Broken Shackles 22
Graduation
Spock craned her neck to see if she could spot Jim in the vast sea of young beings about to receive their diplomas. It was a very diverse group and she counted 12 non human species and various races within the human group and who knows how many hybrids. It was a large class of nearly 200 graduates and the ceremony would be long, Spock didn't mind. She liked seeing the process and the triumphant expressions on most of the graduates receiving their diplomas. Jim's Betazoid counselor, L'Ren, was seated beside them beaming with pride as she watched numerous current and former patients mark the beginning of their new journeys. Jim and his classmates were each clad in long grey robes fastened by sashes that indicated the wearers field of study by color. According to the program she received, Spock knew Jim's would be orange and royal blue stripes.
Jim had quite a large contingent of friends to see him successfully finish his college life-Besides Spock and her parents, Ambassador Selek had insisted on attending even though this was not ihis/i Jim and Jim had not even met him yet. Spock felt illogically irritated at her old alternate self's presence for some reason. Captain Pike, Dr. McCoy, and Gaila had also journeyed to Betazed for the happy occasion.
L'Ren was busy telling Amanda how much progress Jim had made since he'd first started coming to her and saying how much she would miss him.
"The dear human is going to do marvelously in his field. He projects much determination and drive to help others."
"Oh, Yes," Amanda agreed. "Jim has such a good heart. I'm so glad it wasn't completely hardened by all he went through."
"Your kindness to him played a big part in that," said the Betazoid. "He always was very peaceful when he talked about Vulcan. I couldn't think of a better place for him to have started the healing process."
She fell silent as the college president began to speak. The speeches went on for half an hour before the students began lining up to make their walk up to the stage.
Spock recognized Jim about halfway through when his row had stood up and was heading up front.
"There's Jim!" Gaila whispered happily. "Do you see him, Leonard?"
Dr. McCoy mumbled something in response that might have been a yes. Jim's light brown tresses could be seen poking out from under his cap as he inched toward the platform. He looked toward the crowd several times as if searching for them, but didn't appear to be able to pick them out in the crowd.
And then they were calling his name and he was striding up to the stage and shaking hands with the dean. Loud cheers and applause erupted from the student section and Jim's support group in the audience. Vulcan's didn't clap for obvious reasons, but Spock outright smiled at Jim's triumphant pose and grin holding his diploma high up on the air. Strangely he slapped the outstretched hands of the whole front row of students on the way back to his seat, which made Spock blush.
"Is this a human custom that I am unaware of, Captain?" She inquired of Pike.
"Yes, Spock," he replied genially, still smiling at Jim's exuberance. "It's a sign of camaraderie and celebration among humans, especially the young. It must look pretty raunchy to you, I'm guessing."
"Somewhat," she admitted, smiling faintly. Her possessive nature didn't like Jim touching anybody else's hands, but that was impossible to require of a human. If they bonded though, he would probably learn to be less free with such gestures.
When the ceremony had finally concluded with much joy and cheering, they worked their way through the throng to find Jim.
His eyes lit up as he recognized his friends and soon had an armful of Gaila.
"Jimmy, you clever man! You did it! I'm so happy!"
"Aww, thanks, Gaila," Jim said, flush of excitement on his face. "Wow! I wasn't expecting to have quite the reception committee. I thought the academy was elbows deep in finals."
"Like we could ever miss this, Jim." Leonard put in, grabbing Jim in a bear hug.
"Right," agreed Pike, looking extremely pleased. "No way were we going to stay home. Congratulations, Jim." He shook Jim's hand firmly. "Thank you, Sir," Jim replied.
Finally, he turned to Spock. "Well, Spock, What did you think?"
"It was most interesting. I've never seen such an enthusiastic-or diverse-group of graduates."
"Yeah-we're a crazy bunch." Jim admitted, looking fondly at his celebrating classmates. "So glad you could be here."
His blue eyes looked at her with a smile that was very different than the one he'd bestowed on the others, clearly showing his affections towards her and making her wish he read her thoughts. Spock missed the knowing look exchanged between Sarek and Amanda as they observed the eye contact between Jim and their daughter.
Then Jim greeted her parents.
"Hello, Sarek, Amanda, I'm honored that you came. Hope the trip was pleasant."
"It was, James," Sarek told him. "This is a most well-organized and efficient ceremony."
"Yeah," Jim said, "they have to be with so many students. Otherwise, we'd be here all day."
"James Tiberius Kirk."
At the sound of the old Vulcan's declaration, Jim eyed the unknown guest curiously.
"Uhh, yeah that's me. I don't think I know who you are, though, sorry."
"I apologize. I am Ambassador Selek. I heard you resided on Vulcan for a time, but my diplomatic duties prevented me from visiting."
"Okay? I didn't think the Vulcan Elders were that curious about me."
Jim looked very puzzled and wary, though trying to maintain a polite attitude.
"It's a long, complicated story, Jim," Pike put in. "But he does have a genuine interest in your well-being."
"Let's get the happy group pictures over with so we can get on with the catching up," Jim declared, adjusting his cap. "Vulcans don't just show up at a stranger's graduation without there being some deep reason." He eyed Selek suspiciously.
Spock sighed and hoped Jim would actually believe it. The truth was, in this case, stranger than fiction.
Two weeks later
Jim had departed from Betazed for good with much joy and some regret. He'd said a fond farewell to Tom and Ella and Blev and L'Ren and headed back to Vulcan for the week before Spock's graduation. His hopes (and nerves) were high that she'd say yes when he proposed, because he longed to be able to start life with her.
His brain was still reeling from the knowledge of the existence of a Spock from another universe-a universe where Jim had had a dad and ended up a Starship captain. He felt weird around Old Spock, knowing that he'd seen a much better, more whole Kirk in his time, but young Spock had sat very close to him and went so far as to wrap an arm around him in a slightly possessive attitude that tickled him and confirmed that she didn't see him as inferior.
Before he'd left Vulcan after a delightful visit, he'd made a drastic step-getting a haircut. Much as he'd liked his long locks, he wouldn't be able to keep them once he'd joined the IBI. In addition, he didn't feel like he had to hide anymore. Once the hair was gone, he'd felt oddly light and looked much younger. Hmmm. Not bad if he said so himself.
The Starfleet graduation was slick and official and a sea of red uniformed cadets, soon to be chasing the stars.
Jim had donned a dress shirt and tie for the occasion and now very much wondered how long it would take Spock to recognize him. Bones himself did a double take when he saw Jim.
"Whoa! Is that you, Jim?" He said squinting and looking hard at his friend.
"Sure is, Bones. What do you think of my new look?"
"Very sharp. You look less like a hobo and more like a young business professional. I think Spock will really go for it."
He winked at Jim, looking very polished himself in the dress greys.
Jim colored a bit, feeling the small box in his pocket.
"I hope so, Bones," he said, pulling the box out and briefly displaying its contents.
Bones's smile grew large and he clapped Jim on the back.
"Wow, kid, I sure hope she says yes."
"So do I, Bones, so do I." He gulped nervously.
His pride for Spock grew as he watched her throughout the ceremony. She'd made history as the first Vulcan to graduate the academy-and she'd done it a year early too.