Chapter 17
At the entrance to the holodeck, the group stopped as Spock entered the last few computations on the wall panel. The doors opened and before they entered, Spock touched Kirk's sleeve and asked, "Captain, may I speak with you?"
Kirk looked towards Beverly, his heart wanting to go in with her hand in hand, and his head telling him his old friend wanted to talk to him.
"Go ahead, I'll be there shortly."
Turning to Spock, Kirk took a deep breath, "Yes, Mr. Spock."
Spock drew close, almost too close. Vulcans had the habit of allowing more than the usual personal space when they talked to offworlders. In this case though, personal need pulled him close to his comrade, "Jim, I do not know for certain if it will work. I felt it important to talk to you before we begin."
"I want to say something to you too, Spock."
"Jim, you and I have been friends for many years. I have deeply missed you these last eighty years. I contemplated your death many times wondering if I had been there, might your death not occurred."
"Spock, Scotty told me how and when I died. You weren't there because you were off trying to bring peace to somewhere else in this universe of ours. If it doesn't work today, then....that's what happens. You tried your best. I know that and I thank you.
"I am, and always shall be your friend," Spock whispered.
"I heard that once before from you Spock. You know what you mean to me. To my recollection, you and I met a few weeks ago at the Starfleet Conference on Lunas 2. Do you remember? You and I met up with Sulu and Uhura. We had dinner together."
"Yes I do. That is your last memory of us together?"
"Mmm, shouldn't it be?"
Spock said nothing, but nodded.
"Spock, so much has happened. I can't imagine that reunification between the Romulans and the Vulcans could even be considered."
"Consider it, we must. My entire time and energy is being spent towards this end."
"Spock, they even have a Klingon here on the Enterprise as Security chief. Did you know he is the grandson of Colonel Worf, the Klingon counsel they assigned to Bones and I on Rura Penthe."
Spock raised his eyebrow. The only outward sign that he hadn't known this fact.
"Fascinating Captain."
Kirk let his head hang and without looking up he muttered, "Maybe it's too late for me Spock. Maybe my time is past. I'm not sure I could accept all the changes."
"You could accept them Jim. You were beginning to accept the changes before you died, and you could again."
Spock stood watching his friend for several long seconds. "I will do my best, Jim, I will try to give you that chance."
Just before entering the holodeck, Kirk turned to Spock and held up his left hand in the traditional Vulcan salute. "Live long and prosper, my friend."
Spock looked deep into his human friend's eyes, held his hand in a similar gesture. "Live long and prosper, Jim."
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