Later that evening, as he continued to peel back the layers of his newly obtained encrypt-onion, Sarek reviewed his work and realized his analysis was accurate. Someone had indeed used an interesting version of his unique programming language and was attempting to communicate with him.

He meditated extensively upon who would possibly have known of this technique and arrived at the unpleasantly logical conclusion that he was not in full possession of the facts.

Again, in front of a roaring fire, bright moonlight cascading across the not-so-distant hills, this night found them on the sofa together. Ashalik was deeply invested in the ancient book she'd chosen the night before, stretched out across most of the sofa, feet only inches from her beloved husband.

"Aduna. I have completed translation of the message."

Ashalik looked at him, with an almost teasing expression, and gently poked his leg with one toe. "You required very little time."

Tenderly, he laid his left hand on her ankle. "I do not know who the author is, whom they represent, or their intentions. However, I have discovered how to reply. I seek your counsel as I formulate my response."

"What have you learned of them?"

"The author's mastery of coding language equals my own. This is unexpected. The author has requested secondary communication and the possibility of meeting by video conference, but preferably in person."

"A reply is necessary, Sarek. Acknowledge translation, insist upon admission of procurement, and request clarification of intent. Restrain curiosity at this time. Require intent and purpose in the next communication, or any further communication shall be forfeit."

Mutara Sector, Genesis Planet

In silence, Spock1 observed the sun setting on the planet that bore remarkable scientific discovery. Of all in the known galaxy, this was his safe place. Unlike his own reality, this alternate universe saw the ethically guided development of Genesis technology, and continuation of terraforming planetary bodies for colonization. His own knowledge of both Klingon and Romulan cloaking technologies allowed him an inconspicuous haven.

"Computer, personal log. Star Date 2260.316. I await response from New Vulcan. As I have meditated upon the events following the Federation encounter with Nero, I struggle to accept only my responsibility in those events. However, my failure provoked the response of others, and billions suffered the consequences."

Memory of his mother ambled through his mind, and he paused recording. In all he learned and experienced during his life, he never realized how critical a genuine understanding of his emotions would be…

…he sat on the sofa in the family den, another blackened eye earned in defiance of Stonn's 31st attempt to elicit an emotional response. He could hear her in the washroom, crying quietly. When she returned to him, her eyes were red, nose congested. She blew it gently, washed her hands, and then joined him on the sofa.

"Spock'am, I need your forgiveness today. I sometimes struggle to control my feelings – and that usually only happens when I see others treat you discourteously," she whispered, patting his shoulder gently.

"I do not understand why I am their target of choice. What have I done wrong?"

"You want my honest opinion? It's only conjecture," she asked.

"Affirmative."

"You did nothing wrong, my son. You merely sought acceptance from your peers. They fear you, but not because you are dangerous: they fear your diversity. They do not understand that you are unique and wonderful in the universe, and you know what hurts my heart the most?"

He shook his head quietly, listening to her.

"They cannot see that they are, as well. They are not learning to understand what they feel. They can't even acknowledge that they feel. Stonn wouldn't be able to tell the difference between his own insecurity and a hole in the ground," she paused, seeing confusion on her precious son's face.

"A Terran expression, meaning he is aware of neither subtle nor obvious differences –", she paused as he nodded.

"That assessment is accurate."

She smiled and laughed gently. He had a sense of humor that was razor sharp, and unapparent to those who did not truly listen to what he said… just like his father.

"True. You are a clever boy, Spock. Your father and I are wholly satisfied that you will become the adult you are meant to be, and guess who decides what that is?"

He did not answer, only listened.

"You. But the diversity of your heritage places a larger responsibility upon you: as you learn to master your emotions, and I believe you will succeed in that, you must also learn to accept them, to acknowledge them. I dare suggest that you cultivate a careful relationship with them. Not only because you get them from me, but because you get them from your father, too.

"You didn't have the joy of knowing my mother. She was a rare gem in the Human world. She was a helper, a counselor. When someone had worries, they would talk with her, and work together to build understanding and mastery."

"I regret not knowing her."

"As do I. Spock, she would have adored you. When I was your age, I didn't fully understand why, but she challenged me to truly know myself as I grew up; and when she died, I knew I could handle anything."

He watched her pause in memory, wiping away unexpected tears, apologizing.

"Forgiveness is not granted, as it is not necessary, A'maih," he reassured her, beginning to truly understand his ancestral father's wisdom.

"Thank you, Spock - you are kind. Some days, I really miss my momma. But this is about you right now, not me. As you grow and experience the joys and challenges life will surely bring you, remember your emotions can be your greatest allies and worst enemies, unless you determine the relationship you will have with them.

"When you feel, take a moment to meditate upon that, identify it. Name it directly in your mind: anger, joy, confusion… whatever it may be. Then decide if it is helpful or not. Address it directly."

"I do not understand."

"In your mind, speak to it directly. Let's use today's fight as an example: Stonn provoked you verbally. What did you feel?"

"I was angry, disappointed, and sad."

"As would I be. In your meditation today, think about these feelings you just named. Strive to understand why those particular emotions rose in you. Evaluate how they were helpful, and how they weren't. As you begin to recognize them faster, you will be better able to decide if they aid your decision-making appropriately. If so, allow them to guide your responses. If not, advise them they are not helpful in that moment. Spock, the greatest skill you will ever develop in your life is the ability to articulate what you feel to others. An individual able to do this will succeed in almost anything."…

Returning to the present moment, Spock's curiosity grew as the incoming communication chimed softly. The only one who knew of him was his alternate self, but they agreed not to communicate again during their auspicious meeting in San Francisco after The Devastation. He hesitated for only a moment, and then opened the incoming transmission.

… I am in receipt of your message. I am willing and able to begin diplomatic negotiations at this time. I make no assumption of your identity or motivation. I must first insist upon clarification of how you obtained this encryption standard. Specify your identity, purpose, and intention. Any delay in response or clarity will nullify further opportunity…