[Butterflies and Hurricanes Verse - New Beginnings]

[nyota_uhura24]

So much had happened in the past few weeks that participating in an ordinary training mission felt a little surreal. Of course, Nyota had graduated recently enough that being on the instructor's side of the exercise felt new, but she was more than comfortable with the leadership role. Just as if nothing had really changed John would be there at

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[nyota_uhura24]

It wasn't all that unusual to have trouble sleeping on ships - Nyota didn't find it all that easy herself - but she still worried about his sleeping habits. "I guess I'll just have to make sure you sleep tonight," she teased gently, a small hint of mischief in her eyes as she took the PADD from him.

It was a small comfort that her gaze was on the report and not on him when he mentioned Spock. She knew she had every right to be involved with someone else after they broke up, and she and Spock were only involved very briefly, but she still felt guilty. It hadn't been her intention to hide anything from him, but the Narada incident was so emotionally charged that she didn't really feel ready to talk about any of it yet.

Glancing over the report and nodding a little to herself, she said as dispassionately as she could, "Some of this might be instructive for cadets. In fact, it's helpful for me to review these situations with a calmer mind... Can you think of anything I could've done differently?" It wasn't a question she particularly wanted to hear the answer to, but she felt the need to ask it anyway.

[captoftardis]

He shyly rubs his eyelid at her question and leans back in his chair, "I don't know what anyone could've done differently." He wasn't there, didn't know what occurred on the bridge other than the few stories being said of Kirk and some of his reckless orders.

"I think..." He sits up straight, "You did exactly what I would expect you to and as long as you tried to keep your head clear of emotions, your training will kick in." He smiled t her, giving her hand a squeeze, as the door snapped open and students filed in and his instructor mode kicked in as he pulled his hand back, pointing to his watch.

"How many times do I have to explain, if you're on time, you're late. Always be early!" He sighed and stood up, clearing the area for everyone to file into their respective seats.

[nyota_uhura24]

Although it was the answer she expected - she'd gone over the details of communication operations during the crisis a thousand times in her head and with simulators - it was still a relief to hear it from him. He was her lover, but also her teacher.

She gave him a small albeit slightly sad smile. "I did my best," she admitted quietly. He was the only one who got to see her uncertain side, her softer side, and the moment the students began filing in she released his hand and straightened her posture. The Narada crisis had cracked her composure at times, and it was very important to her that she never again lose it on duty.

Taking her own seat, she flipped on her computer screen and adjusted her earpiece, allowing her to monitor what all the students were doing. "All stations, report."

The students each began reporting from their respective stations - some more confidently than others.

[captoftardis]

The worst part about being the senior faculty member for these missions was the fact that he was still faculty even outside his typical setting. The cadets were ranging from all sorts of skill level, some were quite advanced and he didn't have worry at all, some needed minimal help which he passed to Nyota, and he kept himself busy with the ones struggling. It was even to the point he wondered why they remained in the communication program and was seriously considering mailing their advisers to reconsider their designations.

Finally their shift ended, which pushed him into a meeting or two before he could finally go back to his room. He sent a message to Nyota, At some point, I'm suppose to eat, aren't I? There isn't enough time in the day. I'm knackered.