"Spock!" A voice called, "Spock!" The Commander paused his conversation with his colleague and prepared himself for the blue haired missile aiming for his side. "I passed my midterms!" A pad was thrust into his hand so he could examine the scores, his other was quickly wrapped around her shoulders.
"You sound surprised," Spock commented, "Based on previous conversation I hypothesized this outcome."
"True, but that did little to tame my nerves when I took the exams. Speaking of which, you said you were going call to but you didn't, for which I am going to pwn you later in Final Fantasy CDLXXXII." Angela declared, "I happen to have a copy and you have a better projector than me."
"I'm afraid that I am unavailable this evening," Spock replied, "Does your schedule permit us to convene Saturday morning?"
"Sure," she responded, waving as someone called to her from across the green. "How about 9:30? We could get breakfast first if you wanted." Spock nodded and she squeaked her normal greeting and hugged him before flitting off.
"Well she's always just a little ray of sunshine isn't she?" Lipton asked, nodding after the younger cadet. "How's she settling in, I imagine there was a little bit of culture shock after Vulcan's learning system."
"The differences are remarkable," Spock commented, "However, Cadet Angela appears to be 'settling' well at the academy."
"I hear she's going to be one of the cadets selected for the engineering panels at the end of the semester," Lipton said, "She could be the youngest cadet ever selected for that honor. The only first year cadet anyways."
"Angela's race ages faster than humans, her mental development is not far from that of her peers," Spock explained, "For one of her age her academic performance is not exceptional."
"If it were anyone else saying that I'd think them insulting her," Lipton said, "Unfortunately for you I know you a bit better… you're proud of her."
"That would be illogical," Spock commented as they reached the sciences buildings.
"Forgive the statement,' Lipton said, "And tell me about that 'top secret' assignment in Iowa that has you in meetings all the day and night with one Captain Pike."
"You know very well I cannot speak on such matters," Spock replied. "Is there another topic of conversation in which you would participate?"
"Spoil sport," Lipton grumbled. "Will your family be attending the Concert Gala this year?"
"My father's plans have not yet been fully decided," Spock replied. The two continued their conversation while Angela bounded up to them, two friends in tow.
"Commander Lipton, do you have a moment?" Angela asked. "I do not want to interrupt."
"It's welcome," Lipton smiled, almost unwillingly fond of the bright girl. "What do you want to ask."
"Gaila and I have a debate about the traditional filters of warp coolant vs. a new theory she's postulating," she said, "I was hoping you could mediate for a few minutes." While they were speaking, Angela and Gaila both kept an eye on the other two people who were not participating in this particular conversation.
"Good afternoon Commander, my name is Cadet Uhura," she raised her hand in the traditional salute and offered no expression in her greeting.
"Cadet Uhura, I am Commander Spock" He replied. Spock recognized the name from talk around the teachers lounge in the Linguistics building, she was at the top of her class. He also remembered her name from the stellar application to his second semester lecture and the glowing recommendation letters attached. "I deduct that you are a friend of Cadet Angela."
"I am roommates with Cadet Gaila," Uhura replied. "Angela and I often study together. How did you make the cadet's acquaintance?"
"She is my sister," Spock replied.
Her eyebrows raised slightly in response. "She mentioned growing up on Vulcan as a political refugee, but she did not mention anything of being raised by the Ambassador and his family. Forgive me if I have made any presumptions."
"Forgiveness would be illogical if there is no fault," Spock replied. "I remember your name from the cadets applying to next years advanced lecture. Would you be adverse to continuing this conversation in Vulcan?"
"Rai," Uhura replied, and switched to his native tongue. After a few minutes the two groups parted ways. Then Uhura was off to the language labs for a few more hours of study before her last exam while Gaila and Angela returned to the dorms to celebrate the end of midterms for a few hours.
"It's official," Gaila said, queuing up a movie, "This is a no study zone for the next twenty four hours."
"I'll get the popcorn," Angela agreed. "Did you notice the way Uhura was looking at my brother?"
"Uh duh," Gaila replied, "You'd have to be blind or obtuse to miss the goo goo pheromones."
"You know I've been trying to get them to meet for weeks," Angela mused, pulling her boots off and keying commands into the small replicator. "You and I finally manage to get them in the same area and it's only for three and a half minutes."
"We have to get them somewhere they can't get away from each other for a few hours. Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Gaila asked.
"I have access to four box tickets to the Starfleet Concert and Gala in ten days?" Angela asked, a red eyebrow was raised in response. "The Ambassador was called into emergency negotiations and will not be able to attend. As his son and adoptive daughter we should represent them. The remaining tickets are available to use at our disposal. As it is a Starfleet function all of Spock's friends will already be in attendance so I have no choice but to invite my own." Gaila smiled in response and ruffled the blue locks.
"Always one step ahead of me," the older woman teased, "Do you have something to wear? I'll have to go shopping for something formal. What about Nyota?"
"We'll have to get her in something green, dark emerald green," Angela commented. Gaila raised an eyebrow. "The color of blood appeals to most males of any species. I can assure you that Spock is no exception."
"How are we going to get her out of the books?" Gailia asked, pulling up a movie cue to select what they were going to watch.
"Gaila, didn't you know I've outgrown all my old gowns since I haven't worn anything but Vulcan robes for so long?" Angela said, her vocal tone pitching dramatically. "And even if you've been living on Earth for over a year, we need advice on appropriate garb for such a function, right? We wouldn't want to be inappropriate at such an event."
"You are something else," Gaila smirked. "I was thinking on wearing gold, do you think it'll clash with my hair?"
"Personally I like you in silver," Angela replied, "And we should wear gloves, there will be dancing after the concert and I know we can get Spock to dance with her. Gloves will just make sure he doesn't have a reason to duck out."
"You are surely evil," Gaila said, pulling out her schedule, "What's your schedule looking like on Wednesday night?"
"No can do, Thursday?" Angela replied. "I can make appointments."
"Done and done," Gaila said, "I just checked Uhura's schedule and she's off that afternoon too. We'll ambush her when she gets back from the labs."
"And you call me evil," Angela accused lightly. Though later credit had to go to Gaila, she was able to convince Uhura the shopping trip was necessary and none of her own formal gowns would be appropriate for the event.
When everyone met up to go shopping Angela led everyone towards the transportation center. "Angela, where are you taking us?" Gaila asked.
"I'm not taking you anywhere. Lady Amanda got appointments for all of us at Bergdorfs and arrangement to meet us there once I told her we were still going to the Gala. Apparently, my first appearance on Earth is a big deal. She opened a credit account there."
"We can't," Uhura replied. "There's no way we could ever repay..."
"You can try and convince her but I wish you luck; she's been waiting the better part of thirty years to spoil a girl," the youngest replied. They climbed onto the transport pad and a few swirls of light later they are in Central Station New York.
"Angela," the middle aged brunette called, rushing forward to embrace the teen. "I am so happy to see you."
"You didn't have to come all this way," Angela replied.
"And miss shopping for your first event, I don't think so," Amanda replied, "Now introduce me to your friends while we walk."
"This is Gaila and Uhura," she introduced, "Guys, this is Lady Amanda of Vulcan, my adoptive guardian."
"And a very proud one, Spock sent over your mid term grades," she said, "You're doing very well dear. Now, I know you're not one for indulging me, but I want you to look beautiful for me since I can't be there."
"Save me," Angela pleaded to Gaila.
"Oh no, please," Gaila said, "I wouldn't want to get in the way."
"We have an appointment with a personal shopper and we're going to be late soon," Amanda said, "Do you have ideas for what you want to wear?"
"Something with gloves," Angela said, "And I know I'm going to need to shoes, I don't have anything for a Terran event."
"We'll have someone bring out shoes and accessories," Amanda said, "Girls, have you thought of what colors you wanted?" Both stammered a little before the older woman bowled them over with affection again. "All right then, I'll have an array brought out and we can narrow it down from there."
"I was thinking something pale that wouldn't clash with my hair, silver for Gaila and green for Uhura," Angela said, "And gloves all around."
"Hello," Amanda said to the concierge, "Lady Amanda of Vulcan here for her appointment."
"Good morning ma'am," the woman said, "You'll be meeting with Catherine, she'll take care of you and any of your needs. Can I get you any refreshments?"
"I'll have some cucumber water," Amanda said, turning to the younger women, "Girls?"
"Tea," Angela answered, "Whatever herbal mix you have."
"Water," Uhura offered.
"Fruit juice," Gaila replied, still surprised by the whole experience. Next thing they knew they were whisked off to a private room.
"I know this might be disconcerting," Amanda said, "But it is part of the territory of being involved with an Ambassador, I assure you I wasn't always so easy with this. Just don't worry about it, we're here to have fun and make sure the three of your look appropriate for the Gala."
"Is it really so formal?" Uhura asked. "I have a few gowns, but we were worried they wouldn't be good enough."
"It's not that," Amanda said, "It's the expectations that will be set upon you as my guest. You're not just attending the Gala, you'll be representing the up and coming minds of Starfleet. There will be foreign dignitaries there and they will know the Ambassador and I will not be attending. I can't have them thinking poorly of him so this is, unfortunately, necessary."
"I didn't think of it like that," Gaila said, "Our every move being critiqued as if we were representing you."
"Only some will think that," Angela smiled as Catherine walked in.
"Yes, if you'll be kind enough to start with Uhura," Amanda mentioned, "We'll need formal gowns in green, silver, and some pastel shades complementary to my daughter's skin tone. Opera gloves for all three, shoes and accessories brought out. No jewels, we'll take care of that. Thank you so much, I just need a word with Angela before you get started."
"Yes ma'am," Catherine said, turning and engrossing the two other women in quick conversation about preferences.
"You know that is the girl I'm trying to get Spock with," Angela said quietly, "I was hoping this would be a chance for the two of you to meet and hit it off. She's perfect for him."
"I'm aware of her academic achievements and her social interests," Amanda said, "But I do wish someone had warned me what might happen when I was seen with the junior Ambassador of Vulcan. You're used to being watched when you go out, she isn't. I agree she would be good for Spock and so far she seems lovely, she just needs to walk into this with her eyes open. Was there anything else you wanted to talk about?"
"Not really," Angela said, "I was just hoping for this to be a bit more fun."
"We'll girl out once we start trying on dresses," Amanda said, patting Angela's arm to console her. "Don't worry."
Gaila was the first one to find her dress, out of the seven she originally tried on the third was by far the most beautiful. She had the attendant help her back into the dress and then walked out in it so she could pick out accessories. "You have to pick that one," Angela said, "With your hair up, you'll look stunning."
Gailia fidgeted with the straps and looked at the neckline, aware she was using Vulcan dignitaries tickets. "You don't think it's to revealing?"
"No," Amanda said, "It's not to low, I'd tell you if I thought it was inappropriate."
"That looks stunning," Uhura agreed, handing her a pair of silver heels and black opera gloves that covered her to the elbow, "Here, look now." Gailia smiled at the woman in the mirror, a modest neckline went from the tips of her shoulders and met a few centimeters below her collarbones. The fabric ruche went all the way down her body and then fell into waves of skirt that went to the floor, though hugged her waist and the tops of her hips just enough to give her shape.
"And I would suggest the RL Davenport clutch," Catherine said, handing her an elegant satin clutch with a silver clasp.
"That's lovely," Amanda said, "Can you add all of that to our bag and we'll get Uhura next."
"Oh ma'am…" Gaila started.
"The gods of fashion would rein fire on me if you didn't go to the gala in that," Amanda cut her off. "You look beautiful and I won't take no for an answer. Uhura, have you found anything you'd like to try on?" Uhura was whisked away to try on her gowns and Gailia remerged in her street clothing.
"You mom is really strong willed," Gailia said.
"It's why we love her," Angela said, "How else could she stay married to a Vulcan for this long?"
"I heard that," Amanda said, smiling. Unsurprisingly it was Amanda that found Uhura's gown, a lovely emerald number made of a floating sheer over satin with a drape in the low cut back. It was far from immodest, but modeled a little after Vulcan culture, she paired it with silk amber opera gloves and a pair of heels Catherine recommended.
"Amanda," Uhura said, "Please, there has to be a way for us to repay you."
"Have a good time at the gala and keep an eye on my son," Amanda replied, sipping from her water glass, "If you can keep him from inadvertently starting any fights we'll call the evening a success."
"He and Sarek haven't done that in ages," Angela said, turning around to examine the pale sapphire gown she was wearing only to wrinkle her nose at it. "I don't think I like this one. Why did I have to get blue hair? If I wear bold colors I look like a paint wheel."
"Maybe try a pale lavender?" Gaila suggested. Needless to say, Angela's dress took the longest to find. Finally they agreed on a lavender sheath with a lace covered bodice. She wore cream colored gloves that would go well with her ancestral adornments she planned to wear on the evening.
When Catherine slid a nude pair of heels onto her feet with leaf detail and pinned the girl's hair up for an idea of the full look, Angela was stunned by the appearance she saw in the mirror. Gone was the gawky, to young looking girl in sneakers and an old sweat shirt. Here was a fully matured Twinaiian female, Amanada was standing behind her tearing up a little. "Mom," Angela said, turning.
"I'm sorry, it's just that you've grown up so quickly," she said, smiling. Uhura and Gailia sat quietly to the side, not wanting to interrupt. "I can't believe it hasn't been ten years since we found you, and look at you already."
"Well, I grow faster than you do," Angela joked, "Just not as tall. Think this will do?" Amanda insisted on purchasing the three outfits and the girls were sent back on their way to the Academy with garment bags and an agreement for the three to get ready at Gailia and Uhura's dorm the night of the event.