Stardate: 3381.4 Captain's Log: Personal
Our mission to Altair VI successfully concluded, we are now en route to Vulcan; recent events having made the trip less urgent, but First Officer Spock has informed me it is necessary; though his...affliction has passed, there are other matters tied to it which can only be resolved on his home planet. He has invited myself and Chief Medical Officer Doctor McCoy to accompany him, a rare honor as outworlders are not usually permitted to participate in sacred Vulcan ceremonies. Spock has graciously spoken to me of the rituals involved at my request, but I will not betray his confidence by divulging any details. I will however, note that T'Pau, ruler of Vulcan, is to be present, a high honor indeed to meet her outside of standard diplomatic functions; even more so to be able to observe her acting in her spiritual office of High Priestess.
I have ordered shore leave of three solar days for the crew, as Spock's earlier request to use his own leave was never rescinded, and it will be good for all of us to experience the local culture, though perhaps it will be most beneficial for Lieutenant Stiles. Regrettably, Spock's parents are off-world on a matter of diplomacy involving Telleria, though he has informed me their presence is not required for the ceremony. I should have liked to meet them, and though I know Spock will never admit to it, I think he would have liked to see them as well...perhaps another time.
Kirk out.