Wow...this is simply heart-breaking, but still oddly beautiful. It was strangely fitting how there was no happy ending for anyone, no forgiveness, and no healing. It was really touching...I'm not sure whether one can truly *love* something sad, but this was beautiful!

Interesting. Have you ever considered writing a story about Nimbus 3?

Wow. I will read anything you write, Pat...but I am so depressed by this story. I always like to think that, although Spock has a difficult, often painful lot in life, that there are always reprieves. With this story...no cavalry, no Lassie, no reprieves. I'm just so sad.

On the positive side though...as an artist, it is most unforgivable to be mediocre, therefor provoking a strong emotion from your patrons (even sadness) can be viewed as successful.

So...congratulations on your writing, but I believe I'm going to sulk under a cloud all day, mindful that Amanda regrets and has abandoned the last 40 years of her life, spent the remainder of her years hating her only son, and that Spock is alone and miserable. Just so very sad. I need chocolate!

Uuhh. But, a good story.

Aw.l... that was so sad. I never thought about it before but it would be miserable for spock to become a clan leader before he's ready. In a way, I liked how Amanda got to be human again and how she returned to earth though she remained heart broken forever. It's sad how she hated her son in the end.

Wow...that was almost painful to read. Very well done, though (of course). It made me think about just how easily this might have happened, and how lucky they were. I liked Kirk's protectiveness of Spock- it seemed very in character.

Thanks for an excellent piece! :)

This was...very interesting. And seemingly sudden- but not really. There must have been a great deal of resentment building up in Amanda for a long time; caught between two stubborn men and her own life issues.

Especially in light of the movie ( and a few Next Generation episodes) it was kinda hard to believe that Spock would so simply and so easily not fight for his own life- that's his basic story arc, but I could see how retreat to Kolinahr would end battles of his own heart.

Hi Pat,

This is a terrific what could have happened. Really sad how it all played out and I like how you tied it back in at the end.

Very nicely done-thank you

Em

Youch! Surprising what a few seconds can mean in a lifetime...

This is a sad but terrific story and an interesting alternative to "A long Journey". Pat excels in writing dialogue and an intense story such as this showcases her talent. I enjoy her lighter stories for fun, but dramas like this one are so thought provoking and haunting.

nice to hear from you again. its always a treat to read your stories. in this case,i am so glad that things did not go the way you describe them. it is a terrible vision! and jet, very realistic. i think that amanda would react this way if she lost sarek.

Well...that was brilliantly done...and quite depressing, as you warned.

Bella