Chapter 4
A/N: I changed a few story elements. Feel free to go back and read the chapters 2 and 3.
The firefighters had finally pumped the water out of the tunnel and the leaks caused by the tremor had been sealed. Grayson was a search and rescue volunteer. He was on a mission to find the peacoat of the young lady he had rescued. She was kind to him. Plus, he found her quite attractive. That said, with her field of study, she would more than likely end up as a student in his class. He was hired for his research skills, but as an associate professor, he had to teach one class a term.
Grayson was among the men who helped remove the transport windows. There was no access through the front door, even after the transport was set up right. There was a pool of blood on the floor near the bulkhead. He spotted the blue peacoat described by the young lady. He lifted it, and his blood ran cold. Grayson leaned forward and grabbed the hand of the man sitting in the seat. He had been responsible for Grayson's admission at a time when many people were suspicious of his kind.
"Commandant," he said softly. Surprisingly, there was a slight pulse still, although it had been four hours since the collision.
Two EMTs were at his side. One looked at the commandant and said, "We need a hoverboard and a body containment unit."
In a matter of minutes, the commandant was secured in place and placed onto the hoverboard. The pea coat was still draped over his body to keep him warm. Grayson slumped against the twisted pole and stared at the blood on the floor. Then, he regained his composure and hurried to catch up with the EMTs.
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Nyota woke up the next day with a headache but didn't want to go to the hospital. It was bad enough that she lost her wallet. She didn't need medical bills on top of it. By noon, Nyota was dizzy and her vision blurred. She took a pain reliever, but it did little good. Nyota asked one of her roommates for a ride. He suggested that she take a cab.
By the time Nyota got to the hospital, she could barely stand straight. The driver helped her to the entrance. She stumbled into the lobby and slumped against the counter.
"Miss, you can't stand there," the nurse said.
"Right, I will move," Nyota replied as she licked her lips and turned to see a large group walking alongside a gurney headed for the exit. Nyota recognized the patient as the man who was sitting next to her. A tall blond woman was holding her coat. A tall, blond man walked on the other side of the gurney. Nyota took a deep breath and made her way over to the woman who was holding her coat.
"Excuse me, ma'am, I think that is my coat," Nyota said.
The woman looked at Nyota, "So, you are the one."
She turned to her companion. "David, this is the woman who tried to help Dad." She said.
Nyota faltered. Strong hands helped her up from behind. Nyota turned and looked into the gorgeous grey eyes of the tall stranger who had helped her the day before.
"Mr. Grayson," Nyota said. Then she leaned over and grabbed her head.
"She probably has a head injury. Bring her along to Starfleet Medical Center." The woman said to the patient transporter. He called for a gurney and they strapped Nyota down. The pain grew worse. Nyota squeezed her eyes shut.
After the two patients were loaded, the woman turned to the tall man and asked, "Why is she calling you Grayson, Spock?"
"It is easier to move about when people don't know my identity," he replied.
She touched his shoulder and they got in the van that was headed for Starfleet.
Nyota awoke in a private room. There were two floral bouquets on the tables. She sat up. The headache was gone. Nyota looked about the bed and pressed the call button.
"Well, good morning," the nurse came in to check Nyota's vitals.
"How are you today? Is the headache gone?" she asked.
"Wait, what day is it?" Nyota asked.
"It is Monday. You were under heavy sedation to let your brain's swelling go down. You took quite a bump on Friday I cannot imagine running five miles in the dark with a concussion." The nurse said.
"What is your name?" Nyota asked.
"Verma," the nurse replied.
"Verma, I have to get out of here. I have to get to work and …." Nyota froze, "My application is due today. I haven't finished my essay." Nyota fought back the tears.
"Calm down, I will get the doctor," Verma scurried out of the room.
A few minutes later, the tall blond from the county hospital entered. She was still carrying Nyota's coat.
"My coat!" Nyota exclaimed.
"Hi, I am Janice Rand. We met on Saturday at the county hospital. My brother and I want to thank you for helping our father." She said.
"I didn't do much. I just checked his pulse and tried to keep him warm," Nyota said.
"Neurogenic Shock is quite dangerous," A tall, handsome doctor said as he entered the room. "You saved his life, little lady." The physician added with a southern drawl, "I am Dr. McCoy. I will be your doctor."
The doctor checked her vitals. "You should be ready to go back to school by tomorrow." He said.
"Oh, I am not a student here. I can't afford this room. I work in a library," Nyota said.
"Oh, don't worry about it, hon. It has all been taken care of by the foundation," Janice said. She flashed a brilliant smile. "It is the least we can do for the person who helped save the Starfleet Academy Commandant," Janice said with a grin.
Nyota squeezed her eyes shut.
"Is the headache back?" McCoy asked. He touched her forehead. His hands were soft and delicate.
"No, I just need to finish my application for Starfleet. This is my last chance to apply." Nyota said.
"Oh, don't worry about that, sugar. We know all about it. The vice commandant pulled your application from last year." Janice picked up Nyota's pack out of the closet and handed it to her.
Nyota looked at Janice. Then she reached into her pack and opened her pers-com device. It was buzzing. She clicked the message screen and opened a communique from Starfleet. Nyota's jaw dropped when she read the message.
"This can't be real." Nyota said.
"It is real. You will start after the break." Janice said.
Nyota sat back against the pillows. She clutched her bag. It was finally happening for her after three years of trying.
"Thank you," Nyota said softly to Janice. It was obvious that she was quite well off. She had an expensive haircut and color. She also wore a designer outfit. It was another example of the modern utopian United Earth. Most people depended on Credits, but the rich still used currency to maintain their desired lifestyles.
"Well, that is enough excitement for one day. I will have the nurse order breakfast if you are no longer dizzy and nauseous. "How does bacon and eggs sound?" he rubbed his hands together.
"I will take oatmeal and a tofu scramble with green tea," Nyota replied.
"That sounds like someone else we know," Janice said with a chuckle. She patted Nyota's leg and headed out. Nyota unzipped her coat pocket. She pulled out her wallet and opened it. There were two additional items inside. One was another silver chip. The other was a temporary Starfleet credential.
Nyota sat back and exhaled. She could finally move away from her horrible roommates and cut back her hours at work.
