Epilogue

Two Years Later

There had been much change in the two years since Spock had last seen the old Bajoran monastery at Kenar. While it had been well-maintained before, now that well-kept appearance was joined by all the sights and sounds of life. When he materialized in the main courtyard with his traveling companions, it was to the sight of Bajoran monks and clergy milling about on their duties. "It would appear that your ties with the Bajoran clergy remain as strong as ever," Spock commented. "I presume you have continued to work outside of the d'jarra caste distinctions?"

"Yes, with Kai Pereno's blessing." Kee-Xi led Spock and the third member of their group toward the main doors to the Temple. "I understand the caste system is what keeps Bajor from being considered a viable candidate for Federation membership. I admit I am not a believer in caste systems myself but it is not my place to dictate their own customs to the Bajorans. The most we can do is make it clear that the Jedi will recruit all Bajorans regardless of caste. We have already identified and recruited many Bajorans from lower castes for various tasks in the Temple as well as training with the Force."

"A sensible policy. On other matters, I thank you again for agreeing to join my father at Camp Khitomer," Spock said. "He wished me to pass on that your intervention at critical moments has yielded 'satisfactory results'."

"I thank him for his kind words. I am ever at the disposal of those desiring diplomatic mediation." Kee-Xi took in a breath. "Although I know that is not the only thing you are considering."

"If you are referring to Captain Kirk's death on the Enterprise-B, it is a matter on which there is nothing to discuss," Spock answered. "All that can be done has been done."

"His loss is as felt among the Jedi as it is in Starfleet," Kee-Xi answered. "Diya did not take it well, I would imagine."

"I am told Jim's death aggrieved her deeply. But her grades have since improved. Doctor McCoy and Commander Uhura are keeping in touch with her should she need emotional support."

That prompted Kee-Xi to nod. "I may have to do the same with Silas and Zeala. Diya has great potential that should not be allowed to go to waste."

By this time they had neared the living area. Silas came up to meet him. Kee-Xi and Spock both noted the growth of a goatee on his chin and the mustache to match it. "Master Kee-Xi," Silas said, nodding in respect. He did the same to Spock. "Captain Spock, a pleasure." He looked to the third figure in robes who had, to this time, remained silent. "I am Silas Torson, sir. A pleasure to meet you."

The figure lowered the hood of his Vulcan traveling robes. This act revealed the dark-skinned man underneath, with the same pointed Vulcan ears as Spock's. Anyone looking on might have been surprised by the presence of a Padawan braid in the hair at the back of his head. "Greetings, Jedi Torson," he said in a reserved Vulcan clip. His hand came up in the traditional Vulcan greeting, which Silas quickly returned. "I am Tuvok of Vulcan."

"Tuvok was a young member of Captain Sulu's crew that I met on the way to Khitomer," Kee-Xi explained. "He has great potential. At my request Starfleet allowed Tuvok to resign his commission so that he could join us as a Jedi. I have taken him as my new Padawan to oversee his instruction."

Silas nodded to them both. He could sense the same potential in Tuvok that his father spoke of. "I'm glad to hear it. I look forward to seeing you complete your training, Padawan Tuvok."

"Thank you, Jedi Torson," Tuvok answered with that same Vulcan reserve.

Before either could continue, a young Bajoran child in youngling robes. "Master Torson, Acolyte Ryka sent me to find you. She says it's happening."

Silas blinked. "Wait? Now? But I thought…"

"We can speak on other matters later, Silas," Kee-Xi said. "Go be with Zeala. I will join you shortly."

Kee-Xi had seen to lodging for Spock and Tuvok. The latter had chosen to set up his new quartering to his liking while Spock opted to join Kee-Xi on a trip to another room. As they approached it, a loud cry came from within.

They found Silas sitting beside a bed. Zeala sat within, sweat still dripping on her face and her breath settling. An elderly Bajoran woman at the foot of the bed was leaning toward her. "May the Prophets smile on you and your little girl today," she said.

Zeala sighed and grinned weakly while accepting the swaddled little bundle into her arms. Crying was still coming from within the blanket as Kee-Xi stepped up. He could feel the little life in the Force, newly exposed to the outside world. There were tears in Silas' eyes as he reached out and touched the face of his daughter. "She's beautiful," he said. "Look, she has your eyes."

"Your nose," Zeala added.

Kee-Xi looked down at his newborn granddaughter with happiness and a touch of pride. Bright blue eyes occasionally opened between bouts of crying. It filled him with a touch of bittersweet nostalgia that he had been across the galaxy when Silas was born.

"My congratulations on the birth of your child, Mister Torson, Mrs. Del," Spock said. "May she live long and prosper."

"Thank you, Captain Spock," Zeala answered.

"It is customary to provide a name," said the Bajoran woman, Acolyte Ryka.

Zeala and Silas clearly already knew their choice, and it was left for Zeala to say, "Tyva. Her name is Tyva Laden Del."

Kee-Xi nodded in approval. His heart felt a tinge of pain for Tyva Nos Sirt to go with his happiness for the birth of their granddaughter.

Silas held little Tyva next. Her cries were already receding. By the time Silas handed Tyva to Kee-Xi, she was sleeping. He brought her close and looked down at the newborn's sleeping face. Her life was a small ember in the Force. "I sense potential in her," Kee-Xi admitted to the parents. "She will be a great Jedi."

"If she chooses, yes," Zeala said.

Kee-Xi nodded at that. He looked back to the baby. Though the future always shifted, he could sense the potentials of her futures in the Force. And he hoped only the best for the little girl.

Hope didn't always work out. Kee-Xi knew that from hard experience. But neither was hope something to give up on. After all, look where it had brought them. Because he had dared to hope for the future of the Jedi, whatever came, they were still here, in this place.

And in his heart, Kee-Xi Laden believed that his hope for the future of Tyva Del would turn out the same way.

"Welcome to the world, little one," he said to little Tyva. "May the Force be with you, always."

Silas and Zeala nodded in agreement.