The Two Big Ones

Chapter fifteen - And Home

Back on Board the Enterprise

July 2263

Spock

They collected their toiletries and a few other odds and ends and the clothing they had worn the day before and packed them all away in the duffles. Spock took one more pass through the rooms, looking everywhere to be sure they had not forgotten anything. And then Sarek was at the door to bid them farewell. Nyota stood on tiptoe and brushed her lips against his cheek and his eyes flashed. And then he reached forward and clasped Spock's upper arm closely. Spock clasped his father's other arm, and they stood there quietly for a moment. Then Sarek gave a very, very small sigh. "I suppose it will be years before I see the two of you again."

"It is almost impossible to say, sa'mekh. The Enterprise could be assigned to the sector that contains New Vulcan. Many things could happen. We will keep in touch by subspace call until we find a way to visit in person."

"Indeed. I will walk out with you." And he picked up one of the large duffels and one of the smaller ones and headed for the turbolift. Spock picked up the other large duffels and the other smaller one and Nyota took the medium-sized duffel that had all the new clothes in it. They followed after Sarek. When they reached the front doors of the Embassy, Sarek handed the large duffle to Spock and the smaller one to Nyota and stepped to one side. "Travel carefully, my children."

They nodded to him again. Nyota wished to hug him but would not embarrass him like that. They were about to exit when Selek came hurrying up. "My meeting has just adjourned. I was afraid that I would miss you. Please stay in touch. And take care of each other." he bent and brushed Nyota's cheek with his lips, clasped Spock's arm, and then stepped back beside Sarek. They nodded again and stepped through the doors. They passed down the walk, and out through the gates, not looking back. Nyota felt like she might cry if they did. She felt Spock's warmth inside, soothing her, and took comfort from it.

When they reached the transit station, they found long lines. They found a place and set the baggage on the floor, pushing it along with their feet as the line moved slowly forward. And then they caught a glimpse of McCoy in a different line and Kirk in yet another. Nyota waved one hand, making motions to catch their eyes. Both men grinned at them, Kirk sticking his thumb up in the air, as well. They would all soon be aboard. They shoved the baggage forward again. They were almost to the front of the line now.

Kirk stepped up on a pad first, disappearing in the tingling swirls. McCoy was only a moment behind. And then it was their turn. Picking up all the baggage they stepped onto the pad and positioned themselves on the lit discs. The technician leaned out from behind his console and told them to put the baggage on other discs. So they did, and then the tingles began. And they were home. Aboard the Enterprise. Scotty stood behind the transporter console, grinning widely. Nyota ran over and gave him a big hug before starting to gather up baggage. Spock took both of the large duffels and reached for the middle-sized one, but Nyota already had it and the two smaller ones. "I can carry these. You already have the heaviest stuff."

He allowed her to proceed, although he would have preferred to carry it all for her. They headed for their quarters, but stopped when they saw the notice on the door. Spock looked at Nyota in confusion. "We did not ask for different quarters."

"No, we did not. Do you suppose this is part of the refit?" She released the notice from the clip holding it up. "We are up one deck now."

They headed back to the turbolift and went up one deck, then down the corridors, looking for the number on the notice. When they found it, he tapped the touchplate. It asked him to place his palm on the plate and then key in his id. Next it asked Nyota to do the same. Then the door swooshed open. They stepped in and looked around. The duffels slid down to the floor as they stood there, astonished. The living area was almost twice as large as the one they had had, with a separate dining alcove and another set up as an office. Leaving the baggage, they wandered through the rooms, looking. The bedroom was spacious, the bed large. The bathroom had a large mirror and two sinks. The shower stall was half again the size of the one they were used to. And the closet was clearly meant for two people. As was the double dresser. And there was another room, at the end of short hall, completely empty. Spock stopped in the doorway, shocked. Nyota stood beside him, puzzled. "What is this room for?"

"It is an empty room, containing nothing breakable."

"Well, yes, I can see that. But why?"

He bent his head down towards her. "This suite was designed specifically for a Vulcan."

Awareness dawned in her eyes and she looked at the small room again. "McCoy. Surely he is responsible for this."

"It may be. I did not expect this. This consideration. It is astonishing." He had no idea how to process this, simply standing there, letting the knowledge seep in. "Surely they do not expect us to leave this room unused until it is needed."

"I don't expect so, no. But whatever we put in here, there must be room to move it all back out again when the true purpose of this room becomes necessary."

"Yes, indeed so." He looked at the room once more and then returned to the front part of the suite. It appeared that everything from their previous quarters was here, and in much the same arrangement as it had been in. Nyota was checking the drawers and finding all their clothing. It was as though someone had carried the drawers from their old dresser and simply lifted stacks of clothing from one drawer into another. Even the items on the desk were sitting in their familiar spots. It was almost eerie.

They began to unpack their duffels. At one point, Nyota went to check the bed. It was made up with their own sheets. She came back, shaking her head. "I've never had anyone move me like this. It feels very strange." He could not help but agree with her.

When all the duffles were empty, he folded them and stuffed the smaller ones inside one of the larger ones. Then he put them all up on the shelf above the closet, next to the backpacks. He looked around, feeling as though he was missing something. And then he went to the comlink and thumbed it on, checking ship's time. Nyota came and wound her arms around him. "Resetting your internal clock?"

"I suppose you could say that. It is not entirely accurate, but close enough." He bent down and nuzzled her face. "Shall we brave the mess hall?"

"Oh, yes, let's go and see who's already here." And so they set off, hand in hand, feeling so very much at home, content to be back where they belonged.

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This is the last chapter of this story. The sequel "Let's Go Thataway" starts tomorrow.