Chapter Four- Academy Years: Voice of the Past
A year. It's been an entire year since Jim, Bones and I started at the Academy and I find myself in a rather confusing moment in my life. Rumors around this place spread like wildfire, and apparently Leon and I are a couple. I don't even know what the hell that means. Leon explained it to me of course, and the both of us find amusement in the accusations. We actually went as far as to never deny the accusations, but at the same time we've done nothing in the change of our friendship to make people think we are in one.
Ru-Chan and I have continued our training sessions, our second semester opening up more free periods where we both used our time to practice. Hikaru often remarks about my abilities being far beyond the normal capabilities of someone in Advanced Combat. Surprisingly enough, Wallace has grown to respect me as a fighter, even using me for demonstrations on certain types of fighting styles for his newest students.
Jim and I. Well, things have seemed to become strained since our fight at the local pub. We still talk, but he seems to hold some sense of anger toward Leon and Hikaru. I don't get it. He's with a different woman almost every other week, and they continue to throw themselves at him, even when they know the relationship won't last.
It's early in the morning, about 0445, twilight having passed over in the last hour, the horizon slowly lightening to a softer, deep blue. The early morning stars still twinkle in the sky, my gaze never leaving the view, even as I lift a cigarette to my lips. The newest recruits are arriving today and I have been asked by Admiral Archer to show some of the new recruits around the campus.
"I believe taking such toxic chemicals into your body will soon hinder your abilities, Cadet," a calm voice breaks the silence, my thoughts fading to the back of my mind.
Glancing over my shoulder, I don't bother standing to attention at the man dressed in the black uniform worn by instructors. His black hair lies on his head, not a single hair out of place. His face is as blank as my own, his deep amber eyes free of human emotions. My eyes trail over his features, taking in the pointed ears, his stiff posture and his tall stature.
"If I wanted an opinion on my health, I'd consult a doctor, sir," I reply dryly, my gaze shifting back to the slowly brightening horizon.
"You do not care about your health?" his monotonous voice questions, and if I didn't have the inate ability to read deep beneath the lines, I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to catch the curious tone hidden beneath the voice.
"Something tells me that smokin' cigarettes isn't going to be the result of my death," I state carelessly, shrugging a shoulder for effect.
"Strange. You are unlike any human I've met," he states, causing me to roll my eyes.
"Is there a reason you've come to bother me in a moment of solace?" I question, not bothering to hide the sarcasm in my voice.
His hands move to rest behind his back, his posture straightening, if it is even possible, "I usually come here to contemplate many things. It is strange to find a human awake at such an hour."
"Well, seeing as though I'm not exactly human, your statistics is still clearly correct," I shoot back without hesitation.
A silence falls over the two of us, but it doesn't last long before he finally asks the question I am sure is just beneath the surface, "What is your name, Cadet?"
"Kyra McCloud, sir," I reply softly, glancing over at the strange alien.
"Cadet McCloud? Captain Christopher Pike speaks highly of your abilities in combat, as does Commander Blake Wallace," the man replies, his tone never wavering from the emptiness of emotions.
Something about this conversation has me feeling like I've finally met someone with the same problems as my own, "Ye' seem to know a lot 'bout me, sir, an' yet, I know nothin' of you."
"I am Commander Spock, I teach Xeno-Linguistics," he replies automatically.
I nod, "Spock? You're the half-Vulcan I've heard people speak of. That explains it."
"Being a half-Vulcan gives you an explanation to unanswered questions?" he asks, his eyebrows barely knitting together.
I grant him another nod, "Aye. I'm not exactly at ease with most Humans, in fact there a very few I hold in regard, but most don't seem worthy of attention. I was simply wondering why I haven't become overly annoyed by your very presense. I would've already turned my back on this conversation."
"So, if you are not completely human, what are you?"
My gaze moves back to the light lavender sky, "I don't know, sir. Through my experience, I've come to understand that I'm just not human. My mother was, that much I know, but I've never known my father, nor anything else about me except my name, my mother an' the fact that I'm not completely human."
"How strange," he replies, our conversation ending in a comfortable silence.
Taking a step back, I turn and nod respectfully, "If ye excuse me, Commander Spock, I'm afraid I have some things to do before my day starts. It was nice meeting ye', sir."
I don't wait for a response, I'm actually doubtful I would've gotten one, as I turn on heel and make my way from the area. Returning to my quarters, I ignore my sleeping roommate and slip into the showers, getting ready for my day.
"Ah, Cadet McCloud, you've made it," Admiral Archer greets as I step outside, looking over the eager faces of the newest recruits. "Everyone, this is Cadet Kyra McCloud, one of the Academy's most respected Combat students as well as a master at Technological By-Pass Sequences. McCloud, these are a few of the recruits that have shown an interest in your majors."
As Admiral Archer leaves, I turn to glance over the many recruits once more, before my gaze falls onto a pair of familiar gray eyes, which widen slightly in recognition, "Alright, introductions will be made later, since I really doubt I'll remember any of your names anyway. My name is Cadet Kyra McCloud, an' like Admiral Archer has stated, I major in Advanced Combat, Technological By-Pass Sequences, Strategy an' Logistics, as well as Telemetry an' Tactics. I am not hear to tell any of ye' that everythin' at the Academy will come easy."
Stepping back, I motion for them to follow as I continue, "Many of the Academy students ye' will hear have already made a name for themselves, most of them positive, while others may not be as positive. It is up to each of ye' to find your strengths an' figure out which course is best suited for your abilities."
"This is the main hall, which contains many of the Admirals' studies, an' of course the Mess Hall. As ye' see here," I point to a map on a screen in the middle of the Entrance Hall, "Each of the main buildings pertains to a different area of study. Ye' have the Science an' Mathematics building, Combat an' Physical Assessment building, this 'ere is your Engineering Building, and 'ere is the building for Linguistics and Analysis Building."
Pausing, I step around the map, "Ye' each should have already received your PADD, which will contain a similar map already programmed into your information. Each of the buildings has subdivisions and halls pertaining to different areas of studies within the main courses."
"Miss McCloud," I glance over at my shoulder toward a shy looking red-head, "which building holds the dorms?"
Turning to face forward, I continue walking as I answer the girl's question, "The dorms are held off campus, actually right across the street. Now, I'm sure ye already had the regulations cited to ye' before or durin' your arrival, so I'll skip the pretense that ye' don't know wrong from right."
I turn on heel, causing the small group to stop, "Now, each of us are considered adults, so I am not goin' to baby ye' an' hold your hands. My contact is placed in your PADD in case ye need any help, but do try to use the brains placed within the empty space between your ears. I have some duties to attend to, so I'm goin' to part ways with ye'."
"If ye' do need any help, feel free to ask questions, but please keep in mind, that as a fellow student in her second year of study, I am a busy person," I state, giving them each a pointed look.
Watching them scatter, I shake my head and start my way out of the main hall, "Ki-Ki!"
The familiar nickname causes me to look up, my gaze once again clashing with a pair of gray eyes. Shaggy brown hair framing the soft, round face causes me to relax. A soft smile forms on my lips as I gaze upon the wide grin and before I know it, I feel my body pulled from the ground as a pair of arms wrap around my waist.
"It is you! You have no idea how much we all missed you," the young man states, laughing as he sets me back on my feet.
"David Wilson," I greet with a nod, ignoring the passing whispers, "It has definitely been a while. How have you been?"
"Great. Mattie's married to a young artist attending a local art school," David says, going further into detail as we make our way through the court yard.
Listening to all of the exploits, I find myself shaking my head at the insanity of the two brothers. David takes the time to tell me his dreams of doing something more with his life, his main studies being Tactics. I smile at the idea. David is one hell of a genius. I mean, I've met smarter people, but this Human definitely has the potential for becoming quite the tactics adviser.
"Ki-Chan!" a familiar Californian-accented voice calls out, causing me, and David, to look up from our conversation.
Hikaru rushes along the pathway, ignoring looks, greeting me with a wide, knowing grin. His dark brown eyes land on David and I watch as a sense of hesitation forms on his features. David, going back to his old routine, stands straighter, his shoulders squaring up, his eyes looking over Hikaru with an assessing gaze.
"Ru-Chan, this is David Wilson, he's an old drinkin' companion from the pub Jim an' I visited frequently while we lived in Riverside. Davvy," I motion toward Hikaru, "This is Hikaru Sulu. He's a fellow classmate in my Advanced Combat course, but he's aiming to become a first rate pilot."
David's stance relax as he extends his hand, "Nice to meet you."
Hikaru shakes David's hand briefly before glancing back at me, the wide grin forming on his lips once more, "Wallace stopped me this morning and wanted me to inform you of a fighting tournament being held next week in Sacremento. He is insisting the both us to sign up for it."
I can't stop the small grin that forms. A tournament definitely sounds like an interesting time. Knowing the calling I get toward fighting, I find myself nodding in agreement. Maybe these tournaments will give me a chance to meet another like myself.
"Sounds good. Sign me up," I state softly.
A cheeky grin appears on Hikaru's lips, "Two steps ahead of you there. I already signed you up."
A laugh leaves my lips as I shake my head, "I swear, one of these days, I'm goin' to really kick your ass, an' you'll regret it."
"Maybe you'll get the chance at the tournament," Hikaru shoots back easily.
David lets out a deep chuckle as Hikaru leaves, promising to meet up for our training session, "You seem to have made a strange friend in that guy."
"Aye, but I have a feelin' he's not the only strange friend. Ye' have yet to meet Leon," I state, laughing softly as we continue our way toward the Tactics building, our conversation switching to the new 'friends' I've made.
"So, what's new with Jim?" I fight the urge to sigh as David pauses in his question, "You haven't exactly said much about him. You two are still friends, or did you two finally have a messy break up?"
A cynical laugh leaves my lips, "Are ye kidding? In time, you'll hear all about the relationship I'm in with Leon, an' the rumors of Ru-Chan an' I having 'training' sessions. Jim an' I have been havin' some trouble lately. He seems to always be a little irritated by the fact that I never deny the rumors."
"You don't? You know that's only going to encourage them," David comments.
Shrugging, I open the door to the Tactics building, "Why should I stop talkin' to my friends or enjoyin' myself just because the Humans around 'ere have nothin' better to do than spread rumors?"
"Well, you ever stop and think Jim might be a little jealous?"
This time my laugh came out like a wolfish bark, "Jealous? James T. Kirk, jealous of me? Ha, please. That man is with a different woman every other week. Women who happen to be less intelligent than myself an' definitely easier on the eyes."
I pause at the end of the court yard, "Look, Davvy, it's nice to see ye' again, but I am actually on a tight schedule in the mornin', so if ye don't mind, I'll catch up with ye' in the Mess Hall during dinner break."
"What about lunch?" David asks, pausing in step beside me.
I fight back another urge to sigh, but this one not being in disappointment, but rather exasperation, "I'm afraid, I have other duties to tend to during Lunch Break."
Ignoring the other students, David leans down and places a friendly kiss on my cheek, "Alright dear, I'll see you at Dinner Break."
Smiling I walk off, realizing once again rumors are going to start flying around this place. Entering my Strategy and Logistics class, I take a seat at my usual desk and pull out the respective PADD for this class.
Hours pass before I hear the dismissal for Lunch Break. With a sigh, I make my way down the winding halls before knocking on a door. Hearing the command to enter, I step inside the room and instantly the man behind the desk sits up straighter.
"Ah, Cadet McCloud, I have a new assignment for you," the older man states.
Staring blankly at the man, I take the chip he hands me before slipping it into my extra PADD. Reading the data that appears on the glass, I feel my body tense up as my gaze runs over a familiar word.
"You understand what this is, do you not?" he questions, leaning forward, his elbows resting on the desk, fingers laced together, supporting his chin.
Looking back up at the light blue eyes of my superior officer, I clench the PADD firmly, my heels meeting together as I stand straighter, "Ye' have no idea what this means, but I thank ye'."
"Just see if you can make something of that mess of information and get back to me before you make any rash decision," the man suggests, motioning to the information on the PADD.
Turning, I pause before the door, "If this information is what I think it is, I cannot thank ye' enough, Captain Pike."
"Just remember, none of this leaves this room, Cadet," he replies, as if he needs to tell me.
Finding a secluded spot beneath the shade of a tree, I touch the PADD before reading the beginning of the information.
Subject 051: Results of the growing child within the womb have shown brainwave patterns far surpassing that of already completed Subject 049 and 043. We have a strong belief that if everything goes as planned, we will have successfully created the Alpha.
Subject 051: Subject has turned rogue, disappearing from base. We are unable to track Subject 051 or the Alpha child. We have strong belief to begin searching in the Centurian Galaxy before we start searching further from the planet. Orders are to terminate Subject 051 on sight and extract the Alpha child.
This...this is impossible. My hand clenches around the PADD tightly, fury slowly flowing through my veins. Good God, Pike can't honestly think-
"Well, hello, gorgeous," a sneering voice breaks through my thoughts and I bite down on my bottom lip as I move to my feet.
I have to get out of here before something happens. A hand grips my wrist as I try to walk away from the three men, whom are well known for harassing fellow Cadets. My body tenses, the fury pulsing through my veins starting to burn with a heated possession.
"I suggest ye' let go of me before I make you," I hear myself growl out, the familiar voice echoing from my lips a tone I haven't heard in many years.
"Now, now, if you're willing to give a new recruit a shot, why not us? I'm sure McCoy won't notice," the second man says, his hand running over the back of my thigh.
With a practiced ease, I pull my elbow back with enough force, hearing his air leave his lungs. I fight down the urge to break his neck, my breathing becoming heavy. Closing my eyes, I try to shake off the fuzzy feeling I haven't felt in a long time when stars seemed to fill my vision, a stinging sensation tickling my left cheek. A sweet, metallic taste fills my mouth, tickling my taste buds and my mind swirls into darkness as a growl echoes inwardly in the back of my mind.
"Seriously, she seemed really cozy with one of the new recruits. I don't even think I've seen McCoy get that close," a passing voice whispers, causing me to stop mid-step.
"As if McCoy isn't enough, she has to pick up a new puppy to follow her around," a second girl whispers between giggles.
I glance over at Bones and I will definitely say I'm a bit confused at his lack of interest. His girlfriend has been seen with yet another guy. Damn, I love Kam to death, but even I don't date two women at once. Nudging Bones, he sends me a glare as I pull him from whatever thoughts he was in, and I turn to the girls.
"McCloud's at it again, huh?" I ask, watching as both girls turn toward me.
Their eyes brighten almost instantly, the red-head giggling, "He's a new recruit and she actually let him kiss her, which is so completely weird."
My body straightens up at the new found information, "Kiss?"
"Yeah, right in the middle of the court yard. She doesn't even perform any PDA with Doctor McCoy," the brunette answers, grinning widely.
"Isn't it weird, I mean, McCoy has been with McCloud for almost a year and some new kid gets further than he does with her," the red-head continues.
"Hey, isn't that McCloud?" I follow the brunette's pointed finger in the direction, and I feel McCoy tense beside me.
Sure enough, Kyra is seated down beneath a tree, her wide-eyes focused on whatever is on her PADD. She's completely oblivious to the three surrounding assholes, but one of them must have said something because she stood suddenly, moving to walk off. I cross my arms over my chest, knowing I shouldn't involve myself as I watch one of the three grasp her wrist. She can take care of herself. It's something I know she's capable of, but something is off.
Before I can react her fist slams into the stomach of the man behind her and as if thoroughly distracted, she misses the oncoming blow.
"KAM!" I yell out as her body stumbles back from the blow, a familiar crimson substance coloring the corner of her lips.
"What the hell is your problem?" I hear McCoy sneer, as I grasp Kyra's shoulders, staring at the blank face, eyelids closed.
Seeing as though I'm don't major in Combat, I soon find myself on my back, my eyes shutting as my back slams into the ground. As cool fingers grip my throat, my eyes snap open, staring at the familiar steel gaze. Seeing McCoy try to take a step forward I choke out a command for Bones to stay where he is.
"Kam!" I choke out, grabbing at the firm fingers gripping around my throat, "Kam, it's me, JT," the steel gaze hardens, eyebrows narrowing. My hand reaches up out of instinct, cupping her cheek softly. Using my thumb to brush away the red substance dripping down the corner of her lips, I watch as the steel gaze swirls back to the silver-violet I've always known. "Kam. You have to snap out of it."
The fingers around my throat release me as if I'm fire, her usually passive gaze contorts with a wide, shameful glint, "J-Jim?" She seems to launch her body away from me, giving me the ability to sit up, my hand coming to massage my throat. I watch silently as she rushes to her feet, her body uncharacteristically off balance as she grabs her PADD and before I can say a word she's already dashing through the court yard.
"Damn it, Jim. What the hell was that?" Bones asks, pulling me to my feet.
Brushing myself off, I glare over at the three men, "I suggest you three get your asses out of here. Trust me, you're lucky you three aren't dead."
The three scatter and I turn toward Bones, his gaze of concern causing me to sigh, "For as long as I've known Kam, she's always had a problem controlling her anger. She's usually in complete control over a fight, but there are times, if her anger is too high, or if she's unable to fight it back, she blacks out."
"Please tell me you're joking when you say those three are lucky to be alive," Bones questions.
Smiling weakly, I shake my head, "I wish I am, but I've seen her go into blind rage. It's not pretty, that's for sure."
"She seemed in complete control over her actions," Bones states, causing me to look up at him, "It was like she didn't register who you were. Her actions were precise, which isn't anything like anger issues. If she has anger management issues, she'd go into a blind, chaotic fury, rather than the cold, calculated fury she was just in."
My mind swirls around the words leaving Bones's mouth. So, it isn't anger management. Then what is it? Thinking back to a few moments ago, I realize Bones is right. Kyra didn't recognize me at all.
Turning my gaze toward the doors Kyra rushed out of, I feel my heart become heavy, 'What are you hiding from me, Kam?'
'Jim! What the hell was I thinking?' I curse myself as I speed down the roads, weaving between the vehicles in front of me.
'You've been fighting what you are for a long time, Pup.'
I turn sharply at the sudden voice filling my thoughts, barely missing an oncoming vehicle, as I turn down a random street, 'What the hell?'
'You know who I am, Pup. You've felt me before. Remember the real reason behind your survival on that death trap of a planet.'
I feel my eyes widen, remembering the burning sensation filling my body. Something firm slams into the back of my motorcycle, my body instinctively releasing its grasp of the vehicle. Flipping myself out of instinct alone, I land on my feet, staring at the bike.
"Ki-Chan!"
I barely register the familiar voice and nickname as I stare down the oncoming vehicle. I close my eyes as I jump, feeling my body slam into glass. The metallic scent of blood fills my mind as my body rolls over the frozen car, my back hitting the solid ground. A ringing sound fills my ears, blocking out any sound as I watch unblinkingly as someone pulls open the visor of my helmet. Familiar brown eyes of a Japanese-descendant man stares down at me in horror.
"N-no hospital." I plead, feeling a warm substance stick to my back.
Darkness swirls before my vision.
'Ye' really are gonna get me killed one day.'
'One day, when everyone else fails, you'll see what we were truly meant to be.'