The BLTS Archive- Love in Star Flight
by jmlane (jmlane55@yahoo.com")

---

DISCLAIMER: The Star Trek characters are the property of Paramount
Studios, Inc. The story contents are the creation and property of J.
M. Lane and is copyright (c) 1999 by J. M. Lane. 

---
New Arrivals
---

"Captain, the new biochemist and Security man have just beamed
aboard."

"About time!" James T. Kirk, captain of the starship Enterprise,
looked up from signing an engineering report upon hearing the crisp
voice of his communications chief. He rose from his command chair and
headed for the turbolift after handing the signed report back to the
pretty yeoman patiently standing by. "Uhura, have Dr. McCoy meet me in
the transporter room. Spock, mind the store."

"Yes, sir," came the automatic reply from both.

Uhura came on the intercom while Kirk was in the turbolift. "Sir, Dr.
McCoy is not on board at present. You granted him two weeks' leave to
visit his daughter."

"Who *is* available, then?"

"Drs. Chapel and M'Benga."

"Then have Dr. Chapel report to the transporter room on the double!"

"Right away, sir."

Upon arrival, Kirk was greeted by William Clarke, the new transporter
chief, upon his arrival. Clarke had been one of Kyle's assistants and
had idolized his superior, striving to be as much like him as
possible. The young Terran had diligently worked his way up through
the ranks and recently been promoted to Kyle's old job.

The Captain held out his hand in greeting to the two men stepping off
the platform. "Welcome aboard. I'm Captain James T. Kirk." Kirk's
outstretched hand was firmly gripped and vigorously shaken by the
tall, well-built man nearest him.

"Thank you, Captain. I'm Dana Courtney, biochemist from Argelius II."

"I'm sure you'll prove a welcome addition, Dr. Courtney."

At this point, Dr. Christine Chapel rushed in. "I'm sorry I'm late,
Captain."

"As long as you're here. I want you to meet a new crewmember, Dr. Dana
Courtney. He's a biochemist from Argelius II. You two should have a
lot in common." Kirk then turned to greet and shake the hand of the
other new arrival, a half-Spaniard security man by the name of Lt.
John Fleetwood.

"I'm sure we'll get along very well," Chapel replied stiffly -- until
her eyes met Courtney's. The attractive Argelian held her hand longer
than necessary after their initial greeting, finally raising it to his
lips and kissing it.

"Are all your female crewmembers this beautiful, Captain?"

Christine blushed with pleasure at the unexpected compliment.

"Dr. Courtney!" Kirk called, obviously annoyed.

Courtney raised his head. "I'm sorry, Captain. You were saying?"

"You and Security Officer Fleetwood are to report to sickbay with Dr.
Chapel for the prerequisite physical before assuming your duties."

Christine beckoned to the new arrivals after recovering her wits.
"Follow me, please."

"Dr. Chapel, have them report to me on the bridge following their
physicals," Kirk said.

"Of course, sir."

---

Christine found both men to be as healthy as the proverbial horse. "So
you're from Argelius, Dr. Courtney?" she asked conversationally.

"I was born there ... and call me Dana. My people are lovers of peace
-- not to mention lovers, period." He gave her a sly wink.

"Obviously," the female doctor observed.

"You're the loveliest woman I've seen in a long time. I want you to go
out with me."

"I'm flattered, Dr. Courtney, but am on-shift until 2100 this
evening."

"Then when would be convenient to see you?"

"How does tomorrow at 1300 sound? It's my day off."

"Fine. Until then, my dear." Courtney departed with a smile and nod as
he departed for the bridge, then his station in Life Sciences.

"Is there something else I can do for you, Lt. Fleetwood?" Christine
turned to the Terran Security man standing close by; an unmistakable
gleam danced in his brown eyes.

"Yes. When may *I* see you?"

"My goodness, but you two are fast workers! Perhaps tomorrow at 1900
for dinner?"

"I'll be there with bells on. See you then." Fleetwood smiled and
waved as he, too, departed for the bridge and his station there.

Little did anyone realize (least of all Christine Chapel) just how
that seemingly innocent beginning would blossom into a full-blown soap
opera!

---

Christine unexpectedly encountered Spock as she headed for the G Deck
Rec Room and her dinner with Lt. Fleetwood.

The Vulcan raised a curious eyebrow at her attire. "Where are you
going, Dr. Chapel?"

"I have a date, Mr. Spock -- and according to my wrist chronometer,
I'm late already, so if you'll excuse me..." Christine moved
restlessly, her voice impatient.

"Of course." Spock looked after her rapidly diminishing figure with
his right eyebrow raised and bewilderment written all over his usually
impassive face. It was the first time he had ever seen Dr. Chapel out
of uniform, and the second 'date' she had had today, if memory served
him correctly.

He had noticed her having lunch with the Argelian biochemist as he
waited for his own to be served; now she was on her way to dinner with
the Terran security man. For some inexplicable reason, her abrupt
termination of their short conversation and the idea of her spending
time with either Courtney or Fleetwood disturbed Spock greatly, but he
would have denied any such emotion as jealousy. He forced the absurd,
illogical notion from his mind and continued on to the bridge.

---

McCoy returned the following morning, checking in with Kirk before
going down to sickbay. The Chief Surgeon leaned on the railing near
the command chair after greeting his captain and long-time friend.

"Hello, Bones. Have a good time with Jo?"

"The best, as always. Hated to leave. Which reminds me -- she said to
give her love to her 'Uncle Jim'."

McCoy used Kirk's intercom to call sickbay, intending to ask Christine
what all had happened while he was away.

"I'm sorry, Dr. McCoy, but Dr. Chapel hasn't reported in yet." He
recognized the voice as that of Leeanne Parker, one of the junior
nurses.

"Thank you, Nurse Parker. I'll be down in a little while. McCoy out."
He gave the Captain a strange look. "That's very odd, Jim. She's
usually there before I am."

"Judging from your reaction, Bones, you haven't heard the latest."

"The latest what?" McCoy frowned.

"We have two new crewmembers."

"So what have they got to do with Christine not being at work on
time?"

"Everything. She's been dating them -- a lot. One's a biochemist, the
other a security guard. They both went for her in a big way. She's
hardly had time to eat or sleep, much less work, since they arrived.
Not that there's been much work lately."

McCoy's ears perked up. "Very interesting. Who first noted this?"

Kirk hesitated, knowing what the doctor's reaction would be upon
learning the identity of the informant. "It was Spock, I think."

"Oh, really? That's even *more* interesting." McCoy gave Spock a
wicked grin, which the Vulcan wisely ignored. The Captain was sure
that Bones was hatching yet another plot to bait the First Officer
about his female troubles, but the Chief Surgeon said not a word -- at
least not to Spock himself.

"I can just imagine what our old friend thinks about *that*. It's a
cinch he'd never admit this, but it's probably bugging him just as
much *not* having Chris after him as it did having her after him. Not
to mention how refreshing it must be for her to actually have some
male attention for a change."

Kirk considered ordering the Doctor not to badger Spock, but dismissed
it was unnecessary ... a decision he later regretted.

---

"I intend to speak with Dr. Courtney and Lt. Fleetwood. They have been
monopolizing entirely too much of Dr. Chapel's valuable time," Spock
observed as the three men headed for dinner in the Officers' Mess on C
Deck that evening.

That was the opportunity McCoy had been waiting for. Kirk wondered why
Spock had deliberately left himself wide open like that. It was almost
as though the Science Officer actually *wanted* a confrontation with
the outspoken Chief Surgeon -- and McCoy didn't disappoint him. He
took full advantage of the Vulcan's apparent gaffe, pouncing on Spock
like a hungry cat on a mouse.

"Why is that, Spock? Does it actually *bother* you that Chris has
found other men to occupy her time? I thought that's what you wanted."
The Chief Surgeon's lips parted in another wicked grin. "Hey, *I* know
what's wrong with you! You miss the attention. *That's* it, isn't it,
Spock?"

Outer space would have been warmer than the tone of the First
Officer's reply. "My feelings in the matter are none of your concern."

"You mean you're actually admitting to having feelings?"

"Hardly, Doctor. I was merely pointing out that Dr. Chapel's services
are urgently needed in sickbay and her two suitors take too much of
her attention away from her work."

"Away from *you*, you mean. There hasn't been so much as a hangnail
all week."

If looks could kill, the one Spock shot at McCoy would have been
lethal. The Captain could scarcely contain his laughter, often
concealing a chuckle behind a feigned cough or yawn. The doctor
resumed his diatribe after the trio had reached the mess hall and
obtained trays of food, seating themselves at a vacant table.

"You know, Jim, if I didn't know better, I'd swear, that our logical,
unemotional Vulcan friend has actually been bitten by the old
green-eyed monster. And any time that green-blooded computer shows
emotion is a time to celebrate. Who knows, someday he may actually
decide to come down from Olympus and join the Human race," the doctor
proclaimed with fiendish delight.

"*Really*, Doctor."

Kirk shot McCoy a warning look. After all, even Spock had his breaking
point. The Chief Surgeon reluctantly subsided for a time.

"All kidding aside, Jim -- I'm glad Chris's taste in men has finally
improved. At least Courtney and Fleetwood pay her some attention ...
which unfortunately is more than our Vulcan friend here is *capable*
of."

Had Spock been anyone else, Kirk was sure that blows would have been
exchanged as well as sharp words and frigid stares. McCoy could try
even a Vulcan's patience, as Spock steadfastly maintained despite the
strong bond of friendship between the three of them.

"Another thing I don't understand is why Spock hasn't taken her out of
circulation long before now. Just what is the man *waiting* for,
anyway? My God, the lady has everything any man could ever want --
even a Vulcan. Brains, mental compatibility, looks ... who could be a
more -- pardon the expression, Spock -- a more 'logical' choice?"

Spock sat stony-faced and silent.

"I'm sure Spock has his reasons, Bones ... and they're *his* business.
If it's meant to happen, it will -- on its own. *Not* because we
demand it."

McCoy went on as though Kirk hadn't spoken. "And he doesn't give one
tinker's damn about her, so why should it matter to him *how* much
time she spends with Courtney and Fleetwood as long as she's not
bothering him? Now all of a sudden he's concerned about how she spends
her time. She's a grown woman; I say that's *her* business. I also
think it's great that Chris has her mind on someone besides Spock.
What did she ever see in that pointy-eared encyclopedia, anyway?"

Kirk knew he should have stopped Bones' harangue a long time ago, but
the doctor was enjoying himself (and Spock's growing discomfort)
immensely. *I'm afraid I enjoyed it, too,* he reluctantly admitted to
himself.

McCoy's barbs stung deeply; it was all Spock could do not to lash out
physically at his antagonist. Giving in to that impulse would not have
changed the truth of anything the doctor said, but at the same time,
the Vulcan knew that there would be no accounting for his actions if
McCoy wasn't stopped soon.

"If you are *quite* finished, Doctor, I will take my leave now. Excuse
me, Jim. I find I am no longer hungry. If you have need of me, I will
be in my quarters."

Spock stalked out after disposing of his scarcely touched meal tray.
The doctor's tirades invariably made him lose his appetite. McCoy
stared after the departing Vulcan, then put his fork down and
stretched lazily. "I never thought anything could get under that thick
Vulcan hide -- but it's time *something* did. Why, did you know that
just an hour ago Uhura had to repeat herself three times before
getting Spock's attention ... and even then, he snapped at her for
disturbing him? All she'd been trying to do was tell him that the
computer tapes he'd ordered several months ago had finally arrived.
She said she'd never seen him so preoccupied -- so it would seem that
even our self-righteous Vulcan friend has his share of weaknesses,
just like us ordinary mortals." The Chief Surgeon dug into his food
with renewed gusto.

Kirk took a couple bites of food and a swallow of coffee before
sighing deeply and giving McCoy a hard look. "That's enough, Bones.
You've *had* your fun; now ease up on him or you answer to me."

The doctor sighed in disappointment. "If you say so, Jim, but I
haven't enjoyed myself so much in I don't know *how* long!"

"I was enjoying it myself for a while. You're the only one who can get
Spock to blow that celebrated Vulcan cool, even occasionally ... and
even he needs to blow off steam once in a while. But after a certain
point it goes beyond fun, and I want no more of it. *No more.* Do you
understand me?"

"Jim--"

"*Do you understand me*?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Now we'd better get some sleep, Bones. 0600 comes mighty
early."

"Don't I *know* it! Good night, Jim. See you tomorrow."

"Good night, Bones. Sleep well."

---

At 1400 the next afternoon, Spock headed for Life Sciences to speak to
Dr. Courtney about Dr. Chapel and the inordinate amount of time the
pair spent together. Had someone mentioned it, he would have denied
it, but he had been experiencing all the symptoms of an unaccustomed
emotion akin to jealousy. Totally illogical, but undeniable -- at
least to himself.

Spock confronted Courtney moments after arriving; the two men argued
quietly but fiercely. The Vulcan sensed that even the peace-loving
Argelian could only be tried so far and on that assumption took no
unnecessary chances, although he was confident of victory should their
confrontation turn ugly.

"Mr. Spock, I am Argelian by birth, though one of my parents was
Human, as your mother is. In my case, it was my father, but I favor my
mother in overall temperament. I *do* have something of a temper, but
rarely display it since I seldom have sufficient reason.

"Argelians are a peaceful people, even more so than Vulcans -- and we
*show* our emotions! I am refraining from violence because of my
upbringing, and for Christine's sake, but if you force me..."

"Unnecessary. I merely request that you refrain from spending so much
time with Dr. Chapel. You are interfering with her work."

"Indeed?" Courtney's voice was icy. "Well, just let me tell *you*
something, you arrogant, self-righteous Vulcan. *No one* tells me how
to spend my off-duty hours or who to spend them with, especially you!
Until the lady herself tells me I'm interfering with her work, I
intend to see her when *and* as often as I please. She told me of her
ill-fated infatuation with you. Most unfortunate ... so I intend to do
everything in my power to make her happy.

"All you've ever done is break her heart, poor girl -- but she doesn't
blame you. She blames herself for being foolish enough to fall in love
with one of your kind. It is truly admirable how professionally she's
conducted herself where you're concerned. It couldn't have been easy
for her. She's an extraordinary woman; I doubt many men would have as
much strength. But you add insult to injury by not only ignoring all
that Chris has done for you, *endured* because of you, but she herself
like she doesn't exist. You may not have feelings, but the least you
should do is remember that she *does* ... and that there *are* men who
will love her, even if you never do!"

Spock gave the Argelian a frigid glare. "Dr. Courtney, you are on the
edge of insubordination. I am your superior officer."

"The only thing superior about you at the moment is your ego, Vulcan,"
came the equally frigid reply. "And this has nothing to do with rank.
It's a purely emotional thing. Your exclusive claim on Christine's
affections has been threatened, and you can't stand that."

By the look on the other man's face, Courtney knew he had struck a
nerve, and had no intention of relinquishing his advantage. After all,
it wasn't every day that one had a proudly logical Vulcan at their
mercy. "So you *do* have feelings after all. I was beginning to
wonder."

The Argelian drove the verbal knife ever deeper with each statement.
"I would also bet a month's pay that no one's ever had the courage to
stand up to you before ... so it's high time someone did. You've
needed to be put in your place for a long time. Knocked off your high
horse, so to speak. For Heaven's sake, if you care for Christine, let
her know! The way you act, one would think it was a crime to care for
someone."

"I do not need you to tell me how to conduct my personal
relationships," Spock snapped.

"No? Your track record suggests otherwise." Courtney smiled knowingly.
"Go ahead, try to deny it."

Spock found that he *couldn't* deny the charge ... not and remain
truthful to himself. Be that as it may, he had no intention of
admitting it to anyone -- least of all to the one who stood smirking
before him as though he had all the knowledge of the universe at his
command.

"I suggest you play your word games elsewhere, Doctor. I am a Vulcan;
they will have no effect on me whatsoever." The First Officer's voice
fairly dripped with contempt.

"You never give up, do you? You cling to your logical philosophy as
stubbornly and tightly as a child clings to its other. Not even the
love of a wonderful woman like Christine can make a dent in that steel
wall you've erected around your heart. Is a life of logic and
loneliness preferable to the life of love and happiness Chris could
give you if you'd only let her in?"

Spock remained cold and silent; finally Courtney sighed in defeat.
"Yes, I can see that it is. For that reason, I pity you, Spock --
because you don't know what you're missing ... and worst of all, you
don't care. But the one I feel most sorry for is Chris, because she's
fighting a losing battle trying to get through to you." Courtney shook
his head sadly. "That's the biggest tragedy of all. You're all she
ever thinks or talks about."

The Argelian's eyes were large and sad. "I know you don't -- can't --
understand, but I love her. I love her so much that I'll take whatever
leavings she is willing to give me and be content. Unfortunately love
is incomprehensible to such a logical being as yourself."

Spock was touched by the other man's poignant confession, but dared
not show it. "Most commendable, Doctor. Miss Chapel needs someone to
care for her as such a woman deserves."

Courtney bowed his head. "Thank you."

"However, I need not account for my own conduct where she is
concerned. Miss Chapel was aware of the futility of her situation, but
persisted in her illogical fantasies."

"What did you expect? That's the way she is when she's in love! She
deserves a medal for putting up with you, much less loving you. I'll
never know what she ever saw in you to love ... and who are you to say
even one word in her behalf after the way you've treated her?

"I've shown her more love and attention in the last two weeks than you
have in all the years you've known her!" the Argelian continued,
looking at the Vulcan with poorly disguised revulsion. "Christine is a
warm, beautiful, loving woman. Far too good for the likes of you! You
don't even have such a thing as courtship in your culture -- just a
mating season every seven years, like an animal!"

Spock's voice dripped ice. "My personal life is none of your affair,
Doctor."

"Then I will thank you to butt out of *our* business, Vulcan. Just
leave me -- *and* Chris -- alone! If I didn't know better, I'd almost
swear that you were actually jealous, but jealousy implies emotion ...
and Heaven forbid such a *logical* being lower himself to the level of
an illogical Human! Now if you would be so kind as to remove yourself
from these premises and let me get back to work, I will bid you good
day."

The doors to the Biochemistry Lab closed in Spock's face after the
biochemist's abrupt departure into the adjoining room. The Vulcan
forced back a wave of anger that strangely enough was *not* directed
at Courtney, but himself. He couldn't believe what he had just done --
confronted another man over a woman!

Nor could he credit the notion that he would ever consider any man a
rival for Christine Chapel's affections. It was as though a force
stronger than himself controlled him, making him warn other men away
from her because he wanted her himself. *Preposterous,* he dismissed
... but at the same time, the almost inconceivable idea that he *was*
doing it (for that very reason) nagged at him until he admitted it, if
only to himself. But it would never do to be as obvious as the two
Human males. It would have to be done logically and discreetly.

---

But surprisingly enough, Spock's best efforts to win Christine were
ignored. She remained cool and distant toward him, preferring the
company of the two Human men. Spock had never actively gone after a
woman in his life, and his failure to make headway with her bothered
him more than he was willing to admit.

The Vulcan steadfastly denied (publicly, at least) that her conduct
was having any effect on him whatsoever -- but his private turmoil
told an entirely different story. Christine never seemed to have time
for anything but her work and the two Human males. For Vulcan's sake,
why was she doing this to him? Surely she realized how much he wanted
to spend time with her!

Spock caught himself up short, horrified at the turn his thoughts were
taking. Why did it matter to him *what* she did, *who* she saw? He
should thank Courtney and Fleetwood for getting her off his back ...
but instead, he felt like putting his fist through a bulkhead at the
mere thought of her with either one of them.

---

"Come," McCoy said to the knock on his door, surprised to see Kirk
step in. "Jim! What a pleasant surprise. Is there something I can do
for you?"

"I need to talk to you, Bones." The Captain looked and sounded
troubled.

"What about?"

"You've got to help Spock."

"How can I? He never listens to me ... just the original know-it-
all."

"Not this time." Kirk made himself comfortable at McCoy's desk.
"Bones, you may not believe this. In fact, you may laugh at the very
idea. I can hardly believe it myself, but I'm convinced that--"

"--Spock has actually fallen in love," the doctor finished Kirk's
train of thought.

The latter raised an eyebrow at the Chief Surgeon's serious expression
and even more serious tone of voice. "You're not laughing." His voice
was laced with disbelief.

"No, Jim, I'm not. Spock thinks he's hiding it, but take it from one
who knows. It's written all over him. I even caught him looking at
Christine in sickbay recently. He-- Well, suffice it to say that I've
never seen such love in any man's eyes or on any man's face as I saw
on Spock's in that brief, unguarded moment."

"But Miss Chapel doesn't seem to want anything to do with Spock any
more. Instead, she spends her time either working or with Courtney and
Fleetwood. I can't figure her out. Bones, she's driving him crazy, and
I have no idea how to help him ... or even if I *can*."

Leonard McCoy gave his friend and superior a wry grin. "Ironic how the
tables have been turned, I think. First Chris spends years eating her
heart out over Spock, and he wants nothing to do with her. Now it's
the other way around. Poetic justice, if you ask me. Maybe now he has
some idea of what he's put *her* through all these years. Serves him
right to fall in love with the very one he's always ignored and pushed
away."

"Are you *quite* finished?" Kirk bit out. "That's *beside* the point.
He needs help!"

"Jim, I don't think that either Spock or Chris would appreciate any
interference from us right now, however well-meaning. This is a
private matter which they need to work out between themselves. My
professional opinion is that we stay out of it."

"So what am *I* supposed to do? I need Spock at full capacity. In his
present condition, he's not worth a hill of beans to me. I can't
afford a lovesick First Officer. He *must* be brought back to himself
... and fast!"

McCoy sighed. "Unfortunately, Christine's the only one who can do
that."

"She'd damn well better do it soon. Enough is enough!"

The doctor sighed dubiously. "Well, I'll talk to her and see what I
can find out, even though it's against my better judgment -- but can't
make any promises. It may be that she really *doesn't* love Spock any
more. We must consider that possibility."

"Bones, sometimes you're about as helpful as nothing," Kirk retorted
bitterly. "For God's sake, can't you see how *serious* this is? If
Spock doesn't snap out of it soon, it could mean his career ... and
that would destroy him. I don't want to lose him because of an unhappy
love affair. He's far too valuable."

---

In sickbay the following morning, McCoy asked his female colleague
point-blank why she was seeing so much of Courtney and Fleetwood.

"Why shouldn't I? After all, a girl can't sit home every night, you
know."

"They're both in love with you, you know."

Christine sighed. "I know, and I *like* them a lot -- but that's it."

"Spock?"

She nodded sadly. "Who else? I try to keep myself busy with them so I
don't think so much of him, but it doesn't work. Nothing does. At
best, they're poor substitutes for him, but what else can I do when
the man I *do* love wants nothing to do with me? That's not exactly a
boost to a lady's ego, you know."

McCoy nodded sympathetically as Christine's blue eyes became deep
pools of sadness and frustrated love.

"Sometimes I wish I were a Vulcan woman. Maybe then Spock would notice
me."

"His father didn't marry a Vulcan woman."

"Sarek is the exception, not the rule. That doesn't mean Spock would
ever marry a Human woman."

"We don't know that for sure -- just as you obviously haven't heard
the latest rumor going around."

"What rumor?"

"That Spock and Courtney had a very nasty argument ... over *you*!"

"You're kidding!" Christine couldn't believe her ears.

"No ... and that's not all. Uhura told me when she came in for her
physical on your last day off that she'd tried to tell Spock that the
computer tapes he'd ordered some months ago had finally arrived. She
called him three times before she got his attention -- and even then,
he nearly took her head off. Tell me, how often does Spock get *that*
preoccupied? In addition, Jim told me that all this started around the
time you started dating Courtney and Fleetwood. And get this: he even
thinks that Spock has actually ... *fallen in love* with you!"

"Ridiculous. Spock hardly knows I'm alive."

"But I've never seen him act like this before -- not in all the years
I've known him."

Christine frowned thoughtfully. "Now that you mention it, Spock *has*
been behaving better toward me ... asking how I feel, what I'm doing,
things like that -- but love never occurred to me. If, indeed, that's
what it is. What do you think?"

"I don't want to get your hopes up, Chris, but it's looking more and
more like the Captain is right."

"Are you telling me that I've actually *gotten through* to him after
all this time?"

"Certainly looks that way."

"I hope so. That would be wonderful. He's all I've ever wanted, you
know."

McCoy nodded and smiled. "You're the one-man type ... and it's about
time *somebody* hogtied that stubborn Vulcan. Marriage is just what he
needs to make him more Human."

"Then I should go for it?"

"Why not? You've got nothing to lose. Knowing Spock, it won't be easy,
but love never is."

"It'll be a picnic after all I've been through."

"Then I suggest you contact Spock and start things rolling."

Christine smiled and winked. "Count on it. From what you've said, he's
ripe for the picking ... and that with a little effort, I'll have
Spock right where I want him: around my little finger, among other
things."

McCoy returned the smile and wink. "Best of luck, Chris."

A moment later the sickbay intercom beeped; Uhura summoned the Chief
Surgeon to the bridge. "Gotta go. See you later. Be sure to keep me
informed on how you're doing with you-know-who."

Christine smiled and nodded; with a wave, McCoy was gone. The female
doctor turned back to her own work with a light heart. With any luck,
she would finally have the man she had loved so many long, lonely
years!

---

While en route to the bridge, McCoy couldn't help a broad grin at the
thought of how interesting life was going to be from now on. From the
start, he had suspected that Chris had decided to reverse tactics and
ignore Spock instead of chasing him, see if that would bring him to
her.

It sure as hell couldn't have been easy for her, the Doctor was
convinced of that -- but if Chris's happiness at his news was any
indication, her ordeal (*and* Spock's) would soon be history, and the
happiness they would share together well worth the wait. Reverse
psychology was the only thing she hadn't tried ... and it had worked.
(Oh lord, had it *ever*!) McCoy only wished that he could be there to
see the look on Spock's face once he learned the truth behind
Christine's atypical behavior.

---

A month later, on stardate 8426.2, the Enterprise came within scanning
range of a previously unknown and uncharted planet in the ElNath star
system, located in the constellation of Taurus. Spock's scanners
indicated that the planet was a typical class M, one of six in the
system but only the second class M discovered there.

The science officer was amazed to detect no Humanoid life, since
ElNath was similar to Earth's sun Sol in many respects. In that case,
the planet would be an ideal candidate for colonization -- provided
initial investigations turned up nothing harmful. He became so
engrossed in scanning that he didn't hear the Captain call him.

"Spock!"

Kirk sounded annoyed, obviously having repeated himself several times.
The Vulcan started in surprise when Jim's voice finally registered. He
turned his head toward his Captain and friend, facial expression as
bland as a baby's.

"Yes, Captain?"

"We're beaming down a landing party to the planet's surface. I assume
you want to accompany us."

"Of course."

"Then let's get cracking. Sulu, you have the con." Kirk punched the
intercom for sickbay while he and Spock headed for the transporter
room in the turbolift. "Bones, report to the transporter room on the
double. We're beaming down."

Christine Chapel's apologetic voice came over the intercom. "Sir, Dr.
McCoy is in surgery. That young Rigellian who was so badly hurt in the
Adhara II uprising we were sent to stop. He cannot be spared for
landing party duty at the moment."

"What about you?"

"Sure, I'm free. Dr. M'Benga is assisting in surgery, and Nurse Parker
can cover for me at the nursing station."

"Then grab your gear and report to the transporter room. You're
beaming down with us."

Spock allowed himself a smile at the knowledge that Dr. Chapel would
be accompanying them to the planet. It would give him an opportunity
to be with her, away from the ship and his two rivals. She would be
unable to avoid him or run away -- and perhaps, just perhaps, he would
be able to make his own moves with a reasonable chance of success.

Christine sighed deeply as she packed her medikit. It was short
notice, but after so many years in Starfleet (and on the Enterprise)
she had learned to be ready at a moment's notice. In the transporter
room, the landing party was outfitted with standard equipment:
phasers, tricorders and communicators. Scott beamed them down onto a
grassy bluff. After fully materializing, the party set off, eventually
coming to a steep downward incline. The trio prepared to peer over the
edge to check for a way down, but an accidental misstep by Christine
on smooth rocks near the top proved their undoing.

Each instinctively grabbed for the nearest person in a vain attempt to
maintain their balance, soon finding themselves rolling down the steep
hill, out of control. It was over almost as soon as it started, and no
one was hurt ... simply had the wind knocked out of them and the
equipment scattered.

Spock picked himself up from the mound of dirt where he had landed,
brushing it off his jacket and uniform, retrieving his tricorder,
phaser and communicator from the dirt. "Miss Chapel? Captain? Are you
both all right?"

Christine lifted her head from the patch of grass where she had
stopped and which stained her face, hands and uniform. She checked
herself, satisfied that she was in one piece. "I believe so, Mr.
Spock."

"I'm all right, Spock." Kirk was sitting up in a profusion of
flowering plants, conscious and seemingly unhurt. Spock recognized the
plant as arbutus, found on Earth and many other class M planets they
had visited. He also recalled that the plant in question secreted an
oily substance to which Jim was severely allergic. Seconds later Kirk
suffered a reaction, fighting to breathe as his lips and cheeks turned
deathly pale. Spock caught and held his friend when his knees buckled
as he tried to stand up.

"Miss Chapel, find your medikit and come quickly. The Captain is
hardly breathing."

Christine located her medikit lying on a patch of grass about a foot
from where she had stopped, grabbing the small brown case and running
to where a semi-conscious Kirk leaned heavily on Spock, depending on
his Vulcan friend's strong arms for support. She searched for the
counteragent effective on most known allergies, but couldn't find it.

"Is something wrong, Miss Chapel?" the science officer asked.

"I have no counteragent. The best I can do is give him some tri-ox to
help him breathe, then have some counteragent beamed down." Christine
found the hypo of tri-ox and hastily injected Kirk, leaving Spock to
make him comfortable while she reached for her communicator and
flipped it open. "Landing party to Enterprise."

"Scott here," came the answer. "What's wrong, lass?"

"The Captain has been in contact with a substance to which he is
severely allergic, and I have no counteragent with me. I would
appreciate it if you would ask Dr. McCoy to have some beamed down to
me as soon as he's free."

"Aye, lass. Stand by."

"Standing by." She flipped the communicator open again when it beeped
a few minutes later, surprised to hear McCoy's voice instead of
Scotty's. After learning that the Chief Surgeon had completed the
surgery on the young Rigellian and left M'Benga to close for him, then
keep an eye on him until he stabilized, she asked what was going on.

"Something's haywire with the transporter circuits, Chris. A
short-circuit of some kind, I think Scotty said. He told me you needed
the counteragent; I'm in the transporter room with it right now, but
can't beam it down to you unless he can get the short-circuit
repaired."

"Leonard, the Captain *needs* that counteragent. Tri-ox is a stopgap
at best."

"I know, but you'll have to make do if Scotty can't get the
transporter fixed. Just a minute. Please stand by." Every second
seemed an eternity; at last McCoy came back. "I'm afraid it's bad,
Chris. Scotty says that the main transporter circuits are 'shot all t'
bloody hell,' quoting him. It's going to take at least three days
before he and his crew can have them repaired. Damn fool contraption.
I never *did* trust it!"

Chapel fought to keep disappointment and fear out of her voice. "What
about the Captain?"

"All I can tell you is to find some water quickly, get as much of that
stuff off him as you can, then give him another shot of tri-ox and
keep a sharp eye on him for the next 24 hours. Keep me posted on how
he's doing, and I'll keep you informed as to how things are going up
here."

"Thanks." Christine tried to sound cheerful.

"I've got to go now, Chris. Good luck. McCoy out."

---

Spock took the news that they were on their own for the next three
days with his usual Vulcan calm. "We had best locate water quickly.
Captain, can you stand or walk?" The Vulcan frowned with concern at
his Human friend.

"It's hard ... to breathe, but I'll ... try." But two steps later, the
Captain passed out. Spock's arms caught him as he fell.

"Miss Chapel, it is up to you to carry the equipment since I must
carry the Captain." She picked up the equipment and they set off.
Spock carried Kirk as easily as though he were a child. They walked
almost a kilometer before Christine used Spock's tricorder to locate a
fresh-water pond.

Upon arrival, she dipped a soft cloth from a supply in her jacket
pocket into the cool, clear water. She wrung it out, then thoroughly
washed the Captain's exposed skin surface, giving Kirk another
injection of tri-ox as he lay with his head pillowed on a rock and
Spock's folded jacket.

Kirk's color began to return and his breathing improved, but Christine
kept an eagle eye on his vital signs, taking frequent tricorder
readings. Another half-kilometer walk brought them to a cave large
enough to accommodate the three of them and protect them from the
worst of the elements. Spock's jacket was laid out for the Captain to
lie on; Spock carefully placed him on it. Christine's was folded up as
a pillow after emptying it of all medical paraphernalia; Kirk's own
covered him.

The Captain slept fitfully, alternately chilled and feverish -- almost
delirious -- as Spock and Chapel kept a silent vigil at his side. The
Vulcan managed to fashion containers from three large gourds, filling
each with fresh pond water. The doctor dipped a fresh cloth into her
own and wiped Kirk's perspiring face, repeating the action every few
minutes. The pair were too engrossed in keeping their captain alive to
notice the passage of time.

Christine checked her wrist chrono at 1800; they had been in the cave
for twelve hours. Spock insisted on staying nearby, even though his
body language and her tricorder readings indicated weariness, the
combination of physical and emotional exertion having seriously
drained him.

"Mr. Spock, you won't be able to help the Captain if you make yourself
ill. Please get some rest; you've more than earned it. I'll take good
care of him. Don't worry."

Spock raised an eyebrow at the emotional reference, but gave in to the
logic of her words, making himself as comfortable as possible on the
floor and wall nearest where the Captain lay. "You will notify me of
any change?"

"Of course."

"Very well. Good night, Miss Chapel."

"Good night, Mr. Spock."

Despite his weariness, Spock found himself unable to sleep, so he
removed his boots and assumed a lotus position, a favorite one for
meditation.

Christine stood up and stretched to get the kinks out of her back,
taking a secret delight in watching the sculptured Vulcan face in the
glow of the heated stones around Kirk.

The Vulcan analyzed their present situation in the privacy of his
thoughts. In many ways, it was reminiscent of the time spent in the
frozen cave on Sarpeidon five thousand years ago with Zarabeth, who
had helped him care for Dr. McCoy as Miss Chapel was caring for Jim
now. In spite of the similarities between the two women, however, he
had loved Zarabeth and *made* love to her. As a result, she had given
birth to a son, but both had been dead for centuries and it was
illogical to grieve overlong since no amount of grief could bring them
back to life. It was best to remember them as one had known them.

As for Christine Chapel, at the time all she had been was a good
friend -- and that was it, even though Spock was all too aware that
she was in love with him. He had always told her (and himself) that
friends were all they could ever be, but of late was seeing the
beautiful Terran doctor in a whole new light. It seemed to have taken
the two crewmen who loved her to get him to admit his own long-denied
feelings.

Spock still recalled the overture he had made to her in the throes of
his first *pon farr*. Christine had misunderstood his actions and
rejected him. He regretted having been unable to make his intentions
clear to her, but what he *had* done was the furthest he could go
without offending his Vulcan sensibilities.

His Human half, on the other hand, had almost literally screamed at
him to take the lovely woman who loved him and make her his own, both
physically and mentally. But Spock had never forced his attentions on
a woman, so if Miss Chapel no longer wanted him (and from all
indications, that was a distinct possibility), he would not pressure
her.

---

Spock awoke while it was still dark, surprised to find that he had
indeed fallen asleep. The cave had turned bitterly cold, even with the
heated rocks, and he shivered. "Miss Chapel? Doctor?"

"I'm here, Spock," Christine answered after a deep yawn. "The Captain
is resting comfortably since his fever broke two hours ago. He is
breathing well now, so barring any unforeseen complications, he won't
need the counteragent."

"He is doing that well?"

"He should be fine by tomorrow."

"I am pleased to hear that. Now I think *you* should rest." His tone
brooked no argument, so Christine stifled her protest and huddled on
the wall and floor nearest the largest of the heated stones,
attempting to sleep. It wasn't easy, but she finally did, feeling cold
but rested upon awakening.

Christine stayed with the convalescing Kirk while Spock went in search
of food. She knew they needed nourishment, but was concerned for his
safety on a strange planet alone, even though neither of them had
detected anything dangerous. One could never tell what might happen on
an unknown, uncharted planet, no matter how Earth-like it seemed,
which was why usually only the most experienced people were chosen for
landing party duty during a reconnaissance mission.

Spock returned four hours later (an eternity to the almost frantic
Christine), laden with several types of berries and other native
fruits, several mushroom-like fungal growths and something resembling
lettuce. He reported seeing no animal life except native songbirds,
and being a vegetarian, the idea of killing them and eating their
flesh turned his stomach. Neither the Captain nor Miss Chapel felt as
he did, but they would only be here a short time, so they could safely
subsist on the fruits, vegetables and water.

---

Kirk awoke in the mid-afternoon of the second day. "Spock? Miss
Chapel?" he called out. He felt like he'd slept forever -- and with a
lead weight on his chest, it had been so difficult to breathe ... but
he felt fine now. Spock turned from where he was standing guard at the
cave entrance at the sound of the Captain's voice, hands clasped
behind his back and the latter ramrod-straight -- a characteristic
pose.

"I am here, Captain. How do you feel?"

"Fine, now. Where's our lady doctor?"

"Miss Chapel is bathing in the pond at the moment. She should return
shortly."

"I'm hungry. Is there anything to eat? And have you tried to contact
the ship?"

"I found fruits, berries, fungal growths ... and what seems to be
lettuce."

"No animal life-forms?"

"Only native songbirds."

As Kirk ate, Spock explained what had happened to the ship which had
stranded them here. "There was a shorting-out of the main transporter
circuits. Mr. Scott and his crew are doing their best to repair them,
but he has warned that it will take at least three solar days to
accomplish the job. Therefore, it is most logical that we make
ourselves as comfortable as possible until he contacts us."

"How long ago did the shorting-out take place?"

"Yesterday morning at ten-hundred hours."

"Any communications since then?"

"Just Miss Chapel updating Dr. McCoy on your condition early this
morning."

"What the hell *happened* to me, anyway?"

"You suffered an allergic reaction to the secretion of a native
plant."

"In that case, I'll be glad when we can beam back to the ship, even as
beautiful as this planet is."

Spock heartily concurred. After Kirk ate and drank, he made an effort
to stand, gaining his feet with Spock's help. His legs were weak and
wobbly at first, but got stronger the longer he was on them. Within
half an hour, the Captain was walking around like nothing had ever
been wrong with him.

The two men took a leisurely walk in the nearby woods, Spock pointing
out where he had found their food and the birds -- all the while
taking care to remain in at least partial visual contact with the cave
in the event Miss Chapel returned.

Christine returned twenty minutes after the men did, nodding and
smiling at them as she stashed her things in a nearby corner. "I never
realized how much I missed bathing in water. I hope I didn't worry you
too much by being gone so long. I had a swim after my bath."

Spock frowned at her. "Most illogical, Miss Chapel. You should never
swim alone."

"Your concern is appreciated, Mr. Spock, but I can take care of
myself. I know my limits."

The Vulcan looked properly nonplused for a moment, then raised a
quizzical eyebrow at her. "Are you hungry?"

"Ravenous. Swimming always gives me a big appetite." She ate and drank
after making sure Spock and Kirk had eaten. After the meal, the First
Officer stood up to stretch his sleek body, then sat down again.

"It will be necessary to obtain more food and water if Mr. Scott and
his crew have not repaired the shorted-out circuits within 24 hours."

It was nearly 2400 when they went to bed. Since Kirk was well again,
he and Spock talked into the wee hours about the latter's adventures
on the planet so far. Christine fell asleep to the sound of their
voices.

---

Now that the Captain had no more need for the extra coats, Spock and
Christine put them on again, as the night-time temperatures dipped
close to freezing, even with the heated rocks. Spock's sensitive
hearing caught the sound of her chattering teeth and he left Kirk's
side after sitting in the darkness for close to an hour vainly trying
to keep warm.

He made his way over to where she huddled close to the largest heated
stone, trying to make her short coat cover her. Her cheek was cold to
the touch. Having come from a desert planet like Vulcan, Spock was
even more sensitive to the cold than she -- but was still warmer than
Human body temperature, even when he felt cold to himself.

"You are cold, Miss Chapel. I heard your teeth chattering."

"N-not really, Mr. Spock. You needn't concern yourself with m-me."

"But I am. The heated stones are obviously insufficient to keep us
warm; it will therefore be necessary to share body heat in order to
survive the night."

Christine's heart pounded double, and she was hard-pressed to answer
in a normal voice. "T-that isn't necessary. I'll be f-fine."

"Miss Chapel, please do not argue with me. It is illogical for either
of us to be cold if sharing body heat can keep us warm and alive."

"W-well, if you insist -- "

"I do."

"V-very well, then."

He sat down beside her, gradually moving closer to draw her into his
arms. She felt the rapid beat of his heart as he held her. This was
the last thing she'd expected, but certainly wasn't complaining.
Spock's arms felt so warm, strong and *right* around her! Christine
was so content that she nearly fell asleep; he gently prodded her just
as she was about to nod off.

"Miss Chapel?"

"Yes?"

"You may put your arms around me. I assure you it is all right."

She hesitantly slid her arms around her companion's slender waist
beneath his jacket; he held her the same way. How could she actually
be in Spock's arms at long last? This *had* to be a dream! Even if it
was only to preserve body heat, what mattered was that he was doing
it.

After this, she was determined to have him belong to her -- not just
for a couple of days, but all time. For the present, however, she was
content to snuggle close in his arms. Sleep claimed her within
moments, her head cradled on Spock's shoulder. His breath felt warm
and sweet on her temple and hair, his lips gently brushing the latter
when he thought she was asleep.

---

The sun lit up the cave's interior when Christine awoke the following
morning. The warm comfort of Spock's presence had gone; she sat up and
looked around, finding him quietly conversing with the Captain across
the room. She smiled upon noting that Spock had placed his jacket over
her legs to keep them warm after he was gone. He was so thoughtful, so
caring -- even if he was unwilling to admit it or express it openly.

Spock turned his head in her direction upon hearing her yawn and
stretch. "Are you all right, Miss Chapel? Did you sleep well?"

She had never slept so well in her life! "Yes, thank you."

"I must go out for more food and water. If you would care to accompany
me, we could bring back twice as much." Christine accepted readily,
scarcely able to fathom that Spock had actually asked her to join him.
"The Captain said he would bathe in the pond, but not swim alone. He
should be back before we return."

The Vulcan had risen at dawn and availed himself of the facilities of
the pond to bathe thoroughly, returning before either Jim or Christine
realized he had gone so they wouldn't worry. The pair returned some
hours later, well-laden with fruit, vegetables and water. All enjoyed
a fine feast, retiring as soon as it was dark. It had again turned
freezing, so Christine suspected that Spock would once again want to
share body heat to keep warm.

As she expected, he came to her again that night. They went into each
other's arms as though they'd done it all their lives. For the most
part, he was as proper as ever ... but when she awakened in the middle
of the night, she felt a warm, heavy weight on her breast: Spock's
sleek, dark head. One hand rested on his bent left knee, his right arm
bent over *her* right knee, his right hand warm where it touched her.

The top of his head was within reach; dare she kiss it as she so
yearned to do? Her fingers stroked it, then her lips brushed the top
of his head before she could stop herself. Spock stirred slightly
after the kiss; she was sure he would give her hell for taking such
liberties with his person ... but instead, he merely lifted his head
and asked, "Miss Chapel, why did you kiss me?"

"I felt like it. I didn't mean to bother you."

"I never said it bothered me. I was merely asking a question." So
Christine was understandably startled when Spock moved to gather her
into his arms, feeling his embrace gently tighten and her face lifted
to his even though she couldn't see it. "Miss Chapel -- Christine ...
whenever you have been close to me, I have ... experienced a -- very
strange feeling. Strange because I have not felt it outside of my
Mating Time. I am not currently *in* the Mating Time, so the feeling
is most unusual ... though not unpleasant. In fact, I have -- found
myself wanting to ... make love to you."

Christine couldn't believe her ears. This couldn't be real! Her face
went crimson even as his startling confession rendered her speechless.

"Christine?" Spock recalled that he had seldom called her by her first
name; it felt unbelievably good doing it again.

"Yes?" she forced out.

"Would you be -- willing for us to ... share physical love together?
Give one another an opportunity to be simply man and woman, not Vulcan
or Human, or Starfleet officers?" She wanted it (and him) so much that
she could taste it, but had to be careful what she said and how she
said it. "If you do not wish it, you have but to say the word. I will
leave and never mention it to you again."

"Again?" Christine's eyes widened incredulously.

"Surely you remember. It was on the occasion of my first Time of
Mating."

"Sorry, but I can't."

"I told you it was illogical for us to protest against our natures.
You said you did not understand, that you had only come to tell me
that we had changed course for Vulcan and would be there in a few
days."

She was dumfounded and said as much. "But that's what I thought you
wanted."

"It was, partially ... but I also wanted *you*. And you rejected me."

"How did I reject you?" The very thought was preposterous.

"Do you not *know*? How obvious did I have to be?"

"You mean you were trying to -- ?"

"'Make a pass' is the colloquial term."

"But how could I have known? A Vulcan doesn't make advances to me
every day. I'm sorry if you felt rejected, then or now. I had no idea
... how could I? But I've wanted you from the first moment I saw you;
that has never changed -- and it never will. I only dated Courtney and
Fleetwood because I thought I could never have *you* ... so yes, I
would like very much for us to make love. That is, if you still want
me."

"Very much." Like a magnet being attracted to metal, Spock bent his
head and their lips met.

Christine prayed that this incredible rapture would last forever. She
had never been as happy in her life as she was right now! The couple
reluctantly parted in order to move behind the high out-cropping of
rock at the rear of the cave for privacy, spreading out one coat for a
makeshift bed. They sat down on it and embraced once again. "You have
no idea how much -- or how long -- I've wanted to do this," she
whispered.

In due time, the clothing was removed, beginning with the uniform
jackets. Once he sensed that she was ready, Spock lowered Christine to
the makeshift bed and positioned himself accordingly. Their coming
together was everything she had ever imagined it would be. After
several tenderly passionate hours together, the tired but sated lovers
fell into a deep sleep in each other's arms.

---

Spock awoke to the Captain's voice urgently summoning him, still
holding Christine close to him. Her head rested on his bare chest; she
was sound asleep. He allowed himself a smile as he recalled how he had
buried his face in her silky hair and it had smelled of honeysuckle --
just as her equally silky skin had had a musky-rose scent.

He moved to kiss the top of her head, once again inhaling the scent of
honeysuckle after nuzzling her neck, taking in the intoxicating
fragrance still lingering there. He even found himself wanting her
again, but had to forego that pleasure because Kirk's voice was
insistent. Spock was loathe to move or wake the woman in his arms, but
finally had to.

"Christine, wake up. We must dress. The Captain is calling and must
not discover us like this."

The urgency in her lover's voice galvanized Christine into action and
they dressed hastily, Spock going out to meet Kirk first. "Where in
God's name have you been, Spock?" he demanded. Christine listened from
her hiding place behind the rocks, her face flaming at the scenario
she envisioned as she finished dressing. What if the Captain had
called for beam-up without telling them? What if she and Spock had
been beamed up still entwined as they had been a mere half-hour ago?

They would not only have been the talk of the Enterprise, but the
entire inhabited Galaxy -- and neither would ever have lived it down
or been able to look anyone in the face again! Thank Heaven that
embarrassing scenario did *not* take place ... but another did.

"Scotty just called and said he could beam us up whenever we gave the
signal."

The Vulcan could not meet his friend's eyes, and Kirk was sure he
detected a green flush on Spock's face and the tips of his elegant
ears. Spock was acting *most* peculiar, almost guilty -- and speaking
of peculiar, where was Miss Chapel? Could they actually have...?

Kirk shook his head. *No. They couldn't. *Spock* couldn't! It's not
the right time for him.* The Captain could scarcely fathom it, but was
convinced when Christine finally appeared, looking rumpled,
disheveled, and with a guilty flush on her cheeks equaling Spock's
own. How could they have done it?

"Ready to beam up, you two?" He forced a smile.

"Yes, sir," the pair answered as one.

"Scotty, three to beam up," Kirk said into his communicator. *I can
just hazard to guess what *else* they've done as one!* the Captain
thought as they began to dematerialize. *My God, I didn't think it
possible -- but it obviously is. I have all the proof I need just by
looking at them!*

Kirk hoped Spock would eventually confide in him, but knew how private
a person his Vulcan friend was. If Spock didn't want to talk, nothing
short of a direct order would loosen his tongue. Miss Chapel wasn't
the talkative type, either. If anyone came close to knowing her, Uhura
did.

Scott welcomed them back once everyone had materialized. "Welcome
back, Captain. Sure's good t' ha' ye all back again. We ha' th' very
divil of a time repairin' th' shorted-out transporter circuits. P'r
bairns. Blown t' smithereens, they were!"

"Just as long as they're all right now, Scotty."

"Aye, that they are. Shouldna give ye any more trouble."

"Everything else all right?"

"Jus' fine, Captain."

The Scotsman watched in amazement, then happiness, as Spock and
Christine stepped off the platform and exchanged smiles. The
engineer's eyes widened when he saw the look in the couple's eyes.

*Th' Lord only knows wha' 'appened t' Mr. Spock an' Dr. Chapel while
they were on th' planet, but what'er 'twas, they certainly 'ave a
diff'rent attitude toward each other now. A' least Mr. Spock does. Ah
wonder if we'll e'er know jus' what 'appened b'tween 'em t' change
things so drastically. One thing's f'r certain, though. Chris Chapel,
p'r lass, 'as always been dotty about Mr. Spock. 'Twould seem that he
now feels th' same about her ... and ah hope 'e does, because th' p'r
lad 'as badly needed a lass t' love him an' end his terrible
loneliness.*

Scott flashed a knowing smile in Christine's direction, one which she
returned after an initial look of surprise, as the small group left
the Transporter Room together.

---

Two full days passed before Spock could bring himself to confide in
Kirk. He tried going over his tricorder readings, which he had put on
tape, running them through his library computer -- but could not
concentrate on them. The feelings he had experienced with Christine,
as well as visions of his time with her, plagued him with renewed
vigor. He had accomplished what he had set out to do as far as she was
concerned, and he was pleased about that, but this ... Spock finally
stood up and steeled himself to walk to the command chair.

"Captain?"

"Yes, Spock?"

"I must speak privately with you."

Sulu and Uhura turned their heads upon hearing the tremor in the First
Officer's voice. He noted this, lowering it so that only Kirk could
hear. The Captain followed suit.

"Concerning what happened on the planet?"

Spock nodded, unable to bring himself to speak.

Kirk again saw an emerald flush invading his Vulcan friend's face and
ears. "Well, things are kind of slow at the moment, so why not? Your
quarters or mine?"

"Mine." The reply was barely above a whisper.

"Mr. Sulu, you have the con until Mr. Spock and I return."

"Aye, sir."

Sulu and Uhura had turned back to their consoles in disappointment
when the two senior officers had lowered their voices. The strange
look on Spock's face and the Captain's expressionless face were most
peculiar in view of the kind of people they were. The helmsman had
wanted to tell Kirk about the times he had caught Spock wearing that
same look, but thought better of it -- especially here on the bridge.

He suspected that Spock's request for a private discussion had
something to do with what was rumored to have taken place between the
science officer and Dr. Chapel while the landing party was temporarily
stranded on ElNath VI. It seemed unfathomable that something could
have happened, but it was the only possible explanation for the
Vulcan's recent atypical behavior.

Sulu also knew how unusual it was for Spock to let any emotion show on
his face where it might be seen by others, yet it had happened. The
Vulcan had immediately straightened his face into its normal calm,
serene expression, raising an inquisitive eyebrow upon noticing the
helmsman looking at him with a mixture of concern and curiosity.

"Anything wrong, sir?"

"Of course not," Spock denied ... as Sulu expected. "Why do you ask?"

"You've been looking -- well, uh -- kind of faraway and dreamy."

"Vulcans never look 'faraway' or 'dreamy'." The reply was icy. "Now
get back to work."

"Aye, sir."

Sulu knew better than to argue with Spock, for anyone who did usually
came out of the encounter suitably humbled. Dr. McCoy was the only one
who had dared to cross verbal swords with the redoubtable Vulcan, and
much to the crew's shock (and Spock's displeasure) the doctor
occasionally came out on top.

---

After reaching E Deck, the two men headed for Spock's quarters, which
adjoined Kirk's own. "All right, Spock, what's so important?" the
Captain asked as soon as the doors closed behind them.

"Jim, something -- *happened* on ElNath VI."

"I'd gathered that from the look on your face the last morning we were
there ... but what exactly was it that 'happened'?" As if he didn't
know!

"It -- concerns Dr. Chapel." The Vulcan looked thoroughly embarrassed
when he lifted his head.

"What happened between you?"

Spock momentarily turned his back to gather courage, then turned
around. "I believe you would call it 'making love'."

"But I didn't think you *could*, Spock ... at least not outside of pon
farr."

"Neither did I -- but apparently I was mistaken."

Kirk bent his head and rubbed his neck, then lifted his head to give
his Vulcan friend a smile. "This comes as something of a surprise, but
I couldn't be happier for you. How was it?"

Spock raised an astonished eyebrow, but replied, "According to Miss
Chapel, 'wonderful'."

"What did *you* think?"

"I -- found it ... most enjoyable."

"This is quite a step for you. Any plans to bond with her?"

"I -- was considering it." The First Officer's eyes pleaded for help.
"Jim, this is new ... totally unbelievable to me. I did not think
myself capable of such feelings for a woman. They are most illogical,
but I cannot deny them. That would be even *more* illogical."

"Spock, are you saying that you're -- *in love* with her?"

"I believe that is the correct term, yes."

"Well, congratulations. I'm sure you'll be very happy together." Even
so, Kirk wasn't surprised to see not happiness but stark fear on his
friend's face.

"Jim, you must help me. This is a most distressing development. What
am I to do about it?"

"I'm afraid there isn't much you *can* do. Usually it's already too
late by the time you realize it ... so I suggest you relax and enjoy
it. From personal experience, I can tell you that falling in love --
*real* love, that is -- can be, and often is, frightening and
unnerving. Particularly your vulnerability where she is concerned;
when she's all you can think about and all you want to do is be with
her. For these reasons, being in love with someone can take a lot of
getting used to ... but eventually you wonder how you could ever have
lived without it."

Spock found himself smiling slightly at the thought. "Indeed -- though
it still seems incredible that it could happen to such as I."

"It happens to everyone sooner or later ... and Spock, love is
*seldom* logical." Kirk could scarcely fathom all he had heard but at
the same time, couldn't have been more thrilled that his beloved
friend's terrible loneliness was at last at an end. "Well, now that
that's settled, shall we get back to the bridge? I'm sure Sulu's
beginning to wonder about us."

"Most definitely, Captain."

"Then let's go, Mr. Spock." The two stepped out of the latter's
quarters, the masks of commander and First Officer firmly in place.
Sulu vacated the command chair upon seeing the two senior officers
return to the bridge. "Any problems here, Mr. Sulu?"

"All quiet, sir."

"Good. Return to your post."

Spock resumed his science station, now able to immerse himself in the
information his tricorder readings gave him about ElNath VI. Kirk
stole a quick look at Uhura; the Bantu looked up from writing a
communications report and smiled at him. Kirk smiled back, wondering
if Miss Chapel had confided in her yet. He would have to ask
eventually, but for now it was back to work.

---

The ship was well into the Sagittarius Arm, the most densely populated
sector of the Galaxy, before Christine could bring herself to confide
in Uhura. The latter's slender brown fingers with their beautifully
groomed nails gently stroked the taut strings, occasionally adjusting
the tone dials of the Vulcan lyrette Spock had given her at the end of
the first five-year mission.

It was one of Uhura's most prized possessions; she cared for it as
lovingly as she would a child. Spock seldom gave gifts, especially
ones such as this -- so anyone receiving a gift from him felt singled
out, honored. Uhura was no exception. She hummed "Beyond Antares", a
popular love ballad, stopping whenher buzzer sounded.

"Come." She was pleasantly surprised to see Christine step in. About
time! "Chris! What a pleasant surprise. Come in and make yourself at
home. I was just practicing on my lyrette. It always relaxes me after
a tough day."

Christine's frosted brown hair was rumpled, as was her clothing; her
face was flushed and anxious. "Ny, can I talk to you? I've got to tell
someone before I burst!"

"Of course. What's on your mind?"

Chapel sat down on her friend's bed, hands demurely folded in her lap.

Uhura couldn't help but notice their nervous trembling. "From the
looks of you, it must be important."

"That's putting it mildly," the other woman sighed. "I'm sure you know
about my beaming down to the surface of that new class M planet in the
ElNath system."

"Yes. What about it?"

"Something happened down there."

"That's nothing new. What's your problem?"

"Nyota, you don't understand. *Mr. Spock* was also in the landing
party!"

At the mention of the Vulcan's name, Uhura recalled the shipboard
gossip she had heard about him and Chris's two new suitors. She was
also aware of the feelings Spock allegedly harbored for Christine, not
to mention the argument he had had with one of his rivals. Lastly, she
recalled the rumor currently making its rounds through the ship: that
Chris and Spock had shared a 'night of love', for lack of a better
term, while temporarily stranded on the planet. However, knowing the
two involved as she did, Uhura hadn't believed the rumor ... at first.

"I'm sure you've heard the rumor concerning what happened between us
down there."

"I have ... but from what little I know of Mr. Spock's background, it
seems unlikely that anything could have happened."

"Not any more."

Uhura's brown eyes widened in shock and disbelief. She set her lyrette
aside and moved forward to sit on the edge of her chair after turning
it to face her friend, taking the other woman's hands in her own and
gently squeezing them. "Do you mean to tell me--?"

"Yes." Christine blushed in spite of herself.

Nyota hugged her friend. "Congratulations! How did you do it?"

"I really don't know if it was any of my doing, though I *do* remember
the first night planetside as being very cold, despite the rocks we
heated with the phasers. The Captain was asleep; Spock came to me and
asked if I was cold. He said he'd heard my teeth chattering."

"What did you tell him?"

"That I was fine, and he didn't have to be concerned about me ... but
he knew better. He even offered to stay with me so we could share body
heat, since the rocks didn't seem to be enough to keep us warm."

"I can just imagine how *that* made you feel!"

"I said that wasn't necessary." Christine sighed deeply. "He would
have none of my stalling tactics. He said not to argue, that it was
illogical for either of us to be cold if sharing body heat could help
keep us warm and alive. You know how he's even more sensitive to cold
than I am, so I gave in."

"As he knew you would."

"Yes; I could never refuse him anything. I was almost asleep when he
nudged me and said to put my arms around him, assuring me it was all
right."

"Nothing like having permission." Uhura smiled knowingly.

"That's for sure. It was wonderful to be in his arms at last, even if
it *was* only to share body heat."

"Ummhmm," the other woman murmured skeptically. "Sounds more like our
Mr. Spock is still trying to find a logical reason to do an emotional
thing."

"It doesn't matter what his reasons may have been. What mattered was
that I was in his arms -- and that he was in mine. The next thing I
remember is my head on his shoulder and his breath on my temple. It
was lovely to feel him kiss it and the top of my head. His lips are
like warm silk ... but naturally this was when he thought I was
asleep."

"What about the next night?"

"We went to bed after eating, as soon as it got dark. As before, Spock
came to me after the Captain was asleep. We went into each other's
arms as if we'd done it all our lives. For the first part of the
night, he was as proper as ever, then I woke a few hours later to find
his head on my breast. I wanted to stroke and kiss it in the worst way
-- "

"Did you?"

"Before I could stop myself. I was sure he'd wake up and give me hell
for it."

"*Did* he wake up?"

"Yes ... but only to ask why I'd done it. I said I'd felt like it and
hoped it hadn't bothered him." Christine yawned and stretched, making
herself comfortable on Uhura's bed. It was covered with a tiger-print
bedspread, similar to the print in the long dress the latter wore. Her
bare feet were tucked under her as she sat in the contoured chair near
the bed.

"Go on."

"He said it hadn't bothered him, that he'd simply asked a question.
The next thing I knew, he had moved to take me in his arms and pull me
close to him. He claimed I was making him feel something he'd never
felt outside of his Mating Time, as he called it. He said he wasn't
experiencing that, so the feelings were unusual -- but not unpleasant.
And get *this*: he even said he found himself wanting to *make love*
to me! I think I blushed all over when he said *that*.

"Then he actually called me by my first name. He rarely does that
without my prompting him. He asked if I would be willing for us to
make love, have the opportunity to be simply man and woman, not Vulcan
and Human. I wanted it ... oh God, how I wanted it! -- but had to be
careful what I said and how I said it. I was silent for so long that
he finally said, 'If you don't want to make love, say the word and
I'll leave. I don't feel like being rejected again.'"

"Again?" Uhura was incredulous.

"He claimed he'd asked the first time during his first *pon farr*.
Nyota, I had no idea he was trying to make a pass at me! How could I?
I was dumfounded and told him as much. After all, I thought all he
wanted was to go to Vulcan ... and had only come to tell him that we
were on our way there despite Starfleet orders to go to Altair Six. He
said he *had* wanted to go to Vulcan, but had also wanted *me* ... and
I'd rejected him. I asked how that was possible, because I would never
knowingly do such a thing. He said, 'Do you not know? How much more
obvious did I have to be?'

"I managed to convince him that I would never have rejected him had I
known that's what he was doing -- and that I still wanted him. Always
had, always would ... and that I would like very much for us to make
love -- if he still wanted me, that is. 'Very much,' he answered ...
then kissed me. And I mean really *kissed* me. Oh, Ny, it was
heavenly! I had no idea that any man's lips could taste so sweet --
and the pleasure was so exquisite that it was almost pain. In that
moment, I knew that all my waiting and loving from afar had been worth
it!"

Christine smiled. "It still seems like a beautiful dream. I can't tell
you how he made me feel when we were no longer two but *one*! It's
hard to believe it really happened, that I could be so happy. I always
knew we'd be fantastic together, given the chance ... and I was
right!"

Uhura stood up and stretched, then situated herself in her chair
again. "I had no idea Spock had it *in* him."

"He's every bit as passionate as a Human male -- not to mention far
more tender and loving. He may not do it often, but when he does ...
*Wow!*. With him, quality is better than quantity -- though I
naturally intend to find a way to get more of that wonderful loving
more often. It's the kind every woman dreams of, but doesn't think
she'll ever find."

Uhura smiled and shifted in her chair. "Anything else?"

"We woke up still in each other's arms, covered only by my coat. We
were lying on his. It was so natural to feelhis body close to mine ...
then we heard the Captain calling. I was so content that I didn't want
to get up, but Spock said we had to so we wouldn't be found as we
were.

"We dressed quickly; Spock went out first. The Captain asked where
we'd been, that Mr. Scott had called and said he could beam us up any
time. I was sure that Spock was blushing as much as I was! I wish I
could have seen the look on his face and the tips of his ears ... not
to mention the look on the *Captain's* face -- but all he said was,
'Are you ready to beam up?' after I came out. Then he called Mr. Scott
and we all beamed up."

"Has the Captain said anything to either of you since?"

"I heard that Spock asked him if they could speak privately. Knowing
the kind of friends those two are, I think I can guess fairly
accurately what they discussed."

"What else, if anything?"

"Spock and I smiled at each other when we got off the transporter
platform. Heaven only knows what Mr. Scott was thinking! I was sure
that what happened was written all over my face -- but he didn't say
anything, simply smiled at me as we headed for the doors of the
transporter room."

"He must have been happy for you. After all, it's not exactly a secret
how you feel about Spock. Naturally we'd be glad to see you finally
get him."

At that moment, Uhura's intercom beeped; it was McCoy. "Uhura, if
Chris is there, put her on. I need to talk to her."

"This is Christine. What do you need, Leonard?"

"You, to keep an eye on that young Rigellian I operated on so I can
get some sleep. I haven't slept for two days."

"Of course. I'll be right there."

"Thanks. McCoy out."

Christine sighed after closing the intercom. "Well, duty calls, Nyota
-- but thank you for letting me bend your ear. I feel a lot better
now."

"What are friends for?" The women embraced at Uhura's door.

"I hope I didn't bore you."

"Far from it! I enjoyed every minute. It was 'fascinating,' as our
favorite Vulcan would say. Which reminds me -- congrats again. God
bless you both ... and keep me informed."

Christine smiled, nodded and left. Uhura smiled after her, then turned
to look at her chronometer, amazed to see that it read 0100. *I'd
better get to bed. I'll never wake up in time otherwise!* She fell
asleep almost as soon as her head touched the pillow.

---

The only other thing Christine did while covering for McCoy (aside
from checking the young Rigellian's vital signs periodically to make
sure he remained stable and administering his prescribed medication)
was enter all the current data on their patient's condition into his
computer file. She yawned and stretched in her chair.

*God, I'm bored. It seems that treating patients consists mostly of
giving them medication and waiting!*

McCoy arrived at ten-hundred hours, clean, well-groomed and thoroughly
rested. "Mornin', Chris. I'd almost forgotten how good a bed felt ...
or how it felt to sleep through the night -- but now I'm ready to lick
the world. Or should I say the galaxy?"

"Would you settle for keeping sickbay running smoothly?"

The Chief Surgeon grinned wryly. "M'Benga went on R&R, I take it."

Christine nodded. "It's been months since he's had any. I believe he
went to Vulcan to brush up on their latest medical techniques."

"Aaagh! The man's taste in vacation spots!" McCoy exclaimed in mock
horror.

"Come on, Leonard, it's not *that* bad."

"How would you know? You've never been there."

"I've never beamed down, at any rate ... and besides, a lot of good
things come from Vulcan."

"Oh, yeah? Name one. And Spock doesn't count."

She frowned at him but continued. "Their music, for one. Their
artwork, too ... and then there's Amanda--"

McCoy had to concede that last item. Spock's Human mother was a lovely
woman, so it made him wonder how she could ever have married Sarek or
had a son like Spock. "All right, you win. Good things *do* come from
Vulcan ... but it'll never replace Wrigley's Pleasure Planet."

"I don't think they'd want to if they could." Christine sighed in
exasperation. "Don't you want to hear how your patient's doing?"

"Of course. How is he?"

"Stable. I renewed his dressings and gave him his last medication an
hour ago."

"Good." McCoy's eyes widened again upon seeing the chrono reading. "Oh
my God, you mean it's 1100 already? Why didn't you tell me? I never
meant to keep you all night."

"Because you were too busy indulging in your favorite pastime --
running down Spock, Vulcan and all they stand for. Besides, you needed
the rest and I didn't have anything better to do."

"Just as *you* never miss a chance to defend them," the Chief Surgeon
threw back. "But let's get off that depressing subject and on to
bigger and better things. Were you planning to shower and grab a bite
after you leave?"

"Sounds like a good idea. I *do* need to freshen up after being here
all night -- but need to talk to you first."

"About you and Spock, I presume."

The female doctor's eyes widened. "How did you know?"

"It's hard to miss ... especially considering the way you two acted
after beaming up. Scotty says you smiled at each other and wore looks
of pure love."

"I had no idea we were that transparent -- and besides, I see nothing
wrong with that." Christine's voice was icy.

"There's nothing wrong with that. Don't misunderstand me. I couldn't
be happier that you and Spock have finally gotten together. It just
seems so unusual ... or should I say out of character? ... for Spock
to have sexual desire for a woman outside of his Mating Time, as the
rumors claim. Surely you're aware of how the Vulcan mating cycle
works."

"Of course, but what's that got to do with what happened?"

"Spock isn't supposed to feel strong sexual desire or be able to
perform in that capacity unless he's in the mating cycle, which won't
occur again for at least another year."

"Well, he obviously *did* have the desire -- *and* the ability to
perform. Most satisfactorily too, I might add."

"Then something's changed. Maybe Spock's Human half is in control more
often now that he's getting older. Either that or something on the
planet affected him."

"Meaning that *I* didn't." Christine's tone could have frozen the very
air.

"Good lord, you're touchy today! I merely mean that something ...
either in the fruit, vegetables, air, water or songs of the birds ...
could have gotten to him, made him want to make love to you."

"I don't believe that. Neither of us detected anything with our
tricorders."

"Some things are virtually undetectable, and even tricorders aren't
foolproof." McCoy furrowed his brow thoughtfully. "Oh yes, I just
remembered. When Spock and I were trapped in Sarpeidon's Ice Age, we
met a pretty blonde named Zarabeth, also a prisoner there. As I
recall, she reminded me a lot of you -- and we stayed in a cave there,
too.

"I was very ill; too much exposure to the elements or something. Spock
and Zarabeth cared for me, as you and he took care of the Captain.
Then something happened to Spock ... he reverted back to the ways of
his Vulcan ancestors. He even ate meat! Not long afterward, he ended
up making love to her, just as you claim he made love to you. Seems he
performs best in caves," McCoy joked.

"For heaven's sake, get to the point!" Christine snapped.

"She had a child -- a son. *Spock's* son. You met him, remember?"

A spasm of pain tightened Christine's lips at the realization that
Leonard was right. The resemblance had been so obvious. How could she
have missed it?

McCoy was instantly sorry for his thoughtless remark. "Sorry, Chris. I
forgot what a sensitive subject that is for you."

"That's all right this time ... but you forgot something. As I recall,
you said that Spock had acted as though he hadn't cared about Zarabeth
at all -- and that you couldn't believe even he could act so callous.
That hasn't happened in this case."

"Are you sure? Have you two spent any time together since returning to
the ship?" McCoy read his colleague's answer in her face. "So ... he
hasn't seen you since."

Christine reluctantly shook her head, even though she was convinced
that they *would* be together again -- soon!

"That pretty well proves my theory, then."

"No, it doesn't. Not by a long shot!"

"Chris, believe it or not, I'm your friend. I don't mean to sound
callous; I'm simply trying to be honest ... as I think you want me to
be -- and still break it to you as gently as I can. Whatever affected
Spock must have temporarily allowed him to release his emotions and
indulge in a romantic interlude, like the spores on Omicron Three. You
just happened to be there at the right time -- but it was a temporary
thing. It's over now.

"Whatever he said when the two of you were planetside was most likely
said under the influence of something. In other words, artificially
induced. And when something ... love, for example -- is artificially
induced, it rarely lasts. It must occur naturally; otherwise it's gone
as quickly as it came. You may not enjoy hearing that, but it's a
possibility you have to consider."

"Translated, I'm not capable of attracting Spock without outside help.
Thanks a *lot*, Leonard. You're really a *great* boost to this lady's
ego. Besides, Spock didn't lie. He never lies."

"Under normal circumstances, no. But these aren't normal
circumstances. Treasure your time with him, Chris. Keep it as a
beautiful memory, as well you should ... but don't kid yourself by
indulging in the mistaken fantasy that it will happen again. No amount
of wishful thinking is going to make it happen again."

"Whatever happened to 'Chris, I think Spock's in love with you'?" came
the bitter retort. "I'll say one thing for you, Leonard. You really
know how to spoil a good thing."

"Come on, Chris. Don't you think I wanted things to work out for you
as much as you did? I'm only trying to be realistic. Spock just isn't
made that way. Normally, he would never allow himself such an
illogical thing as romance, much less a sexual relationship while in
the throes of that romance."

"Believe what you like. My instincts tell me otherwise."

"You're grasping at straws."

"I don't care."

"Okay, have it your way ... but don't say I didn't warn you. He's hurt
you so much; I don't want to see you hurt any more. You're a warm,
wonderful, loving woman. You deserve a man who can love you as you
deserve to be loved. Spock can't."

"That's *your* opinion," she retorted. "And besides, I'm a big girl. I
love Spock, no matter what -- and why encourage me if you thought his
feelings for me artificially induced?"

"I guess it was because I'm also a romantic at heart and wanted to
believe it *was* really possible for Spock to love you as you wanted
him to."

"Leonard, when one truly loves, she doesn't give up just because of a
few setbacks. I couldn't give up, even if I wanted to. My love won't
let me."

"Well, if you're that determined to have him -- "

"I am."

McCoy sighed. "Then all I can say is that I wish you luck. You're
gonna need it. A miracle or two wouldn't hurt, either. Oh yes, I just
thought of something else. Did you take your birth control injection
this month?"

"No, I'm afraid I forgot it this time around. Why?" Christine hadn't
really considered the consequences of an unplanned sexual encounter.
Not that she'd mind having Spock's child, mind you, in the event that
she *was* pregnant -- but it was the wrong way to get him to marry
her.

"And wouldn't it take more than one night for me to become pregnant,
especially with a Vulcan? If I remember correctly, a couple has to be
bonded for conception to take place. Spock and I never got around to
that."

"It only took one night for Zarabeth ... and remember, Spock is just
*half* Vulcan. That often makes him the exception to the rule. Even if
his Human half is submerged most of the time, it *is* still there."

"Now that I think about it, I really wasn't too concerned about the
possible repercussions. I was too carried away, too happy."

"Then you'd better let me give you the standard pregnancy test. It
won't take long, and if it's positive, then you can--"

Christine's eyes blazed. "Then I can *what*? Trap Spock into marriage?
*Forget it.* As I said, I'm a big girl. I can handle even an unplanned
pregnancy ... and I would sooner give up an arm or leg before I would
ever give up Spock's child, something I've yearned for ever since I
first fell in love with him!"

"I hope you also realize that if you *are* pregnant and Spock finds
out, he'll feel obligated to marry you because he doesn't want another
illegitimate child. You know what happens to a Vulcan who has an
illegitimate child. Do you want that to happen to Spock because of
your stubbornness?"

If nothing else Leonard said sunk in, that did. No, she couldn't bear
the thought of Spock being ostracized from Vulcan in the event that
she was carrying his child -- and they were not married. No amount of
stubborn independence was worth that.

"Of course I don't. I couldn't live with knowing I put him through
that kind of heartache again."

"Well, I'd better see to our patient now ... and you be sure to come
in at 1300 tomorrow for your pregnancy test. At least that way you'd
be sure -- then you could figure out what you want to do next."

"I'll be here. Thanks, Leonard." She hugged McCoy.

"For what?" He returned her impulsive embrace, but came out of it
understandably flustered.

"For being my friend ... and for just being you."

McCoy had been about to say something else when the intercom
interrupted. It was Spock -- calling for Christine! "Dr. Chapel, are
you there? This is Spock."

"Yes, Spock. What can I do for you?"

"Would you come to my quarters in 15.25 minutes? I must speak
privately with you."

"Of course, Spock."

"Then I will be expecting you. Spock out." The intercom shut off;
Christine gave McCoy a triumphant smile.

"You were saying, Leonard?"

"Well, I'll be damned."

"I'd better go change. See you later." Chapel rushed out, leaving a
stunned, bewildered McCoy in her wake.

*Well! You could knock me over with a feather. That's the *last* thing
I expected. Maybe Chris was right after all!*

---

Courtney and Fleetwood caught up with Christine in an E Deck corridor
after she had changed and was on her way to Spock's quarters.

"Chris, you've been avoiding us lately. Why? Is it something we've
done?"

"Oh no, Dana, of course not. It's me."

"What's happened?"

For some unexplainable reason, Chapel found that she couldn't meet
their eyes.

"Does it have anything to do with Spock?" Fleetwood asked.

She nodded; their reactions were predictable.

Fleetwood sighed. "Figures. We lose out to a green-blooded,
pointy-eared, logic-spouting alien."

"What happened between Spock and myself makes it impossible for me to
continue seeing either of you," Christine explained.

"You mean you and he really--?"

"Yes."

"Incredible. I didn't think he was capable of it," Courtney observed.

"If anyone could get him to do it, Chris could," Fleetwood declared.

Chapel smiled at them both. She liked them both so much! Why couldn't
she have loved one of them instead of being so insanely in love with a
half-breed Vulcan of whom she wasn't at all sure where his feelings
for her were concerned?

"I won't pretend that this is easy for me to say, Chris, but it looks
like the best man won. If Spock is what you want, I won't stand in
your way. I only hope he treats you right, gives you the love you
deserve."

"If he doesn't, I'll break his head in!" Fleetwood warned.

Christine smiled and patted his cheek. "Now, John, you know you don't
mean that."

"No, I don't mean that," Fleetwood found himself saying, though he
really did. "I just want you to be happy."

"I hope we can still be friends."

"Count on it ... but you're one tough act to follow, lady. It's not
going to be easy to find someone even half the woman *you* are."

"I have no doubt that two very lucky girls will snap you two up in no
time!"

"Only if they're like you," Dana proclaimed.

"I've got to go now. Spock is waiting for me."

Christine left two happy but sad former suitors in her wake as she
hurried down the corridor. The two men looked at each other and
shrugged. "Did you hear how casually she said that?" Dana gave his
friend a penetrating look. "Spock must be one hell of a guy to win
Chris's love. I only hope he realizes what a gem he's getting."

Fleetwood nodded before heading for the transporter room and landing
party duty after bidding Dana goodbye at the latter's post in Life
Sciences.

---

Now that both friends had confided in them, Kirk and Uhura knew they
had to have a long, private discussion. After the Vulcan became
engrossed in his work, the Captain quietly rose from his chair, making
his way up to Uhura.

"Seen Christine yet?"

"Two nights ago," Uhura whispered back.

"Could we talk somewhere after shift change?" Kirk asked.

"How about your quarters?" Uhura suggested.

"As long as we lock the door and close down the intercom. I don't want
to be disturbed."

Uhura nodded in agreement and turned back to her console; the Captain
returned to his chair. When it came time for shift change, Kirk stood
up and headed for the turbolift where Uhura was already waiting.
"Spock, Uhura and I will be in conference in my quarters if we're
needed."

"Acknowledged." The First Officer raised a curious eyebrow at their
simultaneous departure, but otherwise thought no more of it ... even
though he well knew that Christine and Uhura shared almost as close a
friendship as himself and the Captain. The communications chief would
therefore be the one the female Terran doctor would confide in
regarding personal, intimate matters.

---

Only by sheer luck did Kirk and Uhura manage to enter his quarters
without being spotted. They made themselves comfortable in the two
chairs at his desk after obtaining drinks and snacks from the
auto-chef. The Captain told his side first. "If it were anyone else,
I'd say it was a simple matter of two crew people falling in love and
think no more of it -- but nothing is simple where Spock is concerned.
This just isn't *like* him!"

Uhura recalled when she'd been in sickbay dressing following a checkup
and overheard McCoy telling Chris that something on the planet must
have affected Spock, making him act as he did. "That's possible, I
suppose," Kirk agreed. "It happened like that on Sarpeidon. But what
about his actions *before* being stranded planetside?"

Uhura shrugged. "It's hard to say. Maybe it's like you thought. After
all, Spock *does* have emotions, though he would prefer to deny it. Of
course, his Vulcan half would make it more difficult, but he *would*
still be capable of falling in love."

"And Bones said that Christine told him it had happened naturally,
that there were no artificial stimulants involved. She has a tendency
toward wishful thinking, especially where Spock's concerned ... but
she's also scrupulously honest. She wouldn't say that unless she truly
believed it or knew for a fact that it was true."

"Just as I've always believed that if one didn't already feel a
certain way to begin with, it would be really tough ... if not
impossible -- to manufacture it," Uhura observed. "If one feels a
certain way and is just concealing it, certain things ... like the
spores on Omicron Three -- would only bring true feelings out into the
open."

"In other words, you're saying that Spock had feelings for Miss Chapel
all along, but it took Courtney and Fleetwood's feelings for her to
bring them out into the open."

Uhura nodded.

"Then no matter how unlikely *we* may think it, it's entirely possible
that Spock really loves Christine ... in his own way, of course," the
Captain said with a grin.

"Not only possible, but virtually certain. I wish you could have seen
and heard Chris two nights ago. She was all but walking on air. I've
never seen her so radiant. She just glowed, she was so happy."

"I wouldn't go as far as that in Spock's case, but he *did* say that
he'd never felt this way about anyone before -- frankly hadn't
believed it possible."

"Did he say he loved her?"

"Not in so many words, but didn't deny it when I asked if he did."

"Do you really think he does?"

Kirk took a generous bite of his chicken sandwich and an equally
generous swig of coffee, then shrugged after swallowing. "Uhura,
frankly I don't know *what* to think ... but Spock doesn't generally
lie, so apparently it's true -- no matter *how* unbelievable it may
seem to us."

"It's certainly going to take getting used to."

"For you and me both," Kirk declared. "But what counts is that our
friends are happy. A good, passionate romance is just the thing for
them -- especially Spock. He's loosened up considerably."

"So I've noticed." Uhura remembered her astonishment when the normally
reticent Vulcan had actually *joked* with her on the Bridge -- when
everyone else's backs were turned, of course.

The pair stood up and were preparing to leave when the supposedly
closed-down intercom beeped. "Kirk here."

"Spock here, Captain. My apologies for disturbing you, but Admiral
Cartwright of Starfleet Command wishes to speak with you regarding our
next mission."

On my way. Kirk out." After the line was closed again, the Captain and
Communications Chief departed his quarters, heading for the turbolift
which would take them back to the Bridge.

"I wonder what Admiral Cartwright wants," Uhura remarked.

"I don't know," Kirk responded, "But it must be big for him to call
personally."

Christine hurried to Spock's quarters after leaving Courtney and
Fleetwood, but even in her almost indecent haste, she was five minutes
late. She disliked being even *one* minute late, since that meant less
time for her to spend with Spock. Her heart pounded and her face was
flushed when he told her to come in, but she managed to sound normal.

"I'm sorry to be late, Spock. I was detained."

"As long as you came."

"You said you wanted to speak privately with me."

"Yes." He motioned her to sit down in the nearest chair, making sure
she was comfortable before seating himself facing her. "As I am sure
you are aware, it was very unusual for me to do what I did on the
planet."

Christine smiled to herself. *I admit it was unusual, but it came at
the perfect time for me. Whatever Spock may feel, *I'm* certainly not
complaining!* "I realize that. There's no need to apologize, Spock."

"I am not apologizing. I never do anything without a logical reason."
He frowned as she stood up, then smiled and gestured toward his
sleeping alcove. "Shall we move over here?"

Christine's heart pounded even harder, making it difficult for her
legs to carry her at a normal pace as the pair walked over and seated
themselves on Spock's bed with its royal blue bedspread, a gift from
his mother, which felt velvety beneath her inquisitive fingers. It was
hard to think straight with him in such close proximity, not to
mention the very romantic setting -- but she managed it after
breathing deeply and mustering all her strength, both physical and
mental.

"You mean that what happened there was ... well ... meant to be?"

"I would not put it in exactly those terms, but your meaning is
essentially correct."

"What exactly do you have in mind?"

"It is time I married and fathered children. Since we have already
shared physical intimacy, it is only logical that we also share mental
-- or as you might express it -- *emotional* intimacy."

Christine's brows rose in astonishment. "Are you asking me to *bond*
with you, Spock?"

His velvet eyes held a warmth she had rarely seen when he looked at
her. "I believe that is what I said. As Dr. McCoy once said, you would
be a most logical choice. I do not often agree with him, as you well
know, but in this case it is the only logical course of action."

Christine laughed to herself. *If only Leonard could hear this. It
would make his day!*

"When the time comes, would you prefer a Terran ceremony or would you
like to go to Vulcan for the *koon-ut-kal-if-fee*?"

"What's that?"

"The Vulcan term for marriage -- or challenge, though I am assuming
you have no wish to do so."

*No way!* Christine thought. "We can worry about that later."

Spock nodded thoughtfully and sighed deeply. "Still, I sense something
about which you have been most concerned for some days. Something on
which Dr. McCoy has warned you that you must come to a decision ...
soon. Forgive my indelicacy, but I must know. Have you had your
contraceptive injection this month?"

Christine wished she could lie, but was unable to do so to the warm
brown eyes she loved. "No, I'm afraid not."

"I suspected as much. In that case, there is a strong possibility that
you are carrying my child, since I have determined that I have
'Awakened' again. 'Awakening' occurs roughly a year before the Time of
Mating; sexually mature male Vulcans are fertile up until roughly a
month before *pon farr* occurs. Fortunately you will likely have given
birth by then -- that is, in the event you are indeed pregnant. I will
tell you how to deal with *pon farr* so that you will be prepared for
it when it comes."

Christine blushed at his frankness, wishing she wasn't so transparent
where he was concerned. "I'm sure it would take more than one night
with you for me to become pregnant ... and if memory serves, isn't a
couple supposed to be mind-linked, bonded, before conception can
occur? We never got around to that, remember?"

"Ordinarily, bonding is necessary, but in my case is likely to prove
otherwise ... and if I remember correctly, we -- shall I say --
*consummated* our relationship not once, but three times. So I ask you
... are you pregnant or not?"

"I can't tell you."

His upswept brows lifted, their expression almost suspicious.

"I can't tell you because I don't know for sure."

"When are you due to see Dr. McCoy for the pregnancy test?"

"Tomorrow at 1300."

"Good. Please be sure to inform me of the results so that we may plan
accordingly." The couple then proceeded to touch fingers to one
another's faces and perform the necessary bonding link. "I was told it
took almost half an hour to establish a link with my former bond-
mate. With you, I needed only ten minutes." They soon crossed the
customary extended fingers and smiled at each other.

"I love you, Spock."

"And I cherish thee, Christine."

That statement thrilled Chapel right to the marrow of her bones,
because it was something she had doubted she would ever hear from
Spock's lips.

"Now all that is left to do is make arrangements for our event ual
marriage ... my betrothed."

How wonderful and beautiful was the knowledge that Spock would at last
belong to her!

---

Christine walked out of Sickbay at 1400 the following afternoon,
scarcely able to fathom what McCoy had told her. She hadn't believed
it possible, but it had happened. She was pregnant with Spock's child!
How would she ever tell him? She was both happy and sad at the
knowledge. Happy that she carried her beloved's child, but sad because
she knew that he would surely feel obligated to marry her earlier than
planned, despite their bonding -- a sign that he wanted her for his
own, baby or no baby. Still, she wanted him to enter into marriage
*willingly* instead of being made to feel as though he had been forced
into it.

Chapel's former suitors met her in the corridor outside sickbay after
the pregnancy test had been completed and the results made known. It
had taken a lot out of her in more ways than one, so it was all she
could do to smile and nod at them before heading to her quarters to
sleep.

Courtney and Fleetwood looked strangely at each other after their
former love had disappeared around the corner. "Chris didn't look
well, did she?" Courtney remarked.

"Probably picked up a bug somewhere," Fleetwood speculated.

*If only that was all it was!* Dana thought sadly. He was only a
biochemist, but knew all the signs. "Woody, that lady hasn't 'caught'
anything. She's pregnant!"

Fleetwood's eyes became as round as saucers. "Dana, do you realize
what you're saying?"

"I do."

"But you don't -- you *can't* -- believe the rumors about what
happened between her and Spock on that planet!"

"I don't want to, but she has all the signs."

"Dana, you aren't an M.D. You could be wrong."

"All right, smart guy. Tell me why *you* think she's in sickbay on her
day off."

But the security man couldn't come up with a plausible explanation.
"Couldn't we ask Dr. McCoy?"

Dana scoffed. "Be realistic, Woody. Do you really think he'd tell
*us*?"

"Do you think Spock will marry her if she *is* pregnant?"

"I don't know that much about Vulcans, so I couldn't say. We'll just
have to wait and see what happens -- if anything."

---

Spock was waiting when Kirk and Uhura entered the Bridge. "Admiral
Cartwright standing by on the Starfleet channel, Captain."

"Thank you, Mr. Spock. Uhura, put him through." Kirk sat back down in
his recently vacated chair, giving his Vulcan friend a questioning
look. "Any idea why he's calling, Spock?"

"I believe it may have something to do with our contact with the
Romulans some months ago."

Kirk didn't get a chance to ask Spock what he meant before
Cartwright's image appeared on the viewscreen. "Captain Kirk?"

"Kirk here, sir. This mission must be important for you to call us
personally."

"Indeed it is, Captain. I'm sure you recall how two of your doctors
isolated the 'Doomsday Bug' virus and gave it to the Romulans to see
if they could come up with a cure."

The Captain's mind drew a blank for a second, then he remembered.
"Yes, sir. Does this call mean that they have?"

"That's the latest word from the Romulan Ambassador." The Captain and
a majority of the bridge crew suppressed a cheer upon hearing the
welcome news. Spock allowed himself a smile.

"The Enterprise is to go to the boundary of the Neutral Zone and
rendezvous with a Romulan medical ship. After establishing contact,
all you need to do is have them beam the vaccine over to you. The
Ambassador has promised there will be no hostilities between us for as
long as it takes to make the transfer, but be ready just in case. The
rendezvous will take place within one solar week; I believe that will
be stardate 8443.09. Be sure to have one of your doctors on hand to
receive the vaccine when it arrives aboard your ship."

"Will do, sir."

"Good luck, Captain. Cartwright out." Shouts of joy were heard all
over the bridge the moment it was safe to do so. The loudest whoop
came from one Leonard 'Bones' McCoy once Kirk opened the intercom for
sickbay.

"*Ya-hooo!!*"

Spock gave the Captain an astonished look.

"That's fantastic, Jim ... the best news I've heard in ages!" the
overjoyed doctor pronounced.

Spock frowned in disapproval. "Captain, it was most illogical for the
Doctor to be so vociferous in his enthusiasm."

"I might have known you'd come out with something like that, Spock.
You have a positive talent for it!" the Chief Surgeon groused.

"Talent for what, Doctor?"

"Oh, forget it."

"As you wish, Doctor."

"Though I would think that you'd be especially pleased, for now no one
on Vulcan will have to endure the trial you went through."

"I am always pleased when lives can be spared, Doctor."

Christine was down in her quarters resting when the announcement came.
Now there was one less disease for the Galaxy's medical minds to worry
about. *News which could not have come at a more welcome time,* she
thought as she placed a hand on her belly. It meant that she and Spock
need never be concerned that their coming child would one day become
another grim statistic of the dreadful malady which had nearly claimed
Spock's life and destroyed his brilliant mind, making total retraining
necessary.

After changing clothes, Christine called the bridge.

"Bridge. Uhura here."

"Nyota, this is Christine. I need to see you once you're off-shift.
The Captain, too, if possible."

"Just a minute." Uhura motioned Kirk over to the communications
station.

"Kirk here," the Captain said.

"I need to see you, Captain. It's very important."

"In that case, shouldn't Spock be there, too? He's busy, but--"

"Oh, no. Don't disturb him if he's busy. Just please come as soon as
you're off-shift."

"We'll be there. Kirk out." The Captain looked questioningly at his
communications chief. "I wonder what that was all about?"

Uhura smiled knowingly. "If I know her, it's about Spock."

It was unbelievably difficult for them to keep their minds on business
until shift change and the time for their departure arrived. "F Deck,"
the Captain said as he joined Uhura in the 'lift at 1400.

Christine greeted them at the door. "I'm glad you could come."

"You sounded upset, Chris. What's wrong?"

Chapel pretended not to hear, just beckoned her visitors to sit down
at the nearby table. "It must really be big," the other woman
observed.

"You have no idea," Christine replied. "I just came from Dr. McCoy."

"And?" Kirk prompted.

"I'm pregnant." The visitors' faces registered shock. "Now you can see
why I asked you to sit down." Christine made herself comfortable in
the center of her bed, sitting cross-legged. "It was a surprise to me
too, I assure you. I didn't think it was possible without the mental
bond."

"Well, it obviously *is* possible," Uhura said.

Kirk recovered next. "Oh, my God. Does Spock know?"

"He suspects, but I said I wasn't sure."

"Do you intend to tell him that you *are* sure?"

Christine sighed. "I don't have any choice, Ny. He made me promise to
tell him the results."

"Have the two of you bonded? Has he mentioned marriage?" Kirk
wondered.

"Yes, we're bonded ... now. We discussed marriage yesterday."

"How will your pregnancy affect your plans?" This came from Uhura.

"We'll probably have to move the date up. Oh, yes. There was something
else I wanted to ask."

"Name it," Kirk said.

"I haven't discussed it with Spock yet, but am sure he would approve
if I asked the two of you to be godparents to our child."

"We'd be delighted," Kirk answered.

"Congratulations, Chris ... both on your upcoming marriage and the
birth of your child." Uhura's large brown eyes were misty with tears
as the two women shared a parting embrace. "I know your baby will be
beautiful and brilliant with you and Spock for parents."

"Uhura, shouldn't we be leaving?" Kirk asked.

"Yes, Captain."

"Then let's be on our way. Would you like me to send the new Daddy
down so you can tell him the good news in private?"

Christine gave Kirk a pained look, but nodded. "Yes, I would
appreciate your sending Spock down as soon as he's free."

After she and the Captain departed, Uhura stared daggers at him. "Was
that really necessary?"

"Was what really necessary?" Kirk was all hazel-eyed innocence.

"You know very well what," Uhura threw back.

"You mean what I said about Spock being a new father? What's wrong
with that? It's true."

"That's beside the point. I don't think Spock would appreciate your
juvenile humor -- and I can just guess what he'd have said if he'd
heard you say it!"

"All right already. I stand chastened," Kirk conceded. "But I'm
warning you, Uhura. You're on the edge of insubordination. That sharp
tongue of yours will cut your throat if you're not careful."

It was said quietly, but Uhura knew from long years of service with
James Kirk that he was at his most dangerous when he was quiet. "Do
you want me to tell him or will you?"

"I will, Uhura. You may go to your quarters."

The Bantu smiled and departed.

Kirk returned to the Bridge briefly, making his way to the science
station and leaning down to speak quietly to his Vulcan friend.

"Yes, Captain?" Spock looked up from his library computer console.

"Miss Chapel wants to see you as soon as you're free. Something about
an answer to the question you asked her yesterday."

The Vulcan frowned. "How do you know this?"

"She called up here asking to see Uhura and me. We would have told
you, but you were busy and she said not to disturb you," Kirk
explained upon seeing the frown deepen. "So if you aren't busy, I
suggest you go see her and find out the answer to your question."

The science officer swung his chair around almost angrily. "I most
certainly will." Spock suppressed a moment of illogical anger at
emotional Humans as the 'lift doors closed behind him. He especially
could not suppress exasperation at Christine's verbosity. For Vulcan's
sake, was she telling everyone on the ship about them? Wasn't it
enough that they were already the subjects of unsavory gossip and
conjecture?

He dismissed the notion almost as soon as he thought about it. He was
being as illogical as they, thinking such a thing. However emotional
and illogical Christine was, she would never disclose intimate matters
except to close, trusted friends like Jim, Uhura and McCoy.

After Spock stepped out of the turbolift on F Deck, he looked around
to make sure it was safe to do so -- then walked up to the female
doctor's door and rang the bell.

"Come in, Spock." Christine hadn't expected him so soon, but refrained
from mentioning it. The door closed silently behind him. "I came from
Dr. McCoy's office an hour and a half ago."

"And?"

"I'm pregnant."

He was silent for an awkwardly long time.

Christine waited on pins and needles for his answer. Despite their
bonding, she had no idea what he was thinking and almost screamed in
order to break the maddening silence. "Well, what do you think?"

He hesitated before answering. "I am -- pleased, of course, but we
should keep the impending birth of our child secret until a more
propitious time. I assume our closest friends already know."

Christine nodded. "I even asked the Captain and Nyota to be
godparents." She explained the term; one Vulcan eyebrow raised
approvingly.

"Most logical."

"How do you intend to inform your parents?"

"I will send Mother a stargram. I owe her one anyway. You had best
contact *your* parents as well." Spock lifted his right hand and
extended the customary fingers, curling them tightly around
Christine's -- then turned for the door.

"Spock?" she called after him.

"Yes?"

"Could you ... hug and kiss me?"

"The time on the planet was not sufficient?"

"Not for me."

"Very well."

Spock took his betrothed into his arms and bent his dark head so their
lips met. In spite of his initial resistance, Christine knew it was
every bit as heavenly for him as it was for her. He simply wasn't used
to the Human ways of showing affection -- but given time, she intended
to see that he *got* used to them. The sooner the better!

She heard from her parents a week later. They were thrilled to learn
of her pregnancy and upcoming marriage. Her mother's stargram said in
part:

*It's not the way we expected you to marry and have a child, darling,
but if it makes you happy, we're all for it. God bless you and Spock
with all the happiness you deserve. I deeply regret that we will be
unable to attend your wedding, but please send a holovid of it if
possible ... and visit when you can, so we can meet Spock and see our
new grandbaby.

Much love,

Mother*

---

The Vulcan went to his own quarters upon departing Christine's,
shedding his clothing in preparation for a sonic shower upon stepping
into his sleeping alcove. He dropped his used uniform into the
recycler on the way to his bathroom. Upon completion of the shower, he
donned his favorite robe and lit his flame-pot in the corner of the
sleeping alcove.

Most people could not have functioned in the near-total darkness, but
Spock could not only see but move toward the other side of the room
with confidence due to his excellent night vision, the result of life
on Vulcan, the moonless world of his birth. He removed his lyrette
from its case and moved back across the room to sit cross-legged on
his bed with the exotic instrument on his lap. Once he finished
adjusting the strings and tone dials, he began to play, humming under
his breath -- then began to sing softly.

Some of his own compositions first, then a song he had often heard
Uhura sing. The sweet melody flowed through the air as his long,
slender fingers stroked the strings in the manner they knew so well.
In the midst of the song, Spock happened to think of the woman who lay
sleeping just one deck below him ... the woman he loved and had bonded
with, the one who carried his child and who would give birth to that
child in the space of ten and a half months. He hoped they would be
able to marry before then, but much depended on his mother's powers of
persuasion.

He knew she would do her best for them, but if worst came to worst,
they would have to wait the designated year before they could
officially marry in the *koon-ut-kal-if-fee*. Vulcan law required that
the male be within a week of his Mating Time at the most in order to
be allowed to marry.

Spock was just under a year away from his next *pon farr* -- 11.42
months, to be exact. They would have a Federation civil ceremony, but
the *koon-ut-kal-if-fee* was the official Vulcan wedding ceremony, and
could not take place without the prospective husband being within a
week of his Mating Time. There had been no exceptions to that rule,
either -- at least none that he was aware of.

If the Vulcan Science Council refused permission, they would simply
have to make the best of it. The child would have to remain a secret
to all but those closest to them until such time as they were able to
officially marry. It would be difficult, but he had endured far worse
things. Neither particularly cared for the idea of waiting, but knew
they might have to. Be that as it may, the ceremony which would bind
them together in the eyes of all Vulcan was well worth waiting for ...
and a year was a comparatively short time.

At 0430 Spock replaced the lyrette in its case, putting it back in its
regular spot on the top shelf of his closet. He then moved to his desk
and sat down, gathering his writing materials together after quietly
telling the computer to turn on his desk light. He would give himself
an hour to write, then transmit, the stargram to his mother -- then
intended to meditate until it was time to dress and go on duty.

Spock shut down his intercom and even locked his door ... against
Vulcan custom. It was vital that he be undisturbed and able to fully
concentrate on what he wanted to say to his mother. He did not often
have the time or opportunity to write her, but it was imperative that
he do so now. He knew what he wanted to say to her, but found it
difficult to begin writing.

Having the words in one's mind was one thing, but it was an entirely
different matter to actually get them down in black and white. Spock
would also have preferred to speak to his mother personally, but that
was impossible at the moment. A stargram would have to suffice. His
greeting was simply "Mother", since Vulcans did not use terms of
endearment in their correspondence, even when addressing close
relatives like parents or children.

**I regret having been unable to correspond with you earlier, but have
had urgent personal business which has demanded my full attention and
consequently has prevented me from corresponding with you. I believe
you will understand my reasons for being so remiss in my duties toward
you, since you have often found yourself in a similar situation.**

Spock went on to explain the "urgent personal business" and the events
which had led up to it -- then hesitated. He was an intensely private
person and disliked revealing personal, intimate things ... even to
his mother, who knew him better than anyone except the Captain (and
perhaps Christine and McCoy). He continued his detailed explanation,
choosing the words which would best describe what had occurred.

**... The pregnancy came as quite a surprise to me, as you can well
imagine, but in the end, I was very pleased since you have confided
many times how much you long for grandchildren. You will undoubtedly
be very happy to hear this and wish to inform my father, but please do
not do so until we are married. I believe it logical for us to marry
in order that the child not be what you would term a 'bastard.' You
are aware of Vulcan custom concerning illegitimate children and the
treatment of their parents. I do not wish to endure such an ordeal, as
you can well imagine, so I am asking you to do everything you can in
order that Christine and I may marry on Vulcan at the earliest
possible time.

Lastly, I wish to stress that I am *not* marrying Christine simply
because she is carrying my child. I have discovered that I care deeply
for her -- more than I have ever cared for any woman. Since that
discovery, I have bonded with her, and you will be interested to learn
that it took only ten minutes for us to mind-link. As you know, the
more attuned a couple is to one another, the shorter the time
necessary for bonding.**

Spock's buzzer sounded as he finished writing the last word. He called
out, "Just a moment," and turned back to the letter.

**You and Father will see us very soon. I am convinced that you will
come to care for Christine as much as I do. I must close here, since
there is someone at my door requesting admittance. I hope you and my
father are well. Oh yes, Jim and Miss Uhura will attend us at our
wedding. I am sure you will be happy to see them as they surely will
be to see you. I must go. Farewell for now, Mother. *Wani-ra yana
aisha* [I love you].

Your son,

Spock**

He placed the stargram in his desk drawer, intending to transmit it at
the first opportunity. After signing his name with a graceful gesture,
Spock closed the drawer and pressed a button on his computer console
to unlock his door so his visitor could enter. To his surprise, Uhura
stepped in, a computer tape in her hand. It had to be something
important, since she rarely visited him in his quarters.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, Mr. Spock, but new information has become
available concerning El Nath VI. The President of ElNath II just
contacted us and I taped everything he said because I was sure you
would want to hear it."

"Indeed I would ... and no apology is necessary, Miss Uhura."

Her brow creased with concern. "Your door was locked and your intercom
shut down. Is anything wrong? You don't usually do that."

"I merely wished privacy in order to attend to a personal matter which
required my undivided attention."

The dark woman smiled and sighed with relief. "I was getting worried."

Spock favored her with one of his all-too-rare smiles. "Your concern
is appreciated. Now I believe you said you had a tape for me?"

"Oh, yes." She handed it to him. "I believe you'll find it -- excuse
the expression -- 'fascinating,' not to mention surprising." Spock
inserted the tape into a slot on his personal computer and was about
to depress the PLAYBACK button on the console when he saw that Uhura
still stood beside him. His head lifted, eyes full of mixed concern
and curiosity.

"Is there anything else I should know?"

"Chris wanted to see you as soon as you're free. She asked me to tell
you."

"I will contact her as soon as I can. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now I'd better get back to the bridge."

"Farewell."

The doors closed behind her with a soft swish; he again locked them to
listen to the tape Uhura had brought him. He sat back in his chair
after pressing the PLAYBACK button, taking a deep breath in order to
clear his mind and absorb all the information on the tape. A few
moments later a smooth, cultured voice began to speak in accented
Standard:

**"To the captain and crew of the starship Enterprise, NCC-1701-A,
from President Semaj Retrac of Planet ElNath II, stardate 8443.19 ...
in response to your inquiry of stardate 8436.12 regarding the
possibility of intelligent life on the sixth planet of this star
system, which you named ElNath VI when you explored it recently and
found it apparently uninhabited except for native birds.

"We must express our surprise at your not having discovered the planet
much sooner, and inform you with equal surprise that there is indeed
an advanced humanoid civilization on ElNath VI. There has been for
many decades, if not centuries. We cannot be certain, since we
ourselves only discovered it five of your earth years ago.

"The inhabitants have the ability to become invisible at will -- an
unknown element in the rays of our sun combines with their physiology
to give them the power. One exposure is enough to last for a solar
year. The surface of the planet is relatively unspoiled since they
live and work underground, only coming to the surface every so often
for agricultural purposes.

"They seldom have reason to leave since the planet provides them with
everything they need ... though they do have a fleet of spaceships
maintained for their population of 12 million in case of necessity.
They are a peaceful, benevolent people, but are prepared to defend
themselves (quite adequately, I might add) in the event of armed
conflict.

"They are also highly telepathic; in fact they do not speak, at least
not in the conventional sense. Their method of communication is
mental, not verbal. They are aware of other star systems and worlds
besides their own and us, but have never ventured beyond this star
system. In fact, they observed your landing party when you stayed on
the planet not long ago.

"They were most intrigued with Mr. Spock's exotic appearance -- his
upswept eyebrows, pointed ears and greenish-gold complexion. I am
happy to report that they were pleased to see other life-forms similar
to their own, though it is doubtful they will wish to join the
Federation.

"Their main concern is that the planet not become too well known and
its beauty spoiled. They prefer to simply be left alone to live their
lives in peace, but will show hospitality toward or give assistance to
any Federation ship or personnel should it become necessary.

"Please do not be concerned for their safety as far as capture by
Klingons or Romulans is concerned, for they have a planetary cloaking
deice which renders the planet undetectable to hostile alien ships'
sensors. And in case you're wondering why you could not detect them
with your sensors and tricorders, they also have the ability to render
*themselves* undetectable unless they wish to make themselves
known."**

Spock pressed the *pause* button on his console, scarcely able to
credit all he had just heard. As a Vulcan, he didn't believe in
anything he couldn't see, touch or hear -- but it would be illogical
to deny the truth of what had been said ... and he sensed that
everything ElNath II's President reported was true. He wondered what
Jim had thought of it, planning to discuss it with him at length if
possible.

It was indeed surprising that they had not come upon the planet much
sooner, since they had been in its vicinity several times. Perhaps it
was because they had had other concerns on those particular occasions
... such as the time Orion pirates had hijacked a shipment of the rare
drug strobolin, which he had needed to recover from choriocytosis, a
disease fatal to Vulcans because of their copper-based blood.

The Enterprise had tracked down the pirate ship, capturing the Orion
captain after he had tried to kill Jim, himself and the crews of both
ships with a concealed bomb. They had also forced the Orion to order
his crew to surrender, not to destroy their ship or themselves under
any circumstances. Deep down inside, Spock had been grateful for all
the efforts on his behalf -- and had he believed in luck, he might
have said that he was very lucky to be alive.

He reached out and pressed the *pause* button a second time to restart
the tape.

**"That is all the information we have on ElNath VI at this time. If
we learn more about it and its inhabitants, we will inform you. Retrac
out."**

Spock turned off the tape, leaned back in his chair and sighed deeply,
looking at the chronometer on the far wall of his quarters ... kept
there mainly for his Human friends since Vulcans had an inborn time
sense and seldom, if ever, needed timepieces. It said 0545; he judged
that he had enough time to get the stargram to his mother ready to
transmit before change of shift.

Folding it, inserting it in a special green envelope and sealing it,
then addressing and annotating it with his account number consumed six
minutes. He left his quarters at 0552, making a quick detour to the
mailroom and giving the stargram to the young lieutenant in charge of
outgoing mail.

---

Spock arrived on the Bridge at precisely 0600, heading for the command
chair where a still-yawning Kirk sat, having arrived five minutes
before. The Captain looked up when a familiar shadow fell across the
right arm of his chair and he gave his Vulcan friend a smile.

"Good morning, Spock."

"Jim."

"I was surprised not to see you when I arrived five minutes ago.
You're usually here before I am."

"I was listening to a tape Miss Uhura brought me, then dropped off a
stargram at the mailroom."

"Was that the tape from the President of ElNath II?"

"Indeed. Most fascinating -- and surprising -- to learn that there is
indeed intelligent life on ElNath VI. I regret that we could not have
met some of the inhabitants, if only so I could mentally communicate
with them. Moreover, the planetary cloaking device sounds most
advantageous and efficient. Regrettable that we were unable to find
out how to build one."

"Perhaps we could have President Retrac obtain the information for us,
since a planetary cloaking device would prove invaluable to all
Federation planets and their allies." Kirk sighed deeply. "They would
make a valuable addition to the Federation. A shame they're not
willing to join us."

"Remember the Prime Directive," Spock admonished.

"At a time like this, I'd rather forget."

"I understand how you must feel, but we must respect their wish to
remain undisturbed." The Vulcan placed a comforting hand on his Human
friend's shoulder. The Captain raised his right hand to rest on
Spock's for a moment -- something only a friend as close as himself
would do. Only one other person was allowed to touch Spock in public:
Christine, his betrothed, with their finger-crossing gesture.

Through their touch, Kirk felt the empathy his Vulcan friend shared
with him. An all-too-brief moment later, the contact was broken when
Uhura, pulling a double shift this particular day, turned around.

"Sir, the Romulan vessel is within hailing distance."

"Get McCoy to the transporter room on the double."

"He's already on his way."

"Then open hailing frequencies and stand by."

Spock retreated to his science station just before McCoy contacted the
bridge from the transporter room. The doctor was like a child in his
excitement. "Have you made contact yet, Jim?"

"We're just about to, Bones."

"This is the most wonderful day of my life. I never dreamed there
would ever be a cure for that deadly disease in my lifetime, much less
that I would personally receive the vaccine."

"This is a big day for all of us, Bones -- even Spock." The Captain
looked over at the Vulcan sitting serenely in his chair at the science
station, fully expecting an emphatic denial ... but none came. "Spock,
did you hear me?" Kirk asked after closing the intercom to the
transporter room.

"I did, sir," was the bland-as-vanilla reply.

"I was wondering, since you made no reaction."

"I do not think you really want to know my opinion, Captain."

That ambiguous comeback caught Kirk totally off-guard. Spock had never
said such a thing before, not in all the years they had known each
other. Why had he said it this time? Damn the man ... just when he
thought he had Spock all figured out!

"I have the Commander of the Romulan ship standing by, Captain." To
her incredulous horror, Uhura had recognized the Commander's voice,
casting a worried glance at Spock. What would he think upon hearing
that voice -- a voice from the past that he had never in the universe
expected to hear again?

"Captain Kirk?" The voice was feminine and silky, but a voice that
Kirk well knew could change to a sharp, severe one with warp speed.

"This is James T. Kirk commanding the U.S.S. Enterprise. Are you ready
to make the transfer, Commander?"

"All in good time, Captain. I would first like to know if Commander
Spock is still serving aboard your ship."

"Yes, he is. Why?"

"May I speak with him?" Everyone on the bridge looked nervously at
each other, then at Spock, whose only reaction to the Commander's
voice was a raised eyebrow.

"We'll see if he's willing, Commander. Please stand by." The Captain
looked at his friend, but the sculptured face was unreadable. "Well,
Spock, do you want to talk to her or not?" Kirk couldn't blame Spock
if he refused, considering what had happened between him and the
Commander ... not to mention the way they had parted.

"It would be most impolite of me to refuse, Captain."

"As you wish." For the umpteenth time Kirk failed to make sense of his
enigmatic First Officer, gesturing to Spock to come down while
pressing the intercom button to open the line. The science officer
moved with quiet dignity and almost feline grace. "Go ahead,
Commander," the Captain said.

"Hello, Spock," the feminine voice purred.

"Commander."

"How are you, Spock?"

"I am well. I trust you are the same, Commander."

"I never expected to hear your voice again, Spock."

"Nor I yours, Commander."

"Well, I'm glad to say that I have my own ship again at last. Not an
Imperial cruiser, but it's the best I can expect, thanks to you and
your Captain. You nearly ruined me." *In more ways than one,* she
thought with an almost crippling pain in her heart. She cursed the
very day she laid eyes on him! Damn that insufferably cool, achingly
desirable Vulcan -- would she never be free of him?

Even now, his velvety voice brought back painful memories best left
buried deep inside her lacerated heart. The scars had barely begun to
heal, even after all the years apart ... all the lovers she had used
and discarded because they were not Spock, and could never be him. How
could she ever have been fool enough to ask to talk to him?

Her face flushed a deep emerald as she recalled how he had humiliated
her in order to get the Romulan cloaking device for the Federation.
She should have killed him when she had the chance, but at the same
time would have died herself had any harm come to him. No one should
have been able to get to her as Spock had, but she had allowed it.

She had wanted him so much she could taste it -- and had foolishly
convinced herself that he had wanted her just as much. How could she
have been such an idiot, allowing her renegade emotions to overrule
her common sense? They had not only cost her a command, but her honor
and pride.

*Never again!* she vowed, still remembering the almost impossible task
of concealing her passionate desire for him when they had last parted
... and how she had barred him from escorting her to her quarters. She
had offered to go to the brig as a prisoner, but Kirk had refused.
After Spock had gone, she had walked to her quarters in the company of
two security guards, with a dignity befitting a Romulan -- but once
alone, she had screamed like a wounded animal, throwing every
breakable thing she could lift and smashing them against the walls.

After exhausting herself, she had thrown herself on her bed, scalding
tears of frustrated love and humiliation soaking her pillow. It had
seemed hours before she managed to control the raging flood of tears.
Upon regaining her composure, she had washed her ravaged face and
vowed that no one would *ever* drive a Rihannsu to tears again!

The following day, she had been taken to Starbase 11 for interrogation
and released to her government three days later. She had been stripped
of her rank and family name, then exiled far from home for many years
... but had fought with all her strength to regain what she had lost.
She eventually succeeded, but only in part and only after much
heartache and hardship. She would never be trusted to command an
Imperial cruiser again. The best she could get was a medical ship --
almost as much a disgrace to a Romulan warrior as a court-martial to a
Federation officer.

All the hell she had endured because of Spock ... and then to add
insult to injury, she had learned of his upcoming marriage through
tapping subspace transmissions. To a Terran, no less! To lose him like
that was the final blow. It was even rumored that Spock's Terran
paramour was carrying his child! The pain at that thought was so
intense it sickened her. To know that and be unable to lift a finger
to stop it ... when *she* was the one who belonged with him, *she* the
one who should be his wife and bear his children!

Kirk wished he could have known what was going on in Spock's mind at
this particular moment, wished he could have spared him this. The
Vulcan face was still unreadable, but the Captain could well imagine
what his friend was feeling. Kirk still recalled when Spock had
confided his attraction to the beautiful Romulan woman, but having to
deny her because of their opposing philosophies.

Kirk knew that only Spock's loyalty to him and the Federation had
saved him after his celebrated control had all but deserted him. It
wasn't the first time Spock had had to deny a woman because of who and
what he was ... and he had confessed to his Human friend that it only
got harder, not easier, with time. Spock well knew how she hated him
for what he had done to obtain the cloaking device, but most of all
how she hated him for making her love him. If only he could have made
her understand.

McCoy's impatient voice jolted the Vulcan back to reality. "For God's
sake, when the hell are they going to cut the chatter and make the
damn transfer? It could have been done at least a dozen times by now!"

"Patience, Doctor," the Commander soothed in her silkiest voice. "You
will receive your vaccine very soon. Just give us a few moments to
lock onto the coordinates of your transporter room."

Kirk had tried in vain to stem McCoy's anger, praying the doctor's
impulsive outburst hadn't ruined everything, including their tenuous
accord with the Romulans. The Captain waited with bated breath,
sighing deeply in relief when the Commander said, "Thank you for
waiting, Enterprise. Stand by to receive vaccine, Dr. McCoy."

Breathless moments passed while the transporter chief energized. The
test tube of vaccine appeared on the #1 pad seconds later; the chief
informed the bridge as McCoy retrieved it. "Do you have the vaccine,
Doctor?" the Commander asked.

"Safe and sound, Commander. I can't thank you enough -- or tell you
what this will mean. Not only to me, but the entire Federation."

"Our pleasure, Doctor. Now if you'll let me say goodbye to Spock, I
shall be on my way. Spock, are you still there?"

"Yes, Commander."

"I'm leaving now. Fare thee well."

"Live long and prosper, Commander."

"Are you finished, Commander?" Kirk asked after a few moments of
silence.

"Yes, Captain. May the vaccine be all your redoubtable Dr. McCoy
expects it to be. Farewell."

"Goodbye, Commander -- and thank you again. Kirk out."

The whole bridge contingent heaved a sigh of relief once the
ship-to-ship intercom was closed. On the other hand, the one between
the transporter room and the bridge remained open, as it had during
the entire exchange between the Enterprise and the Romulan ship.

"Thank God it's all over." McCoy's voice trembled with emotion.

"Be careful with that test tube, Bones. Its contents mean life for
millions."

"That reminds me. I'd better go start synthesizing more of this stuff.
See you later, Jim. McCoy out." The doctor closed the intercom and
left the transporter room, barely able to hold back joyful tears.

Kirk was grateful that McCoy hadn't been on the bridge; otherwise he
might have kissed the test tube as he bad been wont to do in the past
... and God knew he would *never* have been able to explain *that* to
Spock!

"The Romulan ship has departed, sir," Sulu reported.

"Great. Set a course for Vulcan, warp six. Uhura and I have a wedding
to go to!"

"Course laid in, sir. ETA at Vulcan, 4.5 days." The helmsman smiled
warmly in Spock's direction; the First Officer merely raised an
astonished eyebrow at him and turned back to his science console.

---

The Lady Amanda, Human wife of the legendary Ambassador Sarek of
Vulcan and mother of his son, the equally legendary Spock, relaxed in
her overstuffed chair with a steaming cup of herbal tea in her right
hand and her son's most recent stargram in her left. She smiled and
sighed contentedly after taking a long, satisfying swallow, setting
the cup on the small tray at her right elbow.

Amanda leaned back in her chair, maneuvering it so she was almost
reclining. Thank God Sarek hadn't arrived home from the Science
Academy yet! Even as much as Amanda loved her Vulcan husband, there
were times when she was glad he had duties like his teaching to occupy
him. Especially when she received letters like Spock's latest!

It was always wonderful to hear from her only child since she saw him
so seldom, but the news in this latest communication was even more
wonderful. She had skimmed over the first part, reading the second
with growing happiness and thankfulness. Spock had found true love at
last -- and Amanda hadn't been at all surprised when his betrothed had
turned out to be none other than the beautiful Terran doctor who had
loved him devotedly and unselfishly from a distance these many years.
Of course, her ever-logical son would never say, "I have found true
love at last," at least not in so many words ... but then, he didn't
need to.

Amanda had always been able to read between the lines of any "logical"
thing Spock said and get down to the underlying emotion. She had
hardly dared even think, much less let herself believe, that Spock had
finally realized what a gem Christine Chapel was and claimed her for
his own -- not only as his betrothed, but the mother of his child.

The first grandchild for Sarek and herself ... and with any luck, only
the first of several. She remembered the first time she had met
Christine, on board the original Enterprise for the diplomatic mission
to Babel some years ago. Amanda had watched the nurse closely from the
moment Spock entered sickbay to act as blood donor for his father's
heart surgery.

Chapel had done an admirable job of concealing her feelings, but
Amanda had known without having to resort to motherly intuition, just
pure female instinct -- the depth of the love the attractive nurse
bore for her strikingly attractive yet cool, stiffly proper (and
*very* stubborn) son. It was much the same type of love Amanda herself
bore for Sarek. Christine had done her best to remain professional
while caring for Spock after he had donated blood for the life-saving
surgery, but had let her guard down while he was asleep.

Amanda had seen the loving tenderness in the younger woman's eyes as
she sat by Spock's bed, gently holding his hand, as well as the
profound sadness which lay beneath the deep, abiding love. Amanda's
heart had gone out to her, for the older woman knew as few did the
ordeal a woman endured in loving men such as her husband and son.

At that moment, she had sent up a fervent prayer that Spock would
eventually realize what a jewel he had within his reach. A jewel which
was his for the asking ... if he would just unbend enough to ask! Not
everyone could be as lucky as she, though Amanda recognized many of
the same qualities in Christine that she herself possessed.

Maybe she *was* too emotional, too much an illogical romantic, as
Sarek often said -- but she wanted their son to have as happy and
loving a marriage as they. Heaven knew no one deserved it more after
enduring such terrible loneliness all his life! Amanda was convinced
that Spock would now have that happy, loving marriage, because
Christine Chapel was everything she and Sarek could want in a
daughter-in-law: intelligent, beautiful and mentally compatible with
their son. Not to mention head-over-heels in love with him!

She recalled how Spock had always done his utmost to be just like
Sarek all his life. Well, the old adage "like father, like son"
definitely applied here. Spock was following his father's example in
everything he did -- including his choice of a Human wife. As soon as
she finished reading the stargram, Amanda intended to contact the
proper Vulcan authorities and see what she could do in regards to
persuading them to allow Spock to go through the *koon-ut-kal-if-fee*,
even though he was almost a year away from his next Mating Time.

She had to do everything in her power to ensure that her son's
marriage would take place ... a marriage she had despaired of his ever
having, or even contemplating, after the fiasco with his first bond-
mate. Sarek would be so pleased; now she could hardly wait for him to
come home so she could tell him the news.

---

Permission for the *koon-ut-kal-if-fee* had come over subspace while
the Enterprise was en route to Vulcan. Once word got around, everyone
in the crew wanted to attend, but Spock had been told that the limit
was three friends, two of whom had to be in the wedding party.

In this case, these were Kirk and Uhura -- so Scotty and McCoy were
badgering both the Captain and Spock in order to be allowed to fill
the remaining vacancy. "Really, Doctor, your most illogical insistence
on being included does not influence me in the slightest ... and I
fail to understand why you feel you have any chance whatsoever of
changing my mind."

McCoy was fit to be tied. "Why, you -- " The Chief Surgeon wanted to
unleash a string of unsavory epithets, but somehow managed to restrain
his tongue. Spock not only had the hide of a rhinoceros where
conventional insults were concerned, but often considered them
compliments ... and vice versa. Would he never understand that crazy
half-breed?

Kirk carefully concealed his impatience. "Scotty, *please*. If it was
up to me, I'd take the whole crew down -- but the Vulcans stressed
that only three friends are to accompany the bridal couple ... and
even then, two of them must be in the wedding party."

"That still leaves room f'r one more," the engineer pointed out.

"It's out of my hands, Scotty. Spock has the final say." *That's
right, James T. Chicken. Make Spock the heavy!*

"Well, Mr. Spock?" Scott turned toward the science station.

"That depends on whether you can be spared from your engineering
duties, Mr. Scott."

"There's nuthin' goin' on tha' ma crew canna handle, sir."

"In that case, you may come, Mr. Scott. We beam down at 1400 tomorrow
afternoon."

"Thank ye, sir."

McCoy turned on Spock after Scott departed. "Just what the hell do you
think you're doing?"

The Vulcan stubbornly refused to answer; the Doctor cast an acid glare
in the First Officer's direction as he stalked to the turbolift.

Kirk shrugged helplessly, throwing up his hands and grinning weakly.
"Sorry, Bones." In spite of himself, Kirk could barely suppress a
laugh at the doctor's impotent fury.

McCoy looked like the proverbial thundercloud. "Like hell you are,"
the hurt and angry doctor snapped, wishing he could slam a few doors.
Unfortunately the automatic doors made that impossible, so he'd
probably end up drowning his sorrows in Saurian brandy and wake up in
the morning with a bitch of a hangover. "But have a good time anyway,"
was McCoy's parting shot as the turbolift doors closed behind him.

Kirk instantly regretted his thoughtlessness and absolutely deplored
Spock's actions, which were even more cold-blooded than usual. Kirk
and McCoy had been close friends for most of the former's adult life,
so no one knew better than Kirk how the Doctor often covered up the
tenderest of hearts with a gruff, brusque manner ... and how often
McCoy read Spock better than the Vulcan was willing to admit, even to
himself.

Bones had been deeply hurt when Spock had refused permission for him
to attend his and Christine's wedding -- and just as Spock covered his
feelings with logic, the doctor covered his with anger. McCoy
considered himself one of Spock's closest friends (perhaps *the*
closest, aside from Kirk) so it was understandable that he would feel
pain at being left out. Kirk loved Spock like a brother, but McCoy was
also very dear to him and he wasn't about to let even the Vulcan get
away with abusing the doctor so callously. The Captain got up and
headed for the turbolift.

"Take over, Mr. Sulu. We'll be back soon. Spock, come with me."

"Captain--"

"*Now*." The Captain's voice dripped ice.

"Very well."

When the pair stepped into the turbolift, Kirk snapped, "E Deck,"
lighting into his unsuspecting Vulcan friend with a tongue sharper
than any knife once the doors closed. "Was that really necessary,
Spock?"

The Vulcan's tone was bland and innocent. "Was what really necessary?"

Kirk's voice froze the very air. "You know damn well what I'm talking
about, so don't play dumb!"

Spock raised an astonished eyebrow at the Captain's tone. "I assume
you are referring to my refusal to allow Dr. McCoy to accompany us."

"Precisely."

Spock's Vulcan dignity was fully intact. "Captain, it is unnecessary
for the Doctor to accompany us. He has been to Vulcan several times.
Mr. Scott has seldom been there, so I thought it logical that he
accompany us this time."

"That's beside the point. You totally disregarded Dr. McCoy's feelings
in the matter, and that is inexcusable. I am aware of how often each
of them have been to Vulcan. What I want explained is why you treated
Bones so callously. He considers himself one of your closest friends,
and close friends are customarily invited to one's wedding.

"Does your Vulcan heritage exempt you from even giving him the decency
of an answer, or is there another reason why you ignored him when he
asked why Scotty was invited instead of him? ... *Well*? What have you
got to say for yourself? I really want to know."

Spock looked troubled. "I am not insensitive to the Doctor's feelings,
Captain."

"Then you certainly have a strange way of showing it." The two were
behind the door of Spock's quarters by this point. Kirk's voice was
savage; it was more than Spock could take.

"Captain ... Jim -- *please*. Only three friends are allowed to
accompany a Vulcan bridal couple. I have no control or influence on my
home planet's traditions and customs. In addition, the Doctor
accompanied us to my first attempt at *koon-ut-kal-if-fee*."

"Which didn't pan out, and where you damn near killed me. If it hadn't
been for Bones giving me that neural paralyzer, I wouldn't be here
now."

Spock visibly flinched, closing his eyes in deep pain. Even now that
subject was a touchy one for him. He remembered all too vividly his
intense grief when he believed he had killed the one person who meant
the most to him in all the universe ... then the uncontrollable joy he
could not help but show upon learning that his beloved friend was
still alive.

"Jim, I could not have foreseen T'Pring choosing you as her champion,
nor could I have foreseen your accepting challenge. And I must remind
you of how I implored T'Pau not to force me to fight you." Spock
sounded deeply hurt, as indeed he was -- but his strict Vulcan
upbringing required him to conceal it, even as his Human half kept
after him to reveal it.

"That still doesn't excuse your shabby treatment of the Doctor.
Dammit, Spock, McCoy *cares* about you! Too much for his own good,
apparently. He hides his feelings behind anger, just as you hide yours
behind logic. A friend's wedding is a very special occasion, and when
that friend -- especially a *loved* friend -- willfully excludes you
from sharing in it, it's only natural to be deeply hurt.

"That is, if one is Human ... but then you aren't Human, as you're so
fond of reminding us. Forgive the good doctor for his irrational
behavior, Spock, but he's Human -- so he has feelings. Feelings which
can be hurt. And even if *you* don't want him there, consider the
possibility that Miss Chapel might.

"It's as much her wedding as it is yours ... not to mention the fact
that she and McCoy are also close friends. Doesn't the bride have any
say in how she wants her wedding to be or who she wants there -- even
a Vulcan one? No matter how much she loves you, she isn't going to be
pleased when she hears how you treated him.

"The man she fell in love with would never do such a thing -- nor
would my best friend. I am very hurt, very angry and totally appalled
at your actions, because I cannot see any way in the universe that
your precious logic would give you license to treat a loyal friend
like he was dirt under your feet!"

For once Spock was at a loss for words. When he finally did speak, his
voice was quiet, barely above a whisper. "All right, Jim, you have
made your point ... but I have promised Mr. Scott that he would
accompany us. I cannot go back on my word. Two wrongs do not make a
right."

"I'm glad to see that you finally realize that there *is* such a thing
as carrying logic too far -- and if it happens again, I'll expect you
to publicly apologize to the Doctor. For now, a private apology ... in
front of me -- will suffice. I don't want to embarrass you, Spock, but
will have no choice if you run roughshod over Dr. McCoy's feelings
again.

"You are very dear to me, but so is McCoy. In fact, I've known him
even longer than I've known you. I admit he has his faults, but so do
we all -- even you! Good-natured bickering is one thing, but
deliberate disregard for another's feelings is something else again.
Something I absolutely *will not* tolerate from *anyone* on this ship
while I command her ... including you! Do I make myself clear?"

"Quite clear." At that moment, Spock's intercom beeped; it was Chekov
calling from the bridge.

"Mr. Spock, are you there?"

"Yes, Mr. Chekov. What did you want to say?"

"There ees sometheeng on thee ship's sensors that I t'ink you should
see. Could you return to thee bridge?"

"On my way. Spock out."

The two senior officers looked questioningly at each other. "Anything
important, Spock?" Kirk wondered.

"Mr. Chekov seems to think so."

"Then let's get back up there and mind the store."

---

Upon reaching the Bridge, Spock made his way to the science station,
where Chekov was engrossed in reading the sensor output. Kirk returned
to the command chair and Sulu to the helm console. Chekov moved so
Spock could see into the viewer.

"Well, what is it, Spock?" the Captain asked.

"Most fascinating, Captain. Apparently another star is set to explode
in the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy near the star 30 Doradus, not far
from where the last supernova was sighted from Earth three centuries
ago. The Large Magellanic Cloud is located 170,000 light-years from
Earth, which is nearby, considering the infinitely greater distances
to the other galaxies in our universe."

"Spare me the astronomy lecture, Spock. Just tell me what it's doing."

"I am coming to that, sir. Only six supernovas of this magnitude have
been sighted in our galaxy in the past thirteen hundred years. This
collapsed star is on the edge, but not part, of the Milky Way, as the
last one was. The first supernova of this magnitude was sighted in
1604, five years before the telescope was even invented.

"The last one in 1987 boosted the theory held by 20th-century
astronomers that the remnants of exploding stars form black holes, new
stars and galaxies. The tiny particles of the exploding stars, called
neutrinos, are believed to be emitted by the collapsing stars before
they explode into supernovas. Supernovas are a key element in the
evolution of galaxies; however, the neutrinos are so small that they
can pass through matter without harming it, making them difficult to
detect.

"Sanduleak-62 202, the exploding star of three centuries ago, was a
blue supergiant which behaved erratically, as does this one ... only
this one is increasing in brightness at a rate over two and one-half
times as rapid. Just moments ago the star's magnitude was 4.5 -- the
smaller the number, the brighter the star -- but its present magnitude
is 1.5, 50% brighter than even Polaris, the North Star, which has a
magnitude of 2. Again, a most fascinating development.

"This is one of the most fundamental events in the universe -- the
simultaneous death and birth of a star approximately thirty times the
mass of your Sun. Once the blast debris clears, we may expect a
superdense neutron star or similar body."

"Oh. my God. Anything else?"

"Not at the moment. It will take time to assimilate the information I
have not already given you. I will let you know when I have done so."
The Science Officer turned back to his console, resuming his
observations of the data on the upcoming supernova.

"Thank you, Spock. Uhura, what about communications?"

The lovely dark woman adjusted the earphone in her ear. "There are no
problems at the moment, but the magnetic field of the collapsing star
is so immense that we may expect communications to be significantly
affected -- adversely so -- in the event we remain in this sector
longer than half an hour. Forty-five minutes at the most. If we aren't
gone by then, we could not contact a planet, even if one were near
enough ... but if a ship was nearby -- in the right place, mind you --
we *might* be able to contact them."

Spock's voice cut through the air like a knife. "An interesting but
redundant statement, Miss Uhura, since we are the only authorized
Federation vessel in this sector of the galaxy."

Uhura sighed in exasperation as she turned back to her console. "I'm
aware of that, Mr. Spock. I was merely stating in plain English what
will happen if we don't leave this sector within 45 minutes."

The Captain's tone ended the debate. "Our present position, Mr. Sulu."

"ETA at Vulcan 20.3 hours at our present speed, sir."

Spock sternly corrected him. "20.*5*, Mr. Sulu. Please endeavor to be
more accurate in future." The First Officer's sharp eyes caught the
helmsman's incredulous stare; his voice was cold and biting. "Is there
something you wish to say, Helmsman?"

"N-no, sir."

"Then I suggest you keep your mind on your work."

"Yes, sir." The Asian turned back to his console, cheeks crimson with
embarrassment.

"Vhat's the matter vith Mr. Spock?" Chekov whispered.

"I have no idea ... but if I didn't know better, I'd think he was
nervous about his upcoming wedding."

"Anyvun vould be, I vould t'ink ... even a Wulcan."

"I hope you're right. It would certain explain his atypical behavior."

"I hope he really gets married this time."

"Anything that improves his mood would be welcome." Sulu looked up to
find Kirk frowning at him, but the Captain said nothing, his face as
unreadable as Spock's. In any case, the helmsman felt it best that he
keep his mind on his work and off Spock's strange behavior as much as
possible until they reached Vulcan, if only to be on the safe side.

Sulu had no desire to be disciplined for insubordination right now,
especially if he was to be in command in Kirk's absence -- which would
occur when the Captain beamed down to Vulcan to be best man at his
friend's wedding ... a wedding which would definitely take place this
time, since Dr. Chapel wasn't about to let Spock slip through her
fingers now that she finally had him where she wanted him.

*For her sake, I'm glad she's finally going to marry Spock. They're
perfect for each other, if I do say so myself. Even their weaknesses
complement each other. For instance, the rocks in her head fit the
holes in his -- or should I say the rocks in his head fit the holes in
hers?*

Sulu was glad neither Spock nor Dr. Chapel knew what he was thinking.
He'd *really* be in hot water! He chuckled under his breath as he
re-focused his attention on his helm console and their destination ...
a hot, arid planet in the Eridani system less than 20 hours from their
present position.

---

It seemed to Christine that time either crawled or raced by, depending
on the mood she happened to be in at the moment ... and that mood
seemed to change from hour to hour, especially now that the Enterprise
was in standard orbit around Vulcan.

In a matter of hours, she, Spock and their friends would beam down to
visit with his parents Sarek and Amanda for a time, then go to the
Place of Marriage for their wedding. She tried vainly to contain her
excitement at actually being here at last. Spock would give her a
reproving glance if she showed undue emotion, and she could not have
endured that -- so she would have to summon all her strength (both
physical and mental) in order to conceal her feelings of love, joy and
anticipation.

He had told her that there was a time and place for emotion, and that
time and place was in privacy, with one's closest friends, family or
marriage partner -- not openly, where others could see and
misinterpret it. The wedding finery was ready and waiting at Spock's
family home, so Christine decided to take just a small overnight bag
with her. She was nearly ready when her buzzer sounded.

"Come." She looked up and smiled when Spock stepped in. "I'll be ready
in a moment, Spock."

He nodded and sat down to wait after crossing fingers with her. "I
have contacted my parents. My father is not home yet, but Mother is
expecting us in 11.35 minutes."

"I'll be glad to see them again. It's been a long time."

"Indeed." The couple exchanged smiles. "I regret having been unable to
come before now. Miss Uhura said you wished to see me, but I have been
occupied with making final preparations for our upcoming marriage."

Christine smiled at her future husband. "As long as you came." She
ducked into her bathroom for the finishing touches; at that moment her
intercom beeped. "Spock, would you please answer that for me?"

He raised an eyebrow at her but did so. "Dr. Chapel's quarters. Spock
here."

Surprise was evident in Kirk's voice. "Spock, you're lucky that McCoy
wasn't the one who called. He'd never let you live it down. After all,
it's not every day one finds you in a lady's boudoir. Where's Miss
Chapel?"

"She is occupied at the moment, so she asked me to answer her intercom
for her."

"Will you be ready soon? The rest of us are waiting in the transporter
room." At this point Christine came out, gathered her things together
and gestured to Spock that she was ready.

"We are on our way now and should arrive shortly. Spock out." He
turned off the intercom and raised his hand with the customary
extended fingers to cross with Christine's own. The pair silently
departed her quarters and headed for the transporter room to join the
rest of the wedding party -- which now included McCoy.

---

The Vulcan still winced at the memory of how angry Christine had been.
He was thankful that the walls and door of her quarters were
soundproofed. He had no idea that she who was ordinarily so kind,
gentle and understanding was capable of such anger. She had summoned
him to her quarters once she was off-shift three days previously; the
tone of her voice did not bode well. Spock had prepared himself as
best he could, but it still wasn't enough. They had crossed fingers as
usual, then she had motioned him to sit down in the chair next to hers
at her desk.

"I understand that Dr. McCoy will not be going planetside with us for
our wedding. Why not? I was counting on him being there."

"There was insufficient room for him."

"What do you mean, there wasn't enough room?" Her voice rose an
octave.

"Only three friends can accompany a Vulcan wedding party," he said
carefully.

"The Captain and Nyota are only two. Who else is coming?"

"Mr. Scott."

"I see." Christine barely kept her temper under control. "Whose bright
idea was that?"

"Mine," Spock returned quietly. "I considered it logical to invite him
since he has not been to Vulcan as often as the Doctor."

"*What*?" she shouted, furious. "You had no right to pick and choose
who will and won't be at our wedding without consulting me! Dammit,
Spock, what's gotten into you? This isn't like you at all! How could
you do such a thing to Leonard? I have nothing against Mr. Scott being
there, but to treat Leonard so shabbily after all he's done for you! I
know the two of you have had your differences, but I thought it was
simply good-natured bickering. I had no idea you really hated him."

"I do not hate him, Christine."

Her blue eyes flashed fire, then she shook her head in disbelief.
"Spock, I wouldn't have believed it of you ... and never thought I'd
say this, but in light of your actions, I'm having second thoughts
about this marriage. I love you, but if this kind of behavior happens
again -- Well, I don't see any way in the universe it could ever work.

"Marriage is a partnership, Spock. You must consider *my* feelings and
opinions, not just your own ... and I want Leonard at our wedding. If
you have even an ounce of decency, you'll see to it that he attends.
Otherwise you can damn well forget the whole thing! Is that
understood?"

"Understood."

"Good. Now get to it."

To say the least, it was a unique experience for Spock. It wasn't
often that *he* was on the receiving end of a lecture, especially ones
from both his best friend *and* the woman he loved!

---

"I never thought I'd see the day that our logical, unemotional Mr.
Spock would do such a Human thing as get married. He always seemed so
far above all that," McCoy teased to break the tension.

"Doctor, even Vulcans find it necessary to marry -- if only to
perpetuate the species."

The others laughed at the look on the doctor's face. Once again Spock
had managed to get the last word! One hard look from Kirk silenced
McCoy before the Chief Surgeon could open his mouth for a sharp
retort. This was a joyous occasion; no bickering would be allowed to
spoil it. The transporter controls were set on the coordinates for
just in front of Spock's family home; Scotty had the transporter chief
set them.

Seconds later the group found themselves at the front door of Spock's
family home. Amanda appeared before Spock could move to punch in the
door code. "Hello, everyone. Do come in. So good to see you all again
-- especially you, Spock."

"I am pleased to see you again too, Mother."

"Jim, Leonard ... you both look so handsome in your dress uniforms.
And this must be Mr. Scott." Amanda moved to greet him after welcoming
Uhura warmly. "We never got a chance to meet until now." A welcoming
smile was on her lips. "I can't get over how wonderful you all look --
especially you, Spock." She glanced lovingly at her son, who allowed
himself to smile back at his mother. Amanda then turned back toward
Scotty, who was dressed in his best tartan kilt. "Spock's told me so
much about you, Mr. Scott, that I feel I know you already."

Scott flushed with pleasure. "Thank ye kindly, Mrs. Sarek. 'Tis a
pleasure t' meet ye a' last. Th' Doctor an' Captain ha' told me a lot
abou' ye too, but it doesna do ye justice."

This time it was Amanda's turn to blush. "That's the nicest compliment
I've ever received ... and call me Amanda. You couldn't pronounce my
last name."

"If ye'll call me Montgomery." The two smiled and nodded in tacit
agreement.

"Mother, you must greet Christine."

Christine raised her head at the sound of her name, giving her
betrothed a smile in spite of the risk of his lecturing her about it
later in private. As they made the traditional finger-crossing
gesture, Amanda couldn't help but think of how much they reminded her
of herself with Sarek. She could only pray that their marriage would
also prove as long-lasting and loving.

Christine smiled warmly at her future mother-in-law after Spock
formally introduced them. "It's wonderful to see you again ... Amanda.
Especially under the present circumstances."

"I'm glad to finally be able to welcome you to Vulcan and our home. We
have so much to talk about. Spock, do you think you could spare her
for a little while so we could have some girl talk?"

"I suppose so, Mother, but we must leave within the hour. If you are
not back by then, I will send Miss Uhura for you."

"We'll be here."

"Very well." Spock turned on his heel and went to join Kirk, Scott and
McCoy.

Christine followed Amanda into the master bedroom; the older woman
sighed in relief after helping Christine into the beautiful wedding
gown she had made for her and putting her hair up. "Alone at last ...
thank God! I can't tell you how good it feels to be able to release my
emotions and just be myself!"

"I know what you mean," the younger woman chuckled.

"One thing's for sure, Chris -- there's nothing in the universe more
complicated than being in love with a Vulcan. I speak as a lady who's
been married to one for nearly sixty Earth years. It should be
somewhat easier for you since Spock is half-Terran, but not by much.
You might be able to get him to loosen up in private, as I have with
Sarek ... and let me tell you, getting *that* man to open up even a
little is no mean feat!"

"As I can well imagine," Christine laughed. "Where *is* he, anyway?"

"Sarek teaches at the Science Academy; he should arrive very soon ...
but I must warn you, my dear. Spock is two people in one, so he fights
a constant battle within himself. Consider yourself lucky if you're
able to get him to show his emotions to you in private. For a long
time he couldn't even do that ... and don't expect more than a smile
or finger-crossing if you're anywhere together in public.

"Spock has striven to be the epitome of perfect Vulcan manhood since
he was a child, preferring not to be reminded of his Terran heritage
too often. I've tried innumerable times to get through to him that
both philosophies have their good and bad side, to be just as proud of
it as he is of his Vulcan heritage since they are both part of what
makes him the person he is. He listens respectfully, then goes right
ahead and does as he pleases. As Jim once said, Spock is stubborn."

"That's putting it mildly," Christine observed. "Have you any idea
what I had to do in order to get him to this point?"

Amanda laughed. "I think I do, considering what *I* had to do to get
his father to the same point ... even if it's the right time."

"That's the strange part. Spock said it wasn't -- and we hadn't bonded
yet, either."

"Then how can you be pregnant? Spock said you were about a month
gone."

"I don't know, but I am ... and it's five weeks now."

"Conception isn't supposed to occur without bonding -- and except in
the Mating Time. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and I
wouldn't be surprised if Spock was one, considering his background ...
but it's generally believed that male Vulcans are infertile in between
times. I remember how I tried to become pregnant again after Spock.
The doctor finally told me that after a certain point in a Vulcan
male's mating cycle -- varying with the individual -- things start to
deteriorate and he can no longer father children."

"I hope I won't need to worry about Spock where fathering more
children is concerned."

"I doubt you'll have any problems there, considering how easily you
became pregnant this time." Amanda then insisted that Christine relate
her version of what had happened between her and Spock on the planet
-- listening closely, fascinated, as the story unfolded.

Uhura was just coming from the bathroom and was going by the master
bedroom when she caught the sound of their voices. She could hardly
believe her ears at the intimacy of the subjects they were discussing.
Even so, she hesitated, torn between friendship for both Spock and
Christine and her duty to report the truth. She finally sought out
Spock and told him she needed to talk to him. They ducked into the
kitchen.

Once behind the closed door, Uhura said, "Mr. Spock, there's something
I need to tell you, but..." Her voice trailed off.

"You are afraid that you will betray a confidence," he guessed. "I can
understand that, but you are the only one who can tell me. I never
betray a confidence, Miss Uhura. You may trust me."

"I know, and I do ... but--" Then she brightened. "Wait a minute. What
about a mind-meld?"

"If you wish." Spock raised a hand to Uhura's face, long slender
fingers automatically assuming the mind-link position. He pressed
gently and concentrated intensely. Uhura sighed and leaned back
against the wall, offering only momentary resistance ... then her mind
opened to Spock as though he had listened to the exchange between his
mother and betrothed himself.

Uhura mentally confessed that she had only heard ten minutes of
conversation; Spock assured her that that was enough for his purposes.
The information garnered from the mind-link was incredible; he could
scarcely fathom that either his mother or future wife would speak of
such intimate things.

It was most disquieting, even though he was well aware that Human
women often discussed their private lives and the private lives of
others among themselves. But like Uhura, Spock was "fascinated" by all
he "heard" in spite of his initial shock at the intimacy of the
subjects discussed by the two women closest to him.

He discovered that Amanda and Christine had discussed the latter's
pregnancy and how it had come about. He raised an astonished eyebrow
at their belief that Vulcan males were infertile between the
seven-year mating cycles (had his mother forgotten about "Awakening"?)
Not to mention what Dr. Corrigan had told her when she had attempted
to become pregnant again after Spock's birth ... how things
deteriorated after a certain point in a Vulcan male's mating cycle so
he could no longer father children.

Most surprising of all was Christine's confession that she wanted more
children, and Amanda's reply that she didn't think there would be any
problem with that since she, Christine, had become pregnant so easily
this time. He gradually brought them out of the mind-link upon
learning all that Uhura had overheard. She stood up straight, then
stretched and sighed, talking for the first time since they had
entered the kitchen. "Well, that's all I know, Mr. Spock. I hope it
helps you."

"You have been most helpful, thank you. I will take care of it now.
You may return to the living room." He sighed in exasperation and
headed for the master bedroom after Uhura's departure. It was
inconceivable that they had actually said these things, even though he
had read them most distinctly in Uhura's thoughts. He truly hoped that
he -- and she -- would be proven wrong, but what his sensitive ears
picked up as he neared the bedroom confirmed his worst fears.

"It was hard to believe I could be so bold and daring," Chris- tine
said.

"I was the same way when Sarek and I were courting ... *had* to be. A
Vulcan would never make the first move. I speak from experience, as
the wife of one and the mother of another."

"That's strange," Christine disclosed. "Because if I remember
correctly, Spock *did*." There was shocked silence, then she
continued. "He *asked* me to make love with him. Really. And you know
where we ended up having our rendezvous? Behind a high outcropping of
rock in the cave where we took shelter on ElNath VI. He laid out his
jacket to lie on and we made love. Three times, as I recall. I never
dreamed he had it in him! It was so wonderful that when the Captain
called, I had no desire to move whatsoever -- but Spock said we had
to, since the last thing we needed was for him to come investigate."

"Understandable," Amanda replied. "But even as much as I wanted to, I
could never have done that with Sarek. He didn't make love to me until
after we were married."

"I think the fact that Spock is half-Human had something to do with
it," Christine said.

"Mother. Christine. That will be quite enough." Spock's stern voice
startled both women back to reality; their cheeks turned crimson with
embarrassment.

Amanda spoke first. "Oh, Spock. We had no idea you were there."

"Obviously," he retorted frostily.

"I thought you'd have Nyota come for us," Christine complained, unable
to keep from blushing again when Spock fixed his eyes on her -- eyes
which seemed to literally read her mind.

"You were too engrossed in your 'girl talk' to hear her." He heard the
front door opening and closing, then his father's voice as the elder
Vulcan greeted their friends in the living room. "Come. It will soon
be time to leave for the ceremony." Spock's voice was quiet, but held
an ominous undertone warning of unpleasant consequences if they did
not comply with his wishes.

Amanda bristled like an angry cat. "Spock, I'll not have you address
us in that tone of voice. It's not only rude, but totally uncalled
for!"

Spock's reply froze the very air. "This matter no longer concerns you,
Mother. It is entirely between Christine and myself. Father has
arrived. He needs to prepare for the wedding ceremony, so if you are
quite finished--"

"No, we are *not* finished. You interrupted us in the middle of our
conversation," Amanda shot back, still angry.

"There is no time for that. We must be on our way." His tone curtailed
further protests.

Amanda sighed as she reluctantly gathered her things and headed for
the bedroom door.

Spock gave his betrothed a hard look, prompting her to do the same. He
followed the two thoroughly mortified women out of the master bedroom,
the three of them rejoining the others moments later. The next five
minutes were spent in greetings and small talk, then the Vulcan
Ambassador excused himself and went to prepare for his son's wedding.

While they waited for Sarek, Spock gave Christine a severe look which
warned her that she was about to become the recipient of another of
his standard lectures. "Miss Uhura's report was most disturbing. How
could you have been so indiscreet as to discuss such intimate
subjects?"

"Spock, it wasn't half as bad as you make it sound. For Heaven's sake,
it was *your mother* I was talking to! It won't go any further, you
know that as well as I do."

His frown only deepened. "That is beside the point. What concerns me
is that you would so freely discuss our intimate relations with
someone other than myself, even Mother. In a Vulcan marriage, such
matters are not discussed except between husband and wife. I suggest
you learn that now and try to refrain from repeating your error.
Another most distressing matter is Mother actually encouraging you to
speak of it. After all the years of marriage to Father, she knows
better."

"Have you ever considered the possibility that she just might want to
be herself for once and not have to control her emotions? She doesn't
often get that opportunity living here on Vulcan, you know."

Spock's eyes widened in surprise and for once he was at a loss for
words.

Christine looked at the clock. "It's nearly time for us to leave."

"Tradition dictates that we leave separately. You will go with Mother
and Miss Uhura. I will go with Jim, Father, Mr. Scott and the Doctor."

They crossed fingers again, then Christine smiled provocatively. Spock
knew only too well what she had in mind and it was highly illogical,
since they could be interrupted at any time ... but that knowledge
didn't prevent him from taking her into his arms and kissing her.

Sarek's disapproving voice shattered the moment. "Most illogical, my
son. There is plenty of time for that after you are married."

The look on Spock's face was priceless. Never had Christine expected
to see him blush!

"In addition, we are keeping the others waiting."

The group went outside to the waiting ground-cars; Christine got into
one, Spock the other. Tradition also dictated that the groom arrive
first, so Spock took off with Kirk, Scott, Sarek and McCoy. The women
started up after the men were out of sight. Amanda was driving,
smoothly shifting and accelerating onto the main road leading out of
ShiKahr. Christine sat next to her; Uhura next to her friend.

"Well, maybe now we can finish what we were talking about before we
were so rudely interrupted."

"I really don't think I should, Amanda. Spock gave me holy hell for
doing it before."

"What he doesn't know won't hurt him -- and he can't catch us unawares
this time. Besides, there were a lot of things I wanted to say and
didn't get a chance to say."

"Well..."

"Come on, Chris, I'd like to hear more."

Christine frowned at Uhura. "Nyota, you're the one who got me in
trouble the first time."

"I'm sorry. I won't mention anything more to Spock. Forgiven?"

"I don't know... Oh, what the hell. Of course you are!" The two
friends embraced as Amanda alternately clutched and released the
steering 'wheel'.

"Well, as I was going to say before Spock interrupted, I was very much
opposed to his having an arranged marriage instead of one he had
chosen himself. He deserved the same freedom of choice that Sarek and
I had ... but when one is a Vulcan wife -- best you learn this now,
Christine -- she doesn't argue with her husband. At least, not
publicly.

"When Sarek and T'Pring's parents arranged the marriage between her
and Spock, they were certain things would be different once they were
grown -- that Spock and T'Pring would come to care for each other ...
but I knew it was wrong right from the start and refused to be a party
to it. As you both know, I was proved right. T'Pring was willing to
have Spock die so she could have Stonn, picking the Captain as her
champion in order to protect him. If Stonn was so superior, why didn't
she let him fight for himself? Then she had the audacity to say --
right to Spock, no less -- that even if they had married, she would
still have kept her lover, since he would be gone.

"That is against not only Vulcan, but Human, decency to brazenly admit
such a thing. I can't tell you how glad I am that Spock had sense
enough to choose you, Christine."

"Not half as glad as I am," came the reply.

"If it hadn't been for that failed attempt at *koon-ut-kal-if-fee*,
which Spock blamed himself for ... he would probably have married you
a long time ago. He could also have been spared the anguish and grief
he suffered when he thought he'd killed the Captain. I'm furious all
over again whenever I think of it -- and hope I never run into that
wretched girl ever again, because I think I could do murder when I
think of what she did to my son, the way she humiliated and disgraced
him. How any woman supposedly in her right mind could reject Spock is
beyond me.

"He has everything most women could ever want. I'd say that even if he
weren't my son, though I couldn't be more proud that he is." Amanda
sighed deeply. "I'm thankful his instincts were right, if nothing
else. He confided to me many times that he didn't see how he could
ever marry T'Pring, but felt obligated in order to please Sarek.

"He certainly didn't come because he wanted to ... it was because he
*had* to. The mind-link he had established with T'Pring, even as
tenuous as it was, compelled them both to come together for
*koon-ut-kal-if-fee*, even if she did end up challenging him."

Christine suspected that the bonding had to have been imperfect, since
Spock had made advances to her and allowed her to wait on him, fixing
the plomeek soup he liked so much. Had it been a true bonding, it
would have been unthinkable for either Spock or T'Pring to even
consider another mate.

"I wanted so much to be there, to try and stop it -- but Sarek sensed
it and barred me from going. I was heartsick when I learned what had
happened. Spock could have been spared much if I'd been there. The
Captain told me later that Spock had even been prepared to resign his
commission in Starfleet. That made me feel even worse! Thank God that
nightmare is all behind him now, that he has found happiness with you
and will have a child to carry on his name."

"*Children*, if I have my way," Christine corrected. Moments later
they arrived at the ancient arena dubbed 'The Place of Marriage.'

"We'd better get going. The ceremony starts in a few minutes. Ready,
Chris?" Uhura asked as the three women got out of the car.

"Ready as I'll ever be." Christine fought for calm, even though she
was trembling. Her legs felt like jelly; she had no idea how she ever
managed to reach the Arena under her own power.

The ladies were told to wait until they heard Spock strike the
marriage gong, then join the wedding procession behind the seated
Vulcan High Priestess T'Lar, who was being carried in a throne-like
chair by two attendants. Two large men garbed in warrior dress and
armed with *lirpa*s stood by in the event either bride or groom wished
to challenge and there was no champion. Impossible in this case, but
Vulcans believed it logical to be prepared for any eventuality,
however unlikely.

It seemed forever before they heard the gong, but at last the ringing
reverberated through the thin air. Amanda turned to her companions.
"That's our cue. We'd best get moving."

Ten minutes later, Spock and Christine stood before the seated
Priestess. T'Lar's deep-set eyes were unfathomable beneath her upswept
brows as she gave the bridal couple penetrating looks. Spock saluted
her, then knelt before her with his dark head reverently bowed.

Christine soon realized that she was expected to do the same. T'Lar's
long, thin fingers went into the mind-link position on both faces; her
own head lowered and she concentrated intensely. The attendants,
friends and family looked on, breathing a collective sigh of relief
when the Priestess lifted her head.

"It is most gratifying how strong a link you and your betrothed have
established, Spock, particularly since you only recently bonded with
her. I have not felt such a strong link since your parents were first
married." The bridal couple nodded quietly in appreciation, eyes
closed and heads still reverently bowed.

"This question may seem superfluous in view of the strong link you
share, but it is traditional, so it shall be asked. Do either of you
wish to challenge?"

The couple crossed the customary fingers, then Spock said, "We do
not," since a verbal reply was also required.

"Very well. We shall continue." The gong was struck again, then a
white-garbed woman appeared at T'Lar's gesture. She was carrying a
small drum; she sat down with it in her lap, proceeding to beat softly
and rhythmically as the vows were recited ... vows somewhat similar to
those used on Earth -- but with obvious differences. In keeping with
tradition, T'Lar asked Spock first.

"Spock of Vulcan, will thee cherish Christine of Terra, thy chosen
bondmate and wife, and establish a secure home for her? Will thee
build a family in order that thy name be perpetuated, and will thee
care for them in sickness and in health?"

"I will." His face momentarily quirked in Kirk's direction as the
marriage bells tinkled, then lapsed into his usual serenity.

T'Lar then fixed her intense gaze on Christine. "Christine of Terra,
it is rare in our history that one of Human blood has chosen to join
with a Vulcan, but since that is your desire, you follow in
distinguished footsteps -- those of Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan and
Amanda Grayson of Terra, the first recorded Vulcan/Terran marriage.

"They were later to breed Spock, the first Vulcan/Human hybrid, whom
you now wish to marry. Will thee cherish thy chosen bondmate and
husband, Christine, run his home efficiently, and bear him children to
perpetuate his name ... and care for them all in sickness and in
health?"

"I will."

The bells tinkled again, then T'Lar turned to face the small
congregation a short distance away, beckoning to Kirk and Uhura to
come forward. "Are you both prepared to swear before myself and this
company that all your friends Spock and Christine have said is true to
the best of your knowledge?"

"We are," Kirk said.

"Do they wish to exchange rings signifying their wedded state, as is
the Terran custom?"

"Yes. The rings have been custom-made in the form of a stylized Vulcan
IDIC symbol," Uhura explained.

"May I see them?"

Kirk produced them and placed them in the Priestess's hand. T'Lar held
it up so that Eridani's rays shone upon the rings. "May the regard
that Spock of Vulcan and Christine of Terra hold for one another
remain as perpetual as the Vulcan sun -- and may only death sever the
strong bond they share."

After a few moments, she lowered the rings and gave them to their
owners. Once they had been slipped on, T'Lar placed her own hands over
the couple's joined ones to perpetually seal the marriage bond. Not
long afterward, the drumming ceased and the woman waited patiently for
the ceremony to end.

"Well, that does it," Kirk announced as he and Uhura rejoined Spock's
parents, McCoy and Scotty. Nearly everyone's faces echoed Uhura's
incredulous question:

"You mean they're legally married now?"

"Once T'Lar and the others leave, it's officially over ... then we may
all return home," Amanda explained.

After the Priestess wished the newlywed couple peace and long life
together, she and her attendants -- along with the drum-woman --
departed, leaving the small group to their own devices. "Is it safe to
congratulate you properly yet, Chris?" Uhura asked.

"When Spock gives me the signal."

Once the Priestess and the others were out of sight, Spock caught the
eye of his new wife and nodded with a half-smile.

"Okay ... *now*."

The three women tearfully hugged and kissed. Kirk, Scott, McCoy and
Sarek each gave their own version of congratulations to the newly
married couple -- then the older couple departed after making the
others promise to rejoin them later.

Once out of his father's sight, Spock allowed his friends to kiss and
embrace him ... or shake his hand. He didn't mind as long as the
contact was properly brief. McCoy made another teasing remark after
shaking Spock's hand.

"Well, Spock, I can imagine what your wedding night is going to be
like."

Spock didn't even bat an eye at the good-natured baiting. "Quite
similar to yours, I believe, Doctor."

Kirk and the others laughed; the Captain slapped a chagrined McCoy on
the shoulder. "I'm afraid you had that coming, Bones."

Once over his initial embarrassment, McCoy was unruffled. "Did anyone
think to make a holovid for the crew?" he wondered, recalling how
Spock had obtained special permission to do this, not to mention the
strings the Vulcan must have had to pull in order to obtain the
permission which accounted for *his* presence here. For that alone,
McCoy was sure Spock would owe the Vulcan authorities favors for the
rest of his life.

After a short silence, Scotty spoke up. "Aye, Doctor, ah did. Caught
ever' moment of it."

"Good work, Scotty. Send it up to the ship when you can," Kirk said as
the group headed for the other parked ground-car. Kirk, McCoy, Scott
and Uhura climbed into the spacious back seat, settling into contoured
seats as seat belts automatically locked around them. The newlyweds
occupied the front seat by themselves; Spock was at the 'wheel'.

The foursome in the rear smiled knowingly at each other in the shared
knowledge that their Vulcan friend would -- logically -- refrain from
touching his new bride (aside from finger-crossing) except in privacy.
It was only too apparent from the looks on their faces in the
rear-view mirror that both wished they had that privacy now.

Spock said they would arrive back in ShiKahr and his parents' estate
within 45 minutes. "Forty-two point three-seven-five minutes, to be
exact."

"Logical to the end," Kirk laughed, giving his Vulcan friend an
affectionate smile. Spock adopted a totally perplexed expression,
upswept brows almost hidden by his bangs when he turned around to
resume his task of driving.

"I wonder where they'll spend the night," Uhura remarked, loudly
enough to be heard in the front seat.

"For the time being, we shall share my room in my parents' home, Miss
Uhura." Spock's tone effectively precluded further remarks in that
vein -- at least until the party reached his family home and he was
safely out of earshot.

Once the six arrived, it was dinnertime, so the five men were left to
their own devices in the living room as the three women bustled around
the neat kitchen. They heard snatches of Vulcan music as Spock played
his father's lyrette, humming along with it as they prepared the meal.
Vegetarian fare for Sarek and Spock, their favorite dishes for
everyone else.

Amanda was renowned on Vulcan not only for her teaching but her
cooking. Christine made sure to get her mother-in-law's recipe for
plomeek soup so she could serve it to Spock in their own home. "Umm!
Does that ever smell good!" she and Uhura proclaimed as a savory smell
wafted from the pots on Amanda's immaculate stove.

"My specialty and Spock's favorite dish. One of Sarek's, too."

Amanda got the same look on her face at the mention of her husband as
Christine did whenever Spock was mentioned. Uhura shrugged and shook
her head in affectionate exasperation. Those two were hopeless! Just
what *was* it that attracted Human women to Vulcan males, anyway?
McCoy was of the opinion that it was their ears, but it had to be more
than that -- probably some kind of animal magnetism or something. She
would have asked, but doubted she would get a straight answer from
either one of them.

Uhura liked and respected both Spock and his father immensely, but
felt that Amanda and Chris made far too much of them. Not even at her
worst had Uhura herself acted like that over a man. The closest she
had come was the famous musician Guy Maslin, with whom she had fallen
in love while investigating the deaths of the semi-aquatic (and very
musical) creatures on the planet Taygeta some years ago. Guy had died
there and not since his death had Uhura felt for anyone what she had
felt for him. She understood the feelings of the other two women up to
a point; beyond that, she believed they went totally overboard,
embarrassing the men they loved.

Christine's distress brought her back to reality. "Can you imagine how
I felt when I heard that ElNath VI was inhabited after all, that the
inhabitants had observed the landing party while we were planetside?
At first I thought, 'Oh my God, you mean Spock and I had an audience
while in our little love nest?'"

"Oh, lord, no, Chris! How embarrassing for you!" Uhura sympathized.

"That's the understatement of the year." Christine blushed all over
again.

"Christine, if the population is all they claim, surely they would
allow the two of you your privacy once they realized your intentions,"
Amanda remarked as she made salad.

"I hope so. I don't like to think what we might have put on for them
otherwise."

Uhura changed the subject. "Let's talk about the wedding. It was the
loveliest I've ever attended, and your dress-- Well, mere words can't
do it justice. It must be seen to be appreciated. White gauze, short
lace sleeves, form-fitting, and with the hem just brushing the ground.
And let us not forget the neckline ... modest, but low enough to hint
at some of your more obvious charms."

"For Heaven's sake, Ny, you make me sound like some kind of fairy tale
princess!"

"As far as I'm concerned, you were. I don't think any woman ever
looked as beautiful on her wedding day as you did on yours."

"I didn't do it alone." Christine smiled at Amanda.

Uhura gave them both a puzzled look.

"Yes, I designed it, Uhura -- or rather, patterned it after my own
wedding dress ... personally tailoring it to Christine's
measurements."

This time it was Christine's turn to look puzzled. "But how could you
have done that? I've never been here until now."

The older woman smiled enigmatically as she opened a cabinet and
drawer to get plates, glass and silverware. "Guess."

Christine gave her mother-in-law a look of shock and disbelief. "You
mean ... *Spock*? You're kidding! He never..."

"My dear, you should know by now that Spock has his own unique ways of
doing things. Sometimes he's so clever that you have no idea what he's
doing until it's over. He's been like that since he was a child, and
frankly it scares the hell out of me!"

"Really, Mother," Spock's disapproving voice broke in. "Profanity is
most unbecoming a lady."

Amanda nearly jumped out of her skin. "Spock, you did it again! What
am I to do with you when you sneak up on us like that?"

Spock raised an indignant eyebrow. "I was hardly 'sneaking up' on you,
Mother. I approached as I always do."

"Why are you here? Did your father send you?"

"Mr. Scott and the Doctor were wondering how soon dinner would be
ready. Both have declared that they will 'starve to death' if they do
not have some of your 'famous cooking' soon."

"What about the Captain? Is *he* going to 'starve to death' without my
'famous cooking', too?"

Spock was caught off-guard by the unexpected retort, but recovered
quickly. "I imagine he is, but he hasn't said anything. I would
surmise that he has decided it is more logical to remain quiet and
wait until we care called to eat, as Father and I have been doing."

Christine detected a touch of arrogance and superiority in her
husband's words, though she doubted it was intentional ... but Spock
was so mysterious sometimes that it was hard to tell.

"Tell them dinner will be ready in ten minutes."

Spock turned on his heel and left as stealthily as he had come. Uhura
declared that he would have made an ideal jungle cat as the women set
the table buffet-style to everyone could serve themselves.

"Chris, go call that exasperating husband of yours," Amanda said ten
minutes later. "Tell him dinner's ready and to bring his friends and
father with him."

Christine smiled at her mother-in-law's peevish remark just before
leaning out the kitchen door and calling to the small group in the
living room. "Spock, Captain, Leonard ... everyone come and eat.
Dinner is on the table."

McCoy was the first one through the door, sniffing the air. "If the
food tastes half as good as it smells--! My stomach's so empty that
it's leaning on my backbone for support!"

"Bones, if you aren't careful, you're liable to find that your eyes
are bigger than your stomach," Kirk joked. The doctor glared as the
Humans laughed and the Vulcans raised amused eyebrows. Once everyone
had served themselves and sat down at the table in preparation for
eating, the two married couples sat with customary fingers crossed
until it was time to eat.

Kirk couldn't remember whether or not Vulcans said anything like grace
and was frankly too hungry to care. All he wanted to do was dig into
Amanda's mouth-watering culinary delights. However, it was traditional
to wait until the host began eating. A moment later Sarek took a bite
of food, then Amanda gave a nod and everyone dug in. For the next
hour, it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

After the meal was over and the dishes cleared away, the Terran men
asked Sarek's permission to kiss his wife on the cheek and praise her
culinary skills.

"I didn't do it alone," Amanda said. "Christine and Uhura helped."

"Then kisses are in order for all three ladies. Spock, is it all right
to give your lovely bride a kiss on the cheek?"

"As long as you ask first."

All three women blushed with pleasure upon receiving grateful kisses
and well-deserved praise -- then the three Terran males retreated into
the living room with drinks while Sarek and Spock offered to help with
kitchen clean-up.

"We can handle it ... but thank you for asking," Amanda replied with a
smile.

"Very well, my wife. I will return to the living room." The elder
Vulcan gracefully withdrew, but Spock remained.

"Is there something else you want, Spock?" his mother asked.

"Mother, do you really need Christine to help you? If not, we would
like to retire now."

Amanda smiled understandingly upon recognizing the looks in her son
and daughter-in-law's eyes. "It's still early, my son. Besides, we
want to toast you and Christine first."

"Very well, Mother." The younger Vulcan's voice was laced with
disappointment, but he knew he had to do his duty, however much he
wished to be alone with his new bride. Christine *was* excused,
however, soon seated beside her husband in the living room as he
played his father's lyrette.

She had also seen and recognized the hunger in her new husband's eyes,
suspecting that one reason he played the lyrette was to allow the
soothing music to calm his desire for her until they were alone.
Christine knew the feeling all too well ... but for her, only being in
Spock's arms and their making passionate love could still the fire
within her -- even temporarily.

She hoped the toast would be over quickly so that everyone would leave
and she would be alone with him. It seemed an eternity before Amanda
and Uhura returned to the living room with glasses of iced Altair
water and Saurian brandy.

"We toast the marriage of our beloved friends and children." Amanda
held up her glass of brandy to clink against everyone else's. "To
Spock and Christine. May their love and marriage last forever!" The
two Vulcans sighed in exasperation but said nothing, dutifully raising
their glasses with the others...then everyone drank their glasses dry.

"Well, it's getting late," Amanda observed as the clock struck nine.
"It's been a most enjoyable evening with you all, but it's time we
went to bed. Everyone say good-night now, and we'll see each other in
the morning."

Christine envied her mother-in-law's finesse in cleverly dismissing
everyone. Kirk, Scott and McCoy made their farewells and headed for
the guest house in the rear; the sofa bed in the living room was made
up for Uhura. After bidding her good-night, the two married couples
stood at their respective bedroom doors, each crossing the customary
fingers with their mate.

"Good night, Spock ... Christine," Amanda said.

"Good night, Mother ... Father," Spock replied. Their respective
partners nodded in assent. Christine added a smile to hers; Amanda
smiled and winked at her daughter-in-law as the younger woman turned
to go into the bedroom she would share with her new husband.

---

Christine yawned and stretched after closing the bedroom door behind
them. "What a day this has been."

"Indeed." Spock allowed himself a smile at his wife. "Would you care
to shower first?"

"It'll take me a while to get everything I need together, so you go
ahead."

"Very well. I will not be long."

The hunger was back in the beautiful eyes Christine adored; she
returned it as their fingers crossed before Spock reluctantly
disappeared into the bathroom. Christine put her small bag on the bed,
taking out the pretty shortie nightgown she had saved especially for
tonight. It was pale blue, filmy and lavishly trimmed with lace; the
hem ended a mere inch below the tops of her thighs. The top was
low-cut; one could see a generous amount of alluring cleavage as the
bosom was held up by underwire and spaghetti straps.

Christine gathered her toilet articles together, wrapped them in her
towel and placed the nightgown on top. She felt thoroughly grimy after
a day in Vulcan's intense heat, so she was glad she could use water
for her shower if she so wished. The life within her stirred as though
nervous and she patted her belly reassuringly.

*Don't worry, darling,* she told her unborn child. *I'm just nervously
awaiting my wedding night with your father.* Christine became so
engrossed in her thoughts that she didn't hear Spock come out. Only
his gentle touch made her aware of his presence.

"Christine? Christine, you may go in now."

He smelled divine, a combination of soap, shampoo and after-shave --
but she felt slightly nauseated and looked pale to her concerned
husband. "What? Oh yes, Spock. Thank you." She got up and started for
the bathroom; he followed her to the door, gently touching her
shoulder as she reached for the button to open it.

"You look ill, my wife. Would you like me to assist you with your
bath?"

He had asked for two reasons, and ordinarily Christine would have
loved to share the shower with him, but really didn't feel well.
Besides, there was plenty of time for them to discover all the
pleasures of married love.

"Don't worry, *wanimo aisha* (my love). I'll be fine." She stroked his
left cheek with one finger and disappeared into the bathroom before he
could make a move.

Spock had been too stunned at her use of his native language to do
anything except thrill to her touch. What else might she know if she
knew that phrase? *My ainama kaifa (beautiful wife) is most
intriguing,* he told himself as he sat on the bed waiting for her,
clad in a velvet robe with Vulcan symbols on it: a wedding gift from
his wife.

He had given her earrings for her pierced ears, small IDIC symbols to
match the ones in their wedding rings. Their gifts to each other had
been the only ones they had had the opportunity to open; the rest
would have to wait. They had more important matters to consider. Spock
became so lost in thought that he barely heard the bathroom door open.
He heard Christine call to him and looked up; the exquisite vision he
saw upon doing so made him swear that he was dreaming with his eyes
wide open...for she could not be real!

"Christine?" It was all the confused but totally enchanted half-Vulcan
could do to control himself. She looked so very lovely and desirable!
And even though it was unVulcan to feel this way, Spock couldn't help
it -- and didn't care. The vision held out her arms to him.

"*Wanimo kaifo, wani-ra yanamos itisha*." (My husband, I am yours)

At last he could cast off the self-imposed restraints and give all of
himself ... heart, soul, body, his very being ... to her, the vision.
Spock took Christine's outstretched hand and pulled her onto his lap.
She locked her arms around his neck, making him shiver when her
fingers lightly stroked the back of it, curling his dark hair around
and through them.

His entwined fingers rested on her waist, his embrace tightening as
they began to kiss. His lips eventually traveled down her neck to her
throat. He couldn't help smiling as he inhaled the intoxicating scent
of her musky-rose perfume while his fingers slipped the straps of her
nightgown off her shoulders, kissing them before moving on to uncover
and do the same with her breasts.

His feelings were all totally illogical, but at the moment all Spock
cared about was the lovely and loving female he held, kissed and loved
-- *his wife*. He soon found himself lapsing into his native language
in the throes of his fast-rising passion.

"*Wanimo kaifa ainama, wani-ra yana aisha*." (My beautiful wife, I
love you) He stopped her before she could reply, even as much as he
wanted her to. "My wife," he said in English. "Before we get too
carried away, I must compliment you on your fluency in the Vulcan
language. I was unaware that you had any knowledge of it."

"There's a lot you don't know about me," she laughed. "But to answer
your question, that was one of the first things I studied once I
realized I was in love with you." Christine rested her head on her
husband's shoulder; he alternately stroked and kissed her hair as she
spoke. "I just never had the opportunity to use it until now. I don't
know much -- basic phrases and a few endearments -- but it's a start."

"Quite a good start, too. You are to be commended. If you wish, I will
teach you more of the language."

"I'd like that very much -- later. Right now, all I want is for you to
love me." Her nightgown slipped to the carpeted floor in a heap as
Spock brought Christine to her feet; his velvet robe soon joined it.

Her legs parted at the gentle pressure of his body; she moaned with
pleasure as he slowly lowered them both to lie on the bed, their lips
locked in a tender yet fiery kiss.

"Spock, my darling..." was all he allowed her to say before
passionately possessing her once, then again -- and yet again. It was
as though he was starved for her, just couldn't get enough of her.

The last statement Christine had used constituted the limit of her
knowledge of spoken Vulcan, but if using it enabled Spock to love her
as passionately as he had on the planet (and as he was doing now ...
in fact, it was amazing how rapidly her nausea had disappeared when he
touched her!) she vowed to learn all she could of it. Of course, no
matter how many tenderly passionate hours they shared, reality
inevitably intruded -- so it was essential for them to get back to
work and the necessary business of everyday living.

---

On stardate 8445.02, the Enterprise* was on routine patrol near the
edge of the galaxy. Spock was standing by the command chair, quietly
conversing with Kirk when Chekov's excited yell reached his sensitive
ears at warp speed.

"*Bozhe moi*!" the young Russian exclaimed in his native language.
"Mr. Spock, come quickly. You must see this. I cannot believe vhat I
am seeing!"

Spock turned his head in the direction of his Science station. "It is
unnecessary to raise your voice, Mr. Chekov. I will be there shortly."

The Russian moved aside in order to enable the Vulcan to view the
sensor readout. For a long time Spock didn't say a word, not even his
usual adjectives "fascinating" or "interesting". Instead, he became
engrossed in the wonder he and Chekov had discovered, unaware that the
turbolift had just admitted McCoy onto the bridge. The doctor looked
at the science station and the Vulcan immersed in some interstellar
phenomenon, a frown crossing his weathered brow.

"Jim, what in God's name is Spock so interested in? How long has he
been like that?"

"I've no idea, Bones. He hasn't said a word since Chekov called him
over."

"That's a first, having our outspoken Vulcan friend actually at a loss
for words. Hey, Spock! How about letting us mere mortals in on your
'fascinating' discovery?"

The First Officer reluctantly looked up, giving the Chief Surgeon an
irritated look -- or as close as the unemotional Vulcan could come to
it -- but Spock's calm voice betrayed none of the irritation in his
dark eyes. "You really must learn patience, Doctor. I did not think it
logical to say anything unless there was something to say."

"That never stopped you before," McCoy shot back.

Spock ignored him and spoke directly to Kirk. "Captain, it seems that
we have come upon a galaxy that is at least thirteen times as large as
our own Milky Way ... if my calculations are accurate."

"But the Milky Way is over one hundred thousand lightyears in
diameter," Kirk reminded him.

"This galaxy is over *one million* lightyears in diameter -- one
point-three, to be precise."

"Dear God in Heaven." McCoy's face became ashen, his body sagging onto
the railing behind him for support.

"The galaxy is called Delta 459, first discovered two centuries ago.
It is four hundred million lightyears from Earth. It also appears to
have two spiraling arms wound near the center which branch out at
irregular angles. A most fascinating development."

"Anything else?" Kirk asked.

"A smaller galaxy alongside it. Its gravitational pull affects the
size of Delta 459 much as your Moon affects the oceans to cause tidal
waves on Earth. There is also an immense hydrogen cloud surrounding
Delta 459. The gravity exerted by the smaller galaxy appears to make
the gas undulate and gain momentum, thereby causing Delta 459 to
spread out.

"Our scientists have long speculated on the existence of tidal effects
as the cause of spiraling movement in galaxies, but it has never been
observed in detail prior to this. Such gravitational effects have also
been credited with fostering nuclear activity in galaxies and driving
the course of galaxy evolution, but I find little evidence to support
that hypothesis." Spock took a deep breath after his lengthy
explanation.

"Thank you, Spock. Mr. Sulu, how long to Starbase 27 from here?"

"Two point-five solar days, sir -- if we increase speed to warp five."

"Do it. We're overdue for shore leave, so let's get there as soon as
possible."

"Yes, sir!" The Asian face split in a wide grin.

McCoy resumed his characteristic baiting of the newly married
half-Vulcan Science Officer and second-in-command. "Since I'll be --
indisposed, to put it delicately -- once we reach Starbase 27 and
shore leave, I hope Chris knows someone there so she can have her
regular checkup to make sure her pregnancy continues going as smoothly
as possible. She *is* due for one within a week, isn't that right,
Spock?"

"Yes, Doctor, I believe it is." Spock's voice was barely civil. Having
children was an intensely private matter for Vulcans. For anyone to
mention it in public, even a close, trusted friend like McCoy, was an
almost unforgivable breach of good manners and a gross invasion of
privacy.

However, Spock reminded himself that the doctor was, after all, Human
and therefore could not be blamed for his ignorance of Vulcan custom
concerning that aspect of life. He was tolerant of the Chief Surgeon's
frequent social blunders because he knew how McCoy cared for him and
Christine.

Kirk gave McCoy a hard look; the doctor clamped his mouth shut.
"Bones, isn't it about time you got back to Sickbay? Dr. Chapel is
probably wondering what in the universe happened to you."

"Yes, Jim, I believe it is. Thanks for reminding me. See you later."

McCoy took the none-too-subtle hint, even though he and the Captain
both knew that Christine would hold down the fort until he got there
... even as sick as her ever-increasing pregnancy was making her. She
insisted on working, at least until the ship reached Starbase 27 --
but after that, Fleet regulations required her to take maternity
leave.

Spock could either take a temporary Starbase teaching job in order to
be nearby if he so wished ... or he could have Christine go to Vulcan
and stay with Sarek and Amanda until their child was born. Kirk had no
idea what Spock's plans were since his friend had not yet confided in
him, but he *was* certain that whatever Spock decided, it would be the
best and most logical course of action for all concerned.

Kirk also hoped that he could somehow manage to keep the out-spoken
Chief Surgeon out of Spock's vicinity until then. In the latter's
present condition (or more accurately, his Terran wife's present
condition), anything could -- and probably would -- happen, especially
if McCoy got anywhere near Spock and made a tactless remark at this
most crucial time. Spock still wasn't used to being a married man with
a pregnant wife, so he had to be treated with kid gloves.

"Are you all right, Spock?"

The Vulcan raised a surprised eyebrow. "Of course, Captain. Why do you
ask?"

"Just concerned. Bones can be a real pain sometimes, even though he
means well. Don't let him get to you."

"He is Human, Captain, and therefore illogical -- so I have trained
myself to tolerate him. Is there anything else you wish to say?"

"I guess not. Carry on, Spock."

The two friends exchanged a secret smile, resuming their previous
activities after Spock quietly thanked Kirk for getting McCoy off his
back when the Captain wandered over. "Any time. Now get back to work.
I want to know everything you can find out about Delta 459 by the time
we reach Starbase 27."

Spock nodded understandingly and turned back to his Science console,
within minutes once again engrossed in the wonders of Delta 459.

---

Christine was officially relieved of duty within 24 hours of the
Enterprise's arrival at Starbase 27. She checked with Administration
for available doctors, discovering to her shock and delight that an
old friend of hers -- also a renowned physician -- had recently been
assigned to the Starbase with her husband of twenty years.

The two women had been roommates and friends all through Starfleet
Academy and nursing school. Upon completion of nursing school,
Christine obtained a Ph.D. in biochemistry while Anita went on to
medical school. Barely a year after obtaining her M.D. degree, Anita
had married and had twins. Christine had no idea how her friend had
managed to juggle a career, marriage and children.

She frankly envied the other woman that ability since she herself had
been obliged to forego marriage and children in favor of her career.
Maybe Anita could give her some tips, since she would need all the
help she could get in order to learn to juggle those three things
herself. No mean feat, since each was a full-time job in itself, even
in the 23rd century.

The Medical Complex was three floors up from Administration; she
stepped into the nearby turbolift. "Medical Complex." Christine
stepped off moments later, pleased to see hustle and bustle, but
hoping nothing was seriously wrong. What would Anita look like after
twenty years? Probably as beautiful as she always had. Christine had
always felt like a wallflower next to her, but not as often nowadays.
Not since her own marriage. And marriage to the man who had been the
most elusive romantic prize in the known Galaxy to boot!

She smiled to herself. *After all, Spock loves me, so I must be worth
something. Just knowing he is mine and that I am carrying his child
makes me the happiest, luckiest woman in the galaxy!* With that happy
thought in mind, Christine set off in search of her old friend.

---

Upon reaching Anita's office, Christine informed the young secretary
that she was an old friend of Dr. Rogerson's and wished to surprise
her. The girl smiled understandingly, but claimed that Dr. Rogerson
required an appointment made well in advance, even by the Commodore
himself. Christine assured her that that was another reason she was
here (McCoy had called ahead for her) before letting herself in.

Christine found her friend treating another patient in one of several
treatment rooms. The doctor said, "I'll be right with you," upon
hearing the outer door open and close. *At least she still sounds the
same,* Christine thought. *I wonder if she still looks the same.*

Anita Rogerson came out to face her visitor once her other patient
departed. Christine's eyes widened in surprise at seeing how little
her friend had changed. Anita's brown eyes widened like saucers as she
grasped the other woman's shoulders. "Chris! Oh my God, Chris! Is it
really you?" The women embraced warmly. "I can't tell you how
wonderful it is to see you. It's been so long! What brings you here?"

"I need a checkup, for one thing."

"Sure thing -- but what about Leonard? Aren't you two still serving on
the Enterprise? By the way, just how *is* my old flame?"

"He said he would be indisposed for a while and suggested I check to
see if I knew anyone here who would do a checkup on me. As far as I
know, he's fine. We arrived here yesterday for extended shore leave.
Haven't you seen him yet?"

Dr. Rogerson shook her head. "You must tell him to drop by the first
chance he gets."

"Will do. Now can we get on with the checkup?"

"Of course -- but what do you need it for?"

"You must really have been buried here not to have heard about Spock
and me getting married."

The other woman's jaw dropped. "What did you say? Run that by me
again."

"Spock and I are married."

"*You* -- and Spock? You're kidding! How'd you ever manage that? He's
always been the most elusive romantic prize in the known Galaxy! I've
lost count of how many women have tried to land him ... so what you've
done ranks right up there with walking on water or raising the dead. A
bonafide miracle. You *must* tell me how you did it!"

"I wish I knew -- then I could help others in the same situation."

"My friend, I believe I can safely say that you're now the envy of
every marriageable woman in the known galaxy. God knows Vulcans are
attractive enough, but getting one to admit to love when they don't
believe in expressing emotions..."

"With Spock, it was as much an emotional decision as a logical one,
but he'd never admit that. Not willingly, anyway. He's always hidden
his feelings behind a wall of logic ... but I am happy to say that
I've finally gotten *behind* that wall."

"Hooray for you -- though it couldn't have been easy, as cold as that
bunch is most of the time."

Christine smiled knowingly. "That's what you think. At least about
*this* Vulcan, anyway. Spock is every bit as passionate as a Human
male ... as well as more loving, tender and considerate."

Anita Rogerson eyed her friend's radiant face incredulously. "But you
once swore to me that you'd *never* fall in love with an alien --
especially not a Vulcan!"

"That was before I met Spock ... and he isn't alien. At least not
entirely, and that's made him the exception to the rule for as long as
I've known him."

"He must be, to get you, the original immovable object, to change your
mind."

"You don't know the half of it, old friend."

"How long have you been married?"

"About two weeks."

"And you're pregnant already? What did you do, have him take a double
dose of Spanish fly or something?"

Christine glared indignantly. "Certainly not. For Heaven's sake, what
a thing to say! Besides, even if it worked on Vulcans -- which I doubt
-- Spock doesn't need it."

"Then how'd you do it?"

"Passionately. Beautifully."

"Chris, what did you *do*?"

"It was Spock's idea, actually."

"I can't believe it. Vulcans don't do that."

"I didn't believe it myself at first. After all, it's not exactly what
they're noted for."

"So tell me what happened, for pity's sake! Spit it out -- don't keep
me in suspense!"

But Christine found herself stammering and blushing, barely able to
utter a coherent word. After five embarrassing minutes, Anita assured
her it was all right. "Don't worry, I understand if you can't explain.
It happens to the best of us. I still remember how *I* blushed and
stammered trying to explain about *my* pregnancy. After several
mortifying attempts, I finally quit trying."

"I'm glad I'm not the only one. Hopefully I'll be able to tell you the
whole story one day. It really is 'fascinating,' as my ever-logical
husband would say. I'm getting far enough along so I can't work in
deep space any more, so as of 1400 hours yesterday, I'm officially on
maternity leave."

"How far along are you?"

"Approximately six weeks -- and after this shore leave, I'll have to
decide where to spend the remainder of my pregnancy. If I don't, Spock
will. It might be here, on Earth or on Vulcan ... wherever he decides
I would be safest. In the latter case, I would stay with his parents
until our child is born, then rejoin him at the first opportunity."

"You don't sound too happy about that."

"I'm not." Christine sighed unhappily. "I'd much rather be with Spock,
even as lovely as his parents are ... but he says it's illogical for
me to risk my life or that of our child in deep space when I could be
safe on Earth or Vulcan."

"He has a point, though I can certainly understand your wanting to
stay with him, particularly now that you're expecting a child."

"Will you be here for me in the event Spock elects to remain here?"

"You know it. What does he plan to do if you stay here?"

"Teach computer science or something, probably."

"That reminds me of what Bob and I did when the twins were born. He
took a temporary teaching job on Starbase 11, which was where we were
at the time. That arrangement sufficed until I was back on my feet.
When I did return to work, it was only part-time while the children
were growing up. I've gone back to full-time now that they're grown,
but I don't know what I'd have done if Bob hadn't pitched in when they
were small." Dr. Rogerson paused for breath. "Do you think Spock would
do that for your child?"

"I'm fairly certain he would, but we'll have to wait and see. I
certainly hope so, because I want to get back to work as soon as
possible after our child is born."

"He'd understand that."

"Not only that -- he'd consider it only logical."

The doctor smiled and nodded as she checked the bio-comp readings near
the head of Christine's diagnostic bed. "Do you think you'll ever be
separated from each other or your child for any appreciable length of
time?"

"Not if I can help it."

The other woman sighed deeply. "Well, your pregnancy seems to be going
well so far, considering the differences between Vulcan and Human
physiology, but things might get touchy later on because of it and you
may need medication ... perhaps even hospitalization."

"Neither Leonard nor M'Benga seemed to think so -- and if anyone knows
Vulcan physiology, it's M'Benga. He's helped to save Spock's life at
least twice."

"Well, there's always the possibility of my being wrong, but one can
never tell about the future."

"You said it." Christine got off the diagnostic bed, methodically
straightening her clothing once on her feet.

"Everything's fine -- for now. I only pray it stays that way, for your
sake ... and Spock's. God knows he certainly deserves a happy marriage
and beautiful child."

The two women walked out into the deserted waiting area. "I intend to
see that he gets both."

"Oh yes, Chris. Do keep me posted on what you decide to do. Bob and I
could take care of you all if you stay. And did I tell you that Bob
has also studied Vulcan physiology? In fact, he's second only to
M'Benga when it comes to knowing them inside and out. That would mean
two -- potentially three -- less patients for Leonard and M'Benga to
worry about."

"That's great. Spock will be pleased ... and I'll let you know what I
find out." The friends embraced again at the doctor's door.

"Give my best to Leonard when you see him -- and don't forget to tell
him to drop by and see me. And give my regards to Spock too. He has to
be one hell of a guy to land you. I hope he realizes how lucky he is."

"I think he does, though I doubt he'd say it in exactly those terms.
Vulcans don't believe in luck, either."

"If anyone could make him believe in luck, you could -- particularly
after all the two of you have surely had to endure in order to get to
this point."

"That's not luck, that's a miracle."

"Whatever it is, what counts is that you're finally together."

"And we'll stay that way if I have anything to say about it."

Anita laughed. "And there's no doubt in my mind that you have plenty!"
They embraced one last time. "See you later, Chris. God bless you and
Spock always."

Christine then left to return to the quarters assigned her and Spock
for a romantic evening alone with her new husband.

---

It wasn't until the following morning that Christine remembered her
promise. She had had more important things on her mind ... as well as
the rest of her! Spock had proven himself a most willing and apt pupil
of her lessons in love. Not that he needed much instruction; it just
seemed to come naturally to him, especially now that they were
married.

He was as proper as ever in public, finger-crossing and a smile being
the furthest he would go as far as showing affection was concerned --
but it was entirely different matter come bedtime. Who would have
believed a Vulcan capable of such tenderness or passion? Christine
looked forward with eager anticipation to whenever she and her new
husband were alone together behind closed *and locked* doors.

One would have thought Spock had not only just discovered the
pleasures of physical love, but invented them! Privacy seemed to make
him an entirely different person. She doubted she would ever get
enough of him (or vice versa), especially since he seemed to be making
up for all the years he had denied himself and his love to her.

The pregnancy went well for the most part, but Christine was grateful
to have competent help close at hand in case of emergency. She could
hardly wait until the baby became active, so she could have Spock put
a hand or cheek on her rounded belly ... maybe even stroke or kiss it.

With that end in mind, she redoubled her efforts, but had no intention
of making further changes in him. All he needed was some loosening up.
Her efforts so far had yielded most satisfactory (and satisfying)
results, so she saw no need to improve on them very much. He was
nearly perfect anyway, so her efforts merely helped complete the job
Spock himself had begun.

---

Christine hoped she would find McCoy in the Starbase dining room as
she headed there to have some herbal tea, her main drink other than
milk and mineral water since learning of her pregnancy. Hopefully he
wouldn't be too hung-over to appreciate the news she had for him. She
had always secretly suspected that Leonard still carried a torch for
Anita, since the women he had subsequently been involved with
invariably resembled her in some way.

Christine had no trouble locating her colleague even though the room
was nearly full. The object of her search sat a table halfway across
the room, a large pot of coffee at his elbow and a steaming cup in
hand. She made herself the herbal tea and joined him, greeting him in
her softest voice since anything above a whisper seemed a shout to him
when he had a hangover.

"Hello, Leonard. I'm glad I finally caught up with you."

McCoy looked at her with a wan imitation of a smile. His blue eyes
were bloodshot, brown hair steaked with grey and rumpled. His lined
face sported two days' beard growth and he smelled like a wino. "Oh,
hello, Chris. Good to see you -- the three of you -- though I'm afraid
I'm not much company right now. Oh dear God, my *head*! Why did I have
that last glass of Saurian brandy?"

"Haven't you taken anything to offset the effects of the brandy?"

"Of course I have, for God's sake. All I dare take ... but my head
still feels like it's going to split wide open if I so much as breathe
heavy. If this pain keeps up, I'm gonna have to knock myself out." His
teeth dug into his lower lip. "That'll teach me to have that last one
for the road, won't it?"

Christine doubted it, but kept her opinion to herself. "I'm sure glad
Spock isn't here to see this. He'd have a field day!" McCoy rubbed his
throbbing temples in a vain attempt to relieve the pain in his head.
"What was it you wanted to see me about?"

"Anita Rogerson's here. She was assigned three weeks ago."

The news hit the hung-over doctor like the proverbial ton of bricks.
"Anita's here? Now? Oh my God, of all times!"

"Leonard, she's a doctor, as we are. I went to see her for my checkup.
When I told her we were here for a month, she said to have you stop by
at your first opportunity."

McCoy finished the large cup of coffee before him and poured another,
taking a generous swig, which seemed to strengthen him enough to give
Christine a real smile. "Oh, I'll go all right," he remarked wryly.
"Provided I survive the night."

"You will."

"At this point, that is debatable -- but let's put that aside for now.
It's been twenty-two years since I last seen Anita. How is she? Still
as beautiful as ever?" Christine's silence made McCoy give his friend
and colleague a concerned look. "She still makes you feel like a
wallflower, I take it."

Christine nodded with a wry grin after taking a generous swallow of
her tea.

"Don't sell yourself short, Chris. You're a damn attractive woman.
Remember, Spock loves you as you are ... and he's a tough customer. If
you can pass *his* inspection, you could pass anybody's."

"Thanks, Leonard; I needed that. You'll go see Anita, then?"

"I wouldn't miss seeing that lovely lady for anything in the universe.
Where is she now?"

"Three floors up in the Medical Complex. You can spruce up and go see
her later -- if you feel up to it, that is."

"Just the idea of seeing her again makes me feel better. Thanks for
letting me know."

"Any time. I've got to go now. I'm to meet Spock in a few minutes and
you know what a stickler he is for punctuality."

"I'm well aware of Spock's idiosyncrasies, thank you. Get going before
he comes after you." The doctor managed another smile and gave
Christine a friendly push to send her on her way. After watching her
leave, McCoy settled down to finish his cup of coffee and prepare to
see Anita again. That is, if any man could truly be prepared to see
her.

Her beauty hit a man right in the heart ... and she was just as lovely
personality-wise as she was physically. It wouldn't surprise him if
she was even more beautiful than when he had last seen her over twenty
years ago, whereas all he had to show for those years was more grey
and wrinkles. Even when he'd been younger and fairly attractive, he
had wondered what she'd seen in him ... though he would have married
her in a minute had it not been for his being in the middle of his
nasty divorce battle.

Of course, he really couldn't expect such a lovely, sought-after woman
to wait for him when she could have her pick of men. He hadn't blamed
her for being swept off her feet when the handsome and distinguished
Robert Louis Rogerson, physician *extraordinaire,* had married her
after a whirlwind courtship of only two weeks.

It had been the most talked-about wedding in Starfleet history until
Spock and Chris's wedding two weeks ago. As far as he knew, Anita was
still happily married to Rogerson after twenty years and two children
-- twins, a boy (Robert Louis, Jr.) and a girl (Jessica Elizabeth),
both now nineteen and currently attending Starfleet Academy. Her
pregnancy barely three weeks after her marriage had been
unprecedented, but not really surprising.

He had always considered Robert Rogerson the epitome of all a doctor,
and man, should be ... and if anyone had told Leonard McCoy that he
was just as much a legend, had just as much going for him, he would
have been flattered but skeptical. McCoy had never had a high opinion
of himself, especially not where his ability to attract women was
concerned, so he was always pleasantly surprised when one gravitated
to him instead of Jim or Spock.

*I guess that attitude comes from hanging around them so long,* he
told himself. *Those two have always attracted women like flowers
attract bees ... though in Spock's case, it was usually unintentional.
He avoided romantic relationships whenever possible -- they're
illogical, you know. But when a beautiful, determined lady like Chris
sets her cap for him, not even a Vulcan is safe. However, from all
indications, he seems to be enjoying himself immensely -- actually
seemed to *want* to be caught! I've never seen him happier. Chris,
either ... especially now that they're expecting a child.*

McCoy had always secretly thought Spock and Christine a strikingly
handsome couple, and was pleased that she had finally managed to
hogtie him. And speaking of children... His weathered face broke into
a tender smile at the thought of his lovely Jo, the one good thing
that had come out of his disastrous first marriage. She was the one
creature he loved most dearly in all the universe, the only reason he
had for living aside from his work and friends aboard ship.

The doctor shook himself roughly. Enough sentimentality. Anita was
back in his life, so it was time to knuckle down and figure out the
best way to deal with that fact.

---

As it turned out, McCoy had to take a large dose of sleeping
medication. He felt fairly decent in the morning, but his head still
hurt a little and his stomach was somewhat queasy, his mouth still
feeling stuffed with cotton. Maybe if he took some aspirin with a
swallow of water, then a dry piece of salted toast to settle his
stomach, he would be able to get through the day and actually enjoy
his visit.

After leaving his assigned quarters, the doctor headed for the
turbolift which would take him to the Medical Complex. He looked at
the wall chrono before stepping inside. 1505. Would he miss her again
after all the years of swearing he never would if he had a second
chance? That would be the pits after all the time he'd been without
her.

He was nearly to her office when he saw a willowy woman come out and
walk toward him. Her silver-blonde hair and brown eyes were familiar.
Could it be--? He quickened his pace. The woman seemed to quicken hers
as well ... or was it his imagination? The fortyish blonde lifted her
head and spotted him. For a moment she seemed to look straight through
him, then her eyes widened.

"Leonard?"

"Anita?"

Both nodded at the mention of their names, flinging themselves into
each other's arms as they laughed and cried at the same time. "Anita
-- Oh my God, Anita! I can't believe it's really you! It's been so
long!"

"Too long." He held and kissed her, thrilled by her eager response.
"It's wonderful to see you again, Leonard. Thank God for Chris,
bringing us together again after so many years apart!"

The happy pair linked arms and walked off to the Starbase dining room,
selecting a sequestered booth and ordering drinks (non-alcoholic) upon
arrival. It seemed only moments they were together, but in reality
over two hours went by as they relieved their past lives: work,
marriages, children. They touched continually, scarcely able to
believe that the other was really there.

"You're still as lovely as ever."

"You always were such a charming liar, Leonard." Anita stroked McCoy's
cheek with a finger that stopped on his lips, which promptly kissed
it.

"You're an even more charming one." He gave her a warm smile. "You
haven't changed a bit."

He eventually managed to steer the conversation around to why she had
married so quickly after their breakup.

The beautiful middle-aged blonde sighed sadly. "Rebound, I guess. I
was weak, vulnerable -- easy prey for any man with a handsome face and
smooth line. Every man I saw reminded me of you in some way. No matter
how hard I fought to relegate you to my past, I never stopped loving
you, Leonard. Our breakup nearly killed me. If it hadn't been for Bob,
I'd probably be six feet under by now. He literally saved my life and
I'll always be grateful to him for that.

"As I recall, that was part of the reason I accepted his proposal. It
certainly wasn't because I loved him. He's been a faithful husband, a
loving father, and I've become very fond of him ... but as I said, I
don't love him. You're the only man I've ever needed or wanted! It's
been Hell having to live with the fact that I love you, but can never
have you -- at least not as I would *like* to have you -- for 22 years
... but it would have been an even worse Hell if I hadn't had it to
sustain me."

McCoy held Anita's hands tightly and kissed them. "Oh, dear God,
Anita! If only I could have known!"

"I never lied to Bob, simply told him the truth straight out. He
deserved that much, at least. He said he loved me and would do his
best to make me forget you. If you'd been anyone else, it would have
worked -- but I still love you and he knows it.

"At one point we even discussed divorce, but after 20 years, the
children would never understand ... nor would it change matters as far
as you and I were concerned, since you would be gone again on the
Enterprise. Your work and friends aboard her would always take you
away from me, no matter how many wonderful shore leaves we had. When
one loves as I do, only a lifetime commitment -- marriage -- will
satisfy the craving inside me. The craving for you, a life together
*with you* ... to be Mrs. Leonard McCoy!"

He raised her hand to his cheek, voice laced with regret. "If
circumstances were different, I'd marry you tomorrow -- but I have too
many obligations already. Too much else to consider ... "

Anita's brown eyes brimmed over with tears as she placed a finger on
his lips to silence him. "Don't you think I know that? So do I!
Sometimes I think the Vulcans have the right idea, outlawing emotions.
They're nothing but trouble, especially when you must endure the pain
of loving someone you can never have because obligations keep you
apart -- will always keep you apart -- and there's not a damn thing
you can do to change it!"

Her voice broke and her head lowered onto the table, her slender
shoulders shaking with sobs. McCoy wished he could have come up with
something perfect to say, something which would end her flood of
tears. There was a painful lump the size of Georgia in his throat as
tears misted his own eyes.

"Anita, I'm so sorry. I can't tell you how sorry ... or how much I
wish to God things could be different for us. I've never stopped
loving *you*, either. No woman has ever been able to equal you. I came
to see you after Chris said you were here, hoping we could talk,
visit, and enjoy each other again -- but we're both in tears instead.
Helluva way to have a reunion!"

The silver-blonde head came up, the cheeks flushed red and brown eyes
swollen from crying. McCoy moved to hold her, brushing her tousled
hair out of her eyes and kissing her tears away. "Maybe we should
never have seen each other again," he murmured against her hair. "Not
if something like this was going to happen. The last thing I wanted
was to make you cry."

His companion squared her shoulders and managed a watery smile. "Don't
talk like a fool, Leonard. I couldn't be happier being with you again,
22 years or no 22 years separation! I'm just a sentimental idiot,
that's all."

"That makes two of us ... but while we can, I intend to see that we
have one whiz-bang of a time together! Are you with me?"

"Count on it." Anita squeezed him and she once again settled her head
on his shoulder after the couple shared another kiss.

---

By the time shore leave ended, the two could hardly bear to be
separated ... but even as much as both deplored the idea, they knew it
was necessary. It was a powerful temptation to ignore the very real
barrier of her marriage and have a physical relationship, but both
knew they mustn't. Consequently, they never did any more than hold
hands, each other, or kiss.

All the same, their time together had been precious and beautiful,
bringing them closer than they had ever been emotionally, if not
physically. It was all of this that Leonard McCoy would take with him
-- the time of his life he knew he would never forget ... or the way
they had said goodbye, embracing and kissing passionately.

Anita clung to him, uncaring of the eyes upon them. "Leonard, my
darling, please don't let it be another 22 years before we see each
other again. These last few weeks with you have been heavenly, and I
will always cherish them in my heart."

"You'll see me again -- and we'll have a *lot* of wonderful times
together. I guarantee it!" He held her warm, scented sweetness close
to him, only reluctantly releasing her when the loudspeaker called for
all Enterprise crewmembers to beam up. He met Jim in the transporter
room; his close friend and superior looked just as happy as he himself
felt, even as much as he had hated leaving Anita.

Kirk smiled. "Ready to get back to the old grind, Bones?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," McCoy replied as the two men stepped onto the
transporter platform with other crewmembers. The Captain looked his
friend over carefully, a knowing smile crossing his lips and an
equally knowing look coming into his hazel eyes.

"Haven't seen you since we got here a month ago, Bones. You must have
really kept yourself well-occupied. Was she an old flame?"

McCoy looked surprised but nodded. He never *could* keep anything from
Jim!

Kirk smiled wistfully. "I met one, too. Hated to leave -- but at the
same time, I can't wait to get back to our other old flame, the
Enterprise, and our work aboard her. Look out, Enterprise, here we
come!" the Captain joked, both men chuckling as the Captain told the
transporter operator to energize. The pair vanished, along with five
other crewmembers, in a glare of golden light and sparkles after the
operator's hand pushed the levers up.

---

Christine hurried to meet her husband at their pre-arranged rendezvous
since her wrist chrono said she had less than five minutes to go ...
and Spock always raised a disapproving eyebrow if she was even *one*
minute late. It had been tolerable before their marriage, but now that
she was a Vulcan wife, she was expected to behave in accordance with
proper Vulcan tradition -- at least in public.

At precisely 1330, she reached the Starbase Rec Room where Spock
waited at a table for two, forcing herself to walk in slowly after
taking a deep breath ... with the dignity befitting her new status.
Spock gave a half-smile of approval upon noting his wife's prompt
arrival. "Your punctuality is most gratifying, my wife. Come, sit
down. I wish to tell you my decision."

They crossed fingers once she was comfortably situated, then he
steepled his hands and took a deep breath. "I have given the matter
careful consideration. It is most logical for us to remain here for
the remainder of your pregnancy, since you have a friend stationed
here who is a doctor and could care for you. Her husband knows Vulcan
physiology, so he could care for me -- and our child too, if
necessary. They will need our medical records from Sickbay and we will
need to beam our belongings down, but other than that, we are prepared
for any eventuality."

Christine knew it wouldn't be easy for either of them to be away from
the Enterprise for six months, since so much of their lives had been
lived aboard her, but it was necessary. "Have you spoken with the
Captain about this?"

"He said Mr. Chekov and Mr. Sulu could fill in for me until we
return."

"What will you do while we're here?"

"I have accepted a temporary teaching assignment as computer science
instructor until the Enterprise is in this sector again. The Captain
said that would be approximately stardate 8451.08."

Christine sighed deeply in relief. "I'm sure glad to hear that."

Her husband raised a surprised eyebrow.

"I mean that you'll be here with me. I don't think I would care to be
without you for six months."

The Vulcan once again extended two fingers to cross with those of his
wife. "I doubt I could have been without *you* for six months,
either."

---

Christine couldn't believe how rapidly the six months passed. It
hardly seemed possible that it was already stardate 8450.94. The
Enterprise would return in approximately two weeks and the baby arrive
in approximately one -- that is, if Leonard's (and her
own)calculations were accurate. She was ungainly now, having to walk
slowly and rest frequently, wear loose clothing and rubber-soled shoes
... not to mention needing assistance when getting up from either a
sitting or prone position.

There had been only one problem with her pregnancy (something having
to do with blood factors), but medication corrected it. Spock planned
to write his parents after the birth, advising his wife to contact her
own since it was "only logical" that grandparents would want to know
every possible detail about their grandchildren.

---

Labor pains began just after Christine completed her work as a
part-time receptionist on stardate 8451.01. She had been about to step
out the door when they struck full-force. She managed to make it to
the couch in the waiting room and call to her friend, who came
running.

"Is it time, Chris?"

"I believe so," she replied just before another pain struck so hard
that it took her breath away.

"Where's Spock now?"

"Teaching his 1600 hours class."

"I can page him if you like," the doctor offered while helping Chris
into the delivery room and making her comfortable on the birthing bed.

"No, I'll do it," she replied, instinctively reaching out for her
husband with her mind. She had probably confused Anita by saying that,
but there was no time to explain now. Labor was progressing twice as
fast as usual -- probably due to the child being part Vulcan -- so she
needed Spock as soon as he could arrive.

The class was in the midst of discussing the intricacies of the
latest, most sophisticated computer equipment and components (many of
which Spock himself had devised) when the Vulcan felt a sharp pain in
his mind and his wife's mind-voice in his head. *Spock, the baby's
coming. I need you!*

He projected reassurance and love through their bond. *Understood, my
wife. I will be there shortly.* But even as he was trying to think of
a way to tell the class, a white-garbed messenger came in. "My
apologies for disturbing you in the middle of your class, Mr. Spock,
but I have a message for you."

Spock quickly scanned the handwritten note given him.


*Spock:

Urgent that you report to the Medical Complex immediately. Chris has
gone into labor and is asking for you.

Anita Rogerson, M.D.*


Spock quietly told the messenger to call for another instructor to
take over his class since he had important personal business
elsewhere, then left the room with his usual Vulcan dignity. The
dignified facade dropped like discarded clothing as the Vulcan took to
his heels once the classroom door closed behind him.

His black cloak flew as he rushed to the turbolift at the other end of
the hallway, oblivious to the wide-eyed stares of students and staff
alike. All he knew was that he had to get to Christine. Upon reaching
the 'lift, he fought impatience as it seemingly crawled upward. When
it finally arrived, he walked as rapidly as he dared to Dr. Rogerson's
office, just a short distance away.

Upon reaching his destination, Spock softly knocked to catch Dr.
Rogerson's attention. She stepped out of the room and jerked her head,
motioning him to come in, pointing to a sterile gown, mask and gloves.
He removed his cloak and quickly donned the sterile clothing
indicated, stepping to his wife's side a moment later.

Christine's eyes were full of love and pain as she struggled to give
birth, though she tried to smile when she saw him. Spock put one
thinly gloved hand on his wife's face, making his mind one with hers
and soothing the worst of her pain with a healing meld. *I am here,
beloved. Relax, breathe deeply, and push only when necessary. I will
take away your pain.*

*Thank God, you're here, Spock. I'll be fine now.* The pain in his
face increased as labor continued. Christine wished she hadn't had to
inflict it on him. It was cool in the room, but her face became wet
with perspiration and her hair stringy. Spock reached with his free
hand to find a cool, wet washcloth on the nearby instrument table.

Still keeping his right hand on her face, he wiped it carefully with
the cloth in his left. Christine managed a smile in the midst of the
pain; Spock's breath caught in his throat at the tenderness in her
eyes. How could he ever have taken so long to realize what a priceless
gem she was? Even now she was thinking of him, not herself.

Dr. Rogerson's urgent summons jolted him back to reality. "Spock. Down
here. Quickly."

The female doctor stood at the other end of the table where Christine
lay, waiting for something -- and he saw what when he arrived at her
side. The child's head was visible. She had Spock move the bed to a
semi-reclining position, then the doctor's gloved hands gently worked
the baby out. Even at this stage, he could see that the child had a
mat of dark brown hair and the ears were perfect miniatures of his
own. The shoulders came out after Christine pushed hard one more time,
biting her lip as another contraction hit. "Spock ... "

"Get back there," the doctor commanded. Spock again placed a hand on
his wife's face in another healing meld after a kiss on her forehead.

*It is all right, my wife. The child will arrive very soon now.*

*Just as long as I have your touch, my husband.* Moments later, he
felt her give one last push and it was over. Spock watched silently as
the doctor placed the newborn on his mother's belly, cutting the
umbilicus before delivering the afterbirth and giving the infant his
first bath. She washed and scrubbed him vigorously, prompting a
healthy, lusty cry.

Five minutes later the doctor turned back to Spock, holding a blue
bundle in her arms. "Spock, come see your child," she called. For a
moment the Vulcan seemed rooted to the spot beside his wife, but now
that her breathing was even and pain-free, he stepped to where Dr.
Rogerson stood.

She held the child out to him. He hesitated momentarily, then took the
baby from her, cautiously moving the blanket aside to see the face of
his first-born. From what he could see, it was a miniature of his own,
but he was uncertain what color eyes the baby had since the lids were
tightly closed. He looked up at the doctor.

"The child is male," she said. "You have a son, Spock."

The Vulcan's right eyebrow lifted, then he shocked Dr. Rogerson by
giving her a smile. "Thank you, Doctor."

She smiled back. "You and Chris did the work. I only delivered him."

Spock looked back with concern at his sleeping wife. "Is my wife going
to be all right?"

"There's nothing wrong with her that sleep won't cure. Having a baby
takes a lot out of a woman, so she'll sleep well into tomorrow."

The Vulcan returned the child to the doctor, then leaned down and
kissed his wife on the forehead once the doctor had turned her back
before taking his leave. The doctor called someone at the Starbase
hospital and transferred Christine to a private room there, deciding
to carry the baby to the nursery herself.

---

Spock was sitting beside her bed when Christine awakened around 1400
the next afternoon. She called out his name, instinctively reaching
for his hand. Their fingers crossed in the customary manner. "Spock,
are you really here, or am I dreaming?"

"I am here, my wife. Our child has been born. We have a son."

She smiled, still half-asleep, as he gave her a gentle kiss. "I'm so
glad. I wanted so much to give you a son."

Pain stabbed at the Vulcan at the thought of the son he had never had
the chance to know, instruct and nurture as a father should. The pain
of loss stabbed even more deeply at the thought of the mother of that
child, his beautiful Zarabeth. He had known her for but a short time,
but nonetheless had come to love her deeply.

If only she could have returned with him and McCoy when they had
returned to their own time! He had had to cover up his deep pain and
grief at parting by cold-bloodedly declaring that he was back in every
way, and besides which, Zarabeth was dead and buried centuries ago.
McCoy's baleful glare had said, "I can't believe that even you could
be so cold-blooded, Spock!"

He still hurt for them both, most profoundly, deep inside himself, in
a secret corner of his well-guarded but still far too tender heart.
Christine saw the pain in his eyes and put a hand to his cheek.

"I'm sorry, Spock. That must still be a soft spot for you."

He put a finger to her lips, which she kissed. "Indeed ... but let us
speak no further of it."

"After all, you have me now. We have a new son of our own. You have
been given a second chance."

He smiled for her alone, their fingers crossed again. "Do you wish to
change the name I have chosen for our son?"

"No, it's fine."

"Then I will tell Dr. Rogerson to make up the birth certificate with
that name. Once we get back to Vulcan, we will register him properly
after first showing him to Mother, Father and T'Lar." Christine nodded
and they kissed, then he brought his fingers to cross with hers again
as he bade her a reluctant farewell.

She would write her parents all about their new grandchild after
having another nap and giving him his breakfast, since there was no
guarantee that she and Spock would be able to visit any time soon with
their son ... though she fully intended to send a family holograph
once they had one made. Two hours and another nap later, the baby was
brought in to her.

"Here's your son, Chris," Anita said with a smile.

Christine smiled tenderly at her child. "And Spock's son. Let me look
at him. I didn't get a chance to before because I fell asleep. I've
waited so long for this moment!" When the tiny boy was placed in his
mother's arms, he waved his own around, small fists tightly clenched
as his feet and legs vigorously kicked the air. She put him to her
breast after opening her nightgown; he settled down and began to
suckle greedily. "Have you ever seen such an appetite, Anita?"

The other woman laughed. "Have I ever! My son liked to drain me dry
before *he* was satisfied!"

"This guy will probably run him a close second. I've never seen such a
lust for life!"

"Pure instinct. Have you named him yet?" Christine told her the name
Spock had chosen. "Appropriate, considering who this little dynamo's
father is. Are you done with him yet?"

Dr. Rogerson put the baby over her shoulder and burped him as
Christine sat up in bed and asked her friend to hand her child back.
She positioned him on her bent legs, lovingly tracing his features
with a finger. "He's the image of Spock, don't you think?"

"Absolutely. He'll probably be just as much a heartbreaker, too!"

"Oh lord, I hope not!"

"I meant that he'll probably be as attractive as Spock, Chris."

"I hope so, because I wouldn't wish what I went through on any one,
least of all a prospective daughter-in-law."

"Here he's just born and already you're marrying him off," Anita
teased.

"Hardly. He's not going to be pressured into an arranged marriage as
Spock was. I'll see to it that he's able to choose his own wife when
the time comes. Thank God Spock's first bonding didn't take. Otherwise
I wouldn't have my beautiful baby now."

After nodding in agreement, the doctor took the child back,
disappearing through the door with him. Christine closed her nightgown
and picked up her cassette of her favorite book *Jane Eyre*, which she
had asked Spock to bring her from home. She settled down to read a
couple of chapters before writing the aforementioned letter to her
parents.

---

Christine was home with the baby three days later. Once Spock had them
all settled in, the new family shared precious, unforgettable private
time alone together for the next four days. The Enterprise arrived in
the mid-afternoon of stardate 8451.08 for another well-deserved shore
leave.

Spock went to greet their friends, then brought them to see her and
the baby. After settling him, she again sat down with her cassette of
*Jane Eyre*, anxious to get back to Jane's romance with Mr. Rochester.
Moments later the door opened to admit Spock, followed by Kirk, McCoy,
Scott and Uhura. Christine carefully stopped the tape, getting up and
going to the living room to greet everyone.

Each received an embrace and kiss after she and Spock had crossed
fingers. "It's wonderful to see you all again, Captain, Leonard,
Scotty, Nyota. We've missed you." Christine sighed as she noted the
expectant looks on their faces. "I suppose that means it's time for me
to go get the new member of the family." She ducked into the bedroom
and picked up her sleeping child from his cradle, carrying him out to
the waiting group. They all gathered around her as she stood in the
center of the room with the baby in her arms. "Oh, Chris, he's
adorable," Uhura gushed. "The image of Spock!"

"Such a bonnie wee bairn ye ha' there, lass," Scott enthused.

"He's beautiful," Kirk said.

"Even if he *does* look like Spock," McCoy joked. "Poor kid."

Everyone gave him strange looks, and for once the doctor was properly
embarrassed. "Just kidding, everybody. He's gorgeous -- and I'm
willing to bet that he'll be just as much a heartbreaker as Spock was.
That is, before you took him out of circulation, Chris."

A little later, Christine took McCoy aside for a private chat while
everyone else was occupied with the baby. At first he was reluctant,
but finally confessed. "Chris, she loves me. I can hardly believe it,
but she loves me ... in spite of her divorce. She said she would
divorce her husband if I said the word, but how could I ask her to
marry me, knowing I'd be gone all the time?"

"That's the silliest, most transparent excuse I've ever heard. There
*is* such a thing as married personnel on a starship, you know."
Christine sighed and stretched before leaning into the refrigerator
for a bottle of Altair water. "Go for it, Leonard. Remember, I once
thought I'd never have Spock, but we're married now and have a child.
If I can do it, so can you."

"You have a point there."

"Of course I do. Now go do it before you lose your nerve."

"The only way I could do it is if I left right now."

"Go, then. I'll make your excuses to the others. Let me know how
things turn out."

"Count on it. See you later."

It was nearly half an hour before McCoy's absence was noticed. Kirk
came into the kitchen where Christine was making drinks. "Where did
Bones go?"

"He said he had some personal business to attend to."

The Captain smiled and winked knowingly. "I see." Kirk helped her
finish making the drinks, then carried the tray back into the living
room where they rejoined the others.

---

Everyone spent a most enjoyable evening, hating to leave but looking
forward to the rest of their leave, promising to visit again soon --
either collectively or individually. The others left after either
kissing or shaking hands with them both, but Kirk lingered a few extra
minutes. "Could I borrow Spock a few minutes? I need to ask him
something."

"Sure, go ahead." The two men stepped out the door; Christine went
into the bedroom and checked the baby again before getting into bed
with her cassette, beginning to read where she'd left off after
positioning the pillows and smoothing the bedcovers over her legs and
feet.

Spock came in twenty minutes later. Within another ten, they had
retired for the night. Once the light was out and Christine was lying
in his arms under warm blankets, she thought of all the years she
would spend with him, see their son grow up -- and God willing (also
her health and duties permitting), have another child before she got
too much older. *A daughter this time,* she prayed. *Maybe even
twins!* Her last waking thought was a mental note to ask Spock what
Kirk had wanted to ask him about at the earliest opportunity.

---

She was only half-awake at 0845 the next morning when Spock first
crossed fingers with and kissed her before leaving to teach his 0900
hours class. Christine curled up in her overstuffed chair after
feeding the baby and changing him, putting on a pretty dressing-gown
over her filmy negligee. The doorbell chimed at 1045.

"Come."

Leonard McCoy stepped in, a Cheshire-cat grin on his face. "Hi,
Chris."

"Nice to see you again, Leonard. What happened with Anita?"

McCoy fairly beamed with happiness. "I'm to be married, Chris -- and I
owe it all to you!"

"It wasn't totally my doing, but congratulations anyway."

"Guess what? Anita's children told her they're all for anything that
makes her happy, though they'll still keep in touch with their father,
as we both want them to. We'll be married once the divorce is final; I
can hardly wait. It's been too long between marriages for me. I'm
writing Jo after I leave here; she'll be thrilled to have a new
mother, brother and sister."

"I'm very happy things worked out for you, Leonard. No one deserves
them more."

"I'd never have had them without you." The two friends embraced
warmly. "Anita's already applied for work aboard the Enterprise; with
her qualifications, she's a cinch to be accepted. After all, we can
always use extra medical help." McCoy sighed happily. "That reminds
me. She asked me to ask you if you would be her matron of honor. She's
too busy tying up loose ends on her divorce, or she'd ask you
herself."

"I'd be honored."

McCoy's next question nearly floored her. "Do you think Spock would be
my best man?"

"You could ask him. I'm sure he would -- but what about the Captain?"

"He's performing the ceremony, just as he did with you and Spock
before we went to Vulcan for the *koon-ut-kal-if-fee*."

Christine was surprised that Leonard would even consider Spock after
the way the latter had treated him where attending their wedding was
concerned. Luckily for Spock, McCoy wasn't one to hold grudges. In
addition, Spock had managed to pull some strings and obtain special
permission for him to be allowed to attend ... after stern lectures
from both her and the Captain, that is. Now that she thought about it,
Kirk couldn't officiate *and* be in the wedding party, too.
"Congratulations, Leonard -- and God bless you both."

"Thanks." McCoy's voice was husky with emotion. After they embraced
again, the supremely happy doctor left.

Christine told her husband the good news upon his arrival home. Spock
was pleased to learn that McCoy had forgiven him and wanted him as his
best man since Jim was to officiate. Even at that, the Vulcan had been
surprised to learn of the Chief Surgeon's imminent marriage -- not to
mention disapproving of the divorce Dr. Rogerson had to obtain from
her first husband. She also asked Spock what Kirk had asked him. The
Vulcan said he had been invited to go camping at Yosemite with Kirk
and McCoy, but had told his friend he could not give him an answer
until he had discussed it with Christine. After all, he had a wife and
child to consider now.

Christine had been to Yosemite some years ago and had never forgotten
its beauty, especially since she had never been able to go again. She
gave Spock permission to go, but admonished him to get holographs and
tell her all about the trip. Spock assured her he would, then said
(after informing Kirk that he would be joining him and McCoy after
all) that they were supposed to leave within the next three days and
would be gone for about the same amount of time.

She wasn't fond of being left alone, especially after just having a
baby, but didn't want to disappoint Spock or his friends. In the end,
she decided to make the most of the time they had left together even
as she helped him prepare for the trip, so she would have some
beautiful memories of her own to relive while he was gone. Hopefully
they would offset much of the wrench of the physical separation, even
as the bond kept them close in mind and heart.

---

It was a lovely wedding, taking place on stardate 8456.10 at 1430
hours in the Enterprise's chapel. Anita was radiant in a silvery-blue
wedding dress; her son gave her away. For once McCoy didn't object to
wearing his dress uniform, surprising both Spock and Christine. Kirk
was in his dress uniform to marry them. Christine could hardly take
her eyes off her husband, also bedecked in his dress uniform.

She wore her second-best dress, a form-fitting, simple white lace
affair over satin, short-sleeved and knee-length. Her white slippers
and opaque hose went perfectly with the dress. She also carried a
nosegay of white rosebuds and wore a tiny diamond tiara in her dark
hair. Her other jewelry was her wedding ring and a delicate gold
necklace with a tiny genuine diamond heart pendant and the IDIC
earrings Spock had given her as a wedding present.

Uhura had been happy to babysit little Sokar James, now almost a month
old, while his parents attended their friends' wedding. She watched it
on the small viewscreen in Spock and Chris's quarters as the baby
slept close by in his cradle. She could scarcely fathom the changes
which had taken place. First Spock had finally fallen in love with
Chris and they had married, then had a child. Now Dr. McCoy was
marrying again and bringing *his* new wife, also a doctor, to serve
aboard the Enterprise with him. What next?

---

The End