A tank top and a rolled up engineering coverall always been the perfect combination especially when it got hot near the machinery. I started small with the tactical ensign. I always start small when it comes to teaching. A cruiser is small enough. Chekov and I are underneath the cruiser as I pointed out what was what. I told him, "I want you to give it a routine check up. I am sure you read about cruisers and starships whenever you can, am I correct?"

Chekov's flouncy curls were pushed up by a headband but they still seemed to bounce when he nodded, "Yes, ma'am."

I reminded him, "I know I'm your commander but you don't have to call me ma'am."

He was about to open his mouth but I stopped him, "Or commander. Just Sara, Pavel."

He nodded once more. I watched him start the check up for the cruiser. He seemed to be a natural at this. I am not sure why he didn't choose engineering as his division. I decided to ask, "Why haven't you chosen engineering as your division instead of command?"

Chekov plugged in a tricorder into the main system. He answered, "I do enjoy engineering but I prefer to be in the front lines."

I gave a nod to his answer. It's respectable. You'll go with what you feel more comfortable with and would enjoy till your end of your Star Fleet career. Something or shall I say someone hooked their foot into my roller and pulled me out of underneath the cruiser. My eyebrows raised when it was my brother. I tilted my head, "What do you need, Spock?"

Spock scoffed, "I need to speak with you."

Before I opened my mouth to tell him to go ahead, he interrupted me, "Alone."

I licked my lips before nodding, "Alright."

I turned to the young ensign. I called out to him, "Chekov, I will be stepping to the side for a moment. Please finish up that diagnostic. I will be back to check on it."

Thick Russian accent called out, "Aye, Com- I mean Sara."

I pulled myself up. Holding out an arm to gesture the way, I let Spock go ahead first. I followed him till we were in his quarters. I thought when he wanted to speak with me alone was to the corner. Not to his quarters. Once the doors closed behind me, he turned to me. His weight shifted side to side as for the first time Spock seemed uncomfortable and not sure what to say. I asked, "What is it Spock? You can talk to me. I am your sister."

Spock and any other green-blooded Vulcan would deem it inappropriate to go into another Vulcan's affairs but he couldn't help himself. It is his little sister. His little twin sister. His only female figure in his life, living. Spock's voice sounded uncomfortable, "When... When was the... Last time you... Went through..."

His words started to trail off. I started to pick up on what he was asking. I know now why he wanted to go to his quarters. This is not talked among others and it is secretive that even my family shouldn't know about each other's. I finished for him, "You mean my Pon Farr? It has been..."

I calculated the last time I had it. The first time was certainly when Serock and T'Aerial induced my Pon Farr for their benefit. I was so young. It was before Star Fleet. I've been in Star Fleet for 6 or so years. I felt my throat go dry. I asked, "Why are you asking all of the sudden?"

Spock looked away at a photograph of the two of us as children. Mother wanted us to wear matching sweaters. Spock hated it but I relished in his embarrassment. Spock's voice came out worriedly, "You mentioned you had it before and... I am worried considering you do not have a mate. I noticed you been hanging around the captain more than normal."

I held up my hand gaining his attention. I see where he is going with this. I sighed, "I see where you are going with this, Spock. Who I choose to help me through this time would be my decision. It would be a non-platonic relationship. And just that alone. I cannot afford to be in a platonic relationship. Especially not after Serock."

Spock let out a huff. Spock pointed towards the door where who knows where the captain is, "He cannot be on the receiving end of this. Do you know how he got the Orion cadet to get into our program?"

I turned my heel, "It's none of my business, Spock. Just like my Pon Farr is none of your business. I can assure you I will not die from this."

Spock watched his sister leave his quarters. He ran a hand through his bowl cut hair. The strands gave him a messy look. Spock will be worried if his sister cannot find someone to help release the passion.

I shook my head. I understand his concern but it isn't of his concern. How I will deal with my Pon Farr would be only my business and possibly whoever the poor victim to my Pon Farr's business. My head seemed to be in my thoughts. I didn't see an incoming person. A pair of strong hands grabbed my bare upper arms to stop my person walking into them. I felt an electric current run through me. A deep voice interrupted my thoughts completely, "Woah there. Easy. You seem distracted."

I met with a pair of icy blue eyes. The heat raised to my cheeks lightly. The previous conversation between Spock and I surfaced again. I cleared my throat, "I had a conversation with my brother."

Jim chuckled, "I can see how that would distracts you. Want to grab a cup of coffee?"

I nearly forgot about Chekov in engineering. I declined, "I'm sorry Captain but I left Chekov by himself doing a diagnostic on a cruiser."

Jim felt his smile fall down by a degree. He smiled nonetheless. He held out his arm for me to hook my arm through his. Jim suggested, "I shall walk you to engineering then, Commander."

I was about to slip my arm through his but I kept my arm to my side. It isn't appropriate. Jim saw the hesitation but didn't say anything. He stayed beside me as we walked to the lift. A few times I swore I felt the back of his hand lightly touch the back of mine. Jim cleared his throat to breath the silence, "How is the young Chekov in his lessons?"

I smiled slowly, "He is doing quite well. He has a knack for it. If he ever wants to help in engineering after his scheduled shift, he is more than welcomed to. Scotty, I would think, would not be opposed to it."

Jim nodded, "That's good. I'm glad."

The lift doors opened the engineering. Scotty hovered over the young Chekov with his P.A.D.D. Jim piped up, "Ah, Mr. Scott! The very man I need to talk to."

I raised an eyebrow. Jim stepped away from me. My right side was void of his warmth. I stepped out of the lift joining in the three's conversation. A very excited looking Chekov looked like a child was giving the toy they wanted for Christmas. Scotty had his arms crossed but a smile was on his face. Jim turned to me, "It was actually all T'Saraphina's idea."

Both men turned to me. Scotty gave a nod but Chekov one upped him. His arms wrapped around my torso in place of a hug. My eyes widened, "Pavel..."

I hesitantly patted the kid's back, "I have seen how you work and it is remarkable. I only want what is best for you."

Chekov pulled away with a big smile on his face, "I must tell Mr. Sulu!"

I interrupted him, "You're dismissed, Chekov."

He ran off to tell his best friend. I'm happy for the young kid. I crossed my arms looking where the kid ran off to, "I sometimes forget he is only 17 years old. Very much a child."

Scotty wagged his finger at me, "Ye left the boy by himself when ye should be teachin' him."

I turned to the scotsman. I answered in a hardened voice, "I was with Commander Spock. He needed to speak with me about personal matters. On my way back, I bumped into the captain. Now if you excuse me I must turn in. My shift ended a few minutes ago."

Scotty looked between the captain and I. He narrowed his eyes before leaning towards me. His voice came barely a whisper, "Mind tellin' me what's wrong?"

It is one thing I let my brother in that I already have Pon Farr but I do not want anyone else know of Vulcan's mating ritual. The secretive mating ritual that could drive a Vulcan insane for a week and if not sated could die. I frowned, "I do not think I could tell you of my personal matters, Scotty. It is what it is. Personal matters. Now I'll be leaving."

Jim raised his eyebrows at that statement. Scotty licked his now dry lips. He never had me shoo him off like that. The two men waited till I left before they spoke. Jim was the first, "She seemed to be..."

Scotty filled in his sentence, "Distant? A Vulcan not her self? Not lettin' me, her best friend, in on what is wrong? I could keep goin' , captain."

Jim stared at the lift where I entered not too long ago. Jim breathed out, "Has she ever...?"

He trailed off. Scotty shook his head, "Nae. She never to me."

Jim could feel something is wrong. Something is starting to be different. He will find out. He doesn't want the woman to seem distant and hesitant. He started to notice her from when he first saw her coming onto the energizer pad. The light particles was starting to clear way to show her dust speckled face in distress. He saw how strong the halfbreed could be towards her family and what she strives for. The sandy haired man doesn't like seeing the once strong woman become hesitant and away from people. For now, he would observe how she interacts with others who may be around her age. She seemed fine when she was interacting with Chekov.