VULCAN, 2296

Spock's mother was dead. Guests milled about his father's home, grieving with them. A tall man walked up. He asked a question in an accent not unlike the vanished Captain Scott.

"Did You Know Her?"

"She was my mother."

"But did you know her? Do you know what Amanda forsook to have you?"

"No."

"She forsook eternity, which has taken her back. We'll nae see her again."

"She--is dead."

"So were you."

Spock saw him leave with a glare at Sarek.

"Father, who was that man?"

"That, Spock, was-- a very old friend of Amanda's. His name is Duncan Macleod."