The little girl stayed by the window all evening, motionlessly watching the stars pass by outside. She seemed quite content to do so all by herself – it was one of very few things she was comfortable doing without Nyota at her side.

She and Spock threw a few glances in the child's direction as they had dinner together just a few feet away. "I wish I knew what she was thinking," the communications officer quietly commented. "I wish I knew how to help her."

"You are doing everything that you can," Spock assured her. "It is fortunate that you are able to communicate with her."

"For all the good a one-way conversation does… Do you have any idea how long after the storm hit we found that ship?"

"Probably no more than twelve hours. She was beamed out of an interior living space; that is likely what saved her when the hull succumbed to the forces of the storm."

"Where were the others found?"

"Mainly in engineering or command areas. The majority of them perished quickly due to the depressurization."

Nyota froze. "So she was alone for all of that time? Just waiting for someone to come for her?"

Spock slowly nodded. "It is highly probable."

"No wonder she won't let me out of her sight. She's afraid of another person disappearing on her… Do you think she knows her parents are gone?"

He nodded. "Speaking from experience, it is likely that she could feel it."


The child still refused to eat anything all that night or in the morning. Nyota had been given the day off from her duties on the bridge so that she could continue to try to get the girl to open up. They had very little to go on at the moment as far as trying to figure out what to do with her.

By mid-day, however, Nyota's main concern was no longer their little guest's silence, but the fact that she'd gone more than a day and a half without eating anything. "You really need to have some of this," she told her as she offered a plate with lunch. She wasn't sure what would be an acceptable menu for the alien child, so had tried to pick a range of basic items from the food sequencer's repertoire. "Just pick one thing and eat some. I don't want you to get sick." Still nothing.

Nyota sighed, beginning to get frustrated. "Please talk to me. Just tell me what do for you. Do you not like anything here? Is there something you want to eat instead? I just want to help you." Was she really doing any good at all for this child? Was she actually cut out to be someone's mother?

The girl stared at her for a long moment before reaching out and using her finger to scoop up a little bit of the mashed potatoes that were on the plate. She tasted it, and then reached back for more, offering a tiny smile.

Nyota returned it. "You're welcome," she quietly said. "So I guess we've found one thing you like. What else? You want to try some carrots?" She pointed to the orange vegetable. After a moment of hesitation, the little girl picked up one piece and put it in her mouth. Nyota tried not to laugh at the look of utter disgust that crossed her face. "Okay, carrots are out – I won't make those again. How about the chicken..."


The plate was still more full than empty by the time she was done, but it was a start, and at least Nyota had some idea of what the little girl liked. She had a little bit more to eat at dinner, which was also encouraging.

That night, Spock watched from the doorway to their bedroom as Nyota brushed out their little guest's hair before getting her tucked in on their couch. His wife continued to amaze him on a daily basis.

"There we go," she quietly said as she finished with the child's hair. They'd found some extra-small shorts and a shirt for her to wear during the day, but she was still sleeping in Nyota's Academy t-shirt. The girl smiled slightly when she saw her reflection in the small mirror that Nyota held for her.

"Okay, bedtime, then." She got her blankets all tucked in and turned out the main lights. "Sweet dreams," she whispered to the little girl. "I'll be right in there," she pointed toward the bedroom, "If you need me, okay?" That got a nod in response.

Spock kissed his wife once she'd joined him. "What was that for?" she asked with a smile.

"You will be an excellent mother."

She laughed. "You think so?"

"I know that it is true. I have been observing you. Your patience, your kindness…our children will be very fortunate."

Nyota smiled, returning his kiss. "You keep using the plural."

"Do you have something against it?"

"Let's take things one step at a time. But our child – or maybe children – will be lucky to have you as a father, too."


At about 0300 hours, they were awakened by the sound of a scream. As Nyota got out of bed, she could hear terrified cries of, "Mama! Mama!" coming from the living area. She instantly pulled the little girl into her arms.

"You're okay," she promised, smoothing the child's hair back. "You're safe now, I promise…" Spock turned the lights on before joining them. "Did you have a dream about your ship?" Nyota asked the little girl, who nodded. "I know that being in a new place is scary, and there are a lot of unfamiliar people, but you are safe here. And we're going to do everything we can to help you."

"Thank you," the child finally whispered.

Nyota smiled. "You're welcome. You want to tell me what your name is?"

"Leryn."

That admission earned her a hug. "Thank you, sweetheart. It's good to properly meet you."


TBC...