Sho'on
Chapter One
When the Enterprised docked it was difficult saying good-bye. The crew had given Nyota a baby shower and good naturedly, Spock had attended. Of course, he sat silently unimpressed, but was there as her support anyway. He thought of how illogical the name of such a celebration was. After all, a shower indicated a cleansing, or a sudden downpour of precipitation. He could not quite interpret the use of the word in this setting. He would confer with Nyota later.
Nyota was presented with many gift certificates to be used on Terra. He already knew the sex of his children and had asked Nyota if she wished to know. Shaking her head she said,
"I want this to be the greatest, most wonderful surprise since you showed me the depth of your attachment to me and that you wanted me in your life. When they had that conversation, tears had welled in her eyes and he had taken her onto his lap, held her close and rubbed her back,
"K'diwa, you know it make absolutely no difference if we have a male or female children. My only wish is that they are healthy and we are able to provide them with what they need to grow up and lead productive lives."
Sniffling, her response was,
"Spock, you will be an amazing father."
"Nyota, your capacity for giving happiness to others will also be experienced by our children."
That conversation had taken place when he had announced to her that she was exactly, forty-three hours, forty minutes and thirteen seconds pregnant.
She had peppered his face with kisses, kissed his hands and then he told her she could share his visits with their children by his placing her hands on her stomach as he also rested his hands there. (See Mother's Day Revisited by Linstock as posted on )
He positioned his hands, she gingerly placed hers near his and gasped when she saw the two shimmering lights in the darkness.
Kissing the top of her head he said,
"Eventually I will be able to communicate with them and teach them. When they finally come to us they will be sixty percent more advanced than a human infant. Before birth they will have been taught the beginnings of The Vulcan Way.
Spock had been accepted as an instructor at the Academy. Nyota, when heavy with child would have to be settled in a house or apartment. In the meantime, temporary housing was available for officers either on the Academy grounds, or on Starbase One, officer's apartments.
`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`
Spock had no intention of living on Starbase One, he imagined his wife and he in a home, with possibly a yard where he could attempt to grow some Vulcan vegetables. That would prove to be an on-going experiment, and of course, scientific in nature.
While housed at the Academy he searched the real estate pages for suitable housing memorizing the information. He determined he would bring Nyota out on the coming weekend to take a first-hand look at the four locations that had appeal to him. Nyota would make the final decision.
His wife selection pleased him exceedingly. The house was situated on a rather large tract of land, had four bedrooms three and one half baths and a full basement, that he could turn into a place of study and entertainment. Spock would put to use the training as a carpenter that had been provided by his father.
Presently Nyota was taking her time to decorate. She was now five months pregnant with their twin sons.
`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`
Upon Spock's return to the Academy he noticed a change in the student dynamics of the institution. Perhaps the Va'Pak (The Immeasurable Loss) had stirred The Federation of Planets from their complacent attitude. This made sense when one recognized that Vulcan's military was one of the most advanced in The Federation and very little of it remained. So now, species that had not previously had representatives attending this institution were well represented within the student body. Among them were forty-four Vulcan males and two Vulcan females.
The presence of the females was surprising to him. After all, female Vulcans, along with their children, and the elderly were the primary victims of that loss. In addition, Vulcan females were at a premium and were always tapped for bonding and motherhood. It was quite possible that these females had relatives of influence that enabled them to slip under the 'rebuild the Vulcan species radar' or they had talents that would prove them more valuable in other areas of the efforts to rebuild the Vulcan society .
Before Va Pak, it was not unusual for Vulcan males to be away from their home world for long periods of time. That was the case because bonded Vulcan males very often went-off world after the birth of their first son to continue to pursue their studies or careers. Those who left would return when 'their time' demanded reuniting with their bondmate, to become bonded or seek the services of 'The Comfortors'.
Although, none of these Vulcans were in his classes, after all, why would there be a need to study their native tongue, Spock's encounter with any of them was met with respectful nods and the Vulcan salute. His review of the student population's records revealed that besides the Vulcans registered in Star Fleet Academy, there were still that many applications awaiting processing. Apparently those now enrolled and the others who had applied, had determined that the fully operational Star Fleet Academy would fulfill certain goals that the still just marginally functioning Vulcan Science Academy would be unable to supply.
Spock had been informed that the High Council's search for qualified instructors was indeed a slow process. Spock himself had received an invitation to join that institution which he had declined to attend those many years ago but his polite refusal was forwarded to them. After all, his one personal contact with that institution was in essence the reason why he had found his way to his most satisfying life with his Nyota. In truth, his loyalty was with Star Fleet.
One of the females and forty-four of the males were in Star Fleet Academy Fast Trac. Spock determined he would investigate the reason for the other female's not applying for the same academic advantage those courses provided as did her fellow Vulcans.
After Spock had reviewed their academic records and lineal histories as revealed by each student's full name, he was able to determine that they had all distinguished themselves in their classes on New Vulcan and that they were of the high houses. He felt he would have to investigate why the High Council and Committee had allowed them to enroll in Star Fleet Academy. Further investigation also revealed that one student, whose name was Sho'on, was a distant cousin whom he had never met. Questions came to his mind including, the fact that these young Vulcans were survivors would indicate that they were close enough to transportation that responded to the evacuation call sent from The Enterprise. Who had given up their seats to allow these youths to survive? In addition, how was it that these two female members of his species had had also survived? He was certain their stories would be most enlightening.
`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`
Spock was positive that his relative was aware of their relationship but it was not The Vulcan Way to presume on such knowledge. As the elder of the two, he would have to be the one to make that approach. Spock determined he would introduce himself at the end of the current week's classes.
Spock stood outside the Albert Einstein Science Building awaiting the appearance of his cousin, Sho'on. As this student descended the steps Spock observed that he was a tall, muscular Vulcan with an exceptionally handsome appearance. Spock approached him with the words
"Sho'on, my kinsman, I am Spock, son of Sarek, son of Skon, son of Solkar of the house of Sarek. I am pleased to be able to approach you."
Sho'on bowed his head and said,
"Osu Spock, I feel privledged to be standing in your presence which honors me."
Facing him Spock continued,
"I have waited to make your acquaintance at a time that you possibly would be free to join me for last meal. Is this time convenient?"
"Yes, Osu Spock."
"My brother, although habit compelled me to formally introduce myself to you, the old way is not adhered to in this place. My given name, Spock, is yours to use freely in a setting such as this. Star Fleet requires that you do address me as Commander in the formal settings on this campus, however you are not tied to that formality outside the confines of this establishment."
From Sho'on there was a nod.
Spock said,
"My bondmate has prepared our meal if you would accompany me to my place of residence. I will return you to your dormitory before curfew.
"That is most agreeable" was his guest's reply.
