**Boo! Late again! I dunno, guys, I've got freaking SARS or something. I have no idea if this chapter is delirious, or good. Everything looks brilliant when you're hopped up on NyQuil.
Let me know, please please please. P.S. You guys are the most amazing.**
"We cannot leave New Vulcan," said T'Pau to a subdued Jim. "We have lost too many and our people are still healing - to uproot them now, disturb their already disrupted meditative cycles, would result in catastrophic loss of life." Jim's lips pressed thin, but T'Pau continued before she could speak. "However..." she said, then paused. "However, the Council has determined that there is no shame in preservation. All life is precious, and the teachings of our culture worthy of continuance. Therefore we accept the Federation's offer of protection, and furthermore request support with the erection of a planetary defensive fortification, as well as training for our healers and lawmen. In addition, we extend the offer of friendship to the Klingon Empire and express our deep desire that Samantha James Kirk exert her influence to bring about an accord."
Spock could feel Jim's surprise and elation through their rapport, as well as her valiant effort to suppress a blinding grin. But he had explained to her the previous evening that Vulcans found the overt expression of emotion tasteless and alarming, so with Herculean will she schooled her features into calm. "Ladies and gentlemen of the Council, I thank you for your consideration, and give you my word that I will do everything in my power to act upon your wishes. Expect a detailed outline to be delivered no later than tomorrow morning. I also offer any expertise I may possess to assist your technicians with the construction of your defense system. My knowledge is your knowledge."
"We are grateful for thy service," T'Pau said gravely. She looked around at her peers. "Are there any additional matters to be addressed at this time?" There was a gentle murmuring amongst themselves, but no one spoke aloud. "Then this meeting is concluded. Ambassador Kirk, if you and your Science Officer would accompany me to my private quarters, I have some personal business to discuss with you."
Jim bowed. "I would be honored." As before, a single glance from T'Pau brought forth a young aide, who ushered Spock and Jim towards a small door. Settling into chairs, Jim and Spock looked at one another and exhaled.
"Any idea what this is about?" Jim asked presently.
"This morning I requested permission from my ko-mekh-il to induct T'Pren into the House of Surak. Perhaps that is the matter at hand."
"Did you really?" Jim beamed, eyes sparkling. "Wait... your grandmother? Why haven't I met her?"
"You have," Spock replied calmly. "I believe you are familiar with Lady T'Pau."
Jim's mouth dropped open. "T'Pau is your grandmother?"
"Indeed," said the lady in question, taking a seat behind the glass desk in front of them. Jim quickly closed her mouth, flushing red. "As the Matriarch of our house it is my duty to evaluate all potential members. Though irregular, Spock's request has precedent. As T'Pren currently has no clan, she is eligible for admission to another. The only thing that remains is to determine her worthiness."
"She has shown kindness to my bondmate when few others were so inclined. I have examined her academic work and behavior and found them more than satisfactory."
"Ah yes, thy bondmate," said T'Pau without a flicker of surprise. "Thou hast been remiss in thy introductions, I think."
"Affirmative," Spock responded. "Grandmother, I present to you Samantha James Kirk, my t'hy'la."
T'Pau's brow rose in a very familiar way. "If thou speak true, such a thing is a great gift."
"My words are accurate," Spock said solemnly.
"Then I welcome thee most gratefully, Okosu Kirk." T'Pau's expression grew stern as she turned her attention back to her grandson. "I trust thou will arrange a suitable ceremony soon?"
Jim had so far sat in silent bewilderment, but this proved too much. "Wait, wait, wait. You want us to get married?"
T'Pau merely gazed at her. Spock repressed a sudden urge to fidget as Jim's brow furrowed and she shot Spock a very deliberate thought.
We are going to talk about this later.
It is my duty as Head of the House of Surak to observe tradition, ashayam, he replied softly. I shall do my best to allay all your concerns.
"If thou have completed your communications?" prompted T'Pau drily. "In the case of T'Pren, her service to Ambassador Kirk may be taken as proof of her worth. If the child be willing, I hereby support thy desire to bring her into our House, and enjoin thee to take her under thy care. Please present the documentation on the morrow."
"Yes, Lady," said Spock.
"Thou mayst disperse. And Spock?"
"Yes?"
"I acknowledge that thou hast chosen well."
Jim was uncharacteristically nervous as they stood before the matron of the orphanage, waiting for T'Pren. How could she care for a child? What if she screwed this up?
The sight of the solemn, sad-eyed child walking towards her in her dark robes melted her heart, and when T'Pren glanced up and brightened, Jim decided this was worth any amount of nerves. "Hey, kiddo," she said softly, extending two fingers in a gesture Spock had taught her. T'Pren quickly met those fingers with her own, then ducked her head bashfully. "Come sit down. Spock and I have something we want to ask you."
They settled in an alcove, the girl taking her seat close beside Jim. "I know that you have been alone for a long time," Jim began falteringly before mustering her courage. "And I know you have been very brave. But Spock and I were hoping you might consider... that is to say... we were wondering if you would like to join our clan."
T'Pren stiffened, hands flat on her knees. She stared at Jim with wide, wary eyes.
"We want you," Jim pressed, nonplussed. "I want you. With us. Do you see?"
The child's eyes dropped to her lap, then closed. "Oh, honey," Jim broke, finally understanding. "We don't care about any of that. You're a gift just as you are."
T'Pren slowly unfroze and turned back to her. Her face was uncertain, almost pleading. She seemed to come to decision, and leaned in, her mouth near Jim's rounded ear. Spock watched with wonder as the girl swallowed once before whispering in his bondmate's ear.
"Yes," Jim said firmly, swiping her hand over the child's hair in a reflexive caress. "I promise."
T'Pren looked to Spock. "Everything she says is true," he told her. "You are wanted. By me as well."
"Will you join us?" Jim asked again.
T'Pren gave one short, sharp nod.