Future Family from the Past

by Mark Lopa

Spock returned to his secret quarters on the Archer. The events of the past few days had taken a heavy toll on him physically and mentally. Meeting and conversing with his younger self would have been a strain on any Vulcan, but he was no longer the young man he was many years ago. Spock was tired, and he needed sleep. The last thing he wanted was to interact with anyone, in person or via subspace.

He was, however, curious about the message that waited for him. He rarely received any kind of message, especially since most people thought he was deep in the heart of the Romulan Empire…or dead. He was puzzled.

He walked over to the console, and pressed the appropriate button. The computer voice spoke. He always thought the Federation computer sounded like Doctor Chapel. It could be he was somewhat haunted by the love the woman had felt for him, or it's possible it was just a voice that sounded like the doctor. In any case, it made him think of her each time he heard the voice.

"Good Afternoon, sir. You have one new message," the computer said.

"When was the message received?" Spock asked.

"Oh-five hundred today," the computer answered.

Spock raised his eyebrow. Who could have known he was on the Archer? His presence on the ship was completely classified. Not even the few who knew he was on board would send him a message in such an unsecured manner.

Spock started to ponder. Had his actions in the past changed the present? Was his presence on the Archer now common knowledge? What might have changed about himself?

"Computer, with whom am I currently employed?" Spock asked.

"Starfleet Command of the United Federation of Planets."

"What is my rank?"

"Captain."

"What is today's date?"

"Stardate 51457.2"

Spock stood stunned. It was the correct date. It was well into the 24th Century. He should be an ambassador, not a captain in Starfleet. Spock had resigned from Starfleet just after the decommission of the Enterprise-A.

"Computer, have I been a captain in Starfleet continuously since the Khitomer Conference?"

"Affirmative," the computer answered.

Spock had changed the future.

"What is the registry number of the current U.S.S. Enterprise?"

"NCC-1701-F."

"Who is in command of that vessel?"

"Captain Jean-Luc Picard."

At least that's still the same, Spock thought. At least he didn't change everything. Then he remembered the new message he had waiting for him.

"Computer, from whom is the new message?"

"Jim Kirk."

"JIM?" Spock exclaimed.

"Affirmative. The new message was left this morning by Captain James T. Kirk."

Jim was alive! Spock's mission was more than a success. Not only did Kirk not die on Veridian III, but he was still alive today.

"Computer, play message," Spock ordered.

"Spock, where are you? I don't think I've ever called you at this hour without you being there. Listen…Scotty, Bones, and I are on the Enterprise, and we'd thought you'd like to join us. Your growing affinity for nostalgia and reunions are not beyond our perception, you know. We've known each other way too long. Let me know when you get this."

Then in the background, another voice yelled, "hurry up, Spock! Who knows how long I've got left!"

It was unmistakably Jim's voice, followed by Dr. McCoy. Jim sounded strong and relaxed and happy. He sounded good.

For the first time in many, many years, Spock looked into his mirror, and watched his face smile. It was good to finally be going home to his family.