Torch at the Crossroads: Act I

Author's Note: Couple of things! First of all, happy birthday to one of my readers, and I hope you enjoy the birthday present! Thought I'd post a day early!

Also, I am in Florida, so as you may be aware, there's a good chance we will get hit with a hurricane this coming weekend. Just throwing that out there that my schedule might be off as I may have more pressing issues. Or no power. We'll see. :) I'm hoping for the best, preparing for the worst. I have a couple of chapters stocked up, so I might set them to queue, I don't know.

As always, thank you to everyone for all your enthusiasm and excitement! This episode is definitely more heavily Wonder Woman-inspired from the comics, so I hope you'll enjoy. To anyone asking about the person you saw looking up Diana in the teaser, let's just say there are clues to who that person is if you were to look close enough, and it's a character who likes to work out of sight until they're ready.

Nyota Uhura loved the energy that emanated from every crewmember when the Enterprise settled in orbit around a fresh adventure. Whether it was a nebula, a station, or in this case, a planet. Each officer was giddy in his or her own way. For the captain, he had arrived ahead of his duty shift and had been on the bridge long before she reported for duty.

For Bones, he was especially focused on ensuring everyone's physicals were up to date ("In case one of you come back with some sort of alien porcine influenza"). For Spock, she knew all too well that his morning ritual had begun early, and she found him already studying every byte of information the computer had to offer on the planet and its people.

Nyota was no different. Upon learning of the mission, she spent the past week studying the Althean native tongue. That was typical and expected of a communications officer, but she especially enjoyed the unique way that the use of both fricatives and retroflex sounds to convey both the word, but also the actual emotional core behind the word. In a way, it reminded her of the courses in telepathic and empathic species, but in reverse. For psychically aware species, what you said was only half of the conversation. They heard every errant thought or emotion that accompanied the words.

For the Altheans, it did not matter what you thought you were saying: the pronunciation of the very word conveyed all components of hidden meaning that languages like Standard and Vulcan used by tone.

It was a challenge to face, and one that Nyota was hungry for. But, typically, she was the only person on the ship to truly find the lingual aspects of communication as exciting as the cultural communication.

In that way, Diana was a breath of fresh air.

The two of them had begun meeting for morning coffee shortly after she arrived on the ship. In part, it was because Diana wanted to learn about how humanity had learned to crack lingual codes upon meeting other races. Diana had even given the lieutenant the unofficial ranking of Amazon. It was the first time Uhura had learned of the Amazon's charge to create a bridge of understanding between all men through language and profound diplomatic skill. The ambassador felt that Uhura was already fulfilling that role in her own way.

Every day, Diana insisted that they speak a new language for her. She learned with a speed unlike any student Nyota had ever worked with, and even beyond the skill levels of most professors. In just under two months, the woman had learned Vulcan, Klingon and Romulan to the same proficiency of a native speaker. In addition, she had courted Uhura until the younger woman finally relented and began to teach what she knew of Andorian.

Once the word had come from Starfleet that the Enterprise was to escort Ambassador Prince to Althea for the opening conference to discuss Federation trade and border agreements, Uhura pivoted in her lessons. The two of them eagerly drank up the language over the brief time they had.

Now, standing in the transporter room and preparing to disembark, Diana's enthusiasm for the language had shifted to a more serious note. As the captain and Spock discussed the weather conditions of the planet, among other details only relevant for Scotty to program the transport, Diana pulled Nyota aside to speak.

"Therologies resto uvara areth." Diana repeated the traditional greeting of the Altheans back to her tutor, clearly aware that something wasn't quite right in the pronunciation.

"Not quite." Nyota coached. She repeated the greeting again back to Diana, but stressed the way the last r was to be airy. "The retroflex approximant is used in the word areth as a gift to their gods. The areth should feel like air is escaping your lungs directly to the gods, to show mutual respect."

Diana repeated it again, and after the nod of approval, smiled and rested her hands on Nyota's shoulders. "Sister, you are a fantastic tutor. I should have expected you would find a way to connect the language to the meaning when all else fails."

She grinned. "Ambassador, you've mastered several languages with ease. All I'm doing is helping to clarify and clean up. The universal translators will take care of the rest. But, the Altheans will most definitely be impressed that you used their traditional greeting."

Near the transporter control, she heard Spock. "That positive impression of the ambassador may be marred if you arrive late."

Diana quirked an eyebrow and moved past Nyota over to the first officer and captain. "We are ready to leave, Commander. I didn't want Scotty to feel rushed." The warm smile she sent Scotty's way only served to endear her to him more. Uhura was sure of it. Not a single person on the ship held any ill will towards Diana. Even Alex's widow had found comfort with the ambassador, no matter the role she had played in bringing Vanessa aboard.

In some ways, she was both ambassador and ship's counselor. Uhura found herself wondering if Bones had an opinion on that particular development.

"We're all ready to go, Ambassador." Scotty said. "But, are ye sure ye don't want a security officer?"

The captain crossed his arms over his chest and shot the ambassador a look that Uhura was all too familiar with. That expression that said he had made a point, been shot down, and was all too happy to try again. "Funny enough, Mister Scott, I asked the Ambassador the same thing."

"And I've already explained to you, Captain, that the Althean culture finds it disrespectful for visitors to arrive in large numbers." The tone of Diana's voice suggested the two of them had had this argument more than once in the two weeks leading up to the meeting. Uhura simply fought the urge to smile and patiently waited to see what would eventually come out of it.

"Four people is not an invasion party." Kirk remarked, skeptical.

"To the Altheans, it is." Diana sighed. "Besides, Troy was sacked not by an army, but by a small contingent of soldiers who hid in the statue of a horse. I understand the Althean government's concerns and, as a Federation Ambassador, am willing to agree to their terms." She motioned to the federation patch on her shoulder as proof of her commitment. "Otherwise, I would most assuredly have my armor."

Kirk's hand immediately went to his face, pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to contain whatever it wanted to say. "Yes, well, that would certainly make the case that you're a one-woman army. Can't say that would look good for the Federation, either."

Uhura smiled, sharing a mischievous glance with the ambassador. He had just confirmed what Diana had most assuredly been thinking.

"I do not need protection, Captain. We both know I am capable of taking care of myself, as well as Lieutenant Uhura and Crewman Harper."

"Yes, but, I could go - "

Uhura cleared her throat before the two of them could circle back to why the Altheans did not want the captain of what they saw as a warship on the planet. "Captain, I will be sure to give you a complete debriefing as soon as we return from the surface, but as Spock pointed out, we're going to be late. That won't look good for Ambassador Prince or the Federation."

"Nor is there a Starfleet regulation that would allow you to overrule the ambassador's choice of personal attaché, Captain." Spock added, a touch of wry humor in his voice. It might have gone unnoticed to those who didn't know the Vulcan as well, but she knew he was secretly enjoying the opportunity to point out to the adventurous captain that not even regulations could help him here.

Kirk finally sighed and motioned to the transporter pad. "All right, all right. You're right. The Ambassador absolutely knows what's best for her mission and I look forward to hearing the report."

"Thank you, Jim." Diana said with another smile. Nyota paused for just a moment as she made her way to the transporter pad. Diana's expression was warm but reserved. But, the captain… he was watching the ambassador with affection that had certainly gone right past friendly and into infatuated.

Oh, Jim. Some things never change… Nyota made a note to ask Spock about it when she returned. After Carol, she was certain she'd seen the last of Jim Kirk's liaisons with co-workers. Right up until they had crashed on Altamid, he had shown almost no interest in anything long-term.

The expression on his face did not indicate this was a short-term interest.

Even after the three women - Harper behind Diana and Uhura on the pad - had taken positions, the fact that Jim was still looking at Diana with that same amused smile distracted her so much, the transporter beam caught her off-guard.

Althea was breathtaking.

Whether that was due to Diana's simple unfamiliarity with much of the alien worlds the Federation had visited, or because it was truly a gem among the stars, she had no way of knowing. But, she did know that the moment the transporter beam materialized them on the surface of the planet, the sky was a beautiful hue of lavender. Something told her that Jim would be quite disappointed that he had to miss such beauty.

They had been transported to the main diplomatic building - according to the coordinates provided by the Althean government. In the recent month following her official acceptance of the ambassadorship, Diana had spent significant time understanding the typical experiences of first contact and later diplomatic missions that starships assisted with.

Not many cultures still encouraged the use of open-air structures in an era of transporter technology and warp drives. For many Federation planets, their earlier history had poisoned the air, or made it so that having airtight facilities that could be cordoned off was a necessity.

Judging from the bright lavender sky above them, the Altheans didn't see this as a concern.

The report from the crew of the U.S.S. Republic had been several months ago during their initial first contact. The captain had said very little of the planet or its people, only that they were amiable and interested in further contact. From Jim's opinion, Captain Sheppard was not overly keen on prose in her logs. She kept things to the point, and in doing so, had left the subsequent ambassador the pleasure of learning about the planet with fresh eyes.

This main building was crafted much like the old Greek parthenon, with great columns stretching towards the clouds, but open by choice, not through disuse and the ravages of time. There was no denying that the work of archeologists on proto-cultures among Earth-like planets were supported by cultures like this one. Here they were, hundreds of lightyears from Earth, and yet Diana could see the hand of the gods in this. Somehow.

But, this wasn't the time to focus on the architecture or the unique climate. The Althean delegation awaited.

Since she had no idea what to expect, Diana had found herself expecting humanoids more like the Andorians or Klingons with drastic differences in physiologies. Instead, she was faced with a people that looked more like they could have been long-lost earth colonists. Was this Jim's reaction when he met me? Did he feel as though he had fallen through time, not space?

She brushed the errant thought away. The dark olive tones of their skin may have been reminiscent of Earth's cradle of civilization, but their emerald green hair was not a color naturally occurring in humans from Earth. There was something profoundly striking in the particular hairstyle and adornments they used. Gold rings secured braids and curls. It gave her the impression of gilded serpents that tumbled down their shoulders.

Diana suppressed a hint of revulsion. These people are not gorgons, but the coloring is… exactly the same. How long had it been since she had slain Medusa in the streets of Paris? Two centuries had passed, but the scars still remained. While she had eventually healed from blinding herself, it had been a painful recovery.

It had also been the first time Kal suggested she take a break. She spent the next two months in Metropolis helping Lois with her newborn son. In many ways, it had been a blessing. She had finally begun to forge a family in that new age of heroes.

She reminded herself that family had sent her here for a reason.

Diana stepped down off of the transporter pad. Lieutenant Uhura and Crewman Harper followed after her, careful not to crowd the Altheans. There was a sacred harmony in their diplomatic envoy. Each had three individuals. Trinities occurred in all things, across many cultures. One day, she would ask Vanessa what her philosophers said of such things. When I see her again.

The lead Althean delegate looked to be in her mid-forties by earth standards. Her other two delegates stood on either side of her, in profile view only. They each faced off to the sides, as if they could not look at them. It was something Diana had seen before in her own people. In the Themysciran ritual for a goddess rarely invoked.

The lead Althean held a key in hand. She touched it to her forehead reverently before breathing, "Therologies resto uvara areth."

In response, Diana gently took the key and touched it to her head as well, then repeated. "Therologies resto uvara areth."

As she handed back the key, the three delegates spread out a bit more. That sense of staring at a triplicate goddess dissipated instantly. In addition, the Althean delegate's smile told her that she'd correctly repeated the blessing.

"Welcome to Althea, Ambassador of the Federation." The universal translator in Diana's communicator recoded the Althean language to Standard in nano-seconds. According to Uhura, some languages were too complex or too new for the translator to do so without delay. Given half a year to decompose the language from the Republic's interaction had meant that it sounded instantaneous. It sounded like standard, and the timbre of the woman's voice didn't seem to change at all. "I am Roda, the Great Key of the Althean Hoop. You may address me as such. These are my torches, Thera and Umatha." Diana recalled the logs. She was the equivalent of the majority leader in a senate from old democracy, and the two delegates were senators of a sort. A high honor.

"I am Ambassador Diana Prince. These are my attachés: Lieutenant Nyota Uhura and Crewman Rose Harper. I'm quite pleased to meet you and look forward to experiencing your culture."

Roda smiled, putting the key into a pouch on her belt. "Then you will not be disappointed. We were pleased you could arrive for such an auspicious day. Today is the Ritual of Etaceh, our great patron. We should very much like another trinity at the table of our crossroads."

"Crossroads?" Uhura asked, doing her best to keep pace with Diana without breaking with decorum. "Great Key, forgive me." Diana caught the honorific and smiled. "We're still learning your culture."

Roda turned to the lieutenant with a smile that suggested she was as happy for this meeting as Diana was. "Our patron is the lady of the crossroads of life and death. To honor her on this feast day, we leave her a banquet at the crossroads to bless us with another year of magic."

"Magic?" Diana echoed. The surprise was a happy one. Most cultures had abandoned concepts of magic. At least, that was how the Enterprise crew suggested it. Many Starfleet officers didn't hold deeply held religious beliefs, either. Or, if they did, they kept that information off-duty. "My understanding is that your people have been travelling the stars for several decades, and several years with warp travel. I did not realize your people held such a strong inclination for magic and sorcery."

Roda motioned for the ambassador to follow her down another open air hall. A shadow passed over them as some great bird of prey soared over them and momentarily blotted the sun. Diana found herself wondering how this world could exist. The colors were so radically different than what she expected, it felt as though she'd stepped into a fever dream. "Ambassador - "

Diana held her hand up. "Diana, please."

"Diana." She nodded, then continued. "Our great goddess is the mother of magic. She is the creator of pharmakeia." Diana's steps faltered for a moment at the distinctly Greek word. Was it a translation error or intentional? "The great arts of potion-making and sorcery have been with our people through all phases of our evolution. Our more ancient ancestors practiced the art, and we have continued along our development as such."

"But, warp technology isn't magic." Harper remarked. The woman was nearly Diana's height, but lacked the tact. She had been chosen as a science officer so that they could evaluate the technological capabilities of the culture. "That's science: quantum physics and warp theory."

Diana quickly added. "Crewman Harper means no disrespect, but it is a curious distinction."

Roda didn't seem fazed. "Curious, yes, but immaterial. You are familiar with magic of your own people, yes?"

"Historically." Harper acquiesced.

"Good. Tell me, when your medical officers create medicines, do they not simply follow the same methodologies of your old sorcerers? They know the properties of atoms and molecules, organic paramecium and prions, then create a potion that treats the individual of an affliction." Roda shrugged. "The goddess blesses us with the same. To understand the base elements and how they combine to create reactions is to know how to cast the spell."

Diana was instantly fascinated. This culture believed that all their advancement was magical in nature. Even when one could explain the magic, it was still magic. "That is amazing, Great Key." She breathed, smiling. "I would love to hear more."

"And I will gladly do so. But, first, we must eat. For when the sun goes down, we shall begin the ritual of the Etaceh."

The sun had risen high in the sky, then eventually fallen. Through it all, Nyota had spent the better part of the day talking until she nearly lost her voice. The banquet itself had been quite delicious, even if she felt she could have stopped eating after the first two courses. But, like many cultures, it was rude to refuse, so she'd taken to making sure she ate at least a little bit of every dish that was brought before her.

It turned out to be fuel for the evening that she desperately needed. Once the initial conversation on technological advancement as magic out of the way, the conversation had spread across multiple channels. It reminded Uhura of old academy exercises in her comm studies classes. A communications officer had to be able to listen to multiple conversations and transmissions while still pulling out pertinent details.

It was Uhura's job to listen and help ease the negotiations, but only if necessary. Ambassador Prince was the star of the evening, and they certainly gave her ample opportunity to work.

Diana charmed every person she met. Uhura couldn't help but be amused that for every Althean that met her reluctantly, they came away a friend to the Amazon and the Federation. Diana quickly found herself surrounded with the people she wished to speak with, not the ones that the Altheans felt were necessary for negotiation. The Great Key Roda remained at her side, the two of them quickly striking a solid rapport for the negotiations, but overall, Diana was masterful at guiding the Altheans towards the trade agreement the Federation wanted, as well as understanding what the Altheans hoped to get out of the alliance.

When it became clear that Diana more than had the intricacies of the negotiations well in hand, it gave Uhura the opportunity to seek out her own partners in conversation. As it turned out, most of the planet was willingly under a functional theocratic economy. The main heads of trade and economy were considered priests, and Uhura spent almost an hour discussing the major points of trade with the high priestess of the Temple of Wealth. Their currency system was based around fealty to the gods, and each citizen received back a portion of their tithe to the goddess every festival. Since each citizen was provided a number of professions upon reaching age, there was virtually no unemployment. They had successfully managed to barter and trade to a peak societal level of prosperity.

As a result, other disciplines had begun to spring up in tithing. One such discipline had an advocate in Harper's companion, the head alchemist (quantum scientist) of the Temple of the Stars. As the Altheans showed interest in travel, they chose to tithe to the Temple of the Stars. Other economic temples would also send a portion of their tithes to the Temple of the Stars, and thus, funded space travel.

Uhura had never seen science, economy and religion blend together quite like this. The Klingons had gods, yes, but they had killed them and now lived on a code of Honor. Honor was more about the actions, less about the guiding hand behind them.

Now that they were back on the Enterprise, Nyota found herself eagerly waiting for the opportunity to speak to Diana about the culture and its similarities to ancient Greece. Uhura had not spent much time thinking about Earth's religions, not even her own family's religious background. When she came to the Enterprise, she had compartmentalized that part of her life and focused on the scientific nature of what they did. The interfaith chapel on the ship had been as much a place of quiet reflection as anything.

Diana seemed to change that. Once she had explained her heritage to the senior staff, she found herself thinking more and more about what it was she believed. She still didn't know, but she knew that the woman was at least as long-lived as she claimed from historical records. And if she could kill gods… well, it seemed a moot point to dwell too much on the ones who were around, and more about what people could do in their names.

Curiously, Diana had never let onto the Altheans that she was anything more than a human ambassador. Even when it became clear that something about the Althean ritual - and maybe even their culture at large - had unsettled her, she'd simply pressed on. Now that they were back on board, all of those questions would be answered.

Crewman Harper had handed them her data padd with her official and brief report to provide to the captain, then Diana had gladly dismissed her. The woman was clearly not used to so much conversation, and was happier back in Engineering with Scotty and Keenzer. The important thing was that Harper had given the sign-off that the Altheans were truly warp capable and had the resources they promised on-planet. They could successfully trade with the Federation.

"Their entire economy is fascinating." Uhura remarked as the two women made their way up to Deck 1, heading for the briefing room. "I know that many cultures will have their religions interlaced with their economy, but the notion of tithing and using that as the currency and wage system so that they can fund all manner of infrastructure and research…. That's so unusual."

Diana stepped into the turbolift and rested her hand on the console, programming it for Deck 1 before she replied. "It's very similar to the Roman Empire, although I admit the Romans were not so keen on handing over infrastructure to the temples. But, medicine, prophecy, household matters, all of those were part of the gods. My sister, Epione, she frequently prayed to Hestia and Athena for new remedies and blessings to heal others. Although, using tithes to fund warp travel is…" She chuckled, equally as amused and as curious as Uhura. "That is certainly the apex of that structure's evolution. The Romans never would have been able to do that. Too many others from different religions. The Altheans are strangely homogenous in terms of religious sects."

"It might be that they have since pushed out other beliefs." The thought didn't occur to Uhura lightly. They might have very well seen what the Altheans wanted them to see.

"Perhaps…" The two of them stepped off of the turbolift and headed to the briefing room. Uhura could tell that Diana was still distracted, maybe even troubled.

The doors to the briefing room slid open easily. Kirk was sitting at his normal seat at the end of the table, pouring over a datapadd. Diana stepped in first, and Uhura followed after just in time to catch a smile on her friend's face that definitely confirmed her suspicions from earlier in the day.

Jim was definitely interested in Diana, and it was clear he was trying to keep things as professional as he could. She just wondered how long that would last.

Jim set the datapadd down on the table and motioned for the two of them to take a seat. When he glanced over at Uhura finally, his expression shifted from somewhat amazed to straight up mischief. "Ambassador, Lieutenant. I trust the meeting with the Altheans went well."

"Quite well," Diana said as she took a seat near him. "They're very fascinating. More importantly, Crewman Harper handed us her report. I can send it to Admiral Kent and ease his concerns about whether or not they actually had the resources in the quantity and quality they promised."

"Really?" Kirk reached out and took the offered padd so he could skim it. "This is really good news. The fleet needs more dutonium. We're behind on the last phase of fleet restoration because of this shortage." Once he was satisfied at the report, he handed it back to Diana and leaned back in his chair. "Any chance they'll take a standard trade agreement?"

She nodded. Uhura could almost feel the joy radiating off the other woman. She was infectious like that. "Their Great Key gave the preliminary sign-off, and I spoke with several of their Torches - their word for senators. The Althean Hoop - their Senate - should approve the official agreement quickly. I provided the data module with the subspace relay and coordinates so that they can send the news directly to the Federation Trade Council once it has been ratified."

"Mission accomplished, then." He grinned. Uhura found herself doing the same, although it was more because Jim had never been that interested in trade agreements. He liked negotiating peaceful surrenders and getting into trouble, or getting his hands dirty. Normally, he avoided ambassadors. Yet, Diana had given him a sudden interest in politics? "Great job, Ambassador. Not that I had any doubt."

"You seemed to have at least a few," Diana gently reminded him. The grin that slid onto her features was more teasing. Uhura suddenly felt like maybe she was in the middle of a conversation for two. "I know it wasn't a matter of protection, you just wanted to come along."

"You are absolutely right," Jim said. "I really hate sitting in the chair when I could be on an away mission. But, I could have replaced Harper."

"Actually, they work in same-gender trinities for this particular type of negotiation." Uhura chimed in. She almost felt bad that she interrupted what was quickly going to a very amusing exchange, but she could ask Jim about it after the briefing officially concluded. "It's a key component of their culture. The only exceptions they have are for their people they consider two-sexed, and they're especially revered so most often don't make it to the Hoop. They're normally pulled into priesthood early." The two of them turned to look at her, both genuinely surprised that she knew that. "The Ambassador chatted with the Senate. I chatted with the clergy. There's an entire social structure around the Trivia."

"Trivia…" Jim repeated, lacing his fingers together and resting them on his stomach as he gently shifted his chair back and forth. "That's Latin, right?"

"Yes." Diana's smile faded, replaced with an expression more neutral, focused. "In fact, they share many similarities to old Greek and Roman cultures." She rested her hands on the table. Clearly, whatever had unsettled her on the planet was still on her mind.

"I'm sure there are at least six archeologists who would love to hear that," Jim said with an easy smile.

"I'm not sure it's a matter of coincidence or proto-culture." Diana added, looking over at Uhura. "The people are advanced, yes, and seemingly by their own technological development, but… I think someone may have interfered with their culture in some way. It was why I was so quiet during the ritual of Etaceh."

"It wouldn't be the Federation," Uhura reminded her. "We haven't been out this far."

"I don't think the Federation would have infused more Greek culture in the event of contact, either." The ambassador agreed. "I am somewhat curious as to how a ritual such as that one came to that culture. Based on my limited exposure to the Romulans, there are many archetypes in their evolution similar to Earth's Roman culture. The Romans worshipped in this way as well."

"I don't recall either the Romulans or the Greeks having a goddess called Etaceh." Kirk replied, a bit skeptical. Uhura had to admit she agreed.

"No, but, the Key said they only began that particular ritual in the last few centuries." Reaching up, Diana rubbed her eyes and sighed. She seemed to be a bit more tired than she had let on. "But, perhaps it's nothing. I just can't shake the feeling that it all felt familiar. The Altheans even looked similar to… to someone I fought once. A long time ago."

"Who?" Jim's tone suggested he was worried Diana was alluding to another Darkseid.

She shook her head. "She is long gone. I know for a fact she died. But, if I told you I slew Medusa, would you believe me?"

The room fell silent for a moment. Finally, Jim broke it by tossing his hands into the air. "Why do you just drop that kind of stuff on me? No preamble, no set up."

"I am a goddess, the daughter of Zeus." Diana laughed. "I just showed you what the lasso can do last night and…" She trailed off. Suddenly, the room seemed to fill with an awkward tension as the woman could no longer look Jim in the eye.

Uhura couldn't help but feel as though, yet again, she was the third wheel. That had to stop. Clearing her throat, she sat up and rescued Diana from further conversation. "Ambassador, they had you talking all day. Why don't you take a break? I can fill the captain in on the ritual, if he wants to hear the details."

Diana shot Uhura a grateful look, then stood. "Yes, sister. I appreciate the suggestion. I'm going to do just that. I need a tall drink of water and a few hours to rest after I make my report. If you two don't mind, I'll go get started." She smiled over at Jim, nodding. "Captain, Lieutenant." She turned and nodded to Uhura, then made her way out of the briefing room.

Uhura nearly sighed aloud as Jim watched Diana go with all the focus of a cat tracking a toy in the air. Once the door closed, she instead cleared her throat and leaned forward to catch his eye. "Jim."

He tore his gaze away from the door. "Mm?"

"Is there something going on that I should know about?" She clasped her hands together and rested them on the table. She probably looked like a professor about to scold a student.

"Not that I can think of, no." Jim said, already evasive. He had calmed over the years, was less inclined to show his full hand, but he still had his own tells. The fact that he was back to watching the door meant his mind was still on the woman who had vacated the room.

"About yourself and the Ambassador…" She pressed. "Any possible and ill-advised interest you might have?"

That seemed to catch his attention fully. He turned to face her, sitting up in the chair. "What do you mean 'ill-advised?' Why would my interest be ill-advised?"

"Do you want the short list or the long, Jim?" Uhura said with a dry chuckle. "You don't have the best track record. And, I know that ever since Carol, you haven't really shown interest in anyone - "

"Can we not do this right now?" He asked, exasperated. She could tell he knew she was going to continue on regardless, but it was just short of a juvenile whine. "I've been focused on being captain, so forgive me if I'm a little distracted by a profoundly intelligent and well-spoken woman, Uhura."

"It's not that you're distracted, you're clearly hanging on her every word, Jim."

"Look, do I make commentaries on your relationship with Spock?" If he thought that would help him out of that, her reaction quickly disavowed him of that perception.

She scoffed. "Are you kidding me? All the time! You're the one who always wants to know if we're together or if we're fighting, and I'm pretty sure that's, in part, because you are a sucker for gossip." Uhura stood and made her way over to him, genuinely amused. "But, trying to deflect just means I know that this is getting under your skin."

"She's an ambassador, Uhura, and I don't think she's interested. I'm... trying not to make things awkward." Jim finally sighed.

"Well, you better be careful, captain." She pat his shoulder before making her way towards the door. "Because it was really awkward just now. At this rate, you probably want to just get things out into the open."

As the doors shut behind her, she could just barely hear Jim's reply: "Remind me to put you on third shift next week."

Spock turned from his console, quirking an eyebrow at her. It was clear that he'd heard Jim's remark as she stepped onto the bridge.

Instead of replying, she just shook her head and walked back to her communications station.

At least she and Diana had enjoyed themselves. That negotiation had been quite uneventful all things considered.

With no more distractions, maybe that would help Jim with… whatever he was going through. She couldn't help but wonder how long it would be fore Diana realized that she was putting off signals she was just as interested...