Here we are, the last chapter (minus the epilogues), I've put it off for as long as possible. Time to bite the bullet, saying that there's another couple in this ready to bite the bullet. Can you say engagement?

The Turbo Lift

April 7th

The vine restaurant was now familiar and comfortable for both of them. It had been Nyota's idea to come here but one that Spock had readily agreed to. Her stated reasons were that they needed to get out together. The last few weeks had been stressful, their time spent together a mixture between silently giving each other space and needing to be close to each other for comfort. Spock agreed because he knew it was time to talk to her about New Vulcan. This would not be the relaxing pleasant evening that she was hoping for but at least they could enjoy a few hours over food and drinks before he raised the topic.

As Spock led Nyota into the restaurant his hand resting gently on her lower back in the human way he thought about how places can hold memories. This restaurant held memories for him. This was where he and Nyota had come two and half years ago. Thanks giving, they had only been student and teacher then but Spock had felt something for her even then./ A longing he did not understand, all he had known was that he enjoyed her company. He had never suspected how much she would change his life and yet here he was about to give her news that might make her turn from him. He did not believe that she would but he knew it was a possibility. They were both young, both had long year of life ahead of them. Spock wanted to spend them together and although he knew that Nyota loved him would this single matter be asking too much. Even he was unsure, would he really manage five year apart from her? She was his bond mate, they were not meant to be parted. But then he had never wanted to try to fit Nyota, an independent Human woman into a classical Vulcan bonding. He had seen how much it had at times pained his mother and although she had told him many times that she did not regret her decisions he remembered the arguments his parents had in his youth. Nyota respected his Vulcan nature and he respected her Human nature.

Nyota walked away from him towards the bay, he did not need to ask to know what she was thinking. They sat down together on the dewy grass looking out at the lights twinkling on the water. They had sat like this together at other times too. It seemed like a night where they were treading past footsteps. It seemed appropriate seeing as they would both soon depart to different far off place. Who knew when or if they would ever come back here to San Francisco.

"It is a pleasant night." Spock said. He enjoyed the comfortable silence and sitting next to each other sharing a view and a moment where they were both completely present in the same place, experiencing the same thing. Yet he knew that he must talk to her now. He knew that any other time would seem too late.

"Just tell me what's on your mind Spock."

He turned into her direct stare. She was curious, slightly worried but not negative.

Spock looked down. If he were a Human he would sigh. As it was all he could do was feel the need to hesitate and over come it.

"I have to help with the rebuilding of Vulcan. It is my culture and I owe it most of who I am as a person."

Nyota nodded.

"I know your cultural identity is important to you."

"Even if I were not Vulcan the survival of a species would be important to me as a scientist and a person who is respectful of all life. There is much knowledge to be protected. As a Vulcan it is the heritage passed on to me by my ancestors that I must protect for future generations of my family. I have already been told that due to the circumstances Star Fleet would be willing to give me five years leave."

Nyota was silent for a long time. She stared out across the water her eyes flickering occasionally. With her mind closed off to him there was nothing Spock could do but wait for her to comment.

"When you say rebuilding, do you mean the population?" Nyota asked her voice shaky.

The question surprised him. Did she really think that he would take up with a Vulcan woman out of sense of duty? If that was the case then he would not have started a relationship with her at all. To do so had been directly against Vulcan traditions and the plans his father had made for him as a child. He reached out to rest his hand over hers.

"No." He said gently and clearly. "I would not leave you in that manner. I would not choose another over you. You would never be replaced in my affections Nyota. You do not need to concern yourself with the possibility of me breeding. Due to the lack of Vulcan's they are even more reluctant o contaminate their D.N.A with other strands except perhaps Romulan due to their biological closeness but even though it would give strength to the future generations I doubt that many would opt for it."

"Given the fact that a Romulan was responsible for the destruction of Vulcan I doubt it to."

Nyota said with a slight hint of humour.

They were silent once more. Spock knew that Nyota needed the time to think about what he had said so he waited patiently.

"Five years." She finally sighed flinging her head back and looking up at the stars.

"It is the length of the Enterprise's maiden voyage."

"So.. we marry and then go together?" She asked not looking at him. It was more like she was asking confirmation of his own thoughts than making a suggestion herself.

Spock shook his head

"I cannot ask you.." Spock trailed off thinking just how much he really did want to ask her to come with him.

"You cannot ask me what?"

"To give up your career, or put off your career. On the enterprise you would progress quickly."

"Spock!" Nyota gasped, he could sense the surprise and fear and hurt in her now. Now she had fully realized what he was telling her.

"I can also not ask you to wait."

"You're breaking up with me?"

Spock turned to her. It was his turn to be surprised. He did not expect her to turn to that conclusion.

"That would be impossible for me to do. I do not wish to leave you. It pains me to consider being separated from you. But I have a duty..."

Nyota grabbed his shoulder her fingers slightly painful in the suddenness and strength of the grasp.

"You are not leaving me Spock."

"I have made the decision Nyota, I must help with the rebuilding of Vulcan. I would have hoped that you would respect the decision even if you do not like it."

She was shaking her head as he spoke a strange half smile gracing her lips as if she were laughing at him.

"That is not what I'm saying, physically, yes you are leaving me. I understand and yes as you know I do not like it but as you said I do respect it."

"Then I do not understand your previous statement."

Nyota shuffled up towards him and rested her head against his shoulder.

"You know, Five years is five years. and I will get leave at some point and I'm sure that there will be some times when the Enterprise is required to make deliveries to the new Vulcan colony."

"Undoubtedly. But it would be long period without us seeing each other, perhaps over a year at a time."

"I know. But I'm in this as long as you are."

"I could not proceed in any other fashion."

April 22nd

Every moment they spent together was precious. Every word seemed to hold some more importance. The fact that they did not have much time together seemed to be forever over their heads. They made love every night, sometimes passionately, sometimes slowly with hands holding each other close and words quietly whispered. They swam together in the mornings and meet up every lunchtime. In the evenings they would listen to music and talk and on their spare days they would hike. However much they tried to hold onto the passing days time continued to run out.

Then one day the orders came through. In three weeks the Enterprise would be repaired and stocked and ready to go. There would be a short ceremony and the next day it would set of on it's five year journey taking Nyota and leaving Spock himself on Earth.

Nyota talked happily that night. She talked about the people she would be serving with and the exploratory nature of the mission. Spock's emotions on the matter were mixed. He was glad that she was happy and that he had made the right decision for both of them, or for her at least. But he was also sad. There was no other word for it. He was sad.

Nyota said that she wanted an early night, too much excitement. He nodded, though he knew every moment was precious he needed to meditate and gain some more control over these emotions. He was taking the logical course of action after all. He kissed Nyota on the cheek and wished her a good night then went into his mediation room.

The sand dunes of old Vulcan loomed ahead of him. He knew he would never see these familiar places of his youth again but they were at least securely saved in his mind. He wondered how they would ever find a place like Vulcan, a ruined planet mind and scotched in it's infancy but still a home the Vulcan race had adapted to until it had become a part of them.

"Spock?"

Spock turned at the familiar voice. He saw a figure, clear as if he had seen her only a blink of the eyes before, thin blue dress rustling slightly as if stirred by a phantom wind.

"Mother?"

She stepped forwards.

"You're memory of her." She said gently.

Spock nodded.

"Why are you here?"

"Because you wished for me to be. You wished for guidance. Guidance you used to seek from me."

"But you are only a memory."

"You know in your mind what I would tell you."

"And that is?"

"You are missing something Spock."

Spock did feel the strange sensation that there was something he should have realized.

"How is Nyota?"

"She is excited to be going on her first mission."

"Is she?"

Spock thought about the question. He could feel Nyota in this state when he wished too. Sometimes he saw her in amongst the dunes wondering and searching as he did. Now when he thought about her he could feel a great sorrow that was not his own.

"Go to her Spock."

Spock opened his eyes to find himself in his dark red meditation room. The sticks of essence had burnt out but had left that cool spicy fragrance behind. They were the last he had, the lace where they were made no longer existed and this could be the last time he smelt the fragrance so connected to his youth. He said a silent goodbye to another part of Vulcan and got up to go into the bedroom.

He could hear Nyota's quiet sobbing. He stopped outside the door and for a moment allowed his hands and forehead on the cool metal. He wished he knew how to comfort her, he wished he knew of a solution that did not hurt so much and he wished that he was not tied by duty. But wishing was illogical, their decisions had been made, all that they could do was make the best of the situation by concentrating for a while upon improving themselves individually.

He pushed the pad for the door to open. Nyota immediately held her breath as if trying to hide the sobbing from him. All the excited chatter of the day had been a rouse to keep him from knowing what she was feeling. She must have closed down the link slightly as well. She didn't want him to feel guilty or forced into changing his mind. She didn't know just how much he wished he could.

He padded across the room and disrobed before lying on the bed. She stayed still. He reached out and touched her shoulder feeling the silken straps of her nightgown and cool flesh.

"I know you are sad. Do not hide your emotions from me. I wish to be able to support you in your discomfort."

Nyota let out a sob and reached up to hold his hand.

"I'm going to miss you."

April 24th

"What is it?" Nyota asked wrapping her arms around Spock's waist and glancing over his shoulder at the thick piece of cream paper he was holding.

Captain Christopher Pike

And

Lieutenant Sarah Greenland

Invite you to their wedding and after party

To take place in

San Francisco music hall.

On

May 4th

Scribbled below the indented silver writing in Chris's messy scrawl was written 'Yeah I know it's soon Spock, but hey, we're all getting older and we've loved each other for years.'

"Captain Pike is getting married?" Nyota asked rather stunned.

"Yes." Spock asked. He his lips twitch and he turned around to kiss Nyota.

His best friend was getting married and he was happy for him. He had been worried that after being paralysed Chris would grow depressed. Instead he was leading his life the way that he wanted to not held back anymore by duty. He had found a sort of freedom and happiness.

May 4th

The music hall had been standing since the early 1920's it had survived three world wars and the great San Francisco fire. Chris had said his reason for picking it was that he hoped his marriage would survive as much and the worn and yet to be repaired mouldings and flaky paintings was perfect for two people getting married at their time of life.

The hall had a high ceiling and was spacious with a curving roof, a stage and a balcony with seating. Apparently there was also a brilliant bar at back. It had been filled with rows of seats for the wedding and decorated with white and yellow roses.

Spock had chosen to wear his dress uniform, Nyota had one for a simple black dress stating that women should always dress slightly down for wedding's unless they were in the wedding party.

As they entered the full and cheerfully loud room Spock caught sight of Christopher. He was in his chair near a (admittedly pretty and younger looking that actually possible) tall red haired woman. She wore a whit suite with knee length skirt and a wide open smile. Chris looked across the room and met his eyes. He took his future wife's hand and she bent down so that he could whispered something to her and then he headed across to where Spock was standing in the entrance way.

"Hey."

"Christopher, congratulations."

"Come here."

Chris tugged him down sharply pulling him into an uncomfortable half bent over bear hug. Spock tried not to tense as he patted his shoulder. He was not comfortable with the display of friendly affection in such a open place.

"Ah, if anybody asks just tell them I'm already drunk."

Chris said laughing at Spock's expression as he pulled back.

"Are you already drunk Captain?" Nyota asked as Chris grabbed and kissed her hand.

"I've only had one Mrs Spock, just to calm the nerves." Chris winked at her.

"Can I steal your partner?"

"It depends if you're going to get him drunk again."

"Not till later, I need a best man. And there's only one person I want."

"I am honoured." Spock said truly meaning it.

"Thank you Spock." Chris clapped him on the shoulder. "You just have to stand next to me and make sure I don't do a runner. Not that I can. You don't have to give a speech, in fact I'd prefer it if you didn't."

"I did not prepare a speech but I do have some interesting facts about marriage traditions across different species."

"Like I said. I'll take a miss."

Nyota sleepily rested her head against Spock's shoulder as they swayed lightly to the music. She had perhaps had one or two drinks more than was wise and didn't seem to have the energy to keep dancing but whenever Spock suggested she sit down she just shook her head and pulled him closer.

"Mind if I cut in?"

Chris and Sarah Pike were coming towards them. Nyota pulled away and leant in to kiss Sarah on the cheek.

"It was a beautiful ceremony."

"Thank you."

"I was hoping we could swap partners." Chris said.

"Swapping me for a younger model already." Sarah laughed.

"I'd be glad to." Nyota said.

She walked behind Chris to a empty spot on the dance floor.

Spock closed off his telepathic receptors and offered Sarah Pike his hand. She took it and the started in an easy waltz.

"You make strange friends you know Mr. Spock, but Christopher tells me you are the best man he knows."

"The regard is mutual."

She smiled brightly at him.

"You are going to Vulcan?"

"Yes."

"With that pretty young lady?" She asked glancing toward Nyota who was laughing as Chris tried to spin his chair.

"No. She is going on the Enterprise."

She paused for a moment and gave him a curious glance. Spock increased pressure on her waist for a second to remind her to keep dancing.

"I believe the phrase is long distance relationship."

She smiled.

"Mr Spock. Take it from somebody who knows, a career is a fantastic thing, loving your job is a fantastic thing. But loving anther person is worth so much more. You will get too old for the job and you will suddenly realize that it wasn't worth it because you have nobody to share those memories with. Chris and I had a second chance, well a fifth, but you might not get those chances."

Spock nodded.

"All situations are different."

"Not as different as you think."

The music ended and Chris was walking toward them to reclaim his wife.

"Make him happy."

"I will."

"Make her happy."

Spock thought about how that was all he wanted for a long time. To make Nyota happy but he had failed lately.

May 14th

The last bags had been sent the day before. Spock had made a healthy and stomach friendly breakfast so Nyota would not get turbulence sickness. As they sat across from each other they didn't seem able to think of anything to talk about. Finally Nyota took a deep breathe and put her spoon down. She didn't look at him as she spoke.

"I'll save up all my holiday time for the first year and then hope that we're close enough in the galaxy to meet up somewhere."

Spock nodded.

"It won't be easy."

"No it won't. Be aware that the link may weaken over a large distance."

Nyota nodded.

"We've had a lot of goodbyes."

"And there have always been hellos afterwards."

Nyota gave a weak smile.

"Do you wish me to accompany you to the hanger?"

"No. Don't you have some work to do?"

"Yes, but I would still come if you had wished it."

Nyota smiled and went up to him. She kissed him on the cheek and Spock could feel the tears damp on her cheeks.

"I have to report in now. Bye Spock."

"Nyota." Spock reached out to take her hands.

"Please don't Spock. I'll be fine once I've got on the ship. I just can't… can't face saying goodbye to you."

Spock nodded. They had held each other throughout the night whispering promises of love and exploring each others minds and bodies. He would let her have what she felt she needed now.

"Your personal message schedule is every seventh star date." Spock said.

On Star ships with such large crews their were set times and days that messages could be sent out so as not to overtax the computers.

"I know. I'll e-mail you every Wednesday."

"As will I."

Nyota wiped a tear from her face and kissed him one last time longingly and sweetly and then turned to leave.

Spock felt a deep emptiness at her departure.

May 14th

Spock was running through the duty list with the star fleet officers going out on a science expedition. They were going to take advantage of the Enterprise warp eight drive and ride their warps stream. When he was confident that they fully understood their orders he left intending to go back to his apartment and give himself time to adjust to it's emptiness.

As he walked through the bay he felt a familiar telepathic presence. He stopped for a moment to try and figure out where he knew it from, to feel it so powerfully it must be a Vulcan he had known for a long time but he obviously didn't know him well enough to identify them immediately. He continued walking glancing around. The shuttle bay was full of the last members to be taken out to the Enterprise. He found himself not wanting to look at them, he knew Nyota had already left and he wondered how long it would take for the pain in his side to stop. He potted a tall robed figure watching the taking off of one of the shuttles. A Vulcan, familiar to him. He thought for a second that it was his father and wondered why he was in the hanger when he was supposed to be in a meeting. He speed up and followed him.

"Father?"

The older Vulcan turned around. There was something vary familiar about his features but Spock knew he had never meet him before. That in itself was odd as there were not many elderly Vulcan's on Earth. The resources had been put to saving the young and the healthy that could still breed.

"I am not our father." There are so few Vulcan's left, we cannot afford to ignore each other."

It was the word 'our' that made it click in Spock's mind. He was looking at an older version of himself. He could see his features now, his Human eyes in the Vulcan face.

It all made sense but without the evidence in front of him his mind would not have accepted it. He knew that Kirk had hidden some kind of knowledge from him. Mainly how he had gotten back on board the Enterprise. And the red matter ship had known him.

Spock took a step forwards intrigued by this older duplicate. He, the older him took this as a sign to approached and strolled over to him talking as he walked.

There are so few Vulcans left, we cannot afford to ignore each other."

"Then why did you send Kirk aboard, when you alone could have explained the truth?"

"Because, you needed each other. I could not deprive you of the revelation of all that you could accomplish together. Of a friendship, that would define you both, in ways you cannot yet realize."

He tried to hid his confusion at these words. he would think them over later.

"How did you persuade him to keep your secret?"

" He inferred that universe-ending paradoxes would ensue should he break his promise."

"You lied. "

"Oh, I... I implied." He hesitated, rolled his eyes and raised his eyebrows. He was so comfortable with the Human gestures. Spock wondered if he could ever act like that? To be so comfortable with his Human half.

" A gamble?" He asked.

"An act of faith. One I hope that you will repeat in the future at Starfleet. "

" In the face of extinction, it is only logical I resign my Starfleet commission and help rebuild our race."

"And yet, you can be in two places at once. I urge you to remain in Starfleet. I have already located a suitable planet on which to establish a Vulcan colony. Spock, in this case, do yourself a favour. Put aside logic. Do what feels right. "

The older him turned away and walked a few steps before turning back.

"Since my customary farewell would appear oddly self-serving, I shall simply say good luck." He held his hand up in the traditional Vulcan farewell and Spock still shocked at the fact that an older version of him had wished him luck, an illogical concept that he did not assign to held his hand up in reply.

Spock stayed standing the shuttle bay for a long time. He had just meet another version of himself. That should make him question a lot of things, make new conclusions on reality and the possibility of writing new papers as he had just proved the existence of alternate realities.

But he did not think of these things. He thought of the advice that the older version had given him. The other Spock was not him per se, but he had some of his memories and was an elder with more life experience, he had been able to lie, to take acts of faith and put aside logic. He was the only other half Human half Vulcan in existence. And he had told him to remain in Star Fleet. He knew the way that Spock's life could turn out he knew the paths that were available for him and having lived one of those available life's he had urged him upon a specific path. Star Fleet, or Nyota. Spock did not really know how much the other him knew.

Spock pressed his communicator.

"Depree?"

"Yes Sir."

"Are there any more shuttles with free places going to the Enterprise?"

"Just loading up the last one Sir. It'll be ready to leave in thirty seconds."

"Stop that shuttle."

"What sir?"

"Delay the shuttle till I get there. That is an order."

The turbo lift doors slide open and he found himself on the bridge of the Enterprise. He looked around, the fractures to the view screen and roof had been repaired well. Spock could see signs that the entire ceiling plate had been replace. His eyes drifted to Nyota. She was looking at him with surprise. He sent a small pulse for affection trough their link as a welcoming. Then he turned to Jim Kirk. He looked like a Captain, comfortable in his seat, confident and ready for whatever may come.

"Permission to come aboard, Captain."

" Permission granted. " Jim answered with a smile.

"As you have yet to select a first officer, respectfully, I would like to submit my candidacy. Should you desire, I can provide character references. "

"It would be my honour." Jim gave him a companionable smile before turning to Sulu.

Spock went to sit in the science station, that had been the easiest position he'd ever got. Apparently Kirk was still feeling some kind of loyalty towards him due to their shared experiences. Spock had to admit they had worked well together and despite his first impressions could see them working well together in the future. It seemed the older version of him's predictions were already starting to come true.

"Commander." Kirk said turning to Sulu. "Manoeuvring thrusters, Mister Sulu."

"Thrusters on standby."

"Take us out."

"Aye aye, Captain."

There was that slight discomfort as they went to warp. Spock watched the engine monitor. All clear, the Enterprise was definitely fixed. He waited ten minutes, his heartbeat thumping in his ears. He was nervous, though he knew there was no reason to be. This was what Chris called a grand gesture. All systems were working fine. He could leave his station with good cause. He knew that to not ask the Captain would be a bad start to his new position but a long time study of Human behaviour told him that he would be forgiven.

He stood up and walked over to Nyota's station. She smiled up at him with the widest most beautiful smile he had seen in two months. She opened her mouth to speak but then looked around realizing that they had to be careful about showing their relationship, though of course everybody on the bridge already knew. Yes, members of the ship were allowed to date and on long missions it was accepted that it happened but it was good manners to keep it quiet and not let it affect the way they worked. They both knew how to keep professional around each other they had three years of practise.

You changed you're mind

Nyota's inner voice was high pitched and happy.

Yes, I apologize that it took so long.

But what about Vulcan?

There is another who can fill my place. However there is nobody else to fill the place at your side.

The science station?

Nyota joked.

No, your bondmate. Come with me.

Spock was already walking to the turbo lift. Not the most romantic of places but it was private and they would not be absent long enough to cause serious concern.

What? Nyota seemed surprised and puzzled but she got up and followed him. He pressed the button to close the doors of the turbo lift and took a step towards Nyota so that there was only a few inches between their bodies.

"Spock where are we going?"

"I do not know I have not read our mission orders yet though it seems we are heading in the direction of Ghotti's nebula."

Nyota stared at him and shook her head. He continued to talk.

"I cannot be separated from you for five years or even a year. I cannot be separated from you for a single moment."

He reached into his pocket and took out the small ring box that had been lying untouched in his bedside cabinet for several months. He saw Nyota's eyes widen as he knelt down in front of her on one knee. She gasped when he flipped the lid open.

"Nyota Uhura, Will you marry me and become my legal wife and travel to new Vulcan to receive the full bonding ceremony as soon as it is possible to do so?"

There were tears standing n Nyota's eyes she blinked a couple of times. She opened her lips to speak but as she did so the noise of the turbo lift doors opening made her turn around.

Doctor McCoy and Captain Kirk were stood on the other side of the door looking in stunned open mouthed silence between the two of them.

Spock reached up and pressed the door closed button again.

"Occupied, please take the lift to your left." Spock said as the doors slide shut leaving them alone again.

"Spock that was the Captain." Nyota said turning back to him.

"Nyota I require an answer, or if you require time to consider.."

Nyota's arms were flung round his neck knocking him backward, her soft body pressed against his.

"Yes, yes of course, I .. Spock.. I . Yes."

Spock smiled. He pushed her gently away from him so that he could capture her lips in a kiss. One of may they would share over the course of their lives but it didn't make it any less special.

He pulled away.

"I love you Nyota."

"I love you Spock."

Nyota kissed him again hungrily. The kiss was so intense that Spock barely noticed the turbo lift doors opening and Captain Kirk's voice ask "Well, did she say yes."

Nyota must have noticed though because her hand reached up for the close door button once again.

"With all due respect Captain. The lift is OCCUPIED!" She said breathlessly between kisses.

Jim Kirk stared in disbelief at the door of the turbo lift. Had he really just seen his unemotional newly appointed second in command making out on the floor of a turbo lift? He knew this mission was going to bring surprises but they had only just left dock. He turned to look at Bones. He was grinning.

"I really can see myself being friends with that guy. He's not a big and arse as I first thought."

"Should I record the insubordination?" Jim asked.

"Nah, nobody heard it."

Jim turned to look around his bridge. All eyes were turned to him and the turbo lift. It was obvious that everybody had seen some glimpse of what was going on in the lift. Their faces ranged from confused, to happy, to holding back fits of child like giggles.

"It was a one off. And special circumstances, call it my wedding present." Jim said loudly enough for it to be heard He Didn't want his crew to think they could all get away with hogging turbo lifts for personal reasons.

"Shit looks like I'm going to be performing a wedding. I would never have thought I'd be doing that."

"Nor did I." Bones agreed.

"I'm going to loose my rep."

"There are always bridesmaids Jim boy."

"Oh yeah."

Jim smiled. He imagined that Nyota Uhura soon to be Mrs. Spock had some very attractive friends.

The end (kind of).

Got a few epilogue chapters to go.