The Final Frontier

Kobayashi Maru Part 1

A year and a half at Starfleet came and went in a blink of an eye. Jessica had no problem diving into multiple subjects. Of course, her main focus was in medicine but that did bleed into engineering, mathematics, and physics.

Her roommates, she couldn't ask for anyone better. She was bunkered with Christine Chapel and Ciara Moloughney. They became two of her closest friends.

And her interactions with Mr. Spock?They were interesting to say the least. She knew no professor at Starfleet was allowed to show favoritism, but she thought she saw the tiniest hint of a smirk every time she walked into one of his classes. And seating. She always sat front and center, always in view. They would banter about various topics, that ended in rather heated debates.

"Someone has a secret admirer." Christine giggled as soon as Jessica walked through the door.

"Who Bones?" Jessica laughed. "That's about the only guy I interact with outside of classes and rounds."

"And Spock." Ciara chimed in.

"What do you mean 'and Spock'?"

"Jess really?" They both looked at her.

Christine smiled and shook her head. "Everytime you're with him it's Spock taught this, he debated that. We argued about X Y and Z after class."

Ciara sighed. "Its not secret you have a crush on that Vulcan." She went over to Jessica's desk and handed her an envelope. "This was delivered shortly before you arrived."

Jessica was taken aback. Handwritten letters were relics of the past. And in this day and age there was an underlying innuendo of romantic interests if one were to receive a letter.

Jessica sat on the edge of her bed and carefully opened the envelope. She unfolded the letter, which was on beautiful beige card stock with Starfleets official black ink.

Cadet Kirk,
It is with the upmost honor, that I extend this personal invitation to you. Tomorrow at 1400 hours, I invite you to take the Kobayashi Maru. You are allowed three peers of your choosing to sit on this exam with you. Please arrive fifteen minutes before your scheduled time.
Commander Spock

"No fucking way." Jessica blinked in surprise.

Christine leaned around the corner. "Is it bad? Academic probation bad?"

Jessica went to open her mouth when Ciara snatched it out of her hands. Ciara read it a few times over.

"Princess here got asked out on a date."

Christine let out a shrill. "Spock asked her out!"

Jessica bolted up. "He invited me to take the Kobayashi Maru! He knows I have no desire to become captain. Why would he do this?" She began to pace back and forth.

"I need you both there tomorrow."

Both girls nodded. "Of course. That take care of two Jess, who's the thrid."

"Bones." Jessica answered almost too quickly.

"Not your brother?" Ciara looked at her curiously.
Jessica shook her head. "I doubt Spock will appreciate me bringing Jim."

Jessica ran her hands through her hair. She had barely fourteen hours to study.