Chapter 16
The year 2329
The Planet Vulcan
Captain Spock had become a successful diplomat who almost was as renowned in that field as his father Sarek was. He knew that at some point in his life he might even choose to pursue an ambassadorial role like his father had done.
Many years ago this choice of career seemed so distant and ambiguous that he had little hope of following Sarek's choice of vocation. Ridiculous as it may have sounded he never thought that his life in Starfleet would come to an end so soon. He had said that the captaincy never appealed to him even though a few years later he took a position aboard the USS Stargazer, which is still in service at this present time.
His life had been with sciences and exploration until he became interested in diplomacy in twenty-two ninety-three. His intrigue in the topic had been resolved during the Klingon/Terran peace initiatives. Spock himself had been the Federation's special envoy much to everyone's surprise. 'There are always possibilities' was something the Vulcan would say and his credentials certain proved that.
Spock sat by himself behind his desk in the office, which was provided by the Embassy on Vulcan. It was elegantly furnished with a mixture of Earth and Vulcan adornments. He had occupied the room only two weeks ago. Now at this present time Captain Spock who he was still known as was reviewing a report on his next assignment.
He looked up at the communications terminal, which blinked and beeped. Then a message flashed on the screen. Message. Please respond Message. Please respond Message..., it said. Spock touched the necessary buttons on the consul and then another message flashed across the screen for a few seconds. Channel is open. Please stand by. Spock's eyebrows rose in surprise when his father appeared on the screen.
"Spock, forgive the intrusion, but Perrin wishes for you to be the first person to be notified."
"Perrin. What has she to say?" Spock questioned a little curious.
Perrin was a twenty nine year old Earth woman with whom Sarek had met on a Mars colony a year ago. She was the only daughter of High Commissioner William Kendal. Something about the woman, which Spock was uncertain of, disturbed him very much. Perrin stepped into the picture and she was smiling at him.
She was an elegant woman and was dressed in a mauve coloured Vulcan style dress. Perrin appeared eager to tell Spock something. She was still smiling at him.
"Spock!" She said. "You father and I are getting married next week." He stared at her. His face was blank. She had just strengthened his dislike for her.
Perhaps his dislike was because Spock had previously assumed that Sarek would never remarry. Illogical it may have sounded, but he felt that she would try and take the place of his human mother, Amanda.
He remained silent. All animation, which he did permit himself to show on his face, was completely gone.
"Well?" She said excitedly. Spock stared at her with a stony expression. He visibly stiffened. Sarek could see that his son completely disagreed, but he said nothing.
"I have nothing to say," he said. Perrin knew his dislike for her. Sarek straightened and glared at his son through cold eyes.
"It has been a long time Spock," he said with an expressionless voice. "I thought you would be happy for us."
"Why do you say that? I am a Vulcan I neither agree nor disagree with what you are doing."
"Very well," he said. "We shall see you tonight." It was not a question it was a statement. Spock had other commitments, which he was unable to abandon. The Embassy was sending him away from Vulcan to Anagosia. Spock regarded himself as being very lucky. He did not wish to participate in a ceremony, which undoubtedly would cause disruption to his Vulcan discipline.
The message clearly angered him and the emotion he felt was distasteful. He gazed icily at the blond woman on the screen.
"I am unable to join you. At fifteen hundred hours this afternoon I am leaving Vulcan. I have business else where."
Perrin almost gasped. "Where are you going?"
"To Anagosia. I believe that the Anagosians seek negotiations on Federation citizenship."
"You never spoke of this before."
"It was unnecessary. As you are well aware I now serve under the Federation Embassy and I must travel to where my career specifications suggest. Therefore I must leave this afternoon. I regret that I will be unable to attend the ceremony, but this mission is of the utmost requisition." Spock did not meet her gaze. He looked away from the screen for a second.
"Oh..." Perrin stopped. She had nothing else to say. Was there a hint of actual disappointment in her voice? Spock wondered. Probably not. He had a distinct impression that she wasn't very fond of him either.
"Then I wish you farewell on your mission," the other Vulcan said. Perrin nodded as the screen went dark.
After a long moment Spock sighed then went back to the report he was previously reviewing.
Sarek of Vulcan stepped away from the computer screen. Perrin really did appear disappointed. She gazed across at him.
"It is unfortunate that Spock won't be attending." Sarek nodded.
"Yes, but his career must come first. Remember that. Lives of others come before personal obligations. It is flawlessly logical. The good of the many outweigh the good of the few, or the one."
"Another of your Vulcan proverbs Sarek?" She questioned curiously. He shook his head.
"No. It is something my son believes. I accept however that it is quite appropriate." She nodded solemnly.
"Of course Sarek."
