Spock meets Alex's brothers, sort of. And Sarek gives his final word to his son.
I do not own anything Star Trek.
Different, yet so similar part 25
Spock had written Alex, and together they came up with a way to communicate live. It was decided that making use of one of the arrays belonging to the embassy, they could talk over the subspace lines. Not long, and Spock did have to ask Sarek for his help. His father had agreed, and so a few days later, Spock sat in his room, waiting for the connection to come through.
On the screen came up the message,
Live communique, Planet Earth, Alexandra Trainor to Planet Vulcan, Spock, House of Sarek
Alex's smiling face appeared. "Spock! It's been so long."
"It has not been all that long, Alex." Even though his voice was non-emotional, inside he felt pleasure at seeing her again.
"Well, it feels like forever. You look wonderful. I've missed you so much." She reached out to touch the screen. "So what have you been up to?"
"I have mostly been doing research at the Vulcan Library of Science in the city."
"Work? You're on vacation, Spock! And it's not like you need to be any more brilliant that you already are. Have some fun. Oh, never mind. I forgot to whom I was speaking. I bow to your superior intellect." And she nodded, her hand over her heart, teasingly.
It was that kind of teasing that Spock missed most about Alex. He admired the way she displayed her emotions so easily, and could draw them out of others, himself especially. He noted her smile which didn't seem directed at him. He saw her apparently waving her hand at something or someone next to her. "Stop it," he heard her say. "Will you please go away? I'm trying to have a conversation here."
"Come on, Alex, introduce us." A male face filled the screen. "Hi, Spock, I'm Sam, Alex's oldest brother. I wanted to meet the man who has so enthralled my baby sister."
Alex blushed from embarrassment. "Sam," she whispered, "he's Vulcan, so please tone it down."
Spock heard Alex arguing with other voices. "I want to meet him too!" "Eddie, Rick, knock it off. Ohhhh, you guys aren't making this easy for me. Spock, I am so sorry. I want to apologize for my brothers. They're all very curious to meet you." She turned to glare at someone off-screen.
"Alex, it is all right. You may introduce us if you wish." He was trying to make things easier for her. They would have to have a more private conversation later, so it seemed.
"You guys,.....Spock, this is Sam," Alex said, resigned.
"Hiya, Spock." He grinned largely, while waving at the screen.
"This is Rick, and that nut there is Eddie." She indicated who was whom with the sweep of her hand.
"Thanks, sis!" Eddie said sarcastically. "Hi, Spock. Alex has only the best things to say about you."
"Ok, you guys have met him. Now, will you leave us alone? This call isn't cheap, and we have a limited amount of time." She turned back to Spock. "Brothers! Right now, I wish I was an only child." she said, shaking her head.
"Don't forget our plans, Alex," Sam interrupted. " Spock, I had a surprise for Alex. We're taking her camping to Yosemite. It's not that far from San Francisco. You should let Alex take you there sometime, when you guys get leave. It's the most beautiful place in the world."
"I would be happy to see it sometime, but for now, will content myself to hearing about the trip on your return." Spock said diplomatically.
"Do you see what I mean? I'm getting a surprise camping trip from my brothers, only where is MY surprise? I would rather have gone someplace to lie on the beach all day, sipping tropical alien drinks. They're the ones who like to camp. Three weeks alone with these buzzards, climbing who knows where. " She turned to the three young men, saying threateningly, "If you guys don't leave us alone now, I'm going to....."
"We're leaving, we're leaving!" cried Rick. They all said goodbye to the very patient Vulcan, who waited for his time to speak with Alex, without interruption.
Alex waited for a moment before continuing. "I'm sorry, Spock. I warned you about my brothers."
"You did not," he countered.
"Oh, well, consider yourself properly warned then. My brothers are crazy. And yet, I love them all." Alex stared longingly at the screen, now that she had some privacy. "Spock, how are you, really?"
He looked back at the woman before him, memorizing the green eyes that seemed to hold a light within them, the lips that always seemed to be smiling, even when they weren't, and the red hair that framed her beautiful face.
"Spock, is something wrong?"
The slightest smile played across his lips. "No, there is nothing wrong. Alex, Mother knows...about us. I believe she told Father. I do not know what reaction he had. But I trust Mother softened the blow..."
"Wait. 'Softened the blow'? Is he that against a human, being...whatever it is I am. Spock, I don't want to come between you and your father. It seems you've had differences before. This just...I don't know." Alex looked down at her hands, which she realized were tightly clenched.
Spock leaned closer to the screen. "Alex, no matter what Father thinks, it does not affect us. But I plan on talking to him. If he is apprehensive about my leaving Star Fleet, I intend to let him know that will not be the case."
"Alright, Spock. I won't mention it again. Besides, between my brothers and this, I feel like we haven't been able to have a nice conversation. I still miss you."
"As I miss you," he responded. "I received messages from Marcy and Phillip. They are as bad as you are, and are looking forward to our return with a celebration to, as they put it, end all celebrations. Your desire for me to be in charge will not be honored since it seems they have already taken charge.
"You lucked out," Alex laughed. She became serious, and kissing her fingers, placed them on the screen. "I love you," she whispered. "I can't wait until I can be with you again."
"Alex, I would say, enjoy your vacation with your brothers." He placed his first two fingers on the screen, which Alex touched hers to as well. "I love you also," Spock said. "No one else touches my heart as you do."
The connection was beginning to fade into static. Spock said quickly, "We had better end this communique., Alex. The array will be needed for embassy work. So you see, since it was Father who helped me get use of the array in the first place, he cannot have too many objections to you."
"I suppose. Alright then, keep in touch, please. I want to know that you're ok, always. I love you!"
"I love you, Alex. " He leaned back into his chair as the connection finally faded fully. His screen went dark, as did his mood.
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Later that night, Spock told Sarek of the conversation he'd had with Alex.
"Ah, then the connection came through. I am pleased. How is Alex?"
"She is fine, Father. She asked after you and Mother." He waited a moment before saying, "Father, I am very fond of Alex."
"Yes, your mother has spoken of this to me. Do you intend to make her your wife?"
Spock hesitated, then said, "We have made a bond, Father, and in time, we most likely will marry. But we both wish to finish at least two more years at the academy."
"Then you won't be leaving the academy and returning to Vulcan?" Sarek asked.
"No, Father. Star Fleet is still our mutual goal. No other career has shown as much potential. That is what we both want. You and Mother have a good relationship, despite the differences between you. Logic aside, have you ever regretted choosing her for your mate?"
Stopping just short of admitting his true feelings, Sarek answered, "No, my son. Your mother has been an excellent life partner. We compliment one another. If you feel the same way about Alex, I will approve your choice."
"I love her, Father. Alex allows me to be myself. I ask nothing else of her." He turned to leave the room.
"Spock." Sarek walked up to his son. " I would never presume to guide you in your choices any longer. You are old enough to do that yourself. And I will respect whatever decisions you do make. You are my son, and I am proud of you."
Spock nodded, and left the room. He actually sighed in relief. His father giving his consent was one hurdle neither he nor Alex would have to deal with.
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Time passed slowly for Spock. He found himself looking forward to academy life again. The regimentation was agreeable to him, as was the company. Earth had been his mother's home. So it would be to him, at least until he was sent out on assignment. He hoped it would be a ship, for on a ship, he would have many opportunities to learn about the universe.
During the next couple of weeks, Spock studied, wrote to the gang who had returned to the academy early, to plan the big 'welcome 2nd year' party, and just so he would not have to carry it with him shipboard on the return, he sent his lyre ahead. It would be at the academy before him. He had practiced a few tunes to share with Alex, hopefully teaching her one or two. But as she had admitted that she was not musically inclined, he held little hope that she would get more than that.
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When the day arrived that Spock was to return to Earth, his father and mother took him to the spaceport together. Amanda was all tears and hugs, which Spock bore for her sake. He remembered the slights against her when he was younger, so he wasn't about to tell her to be less human. If the Vulcans in the waiting area didn't approve, let them look away.
His father, on the other hand, was very appropriate. He gave Spock the customary hand salute "Live long and prosper, my son," he said unemotionally. "Do let us know how you are doing at the academy."
"Yes, Father. I will." He turned to Amanda. "Mother, take care of yourself. I will write to you as soon as I can. And thank you, for your counsel." He bent low so that she could kiss his cheek. He picked up his duffel and with one last salute, he turned for the concourse from which his shuttle would be leaving for the ship orbiting Vulcan.
The trip to Earth was not as diverting as the trip to Vulcan had been, for without Alex's presence, he wandered the passenger areas alone, spent much time reading, and engaged a couple of the passengers in games of chess. Their moves were more predictable than Alex's and he defeated his opponents easily. By the time the ship reached the space station orbiting Earth, he had had his fill of boring conversation and free time. Before he sought out the shuttle that would take him to the academy, he looked out the large observation window. Earth. A beautiful planet from space, compared to the arid colors of Vulcan.
He boarded the academy shuttle, along with quite a few other cadets and officers. The minute the shuttle flew over San Francisco, he exhaled in relief. The academy buildings came into view, where Spock could see cadets and instructors in red and grey already occupying the grounds. Although he'd just left his home a few days previous, he felt like he was actually returning home. Alex would be coming back in less than a week. He felt a moment of anticipation at the idea of her being there.
Spock checked in with the Admissions Office, and headed for his quarters. As expected, his lyre was there, packed in its protective box. He placed his duffel on his bed, looking at the empty one next to it. The next thing he knew, the door slid open and his old friends from Blue Squad entered the room.
"Spock! We heard you were back. There's no such thing as late news here," said Phillip, when he saw what looked like surprise on the Vulcan's face. Marcy and D'Jian plopped onto Alex's bed, all excitement.
Marcy started, "We have the party pretty much ready, and all of Blue Squad will be there. We...um, even invited Red Squad."
"We didn't think you'd mind, Spock, since we made a peace of sorts," D'Jian said.
"I do not mind at all. It is very diplomatic of you all to invite our former adversaries," Spock replied. "Have any of you heard from Alex yet? She will be returning in less than a week, but I was hoping she would have communicated with us before then."
"She probably can't get a message out, being stuck in the wilds of California," Marcy shrugged.
"How did that trip go anyway, Spock? All that time with Alex, alone. Must have been tortuous," grinned Phillip, winking. He had a feeling, as they all did, that Spock and Alex were becoming an item.
"Perhaps we will discuss it on her return. Now, if you all do not mind, I have unpacking to do. I must pick up my held correspondence, and check on my class assignments."
"Alright, Spock, we're going. Welcome back," they called as they left. They patted his arm or back as they exited, leaving the Vulcan alone.
Spock did have a lot to do, and he wanted it all done by the time Alex came back. He looked at the box on his bed. Opening it, he pulled out his lyre. He checked the strings and saw that it had made the trip, intact. He plucked a few chords, before putting it on his dresser. Then he went about getting his business taken care of. Time, as usual, was passing too quickly.