When All Else Fails ("Mixed Signals")
The words had come out of her mouth before she could think, and his shocked response had her running for the hills. She found herself justifying her cowardly behavior, arguing with herself. She wasn't really running. She was just regrouping. She took several deep breaths trying to calm down and convince herself of this as she rode the turbo lift back to the bridge.
What had just happened? She wasn't exactly sure why she had said what she said to Dr. McCoy even though it was the truth. Why did being in that man's presence reduce her brain as well as her body to a puddle of goo? She shook her head as she got off the lift and returned to her station. She tried to concentrate on her duties and not think about Leonard McCoy or his hypnotic blue eyes. She hadn't been back fifteen minutes when the captain turned around in his chair.
"Lieutenant Uhura!"
She looked up at him. "Sir?"
"I'd like a word with you please." He got up out of the captain's chair and walked over to her.
"Please follow me."
She wondered what was going on and quickly looked around the bridge. No one was paying much attention to them as the captain stood over her.
"Spock, you have the con" he said as he turned and walked towards the lift.
"Is there something wrong, sir?" she asked trying to hide her nervousness as she followed after him.
He did not respond, but led her into an empty conference room. She wondered if she was in some sort of trouble as his body language indicated that whatever he was about to say to her was serious. He was not relaxed as he normally was in her presence and he appeared to be deep in thought.
"Lieutenant, I'm concerned about you" he said beckoning her to a seat. "Dr. McCoy tells me that he felt that you needed a couple of days off and you refused to do so." He sat across from her with his hands folded on the table watching her.
She looked surprised. "Captain, I don't need any time off. I'm fine. I appreciate-"
"Now Lieutenant," Kirk said in his most authoritative voice interrupting her and leaning forward on the table. "Dr. McCoy is our Chief Medical Officer and I value his opinion. Maybe the full impact of what has happened hasn't hit you yet. I need you at 100 percent when you're on the bridge."
She looked at him, her face serious. "Sir I feel that I am at 100 percent. Dr. McCoy is just overly concerned."
Kirk looked at her a moment, studying her. "Is it true that he tried to talk to you and you took longer than normal to respond to his queries? He said you seemed to be suffering under the effects of the blow you received from Khan's henchmen. Your reaction time to his questions concerns me."
Nyota was surprised. She didn't realize that she had taken that long to respond to Dr. McCoy. It was just with him being so close to her, it became hard for her to think straight, but she couldn't tell this to the captain!
"Captain, I was just distracted....I'm fine really!" She was embarrassed. How could she allow this to happen...all because she was obsessed with Dr. McCoy!
Kirk looked at her in disbelief. "Really, lieutenant! What was so distracting in the Medical Bay that you could not answer the doctor in a timely fashion?"
Boy! Wouldn't he like to know! How was she going to get out of this one?
She paused not willing to admit her infatuation with McCoy. What in the world could she tell this man who was staring her down?
"Sir...I guess I just...I mean my mind wandered a bit and-"
"Exactly" Kirk said interrupting her. "I'm going to order a full medical examination. The behavior that he said you exhibited is not normal for you, Uhura. I'm ordering this for your own good."
She began to panic. "Sir, I am fine. I don't need anything unnecessary on my medical records!"
He patted her hand. "Don't worry about it. After what you've been through, something like this is to be expected. There's nothing to be ashamed of. Just get the full medical exam and even a mental exam-"
"Mental exam? I'm not crazy, sir" she protested. She stood up. What was she going to do? This was getting way out of control!
"Now, don't get upset!" Kirk said. "I think-"
"Sir please don't do this" she said wringing her hands. She wasn't acting that unusual was she? Mental exam indeed!
Kirk straightened up and she knew what was coming. He was the captain and if he gave the order she had no choice but to comply. He stood with his back stiff and straightened his tunic which was a sure sign that he was about to give a direct order. She braced herself for the impact of his words.
"Lieutenant, I am ordering you to do as the doctor has suggested...for your own good. I'm not taking 'no' for an answer. You are hereby relieved of duty until your have shown the doctor that you are mentally and physically able to perform your duties. Is that clear?"
Her shoulders slumped in defeat. "Yes sir" she mumbled.
His serious face turned back into his normally boyish smile.
"Come on, Uhura. It's not a death sentence. I am sure that you'll be good as new in no time." He patted her on the shoulder and walked towards the door which opened automatically. He looked back at her. "Are you coming?"
What could she do? She meekly followed him not saying anything. She had no choice but to accept what had happened and do as the captain and the doctor recommended.
***********************************
Leonard McCoy wasn't exactly sure what had just transpired during his examination of Nyota Uhura. She seemed to have a problem focusing. She didn't respond immediately to his questions and she seemed somewhat nervous and distracted.
She had totally surprised him when she commented on the blueness of his eyes.
Where had that come from? Was she trying to distract him from knowing that she most likely was suffering from the effects of a possible concussion? He wasn't quite sure, but he knew something was amiss.
He stared at his reflection in the mirror in the examining room she had just fled from. He didn't see anything so remarkable about his eyes. Yes, they were blue, but so were a lot of people's. He was sure that she was just trying to distract him for some reason.
He thought back to the time they were together on Omicron Seti III. He felt his face flush from the memory. He had felt like a jackass blabbering to her whatever came to his mind. He hadn't been able to help himself being under the effects of the spores, but still! He couldn't look her in the eyes for days!
True, he was attracted to her. He had always admired her, but felt that she was way out of his league! She was younger than he was and he was sure that she didn't want some broken down doctor still nursing his war wounds from his divorce. Still, he was a man with a very real libido and he found himself thinking about her in the mornings when his member cried out for attention. He relieved himself with thoughts of her, the memory of her smell and the sound of her voice.
When she was in the examining room, it took all of his strength to maintain his control and to remain professional. When she made the comment about his eyes, well it stirred something within him. She probably didn't mean anything by it, but still his member twitched as she said it, with her voice all shy and sweet.
She ran out of the Medical Bay obviously regretting her words and had totally ignored him as he called out to her. He felt that she most likely had a slight concussion and just needed a few days rest. He wondered why she had resisted his suggestions to take leave.
He was surprised to look up and see the captain coming into the Medical Bay.
"Bones, I got your message" he said coming over to him. "I talked to Uhura and I have relieved her of duty until you feel that she is ready to return."
"How did she take it?" Bones asked leading him into his office.
"Not too well, but I gave a direct order and she must comply. Just give me updates on her. What do you think is going on?"
Bones rubbed his chin. "I don't know, Jim. I was a bit surprised that she resisted leave after all she's been through. Maybe it's your magnetic personality." He laughed "Maybe she wants to remain on the bridge to do her job so that she can be near her captain."
Kirk looked surprised. "C'mon now Bones. Uhura is a capable officer, not some dewy eyed schoolgirl."
Bones rolled his eyes. "Of course she is. She's a beautiful, mature woman. However I have noticed that most women as well as the dewy eyed school girls have a thing for you. The fact that you don't involve yourself with crew makes you even more appealing. We were all upset when you ended up in the decompression chamber. I thought you were a goner for sure. I think she wants to remain on the bridge to be near you. Remember when I told you how upset she was when we were in that Thorian Web and she said she saw you in her mirror? She was delirious! She was so happy you were alive! That's when I knew she had a thing for you for sure."
Kirk seemed thoughtful for a moment. Could Uhura actually be attracted to him? Well, she wouldn't be the first woman to feel that way. He felt his pride rise up.
"She did get upset with me when I gave her the order." He looked at Bones again. "Do you really think she has a thing for me?" The thought of it inflated his ego a bit, but he didn't want Bones to know it.
"Yes I do, but I know you're not going to pursue her, right?" Bones looked at him skeptically.
"Of course not! But still....maybe I need to talk to her...explain my position. I value her and the work that she does. I find her attractive also, but I would never go there!"
He looked at Bones and grinned, slapping him on the back. My, my! Another female had succumbed to his good looks and charm!
"Thanks for the info, Bones. I'll talk to you later."
Bones nodded and Kirk began to whistle as he left the Medical Bay.
*******************************
Riley walked over to the table where Checkov and Sulu were sitting eating their meal.
"Hey guys. Have you seen Uhura? She's supposed to meet me here. I'm teaching her an old Irish ditty I've been singing for her."
He sat down across from them and watched as Checkov and Sulu looked at each other and then back to Riley.
"Haven't you heard?" Checkov asked. "Uhura has been relived of duty. She got banged up pretty bad when Kahn was here. She's been confined to quarters."
Riley looked surprised. "Why is she being confined?"
Sulu leaned forward. "I overheard the captain talking to Spock. Seems as if she's got a thing for somebody on the bridge and she can't concentrate on her duties. The captain seemed to know who it is, but man I'd like to be a fly on the wall and find out! I've always had a thing for her but never approached her. I just told Pavel that I think it's me. She's always smiling and making small talk. She looks at Pavel like a little brother, but me? Hmph! I know what I know. She's given me that sly smile of hers on more than one occasion."
Riley looked amused. Sulu must have bumped his head! If Nyota Uhura desired any man, it was him! She loved his singing. She was always trying to get him to stop asking him the words and looking around when he sang to see if other women were being drawn in by his awesome macking powers. Yep! He always felt that there was a special chemistry between them, now he knew for sure since Sulu had over heard the captain!
"Well Sulu my man," Riley replied sounding confident "I don't want to toot my own horn, but Nyota and I have a very close and special relationship. I am on the bridge from time to time and she always tries to catch my eye. I think you are sadly mistaken thinking you're the one."
Sulu tried not to laugh. "You think you're the one? Boy, are you in dreamland Riley! She thinks of you as another little brother like Pavel here. Now me, I know what I know."
Riley decided not to argue with the overconfident Romeo. He'd show Sulu. Now that she had told the captain that she was in love him, he'd make his move.
*********************************************
Nyota relaxed in her quarters not knowing what else she should do. Dr. McCoy had given her specific orders to rest. She thought it was a total waste of time, however, he had promised her to come by her quarters and check on her. She sat there trying to think of what she was going to say when he arrived.
Two days had passed since the incident and she hoped that he would give her the 'go ahead' to return to duty. She told him that she would come to the Medical Bay, but he said that he would come by her quarters to check on her.
She jumped when she heard her door chime, surprised that the doctor was coming earlier than she expected.
She was surprised to see Sulu.
"Hi, Uhura." he said grinning with a plant in his hand. "I hope you are feeling better."
"I'm fine, thank you" she said smiling looking at the plant with a large purple flower. "This is lovely."
"Not as lovely as its new owner." Sulu said giving her a sly smile. He took her hand and kissed it.
Nyota laughed. "My, aren't you the gallant one!"
"I think that a woman expects a man to be gallant and attentive." he said.
He came close to her. "Why don't we dispense with the formalities? I know that it's been difficult for you...being close to someone you want and yet wrestling with the fact whether or not you should reveal your true feelings."
Nyota was shocked. How did Sulu know about her attraction to McCoy?
"Sulu, who told you?"
"I've had my suspicions for quite some time" he said his eyes roaming over her. "If only you had let me know sooner-"
Nyota suddenly wasn't sure that he was talking about McCoy. Before she could reply, her door chimed again.
"Excuse me" she said to Sulu and walked towards the door.
She was surprised to see Riley come in with an old guitar.
"Riley!" she said surprised "What brings you here?"
"Why you of course!" he said looking at Sulu who stood there with his arms crossed.
"I came by to sing you a little ditty. I know how much you love my singing."
Nyota looked at Sulu and then back at Riley.
"Well that's nice Riley, but as you can see Sulu stopped by-"
"I am sure your little brother here can understand that we were having a private conversation and wouldn't mind coming back later" Sulu said walking over to Riley. "Why don't you beat it, Riley!"
Riley turned to Nyota. "You don't want me to leave, do you? Tell him!"
Nyota didn't know what to say as she was trying to figure out what in the world was going on. Just then the door chimed again.
"Look hold that thought." she said.
She was surprised to see the captain. "Ah, Uhura. I see you have company." He nodded to Riley and Sulu. "Good evening, gentlemen."
He looked at Nyota. "I came by to talk to you, however if it is inconvenient, I will return."
"No captain" she responded quickly "I am expecting Dr. McCoy to come at any time to let me know if he feels that I can return to my duties. I'd love for you to remain so that you can hear him clear me yourself."
"Very well" the captain said.
She turned and looked at Sulu and Riley. "Can I get back with you two later after I get my medical clearance?"
"Sure" Riley and Sulu said as they headed towards the door. "We'll talk to you later."
Kirk watched them walk out and turned to her.
"What was that all about?"
"Oh I think they just came by to check on me" she responded even though she wasn't quite sure exactly what was going on.
Kirk glanced at her appreciatively. "Uhura, you know that I think that your performance of your duties is exemplary and I think we work well together."
She smiled at the compliment. "Thank you, captain."
He stood up and began pacing back and forth. "I know that a lot of women I come in contact with are...somewhat drawn to me...I mean that's to be expected. I am the captain, after all." He stopped pacing and looked at her. "You have always been a professional, never allowing any personal feelings interfere with our missions."
Nyota looked at him puzzled wondering what he was talking about.
"So...I want to continue in that same vein." He stopped pacing and looked at her.
"I know that you are a woman with feelings of your own. Sometimes you can't help being drawn to someone who oozes power and magnetism. Sometimes these things just creep up on you. I understand that"
Nyota's mouth fell open. "Did everyone know that she was attracted to McCoy? How did the captain find out?"
"Sir, who told you-"
"Now lieutenant" he said pacing again. "It's the captain's duty to know what's going on. Frankly I must say I was a little surprised that you were feeling that way. You never showed it and I suppose that is a good thing."
"Sir, I would never let anything interfere with my duties." she responded. Spock must have told him that he caught her staring at McCoy. That had to be the answer!
"I just came by to tell you that I have my own rules about fraternization and I plan on keeping them. You are a beautiful young woman and you are one of my top officers. Pursuit of a romantic relationship would not be wise."
Had he threatened McCoy? Was this the reason he didn't try to pursue her?
"Captain, I really don't think that a personal relationship between crew members is anyone's business!" she snapped.
"Everything that happens on this ship is my business, Uhura. I know it's hard for you to accept, but you must do so. There can be no relationship!"
Just then the ship's intercom sounded.
"Captain Kirk, please report to the bridge immediately."
Kirk looked surprised. "I've got to go. Just remember what I said."
He then walked out the door and Nyota wondered what in the world was going on.