The Way to Man's Heart is Through his Stomach

 

For several moments after Elizabeth had left the room, Spock and Caleb just looked at each other. Both males were analysing each other, they were polar opposites and yet they were the only two of their kind in existence. Spock, having embraced the Vulcan way of life, knew very little of what it was like to be human, to fully experience the range of emotions that the small boy in front of him used frequently. On the other hand, Caleb, who only knew of the human way of life, was very much his mother's son. He unlike his counterpart, had barely started to live his life, and yet he clearly wore his heart on his sleeve.

Peering up at Spock, Caleb tilted his head slightly. "My Uncle Leo says me and you are the same."

"Indeed we are."

"Why?" Caleb may only be young, but he was far from stupid. He saw that his Uncle was not overly fond of this other man; it had confused him when Uncle Leo had said that Spock was like him. Caleb didn't see the similarities.

Spock paused; he was not completely sure how to proceed. He did not know how much the boy knew about where he came from, what had occurred to allow him to be born. Logically, Spock concluded that he would know very little of the truth, but then again, he wasn't supposed to know either.

"Caleb, what do you know about Vulcan's?"

"I know my biological father was one, if that's what you mean." Caleb answered without missing a beat.

"My father, like yours, is a Vulcan. My mother was a human, like your mother is." Spock felt reassured that Caleb knew about his heritage. At least that did not have to be explained, it was not Spock's place to discuss what could become a difficult situation.

"Oh. So, your blood is green too?" Caleb had a look of wonder on his face. He was curious to see just how similar he and Mr Spock were.

"Yes."

"What's Vulcan like? I've never been there. Momma said that we can't ever go there."

"She is correct. The Planet Vulcan was destroyed when you were still an infant. It was an arid planet, with very little vegetation or wild life. The new planets that have been settled by Vulcans are similar in many ways."

"That's not what I mean." Caleb giggled at the slight misunderstanding, resting his chin on his folded arms, Caleb looked up at the older Vulcan. "I wanna know what the people are like, are they like you? It's just; I've never met anyone else that's a Vulcan."

What Spock really wanted to tell Caleb is that he wasn't missing anything by not knowing other Vulcans. His own childhood had been somewhat miserable, never really fitting in; constantly being shunned because of his mother. For Spock the mere thought of this child being exposed to the level of teasing he had endured was almost unbearable. Caleb would break under that level of pressure from other children; he expressed his emotions too easily for him to be accepted in Vulcan society.

Thankfully, Spock could hear that Elizabeth was about to re-enter the room. Before he would inform Caleb about anything regarding Vulcan life or society, he would consult Elizabeth first. "Perhaps another time Caleb. Your mother is returning."

Caleb's eyes immediately darted to the door of the galley and saw that his mother was indeed coming back. Returning his attention to his elder counterpart, he asked, "How did you know that?"

"I could hear her coming. As you grow older, your sensory perception will develop to a higher level than that of humans."

"My what?" Caleb screwed his face up in bewilderment.

"You'll be able to see, hear, and smell things better than me, Sweet-pea." Elizabeth announced as she placed three mugs on the table. "Now Mr Spock, I believe it's time for you to try my hot chocolate."