IT'S BACK! Agh, sorry for the long wait. Blame summer classes kicking my ass. But, here's a nice new chapter before fall classes start to do the same T-T I hope you like it, more action coming soon I promise.

On a side note, I look up my Vulcan from a Vulcan dictionary online. It's good, but apparently there is no Vulcan word for toilet. This greatly confuses me.

"Abru-Tol."

"A...abruu-tol."

"Don't hold the u that long. Abru-Tol."

"Abru-Tol. Ceiling," Jim said with a smile, writing on his pad with other notes. It was Jim's third session, the first two having been the basic alphabet and phonetic sounds. Now they were starting on basic vocabulary, using the basic parts of the house as the first try. "A-bru-Tol. Abru-Tol."

Spock nodded, switching to a new word written in Vulcan on the portable screen he'd set up for their lessons. Jim had been surprised how seriously the young Vulcan was taking his teaching role. He wondered again if this was how his Spock was when teaching. "Can you read this?"

"Um...okay, I know the second part is Tol again...La...La..."

"Lan."

"Lan-Tol? So...would that be floor?"

Spock's eyebrows rose. "Yes. You were able to figure that out?"

"Well, I just kind of figured if Abru-Tol is ceiling, the maybe Lan-Tol was the opposite, so floor."

Spock nodded slowly. "You show very linear logic."

"Impressed?" he grinned.

"I admit to some astonishment since you hardly seem the type."

Jim laughed. "Why, because I'm human?"

"...Partially. Shall we review?"

"Sure."

"Kitchen."

"Af-tum," Jim said readily.

"Oven."

"Fasek."

"Freezer."

"Sumayek."

"Le-sumayek."

"Oh, right, Le-sumayek."

"Table."

"Pasu."

Before Spock could get to the next word, his mother came in. "How are the lessons progressing?"

"I'm feeling good about it," Jim said.

"He is...receptive to learning," Spock said finally. It was meant as a compliment.

Jim and Amanda both chuckled a little. "Well, how about a short break from learning? You're father's running a little late so I'm putting dinner off for just a bit. Would you like a snack to hold you over?"

Jim smiled and nodded while Spock just gave a short nod and sat down on the cushions a respectable distance from the older man. Amanda smiled and patted his hair gently before returning to the kitchen. "Heh, snack time after lessons. It's like kindergarten."

"Kindergarten?"

"It's the lowest grade level in American schools, unless you count preschool but that's more like daycare or babysitting where grownups just watch kids. In my opinion. Anyway, kindergarten is like a school that gets little kids ready for actual school. But they still get snack time and naptime."

"I see...Vulcan has something similar. We begin learning to control our bodies, but we also take short periods of rest and sustenance. And we dance."

Jim blinked and then tried not to smile at the thought of a an even younger young Spock dancing. Or older Spock dancing.

"You remember much of Earth now?"

He snapped back to attention on the here and now, even if it wasn't his now technically. "It...comes back a little easier nowadays. Still not much about my life," he lied.

"Very strange..."

"Heh, you're telling me."

"Yes? I am speaking to you."

"No, I mean...it's an Earth thing. It means "I know" or "I came to that same conclusion" or even "I feel the same way"."

"Ah..." Spock sat back, and if Jim didn't know any better he'd say he was fidgeting rather nervously with the pad he used for lessons.

"Is something on your mind?" he asked gently.

The younger boy was silent a moment before looking. "What is...Earth like? If you remember."

Jim blinked in surprise. "You mean you haven't been?"

He shook his head slightly. "No. My studies have all come first, and my parents worried I was too young to travel such a trip I believe."

"...Well, Earth is...nice. Vulcan is quite a bit hotter than most places people live. But people have learned to live in some of the most extreme conditions. Until we really got the hang of space travel and people went out to colonize other planets, Earth was facing a bit of an over population problem, which they'. Using to many recourses and space and so forth, and it was looking pretty bad from some pictures I've seen. But several decades ago they started making leaps into humanely and fairly controlling such things and getting the environment back to healthier, more natural levels.."

"I have read as such...is it still crowded?"

"Some places, yeah. Big cities like New York have lots of people living in a relatively small space. There are subways there, trains on hover tracks that move under ground so people can get around the city really fast. Do you have anything like that here on Vulcan?" Spock shook his head. "Well, it's a handy way to get around. But there's also not so crowded places, like the country. It's where people grow food for a living, and raise livestock, so there's large spaces of open land with usually one family or company working on it. Meaning the closest neighbors to one family could be a couple miles away. And those miles are covered in crops of corn, wheat, lettuce, and lots of other plants."

"Fascinating...we have developed massive green houses to help produce our vegetables and fruits and other plants, but the surface of Vulcan is too hard to farm and the plants that grow naturally in the more arid desert areas are...edible, sometimes, but their taste and texture leaves much to be desired. But there are some plants and roots that grow in caves and gorges whose tastes are much more tolerable."

Jim had to resist grinning at that. It was times like this he could really see his future first officer in the young Vulcan. Another idea struck him and he smiled. "Oh yeah, and there's snow."

Spock's attention piqued more. "My mother has mention snow before..."

Jim did grin now. "It's a lot of fun. Kids on earth have snow ball fights where they bunch the snow up into balls and throw them at each other."

"How is fostering aggressive use of projectiles fun?"

"It's not meant to be aggressive. It's just a game, like tag or hide and seek."

"..."

"You've never played those?"

He shook his head.

"Ah...well, tag is a game where you have a group of kids. One of them is "it", that is the person that has to chase the rest of them. If the person who's "it" tags you, you become "it" and have to chase everyone else."

"You...use your hands to "tag"?"

"Uh, yeah, usually..."

Spock blushed a little. "I do not believe I would be comfortable with that..."

Okay...Jim thought to himself. "Well, there's also hide and seek. Again, one kid is "it", but he or she closes their eyes and counts down from a number. While they do, everyone else finds a place to hide. When "it" is done, they go out and try to find everyone. If "it" finds you, you're out. Meaning that kid looses."

"I see..."

"Kids can be safe too, by running out from their hiding place for a spot selected called "home base". If they can get there before the seeker catches them, they're safe. But the person who wins is the seeker if they can find everyone, or the last person hiding if they're never found by the time the others want to give up."

Spock nodded slowly. "This game sounds interesting. It requires strategy and a knowledge of your environment."

Jim smile at that. "They're old but popular games on Earth."

"I remember playing them when I was young too," Amanda said, setting down a tray of fruit on the table in front of them.

"That wasn't too long ago," Jim said charmingly.

Amanda just rolled her eyes with a smile and went back to the kitchen.

"...I would like to go to Earth," Spock said as he picked up a piece of a bright green melon.

"Oh?"

"I am curious of it. I would also like to see...the ocean."

Jim smiled. "Ah...nothing like that on Vulcan huh?"

Spock shook his head. "Our water wells are all underground. I have seen pictures of it..."

"I'm sure it's different in real life."

Spock nodded, eating the melon distractedly.

"...Why don't you talk to your parents about it? If you wanted to go, I'm sure your father could take you on his next trip there. He's even got one coming up, right?"

"Indeed...I would like my mother to come too though. She has been unable to visit since my birth."

Wow, seven years... Jim smiled. "I'm sure she'd like that. You could make a little family vacation out of it. Or at least kind of, with your dad working..."

"...I would like you to come as well."

Jim blinked in surprise. "Me?"

"Yes. We would not leave you here on your own. Perhaps it would help you recover your memories. And it would be interesting to have you along."

Jim smiled a little. "Well, I wouldn't mind..." Maybe I could find a way back to my time then too. "I'd like to see the ocean again too...uh, at least I think I've seen it before."

"If you were traveling in a shuttle, more than likely you have at least from a distance."

"Yeah..."

"Do you not remember why you were in a shuttle still?"

Jim considered telling the boy again, but saw the curious black eyes looking into his and felt he couldn't. It was just too much to put on a little boy, saying he was from the future and needed to get back to prevent the little boy's planet from being devoured by a black hole, along with his mother. He had a feeling that wouldn't go over well, and likely he'd be committed to the looney bin. Or punched by the diminutive Vulcan, which would still hurt worst than most human punches. And in all honesty, there was probably a better choice than a seven year old to trust with this information, no matter how smart he is or who he'll be when he's grown up. Changing the time stream that much could come back to bite him in the ass. "Not yet..."

"I am curious why you were..."

"Heh, you're telling me."

"Spock wants to go to earth?" Amanda asked in surprise. Jim had noticed that though they had discussed it several days ago, Spock was too nervous to bring it up whenever he had the opportunity. He supposed Spock just wasn't in the habit of asking for such things.

"Yeah, we talked about it a while ago. I don't think he's quite gotten the nerve to ask, but I know you said Sarek has a trip coming up so I thought..."

"I see..."

"He wants you to come too. He said you haven't gotten to visit in a long time."

Amanda looked surprised again before smiling warmly. "Ah...I'd like that. You would come too though, of course."

"He said that too," Jim chuckled.

"...I suppose we could take you home then."

Jim straightened. "Home? Uh, but I don't..."

"It would be easier if you were on Earth to remember though, don't you think? Oh, don't get me wrong Jay," she set her hand on his shoulder. "I love having you here. You're more than welcomed to stay, but...You've recovered well from the crash four months ago. You don't need us to look after you, and truth be told I think your more than capable of looking after yourself. Neither Sarek or I want to keep you here if you would have a better chance of finding your home on Earth. I...had thought to suggest you going with Sarek."

Jim felt his heart sink a little. He knew that he wouldn't be able to stay forever. He was astonished he'd stayed as long as he had. Besides Starfleet academy, he'd had not settled anywhere longer than a couple of months since high school. He knew he'd have to leave, but somehow hearing Amanda say it made it more real. It hurt in a way. But he took a deep breath and nodded. "You're...probably right. But in that case, I'd really like you and Spock to come."

She smiled. "That would be nice...I'll have to talk to Sarek about it. Convince him that Spock can miss a few days of lessons here to come with us."

"Think you can manage?"

"Oh I think I can. I got him to marry me, didn't I?"

Jim chuckled, but it was quieter than usual. His mind was still revolving around returning "home".

Jay was relaxing at home the next day, Sarek having said he would pick up Spock from school. I-Chaya's head was in his lap and he stroked over the furry head as he read a newspaper from Earth on a padd. It was odd to think that technically speaking the things he read were supposed to have been written two decades ago. So he decided not to dwell on that.

When the door opened, he looked up and was surprised to see Spock do the closest thing to a run towards him he had ever seen. "Jay, do you know?"

"Know what?"

"That we will be going to Earth." The boy was obviously excited, his body vibrating slightly as he tried to remain calm and collected. Jim looked up at Sarek, who glanced back and nodded once. Evidently, if his staying on Earth had come up with Amanda, it had yet to be relayed to Spock he was sure. At least, he hoped the kid wouldn't be so excited if he knew that part.

Jim smiled. "Ah, so it's finally been worked out huh?"

Spock calmed, giving him a calculating look. "Yes...did you talk to my parents?"

"I talked to your mom. You looked like you might've been...reticent to do so. I figured you might be upset if you missed this opportunity too so I just went ahead and asked for you. I hope that's alright?"

Spock paused before setting his school back down and bowing to him. "My thanks, Jay."

Jim liked to think that meant he would've gotten a hug if Spock was human. As it stood, he just reached out and ruffled his hair, grinning as the boy straightened immediately with an indignant blush and tried to smooth his hair down. "You're welcome."

Spock nodded just slightly before standing and going towards the stairs. "I will go pack."

Jim blinked then chuckled and tried to hide his smile. "Spock...we're not leaving for two and a half weeks. You have time."

Spock paused and Jim thought he could see the tips of his ears turn green. "You...have another good point."

Jim laughed. It's like he's going to Disney World...

"I told you, Spock, I-Chaya will have to stay here."

"But father-"

"Spock, there will be no facilities on earth to care for him while we tour the city. He will not be happy in the hotel. Your mother's family is not ready or equipped for him. And he will not be content on the trip there in the ship either. Here he will be cared for by Sevran while we are gone, who has often cared for sehlats of his own."

"...You are right father."

Sarek patted Spock's head gently. "He will be here when we return in two weeks."

"And you'll have Jay to keep you company," Amanda added with a smile, closing the trunk. Jim could see her glance at him, trying not to look sad. No one had yet to tell Spock this trip would likely mean "Jay" would be left behind. Not even Sarek, though Jim had the odd feeling it hadn't occurred to him to mention it. He probably thought it was logical.

Spock blushed slightly but turned and ushered the large animal back inside. Rubbing over his face, the young Vulcan gave him a quick hug where he thought the others couldn't see, but Jim did. "Behave yourself, I-Chaya. I will be back in a few days." The sehlat whined, nuzzling his hand. Rubbing his forehead one last time, the younger Vulcan returned and climbed into the car beside Jim in the back, Sarek and Amanda the row of seats in front of them and another Vulcan Jim wasn't familiar with driving.

"Everyone ready?" she asked. "We didn't forget anything, right?"

"I don't think so," Jim said.

"I believe not, mother."

"No one has to go to the bathroom?"

Spock blushed and Jim tried not to smile. "Mother..."

"Well, it's better to go now. Shuttle bathrooms are not the nicest, at least not till we get to the ship."

"I'm fine, mother."

"I went already."

"Alright, then we're off to the station."

The drove off and Jim tried to relax. He watched out the window as the houses passed and felt a small pain in his chest. The thought that in his timeline they had failed to save this, that in just a little over two decades this and so many Vulcans would be gone, was a thought that made it hard to breath. He looked at Amanda and it hurt even more to think this woman would be gone. A woman who had been like a motherly sister to him.

I still have to try and save her...to save Vulcan. His eyes traveled to Sarek. Maybe...Maybe if I could get Sarek alone I could convince him. I could let him do a mind meld maybe. Not fun, at least not when older other Spock did it, but it might be my only chance.

"Jay?" he jumped a little and turned to see dark eyes looking up at him. "Are you alright? You have been...deep in thought for most of the drive. Were you attempting meditation?" Spock asked.

Jim smiled. "Not exactly, just... a lot on my mind."

Spock nodded slowly. "I understand." Jim smiled more and looked up, blinking in surprise at how much their surroundings had changed. "We are almost to the shuttle station," the boy supplied to his evident confusion.

"Wow, I was pretty lost in thought."

"How does one get lost in thoughts?" Spock inquired.

"It's like letting your mind go and just thinking without realizing how much time passes or what's going on around you. Good way to cause an accident, I know that from experience."

"I see...please be careful how lost you get in your thoughts then."

Jim looked at him, somewhat surprised that Spock was showing concern for him. Then again, this Spock was a little different from his. Not just the age thing, but more open and telling in his emotions. Jim smiled and had the sudden temptation to give the mini-Vulcan a hug and tell him not to grow up into such a hard ass. He had a feeling that wouldn't go over well though.

The driver maneuvered into the shuttle park and helped them unload their luggage. Jim's first instinct was to help Spock or Amanda, but Sarek had Amanda covered and Spock apparently had no trouble with his luggage. Hiking the large backpack Amanda had given him a little higher, he instead followed them into the station.

"Ambassador Sarek." A prim (even more prim than others) Vulcan woman walked over to them.

"T'Fua," Sarek greeted. "Is something wrong? We must get to our shuttle."

"There has been a slight change of plans, Ambassador. The private cruiser, Moliere, that we had originally procured and scheduled for you and your...family had to be taken into a specialty repair shop due to unforeseen problems."

Jim didn't miss her pause before the word family and immediately disliked the woman. If Sarek noticed he didn't let on.

"That is unfortunate. Has another ship been procured?"

"In a way. By your leave, the Federation has offered to allow you onboard the ship Enlighten as it makes a return Journey to Earth. It is a light cruiser class ship, likely nearly as fast as the private ship you requested. By my calculations any delay will only be that of three hours. If you would prefer, we can arrange for another private ship, but the Enlighten is already passing by with in the next 22 minutes and thus will be here faster than waiting for another ship, which will likely take a day."

Jim's eyes widened. A Federation ship? Wow...Ironic, I got here on Federation property and now I might leave on it.

Sarek looked thoughtful. "I would prefer the privacy of a private ship...but time is important if we are to get to the Embassy on time."

"...Father?"

Sarek looked down at Spock. "Yes Spock?"

"I am...most interested in observing a Federation ship. Even a light cruiser."

"Truly?"

"Yes. I have studied what I can of the Federation in texts and I find it a fascinating idea. The chance to observe personally would be enlightening."

Jim smiled down at the smaller Vulcan, somewhat proud he had asked on his own this time for something he wanted to do.

"...Very well. T'Fua, please contact the Enlightenment, and inform them I and my family will be joining him. That is my wife, son and our..." he looked at Jim.

"Uh...Amnesiac adopted uncle?" he said with a smile. Amanda gave a small snortlike sound while trying to suppress her laughter.

"...A trauma patient in our care," Sarek decided on.

"I liked mine better."

"I will inform them," the woman said in a clipped tone, obviously disliking Jim just as much. That suited him just fine. "Please follow me. You will have to beam aboard the Enlightenment, to concern time and fuel."

Spock looked surprised and swallowed quietly. Jim smiled and walked next to him as they headed for the transporter room. "It's alright," he said quietly. "I'm sure it doesn't hurt."

"I am not afraid," Spock said back quietly.

"I know. I just meant, if you were wary, I'm sure the operators know what their doing. Worst you have to worry about is maybe ending up in my body."

Spock's eyes widened. "Has that ever happened?"

"No, I'm just messing with you."

The boy glared at him slight as the operators stacked their luggage on the pad. "Jay..."

"Just breath, it'll be over in a second." Jim stepped onto the pad, and Spock cautiously stood next to him. "You can hold my hand if you want."

Spock looked up at him in shock, a dark green blush coming to his cheeks. He hesitated before quickly looking away. "I-I am fine."

Jim blinked but shrugged it off, instead patting his head gently before the world seemed to dissolve around them.