Chapter Thirty four
Homeward Bound
When You Wish Upon A Star
The Tiberius was at the very far end of the quadrant. Its final assignment completed, poised to return to Terra with an ETA of twenty one days at warp eight.
For Spock, the scientific aspect of his tour of duty had been exceedingly rewarding. On a personal level his relationship with Nyota had grown in depth. His understanding of her was so much greater than before. They had not really seen each other and Spock wondered how her appearance might have altered. The brief visit on Star Base Nine, with her swathed in Vulcan robes did not give him the opportunity to study her. There is no doubt that she could only be more beautiful. He realized in a physical way he too had changed, he hoped for the better. He had grown taller, had developed a more mature body with greater muscle mass. And now he had to shave at least once a week. He was now seated in his quarters preparing to compose his message to Nyota.
Space to Terra
Minus two ETA
Nineteen more days
Page one of one
Beloved
I am now at liberty to inform you that the ship is now traveling at warp eight and our estimated time of arrival is twenty one days. It has been as my mother said, not an unbearable length of time to be separated from one another. I have attempted to visualize you but then I remember, we have seen each other only once in two years. And the visualization then was one hampered by Vulcan robes. My thoughts have attempted to put you together in a way similar to a Terran jig-saw puzzle-how tall you will be, how you will wear your hair, your scent, your body, your expressive face and hands. Now I fully understand the pain of anticipation. The approximate one point three quarter years have been less of an agony than the next nineteen days will prove to be.
Please Nyota, meet me at the Embassy. I do not think I would be able to act or appear Vulcan in a public setting with my first view of you. Ask T'Paal to sit with you in your office. I will meet you there.
As you can see, I count the days.
Yours forever,
Spockh
Terra to Space
Minus three ETA
Eighteen more days
One of one
My Spock
I am breathless with anticipation. My dreams are full of your presence. I love you.
Forever yours,
Nyota
Captain Pike gestured for Spock to follow him. They made their way to his private office. Once inside Pike ordered the security lock to engage. He opened a folder and inside Spock observed the form that his captain had mentioned. Pike turned the folder toward Spock and simply said,
"Do you wish to sign?"
Without hesitation Spock signed twice, first in Standard and then in Vulcan script. Pike turned the folder around and examined the signature, and then signed as a witness.
"The Vulcan script is quite beautiful."
Spock, a literal minded Vulcan did not feel the need to comment on the captain's true statement.
The Captain continued, "Once we have docked I will be able to tell you where I will be housed. Please bring your K'diwa, you see I got it this time, to me so I can witness her signature.
My friend, may I offer you some advise?"
"Captain, I would welcome it."
"I know about Vulcan control, but you are part human. It is quite possible that your body has already betrayed you. Be moral, be careful, perform your Vulcan ceremony and take her as your bondmate. After this long separation it will be virtually impossible for you to resist her. Off the record, I will stand up with you.
"I make this recommendation based on my own personal experience. Because of my hesitation, I lost out on my chance for real happiness. Now I am married to a metal ship, and believe me, she is a cold bedfellow. Spock, it is a lonely existence, don't follow suit.
"And while your hesitation because of your ages would apply in a Vulcan pairing, not so for Terrans."
Smiling he said, "Neither one of you would require your parents' permission.."
"Captain, I am honored by your concern. As you stated our only reservation has been our age, she will soon turn twenty, and I have reached, twenty two Terran years. Because of the permanence of the Vulcan bond, my mother continues to question the wisdom of such an early bonding, even though she has attached herself to Nyota as if she were already her daughter."
"Spock, consider this point, is Cadet Uhura just an average female?"
"No Captain, you have observed her."
"Yes Spock and she is an extremely mature female, brilliant, and I might add, really an eye full."
Observing Spock's upturned eyebrow he corrected himself.
"Quite beautiful is what I should have said. Talk to her, see if she is agreeable. For the numbers do not apply in her case, or in yours either Spock. Let me know… You two can grow together."
With that statement Pike gestured his dismissal, took the folder and placed it in his locked file.
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Space to Terra
Ten minus ETA
Eleven days before ETA
Page one of one
'I am packed. My quarters were always Spartan compared to most of the crew. I believe that many of my crewmates will have to rent storage facilities for the possessions they have accumulated.
Beloved, Captain Pike has broached a subject that we will have to discuss when I arrive. I wish you to propose this question to yourself. How long do you wish to be with me? A lifetime? There is no doubt on my part that you are half of my heart and half of my soul. I cannot imagine an existence without you. I do so want you to have the same sentiments. I understand that this sort of interaction should be carried on in person, but a suggestion made by Captain Pike has caused me to need this affirmation from you.
Now, may I mention something less serious. When I was on the planet Lotus, the mall there had gems from all parts of the galaxy. I was able to find a match for your necklace, two Romulan blood stones. I will have them set in earrings once I arrive home. Although I do have a surprise for you, those were not where I have relegated those stone. I visualize the stones as they adorn your face and I am pleased.
Please give my regards to Professor Robinson and her charge. I am sure that you still have close contact with them. My shift begins in ten minutes, so I will close.
Your Spockh
Terra to Space
Seventeen minus ETA
Four days before ETA
One of one
My Beloved
The only concept I can imagine that could describe how long I wish to be with you is until the day after forever. I realize that unless Terran life span is lengthened, one day I will leave you, but barring sickness or accident you will have to put up with me for a very long time. Spock, just like you, I cannot imagine a life without you. Please, please accept all of me as yours.
I am
Your Nyota
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When Spock received Nyota's latest message he could see the wisdom behind Captain Pike's suggestion. There was a longing in her words.. Were these thoughts an evidence of his new Nyota? He had four more days to wait and then he would see.
Space to Terra
Twenty days minus ETA
Tomorrow
Page one of one
My duffle is at the foot of my bed. All my other possessions are ready to be transferred to a waiting room at Star Fleet Academy. Once my shuttle has received clearance, I will contact you.
Yours forever,
Spock
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Nyota was pacing back and forth in her office. On occasion T'Paal would glance up from her knitting. Finally she said,
"Child, no step you take, lessens the number of steps he must take to arrive here."
The com unit signals. The text message simply stated,
"My shuttle is cleared."
Again T'Paal looked up,
"My Child, you might look at me and think I do not know what you are experiencing, but I do." Nodding she said, "But, in this area, youth does have its advantages."
If Vulcans could smile, Nyota was sure that T'Paal's comment would have been punctuated with a smile.
T'Paal's internal clock allowed her to make the following comment, "It has only been .10 hours since his contact.
She placed her palm on the couch next to her, "My Child, your agitation is non-productive, come sit here. He will arrive shortly."
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