Chapter Seven

'What Would a Roomie Do?'

Nyota shouldered her bag as she disembarked from the public transport. As she made her way to the dormitory buildings she heard someone shouting nearby. Someone loud.

"Roomie!"

After no one responded the voice got even louder.

"Nyota, wait up."

Nyota stopped on the path, the wind whipped her hair and it blew into her face. When she was finally able to view her surroundings, she saw that her roommate Gaila had suddenly appeared before her.

Grabbing Nyota's elbow, the Orion pulled her to one of the benches and breathlessly announced, "They have the cutest males here! Normally, I wouldn't make such a statement - it's sooo out of character - but I'm simply overwhelmed!"

Nyota shook her head, trying to make sense of this meeting, these statement and the wide-eyed person sitting beside her,

"Excuse me…Gaila?

"Oh dear, did I put you in overload? Where are you heading?"

"I have several assignments to complete and reading that I have put off."

"Well sorry roomie, you won't be getting them done right now. You must accompany me somewhere. You don't want me to get lost do you?"

Nyota looked at Gaila who at that point was looking at her with 'puppy dog eyes'.

"You won't get lost Gail, there are maps. virtual tours and verbal instructions available at kiosk scattered all over the campus."

"But that just the point, Roomie, I want to go off campus to make a few purchases."

Nyota rolled her eyes heavenward.

"How much time will this entail?"

"Depending upon how 'rapid' rapid transport is, not more than an hour."

By now, Gaila was pulling Nyota towards the West Gate,

"We're going to have such fun!

"How many people have you met so far Gaila?"

Stopping long enough to count on her fingers, she announced, "Fifteen."

"And not one of these qualify to receive this questionable privilege?"

"No, you are uniquely qualified. We share a bathroom.'

Shaking her head Nyota said, "I've set my comm for one hour. Then there will be an alarm and I will go home."

"I will not allow you to drown out the joy of our first shopping day."

"What are you going to purchase anyway?"

"Can't tell you. I'm not sure myself."

"So, we're going on, what we Terran's call a 'wild goose chase?'"

"No, not exactly, I know what I want, but I don't know what I will find."

When they exited the transport they were at Fisherman Wharf. Nyota had just left this place a little while ago - right after telling Amanda and Spock that she was going to do homework! Fortunate for her, that pair had vacated the area fifteen minutes prior to her arrival.

Gaila was checking addresses as they walked briskly down the pier.

"We are almost there," she said as they passed a large bakery.

Nyota eyes glazed over when Gaila took her hand and literally dragged her up to an establishment with its name flashing in neon lights, 'Madam Amour's Love Emporium'. This did not bode well. Not well at all.

Nyota shook herself free and said, "I'll wait for you outside, on that bench."

"Goddesses," Gaila lifted her eyes heavenward in supplication, "Do not tell me that you have matched me with a prude. After all, it takes a great deal of time and effort to re-educate such a person."

After finishing her 'prayer' Gaila purred, "If your don't come in with me, I will be forced to fantasize and use my imagination to make a purchase for you. There's no telling what I might find here that might be of use to you ... 'Best Friend'."

Nyota's shoulders slumped, her chin rested on her chest as she is led into this establishment, with its garish displays and questionable wares promoting what she felt to be irresponsible behavior ... What would her mother say?

There were seats by the door and Nyota settled into one,

"You said, I just have to come in."

"Yes," Gaila answered as she smiled, "But you have to go into the fitting room to tell me how I look."

"Don't they have mirrors?"

"Yes, but unless you're there I won't have the scandalized look on your face to use as an indicator of what I really look like. You will be my barometer."

At this point Nyota wished she could take on the face of a Vulcan, but already a blush was rising to her cheeks. 'Four years of this ... oh my...' was Nyota's thought as she followed her 'Roomie' to the rear of the store.

`0`0`0`0`

Spock and Amanda reached his room. and she settled on the couch, took one of the throw pillows and said,,

"Spock," said Amanda as she settled on the couch and adjusted a throw pillow behind her head, "I think I'll take a little nap while you are gone."

"I shall endeavor to return as soon as possible."

Before Spock could finish his sentence, Amanda had already fallen into a light sleep. Spock thought for a second of her value, she loved him unconditionally, and that love had motivated her to talk seriously about his future. That earlier conversation was a good thing. It would help him to focus, to plan a precise strategy. He would be Nyota's confidant, her protector, her counselor, her guide - but not her lover - for as long as it would take. That latter category would take years, but he was prepared to invest that time to secure what he wanted most.

His brisk walk to the administration building allowed himself time to settle himself. He scheduled to have a talk with Captain Pike. It was important that he understand exactly what was ahead of him so he could plan accordingly.

`0`0`0`0`0`

Spock's presence was anticipated and Captain Pike had taken out notes and plans revealing that Starfleet's newest flagship, the Star Ship Enterprise, was on budget and on schedule. But Pike was about to request of him something he had not anticipated.

"Spock, I want you to head up the computer programming for the ship."

"That is indeed a compliment Captain. But, I am the youngest member of the computer staff here at the Academy."

"Yes, I realize that. Maybe your appointment will turn a lot of heads, but I know you're over-qualified even for a job of this size."

"How will this affect my teaching schedule?"

"I won't lie to you Spock. It will be challenging. You can work in stages; start whatever programming you can through the Academy's computer systems and then upload as the systems are completed. It won't be necessary for you to be aboard until the end of the final stages of construction, which will dovetail perfectly with the upcoming two semesters. Do you think you'll be able to handle this?"

"The only restraint would be time. Though I would be able to function at more optimum levels in both areas if I had a Teaching Assistant. That person could review the submitted papers, grade them from a master sheet I would provide, and enter this information into the Academy records. All activities would be under my supervision.."

Captain Pike waved his hand dismissively and said, "So pick one. I see no problem with that. If you run into a snag, let me know. It'll be fixed."

"Thank you for your confidence Sir, and for that avenue of relief that I will immediately avail myself of."

"Do you have anyone in mind?"

"Do you object to the choice of Cadet Uhura to assume this position."

"The 'whiz kid'? Her talents and abilities are exceeded only by yours, Spock. You two mirror one another. I see great potential for her as I did in you. You'll also be able to nurture her talents during her time as your assistant. It's a 'win-win'. Dismissed Lieutenant."

'What an excellent turn of events'. Spock thought to himself, wondering if he should share the news with his mother. Well ... certainly the first part, his appointment to head up the programming on the Enterprise would be welcome news for his mother. As for the other part...

He would only share that information with the only other party involved. His Nyota.

`0`0`0`0`0`

Spock wondered if he should contact Nyota and ask her to come bid farewell to his mother, AGAIN. Perhaps not. That would be higly illogical.

As he approached his rooms, he thought of his father for a brief moment. How would he react to this situation? He had courted his mother, a Terran and won her. When people from different background were joined there was always a period of adjustment. Two species, even more so. He could not foresee his father disapproving when he, his son, was following the same path. To eventually be bonded with a Terran female. Since this goal would take many years to reach fruition - if ever - perhaps he would have that conversation with his father one day.

Amanda's eyes were still closed when Spock entered the living space. After passing through that room and entering the kitchen, he took out the teapot, placed Jasmine leaves in the infusers and prepared to make two cups of tea. The place was silent until the kettle whistled and he heard his mother's voice.

"Yes, I would very much enjoy a cup of tea."

"It shall be ready shortly."

"Did your appointment give you the results you anticipated?"

"Very much so mother. In fact, the results exceeded my antidipation. Captain Pike has picked me to design and program the computer system for Star Fleet's newest flag ship, The Enterprise."

"Oh Spock, that is indeed an honor."

"Indeed it is mother."

`0`0`0`0`0`

With ten minutes to spare, Nyota and Gaila made it back to their room. Nyota did not even want to touch the packages Gaila carried.

"Roomie, I think we had a wonderful time together. You were an excellent fashion commentator. We will go shopping for you next time."

"Our taste in clothing is quite ... different. And since I wear a uniform each day, I really don't see the need for more than two pair of pants, preferably jeans, and two casual and one dressy dress - all of which I already have. As you can see, I have lots of room in my side of the closet."

"Well, if you're not going to use it ..."

"Just put something between our clothes so we don't get confused."

"I am quite capable of counting to five, Roomie - thank you very much! But, I still think I'd be an excellent partner for you to go shopping with. Nyota, you are outstandingly beautiful. If I was a man, or a woman so inclined, I would set my sights on you.

Don't hide your intellect or your beauty, Roomie. I certainly don't intend to."

`0`0`0`0`0`

Amanda was sipping her tea and she looked at her handsome son and thought about Nyota...and Spock, 'Their children would be a wonderment.' She then excused herself with the thought 'It's just a grandmother moment.'

"Mother, "Dif tor-heh smusma." (Live long and prosper)

My Son, "Sochya eh dif'. (Peace and Long Life)