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“Agreed,” she said, though she was unable to conceal her lack of enthusiasm about the news.

David cocked his head. “Are the other efforts not going so well?”

She sighed. “That is difficult to assess. Most fronts in the war are effectively stalemated at this point. The Romulan Empire, though sympathetic to our cause, is still officially neutral in the conflict. And though I cannot give any specific evidence, there seems to be a level of…desperation in the Federation’s attempts to court Romulan support as of late, particularly by the Vulcan High Command. Some have even broached the subject of reunification.”

David’s still-tired eyes flew wide open. “Really? I had no idea that was even plausible.”

Saavik shrugged. “Then you will be surprised to know that the V’Shar has discovered significant support for such an idea among the Romulan underground.”

“The Vulcan intelligence agency? Wow…I guess they must be serious, then.” David stepped forward and put his arms around Saavik’s waist. “Wouldn’t that be something…if the two worlds you’ve claimed could actually become one…and make you whole?”

Saavik smiled and bowed her head. “Romulus is truly a remarkable world. You should visit sometime.”

“You’re right,” he said. “I should. After living here on Vulcan for the last five years, anything would be better than this infernal heat and high gravity.”

“You would like it there. Four distinct seasons through multiple climate zones, lush vegetation, and awe-inspiring landscapes. It reminds me of…”

She paused and dropped her gaze, and David patiently waited for her to finish her thought. “Reminds you of what?”

She looked up again and met his eyes. “It reminds me of Earth.”

David had no reply, so he did not attempt to craft one. Instead, he reached up and cradled the back of her neck, gently pulling her toward him while embracing her with his other arm, and tenderly pressed his lips against hers. David closed his eyes and allowed the warm intimacy of Saavik’s telepathic consciousness to wash over him.

He wasn’t certain how many minutes had passed when they each finally opened their eyes and gazed lovingly at each other.

“Shall we go eat?” Saavik asked.

“I’m famished,” David replied.

The last in a long line of families finally stepped off the exit ramp of the transport into the warm Vulcan breeze. A single woman, her pretty face marred by the cumulative effects of grief and stress, led the way with her two preteen children in tow. The young ones, less conscious of the circumstances that had brought them from a besieged colony world to a Federation refugee camp, looked about with innocent wonder at the strange alien landscape, dotted by hastily assembled compact shelters, one of which would become their temporary home.

In the midst of the outdoor setting, David sat behind a portable computer on a table near the landing pad, assisted by a middle-aged Vulcan man with piercing eyes and an unusual amount of facial hair. The family ambled slowly up to the table.

“Hello,” David said, making eye contact with each of them in turn. “Could I have your names, please?”

“I’m Jennifer Kilmer,” the woman said. “These are my children, Daniel and Sarah.”

David quickly entered the names into his database on the computer screen while his Vulcan assistant handed each of the new arrivals a blanket and a package of various human toiletries and other necessities.

“Welcome to the Le’Tenya Camp. I know that this is a very difficult and trying time for you and your family, but we will work very hard to keep you safe and comfortable while arrangements are made for more permanent housing. Does anyone in your party require medical attention?”

“No.” The woman shook her head.

“Well, should you need anything, the advocate in the nearby watch station can assist you. Meals are served three times daily at the mess hall, and communications are available at the administration center about a kilometer up the road. You’ll be staying in…shelter 67G.” David handed