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Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.


Pride and Logic: Chapter 3

“He is just what a young Starfleet officer aught to be,” Gaila sighed as she fell upon her bed.

Uhura smiled at her reflection in the mirror as she prepared for bed.

“Of whom are you speaking, Gaila?”

“Lieutenant-Commander Shuran, of course,” Gaila protested as she sat up from the bed.

“Yes, Lieutenant-Commander Shuran is all you have spoken of for the past two months,” Uhura replied, smiling at her friend’s reflection in the mirror.

Those few months had been the most serene quarter at Starfleet yet for Uhura. The dorm room had been surprisingly free of half dressed young male cadets hiding under the bed. Gaila had been in bed every night by eleven and out of the door by seven. Gaila’s bed was even made everyday and the bathroom floor was free of the used cotton swabs that normally littered the tiled floor. It had been paradise for Uhura and she had Lieutenant-Commander Shuran to thank for it all. Listening to Gaila sigh dreamily every night was a very small price to pay for such serenity.

“So, when should I wish you joy?” Uhura asked as she joined Gaila on her bed, drawing her legs up to her chest.

“Nyota, it is not like that. We are merely colleagues and friends,” Gaila demurred as she urged Uhura to turn so that she could brush her hair.

“Hmmm, you may be colleagues, but you are definitely more than friends.”

Gaila had been working closely with Shuran on updating the computer simulations used for pilot training.  When they were not working together on this project, they could be found sharing meals together in the mess hall, jogging together around campus or sharing a table in the library, Gaila pouring over her class notes while Shuran worked on other matters, content just to be in her presence. Half the campus suspected that they were lovers. However, only Uhura knew that it must be much more than that. Gaila had her share of casual lovers, a string of male cadets who occupied her thoughts for no more than a week at a time. This was different. Uhura almost suspected that they had not slept together, which could only mean one thing: Gaila was falling in love.

“I often see Commander Spock,” Gaila offered out of the blue.

“I can’t imagine that those times are very pleasant,” Uhura replied, remembering their encounter at the ball three weeks ago.

“No, they are not. He is so quiet and reserved and I am sure that he finds me rather perplexing. However, he is never impolite. Besides, he and Shuran are good friends and I cannot imagine Shuran befriending someone who was not a good person at heart.”
“I suppose,” Uhura offered noncommittally.

“He has asked after you…” Gaila replied airily.

“Really? I wonder why.” Uhura asked in genuine surprise.

“He merely asks after your health. He explained it as his attempt at performing a human nicety, but I think that you made quite an impression on the Commander§ at the ball.”

Uhura snorted. “I am sure that I did. He made his opinion of me perfectly clear.”

“I have never known you to hold a grudge, Nyota,” Gaila replied as she stopped her brushing. “I am sure that he was just in a sour mood that night. You said yourself that Vulcans must view balls as being very illogical.”

 “I think it is more than being in a ‘sour mood,’ Gaila. Vulcans are masters at regulating the expression of emotion and they strive not to be affected by them at all.”

“See, but Commander Spock is only half Vulcan. His mother was human,” Gaila offered airily.

“How do you know this?” Uhura gasped.

“Computer genius, remember?” Gaila trilled.

“I cannot believe that you hacked into his personal files!”

Gaila simply shrugged. “A girl has to do something to amuse herself. But you are trying to ignore my point, Nyota. This dislike of Commander Spock is not like you.”

Uhura sighed. “You are right, Gaila. I don’t know why the Commander has gotten under my skin so easily. I have not even seen him since the ball. But, I do have his Advanced Vulcan Language and Culture Seminar next term, so I am sure I will be seeing a lot of him.”

“Congratulations, Nyota! That class is very hard to get into and no one under third year has ever been allowed in.”

“Well, I easily passed the placement test. Besides, I need the class for my Vulcan requirement. Even though I am already fluent, I have to take at least 3 credit hours in Vulcan language or culture.”

Gaila yawned. “Well, I have to get to bed early tonight. Shuran has invited me and to accompany him to the outpost on Theta Sigma. Apparently they have been having some peculiar problems with their sensors and computers.”

“Wow, you are already doing missions and it is only the end of your first year!”

“I know. I owe the opportunity all to Shuran,” Gaila smiled dreamily. “Originally, an instructor in the Computer Sciences was supposed to accompany him, but she could not find another instructor to relieve her from her duties so close to the end of term.”

“What about your own finals, Gaila?” Uhura asked with some concern.

“This quarter I only have two courses with final exams and one course with a paper that I have already completed. Lieutenant-Commander Shuran spoke to both of my professors. Since this is such a unique opportunity for a first year student, I’ll be able to take my final exams remotely on Theta Sigma. Well…provided we manage to repair their communications system within the next three weeks.”

“Well, it appears that you have everything sorted out,” Uhura replied.

She was genuinely surprised that Gaila had managed to actually turn in an assignment early. Uhura had already handed in her final papers, but her roommate had never demonstrated similar study habits. After wishing her friend a good night, Uhura turned off the lights and settled down into her own bed. She genuinely hoped that things progressed between Gaila and Shuran. She had never seen her friend so happy or her life so organized.

********************

Uhura stood before the mirror brushing out her long ebony hair in preparation for taking her last exam. She was lucky in that she only had two final exams and both had been scheduled within the first two days of exam week. Other cadets would have hated such a schedule, but Uhura had not needed the extra study time. She was never behind in her studies and she was the cadet that the others sought out in order to beg her to share her stellar outlines.

“Incoming message for Cadet Uhura. Origin: Theta Sigma,” the computer announced just as Uhura finished pulling her hair back into an efficient ponytail.

“Accepted. On screen.” Uhura was looking forward to speaking with Gaila. It had been two weeks since her friend’s departure to Theta Sigma and she had only sent one communication to Uhura letting her know of her safe arrival.

Uhura’s image reflected in the mirror dissolved into an image of Gaila reclining in bed. She looked awful. Her usual healthy green glowing skin now had a sickly dull yellow undertone. Her dark blue eyes were rimmed in red and her copper hair lay limp against her scalp, weighed down by sweat.

“Nyota,” Gaila croaked out horsely

“Oh, Gaila! Honey, you look awful. What happened?” Nyota exclaimed in genuine concern.

Uhura had known Gaila ever since they attended the University of the United States of Africa together four years ago. She had never seen her friend ill beyond a simple cold and those few times had been quite a trial. Gaila did not handle sickness well. Uhura could only imagine how trying whatever she now suffered from must be for her.

“I have a bad case of Theta-Sigma Influenza,” Gaila coughed.

“You have the flu?”

“Yes, but it is so much worse than any earth-based flu. The inoculations we received once we arrived planet-side worked for everyone but me. I’m the only Orion to have visited Theta Sigma and I suppose the inoculation for the flu isn’t very…” Gaila’s explanation was interrupted by a spat of bone shaking coughs that left her weak and tired.

“Don’t worry, Gaila. I’ll be right over. I have one final exam this morning and the very moment that I am done, I’ll be on the next ship to Theta Sigma.”

“Nyota, ships don’t come here everyday. It is only an observation outpost.”

Uhura considered this for a moment. “Well, I am sure that there must be a supply vessel or some ship scheduled to pass by Theta Sigma in the next day or so. I’ll simply manage to hitch a ride and I’ll beam down to the outpost. Easy as pie!”

Gaila coughed. “You are truly the best of friends, but you don’t have to go through all that trouble for me.”

“Gaila, would my being there make you feel more at ease?”

Gaila’s eyes left the screen to examine the Starfleet issued blanket tucked securely around her. “Yes.”

“Then it is settled! I’ll be there as soon as I can. Rest well, Sweetie.”

“Oh, Nyota, can you bring…”

“Ambassador Snuggles? Yes, I’ll be sure to pack him.”

****************
Finding a transport to Theta Sigma had been easier than Nyota realized. True to her word, as soon as she finished her exam—which was in record time, even for Nyota—Uhura made her way with her bag and Ambassador Snuggles to the transportation center. On her way there, a communication from Theta Sigma came through. A very anxious and concerned Lieutenant-Commander Shuran informed her that he had made travel arrangements for her on the one ship scheduled to travel near Theta Sigma that week. There was a supply vessel with transporter capabilities scheduled to pass close to Theta Sigma in three days on which he had secured her passage. The vessel was scheduled to leave from New Los Angeles in two hours. Nyota rushed to catch a shuttle to make the journey from San Francisco to New Los Angeles and barely arrived in time. As the vessel was outfitted to carry supplies, it was not the most comfortable two days for Uhura. However, she bore it admirably knowing that Gaila would be put at ease by her presence.

“Commander Spock!” Uhura exclaimed upon rematerialization.

“Cadet Uhura,” the Vulcan greeted her. His face as impassive as the day they met. “I was sent to direct you to Cadet Gaila’s quarters.”

“Thank you, Commander.” Uhura replied, recovering her formality after the initial shock of meeting him wore off.

“Cadet,” Spock called, breaking Uhura from her train of thought. She had been staring at him mutely for several moments. “Please follow me.”

Uhura easily fell in to step beside Commander Spock. While normally she would have been curious about their surroundings, she found herself glancing surreptitiously at the Vulcan beside her.

“There is something which is causing you concern, Cadet,” Spock addressed her after a minute or two of noticing her sidelong glances. “You are permitted to speak freely.”

Uhura flushed at being caught in her perusal. “Commander, I was simply curious as to your presence on Theta Sigma. Cadet Gaila had led me to believe that the mission was purely about repairing the outpost computer systems while you are an instructor in advanced phonology and ethics.”

“One could pose a similar query about your presence on Theta Sigma.” Spock stated, his voice cool and level. “As a first year cadet specializing in xenolinguistics, your presence does not contribute to the successful completion of our task.”

A surge of irritation spread through Uhura at this statement. Did he truly mean to suggest that her presence somehow impeded the mission?

“Cadet Gaila requested my presence, as you are no doubt aware. As she is very ill, I felt it was my duty as her friend to come and attend to her.”

“The idea that your mere presence could be of medicinal benefit to Cadet Gaila is highly illogical. The medical officers have the situation well in hand. Your friend will recover admirably under their care. Therefore, one must conclude that your presence is indeed unnecessary and your long journey was an inefficient use of time and energy.”

“As we are speaking freely, Commander, I have to argue that convalescence is not merely about logic and medicine. The presence of loved ones when one is ill can lift one’s spirit and make the time spent in convalescence more bearable.”

Commander Spock replied to this retort with a mere lift of his brow.

“I believe you inquired as to my presence on Theta Sigma, Cadet. As you are obviously unaware, I specialize in computer programming. Therefore, my inclusion on this mission is logical.”

The remainder of their walk was completed in silence, with Uhura growing more annoyed with the Vulcan’s manner with each step.

“Here is the entrance to Cadet Gaila’s quarters,” Spock announced upon their arrival.

“Thank you, Commander,” Uhura stiffly replied.

“No expression of gratitude is required, Cadet Uhura. At 1800 hours we gather for the evening meal and debriefing. You will join us.”

“Yes, Commander,” Uhura replied as she repressed a sigh. She was not looking forward to sharing a meal with the cold Vulcan, but she recognized the invitation as an order from a superior officer and not a request.

“You are dismissed.”

Uhura nodded to Commander Spock before entering her friend’s rooms with a sigh of relief. Gaila lay in her bed under a sea of blankets looking even worse than when Uhura last saw her.

“Nyota!” Gaila greeted, a tired smile crossing her features.

Uhura moved to her friend’s side and placed a kiss on her forehead.

“I’m here and I have brought along a friend,” Uhura smiled as she pulled a worn blue stuffed creature dressed in a Starfleet uniform out of her pack.

“Ambassador Snuggles,” Gaila smiled as she clutched the stuffed animal to her chest.

Uhura watched the scene with some amusement before bursting out in laughter.

“What is it?” Gaila questioned as Uhura fought to contain her amusement.

“Oh, I just realized why you are so enamored with Lieutenant-Commander Shuran!”

Gaila regarded her friend with a perplexed expression. Uhura merely pointed to the well-loved doll.

“Perhaps we should call your Shuran Ambassador Snuggles instead.”

Recognition flitted across Gaila’s face. Joining in her friend’s laughter, Gaila struck Uhura with the stuffed blue doll that very much resembled an Andorian.

“He is not my Shuran,” Gaila replied after their laughter had died down.

“No,” Nyota smiled. “But he very soon shall be.”

The two friends chatted amicably for a few more minutes before Gaila fell asleep. Uhura removed herself to a nearby armchair to work on some translation problems so as not to disturb her friend. It was not until she came upon a set of sayings of Surak that she became aware of a very intriguing fact: her entire conversation with Commander Spock had been conducted in Vulcan.















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Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.