So this chapter is a bit longer than usual, and hopefully I can keep my chapters longer like it. Stella will be getting her voice back soon, so please bear with me. I will try to make the story more interesting once she does. Please review and rate, and thanks for reading! I do not own Star Trek.

The landing party consisted of the captain, Doctor McCoy, nurse Chapel, and Commander Spock. Scans of the planet had proved there was life, and most definite humanoid. It was a suitable climate, clean water and atmosphere, and a surplus of food. But no one could be sure if they were peaceful or hostile. It was a risk, but one that James T. Kirk was ready to take. More than ready. He was excited, almost visibly as he was bouncing on his heels on the transporter pad.

"Jim, try to show some excitement." McCoy joked sarcastically. He was not exactly ecstatic for the trip, and was grumbling all the way from med bay to the beaming room.

"Doctor, let him have his fun. Besides, this will be a fascinating experience for all of us!" The blonde nurse said, trying to brighten the atmosphere.

"Fascinating? You're starting to sound like Spock." The southern doctor muttered bitterly. Said Vulcan looked up at him, frowning.

"Doctor McCoy, my choice of vocabulary should not define-"

He was cut off by Scotty, who walked into the room.

"Ready to be beamed to a planet that may or not be inhabited by volatile life forms that could suck out you brains?", He said, punching in buttons on the glassy pad.

"Yes Mr. Scott. But hopefully that won't happen." Kirk joked, and Scotty grinned back. Moments later, the landing party was encircled in gold light, and the scene of the Enterprise changed into an earth looking terrain. Kirk took out his phaser and set it to stun.

"Split into groups. Spock you come with me. Bones, you go with Nurse Chapel. Meet back here in two hours."

The groups went in two different directions, heading into the deep forest brush. Kirk wasted no time jumping into conversation with his first officer.

"So, Spock. How's Lieutenant Anderson?" Kirk asked, smiling slightly at his Vulcan commander. Spock momentarily paused from his task of gathering plant samples.

"I do not understand your meaning captain." He stated simply. His captain turned to look at him.

"My meaning is that you two have been spending an awfully lot of time together." He elaborated, and Spock's eye brows furrowed.

"Our relationship is strictly professional. If you are implying that-"

"Spock, Spock, relax, I was just kidding you." Kirk interrupted, fighting off the small smirk that threatened to play across his lips.

The Vulcan frowned ever so slightly, but said nothing. After a few more moments of silence, the blonde captain spoke up again.

"Be careful around her Spock. She's fragile."

"If you are implying she is sensitive due to her impairment, I would have to say you are incorrect. She is very intelligent, and from what I have seen, eager to learn and gain experience." Spock explained, and Kirk shrugged.

"She puts up walls, Spock. She came aboard almost three years ago, and no one knows much about her past. Uhura may know more but as for anyone else..." His voice trailed off.

"Captain, it would be inappropriate for me to pry into her private afflictions or activities. It would also be unprofessional for me to do so."

Kirk sighed deeply at his friend's response. He opened his mouth to say something more when a rustle in a bush startled him. Both men prepared there phasers quickly, lifting them up ready to stun.

"Whoa, whoa, I come in peace, or whatever you're supposed to say!"

Kirk lowered his phaser slightly, but Spock kept his up.

"Show yourself, or we'll shoot." Kirk threatened. Seconds later, a man appeared. Jim glanced at him up and down. He was dressed like an ancient Greek, his white toga and olive leave crown matching his open toed sandals. He looked human enough, and he spoke English but with a slight lilt in his words.

"My name is Parmen. Welcome to our planet, Platonia. You are part of Star Fleet, are you not?"

He had sandy blonde hair and dark eyes, walking towards the duo slowly.

Kirk nodded slowly, finally lowering his weapon along with Spock.

"My name is Captain James T. Kirk of the U.S.S. Enterprise. This is my first commander Spock. We were assigned to come survey this planet and study it. Peacefully." He added, stepping forward. Parmen smiled widely.

"If that is the truth, we welcome you to our humble home. Please, follow me!" He said excitedly, leading them further into the forest vegetation. Both star fleet officers followed hesitantly.

"Captain, it is not logical to follow him. We do not know if his is trustworthy. This could be a trap." Spock whispered. Kirk nodded.

"I know. Keep your phaser ready."

After a few minutes of walking, they were lead to a door, elegantly etched with ancient Greek symbols and letters.

"This is my palace, welcome, welcome!" He grandly gestured and led them inside. The walls were lit by wooden torches, the only source of light fot the passages they were led through. They took several turns and curves, and it was almost maze-like. They were guided into a large, high ceiling room, made of marble and etched stone. Statues of ancient gods and goddesses were placed throughout the room. At the back of the room, a grand throne sat, which Parmen soon occupied. He crossed his legs and smiled at the Star Fleet officers.

"This is my palace. Please, make yourselves comfortable! Your friends should be joining us soon."

Spock looked over at Kirk.

Jim frowned at Parmen.

Parmen looked content before Kirk spoke up.

"Where are they?"

Shortly as the question left His mouth, Bones and Chapel entered the room, aided by a tall woman in a dark red dress.

Bones looked grumpy as usual, but Christine looked plain confused and slightly scared. Bones crossed his arms.

"Jim, mind telling us what the hell is going on?"

Parmen stood up and crossed the room, smiling at the dark haired woman.

"Can we offer you a drink? Some food? We can explain everything after we have given you welcome gifts!" He said, almost song like. The woman placed a green olive leaf crown on Bones head, and he glared at it like it was poisoned. A similar one was placed on Christine's and then Kirk's. The dark haired woman then walked to Spock slowly, a seductive smile placed on her mouth. She reached up slowly to place it on her head, brushing against his pointed ears as her hands retreated. His jaw clenched ever so slightly, and her smirked widened. His ears were a source of irritation for him, as they were extremely sensitive with several more nerve endings than a human's. Although it allowed his hearing to be more advanced, it was not seen as a positive gift when his exuberant captain was around.

"Welcome, welcome!" Parmen gesticulated wildly, obviously excited by the visitors.

"You are on our wonderful planet, Platonia! I am the king of this wonderful kingdom, and this is my queen, Sarila."

Sarila smiled a row of pearly white teeth, contrasting with her dark hair sharply.

"Hello. It's nice to meet you." Her voice was sultry as she spoke. Parmen reclaimed his throne and slumped gracefully in it.

"We have live here peacefully for thousands of years. We follow the teachings of Plato, an ancient Greek philosopher, from your own planet, earth. As you can see, we have adopted more than his philosophies. Our culture has been deeply influenced by Greek traditions." He explained as Sarila took a seat on the arm of his throne.

"We have lived in seclusion, and do not often get visits from extraterrestrial life. Especially from Star Fleet!" She grinned, and Kirk smiled back although still uneasy about the suspicious couple.

"Well, we were not expecting to find such a humanoid species. It's almost as if you are from the planet earth. It's hard to believe you have been under Star Fleet's radar for so long." He commented, reaching up to touch his new head piece. Parmen smiled regally.

"We wished to remain a peaceful, isolated colony. But we happily welcome visitors!"

Spock's eyebrows furrowed, suspicious of the contradicting words that had just left Parmen's mouth. But he said nothing. Suddenly, Christine walked towards Kirk and looked him straight in the eye.

"Captain, I love you!" She said loudly, before falling back and covering her mouth. She looked at him in confusion, and he looked back, eyes wide in perplexity.

"What in god's name was that?" Bones demanded, obviously ticked off. She blinked, not knowing what had happened any more than they did. She hurried to explain and stuttered over her words incoherently.

"I-I don't know c-captain! I couldn't c-control myself, I didn't mean t-to, I didn't c-choose to-"

She was cut off my Sarila's laugh, friendly but poisonous all the same. Parmen frowned.

"That's no way for you to treat our guests, my queen." He chided, but still she smiled. Kirk's lips pulled down.

"How did she do that?" He demanded, feeling the urge to reach for his phaser. Parmen just smiled, unaffected by the sharp turn that Kirk's voice had overtaken.

"We are humans," he began, and He glanced at Sarila, "but with advanced...gifts, if that's what you could call it. Telekinesis." He explained, as if it were no big deal.

"So you can control people?" Bones asked, slightly shocked. Parmen shrugged, again nonchalantly as if it were average to be able to control people and make them talk.

"We do not like to use it on our visitors or native inhabitants. We use it mainly to help build structures and in our criminal justice system to get criminals to speak the truth."

Kirk nodded slowly, but stole a glance at Christine. Dubious thoughts were blatant in his mind but he pushed them aside when other, more important ideas began to brew in his head.

"However, my queen can be...too playful sometimes. Do forgive her if she causes trouble." Parmen apologized on Sarila's behalf, but she didn't look too sorry. Kirk cocked his head to the side.

"How did you get her to talk?" Kirk asked lowly. Sarila grinned.

"I controlled her vocal cords. However, I could get someone with no throat to talk!" She boasted, crossing her legs and leaning back on the chair. Kirk's eyes widened slightly. He met Spock's eyes, and saw his friend was thinking the same thing as he was. Bones, who was watching their eyes meet, shook his head.

"Don't do it Jim. It might not work, and she might not want to do it." The doctor warned. Spock remained silent. They all had the same thought, and they were on the same page. But the opinions they had were on different steps, warning from one and dubious ideas to the other.

"It's worth a shot." The blonde captain looked at Sarila.

"You said you could give anyone a voice?" He questioned. She nodded slowly. She batted her eyes, dark lashes surrounding light blue, near silver, irises.

"To whom does it concern?"

Bones shook his head. She might not want to get her voice back forced, and on a chance that it wouldn't even work? To get her hopes up for an impossibility? It was a risk that couldn't be taken, in his opinion.

"If we were to bring a science officer from our ship," Jim began, "could you give her a voice? She's mute and maybe if you could make her talk, she could do it on her own."

Sarila pursed her lips, thinking. After a few seconds of pondering the idea, she nodded.

"I can make her talk, but I cannot guarantee she will be able to do it on her own."

Spock was interested. To hear the voice of a woman he had been working with for weeks now. Her dark blue eyes had so much to say, like words trapped behind an ocean of glass. Her mouth parted as if words were about to come flowing out, but nothing ever escaped her light pink lips. She would walk into the lab every evening silently, her hair pulled up into a complicated bun and her lab coat a pristine white. But her face was soft and sensitive, her slender fingers like they could easily be broken if he touched them. He had caught himself wanting to touch them, simply to see how soft they were, but he had the fought the urge to do so. It was inappropriate and unprofessional. After the feelings began to arise, he had buried them beneath the surface with several hours of calming meditation. Since then, they had been stuck behind a wall and never wavered out since.

"We thank you for this. In return, we offer you-" Kirk was cut off by a wave of Parmen's hand.

"We do not need gifts or reimbursement! Our gift is seeing this poor silent girl speak, hearing her voice. That is a wonderful gift in return!"

Bones huffed silently. Christine looked on, intrigued by the possibility of Stella hearing her voice again. Spock tried to imagine the chances of her actually achieving her sound. Kirk just smiled widely.

"Thank you, we cannot appreciate your kindness enough. We will return tomorrow with her, if that's alright with you?"

Parmen stood up, nodding as he padded over to Kirk and gave him a tight hug. Kirk returned it, uncomfortable with the invasion of his space. Sarila looked on, slightly amused.

"Thank you for your hospitality, but we must return to the Enterprise." He explained once he was released from the hug. Parmen nodded, and lead them out into the wood like scenery of trees and bushes. He waved them off as they were surrounded by gold light and beamed back to the ship.

"Jim, you can't serious!" Bones argued with his captain, but to no avail. He had a scowl on his face as he made his way from med bay to the bridge, prepared to sway the mind of his thick headed captain. So far, he wasn't succeeding.

"Bones, this is a perfect opportunity for her to get her voice back!" Jim was lounging in the captain's chair, refusing to listen to his friend's warning.

Jim huffed deeply as Spock walked towards him from his post.

"I agree, captain. You previously stated that she was a sensitive being. Giving her an opportunity that might not work could lead to further emotional distress for the lieutenant."

Spock remained placid but underneath his calm surface, a storm was brewing. He did not want to dangle a chance game in front of Stella's face, only to have it fail. Jim frowned.

"Stella may be sensitive but if you were her, don't you think you would want to take the chance?"

Bones and Spock both ponder this. Was it worth a shot? Maybe. Would it work? Perhaps. It was a game of maybes and ifs and chances. Kirk was willing to play it. Spock relented his argument.

"I will listen to your good judgment, however questionable." As soon as the words left his lips, Spock was left wondering if his judgment really was such. Bones sighed.

"Go ahead and tell her Jim. But she refused therapy and help from me. I'm starting to wonder if she doesn't want her voice back at all!"

Spock shook his head curtly.

"I assure you Doctor, that is not the case. She is simply scared." The Vulcan stated flatly, his calm features unchanging. The doctor's scowl deepened.

"And I'm supposed to take emotional advice from an emotionless robot?"

Spock was undeterred by the insult.

"Doctor McCoy, your insult proves that you are defensive and therefore prove my fact valid."

Bones looked at Jim, his scowl deepening.

"Whether or not that's the case, just consider her feelings. Someone that's gone through what she has..." The doctor trailed off, and Spock looked on with a new interest that he hid perfectly behind his Vulcan features. He was not aware of what had triggered her silence, if there was one at all. He recalled his previous conversation with the captain, and his words suggesting Stella's background was not we known to other crew members.

"I know Bones, I know. But giving her a voice...it could create a whole new realm of possibilities for her." Jim had made his decision.

"We'll head down to the planet tomorrow with her. Spock, Bones, you'll be part of the landing party. Tell Nurse Chapel she'll be needed in the med bay. For now, Spock, get Stella down to sick bay."

"Lieutenant Anderson, please report to sick. bay as soon as possible." I looked up from my microscope, pulling my goggles off my eyes. Why would I be need there?

It was nearing the end of my shift for the day, and it was almost time for me to join Spock in the other lab. But I'm sure it wouldn't take too long. Probably just another checkup due to my previous...Andorian affliction. I hopped up from my lab chair and shrugged off my lab coat. I walked down to the med bay, simultaneously yanking my messy brown hair into a bun. Even after I succeeded in my task, I'm sure I had several tendrils free from the tied knot. My hair didn't easily fit into any hair style, so my only option was to force it into a tight bun that half way through the day, would need to be redone. It was a task I did not appreciate.

When I arrived in the med bay, I met the eyes of Doctor McCoy, Spock, and the captain. I stopped short. Was I in trouble? Just as I was about to start apologizing for not properly cleaning off a tool in the lab or accidentally spilling water by the lab control panel, Kirk smiled brightly before clapping a hand on my shoulder. He seemed to be a mind reader, answering the hectic thoughts that began to emerge in my slightly paranoid brain.

"Good afternoon, Stella. Relax, you're not in trouble."

He eased my concerns a little bit, and I stood up taller, cocking my head in question. If I wasn't in trouble, and I wasn't here for a checkup, why was I here? And why was Spock and the captain here?

He took a step forward.

"Commander, I believe she is confused as to why she is needed here."

I watched the captain nod, and I stood still, confused.

"Stella," The captain began, suddenly more serious, "How would you like to get your voice back?"

I froze. Well, not really. But it was like couldn't breathe but my lungs were filling and emptying with air. I was shocked. I stared at the captain right in his blue eyes, trying to see if he was serious. My mouth was probably hanging open and my eyes were probably like a wild animals but I didn't take notice as my thoughts were yanked in different directions. I was thinking a thousand different things and words at once, and yet my brain felt vacant and hollow.

"Lieutenant? Are you feeling ill?" My eyes landed on Spock, my eyes meeting his dark ones. I saw flashes of concern in them, and I immediately snapped out of my surprised state.

This was a joke wasn't it? A cruel joke. Anger began to bubble up inside my stomach, a warm, searing feeling that I tried to suppress. Irritation took it's place, my head becoming a bit clearer despite the bullet that had just seemed to hit my head.

I slowly brought my hands up and signed.

Why would you say something like that?

Spock seemed to seemed to see the hurt on my face, the tears threatening to appear in my eyes, for his eyes softened ever so slightly. Without breaking eye contact with me, he spoke.

"Captain, perhaps you should elaborate."

I broke the stare between us and glanced at the captain. He nodded quickly, his hands moving slightly as he spoke energetically.

"You are aware that Mister Spock, Doctor McCoy, nurse Chapel and I beamed down to an uncharted planet earlier today, right?"

I nodded slowly. The samples Spock had brought back were incredibly similar to the plants on earth. I was shocked to say the least. I hadn't looked up from my work since a crew member delivered several tubes and dishes containing the new herbage.

"Well," the captain continued, "we encountered an indigenous humanoid species. With telekinetic abilities."

Whatever shock I was feeling before, it increased tenfold now. Telekinetic abilities? I shook my head and signed to Spock.

What does that have to do with getting my voice back?

He nodded and began to explain further more.

"They possess telekinetic abilities, and were able to control Nurse Chapel. They made her speak without her will."

I nodded slowly.

Who's they?

"Two inhabitants of the planet who claimed to be the king and queen. With their power, there is a possibility they can force you to use your voice box and learn to talk again."

I held onto the door frame to keep me from falling over. If what they were saying was true...I could talk again! I could laugh and cry and scream and talk! I took a shaky breath and looked at Kirk with slightly blurry eyes. He grinned widely, and I took a deep breath. The bullet that seemed to hit me earlier had turned into a missile of bursting thoughts and emotions and doubts. I heard Bones stand up from behind his desk and grab a PADD.

"But if you want to be part of the landing party, I need to do a full scale physical exam."

He took out a hypo, and I frowned. I hated needles. Bones seemed to adapt a sadistic manner when he used them on someone, particularly Jim. While it was comical to watch him chase the captain down, it wasn't as humorous when it was on me.

I was still suffering from the slight shock of getting a chance to hear my voice, so I didn't notice Bones staring at me.

"Well, in order to do an exam, I need you to remove your shirt."

He was blunt, a characteristic I though could encompass his personality in one word.

My face began to burn before I turned to Spock.

Is that really necessary?

I signed.

Spock nodded, not taking my side in a fruitless argument, before turning to Jim.

"It is time for us to take our leave and return to the bridge while she undergoes her exam."

Jim smirked, and I could see a crude comment leave his lips before he even said it.

"Oh, come on, I'm sure Bones wouldn't mind if we waited around during her exam-"

"Yes, I would. Now leave." Bones growled, and I would have giggled if I wasn't so embarrassed. Jim held his hand up in defense as he made his way out. Spock turned to me once he reached the door.

"I will meet you in the lab tonight around 09:00. We can discuss the required preparations for your activities tomorrow." He turned on his heel and left promptly, leaving me alone with the doctor. He stood in front of me and took out a small flash light. He shone it in my right eye, and then in my left. He moved quietly, before sitting down across from me in a chair. I swung my legs off the bio bed.

"You don't have to do this." He said suddenly. His eyes were somber as he stared into mine. I was confused. Of course I wanted to get my voice back. But like this? I twitched my fingers as he held his gaze on me. I could never hide anything from him, he was similar to a lie detector, but more of one for emotions. He always knew what I was feeling, even before I knew what I was feeling.

"I know it's a hard decision. But you won't admit that, will you?"

I averted my gaze from him, before inhaling and exhaling slowly. I nodded after a few seconds.

He finally stood up, walking towards me. His dark brown eyes match his hair, only a few shades darker than my own strands.

"It's your decision. I don't want to influence you. But...we aren't sure this will work. Don't get your hopes up to high." He said. I knew he was just trying to help me, protect me, and he wasn't being negative in a sense. But I wasn't this small pathetic mute girl that needed protection from things right in front of her. I nodded anyway, fighting back the irritation that stirred in my chest. He took a stethoscope and hooked it around his neck.

"Take off your shirt please."

I complied slowly, and shivered when the cold air hit my bare skin. My arms were naked and my stomach was littered in goose bumps. I sucked in sharply when his hand landed on my back.

"Any pain?"

I shook my head.

"Any cuts, bruises, and marks I should know about?"

I shook my head again.

He spent another minute feeling my back and spine, before giving me permission to put my shirt on.

"You are perfectly healthy," he typed deftly on his PADD, "and I will see you tomorrow in the transporter room." His normally gruff facial expression was softened by a small smile, which I returned. His voice was not disappointed but it had a ring to it that made me feel bad about even considering the method to get my voice back in such a way.

I quickly slipped my shirt on and jumped off the bio bed. I spied the clock. I was due to meet Spock in the lab in about an hour. Until then I was free to do what I pleased. I chose the time to go back down to my lab. If I wasn't going to be here for work tomorrow, I might as well do what I could today. Electricity continued to buzz through me as I walked down to lab 3, bouncing on my heels. The possibility of being able to talk again- what I had wanted and tried to do for years- was amazing. But of course, I was still shaken by what doctor McCoy had told me. He was spot on; I was scared. Scared that it might not work, scares that I might get hurt, scared that when I could talk, I wouldn't mentally know how. I knew the words, I knew grammar and how to write. But it had been years since any words and letters and sentences had left my mouth. What if I sounded weird? I probably would. What if I was too quiet? Too loud?

I shook my head mentally and physically, it was a risk I chose to take. One that I needed to take.

When I arrived at the lab, I was surprised to see commander Spock already there, propped up in the lab chair using the microscope. I knocked lightly, and he twisted his head to look at me.

"Hello, Stella. I was not expecting you for another 44 minutes. Did your exam go shorter than expected?"

I nodded and walked in, grabbing a lab coat off a hook and swinging it over my shoulders. I pulled my hands through the sleeves before signing.

Yes. I figured I could do some extra research, seeing as I will be occupied tomorrow.

He nodded and began to scribble notes on a stray sheet. I glanced at his ever so elegant script, an assort of numbers and fractions I didn't quite understand. I waited until he lofted his head up again and looked at me.

What are you doing?

He watched my hands before responding.

"I am creating a formula for the chances of a plant responding a certain way to an alien chemical." He explained, and I sat down in the chair next to him. I watched him write numbers on the paper, every so often looking through the scope carefully. After a few minutes of complete silence, he stopped working and faced me, looking at me squarely.

"You are nervous.", he stated simply. He came in second place of bluntness, behind Doctor McCoy of course. Whatever thoughts he chose to speak were always straight forward and concise. I swallowed. How easy to read was I? I didn't respond, but he took it as my answer.

"You will be escorted to the planet with the captain, Doctor McCoy, and myself. There is no reason to be afraid or nervous."

I nodded, even though that was not the reason I was jittery. I tapped my fingers on the solid counter top. I knew I was in capable hands. I knew I was safe from danger. But I wasn't safe from myself, my emotions, and my voice.

Spock glanced at my twitched hand and then back to my face.

"However, if you are worried about our theory not working, that is understandable. I cannot guarantee our plan will work. But I can assure you that you are making the right decision by joining us to the planet."

I nodded, and truthfully, his sound logic made me feel a little bit better. I trusted his judgment; better than my own.

Suddenly, I had an urge. An urge to reach up and touch his pointed ears and feel how sensitive his ears were. They lead to a cream white neck, a broad chest and solid abdomen. His dark hair complimented his eyes and contrasted with his skin. Pointed eye brows swept elegantly upwards. Cupid's bow lips, light pink and parted as if ready to state something purely logical.

My thoughts were interrupted by Spock, standing up and crossing the room. I was glad he was facing the other way, as my face was probably a dusted a strawberry red. He carefully pick up the pot, examining my orchid analytically. He must have known it was Vulcan as soon as Sulu gave it to me. I smiled as he inhaled softly.

"It is an orchid indigenous to Vulcan. Lieutenant Sulu must have been cultivating it extremely carefully for it to have survived so healthily." He stated simply.

He crossed the room, resuming his seat with the plant in tow.

I looked at its petals, contemplating what Spock had said. It would be awfully difficult to take care of a Vulcan plant in such conditions. I suddenly felt flattered that Sulu had chosen to give it to me, after all the care that must have gone into taking care of it. Spock must have read my mind, because he glanced up at me with a slightly raised eyebrow.

"When a Vulcan marriage ceremony is performed, orchids are typically the flower of choice in the female Vulcan's head dress. It is seen as a romantic flower in most cultures, although Vulcans typically do not exert energy over romance or frivolous gestures as such."

It took me a minute to realize what he was insinuating. I quickly raised my hand in defense, signing at lightning speed.

No, we are not involved romantically, in anyway. We are very close friends, however.

No emotion crossed his face but I could have sworn I saw amusement flicker in his chestnut eyes. I lifted my hands again.

Do you think they are a flower of romance?

His eyebrow quirked furthermore, and I clarified.

The orchid. Do you think they are romantic?

He seemed to contemplate my question for a moment before answering.

"My mother was human, so I suppose she would see them as such. However, I do not see the logic in giving a flower an emotional purpose."

I paused. His mother was human? So his father was Vulcan. And he was an alien hybrid.

Suddenly, all the times I saw emotion flicker beneath the surface of his face, every time a smile played on his lips (albeit very small and unnoticeable) it was because he was half human! The epiphany struck me and pulled me off balance a bit, and he noticed with ease.

"You are shocked by my half human half Vulcan heritage.", he stated simply, and I nodded.

I have never heard of such a happening. It is interesting.

He didn't nod or say anything. He just stared at me for a moment before looking back to the plant.

"It is a beautiful plant. They were my mother's favorite."

I could hear the faintest bit of sadness, nostalgia in his voice. I felt my heart drop, as I remembered the fate of Vulcan. A terrible day, for the remaining survivors and for Star Fleet. I hadn't been on the Enterprise during the event. I graduated from Star Fleet that same year, being assigned to the Enterprise shortly after the incident. Part of me was glad I had missed the terrible ordeal. The other half wished I was aboard, so maybe I could have done something. But I was here now, in front of a man that no longer had a home planet.

I forced a small smile.

I can see why

His eyes met mine again, and I shifted slightly under his analytic gaze. I quickly twirled in my seat to face the desk, attempting to escape his watch, but his eyes held mine.

Commander we should resume our work.

I quickly moved my hands before my eyes scanned the notes in front of me. We worked in still quiet, until I found myself in a steady rhythm of working that I thought I could hear.

So yes, this chapter was longer than the past few. I hope you enjoyed and please review and rate!

I really am trying to keep everyone in character, especially Spock and Bones. I don't want Bones to be so mushy and nice, and I don't want Spock to show a lot of emotion so he is out of character. Please tell me if I am doing anything wrong and give me suggestions.

Thanks for reading, I really appreciate it. Stella will be getting her voice back soon (I know I keep saying that, don't kill me) and following that I will have more advancements in her relationship with Spock. Thanks!