Suvoc supposed it had really been too long since he’d seen his two fathers. But he had been busy on New Vulcan. His duties there as an instructor at the VSA were extensive and he hoped in a year or two to receive the promotion to head instructor at the school. He was getting ahead of himself, he knew. There were other candidates who were fully Vulcan.

He’d kept in touch with Sa-Mekh of course on Father’s worsening condition, which was, of course, why he was here. He’d been talking to Vulcan mind healers. And now, he needed to speak with Father.

They were waiting for him as he stepped off the shuttle ramp and for a moment, emotion overwhelmed him. They both looked frail and vulnerable compared to when he’d last seen them. Sa-Mekh should have many years ahead of him, still, and yet having to care for Father in his current condition was quite clearly having its effect on Sa-Mekh. He looked…frazzled. Not a good look on a Vulcan.

And Father. He was smiling but it was faint and there was just the touch of vacancy in those familiar blue eyes.

Suvoc steeled himself. He could show nothing to Father that indicated his despondency. He was here for Father…and Sa-Mekh. He must maintain strength at all costs.

He turned to the man coming down the ramp behind him.

“That’s them, I take it?”

“Yes. I…”

“Relax. If anyone can accept me, it is them,” Ronan said. “Shall we?”

“Indeed. Come.”