Thanks to: twilharp, thebloodrose, DuckyInTheWater, goddess., sam, and uki200 for reviewing my first three chapters. I would also like to thank the other 600 or so people who have clicked on my story and opened it. I really love that people are reading this! Thanks again and keep reading!!!
Chapter 4
In the week that had passed, the whole crew saw a noticeable difference in their normally cheerful captain. He seemed angry and sullen all of the time and spent very little time interacting with the crew. He was only in the bridge when he had to be and took all of his meals in his quarters.
He and Amanda were also making an extreme effort to avoid one another. They hadn't spoken since takeoff. In fact, the situation was so stressful and tense, the Enterprise wasn't even out of Earth's atmosphere before Amanda completely broke down in her room.
Today, Jim had given his crew on the bridge their morning orders and stalked back to his room. He finally was going to read his briefing on why Amanda was chosen for this particular meeting. According to the memo, Ambassador Spock, or Spock Prime, had been consulted and he chose her specifically.
This was curious. Jim pulled up Amanda's background on the computer in his quarters and began reading.
Graduated in two years from Starfleet Academy; studied Earth History as well as Diplomacy and Foreign Policy; began teaching at the Academy right out of school; and worked with Starfleet Command to write a peace-keeping treaty with several of the outlying star systems.
"So, that's how she was promoted to commander," Jim said to his empty room.
Amanda was having trouble sleeping. While Jim sat sulking in his room, Amanda was walking through the deserted halls towards the dining hall.
It would have had been two in the morning where Amanda was from on Earth right now. She hoped the dining hall was empty so she could look around the kitchen and hopefully find a rogue bottle of alcohol.
But the barefoot woman was not alone as the door slid open.
She let out a surprised gasp as she was greeted with the sight of Spock and Doctor McCoy.
"Good evening, Commander Williams," Spock said.
"Hello, Commander Spock, Doctor McCoy," she said. "But please, call me Amanda."
"Please, join us," Bones said.
She was suddenly embarrassed by her pajamas, or lack thereof.
"I think I'm just going to –"
"Come on, we are going to be all together for two months," Bones said. "Just because you and Jim aren't speaking doesn't mean we can't."
Amanda nodded and smiled. "Okay."
Spock stood and pulled out a chair for her, then took his seat once more.
"Besides, I've got the vodka," Bones said.
"Then we can be best friends," she replied as Bones poured her some in a glass. "I apologize for causing so much drama."
"Jim Kirk has a flair for the dramatics," Spock said.
"That is something I am entirely aware of," Amanda said. "But something is more pressing and only you can answer it for me."
"Me?" Spock asked. "Surely you do not wish me to explain any of Captain Kirk's actions."
"No, no. I don't know if he could do that," Amanda said. "Why did you request me specifically for this mission?"
"Did I?" Spock asked.
"Is that sarcasm or are you genuinely surprised to hear that?"
"Spock isn't so great with sarcasm," Bones replied.
"Doctor McCoy, I must admit that yes, it was a touch of sarcasm," Spock replied. "Yes, Amanda, both my older self and I thought it would be best for you to be aboard the Enterprise for this mission and for Jim."
"For Jim?" Amanda repeated.
"Forgive me if I have overstepped, but I think the both of you –"
"You did that?" Bones asked. "Jim came to us because he was distracted and so to cure his distractedness, we brought her aboard? Good thinking!" he shouted. "No offense," he added, turning to Amanda.
"None taken," Amanda replied. "I, too, wonder why my presence was deemed necessary."
"Despite this small hitch in the plans, I still feel this was a logical choice, commander," Spock replied. "It is no secret that I was not very fond of James Kirk in the beginning, but have grown to consider him like a brother. One night, when he was strangely depressed, I performed a mind-meld. It allowed some insight into the inner-workings of the captain. His thoughts were filled of you, Amanda, and of how happy he had been then."
Before she could stop it, a stray tear had rolled down her cheek.
"Um, thank you both. For the conversation and for the drink," she said before excusing herself and exiting the dining hall.
"That was a load of BS, Spock," Bones replied before taking a long drink.
"Indeed, Doctor. But wasn't it fascinating how quickly she chose to believe it? Her body language and emotional state show that she is not happy with the choice she has made."
"You know, for being such an un-emotional being, Spock, you sure do seem to understand women," Bones replied. "Maybe I should have you go talk to my ex wife."
"That would be highly illogical, Doctor, as I am not a psychologist," Spock said.
"That was close, my friend, but still not quite right," referring to Spock's attempted impression of himself. "Try again in the morning."
The following morning, Spock awoke to Uhura humming as she dressed for the day. It was strange that she was awake first as she preferred to sleep late.
"No need to worry, Spock," she smiled. "You are not late, I am up early," she said pressing a light kiss to his cheek.
In one quick move, she turned the clock to face him, and indeed, it was about two hours before Uhura normally liked to be conscious.
Spock studied her from his bed for a moment, trying to reason out her newfound early-rising. Finding the answer difficult to deduce, he decided to question her.
"Nyota, why are you up so early?" he asked.
"I am going to work out with Amanda. I'll be back to get cleaned up before I report to the bridge for my shift," she replied. "I'll see you later."
A moment later, she had slipped out of the room and took off down the hall.
Amanda and Uhura were going to work out on the Holodeck.** They were doing a twenty-first century aerobic routine. Methods of exercise and recreation had changed significantly since then, but while studying and researching, Amanda found them and it had become somewhat of a habit for her.
Both women found it easy to follow along with the routine as well as keep up a conversation.
"So, you and Spock, huh?" Amanda said.
"Spock and I what?" Uhura asked.
"You're a couple?"
"Oh, yes. But we try not to let it get around," Uhura replied.
"I understand."
"What was Jim like, before, I mean," Uhura asked.
"A lot like he is now, except he actually enjoyed being around me," Amanda answered.
"Did he always flirt so much?"
"Always. In fact, it was his smooth-talking that got me into bed. Convinced me it was the best thing to do since we were such good friends," she said.
"Typical Jim," Uhura replied. "If you don't mind my asking, how old were you?"
"Sixteen," Amanda said.
"Me, too," Uhura replied.
"Not with Spock, right?"
"No," Uhura smiled. "I met Spock at the Academy."
While the women continued to bond, Jim, Bones and Spock approached the Holodeck.
"Jim, just leave it be," Bones said.
"No. She and I have to talk. I'm leaving her on the next friendly space station," he said. "I will not creep around my own ship."
He finished his statement as the Holodeck door slid open. Amanda and Uhura hadn't noticed them standing in the doorway.
Spock, for one, had never seen Uhura move like she was. An unfamiliar feeling was happening inside him. He had strong feelings for Uhura; it was his half-human side that was attracted to her. But what was this feeling? His ears turned green as his thoughts turned from innocent to not-so. Bones laughed and clapped the Vulcan on the shoulder in understanding. Spock exhaled loudly and he decided to leave.
"Jim, I shall be on the bridge," he said, heading off.
"And I'll be at the Medical Bay. Do not do anything stupid," Bones said. "And step one for that might be ceasing to be a creeper."
Bones disappeared down the hall and Jim still stood in the doorway.
"Captain Kirk, you are being hailed. Please report to the bridge immediately!" Chekov called.
Jim cursed silently and made his way down to the bridge, leaving Uhura and Amanda still working on their routine.
A/N: Please review!
**While I am unfamiliar with all of the nuances of the many Star Trek series', I have been researching, and I know that the Holodeck wasn't featured until the TNG, but I'm taking some artistic license. I hope no one is too mad. Thanks!