New chapter, yay! :D I'm sure many of you want to know what Spock will say to Jim...but I am mean and instead bring you a lead up chapter entirely from Spock's POV till he got there XD Hey, it's important I promise. And damn, I wrote this in one day...
Oh, and I've gotten a few comments about things like spelling and grammar. I appreciate the look out, I seriously do. As it stands I don't have a beta reader and I'm working on things I hope one day to professionally publish, so those get a bit more attention in rereads and what not. I do this for fun and because I really enjoy making you all and myself happy. So if I mess up typing quickly know it certainly was not intentional, and I do appreciate the look out but editing is just not a top priority right now with my fanfiction, more with my original fiction. Thanks again!
Shortly after his Captain had disappeared from radar in their ships small landing vessel, Commander Spock had quickly marched to his elder counter part. "Do you know what is going on?" he asked seriously in a quiet voice, eyes locked on the other.
The elder Vulcan looked at him as well before casting his eyes down. "I have...a likely suspicion. If we may talk in private?"
He nodded once and turned. "Mr. Scott, you are in charge."
"Oh God," someone from the audience said, but Spock ignored the outburst and quickly pulled the other Vulcan away. He led him to a private conference room, locking the door behind him. Rather than sit, he paced around the side of the table. Nervous energy ran through him, anger and confusion that he kept bottled deep down making him move like a wind up toy.
"What was he thinking?" Spock muttered.
"I believe he sought to change the past."
Spock's head snapped to his counterpart. "Change the past?" His incredulity almost broke the surface of his control.
"Indeed. I blame myself," the older Vulcan said with a world weary slump of his shoulders. "Captain Kirk is aware of who I truly am. That I am you from another dimension in a future time."
"I know that," Spock said lowly.
"Yes. But in my...familiarity with him, I spoke of adventures from my world. Several involved time travel. We were able to save Earth by one method. I believe Jim is trying to save Vulcan by returning to the past."
Spock stared in shock before sitting down. "You are telling the truth?"
Dark eyes narrowed at him. "I do not lie. And I would not lie about something such as this."
He nodded slowly "Indeed I do not believe you would...What are the chances that he was successful?"
"I cannot be certain. I did not tell him the exact formula to calculate the variables. The James Kirk of my world was indeed greatly intelligent, but Mr. Scott's knowledge was invaluable in figuring out our own problem as well as mine. I fear likely he has..."
Spock narrowed his eyes in thought before quickly going to the computer of the room. "Computer, bring up all files Captain Kirk has read in the last twenty four hours."
"Confirmed," the mechanical voice said, bringing up dozens of files on time travel.
Spock glossed over articles he had read before out of mere curiosity, and speed read several pages of others. "Fascinating...he must've spent all the time he had leading up to the ceremony to read these. But reading can't do it all..." He stood and quickly headed out the door. His elder self followed him as he marched down the hall and through the turbo lift until he came to the Captain's Quarters. "Override code Spock, Beta, Ontario, Sov-tuhk."
There was a beep and the door slid open. Good, he did not rework his lock here. He made his way inside and sat at the Captain's computer, quickly searching through the files. He found a file open and was surprised to find it was a tablet program that had an equation written out.
"He did it..." Elder Spock said in awe. Then he frowned and moved in closer. "No..."
"Something is wrong?" Spock said sharply.
"Yes...and no. He calculated nearly correctly by combining many of the listed theoretical equations. Much like how I gave Mr. Spock an equation he would one day stumble upon himself, Jim has somehow figured out this equation on his own before Scotty did. However, he has made one error in calculation." He pointed to one part of the equation. "I believe he was attempting to go back no more than two years ago in order to warn Vulcan and Earth. However, this variable would instead take him back by a span of decades..."
"So there is a possibility he is alive, but ten years or more in the past..." Spock said quietly.
"Yes. I will give your Jim credit, he is most ingenious."
"He is not 'mine'. And further, I may kill him should he return..."
"We must bring him back somehow. I realize he has good intentions, but there is no telling what he can and will change in the past. And he is needed for the future of this world."
"He has made his choice—"
"There are things that James T. Kirk must face down in this world," his Elder Self said seriously, staring down at him hard. "Others may try and perhaps succeed, or likely fail where he succeeded. These failures could bring about catyclismic consequences."
Spock stared back just as hard. "He is not the Kirk you know," he said slowly and deliberately.
The elder wasn't fazed. "I know that. He has had a harder, different life than the Jim I knew and that has made him different in many aspects. But at his core he is still the fearless, caring, intelligent and driven man I know. That is the true Captain Kirk I know, and that is the Captain Kirk that drove the ship out to save a planet that wasn't even his that was destroyed."
Spock felt a tightness in his chest and look down. He and Kirk had been rocky at the start of their relationship, and while not 'friends', as his counterpart had prophesized, they had become more comfortable. He had begun to see the insane ability his Captain had of thinking around or through an obstacle in the most unbelievable ways. Somehow he was usually a success. He took losses hard though, especially when he lost people. In the first few months of his Captaincy the cocksureness would melt away when he thought no one was looking into a fear that made him practically sick. It was mostly with Dr. McCoy's help he made it through and began to mature. He treated everyone on the crew with respect on duty, joking with them off duty and eventually won over the crew. Even Nyota had eventually and grudgingly begun to enjoy his company. Spock had begun to see the beginnings of a great Captain before this incident.
"...It was a foolish decision. And it is a further foolish decision to go after him."
The elder man's expression eased. "But you will."
"Yes. I cannot allow my Captain to do this. There is no telling what could go wrong." He stood. "I will need another vessel, preferably larger and better suited to this endeavor."
After a moment of consideration he nodded. "Yes, that will be best. Others should go with you—"
Spock was shaking his head. "I will not risk the rest of the crew. Either I shall succeed and bring Kirk back, or this will end with me and the matter will be put to rest with no further loss of valuable crew members. If he has gone into the past, I am the most qualified as I am native to Vulcan, fluent in the language and history and will hopefully be able to blend in. I also doubt that any vessel will be able to remain in orbit for the time required so an extra crew will not be needed. I can land my vessel, hide it, find Kirk and use extra fuel to return as long as it is not a large vessel requiring many hands."
Elder Spock stared before nodding resolutely, though he did not look pleased. "You make logical points...I believe you have developed skills I had not at your age in terms of leadership." He stood. "I have a ship that will do you well in my ownership I believe. An investigation will be launched soon regarding what the Captain has done. I would recommend we do this quickly. Call together the rest of the bridge crew as they should be made aware of what is happening should things go wrong and can help us get things ready."
Spock nodded. "I will be back shortly." He returned to the bridge to see many still in shock and conversing animatedly about what had happened moments ago. Moving around the room, he subtly got the attentions of Nyota, Mr. Sulu, Mr. Chekov, Mr. Scott and Dr. McCoy and told them to join him as quickly as possible at the captain's quarters. Oddly these were the most trusted people that came to mind. Once they were all reassembled, Dr. McCoy was the first to speak up.
"You have any damn idea what that idiot did?" he yelled. "He just got himself killed! That..." the doctor struggled for words and Spock believed he recognized grief in his expression. Apparently he forwent denial and went straight to anger in his stages.
Nyota put an arm around him, attempting to bring comfort though she too looked ready to cry. Chekov and Sulu were similarly affected, though Mr. Scott looked more thoughtful than anything.
"I do not believe his own death was the Captain's intention," Elder Spock said. "And it is possible he is still alive."
They all looked at him in shock, McCoy taking a step forward. "Are you serious?" he asked, voice quieter than Spock had ever heard.
"Yes. I believe that Captain Kirk may have tried a risky maneuver of a slingshot method to travel through time."
Further shock mounted upon them and Spock wondered if they would truly believe this. Part of him barely believed it. "Are you serious?" Sulu finally asked. "Is that even possible."
"In theory. There are several large stars a few lightyears away comparable to Earth's sun and-"
"Use the breakaway effect to create an artificial timewarp!" Scotty said excitedly. "He must've rigged Galileo to burn up the fuel at a high enough rate to achieve warp, the cunning bastard! That explains why his signal vanished so suddenly!"
"Or he burned up around the star," McCoy said morosely.
Spock prime shook his head. "I believe he was successful. However, he will likely encounter problems with fuel and power on coming out of the warp."
"Aye," Scotty said more worriedly.
"Why vould he do zat?" Chekov asked, also looking critical but excited. "It could mean certain death..."
"To save Vulcan," Uhura said quietly. "Why else do it here and now?"
Sulu laughed suddenly, leaning against the wall. "Oh god...I knew he was crazy, but I never would've thought he was this crazy!"
"How do we get his crazy ass back is what I want to know," McCoy said.
"I will take the same route and attempt to find him," Spock said.
All eyes turned to him, once more gaping.
"You're both insane!" McCoy shouted. "Jim does this and you gotta follow along? A second in command only has to go so far!"
"I do this to ensure the safety of our time stream as well as the captains," Spock ground out. "Though his intentions are admirable, there is a chance he will do something to further endanger the present."
"But if he's only gone back a year it shouldn't be bad," Sulu said. "How much could he really change that far back? He'd probably even just catch up to us.
"That is part of the problem," Elder Spock replied. "I believe, having looked over the equation he wrote, it is more likely he would end up more than a decade in the past."
There was another moment of silence before McCoy groaned. "That far back I wouldn't be surprised if he caused the goddamn apocalypse..."
"I don't think it would be that bad," Scotty said. "But he could certainly influence the good things as well as the bad. So, when do we leave?" he asked, rubbing his hands together gleefully.
"We do not. Only I will be going."
"Spock, you can't be serious," Uhura said, stepping forward. "Won't it be easier with a group?"
"Easier perhaps, but it will endanger all of you."
"We're the crew of the Enterprise. Danger isn't exactly threatening anymore," McCoy said with a cross of his arms.
"I do not doubt your bravery, any of you," Spock said. "I have seen you all in action and you constantly rise above my expectations. I have no doubt you would do so on a mission such as this as well."
"The vhy leave us behind?" Chekov asked.
"Because, I do not wish to further endanger the crew of this ship. If I do not return, I can trust no one else to ensure it is run safely and that whoever is placed in charge will do the job satisfactorily." Spock hoped the fact he didn't want to lose any of them was implied well enough without being obvious. Uhura smiled a small bit so he was sure she understood his unspoken worry. The others appeared to be mixes of desires to argue and resignations. "Soltek has a ship I may use. We will need some help to outfit it quickly while the federation holds the Enterprise for investigation. With any luck I will be back with the captain before they claim us dead. He will likely face punishment..."
"I can figure something out," McCoy said. "Maybe something made him go a little crazy so he can plead temporary insanity. Not exactly a lie, though his brand of insanity isn't temporary."
Spock's lips twitched. "Indeed. We will need to make further plans. It will take time, but I intend to be out in the next few days while we are docked nearby for the investigation."
"The admirals were already telling me that we'd be heading there soon," Sulu said. "They're just waiting to see if he comes back like it's a prank. I don't think it is though, huh?" Spock shook his head. "Alright. They might want me there to get to the base soon. I'll head back to the bridge, the rest of you plan and fill me in later."
"Very good, Mr. Sulu," Spock said. He sat down on an extra chair. "Find a place to sit. We may be here a while."
It was approximately five days, eight hours and forty-two minutes after the incident that Spock made his way through the city like base to another docking area away from the Enterprise. The investigation Starfleet launched had gotten in the way of much of their time. Each of them had been pulled into questioning to inquired about their Captain's state of mind, his possible enemies, intentions, the repercussions they foresaw and so forth. Spock had remained relatively calm through the questioning of course, though phrased some of his answers to not give away their own plan.
The others all did well. Nyota had been somber as if missing a friend and spoke only of what she should know. Dr. McCoy railed against his friend and captain's stupidity until he was dismissed. Sulu exercised an amount of calm Spock admired as he dictated the facts he was supposed to know of. Scotty played the bagpipes whenever possible, and then answered with sorrow of how he didn't understand. Chekov had been the one they all worried about as he had never been in an interrogation situation, even after the Narada because everyone's account matched up. But the youngest of them acted sad and remorseful as he answered, with likely little actual acting involved, until he was released and returned to a determined and bright individual.
"I am part of Starfleet, not a vhimpering little boy. But if it gets me out faster, I am not unopposed to using my advantages," he grinned when Uhura asked how he was after.
In between interrogations they all did what they could to help prepare for the second instance of insanity that week. Sulu and Chekov plotted the best course for Spock to take around a large enough star for the slingshot to work. Spock had to admit working together they had done very well. Uhura managed to somehow get her hands on clothing that would help him blend in on Vulcan. Luckily, fashion didn't change much, but he had not taken his own clothing with him when he left so he hand none of his own. McCoy did a safety check of the ship and ensured he had plenty of medical supplies as well as food and water in case he needed it. And Scotty ensured that the engine would reach the necessary speeds and, somehow, had plenty of fuel. Spock had been admittedly surprised when on his visit to see how things were progressing, enough dilithium to cover possibly three trips stored away.
"I didn't steal it from the enterprise, don't worry. I just know a guy who knows a guy who knows a girlfriend of a guy, lets say."
Spock chose not to ask further and just be grateful.
He had also thought of telling his father their plans, but could not bring himself to do so. Logically he told himself that he should not involve more people than necessary and already there was a large group involved. Inside, he did not wish to worry his father or bring about hope in him that would likely not come to fruition. Their planet was gone, he did not think it was possible to change that.
Finally came a day when likely none of them would be needed for any more questions and that was this day. Spock moved through the crowds until he got to the ship docks at the other side, where his elder self had his ship. It was a newer ship by their time's standards, so keeping it hidden in the past would be imperative, but it was also more energy efficient and faster than older ships. It even had a cloaking device installed, which Spock was questionable of but again grateful for in the scope of this mission.
Spock boarded the ship, his older self looking things over. "Today seems like the most viable day to do the maneuver," he said.
The elder Vulcan nodded. "I thought so as well. I have already alerted the others through a coded message."
"Why, they are not coming."
"No, but they will wish to wish you good luck and say goodbye. Allow them, please. It is a human custom true, but it gives them peace of mind."
Spock nodded slowly. "I understand..." The last words you said to someone who would be gone could be very important.
"I'm sure you do. Go ahead and change first, I will finish ensuring we are ready."
He nodded again and went to the back area where everything was stored. He brought the clothes out and looked over the blue and white cloth. It was familiar to him in a way a familiar pattern always was. He'd worn clothes like these in his teenage years on Vulcan when his black elementary uniform was no longer required. He remembered his first day wearing them and his mother plucking at them as if to ensure they sat right...
Shaking his head, he began to undress. He knew there was the possibility of seeing her depending on how far back he went, but he was determined not to. To do so would be giving in to an emotional weakness within. He missed her, he admitted, but to see her again only to leave as soon as possible would...it would be detrimental to his psyche he believed. Kirk could save her if this works, part of him said. Hope like that was not logical though and would likely hurt more than help.
After he changed, he moved back out to the ship proper to see the others arrived and waiting for him. They all looked him over.
"Huh. Never seen you out of uniform, Spock. It's weird," McCoy said.
Uhura struck the back of her hand against his chest but then smiled at Spock. "You look good." Going over, she hugged him gently. There was no fire or passion in their relationship any longer, but the cool embrace was comforting. "You better come back. With our crazy captain."
"I will do what I can."
"Mr. Spock?" He looked over to Chekov who stepped forward rather nervously. "I realize that luck and superstition are likely not a very Vulcan things...but please take this." He held out a hand and Spock held his out to receive whatever it was. A medallion of some kind hit his band, gold on a long gold chain. Spock brought it up to look at it more closely. An image of an old man carrying a child was on it and he vaguely recognized it. "It is Saint Christopher. My papa gave it to me before I left to keep me safe, it has been in our family a long time. I am not as devout as he and others of my family, but I knew the thought was to keep me safe as I traveled. I hoped it will do the same for you."
Spock was surprised. He looked at the medal again before looking to Chekov. "Are you certain? It is of sentimental value to you , is it not?"
Chekov smiled. "As Uhura said, you vill return. Give it back then. It is a loan, not a gift, yes?"
Spock nodded slowly. "Yes, I understand." He slipped the medallion over his neck and tucked it beneath the white undershirt. "Thank you, ensign. I will endeavor to bring it back."
Chekov smiled and nodded.
Sulu stepped forward and put a hand on his shoulder. "I got nothing to give you but my faith, so to speak. But I know you'll bring our captain back."
Spock nodded slowly. "Thank you. Such confidence is reassuring."
Sulu smiled.
The Vulcan felt a clap on his back and turned to see Mr. Scott. "You've got a fine ship, plenty of fuel and one of the best minds in Starfleet." He tapped Spock's forehead and Spock quirked an eyebrow. "Sulu is right to believe you got this in the bag, sir."
"...Thank you, Mr. Scott. I trust you too will take good care of the Enterprise."
"Of course! I don't expect to be running it though, too much of a hassle. So get back soon before they start dishing out new duties or a stupid new captain."
He nodded then turned to see McCoy, standing with his arms crossed. "...If you succeed, I'll never make a comment about your ears, blood or call you hobgoblin or the like again."
Spock's brow tilted. "...That is indeed good incentive."
The others all laughed and McCoy smirked, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Whatever our differences are, I know you're the best man for the job. So I'll just say good luck and don't get yourself or Jim hurt somehow where I can't come and yell at you both for putting more gray in my hair."
Spock nodded and looked around they room. How odd that among these humans he felt more at home than he had since his youth on Vulcan. With their support he felt suddenly taller and stronger, though he knew that was impossible. "I thank you all sincerely for all you have done. I will endeavor not to let you down."
They smiled and nodded before filing off the ship. "We'd better leave before those internal affairs goons wonder where we've gone," Scotty said. He saluted Spock and the others followed suit. Spock felt his lips twitch and saluted back before re-entering the ship.
"I will leave you now as well. Though I wish I could come with you..."
"Your duties for the colony are too important to risk you as well," Spock said.
"Indeed." He rose and gave the traditional Vulcan sign. "I once said our traditional parting would seem self serving, but I think now it is more appropriate. Live long and prosper."
Spock returned the gesture. "Live long and prosper."
Nodding, the elder Vulcan moved off the ship. The others had moved off but apparently decided to wait for him. As he caught up, they all walked together away from the dock and Spock lingered a moment before returning inside. Moving to helm chair, he readied the ship for take off and put in the request to undock using the verifications his older self gave him. Moving out into space he felt his heart began to beat harder. He was alone. Usually that did not unnerve him, being alone was quite common for him. But somehow the solitude was more pronounced now. On Vulcan and even on the Enterprise he was never truly alone. There was always life around him, the presence of others living their lives around him. Here though he was truly alone, not another soul in the expanse of space as he maneuvered the ship. It felt like the nothingness was pushing on him to crush him down from that height his crew's confidence had brought him to.
Breathing deep, he set the ship on auto-pilot on the route Sulu and Chekov had plotted and closed his eyes. A few moments of mediation to right his mind helped and soon he pushed away his illogical feeling of pressure. Opening them, he upped his speed and waited to come to the edge of the star chosen. It was the same star Kirk had headed for and Spock once again felt a moment of annoyed admiration that the man had concluded to use it first. It took roughly two hours to arrive at it from the star base and Spock began the preparations once within range.
Setting the ship to the highest possible warp setting, Spock held on as it rocketed forward to the star. In a larger ship it was hard to feel how fast they truly went. Even this speed would be felt though and in a smaller ship this speed was insane. The possibility of breaking up was high, though Mr. Scott had done everything possible to ensure it would be stable. Kirk managing it in a small exploratory vessel was suicidal. But then again, they had survived such instances before.
As he began curving around the side of the star, a bright light blinded him. He maintained his course, holding on to the helm tightly and counting down the seconds precisely before finally turning out to come around the other side. The ship shook like someone had it in their hand and was trying to hear what was inside. Spock gritted his teeth and held on tight until he finally came out of the artificial time warp.
Vulcan floated before him. Whole, undamaged, serene in it's place in the universe. It was both wrong and right to see it there, like a mirage that should be disappearing but does not. It was teasing and terrible and wonderful at once. Spock felt his heart clench and he stared for a long moment before hunching over. A longer mediation was required to keep his emotions contained. His eyes hurt with the urge to cry, a human trait he did his best to keep secret, but he managed to stop himself. Almost an hour passed before he breathed deeply and straightened, guiding the ship towards the planet's surface.
Where would be best to go? I know Shi'Kahr best, but... The temptation would be great to see his mother if he returned to his home. But the means to gather information would also be great as Shi'Kahr held vast networks for current events and news. If Kirk had landed-even crashed-on the planet, Shi'Kahr would be aware. It also had one of the foremost hospitals so it was possible that he could've been brought there for treatment if injured.
Sighing, Spock knew that his mind was already made up. He would not see his mother he assured himself, or anyone else he knew. He moved the ship down and broke through the atmosphere easily. He engaged the cloaking device when he was near the city. It wasn't perfect, his counterpart stressed, but it would reflect what was around the ship strategically enough only a slight imperfection should be seen. The closer someone was the easier it was to discern. Radars of this era would not pick the ship up however he was assured.
Rather than land the ship close enough to the city that it would be discovered easily, Spock chose a group of rocks to use as cover a kilometer or so into the desert. An outcropping jutted out just enough he could hide a good portion of the ship from the light there, but a solar panel would absorb Vulcan's rays during the long days to power the cloaking device for as long as needed without draining the precious fuel source.
Exiting the ship, he ensured he'd be able to find it again and that its defenses were up in case of wild animals. The sand animals liked shiny objects such as ship scrap and would try to take it apart if they weren't suitably shocked away. Spock then set off on foot though the sand towards the city. The feel of Vulcan's sand beneath his feet was both new and familiar to him. It had been years even before the Narada incident since he had felt the sliding particles beneath him and it felt...not like home, but reassuring. This mirage was solid. Part of him wanted to reach down and take a handful of the hot sand to put in his pocket so that it would return with him, but he resisted that sentimental impulse.
Walking into the city, not sweating or burned in the least, he was reassured to see no one paid him any attention as they milled about their daily lives. It was also strangely reassuring to see buildings and even people he recognized. It was like stepping into one of his memories. The urge to warn them himself was great, but he would likely sound mad enough to be brought down. Instead he made his way to the hall of records where old news casts were kept.
The inside of the hall was sleek with many modern touches, but also traditional with how much of the furniture was stone and chandeliers of thin rough crystal hung above them. Shelves of pads and books and scrolls lined the walls from floor to ceiling for much of the hall. Other Vulcans, many students researching, sat to read through such material at stone desks as they typed notes into their own pads. He remembered being one of them once. Along another wall were modern booths that held enough room for one person, a screen flickering on a small stand in front of them. These allowed for privacy and did not disturb others if one wished to watch an old newsfeed with sound rather than simply read it, or if your inquiry was short enough it would not take much time. It was a faster method than sifting through old records.
Sitting in a private booth that was free, Spock closed the door. The screen flickered on as it detected a visitor. "(Welcome. Please say or type your inquiry or choose to browse.)" The computer said in Vulcan.
Spock paused and took a moment to hit the browse function on the touch screen. The local news of the day was brought up and he cursed inside when he saw the date. Twenty years. I am twenty years in the past. Did I overstep Kirk? Is he now in the future? This was the equation he used though, it is possible he his here as well.
Taking a breath, he spoke clearly to the computer. "(Inquiry.)" A melodic sound to show it understood preceded the screen flickering back to an input function. "(Have any humans, that is to say Terrans, been sighted on Vulcan in the last year under unusual circumstances?)" A year was his first hope. Longer than that and he could have a lot of difficulty locating his captain.
A moment passed, his question written out correctly by the speech function, before the melodic sound came again and the screen changed to a list of two links. "(Found. Two links to one Terran human. Earliest found: seven standard months and eighteen days ago. First event summary: Terran is found wandering the desert outside of Shi'Kahr badly burned and injured.)"
Spock's eyes widened. Seven months...nearly a year apart, but that must be him. The odds of another are too high.
"(Is this information of value?)"
"(Yes. Open file.)"
The computer did so and it was a written article. Short, but then Vulcan news had no need for flowery speech or emotional appeal. It described that a Terran male fitting his captain's description had been found an hour outside if Shi'Kahr after apparently wandering an entire day in the desert. He was badly sunburned with other superficial injuries, and a broken ankle, before a night patrol spotted him and administered aid. They brought him to the hospital where he was treated for nearly two months until his injuries healed, but he had amnesia from the trauma.
Spock's eyes slowed after that and he felt his stomach drop.
(Ambassador Sarek and his wife, Amanda Grayson the human, have agreed to take the stranger in so that he may try to recover further.)
Spock wanted to hang his head in his hands and groan at that, but he did not. Instead he cursed that of all coincidences this is the one that happened. My parents have taken him in...I must go see them if I wish to retrieve him. It was far from ideal to him, but he knew he must do it.
"(Return to results.)" The computer did so. "(Second file summary.)"
"(Date of article: six days ago. Summary of second event: Terran rescued from desert critically injured saving Ambassador Sarek's son in kidnapping attempt. Subline of artical: Amabassadorial Aid implicated in Kidnapping of Ambassador's Son due to Possible Brain Imbalance.)"
Spock's eyes widened. "(Open.)" The file opened and he quickly read a through the recount of events. That's right, this is my seventh year...and Captain Kirk saved my life. What was I doing on Earth? I never joined my father on his visits...but still, he was shot in the shoulder to save me. A small moment of gratitude passed through him. His Captain was alive and nearby, and had apparently saved his life. Breathing out, Spock knew what he had to do. "(No further questions. Inquiry close.)" The computer chimed a goodbye and Spock rose to exit the hall.
Walking further down the street, he made his way to his old home. He paused down the street from it, that feeling of being weighed down returning, before he forced himself forward again. He walked to the door and hesitantly knocked.
His mother answered and Spock almost broke. She was younger than that last memory he had of her, lines of her face still smooth and her eyes still bright. In fact they were brighter than he remembered. The urge to hug her came over him, to tell her of the future and to promise him she will stand anywhere but the edge of that collapsing cliff, but he resolutely held back. His fingers dug into his palms with force enough he nearly drew blood, but he did not act on the impulse.
She tilted her head at him, her eyes turning worried. "Hello? May I help you."
Spock deplored lying, as any Vulcan would, but he knew he could not tell the truth now. It was not a logical time to do so and he took comfort in that. "You must be Amanda," he said in his monotone voice. "I am Selek, son of Sasak and T'Pal. A cousin of Sarek."
She smiled a bit and straightened. "Oh, I see. I'm sorry, I wasn't aware you would be visiting, we're a bit...well, it's been a hectic last few days."
He nodded slowly. "I have heard. I do not mean to inconvenience you further, I merely hoped I could rest here for a short time. I am making a traditional pilgrimage to honor my ancestors, but unforeseen circumstances have drained my funds. I would not seek shelter with you unduly and without warning if it was not truly dire."
Amanda frowned before nodding and stepping aside. "You are family so of course I won't turn you away. Please wait here while I get Sarek."
Spock nodded, and stepped inside to respectfully wait. He glanced around, more nostalgia flooding him as he looked over his old family home.
A sudden pounding of feet alerted him to something about to rush him and he world to defend himself. His shock however appallingly impeded his reflexes as he was brought down by an old friend he had thought he would never see again. A long sandpapery tongue licked across his face.
"I-Chaya!" He said in barely contained fondness, reaching up to rub over the sehlat's face. The animal purred as he did and another pang of longing came through Spock. He had lost his good friend long ago to age. He was not young here, but he was surprisingly energetic. Spock still had his missing fang in his possession even now, a reminder of his past even before Vulcan's destruction.
"I-Chaya, no!" Amanda said, rushing over to pull him away. "I'm so sorry, he's just...affectionate."
Spock nodded and rose, schooling his features once again into his calm mask. "I understand. I had a sehlat once that was similar."
She smiled a bit. "My son is supposed to take care of him, but, well...he wants to take care of Jay as best he can."
"Jay?"
"That's what we call the Terran staying with us." Spock straightened automatically at the deep voice. His father walked forward. "He has difficulty with his past so we call him Jay. He saved my son's life, of which we are all eternally grateful, and is resting upstairs still. He should wake up soon though." Sarek looked him over, his face unreadable as always. "It is good to meet you, Selek. I confess I have not spoken to my cousin or his wife in some time, I had not been aware of you."
Spock only nodded. "He sends his greetings I am sure. I am traveling to honor my ancestors at the temples, but an unfortunate incident has drained me of my money. It will take time to draw them from my accounts, so I avail myself to you, cousin, that you may put up with me for a short time as I wait."
Sarek nodded. "We have the room, it is no trouble."
Amanda smiled. "It will be nice to have a visitor. I'll make something nice for dinner, which I insist you stay for."
Spock stared before nodded. "I would appreciate such generosity, thank you."
Sarek turned to her as well. "I will need to finish some work in my office regarding an upcoming meeting and certain other necessary tasks coming up."
"Alright. Come out later and visit with your cousin though." She pressed her fingers to his and Spock felt a pang of sympathy for his father. Why had he never noticed how often they did those simple but intimate touches?
Sarek returned to his office but cast one more glance at Spock. It made the younger Vulcan tense but he then disappeared into another doorway.
I-Chaya rubbed his head against his leg again and he stroked over the massive feline-like head. "He certainly likes you," Amanda said with a smile.
"I am honored," he replied with much severity.
Amanda chuckled. "I was just about done with lunch for my son, would you like some?"
"I would appreciate it."
She nodded. "Let me go get him first. It's been very hard to get him to leave Jay's side since we came home. More than once I've found him asleep in a chair there after sneaking in during the night."
Spock felt his ears tinge on reflex even if it wasn't him she was speaking about exactly. Amanda luckily didn't notice as she headed up the stairs. A few moments later, comprised mostly of him standing and trying to further formulate a plan, his mother came down stairs with his seven year old self trudging down the stairs. He looked at Spock as he came down the rest of the way and paused before him, looking up and down critically.
Spock gave the traditional greeting sign. "Hello, Spock. I am Selek, son of your father's cousin."
Still looking oddly distrustful, the boy held up his own greeting. "Hello, cousin Selek." He turned as if to head back up but their mother stopped him.
"Lunch, Spock. Then you can go back to tending Jay." The boy didn't look pleased but nodded and followed her to the kitchen, Selek joining them. He sat tat table as Amanda served a nice looking salad of greens and fruits. "I'll be making something very nice for dinner, Spock, since Selek will be joining us."
"I understand."
"How is he?" she asked, sitting down.
"Still asleep..." his younger self said quietly.
"The drugs will take time to wear off."
"Drugs?" Selek-Spock asked.
"Jay lost a lot of blood from his wound and had to have a bullet removed in surgery. They sped up his recovery, but they recommended he stay drugged for a few days so he didn't pull the new skin apart. We transported him back under heavy sedation and have kept him like that for a while here until they said we could stop. That was today."
"I see..." My timing is quite good then, he shall hopefully wake soon. It would've been better if I managed to come sooner and keep him from injury in the first place.
"Spock wants to be there when he wakes up," Amanda said with a smile.
His younger self blushed greatly and narrowed his eyes at her. "Mother..."
She chuckled. "Am I wrong?"
He said nothing as he quickly ate his meal. He was done before they were half done and stood. "I will return in case he should need something."
"Alright, honey. But remember, you'll be going back to school tomorrow. And there are other things to prepare for," she added quietly, not looking pleased.
Younger Spock did not seem to hear the last as he quickly walked to the stairs. "He is..."
"Devoted?" Amanda said with a smile. "A bit of hero worship or infatuation I think. Jay has become a big part of his life. We thought to leave him on Earth so he could find his home again, but we couldn't leave the man that saved our son. I think he's become part of our family now."
Spock's mouth thinned but he did not say anything to that.
"So, tell me what your family is like. I don't think I've ever met them either."
Though it meant more lies, Spock tried to vaguely describe an average Vulcan life with few personal embellishments. He knew next to nothing about these cousins as well, only their names from an old family tree he'd found shortly after Vulcan's destruction. Amanda was interested though and he couldn't deny seeing his mother at ease was a sight he would wish to take with him after he left.
After a few hours of talking she rose. "I'm going to go check on them and then start dinner. I'll be back in a moment." He watched her go and felt that illogical feeling to grab hold of her again, as if she would disappear now right rather than twenty years into the future.
I-Chaya, perhaps sensing his unease, laid his head on his knee. Spock stroked over it again, scratching behind his ears to hear him purr.
Minutes passed before Amanda rushed down stairs with a large smile on his face and quickly up to him. She went first to his father's office, speaking with him quickly before coming out and to him. "Jay is awake. Come on, I'd like you to meet him."
Spock rose and followed her upstairs at a more leisurely pace. Following her down the hall, his eyes went to his old room's door for a moment before he followed her to the room across from it that was usually a guest room.
His eyes locked onto the blonde man in the bed and he felt both relief and anger. Relief that he was alive and anger that he did anything this foolish. He had his arm crossed over his front so his hand could go under his shirt feeling his right shoulder speculatively. He hazarded a guess that that's where his wound had been.
"Jay, I'd like you to meet Cousin Selek," his mother said.
Captain Kirk looked up from his ruminations and paled when he laid eyes on him. Spock also felt a moment of wonder because he knew, he knew in that moment James T. Kirk recognized him. That he was not an amnesiac. It was one weight off his shoulders because he had been trying for most of the afternoon to decide how best to approach such a problem. Now he didn't need to worry about that, but his ire rose at the deception he had done to his family.
"It's good to meet you...Jay." He said the name as if it was unfamiliar, but he could see that he knew who Spock was. Good. Then I need not hold back.