First, I must apologize for the lateness of this chapter and of the next couple of chapters, my computer is down and my access to other computers is very limited. I am hoping Mine will be repaired within a week and I can get back to uploading on a regular basis again . I haven't left any cliff hangers this time though and it is the longest chapter so far, enjoy.

The beeping was beginning to irritate Spock, it was distracting him from the wonderful soft warmth that was resting against him from his shoulders down to his hips. Raspberry, that was what he was smelling, very faint and sweet raspberry's. He pulled closer to where the smell was coming from, soft silky strands fell against his face, he nuzzled it enjoying the sensation against his face. The buzzing continued, he didn't want to open his eyes, not yet he wanted the warmth, the smell, to continue.
The warm mound moved against him, he opened his eyes and saw black hair directly in front of him. His hand was tucked in hers, his arm resting against her breast. He gently moved away from her, she gave a small moan and moved slightly back toward him.,his movement and the infernal beeping of his com system was waking her.
He leaned over her one more time, brushing the hair away from her ear and whispered gently.

"Sleep Nyota, I will not be far away."

He got out of bed, sighing as his feet hit the cold floor. He walked quietly into the front room his knee sending twinges of pain as he walked. He sat on the sofa and activated the com link, he checked the caller I.D. Christopher Pike, and turned the screen on.
Chris was already in his uniform, he looked tired and irritated.

" Well it's about time."

" Good morning Christopher. I apologize for taking so long to answer I was still sleeping."

"I was just calling to tell you that Nyota's parent's will be here at 7:45."

" Thank you."

" That's in twenty minutes Spock."

Spock looked across to the clock on his wall, it was 07:23. He needed to wash before they arrived, he needed to rearrange the bed so that it looked as if only one person had been sleeping in it. He did not want to rouse Nyota, she had been exhausted when she had gone to bed and with the sedative would be drowsy if awoken too soon.

" Twenty- two actually."

"I'm going to go pick up the Uhura's at the shuttle pad, I'll be bringing them straight to your apartment."

" I will be prepared."

" See you soon Spock."

The screen went black. Spock went back into the bedroom and carefully pulled the sheets on his side flat. Then he went to the cubard picked out a fresh uniform and went into the bathroom, it still smelled heavily of the fragrance he had dropped. He showered for exactly three minutes, not enogth to get really clean but it made him feel a little fresher. He got changed and brushed his teeth. Thin dark stubble was covering his chin and cheeks but he did not have time to shave. Instead he replicated a protein bar and made a pot of fresh chamomile tea. It had just finished brewing when the door buzzed.
Spock took several deep breaths before opening it, he did feel relatively calm in comparison with the day before but he was still not in full control of his emotions. Christopher was stood in front of the door, behind him stood Uhura's parents, both were dressed in jeans and jumpers, prepared for the weather of San Fransisco. They looked tired and anxious, it made them seem older than when he had met them in Africa. Now familiar with Nyota he could pick out the features she had inherited from the both of them, her mothers height, her fathers amber eye color. The similarities made him feel closer to the two people than was warrented from the amount of contact he had actually had with them. He stepped aside and let them enter.

" Where is she?" Nyota's farther asked the moment he was through the threshold.

" In the bedroom, she is sleeping." Spock pointed to the bedroom. " The doctor has given her a strong sedative, I do not think she will be roused easily."

Mr Uhura was already at the door by the time that he had finished his sentence. He entered, Mrs Uhura followed him. Spock felt uneasy as he too followed, he peered into the darkened room. Mr Uhura was stood looking down at his daughter, Mrs Uhura had sat on the bed and was gently brushing the hair from Nyota's face as he had done the night before. He sensed Nyota's mind begin to wake. She stirred, she didn't open her eyes but she muttered.

" Spokh?"
Her parents both turned to look at him.
"Your parents are here Nyota."

Her eye's opened, she stared around sleepily.
" Mama?"

Her Mother answered in Swahili, Spock was glad he did not understand the language it gave them a chance to have a private conversation. He watched as Nyota collapsed sobbing into her mothers arms he wished to reach out to her and comfort her but these were her people, they knew her mind as well as he did. They knew her primary language and were more adept at comforting than he was. He left her alone with her family. Christopher was sat waiting in the front room, he got up and followed Spock into the kitchen where he started to decant the tea into cups.

" How are you doing?"

" I have largely regained control of my emotions."

" That's good."

" Thank you for your company last night."

" Anytime."

Spock handed him a cup of the tea. Chris looked down at it, took a cautious sniff and handed it back to him.

" Mind if I replicate some coffee?"

"No. I will be back soon, I am just going to take these refreshments to Nyota and her family." Spock placed three cups of the tea on a tray. Spock felt awkward as he entered his own bedroom, Mr Uhura had sat at the end of the bed and Mrs Uhura was sat gently stroking Nyota's back as she cried. Spock was again reminded of carrying out the same actions himself the previous night. He was glad that his previously undiscovered instincts to comfort somebody were working in correct order. He silently placed the tray on his side board. Uhura's father met his, he gave a short nod of appreciation. Spock looked over at Nyota, she would need to eat but he doubted she would speak at that moment, he turned back to her father.

" Mr Uhura, your daughter will need to eat, does she have a preferred breakfast dish?"

"Bubble and squeak with eggs."

Spock nodded, he had seen Nyota eat this food stuff before.

" Do you and your wife require anything?"

" Maybe later."

" Of course."

Spock replicated Nyota's favorite breakfast in the kitchen and returning to the bedroom handed it to Nyota's mother who thanked him. He went and sat in the front room silently with Chris, he did not know the correct way to act in this situation. After exactly nineteen minutes Uhura's parents came back into the front room, her mother was carrying an empty plate. Spock and Christopher stood up.

" She's asleep again." Her mother said.

"It is the affects of the sedative." Spock said.

Nyota's mother approached him, Spock watched curiously not knowing her reasons though he noticed with interest that she moved in the same manner that her daughter did, with graceful confidence. Mrs Uhura threw her arms around him, hugging him. Spock was shocked at the sudden contact and felt his body stiffen then reminding himself that this woman's was an integral part of Nyota's life He gently laid a hand on her upper back.

" Akina, it's offensive to a Vulcan to be touched." Uhura's father said.

She pulled away from him, there were tears running down her cheeks.

" I'm sorry commander Spock. I'm just so grateful to you. I knew you were going to be important to our daughter the moment I saw you. Thank you, thank you for saving my daughters life."

" You do not need to thank me. Nyota is the most talented student I have come across since I joined the academy. It would have been the gravest of shames to have lost her. She has strength, intelligence, instincts and grace. She will be a credit to the fleet."

'Nyota's always' talking about you. She said you had befriended her.'

" Indeed. On a personal note, I find you daughters company agreeable and do not wish for any harm to come to her."

Spock stood nervously for a moment. He did not know how to act around these people in this situation, he was not familiar with the rules of conduct. He wished to allow them privacy to deal with the fact that there daughter had been attacked.

'Use my home as if it were your own though please do not enter that room. He indicated towards his meditation room. ' I have thing's to arrange I suspect I will return at midday.'

He nodded to both Nyota's parents and headed out the door.

Spock sat in his office, he allowed himself a moment of weariness. He rested his head in his hands for a moment, it was the first time since he had awoken that he had been alone. Even though there was the tapping of feet walking down hallways and the whirling of computers it was as quiet as it ever got in the academy. Spock rose from his seat and walked over ti the very limited replicator that he had in his office. He ordered himself a calming herbal tea. He was not fully recovered from the strong emotions of the previous day and the morning had so far been a somewhat taxing one.
After leaving Nyota he had come to his office and organised cover for the three lectures and evening combat course he was meant to be teaching that day. With a phone call he had handed the combat lesson over to the most promising student of the class, he had told 821 the surprised young man to go over the moves that they had learnt the previous term, to ask where the other cadets were having the
most difficulties, correct them if he was able and inform him if he was not.
Two of the lectures a fellow member of the xenolinguistic department agreed to take if Spock would repay him in kind, Spock had forwarded him the lecture slides and notes. The last lecture would have to be cancelled but with some rearranging Spock felt he could write the missed material into the lectures of the following three weeks. Just before nine another member of the department came to his door asking if the rumours were true. Spock had replied that he never listened to either rumours or gossip and would not help with the spreading of information to people whom it did not concern.
At 9:10 Spock had made his way to the security office to give his deposition. For exactly two hours he had gone over every detail of the night before from him leaving his apartment to entering the hospital ward. The head of security and two other members had questioned him extensively on many things asking him of his primary assessment of Nyota's condition when he had first entered the storage space. They had asked him how he had known that the she was in danger but accepted that it was his Vulcan telepathic abilities, he was thankful that most humans were uncomfortable with the idea of telepathy and most Vulcans were rather private about their abilities, it had led to most members of star fleet being Rather ill informed on the limits of a Vulcans telepathic abilities. When they had asked what he had been doing previous to hearing the cadets call for help he had replied he had been preparing for a date, they had respected his privacy and not asked him with whom.
The results of the meeting were positive, the head of security had passed his deposition on to star fleets head council along with reports from themselves, Nyota and the doctors. He had told Spock that the head council who were only involved in the most serious of offense from the academy (being involved mainly with interplanetary disputes, diplomatic negotiations, wars and re-locations) but were reluctant to intercede due to their busy and stressful schedules. He had concluded that Spock had acted in self defense, that for the safety of all Williams should be deported off planet and that the actions on all staff had been admirable and too the book. He felt the board would agree with his conclusions so they would not have to give the matter much time. With one less thing to consider Spock headed back to his office, he had mentally checked on Nyota first and found her mind awake but calmer than it had been since the previous evening. Knowing she was safe he resolved to give her more time with her family, they could look after her, keep her safe and show her love. He felt she needed those thing's. Not being able to go to his apartment he headed to his office.
Sitting down with his drink there was a knock at the door, Spock restrained his annoyance and said 'come in.'

A timid Galia pushed the door open slightly and looked into the room. Spock realized that she had come to him because Nyota had not returned the previous night.

" You may come in Cadet."

Galia walked slowly into the room.

" I must apologize for my behaviour last night Cadet, I did not mean to hurt you. I was not fully in control. I hope your injuries are slight."

Galia stood a few feet from him, she eyed him wearily.

No, no bruises. You just surprised me really. Look commander I know it's not really my business but as Nyota didn't return last night and she is my best friend and roommate I do have to check she's alright.'

" I understand cadet, your concern for a fellow cadet is admirable. Sit down ,I have some difficult information."
The vivacious Orion sat down across from him. Her arms folded and a slight frown on her lips.

'The reason I was hurried when I visited your apartment last night was because I thought Cadet Uhura was in danger. Unfortunately my suspicions were correct.'

Galia's eyes widened she seemed to take in his words for a moment and then she spoke hurriedly her voice turning high pitched.

" Is she alright? Where is she? What happened?"

'If you allow me a moment to answer. She is recovered from her physical injuries, they were not grave though she did suffer a temporary paralysis. She is currently in my apartment. As for what happened that may take a while to explain.'

Galia looked around his office with the expression of one who is lost in a strange town.

'Paralysed?'

" It was due to a drug that she was injected with."

'I don;t understand.''

'Perhaps I should start from the beginning. I assume that Nyota told you about the threats cadet Williams made against her three weeks ago? Galia nodded. Well last night as Nyota went to return her library book she was attacked and neutralised by Cadet Williams. I heard the attack and was aware that it was Williams who had taken her. You know I came to your apartment to determine where Nyota had been heading when she had been abducted. After you told me had gone to the library I followed the path she would have taken . When I reached the peace gardens I saw indications that was the location she had been taken. I reached the logical conclusion that he would take her to the storage sheds. When I arrived I neutralisedWilliams and contacted the medical team. Nyota had been paralysed by being injected with a drug . She had some bruising and ligament tears her upper arms and wrists. She was treated and released into my care.
As Spock continued to talk Galia was starting to fidget, it seemed she was becoming increasingly frustrated and upset.

" What did he do to her?"

'He had undressed her, and had threatened certain actions against her.'

'Undressed her?' Galia had begun to cry. Sock felt his usual discomfort .

'He was going to…'

'I understand you are upset by this. But Nyota was not greatly injured though she has found the event quite traumatic more due to the fact she was unable to fight than Williams attempts to violate her.'

Galia hid her face in her hands she sobbed noisily. Spock stood up and went to the replicator he made a second cup of calming tea and placed it in front of Galia. He sat drinking the rapidly cooling liquid as he waited for the girl in front of him to calm down. When he was close to finishing his drink Galia began to talk again, her voice was choked with tears and Spock had to concentrate to understand her words.

" I thought you were out on a date, wen she hadn't come back I thought yu had hooked up."

Galia, remember that I am a teacher and Nyota is a student. We would not 'hook up'.

" All that time I was with Bertie and she was in danger."

" Cadet may I contact somebody to come here and provide comfort for you."

'Nyota's at your apartment. I've got to see her I've got to know she's alright.'

" She is recovering. I do not think it would be wise to invade upon the time she spends with her family."

"Please."

" I shall contact her parents and ask if you will be of any comfort to her."

" Thank you."

Drink the tea, it is bitter but it has a calming effect. He watched as Galia raised the cup to her mouth, sipped it and then winkled her nose and took a large sniff, she wiped the tears from her eyes with the back of her hand.

Spock could appreciate te irony as he typed his own extention number on the pad below the com screen.

It is Spock, I have an inquiry for the Uhura family. H said clearly so that the Uhura's would not hesitate to answering his private comlink. The screen turned , in front of him was Mr Uhura, he could see half of two bodies ,he recognized them as his Nyota and her mother Akina. The whole family was huddled on his small couch.

" Commander Spock."

'I see miss Uhura has awoken, her roommate is with me she is concerned for her health.'

'Galia?'

Nyota's voice came over the link he heard Galia stand up behind him. There was some shuffling around on screen and then Nyota, tired and still dressed in the spare jumper and sweats she had been given the night before. His heart jumped slightly, it had been four hours since he had held her to him but with her in front of him now it felt too long.

" Hello Miss Uhura. How are you?" Spock waited patiently for a few seconds.

" I feel drained."

" Drained?"

''Of energy, of emotion. Everything aches.''

" I emphasis with you Nyota." Spock said, he looked around at Gala who was stood nervously just beyond the screens view point.

Do you wish to speak to Galia? He asked. Nyota seemed to consider, after 34 seconds she gave a slight nod. Spock turned to Galia who walked over to join him, he moved backwards so that she could take the foreground and he could stay watching Nyota.

" Ny, I'm sorry I thought you were on a date. I should have known you wouldn't had stayed over with anybody, I didn't think, I'm so sorry."#
'Galia, please I'm okay, I'm tired I just want to rest.'
Galia lookd a little hurt but she sniffed and then gave a small smile.

'You're okay?'

"I will be." Nyota said. Spock could pick up the uncertainty in her voice.

"I'm glad, I was scared for you. I love you Ny. " Spock envied Galia for being able to say such emotionally charged words with such ease.

" I love you to Lia. I'm sorry I just don't want company. I will call you later."

" I understand just take care of yourself. I'm here if you need me."

"Spock, are you coming home soon?"

" If you and your family do not mind the intrusion I shall be back at the apartment in a few minutes."

" It's your home Spock."

He shut the com link down and turned to Galia. He felt an understanding of the girl that he had never felt before, they were both concerned for Nyota, both felt distressed at the idea of her being hurt and violated. She stood awkwardly looking at him.

" I'm going to go now. I think I need to clean up."

"I shall send you a message this evening on how Nyota is."

" Thank you."

"I believe your distress will affect your work, you may have an extension on all assignment due in my modules."

" Thank you Commander."

As Spock entered the apartment a spicy smell filled his nose, all members of the Uhura family were huddled together on his sofa eating some kind of spiced lentil dish. Nyota looked up and gave a small smile when he entered.

"Commander Spock." Akina Uhura welcomed him.

He nodded to them

"Doctor McCoy just left, he's given Nyota a clean bill of health so we should be out of your way soon. "Spock nodded at Akina's words.

"Nyota is coming back home with us. " Mr Uhura informed him. Spock felt a suddne shock and pain at the thought of being separated from Nyota, a fear that the possibilities he saw for them had ended. He turned to Nyota his eyes fixed to hers.

" You are leaving the academy?"

" Only for a week or two. McCoy ordered me to take the time off." She answered calmly, Spock felt relieved. " Captain Pike arranged for us to have a shuttle take us back to Africa."

"I shall arrange for you to have the time off and will make sure that you are excused from assignments without penalty."

"Thank you." Nyota put her bowl of food on the table, she looked over at her mother.

Are you ready? Akina asked her.

" Yes."

" You are leaving now?"

"No, i'm just going to my appartment to pack some clothes and get changed."

Spock nodded, as they stood to leave he picked up their bowls and went into the kitchen to clean them. When he returned to the front room he found himself left alone with Mr Uhura. The older man stood up to face him, he was a a few inches shorter than SPock but a lot stockier.

"I must thank you for looking after my daughter Mr Spock. Spock opened hi mouth to speak but Mr Uhura raised his hand to stop him. Do not say that it was nothing or anything that downplays what you have done. When I first met you and you promised to look after Nyota I thought they wetre empty words just to get my signature on a piece of paper. But I was wrong, you have looked after her better than I ever thought possible. Nyota is always mentioning you when she calls. She loves you. " Spock raised an eyebrow at this statement. " She loves you, not like a student loves a favorite teacher but as a friend and mentor. You have been good to her."

" Vulcans do not make promises lightly, and your daughter is an impressive yooung woman, it is an honor to be considered a friend by her."

"Can I ask you what's going to happen now? Is Nyota going to have to go to court or something ?"

" No, it is not a civil matter. It will be handelled by star fleet and they already have a recording of her version of the event."

" And what of that man, what of Williams?"

"It is likely that when he has recovered from his injuries he will be deported to an off planet prison. A psychiatrist here has said he is suffering from some form of mental illness so he is likely to be kept in a psychiatric ward, I assure you though, he will not be free to return to this planet for a number of years."

" His injuries? "

Captain Pike didn't tell us much of what happened. Nyota had filled us in somewhat but she was not fully aware of everything that was happening.

"Force was necessary to neutralise Williams, he sustained severe head injuries. He will be able to function, eventually. But the full extent of the damage done to his brain is not yet known. I am confident that the charges against me will be dropped."

" The charges against you?"

"Williams almost died, I used greater force than necessary. "

Spock realised he was going into a lot of unnecessary details. It did not concern this man if he was facing charges he merly wished to know that there would be justice for his daughter. He wondered why he felt a closeness to the man he had only met twice.

" That's wrong, you were protecting my daughter."

"As I said, it is likly that the charges will be dropped without trial."

" I think I made the wrong decision in allowing Nyota to come to the academy."

"" Your daughter has expressed the wish to see other planets and meet other cultures. Star Fleet is the only opportunity she will have to do this."

" But the risks."

" There are undeniably numerous risks, but there is also numerous opportunities."

Spock was reminded of making a similar argument to his mother when he had been packing to leave for Earth

" I would take her from the accademy if I could, she's still underage. I still have a say in the matter."

2I do not understand.I do not wish Nyota to leave but for clarification, if you have the power to take Nyota from the academy why do you say you cannot?"

Mr Uhura sat down.

"Because she would never forgive me. " His voice betrayed a hidden sadness. " She is my youngest child, she is precious too me. Just as my other two children and unborn grandchild are precious to me. Nyota though, she is the most like me. I have always understood her motivations and dreams and that is not true for the others. Having her be so far away from me causes great worry and a sense that something is missing. But all children must be given freedom to grow to their full potentials and be happy."

" Indeed."

Spock considered the man in front of him, considered his love and concern and connection to Nyota. It seemed foreign to him, his farther had never understood him. He had never seen his aspirations and had been disappointed when Spock had chosen to join Star Fleet instead of attending the Vulcan science academy as generations of his forefathers had. They had not spoken since Spock had come to Earth, Spock admired his farther, respected his intelligence and diplomatic skills but he found him cold, even in Vulcan terms.

Spock was about to answer further when the door buzzed signaling the return of Nyota and her Mother. Instead he nodded respectfully to the Farther of the young woman who meant soo much to him and went to open the door. Nyota had changed into jeans and an unflattering large jumper. It hid her curves, Spock did not think he approved. He stepped aside to allow them to enter. The two women stood a few foot into the room, Akina looked over to her husband.

" The shuttle should be ready in a few minutes, are you ready to leave?"

Mr Uhura looked across at Spock for a moment then back to his wife.

"Yes, I 'm ready. "He stood up, Nyota stepped forwards , she looked nervous.

" Mother may I speak to Commander Spock in private for a moment?"

Akina looked at Spock, he could sense her suspicions but Mr Uhura answered the question for her.

"Of course you can hunny, we'll be waiting outside for you. "

Uhura's parents walked out of his apartment, when the door was firmly closed behind them Spock turned to Nyota. She was looking at the floor, chewing her lip slightly.

" Do you have concerns about becoming behinfd in your studies?" Spock asked, Nyota gave a small bitter smile.

" I should be, but it isn't even on my list of concerns at the moment."

Spock nodded, he unconsciously took a step closer to Nyota. Watching him Nyota walked toward him so they could stand a mere two foot apart from each other, Spock found comfort in their closeness. He would not think about the miles that there would soon be between them, it was only for a few Weeks.

" I just wanted to know if you're going to be alright?"

Spock considered his answer.

"I am not alright, but there is nothing that is occurring, or is likely to occur that I cannot handle."

" You're okay with me leaving?" She asked timidly.

" I will be happy to know that you are safe and under the care of those who love you."

Nyota looked down, she did not seem willing to met his eyes as she talked.

" Spock I.. I" She shook her head and looked up at him, she gave that small bitter smile that made him feel slightly uncomfortable.
" I'm just glad to have met you."

"The feeling in mutual Nyota."

" YOu'll take care of yourself whilst I'm gone."

"Yes, as always."

Nyota turned to leave him.

"Nyota. "She turned back to him, her eyes expressing a deep sadness he could not understand.

" May I speak frankly?"

" Always Spock."

"You have an inner strength that I do not believe you recognise or know how to fully utilise. I believe that you will soon recover from the negative effects of this experience. Sarek once said that there are undiscovered positives in tragedy though It can be years before they make themselves known."

" What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. "Nyota said sadly.

" I do not see the logic in that statement, Illnesses may not kill you but they may physically weaken you for the rest of your life. But i do believe that you may learn to better utilise your own inner strength."

"It doesn't feel that way now."

Spock looked at Nyota, the dark circles around her eyes the slump of her shoulders, she looked vulnerable, and very young. Spock took a step closing the distance between them and wrapped his arms around her. Nyota responded holding him tightly her face buried against his shoulder, breath tickling his cheek. He allowed himself to hold her for thirty seconds but knew that her parents were waiting outside and would be becoming curious and restless, he pulled her away, held her at arms length. Nyota looked into his eyes for a moment then bent towards him placing a soft kiss on his cheek. The she turned and walked to the door.

"I will accompany you to the shuttle pad. "Spock said.

Nyota nodded and her followed her out. Her parents were stood waiting.

" Sorry, I just had to ask the commander to send me through the lecture notes and inform me of any assignments. Just so I can keep up and not be confused when I get back."

Her parents nodded and they headed silently down to the shuttle pad. The Galileo was waiting for them, the pilot at the front was young, probably a cadet eager to get the experience. Spock stood apart from the Uhura family watching them get ready to leave, when they had secured their bags in the shuttle they came back down to say goodbye to him, he appreciated the courtesy.

"Bye commander, you have our eternal gratitude and if you ever wish to visit Africa know that you are welcome in our home." Mr Uhura said, Akina did not speak.

"Thank you. Live long and prosper. " Spock raised his hand in the traditional Vulcan farewell.

Mr Uhura looked down at his own hand for a moment, he seemed to be trying to spread his fingers as Spock was doing, he gave up after twenty- two seconds.

" Goodbye Spock."

Akina and Mr Uhura started up the shuttle steps, Nyota followed close behind. As she reached the top she turned and looked at him for a moment, She raised her hand, her finger spread into the V shape, and then she moved out of sight. Spock backed a safe distance from the shuttle and watched it leave. She was safe and would be back soon he told himself but it did not erase the slight ache he felt in the vicinity of his heart.

February 17th Afternoon.

Spock had been felt contentment at being able to get back to work It kept his mind off a certain young lady who was 10 567 miles away. He had taken his morning lectures and was sat in his office marking assignments when his com link went beeped. Spock walked over to the screen and turned int on to find Sinclair staring back at him.

" Good afternoon Commander, I trust you are well."

" Spock, come to my office. Now."

Spock shut down the com link and walked down the hall too the head of departments office. He knocked and entered. Sinclair was behind his desk but he was not the only on in the office. Doctorow McCoy, Chris Pike and Doctor Ohakim were sat in chairs arranged in a semi circle around Sinclairs desk. Spock could sense the tension in the room, he siklently sat in the one empty chair to the right of Doctor Okahim. Something unforeseen was occurring and he could not decipher what it was.

" Spock." Sinclair adressed him. " There have been certain accusations made against you."

"By the arrangement of this meeting and the absence of a tribunal I assume these accusations are not official, may I ask what there nature is?"

Sinclair shifted dslightly in his chair.

"I have called this meeting to determine whether the matter needs to go to tribunal. The incident between yourself, ex-cadet Williams and Cadet Uhura has raised certain issues. "

"I must know the nature of these issues and accusations to be able to give you a competent answer, As to you determining whether there is need for a tribunal It suggests that you have no evidence to prove such accusation. I also have the right to know the identity of my accuser."

Spock answered. He felt calm, he had not committed any offense that he was aware of and it was obvious to him that they had no evidence to suggest that he had.

" Doctor Ohakim has suggested to me that you are having sexual relations with Cadet Uhura."

" I am not having a sexual relationship with the cadet, though I do consider her a friend." Spock answered confidently and truthfully.

"Doctor Ohkim tells me that on the fourteenth she witnessed several incidents that suggested that your relationship with Uhura was more than that of a teacher and a student. Can you clarify which incidents you are referring to. A lot happened on the night of the fourteenth and morning of the fifteenth commander. I have to admit that through most of it I was not fully in control of my emotions nor acting logically due to a copious amount of adrenaline in my system. I believe that Doctor McCoy can attest to this."

" It's true." McCoy said.

"The incidents Doctor Ohakim has recorded are.. " Sinclair looked down at the PADD on the desk in front of him. That you reached out as if to touch Miss Uhura, whihc seems unusual given Vulcans dislike of physical contact and a psychotic episode in which. "

" I object. " Doctor McCoy interrupted, Sinclair stared up at him.

"In my profession apionion it was something akin to a panic attack brought on by the stress and trauma of the incident. To call it a psychotic episode makes the commander seem mentally incompetent, do you really think that? "

"No. "Sinclair answered wearily." Commander Spock has always seemed to me to be completely stable."

He turned to Ohakim who was frowning at McCoy.

" I think it would be wise for you change the wording of your report Doctor."

Ohakim gave a grudging nod.

"If I may continue, the report Say's that Spock collapsed and just before being sedated was heard to say 'I could not protect her. Later in the evening you were seen to have a highly emotional conversation with the cadet. "

"What was the content of that conversation?" Spock asked Doctor Ohakim, though he could remember perfectly he knew that he had been speaking in the rare dialect of his home at the time.

" I don't know, I do not understand the language you were conversing in."

"Then I shall inform you of the content. I was apologising for my emotional behaviour as I believe it had concerned her and I instructed her to continue answering your questions. As for the other incidents you recorded it is true that I reached out to the cadet in an act of comfort and I did fell guilt at not being able to protect one of the students under my care."

" You admit to it."

" Yes."

"Trying to comfort somebody, expressing feelings of guilt, it's abnormal behaviour for a Vulcan."

Spock felt a twinge of anger at his differences from the rest of his race being pointed out. It was the first time that a Human had done so, though it was a frequent topic of conversation between other Vulcans in his acquaintance. He suppressed it, emotion would serve no use to him in this situation.

"You are not qualified to access what is abnormal behaviour in a Vulcan, you are a phychologist of humans are you not. Even if you were qualified in the psychology of Vulcans, a study that does not exist, you would still be unable to juge what is normal for a half- Vulcan half- Human, I am the only one, there is no president. I may choose to follow the Vulcan path but I do have a duality of nature. I can experience empathy guilt and fear."

Spock did not like revealing so much of himself but he felt it was necessary. Doctor Ohakim did not answer, she starred at him with a haughty and angry expression. Sinclair broke the tense silence.

" Doctor McCoy, you were on duty on the fourteenth and treated both Cadet Uhura and Commander Spock, did you witness anything that suggested to you that Commander Spock and Cadet Uhura are involved in a relationship that is more than the friendship he has already admitted too?"
Spock felt himself tense, the docto0r seemed to take far to long to answer. Spock wondered if he was debating on wether to reveal his own suspicions that he and Nyota were in a relationship.

" No."

Spock almost smiled with relief.

"As a doctor I have unfortunately witnessed the aftermath of many traumatic events. What I saw was two people, who having gone through a traumatic experience together, try to comfort one another. The need to comfort each other and have some form of physical comfort after such an event is normal."

Sinclairs eyebrows rose and Ohakim smiled thinking that the table had turned. McCoy noticed and quickly continued to speak.

" Like resting a hand on ones shoulder or holding hands. Little acts of comfort."

"Which of these signs of physical comfort did you witness between Spock and Uhura?" Sinclair asked. McCoy hesitated, he met Spock's eyes for a moment.

" He held her hand whilst she was crying."

Spock sensed discomfort in Sinclair at the thought of a personal and intimate action. He himself felt a moment of embarrassment that his superior and others knew of this.

" What man wouldn't, a young girl like that terrified out of her wits." McCoy said slight anger seeping into his voice.

"Captain Pike, I know that you and Commander Spock are friends, have you ever had a conversation about cadet Uhura?"

Chris, the furthest from Spock looked across to meet his eyes. Sinclair gave a fake cough, obviously believing they were communicating in some manner.

" Yes, Spock has mentioned several times that he find Uhura to be a bright student and that he is impressed with her. He has also mentioned a growing friendship between them."

"Has Spock ever mentioned that he desired a relationship with Uhura that was beyond friendship?"

" No conversation has ever occured." Chris lied smoothly.

Sinclair seemed to relax in his chair, he gave a relieved sigh.

"Well, the accusations are, as i suspected all along, completely unfounded. Doctor Ohakim, I believe that your lack of knowledge on Vulcan psychology has led you to misjudge the situation. Spock I apologies for having to bring you in like this."

Spock nodded/.

You are all free to leave. Doctor Ohakim stood up and left the room quickly Chris turned nodded to Spock as he too headed out but doctor McCoy waited for Spock and walked out with him, he matched his pace as he walked down the hallway, just outside the door to Spock's office Spock turned to him sensing the doctor wished to speak with him.

" Doctor, I must thank you..."

"Don't. I did it for Nyota, do you realise that she could be thrown out of the academy!" McCoy spoke in an angry whisper despite the hall being empty.

"We have not done anything to warrant that."

" Like hell. She's a seventeen year old girl."

"Perhaps you did not hear me earlier Doctor, I am not having a sexual relationship with Nyota."

" But you want to."

" That does not concern you."

" So help me if I think you've hurt her in any way."

"Then what doctor? Threats are illogical and they do not concern me. "

Spock opened his door and walked in allowing It to close on the doctor, just before it locked into place he heard the doctor voice.

" Green blooded hobgoblin."