Getting to Know You

Chapter Two : Can't take My Eyes Off of You

Spock

He sat in his small office, really more a cubicle, in the Linguistics Lab and played back the recordings made by the students in this semester's Advanced Phonology course. Many barely lasted ten minutes, often containing totally unintelligible words in what the students obviously thought were languages they were fluent in. Pacing was off, tonation incorrect, syllable accent wrong, pronunciation often so far from correct that he had trouble even guessing what word or language was meant. Some of these students would not last even until mid-terms.

There were a number of students, however, who had successfully completed the assignment. A few were exceptional. He began to review the records of the students who seemed likely to complete the course successfully - there was no reason to waste time reviewing the others. He liked to form his own opinion before reading those of other instructors. As anticipated, all those whom he had chosen to review were majoring in xenolinguistics and tracking towards Communication Officer. Among these was the young female cadet with whom he had spoken at the end of the first class. Her marks were excellent, she stood near the top of her class. Scanning her record, he noted approvingly that she already was fluent in a good number of languages and was learning several more in independent study. Perhaps she would benefit from some additional conversational practice. This was something he had shared with other excellent students in the past.

Upon completion of his record scanning, he checked the display set into the side of his desk to note which students were currently in the lab. This time of evening, there were not usually many present. Only one tonight - Cadet Uhura. Perhaps now was the time to inquire whether she wished to practice conversing in the languages she was learning. He rose and strode towards the cubicle where she sat.

Nyota

Having finished all the labwork for the courses she was enrolled in, she accessed one of the self-study language courses she was currently working on and cued up the next lesson. Eyes unfocused, she began to repeat words and phrases, listening carefully to the recorded voice. It took her a while to realize that someone stood near her shoulder. Turning her head, she observed Commander Spock turning as if to leave. Quickly she tapped the 'Pause' on the cheek mike and called out to him. "Commander Spock, was there something you needed? I realize it's late, but I thought the lab was still open.." Her voice trailed off as he turned back to face her again.

"The lab is open for another hour. That was not what I intended to discuss with you, but I hesitate to disturb you when you are so engrossed in your work." He paused. Had it been this difficult to make the same offer to other students? He thought not. "In reviewing your records I noticed that you are proceeding with several self-study language courses that are not currently taught at the Academy. In the past when I have had students this interested in obscure languages I have offered to assist them in conversational practice. If you are interested in this, I am willing and have available time on Thursday evening or Tuesday afternoon."

Well, that was unexpected. She considered. Conversational practice in some of these languages would certainly be hard to come by. "Thank you so much, Commander, that would be a great help. I am free Tuesday afternoon after 1400 and also on Thursday evening. Whatever time you can give me would be much appreciated."

"I will expect you in my office at 1400 next Tuesday then, Cadet." Nodding slightly, he turned and strode out of the lab.

He's JUST a bit strange. But then, he's Vulcan. Nyota tapped the control on her cheek mike and resumed her study. After completing the current lesson, she packed up her belongings and headed for the dorm.

***

It was Friday afternoon and Nyota sat in the almost deserted Library. Even though it was the first week of class, she was fully back to her normal schedule, spending most of the day on Friday in the library studying. She had reserved the same carrell she had used the previous year, and had it stacked with reference books, several of which lay open on the surface about her. She had already chosen the topic for her first research paper and was well underway with the research. She had soft music playing on her earbud while she worked, one foot absently tapping out the rhythm as she read.

Spock walked swiftly down the aisle in the alien language section of the library, aiming for one particular shelf. He was almost there when he spied that tall, slender, brown-skinned cadet with the long fall of dark hair seated at a study carrell. She had books spread out all around her and seemed totally absorbed in whatever she was researching. One foot tapped quietly on the floor in some complicated rhythm. He realized that he had stopped walking. What was there about this cadet that continued to catch his attention? She seemed to be particularly focused on her goals, which was certainly commendable. He continued on to the shelf where he anticipated the book he required would be located, only to discover that it was missing. Since it was a reference-only book, no student could have checked it out. Perhaps Cadet Uhura had it in that pile in her carrell.

Without stopping to analyze his actions, he approached her carrell. He stood there for a moment behind her trying to figure out how to get her attention. With that earbud playing, she probably had not heard him approach. As though somehow sensing his nearness, her head turned and she gave a slight start. "Commander Spock! Sorry, I didn't realize you were there." Wonder what he wants. That is one great bod. Unaware of what she was doing, her tongue tip slid across her lower lip.

Spock watched that pink tongue tip in fascination. Suddenly realizing that he had not replied to her question, he remembered the reason for approaching her. "I require a specific reference book for some class preparation for Monday and it is not on the shelf. I wonder whether you might have it here?" Even to himself, that sounded stilted.

"Which book is it? I do have several here, don't I? I have a tendency to let them pile up until I'm ready to leave. Sorry." Geesh, Nyota, could you sound any sillier?

The Commander quickly looked through the books spread out around her, located the one he needed and promised to return it as soon as he had obtained the necessary information. Turning about, he swiftly left for another part of the library. Nyota watched him walk away, once again admiring his tall, muscular body. Sighing softly, she returned to her work.