Part 7: Eighty Years Later

Ambassador Spock was just finishing a video call in his personal quarters with Pardek of Romulus, when he heard a knock on the door of his apartment at the Vulcan embassy in San Francisco

"Enter!" he called and one of his assistants, a young Vulcan named Sitek, came in the room.

"I apologize for the disturbance at this late hour, Ambassador, but an urgent message came through for you at the embassy."

"Thank you, Sitek," Spock replied. Sitek handed him an envelope and then left quickly.

The message was from Starfleet specialty hospital. Silesia was dying.

Spock walked briskly through the halls of the hospital, and met one of Silesia's doctors outside of her room.

"Ambassador Spock," the doctor said, "thank you for getting here so quickly. I'm Dr. Burman."

"Tell me of my sister," Spock said without preamble.

"She's developed a rare and aggressive blood disorder. So far, we've only seen it manifest in people born on Romulus, and apparently it's quite rare there as well. There's almost no medical literature on it since Romulus is such a closed off planet, and unfortunately there is no known cure. All we can do is treat the symptoms. I'm sorry, Ambassador."

Spock closed his eyes and sighed, "How long?"

"Hours, sir. Perhaps even minutes. Go ahead and sit with her. I'm sorry," he said again.

Spock composed himself quickly then walked into her room.

"Hello, Spock," she said weakly from the bed. He sat down beside her and took her hand.

"Hello, Silesia. It is my understanding that Starfleet will allow just about anyone into a hospital these days."

She smiled at their old joke and Spock squeezed her hand. "I will hire doctors to research this. If you can just hang on…"

"It is my time, sa-kai," she interrupted. "I have lived a long life, over one hundred years. I've had to bury our mother, my husband and my son. Sarek hasn't much time left. I am weary. Do not grieve for me, my brother. I have had a good life. The only regret that I have is that I was not able to help the people of Romulus."

"You are dining on ashes, and regretting something that you have no reason to regret. You have done more than you know. The time for the reunification of the Romulan and Vulcan people is upon us."

Her eyes lit up. "Tell me, my brother."

"There are groups who work for reunification in every populated area. I've personally spoken with members from four provinces. Your work and the work of your biological father has become a worldwide movement. It has become a serious concern for the Romulan leadership. Enough of a concern that the leadership may be forced to accept a Vulcan peace initiative. If the current leaders do not, when they die, the next generation of leaders will embrace it with open arms. I'm optimistic, though. I have recently been in touch with certain members of the current Romulan leadership who wish to bring about change. So, as I have said, you should have no regrets. Your work has paid off. I am proud of you."

"Oh Spock, that is wonderful! Now I can truly rest in peace knowing that my dream for the Romulan people is coming true."

"There is still much to do though, sister, and some hearts and minds that need changing, but our goal is obtainable. I will be traveling to Romulus soon, to meet with members of the leadership and the people. I will help to bring about reunification."

"And the Federation has approved your travel to Romulus?"

Spock allowed her a smile, "They have not. The Federation unfortunately still has a very closed mind when it comes to Romulus. As they say, old habits die hard. I will travel there on my private vessel. No one at the Federation knows. They will put me down as missing. I do not know if they will find me on Romulus, but even if they do, I will hopefully have enough time to cement the reunification."

Silesia smiled, "You are becoming reckless in your old age. Thank you, Spock, for making my dream come true."

"Thank you for giving me the courage to truly work for peace." Spock replied.

"My time is short, my brother. Before you go to Romulus, you must take my katra to Mount Seleya." Spock stood over her and lifted her hand to his face. As she transferred her katra to him, he felt all of her love and admiration for him, and her immense relief that the reunification of Romulus and Vulcan was coming to fruition.

Finally the transfer was complete, and she dropped her hand, exhausted from the effort. Tears were now freely flowing down Spock's cheeks.

"I love you, my brother. Live long and prosper."

"And I love you, Silesia. Sleep well."

She gave him one last smile, then closed her eyes for the last time.