Angela bounded out of bed the morning of the Gala and went off to finish her intern work, hoping to get done a little early so she'd have extra time to get ready. She was coding away with music in her ears when a familiar hand on her shoulder paused her work.

"Good afternoon Angela," Spock said, his eyes lightened in the way she knew he was happy. "You work is progressing satisfactorily?"

"Yes," Angela said, removing her ear buds and pausing her music. "What brings you here to the lowly section of intern town?"

"To speak with you," Spock said, "Now seemed the most appropriate time…"

"Commander Spock," Makoss said, entering carrying their traditional tea, "Was there something you wanted?"

"Just to speak with Cadet Angela," Spock replied.

"We're attending the gala tonight," Angela said, "It seems he decided to just start planning what we're doing tonight this afternoon."

"Leaving it a little late, aren't you Commander?" Makoss asked. "Take a minute while I heat up the tea, will you join us? Rumor has it you might be interested in some of these designs once they get past the panels."

"Yes, though you are aware I cannot comment on the matter. Angela, I will be escorting you to the event," Spock said, "What time would you like me to arrive?"

"Five," Angela replied, writing down a room number, "But I'm going over to Gaila's to get ready, let me give you their dorm assignment."

"I will see you there," Spock said, turning to look at the codes she was programming in. "Your coding is very accurate."

"Anymore news on the matter you can't talk about?" Angela teased, Spock just rested his hand on her shoulder and retrieved her tea cup so they could talk.

That evening, Spock pressed the access panel and heard the answering chime on the other side. Uhura answered wearing a smooth emerald satin gown that made him want to, he wasn't sure what but none of it was logical. It draped layers of fabric behind her like the robes of his culture though it left her arms bare. "Cadet Uhura," he was finally able to stutter out after a 0.3 second pause. "I was unaware you were attending the Gala."

"Angela invited me, if that's not a problem," she answered. "We're almost ready, come in." She stepped aside and turned to enter the main part of the room, allowing him to admire the back of the dress, or lack there of, the draping fabric came to a sharp point at the small of her back. He could just see the chocolate skin of her back peeking out from behind her loose hair as she walked, he believed the human term would be stunning though it didn't do her justice. He turned and Angela was standing behind Gaila doing somthing to her hear, wrapped in a pale lavender gown.

"Sorry Spock, we're just finishing up," Angela said, "Nyota your jewels are the gold ones in front of the case, don't say anything just put them on." Spock looked at the ornamentation Angela was completing on Gaila, she had outfitted the woman with a delicate diamond choker and matching earrings. The finishing touch was a series of diamond studded pins in the french twist as if someone had dripped starlight in her hair.

Nyota pulled out her own jewels from Angela and gasped. "I can't, they're far to ornate," she said. The golden bangles and choker were understated, but unparalleled in quality.

"Don't even think about it, you look beautiful," Gaila replied, not moving her head.

"Isn't ornamentation illogical?" Nyota asked Spock, still looking for an out.

"In your case merely a redundancy," Spock replied before he could think, then his ears turned a pale green.

After a few seconds of pause Angela took Gaila's place in the chair. "Spock, can you help me with my headpiece?" Large hands helped her secure the headpiece of her culture in place and she moved to weave her hair through it.

"That looks beautiful," Gaila said, admiring the gold and silver that looked to be coming from her hair.

"Pull tight," Angela instructed Spock, who gently tightened her hair so it pulled snug. "Thank you." She quickly tied on her matching woven choker and lowered her wavy hair over it. "Everyone ready?"

"By the way Commander," Gaila smiled, "Can I say you clean up nice without you misinterpreting it?"

"You may," He said, "The transport is waiting outside."

"Let's get going then," Angela said, pulling on her opera gloves and buttoning the wrist. She noticed Spock's eyes on Uhura's wrist as she buttoned her own ivory gloves, a stark contrast to her mocha skin. The four shifted into the town car hover transport and took the ride through the city to concert hall the gala was being hosted. The driver opened the door when they arrived and Spock exited as camera flashes covered the arrivals, StarFleet always looking for good press. He offered his hand to each of the women as they exited, more flashes going off as the group entered, Angela's arm entwined through his own. He could tell she was nervous behind the easy looking smile.

"Spock. "A voice called as a man approached the group just inside the door. "Well, this is certainly a sight I never expected to see. I didn't pick you for a ladies man."

"Cadets," Spock interjected, "Allow me to introduce my commanding officer Captain Christopher Pike."

"Ladies," he replied, toasting his drink.

"Captain," Spock continued, "My sister, Cadet Angela, and her friends Cadets Uhura and Gaila."

"Your sister," Pike said, shaking the young woman's hand. "Heard about you, he was bragging about youngest..."

"I do not brag Captain," Spock interjected, "You inquired and I did not see anything inappropriate in informing."

"Bragged," Pike corrected, "As I was saying, youngest cadet for the engineering panel internships?"

"Nothing's official yet," Angela replied. "There are a lot of well deserving candidates out there."

"And you two?" Pike asked, taking the offered hands in greeting.

"Cadet Uhura," Nyota said, "Focus in Linguistics, secondary focus in diplomacy and culture studies."

"Cadet Gaila," the Orion said, smiling at the easy manners, "Computer Sciences and Programming, secondary focus in mechanical engineering."

"The next generation," Pike said, shaking his head, "I don't think I had anything picked by freshman year, now everyone has to have a track picked when they start or they're considered behind."

"Their performance in relation to their peers so far rates them as the exception to the norm, which could explain the easily specializations," Spock commented, causing Pike to almost choke on his drink at the complement. "If you will Captain, we are close to the doorway and should move into the room so others may enter."

"I see Professor Makoss," Angela said with a smile, "Come on Gaila, let's go say hi." She took the Orion's hand and tossed a comment over her shoulder before either of the party could say anything. "We'll catch up to you at the box, Spock keep an eye on Uhura for me. It was nice to meet you Captain."

As soon as they were out of ear shot Gailia leaned down to the shorter female. "Well, that was subtle."

"Did I overplay the excitement?" She asked.

"Uhura might have picked up on it but I know Spock didn't," Gailia snagged them two juice drinks as they passed on a tray. "For a genius he sure is perceptive as a box of rocks."

"Your idioms are getting better at least," Angela said as they approached her Commander and quickly blended into the conversation. She saw Pike drift away from the two as a Vulcan diplomat approached to discuss the Ambassador's absence. When the lights dimmed conversation rose to a loud hum and everyone filtered into the theatre to take their seats.

"This is the box for the Vulcan Diplomatic Party," a cool voice said from inside the box door as soon as Angela opened it.

"I am aware," she replied, her face perfectly neutral. "I am the adopted daughter of the Ambassador, as he and my foster mother were unable to attend I brought a companion of my own."

"My name is Strael, I have not had the opportunity to meet Ambassador Sarek yet," he raised his hand in the traditional greeting.

"My name is Gaila," the woman answered, her own hand raised and her voice cool and evenly modulated. "I am a friend of Angela and a Cadet with Starfleet."

"The Terran practice of conversation is still one I am practicing," He stated as the two women settled into their seats. "What is suitable topic of conversation at such an event?"

"Usually work, or the performance," Gailia said, noticing the door open as Spock, Uhura and another junior Ambassador entered. "Have you attended a Terran performance before?"

"No," Stael replied, "But I have attended several on Vulcan, the two are very different."

"Quite," Spock commented, "I am Spock, son of Sarek, this is Cadet Uhura, a friend of my sister," Spock introduced. Uhura raised her hand in greeting. The Vulcans inclined their heads in greeting as the others filed into their seats, then the lights were dimming and the performance began. It was beautiful, a short one act assembly of Terran pieces to accommodate the party after it. Terrans still liked to celebrate into the night and it would be early morning before the last groups returned home.

Once the performance and encore were finished everyone filtered back out to the ballroom where tables had been set up to accommodate the buffet at the far end of the hall. They were with the rest of the Vulcan delegation, but the seating assignments seemed to be mere suggestions as people drifted from table to table in conversation. Soon the three girls were hungry and drifted over to see what was offered at the event.

Tables of food were presented, white and red uniformed cadets served as both translators and advisors on appropriate dishes. Uhura saw one she knew and walked up with Galia to greet him, leaving Angela as the rest of their party down in the serving tables. "Meyers," she said, smiling, "How's the evening going." She didn't catch the look the two of them got as she examined the food available.

"Long," he replied, tone a little more dead then was acceptable, "There are a lot of translations needed and not everyone is familiar with Terran custom."

"Still must be exciting," Uhura said, "I'm so glad I was able to come tonight, this must look great on an academic record."

"So is it only young, pretty, female cadets that get to attend the Gala rather than staff it?" Myers asked. "I didn't think that Vulcans flinched at a good piece of ass." Tension around them raised, several diplomats within earshot looked up and noted the Cadet speaking with the young females.

"We are here at the invitation of Ambassador Sarek's daughter, Angela," Gaila commented, suddenly very in tune with the conversation and her voice cold as ice. Uhura still looked insulted at the young cadet's insinuation. "The fact you assume our involvement was with the Commander speaks to your character, come on Uhura." The two started to walk away, but it looked like he wasn't done yet.

"Didn't know you batted for both teams, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised at the actions of an Orion whore," Meyers bit back. Suddenly, the Vulcan from the box was there.

"Provide me with your name rank and serial number," Stael stated, leaving no room for argument in his demand.

"Jonathan Meyers, Cadet, 1458275," he replied. The Vulcan left the premise abruptly and less than ten seconds later security officers approached.

"Cadet Meyers, you are to be escorted to the main hall for disciplinary action of conduct unbecoming," the officer stated, "Please come with us."

Angela walked up when she saw security with her friends, plate forgotten. "What just happened? I left you alone for ninety seconds."

"The junior ambassador lodged a complaint against the cadet for slander," the officer explained, nodding towards the Vulcan. "He is being removed from the premise to face disciplinary action."

"Cadet do not make this worse on yourself," Angela stated, seeing the man's ire rising. "Was there any chance this was a cultural misunderstanding?"

"He called Gaila a whore and insinuated we were sleeping with Spock," Uhura replied.

Angela stood straight and stared at the young cadet. "Sir you have insulted my guests and as such you have insulted me. I do not take appreciation when individuals do not have the courage to do so to my face. Officer a moment," Angela commanded him held. "Cadet Meyers, please repeat the offensive words directly to me so that I may make your defense or accusations as deemed fit."

"I think it's unfair that Spock invites three female cadets to attend the function while the males are stuck staffing it," Meyers said, "And yes, I think the Orion cadet may have used her charms to her advantage on either the Commander or yourself."

"Your actions and assumptions were incorrect," Angela said, "Lieutenant, take him in for disciplinary action but please caution his commanding officer for leniency. While his comments were offensive and ignorant I believe this will be a learning experience for him. I also request that if he ever directly offends either of these ladies again he will be brought before a full review for his actions. Do not offer an apology in defense of yourself, I have no interest in false niceties. Escort him from the hall."

"Your actions in the cadets defense could be judged as illogical," S'Jenes, another Vulcan from the box, commented once the cadet had been removed, "He showed obvious behaviors of sexism and racism against those in your party, his punishment for such an infraction should be greater."

"The more we demand rather than command our respectability the less individuals such as that will be willing to give it," Angela replied, "Now, let us change the topic of conversation. This one holds little of my interest."

"I had a few questions for you, Ambassador," Gaila chimed in, turning back to Stael. "If you are amendable to further conversation."

"Are you all right," Angela heard Spock as Uhura quietly. "That man was insulting to the both of you."

"Thank you for your concern Commander," Uhura replied, "But the situation is over. What do you think of the performance tonight? I have never been to one so I have no previous experience for context." With that Angela tactfully turned the group containing herself, Gaila, and the junior ambassador away from her brother and Uhura to give them some privacy. During a break, she and Gaila shared a knowing look when Spock offered his hand to Uhura for dance.

"Cadet Gaila," Stael offered his own hand. Gaila was so taken aback by the offer that she just stared at the proffered hand for a few seconds. "This is an invitation to dance."

"Yes, I was surprised at the offer, to my knowledge Vulcans do not dance ," Gaila replied, taking the hand and leaving Angela by the punch bowl.

"You attire of gloves removes the possibility of telepathic contact and is an important cultural event for humans," he replied, "As I intend to continue a diplomatic career it is logical to familiarize myself with different customs." With that Gaila was whisked onto the dance floor and Angela was left smiling at her two friends.

"Cadet, you are all alone," Commander Lipton said to the young woman, "If you promise not to let your brother kill me, would you care to share a dance?"

"Oh my brother wouldn't kill you," Angela joked, taking the hand, "He has people who do that for him." Lipton laughed and after a few hours spent trading partners the three girls finally headed back to their dorms for some much needed rest. If Uhura whispered something to Gailia about how Commander Spock looked in his dress uniform, Angela pretended she was asleep and none the wiser of it.