On New Vulcan, 2261

Sarek seemed pleased to welcome them to New Vulcan and spend time with them; his manner was much friendlier with Nyota face-to-face than it was during transmissions. Sarek's staff, well trained in diplomatic protocol, neither stared nor sneered at Nyota or any other alien visitors who came to meet with Sarek. Spock was treated with deference and admiration. The Ambassadorial mansion was a peaceful retreat.

Despite her attempts to dress modestly in Vulcan clothing whenever they went out in public, she was aware of the eyes that focused on her ears and facial features. Her aural sensitivity picked up unkind whispers, comments that she knew they intended her to hear. But Spock strode tall and proud next to her in public, treating her protectively and with formal Vulcan manners making a statement: She is my equal, and she is mine as I am hers. What you think of me matters no more now than it did when I was a child.

Even with Spock's support, Nyota was uneasy about going out alone on New Vulcan during their seven day visit. However, she had no intention of wasting her time there. Deciding to treat the visit as a working holiday, she spoke persuasively in clearly pronounced Vulcan about beneficial Federation activities at the diplomatic functions where she and Spock were invited to accompany Sarek.

It was difficult to be strong at all times, of course. One evening Nyota felt so self-conscious beneath the patronizing gaze of several bejeweled Vulcan matrons during at a reception that she held her shoulders and head very still for hours. She nearly begged Spock to massage her tense, pained muscles when they finally slipped into the darkness of their transport vehicle and away from the evaluating stares of Vulcan elites. He tried to soothe her with his strong hands. The empathy he could provide was not enough to protect her.

The couple continued their cuddling sessions privately in their quarters inside the elegantly furnished, lonely Ambassador's mansion. The stronger surface gravity of New Vulcan made Nyota tired. The cuddling sessions rejuvenated her. During one of these times, with Spock wrapped around her, Nyota could feel him struggling through their bond. Spock seemed to feel assaulted by emotions. He tried to dispel both his childhood memories of bullies and the bitterly fresh reminders of aggressive looks and pointed comments made during nearly every day of their visit.

Nyota moved the clothing away from her arms and neck so that more of her bare skin touched Spock's. He relaxed almost immediately.

As the minutes they lay together stretched to an hour, Nyota formed an idea. It led her to the glassed-in promenade where many of the remaining Vulcan craftspeople and merchants had set up business on New Vulcan.