Claustrophobia

Chapter Thirty-four

Spock and Nyota had settled into their seating aboard the embassy vessel that would transport them back to earth. Nyota was thrilled that she was returning to class even though she had tested out. She missed the interaction that the classroom setting provided.

Graduation was two and one half weeks away. The programs had been printed and Nyota had noticed there was a guest speaker that would address the graduating class. In addition, plans were in place for the graduation ball. Spock had said he would attend, as a matter of fact he would accompany her.

For some students it was cram time and Nyota had made herself available to assist any student who requested her services. She did not work with any student in Spock's classes, fearful of any repercussions. Sometimes she tutored in the library, other times in near empty mess room, while the staff was present or outside on the quad. She preferred to work with females, but at times a male ended up being assisted.

So it was that on this particular afternoon, she was seated on one of the benches, in broad daylight awaiting the appearance of her last student of the day, Cadet James T. Kirk. He was this graduating class's 'Casanova', or so he thought. Nyota had noticed how he could elicit a sigh or other reaction from most of the females just by a glance in their direction. She had to admit that he was indeed handsome in an unpolished way, but he lacked social graces due to the fact he did not have to use them in pursuit of a female for they literally fell over themselves to try to get his attention. In that area, many females succeeded but it was with short term results. For it was in the area of continuing interest in an individual female where Kirk proved lacking. For some reason, he had never attempted to get her attention, maybe it was she didn't appeal to him, or maybe it was a race thing, but she was grateful to not have been the object of his attention. None the less, Nyota was pleased that she was in such an open area in which to conduct any interaction with him.

He approached her with his messed up hair, she thought perhaps that was very much an indication of a contact of short duration with a female student before his arrival for tutoring. He never walked anywhere, he swaggered. His greeting was,

"Hi doll face."

Noticing the look on her face he stepped back with his hands up in defense,

"Ok, Ok, sorry Cadet Uhura, I take that back. Are you ready?"

Pointing to the pile of books beside her she nodded in the affirmative.

He responded,

"Let get started then."

She had to admit the cadet was brilliant. His knowledge of the subject to be tested was quite amazing. Nyota wondered when he had time to study with all the dormitory gossip that matched him with multitudinous cadets of various species. She also could not understand why he had sought out her services, he certainly did not need them.

Once they had finished Kirk sat back on the bench with his legs in front of him, crossed at the ankle. He did not leave as Nyota anticipated.

"Did you know you are considered the most beautiful cadet at the Academy?"

"I cannot agree with that assumption. My judgment on appearance is not clouded by hormonal imbalances or unbridled libido."

"Is that how you think we males have come to such a conclusion?"

"I have no interest in that 'How'."

"Listen Cadet, I am not trying to hit on you, just fill you in on a few facts.

For me, I had never met a person of color until I came here to the academy. Unfortunately, I am not alone in that, shall we say 'inexperience'. Some of us who are Terran come from either small colleges in obscure places or small towns. You are one of the few female cadets of color in the entire academy. When I first saw you I almost collapsed, your appearance was so beautiful, I was stunned. But you were so different. I questioned myself, 'How would she be different from a blonde or brunette? All the parts are the same. But you carried yourself like royalty, untouchable and although all these male cadets would love to have you, all of us had stayed back because you are different…beautifully different."

She heard Spock's voice through the bond questioning,

"Are you safe Nyota?"

Nyota returned mental message described where she was and with whom, then went back to talking to the cadet.

"My people still hold females in high esteem. At one time children were promised in marriage at an early age, but that practice has not been in force for hundreds of years. However, the Bantu people, Wakagunzi clan do not treat their sexuality in casual ways. We are interested in stable families untainted by scandal or irresponsibility. If there is the appearance of being untouchable among the Wakifunzi woman, it is because that is in fact, the case. It is our tradition."

"What happens if the female does not comply?"

She loses a lot, most of all the opportunity to have a husband and family within the clan. She is no longer a viable candidate for marriage to a Wakafunzi male. Our clan has descended from warrior kings, and is the most powerful one in the United States of Africa. We serve in many high governmental positions, are noted educators and inventors. We successfully network, so the possibility of gaining a coveted position, job or post would become quite limited as an outcast. Family is very important to us. I guess for us it could be called a 'national treasure'"

As Nyota talked she noticed Spock walking towards her and smiled.

Kirk looked at her and said,

"Yeah, you are right, 'a treasure'. I was not so fortunate to be born in your part of Terra. I grew up without a biological father, an absentee mother and a brutal step-father. I guess I too am a product of my environment."

Looking at her with an almost smile he got ready to stand.

"Cadet Uhura, it has been a pleasure 'doing business with you'".

Hh turned to the left as Spock approached, both of them stood and saluted, and responded,

"Good afternoon Sir."

Spock nodded and returned the salute.

"Good afternoon Cadets Kirk and Uhura."

Without any further interaction, Kirk nodded, turned and walked away.

Spock looked down at Nyota and sent,

"He has a reputation."

"Yes, but I think that he is a troubled individual. His initial address was not proper, and was corrected and from that point forward did nothing untoward, but I welcome your presence."

Controlling himself and resisting the urge to caress her face,

"Does a visit to The Embassy appeal to you?

"How did you spring that?"

"Spring?"

"Manage."

"My father called the Academy and requested my presence and since you had performed such a fine service for Vulcan previously, he asked that you accompany me."

"Now, that is 'a kicker'.

"Kicker?"

"A brilliant idea."

"Indeed."