The Cadet

$50 Salad

Evelyn POV

Taking a few days off actually helped me catch up on a lot of stuff ironically. I felt proud that I had written two papers and completed several other assignments while keeping up with classwork. So when I walked into my Calculus class, I was feeling a little more confident than any other time I had stepped foot into the classroom. Even though I was a teensy bit late.

" Welcome back to class, Cadet, your tardiness is noted." A smooth voice said from the front of the room. I glanced at my Professor who remained with his back towards me. I rolled my eyes and made my way to my seat next to Toby.

" Glad you're feeling better." He whispered, his sandy hair falling over his honey eyes. " Looking good too, I might add."

I had run out of shirts to wear, so I opted to wear one of the regulation Starfleet dresses that every female is offered. It came about mid thigh, and was actually far too short to be considered classy. But I had no option, and figured that if I was going to be forced to dress like a girl I might as well look like one too. My hair was loosely braided, my long bangs falling in soft waves around my face. I had also actually done my makeup, adding more than just mascara and lip tone.

" Thank you." I replied, straightening my back and shoulders. Toby's compliment made me feel better than he realized. I felt pretty, and I wasn't uncomfortable with my body. " Maybe I can give you a few pointers." I teased with a wink.

" Cadet, since you apparently already understand the lesson and feel no need to listen, why don't you come here and solve this equation for the class."

I looked up at Spock, who still had not turned around to look at anyone. I stood, anxiety creeping in as everyone looked at me. I tugged on my dress in an attempt to make it longer. As I walked to the front, another cadet whistled at me.

" Please contain yourself, Cadet Larson, I understand it is difficult for you." Spock replies, turning to scold the cadet. His eyes found mine and it felt like an eternity before he handed me the interactive pen. " Thank you for volunteering, Cadet McLaren. I hope your failure to arrive on time does not affect your ability to solve equations." He added, returning to his seat at his desk. I didn't miss the green tinge on his cheeks, however, or his need to clear his throat suddenly. " Proceed."

Wow, what a grouch.

I inspected the problem, recognizing the needed equations from my earlier calculus course. I started the equation, my brain working quickly to do long division in my head. My first two years here at Starfleet consisted of several mathematic classes, including one with a Vulcan who demanded we do long division and multiplication in our heads. Needless to say, I am now practically a walking calculator. I finished the equation, circling my answer.

" 14.64 to the third power." I finished, turning to face Spock. His eyes, surprisingly, were not on the problem, nor my face. They instead traveled their way up my body to my face, something new I had never seen before glistening in them. He recognized my and stood, inspecting my work.

" That is correct." He said finally, pointing to a part of the problem earlier in my work. " However, here you multiplied these two numbers, when it would have been more efficient to subtract this and then divide the decimals." He explained, using the pen to show me.

" Is there anything anyone can do to satisfy your need for perfection?" I replied quietly. I appreciated the advice, but was angered at his dismissal of me.

" Hardly." He said, avoiding eye contact. " I will email you the assignment, class is dismissed."

I grabbed my books, glaring at Larson who made a crude gesture my way. As I was just about to walk out of the classroom, Spock called my name.