It was ironic. Strangely....poetic, if Spock considered it. The first true adult emotion he had ever felt had been the direct result of his interactions with a Vulcan. The emotion was not what was termed as love, or hatred, but rather the emotion that every human felt in their life. Betrayal.

Standing and staring into the impassive expression of the woman he had been intended to marry Spock wondered if perhaps his mother's ancestors had been correct in their assumption of Vulcans as "cold, unfeeling living computers." His internal clock informed him that in less than six minutes he would be late for his meeting with the Council of the Vulcan Science Academy.

He had been contemplating the likelihood of finally winning the approval of his father when a firm voice had summoned him. He turned to find his betrothed, T'Pring, waiting just outside of the doorway to the hall where his hearing would be conducted.

"T'Pring." He bowed to acknowledge her respectfully. He noticed that she did not return the gesture and mentally filed the information for contemplation later.

"It is imperative that we speak." He glanced at the ominous doorway between himself and his future. Being accepted would be an honor or the highest level. Earning his father's respect, Vulcan acknowledgement as an equal, and T'Pring's acquiescence to permanently bonding. All the things he needed to become a one word description instead of two. A Vulcan instead of half.

"I have been summoned by the Council of the Vulcan Science Academy. My review is complete and they are ready to deliver their verdict on my admission. May I request that you wait until the meeting is completed or I can contact you later if that is not a satisfactory arrangement?" Spock quickly checked his internal clock. Just under four minutes now.

"No, that is not satisfactory and neither is your contact at a later date. This matter can be resolved quickly. I have spoken with my parents and we are in agreement that I will not complete the bond with you. I cannot risk the effect this could have on any potential offspring. That is assuming as a hybrid you are capable of procreation. There has been doubt. I will immediately be contacting the elders so that they may sever our childhood connection. I request that you be available for the appointment." She turned and headed away from the hall and away from Spock without waiting for a response or acknowledgement of her request. She assumed, as T'Pring always assumed, that Spock would do as she requested.

A cold feeling gripped Spock internally. He had not calculated this variable. He needed to meditate to center himself. The unfamiliar sensations of hurt, shock, nausea, and anger combined in what he would later discover was, betrayal. Quickly, the betrayal, as is so often the case, gave way to anger. So hot and consuming he felt sure he would go mad. The door opened and a young student motioned Spock to enter the hall.

Spock took several deep breaths as he crossed the threshold and looked up to the honorable Vulcans present on the panel. His father included. He knew, logically, he should request a moment to gather his thoughts and center himself, but that may appear weak since the only reason he could offer for his request was that he was emotional.

At least he could count on these older and wiser celebrated members of the community not to insult his heritage in such a formal academic setting. He did not trust himself to react rationally to another provocation.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REVIEW...IF THAT IS AGREEABLE OF COURSE... :)