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After Spock strips off his captain’s uniform, he takes a sonic shower long enough to irritate his skin. He wills the sensation to remove his internal turmoil, like the sonics stripping at his epidermis. It proves ineffective.
Spock exits the shower stall, locating soft sleepwear and his slippers. He exits his quarters to walk down the hallway to another ship suite.
Nyota’s soft voice takes four seconds to respond after Spock buzzes the intercom. “Hi, Spock. Come in.”
Spock slips through the door to the bedroom. Nyota is still alone in bed, and Spock can hear the bathroom shower running. Nyota pats the bed next to her. “Having trouble falling asleep?”
Spock crawls to Nyota’s side, a rare occurrence that he appreciates. Usually Nyota will complain that Spock’s skin is too cold and makes him move to Gaila’s side of the bed.
“So what’s up, Captain?”
“I did not think it was possible for any individual to be so oblivious, much less a Vulcan.”
“We’re talking about the ambassador, right?” Nyota snorts and rubs Spock’s shoulder. “What’s Kirk and McCoy been up to now?”
Spock scowls. “They attempted to invite him to dinner, and the ambassador asked if they had mistook him for myself and forwarded their message.”
A sudden thought makes the hair on the back of his neck stand up on end. Had Spock himself ever unknowingly demonstrated this level of ignorance? If so, apologies of the greatest magnitude were owed to the victim in question. Or victims. Spock found it a near unbearable experience as a mere observer. How much more excruciating must the experience be as an involved individual?
Uhura’s amusement is palpable in her voice. “No, Spock. As far as I’m aware, I don’t think there’s been anyone interested in you that you didn’t know about or didn’t turn down.”
Spock relaxes more than he’d care to admit. “I appreciate you informing me of this.”
Spock sits up as Gaila exits the bathroom. She is toweling her hair as she smiles at him. “Hi, sweetie. Can’t sleep?”
Spock wordlessly curls up next to Gaila as she gets into bed. Uhura explains to Gaila, “Ambassador Spock is being dense, and it’s annoying Spock.”
“It is not annoyance,” Spock protests.
Gaila tucks Spock in. “Shut up and sleep, Captain.”
Spock complies. He is not quite asleep, but as he slips further into dark unconsciousness, he listens to Uhura and Gaila talking over him. Their voices are worried. They are discussing a situation regarding Uhura’s stepsister and the possible transfer of guardianship for her two children. Uhura is currently trying to see what she can do to help keep the children with her stepsister. Spock finds it touching that they would discuss such delicate matters with him in the vicinity. It is a display of trust Spock has rarely encountered in his life.
Spock finally falls asleep, resolved to assist them in whatever manner he can.
Ambassador Spock offers the ta’al. “This is an unusual place to bring me,” he says to Spock.
Spock lowers his own ta’al and looks at the simple diner style restaurant they are standing in front of. The cityline of San Francisco can be seen in the distance. “It was not my choice of restaurant.”
“Then whose -” The ambassador’s voice halts as he stares over Spock’s shoulder.
Spock turns and nods at Winona, who is wearing sunglasses and a well worn denim garment. “Captain.”
“Captain,” Winona acknowledges in turn. She turns to look at the ambassador. “And who’s this?”
“My elder counterpart from another reality. This is Ambassador Spock.”
Winona still doesn’t look impressed, which does not surprise Spock at all. She turns to the entrance. “Let’s get munchies. God, I could use a drink. Do either of you fine gentlemen want a drink? The ale here is actually decent.”
The ambassador looks a little bewildered. “It is not noon yet.”
“What’s your goddamn point?”
The ambassador blinks. “I have none.”
They follow Winona into the restaurant, and Spock waits until they are all seated. Spock doesn’t speak up until they have all ordered and their beverages have been served. “Would you like to hear how Jim is doing?”
Winona’s attention is predominantly affixed to her alcoholic beverage. “I’m assuming he’s not dead yet because he’s not on the news.”
The ambassador is very still. Spock glances back at Winona. “Jim Kirk has transferred to the astrophysics department, and has gained popularity among his peers.”
Winona mulls over her drink. “At least he’s trying, I guess.”
“Trying?” The ambassador stares at Winona. “This is a splendid achievement he has accomplished.”
Winona squints at the ambassador. “Achievement? All that big talk about becoming a Starfleet captain, and now he’s nothing but a crewmate.”
The ambassador falls silent. Winona shrugs. “I look at that kid and I see the inferior version of his dad. It’s the truth. He knows as well as I do.”
The ambassador’s calm voice betrays nothing. “Simply because his allocations do not enumerate those of his father does not mean he is in any way inferior.”
Winona does not appear to have heard, or she is ignoring the ambassador. “He looks so much like him, god. And he looks more like him every day.” She sighs and shakes her head. “Enough of that, anyways.”
[Spock Prime and Winona nearly get into an argument, but Spock separates them.]
[Spock Prime and Spock talk about Jocelyn, and how she differs from this reality compared to Spock Prime’s reality. There is no Joanna in this universe.]
[Spock Prime is invited to dinner at Amanda and Sarek’s place along with Jim and McCoy. Spock notices Spock Prime’s focus on Amanda and the more awkward, doting Sarek of this universe. The narrow escapes from near-death incidents due to Nero’s destruction has changed his attitude considerably, and he is more open in showing his feelings towards Spock.]
[After the dinner, they exit the house. Jim and McCoy linger, still speaking to Amanda in the hallway.]
Ambassador’s Spock speaks barely above a whisper. “Why have you done this, younger one?”
Spock’s voice is steady. “I wanted you to see for yourself, Ambassador. We are not the people you have known in your reality. Our paths diverged from the days that we were born.” Spock looks behind them. “Turn around. They are waiting for you, Ambassador.”
The ambassador freezes in place. Slowly, he looks behind him to see Jim and Leonard approaching. Spock steps back as Jim gently grasps the ambassador’s wrist. “Meld with me again, Ambassador?”
[It’s a very different meld from Delta Vega, with Spock reading Jim’s thoughts rather than transferring his own.]
Leonard places a gentle hand on Spock’s hip, drawing him closer. “I know you’re scared, but humans don’t have the luxury of time like you Vulcans do.”
“Your counterpart of my universe outlived several Vulcans his age,” the ambassador murmurs, but he allows himself to be pulled towards Leonard’s side. “I am undeserving of this love once more.”
“You’re fucking infuriating is what you are.” Leonard’s hand rests on the space between Spock’s neck and shoulder. “Don’t push us apart anymore, Spock.”
The ambassador dips his head and entwines his hands with Jim’s and Leonard’s. Spock allows himself a moment to feel pleased for the triumph.
“Trust us, Spock,” Jim says.
[Uhura’s stepsister is transferring to the Enterprise, where they will be able to provide a safe environment for her and her children.]
Spock sighs and turns on his heel to enter the turbolift. There is much paperwork to be completed.