Spock was in his quarters, deep in meditation after a long, hard day. He had just eaten dinner and was about to go to bed when he suddenly heard a beep from the holo-projector on his desk. He looked to see who was calling him. To his surprise, and slight horror, it was his father, Sarek.

Spock hadn't talked to Sarek in years, ever since he had joined Starfleet. He knew there was only one reason why Sarek could be calling him now, and he very much did not want to have that conversation. But he would have to have it sooner or later, and logic dictated that it was better to get it over with now. Besides, regardless of the occasion, he was relieved to see that he and his father were once again on speaking terms. He pushed the button accepting the call.

Sarek's image appeared before him as a hologram. "Greetings, Spock," he said. He did not seem angry, Spock thought - but then, it was difficult to tell with Vulcans.

"Greetings, Father," Spock said. "To what do I owe this call?" he asked, even though he already knew the answer.

"Your mother has told me everything that happened to you recently," Sarek said. "Are you alone? May we speak freely?"

"Affirmative."

"Good. It must have been very difficult for you, becoming human."

"It was. The emotions were… intense."

"Vulcan emotions are even more intense," Sarek reminded him.

"True. But I am accustomed to them. I am not accustomed to human emotions, and they were difficult to control."

"I also hear that T'Pring broke off your engagement," Sarek said.

"Affirmative. She… disapproved of my deception."

"I see," Sarek said. "T'Pring's mother has always disliked you because of me, and your mother. Because of our marriage, and because of your human heritage. If you had gone through with the engagement, it would not have been easy for either of you in the long run. Perhaps it is for the best."

"Perhaps," Spock said.

"Is there someone else?" Sarek asked.

Spock hesitated for a moment. "No," he said.

Sarek raised an eyebrow, and Spock knew that Sarek knew he was lying. But he didn't press the issue.

"I am sure that anyone you choose would be a worthy mate," Sarek said. "I trust your judgment. And I am hardly in a position to disapprove of a relationship between a Vulcan and a human."

"Indeed."

"We have both been very busy recently," Sarek said. "That is why I have not spoken to you. I have many duties, and I did not wish to interfere with yours."

"You do not need to explain yourself," Spock said. "I understand."

"But on this occasion, I wished to speak with you," Sarek said. "I wished to see you again."

"You wished to see that I was still Vulcan?"

"I knew that you had become Vulcan again."

"But you wished to see it for yourself."

"Perhaps I did," Sarek admitted. Spock could feel Sarek's gaze focusing on his ears.

"What if I were not?" Spock asked suddenly. "What if Nurse Chapel was unable to re-synthesize my Vulcan DNA in time to restore me to who I was before?"

"Then you would still be my son," Sarek said. "I am sure such a development would alter our relationship. I will not deny it. But nothing that happens could change you to the point where you were no longer my son. And you would still be welcome to come home at any time."

"That is most kind, Father," Spock said.

"It is not kindness," Sarek said. "It is simply the truth."

"I see," Spock said. "All the same, it is appreciated."

"I must go soon," Sarek said. "Is there anything you wish for me to tell your mother?"

"No," Spock said. "I have already told her everything I wish to say."

"Very well," Sarek said. "I will leave you in solitude." He raised his hand in the Vulcan salute. "Live long and prosper."

Spock returned the salute. "Peace and long life, Father."

The screen blinked off, and Sarek disappeared, leaving Spock alone. But he did not feel alone. Although he was now Vulcan again, and still committed to the Vulcan way, he permitted himself a small, private smile.