RECAP:

Brittany T'Martlina is a half human/half Vulcan. She has no surviving memory of her father, since her father left her at a very young age. Her mother raised her upon a starship for her youth, but took her to the planet Vulcan for the her education and development. She was often teased by the humans (in her youth aboard the starship her mother was employed upon) about her ears and being half Vulcan. However, on Vulcan she appeared to be able to escape the discrimination of being a "half-breed" due to her lack of her father's presences and not possessing any outstanding human features. She made no friends and often fought with her "human" emotions. However, she found comfort in her studies. When she was nine she discovered the fact that she wasn't alone in the universe and there was another like her: a half human/half Vulcan. His name was Spock. She often dreamed of having some sort of relationship with Spock: a friendship, one that was dear or even as acquaintances, someone to speak to about the ongoing struggle of their emotions and logic, or maybe someone who could look pass the imperfections of her blood. However, it would seem that this so called "relationship" was not destined since he had chosen Starfleet Academy over the Vulcan Science Academy, and she had only applied to the Vulcan Science Academy.

THE SCIENCE COUNCIL:

Vulcan Council President: Brittany T'Martlina, please enter.

Brittany entered the room and proceeded to walk towards three elder Vulcans who had quite a sour look upon their face.

Brittany: Yes, sir.

Vulcan Council President: We have examined your records in all areas from the Vulcan Learning Academy and we are surprised to see that you have only applied for the Science Academy, why?

Brittany: High Council, I only applied to the Science Academy, because I am logically an acceptable if not extraordinary candidate. I have not only the grades, marks, but I have completed several extracurricular courses and activities to prove myself to this council.

Vulcan Council President: Yes, it is evident that you are an exceptional candidate for the Science Academy. You would serve well as a researcher or medical student, but where does your end goal lead? Will you be a doctor? An engineer? Both? And why the Vulcan Science Academy? Why not a different vocation or school?

Brittany: My mother is a doctor and researcher. As her only child, it falls upon me to continue to the tradition of being medical professions and-

Vulcan Council President: We are well aware of your mother and her family's history. Very esteemed and ancient. We understand that your family traces its lineage directly to the sister of Surak?

Brittany: Yes. This is accurate.

Vulcan Council President: Indeed, your family is quite renowned. However, we could find no information on your father. It is reported that he left your mother? [Brittany nods] It is unfortunate. But, it is no matter. As a true Vulcan you exhibit those traits that make us elders proud and hopeful for the future. Vulcans will truly remain a superior race with individuals such as yourself.

Brittany: I do not deserve such praise. I merely did what was logically to guarantee admissions into the Academy.

Vulcan Council President: Yes, logic. Too few of our youth are following this path. They instead seek adventure or seek to rebel against us.

Brittany: Sir?

Vulcan Council President: Excuse me.

There is a pause. A slight discussion amongst themselves in which Brittany cannot hear.

I can only imagine he is still offended and somewhat dismayed by Spock's decision. This is the only reason that I am receiving this praise. Should I too follow in Spock's steps and be proud of my human heritage? No. For after all, what have humans done for me? One bedded my mother and abandon her and me - his child- and others have only tormented and teased me.

Vulcan Council President: We have all agreed that you indeed are worthy of the Science Academy and will receive both full funding, room and board. Will you accept our offer or reject it as another has?

Brittany: Excuse me sir, what logic is there to apply for a program and receive such news and reject the offer? Respectively, I accept.

Vulcan Council President: Good. We are glad to hear. That will be all, Brittany. Live Long and Prosper.

Brittany: Good day, and Live Long and Prosper.

She walk out of the room smiling. Would her mother care?

10 YEARS LATER/ 27 YEARS OLD:

Brittany sat behind her desk finishing her paperwork. It was the end of a long year, but at least her research proposal was done. She would within the week know if her proposal to continue her research abroad would be denied or accepted. It had been a long ten years. She had spent the first five years obtaining her medical degrees in four different species including Vulcans and Humans. She had graduated from the Vulcan Science Academy with top marks and continued to win a prestigious position within Vulcan Learning Academy. She spent the next five years doing research for the Academy and working on improving new measures for increased brain activity and physical performance of young Vulcan children. Also, she served as a martial art professor for the students and trained each one in the ancient Vulcan art of Suus Mahna (including the famous Vulcan Nerve Pinch). This fighting technique took many years and only the most gifted would be able to continue to learn Tal-Shaya.

Brittany found that she thrived as a teacher to young Vulcans. Away from their Vulcan parents, she felts as if she could open their minds to being more in touch with their true Vulcan emotions and not their logic. She found over the five years that she was truly in love with her Vulcan students so much so that she could be content teaching forever. She found that she could make her students laugh through logic and eventually their sheer nonsense (or the lack of logic). She knew her research if approved would take her away from her students and even away from her beloved Vulcan; the planet she had come to love and appreciate. She would be stationed mostly Earth or another Class M planet whose prominent species were humans. She saw the time and knew it was time to eat. She left her office and headed down the corridor. She continued walking until she heard steps. These steps were of a tiny Vulcan. She didn't even bother to turn around.

Brittany: Sarlak, you need to do a much better job of maintaining your weight and foot steps if you ever wish to be proficient at sneaking.

Sarlak, a boy of 8, emerged from behind a pillar. Behind him was his main competition in his age group T'Lath, both of them craved to be Brittany's (the teacher's) main attention and star in martial arts.

Sarlak: Dr. T'Martlina, are you going to eat in the student quarter's today for lunch?

Brittany: Of course, but only if you can solve a riddle for me?

T'Lath: Oh, a riddle? I am sure I am can calculate the answer before others.

Sarlak: That has yet to be determined. I do not understand how you can say that before we assess who is accepting the challenge and what the riddle is about?

Brittany: Here is your riddle as to what I will have for lunch. It is a special day for us logical beings. The date.

T'Lath: The date? By which planets calendar?

Brittany: There is only one logical answer.

Sarlak: Hmmm

T'Lath: This is easy.

Sarlak: No, it is not easy. It is simple.

T'Lath: Then, if it is so for you- what is your answer?

Sarlak:You first?

T'Lath: No you!

Brittany: Together then? This way we know who really knows. One, Two, and the answer is -

T'Lath and Sarlak: Pi!

Brittany: Correct. Very good. I am clearly being too easy on you. Next time, it won't be so easy.

The students smile at this remark. It is a rare moment. But Brittany savors their childish smiles, because it is over in a millisecond.

Brittany: Well then, shall we go grab a slice? Or was my riddle not enjoyable enough for you to partake in a meal with me?

Sarlak: Your riddle was suitable for the occasion and humorous on many levels, since it did take those humans much longer to discovery pi than us.

T'Lath: Professor, you have such...an interesting way of thinking. It is never quite logical, but always surprising and offers me a new perspective.

Brittany: Is that not the purpose in a teacher? To educate you not on facts or theorems, but to stir your mind to consider new ways of thinking?

They proceeded to lunch and to eat a version of "pie." Brittany watched her two star pupils and saw the makings of the Vulcan High Council within them. They may be able to make change for Vulcans: a life of less logic and more living. But this hope was illogical and stemmed from her humanity. Yet still she cherished her hope.

As they sitting down and beginning to eat, Brittany heard over the intercom: "Requesting the presence of Dr. T'Martlina to the Vulcan Academy Council." She looked at her students and whispered,

Brittany: Who would like my slice?

T' Lath and Sarlak: I do!

Brittany: I will give it to the one who can correctly calculate its area, volume, perimeter, and weight first. Send the answers to me via your educational log in tablets.

Brittany proceeded to take leave her slice and smiled as she walked away. That should keep them busy for about five minutes...if I am lucky. She then continued down the hall to the Council's room. She couldn't quite figure out what this request could be concerning, but she went nonetheless. Unless, this is about my research. She thought. That was really quick; I wonder if it will be good or bad news.

Next Chapter: Spock 10 years after denying the Science Academy