Chapter 7
Nyota made quick work of setting her personal items outside. From the moment she submitted her application for the commission, she had been sorting and packing goods. Nyota had her belongings sitting outside and she was sitting on the stoop when two of her roommates came out.
"Were you just going to leave and not tell us?" Chandra asked.
"No, I informed the landlord two weeks ago. I have also paid through the month so you have time to find a roommate." Nyota said.
Chanda scoffed, "Some friend."
"Are you kidding me? No one would give me a ride to the hospital and you left your messes for me to clean up since I lost my job." Nyota replied.
Chanda turned to go inside. She turned and said, "David was right to hide your Starfleet letter last year. You are a stuck up bitch!"
Nyota stood there in shock. Then the Starfleet Academy shuttle arrived. Nyota beamed as an officer in a red shirt walked over to her.
"Ensign Uhura?"
"Yes, this is all I have. I am ready to go."
"Yes, sir." He saluted.
Chanda's mouth was wide open as Nyota waved as the van drove off. Nyota mused about the conversation. Things happened for a reason. She now had a place to stay on campus, and officer rank and compensation. This was all because of Charlene. She was at the right place at the right time.
Nyota looked in her pack at the portfolio. She opened it an looked at the handwritten note from . Nyota opened her communicator and sent a message updating on her status. Then she followed up with an order of flowers to be sent to 's personal address.
The shuttle pulled up in front of the hall. The driver put her bags and boxes inside the lobby. Nyota asked to tip him, but he assured her that it wasn't necessary. The resident counselor brought over the hover cart and helped Nyota load it. Then she invited Nyota over to the desk.
Ensign Uhura, Ensign Master's informed us that you would be joining us. Nyota pulled out her credentials and the counselor scanned the card. She handed Nyota the welcome packet. Then Nyota took the cart to the lift and went to the third floor. As Nyota walked across the sky bridge, she checked out the view. Then she reached the first unit. She looked at the number and opened her packet.
"Home sweet home," she said. Nyota scanned her card and dropped it. When she stood up, Lt. Spock was standing there.
"Oh gosh, I didn't expect to see you?" Nyota said.
"My unit is across the hall." He motioned at the door across from hers. "May I be of assistance?" he asked.
"Sure, if you don't mind, sir." She said.
Nyota opened the door. Spock picked up most of the luggage and carried them to her bedroom. Then he went back and moved the boxes to her kitchen.
"Thanks," Nyota was shocked at how fast he moved.
He nodded. "I checked on the event. It is open formal dress. However, according to the vice commandant, most officers will be in dress uniform." Spock said.
"Hmm, Nyota said. "My dress uniform won't arrive until next term."
"Perhaps I can be of assistance," Spock said.
"What do you mean, sir?" she asked.
"Vulcan proportions are different from humans. My arms and legs are much longer. I have had my uniforms tailored since I arrived at the academy," Spock replied.
"I cannot impose," Nyota said.
"It is no imposition. If you are free now, I will take you to see him. He is Edosian, and he works efficiently." Spock said.
"Sir?" Nyota had no idea. She grabbed her pack and looked at the Padd as they went down the lobby.
In two hours, they were headed back. The tailor promised the dress uniform by Friday. Nyota was relieved. She didn't want to spend her savings on a cocktail dress. Plus, it was better to be recognized as an officer, even if most of the women were dressed up.
"Mr. Spock," Nyota said. "Are there requirements for hairstyles in dress uniforms?"
"I am not aware of any," he replied. He looked over at her. Nyota was only four years younger than Spock, but he had so much more experience, mostly because of his diplomatic family. However, he joined Starfleet at seventeen. At the age of twenty-seven, he had ten years with the fleet.
Nyota touched her bun. "I will check the officer's manual." She wanted to be professional, but this was an evening event, and she wanted to add a little flair.
Nyota opened her padd and downloaded the manual. She reviewed the specs on hosiery, shoes, jewelry and hairstyles for females in dress uniforms and duty uniforms. By the time they returned to the campus, she was confident about a way to look feminine and professional.
As she and Spock were riding the lift, he said, "I will be leaving at 1800. You may ride with me if you desire."
"Oh, I was so preoccupied I forgot about transportation. Yes, I would like that," she said.
Spock stopped at her door. He nodded and went to his apartment.
Nyota went inside and started unpacking. She worked for hours. She decided to contact her parents. Nyota put on her uniform. Then she dialed Kenya. Her mother answered.
"Nyota, I was just thinking about you. Have you made arrangements to return to Kenya?" her mother said. Nyota's father joined the call. Both of their faces barely fit on the screen.
"Nyota, enough of this foolishness. It is time for you to come home. We need a clerk in our accounting unit." He said.
"I am not coming home. Nyota said.
"Why not? You lost your job. We cannot afford to support your United States lifestyle." Her father said.
Nyota rolled her eyes. She lived close to poverty most of the time in the Bay Area, and she paid her own way. Nyota ignored the comment. She grinned broadly.
"Well, I have a new job." She said.
"Why work at a library when you can work for our business, dear?" M'umbha said.
"I got into Starfleet Academy. I made a friend, and she told me to apply for a commission. I got one because of my degree in physics." She added.
Nyota wanted her father to realize his mistake. He wanted her to study secretarial science.
"I have also been hired to work on a research project. My tuition and housing are covered." Nyota said.
Her mother was speechless. "You willful girl. You quit right now and come home. Your father has picked out a nice man for you." M'Umbha said.
"It is Albertine," he said with a grin.
Nyota grimaced. "He is my cousin, yuck!"
"He is a distant cousin," M'Umbha said.
It was usually Alhamsi who tried to run Nyota's life. This time it was Nyota's mother who went on about Nyota being a spinster and not having children.
Nyota was silent.
"Are you through?" she asked.
"I will be buying your ticket tomorrow. We will expect you next week." Alhamasi said.
"We can have a June wedding!" M'Umbha said gleefully.
Nyota stopped smiling. "Thank you so much for offering, but I have other plans for my life."
Nyota's eyes welled up with tears. "Goodbye Mama, Goodby Papa."
Nyota switched off the pers-com. She dialed in and canceled her service. Then she packed the device away in her underwear drawer. Nyota was following her dreams!