Edited: Mistakes removed :D Go thank Genber0398. She's awesome!

AN: A little shorter than the last few chapters, but its an update. Hope it is passable :D

"Cynthia"

"No"

"Abigail?"

"No"

"Uh...Bernadette?"

"Ugh!"

Sitting with her back turned towards the rest of the canteen, Uhura found herself wondering if life in prison was worth castrating a fellow member of Star Fleet with a fork. Given the reason for her irritation, she thought that she might well be rewarded for preforming a civic duty.

Gaila sat opposite her, her face bright with amusement as she held back her laughter – all the while flashing the blond haired man sitting at their table flirtatious and suggestive glances over the top of her hand.

The blond haired man in question had been a constant irritation since the first day she had joined the academy. His constant pursuance of her was not flattering. To James Kirk, she was nothing more than another notch on his belt. Whenever they happened to pass one another on campus, he made it his personal mission to harass her until she revealed her first name.

Uhura sent him a withering glare. In most circumstances, that glare would sent the recipient running very quickly in the opposite direction. Kirk simply grinned.

"I've got it. Constance. You look like a Constance" Kirk laughed. He leant backwards in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked victorious.

Uhura sighed. Closing her eyes in frustration and pointedly turning away.

Her day had not being going well. It had started the same as any other. She had woken from a deep sleep with only thirty minutes before her first lecture was due to start. She had arrived only one minute late.

The rest of the day had been spent at the same pace.

Commander Spock had raised an inquest at the monthly staff meeting, asking for the academy's server to be checked and updated due to possible proxy issues. Uhura had placed all her hopes on an issue being found.

There was nothing wrong with the server. Everything was running perfectly.

Which meant there was only one other reason why her work was being sabotaged. There was somebody in the academy who wished to cause her harm. Damaging her academic record was (to her) as harmful as physically assaulting her.

In an attempt to maintain her grades, Uhura had started giving her PADD to each of her tutors when important essays were due. This meant she constantly had to retrieve it after her work had been marked. Most of her time was spent running across the campus trying not to be late or hurrying to pick up her PADD before the tutors left for the day. Her revision kept her until awake the early hours of the morning, and her mental state was beginning to weaken with the unsettling knowledge that somewhere out there, someone wanted to hurt her.

She was exhausted.

She had not allowed herself to think that Bado had followed her to San Francisco. She had known him for over nine years. They had attended college together. His father and her parents were close - as such they had often celebrated holidays together. Uhura simply could not believe that he had a vendetta against her simply because she had been accepted into Star Fleet and he had not.

She could not even be sure that he had purposefully intended to hurt her that night in Kitui. Perhaps he had been the one who had called Commander Spock? It would have been suicidal if he had jumped after her. For all she knew, it could have been a very bad accident.

Her mama had not told her anything after she had woken up in hospital. All she had been told was that he had disappeared. She could not label him as a murderer because of that fact. She could not believe her childhood friend was trying to kill her.

So she had focused her attention on her classmates. If there was someone in her class that was out to get her, she was going to damn well find out who it is.

Someone dropped their tray on the other side of the canteen, the sound echoing sharply across the cavernous room. Uhura nearly fell from her seat.

In fact, she would have, if Kirk had not suddenly lunged forwards and gripped her arm.

"Wow, jumpy?" He said, tugging her upright. Uhura pulled her arm from his grip and took a deep breath. Forcing herself to calm down.

Reasonably composed, she turned towards the blond haired man.

"Thank you" She said icily. Kirk grinned and shrugged his shoulders.

"No problem Constance. Why so jumpy though?" Uhura said nothing. Instead, she slowly pushed herself to her feet, picking up her untouched food as she did so.

"I'm going to get a drink" She said, and moved to turn away. Galia suddenly jumped up from her seat, her bag gripped in one hand.

"Wait! I picked you up something in town" She said happily. Uhura held in her sigh, but turned back to her friend. If Gaila pulled lingerie from that bag she was going to dump her salad on top of the Orion woman's head. Instead, Galia's hand emerged from the bag gripped around a long colorful strip of fabric.

"Tada! Isn't it gorgeous?"

Uhura eyed the gift warily. The fabric was very pretty. It was made of some sort of semi-transparent fabric, dyed in a variety of blues and greens. However, knowing Gaila as she did, she was expecting her to tell her that the thin strip of fabric was in fact a dress.

"What's that?" Uhura asked carefully. Gaila bent to place her satchel in between her knees and shuffled forwards.

"It's a head scarf. Well, sort of one. As soon as I saw it I thought: Uhura!" Gaila gushed. Uhura smiled weakly and raised her eyebrows. Even though she had not asked her to do so, Gaila never refered to her as Nyota when they were around others. Uhura supposed her friend thought knowing her first name was a privilege, and wanted to keep it a secret between just them.

A sudden tug on her ponytail bought Uhura from her musings. Gaila had shuffled her way behind her, and was now tying the scarf around the top of her ponytail. Uhura craned her head backwards in an attempt to see what the other woman's was doing.

She caught glimpse of a flash of blue, before Gaila poked her in the side of her cheek, wordlessly telling her to turn around.

After another sharp tug on her hair, Gaila reappeared. She cocked her head slightly to the side to observe her design then gave a small squeak in delight.

"You look adorable! I am a genius!" She sang. Uhura let out a sigh and refrained herself from rolling her eyes. Whatever Gaila had done to her hair, she was going to remove it as soon as she left the canteen. For now, she would humor her friend.

"I can't see what you've done, but I'm sure it looks great. Thank you Lia" Uhura said, and gave a small but genuine smile. Gaila positively beamed.

"You've needed some cheering up these last few days. Now go get your drink. Don't worry, I'll distract Jim so you can make an easy escape" Gaila winked. Uhura laughed and shook her head.

Gaila spun on her heal, and returned to their table, crossing her legs as Kirk focused his attention on her. Placing her tray inside a disposal unit as she passed, Uhura made her way towards the nearest replicator.

What she really wanted was a cup of mother's coffee. Made with frothing milk, freshly heated from the coffee maker. She wanted the little leaf, the small stick of cinnamon balanced on the side.

Unfortunately, the closest thing the academy's replicators had to what she so desired was a flat tasting mocha-chino. Uhura sighed...it was better than nothing.

Stepping close the dispenser, Uhura called out her order.

The machine whirled for a moment, and a small button on the top left started flashing.

'Error. Please confirm order'

Uhura frowned.

"Mocha-chino. No sugar" She said again. Once more, the machine whirled as it attempted to progress her drink.

'Error. Please confirm order'

Glaring at the machine, Uhura snapped out of her order once more, pressing the pad of her thumb forcefully against the brightly flashing button as hard as she could. The button acted as a reset. The equivalent of turning the machine off and then back on again.

Slowly, she repeated what she wanted.

Once again, a dull mechanic voice rasped from the small speaker. Informing her of an internal error. Uhura resisted the urge to curse. She was being childish. But all she wanted was a cup of coffee! Surely she deserved even that.

"Oh you stupid piece of crap! Give me my damn drink!" Uhura hissed. She slapped the palm of her hand against the sensitive buttons adorning the space above the indented replicator.

The bright blue lights inside that indented box flickered, a small spark shooting outwards. Uhura jerked backwards in surprise.

'Error. Please confirm. Error. Order'

The replicator let out a hiss. Thin white smoke rose from the small space made by the edges of the machine and the wall. Another spark snapped outward, followed soon after by the harsh scent of burning wire.

Uhura blinked, her eyes wide with shock and guilt. What had she done?

She took a step backwards, half turning in both a defensive posture and as a means to call for assistance. The replicator hissed and popped, sparks ricocheting as miniature lighting bolts around the glowing interior. The smoke darkened, curling in tendrils into the air. Uhura's breath caught, and she took another purposeful step backwards, colliding with the arm of a science cadet walking behind her.

The cadet turned, either to apologise or berate her, but then he caught sight of the smoldering machine.

"Shit! Somebody go get help!" He shouted. From the corner of her eye, Uhura saw two males sprint towards the canteen doors. Many other cadets followed them, picking up their belongings and vacating the area at a slower yet hurried pace. The noise around her rose in panic, and from somewhere behind her a female cadet screamed.

The science student gripped her shoulder, walking around her to take a step towards the replicator.

"What happened?" He asked. Uhura blinked for a moment, before taking a deep breath and squaring her shoulders.

"I think I broke it. I honestly didn't mean to, but I will take the blame" She said evenly. She was not the type to pass the blame onto others, specifically when she was the one who did wrong. She admitted to her mistakes. The science cadet looked down at her for a moment, before taking a hesitant step towards the malfunctioning machine. He quickly jerked backwards as an ominous sounding snap echoed through the air. Uhura felt her breathe hitch, exchanging a worried glance with the cadet.

He opened his mouth, to tell her to run she was sure, when a sharp ringing filled her ears.

And then all hell broke lose.

"Commander Spock!"

Since his arrival on earth, Spock had been addressed many ways. When he had originally enrolled in Star Fleet, his name had been spoken with both curiosity and anger. He had expected both. As the first Vulcan to choose to permanently inhabit Earth, his presence was something of a rarity.

When he had chosen to remain at the Academy as a tutor until the Enterprise was completed, those calling to him had changed their tone to respect. Some still spoke with irony or disgust, yet Spock paid them no mind. Humans were entitled to their misdirected anger. As he had not caused them any offence he had deduced that they were uncomfortable with his species.

That he could not change. Nor did he have any desire to do so - even if it were scientifically possible.

Yet, since his arrival on the terrean planet, none had addressed him with such a tone of fear. It was only this that caused him to turn.

He had given his last lecture of the day. His presence was no longer required within the academy. He usually spent these 'half days' in his quarters mediating. On these occasions, should a student or staff member ask him for assistance, he would politely tell them to book an appointment with him the following day.

Two cadets were running towards him, their faces showing panic. This was also a new occurrence. Turning fully, Spock waited until they reached his side. He knew who they were. Two above average students studying xenobotany. Was there a problem within the botany labs? This would explain their hurried pace and fearful expressions.

"Commander! A replicator in the canteen is going to explode!" One cadet shouted, skidding to an abrupt halt next to him.

Spock raised an eyebrow in question.

"Explode?" He asked carefully. He knew from experience that humans tended to exaggerate stressful situations. The cadet nodded vigorously. His friend stepped forwards.

"Sir, it's oozing dark smoke. I could smell it burning even as we ran to get help. I think a female cadet did something to it" He said in a rush. Spock nodded. He could understand the cadet's concern. It was highly possible that a component had shorted inside the appliance. This could lead to ignition in the most rare of cases, but it was certainly something he needed to investigate.

At this hour, the canteen would be filled to its capacity with cadets on their lunch break.

"I understand your concerns. Please go and inform the maintenance department. I shall see if I can assist" Spock said, and without another word stepped around the two men. He heard their hurried footsteps as they sped away to do what he had asked.

It did not take him long to reach the wide corridor that lead towards the canteen. Students had already begun to vacate the room, hurrying past him with anxious expressions on their faces. Spock increased his own pace slightly.

As he approached, the stench of burnt wire casing and plastics assaulted his nose. There was a lot of noise ahead of him, and he heard a female cadet scream. He increased his speed to a quick jog moving around the now increased number of students rushing from the canteens open doors.

A loud snap echoed from the room, followed by a faint but high pitched ringing. Spock then realised the severity of the situation.

He broke into a run.

In that brief moment of stunned silence, Uhura fancied she could almost feel the sudden pull of oxygen around her, the molecules being forcibly pulled towards the appliance as the smoke curled and ignited with relish.

Letting out a started yelp, Uhura threw her arms towards her face, her elbows bent and hands clutching the back of her head as heat engulfed her. There were screams from the others in the canteen, chairs hitting the wooden flooring in shock as people pushed themselves to their feet and attempted to run.

Dancing blindly backwards, the back of Uhura's calf caught against the overturned leg of a plastic chair, and she felt herself falling. She landed awkwardly, the small of her back hitting the ground before the rest of her body did.

Winded, Uhura rolled herself into a sitting position. Instantly using her hands to push herself upright.

The canteen had seemingly come alive with movement. Students and Staff all abandoned their meals or posts to head towards the exit. Uhura forced herself to her feet, gripping hold of the over turned chair and half throwing it under the closest table. If another cadet tripped over that chair, they would be caught under the stampede of bodies and feet attempting to escape.

She had to do something to help. It was her fault the replicator had malfunctioned. She had overheated it, even when she knew it was not functioning properly. She would not let another student become hurt because she had allowed her anger to rule her judgement.

The smoke was becoming suffocating. It had darkened to an almost impenetrable black, rolling in large toxic waves from the wall. Dropping onto her knees, Uhura reached upwards to tug the brightly colored scarf Gaila had tied around her ponytail, almost ripping the soft fabric as she pulled it loose from an intricate bow.

Then, she flattened the scarf and folded it in half, wrapping the material over her mouth and nose and tying it firmly with a knot at the back of her head. She was never going to deny Galia anything ever again.

Squinting her eyes, Uhura began to crawl forwards - making sure she kept close to the wall. It did not matter if she was heading away from the doorway (it was impossible to see through both the choking smoke and the blurred forms of bodies rushing past her). If she kept hugging the wall, she would eventually find the exit. The smoke had not yet risen to the high ceiling. When it did, it would lower to the floor.

She had time. All she had to do was keep moving.

The high pitched and repetitive ringing of the fire alarm abused her ears. She could no longer hear the panicked yells and frighten screams of the others in canteen. Perhaps they had all gotten out? Surely those two cadets that had left before the replicator had exploded had managed to reach help? There would be dozens of officials all heading towards the canteen; maintenance crews, medics, those trained in dealing with emergency situations. All she had to do was reach the main doors.

Her outstretched hand landed on something soft.

Jerking her hand backwards, Uhura squinted her eyes through the dense smoke, trying desperately to focus on what ever was in front of her.

It was a body. A male. He was laying on his stomach, head turned away from her. She couldn't tell who it was.

Not taking the luxury to think about her actions, Uhura boosted herself to her feet. She stepped over the man's still body, dropping herself down to hook her hands under the man's armpits until she slid her arms around his torso.

Then she pulled him upright with as much strength as she possessed, her arms straining under his weight. She managed to make three steps backwards before her knees gave way, sending them both heavily towards the ground.

Coughing desperately, she raised one of her hands to brush the tears away from her eyes. Growling in frustration, Uhura scooted herself backwards, balancing her self on her rear-end and gripping firm holds on the man's shirt, pushing her feet against the floor. She slid backwards a few inches, dragging the unconscious cadet along with her.

He was too heavy! There was no way she would be able to make it to the doors like this. She couldn't even see her own hands in front of her, she was completely blind.

The smoke stung her eyes, filled her lungs, curled and burnt against her skin. She knew it was toxic. Chemical fires always were. Wire casings had ignited; the plastics and metal sheeting would be releasing a poisonous vapor into the air. If she stayed here any longer, she would lose consciousness. She would be no help to anybody if that happened...but, there was no way she was going to leave this man behind to save herself.

But what was she supposed to do?

"Somebody HELP!"

Screaming seemed to be the only option left. Taking in a deep breath – her lungs burning in protest, Uhura let out a very loud and very long cry for help. Her mind flashed with a memory, the last time she had felt so desperate she had had no choice but to scream. Somebody had saved her then...swooped out of the darkness to literally pluck her from the brink of death.

She needed him...desperately needed him.

"SPOCK!"