Star Trek belongs to Paramount.  This story belongs to me.  It does not

currently contain sex.  If that situation changes, an appropriate

warning will be added.  "Sonnet from the Vulcan: Omicron Ceti Three"

belongs to Shirley Meech and is used w/o permission.  





--------------------



        "Come in," Spock called in response to the buzzer.  Jim Kirk stepped

over the gravity shelf into the warm room.

        "Hey, Spock."  The Vulcan poked his head out of the sonic shower.  "I'm

looking for some decent cufflinks.  I'm taking Carol to the opera this

shore leave.  Can I borrow the pair Scotty gave you for your birthday?"

        "They are in the top drawer on the right, Jim."  The head retreated

into the shower.

        Jim opened the drawer.  It was full of things that he knew Spock

treasured--gifts from friends, mainly.  Most of them showed evidence of

being handled frequently.  He found a small jewelry box and opened it.

Inside were the cufflinks, Spock's IDIC medallion, and a worn, folded

piece of plastisheet.  He darted a look at the shower, then opened the

plastisheet.  It was a standard hardcopy from the ship's computer, and

he read it over quickly.

        It was a sonnet, a love poem, and it was signed "Spock."  The captain

committed it to memory, and refolded it as rapidly as possible.  He

placed it back in the box, and the box back in the drawer.

        Spock came out of the shower, nude.  Jim blinked, but he had known for

years that Vulcans did not consider the body to be of supreme

importance.  He and several other humans had once wagered that

Ambassador Sarek couldn't possibly manage to be dignified negotiating

with a race who considered clothing taboo.  Spock had indulged in

gambling just this once, and he had cleaned up.  "Did you find them?"

the Vulcan asked, one eyebrow raised.

        Jim grinned.  "Yep.  Right here, thanks."  He studied his friend for a

moment, puzzled by the thought of poetry flowing from the hand and mind

of Spock.

        "Are you well, Jim?"

        "I'm fine.  Just thinking.  Do you know the Klingons call you 'Kirk's

Shadow'?"

        Spock's eyebrow climbed higher.  "No, I did not know that.  Is that

what you were thinking?"

        Jim shook his head.  "It's just, you seem so lonely.  I get lonely too,

but I'm not always that way."

        Spock sighed.  "I have been alone since I was born, Jim.  There is

nothing that can change that."

        "Well--what are you doing on shore leave?"

        The Vulcan blinked.  "I'm visiting my cousins in Seattle."

        "Oh."  Jim turned to leave.  As the doors whooshed open, he turned to

Spock and said, in a low voice, "You know, they've found a way to

neutralize Berthold radiation."  He met his friend's eyes for a few

seconds, then left, walking rapidly down the hall.

        Spock watched the door close in silence.  After a moment, he reached

out and opened the drawer and drew out the jewelry box.



--------------------



        Seattle was warmer than usual this year, Spock noted as he stepped out

of the rented groundcar.  He was wearing a Vulcan thermal cloak over a

dark green silk shirt that his cousin had given him on his last

birthday.  For a moment, he reflected that humans loved birthdays in a

most irrational way--but he himself enjoyed receiving and giving gifts

on birthdays.  "Family," he muttered to himself.  "Undue influences."

It was a private joke Spock had with himself--that he enjoyed all the

human customs his mother's relatives had taught him despite years of

training and years of trying to hide the fact from his family.  It had

worked with his aunt, but never with David.  He opened the trunk of the

car and pulled out his Fleet-issue duffel and a bag full of presents.

        The door opened before he could get to it, and David's daughter Sarah

tried not to swarm all over him.  "Cousin Spock.  We have a new cat.

Mom is going to have another baby.  I got all A's in school.  Arik broke

his toe.  I'm learning how to play the piano.  Daddy met someone who

knows you and she's coming to dinner tomorrow.  Did you bring me

anything?"

        Spock looked down at the eight year old, trying not to smile.  "Of

course I brought you something.  If you carry my bag for me, I will give

it to you as soon as we get inside."  Sarah immediately grabbed his

duffel and charged into the house.  Spock stopped in the foyer and

fished a large, gaily wrapped present out of the other bag.  He barely

had it clear when Sarah snatched it from him with a shriek of delight

that made him wince.

        "You're going to spoil my children, cousin."  The deep voice made Spock

look up.  His cousin David held up his hand in the Vulcan greeting, a

wide smile on his face.  Spock touched palms with him, a faint smile

touching the corners of his mouth.

        David was the only one of his aunt's children that he had gotten along

with.  As a child, the human had been quiet and wryly humorous--and

nearly as inquisitive as Spock.  They were ten years apart in age, and

Spock's aunt had been astonished one morning when she came downstairs to

find David snuggled into the curve of the Vulcan's arm, reading A

Child's Garden of Verses aloud.  She hadn't known David could read, and

she was furious.  She accused her nephew of sundry nasty things, and was

only brought out of her tirade by David saying, loudly and deliberately,

"Now I know why you want to be Vulcan, Spock.  Humans are stupid."

        Now the same wry humor shone in David's eyes.  "Come in, come in.  Sit

down.  Deanna's making you some plomeek soup, and yes, you can have tofu

for dinner.  Why you can't get tofu on that starship of yours I will

never know."

        "The replicators can't handle it, cousin.  It tastes like doughnuts."

        "I'd say that was an improvement, personally.  What did you bring me?"

        Spock handed over a smaller box.  "For you and Deanna."  David opened

it quickly.

        "Oh, wow.  For such a logical race, you Vulcans certainly make

incredible art."  The blown glass bottle he held seemed to pulse with a

calming light.  It was one of the most beautiful things David had ever

seen.

        "It's not strictly decorative.  It's...gentle.  It soothes.  On Vulcan,

they are sometimes used to help people with brain disorders regain their

mental equilibrium."

        "Sounds like an ingredient for a happy home."  David turned as Sarah

entered the room.  "What have we here?  You look like a princess."

        "A Vulcan princess, Daddy!"  She twirled.  "It's perfect, Spock!  I

love you."  Immediately, she clapped a hand over her mouth.  Spock

reached out and removed it gently, shaking his head.

        "Don't be afraid to tell me, Sarah.  I don't eat children."  He paused

for a beat.  "Often."  The girl relaxed and laughed as her mother and

younger brother entered the room.  Ariel was two, and his mother was

carrying him.  "I heard about his toe," Spock said.  "Is it all right?"

        "It's fine.  He's just stubborn and won't walk on it.  Go see your

cousin, Arik."  She deposited the toddler in Spock's lap, where the

little boy seemed perfectly happy to stay, cuddled in the curve of the

same arm that had once held his father.  He admired the Jacob's Ladder

Spock had bought him in San Francisco, but after a few minutes he looked

over at his mother.

        "Nummas?"

	"In just a few minutes, sweetheart," replied his mother.

Sarah pitched in, "We have to eat tofu.  Spock likes tofu.  I think it's

nasty, so I'm just going to eat broccoli with lots of cheese sauce, and

chocolate cake."  She smiled triumphantly at her parents, confident that

Spock's presence would give her extra privileges.  She was rewarded

handsomely when her mother gave a helpless grin and suggested that they

go in to eat.

        Over dinner, Spock said, "Sarah tells me you have invited an

acquaintance of mine to dinner tomorrow.  May I ask who?"

        David laughed.  "An acquaintance?  I hope so.  She used to be all you

would talk about.  Dr. Kalomi--Lisa?"

        "Leila," said Spock softly.  "I've been thinking about her lately.  She

is a brilliant woman."

        "Is that all you have to say?  C'mon, Spock--"

        "What else would I say?" asked the Vulcan, with the appearance of

genuine surprise.  David and Deanna looked at him speculatively, but

neither of them pursued the subject.



--------------------



        Jim and Carol were lingering over wine when Jim told her about the

poem.  "Are you serious?" she asked.  "Spock?"

        "I'm afraid so.  I've found out she's on Earth, but I don't know 

where."

        "Jim Kirk, you're not thinking of playing matchmaker?"  Carol sounded 

shocked.

        "No, no.  Just giving Spock the chance to see her.  Make him think

about it."  He shrugged, looking over the table at her.

        "Jim, think about it this way.  He's half human.  I get the feeling

that, politically, he's in a powerful position on Vulcan--"

        Jim nodded.  "He's Sarek's only son.  He will be head of the House of

Surak when his father dies."

        "Exactly.  But he's half human.  If he marries a human, the Vulcans are

not going to be happy about it.  You know them.  They're just barely

this side of separatist."  She shook her head.  "I don't know.  I don't

think Spock can afford to marry anyone but a Vulcan."

        Jim sighed, staring off into the distance.  Carol took a sip of her

wine, and tried to change the subject.  "Those are lovely cufflinks.

Where did you get them?"



        Spock slipped into the outfit he had worn as the pirate Black Fire.  It

had been years since he'd done so, but he loved the way it felt against

his skin and he knew that the cut flattered him.  David knocked on the

door of the guest room.  "Come in," the Vulcan said, turning to meet his

cousin.

        "My, aren't you fancy?"  Spock tried not to give him a disgusted look,

and the human laughed.  "Leila's here.  Hurry up."  He left the room,

Spock close on his heels.



        "Dr. Kalomi," Spock said, trembling slightly.  "It is most agreeable to

see you again."  Leila Kalomi smiled and tried not to cry.  This was the

Spock she remembered--but now she knew he loved her, and he still

wouldn't show it.   That hurt her more deeply than she cared to admit,

and she was very quiet through dinner.  Afterwards, in the living room,

David made conversational sallies in her direction, usually relating to

her work.  She answered him with a detailed explanation of her research,

eager to speak about anything at all.

        She found David and his wife charming, not at all what she'd expected

from Spock's relations.  Still, the sneaky little comments they inserted

into the conversation made it plain to her that they thought Spock cared

for her, and wouldn't it be nice if she returned the sentiment?  She

wanted to scream at them, to tell them that it was quite the opposite.

That Spock should return the sentiment, because she was shaking with the

effort of not touching him.  Being close to him was as maddening as it

had been when she had first met him.  She was relieved when the evening

ended, and she could leave.

        She thanked them all very much for such a lovely time, and got into her

groundcar.  It wouldn't start.  She cursed under her breath as David

leaned down to talk to her.  "It won't start," she said, looking up at

him.

        "I'll give you a ride home," he said.

        "That won't be necessary," said Spock from behind him.  "I can give Dr.

Kalomi a ride.  You have to go to work tomorrow, cousin."  David raised

his eyebrow, but didn't make even a token protest.  So Leila slipped

into the passenger side of Spock's car, trying not to tremble.

        They moved along the darkened streets towards her apartment on the

outskirts of the city.  Leila couldn't bring herself to speak, so she

just looked out the window.  Unnoticed by her, a tear rolled down her

cheek.  Spock, glancing over at her, saw it.  He reached out and wiped

it away with the side of his finger.  She gasped and turned to look at

him, but he did not meet her eyes.  She turned away again, fighting the

impulse to kiss him.

        He began to speak, soft and low.  She had to strain to hear him.

        "I thought the memory of you was gone--

        I thought it buried underneath the years.

        But now it rises, bright as Vulcan dawn,

        And I remember you, and Earth, and tears."  He swallowed, the sound

harsh in the silent car.  She forced herself to stare out the window,

not to look at him.

        "Your tears were falling like the rains of Earth;

        You were the storms and roses of Earth's spring.

        You could not know that, almost from my birth

        The rites of Vulcan bound me to T'Pring." At that she gasped.  She

hadn't known, hadn't even thought that he might have been--what?

Married?  Engaged?  What?  He continued to speak, softly, as though he

were afraid.

        "I could not break those ties, I had no choice--

        Returned to space, left you and Earth behind.

        But still I heard the echo of your voice,

        Found rain and wind and roses in my mind."  His voice broke suddenly,

and she turned and reached towards him.  He shook his head once,

quickly, as if to clear his vision.

        "You told me that you loved me, and you cried.

        I said I had no feelings.  And I lied."  He pulled the car up next to

her building.  "I lied, Leila.  I loved you then, and I love you now.  I

just thought you should know--when I was myself, not affected by

anything else.  It was real, Leila."

        She nodded.  "And you are married.  I under--"

        "No.  T'Pring and I..."  He looked out the window.  "The betrothal

ended.  She made it clear that she did not want me.  I divorced her--or

she me."  He glanced at Leila.  "But there are other obstacles.  My

family--"

        "David--"

        "Not him.  My father's family."  He sighed.  "T'Pau all but ruled

Vulcan while she was alive.  My father took her place, and one day I

will be expected to take his.  But I am half human, and if I were

married to a human..." He looked at her.  "But I would have married you,

had I not been betrothed.  If T'Pau were still alive, I would ask you

marry me now.  T'Pau...had an unreasonable affection for me, and for my

mother.  I never knew why."

        Leila nodded.  "So you won't ask me to marry you now, because you don't

think the Vulcan race would approve?"

        "It is more complex than that.  I am of the House of Surak."

        "I see."  She bit her lip.  "Spend the night with me?"





--------------------

        Spock closed the door of the groundcar slowly.  He stood silently in

the dark, his hand resting on roof.  Dawn crept up over the horizon, and

the Vulcan closed his eyes as the memory hit him--the way she held him,

the way her skin felt under his hands, the way she tasted when he kissed

her goodbye.  The promises he had made to her echoed in his head.  He

could not marry her.  He couldn't afford to marry her, and still he had

promised her to love her for the rest of his life.  "This is not what I

want," he whispered to himself.  He opened his eyes and stared at the

ground.  "I want to spend the rest of my life with her."  He turned and

walked out onto the lawn, climbed into the tree that stood at the far

end of the yard, and watched the sun rise.



        Jim Kirk rolled over and kissed Carol.  She stirred and opened her eyes

sleepily, looking up at him.  "I was thinking," he began.

        "Jim, I'm not going to marry you."

        "I know.  I was wondering why Spock couldn't have the same arrangement

with Leila.  Think about it--"

        She stared at him.  "You really are obsessed with this, you know?"

        Jim shrugged.  "It's Spock."  He sighed and flopped onto his back.

"It's hopeless, though.  Somehow...I just can't see him settling for

anything but marriage.  I can see him risking the censure of

Vulcan--he's done it before, after all."  At Carol's puzzled look, he

explained "Spock was the first Vulcan in Starfleet."

        "So you think maybe he will marry her?"  Carol's expression was hopeful

.

        "No, I don't.  Spock is like me.  He can't give up Starfleet any more

than I can.  We've both got the wanderlust, Carol."

        She studied him for a moment.  "You really love him, don't you?"

        A smile spread across Jim's face.  "He's my closest friend.  He calls

me 'brother.'  How can I not love him?"



        David called up the tree.  "Spock?  Hey, coz!"  The Vulcan shook his

head.  He'd fallen asleep in the tree.  "Come on down, weirdo.

Breakfast's on.  Dee's made you tofu on toast."  Spock stretched his

cramped limbs and jumped lightly from the tree.  It was twenty feet to

the ground, and David flinched as his cousin impacted.

        "Vulcan has higher gravity," Spock explained.  "That drop is trivial."

David shook his head.

        "I forget sometimes that you're a Vulcan," he said.  "To me, you're my

cousin.  I hope that doesn't bother you.  I can still remember when we

were younger and you were trying so hard to be just like your father--"

        "It doesn't offend me.  My father's family calls me 'the human' or 'the

halfbreed.'  Most of my human family doesn't speak to me.  It is...

refreshing... to just be your cousin."  Spock sighed.  "As much as I

want to be Vulcan, I am neither human nor Vulcan.  I am Spock, and being

me is not a particularly straightforward process."  His eyes found an

extremely distant spot on the horizon and stayed there.

        David looked at his cousin's drawn face, and asked "Did you come home

last night?"

        "No.  I...stayed with Leila.  David, please--shall we go in for

breakfast?"  The human nodded slowly, and they turned and walked towards

the house.  After a moment, Spock said "I love her, David.  I cannot

marry her, and it hurts me somewhere that I think humans would call the

'heart.'  Please don't ask me to explain."

        David reached out suddenly.  It had been years since he had touched

Spock outside of the greeting ritual, but suddenly he knew that his

favorite cousin, the wry creature whose sense of humor he shared, was

aching to be touched and loved by anyone, anyone at all.  He caught the

Vulcan midstride, caught him and held him and hugged him fiercely.

        "I'm sorry, Spock.  I'm so sorry.  It'll be OK, cousin.  We'll work it

out somehow."

        His cousin brought his arms up and returned the embrace.  His touch was

light, barely felt through David's shirt--but it was there.  "The

situation cannot be changed, David.  Not for the reason I gave her--I

gave her a reason she could understand.  But it cannot be changed."

Spock drew away slightly.  "Thank you."   David nodded slowly, and the

cousins resumed their journey to the house.



        Spock applied large quantities of raspberry preserves to his tofu on

toast, which made Deanna laugh.  "I'd forgotten how much you liked

preserves, Spock.  Do you want a jar or two to take back with you?"

        "No.  There is no tofu on the Enterprise for me to put it on.  But

preserves do have an agreeable flavor."

        "You can eat them on other things," said Sarah.  "I eat preserves on

doughnuts."

        "Bad choice, Sarah," said her father.  "Spock doesn't like doughnuts."

        "Then he can eat preserves on bagels," replied the child, with immense

and undaunted dignity.

        Spock looked at his young relative, his eyes hungry.  David caught the

look and recognized it.  Spock wanted children, wanted a home, wanted

Leila.  And Spock could not have them, and it was eating him alive.





--------------------



    Later that morning, David caught Spock in the hallway.  "Why don't

you call her?  Ask her out?  I can't believe it's as impossible as you

say it is."

    "David, please."

    "Spock.  Get a grip."

    "It's pointless.  I can't marry her, so--"

    "Maybe you can't, but I know women and she's going to be hurt if you

don't call.  And just because you can't marry her doesn't mean you can't

go out and have a good time with her."  The human sighed.  "Spock, I was

so glad when I heard about your divorce.  T'Pring was wrong for you, not

just because she was a catty little bitch, but because she was a

Vulcan."  David grasped his cousin's shoulder firmly.  "You know as well

as I do--better--that the Vulcans aren't as logical as they pretend.

They don't look at you and see a brilliant scientist, a talented

musician, a killer chess player, the best first officer in Starfleet.

They see a halfbreed creature who is they believe is their inferior in

intelligence, strength, and logic."  Spock began to protest, but David

cut him off.  "Not all of them.  Just some.  Enough that you were one of

the central issues when Vulcan considered secession. I think the only

reason you say you can't marry Leila is because she's human, and you

think you need a Vulcan wife to prove that you are Vulcan.  Do you want

to spend the rest of your life with someone who thinks of you as an

inferior being?"

    "It's not the reason, David.  It's the Enterprise.  It's Starfleet.

I can't--"

    "I know they've delayed the decommissioning of the Enterprise.  I

know she's going back out again.  But not for long, Spock.  Two years.

Have you ever heard of long engagements?"

    Spock looked away.  "David, I can't afford to wait two years.  The

Enterprise leaves Earth in one month.  One month after that, she stops

at Vulcan for computer reprogramming and upgrades."  His face was bleak.

 "I will be taking leave on Vulcan.  I will be married there as soon as

I can find a wife."  He took a deep breath.  "I'm sorry, David. I wasn't

going to tell you.  I had hoped you would accept my work as an excuse.

I will be married or dead within three months."  Spock turned away from

his cousin, walked quickly down the hall, down the stairs, out the door.

    David followed him, his eyebrows knitted.  "Spock!  Dammit, Spock,

then marry Leila!  Now!  You love her, she loves you--doesn't she?"

    "Yes.  She's loved me for years."  Spock's eyes were fierce, his

words ground out between his teeth.

    "Then why are you giving that up?  I don't understand."

    "You are not capable of understanding."

    David gasped.  Spock had never spoken to him that way, as a Vulcan

might speak to a human of distinctly inferior intelligence.  "Spock?"

His voice was soft, wounded.

    "I...I apologize, David.  You did not deserve that.  But please,

don't question me any further."

    Spock's cousin nodded.  "I won't.  I just..."  He shook his head and

turned to walk back into the house.  At the doorway he turned and called

back, "It's not logical to risk your life when you have a sure way of

saving it.  It's not logical to throw away something that every

human--and yes, every Vulcan too-craves their entire life--someone to be

close to.  Don't do this to yourself, coz.  Please."  He opened the door

and slipped inside.  He found Deanna in the kitchen and wrapped his arms

around her and held her tightly.  "I love you, Dee.  I love you."







----------------



    Leila Kalomi woke up alone.  She reached out for Spock, but he

wasn't there.  She felt sadness grip her, and she fought back the tears

as she slid deeper under the covers.  The vidphone beeped at her, but

she ignored it.  The autoreceiver picked it up, and she watched her own

face appear on the screen.  "Hello.  You've reached Dr. Leila Kalomi.

Please record a message."  After a brief moment, Spock's face appeared.

    "Leila.  Would you have dinner with me tonight?  Please contact me

at my cousin's.  Spock."  She saw him reach for the disconnect switch,

but she reached out and grabbed the voice remote.

    "Spock?"  His face turned, startled.  "I'm on voice only.  Just a

minute."  She quickly ran a comb through her hair and put on a bathrobe.

 Then she sat down at the terminal.  "Of course.  I'd be glad to have

dinner with you.  What time?"

    "I can pick you up at seven."

    "That's fine--oh, my car.  I'll need to get it back."

    "Don't worry.  I'll fix it and bring it over tonight.  You can give

me a ride home this time."  He quirked an eyebrow at her.  For a second,

she remembered how his eyebrow had escalated when he had watched her

undress last night, and how it had felt under her fingers when she had

traced his browline.  She shook her head quickly.

    "What's wrong, Leila?"

    "Nothing.  Nothing.  I'll see you at seven.  Goodbye."

    "Peace and long life."  The connection was broken.

    For a long moment, Leila sat utterly still.  Then she hugged herself

tightly and twirled around in her seat, unable to contain her elation.



    David leaned in the doorway and watched as Spock disconnected.  "I

knew you'd call her, coz."

    Spock looked over at him.  "I know."  He stood up and brushed past

David, then retrieved his cloak from the closet.  "Well?  Are you coming

with me?"

    "Where?" asked the human, confused.

    Spock looked wry, helpless, defeated, amused.  "To buy an engagement ring."

    David laughed.  "Where else?"





    Leila stared at him in amazement.  "We're going where for dinner?"

    "San Francisco."

    "I heard you.  But why?"

    "Trust me, Leila.  Please."

    She sighed and relaxed into her seat.  "I trust you, or I wouldn't

have slept with you.  I just don't understand you."

    He looked at her quickly, his eyebrow raised, his eyes amused.

"Understanding will come with time."

    She closed her eyes, trying to fight down the terrible, impossible

hope that filled her.

    He pulled the car up next to the Starfleet recruitment center, and

they went inside.

    "Captain Spock!"  The yeoman who was manning the front desk jumped

to his feet.

    "At ease, yeoman.  I would like to use your transporters."

    "Sir, I'd have to ask--"

    Gently, Spock laid his hands on the desk.  "That's an order, yeoman.

 I don't think Captain Styles will mind.  I've know him since he was an

ensign."

    The yeoman swallowed.  "Yes, sir.  They're right back there, sir.

Do you want me to operate them for you, sir?"

    "No, that will be quite all right.  Good work, yeoman...?"

    "Paulson, sir."

    "Paulson.  Good work."

    "Thank you, sir."  Spock led Leila to the back room that housed the

transporters.  They heard the yeoman sit down heavily behind them.

    "Legend has its advantages, Spock?"

    "Indeed.  I will see if he desires a post elsewhere, though. No one

should have to suffer under Styles."  He raised an eyebrow at her, and

she laughed.

    "I've heard tales of the fits he threw when..."  The transporter

took them, and the hum drowned out her words.



---------------



    "Why do you like tofu so much, Spock?" Leila asked.  She was eating

vegetable pasta, while Spock had ordered honey-glazed tofu steak.  He

looked at her for a moment before answering.

    "I am not certain.  I find the taste agreeable, and I don't get to

eat it very often.  This establishment excels at tofu dishes, and I

always come here when I am on Earth."

    "Maison Vegan."  She laughed.  "It's so funny."

    He looked up at her.  "It is convenient for Vulcans that San

Francisco houses so many humans on...alternative diets.  It is the only

place on Earth where one can have plomeek soup."

    "I've never had plomeek soup.  I'd like to try it sometime."

    Spock called the server over immediately, and ordered Leila some

plomeek soup.  "Spock!  You didn't have to do that!"

    "Yes," he said quietly.  "I think I did."  He looked down at the

table.  "Leila.  There is something--"

    "Spock!"  It was his mother's voice.  His head snapped up, and he

saw his parents, Jim, and Carol Marcus approaching.

    "Spock?  What are you doing here?  I thought you were in Seattle,"

said Jim.

    "I am having dinner with Dr. Kalomi, Captain."  Spock's voice was

stiff, slightly offended.  "Live long and prosper, my father.  Hello, my

mother.  Hello, Dr. Marcus.  May I present Dr. Leila Kalomi?"

    "It's a pleasure to meet you," said Amanda and Carol simultaneously.

 Amanda smiled at the younger woman, and then continued.  "Dr. Kalomi.

Spock used to talk about you a great deal.  It's good to see that you've

rekindled the friendship."

    "My wife."  The ambassador gazed at her severely.

    "Oh, Sarek."  She smiled at him.  "Don't be silly."  She watched his

eyebrow climb his forehead for a moment, then turned back to her son.

"Your father and I ran into Jim and Carol earlier today, so naturally we

invited them to dinner.  What a pleasant surprise to see you here!  We

almost didn't come here, but your father had a craving for tofu."

    "I am surprised as well.  I did not know you were on Earth, Mother."

    "We arrived only this morning.  Jim told us you were visiting David

in Seattle.  How is he?"

    "He is well.  Arik and Sarah are growing rapidly, and Deanna is

pregnant again."

    "That's wonderful!  I wish..."  Her voice trailed off and her head

moved abortively towards his cheek.  "Well, we're keeping you from your

dinner.  I'll call you tomorrow."

    Spock nodded, and the four intruders walked away.  As soon as they

were reasonably distant, Leila burst into laughter.

    "What's so amusing?"  Spock asked.

    She shook her head, trying to catch her breath.  "You," she managed

to gasp out.  "Oh, my love, you."

    He reached out and touched her lightly on the hand.  "I don't understand."

    She grinned at him.  "Understanding will come with time."

    His entire body stilled, frozen.  She half reached out to him.

"Spock?  Are you all right?"

    His voice was very husky, very deep when he spoke.  "Will you give

me that time, Leila?"

    She stared at him.  "What did you--" The server leaned over her and

placed a bowl of plomeek soup in the center of the table.  "Thank you,"

she said, without ever taking her eyes off Spock.  "What do you mean?"

    He closed his eyes, reached out and took her hand.  "Will you marry me?"







----------------



   He removed his fingers from her face, cradling her in his right arm.

 David let out his breath in a whoosh.  "Is it done, Spock?"

    The Vulcan opened his eyes, tears sliding slowly down his cheeks.

"It's done.  We're bonded."

    "I'm so happy.  I just can't believe it," Deanna said. She turned to

Spock, made a helpless little clutch at him.  He reached out and

embraced her with his free arm.  Leila stirred against him, and he

released Deanna and looked down at his wife, concerned.  He brushed her

cheek with his fingers.

    "Spock?"

    "My wife?"

    She opened her eyes.  "I can feel it," she whispered.  "The bond, I

can feel it."

    "Yes."

    "I love you, Spock."

    "I know."

    David and Deanna looked at each other, and quietly crept out of the

room.  "I hope he has enough sense to take her upstairs," David

whispered.  Deanna tried not to snicker, but she agreed.

    "I really don't think we need to explain sex to our children just

yet, much less why Spock is having it on the couch."  At that, they both

burst out laughing and ran upstairs, trying not to shriek with glee.



    Amanda fiddled with her dinner.  "Sarek," she said.  "I think Spock

is going to marry that woman."

    "My wife?"

    Jim nodded.  "I think Amanda's right."

    "Captain?"

    Jim kicked Carol under the table.  She blinked, and then said "Oh,

definitely, Ambassador.  It's a most advantageous match."

    "Doctor?"

    Amanda smiled.  "It's about time he got married, after all.  I've

been so worried about him."

    "My wife, she is human."

    "Amanda's human," Jim and Carol chorused, grinning like a pair of fiends.

    "But Spock--"

    "Is extremely logical, Sarek," said Jim, with an attempt at

innocence.  "What could be more logical than to marry a woman he can

respect and admire as a scientist and an equal."

    "She's absolutely brilliant, you know," added Carol.

    "And so lovely," said Amanda.  "She's older than she looks, I know, but--"

    "It's the Berthold rays.  They're good that way.  They're used in

that nerve regeneration therapy you underwent, Amanda."

    "Captain," said Sarek.  "Dr. Marcus.  My wife.  Spock cannot marry a

human."

    "Why not?" The three of them looked at him with attentive

expressions on their faces.

    "It isn't logical for him to marry a human!"

    "You mean that it isn't politically viable for him to marry a

human," said Jim softly.  "You mean that your species is so blinded by

prejudice that they won't let a free man be a free man."

    "We are not.  We simply hold to tradition."

    "You didn't.  Traditions change.  Didn't you always want Spock to

follow in your footsteps?"

    The powerful, leonine Vulcan ambassador sighed.  "I must count

myself defeated.  I see what you are trying to accomplish.  Very well.

If my son marries Dr. Kalomi, he will have my sanction."  He rolled his

eyes and industriously attacked his honey glazed tofu steak.







----------------



    "All the arrangements are made, Leila, except for one.  Do you wish

to live on my estate in ShaniKahr, or would you rather we found you an

apartment in ShiKahr?"

    "An apartment will be fine." She sighed and looked around the empty

room.  "It's going to be hard, being apart from you for two years."

    "I'll be back occasionally, my wife.  And I have accepted the

professorship at the Science Academy for that time, so I am bound to be

there.  We will be together."

    "I can't believe I found a position there so quickly.  I never

thought I'd be able to work at the Academy.  It's like a dream.  Are you

sure it's not your doing?"

    Spock laughed softly.  "Vulcans are notoriously efficient.  I knew

they were looking for researchers.  I made sure your application was

sent to them the fastest way possible, and straight to the right people.

 But the quick response time was theirs, and the offer was made you

strictly on your own merit."  He brushed her lips with his fingers.  "I

cannot claim credit for your talents."

    David poked his head in.  "Come on, you two.  You're going to be

late for the ceremony."

    "I still don't think it's necessary, David.  Why do we have to do

this?"  Spock's voice was a trifle plaintive.

    "Because she's human, and you're human too.  Your parents did it, so

calm down."  Spock rolled his eyes.  "Look at it this way, coz.  It's a

civil ceremony, and it's going to be short, and there aren't going to be

many people there.  So calm down.  You should have seen me before my

wedding."

    "I did," said Spock.  "You were not coherent.  David, I am already

married.  This seems so--"

    "Illogical.  I know.  Shut up, or I'll clip you one and drag you in

by your collar."

    Leila laughed and kissed Spock on the cheek.  "Come on.  We're going

to be late."



    There truly weren't many people in attendance.  Jim and Carol were

there, Amanda and Sarek, Deanna and the children, David, and Uhura.  She

leaned over to Jim and whispered "I'm so glad I could make it.  It's

wonderful to see this."

    Jim whispered back, "Aren't you the least bit upset?  Half the ship

could have sworn you were in love with him."

    She grinned at him.  "No, I don't think I ever was.  But then half

the ship could have sworn *you* were in love with him."

    Jim nodded.  "I've heard that one before."

    Uhura laughed softly.  "He once called me 'little sister.'  That's

all we are, all we ever will be.  And I can't imagine it otherwise."

    "Sssh!  They're starting!" hissed Carol urgently.

    The ceremony was very brief.  After it had ended, Sarek stood off to

the side, eyes cast downwards.  He could hear the humans congratulate

his son.  He controlled the urge to run to his child and embrace him, to

smile and congratulate him with the rest.  He knew more intimately than

anyone but Amanda that Spock had been married a month.  He knew what

that intense private bond means, and yet this public acknowledgement of

the bond struck him emotionally.

    "Father?"  The voice was soft.  "Father, are you well?"

    "Spock."  The older Vulcan raised his eyes to his son's face.  He

knew tears stood in his eyes, he knew that a smile touched his mouth.

"I am well, my son.  I am well, and...pleased."

    The quick sunshine of a smile flashed across Spock's face.  "Thank

you, Father."







----------------

    "Carol," Jim began as they entered Starfleet headquarters for beamup

to the Enterprise.

    "No, Jim.  I'm not going to marry you."

    Jim laughed.  "I wasn't going to ask.  It will be the first leave in

a long time that I haven't, but I wasn't going to.  I just wanted to let

you know that I appreciate your help.  We couldn't have brought Sarek

around without you, and I would have gone crazy thinking about it.

So--thank you, Carol, for helping my brother to be happy.  I can't think

of anyone who deserves it more."

    She smiled and kissed him goodbye.  David gravely held up his hand

to his cousin.  "Live long and prosper, coz."

    "Peace and long life, David."  Spock held his palm against the other

man's long enough to send a silent message of love and trust.  David

received the message with controlled pleasure, and Spock was pleased

with his cousin's restraint.  "Peace and long life, Deanna," the Vulcan

said, turning to the woman who was embracing his wife.  Then he bent and

picked up Sarah and Arik.  They both hugged him fiercely before being

deposited in their parents arms.

    "Goodbye, Aunt Mandy, Uncle Sarek," said David.  "Live long."

    "Live long," replied Sarek, with a faint smile.  "Live long, my

relative.  And thank you."

    Leila wiped the tears from her eyes.  "Thank you all for..."

    And the transporter took them.



THE END







 -<+>- fiend+@cmu.edu -=-=- http://www.contrib.andrew.cmu.edu/~jacquez/  -<+>-

 Cthulhu is the Patron Saint of Pittsburgh... -=- "Each of us, at some time in

  our lives, turns to someone, a father, a brother, a God and asks, 'Why am I

 here? What was I meant to be?'" --Spock  -=-  Alpha Phi Omega, Kappa Chapter.