Spock considers his life, post Alex. Spock's POV.

I do not own anything Star Trek.

Different, yet so similar part 27

Final Chapter

2257

I held up the necklace so that the light would catch on the small jewel. How long ago was it? And why did I think of it now? Since that time, I had graduated from Star Fleet, with honors, and was offered the post of instructor, which I accepted, as it would delay my accepting any other post. After much research, I have decided that I would prefer to serve aboard the newest starship. It will not be ready for a couple of years, so as an instructor, I will bide my time waiting for its completion. If I continue to distinguish myself, gaining a post on that vessel will be assured. It is a gamble, but one I am prepared to take. I think Alex would have approved.

It was shortly after Alex had died, that I had a dream. That I dreamed at all was extraordinary, but that she was in it, made it even more so. She appeared before me, looking perfectly normal. I went up to her, relieved to see her alive and well. But in my mind, I knew that could not be.

"It is illogical that you are here," I said to her.

Spock, don't speak of logic. Of course, I'm not here. I'm a remnant of thought, from our mind meld.

"Then you are not Alex."

I am Alex. It's me inside your head. You feel badly about not being able to say goodbye.

"How do you know this?" I asked.

I'm in your mind. Remember? We shared our thoughts with one another. What you know, I know.

"Is that why you are here? To say goodbye to me?"

No. I'm here so that you can say goodbye to me. But you won't ever be alone, as long as some part of me is with you. I have to go now.

She turned from me and started to walk away.

"Goodbye, my t'hy'la."

I never dreamt of Alex again.

***********************

When our class had graduated, everyone with whom I had been friends dispersed to other postings. We still kept in touch, but as time passed, there was less communication. My years as an instructor were fairly uneventful. But one thing occurred that would again, bring great change into my life. I met a human female who would understand me, almost as well as Alex had. She was beautiful by human standards, intelligent, dedicated and witty. I was her instructor in Advanced Phonology, and while I found her most intriguing, I refused to allow anything to happen between us. I was her teacher, and it would not have been seemly for us to pursue a relationship while she was my student. However, once she had graduated that class, I found that I could not let her just go away. I had asked her for a date, which seemed to actually surprise her at first. But she consented. We are still together today.

If I had not met and involved myself with Alex, would I have had the desire to pursue such a relationship? Would I have had the courage to open myself to a human? I would most likely have remained unattached, since many Vulcans had not learned true acceptance. Alex taught me to accept, she taught me to love, without prejudice, without fear.

I closed my eyes and visualized her face that last time we were together, when she had turned and blown me a kiss. I had rolled my eyes at her action, but inside, I didn't really mind. Alex had her quirks and very.....human behavior. But she had accepted me as I was, so could I do no less of her. My first roommate at Star Fleet, my first real friend, definitely my first HUMAN friend. Who would replace her? Actually, no one could, but later, I would come to know that Alex was not the only human I could learn to accept, trust, and yes, love. There would be others.

I held the small necklace in my palm, remembering the joy she had expressed on receiving it. It was a small thing, but it represented everything that was good in our relationship. We had our differences, in our species, our traditions, and the way we viewed life. Yet we were similar in so many ways. What she was born to, I had learned from her. We accepted, appreciated and loved each other, and our differences.

I put the necklace back into its box, and slipped it into the drawer. I have a dinner date with Nyota. Perhaps, on the way to her quarters, I will purchase her some flowers.

Author's Note: As you can see, I wouldn't have been able to go on with the story of Spock and Alex. I based this story on the new film, so it had to make sense that Spock was the way he was because of his relationship with Alex. But he had to be free later on, so it was inevitable that she go away. It was my plan all along to kill her (would they just separate? I didn't think so), but how was the question. I decided that, because of the courage she showed at Starbase 11, it was only natural that she show that courage in her home life as well.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I have a new story going based on the film. Hope to see you there.

Live long and prosper!