The Anomaly

Chapter Five- Disciplinary Hearing and Vulcan Distress Call

Serenity woke up groggy, and heard her communicator go off. She turned over in her bed and spoke into the small device.

"Hello?" She asked.

"Hey Sere. It seems your little brother got himself in a bit of trouble. There is a Disciplinary hearing concerning him at 5 tonight, which is supposed to be mandatory for all starfleet personnel. Do you think you can be ready and meet with me and the other admirals in twenty-five minutes?" Captain Christopher Pike asked. Serenity groaned, as she sat up in bed. Her hair was all messy, displayed like a halo around her head.

"Yeah, I'll be there, Chrissy. Just let me get dressed... and do my hair." Serenity answered. Captain Pike chuckled.

"You still wake up with messy hair, huh? Well, I'll see you in a bit." Serenity smiled fondly.

"Will do. Bye Chrissy." Serenity hung up and dressed in her Admiral uniform. She then brushed her waist length brown hair and put it in one long dutch braid. She picked up her starfleet communicator, as well as a compass-like box, and placed the them on her suit. She checked herself twice in the mirror before finally walking out the door.

When she arrived, the other admirals welcomed her, and she took her place in the middle of their table. The other cadets and officers filed in ten minutes later. Among them, were Spock, Bones, and Jim. Both of Spock's eyebrows rose in surprise when he saw her and where she sat. He immediately turned his head away, trying not to look at her, at least not directly. When ever he looked at her, he felt a strong pull towards her, it was almost magnetic. He couldn't place why he felt butterflies in his stomach when ever he saw her. Even the mere mention of her name brought warm sensations that traveled through his entire body like electricity. The Admiral next to her on her right started the hearing.

"Cadet Kirk, evidence has been submitted to the council suggesting that you violated the ethical code of conduct pursue and regulations 17.43 of the starfleet code. Is there anything you care to say before we begin, sir? " the admiral asked. Jim stood up and walked up to the pedestal.

"Yes. I believe I have the right to face my accuser directly." At Jim's request, Spock stands up and straightens his uniform. As the admiral speaks again, he makes his way to the stand.

"Step forward please. This is Commander Spock. He is one of our most distinguished graduates. He's programmed the Kobayashi Maru exam for the last 4 years. Commander? "

"Cadet Kirk, you somehow managed to install and activate a sub routine in the programming code therefore changing the conditions of the test." Jim shifted his weight uncomfortably.

"Your point being? " he asked.

"An academic vernacular, you cheated, " the admiral explained. The other students began to murmur quietly to one another. Jim took a breath, then responded.

"Let me ask you something, I think we all know the answer to, the test itself is a cheat, isn't it? I mean you programmed it to be unwinnable. "

"Your argument precludes the possibility of a no win scenario," Spock countered.

"I don't believe in no win scenarios," Jim fired back. At that moment, a strange other worldly feel of dread fell upon Serenity. It felt like death was near, (which she could potentially be at times) but under a wide scale. Someone was in trouble, however she didn't know who it was. Nor did she know how she knew, or why. Serenity shifted slightly in her seat.

"Then not only did you violate the rules, you also failed to understand the principles lesson, " Spock explained.

"Please enlighten me again," asked an annoyed Jim.

"You of all people should know Cadet Kirk, a captain cannot cheat death," Spock informed him. More murmurs floated around the room.

"I of all people?" Kirk asked, clearly slightly agitated.

"Your father. Lieutenant George Kirk assumed command of his vessel before being killed in action, did he not?" Spock told him bluntly.

"I don't think you like the fact that I beat your test," Jim said confidently. Inside Serenity's head, the feeling of dread began to intensify.

"Furthermore you have failed to define the purpose of the test, " Spock continued.

"Enlighten me again, " Jim repeated, a not frustrated.

"The purpose is to experience fear. Fear in the face of certain death, to accept that fear, and maintain control of oneself and one's crew. This is a quality of every starfleet captain," Spock explained. As Serenity lifted her right hand to her head, her head began to pound slightly, and a male lieutenant ran to Admiral James Komack.

"Excuse me sir," the lieutenant said almost breathless. He handed the PADD to the admiral. After a moment he stood up and handed it back.

"We've received a distress call from Vulcan. With our primary fleet engaged in the Laurentian system, I hear by order all cadets to report to hanger one immediately. Dismissed." As everyone hurried into action, Serenity went to the USS Enterprise to find her old best friend, Captain Christopher Pike. When she found him, she hugged him for a few moments, then pulled away.

"Christopher, I think it's time I called The Blackout. I'm going to bring Beryl with me, and if she doesn't arrive within three minutes, I'll portal straight into Vulcan. At that point she'll lock on and follow my signature. I'll let you know when I arrive. Stay safe, Chrissy." Serenity saluted Chris, then headed outside to call her own sentient ship.