Seeing Double?

Sirin left his native planet when he was 30 years old. His bond-mate had died in childbirth, along with the child. Something in Sirin had died along with them Although his family attempted to secure him another mate, Sirin resisted. Though a full-blooded Vulcan, he did not wholly subscribe to all the teachings of Surak, and often gave in to his emotions. This did not please his parents, nor his Grandmother T'Pau. He was regarded as "without logic", and subsequently disowned by his family. He decided to "find himself" elsewhere and took passage to Terra.

Sirin had been trained as a healer in the Vulcan tradition, and then completed medical school and a surgical residency in San Francisco. Now he was employed as an orthopedic surgeon at San Francisco General. His Uncle Sarek knew of his whereabouts, but refused to acknowledge Sirin's existence. He occasionally had contact with his Terran Aunt Amanda, but this was done on the sly. This suited Sirin just fine. He enjoyed this "new" world and its pleasures, engaging in minor dalliances with other hospital staff members, but never getting serious with anyone. He made friends easily, but they were only casual acquaintances. His work fulfilled him and he was generally happy with his life, seldom thinking of the home he had left. That was about to change.

"Doctor Sirin to the E.R., STAT! Paging Dr. Sirin to Emergency, STAT! "

He engaged his communicator. "Sirin here. Please state the nature of the medical emergency."

"Dr. Ellis here, Sirin. I have a young Vulcan male, approximately 20 years of age, with a head injury. The injury does not seem severe, however he is unconscious, and his vital reading are somewhat unusual. He had no I.D. on him."

"I'm on my way." Sirin hurried down the corridor and into the E.R. Ellis did a double take. The patient in question looked enough like the Vulcan doctor to be his younger brother. Ellis lead Sirin to a cubicle, where he got quite a surprise. The unconscious, bruised Vulcan male on the exam table, barely out of his adolescence and wearing in-line skates and athletic clothing with a helmet by his side, was very familiar to him. He was looking at his hybrid cousin Spock.

"I know him. He is my cousin Spock, the son of Ambassador Sarek. He is also a cadet at Starfleet Academy. His readings are unusual because he is half human. How was he found?"

Ellis sighed. "SFPD got an anonymous call stating that there was an unconscious male in skater's gear lying along a trail in Golden Gate Park. They believe the young fellow crashed into a tree, knocking himself out. He was most likely robbed of any valuables, including his I.D. The robber was probably the one who called SFPD. Scans do not indicate any permanent damage. I don't understand why he hasn't come around yet."

Just then Spock began to stir. When he opened his eyes, his vision was initially somewhat blurred. Then for a few moments he saw two of everything and had no idea as to his location. Gradually his surroundings came into focus.

"Greetings, cousin Spock. You are in the Emergency Department at San Francisco General Hospital. Apparently you had some sort of mishap while skating in the park. You were found unconscious with no I.D. The police believe that it may have been stolen.. You appear to have suffered a slight concussion, but should have no permanent damage."

"Greetings, Sirin. You seem well. Mother said you were living in San Francisco, but gave me few details. I must contact my adviser at the Academy, as I have missed all of today's classes. When may I expect to be released? "

Sirin considered. "It is usual procedure to keep someone with a head injury under observation for several hours. However, you do not necessarily need to remain in this cubicle. I was about to take a dinner break when I was paged. It would be acceptable for you to join me. We will find you some slippers in lieu of your skates and get you something light to eat.. We can "catch up" as it were. Then we will get you back to the Academy."

"That would be most agreeable." Sirin handed Spock his communicator, and Spock contacted his mentor Captain Pike, advising him of the situation. Pike said he would speak to Spock's instructors and that Spock would need a copy of his treatment record for follow-up with Starfleet Medical.

They dined on spinach salad and vegan potato soup. Sirin nearly laughed when Spock commented that the hospital cafeteria cuisine was superior to that of the Academy dining hall.

"No wonder you are so thin! Perhaps you could use some nutritional supplements. What were you doing on in-line skates, anyway? "

"The skates were a gift from Mother for my last birthday. Ironically, she thought they would be safer than some of my usual forms of exercise. I thought them both illogical and impractical at first, but must confess that I enjoy a morning skate. I have not yet perfected breaking, however. I swerved to avoid a child and a dog, and instead made contact with a tree. As for the nutritional supplements, I am already taking some. It has been theorized that my hybrid physiology has given me some malabsorption issues."

"I understand that this is your final year as a cadet. You will have completed your studies at the Academy in only three years, as well as a PhD. From Oxford and one from Edinburgh. Sarek and Amanda must be pleased and proud. What will you do next, Spock?"

"Sirin, my mother is indeed proud. However, the situation between my father and myself is much the same as that between you and your father. It seems we are both "black sheep". As to your other question, I expect to spend about two years serving aboard a starship, and then return to Terra, perhaps as an instructor at the Academy. You seem to be content in your chosen path. Have you found a bond-mate yet?"

"Not yet. And yes I know that the time draws near, little more than a year away. I have had lovers, but none I feel would be up to the challenge of bonding and Pon Farr. Do not concern yourself, however. I shall deal with the problem. Spock, I have enjoyed our conversation. I did not realize how much I had missed contact with another Vulcan, particularly a kinsman. I would like to maintain contact with you, if possible. I am generally free on Tuesday evenings."

" I am also free on Tuesday evenings. That would be most agreeable. Sirin, may I list you as an emergency contact on my personnel record? My mother always becomes quite concerned whenever Starfleet contacts her concerning an injury."

"I would be willing to act in that capacity. Spock, are you injuring yourself often?"

"Let us just say that I sometimes enjoy extreme sports."

"I see", mused Sirin, raising one eyebrow. "Let us get you back to Starfleet Academy."

Addresses and personal communication data were exchanged. Spock gathered his skating equipment, and Sirin gave him a ride to the Academy on the back of an antique Harley Davidson motorcycle. Spock was most impressed with this. A friendship had begun.

A/N

See y'all next Tuesday!