Graduation day

Graduation day


She only wanted some rest, to get away from all the noise, the smoke and debris. She watched the officers leaving the ruined simulator room, she did not dare to look in their eyes. She felt tired and lonesome – that was one must feel after failing at the final exam of Starfleet Academy.
Saavik left the simulator, not looking back at the burnt consoles and other equipments she hoped she would be using someday. But now, after failing the Kobayashi Maru exam, the assignment on a real starship seemed as distant as Vulcan – or Thieurrull – without Warp dirve. She would not be expelled, of course, but will probably be given an office job somewhere on a planet, maybe Vulcan at a bound-to-the-ground Starfleet facility. But not the stars. Her stars, as she always said, a habit she could not leave behind like the most of her childhood.
On the last day of her Starfleet Academy training, Cadet Saavik felt miserable. Her Vulcan upbringing and Romulan pride would never let her to show this to anyone but deep inside, all she wanted is to collapse on her bunk and sleep till the pain is gone.  Now she walked back to her quarters, quietly observing her fellow graduates as they laughed and teased eachother, speculating about the Starship they'll be assigned to. Most of them would be deckhands, some of them will already be Ensigns and maybe one or two will be awarded with the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade. And there she was, lonely Saavik, the half-breed who fought through Vulcan xenophobia and Terran bureaucracy to find her way, and who will spend her life fileing cargo manifests on some forlorn station, not even in space.
She took a long shower, enjoying the cold water washing away the dust and ash of the simulator, but it could not wash away her pain. She dried herself, covering herself in the soft fabric of the towel. She tired to fix her hair but now it was a mess of unruly curls – it reacted to water like this every time, so she left it unbound, letting the curls sweep her naked back. She pulled a fresh uniform from her drawer and put it on, somehow she felt herself alienated from the shiny Starfleet emblem pinned on it.
The door opened with a mechanic hiss and her roommate entered. Alexia was of Izar, and thus human with all the traits of Izariterrans: hot-tempered, smart and never taking life seriously.
-Hey, Cat!- Alexia smiled- 'Sup?
-Nothing.- Saavik shook her shoulders – something she knew as a Terran gesture and hoped it would be adequate to use in the present situation. She never liked the way Alexia translated her name to Federation Standard, "Little Cat" sounded strange for her when rendered in non-Golic languages.
-Why the long face, Cat?
-My face did not undergo anatomical alterations.- she said, raising an eyebrow, making Alexia laugh out loud.
-Cat, don't tell me that you don't understand figures of speech after four years?!
-The same way you have not learned a single Vulcan idiom of wisdom.
-Point taken, Cat.- Alexia nodded, her pale eyes, something typical for Izariterrans, were still focusing on Saavik- But, tell me, why do you look like somebody died here.
-Nobody died here.- Saavik said but knew that she could not continue this game- I failed at the Kobayashi Maru exam.
-No way!- Alexia's eyes widened- You're the top of the class, even that loudmouth Andorian kid is lightyears under you.
-Perhaps you are right. However, the Kobayashi Maru scenario deals with much more complex situations than any of us have encountered in classroom.
-The hell it does. I tired to outrun the Klingons by using one of their ships as a base point for slingshot, you know, with the tractor beam. Last thing I saw was the bastard ripping my engineeing hull in two with a photon torpedo. What did you do?
-Standard procedure. It ended with total destruction of my ship and the loss of all hands.
-Same here. You know, Saavik, this is the way it should be. After all, it's a no-win scenario.
-Admiral Kirk managed to save the Kobayashi Maru along with his ship.
-Yeah, but that's James T. Kirk himself, the man did even wilder things out there. That guy can save the universe with two sticks and a dead fish.
-I doubt one would find these objects useful in a perilous mission.
-No way!- Alexia laughed, tilting back her head.
-At least, he never told me he had any use of such objects.
-What?- Alexia stopped laughing- How could he tell you anything?
-I know him. Sort of...
-You know James Tiberuis Kirk, Admiral of Starfleet, in person?
-I know him.- Saavik nodded, her voice spoke not of pride just about the facts- I have met him a few times.
-But... how? I mean, cadets don't usually chatter with living legends.
-I know him because of I know his former first officer.
-You know Spock?
-Yes.
-You're joking!
-Joking is not within my nature.
-You know all of them? Uhura and Sulu and... what was the name of that Russian guy...?
-No, I only know Admiral Kirk and Captain Spock.
-Tell me everything about them, I'm all ears.
-Information regarding these matters are classified under the rank of Fleet Captain.
-Wha... why?
-I cannot tell you anything about this. It would be the best if we would drop this topic.
-Okay.- Alexia sighed and with a twinkle in her eyes, she looked back at Saavik- Where could I find a Fleet Captain at this place?

After lunch in the crowded mess hall, the graduates assembled in Archer Hall, wearing their dress uniforms, all looking proud and happy, except for one. Saavik, still tired and woebegone, only wanted this to finish early. This was, however, the occasion every cadet awaited since the day they entered the campus of Starfleet Academy. Now, after the final exam, the cadets will become true personnell of Starfleet and assigned to their new stations. It was like a coming-of-age ceremony, meaning that the new generation of Starfleet officers enter the scene of the granc galactic game of exploring and fighting and everything stated in the Starfleet Charter.
Admiral Mendoza, holding a PADD, was speaking loudly, his benign face looking proud as he watched the cadets, or, as he always said, his children. The old Admiral, head of Starfleet Academy, was simply beaming as he called everyone, name by name, giving them rank and assignment, listening to their laughs and hoorays when someone got the dream job.
-Sherlev Taa of Andoria, crewman, security branch, USS Lafayette. Veronica Myres of Earth, Ensign, science branch, Demetrius Station, Carlson sector. Garla En of Tellar, crewman, engineering branch, USS Teutoburg.
And so on, he called their names. Some of them were assigned to a ship called USS Excelsior, Saavik only knew rumours about a new class of Starship they were building and it needed the best of the best. And there were cadets who were assigned to the dream ship of every Starfleet memeber, even old and grumpy Captains: the USS Enterprise. She was not the most modern ship by today's standards, but still the one with the most stories, a living legend just like the ones who served upon her. Cadets were always joking about that even the cleaning ladies of the legendary ship ended up as Admirals. Saavik dismissed such stories, always reminding her classmates that the standard Starfleet autolaminated carpets are self-cleaning and thus they need no cleaning ladies to take care of them. But still, being assigned to the Enterprise was the dream of everyone of them, including Saavik. Not because of the ship, not because of the legend it radiated from every bulkhead but because...
Her thoughts were broken by Admiral Mendoza's call:
-Alexia O'Malley of Izar, Ensign, command branch, USS Rusesabagina.
-All right!- Alexia smiled, giving herself the thumbs-up and recieving the shiny rank pip from the hands of the laughing Admiral. Now it was Saavik's turn but Admiral Mendoza walked past her, leaving her dumbfounded.
-What...?- Saavik whispered. Now it was clear as day, she will be expelled, not even getting a desk job at a station. She looked at Alexia who was now chatting merrily with a fellow Izariterran who was also assigned to the Starship Rusesabagina.
Saavik clenched her firsts, trying to remain calm. Now she felt like she was back in the old days, when she was only a lonely little girl, left alone on Hellguard to die, alone, hungry and freezing, not knowing a kind word, a gentle touch. Admiral Mendoza finished calling out the names and the cadets – or, more precisely, the freshly commissioned crewmembers – started to leave Archer Hall. Saavik was standing thunderstruck, her eyes unfocused, she felt numb, her throat burning from soundless sobs. She failed. After all the struggle she failed. What will He say now?
-Cadet Saavik...
Saavik turned to see Admiral Mendoza, who looked at her with a kind smile.
-Cadet Saavik, are you feeling well?
-N... Yes, sir.- she nodded, forcing Vulcan calmness upon herself.
-As you probably have noticed, there are things we need to discuss.
-Indeed, sir.
-All right, follow me to my office.- the Admiral's face was full of some pride not understood by Saavik- Now, Cadet Saavik, have I told you the story of how engine room hooch saved the life of my Captain when I was a greenhorn Ensign on the Marienhof?
-No, sir.
And so he began the tale. It was always like this with Admiral Mendoza, he loved to tell old stories, not those cliché Starfeet tall tales but real stories of his carreer, and he always had a large audience. This was perhaps why his lectures were attended full house with cadets sometimes squatting in front of the teacher's desk. Saavik liked to listen to his stories as he always spoke of things necessary for a Starfleet officer, she always learnt many things from his stories.
-Sit down, sit down.- Admiral Mendoza beckoned after they reached his office. It was a place cadets tried to avoid, being sent to the Principal was not the best case scenario. Saavik looked around, watching the framed insignias of honour, old, printed books and miniatures of Starships from one or two generations backward, most likely ships Mendoza served on. Her eyes fixed upon a model of a Constitution class Starship labelled NCC-1701.
-Oh, yes, the old lady.- Mendoza smiled- You see, Cadet, I worked on the development project of her class, along with Bobby April, may God rest his soul. Old Jonathan Archer was there when we launched her, the Enterprise, and was he proud!
Admiral Mendoza looked as if he was lost in old memories of the glory days. He shook his head and then turned back to Saavik.
-But now, let us talk about the present, shall we.
-Sir, I know I failed the Kobayashi Maru examination.
-Do you?
-Yes, sir.
-Who told you this?
-Nobody, sir. After the results, it was clear for me.
-Vulcans, always maximalists.- Admiral Mendoza smiled- You have done splendidly on the exam.
-But... But Admiral Kirk...
-He told me that you had done everything to protect the Kobayashi Maru.
-In person, he was not that pleased with my performance.
-Listen here, my girl, I remember the day you walked into this Academy. James Tiberius Kirk was here, along with Captain Spock. Kirk told me some things about you.
-Things, sir?- she raised an eyebrow.
-He told me that you're smart, savvy, street-wise and sometimes a major pain in the stern.
-Did he tell this to you?
-Word by word. He told me that if I am looking for one hell of a cadet, here I got one. And I'm proud of you, you have excelled in every class in your years.
-But the Kobayashi Maru...
-Remember the psych test?
-The psychological stress examination?
-Yes.
-I remember it. Every student must take it as part of the entry examinations.
-Well, the Kobayashi Maru is kind of a second psych test. It shows not the deepest fears of a man, or, on your case, a Vulcan, but of a Starship Captain. In both situations, you have done your best. You have showed yourself as brave, bold, fit for the task of commanding. You have made quick decisions, be it right or wrong but decisions and that is the very job of a Captain.
-Sir, are you saying that I did not fail the Kobayashi Maru scenario?
-That's a smart girl!- Mendoza smiled wide- Now, I had some problem with selecting your assignment. You have a talent for geological and atmospherical sciences but also for martial arts and tactics from fencing to Krav Maga, making you a fine tactical officer. Oh yes, Captain Spock once told me you're a natural survivor. I think the best for you was to be given an assignment at command branch aboard... the Starship Enterprise.
Saavik's eyebdows shot upwards.
-The Enterprise, sir?
-That's right, the good old seventeen-oh-one. And that's not all. Because of being the top of your class, I am recommending you for the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade for training.
-I do not understand, sir.
-The Enterprise is to go on a five-months training mission. You are to be given the temporary rank of Lieutenant J. G. and your commanding officer will decide upon it after the mission is over.
-And my commanding officer will be...
-Yes, Captain Spock.
Saavik's heart skipped a pulse. Spock...
-Now, Cadet, don't take it as an easy ride.- Mendoza said- I know that you know Captain Spock and that it's only a training mission, but it's just the first step in your carreer.
-Thank you, sir, I shall bear that in mind.
-All right, I think that'll be all. Good luck, Lieutenant Saavik.

-You lucky bitch!- Alexia screamed after hearing the news- Not just assigned to the Big E, but also a J. G!
-Vulcans are more felinoid in nature.- Saavik said calmly.
-I beg yer' pardon?
-Bitch, a female canine, old Terran English. Vulcans' primitive ancestors evolved from creatures of felinoid characteristics.
-You're impossible!- Alexia sighed but with a beaming smile- Cat, I knew you're good but now...
-That Andorian cadet you have spoken about, he also recieved the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade and was assigned to the Excelsior.
-Oh, the Vulcan modesty...
The doorbell chimed, Alexia opened it and as the door panels slid open, her eyes opened wide.
-Oh... my... God...!
-Greetings, Ensign.- a voice said and Saavik turned towards it so hard that a joint cracked in her neck.
-Captain Spock!
-May I come in?- Spock said softly, directing his words to the awestruck Alexia.
-Yes... Yes, sir, of course...- she stuttered and jumped back to allow Spock enterance.
-It is aggreeable to meet you, Captain.- Saavik said, here eyes meeting Spocks'.
-Indeed.- he nodded.
-Captain, I...
-Your duty aboard the Enterprise officially starts tomorrow at 0800 hours. Until then, it is not necessary to address me on my rank.
She almost smiled and so did he.
-I recommend that we take a walk.- Spock said. Saavik nodded, she knew he wanted to discuss things with her.
-I will show you around the campus.- she said.
-I doubt much has changed here since my Academy days.- the corners of Spock's mouth curved slighly. The two left the room with Spock turning back to Alexia.
-Congratulations on your assignment on the Rusesabagina, Ensign O'Malley.
-T... thank you, sir!- she stammered and as the two Vulcans left, she screamed- He knew my name! The one and only Spock knew my name!

-Now tell me, what brought you here?- Saavik asked as they were walking in the park of Starfleet Academy.
-The Enterprise is docked at San Fracisco Orbital Yards and being taken care of by a maintenance crew.- Spock said- All hands are on shore leave till 0600. I found no reason to stay aboard the ship. And... I wanted to see my protegé before she becomes the member of my crew.
Saavik smiled.
-I assume you play a role in my being assigned to the Enterprise.
-Although I always expressed an expectation of having you under my command, it was the decision of the Starfleet Recruiting Board.
-After all these years, it seems...
-Fascinating?
-Yes.- she smiled- Knowing how I started and how I ended up... it all makes the human concept of hope seem logical.
-Humans can be logical at some cases.- now he was smiling too- Look at you, Saavikam. You are no longer the little girl from Hellguard.
-We both changed since those days.- she nodded- You are a commander of your own vessel and I am a junior officer.
-I remember my last day here. A festival was held, honoring the graduates.
-The Prom.
-Indeed, the Prom. If I am not mistaken, it originates from Old Earth scholary traditions.
-It will start at 2000 hours.
-I suppose, the tradition is still held. If I may ask, who are you going with.
-Nobody. I have no intention to participate.
-Why aren't you?- he raised an eyebrow.
-I found human social activities... disturbing.
-I understand. This was also my attitude towards it when I was a graduate. However, I do recommend that you participate.
-Is that an order?
-By all means, no. It is just an advice from someone who was in a similar situation like you are now.
-I take your advice. However, I still have nobody to go with...
-I would be honored if I could accompany you to the Prom.
Saavik's eyes were shining.
-Thank you...
-After all- he said - ,it is the logical way.
He was smiling.

The moment she stepped inside the hall, she knew she had mistaken something. While she was wearing her dress uniform, everyone else were wearing their planet's folk dresses, from armour-like Andorian to skimpy Deltan. Saavik sighed silently. What kind of national dress should she wear anyway? Vulcan? Romulan?
-As my friend Jim Kirk would say, you look marvellous...
-Spock!- she turned to find him walking towards her, wearing his dress uniform. Her eyebdows raised at the sight and she felt some ease knowing that they, the two forgotten children of Vulcan, were wearing the same uniform. And, Saavik had to notice it, he looked really handsome in it.
-It might be illogical, but I am really proud of you, Saavikam.
She smiled at the nickname she gave her long-long years ago.
-And it might be illogical, but I am glad for you being here.- she said, looking into his dark eyes. For minutey, they were just standing and talking while the others danced but then music familiar to their ears sounded with its deep, vibrating sounds.
-Uralau t'taikal.- Spock said.
-A Vulcan folk song.- Saavik nodded- I have not heard it since I left for the Academy.
-According to Vulcan tradition, this is a song to dance to.- he offered his hand and they began to dance, not noticing that many others were watching them. After all, it was truly uncommon for a freskly assigned junior officer to dance with a living legend. They looked so natural together, how they danced, how they looked at eachother, as if they were a couple. Than the song ended and was replaced by a Centaurian marching song. Saavik and Spock left the dancefloor to have a drink.
-I admit, I am an inadequate dancer.- Spock said after pouring Altair water to two goblet-like glasses.
-I have to disaggree, you have stepped on my foor only once.- Saavik said, taking a small sip from her glass- You...
With a sharp sound, the glass in her hend broke to pieves, small, sharp splinters flying everywhere.
-Oh!
-Andorian spunglass.- Spock commented- Highly unfit for Earth temperatures.
-Yes, its structural integrity...- Saavik hissed as she felt the pain, she looked down on her right hand and saw green blood trickling down her index finder.
-Let me help you.- Spock said and gently as aways, he took her had in his, looking at her wound and with steady fingers, he removed a shiny splinter of glass from it- Do not worry, everything is allright.
Saavik looked at him. It was like the old days, when he was aiding the frightened child she was, his gentleness, his soothing words. But now, she felt something different too. The way he was caressing her fingers... On Vulcan it meant... No, he surely was not doing that... Wasn't he? Was he?
Their eyes met, two pairs of black diamonds shining.
-Like I said, you are no more the little girl from Hellguard.- he whispered.
-Indeed, I am not.- she whispered back. Her heart was beating so fast...
She had to pull away, fighting something ancient within her soul, something beyond logic, something she always knew she felt towards him.
-I... I think it would be the most... logical if I would leave.- Spock said silently, not looking in her eyes. She nodded and watched him leave in a hurry. After he left, she let oud a deep breath she was holding.
She left the Prom, not looking back. The future awaited her, her carreer, her mission and Him, Spock, the one who saved her and gave her hope. Saavik smiled. She knew that serving under Captain Spock of Vulcan will be a fascinating experience.