I do not own Star Trek or its characters. I am not profiting from this.
T'Pau Is Watching
T'Pau has been away from New Shi'Kahr for several days, officiating at bonding ceremonies. What she once did only for her own family she must now do for others. She trains the young, as well, that they may replace her. There are few Elders left, but her people's ancient ways will live on.
There is a celebration in the new community park. This place of growing things was recently completed for all to enjoy. People are beginning to think of art and culture, no longer just survival. The day is hot and T'Pau is somewhat weary, but she wishes to see such an affirmation of life. She takes up her cane and walks the short distance. As she steps out of her door, there is music.
It is music such as she has not heard in many years. The song is pre-Surak. The voices are youthful, but their skill is old, practiced. A male and a female in perfect harmony. They must be bond-mates. Something about them is familiar.
When she reaches the park, she is recognized. A male in authority escorts T'Pau to a place of honor under the canopy, where she can see the singers up close. Ah, her grandson Spock and his bond-mate Nyota. Sarek had mentioned that they would visit. T'Pau closes her eyes to listen better.
Yes, she remembers this song, though it has been a long time since she heard it. It is a song of passion shared. Skon sang it for her when they were young, when their bonding was new. Skon is gone now, has been for many years, and T'Pau is no longer young. The weight of her responsibilities is heavy upon her small shoulders. She tries to think on the future, not dwell upon the losses of the past. The world of her birth is gone, along with most of her people. Yet, the living must carry on.
The song is ended. Another begins, a song of the future, of building, of working toward a goal. It is the tale of bond-mates anticipating their first child. There is much beauty in these words. The young singers have given a great gift to all that hear them, a gift of hope.
The singing has ended. Spock and Nyota rise from their chairs. Her grandson is handsome in his formal robes, looking much as Sarek did in his youth, except that he has Amanda's eyes. Those human eyes have betrayed Spock all of his life, always revealing his emotions, the one aspect of his countenance he could not control.
His bond-mate is a lovely Terran woman, beautiful even by Vulcan standards. T'Pau notices the pale yellow gown and head scarf made in a traditional Vulcan style. When Nyota turns to the side to speak with a well wisher, the slight bulge in her midsection is unmistakable. A child is on the way.
Spock seems eager to get Nyota out of the heat. It is nearly midday. They are accustomed to life on a chilly starship. T'Pau recalls her travels on such vessels and nearly shivers at the memories. Yes, it is best that the young woman be taken to a cooler place. T'Pau will call upon them later at Sarek's home, when she has chosen a gift for them worthy of their performance. They have given her ancient songs, so she will reward them in the ancient way.
As she rises to make her way back home, T'Pau notices the recording devices. A young female sound technician confirms that the entire performance has been recorded. T'Pau does not hesitate.
"I would ask thee to make a copy of this for me. The singers are my grandson and his bond-mate." She is a proud grandmother.
"It would be my honor, Elder T'Pau. I shall bring it to your home myself."
T'Sela invited T'Pau to join them for dinner the following evening. She arrives a bit early and makes her way to Sarek's wood shop. Her son had learned woodworking from Skon, so seeing his projects always fills her with pleasant memories. He shows her a pair of wooden cradles and plans for two small harps. She nods her approval, and they head to the house. Sarek picks up the tote bag she has carried.
T'Sela and Nyota are finishing the dinner preparations. Spock has been playing some music for them on his harp. T'Sela asks Nyota a question.
"Last night, you and Sarek were exchanging amusing stories about Spock. I enjoyed those very much, but I did not understand something. Who is Elvis?"
Nyota laughed a bit. "Elvis was a Terran Rock and Roll singer from the mid 20th century. He was so popular that when he died, people refused to believe it. Some nearly worshiped him. His recordings are still enjoyed today. He had a distinctive style and a beautiful voice."
T'Sela considered this. "Perhaps one day, I shall hear Elvis."
Spock shifted his harp a bit. "I am not Elvis, but I once sang like him for a Starfleet talent competition. My commanding officer required everyone to to sing an Elvis song in their native language. It was somewhat difficult to do. I was most embarrassed, however, you are family."
Spock began an incredible rendition of Love Me Tender in Vulcan. He sounded a lot like Elvis. The trio did not observe Sarek and T'Pau standing in the doorway.
When the song had concluded, T'Pau spoke. "I have not heard an Elvis song for many years. I never thought to hear one in my own tongue. Spock, that was most enjoyable. The command performance of which thee spoke, was it ordered by Admiral Archer? I once spent some time with him. He introduced me to Elvis' music."
"No, Grandmother. Captain Pike ordered it, though Admiral Archer was on board at the time."
"And did thee win this competition?"
"Yes, I did. First prize, a music player."
Later that evening, they all sat in the family room. T'Pau gave Nyota a beautiful nursing shawl she had knitted herself. It is in a soft shade of pale green. T'Sela showed T'Pau the pink sweater and cap Nyota has made for T'Shana. It had been produced with a technique T'Pau has never seen before. She and Nyota sat side by side on the sofa, the younger woman teaching the older one something called crocheting.
T'Pau persuaded her grandson to sing some more Elvis songs, and to later record some of them in Vulcan, just for her enjoyment. At least, that is what she said.