nyota, I know the truth." While passionate, his voice was still low. "You are hurting, a blind man can see that. But I know why you are hurting and I am probably the only person on this damn ship that knows the truth. You aren't crying over Spock, because hell, Nyota you didn't love him. You are crying because you once again lost another male in your life." He reached out and took her hand.

Nyota looked up at him, trails down her cheeks from tears she had shed already. All the fight had drained right out of her with his words. "I just can't hide anything from you, can I?" Her voice cracked and fresh tears welled up in her eyes. She clutched his hand tight.

Bones shook his head. "No, you can't and you shouldn't even try. I'm your friend, Ny, I would do anything I could for you, deep down you know that." He moved closer and wrapped his other arm around her shoulders. She offered no resistance, leaning into his warmth. "Your father died just after you were born, you never met him. You have tried to compensate for his loss with the older men you date, especially when you chose to date your older professor. You are trying to use them to make yourself feel worth-while, loved." There was no accusation in his tone, merely fact.

Nyota begrudgingly nodded. "I don't mean too. I have had a boyfriend constantly since I was thirteen. I thought that if I had someone who liked me that it wouldn't matter I never knew my father, that I would be someone worth while. I knew that Spock and I wouldn't last, I shouldn't be acting like this!" She shook her head quickly from side to side.

Pulling her head to his chest, he held the young woman. "I know, Ny, I know." He held her tight and let her cry. He knew this was the first time she had ever allowed herself time to properly grieve, because how does one grieve for a man they had never met? Why should a child who never knew their father miss him? This was not about Spock, she was not angry at him. She was angry and upset with herself, with the universe.

When all her tears were spent, she pulled away wiping her face. "I feel so much better, Len, thanks." She gave him a watery smile.

Once his eyes had inspected her thoroughly, he nodded in agreement. "You are an intelligent, beautiful, wonderful woman. No man could ever add or take away from your true value." He framed her face in his hands.

She wrapped her small hands around his wrists. "Thank you so much." Two tears trailed down her beautiful face.

Bones gave her a rare smile and placed a chaste kiss on her forehead. "I know that I am not your father, but it seems I have taken the crew of the Enterprise to raise. I feel as if you, Pavel, Hikaru and Jim are my own children just like Joanna. So, if ever you have a need to talk about something or need someone to lean on, you come to me, ok? Don't go looking for some guy who doesn't deserve you." His emerald eyes locked on her brown.

Warmth erupted in her chest and she pulled Bones into a hug. "I've never had a friend like you." She whispered sweetly.

Securing his arms around her, he chuckled. "There is only one Bones around, because the universe ain't big enough for two." He squeezed once more before letting her go.

Locking her eyes on her hands, she continued to expel her demons; she needed all her shame in the open. "I can't believe I have wasted so much time in my youth chasing after some warm-bodied comfort to escape a ghost. Of course they never stayed around long, because I do have standards and I don't just go jumping into bed with someone. But still, how foolish is it for someone like me to have a 'daddy complex'?" She scoffed.

Bones carefully chose his reply. "There is nothing foolish with having unresolved grief for your father. It is completely understandable. I only wish that you might have sought guidance earlier. But you must know that jumping from one boyfriend to the next is unhealthy. You can't hang yourself worth on having a partner." He took both her hands in his. "You are Nyota Uhura, Chief Communications Officer of the Enterprise, the best in the whole Fleet. You are the most gorgeous woman I have ever encountered. You have a kind heart and friends who love you deeply. You did all this on your own." He let his words seep in before continuing. "As your friend and physician, I want you to take some time off from dating. If you get lonely I'm sure there are several people around here that would jump at the chance to spend the evening with you – just as friends. Ok?" He lifted her chin up so he could see the emotions in her chocolate orbs.

Squaring her shoulders, lifting her head high and straightening to full height, she nodded. "Compared to dealing with all the crazy situations we encounter daily, this should be a breeze." She flashed him her signature make-you-go-weak-in-the-knees smile.

Bones could see the shattered little girl behind that smile repairing herself. Never again would Nyota keep a boyfriend just to have him around. This was the new and improved vixen, the Enterprise had best look out.

A/N: Thanks for reading.

This one is off on a tangent like Scotty's. I hope you liked it. It's probably my most least-believable, but it is based on some real-life people who kind of went thru the same thing. Strong woman with men issues…

This also might could be for all those people who thought 'WTF?!' when they saw Spock and Nyota as a couple. Or that might just be me

Please review!

Up next, Spock. And I promise it will be better.