An Apology

The morning after the concert, Sarek and Spock were again in the wood shop. Spock restrung his old harp. When he tuned it, he made a recording of the procedure for his father. He also wrote a computer program for Sarek that would "listen" to a "tuned" harp, and then indicate what further adjustments were required. This would save his father hours.

Sarek had cut out the pieces for two child-sized harps, one for his expected daughter and one for his grandson to-be. He began to assemble them. Spock played and sang a Terran melody from the mid-20th century for his father. It was called Purple People Eater and was an amusing tale of a first contact situation.

"My son, that is very amusing. Where did you learn that?"

"I learned it from Mother, when I was very small. It is also one of Nyota's favorites."

"I should not be surprised if your child emerges from the womb singing."

"Nor I, as his mother likes to put her headphones on her stomach."

"Your mother did that with you. Apparently it paid off."

Suddenly, they both sensed another presence in the room and looked up.

"Good morning Mr. Ambassador. Greetings, Spock."

Telen! He had been one of Spock's childhood tormentors. Neither T'Sela nor Nyota knew of this. If they had, Telen might not have gained admittance or been informed of Spock's whereabouts.

Sarek spoke first. "Why have you come, Telen? Have you learned more insults?"

"I have come to speak with Spock, to apologize and to ask a favor."

"It is alright, Father. Do not concern yourself. Come, Telen let us speak on the patio." Spock led the way, and offered Telen a seat.

"If our situations were reversed, I would not be so gracious. I know that I do not merit such consideration."

"Say what you have come to say, Telen." Spock did not wish to be rude, however he also did not care to have his time wasted.

"I was wrong to insult you and your mother. She was a talented and intelligent woman, a good wife to your father. She was an able and giving teacher. I saw this when she instructed my sister in Terran customs."

"I was also jealous of you, your talents and intelligence. Though I am two years older than you, Spock, you were always several years ahead of me academically. It was I who was ruled by emotion."

"It is in the past, Telen. We will speak no more of it. You said you had a favor to ask of me."

"I wrote a song, a duet actually for my bond-mate T'Seva. The melody is simple enough, but I am not a singer. We heard you and Nyota in the park yesterday. T'Seva commented that she had never heard anything so beautiful before. You gave the ancient songs depth and meaning. They were no longer just noble words set to music. Spock, the way you use your talents is a gift to all our people. I have come to ask, really to beg you and your wife to sing my song just once and allow it to be recorded."

Spock considered this request. He understood what it was to love and willing to do anything for the one you loved. "Did you bring this song with you?"

Telen reached into a pocket and brought out a folded parchment. On it was written a simple,but haunting melody. The words were the most beautiful love poem he had ever read in any language.

"This is very beautiful, Telen. Allow me to fetch my wife, that she may read it as well."

Spock entered the house and returned with Nyota. He introduced Telen as a schoolmate, not a bully. He could not yet bring himself to call him friend.

Nyota agreed with Spock's opinion of Telen's song, and was glad to help Spock sing and record it.

A recorder was borrowed from Sarek. They got the song down perfectly on the third try. Telen expressed his gratitude repeatedly, and left Sarek's home with a much lighter heart.

Spock sat there in amazement. Nyota finally got the story out of him. She had tears in her eyes as she kissed him. "Your mother would be so proud of you."

"As is your father." said Sarek as he entered the room. "You will be a good father to your son." In his arms Sarek held a small, wooden rocking cradle, carved with the family crest. "As yours no longer exists, it was necessary to make a new one. I trust that you can find room for it in your quarters."

Nyota laughed. "That maybe a bit of a problem, Father. Handmade baby items have been appearing at the front door all day. They are plainly wrapped, with nothing to designate the giver. For example, this little toy sehlat was labeled "For the musicians' child."

"This was our custom in times of old." related T'Sela. She had been a professor of ancient Vulcan history. Musicians were supported by those who heard the music and appreciated it. If a musician did not perform well, he did not eat. Your listeners have discerned that you two are not in need of food. Judging from the outpouring of support, I would say that you have both been found to be most satisfactory."

"I would agree with that assessment,my wife" said Sarek While you two were making that recording for Telen, I received a communication from a nearby settlement. They would like the "esteemed musicians" to visit with them as well."

"I also must show my appreciation. You and Spock have restored life to the ancient songs." She handed Nyota a hand-knit baby blanket in blue.

"Spock, do you think that the Captain would let us have an additional storage locker? After all, there will soon be three of us."

"We will present him with that logic when we ask him, Nyota."

A/N

THE END!