They Don't Know What They're Missing

They had all shared a pleasant meal. Now the family moved to the patio to enjoy the sunset and some music. The day had been exceptionally warm, but now a gentle breeze was beginning to stir. His son Spock had brought his bond-mate Nyota to New Vulcan for a week-long stay. Nyota was an exceptional woman and even Sarek could understand how she had captured Spock's heart. His beloved Amanda had done much the same to him.

Spock picked up his harp and began to play an ancient melody, a love song from the time before Surak. He played it through once, and then sang the words. Then Nyota joined him. Their voices entwined beautifully, as had their lives. Nyota sang with a colorful soprano voice, Spock a rich baritone. His son had inherited his singing ability from his mother.

Amanda! How he missed her! It had been over three years since her death and the near extinction of his race. "Matters of biology" had forced him to take another mate, and it was logical that he should help rebuild his race. Sarek had a sincere admiration for T'Sela, as she had for him. Part of him would always grieve for Amanda, as T'Sela would always miss Sedik and her children. However, they must now focus on the living, especially with their child on the way. A daughter was expected in a few months.

Sarek had been concerned as to how Spock would adapt to a step-mother and future siblings. Spock had taken it well, as he did truly understand both his father's predicament and his race's. He could not yet bring himself to call T'Sela "Mother". No doubt that would come in time. This is not what he would have chosen, had there been a choice, but Sarek knew his son would adjust to the differences.

"Different" . . .

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Spock had only been four at the time, but he was already well aware that his family was different. He had commented about it one night over dinner.

"Mother, I have noticed something about our family. When we entertain guests, they are generally foreign dignitaries, or family members. On occasion, we have coworkers of yours or Fathers. We seldom have friends. I have few friends at school. Is this because our family is so different?"

"Yes, my son, that is why. People are often uncomfortable with differences. They may even fear them, that if they expose themselves to differences, they may become different as well. Different can be scary, but it can also be special. Spock, you have many special gifts. The friends that you will make in your life will cherish you because of these gifts, because of your differences. As for the people who choose not to befriend you, well, let's just say they don't know what they're missing."

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Amanda had been correct concerning their son and his gifts, his specialness. Spock excelled at everything he tried. It was never enough for many Vulcans. Spock was just too different. Sarek had been angry and hurt when Spock had chosen Starfleet over the Vulcan Science Academy. Over time, however, he had come to see the wisdom of his son's choice. Now Spock's accomplishments filled him with pride. His son was a scientist, scholar, teacher, and musician. Those who avoided him truly did not know what they were missing.

How Amanda would have adored Nyota. The young woman was a consummate professional, a gifted linguist, and absolutely devoted to Spock, who returned her feelings. Sarek could sense great happiness in his son, even if he did not outwardly reveal it.

Some of the reason behind that joy had been revealed at dinner. Nyota was with child, almost five months along. They were expecting a son! Sarek was to become a grandfather at almost the same time he would be a father again. T'Sela gave him an "I told you so look". Nyota's loose clothing had made her suspicious.

Sarek was roused from his musings. Spock and Nyota had started another song, it was more beautiful than the first. They had obviously sung it together many times. Music was one of the things often missing in daily life on New Vulcan. Most of Vulcan's six billion souls had been lost in Nero's extermination. A disproportionate number of those who had been rescued were scientists, engineers, and technicians. The few artists and musicians that remained were highly revered. What music was available came mostly in the form of recordings gleaned from the archives of other worlds. Vulcans were now depending on outworlders to help save what remained of their culture. Somehow, Sarek found that somewhat amusing.

T'Sela rose from her chair. "My husband, I must walk a bit. The child has had enough sitting."

Sarek took her arm, and together they walked around to the front of the house. There, they were greeted by a wondrous sight. Many of the neighbors were standing in the doorways of their homes. The evening breeze had carried Spock and Nyota's songs, and Vulcans were known for their sensitive hearing.

They stood there a moment, as the song finished. Finally, an elderly male approached them.

"Sarek, who are your guests? Their singing is praiseworthy, a rare treat these days."

Sarek stood even straighter than usual. "You are hearing my son Spock and his Terran bond-mate Nyota. They are here on leave."

"Ah, yes. They are very gifted. Do you think they would consent to come out here and sing, that all might enjoy it?"

"I will ask them." Sarek returned to the patio and repeated the neighbor's request to his children. Both agreed, and chairs were brought to the front of the house. As the word spread up and down the street, others brought out seats for themselves. Parents even woke up sleeping children. Finally, all were assembled.

Sarek smiled ever so slightly to himself. "Perhaps they do know what they have been missing."