A/N: Once again, this is only the first part of this chapter, but I needed to get something posted. I admit that lately, I've been watching "Star Trek: Into Darkness" over and over again, as I'm trying to make sure I get certain events correctly sequenced. My timeline is a little off from the movie, but I started writing this after the first one came out. It'll still work. ^_^
I hate to only post segments of chapters at a time, but I will be going through soon and combining/editing parts of this story to make it stronger. Again, my apologies for the long waits, but I have some great ideas coming up for my next installments...plus more Kirk. ;)
To those of you still reading and reviewing, my gratitude knows no bounds. :)
"The Council unanimously denies the request of citizenship for Lauren Grayson-Reed on Vulcan II."
T'Pau's announcement came like the slamming of a judge's gavel, though nothing but her voice echoed off the tall walls of the chamber. Lauren, who had been looking at the Council members seated up high, lowered her gaze until she was staring straight ahead. The proclamation came as no surprise, but she could not deny the flicker of disappointment she felt in her chest. Rejected again. She released a slow, unheard breath through her nostrils.
It was their third appeal since the High Council's initial rejection of her citizenship. She listened quietly as Sarek, once again, went on to express his displeasure with the decision. He did not bother to disguise his words in the Vulcan tongue, as Lauren had developed a firmer grasp on their language and would have been able to understand this time. There was little he tried hiding from her, and she appreciated the notion. Normally, she would have smiled inwardly, but she repressed the action.
"…and despite her contributions to ambassadorial missions," he was speaking, "you once again deny her the chance to reach her true potential and beyond…"
The words were clear, but her thoughts wandered elsewhere, to events that were not related to Vulcan II. With all she had come to know in the past month—along with other unavoidable issues—her emotions were a little more agitated than usual, and she needed to keep them in check. It took work, but extra meditation assisted with the ability to do just that. Over the passing days, she had calmed significantly, but often times she found herself dwelling on recent happenings. Much like now.
With a mental push, she brought herself back to the present, looking at her uncle while he addressed his colleagues. It never ceased to amaze her that he still fought so adamantly on her behalf. In the six Earth-months she had lived with him, he continued to demonstrate how important she was as a part of his family. It also amazed her how focusing on his voice helped to soothe her rampant thoughts; perhaps it was as a result of residing with him for an extended period.
"The decision has been made," one of the ministers stated firmly. "There will be no further discussion on the matter at this time."
"As we both understand. And though we will respectfully accept your ruling, know that we plan once again to submit a request to appeal."
"Ambassador, we remind you that your appeals will yield conclusions that you—and your niece—will deem disappointing. Do you wish to continue subjecting her to such humiliation and ridicule due to your efforts?"
Lauren raised her eyebrows at the suggestion. As if reading her thoughts Sarek turned to her, and she caught his eye for a moment before giving him a subtle nod.
"Ministers," he went on, "I never undertake these endeavors unless Lauren has agreed to them in the first place."
Quiet filled the room again, and some of the ministers seemed to shift their attention back to T'Pau. Her focus was on the human girl below, clad in an elaborately embroidered dark blue tunic. "Lauren Grayson-Reed, is it your intention to appeal the decision made on this day?"
Raising her chin slightly, she answered quite clearly, "It is."
The female's expression remained unchanged, but her gaze lingered on her a moment longer. "The Council will reconvene in ten weeks time to once again consider your arguments for citizenship. Until then, this session has come to an end." She held up her hand in salute. "Live long and prosper."
Lauren and Sarek responded in kind, and when they turned to depart, he draped an arm across the back of her shoulders. He was aware that all the Council members had seen.
After passing a few Vulcans out in the corridor, Sarek quietly conceded, "I had hoped the outcome would not be so disappointing on this day."
Smiling softly, she gave a small shake of the head. "We knew it was probably going to happen."
His eyebrows rose very slightly. "That makes it no less impactful on you, and it does concern me."
"It's okay. I'm okay," she assured him, and made herself believe it when she said it out loud. "Let's just go home. You want to talk more about your next off-world mission, right?"
"Affirmative. However, other arrangements have been made for the present time."
Her brow furrowed. "Like what? What did you—"
Rounding a corner, the words abruptly died in her throat, for she suddenly saw Spock walking towards them from the opposite end of the long corridor. With a shuddering breath, Lauren bolted straight for her cousin, not caring when passersby turned their heads to see.
Also unconcerned with witnesses, Spock mirrored her actions, lengthening his strides in order to close the distance between them at a faster rate. The goal was achieved in a matter of seconds, and Spock went to one knee as he caught her in a fierce embrace. He did not pick her up and spin her around as a human might have, but held her to him tightly, being careful not to apply excessive pressure to her comparably fragile form.
It was as though time slowed to a crawl, prolonging this tender moment in their minds. They needed this; both of them. So much had occurred over the past three weeks, and communicating via transmission screens hardly compared to the power of this reunion. It did not take long for him to feel a slight dampening through his shirt from her tears. She did not sob uncontrollably in his arms, but she did tremble slightly, an indication that she had been restraining the emotions for quite some time. The root of those emotions was not unknown to him.
Pulling back slightly, Spock took a moment to browse her appearance, noting the subtle changes that had taken place since his last visit. Exposure to the sun on Vulcan II had turned her skin a honey-colored hue, which made her blonde hair seem even lighter. That same hair had grown longer, evident in the length of the simple braid draped over one shoulder. Beneath his hands, he realized the muscles in her back and shoulders had acquired more of a toned quality, no doubt due to climbing trees in her beloved forest. Subtle changes, yes, but changes he had not been present to see.
No words passed between them, but their eyes spoke volumes. Lauren had been well-informed of his encounter with the nemesis known as Khan, whether by word of mouth, read in Starfleet's public archives, or through personal transmissions. However, being here and seeing the vacillating emotions crossing her features, Spock realized she had been very affected by all that had occurred, even from such a distance. Despite knowing the dangers his position entailed, Lauren worried about him. The notion touched him deeply.
Leaning his forehead against hers, it was he who finally broke the silence. "Many warm regards on your natal day, Cousin Lauren."
She could not help it; she gave a soft laugh, utterly charmed by his attempt to say "happy birthday." Other arrangements, she mused to herself as she thought of her uncle's statement. "I am…so glad to see you," she whispered.
He released a long, soft breath. "I have needed to see you," Spock admitted quietly with great conviction.
He could almost hear the smile in the shaky breath she released. "You have?"
"With all that has happened, know that one worry was always present in the back of my mind," he pulled back to look her directly in the eyes, "the fact that I might never see you again."
She felt her heart swell with sweet pain at his statement, more quiet tears falling down her cheeks. Sighing, she hugged him again, nuzzling her face against his shoulder as he welcomed the repeated gesture.
Yet this was unlike the embrace she had initially greeted him with. Her arms were wrapped around him, fingertips almost digging into his back with an underlying sense of desperation. Spock's brows knit as he held her in his arms, senses immediately going into overdrive as he attempted to analyze the perplexing aura she emitted. Something was…different about her. "Lauren?" Her arms tightened; he simply held on. "Are you well?"
He felt her nod against his shoulder. "I'm well," she exhaled. "I am well."
Instinct told him this was not the time to persist with questions, so he stroked a hand over her back soothingly. She seemed to relax acutely in his embrace.
"You didn't tell me you were coming today," she said, pulling back once more to look him.
The corners of his mouth curved upward, bringing his thumb to wipe away her tears. "Only Father was notified of my intentions. Once I knew the rest of my crew was in stable condition, I chose to reunite with you at the earliest convenience."
Mild concern crossed her features. "Your captain?"
Spock appreciated her worry for his friend. Since Jim's near-demise, it magnified how precious his relationships with humans were yet again. "He is out of danger, and insisted on my coming to see you as soon as his strength was restored."
Her relieved smile returned, for she knew how much his captain meant to him.
"Your timing is impeccable, my son." They both turned to Sarek, who approached the pair with deliberate slowness.
Spock stood to greet his father, one arm still holding Lauren close. "Greetings, Father."
Sarek placed a hand on his shoulder. "It is good to see you are well."
Spock recognized the gentle emphasis in each of his words, evidence that the ambassador was relieved to see him unharmed. "Thank you. I was pleased to be granted leave in order to convene with my family." He glanced down at Lauren. "It is also pleasing to return at a time that I know is important to Lauren."
At that, she smiled modestly. Vulcans did not celebrate birthdays in their culture the way she did on Earth, so she tried to not harbor expectations that might turn out to be disappointing. "It's not a huge deal, Spock."
He raised an eyebrow at her. "This is your fifteenth year of life, Lauren, therefore an event worth celebrating."
"Not as much as having you here alive and well is," she countered, but her statement was heartfelt, loving. "This is already more than I could have asked for."
"Yet we will still honor you in an appropriate manner," his small smile reappeared. "It is only logical."
She knew he was teasing, and she managed to stifle a laugh before saying, "My gratitude knows no bounds."
Spock regarded her. The choice of vernacular was clearly Vulcan-influenced, and had rolled off her tongue quite naturally. The manner of speech must have been due to her continuous exposure to his people. He went on to ask his father, "Am I correct in assuming that the High Council has not ruled in your favor?"
"Their unwillingness to allow Lauren to grow in our academies remains steadfast." The elder being looked at Lauren, who tried to be discreet when her eyes flicked downward. But he had seen. There was little Sarek missed after growing more accustomed to her mannerisms over the past few months. "However, let us postpone this conversation until we have returned home; it will be best to speak of such matters in private."
"Agreed," Spock said.
Lauren, who had calmed significantly since Spock's arrival, spoke up. "Will you excuse me for a moment? I just…before we go, I need to use the hygiene chamber, straighten myself up a little before we go."
Again, utilizing more vernacular used by Vulcans in public places. So interesting for Spock to hear. At the same time, though, she seemed to be disguising an ulterior motive.
"Of course, child," said Sarek.
Feeling her warmth disappear from his side, Spock observed her while she walked down the corridor in the opposite direction and disappeared into the appropriate room. Perhaps he was interpreting incorrectly, but there almost appeared to be a new kind of purpose in the way she moved. He wondered if this was due in part to her involvement in Sarek's ambassadorial assignments; perhaps they offered her the satisfaction she fervently sought in terms of being useful.
And yet, he dwelled on the peculiarity of the last embrace she had given him. Did his observations correlate with what he sensed within her? "Tell me, Father: is Lauren well?"
He stood near his son, making sure their words were not heard by others traversing the corridor. "I assure you she is well. However, Lauren has experienced certain changes in your absence, and continues to adapt to them." Spock tilted his head curiously, so Sarek continued. "These changes are biological in nature, and one particular phenomenon is unique to human females during their developmental transition."
Spock considered this for a moment, then felt his eyes widen slightly as comprehension settled in. As Mother and Nyota were human, he was not completely ignorant to what occurred with females of the species as they reached physical maturation. At the same time, he was humble enough to admit that he was unclear as to what each individual experienced. He also understood these changes must have been a great deal for Lauren to cope with, especially without her own mother to offer her guidance. It certainly explained Lauren's edginess during some of their recent conversations.
That last thought prompted him to inquire, "What of her emotions?"
"More heightened than usual," he admitted. "Evidence of this has occurred at home in the form of sporadic sharp retorts from your cousin. Of course, such behaviors are dealt with accordingly."
It was unusual to hear of Lauren requiring disciplinary action, but Spock also knew it was not uncommon for young humans to test boundaries during their teenage years.
"To balance the effects of her transition," Sarek continued, "she has increased her meditation sessions. This has been a positive course of action for Lauren to take, as the frequent application of techniques has greatly assisted in maintaining her serenity." He paused. "She has needed this, for the inevitable changes have served to remind her of how different she is from what remains of her family."
Spock locked eyes with his father, held the gaze for several seconds. "She has and always will belong to us, regardless of the differences between us," he asserted absolutely.
"As we will continue to affirm without hesitation." He paused when Lauren emerged from the hygiene chamber and started back towards them, a hand carefully smoothing the front of her tunic. "I advise you not to make this a topic of conversation in her presence," he advised Spock. "Lauren has striven to maintain discretion with this new aspect of her personal life, and she is entitled to her privacy."
"Understood," affirmed Spock, who kept his gaze on Lauren as she returned to them, her hand automatically seeking his. Calm descended upon him. Even at fifteen, she was not too old to share this sign of affection with her cousin. Despite Nyota's theory, she was apparently not ready to push him away in an effort to assert growing independence. Not just yet. So much growth would take place in her life, both physically and psychologically, but nothing would change the fact that she was still the cousin he knew and loved dearly. Nothing.
"Do I still get to pilot the shuttle home?" She piped up, a hint of eagerness finally making her eyes shine.
Spock raised an eyebrow, but Sarek gave her a gentle look. "As I promised," he acquiesced.
"Good. Come on," she pulled Spock along, "I want to show you how much better I've gotten."
He thoroughly enjoyed the certainty in her voice. "I would expect nothing less from one of our own, Lauren."
She did not look at him, but the serene smile she gave finally touched her eyes—which was his desired response—as she continued leading her uncle and cousin through the corridors of the Ministry. Her hand remained tightly clasped with Spock's the entire time.