A/N: Wow! As I said to one of my reviewers, I am amazed at the amount of hits/reviews this story has received so far. Thank you to all who have commented on my story, and please keep them coming. Those are my greatest motivation for writing.
Dimness in the Andromeda Star-Room allowed its occupants to see the holographic sequence programmed into the main computer. Cadet Jason Meyers had explained that star-rooms were excellent tools used in teaching navigation techniques to academy students. A simulation of the Aedanian Galaxy was in place, which was home to Vulcan II. Holographic representations of planets and stars were projected all around the room, and aided in showing correct positioning and distance measurements. Meyers pointed out objects now and then, pausing on each to offer one or two interesting facts regarding them.
Lauren Grayson-Reed listened quietly. With tired eyes, she glanced at the objects that seemed to float about her body. Only once in a while would she voice a question to her chaperone, when she had particular interest in a detail he had revealed. It helped to be distracted. She wanted to be distracted. Besides, she had been quite curious about the planet that would become her new home, and appreciated the time he took to provide her with as much data as possible. Still, there was only so much he could explain within the allotted amount of time. They were both well aware that Ambassador Sarek would appear soon.
For her. Of all people in this universe, he was coming for her. Never in her short life had she ever expected to consider herself travelling to such an unfamiliar world. It was not that she was angry, or frightened, or any negative emotion one may equate with her situation. It was simply unexpected.
But I have to, she thought to herself, I'd rather be with him than be shoved into the foster care system. And truth be told, since coming under his care became an option, she wanted to go with him.
The mere thought threatened to morph into a choking flashback of recent events.
Oh God, keep talking, she thought quickly to the cadet. Keep talking, keep talking, keep talking, keep talking…Thankfully, his voice filled her ears, and the memory subsided. A little.
One of the nice aspects about Meyers' lecture was the fact that he had known about Lauren's love for stargazing. Entering the star-room gave him the chance to show her constellations that she was familiar with on Earth, and where she could find those same star groupings while on Vulcan II. Perhaps it would help her during times of homesickness.
Lauren ran a hand through a transparent planet beside her, watching as the image fluttered wherever her skin touched, then reappeared as a whole. This galaxy will be home, she repeated in her mind. As she continued to interrupt the image, she thought about what was going to be left behind. Was this going to be difficult? Was this going to be too hard to handle? Sighing, she let her hand drop.
"Lights." The room suddenly lit to a brighter setting, causing Lauren to spin around in slight bewilderment. The program automatically ceased, and the Aedanian Galaxy disappeared back into the main computer. It had not been Meyers' voice that had cut through the room; it had been Admiral Pattor's. With him was a collection of people, who had gathered in the doorway. One in particular became Lauren's focus; the Vulcan standing next to her generous host, whose eyes were also riveted on her. A face she had seen only a few times in her life, but one she knew so well, regardless.
Sarek…
Pattor smiled. "Cadet Meyers, Lauren Grayson-Reed, may I introduce Ambassador Sarek."
Meyers bowed. "It's an honor, Ambassador."
Sarek nodded. "Thank you for your acknowledgment. Your assistance to my niece is greatly esteemed."
He smiled genuinely. "She had some valid questions about Vulcan II, and I'm glad she felt the desire to ask."
"I appreciate you giving Miss Grayson-Reed a preview of her new home," Pattor continued.
Meyers straightened up. "It was my pleasure, sir. I'm sure she is well prepared for many an adventure in her life."
"I don't doubt that for an instant. And as you can see, Ambassador Sarek has arrived at last. She will be released into his care from here. You are dismissed to your duties and academics, Meyers."
"Thank you, sir." With a small bow to Lauren, he bid a gentle, "Farewell," and touched her shoulder. She smiled, small but true, and watched as he exited the star-room.
From across the room, Sarek observed his niece. At fourteen, she still bore no physical resemblance to Amanda. With her light hair, blue eyes and fair skin, she was almost a copy of Sarah, her mother. It was rather uncanny. However, this was nothing that bothered Sarek, merely an examination. She had grown significantly from their last visit together, and much of the childish roundness to her face had melted away. It what he could gather in his mind, the human girl before him had an appealing quality to her. He looked closer at her eyes, though, and noted the dark, heavy circles that had settled beneath them. In his knowledge of human anatomy, he knew this was achieved by massive amounts of tear production, which they called "crying." Though she did not cry now, the after-effects remained. Beyond that, he also recognized a deep-seeded relief that currently reflected from her eyes. This was the first time he had seen a countenance such as this. Remarkable.
"Lauren," Pattor spoke, "this is who you've been waiting for."
She was still silent, clenching and her small hands into fists at her sides.
Sarek could sense that she was trembling, but for what reason, he could not be certain. Raising his right hand, he gave the Vulcan salute, and greeted her the same way he always had. "Live long and prosper, Lauren Grayson-Reed."
For a time, she was still mute, still clenching and unclenching her hands, and it finally became apparent to Sarek that she was fighting to maintain control of herself.
Then, Lauren slowly raised a shaky hand to return his gesture, and surprised Sarek by giving a perfect Vulcan salute. His eyebrows raised approvingly. She had been practicing since her meetings with Spock.
She smiled shakily, carefully. "Hello, Uncle Sarek," she finally breathed.
Unknown to him, Pattor's mouth twitched involuntarily, unprepared for how endearing it had sounded when said to a Vulcan. Sarek blinked after she had spoken the words, but did not protest the title.
At the same time, they lowered their hands. Lauren still fought for control of herself. She had pushed it when she referred to him as "uncle" in front of the others, but she had not cared. Not at this moment. Still shaking, she realized she was gradually losing her personal battle. She had to hold on, had to. It was disrespectful to do this in front of people outside the family. It was disrespectful to do this to someone of Sarek's status. No matter how impossible it was to suppress it, she had to. She had…to…
But she could sense it all crumbling like a sandcastle at high tide, shoulders drooping in surrender. Her resolve collapsed, and she ran to her Vulcan uncle, throwing her arms around him in a powerful embrace, burying her face into his solid chest. Had it not been for his strong stature, she would have knocked him off balance, but he did not push away when she initiated this abrupt display of emotion. Instead, he looked down at her, curious with her actions. He remembered that Amanda had understood about keeping emotional displays restrained. No matter how sturdy she was, though, even she succumbed to its supremacy, and desired only to be held at times. That was all. Apparently, this was going to be a comparable situation.
Rubbing her face against him, he heard her mild, whispered pleas: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I know you don't like this, but I need to." She gasped, calmed her breath. "I'm so glad to see you. You're the first familiar face I've seen in weeks. I need…" she hesitated, not knowing how to explain, "…just hug me back. Please." She had been surrounded by strange faces, not knowing a single one amongst them. It made her feel more alone than ever before, and it had to end…and finally did.
Sarek automatically placed his arms around her. Despite how awkward this might have appeared, to Vulcan or human, he was used to it. Enough experiences with Amanda had given him the practice he needed for this. Comfort. That was Lauren's goal at this moment, he comprehended.
The girl did not cry, but breathed heavily, attempting to calm herself as she clung to him, clung to his robes, twisting her fingers into claws so that she could not be separated from him. It was more a display of relief than anything else. She did not cry. She had already cried so much and forbade her body from doing so. She hated herself for making him feel so uncomfortable, as she was aware that Vulcans emphasized not showing emotions. She did need this, though. She ached for it. He had come at last.
Sarek stroked her light hair, fingers trailing over the flutter of bangs donning her forehead. "The ordeal has been horrendous for you, Lauren, and you are coping with an assortment of emotions. It is not an easy task for anyone, as each emotion is difficult in its own fashion. When provoked as an assembly, though, they can be unbearable. Do not fret. I have come for you, and I am here to take you home."
She drew in a breath. Home, she thought, thinking about the galaxy simulation, and the stars it contained. This is no longer home, even though it always will be in my heart. There was nothing for her on Earth anymore, and she knew it was time to move forward. With her uncle. With her cousin. Those who cared for her beyond a doubt, even if they were unable to fully express it.
Drawing back, she smiled sadly up at Sarek. He could see the exhaustion she fought to mask, and brought a hand to her face. Very lightly, he used his fingertips to gently move her face, examining her features. She recalled this from previous visits. This gave him a chance to memorize her all over again, imprinting her image inside his mind. He had done the same for Spock when he had been born. Lauren liked it; to her, it was his veiled form of affection. Tilting her chin up to him, he gave her another approving look.
"As much as we have to speak about, this is not the appropriate time to converse. Come, we have a journey ahead of us, and we will have a great deal of time to speak when we have reached our destination."
He was still holding her, waiting for her to break the embrace. She was grateful for his patience. Finally, she drew back, and that was when Sarek noticed the pendant hanging about her neck. On a silver chain, she wore an oval, forest green stone: the laboroke stone of Vulcan, one of the last of its kind since the planet's destruction. Amanda had sent it to her as a birthday present a few years ago. He placed his fingers beneath it, studying momentarily.
"You wear a piece of Vulcan history upon your breast." He looked into her curious eyes. "Care for it well. It suits you."
Her sad smile reappeared. "I promise."
Turning to the admiral, he began a series of farewells to the cadets and others. Several were said to Lauren as well, and she uttered a few good-byes to her hosts. A few of them even placed light kisses on her forehead, which brought a small degree of reassurance. Following this, she gathered the luggage she had prepared for the journey, which only consisted of two small bags and a violin case.
He raised an eyebrow. "Such sparse personal belongings, Lauren. This is all you intend to bring?"
She blushed slightly. "I brought bare essentials, Sarek," this time, she refrained from her previous title for him. "Thought it would be best to start in a new place without dragging the past with me."
He regarded her, intrigued by the amount of maturity that was shown in this young, human child. "Worry not; you will be provided with all you need on Vulcan II. You have my word, child." Deep down, she believed his words. "When we do reach the planet, I suggest that you take rest. A room has been prepared in anticipation of your arrival, and you will be putting it to good use. Immense exhaustion is apparent in your face and body language. You must replenish your strength with slumber. Is this understood?"
She nodded without a second thought. Sighing, her tired, sad smile remerged, as he already sounded like someone who was going to nurture her, even if she protested. Here and now, though, she had no wish to protest anything. She clasped Sarek's hand, pleased that he did not pull away. "Take me home," she whispered.