Cochrane was in his quarters later in the day from his talk with Zef. He felt good… they had begun the process of clearing up the past few days’ issues and hurt. Still had some work to do, of course, but they were on their way and Alex was happy. Now? Now it was time to call off the dogs.

The chime elicited a “Come in.” from Alex, and the door slid open to reveal his sister in civilian clothes and his mother in, as usual, Vulcan robes. Racheal came in and gave him a hug and said “Hey, Lexxy… how you feelin’?” Vash’tur walked up to him and nodded. “My son.” was all she said… or really needed to say. Alex knew she cared more deeply than she would ever show outside herself.

“I’m good.. really.” and he looked at Racheal. “Promise. Zef and I spoke this morning. That’s actually why I wanted to talk you both. Please… sit. Tea is ready. Thank you for bringing that by the way, Mom. It’s good to have some home this far from hearth.” Vash’tur and Racheal sat, and Vash’tur arched an eyebrow at Alex. “Not your best, but a decent enough line. Keep it growing.” Vash’tur said as a compliment to his word choice. Alex smiled and inclined his head. It was a game they had played since he was getting to know her before she married his father. He would make up a line for a poem, she would ‘critique’ in her own way, and the banter would serve as a background to conversation. One line was batted back and forth for over a year, and she ended up using it in one of her poems.

As the women sat and Alex poured tea for everyone, he said “To begin, I would like to say that having you here means more to me than anything. It has been far too long, and I have missed you both. And your tenacity in my defense is not only noted, it is appreciated more than you will ever know.” He finished pouring the tea and sat back. “But I need you both to give Zef and I some space to work on things. This was, at the core, a cultural misunderstanding… coupled with some unresolved issues with the Admiral on my part.” and he looked at his twin sister, whose eyes went wide and then she paused, thought, and went “Oh hell… I didn’t even think of it like that.” and then fell into her own thoughts.

Alex looked at both of them and said “Zef and I have both acknowledged the pain we have caused each other… and we have forgiven each other and come to an understanding. An understanding about the Degansa, which will proceed with one alteration to consider Zef and my’s relationship… and an understanding of what Zef and I mean to each other. So I am telling you… both… here and now… I am okay. Zef is amazing. And I love her. I have a future with her… which means both of you do as well. So I need you -” and he looked at Racheal, “- to stop planning murder and get to know her. I think you will really like her, and she you. But I want you to give her a chance.” and he looked at Vash’tur. “And I would like you, mom, to try to see that she does love me and the hurt she caused was a simple lapse in logic… not anything malicious. Will you do so?”

Racheal sighed and said “Fine. But I’m telling her if she hurts my baby brother it’s back on.” and grinned. Vash’tur looked at Alex for a moment and then said “I know she feels deeply for you, Alexander. That was never a cause for concern. And if you have decided that she is the best for you… then she is. I look forward to knowing her better.”

Alex smiled and said “So do I… and we would both like to have you for dinner tomorrow night. All four of us. Agreed?” Vash’tur inclined her head and Racheal smiled and said “You got it. I’ll make sure mom is on time.” Vash’tur looked at Racheal and said “One time I was late. One. When will that stop being amusing to you?” Racheal looked at her and said “Never. You were three days late. That was amazing.” and she laughed while Alex smiled and shook his head.

Cochranes