Chapter Five

The first two weeks of the second semester were as much the same as the first several days, Spock had noted. Each morning, Cadet Zuria Nibiru would arrive several minutes early to class, giving them time to discuss the subject matter which they had been studying, or to simply converse about how their evenings had been; strictly impersonal discussions, of sorts. He still had yet to discover her thoughts on non-Vulcan related topics.

Spock had woken fairly early, even by his standards. He had prepared himself for the day and now sat meditating in his room. He could think of nothing more soothing than meditation; as a Vulcan, he knew that little else was. He needed the calm that the practice brought, as his Advanced Vulcan Studies class only added to his already sizeable workload.

Within what seemed like hours and seconds, Spock was forced to open his eyes and gather his things; a short process, to be sure. The walk to the Advanced Vulcan Studies classroom was only several moments longer. When he arrived, he was met with the sight of Cadet Nibiru, who stood by the window, gazing out.

"Greetings, Cadet."

At the sound, she turned from the window, her eyes meeting his. "Good morning, Professor." She greeted, a small grin taking hold of her lips. "How was your evening?"

The conversation began just as he had anticipated. "It was fine, thank you. And yours?"

Zuria's grin slowly faded away. "It was… acceptable." She responded. Spock's eyebrows knit slightly at her answer, and he nodded.

"I am sorry that your evening was less than enjoyable." He apologized, setting his things down on his desk.

"Oh, it wasn't that bad. Nothing to warrant an apology, at least." She assured him, her smile reappearing. Spock simply nodded. He was actually slightly surprised that her evening had not gone well; she looked quite well. In fact, she looked very well.

Clearing his throat, Spock asked her: "What are your opinions pertaining to the piece of Vulcan literature I assigned yesterday?" They had just begun their study of Vulcan writings, a subject which had been received with very mixed responses by his students.

"My opinions?" She repeated back as a question. "Well, I, for one, enjoyed it greatly. It's so different from human literature."

"In what ways do you mean?" Spock inquired, thoroughly interested in her response.

Zuria paused for a moment to think. "It's not the emotions that rule the text. There are subtle hints of feeling that accompany the logic. I find that interesting." She replied, moving to her seat.

"I am pleased that you find the subject interesting; many are not capable of observing the hidden emotion within the words of Vulcan literature."

She laughed at that. "My roommate calls me a bookworm. I think she would be sorely disappointed in me if I had been unable to pick up any minor details about something I was reading."

"I see." Spock acknowledged, bowing his head momentarily. Cadet Nibiru was intelligent and deeply engaged in his class. Inhaling, he posed his request to her.

"Cadet, might I persuade you to stop by my office after classes conclude? There is a matter which I long to discuss with you."

Confusion took hold of her face, but she nodded. "Sure. Anything you need, sir."

This ended their discussion. Students entered the room within seconds, and class commenced.

Spock could hardly say that his day had been eventful. After ending his Advanced Vulcan Studies class (one in which he knew Zuria had much to say), he had transitioned easily to his numerous physics classes and his Advanced Phonology class. He had also acquired many completed assignments from each one of his classes, adding at least ten pounds to the weight of what he already carried as he made his way to his office.

Gathering the papers into his left arm, he lifted his hand, pressing it against the scanner for computer recognition. The door swung open several moments later, granting him access. Entering the room, he set the stack of papers onto his desk. There was a knock on the door about five minutes later.

"Computer, grant access." He said. The door slid open, admitting Cadet Nibiru to his office.

"Good afternoon, Cadet." He welcomed, turning to face her. "I am pleased that you are here."

"Thank you, sir." She responded, glancing about curiously.

"I suppose that you are wondering why I asked you to see me after class."

Zuria nodded. "Have I done something wrong, Professor?" She questioned.

Spock shook his head. "No; quite the opposite, actually. As I am sure we are both aware, you are doing exceptionally well in my class."

"I'd prefer to be modest about it, but yes, I suppose I am." She replied with a grin.

"There is no need for you to be modest about your interest in and academic commitment to a subject." Spock told her, clasping his hands together behind his back. "I would, in fact, like to utilize your enthusiasm, should you be willing to accept my request."

"Ok. What's your request?"

"I am… very busy. I have much work to do involving my many classes. It would be most relieving to have assistance with this work, for at least one class." He explained. Zuria's face showed comprehension.

"You want me to be your aide?" She asked.

"If it pleases you, then yes. I would greatly appreciate it." He answered. He watched as Zuria ruminated briefly on the subject. He had thought to endeavor to understand the more subtle things that she showed as she made her decision, but decided against it in almost the same moment.

"Well then, sir, I'm glad to inform you that it does please me. I'd love to help." She accepted, though her expression had shifted from one of comprehension to one of mixed thoughts and emotions.

Unclasping his hands, Spock took a step towards her. "Excellent. Thank you very much, Cadet. We may meet tomorrow to further discuss what your position entails." He informed her, extending one of his now free hands. She took it, the brush of her hand against his a completely foreign (though hardly unwelcome) sensation.

"Oh, by the way," She began as they shook hands. "Call me Zuria."

Pulling his hand slowly away, Spock straightened his uniform. "Zuria," He spoke her name slowly, carefully. "It now stands to reason that I grant you permission to call me Spock."

"Alright, Spock." She started, testing out his name. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Farewell, Ca-… Zuria." He said, escorting her to the door. As she exited, Spock raised his hand, examining it; wondering at the strange, faint tingle he felt where her hand had been.

"Fascinating."

Hey guys!

So, I should definitely apologize. Last week was absolutely insane; exams, graduating, and graduation parties have been keeping me away from writing, much to my dismay. I was only able to start on this chapter yesterday. However, much to my delight, I have finished it! I have to babysit several times within the next few days, but I am hoping to have an update posted no later than Friday.

Hopefully you all enjoyed the chapter! Reviews act as a sort of incentive for me to keep writing, so please just drop a comment of some sort... with the exception of flames. I'm not personally a fan of those.

Thanks for reading!

-Harley