Yay! I had time for another chapter between organizing for the movers on Monday. I really shouldn't have but...don't tell my husband ;-)

The ground was coming up fast and all she could do was hold on. She looked over at the Commander, but he was face down on the counsel, green blood covering him. She reached for the controls, but was held back by her harness, she clawed at the buckles but was unable to loosen them only succeeding in snapping her nails off. With her bloody fingers, she called out. 'Commander! Commander Spock! Spock! Please!'

Spock heard Nyota's screams and jumped up, running into his charge's room. She was thrashing in her bed, her sheets soaked through with sweat and tears rolling down her face, frantically calling his name. He took her shoulders in his hands and gently shook her before quietly calling her name.

"Nyota, Nyota. Wake up. You are having a nightmare. Nyota." He gave her a firmer shake and her eyes opened as she frantically grabbed at him.

"Oh god, you were dead. I think you were dead. We were falling so fast and I was stuck in my seat, I couldn't reach the controls…." Her voice shuddered and she dug herself deeply into his arms. "Your head, it was on the control panel and you were bleeding, I couldn't wake you, I called your name. Over and over…" He ran his hand up and down her back, shushing her as his mother did to him as a child when he had a bad dream.

"You are fine. I am fine. It was a bad dream. You are still traumatized by our crash. You must give yourself time but you will be fine. I promise." He laid her back down and looked at her. Her eyes were wet and swollen and with every other exhalation, her breath would catch. "Do you require a glass of water?"

She nodded. "That…that…would be…yes, please."

He rose but she didn't let go of his hand. "You must release me if I am to fetch some water."

She took a deep breath. "Sorry." And she let go. Spock went into the kitchen area and retrieved a glass of water. He knew she was still in shock despite her earlier demeanor of calm and acceptance. But he wanted to believe she would get past it quickly. And in the light of day, she could. But when sleep overtook her, her subconscious released all her fears. And losing him must be one of them. He went back into her room and found her standing by the window.

"I guess those northern lights never stop." She didn't turn to him. "They're so beautiful, you know? Who'd of thought they'd trap us here?" Nyota finally turned to her Vulcan, because that is how she thought of him, and took the water. "Thank you."

"Do you think you will be able to sleep?" He queried.

She shrugged. "I know this is totally inappropriate and I know you'll think I'm crazy, but please, can I sleep with you tonight? I just don't think…I can't be alone." Her voice was so small and her face so sad Spock did not think he could not say no to her.

"Nyota, I am your teacher and your superior officer. You are correct in your assessment that it is inappropriate…" He trailed off as her bottom lip began to quiver. "You may share my bed tonight. But only tonight. I realize just how traumatized you are and it would be best if I were close at hand should you have another nightmare."

"Oh, Spock. Thank you." She went to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "You're all I have now." He closed his eyes and rubbed her back.

"Nyota, do not despair. As I told you, Captain Pike will not stop until he has rescued us." He spoke into her hair and felt her nod.

"I know, but right now…just right now, your it."

At that moment he realized just how young she was at 20. And how frightened she must be. As a star fleet officer who had served upon a star ship, he knew the dangers that accompanied a commission. But Nyota, she was a second year student who had only been off planet on a school study trip. She was not yet prepared for the pitfalls that might befall a member of a star ship. He had to be more aware of her fears, of her needs. She was his responsibility and he would not let her down.

Nyota slept deeply and dreamlessly. She felt safe and warm and at peace and decided she didn't really want to wake up. What was it that the Commander said, sleep until you wake up. So, she closed her eyes tightly and wound her arms and legs around the warm body that…her eyes flew open and she realized with start that she was hugging Spock close, her head was on his chest and her legs were entwined in his. She lifted her eyes and looked up at his face. There was a shadowing of his morning beard on his chin and his eyes were closed, his long, thick lashes hitting against his face. He was so beautiful.

Spock was dreaming. Something he did not often do. He knew he was asleep and he knew he was dreaming, however, he did not desire to wake yet.

He was on Vulcan with his mother and his pet sehlat, I-Chaya was chuffing at his hand, leaving trails of drool. His mother laughed and turned, motioning for Nyota to join them. She shook her head.

'I do not wish to intrude, this is for Spock, not me.' He tilted his head and held his hand out to her.

'You must come to the caves with me, I need you.' Nyota smiled and nodded.

'If you need me, I shall come…'

He felt her stir next to him, nuzzling deeper into his arms. Spock opened his eyes and was greeted by her cool, smooth body on his. She smiled up at him.

"Good morning."

Spock stiffened as he realized she was practically lying on top of him, her legs entangled with his, his arms wrapped around her, keeping her close to his chest.

"Yes, good morning." He stiffened. "I…"

"I'm sorry, here." She moved off him, missing his heat almost immediately. "I hope your legs didn't fall asleep. You're so warm, I guess I just moved to you in my sleep."

She rose, pulling the tee-shirt down that had ridden up under her breasts. "I'll see about getting some tea started after I've washed up."

"Thank you. That would be most appreciated." His voice was strange to him. He had slept with woman before, woken up in their presence. But it was very different with Nyota. He had noticed the young woman the first moment she had entered his class. Of course he had read her transcripts. A language prodigy, an over-achiever, motivated. And she proved all the records correct.

She was esthetically the most pleasing Terran female specimen he had ever seen. In one way, she was very exotic. She reminded him of the most beautiful Vulcan females without their cold demeanor. One could never refer to Nyota Uhura as cold. She had the warmest energy he had ever experienced. Which was why, although her features were so striking, there was a familiarity about her that made him feel…comfortable.

When they had picked the names of students to partner with on this trip out of a crystal bowl, he had originally chosen Leonard McCoy. And he was fine with the dour doctor, they had actually developed a friendship of sorts as McCoy was older than the cadets in is class and could not really relate to them. But his fellow instructor, Professor Knightly, was not very pleased with his choice. Nyota Uhura.

"Spock, please, trade with me." He begged. "I like the girl, really I do, but come on, man. She's a little too much of an over-achiever for this old man to handle."

Spock looked at the Xeno-ethics professor. "I am sure the point of this exercise is to…"

"Spock, please…" The older man whittled.

"Fine, sir. I will take Cadet Uhura and you shall have Cadet McCoy." He handed the Professor his chit.

"Thank you, Commander. This old man owes you plenty." He smiled as he made his way to give his exchanged chit to the exercise organizer.

He was pleased, although he knew it was an illogical reaction. The whole point of this exercise was to teach. And one could teach any student assigned to them. But as he and Cadet Uhura already had a agreeable student – teacher relationship, this would be…agreeable as well.

Now the guilt was weighing on him. Again, he knew this was illogical, but because he changed chits with Professor Knightly, Cadet Uhura was now trapped in a time flux with him.

Spock shook his head and rose from the bed and grabbed his uniform. He and Nyota had changed into tee shirts and loose pants to sleep in, which was apparently the uniform the colonizers had in bulk. And depending on the amount of time they were here, would become their uniform as well.

Nyota smiled up at him as he entered the kitchen and handed him a cup of hot tea. "It's an herbal blend I found in the store house this morning. It smells good. I've never seen so many freeze dried products. I mean, with replicators there isn't much need of this process, even if you are a colonist. This is fascinating."

"I am relieved to find you in better spirits. Are you truly feeling well?"

She thought about it for a moment. "Yes, I am. At least for now. Thank you so much for letting me lean on you. I don't know…that dream, it just got to me."

"As I told you, you are still traumatized. As am I. We lived through a shuttle crash. We are stranded on a planet that cannot be seen. But I am confident that Christopher will find us. He is quite tenacious."

"I know, I just feel so juvenile. I'm a grown woman, a Star Fleet cadet and look how I fell apart. Would you or any member of a star ship act that way?" She asked.

"But, Nyota, you are not yet commissioned on a star ship. You still have two years at the Academy. Once you graduate and are stationed upon a star ship you will have a clearer idea of the hazards of life in space in the service of the Federation."

"You really do make me feel better." Her smile was dazzling and Spock held onto his cup a little tighter.

"I suggest we review the reports left by our predecessors as we have our breakfast before we set off for the shuttle."

"Umm hmm, sounds like a brilliant plan. Spock?" She peered over her cup.

"Yes, Nyota?"

"Do you think it would be alright if I took another shower? I mean, I had such a rough night…"

Spock almost chuckled at her expression. "As we are not on a star ship and water is very abundant, I would find no fault in showering as much as it pleases you."

Nyota did chuckle. "I know you're right, but I feel strange using more water. Even at the Academy we're on water rations and we have to use the sonic shower half the time."

"It would appear there will be no need for any rations and there is not a sonic shower in any of the abodes that I could find." He countered.

"I suppose I could stay here for a short visit." She went to the stove that Spock had started with a solar battery the night before and opened two bags of what appeared to be a version of oatmeal. "You know, I can't believe all this stuff still works. I mean, it's hundreds of years old, right?"

"You are correct, however Dr. Saunders noted that he kept his machinery updated regularly. He also compensated with the knowledge that anyone who might be trapped here would have to deal the time rift." He answered her.

"Hmm, right." She stopped before adding water to the pan. "Do you think we'll be here years?"

"I believe we may be here for some time, yes. However, I no point of reference to hazard a…guess at how much time will elapse for us." He noted that she simply nodded and resumed compiling their meal.

On the Intrepid…

Amanda sat on a small bench and looked out at the wide expanse of space, her eyes never veering far from that patch of space that didn't quite look like the rest. It jiggled…or wobbled as she was told. Was that an official term, she wondered?

"Lady Amanda?" Chris Pike had seen her earlier and went in search for her, wanting to assure himself that she was alright. He had to admit, if only to himself, he had a small crush on the woman that was his protégé's mother. "Are you doing alright?"

"Hello, Christopher. I am well." She patted the seat next to her. "So, you were supposed to keep an eye on my boy."

"Lady Amanda, I have no idea how this happened. But I will not stop until I find your son and Cadet Uhura." His voice was filled with contrition.

"Christopher, I was joking. I know you have only had my son's best interest at heart. And I know you are his best friend as well as his mentor. He adores you." She took his hand. "Please, I know you will do everything in your power to get them back. As will his father."

"Yes, Ambassador Sarek. I've not had a chance to speak with him privately regarding this."

"He and several of our Vulcan physicists went straight to the science department. He had information to share with your people. I was actually about to call for that nice ensign to take me to Sarek. He hasn't eaten since we left Vulcan."

"I can take you, Lady Amanda." He rose and offered her his arm.

"Please, Christopher. Amanda, my name's Amanda." She smiled up at him and Chris felt his heart jump. It seemed to be true, the good ones were taken.

"Thank you, Amanda. Your husband is this way."

Back on Eden…

It took all every ounce of control Nyota had to not fall apart again. They could be here months and only days would pass in their real universe. Or years in a matter of weeks. She felt as if she were in a really strange dream. Not a nightmare, Spock was here. Not a single thing could be really bad if Spock was around. Oh my god, she thought, I'm in a life altering situation and I'm focused on my crush. I must really be in shock.

She took a deep breath and concentrated on making some breakfast for her and her Vulcan. Oh good god, get a grip, girl, she chastised herself with roll of her eyes. This isn't some fairy tale, you are trapped on a planet where years may pass and your family and friends will never know. You could die and shrivel up before they find you. Her breath was coming in short gasps and there were small expositions behind her eyelids and she found she couldn't move.

Spock came up behind her and gently wrested the package from her hand.

"Cadet. Look at me."

Unable to move, she made a strangled noise.

"Cadet! Nyota." Spock turned her to face him, his hands on her shoulders. Instead of trying to talk her out of her panic attack, he merely pulled her into his arms and held her tightly.

"It may take some time, but we will find a way back to our universe. You will not be alone, Nyota. I will be here." His voice was soothing and Nyota let herself relax into his arms.

"I'm scared, Commander."

"I know, Cadet, I know." Spock sat her down on the nearest chair and proceeded to make breakfast.