She Is But a Child
Chapter Eleven
"Vul'U'Sa"
While waiting for their meal Spock recited the lyrics to 'Pata Pata' to Nyota. She instructed him to place his own hands on his larynx to see if there was any variation between his vocalization of the clicks and what he had felt when she sang. He analyzed his rendition compared with his total recall of her's and made the corrections himself. Then he repeated his recitation. Afterward hearing himself aloud, he expressed his concern in regard to a Vulcan being able to do the song justice, since the song is emotionally charged.
"Cadet Spock, that is true about the song, it overflows with joy, you are indeed a quick study!" was her comment.
"Indeed," was his truthful reply.
She thought to herself, 'Once you understand that such comments are statements of fact, not displays of pride you are no longer offended.' She would have to take that matter up when her department met again.
Their conversation during the meal proved to be a revelation for Spock. For example, his instructor was a vegetarian like himself, she never drank soft drinks but always ordered water with lemon with her meals. She rarely ate anything after nineteen hundred hours and she jogged six days a week. And from a professional standpoint, from a very early age she had set her sights on a career with Star Fleet. Her goal, an assignment on a star ship; In her particular case, The Enterprise. It was her wish to be assigned to the bridge as a communications officer-perhaps even head of that department. It would be a first for a female officer. This was the most personal conversation they had ever had.
They agreed their next session would have to include comparing their compiled information and techniques. They were still trying to work out a proper name for the discipline and how to present their findings to the school board. Under this more relaxed atmosphere much had been learned on both sides.
Guardedly he told her a bit about his background and how from an early age he also had the desire to explore the stars.
Just before they were to leave. She looked up and said, "This has been a pleasure, Cadet. Thank you for your invitation."
His response was a nod as he rose to pull her chair out for her.
They walked back to the campus with Nyota doing most of the talking, gesturing with her face and hands. She was a most demonstrative communicator. The focus of her one-sided communication was their martial arts project. Spock appreciated her desire to find a name that would draw attention to the origins of this combined discipline instead of to themselves. She tossed around several names, but stated none she had thought of were truly satisfactory. Spock nodded. "Sir, may I make a suggestion?"
"By all means, Cadet, after all this is a joint project," she said..
Spock stopped and she had to sort of back-peddle to be able to look up at him.
"Would the name "Vul'U'Sa- be satisfactory? The name combines the two sources for this discipline-Vul, for Vulcan, U for United and Sa for States African or United States of Africa.
"That's genius!" she said most enthusiastically, "Positively geniis!"
At their next session, they started using the name Spock suggested in their verbal and written references. He felt she was very generous when she stated that his name would appear on the submission to the board and the accompanying manual.
The session ended when she landed on a improperly placed foot. She moaned in agony as she attempted to limp to a bench located on the perimeter of the gym floor. She was bent over almost double and was not able to see the glimmer of concern in Spock's eyes.
"Begging your pardon, Sir," was how he prefaced his rescue. Scoping her up, she let out a gasp. "This is necessary, Sir. If we were in a combat situation you would not object. If it will serve as a justification for my actions you can imagine phaser fire or photon explosions as we make it to the bench where I will attempt to determine the extent of your injury."
Kneeling before his 'patient' Spock's extremely sensitive fingers held the tiny foot in his hand. He moved it gently, there was no crackling sound, no grinding of bone. He straightened up and bowed his head to make eye contact, as he addressed her, "Your injury is painful, but not severe, you have sustained a sprained ankle. I will find some ice to reduce the swelling.
She nodded in recognition of the validity of his assessment,.
Spock returned with several ice packs and water-proof tape to anchor them to the injured foot. After applying the remedy he looked up and saw her sigh deeply.
"How will I get home?" she asked.
"Sir, don't attempt to stand, I will return shortly."
Spock went to the facilities' office and told them what had happened. The office manager contacted the medical bay and requested the loan of a wheel chair and a pair of adjustable crutches. While awaiting their arrival, Spock went back to explain why there was a delay and then left to retrieve both items.
He returned to the office he found the articles had been delivered. He signed the receipt and swiftly wheeled it to its waiting passenger. He saw her face brighten as he approached.
He said, "Sir, I will assist you."
"My chariot awaits me," was her comment.
"I am not familiar with that expression," was his response.
Shaking her head, she explains, "A chariot is an ancient means of transportation. In this case, my wheelchair."
"Yes Sir."
"Do you know the instructor's building? That's where we will be going."
"Yes Sir."
Her guitar case rested securely on her lap, with the crutches on top, her bag was draped over the arms of the chair as they started across the campus. When they approached the building Spock discovered that there were six steps to negotiate. Looking up to the level of entry he saw several benches.
"Allow me," he said as he swept Nyota into his arms again. "battle conditions, combat zone" he said as he climbed the steps and deposited his commanding officer on an awaiting bench. Turning he said, "I will retrieve your articles and the chair.
Bounding down the steps two at a time he reversed the process and in no time wheeled her to the lift.
"What floor, Sir."
"The penthouse, was her reply.
"Excuse me Sir."
"The top floor Cadet."
When they reached the top floor and exited the lift she instructed Spock to turn left. Apartment 512 please.
There was an embarrassing silence as they stopped at the door.
She keyed in her entrance code and said, "Cadet, It appears I am still in the battle zone."
As the door swished open he said, "Yes Sir."