The doors opened on the bridge and Terra took it all in: Uhura, Sulu, Chekov, Spock- and Kirk and Scotty being dragged in, the latter soaking wet. She shook off the officer holding her arm as Spock stepped towards her, "How did they get aboard this ship?"

His voice was commanding, and terrifying, and extremely disappointing to Terra. With a defeated sigh she looked over his shoulder at Kirk. Whatever reservations she may have had over mutinying went out the window considering his first question was not about her well being. She may be vain, but he should know better.

With her most Vulcan face she strolled past him and took a place leaning against the pilot console. Chekov and Sulu looked at each other as if in warning but Spock only said just as intimidatingly, "You are being insubordinate, I am captain on this ship and I asked you a question."

Terra resisted the urge to roll her eyes, "It is Starfleet protocol when a crew member returns from possibly being tortured within an inch of her life to ask if she requires medical assistance." She caught McCoy's eye and moved toward the doctor but clearly seemed uninjured. Spock's eyes did widen a fraction, realizing his wrong.

Then it was as if he'd just noticed Terra walked in. He wanted to hold her, to have her by his side. Why was she walking away from him?

Kirk took his chance then, "What is it with you Spock? You're planet was just destroyed, your mother murdered," Even Terra cringed at how up in Spock's face Kirk got.

Spock didn't react, "If you're presuming that these experiences in any way impede my ability to command this ship, you are mistaken."

"And yet you were the one who said that fear was necessary for command. Did you see his ship? Did you see what he did?"

"Yes, of course I did."

"Then are you afraid or aren't you."

Bones was running his medical detector over Terra and he admitted that she was the perfect patient compared to Kirk. She sat impeccable still at the scene unfolding before them. Spock shot back, "Do not lecture me on the merits of emotion." Bones would have sworn Terra laughed at that.

"Then why don't you stop me-"

"Step away Mr-"

"What is it like?" Kirk began in a questioning tone that held too much impertinence, "To not feel anger, or heartbreak? Or the need to stop at nothing to avenge the death of the woman who gave birth to you?"

Spock's voice was quicker and Terra knew it to be panic and looked away, focusing intently on McCoy's device, "Back away from me-"

Kirk shouted now, "You feel nothing! It must not even compute for you!" Terra clenched her teeth, feeling Spock's pain, "You never loved her!"

It all snapped. Spock moved so quickly and Terra turned away from the scene with a sharp intake of breath. Kirk was slapped back and then thrown around, stumbling off his feet at the strength of Spock- which Terra knew he probably hadn't seen coming.

She turned back to the scene to see Kirk's pitiful blocks and being punched further down. Her fingers tingled, Kirk did not stand a chance if this continued this way. She looked to the officer in red next to her, "Please retrieve the Vulcan ambassador immediately."

As Kirk continued to be punched around like a ragsack she nervously glanced to the elevator. Sarek was plan B it would seem.

"Spock!" She shouted but to no avail as Kirk found himself backed to the helm, being steadily choked- "Spock!" She tried again, slowly walking out to the pair. Kirk's eyes flicked to hers and then back to Spock's and she winced inwardly before slapping her flat hand up Spock's head.

He spun at the attack, but her block's had better technique than Kirk's, and she moved with them. Terra had more experience with Vulcan fights. It was a tribute to the anger rippling off Spock that he did not stop immediately at the sight of her.

She ducked his high attack and cushioned a low one that knocked the breath out of her. The hit to her stomach was hard but Spock had pulled back at the last minute, her small cry at the hit enough to shake him. His face slowly fell- the realizations hitting him too.

Tera'd been on the receiving end of his emotional distress, all of it through their bond. She'd come from the same place as Kirk and the unknown Starfleet officer. He'd almost choked a Starfleet cadet during a rage he'd desperately tried to control- and he managed to hurt the only person left in his life that loved him.

That was the scene Sarek walked in on- a recovering from choking Kirk, and stumbling Terra holding her side, and a despairing Spock- while the crew watched stupefied.

"Spock!" His father commanded from the side wall and they looked at each other, breathing coming back to Spock in spurts as he looked back at Terra who refused to look him in the eye, instead holding her side and straightening her shoulders.

Spock spun, slowly walking towards the elevator, "I am no longer fit for duty. I hereby relinquish my command, based on the fact that I have been emotionally compromised. Please note the time and date in the ship's log." With a look back at Terra he left the bridge.

Sarek stared at Terra until she looked back at him. He tilted his head as to inquire and she nodded taking her hand from her side. She was fine, although she appreciated the concern. Then the ambassador left, hopefully to find his son.

The crew slowly began moving again. Scotty was the first to speak, "I like this ship! It's exciting."

McCoy scoffed, "Well, congratulations Jim. Now we've got no Captain and no goddamn first officer to replace him."

Kirk laughed and took the chair, "Yeah we do."

"What?"

Sulu piped up, "Pike made him first officer."

"You've got to be kidding me."

"Thanks for the support."

Uhura glared from her place, "I hope you know what you're doing, captain."

"So do I."

Terra caught his eye, "Captain, may I be excused from the bridge?"

Kirk nodded understandingly, "Of course, if you need anything-" Terra had already turned to walk away and Kirk sighed. Did not go as well as he'd hoped. But not awful.

Terra was walking through the personal deck when she heard Kirk's announcement. Spock definitely owed her.

Finding his room was easy enough, he did not bunk with anyone and had the stars above his door to signify the commander status of his rank. She let herself in, grateful he did not lock the door- although she did once inside.

It was clean, and warm, and smelled impeccable. She had heard the order to be at stations in ten minutes.

But ten minutes seemed like such a short amount of time.

Luckily her headache was clearing and though her side may bruise it was certainly not immobilizing. She had known if he got a hit on her before he realized it was her he was fighting she'd be in trouble.

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"Speak your mind Spock." Sarek found his son in the transporter room.

"That would be unwise." Spock, like Terra knew how to act around Sarek.

The older Vulcan circled, "Whatever is necessary is never unwise."

Spock sounded frustrated, "I'm as conflicted as I was as a child."

Sarek nodded, "You will always be a child of two worlds. I am grateful for this. And for you."

"I feel anger for the one who took Mother's life, an anger I cannot control."

Sarek would've sighed there. Amanda, "I believe, as she would say, do not try to. You asked me once why I married your mother. I married her because I loved her." Spock looked up at his father to know it was true and the older man met his eye.

"Then-" He cut himself off. Terra. All his reservations. There was no logical reason to be with her, "It was not rational."

Sarek kept his expression neutral even as he said, "In no other way than the quality of life she gave me."

Spock clenched his hands for a moment then unclenched them, "Terra is not as forgiving as Mother ever was." Gods her face when he actually hit her. He hit her.

Sarek shrugged, "No, I suspect not. But Terra has always been as determined as your Mother. In whatever she applied herself to- whether that be sneaking smiles or beating me at chess." Spock allowed himself a small smile at that information, "In my experience, it is best to start with 'I'm sorry.'"

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Spock arrived back at him rooms only to find the door locked and a familiar energy inside. With a fortifying breath, he knocked.

The door opened and Terra, bright blonde with green eyes looked up at him, completely stoic. She raising a questioning eyebrow.

"I'm sorry." Terra did not move a muscle, "I am sorry for everything from the last year to the bridge today. It is my greatest hope you may forgive me." He let himself relax and bowed his head.

She'd known how he'd react, she'd known he was lost in his own rage and would not stop himself, she'd known and done it anyways- that was what they did. He accepted her human-ness and she accepted this lost of control this one time.

Terra spoke slowly, as if tasting the words as she said them, "Spock-" A deep breath, "I cannot not be human. I will have shorter lifespan than you. Progeny may be impossible. Emotions will show- do show. And I am physiologically weaker than you."

"I never meant-"

"I know that hurting me was never the aim but it happened-" Her voice cracked and she barely caught the tears back. Spock moved quickly past her.

"I'll make you tea."

She chuckled, wiping her eyes discreetly, "We don't have time for tea. Battle positions remember?"

Spock already had tea being made, "Patrick and the Mount escaped at last sighting." Terra's complaint went out the window.

With a sigh of relief she sank to the kitchenette floor, "Thank gods." Then she remembered, "Keri was on the Farragutt." It was a truth she'd seen arriving to the scene and one she'd thought of later- but now away from all the people, and safe she just wanted to crawl up in a ball and cry.

Spock brought her the tea and sat down next to her as she held it close, "You can cry."

It was the straw the broke the camel's back and the tears began their rivers on her cheeks. She did not sob, no that would come when she spoke. For now she just let her breathing struggle and eyes speak for her.

Spock just sat next to her, not wrapping an arm around her or speaking, just sitting beside her, the sides of their legs touching just barely.

"I," He began, "Have misunderstood for so long."

Terra couldn't smile, "What?"

"I have thought sentiment was a disadvantage for so long."

She attempted to wipe her cheeks on her sleeves feeling gross at her display, "And it isn't?"

Spock gave a sad smile, "No, no, because amidst all the destruction and death of the last 24 hours, you have been there."

"I wish I wasn't."

"I don't know what your role was to Nero-"

"Revenge, he hates you." Terra was flat toned even as she cried and her sadness was rimmed with anger.

Spock paused to absorb that information to continue, "But you, Terra daughter of Earth, solved the problem the only way you knew how. Not because of logic, but because you cared about those on that planet and those of your ship enough to hand yourself over. My mind was cleared since the moment he threatened you, but somehow you drew conclusions from it and acted in the best interest of the many over the few." Spock realized just then that he would be lucky to ever have her for the rest of her life, even if it was shorter than his, "That is more than what many Vulcans are able to do in a lifetime."

Terra knew this of'course. Logically she could have saved a few and made a run for it. Nero handed her an inch and she could've taken a mile head start. But that would've helped only herself.

She kept choking back her tears in trying to make them stop now and Spock handed her a tissue, "Keri was on the Farragut." The words came out before she thought twice.

Spock stilled, "I am sorry."

Terra opened her hand, palm up on her lap, "Me too. Amanda was the closest thing to a mother I've ever experienced, and I am sorry for your loss."

Spock covered her hand with his slowly, "Thank you, for doing what you could when I did not comprehend the depth of my emotions." Her attempting to help, even when fruitless should not go unmentioned, "I never meant for any emotional transference to affect you, nor to physically injure you."

Terra nodded, "I know." Her tears had stopped for now, she knew that they would come again when meditating or sleeping, "Would you like to go help save Earth?"

"It be my honor." Spock replied and they both forced a smile for the other.

"Based on the fastest course from Wulcan, I have projected that Nero will travel past Saturn. Like you said, we need to stay inwisible to Nero or he'll destroy us. If Mister Scott can get us to warp factor four, and if we drop out of warp behind one of Saturn's moons, say, Titan, the magnetic distortion from the planet's rings will make us inwisible to Nero's sensors. From there, as long as the drill is not actiwated we can beam aboard the enemy ship-" Chekov was speaking as Terra entered the bridge side by side with Spock.

"That should work." She spoke with a smile to Chekov whose she taught in the past.

Scotty nodded, "Aye, it might."

McCoy glared at Terra, "You don't know that- and wait a second kid. How old are you?"

Chekov did not have the grace to look embarrassed, "Seventeen sir."

McCoy chuckled, "Oh, good. Did you hear that? He's seventeen." Kirk rolled his eyes and looked between the Vulcan and the girl.

Spock spoke up, "Doctor, Mr. Chokov is correct. I can comfirm his telemetry. If Mr. Sulu is able to maneuver us into position, I can beam aboard Nero's ship, steal back the black hole device and if possible bring back Captain Pike."

Kirk eyed him, "I cannot allow you to do that Mr. Spock."

Spock raised an eyebrow, "Vulcans and Romulans share a common ancestry. Our cultural similiarities will make it easier for me to access the ships computer to locate the device. Also, my mother was Human which makes Earth the only home I have left." Terra caught herself from saying it, sentimental bastard.

Kirk looked between the couple and sighed, "I'm coming with you."

"I would cite regulation, but I know you would simply ignore it."

Kirk beamed, "See, we are getting to know each other." The Captain clapped Spock on the shoulder moving past the two of them, "Terra with us, you'll take the helm while we are gone?"

Spock was still sharing a look with her at being clapped on the shoulder by Kirk and she suppressed a laugh, "Gladly."

They all entered the elevator and Kirk looked at her, "Not too gladly, I'd like to come back eventually."

"Call it incentive then." Terra was smiling which Kirk took to mean good.

The walk to the transporter room was tense. Terra did not want to see Spock walking into a situation she was powerless to get him out of while he was doing it for the greater good, Kirk just felt like there was a conversation going on between them without an audience.

Sulu's voice was on in the transporter room, "We are in position above Titan."

Scotty was on the controls, "Really? Fine job Mr. Sulu. Well done." The trio entered and Scotty beamed, "Unbelievably we are in position Captain."

Kirk nodded and turned to Terra halting their walk, "Do I need to tell you?" At her raised eyebrow he continued, "Terra, if you think you have the tactical advantage- you fire on that ship. Even if we are still on board."

She did not hesitate to nod in response, "Of course Kirk."

"Otherwise we'll contact you when ready to be beamed back."

"Good luck." Terra meant it, "Please be careful." Kirk nodded and moved into position in the transporter pad.

Spock and Terra stood completely still looking at each other, knowing he had a job to do. Terra wanted to kiss him, but their situation was messy and complicated and it wasn't something to be fixed this moment so she straightened her face, "Permission to speak emotionally?"

Spock smiled, a true smile if small from him and she took that as confirmation. With a step forward she went on her toes to throw her arms around him. To her surprise he actually hugged her back just as tightly.

Her breath was hot against his ear, "You better come back."

His voice was just as soft, "I plan on it." He knew that he'd made a muck of their lives but he was willing to straighten it out. They broke away slowly and his hand brought his to his mouth. The brush of his lips on her hand made at least some of the weight in her mind lift- they were going to be alright.

He let go reluctantly and took his place on the transporter pad and watched her walk away, back to the bridge and he could feel her fighting not to look back at them.

"So are you two a thing again?" Kirk asked awkwardly.

Spock glared at the younger man, "I don't see why that's your concern."

Kirk shrugged, "If I ask her out I don't want to get my ass kicked."

Reminded of the situation on the bridge just hours before Spock shook his head, "I wouldn't harm someone over-"

"I meant by her." Kirk met the eye of his Vulcan counterpart and they both smiled, an understanding.

Scotty interrupted them, "Alrighty then. If there is any common sense in the design of the enemy ship I should be putting you somewhere in the cargo bay. There shouldn't be a soul in sight."

Kirk nodded, "Energize."

Terra arrived at the bridge and took a seat in the captain's chair, "What do we got Mr. Sulu?"

The pilot looked back to her with worry on his face, "They've activated the drill Captain."

"No communications or beam capabilities then."

Uhura looked up from her station, "That means we cannot beam them back."

Terra looked back from her seat and nodded, "For now, yes, that is the implication." She leaned on the comm button to engineering, "Scotty be aware that you'll be beaming back 3 people, in two separate groups. One may be moving at a fast speed."

The small white ship from the flashback of Spock Prime spun out of the Narada and swerved into warp away.

"Was that them?" Uhura moved to the front of the bridge and Terra eyed the woman.

"It was likely the owner of the ship-" The Narada took off in warp after them.

Sulu looked to Terra, "Should we follow?" Terra counted the seconds, reaching out for the feeling that she knew what Spock would do. It was loose and just an idea but she nodded.

"Warp speed in 5, Ms Uhura, get back to position." Sulu counted down and the young girl went back to her station before they took off, "Prepare full phaser. Permission to fire at the first sighting of the Narada."

Just as they arrived the communications sprung to life, Kirk's voice shouting over the com, "Enterprise, go!" The white ship with the red matter crashed into the Narada.

"Got 'em Captain!" Scotty said over the comm to her chair and she smiled, "Good news Mr. Scott, thank you."

Chekov was wide eyed at his screen, "Captain, the enemy ship is losing power and their shields are down."

"Hold fire!" Terra called and immediately it paused, "Mr. Sulu, let's back it up. Uhura open a line to the Narada."

Kirk and Spock walked in to the big screen showing a peeved Nero, Kirk took point and Terra held her hands behind her back, "This is captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise. Your ship is compromised. You're too close to the singularity to leave without assistance which we will provide."

Terra coughed in a laugh sound with a glare to Kirk.

"Captain what are you doing?"

The man looked between Terra and Spock, "Showing them compassion may be the only way to earn peace with the Romulans. It's logic, Spock, I thought you two would appreciate it."

Terra shook her head with wide eyes and Spock straight up denied it, "No, not really. Not this time." The losses were too great to trifle with mercy.

It did not matter anyways because Nero screamed manically at the screen, "I would rather suffer the end of Romulus a thousand times. I would rather die in agony than accept assistance from you."

Kirk nodded, "You got it. Arm phasers, fire everything we got."

"Yes Sir." Sulu confirmed.

Terra felt the peace of justice as the Narada fell through the black hole.

"Let's go home Mr. Sulu." Kirk said, taking the Captain's chair again as Terra moved to stand by his right side.

The Enterprise jarred and the sound of warp could be heard but they only got closer to the singularity. Terra held onto the arm of the Captain chair as the ship shook and they got closer to the black hole.

"Why aren't we at warp?" Terra asked loudly, no hint of her panic in her voice.

"We are." Sulu confirmed.

"Kirk to engineering, get us out of here Scotty!" Kirk commed down.

Scotty's worried tone came back, "I'm giving her all she's got Captain!"

The ship began cracking under the pressure of being pulled by warp and the singularity in split directions. The noise of the engine could be heard ringing in the bridge and Terra racked her head while watching the ceiling for anything that would fall an injure personnel.

Kirk glared ahead, "All she's got isn't good enough! What else you got?"

Scotty's line was silent for just a second. Terra shouted out, "Mr. Scott, try ejecting the core!"

"Aye! That detonation could get us away but no promises Captain!"

"Do it! Do it now!" They were getting startlingly close to the black hole and the shaking of the ship got worse and the bridge front face glass starting cracking. Terra sat in the closest seat just in time.

The blast pushed them out of the radius of the black hole and their warp kicked in. The sigh of relief was audible around the bridge.

They were going to be alright.

Kirk smiled wide, "Well done everyone. Let's go home."

Sulu was typing away as he nodded, "Yes sir."

Terra stood slowly, her side still sore and the force of the blast had reminded her, "Captain I am going to offer assistance to Mr. Scott."

Kirk chuckled, "I'm sure he'd appreciate that Terra."

She took the elevator down and was briskly walking into engineering to Scotty's shouts at his companion alien, "Mr. Scott, is there anything I can do to help?"

Scotty spun surprised at her being there, "Oh! You are looking better now!" Terra smiled indulgently.

"Thank you," She offered her hand, "Terra."

The older man shook it, "Montegomery Scott, but you knew that. I think what I need most is an explanation. This ship is crazy!"

Terra stopped her laugh short, "This was the maiden voyage."

"You mean it can only get worse from here?" He sounded excited and Terra nodded, "By the way, up there, that was-" He was probably talking about the fight which Terra did not need to be reminded of, "And then with the time travel-"

"Have you ever read 'Theories of Singularities of Their Counterparts'?" She cut off his rambling and he gave her an odd look which she took to mean no, "My friend Patrick and I read it for a class once. It focused on many ideas of what a black hole is but two stand out. One is that it and it's subsequent 'White hole' are simply two sides of a coin. From the same source with different effects. The other is that anything taken through a black hole meets its counterpart when it exits in a different time."

Scotty appeared to be thinking, "You know, I think this is the only situation that those theories would've come in handy. Black holes are something I just try to stay away from."

Terra laughed, "That's probably smart-"

"Terra." A familiar voice came from behind her and she turned, the emotion falling off her face reflexively.

"Sarek," She looked back to Scotty who whistled low and then turned away to continue working with a whistle. Terra walked to her teacher, "I have yet to offer my sincere condolences."

"Walk with me." Nothing had changed, Terra thought as the two began taking the long way up the corridors, "Thank you for your condolences, although unnecessary. We will go on, all of us." The words did not just mean about Amanda, the planet, or just the Vulcan race. They included Terra, and Spock, "I must apologize for any loss of time that my interference in your personal life may have caused in the past."

Terra looked at him but did not show the realization, "At least I know there was a reason behind it."

"My concern was both of your interests."

"I know." And she did. She understood. Sarek was not malicious.

The older Vulcan looked at her out of the corner of his eye, "Amanda always wanted a daughter, and she did have one in you."

Those words were not what she expected. She prepared for a lecture, for the future talk, for the concern. Not sentiment.

She felt the tears prick behind her eyes, "And I had found a mother in her as well." Sarek seemed happy with this response as he went on.

"I must also offer my thanks. I have been made aware that you were not originally assigned to this ship but instead to a USS Mount before being taken away in some poorly planned revenge plot."

Terra really had to not laugh at that statement, "You are correct, but who would've told you that?" She knew the answer the moment she asked the question.

Sarek seemed to see the recognition in her eyes, "As it stands you may have saved many more lives that would otherwise be lost. On behalf of Vulcan, I thank you."

"Your gratitude is appreciated in unneeded." She echoed him.

The overhead comm, "Approaching Starfleet base, Hangar 1."

She bowed to Sarek and raised her hand in salute, "I will be seeking out my ship once we land, please let me know if there is anything I can do for you." She meant it because through all of his disappointment Sarek was her teacher.

After talking to him she made her way to med bay. Dr. McCoy was examining Captain Pike still and Terra nodded in greeting, "Doctor."

"Terra, you never let me make she that side of yours wasn't bruised." McCoy said in a chastising fashion.

She shrugged, "It is Bones and don't worry I'll live.

He glared at her before muttering, "You've spent too much time with the captain lately."

"Walked across a frozen landscape together, fantastic bonding activity." McCoy scoffed while Captain Pike smiled fondly, "How are you feeling dad?"

His smile strained, "Not as fantastic as you apparently."

She nodded, "You'll take leave when we get back."

"Is that an order?"

"Call it a powerful suggestion from the only person in your life capable of it." McCoy looked between them with confusion.

With a few types on the computer McCoy spoke up, "You do not have his last name on your record."

Terra shook her head, "No, but if you searched harder, I am listed as his only offspring. My name is Terra Pike on my diploma. I think the record was altered in the past and was never put back."

McCoy scowled at her, "Weirdo."

Terra nodded at the insult, oddly comfortable with it.

Arriving at the hanger meant Terra could stand on solid ground again. The crew trickled out as Kirk dismissed them one by one and joked with some. Terra stood beside Spock and him as they finally walked out.

"We actually did it." Kirk sounded surprised at himself and Spock nodded to him.

"Captain, if I am dismissed I'd like to see to the remaining Vulcan's who have taken refugee here."

Terra nodded, "I need to see to-"

"TERRA!" The shout came from across the hanger and then a barreling brown-curly haired man came charging at her. She held a anticipatory stance as Patrick wrapped his arms around her, spinning her with an excited laugh, "You're alive!" He held her uncomfortably tight even once she stopped spinning.

Terra laughed at the display and returned the hug happily, "Patrick." Her voice was less joyous, instead tired and relieved.

Spock waited knowing that his hug was coming next- which it did with the curly haired English boy grinning the entire time. Thank gods they had one friend left. When Patrick let go of his friend he held out his hand to Kirk, "Patrick by the way. Vulcan best friend and roomie for several semesters." Kirk looked between the extremely expressive Patrick and stoic Spock with a growing grin.

"Oh we are definitely going to get along." Neither seemed to know who it applied more to but Kirk seemed to think it was both.

An unfamiliar voice approached them, "Terra, Daughter of Earth?" Terra turned and recognized the man immediately as he held up a Vulcan salute.

"Kul'lek," The Vulcan she alerted to do a planet wide evacuation, she smoothly returned his salute, "It pleases me that you are well, may I introduce Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise, Commander Spock son of Sarek, and –"

"I am aquatinted with all the members of your crew. Patrick."

Terra glared at her friend, "It is protocol to use formal names Pat."

He just shrugged, "They only tell me their one name so I do the same. It seemed extravagant to do otherwise." For once, Terra admitted the logic of Patrick's actions.

Kul'lek held up a restraining hand, "I must acknowledge the actions of Patrick and yourself as a great aid to Vulcan." Terra wanted to roll her eyes.

"Acknowledgement accepted with humility." She replied with a slight bow, "Should you require further assistance, do not hesitate to contact me."

Kul'lek returned the bow, "Live long and prosper."

"Peace and long life." She replied as he walked away and then rubbed her temples. Why did she think this was going to be her life from here on out?

Kirk rubbed his face, "Well I don't know about you two, but I am going to take a shower."

It was then that Terra remembered how much she'd been through in this dress and shivered, "That may be a better first plan. Spock?" The question that both served as a question and invitation.

Spock met her eye and nodded, "That seems adequate."

Kirk was rolling his eyes and walking away, "Have fun lovebirds!"

Terra did not argue as Spock offered her his arm and they began walking back to the residential areas, moving through crews offering congratulations and thanks. More than 1 Vulcan approached Terra thanking her and her crew.

When they finally made it to Terra's apartment she raised an eyebrow, "Are you coming up?"

Spock thought and with all that had happened in the last day he had to shake his head no matter how tempting, "My clothes are at my apartment."

Terra nodded, understanding, "Okay, then I will see you later." Funny how it seemed the world could shift under them but after they hold on for balance he was so willing to let her walk away again.

"I love you." He said to her back as she walked into the building and she turned with a smile.

"I love you too." Seeing that smile was worth it, the irrational-ness of his statement and the years he'd spend without her.

"Father!" Spock called to the familiar figure in the hanger 1. The Vulcans were collaborating on their relocation and refugee status. Keeping everyone documented was crucial and supplying for everyone required it.

The figure turned and Spock's brow furrowed, "I am not our father." He was older, and impossibly familiar, "There are so few Vulcans left that we cannot afford to ignore each other.

Spock looked him up and down but before he could speak Terra rounded the corner on her holopad, "Spock, currently here are the number of shuttles we can spare although I do not know what method of colonization you plan on-" She looked up startled at the two of them before just handing the holopad to Spock Prime. She was wearing her professor black pants and a black sleeveless button down.

"You knew?" It was more an accusation than a question from Spock.

Terra nodded without denial, "Yes."

He looked to the older version of himself, "Why did you send them aboard when you alone could've explained the truth?"

Spock Prime, Terra noted, was more expressive than his younger self, "Because, Kirk and you needed each other. I could not deprive you of the revelation of all you could accomplish together. Of a friendship now that would define you both in ways you cannot yet realize."

Spock raised a pointed eyebrow, "How did you persuade him to keep your secret?"

Terra smiled and spoke for the older Vulcan, "Kirk may have inferred that there would be cosmic ripping repercussions if he told you." She slyly glanced at Spock.

"You lied." He said flatly.

Spock Prime shrugged, "Oh, I- I implied."

"A gamble." Spock did not approve and Terra chuckled mentally at him to relax.

"An act of faith. One I hope that you will repeat in the future at Starfleet." Spock Prime glanced to Terra and she immediately felt uncomfortable.

Terra spoke quickly, "Excuse me, but I am most likely needed elsewhere." She was not but she left with a salute or goodbye.

Spock watched her leave with consternation before turning back to Spock Prime, "In the face of extinction it is only logical I resign my Starfleet commission and help rebuild our race."

Spock Prime smiled, "Don't let her hear you say that." Spock did not even want to imagine the repercussions if he was to actively engage in procreation with females other than Terra, "And yet, you can be two places at once. I urge you to remain in Starfleet. I have already found a suitable planet on which to establish a Vulcan Colony."

Spock shook his head, "The logical choice is present and Terra understands-"

Spock Prime held up a hand, "Do yourself a favor. Put aside logic, do what feels right. Know that the decisions I have made in my life I would choose again and again. Know that if I could buy back one more day with the woman you have for her lifetime I would in a heartbeat." The younger Vulcan understood because when he was with Terra, he was happiest, "Since my customary farewell would appear oddly self-serving, I will simply say good luck."

Terra was helping pack supplies with Kirk and Patrick when Spock found her later in the day. She was laughing at something. Patrick was engaged and making fast friends with the young captain, "Careful mate, she'll kick your ass if you go too far."

Kirk scoffed while lifting something, "Might as well go for two fights in one week. Get them out of the way." Terra slapped him over the head.

"Stop it! And before you ask I would love to join the USS Enterprise. I'm done leading."

Kirk nodded, "Well I'm glad you say so I was so nervous about asking you." His tone sarcastic as he winked at her.

Patrick laughed at her, "Too many missions gone wrong for you?"

"I don't like failing!"

"You must have loved the Maru then?" Kirk asked referring to the test he cheated on.

Patrick shook his head vehemently, "Nah, caused a domestic actually. She was the test dummy until it was unbeatable."

Kirk's eyes widened, "Wow."

Spock appeared behind them with his hands behind his back, "She preformed remarkably well. Terra, may we talk?"

Terra brushed her hands, "Sure Spock. Be right back guys."

Together they walked to a less crowded area and Spock paused turning to face the girl, head down wondering how to best approach it, "Terra."

"Spock." She replied.

"I would like to spend the rest of my life with you." He started in Vulcan which was a bold choice considering most in their area were Vulcan and with their hearing could surely hear them no matter how secluded or quiet.

"As you so inadequately pointed out, that's not possible."

"Then I would like to spend as much as possible with you." He took her hand, "I understand it is a human custom to give a ring-" He reached into his pocket, "I bought it after graduation but then things never seemed right and I could not talk to Pat because his secret-keeping abilities have been less than acceptable."

Terra's eyes widened, "Wait- please do not do this unless you mean it. This mental thing between us is fine, you're my best friend. But do not keep committing to me unless you actually mean to commit." It felt like an awkward statement but it encompassed everything.

It was then that Spock caught Patrick and Kirk eavesdropping and both were gesturing something about a knee. It clicked for Spock quickly, fortunate because Terra wondered what he was looking at. Before she could look he smoothly dropped to one knee, "If you will have me?"

Terra smiled, not one for happy tears or exclamations she nodded, "Of 'course!" He stood and slid the ring onto her finger a small smile growing on his face too. At the sight of it, the propriety of being around others left her mind as she went on her toes to kiss him. Really kiss him.

He did not mind as his arms entwined her waist and felt her smile against his lips. When they finally broke apart Terra was still smiling, "Thank you." He said closely to her ear and she nodded. He was going to have her for as long as he could.

Patrick's voice rang through the hanger, "Took you long enough!" If they hadn't attracted attention before, that did it and the couple stepped apart smoothly, even as she retook his arm with a secret smile just for them.

When Terra looked at Patrick she noticed a familiar red head standing next to him, beaming. Terra let go of Spock to run at her. He understood.

The two met halfway and hugged and laughed like sister, "Your escape pod made it!" Terra was glad, and Keri was glad and when the two of them were happy nothing held them back.

Keri continued hugging her, "Of'course, they called for us to leave asap. When you guys took so long Starfleet was getting worried."

Terra held her at arms length to inspect her, "We were fine."

"Knight in shining armor over there made a black hole out of the Narada. Is that fine?"

Kirk spoke out indignantly, "Excuse me, I actually did rescuing!"

Terra waved her hand at the boy in dismissal even as Keri gave him a puppy dog look, "Oh hunny I'm sure you did." It was Kirk being acknowledged for his bravery and heroism so he took her words as sarcasm and just motioned to Patrick like 'what?'.

They were all back together again, with someone new, and amid all the sadness, Terra felt her mind had never been calmer.