Of Romulans And Warrior Kings
Chapter Ten
Sun Spot
Nyota hated to be in the spotlight. She did not mind excelling in any field, in any endeavor, that was the way she was programmed, or was focused. But those accolades were procured in a classroom setting. This was a case of a spotlight focusing on her alone. She felt uncomfortable.
As she approached the chancellor's office, she heaved a deep sigh and her steps faltered ever so slightly. When she saw the Commander, with the book under his arm, waiting for her she became fully aware of exactly what was ahead of her and thought,
'This event hopefully will be just a small dot on my life's canvas. I will be able to deal with it.'
With that thought she proceeded to the entrance door.
"Good morning Commander."
Placing his hand on the door he said, "Good morning Cadet. Shall we proceed?"
"Yes Sir."
The receptionist gestured to the seats in the waiting room and announced their presence. The voice on the other end instructed,
"Please send them in."
Dr. Price was a short, human with sparkling blue eyes, mixed blond hair and a pleasant smile. Dr. Price nodded, he does not forget protocol, there was no extended hand to either of them. "At ease," was his statement. As they settled into the offered chairs he asked,
"Commander, what can I do for you today, and I think an introduction is in order."
"Yes Sir, this is first year cadet Nyota Uhura, one of our 'Fast Track' students. She brought an extraordinary find to my attention. Please allow me to explain the value of what was discovered. The fields of science would be affected only as far as dates are concerned. The perception of a world famous person would be involved. Because there is no way to determine the mind set of the person involved there will be questions raised that will remain unanswered. With those points in mind allow me to let Cadet Uhura present her finding.
Nyota stood, straightened the front of her uniform, cleared her throat, and started.
"Sir, this is a case of accidental discovery. Spock held up the book and handed it to Nyota. I am presently involved in research, in an attempt to find a common thread between all the despots I research. One such person was Adolf Hitler, Terra, Germany circa 20th century. The discovery is not in the contents of the written work but in the end page of the publication, that I am grateful that the process of preservation did not destroy.
The chancellor's look turned to puzzlement. She handed the book to him turned so that the spine was in a horizontal position.
"Sir, notice, along the spine, indentation that might have been taken for the normal reaction of paper to glue or wear. It was here that I made the discovery."
With those words she handed her magnifying glass to him. Spock produced the rubbing he had obtained. The observer squinted, his forehead then displayed several furrows.
A low whistle was heard as the chancellor exclaimed,
"This is unbelievable! This is the rubbing that came from these indentations?"
Spock took out his lead pencil and another piece of paper and produced a fresh specimen and handed it to Dr. Price who handled it gingerly between both thumbs and index fingers and read aloud, 'Ich war hier, Berlin, 1927, Albert Einstein, ein Jude und wissenschaftier, nicht mindewwertig E=mc2. 1901
(I was here, Berlin, 1927 Albert Einstein, a Jew and scientist, not inferior. E=mc2, 1901)
Dr Price's almost jovial statement was, "This was his 'silent protest,' he, a pascifist, poked fun at the elite Nazi party by the defacing of their 'holy book, by him, a Jew." This book is volume one and was published in 1925, volume two in 1926 Einstein left Germany and immigrated to America in 1933. His reference to his theory with the date 1901 also indicated an earlier discovery, his most unique signature does look authentic."
Uhura questioned, "There was a time when he doubted his math, is it possible he had it right and then second guessed himself?"
Dr Price commented, "That is quite possible since he attempted to validate his hypothesis by data from a total solar eclipse, while he had it right all along. It took him twenty years to come back to his original findings. Thus, the Nobel Prize in 1922. This is an interesting revelation."
He stood and rubbed his head, then seated himself looked straight at Nyota he continued."Cadet, your diligence is noteworthy, and that quality will be noted in your school record. I would like your input as to where we go from here. While it is true the book is the property of the Academy, the discovery is yours."
Nyota looked up with a look of apprehension and turned to Spock.
"Sir, would you mind if Lieutenant Commander Spock spoke for me?"
Price turned to Spock he said, "Proceed."
Spock requested permission to stand and it was granted. Dr. Price indicated he understood Spock's lecturing posture, which allowed him to move while he talked.
Spock's hands are steepled as he proceeded. He picked up the book, he felt possession of it added weight to Nyota's conviction.
"Sir, the Cadet's sensitivity to this time in Terra's history has come into play here. She believes any revelations would perhaps dig up memories of this very dark time in Terran history. This would be especially so toward any groups that had been special targets of this madman and there are many. She hoped that a moratorium could be placed on any revelation of this information. Our revere of Dr. Einstein would not be affected by this move. But time will allow for the continued solidification of all the people of Terra. This is what she stated is her wish in regard to this discovery."
Spock then returned to his seat.
Dr. Price rubbed his chin, then his forehead.
"That is certainly selfless of you Cadet, especially in view of the notice you could receive when and if this information was published."
Nyota's reply startled Spock.
"Sir, my people put into practice the thought that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or even the one,"
Dr. Price nodded and said, "This information will be revealed to just a few persons here at the Academy. Your wishes will be considered and I will contact both of you within this week. Thank you Cadet Uhura for bringing this matter to our attention instead of to an outside media. You are both dismissed"
Nyota replied, "Thank you sir."
Spock nodded and gestured for her to exit ahead of him.
As they exit the building, Spock looked at Nyota's profile. She appeared pensive. There is no way for him to know if she was troubled so he asked.
"Cadet, you appear to be anxious. Is there some way I can be of assistance?"
Nyota looked down at her feet and then raised her eyes to meet his,
"I feel so conflicted. On the one hand, the discovery made me feel like I have contributed to history. Imagine that." With that statement she was silent for a while. And then continued,
"On the other hand, it is not an earth shaking happening. It won't cure any fatal disease, or even the common cold. With my discovery we still have wars. Although hunger is a thing of the past, There are other issues, equally important that will remain. It is really not an important finding at all. Just an oddity. It doesn't deserve the accolades or recognition that one of those truly beneficial discoveries should have. After all, it doesn't address a real need. I want to be able to supply a need in some time in my life. Excuse me Commander, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable with this emotional outburst or make you feel I am not appreciative of your assistance. Please forgive me."
Spock replied, "There is no offense, if none is taken. It would be best if you allow the Academy to determine the worth of your discovery. Your estimation of its value is tainted by your natural reserve. I am sure, this will never be what you will be judged by in the future."
"I would hope so," Nyota said with a sigh. She then looked up at him and thanked him again.
"You have served to be my comforter today. Thank you, Sir."
His reply was, "You are most welcome Cadet Uhura."