Soul Bound 09/09 (Hermione/Spock - R)
Title: Soul Bound - 09
Categories: Harry Potter, Star Trek AOS/Reboot/IX/2009
Type: gen, het, romance, drama, scifi, supernatural
Rating: R
Characters/Pairings: Hermione/nu!Spock
For: crossbigbang
Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood and co, JK Rowling does. I don’t know Trekverse and associated characters, Paramount and various other holding companies do.
Author Notes: See the Master Post for full notes.
AU after B7 Deathly Hallows; ignore the epilogue. AU to Star Trek Reboot the movie. The Narada destroys the Kelvin but the events in the movie have changed because Spock’s motivation, character, and history have changed since he met a particular little girl. Butterfly Effect.
Acknowledgments: Janni, for the art created and my beta Kit.
Last Edited: June 11, 2011, Please note this may be revised & updated.
Summary: Reactions and actions of various individuals once the Enterprise starts her trip back to Sol System.
AN: AU core events of ST Reboot, between the Narada's destruction and Pike relieving himself of Command.
~ooO 09 Aftermath Ooo~
Spock poured a cup of fragrant Vulcan spice tea and passed it to his bondmate. She watched as he poured a cup for himself, as he inhaled deeply to appreciate the aroma and effects on the senses. She sipped her own tea comfortable with the silence. Yes the Enterprise was limping back to Sol System (they did not have warp drive) but the ship was mostly whole and the casualties could have been a lot worse.
James Kirk had been unexpectedly mature and compassionate, as demonstrated in his offer to aid the crew of the Narada. He immediately organized the crew to work in shifts to repair the Enterprise. And he had ordered Spock and Hari to take the first shift off to rest and recover. Spock had spent the first part of his 'downtime' meditating, waiting for T'Mia to return from Sick Bay, from stabilizing Pike. Upon hearing her cautiously positive prognosis he had insisted she rest while he prepared a light meal.
After finishing her tea she spoke.
"What are we going to tell the Admiralty?"
Spock had meditated on that concern. "Let the Vulcan High Council deal with the Admiralty. If they mark everything as classified and a Vulcan matter the Federation and Starfleet has no say."
She raised an arch brow. "Do you really believe they will let the matter go so easily?"
"No. But I am not concerned."
"They will pressure you. You are a Starfleet officer and you made vows."
"Then I will resign my commission."
That statement rocked her back on her heels. "No!"
His gaze was calm and serene. "Yes. But only if there are no other options."
She shifted slightly closer to him. "If it happens… What will you do?"
He reached over and stroked the back of her fingers, her hand resting on her lap.
"I have many ideas I would be interested in researching. The sensor data from the Narada and what the VSA has determined about your abilities is most intriguing."
"But you want to be a deep space exploration Science Officer!"
"I can still achieve that ambition. On a VSA research ship. I have also received offers to teach at the VSA, mostly extra-credit courses on new emergent-sciences."
That amused her. "How curious… The Vulcan who refused to study at the VSA is being asked to teach there."
"Yes. But that is life I have found."
She was quiet for a while. "You would not regret resigning your commission?" She asked hesitantly.
"I would not say so unless I am willing to do it." He brushed her temple with his fingers. "I would have no regrets T'Mia. I applied to Starfleet because I was looking for a place where I would be accepted and welcomed. I made a place for myself in Starfleet but it is with you that I am welcomed and accepted without hesitation. My commission cannot even match the benefits being with you gives me." He was still as he watched her absorb his words. "I will never give you up My'own. You are Mine." He added in fiercer tones.
T'Mia set her cup down and leaned against his shoulder. Logic stated she should meditate and rest but she wanted to meld with her bondmate first. In all ways. She did a mental calculation. They had enough time for what she wanted and sleep.
He did not say anything as she reached up and pulled his head down to kiss him in human ways. He did not say anything but he was more than willing to follow her lead.
~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~
Hari frowned as he tried and failed to centre his mind for the seventh time. He shifted slightly grumbling softly. It was worse than Occlumency training from Snape. Focus was just out of reach.
The door intercom chimed. Giving up on meditation he rose from his cross-legged pose, the skirts of the rust-red wool-spidersilk blend robes falling smoothly to the floor.
"Enter."
The door slid apart to reveal a tall slim blonde with vivid blue eyes dressed in a long flowing coral-pink skirt and matching tunic-style top.
"Nurse Chapel."
She frowned slightly as she stepped over the threshold, the doors sliding shut behind her. "I told you to call me Christine."
Hari nodded shallowly. "Christine." Then he stiffened. "May I ask why you are here?"
Her expression was very serious. "I think we both know why I am here."
It was Hari's turn to stiffen. "I believe you made that promise in jest. I have no intention of holding you to it."
She shook her head and moved to touch one of the crystal statuettes on display. "You aren't forcing me to do anything. I want to." She moved until she was standing just in front of him. "There is something about you that draws me…" She reached up to skim his face, never actually touching skin. "I knew within five minutes of talking to you that you are important to me. I have no logical reason but what I Feel…" She trailed off helplessly. "I'm sorry for being so emotional but I don't have the words-."
"Hush." He pressed a finger against her lips, to silence her outpouring. Green eyes bored into blue as he examined her intently. He was so tempted to lower his shields to skim her thoughts, to determine her exact reasoning, but he didn't. He wouldn't, not without her express permission.
She lifted her hands to grasp his. He could feel the small shocks set off by the intimate contact. He gritted his teeth and focused on controlling his reactions. He almost missed what she was saying.
"…Don't want to lose this chance. It was like a dream until Doctor McCoy confirmed you were on the Narada with Commander Spock. I was on the bridge for emergency triage and I heard the fight on the open channel. And then when you brought Pike back in such bad condition… When we were stabilizing him I realized it could have been you. And if it were you…" Tears escaped and trailed down her cheeks. "I'm not sure what I would have done."
Hari blinked taken aback by the confession. And it was an honest one, not something designed to engender trust. He could tell that through their contact.
"Christine…" Hari was not certain of what to say.
"I'm not expecting forever or any kind of commitment. I'm just asking for a chance. I know Vulcans don't do casual so I'm willing to wait for you to consider the idea."
If he were any kind of purist Hari would have rejected the human nurse. But he was not; he was a hybrid born one-hundred percent human mage and not one to tamely follow convention. And it had been a while since he had a stable sexual relationship. His last short-term relationship had been with a Muggle girl he'd met in Athens.
Ever since Hermione had disclosed her plans his attention had been focused on their safety and maintaining it. And then after the blood adoption it had taken a while for his biochemistry to stabilize. His adoptive mother, T'Quil had insisted Hari test the limits of his new physiology and had arranged for a courtesan. The entire interlude had been more clinical and educational, not truly desired. After that Hari had not sought out any romantic partners. For one it was very hard on Vulcan where emotionalisms were highly undesirable traits in a partner.
But he was no longer on Vulcan. He was on the Enterprise standing before an attractive beautiful woman who genuinely desired him.
He raised his free hand and brushed her temples, over her psi-points. She leaned forward into his caress.
"Are you sure?" He asked.
"Absolutely."
After that Hari did not bother at attempting to dissuade her.
~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~
Acting Captain Jim Kirk sipped his second cup of black coffee. It had taken the first jolt to get dressed and moving. This one was to think more clearly.
"Coffee Mr Spock?"
Spock declined. He always declined a lot of fun stuff. No smoking, caffeine, booze, narcotics, sugar, junk food. But he definitely was not declining sex. Jim wondered if sex with a Vulcan was different from regular sex.
"It is." Spock murmured.
Jim blinked. "Excuse me?"
Spock arched a brow. "Your thoughts are unmistakable. You were wondering how sexual intimacy in Vulcans differ from your experiences."
Jim went very cold. "Were you reading my mind?"
Spock did not smirk but his expression was very close to it. "I am a touch telepath. I was not touching you so no. But I have observed male humanoids tend to react in similar ways when introduced to the partner of one they consider as asexual."
Jim had to smile at that quip. Then he forced himself to scan the notes on his PADD. He did not really need it with his eidetic memory but it gave him some time to regain his equilibrium. Finally he looked up.
"All departments have been sending in their reports. The Enterprise does not have warp but we are otherwise stable. Scotty estimates it will take 11 days to reach Utopia Planetia on impulse. Starfleet Command is not going to send anyone to tow us in. They have other priorities given the data packets we sent in."
Spock's expression was very sober. "Expected." He tilted his head. "Did they send any orders?" He inquired delicately.
Kirk nodded. "Yeah. Expect to be dragged before a Board for a complete debriefing."
A faint furrow creased the smooth brow. "That will not be permitted by the High Council."
Jim waved his hand. "That is not my call. It is something the Vulcan High Council has to hammer out with the Admiralty and the Federation Council." Blue eyes were laser sharp. "What I want to know are your plans. You know Pike is desk bound now."
Both men were very sober at that reminder. Christopher Pike survived and was healing thanks to the combined treatments of McCoy, T'Lara and T'Mia, but some nerve damage was impossible to repair. Pike could walk with braces but he could never run or manage uneven slopes. He could no longer serve on an exploration vessel, on any Starfleet ship that would be expected to serve in combat and relief efforts.
"With the destruction of so many ships theStarfleet is going to be short staffed. They'll probably formalize the field promotions of the senior Cadet class." Jim added.
Spock nodded. "Expected."
"You know they'll probably be offering the Enterprise to you." Jim noted in carefully disinterested tones. "You were Pike's XO. And there is a shortage of qualified captains."
"And I will refuse." Spock responded evenly. "Christopher knows my interest lies in the Sciences, not Command. I am willing to be First Officer but being Captain will limit me from engaging in what truly interests me: science and research."
Jim was taken aback by the blunt words. But he could see Spock meant them. "Okay. Just wanted to let you know they'll probably be offering you a Captaincy."
"I am content in my current role."
Jim nodded more briskly. "Very well then." He cocked his head. "Sorry if I'm intruding here but I never realised you were bonded. There is nothing in your records."
"There wouldn't be." Spock hesitated. "It was a deliberate choice at the time."
"And now?"
"The reason is no longer relevant. T'Mia is not a Starfleet officer or VSA graduate but she is uniquely qualified as a research scientist in more… unique aspects of physics."
"The science and technology that hid Vulcan." Kirk surmised.
"She cannot share her knowledge of psi-tech but in order to develop it she studied many different areas of science, obscure and not. She has a unique insight most conventionally trained scientists lack."
Jim blinked taken aback by the unexpected candour. "Do you want her to work on the Enterprise?"
"Yes. And any other posting Starfleet might assign me to. She can easily qualify as a consultant or civilian scientist. I know it is not common practice in Starfleet but if the Admiralty is unwilling to make concessions I can say with one-hundred percent certainty that I will resign my commission. It is standard for bonded couples to serve on the same vessels in the VSF. The VSA has also offered both T'Mia and myself the chance to teach and conduct research."
Jim absorbed the very definite challenge and ultimatum laid down.
"Understood Mr Spock. I will write my report recommending T'sai T'Mia be offered the opportunity to join the Enterprise as a civilian researcher. Given the data in the ship logs and mission report I have little doubt Starfleet will make her an offer. My only concern is the Admiralty. They will demand to know."
"They can try to get all the answers they want from T'Pau."
Jim smiled at the thought. He wished he could be a fly on the wall when Barnett or Komack tried to pry any details from T'Pau. The Matriarch of Vulcan would make mincemeat out of them first.
~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~
Amanda Grayson disembarked from the shuttlecraft and hurried to join the line-up for the transporter pads. She had waited on Suzaku has she had promised her bondmate. And the moment they had received confirmation the Narada was destroyed she was on the first transport back to Vulcan.
By the time she reached the Clan estate she was tired and dust stained. She ate a selection of fruits and napped. She could comm. Sarek but she did not want to distract him. She would wait for him to return home.
~o~
It was twilight when T'Pau woke her.
"You should be on Suzaku." Her tone was neither approving nor disapproving.
"My place is with my family." Amanda countered evenly. "Where is Sarek?"
"He is on the Enterprise." T'Pau answered after some consideration. "He will be Vulcan's emissary to the Federation Council."
Adrenaline shot through the human woman's veins. "Emissary? Why? What happened?"
"Everything occurred as expected. Now the Federation Council wants answers. Answers we cannot, must not give."
Amanda nodded slowly. "Sarek is well?"
"Yes. As is Spock, T'Mia, and Hari. They are all on the Enterprise returning to Earth. Their anticipated arrival time is later than usual since they had to eject the warp core to escape the artificial black hole."
Amanda nodded slowly. She ignored the second half of T'Pau's words and focused on the first part. Her family was safe.
"What about T'Lun?"
"She is in a healing trance. The healers say she will be fully healed in the next thirty hours."
"She will want to see T'Mia and Hari." Amanda pointed out evenly.
"Yes." T'Pau admitted.
An idea started to form in Amanda's subconscious. "You will be sending a full diplomatic team I presume, to extract Spock and T'Mia if needed."
"Yes."
"Then why don't I take her to Earth to see them? Grant her diplomatic immunity by giving her a minor position as an Embassy aide and let me take her with me."
T'Pau was silent for a while. "Let me consider it."
Amanda did not smile on the outside though internally she was cheering. That was as good as a yes from T'Pau.
~o~
Within thirty minutes T'Pau returned with a positive affirmation. Amanda had already packed her bags and was ready for the trip to Earth. She recognized most of the Vulcans joining her on the diplomatic shuttle. Most were Embassy staff and senior negotiators. A few were highly respected scientists and Council Advisors. One was a junior Healer accompanying T'Lun, just in case. One familiar face was an unexpected surprise.
"S'haile Vrehn." Amanda greeted the older Vulcan male formally. "I had not expected you to be part of this envoy." She admitted.
"I asked to be." He admitted.
Amanda could not help but notice how his eyes darted towards the small suite bedroom where T'Lun rested. A fierce maternal protectiveness surged to the forefront.
"Are your intentions towards T'Lun honourable?"
Vrehn started before recovering. "Yes." He admitted.
Amanda blinked. That was a shock. She honestly had expected him to hide behind the screen of Privacy.
"You… want her?" She needed to be certain.
Vrehn nodded once jerkily. "Yes. I wish to offer koon-ut so'lik."
Amanda accepted the answer. "Okay. I just have one suggestion." He tilted his head inquiringly. "Don't propose to her right away. When she wakes up she is going to be more worried about Hari and T'Mia. Once she sees with her own eyes that they are fine try to find some private space. Go visit some museums or parks with her. Get to know her outside the academic setting before proposing to her."
Vrehn was confused. "But our minds are compatible."
"Are all your interests and emotions also compatible?" Amanda countered bluntly. Sensing his dismay she softened. "Just get to know her better first. Humans call it dating. T'Lun was human, raised human most of her life. She will appreciate it."
Vrehn nodded. Satisfied she had gotten through to him Amanda turned the topic of conversation to more serious matters.
"Do you have a prepared response for the expected questioning on psi-tech?"
Vrehn nodded. "Yes."
"Pretend I am a Federation investigator. How would you answer to demands for information and blueprints?"
"First of all such technology cannot be activated or controlled by psi-nulls such as…"
~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~
Spock was certain Starfleet PR had made plans for the Enterprise's arrival on Earth. He was right. They were ordered to use shuttles to bring down specific crew members. Acting Captain Kirk politely refused to include the reldai in the group, citing cultural reasons and had offered to add Hari and T'Mia to the list. Both refused believing it would be a counterproductive move.
The shuttle shuddered gently as it landed. Then the doors lifted open allowing the ramps to slide out and down. Kirk was the first one out the door and down the ramp. Spock followed once he was sure T'Mia was just behind him.
There were many races waiting behind the barricade of live Security Officers. And not all of them were members of the media.
Ko-mekh?
Sensing his tension and shock, T'Mia pushed around him and to his front.
While his fellow crew members broke ranks and ran towards their waiting families, T'Mia and Spock walked at a sedate pace with Kirk and McCoy.
"Someone is waiting for you Doctor McCoy." T'Mia announced.
And she was right. The moment McCoy saw what she did he was off like a shot. A few seconds later he was swinging a dark-haired little girl around in circles.
"Joanna." Kirk murmured.
"Yes." T'Mia was not one to type to allow friends or allies to wallow. "Join us James Kirk. I believe you will enjoy meeting T'Lun and Amanda."
Spock was secretly amused by the uncharacteristic shyness from Jim Kirk when he was introduced to the females who treated him with familial warmth.
He only hoped the rest of their time on Earth would be as pleasant. But secretly he doubted it. He just hoped the expected debriefing did not turn too objectionable.
~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~
Sarek glanced at the faces around him, his bondmate, family and kin. They were all tense despite their carefully neutral public expressions. Quickly he began summarizing the resolutions determined in the closed Council sessions.
"The Federation Council and Starfleet Admiralty has agreed to abide the Vulcan High Council's decision to classify the information to a short list of Vulcan citizens. We will still have to take precautions against possible black-ops seeking data."
"And if we catch possible spies?" Hari wanted to know. "Who has authority?"
"Vulcan does."
Everyone frowned.
"And what of the logistics of holding and transporting such criminals to Vulcan?" Spock asked carefully.
"They are very involved." Sarek admitted. "The Federation Council has agreed to have a VDF officer posted on the Enterprise near Spock and T'Mia for such an event."
"Anyone we know?" Hari wanted to know. If he wasn't happy with the name he Would be making a fuss.
Sarek's expression was very bland. "T'Pau has recommended granting R'tsu Z'rel Hari a field promotion in the VDF for his recent actions. It has been confirmed and formalised." There was a trace of teasing in the older male's eyes. "Would you be interested in the posting Hari?"
The answer was immediate. "Hell yes!"
T'Mia and T'Lun laughed as one.
"You only want to stay on the Enterprise because of Christine." T'Mia teased the one she considered a younger brother.
The tips of pointed ears turned green. "Not entirely." He shot back. "I'm not going to let you and Spock go gallivanting all over the universe without me around to help in case you run into trouble!"
T'Lun made a soft considering sound. "Your presence will help. The Enterprise is a powerful nexus of change and change can be negative and painful."
"Do you wish to accompany them?" Amanda asked carefully, uncertain of which answer she would prefer. She wanted Spock to have the best back-up in the form of his bondmate and her mage-kin. But she also wanted them to remain on Vulcan safe and sound. But then again, given recent events, perhaps there was no place in the universe that was absolutely secure against the threat of violence.
T'Lun smiled faintly, a Vulcan smile. "No. My path lies on Vulcan. I wish to continue psionic research in the VSA. T'Rea and T'Pau have agreed to sponsor my work."
"Any particular field?" T'Mia inquired interested.
"Non power focused fields. Medicine and Agriculture. Developments that can be sustainable in the long term using purely local resources."
"Like the fertilizer." Hari murmured.
"Exactly." Then her eyes fell on Spock her eyes almost glowing. "Be strong. Be true. The path ahead will be difficult but very fulfilling."
Spock nodded solemnly. "I will."
T'Lun turned to T'Mia. "I don't need to tell you anything."
T'Mia nodded firmly. "You don't. I know my place is with Spock. He is mine to protect and defend, just as I am his."
T'Lun nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes. If you are concerned about children do not worry. Starfleet will have to amend their current rules on couples and families if they wish to attract qualified people. As the Flag Ship, the Enterprise will be the test site."
Everyone blinked taken aback before seeing and comprehending her point.
Sarek and Amanda heaved internal sighs of relief. Both knew of the dangers in active front-lineStarfleet service. Having families and children on board would force the crews to exercise more caution in their missions. Caution that would hopefully translate into reduced casualties.
"How much downtime does the crew have?" Hari's question broken the pensive silence.
"Seven weeks. It will take at least six to complete the repairs." Spock answered. "Starfleet has planned for several press conferences and media events in that time. The next one I am expected to attend is in two weeks."
"Is it open to the public?" Hari wanted to know.
"Not without an invitation." Spock's eyes laughed. "But once you accept the posting on the Enterprise you will be considered as a civilian member of the crew andStarfleet."
Hari glanced at T'Mia who was looking very demure.
"I have already completed my application and paperwork to join the Enterprise Science Department. I received the acceptance confirmation yesterday. I suggest you get started on yours."
Hari sighed internally and nodded. "Understood."
T'Lun smiled smugly. Everything was falling into place, just like she had Seen. When the Enterprise finished her first five-year mission T'Lun was almost certain she would be an aunt. She was definitely looking forward to that.
~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~
Ambassador Spock (now known as Selek) smiled as he watched James Tiberius Kirk take Captaincy of the Enterprise. Everything was as the way it should be. His investigations had confirmed key members of the Enterprise crew were on board. There were a few unknown and unexpected additions but they were understandable given the massive losses due to the Narada. What confused him were the additions of two Vulcans to the Enterprise manifest. A male and female. His younger counterpart's bondmate and her brother. And she was not T'Pring.
"S'haile." A husky female voice murmured in precise Vulcan accents.
He did not react. He was too old to be so easily startled. He turned slowly to see two Vulcans standing a short distance away. The male was a familiar figure dressed in a Starfleet uniform and Science Blues, his younger counterpart. His female companion was an unknown but oddly familiar.
She had pale brown, almost golden eyes and curly light brown hair restrained just at the nape of her neck. She was shorter and curvier than most Vulcan women, her attributes defined in the simple hunter green jumpsuit worn over a black turtleneck and black boots. Over all that she wore a sleeveless pale dove grey robe that flowed to mid-calf, open down the front. The robes were enhanced with white, embroidery depicting ancient Vulcan script and old Terran-style runes. Selek did not have the knowledge to translate them offhand but he was certain he could once he gained access to a computer terminal.
The longer he studied her the more certain he was that she was not as she appeared. For a brief instant he was tempted to touch her skin. A rather intimate action given her clothing covered all of her but her face and hands.
And then she did something no proper Vulcan ever would.
She smiled at him.
"Kevet-dutar, my name is T'Mia. This is Spock." She gestured at her companion. Her voice was just as distracting when she spoke in Standard.
Selek forced his agitated thoughts into a semblance of order.
"You are mistaken. I am not an Ambassador." And it was true. He had resigned his position in order to continue his work on Romulus. For Reunification.
T'Mia tilted her head to one side. "You do not have to pretend. We know who you are. Ambassador Spock cha Sarek, retired Starfleet Captain. You tried to stop the destruction of Romulus in your world and failed. Nero came to this world and changed everything."
Selek's blood pressure dropped but he did not say anything.
She simply nodded and continued to speak.
"You can choose to believe or disbelieve. All I ask is that you listen. As you have most likely surmised, I am not a typical Vulcan. And you are correct because I am not. I was conceived and born human. Now I am a Human-Vulcan hybrid."
Selek started. "Genetic manipulation is illegal." He responded automatically.
She smirked. "The methods you know of are illegal. There are others that are not."
Selek frowned faintly and reviewed his knowledge on the topic. The laws were clear and all encompassing. They were designed to cover any potential abuse using future developments in genetic manipulation.
Sensing his bafflement she expanded. "I believe you know of the Q."
Suddenly it made sense. "A Q changed you to a Vulcan hybrid?"
"Not exactly. I did this to myself." T'Mia gestured at herself. "Using a less advanced form of what a Q is capable of." Selek stared at her shocked and confused. "My kind, my people are human but we have specific genetic differences that allow us to duplicate a Q's feats. Not on the scale or permanence of a Q without a great deal of sacrifice. We call the quantum-energy manipulation abilities magic."
"There is no such thing as magic." The answer reflexively spilled from Selek.
She did not take offence. His younger self looked amused.
"I do not care if you believe me or not. Just listen to me." She waited until he nodded in affirmative before continuing. "I was born a human in late twentieth century Earth. My parents were perfectly ordinary dentists. I'd known I was different since I was very young. In fact I've known Spock for as long as I can remember, since I was a child."
"That is-."
"Not impossible. We met in our dreams. He thought I was a construct of his subconscious until he accidentally melded with me when I was a baby."
That baffled the elderly Vulcan. "How?"
"I don't know. I suspect it is something the Q arranged. Spock and I practically grew up together until he decided it was time to be a proper Vulcan and cut me off."
Selek watched his younger counterpart reach out and grip T'Mia's hand in a Vulcan kiss.
"I had reached an age when I was starting to make plans for the future. I realised I could never have T'Mia because we lived in different times. And she was just as focused on me instead of those around her."
"It hurt terribly. A few months after we parted a woman visited my parents home and informed us I was a witch and invited me to attend a boarding school to learn how to use and control my abilities. It was lonely at first but eventually I made other friends and grew up. A lot happened, including a war but my friends and myself survived it. I was not happy but I was content. And then I was visited by a Q who looks like an Oriental monk. He showed me a vision of what could/would happen if I was not present. Nero would have succeeded in destroying Vulcan. The entire Vulcan race would have been reduced to less than hundred-thousand."
Selek's blood froze.
"I could Not just stand by and know and do nothing so I accepted his offer. Two friends who I consider brother and sister accompanied me on the one-way trip to this time. After arriving here I contacted Spock and through Sarek I met the Vulcan High Council. The High Council believed me since the reldai of Seleya were also having prophetic dreams of destruction and my information was confirmed via mind-meld." She made a gesture. "We worked with the VSA to develop a means to protect Vulcan and succeeded. Spock and myself are bonded now."
Selek raised an inquiring brow. "T'Pring?"
"I broke the betrothal before joining Starfleet." Spock admitted freely. "After what I shared with T'Mia I was not willing to… settle. I had hoped to meet a more compatible partner in Starfleet." He glanced down at the shorter female standing beside him. "I had never expected to meet her again."
Selek frowned slightly. "And Sarek? How did he take it?"
"Well. T'Pau supported my petition to break the betrothal. And my bonding with T'Mia. Mother as well."
There was nothing Selek could say to that. Amanda Grayson was her son's fiercest champion. She rarely went against Sarek but she would make her support, her views and reasoning very clear.
"You are most fortunate." Selek admitted.
Spock inclined his head. "I am."
Selek drew his shoulders up. "And your plans? Will you be resigning your commission?"
"No. I am staying as XO and CSO on the Enterprise. T'Mia will be joining me on the Enterprise as a civilian researcher."
Selek glanced at T'Mia. "And you have no issues with this?"
"Spock has always sought a posting on a deep space exploration vessel. He belongs on the Enterprise." T'Mia's explanation was brief and clear.
Selek could not resist smiling. "You are truly fortunate to have found a bondmate who understands and accepts you as you are. I was not so fortunate until I was much older."
"Who was she?" T'Mia asked curious.
"A former protégée. A Romulan-Vulcan hybrid." Selek admitted. "It was not a match of passion but shared understanding and common goals."
"And what of T'Pring?" Spock asked.
Selek winced. "She declared kah-if-fee at the Koon-ut-kalifee."
Eyes widened in shock. "But why?" T'Mia sputtered.
"She wanted to be with another."
"Stonn." Spock concluded.
Selek looked curious. "Yes. She said she did not wish to be wife to a legend."
Spock's response was blunt. "She lied. She has been in a relationship with Stonn since before I even left Vulcan." He hesitated then added. "I found the two of them together."
Selek shrugged. "It might have been the same in my time. I was not interested in her. What affected me was the way she chose to go about breaking the bond when I was mentally unstable, in plak-tau."
"Who did she choose as her champion?"
"My Captain. Jim Kirk." Spock recoiled subtly. "He survived though, thanks to Doctor McCoy's quick wits and actions."
T'Mia made a soft compassionate sound. "Well I for one am not unwilling to be wife to a legend." She laughed softly, an odd sound from a Vulcan figure. "I have always freely chosen to be around legends, to support them. I am not so childish and selfish to be unwilling to share the one I am bonded to with the world."
The future looked very bright for his younger counterpart. In fact for everyone.
"If you wish to return to Vulcan we can speak with Sarek and Amanda. You can choose to share your history or not." Spock offered.
Selek considered the offer. "I will think about it." And found he really was giving it serious thought.
For most of his life he had fled the stifling constrictions of Vulcan. But this was not the Vulcan of his birth and childhood and life. This Vulcan had suffered the backlash of the Kelvin's destruction and the resultant isolation. Many of the people he knew were different, and in the most positive of ways. T'Pau, Sarek, the VSA, the High Council… they had accepted the words and advice of a young human, a witch. Magic and science had worked hand-in-hand to create the miracle that had saved Vulcan from the Narada.
Selek realised he was truly looking forward to living in this changed new world.
"You may wish to inform Sarek I will be contacting him in the next seventy-two hours."
~ooOoo~ooOoo~ooOoo~
The End.
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