RECAP

Uhura volunteered for the Kobayashi Maru test which had been updated by her instructor Spock, but unbeknownst to him there was another more brutal program written into it. This brutal program was put in to truly test the cadets, but it seemed more cruel that scientific. The program featured the brutal murder of a civilian, which happened in front of the Uhura who was unable to cope with the image. She was escorted from the test and to the medical bay for an evaluation. This is where her story begins.

UHURA'S PERSPECTIVE

Uhura was escorted from the Kobayashi Maru scenario room to a medical waiting room. She realized that she was acting hysterical, and didn't understand why she had even reacted in such a way. She was left alone in the waiting room with simply her thoughts to keep her company. Well, I am sure I failed. She thought feeling depressed. What does it matter anyways. I just volunteered so that my instructor Spock would see my drive and ambition and give me great recommendations for my starship assignment. She sat in the room for a moment considering her actions and thoughts. I am a bit worried that I have ruined my reputation with Mr. Spock. She looked up and saw a clock on the wall; it read 7:55. Was that the time? I am going to be late to class! She got up and tossed the blanket off her shoulders; she ran from the medical waiting room, out of the building, pass admissions, and into the science lecture hall. Her hearting was pumping so hard she could hear it in her ears.

She had forgotten her bag of books and her computer, but she knew she could borrow something to take notes on once she got to class. She ran into the lecture hall at exactly 7:59, and incidentally ran directly into Spock. She bumped into him so hard that it knocked her over, but he seemed unmoved. He looked down to see her on the floor. She was embarrassed at her recklessness, but she was surprised to see the look of relief on his face. Why is he looking at me that way?

Spock: Lt. Uhura?

Uhura: Commander Spock, forgive my negligence [ she starts to get up].

Spock: I see. Understood. Cutting a bit close?

Was he not there for my test? Does he not know why I am running late?

Uhura: Yes. I won't happen again.

Spock: Well, as long as you are in class before I am- that is all that matters.

Uhura: Yes, sir.

There was moment of silence. It was an awkward silence, but somehow their eyes did not leave one another. She was staring at him to see if she could discern any sign of annoyance, failure, or shame. However, she was at a loss as to why he was staring at her so intensely. Is he mad or worried about me? I won't let him down; he is the only one that has believed in my skills.

Spock: Well, I must ask, are you entirely alright, Lieutenant?

Uhura [unsure how to answer]: I am fine. It was a little fall and entirely my fault.

Spock: That was not what I was referring to. [Now his eyes seem to be focused everywhere but on her.]

Uhura: Uh, yes. I am alright. I wanted to ask-

Spock: Well, then since that's settled. After you...[ he gesture at the doorway for Uhura to go in first] it is already 8:00.

Uhura: Of Course.

She proceeded to enter the lecture hall and took a seat next to a red-headed Orion woman, Galia, who was her roommate. She knew that her roommate would have something for her to take notes on today.

The class continued as usual, but instead of Spock choosing Uhura for the answers (like he often did). He seemed to be ignoring her. This irked her the wrong way. Class continued and she started to feel as if Spock had chosen to shop around for a new top student. Had he witnessed my performance in the Kobayashi Maru scenario? Did I fail miserably? Did my hysteria cause him to dislike me? She was starting to grow impatient with her instructor. She had not deserve this treatment. When class was dismissed she would have stayed to have a word with him, but she had back to back courses in languages. She knew his office hours and decided that she would visit them to speak to him about ignoring her and ask why she deserved such behavior.

She made it through all her classes and performed within her skill level that her instructors expected of her, but none of them mattered. Spock had disowned her and made it publicly known. She had been hearing whispers all day that Spock was looking for a new student to mentor. The rumors were flying that Uhura had ruined her chance by bumping into him before class and making him late.

Galia: I think you are overacting a bit. No one can be that upset over being late. And, perhaps he couldn't see your hand raised? Or maybe one of the student complained that he was showing favoritism?

Uhura could hear Galia, but she knew Spock. He would have gave her the heads up before class that his favoritism was becoming an issue. Plus the rumors circulating helped explain his sharp and poignant tone he had given her. Not to mention that he had cut her off and rushed in her in the classroom; this was all very unlike him. She continued walking with Galia from their final class.

Uhura: I am going to be studying in the library; don't wait up for me.

Galia: Come on, Uhura, it is Friday. Live a little!

Uhura: We have two papers due and an exam on-

Galia: Okay, Okay, don't guilt me into being responsible. I am going to have fun tonight and do some studying tomorrow.

Uhura: You have fun with that and don't come crying to me when your GPA takes a hit.

Galia [sigh]: Are you sure you don't want to come? It'll be fun. And, you could blow off some steam with the way Spock has been treating you. You don't need him, just forget him.

Uhura: It is difficult to forget an instructor that determines whether your thesis is approved or denied and will be my primary instructor during its development.

Galia: Okay, Okay, so you can't forget about him, but one day of not picking you in class shouldn't bother you this much, unless you like him or something.

There is a pause.

Galia: Oh my god! You do? He's a Vulcan, surely you know that he would never- you're his student!

Uhura: Calm down, Galia. It's nothing like that. I don't like him. I simply wish to be the best in the field and to do so I need the best instructor. You know how I feel about my career and what it will do for my family.

Galia: I understand. I was only teasing! You are just so focused; it would have been nice to see you have fun and be a bit of rebel. I know you are too professional to allow yourself feelings for Spock. I wouldn't even know if Mr. Spock could handle you? You are too stubborn.

Uhura: Uh, thank you? I think... Well, I'll see you tomorrow?

Galia: Yea. [starting to walk away and then turns around] Oh! you won't mind if I have someone over tonight will you?

Uhura: I always mind, but yes- I can make myself scarce if you want.

Galia: Thank you! I owe you one [ she yells as she waves goodbye].

Uhura hated lying to her roommate and only real friend at Starfleet, but she had to speak to Spock about the test and his coldness in his classroom today. She continued to walk back into the Science hall and to the corridors of the instructor's offices. She reached Commanders Spock's door only to find it closed. However, it was 6:00pm and his office hours were from 5:00- 7:00. It seem odd that he was not present. As she got closer to the door, she saw a note upon it in elegant penmanship which she recognized as Spock's.

To all my students,

Please forward any questions or issues to my email address and I will promptly reply to your message over the weekend. If this is concerning sign ups for the updated Kobayashi Maru test; please note that the volunteer trail has been cancel pending further investigation of bugs. Thank you.

-Mr. Spock

She was both upset by the note and a bit intrigued. Was this why he was concerned about me? That I had experienced the wrong stimulation. I wonder if my reaction caused them to reprogram it? He is working on it, right now- as that why he is not here. I need him to hear me out.

She continued to walk to the campus trying to find him. First she decided on visiting the Kobayashi Maru building; he was not there. No one was. She visited the science library, where she had often seen him; he was not there. She went to the food arena to see if he was eating as his favorite vegetarian joint; it was closed and he was no where in sight. After each failed attempt, she felt even more desperate than before. She thought, Well, this may be extreme, but I need him to know that I am still capable. A mistake on a test should not render me weak or illogical in his opinion. I need to be back in his good graces.

She knew there was only other place he could be: the officer quarters. She knew it was forbidden for a cadet to set foot in an instructor's housing, but talking in the doorway could not be wrong. She proceeded to the main gate and looked up his information: Spock... Building E ...Room 314. She walked on hoping that her attitude would not give her away and that no one would stop her. Since a cadet visiting her superior may be interpreted the wrong way. To her surprise, the place looked empty. Perhaps even instructors go out for a fun time on Fridays? How odd.

She reached his door. She was hesitant to knock and she was beginning to lose her confidence. What if coming here was a mistake? What if I am acting impulsive? What if I am still in shock from the test? What am I doing here? Before she could answer these thoughts or clearly find her footing within herself, she found her hand making the decision to knock before her mind did.

KNOCK.

KNOCK.

She could run. But then again no, she was not a coward. Her heart was pounding and her palms were sweating. She knew this was impulsive and perhaps even disrespectful- but she had to. She had to for her future's sake. But what would Spock do or say?

Next Chapter: Brittany T'Martilina (the only other half human/half Vulcan in the universe) is assigned to Earth and incidentally to Starfleet- will she meet Spock again?