I have been told that one of the reasons the astronomers of the world cooperate is the fact that there is no one nation from which the entire sphere of the sky can be seen. Perhaps there is in that fact a parable for national statesmen, whose political horizons are all too often limited by national horizons. ~Adlai Stevenson

When they had disembarked from the plane, Jim led them over to a dusty Jeep waiting not far from the runway. Spock climbed into the backseat with Jim, Hikaru getting into the driver's seat as Pavel joined him up front. The Jeep had no top, allowing the desert breeze to blow against their faces.

"Just 15 minutes," Hikaru told Spock although Spock hadn't asked. He hadn't thought he would get an answer and had decided to simply let the adventure unfold around him. He did not fail to notice the secret, satisfied smile lighting Jim's face, certain that whatever lay at the end of the Jeep ride was the reason for his delight.

"We forgot to eat," Jim said in realization as Hikaru drove off the airfield and onto a hard-pack dirt road.

"I am not especially hungry," Spock assured him. "Are you?"

"I'm okay. What about you guys?" Jim asked as he leaned forward to check with the other two.

"Ve had granola," Pavel told him.

"All right," Jim said. "We can grab something before we take off if you want."

They mostly remained silent during the trip, the relative roughness of the road making conversation difficult. Approximately 12 minutes after they left the airfield, Hikaru stopped the Jeep by a low, nondescript building on the top of a small ridge.

As they were leaving the Jeep, Spock studied the building, wondering why it looked vaguely familiar. He was certain he had never been there before but he had seen the building somewhere.

"Hello," a man said when he had left the building. He was tall, several inches taller than Jim or Spock, with short cropped graying hair and intelligent eyes that took in everything around him. He wore jeans that were comfortable but certainly not stylish and a plaid cotton shirt that could have done with a little additional ironing.

"Dr. English," Jim said with a smile, holding his hand out to the man.

"Dr. Kirk. I'm glad you were able to make it," Dr. English said, his smile warm.

"It's Jim, please," Jim reminded him. "This is Spock. And you remember Hikaru and Pavel."

"Of course," Dr. English responded, shaking hands with the Humans.

"Dr. English," Spock said with a nod.

"Call me TJ," the man requested.

"Certainly," Spock agreed, still no more certain why they were there.

"TJ is the director of the Tycho Observatory," Jim finally told Spock. "I called and asked if we could come for a visit and he graciously agreed."

"This is the Tycho?" Spock asked, knowing Jim wouldn't have said it if it weren't true. But the fact that they were actually there was more than a little hard to believe.

"It is," TJ agreed. "Come in." They followed him inside the building, going with him down the curving hallway to the steps that led to the observing dome in the back. "It's still a little early to see Vulcan. It will be visible in approximately 15 minutes."

Spock could think of nothing to say in response to that. What was there to say? Jim had flown him from Los Angeles to Arizona just so he could look through one of Earth's most powerful telescope to see his home planet. Thank you was in no way adequate to express his appreciation for so generous a gift. "Jim?" he finally said, Jim grinning at him in pure delight.

"You can see Vulcan from here," is all Jim said before following Dr. English up into the dome.

Spock shook his head, no words coming in response to that. He simply could not believe Jim had done this.

"And when the moon is full, the view is less distinct," TJ was saying to Hikaru and Pavel as Pavel looked through the telescope.

"Da," Pavel acknowledged, raising his head to smile at Hikaru. "You know that Astronomy, it vas inwented in Russia."

Hikaru just laughed, shoving him gently aside so that he could look through the telescope, Pavel standing behind him to enjoy the view. "Stop striping me with your eyes."

Pavel shrugged, turning an innocent look at Jim and Spock. Jim had to laugh and Spock raised one eyebrow.

"Here, Spock. Come look at Orion," Hikaru invited, backing away. Spock took his place, putting his eye to the viewer. There was the planet, as clear as though it were as close as Earth's moon.

"Impressive," Spock said. He sounded nonchalant about seeing the planet so clearly but Jim could hear a note of excitement in his voice. "Jim? Do you wish to look?"

"Of course," Jim agreed, taking Spock's place and looking at the planet. "You expect it to be green, don't you?"

"Because the Orions are?" TJ said. "We aren't blue like the Earth."

"There is that," Jim said with a smile. "Well. You know."

"It's a common misconception," TJ said, telling them the true nature of the planet Orion and its various components. Jim had the impression that it was a lecture that he gave to a lot of visitors and that his underlying frustration was not directed at them.

Spock listened to every word, mesmerized by the information TJ was providing. Jim was studying Spock as Spock studied the astronomer. Jim tried to remember if they had discussed what it was that Spock was going to major in at UCLA but it never came up. Only that Spock had to quit because he couldn't afford to attend. Had he been engaged in the study of Astronomy? Deep space exploration? Vulcan Science Academy was justifiably heralded as one of the premier institutions of instruction when it came to space exploration and all the related fields.

A change in the tone of TJ's voice alerted Jim to the fact that he had stopped lecturing, at least for the moment. He was telling them that Vulcan was about to rise over the horizon and if Spock were to look through the eyepiece as soon as he had the telescope aligned, he would no doubt see it.

Spock stood back as the adjustments were made, waiting for Dr. English to tell him when he could go back to looking through the telescope. It didn't take long for him to let Spock know it was time, Spock leaning in to see through the viewer. His breath caught in his throat as the red dot that represented his homeworld rose up over the horizon, the planet looking further away than he conceived of. He knew it was in fact located a little over 16 light years from Earth so it was no surprise that it would be so miniscule. But it was still his home planet, the one where he had grown up, the one where his parents still lived. The planet he doubted he would ever set foot on again. And he did not want to admit even to himself the amount of pain that thought caused. But for right now, he could stand in the observatory in the middle of Arizona and stare at the planet that had given him life.

He didn't know how long he had been gazing at Vulcan when he finally looked away from the viewer. The Humans were sitting on the benches around the parameter of the dome, chatting quietly, patiently waiting for him. "Jim," he said softly.

Jim looked over at him and smiled, a radiant, beaming smile that had the ability to illuminate the entire observatory. That was when Spock absolutely knew that Jim understood how meaningful this gift was to him. And there were no words necessary to express his appreciation.

"You ready to go? Or do you want to stay a little while longer?" Jim asked, the smile still on his face.

"I am ready," Spock said with a nod. "Thank you."

Jim shook his head, the words completely unnecessary. "I appreciate your help," Jim said to TJ who assured Jim the pleasure was his and Jim should return any time he wished.

They went out to the Jeep in silence, Pavel taking the driver's seat, Hikaru on the passenger side. Jim and Spock sat pressed together in the back seat, Spock's head tilted up to see all of the stars as they passed beneath them.

The silence remained in place until they reached the airfield, Pavel parking the Jeep exactly where it had been. Spock didn't bother to wonder who it belonged to. He felt certain that both the Jeep and the airfield on which it was located were property of Enterprise Industries.

Once they were back inside the plane, Jim told Hikaru and Pavel quietly that they didn't have any reason to leave the cockpit while the plane was in the air. They acknowledged his words with nods, entering and locking the door behind them.

Jim and Spock sat in the separate seats as the plane taxied and then became airborne. When the seatbelt sign was no longer illuminated, Jim stood and held his hand out to Spock. With Spock's hand in his own, Jim tugged him over to the bench-like seat they had previously occupied, Jim stopping before it. He used his free hand to undo the fastenings on Spock's jeans, watching them crumble around Spock's ankles. Spock toed off his shoes, stepping out of his jeans before using his free hand to lower his briefs. When they were down at his ankles, Jim sighed, staring down at the forming erection waiting for him.

"You are beautiful," Jim breathed into Spock's ear before taking the tip between his teeth.

"You are overly dressed," Spock replied, working on Jim's jeans as Jim stepped out of his shoes.

"Shirts?" Jim asked, backing up very slightly.

"Mmm…." Spock hummed, taking his hand out of Jim's and using it to remove Jim's shirt. When Jim was completely bare, he pulled off Spock's shirts, leaning down enough to bite on Spock's green nub. "Did you bring lubricant?" Spock asked as Jim's tongue laved over the spot he had been worrying with his teeth.

"No," Jim said in disappointment. "There are other ways to join the mile-high club."

"Indeed," Spock said, sitting on the seat facing Jim. He kissed Jim's stomach just above the nest of curls between his legs, Jim's firming erection pointing directly at Spock in need and desire. Spock did not want to tease Jim. He wanted to give him pleasure and release, to express his unspoken gratitude.

Spock's skilled mouth and tongue brought Jim to orgasm a little more quickly than Jim would have preferred but no matter. What the blowjob had lacked in finesse was made up for in success – the pleasure rippling through him as he came.

"What do you want?" Jim asked Spock, looking down at the top of his head, Jim's fingers digging into Spock's shoulders as Jim struggled to remain upright.

Spock shrugged, not caring. Jim had already given him a precious gift. He did not require immediate sexual reciprocation. His physical desires would be fulfilled soon enough and that was all he needed to know.

"Then may I make a request?" Jim asked, straddling Spock's thighs and sitting on his knees facing him.

"Of course," Spock said. "Anything."

"I want to watch you," Jim admitted, looking down at the erection between their firm bellies.

"You want me to masturbate while you watch me," Spock said, making sure he had understood correctly.

"Uh huh. Do you mind?"

"I do not," Spock said, reaching for his erection, the back of his hand brushing Jim's still sensitive cock. Jim did not move out of the way, enjoying the fleeting contact as Spock's hand rode up and down on his own need.

Watching the swollen tip of Spock's erection appear and disappear as he caressed himself was almost more than Jim could stand. Jim thought watching Spock, seeing the absolute pleasure reflected on his face, was one of the most beautiful things he'd ever been privileged to witness. It filled his heart and his head with thoughts and feelings he'd long since given up ever having again.

Refusing to dwell how he was reacting to Spock's actions, Jim wrapped his right hand loosely around Spock's hand as Spock circled the tip with his thumb.

"Does that feel good?" Jim whispered into Spock's ear. "Do you like doing that to yourself? Or are you imagining that it's me instead? Do you wish it was my tongue, licking you, dipping in to gather your flavors with your moisture? Do you know that you are delicious, that I find myself craving your taste?" Jim continued to breathe seductive, filthy words to Spock until he tightened his grip ever so slightly and erupted, the come splashing them both.

"Uhmm…." Spock sighed as he relaxed completely against the seatback. "Thank you."

Jim smiled and shook his head, backing up enough to lean down to lick a stripe off Spock's chest. "Delicious."

Spock watched the pink tongue emerge and lick him again, the sensation surprisingly intimate. Spock could only gasp when Jim's teeth nipped at his bud, the feeling heightened by his post-orgasm state.

"I guess we should get dressed," Jim said reluctantly. He was leering at Spock's body, absorbing the beauty of it.

"You must cease in devouring me with your eyes," Spock suggested lightly.

"Huh," Jim grunted, leaning fully against Spock's chest, glad when Spock wrapped warm, strong arms around his back. "Or maybe we can wait."

"Indeed. We will not land for another 73 minutes," Spock said, holding tight to Jim and enjoying all the cooler flesh pressed up against his. "If there is something you want to know, you only need ask."

"Oh. Can you hear my thoughts?" Jim asked, not lifting his head from where it rested on Spock's shoulder.

"I cannot. I can only detect an underlying curiosity, questions which you wish to have answered," Spock said.

"What were you majoring in at UCLA?" Jim asked into Spock's shoulder.

"Astrophysics," Spock said, confirming what Jim suspected.

"I'm sorry," Jim said softly.

"You bear no responsibility," Spock responded. "It is my burden alone."

Jim shook his head. "They should have arranged for you to stay."

"It was not possible. I would never say I do not regret having to leave school. Yet I cannot change the past. It is as it is."

"I know," Jim sighed. "But…."

"There is not but, Jim," Spock said. "Is there something else you wish to know?"

"No, I guess not. Was there anything you wanted to ask me?" Jim asked, lifting his head to finally smile at Spock. It was an invitation, offered freely and openly.

"Not at this time. Not personal information. Do you know the opera which we will be attending tomorrow?"

"No. I'll check my phone once I find my pants," Jim laughed.

"They are not far away," Spock said, pointing over at them. "Will you call Chris to confirm?"

"Yeah. And I'll find out where we're going to have dinner."

"That is not necessary," Spock said, his palms cupping the firm roundness of Jim's backside. Jim shifted at the sensation.

"That feels a little too good," he decided.

"Will you become aroused?"

"I don't think so. Between just coming and being tired, I don't have the energy."

Spock nodded at that, licking Jim's nipple and making Jim gasp.

"Cut it out," Jim protested to the top of Spock's head.

"Are you certain?"

"Mmm…." Jim sighed, leaning back away from the deliciousness of Spock's tongue.

"I apologize."

"Whatever for?" Jim asked in surprise.

"I should not have continued."

Jim shook his head, leaning back against Spock's warm body. "I was enjoying it. There was no place for the sensations to go."

"I see," Spock said, hugging Jim tightly. "Perhaps we should dress. Hide away the temptation that is your body."

"Okay," Jim agreed, backing off Spock's lap and going momentarily into the bathroom. He soon returned with a damp towel which he used to wipe the dried streaks from both their stomachs.

It didn't take long for them to collect their clothes, pulling them back on and sitting pressed close on the bench. Jim took out his phone, calling Chris. "Hey," Jim said when the older man had answered.

"You finally wake up?" Chris teased.

"What makes you think I was asleep?" Jim asked with a laugh.

"Hardly matters. You free to come to the opera?"

"We'd love to. Spock's curious about which one it is."

"T'Pral's Peaceful Haven," Chris said. "Earth premier. We have reservations at 43 Oceanview. 6:15. Little early but it'll give us time to get to the Disney Concert Hall in plenty of time."

"We'll see you at 6:15," Jim confirmed, disconnecting after chatting a few more minutes. "We're going to 43 Oceanview for dinner. Then we're attending the Earth premier of Peaceful Haven."

"43 Oceanview?" Spock asked, slightly breathless.

"Yeah," Jim agreed with a laugh. "It's…something."

"Have you eaten there before?"

"Twice. Chris loves it. I think it's ridiculous to pay as much for a meal as I paid for my first car."

"What was your first car?" Spock asked with a twinkle in his eye.

"A Volkswagen Beetle. A putrid shade of orange. It was four years old when I bought it. And it ran forever. I still have it. I just couldn't part with it. I did finally paint it black," Jim said.

"Does it still run?" Spock asked.

"Yeah. Scotty helps me fix it any time something breaks. The parts can be hard to find but he and I are adept at going to junkyards to find ancient VW carcasses."

"Why does Chris enjoy 43 Oceanview so much that he is willing to pay those prices to eat?" Spock asked, finding the fact interesting. And telling about who Chris was. Especially as the restaurant was renowned for being one of the most exclusive and expensive in all of California if not in America.

Jim shrugged. "He can be eccentric at times. And he can certainly afford to eat anywhere he wants."

"Especially if you purchase his company."

"I don't think we will purchase the company," Jim said thoughtfully. "He's willing to allow us to manufacture the drug using his formula. His only condition is that we don't make a profit."

"Can you afford to make the drug without the profit?" Spock asked.

"Yes. Bones has to agree to the final terms. But if we can prevent any further epidemics of Tuguzul, it will be worth it."

"Indeed," Spock agreed, studying Jim with a new eye. "It never occurred to me that you would willing sacrifice profits for the greater good."

"I don't usually. Until I met a certain Vulcan that made me want to prevent the disease that is most deadly to them."

Spock eyes were wide and his breathing shallow. He was unable to respond to Jim's words. They had taken away his breath and his ability to speak.

Jim smiled at him, patiently waiting. "I think I've surprised you."

"That would be an understatement," Spock said, staring into the radiant blue eyes that looked back in pure emotion.

"Good," Jim said in satisfaction. "As it should be. It would never do to be too predictable."

"I do not believe you ever need be concerned about that," Spock promised, making Jim laugh in pure delight.