Chapter 5
Two weeks later, classes started. Spock entered his class early and set up his workstation. He felt a sense of excitement and he allowed the feelings to was over him. Most of the time he tried to employ the tenets of Surak, his ancestor. Spock was aware that he was among the minority of V'Tosh who embraced logic. Most had been driven out centuries earlier. Those who chose to stay were executed or dispossessed of their land by the Warlord, Sudoc.
Spock went back to his office for his water bottle. Water on Earth was plentiful so he indulged as much as possible. He knew that Sarek discourage overuse of water, but Spock had no desire to return to his barbaric homeland. After the third world war, humans learned to resolve their differences, They created a peaceful society.
When Spock returned to the lecture hall, there was an audible gasp. One student in the back got up to leave. Others soon followed.
"Sit down," Spock said. It was stern, but not aggressive.
The cadets rushed back their seats. They looked at each other, not knowing what to expect. Spock saw fear in their eyes.
"Now, we can begin the class,'" he said. He managed to force a small smile.
An uneasy silence filled the room. Spock began his lecture. When he finished, the class discussion began. By the end of the class, the students were a little less tense. However, there were a few in the back who refused to participate. Spock gathered his belongings and went back to his office. He left his satchel and walked over to the shopping district nearby for lunch. He ordered takeout at an Indian restaurant and then he stopped by a few shops, picking up a plant for his office. He went back to campus. People stared as he walked across the campus with the shopping bag and plant. Spock supposed they would have stared anyway. Most V'Tosh on the campus were there as security detail to monitor for resistance cells. Spock took the plant to the faculty lounge. He watered it. On his way back he saw the commandant, Admiral Robert April talking to some of the other administrators. Spock waved and took the plant to his office.
He was packing his things to leave when he heard a knock. Spock looked up to see the admiral with the department chair, Captain Shaw.
"Mr. Spock, may I present Captain Shaw? He will be helping you get settled." Admiral April said.
Spock walked over and stood at attention.
"Thank you, sir," he replied.
"Hurumph!" Shaw said.
"How was your class today, Mr. Spock?" Shaw said.
"I hold the equivalent of a Terran doctorate, I prefer Hassau Spock," Spock replied. "I believe it went well. I lectured, and we had a class discussion."
"Hmm," Shaw repeated. "I have heard that you intimidated some of the students."
"They were leaving. I told them to sit down." Spock replied. "It seemed like the logical thing to do."
"Logic," Shaw chuckled as he turned to look at April.
"Not all Vulcans are V'Tosh-Katur," Spock replied. "Some embrace the tenets of Surak."
Admiral April nodded.
"Well, be more careful next time," Shaw said.
"I will endeavor to do so," Spock said.
"Shaw, you go ahead. I want to speak with Dr. Spock about a few matters."
Shaw nodded and left.
"Will you take a walk with me?" April asked.
"Yes, sir. "Spock grabbed his satchel, and the door slid shut. Admiral April took Spock outside on the quad. They chatted about the campus for a few minutes. Spock noticed that cadets and faculty were watching.
"Dr. Spock, your presence here at the academy has stirred up quite a bit of controversy."
"I assure you it was not my intention to do so," Spock replied.
"Why didn't you return to Vulcan?" April asked.
"My philosophical beliefs are inconsistent with those of T'Vulk'ain," Spock replied.
"You have resigned your commission with the Vulcan fleet?" April asked.
"Affirmative," Spock replied.
"Well, perhaps," April paused and looked around.
April leaned in, and he spoke softly, "Perhaps you would consider enlisting in Starfleet as an officer?"
April sighed. Spock was the son of Sarek. He could go anywhere and do anything.
"I will consider it," Spock said.
"You will?" April said.
"Yes, sir, I have an interest in becoming a science officer," Spock replied.
"Was that your role before?" April asked.
"Negative, all officers of the T'Vulk'ain Command Fleet must carry the same credentials in science," Spock replied.
"That is impressive," April said.
"It is easy, as they say, to get lost in the crowd," Spock said.
"I see." April chuckled, "Well, I will send you an offer. We can meet next week to discuss the matter further." April slapped Spock on the shoulder. Then he walked away.
Spock nodded and headed to the lot. He walked over to inspect his vehicle. It was scratched with the words demon and goblin. Spock took a deep breath to calm himself. Then he headed home.
That evening, Spock contacted the Vulcan Embassy fleet. He wanted to turn in his vehicle for something less ostentatious. Spock was sure the vehicle was a symbol of oppression. He had to dial it back again if he wanted to fit in. Spock changed his clothes and stuffed a hat in his jacket pocket. Then he went to the marche'. Spock entered the store and headed toward the back. He went through a double set of doors, and someone called, "Hey, you cannot come back here!" Spock turned around, and the clerk fell to his knees.
"Forgive me, Osu,"
"Rise," Spock said. "Is there a back exit?"
The clerk pointed, and Spock went outside and circled around the building. Again, the kid approached the hovercar. He stared at it. Then he put the paper on the air screen. Spock approached him from behind pulling on his cap to cover his ears.
"I want to discuss the damage to my vehicle," Spock said.
The kid jumped and ran across the lot toward the tunnel. This time Spock followed. He could have easily overtaken the kid, but Spock held back to see where he was going. Several blocks away, the kid crawled through an old rusty wire fence. Spock stopped and looked at it. Then he leaped over the fence. He landed softly on the other side and followed the kid to an abandoned building.
Spock sniffed. He could smell spices and cilantro in the air. He crept up the stairs following the scent. Then he used his scanner to detect the access code and entered it. He walked into the unit and looked around. One of the windows was broken but covered with a cloth. The room was cold. There was a woodstove that the kid used for cooking. Despite the meager appliance, the food smelled great, and the space was spotless.
Suddenly, the kid crawled from behind the cabinet and made a dash for the door. Spock intercepted him and held his arm gently.
"I wish to speak with you about the damage to my vehicle. He pulled out a blue chip.
"This is not enough," Spock said.
"I will pay for it," the kid said. "Eventually."
Spock looked around the room. He held onto the kid and walked over to the pot. "Did you make this?" he asked.
"Yes," the kid replied.
"What is your name?" Spock asked.
"Kamu," the kid replied.
"I need someone to help at my home. I will pay you a wage. You may keep half, and the other half will be used to reimburse the "T'Vulk'ain Embassy for the repair of the vehicle,"
"It was an accident, please don't send me away," Kamu pleaded.
"I am aware. I need your help. It is an opportunity to repay the debt."
"How much will it cost?" Kamu said.
"3000 Terran credits," Spock replied.
"You may reside at my residence. There is clean water and food. You are trustworthy," Spock said.
"Is that a question?" Kamu said.
"It is a statement. Spock handed Kamu the blue chip.
"There are many humans who would not attempt to pay for the damage," Spock said.
"So, Vulcans are more ethical?" Kamu said.
Spock cocked his head. Something about the kid's speech seemed inconsistent with the surroundings.
"Most are not, but not all Vulcans are emotional," Spock said. It was his second time explaining this point in one day.
"Where do you live?" Kamu asked.
"I live near Starfleet Academy. I am a professor," Spock replied.
Kamu's eyes grew wide. "Yes, I will do it."
"I will return for you tomorrow. Have you belongings packed."
"Yes, osu," Kamu replied.