A/N: Obviously I don't own the characters... shocking I know. I've never really watched the series so it may not (and most likely will not) be accurate. I was just so inspired by the movie (particularly the complex character of Spock) that I had this urge to write something. bear with me because I promise throughout the chapters I have, planned, the unfolding of an epic romance! It just would have been too overwhelming to put everything on the table in the first chapter!

It was a most troubling matter...

It had been only five years since the end of the Romulan destruction of Spock's beloved planet Vulcan. In an infinite chain events, he contemplated that such a a matter was fundamentally unimportant. Many species had come and gone long before his own. He had always acknowledged how completely insignificant his very existence was in the vast history of the universe, and yet somehow in these last years he felt that the events of his life had finally reached the power to bury him. Of course he had tried to think in terms of what was working to his advantage. He was a survivor who had somehow managed to save at least a few of his people. He always had the invaluable friendship of his comrade, Captain James Kirk (and the rest of the Enterprise crew). At the moment there was enough peace that his new home, Earth, had little to fear from any alien destruction. But ultimately nothing would bring his homeland back, nothing would bring his family back, nothing would bring her back and that was unacceptable...

Just three years ago, his father was the last of his remaining family to die. Although the fact of his dwindling species had occurred to him, Spock could not help but feel optimistic about the future. In the previous week he had proposed to Nyota Uhura and of course she had accepted. He was deeply in love (despite his disbelief that such feelings were even possible) and he had made plans to start a family. He could insure that he would not be the last generation of Vulcan. He had calculated that everything would fall into place and every thing logically could have occurred according to plan. What he hadn't accounted for was the plain and simple possibility of mortality.

(two years ago and only a few days before the wedding)

Spock was walking the hallways carrying out his various responsibilities around the academy when a very uncharacteristically agitated James Kirk sought him out with a request that he accompany him to to his office immediately.

"Spock, we need to talk about something and I think you should sit down."

As James gestured to a nearby seat even a Vulcan could observe the despondent feelings his friend was emoting. This had to be serious.

"Spock, I don't know how to tell you this, but as the captain of the Starfleet it is my duty to know what's going on... and to let those close to victims understand what happened..."

Wearing an impassive face Spock appeared calm but inside his mind he immediately thought of his fiancée who had left that morning on a routine observation mission. James continued to stall as if he were guilty of an unforgivable crime. At last, he continued.

"I'm sorry buddy, but.. this morning one of our ships left on a observation mission of the moon and... (tears began to escape his eyes) and the ship exploded.... it was a freak accident with one of the engines... everyone died instantly... and I'm so sorry, I'm just so sorry but Nyota was on board that ship."

Without saying a word, Spock stood up and walked away.

A few days later there was a funeral in which everyone was present. Many people approached him to offer their condolences but he didn't seem to hear them. For months nobody but his fellow comrades in the Enterprise dared to visit him. Although he continued to perform his daily tasks there were fortunately few missions serious enough to include him. This particular afternoon, he had nothing to do allowing him to think in solitude.

"My family is gone, my only hope for a new family is gone, and despite all the people around me, I somehow feel all alone."

Hearing a Knock on the door Spock reluctantly pressed the entry button and met James carrying 5 paper bags of groceries.

"Hey buddy, I'm back again to make sure you don't starve yourself to death. After all, we kind of need you so for everyone's sake you really should start taking care of yourself again."

Spock sighed as he thoughtlessly began the task of ordering the new items in his kitchen.

"Nobody needs me, besides, I have long lost my use as the emotionally stable voice of reason."

James slammed his fists on a nearby table.

"No, Uh uh! These kind of words are not going to fly. I won't let you debase yourself like that. Listen Spock, it has been years. You are like a brother to me and I really feel for you, but as a captain I must say that you need to pull yourself together. You just have to find peace!"

This was not improving Spock's mood and he responded in a tone not unlike anger.

"Don't you think I'm trying to control myself. Don't you think I have any shame for my behavior" clasping his hands to his head he closed his eyes. "Never in my life have I been so at the mercy of my own thoughts. I do not comprehend why. Why can't I rid myself of such useless feelings?"

Walking over to Spock, James clasped his shoulders and starred into his eyes as if searching for something.

"Is that what all this is about, shame for feeling grief." He stepped away. "Spock, you have every reason to feel grief. I don't blame you, nobody does. What I can't allow is you destroying yourself for something that is out of your control. Do you think this is what she would have wanted?"

Silence. At length Spock responded in monotone.

"I'm at a loss for words. I don't have any answers right now."

After several more moments of intense silence James sighed in defeat.

"Listen. I want more than anything to help you, but the thing is I can't do that until you help yourself. Please, whatever you have to do just go there. Do something. Don't you understand that I... everyone wants you back?" James attempted humor. " Come on Buddy, who else will be there to bust my balls when I crack a "that's what she said" joke in a a board meeting, huh?"

James looked for some reaction but found he was met with the same emotionless stare. Dejectedly he retreated out the door "Good bye buddy."

With that, James stood up and walked out the door. The rest of the night Spock mechanically went through the motions of making dinner and preparing for another lonely night. In the following days he continued with the same old routine (wake up, go to work, come home, sleep, repeat) but something about his talk with James had stirred something in him. As he walked around the academy he began to think about what exactly it was that he needed. What did he want? Was it a connection to his past that he was looking for, or something more concrete? Looking around he found that he had wandered to a teleport apparatus. At this time in the late afternoon he found himself all alone as everyone at the station had returned to their respective home lives.

"What do I have to do... what am I searching for."

Wandering the room a strange impulse began to consume him. He was alarmingly out of control of this sudden instinct and without thought he approached the controls. With one press of a button the whole system came alive.

"What am I doing? Why am I here?"

Before long he had entered a pair of coordinates. Stepping on to the platform he vanished.

When he appeared again he found himself on a bustling streets of the current New York Metropolis. As he began to walk, still hazily aware of his intentions, he remembered one night several years ago when he had been here before with Nyota. They were there because she wanted to show him something that she claimed only humans had discovered.

Having lived on Earth for substantial amounts of time, Spock was aware of the concept of music. He had been dragged to enough clubs where such loud obnoxious noises assaulted his ears; however, when Nyota had offered to suggested they attend a concert of ancient music he was pleasantly surprised to hear something of a totally different kind. He had been amazed to find that there were no computers or virtual producers, but in fact every sound was produced by humans and their primitive hand made objects. It was a gratifying experience! It felt as if they were telling a story and yet that was the most fascinating part of all. There were no words to comprehend, just an instinctual understanding. A language of emotions. Having spent his whole life keeping his presence separate from his feelings he was acutely aware that somehow in listening to the music such a distinction was involuntarily lost. Although that was the last time he had attended such an event he never could forget that feeling of complete surrender.

As he easily navigated the roads by memory and it was not long before he reached that very concert hall that he had entered just years ago with his Uhura. Oddly enough reality was just now beginning to run it's course.

"What in the hell have I done?" Turning around to face the street he realized just how far this unplanned adventure had gone. "I've acted completely irrationally. I've beamed myself to a place thousands of miles from the Academy, only to stand and stare at this building without any express purpose and nobody is aware that I've left, thus I have no way of returning without somehow contacting somebody about this humiliating jaunt. Alas, this must be what it's like to completely lose it."

He was receiving quite a few perplexed looks as people passed him. Not surprising considering his distinctly Vulcan features and Starfleet standard issue attire (which, by the way, violated about 10 ordinances concerning not wearing your uniform in the civilian public). Thoroughly embarrassed He leaned against the wall, thinking of ways he could contact James without everyone knowing about this little stunt (impossible really considering who he was talking about). He was so lost in thought that he was inwardly startled when a monotone voice behind him spoke.

"I need to see your ticket sir."

With his woefully lacking experience in most earthly events outside the academy, it was not surprising that the concept of a ticket escaped Spock.

"Excuse me miss but I assure you I am not aware in the slightest to what you are referring."

The monotone voice belonged to a bored and impatient woman behind the counter who appeared beside herself with frustration at his response. She sighed heavily.

"Look sir I don't know who you are but I've had a long day and I'm not amused. Either you hand over cash or I call security. What will it be?"

Well this was a problem. She seemed to want currency but in his lapse of planning he found himself left with out. Not necessarily in panic but certainly with a sense of urgency Spock began searching for any possible solution to his dilemma. He was aware of the time elapsing and was prepared to make a run for it when out of nowhere a new voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Just let him in Anita. It's not like we don't have enough empty seats."

Turning towards the voice Spock was met with the appearance of a delicate young lady dressed in an odd but striking gown and carrying with her a large case nearly the same height as her body. She pressed her face closer to the window

"You heard me. Just give him the damn access and let him in."

"But, we barely have enough funds to cover the cost and-"

" Excuse me! I don't care. I'm the soloist and I want a respectably sized audience. Take it out of my pay if you must."

The woman behind the counter sighed heavily... again.

"Whatever." Taking a hold of Spock's wrist she beamed an invisible number on his wrist. Before he was able to thank his savior or even understand what had just happened she had disappeared and he found himself being ushered inside a door. It wasn't until he gazed out at the platform before him that he realized where he was.

The familiar concert hall brought back memories. They weren't numerous, but their significance resulted in a state of paralyzing complexity. For minutes he could not help but sit and gaze as the humans appeared on stage and the music began.

On his home planet Vulcan, he would occasionally visit the shrines of his ancestors to seek solace from his frequent times of identity crisis. There in that dark reverent temple, he somehow was able to sort things out in an order that he would be able to compute. As he listened to the music that his beloved Nyota cared so much for, it occurred to him that perhaps all of his seemingly random actions that brought him to this place were the result of his desire to find some similar comfort. The mental torment he had suffered for years began to fade and he marveled at that fact that he had never returned to this place before. It was just staggering that something so simple and so... human could have such an immense effect.

After about an hour, the music briefly ended and the man apparently in charge of the ensemble began to speak. Annoyed at the intrusion and feeling as if he already taken away enough from the experience, Spock began to rise from his seat when suddenly he stopped upon seeing the young lady who had come to his aid outside, now walking confidently walking up the platform. She had in tow a large instrument which he suspected had come from the case seen earlier. Stepping up to the voice amplifier she addressed the audience.

"Ladies and gentleman, tonight I have prepared for you a performance of a very special work that I found recently in my research of 20th century music. The Elgar Cello Concerto as I understand it, once was a part of the standard repertoire for my instrument. Today it is my honor to bring it back for your enjoyment."

Taking her seat she placed her instrument in starting position and awaited her cue. From the first few seconds Spock realized that the added sound of this woman, was much greater than anything he had ever heard before. As she pulled her stick across the strings, a rich tone sent him deeper into his self than he was maybe even comfortable with. He was memorized with the enchanting story that seemed to unfold and soon he was aware that he was memorized by the story teller. It was as if she transformed into something more than human, something more powerful in the best possible of ways. When at last she finished and people were clapping their appreciation his unrelenting thoughts flooded with a new attitude. This was it, this is what he was looking for. That connection to everything he had missed for so long. As people began to exit and the performers themselves began to file out the doors, Spock began to approach the stage where she was still standing, conversing with a crowd of people.

"I must learn more about this sensational human."

He pressed onward in his determination to speak with her himself but as he came closer he suddenly became lost again with what he was doing. It was laughable really. He was the first officer under the commander of the entire Starfleet and yet he felt a strange sense of humility in regards to her.

"Alas, I am only a stranger. I could not possibly imagine imposing myself on her." Turning on his heel he made his way back up the isle toward the exit when to his surprise a frantic hand enclosed around his wrist.

"Hey (huff)! Hey wait a second! (huff) Hold on now (huff), I thought that you were going to talk to me."

He marveled to see her panting at his side. Indeed, the brilliant performer had actually run to catch up with him.

"You were coming to talk to me right? Aren't you that man I met on my way in?"

Gathering himself despite his astonishment Spock bowed his head in respect.

"Yes madame. My name is Commander Spock and I just wanted to express to you my gratitude for your kindness. I was deeply affected by your performance." As if she hadn't heard him say anything at all about her performance she giggled and shook his had with vigor. She just grabbed his hand without any warning. How intriguing!

"Stella's the name. Really, a Commander? I've never met one of those. Now I knew you just had to be someone above average. You look different is all. No offense, you just don't look like an ordinary someone or other."

Spock could not help but stare on in shock. Here he was in the presence of someone with a power over him like no other and yet she seemed completely unaware of her greatness. In fact, she acted just the same as any other lively young woman of her age, uninhibited and full of energy. In essence it was overwhelming. Stella squinted her eyes as if scrutinizing him..

"You're not from around here are you?"

"I-"

"Oh my apologies I didn't mean anything offensive."

"Actually your perceptions, Miss Stella, are accurate. I'm not from this planet originally."

"Stella, just Stella please." She was scanning him up and down. "Wow I've never met an alien. No wonder you appeared so lost."

An intriguing woman in deed. He had a difficult time responding. She was always one step ahead of him. Spock opened his mouth to say something but she cut him off.

"I'm sorry let me explain. Now I know it's absolutely crazy but sometimes I get senses about people and when I saw you at the ticket window I just couldn't help but think that you seemed very lost. That's why I had to stop and help you."

Fascinating! Fundamentally she had been exactly right in her observations. Finally regaining his ability to respond he answered.

"Yes indeed, I've been lost for quite awhile now but thanks to your performance I think I've found my way again. " She cocked her head in amusement.

"Really? Well if you say so. I always did know music could do a lot of things but I never knew it could help aliens learn which direction was home." Spock shook his head.

"No, that's not what I meant. I am at home, in a sense. I live on earth. What I meant was that I've been lost-"

"Mentally yeah I know! Of course I was joking, silly. Obviously a commander like you could find your way around space if you needed to." For a moment they glanced at each other, each with their own respective questions concerning the other. Finally Stella broke the silence.

"You've been lonely for a while haven't you?"

"What... I... what?"

"It's okay. I've been alone for a very long time too. I can tell that you've lost someone very special to you along the way."

It was surreal. Just days ago Spock had rarely left the confines of his room. Now here he was standing before a complete stranger who seemed to know everything afflicting him before he could say more than a few words. Her methods weren't conceivable. Surely she was learning these things about him in a more explainable way.

"I'm sorry. Surely we have met before and I am experiencing an unfortunate lapse in memory." Looking upwards as if she was thinking about it she shook her head.

"No, I told you before, I've never met an alien. I've just always assumed things based on my instincts and usually I'm right. Am I right about you?" Before he could answer they were both distracted by a a clanging noise as a result of the front doors locking. Stella began to gather her things. In a most graceful way she placed the mysterious large instrument back in the case and slung it over her back as if without effort.

"Listen the hall is closing. We have to leave out the back door. Follow me." Before he could react she was dragging him out the door. She just grabbed his wrist, again, for the third time this evening. Was it normal for humans acquaintances to engage in so much physical contact. Leading him outside it dawned on him how late it was getting. By now city lights filled the streets against the night sky. He wondered if anyone had noticed his absence yet... doubtful. Stella once again had her way of plucking him from his thoughts.

"Hey, I know you don't really know me but I just had the most random idea. Why don't you stay at my place tonight. You just seem like you have so many interesting things to say and I've never talked to an alien before. I have a spare room, we could just talk about anything. Then if you want you can just leave and go about doing whatever it is commanders like you usually do. Don't you think it would be extraordinary?"

Spock who had up to this point been unable to gain any footing about the events unfolding abruptly halted at this latest suggestion. It had been one thing to speak to this human but now she was inviting him to her residence. Really he was a complete stranger. This was absolutely preposterous. Besides, come tomorrow when he didn't report for duty it was highly likely that people would take notice of his absence. Never had he failed in his responsibilities as First Commanding Officer and the idea of breaking that record sent an unpleasant feeling through his being. Not to mention his lack of communicating his departure would surely be the cause for some undue panic. He had no choice but to return to the base immediately... and yet something more alarming stopped him. Another compartment of his thoughts, more insistent, urged him to act against all things logical. Something about this, Stella, continued to perplex him. So deep was his desire to learn more about this character that he bewildered himself when he replied.

"Yes, I will accompany you home for the evening. I think I could learn much from our conversations."

"Really? Great follow me!"

His thoughts were in a frenzy. "This is surely a mistake. In all likelihood I will regret this decision."

If he had given any indication of doubt in accepting her offer, Stella appeared neither to notice nor care. She was already on to the next task. Without another word she began to approach the street. Spock began to follow.

"Do you live far from here. Where is your means of transportation?"

Stella just laughed. "I never have a my own transportation. I don't know how to drive after all?"

"But how will we... ARE YOU OUT OF YOU MIND!" Even, Spock could not mask his anxiety as Stella now wandered out into the busy road, a series of hover crafts, narrowly avoiding hitting her. "Don't worry I do this all the time, watch me."

"No this is not necessary, I insist that you come back here right this instance and... WATCH OUT!"

To his horror, he watched as one of the vehicles came to a screeching halt, unable to stop from throwing Stella backwards onto the concrete. She landed with a thud as Spock ran to her side to assess the damage.

"No, No , No! This can not be happening. She can't be dead! Please, for my sanity, don't be dead."

Approaching her he expected broken bones and numerous cuts and bruises but as he became closer he noticed that on the whole, she appeared completely unharmed. It was incredible. No scratches, no sign of visceral injury, just a young woman in a gown who appeared unconscious. As he leaned in to check her pulse he heard her whisper softly.

"Just play along with it." She gave a slight wink before continuing with her performance. The driver of the vehicle was now getting out of his car and running towards them, clearly distressed.

"Jesus I've killed her. She just appeared out of nowhere and before I could stop... it just all happened so fast. What have I done?"

Burying his head in his hands Spock was too confused to speak. Beneath him Stella began to stir.

"Spock, sweetheart. Wha.. what's going on. One minute I was stepping out on to the crosswalk and then..."

The man looked up to find her conscious and rushed to grasp her hand.

"Oh lady you scared me half to death. I thought I had killed you. Are you hurt? Are you okay?"

Stella began to sit up but she appeared to be having great difficulty.

"We were just heading to a restaurant , and then there were blinding lights and, then... I must have been hit." The man buried his face in his sleeve and began to cry. The grown human man was actually crying!

"Oh lady I'm so sorry I made a terrible mistake. I was so careless." To Spock's utter shock Stella was now sitting up completely and reaching to pat man's shoulder.

"Don't worry sir. I fine really, just a little startled. It was my fault actually. I was the careless one, but look at me? See, no harm done." The man sat up and sniffed.

"Are you sure. Is there anything I could possibly do to help you. I'll do it, anything at all!"

"No don't worry, I told you I'm fine. I don't need anything really... well, except maybe there is something."

"Anything at all to repay you for my lack of attention."

"Well everything has just taken all the energy I had left. I only want to return home now."

Before Spock knew it, Stella, her case, and himself were escorted into the vehicle as the man continued to insist that it was the least he could do to return them home safely. Spock couldn't believe it. The whole thing was a charade. He saw her get hit, and yet it was clear to him that she was perfectly fine. It wasn't a long drive and after thirty minutes of her weakly giving directions they arrived before a tall building full of respectable looking condos. Although the driver was intent on bringing Stella to her door she denied his offer.

"You have already done more than enough sir. My husband will take things from here right dear?"

Realizing that he was the husband she was referring Spock merely nodded. He picked her upand slung the instrument over his shoulder. As the car drove away she perked up.

"You can put me down now! I have to say I wasn't sure you could pull it off but your strategy of keeping silent and letting me do the talking, brilliant!"

Spock grabbed her shoulders and turned her facing him.

"What in the hell just happened? Do you have any idea how worried I was? I thought you were deceased." He scanned her body. "How in the hell are you so free of injury."

With a mischievous smile, Stella pressed a button on a bracelet that he previously hadn't noticed. Within an instance it appeared as if an entire, clear layer of skin had retracted from her body revealing a more alluring and softer layer.

"Found this little invention at a practical joke shop I was once convinced to visit. I'm not entirely sure how it works, but it covers your body in a sort of skin like protective shield that prevents damage. It won't stop a gunshot, but It will prevent me from taking damage as a result of something small like a car crash."

Spock shook his head in disbelief.

"Wait so let me get this straight. You stage getting hit by a car wearing this coating, all so people will give you a free ride home." Stella shrugged her shoulders.

"Well jeez when you put it that way it does seem a little extreme." grabbing his hand yet again she began leading him towards an elevator. Too late to turn back now, Spock knew he was in for more baffling evening to come.

Something had been eating at James Kirk for several days. Following his talk with his distressed first commander he had felt ever since that maybe he had been too impatient.

"The point was to make him see things more positively. Not to make him retreat even further into seclusion."

At last he made the decision to make another visit to Spock's living quarters. He knocked on the door but was confounded to find that after several minutes there was no response.

"Come on man just open the door." After a few more minutes he knocked a little harder.

"Spock, it's me James! Open the damn door!"

Now he was starting to become alarmed. The lights were on, and Spock just wasn't the kind of person to ignore the presence of people he didn't want to talk to. He was more mature than that. Having never been the kind to be hindered by boundaries, James pulled out his master key to all the doors on the base and let himself in. There were no signs of life and yet little things like dirty dishes left in the sink gave him an eerie impression the pad's occupant had left unexpectedly. He began to pace all the rooms searching for some kind of clue as to where Spock might be, or worse, where his body might be. Relieved that he was able to deem the place was empty he left and began to pace the grounds of the academy. As he passed the various labs and ship stations he stopped when he came across a teleport chamber in which the system was not properly shut down. He was about press the respective buttons when out of the corner of his eye he noticed a standard issued I.D. Badge. Upon opening it he found Commander Spock's picture...