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Pride and Logic 29

Spock picked up his pace, elongating his strides as he made his circuit around the grounds of N'Hir'set. The morning sun was still chasing away the chill of the night that hung in the dry desert air. While it was still cold by most Vulcan's standards, Spock found the early morning climate invigorating. Even during the peak of summer, early morning runs were too cold to be comfortable, the shock of frigid air to his lungs serving both to chase away the last vestiges of sleep and stiffen his muscles.

The sentimental human part of him treasured his morning runs. Spock breathed deeply and evenly as he ran. He admired how the sunrise bathed the red sands in bronze while calculating the distance between N'Hir'set and the sun taking into account the time of the year, Vulcan's orbit around its sun, and N'Hir'set's distance from the equator. He felt the press of his bare toes in the warming sand as his strides rolled heel to toe. Spock mused how some of the tiny grains that shifted under his feet might have once been part of nearby Mt. Tarhana that rose high above the landscape. He busied his mind with calculations of the amount of time and velocity of the wind necessary for such erosion.

Spock found that his time on Vulcan had been oddly restoring. However, he was ready to return to Earth, to resume his duties with Starfleet. One of the many messages that awaited him after his sojourn at Gol was an invitation from Captain Pike to serve as his chief science officer and first officer aboard the Wangari Maathai on a six month research expedition to the Laurentian system. After a brief time of deliberation and adjusting his teaching schedule at the Academy, Spock accepted the assignment. Immersing himself in research and the relative quiet of space would be a welcome respite that would also offer valuable opportunities for advancement. He ignored the small part of his conscious that questioned if logic was his true reason for accepting the assignment and not an irrational need to escape. It would be substantially easier to avoid the emotional disquiet brought on by encounters with Cadet Uhura were they separated by an entire star system. However, kolinahr and lightyears of distance had already proven inadequate to rid his mind of thoughts of her. Would an entire star system truly prove to be more effective?

As Spock made his return trip to the house, he saw his mother's pool and garden coming into view, her red flitter parked outside. His mother took advantage of the relatively cool mornings to swim and attend to her plants. Spock slowed his pace and approached the enclosure. A few laps in the pool would be a more than suitable end to his morning exercises. He also desired the opportunity to spend time with his mother outside of his father's influence. Sarek rarely came to the pool and gardens finding the humidity disagreeable and wishing to provide his wife with a private space of her own.

A week had passed since Spock's return from Gol. He had not discussed his reasoning for attempting kolinahr nor his failure, despite his mother's gentle questioning and probing through their familial bond. Although Spock knew that his mother supported him in his decision, he could still sense her underlying hurt at his choice to purge all emotion. He understood that his mother's pain was not from a mistaken belief that he wished to reject his humanity and, by extension, herself. Rather, she grieved the severance of the bridge emotion provided between them. Her relief at his failure, although she tried to shield him from it, was palpable.

Spock entered the enclosure and called for his mother through the bond. He found her bent over a bed of black-eyed Susans. The delicate Terran flowers could only survive in the controlled environment of the water gardens.

"Good morning, Spock," Lady Amanda greeted as she stood upright, brushing the dirt from her hands onto her khaki shorts. She pushed the brim of her large sun hat off of her forehead. "How was your run?"

"Most agreeable," Spock replied before looking past her to the flowers she had been attending. "These are a recent addition to your garden."

Amanda looked behind her and smiled. "Yes. I planted them while you were away." She paused and glanced quickly at her son. "Nyota mentioned that they were her favorite flower. I thought they would make a pleasant addition. They are sun loving plants, so I thought they'd do well here."

Spock knelt and carefully ran one finger over the yellow petals of the flower. The flower was rather unassuming, thin yellow petals surrounding a small black head suspended on a long green stem.  He thought of Nyota and was pleased that the thought of her did not stir up any undue emotions.

"They are rather simple yet elegant," Spock replied. "It is understandable why Ms. Uhura would regard them with appreciation."

"Yes. I can see that," Amanda replied as she resumed tending her plants, carefully cutting off fading blossoms. "She's not easily impressed by status or position. Nyota is hardy and a bit wild under her elegant exterior."

Amanda paused in her cutting, her garden shears held at the base of one browning flower. "Lady T'Pau certainly found out that Nyota was not to be intimidated." Amanda quickly cut off the blossom, stowed the shears into her work belt, and straightened to face him once more.

Spock cocked his head slightly as he regarded his mother who nearly vibrated with excitement. He prodded their familial bond and sensed her hesitancy to continue underneath her overwhelming desire to disclose the information she guarded.

"There is something you wish to share with me, mother. However, you have been sworn to keep someone's confidence. I will return to the house so as not to tempt you."

Spock was hit with a wave of exasperation as he turned to leave the garden. Just as he reached the door, his exit was halted by his mother's undignified shout.

"Lady T'Pau visited Nyota at Starfleet Academy to warn her away from you but Nyota told her to sit on it!"

Spock turned towards his mother before replying in his driest tone. "It is highly unlikely that Cadet Uhura told Lady T'Pau to 'sit on it.'"

Amanda rolled her eyes.  "Of course Nyota would never say something so coarse to your aunt. I am sure that she put it much more elegantly."

"Mother," Spock began.

"Sarek asked me not to tell you about Lady T'Pau's visit. You had already left for Gol and he was so sure that your aunt's worries were unfounded. But, here you are and I think you deserve to know."

Amanda bid Spock follow her to a bench that overlooked the pool. He sat beside her dutifully, waiting for her to begin her explanation.

"You had been gone to Gol for sometime when Lady T'Pau visited. It was most irregular. Normally your aunt announces her intention to visit well in advance of her arrival. But, one night she just showed up at our door after the evening meal. She had her guards and a small group of attendants, of course. She demanded to speak with Sarek in private about his son. But Sarek insisted that anything she wished to discuss about his son could be said in front of his bondmate.

"Lady T'Pau then demanded that Sarek forbid you from proposing to Nyota. Of course, she had no idea about the true nature of your relationship with Nyota...neither does your father by the way."

"The nature of my relationship with Ms. Uhura is the same as that between any Starfleet instructor and cadet."

Amanda rolled her eyes at that. "Of course, son. As I was saying. Lady T'Pau went on to list every reason why Nyota would be a poor bondmate, including her humanity and humble background. It was with some effort that I kept my tongue."

"What was father's response to this demand?"

"Well, your father replied that it was not illogical for you to take a human bond mate who was affiliated with Starfleet given your own human heritage and occupation with Starfleet. And since your bond with T'Pring was dissolved and you are of age, you are free to bond with the person of your choosing."

"Indeed," Spock replied with one raised eyebrow. He had to admit that he was surprised by his father's support.

"Yes, I was quite proud of you father," Amanda replied, smiling sweetly. "But Lady T'Pau would hear none of it. She insisted that Nyota would be an unsuitable bondmate because she lacked decorum and respect for your elders. Lady T'Pau told us that she had just recently returned from Earth where she had confronted Nyota on campus demanding that she refuse you should you propose. But, Nyota staunchly refused to make any such promise."

Spock sat up straighter at this bit of news. "Lady T'Pau spoke with Nyota...in person?"

"Yes. And she refused to be cowed by Lady T'Pau."

Spock stood from his seat. "I believe that I will have to return to Earth sooner than I intended, mother."

Amanda smiled widely. "Yes, I believe that you should. There is a transport that leaves for Earth this evening. If you would be so good as to give my regards to Tonya Uhura. She mentioned that her niece was spending the next few weeks visiting them in Chicago"

Spock narrowed his eyes at his mother. "I suspect that you have 'set me up,' mother."

*************************************************************************

Nyota balanced a sleepy Raymond on one hip as she punched in the code for the front door of Aunt Tonya's Chicago condo. Nyota was returning from a fun but tiring day with her little cousins. She took Raymond and the twins to the Lincoln Park Zoo to visit the new tiger cubs followed by a long afternoon at the North Avenue Beach building sand castles and wading in Lake Michigan. Raymond's face still bore residue from their special dinner; empanadas at Lito's Empanadas in Lincoln Park followed by chocolate cupcakes and milk at Molly's Cupcakes. Despite the sugary dessert, Raymond was more than ready for bed, as were Keisha and Kaylee.

"Awww, look at my little munchkins," Aunt Tonya cooed as she greeted them in the foyer. She took Raymond from Nyota's arms and kissed his forehead.

"I hope they were not too much trouble. Three little ones are a lot to look after on your own."

"We are big girls now, "Keisha piped up, her hands on her hips in indignation.

Nyota smiled as she pet Keisha on the head. "You are right. Keisha and Kaylee were models of proper decorum. Truly aunt, they were no trouble at all."

"Well, since you girls are so big, I want you to go clean up in the sonic shower. We can't have you smelling like Lake Michigan all night. Then its off to bed."

The twins grimaced before complying with their mother's instructions, stopping to thank their cousin Ny-ny before they headed to the bathroom.

"I'll wash Raymond up," Aunt Tonya explained as she made to follow the girls up stairs. "Your uncle is out on the patio wrestling with the grill. Why don't you keep him company while I get them sorted?"

Nyota rolled her eyes. "Why does uncle insist on building a real fire?"

"Some nonsense about keeping the traditions of his forefathers," Aunt Tonya smirked before disappearing upstairs.

Nyota laughed as she walked to the kitchen to unpack her grocery bag. She added her bags of cherries and strawberries to the stasis unit next to a large bowl of fruit salad. The Uhura's were having a few friends over for dessert and drinks. Hopefully Nyota was successful in wearing out her young cousins so they could enjoy a night relatively free of child interruptions.

Uhura couldn't help poking a finger into the frosting of the coconut cake sitting on the counter. Aunt Tonya's baking was legendary and Uhura looked forward to gaining a few pounds during her three week visit.

Nyota licked her finger clean as she walked through the the sliding glass doors out onto the patio. She took a moment to enjoy the sun sitting low over Lake Michigan before walking over to her Uncle Jomo who stood wrestling with a bundle of fire wood by the grill.

"Need a hand, uncle?"

"Oh, hello," Uncle Jomo greeted as he ripped open the package of replicated wood. 
"I've got this. Just have to get this fire going before everyone gets here."

"Well, give a shout if you change your mind," Uhura replied."I learned a thing or two about starting fires in Survival Training 101."

Nyota shook her head fondly as she retreated to the railing lining the edge of the patio and settled into one of the padded chairs that faced the lake. Her uncle was rather stubborn sometimes and held on to a few outdated notions about gender roles. While he fully shared in caring for his children, cleaning the home and preparing meals, he somehow felt that grilling was the proper province of men. She knew her uncle would fumble with the fire for another ten minutes before swallowing his pride and asking for help.

Nyota relaxed into her chair with a sigh and looked out over the lake. She watched the joggers and cyclists making their way along the lakeshore path. It was turning out to be a comfortable June evening. The sun had yet to set, but the temperature had already dropped to a comfortable 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Uhura closed her eyes and enjoyed the breeze over the lake, smiling at the occasional muffled expletive uttered by her uncle as he fumbled with the logs. Uhura's musings were interrupted by doorbell.

"Oh great, they're early,"Uncle Jomo groaned before frantically lighting matches.

"I'll answer the door. I am sure Auntie has her hands full with Raymond and the girls."
Uhura rose from her seat and quickly walked to the door, smoothing down her sundress as she went.

"Enter," she called as she stepped into the foyer.

The door slid back with a hiss to reveal Commander Spock. Uhura stood dumbfounded.

"Commander Spock! What a surprise,"Uhura finally managed as she stepped aside to allow Spock to enter. "Please come in."

Spock stepped fully into the foyer, the door closing softly behind him. He stood looking down at Uhura, his face blank of expression save for the warmth of his brown eyes.

"I hope that my unannounced visit is not an inconvenience."

"No, not at all," Nyota replied, taking a moment to drink in his appearance.  He was unchanged from the last time she had seen him. He was still achingly handsome, his posture ramrod straight, his shoulders broad, his hair glossy and neat.

"It is good to see you. You look well."

The corners of Spock's mouth twitched upwards briefly."You also appear to be in peak physical condition. I am gratified to see you as well."

Nyota ducked her head and smiled.

"Ny, who is at the door?" Aunt Tonya asked as she made her way down the steps. "Oh! Spock! What a surprise."

Aunt Tonya ran down the last few steps, her mouth curved in a warm smile. "You are very welcome."

"Mrs. Uhura,"Spock greeted with a short bow. "I trust that my visit is not an inconvenience."

"Of course not! Oh, did you just get in town?" Aunt Tonya asked, gesturing to his overnight bag. "Let me take that for you."

"Thank you," Spock handed Aunt Tonya his small overnight bag. "I arrived in Chicago not fifteen minutes ago."

"Goodness, come into the kitchen. You must be thirsty," Aunt Tonya replied as she ushered him towards the kitchen. Nyota followed, her eyes still wide in wonder.

"Did you just come in from San Francisco?" Aunt Tonya asked as she retrieved a glass from the cabinet.

"No. I arrived from Vulcan."

"Vulcan!" Aunt Tonya exclaimed. "And you came straight here? You must be tired from your journey. Have you arranged a place to stay yet? You must stay here. Nyota is in the guest room, but we have an extra bed in my study. Oh, if only you called ahead, I would have had everything prepared for you. No matter. I'll let Jomo know you're staying with us."

Aunt Tonya left the kitchen in a flurry as she went to fetch her husband.

Nyota smiled nervously at Spock."I apologize for my aunt. She loves to play hostess."
Nyota went to the stasis unit and retrieved a pitcher of cold lemon water. She poured a glass for Spock before pouring one for herself.

Spock sipped the cool liquid, his eyes studying her intently over the rim of his glass. Nyota looked away from him, pressing the glass to her forehead as she stepped away. He was here. In her aunt's kitchen in Chicago. Uhura had to suppress a nervous giggle.

Spock set down his half empty glass and moved towards her, his dark eyes intent. "I apologize if I have caused you and your family undo stress. It was my intent to acquire accommodations following my visit here. I can still do so."

"Oh no. You have to stay here now. Otherwise you'll offend Aunt Tonya," Nyota replied. "You are her Mandy's son and thus practically family. It is not any trouble at all."

"Spock!" Uncle Jomo called as he entered the kitchen. He approached the Vulcan as if he were going to give his signature bear hug but soon remembered himself. He stopped and gave a poor version of the Vulcan salute instead.

"Welcome, Spock. Tonya tells me that you are to stay with us. You are just in time for dessert, too. Have you eaten dinner yet? We still have some of my famous black bean burgers from dinner tonight if you're hungry."

Spock glanced at Nyota before turning back to Jomo. "Thank you, but I have already eaten the evening meal.  Thank you for your hospitality."

Uncle Jomo waived his thanks away. "No problem. You are always welcome here. Besides, you can earn your keep by helping me get this blasted fire going."

"I am pleased to serve," Spock replied before taking his drink and following Uncle Jomo to the patio.

Aunt Tonya watched the two men depart before turning towards Nyota with a gleeful look.

"Ny, what can he mean by coming here straight from Vulcan! Mandy didn't tell me anything about a visit from her son. He must be here to see you!."

Tonya clapped her hands and bounced on the balls of her feet. "I knew it. I knew it. I told Jomo the boy was in love with you last summer. Now he travels light years to see you. Did you know he was coming?"

"No aunt, I didn't know he was coming,"Nyota sat down heavily on a stool by the counter. " I haven't spoken to him in months. I was sure he had forgotten all about me. What can he mean by this?"Nyota dropped her head into her hands and groaned.

"Oh, Nyota. Whatever this means, I can assure you that he has not forgotten you. I truly doubt he came all this way to help your uncle with the grill."

Nyota couldn't help the smile that overtook her face. "No, I suppose he did not."

Aunt Tonya caressed Nyota's cheek fondly. "Well, I say you are inducement enough to travel over two star systems. I'll make sure you two have a moment to talk tonight. I expect you both have much to say to one another."

Nyota caught her aunt's hand in her own and kissed it. She had not told her aunt of Spock's instrumental role in her rescue. Nor had she shared with her aunt the mental anguish she had endured these past several months. Nyota had longed to speak with him; to thank him for saving her life, to comfort him

"Thank you, Aunt Tonya."

"Come on, lets rescue your young man from your uncle."

Aunt Tonya pulled Nyota out onto the balcony where Uncle Jomo stood admiring a brightly burning wood fire.

"Tonya, I think this is the best fire we've ever had. Do we have something besides pineapples and marshmallows to grill? We can't waste it!"

Aunt Tonya laughed as she walked over to kiss her husband's cheek. "One summer you grilled weeds from my flower bed so as not to waste the fire! I am sure we can find something in the fridge. If not, Spock can teach you how to build an equally excellent fire another time."

Spock bowed slightly. "I would be most willing to impart the basic principles, Dr. Uhura."

"See? Now Jomo, why don't we see what else we have to grill up tonight. Ny, show Spock where he'll be sleeping."

Nyota ducked her head and bid Spock to follow her up the stairs. They stopped to retrieve his overnight bag from the living room before climbing the stairs. The butterflies returned to Nyota's stomach as Spock followed her closely. She could feel the heat of him upon her back as they crested the second floor.

"That's Aunt and Uncle's bedroom at the end of the hall," Nyota pointed out. "And the bathroom is the door on the left. My cousin Ray's room and the twins. Keisha and Kaylee."

As Nyota and Spock neared the door to the twin's room, they heard giggles and whispers.

"They are supposed to be asleep and not spying," Nyota said loud enough to be heard.

The door burst open and Keisha and Kaylee bounded out, bouncing on their toes in their sleep shorts and tank tops. Their bouncing and giggling stopped abruptly as they took in their cousin's companion.

"Aren't you two supposed to be sleeping?" Nyota asked, her face stern.

"It is still light out," Kaylee whined, as she tore her gaze from Spock. "It's too early for sleep."

"It is 8:30 PM and you two have had a very long and eventful day," Nyota replied as she attempted to steer her cousins back to their room.

"Who is he?" Keisha asked as she squirmed around Nyota. She grinned up at Spock. "He is very pretty. Is he your boyfriend?"

Nyota flushed, her mouth working soundlessly to form a reply. Spock glanced at her, his eyes soft with amusement, before turning his attention to Keisha.

"I am Spock, a colleague of your cousin Nyota from Starfleet."

Keisha's eyes grew round.

"Are you a starship captain?"

"No. I am a commander and I have served as a science officer aboard a starship."

"Did you ever fight any Klingons?" Kaylee asked, suddenly very interested in the conversation.

"Kaylee, don't be silly," Keisha interjected. "Science officers don't battle Klingons. They are too busy studying anomalies in their lab."

"Ms. Kaylee's inquiry is not ill founded," Spock replied, kneeling down to be closer to the girls' height. "While I have never personally fought Klingons, a science officer has many responsibilities outside of the science lab. I am also a bridge officer and cross trained to pilot the ship, operate the communications and navigation systems, and to engage in both offensive and defensive battle scenarios."

Kaylee's eyes lit up and she stepped closer to Spock. "Have you engaged in any battle scenarios?"

"Unfortunately, I have engaged in several scenarios involving Romulan and Orion ships, as well as  rogue Federation actors."

"Do you mean pirates?" Keisha asked, coming to stand next to her sister.

"Girls, that's enough," Nyota intervened. "I want you two back in your bed in ten seconds or I am telling your mother."

Kaylee stuck out her bottom lip before turning to retreat to her bed. Keisha stayed put, her hands firmly planted on her hips as she appraised her cousin and her strange friend.

"Keisha. I'm serious..."

"Tell us a story first!" Keisha demanded.

"Keisha, you are being rude!"

"We want Spock to tell us a story," Kaylee piped in, having overheard Keisha's demand. "A story about space pirates!"

Nyota rubbed her forehead. She knew better than to negotiate with the twins. It was better to acquiesce to the first simple request.  "Okay. A short one. Then bed. But only if Spock wants to."

The twins turned to look at Spock, their brown eyes wide. He looked to Nyota, who simply shrugged and mouthed her apologies.

"Very well. I shall relate a short story as payment for my room and board."

The twins cheered and Keisha launched herself into Spock's arms without warning. Nyota gasped.

"Keisha! Spock, I am sorry. The twins haven't learned much about Vulcans."

Spock rose from his previous crouching position, Keisha seated easily in his arms, her arms looped around his neck.

"It is no matter, Nyota. My shields are firmly in place. Let us return the children to their beds."

Nyota smiled. "Thank you, Spock. Come on Kaylee."

Nyota led the group into the twins' room and helped Kaylee climb into her bed. Nyota turned to see Spock doing the same, lowering Keisha to her bed and pulling the sheets up to her chin.

"Now the story, Spock," Keisha demanded. "Please," she quickly added after a stern look from her cousin.

"Very well,"Spock replied as he sat on the end of Keisha's bed. Nyota sat on Kaylee's  and prepared to listen.

"The account which I am about to relate is true," Spock began. "However, the names of the parties involved and certain details have been altered as the facts of the event are classified."

The twins gasped in unison. Nyota simply arched a brow at Spock, who blinked back at her innocently.

"Two years, three months, and fourteen days after I graduated from Starfleet Academy, I served as the Science Officer aboard the Nichols on a six month mission to study a spatial anomaly 1,034.5 kilometers outside of the Telluvian asteroid belt in the Beta quadrant. Many Federation civilians do not know that this region of the Beta quadrant contains asteroids rich in quisthian phosphates, a very valuable component in the manufacture of Tellarite drill bits used in the mining of latinum.

Keisha yawned loudly at this point and Nyota noticed Kaylee's eyelids begin to flutter.

"The Nichols was tasked with documenting the spatial anomaly to determine if it would pose any hazards to commercial quisthian phosphate mining. We were most concerned with measuring the level of radiation emitted by the anomaly and its long term health impact on the Tellarite nervous system as Tellar had successfully petitioned for exclusive quisthian phosphate mining rights in the Telluvian asteroid belt."

Spock continued his tale of the Nichols research and Tellar mining technologies seemingly oblivious to the twins' slow slip into slumber. By the time Spock got to the part in the story where they discovered that a dissident Tellarite group had illegally begun mining on one of the asteroids--the promised pirates--Keisha had begun snoring loudly.

"I think you've successfully put them to sleep,"Nyota laughed quietly. "The promise of pirates was not enough to overcome their aversion to the minutia of extraterrestrial geology."

Spock stood and adjusted his clothing. "Yes. I deduced that relating one of my more exciting encounters with space pirates would prove counterproductive to our goal of coaxing Ms. Keisha and Kaylee to sleep."

Nyota smiled as she followed him out of the room. "Well played, Commander. Now let me show you to your room."

Nyota led Spock up two short flight of stairs past the media room and guest suite on the third floor to her aunt's study, a converted attic with wide windows that overlooked the city on one side and Lake Michigan on the other.

"Here it is," Nyota said as they stepped into the room.

Spock stopped next to her just inside the room, his warm eyes fixed on her. Nyota felt her nervousness return. Spock seemed to fill the small room. He was here with her in Chicago. The one man she had worked so hard not to think about. The one man she longed to see. To talk to. After months of silence, he was here in her space and she did not know what to say to him. 
Nyota shook herself and stepped further into the room, putting her duties as hostess on like a shield.

"Through this door is a small bathroom with a sonic shower so you'll have a private bathroom. If you push this button, a queen size bed folds out from behind the bookcase. It is already laid out with fresh linens."

Nyota pushed the button beside the bookcase to demonstrate. The faux-wood bookcase flipped around to reveal a fold down bed. Nyota pressed the button again and put the bed away.

"The climate controls are voice activated and specific to this room, so you can make it as comfortable as you like. There is a comm on my aunt's desk that you are welcome to use. If you need anything, you can ask Aunt Tonya."

"I am sure that I will want for nothing," Spock replied, stepping into the room. He watched Nyota as she stood in the center of the room wringing her hands and looking everywhere but at him.

"Well,"Nyota said as she spared a quick glance at him. "Get settled. I need to check to see if my Aunt needs my help."

Nyota brushed past him to exit the room.

"Nyota, please," Spock called.

Nyota stopped and gripped the door frame, fixing her face with a calm smile before turning to face him. "Yes, Spock?"

"Would you be amenable to taking a walk with me this evening? There is much that I would like to discuss with you. In private."

Nyota released a breath that she did not realized she had been holding. "I would like that. Perhaps we can walk along the lakefront path?"

Spock stared at her a moment, his face softening slightly. "Please, lead the way."






Chapter End Notes:

 

A/N: I had this written for a few weeks and intended to include their conversation and the end of the story. I realized today that I had written quite a lot and that I could save their conversation and the conclusion for Chapter 30. I hope to have the conclusion posted in the beginning of January as I have the next week off of work. Thanks so much for reading and being patient with my slow progress! Happy New Year!







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Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.