Unfinished Business

Chapter 44 : Friends and Relatives

February 2276

When the comlink chimed to tell him there was an incoming message, he thought nothing of it, that is, until he saw whose face was on the screen. He had never once received a comlink call from his father, not in all the years since he had left Vulcan for StarFleet Academy. He gave the traditional greeting, fearing something dreadful must have happened to cause this strange occurrence.

"Greetings, my son. I am sure you must be astonished to see me." Sarek looked slightly - embarrassed. "Your mother has prevailed upon me to use common sense. It is not logical that we do not use the methods of communication that are available to us to keep in touch."

"I find that I agree with her, sa-mekh. It is good to see your face and hear your voice. I hope all is well there." At least his mother must still be alive, if she was urging his father to call him.

"All here are well. Saavik has out-grown all her trousers and must be taken to the seamstress to be measured. She has refused to do this and your mother is trying to reason with her." Where his father's eyes actually twinkling? "She has also been feeding her sehlat pup in her bedroom, much to her attendant's dismay. However, she has much taken to the lessons your mother has been giving her, and is now fluent in Vulcan, as well as able to do basic arithmetic, and write simple words."

"She is adapting well, then."

"Yes, I would say so. The healers say that she has completely recovered from her early years of starvation, and should not have any problems in the future. They did perform several small interventions, to heal things that were not quite right in her body."

"This is good to hear. I did worry that she would have permanent damage because of what she endured. I hope she is not too disruptive in your lives."

Sarek looked back, his face perfectly calm. "Sometimes a life needs a little disruption, as your mother is quick to tell me. The care of her is a pleasure. Thank you for bringing her to us, my son."

Spock's lips quirked up. "I am glad that she has found a good home. If at any time, there is anything that Nyota and I can do to assist you with her, please let me know."

"I believe she would enjoy a visit now and then. As would your mother. And I would not be adverse, either." He looked at his son, and his eyes were not blank and dark, as Spock remembered them, but open and welcoming.

Spock nodded, finding it hard to speak for a moment. "We will come when duty allows it and we are close enough. This is all that I can promise."

"It is enough. You are welcome at any time." There were a few more interchanges, and then they signed off.

Spock sat at his desk and mused over what had been said - and what had been implied. And Nyota came up behind him, and ran her arms over his shoulders, laying her face next to his. "I think you just got an apology."

"Perhaps so. At any rate, a wish to place our differences behind us. I find this most acceptable."

/

At the weekly chess match, Jim seemed much quieter than normal, so much so, in fact, that Bones asked if he needed to come down to sick bay to be checked over. "Damnit, Bones, can't a man just sulk in peace and quiet?"

"On this ship? Oh, no. Here everyone gets in your face and wants to know what's wrong. Isn't that right, Spock?"

"Indeed, the doctor is quite right. I do not remember you ever leaving me alone when I wished solitude."

"That's different." Two set of eyes looked at him in astonishment, two eyebrows drew up in almost the same gesture. "Well, it is! I mean, Spock wouldn't ever get out and mix if we didn't push him. I'm different. I'm always out there for everybody. Sometimes a little alone time would be nice." He huffed and squirmed about.

Bones looked at him long and hard. "What happened? Some little ensign slap you for getting too fresh? One of the regular after-hours visitors to your quarters that no one is supposed to know about stop coming? You get caught by two women who didn't know you were playing around with the other one?" Jim's face got redder and redder as the list of supposed infractions grew longer, until Bones burst out laughing.

Jim sheepishly grinned back. "Okay, so I was just being silly, wasn't I? Just down in the dumps a bit. Can we just focus on the game now?"

Spock nodded. "I think that would be best. The doctor was running out of ideas, anyway." Beside him, Bones just chuckled.