Chapter 8

Thank you for your kind words in the comments. The story will come to it's conclusion in chapter 9.

Italics indicates a mind meld.

It took about 30 minutes to arrive at Spock's childhood home during which time Cassandra's attention was completely glued to the passing scenery out the windows. The buildings had such a foreign architectural design about them that it was almost hard to take in. But it was the ones hanging down from large overhanging ledges like stalactites that really fascinated her. Soon they left the city behind for the Vulcan equivalent of suburbs. There were multifamily dwellings spread over the desert landscape with larger buildings Cass assumed were businesses and schools. There was vehicular traffic both on the ground moving along brown ribbons of road as well as air traffic in which Serek navigated. Taking her eyes off the diversity on the ground, she finally looked up to appreciate the reddish orange sky. Then civilization was left behind for the wild, rugged landscape of Vulcan. This she was familiar with from their intimate melds but experiencing the heat, increased gravity, even the difference in the quality of the light from their sun made the whole experience so much richer. It was going to take some time to adapt but overall, she was thrilled to be here. This was Spock's home planet.

Sarek touched down on a large pad in front of the one story house where luggage was unloaded and left inside by the front door. They stood for a moment as Spock reigned in his impatience to get going. Cassandra sensed his discomfort so turned to Amanda and Sarek. "I need to accompany Spock to Mount Seleya. Can Skye stay with you until I get back?"

Skye didn't react outwardly but through their family bond, she sensed his unease. He walked over to her and placed his fingers on hers, conveying his feelings in the matter. Spock came over and knelt down on one knee to face the child that he almost believed was his son. "I require your mother's presence when I speak to the healers. She will be home in time for dinner." Skye took a step closer to Cass while looking from his father to grandparents he recognized from subspace conversations and photos around their quarters but was not quite ready to be alone with yet.

Amanda couldn't stand it anymore and was about to step in when surprisingly it was Sarek who approached the two year old. "Your grandmother made peanut butter cookies with peanut butter imported all the way from Earth, just for your visit. And…." he gave his wife quite the look, then turned his attention back to Skye who was completely focused on his grandfather. "...she said I could not have one until you got here. You are here now, so do you want a cookie with me?" At the mention of cookies, Skye tentatively allowed Sarek to touch his two fingers. They communicated silently for a moment before Skye visibly relaxed and followed Sarek to receive his promised treat. The other three adults looked on silently at the retreating duo, then at each other.

Amanda broke the silence "Don't worry, I used a Vulcan plant based 'sugar' substitute just in case his system responds to sugar like yours does Spock."

Spock raised one eyebrow at his mother who was well aware highly processed Terran sugar intoxicated Vulcans. "Indeed." Was his singular reply.

Cass filled in "we have not given him sugar yet for that very reason, even though we've had to argue with a few well meaning friends who thought we were being overly restrictive until we explained why." Amanda understood completely having had the same argument with her family when Spock was a child.

In the end, Sarek offered to drive his son and daughter to Mount Seleya. Cassandra would need a ride back and obviously did not know how to fly even a small craft. Now was not the time to learn she thought grimly. Hugs and kisses were given to a peanut butter cookie face with Amanda standing behind Skye, hands on his little shoulders, unable to suppress her grin at having her grandson for the afternoon. As they were preparing to go Amanda looked down to address Skye. "Let's get cleaned up then see about going for a walk outside in the garden before starting dinner." Cass mouthed the words 'thank you' to her before following the men out the door.

Fifteen minutes later, the flitter came to a stop before a small administration building at the base of Mount Seleya. Together the three walked silently into the reception room where a young Vulcan woman greeted them professionally. Stating their names, she asked them to take a seat while she contacted the healer assigned to Spock's case. Cassandra wandered over to the large windows looking out over the rugged landscape while waiting to be called in. Glancing back, she saw that the woman appeared to be in some sort of meditation, eyes closed, breathing very slowly. Suddenly her eyes opened, making direct eye contact with Spock. "She will be here shortly." Just like that, she returned to the secretarial work like it was nothing to use mental telepathy instead of intercoms. Cass looked back out the window at the red and orange sky thinking "well Dorothy, we aren't in Kansas anymore." Before she could contemplate that here, she was the alien, the doors opened and the middle aged woman who had confirmed their bond on the Intrepid II walked in.

Surprised, Cassandra walked over to stand by Spock and Sarek. "Spock, Cassandra, please follow me." Just like on the Vulcan ship, she did not check to see if she was followed, and just like the first time, no one questioned her. They simply followed as instructed, walking down a long corridor then out the door that led to a garden. As they crossed a path through the meticulously tended plants, the mountain towered above them. There was a second building set into the base, whose architectural design contained a beautifully vaulted roof. The glass front glimmered in the harsh Vulcan daylight, reflecting a sky colored so differently from Earth that Cassandra struggled between appreciating its beauty while simultaneously feeling slightly on edge.

After crossing the garden, they ascended a flight of wide stone stairs then entered the building where it was slightly cooler than outside. Leading the way, the healer turned left down several corridors until they were ushered into an airy sitting room with large windows overlooking part of the Forge. The two Vulcans gave the Human a moment to get her bearings as she stood at the window taking it all in before coming around to sit and join them. The healer began "very little details were provided Spock, other than possible neurological damage."

"The damage is moderate in nature based on neural scans on the Enterprise." Spock finished succinctly. Professionally. Coldly.

The healer didn't miss a beat "You know of the degree of damage not just from your medical records."

"Yes" he answered quietly but factually.

The older healer closed her eyes and all was silent. She opened them, then turned to Spock "you will go with one of the temple priests up to the caverns in Mount Seleya. There you will be prepared to begin the ritual healing rites," Turning her gaze to Cassandra she finished "while I take the time to speak to your bondmate." Just then one of the priests in white entered the room. Spock stood as did Cassandra. He walked to the door, pausing before leaving the room to look back at her. His expression was unreadable but Cass could see in his eyes that he was taking what might be his last look at this woman who is, in this timeline, his wife. Wordlessly he turned and walked out. The door clicked shut leaving the two women alone in silence.

Cass sat back down looking out the window, focusing on her breathing as a way to keep her emotions under wraps. This was Vulcan. A healing temple on Vulcan. It didn't matter how she felt, she would respect their way of life. She closed her eyes to swallow the core deep stress and associated bundle of emotions threatening to escape. They made it. They were on Mount Seleya and now Spock was finally going to get the help he needed to recover from the damage that awful machine did to him.

The healer watched the Terran woman soundlessly fight for control. It was logical that she respected their ways but since Terrans tended to project their thoughts and emotions rather loudly, the healer had to layer a few more levels of mental shielding. She understood they didn't mean to think so loud; it was just the nature of their species. The words that kept resounding from Spock's bondmate was 'Control. Breath. It's ok. Breath. Get Control. It's ok now. We made it. We made it." And much to her credit, after 20.23 seconds, Spock's bondmate took a deep breath, opened her eyes, then calmly looked back at her.

"Very good. Has Spock been teaching you how to meditate?" The Healer asked.

Crossing her legs Cass responded "Yes. I find the techniques I have learned so far to be very helpful in opening both a deeper prayer time and meditation."

The older Vulcan woman nodded her head once in approval then began to ask about the damage done to Spock. Cass had a conversation with him on the way to Vulcan about inevitable questions from a healer. He gave her permission to share what she considered pertinent information. She used such discretion now as she explained about the Klingon mind sifter and what it was known for. She explained to the best of her and Dr. McCoy's understanding how the Romulans had modified it to create essentially two timelines within Spock's mind. As for it finding a deep seated fear, well…...Vulcans don't admit to fear and there was no way she was going to share what she thought her husband's fear was to another Vulcan.

The healer cocked her head, asking "so you did not try to convince him of the true timeline. The one with you in it?" She found that a bit illogical but didn't say it.

She didn't have to. Cass picked up on the thought and answered "initially I did, but things were really mixed up for him. So my priority became to find a way to help him endure it."

"Despite the fact that the bond between you two is all but mute and would remain so for the duration of his injury?"

Cass looked away, answering delicately "yes."

"I helped you two with your marital bond on the Intrepid II. I know how tight that bond was and warned all of you of the potential harm to your and Spock's psyche should it be damaged. But you are telling me you sacrificed both of your mental health to stabilize Spock in straddling the two timelines?" She was finding this hard to comprehend. A Vulcan would have tried to make the other person see reason based on the facts before them. Yet this weaker Earth woman defied all logic. This led to one statement. "Explain."

Cass met the woman, eye to eye before asserting "Because during the torture Spock protected all of us on the Enterprise utilizing considerable mental control but suffered great harm as a result. Once I understood the nature and depth of the injury, my only thought was to help make it possible for him to survive until we could get to Vulcan. The rest would come later."

The healer asked a few clarifying questions then sat back, a bit frustrated and perplexed at the woman. "I fail to see why you or your ship mates were unable to convince Spock of the truth of this reality."

Cass just stared at her. Had she heard nothing she said over the past 15 minutes. With a sigh she understood that it was unfathomable to the healer what that machine was capable of. There was only one solution. "Will you mind meld with me so I can show you because my words obviously did not convey the true nature of the problem."

"That is acceptable," the healer answered.

Cass got up and went over to sit closer to the older woman while starting the breathing exercises to center her mind as Spock had taught her. The healer let her finish her breathing then placed a hand to her face, fingers on her psi points reciting the ancient words "Our minds are becoming one. My mind to your mind, my thoughts to your thoughts."

They were at the beach on Earth. It was nowhere Cass had ever been before, but it was a comfortable 'reception area' in her mind. The healer got her bearings quickly then turned expectantly to Cass.

"When Spock and I meld, we often go to a physical location. I wanted to start here as our inner selves are a very personal thing, not to be shared outside our bond. I know you know this but I wanted to be sure I felt comfortable before I take you where we need to go. I also wanted you to know he has given me permission to share this with you."

The healer bowed her head once slowly then looked Cass in the eyes "I am honored."

Cass felt the sincerity in the emotional transference they shared. Taking the woman's hand, she stared out to sea and concentrated. The image around them shimmered like heat waves until it changed from blues and tans to reds and browns. Looking around, the two women were standing on the plateau overlooking the Vulcan mountains and cliffs with the familiar valley in between. Cass let go of her hand, led her to the rock then advised her to sit because the next part may be a little disconcerting. She took a moment to explain that they were at Spock's house that once belonged to his grandfather. The healer recognized it, telling Cass her family has been healers to the S'chn T'gai clan for generations. Even better thought Cass because she focused again and almost immediately, the scenery flipped.

The healer was visibly taken aback, having to steady herself with her hands. Cass made her point "this is what Spock sees not just in mediation, but in his life as well. This is the level of damage done to him."

The older Vulcan woman closed her eyes and informed Cassandra she was going to end the meld now.

Cass gave her the privacy she needed to reestablish her equanimity by getting up and walking silently over to the windows. After a bit, she returned to sit in her original chair. The healer looked at her silently before admitting "the damage is more extensive than I was led to believe."

This concerned Cassandra greatly. "Can you help him?"

"Yes, but I am going to bring in other healers, both men and women experienced in this level of trauma. The novice and junior healers will not be of use to us. "I would ask how you helped him stabilize his mind" she stated, staring at this human woman who was now part of such an ancient and important clan.

"Remember the rock we sat on? It didn't move despite everything around us switching places. Once I noticed that, I pointed it out to Spock, giving his mind something solid to anchor to so that no matter what reality he woke up in, he would have a place from which to balance." Cass leaned forward, "So please, help him find his way back to himself so that maybe, he just might find his way back to me." At that she stood up and walked to the windows allowing tears to fall freely in private. This whole thing has been so hard and it wasn't over yet.

The healer left the room for a while. When the woman came back, she stood some distance behind her but spoke immediately. "They are ready for me in the healing chambers. I will meditate on your words, and the logic behind them." Cass turned around realizing she didn't care what this woman thought. Her confidence in her decision showed. The healer saw it. "The healing work is going to take some time. However, I request you return tomorrow afternoon, for a guided meditation to address your own healing followed by a bond restoration session with me. Plan to spend the night."

Cass was totally surprised to be asked back, let alone to have some healing work offered to her, a human, in such a Vulcan institution. She gave a nod of her head in gratitude. "I appreciate your offer of assistance after such a uniquely difficult time. I will return tomorrow." Man, that's a lot of words for thank you thought Cass wryly.

"Understood" the healer responded as the two women walked to the door. "A novice here will show you out." A young Vulcan woman stood there silently then indicated Cass to follow her. They left the building, walked down the stairs to recross the garden, ending up in the administrative building once again. Back in the foyer, Cass was met by Sarek and the two proceeded out the front doors as the receptionist met Cass' eyes and said "we will see you tomorrow." Cass didn't even expend the energy wondering how she knew that. This was Vulcan. She actually chucked to herself as she followed Sarek to the flitter. After several years of marriage, she finally understood why Spock would mutter 'Humans' under his breath and leave it at that.

They crossed the parking area then walked around the small craft when Cassandra looked back at the mountain where her husband was, then gasped in awe. Sarek looked back, noticing his daughter standing stock-still, hardly even breathing, eyes wide. He glanced in the direction she was looking and noticed Delta Vega had risen next to Mount Seleya. The sun was setting behind them causing the blue ice planet to be more clearly visible in the waning light. "That is our neighboring planet called Delta Vega." He stated factually

"Spectacular" whispered Cassandra, who had still not taken her eyes off the scene before her. Finally, she tore her gaze away and entered the craft where Sarek was already half way through preflight checks. He pushed a button and the door closed behind her as she sat in the co-pilot's seat, careful not to touch anything. As Sarek skillfully merged into the flight pattern, he continued to teach her about Vulcan. They had no moon but instead could see their sister planet Delta Vega. At her request, he further explained about their ice world compared to Vulcan's desert climate.

During a natural lull in the conversation he inquired "you have been asked to return?"

Cass was watching the landscape go by while being overrun by sheer exhaustion. Leaning her head back on the head rest she replied tiredly "yes." Sarek said nothing further, taking note of his daughter's condition as they finished the 15 minute journey to his house. When they arrived, a very excited Skye went to Cass immediately lifting little arms to be picked up. Touching hands, he conveyed his joy at her return.

"We had a wonderful time together didn't we Skye." Amanda said.

Skye got down from his mother's arms to look up at her and his sa'mekh'al (grandfather). "We made a surprise for dessert didn't we ko'mekh-il (grandmother). Cass smiled affectionately at her son as they walked through the house to the dining room table. There they had a wonderful dinner filled with strange new tastes and textures to food Cass had never eaten before. After dessert, they retired to the sitting area for a while when Cass was startled by a gentle hand to her shoulder.

Startled, she shifted "I think I fell asleep. Sorry Amanda."

"Come. Let me show you to the guest bedroom. Your things have been placed there; I know you are exhausted."

Cass looked around as she stood up "where is Skye?"

Amanda smiled "he is with Sarek out on the veranda having quite the conversation. His Vulcan is very good, as is his English."

They had arrived at the guest room where Amanda showed her where her things had been placed plus a few things in the bathroom that would be unfamiliar to her. "Thanks Amanda, for everything. I am so tired; I can't stay awake anymore." The older woman looked fondly upon her daughter before they hugged each other in mutual affection coupled with mutual concern for Spock. Cass in her sleep deprived state caught up with the earlier conversation replying "Spock speaks Vulcan in our quarters so Skye and I can learn. I have to admit, Skye is better at it than I am, but I did learn to say Spock's full name so that's something. We speak Standard on the rest of the ship. This way he grows up bilingual."

"Logical" Amanda teased. Both women chuckled as she shut the door leaving Cass alone in her room. Getting ready for bed in record time, Cass fell asleep before her head hit the pillow.

The next day after a sonic shower and a fresh change of clothes, Cass wandered out to the rest of the house which seemed pretty quiet. No one was in the sitting area, or kitchen, formal dining room or veranda. Amanda came out of her office upon hearing her walk around the house. "Good afternoon."

"What!?"

"You slept straight through much of the morning dear."

"Wow. Sorry. Where is everyone?" Cass asked.

"Sarek was summoned to T'Pau's residence. He invited Skye to go with him." Amanda smiled "those two seem to be becoming quite an inseparable pair. I'm glad for both of them. And don't apologize for getting the rest you needed. Come on, let's find you something to eat."

After a brunch of sorts was laid out, she and Amanda discussed the invitation for Cass to return to Mount Seleya later today. "That is quite an honor. I myself have only been invited a handful of times over the years. I'm glad you will have the chance to return. I have found it to be quite beneficial when I've had the opportunity."

Due to sleeping so late, it was time to pack an overnight bag. Amanda had offered to take her but Sarek returned in time with a very hungry, tired little boy in tow resulting in a swift change of plans. Cass sat with Skye while he ate his lunch, explaining where she was going and that both she and his father would see him tomorrow. After lunch, the two walked to Spock's old room, where she laid him down in bed. Sitting next to him, she sang while lightly stroking his hair. Her little boy was asleep in minutes, tired from all the excitement and stress of the past few days. Kissing him on the forehead, Cass quietly left the darkened room.

Amanda agreed to stay with Skye resulting in Cassandra and Sarek back in the flitter making the return trip. It was mostly silent with Sarek asking a few clarifying questions about Spock's condition along the way. They arrived at the administrative office a short time later, both of them walking side by side up the stairs to the door. Inside they met with the same receptionist who spoke briefly to Sarek in Vulcan. Cass understood more than half and counted that a success. Sarek turned to her "I will pick both of you up tomorrow." With that, he was gone.