Disclaimer: I do not own Star Trek. I am doing this for fun, no money changed hands.

A/N: I am a LONG time Star Trek fan who really enjoyed the most recent movie reincarnation. Spock has always been a fascination of mine, and I'm excited by the way he was portrayed in the film. This Spock seems more at ease with his human heritage, while more conflicted about being a Vulcan then the Spock of TOS. This is my attempt to give him a back story, to explain how he came to have a certain level of comfort working with humans. It also explains his rank in the film, something he could not (in my opinion) have achieved without some experience on a starship.

I am also writing this to address a pet peeve of mine. In every version of Star Trek I have ever seen, and in virtually all the stories I have read, all the major characters were officers. Non commissioned officers are vital to the success of any military, or in Starfleet's case, quasi-military organization. Two noncoms will be featured in this story. It will also deal with the Spock/Uhura relationship and how it came to be, but that will not be the focus of the plot until near the end. Better writers than I have already written great stories about this, but I think it's another bright spot in the new film.

There. That's it then. No more soap box. Please feel free to offer suggestions or ask questions. I'd really like to know what people think about this so…review the story and let me know.

Shipmates Chapter One: Close Encounters of the Orion Kind.

The U.S.S. Valiant was dying. The cacophony of noise that assaulted his sensitive hearing were the wails of her agony. The screech of tearing metal, the screams of the emergency sirens, and a high pitched whine that vibrated through the hull. That last sound, scarcely muffled by the main computer counsel that he was trapped under, was the greatest cause for concern. The ships main engines were out of balance. Unless the situation were remedied, the oscillations would increase in intensity until the ship literally shook itself apart. If the anti-matter containment field didn't fail first.

For the third time since Spock had regained consciousness roughly two minutes ago, he looked for a way to escape his entrapment. His legs were pinned just above the knees, and he could feel the pain of the metal cutting into his flesh. In the dim light that bled into his prison he could see wires and tubing dangling above him, but nothing solid that he could push against.

"Petty Officer Baeill," he shouted, "can you assist me?"

She had been handing him tools and monitoring the progress of his efforts while he had worked to repair a component of the ship's core computer. The last thing he could recall was a sudden, violent movement of the ship and the piercing wail of the Valiant's overloaded inertia compensators. After awakening, he had called out to her several times, but had received no response. He could only conclude that she had been rendered unconscious by the same disaster that had trapped him. Suddenly, the ship shuddered violently and the counsel he was trapped under shifted, causing him further pain. He could hear various objects dislodged by the sudden movement clattering about, and then he caught another sound, almost too faint even for his hearing, that of a soft moan. He shouted out her name again, and this time there was a response, although is was not quite what he was expecting…

"Ensign Hahn?" A voice called out.

Though startled, Spock did not react in anyway. Which was fortunate, considering the delicate nature of the work he was performing. Even wedged into the service crawl space under the main computing bank, he could discern from the voice that the person was female and somewhat emotionally perturbed. Almost certainly Orion as well. Which meant Cadet Gaila. This should prove interesting he thought, as he gently thumbed the switch on the micro laser, sealing the last two connections into place. One long elegant hand slid to the side of his head, activating the magnification feature of his welding goggles. Slowly, he traced the cryogenic tubing by sight, to ensure that all the leaks were properly sealed.

"Freddy," the voice called out again, this time from a much shorter distance. "Damn it, you promised me that core time."

A foot nudged the heal of his boot hard enough that he almost dropped his tools. "Would you get out of there and log me in!"

Air pushed out between pursed lips. He had no one to blame but himself. Logically, he should have sealed off the computer lab the moment he'd arrived there. This would have given him plenty of time to accomplish what he needed to do without interruptions. Instead, he had elected to bring the systems online immediately, so he could access the data he was tasked with finding. That had led to his discovery of a cryogenic systems failure that had degraded computer performance.

His reaction had been instictual, the product of hard lessons learned during the four years he had served on the Valiant. Repair the minor problem before it became a major difficulty. Spock slipped his tools into the pouch that was clipped to his overalls and started to wriggle out of the tight confines of the crawl space. Apparently, Cadet Gaila was displeased with the slowness of his movement. A strong pair of hands closed around his ankles and before he could think of what to say, she was yanking him out of the confined space.

"What are you doing," he asked in a calm, clear voice. Her response was one he should have expected.

"What…who are you!?"

"Would you be so kind as to release me?" He countered. As soon as she had done so he pushed his way out, and quickly stood up. Gaila stared at him for a moment, her mouth hanging open. Then she started backing away toward the door.

"You have not been dismissed Cadet." His voice was calm, but authoritative. It was a tone that had taken him years to feel truly comfortable using. He saw her eyes giving him a quick once over, but there was no insignia of rank on his overalls.

"Sorry mister, you can't…damn, you were on the Valiant?"

Spock ran his thumb lightly across the faded crest of the dead ship over the right side of his chest. Then he pulled the zipper down the front of his garment, pushing it off his shoulders and over his sleeves, revealing his Commander's bars. Gaila quickly snapped to attention, eyes to the front and shoulders thrown back.

"Cadet Gaila…is it not?"

"Yes sir."

Spock nodded once, and proceeded to step out of his overalls. Picking the garment up, he carefully folded it, stowing it in his carryall. "I am Commander Spock."

"Yes sir, I know sir." Spock inclined his head, but said nothing. "You are the ranking Vulcan in Star Fleet sir," the Cadet went on after a few seconds. "Excepting of course Admiral T'Pol."

"And as I am considerably taller then the Admiral, it would be difficult to be confused about our respective identities."

She tried to fight the grin, then looked away briefly as her face relaxed into a smile. "I didn't think Vulcans understood humor sir," she whispered.

"They do not," he responded, perfectly deadpan. He flashed back for a moment to one of the first lessons he had learned from Chief Floinn. That of the importance of humor. Just one innocuous remark, and Cadet Gaila's body language told him she was considerably more relaxed then she had been only seconds ago.

"At ease Cadet," he said, "and tell me what brings you to the Computer Lab."

Her feet slid smoothly the required distance apart and she clasped her hands behind her back. "Ensign Hahn had scheduled some core time for me sir."

"Ah yes…would that be Freddy?"

"Yes sir," she replied after briefly looking away.

"Core computer time is a scare commodity Cadet. For what purpose do you need it?"

"For my A.I. programming thesis sir."

"I do not understand Cadet. Are you not required to produce software that will run on a standard starship's equipment?"

"Oh no sir," she answered, after a confused expression flashed across her face. "The core time isn't for actually running the software. I need it to auto scan my code for bugs."

"Are you having difficulties?"

"Oh yes sir. May I ask a question sir?" Spock simply nodded, and after a few seconds she spoke in a slightly nervous voice. "Why isn't Ensign Hahn here?"

Spock didn't answer right away. Instead, he flicked a switch that initiated the start up sequence for the computer systems, and was gratified to see how quickly everything came online. His repairs had improved efficiency by approximately 10.3 percent. This also gave him time to consider what answer he would give to the cadet's question. Everything he had heard to this point seemed innocent enough. And yet, it didn't feel quite right, regardless of the logic.

"Computer," he ordered, "bring up tonight's docket for main processor usage." The information appeared instantly, and he quickly scanned it. "Cadet, you are not on the schedule."

"I know sir," she answered softy as her shoulders slumped.

"How was Ensign Hahn going to obtain the time for you if you were not on the schedule?"

"It was a favor sir. He owed me…for something I did for him once." Spock merely raised an eyebrow. "I need that time sir. Do you know how hard it is for a cadet to get core time?"

"Indeed. Even I must apply several weeks in advance to receive access. When I was a cadet, the lead time required was three months."

"I don't have three months sir," she answered, her voice cracking. "The new term begins next week and I am supposed to have a working piece of software by March 1st."

Spock did some quick mental calculations and came to the conclusion that Cadet Gaila's difficulties were real. Without the benefit of the main computer, scanning the complex code of A.I. programming for errors was a time consuming and tedious process.

"Ensign Hahn has been relieved of his duties pending the completion of an investigation into certain accusations that have been made against him."

"Shit!" The word was out of her mouth before she could stop herself. "I'm sorry sir."

"I assure you Cadet, I have heard far worse. Your pejorative is a most appropriate response to this sorry matter."

Gaila blinked several times, wondering just what kind of trouble Freddy had gotten himself into. "What has Mr. Hahn been accused of sir?"

"I am not at liberty to say at this time. Now I have some questions for you cadet. What is the nature of your relationship with Mr. Hahn?"

"My relationship with…I don't have a relationship with Ensign Hahn sir."

"Yet, he has agreed to provide you with a commodity that you are in desperate need of, as a quid pro quo for something you have done for him in the past."

An expression of shock passed across her face quickly followed by outrage. Gaila opened her mouth, then closed it again. No matter how angry she was, she couldn't say that to a senior officer. "Is this about what Mr. Hahn is under investigation for sir?"

"Yes of course," Spock responded smoothly, "otherwise it would be none of my concern."

"I'm sorry Commander, but I still don't think it is."

If Spock had been fully human, he would have frowned. Inwardly, he doubted that Cadet Gaila was involved in this affair. Free Orion women were famous for their expressions of sexual freedom. They were equally well known for their unwillingness to have that freedom curtailed, or to engage partners that were not absolutely of their own choosing. Nevertheless, his duty was clear. Given the circumstances, the cadet must be questioned to ensure that she was not involved in any way. Just not by him.

"Perhaps you are right Cadet. Perhaps I am the wrong person to discuss this with you."

"Discuss what sir?"

"You will present yourself at the Master Chief's office at 0900 tomorrow."

"I can't do that," she answered, her voice rising, "I have classes starting at 0800."

"Your professors will be notified," Spock stated in a flat voice, choosing to ignore how she had addressed him. "Just so we are clear, this is an order Cadet. Do not be late. Master Chief Floinn will not appreciate tardiness."

"Chief Floinn? What happened to Chief Lawrence?"

"He has been relieved."

They stood facing each other, Spock coolly emotionless; Gaila, seething inside. "Would you please tell me what the hell is going on?"

"As I stated before, I am not at liberty to say."

She mumbled something that he is 89.4 percent certain was 'arrogant Vulcan,' but he choose not to notice. Orions were an emotional species, even more so in some ways then humans. Considering the situation that Cadet Gaila has suddenly found herself involved in, she could be excused her anger. Another valuable insight from Chief Floinn came to mind. If he were to hold people accountable to every violation of the rules, he would have time for nothing else. Right now he has a great deal to do, and precious little time to accomplish it.

"Am I free to go now?" She spat out angrily. He said nothing for exactly five seconds and could see in her expression that she realized she had gone too far.

"Would you care to repeat your request Cadet?"

"I'm sorry sir. Am I free to go now sir?"

"You are dismissed Cadet."

He watched as she turned her back to him, walking stiffly out the door. As soon as Gaila was out of sight, he engaged the door lock and called the Security desk, requesting that a guard be assigned to him, along with a computer tech.

Two days ago he had received a transmission from Captain Pike as to his availability to assist him in a matter of some delicacy. As Pike had been his commanding officer for the greater part of his first deep space posting, it went without saying that he would help in any way he could. After all, they had been shipmates. There was also what humans would call an ulterior motive to his prompt acceptance of Captain Pikes query. It allowed his mind to focus on something other then the catastrophe that had overtaken him and the crew of the Valiant four weeks ago.

What the Captain had told him was disturbing. Someone had accessed the academic server of Computer Sciences and altered a cadet's test scores. The changes had not been blatant, so the instructor had not noticed until the final semester grades had been issued. A careful examination of the computer logs had traced the tampering back to a terminal in the computer lab at which Ensign Hahn was the evening supervisor. When questioned, the Ensign displayed a marked degree of nervousness, and could not account for how someone could use the facility he was responsible for in such a manner without his knowledge. Believing that an official investigation was called for, the Academy Provost was informed of the issue. And that, as Chief Floinn would have so colorfully remarked, was when the excrement had intersected with the air circulation device.

The Provost and the Command Chief Petty Officer, both of whom would normally oversee such an investigation, rescued themselves and then were forced to resign due to romantic relationships they had entered into with cadets. While such liaisons were not strictly speaking against regulations, they were not what was expected from individuals who were entrusted with two of the most important leadership positions at the Academy.

When the Admiralty learned of this state of affairs, they concluded that someone from outside the Academy's normal change of command would have to be called upon to investigate. Captain Pike was asked to head up the inquiry, with the full authority of Star Fleet Command to back him up. His brief was simple, find out the full extend of the tampering that had occurred, and take steps to make sure it was stopped. Which is how Spock had found himself in Ensign Hahn's computer lab when Cadet Gaila arrived looking for her core time.

Using his admin access, he logged into the message server. Ensign Hahn's personal message account was encrypted. Taking a PADD from his carryall, he transferred a cracking program of his own design to main computer and one minute later he was reading Hahn's message queue. It was to say the least, a tedious chore. After sorting them by subject, he was left with quite a large number of messages that had something to do with male enhancement, as well numerous invitations to visit internet sights containing material of a highly sexual nature. Even his personal communications revealed an unhealthy preoccupation with gaining sexual favors from female cadets. Almost universally, his pathetic attempts were rejected. Almost. One cadet initially scorned him, but seemed more receptive when he boasted of his ability to improve her class standing.

As he scrolled through the material, the anger that had been a quiet hum at the edge of his mind grew louder, until it was a dull roar echoing inside his head. It had obviously been far too long since he had last had the opportunity to meditate. When Captain Pike had contacted him two days ago days ago to enlist his assistance, he had already been enroute to Earth via a high warp transport. While convenient, the living quarters consisted of one large room in which all eight of the passengers slept in shifts, there being only four beds. With precious little space for privacy, his attempts at meditation had been largely unsuccessful.

More so then normal Vulcans, Spock required the disciple of these mental exercises to keep his emotions tightly leashed, as his cultural heritage demanded. In truth, he had been avoiding prolonged mediation ever since he had awakened from the healing trance he had induced after the Valiant disaster. That would have to be remedied later tonight. Right now he had a job to finish. He took a deep breath to center himself, and the door to the computer lab slid open, revealing someone he had not expected to see.

Command Master Chief Muirne Floinn stood in the doorway, beaming up at him as he stood to greet her, her smile so wide Spock would have thought it to be painful. Glancing over her shoulder she ordered the two men who had been trailing after her to wait outside, and then stepped into the lab, allowing the door to slide shut behind her. She stared at him for a long moment and her smile changed to a frown. She stalked toward him with feline grace, until they stood exactly two feet apart.

Even at barely five foot two inches tall, she seemed to fill the room with her presence. She wore standard issue fleet overalls, a uniform she favored almost exclusively when serving on ship. These had been cut off just above the elbows, displaying the impressive musculature of her arms. The Chief was uncommonly strong for a human, having been born on the high gravity human colony planet of Hibernia. Her hair was styled in a manner that crewmen and noncommissioned officers called a 'high and tight.' Shaved nearly to the skin on the side of the head, her hair stood up on top, predominately black, peppered with a smattering of gray. Her facial features were what humans would call pleasing, but not of the kind that would inspire overtly sentimental romantic feelings. Her jaw was strong, but her nose and mouth were a touch too large for her face to achieve that perfect symmetry human males seemed to value so much. Spock considered her eyes to be her most distinctive feature. They were green in color, and were the most reliable indication of her mood on her otherwise normally stoic face. If his judgment was correct, what he saw in those eyes now was impending mischief.

"How is me beautiful Vulcan sir?"

Spock smiled inwardly. Chief Floinn was the only human he knew that could achieve this level of untoward familiarity with such respect. "I am well Chief. It is pleasing to be in your presence once again." And it was. After the turmoil of the last four weeks, it was good to be in the company of someone he trusted without reservation. At his declaration her smile returned.

"Such a way with words ye have sir. I do thank ye kindly for that. Now come here Commander, and give up that proper hug that ye promised to me."