We made orbit around Vulcan and I walked to the engineering. Soon I saw Spock walk in with Kirk and two other people and I sent them a smile.

"How is everything in Engineering?" Spock asked as he walked up to me.

"Everything seems fine. All reports are accurate." I said softly.

He nodded his head and was called over by Kirk. I smiled as an idea hit me. I walked over to them and smiled at Mrs. Sarek.

"Meet Lieutenant Willows." Kirk said with a smile.

"It is a honor to meet you... I have a question if you aren't busy." I said with a smile.

"Of course." She said with a smile.

"What does the word T'hy'la mean?" I asked with a smile.

Spock met my eyes and shook his head no.

"Oh well it has multiple meanings, depends on who is using it." She said softly.

"And what are these meanings?" Kirk asked with a smile.

"They aren't important. Lieutenant if I could have a word with you." Spock said calmly.

He led me away and I glared at him.

"Why won't you let me learn what it means?" I asked calmly.

"Because you shouldn't be asking my mother that question." He said as he crossed his arms.

"Fine! But I'll find out one way Spock. I promise I will." I said as I turned and walked away.

I shook my head as I got to work. I made it to the Jefferies tube on deck eleven and stopped as I saw a body.

"Captain we have a dead Tellarite on deck eleven near the Jefferies tubes." I said calmly.

He soon arrived with Bones and Spock and I watched closely.

"How was he killed?" Kirk asked calmly.

"His neck was broken. By an expert." Bones explained.

"Explain."

"Well, from the nature and location of the break, I'd say the killer knew exactly where to apply pressure to snap the neck instantly."

"Who aboard would have that knowledge?"

"Vulcans. On Vulcan, the method is called tal-shaya. It was considered a merciful form of execution in ancient times." Spock explained.

"Spock. A short time ago, I broke up an argument between Gav and your father." Kirk said softly.

"Indeed, Captain? Interesting." Spock said calmly.

"Interesting? Spock, do you realise that makes your father the most likely suspect?" Bones asked shocked.

"Vulcans do not approve of violence."

"You're saying he couldn't have done it?" Kirk asked sternly.

"No, Captain. I'm merely saying it would be illogical to kill without reason."

"But if he had a reason, could he have done it?"

"If there were a reason, my father is quite capable of killing. Logically and efficiently." Spock said calmly.

"How could you say that about your father?" I asked shocked.

"It is a fact." He said calmly.

They left to go confront his father and I shook my head. I got back to work and after awhile the door to the engine room opened. I turned to see a Andorian walk in.

"This place is off limits. What business do you have here?" I asked calmly.

When he didn't answer me I walked to the communicator. Before I could push the button I was stabbed in the side two times. I let out a scream and soon the door opened to Kirk running into the room. He pulled the Andorian off of me and I heard him let out a groan as he was stabbed. He knocked him out and I called a person help. I passed out and when I next woke up I felt a hand on mine. I moved my head to see Spock asleep beside me. His hand was covering mine. I smiled as I set up and he woke up.

"Morning." I said with a smile.

"You're awake!" He exclaimed as he hugged me.

"Side! Watch the side!" I exclaimed.

"I'm sorry... you had me worried." He said softly.

"What happen?" I asked softly.

"You were attacked, you have been out cold for a couple hours.... you had us worried sick." He said softly.

Soon the door opened and Bones walked into the room.

"Finally you scared us to death. You have been out cold for a hours." Bones said softly.

"Spock told me.... how is everything?"

"Good we just dropped the diplomats off, they should be returning soon." He said calmly.

I nodded my head and let out a sigh as I set up. Spock helped me get comfortable and I sent him a smile.

"Thank you." I said softly.

"I'll take a look at your side." Bones said as he moved my shirt up.

He re-bandaged my wound and then left me with Spock.

"It means friend... or lover." He said after awhile.

"What does?"

"T'hy'la... it means friend or lover." He said softly.

"So which am I?" I asked softly.

"Does it matter?"

"Yes... it does." I said softly.

Before I could say anything else Mrs. Sarek came in with Sarek. I sent them a smile and watched as Spock left the room.

"Why do you always touch hands?" I asked after Sarek left.

"It's how Vulcan's kiss." She said softly.

"I see." I said with a smile.

After Bones allowed me to leave and go to my room I snuck to Spock's room.

"What can I do for you?" He asked softly.

"You never answered my question." I said as I leaned against the door.

"Which one?"

"Which am I? A friend or a lover?"

He watched me and I let out a sigh.

"Spock-"

I was cut off by him grabbing my hand and gently touching our fingers together. His eyes met mine and I let out a sigh.

"I can't answer." He whispered.

"Then show me... please."

He searched my eyes and then he pulled me into a kiss. I let out a sigh as I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him back. He picked me up and pinned me to the wall. He soon pulled us away from the wall and laid me on the bed. He pulled away and moved my hair to the side.

"I love you." I whispered as I stared up at him.

He met my eyes and then he kissed me again.