A Family United

Spock rode home to the family compound under better circumstances than his initial arrival to Vulcan. His bride beside him was accepted by T'Pau, this time there had been no kal'i'fee. That curse was broken and he felt redeemed. The child bond he never wanted or desired could no longer be used against him. The girl who despised him academically and in their arranged marriage had allowed her jealousy to destroy everything. The fact that he was part Terran had reflected poorly on her, and made her less than in her eyes and those of their people. Truth be told, T'Pring had been attracted to someone else, who then married someone else. She had blamed Spock's family for the disruption, it wasn't his fault, but yet she tortured him for it. Spock glanced at his wife and was grateful she carried none of those traits. He looked forward to their life together and the children they would one day of his fingers grazed her cheek, "My Nyota.'' he whispered inside himself. The one who saved his life from loneliness, the one who settled the two worlds of chaos.

Nyota looked into his eyes "Are you okay? What is on your mind?" she asked him through the bond. He smiled on the inside and rubbed his two fingers against hers as they rode to Sarek's family compound. "Is that what you have on your mind?" Nyota smiled back at him from the inside. Their secret they share. "We will rest first K'diwa."

They have their inner conversation as people observe them. This time it was Saana. She sees the love they project. Leaning back into the seat she just watched them and smiled. Her daughter is happy.

When they drove up to the family compound, it was larger than T'Pau's, several aides were waiting for them. Sarek, Shath, and Amanda, who were ahead of them in another car, were stepping out.

One aide addressed Sarek, "S'haile Sarek, there are messages seeking your attention, addressing concerns of a recent disturbance in the bonds of many people."

"Thank you, we are aware of the situation. I will address them once the family is settled."

"Yes, S'haile I will attend to the luggage."

The aide went to the cars and unloaded Spock's and Nyota luggage, carrying them inside the compound.

Sarek went to speak to his son.

T'Pau will address Vulcan High Command about the earlier disturbance. Take care of your wife's needs and we will see you at end meal."

Sarek held up his ta'al to both of them, then escorted his wife. Spock touched fingers with Nyota and followed.

Shath was standing next to Saana and waited, she looked up at him and didn't know what to say.

"With your permission Saana, I can escort you inside the compound. I will walk by your side."

Letting her know that he won't touch her.

She looked up at Shath into his deep brown eyes and said, "Sure."

They started to walk at a slow pace. "I want to offer my apologies for my conduct. Sarek has explained that I was disrespecting you with my intentions."

"Apology accepted. I wasn't aware that Vulcan culture was so complex, and I would like to offer my apologies if I gave you the wrong intention of a relationship."

"Apology accepted. Perhaps, in the future, we could come to an understanding of our relationship."

"That would be nice Shath."

"Your daughter has the attributes and features of her mother."

Saana felt embarrassed and her cheeks warmed. "Thank you, many have said that Nyota favors me."

They both stopped at the entrance and Shath looked down into her large brown eyes.

"I will leave you to your family. I will seek your presence at end-meal at T'Pau's. Good day, Saana Uhura." Shath bowed his head and left for his home.

Saana walked inside, thinking life has become difficult for her when it came to men. But exuberant that her daughter is with her. Amanda waited for Saana at the entrance.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yes, Shath and I have come to an understanding."

"That's good, I'm going to assist Sarek. It appears that Spock has carried the katras of the destroyed starship, the Intrepid, for many years. Katras are called souls or spirits of a person."

"Really, how does that happen?"

"It usually happens to the next of kin. Spock somehow retrieved them all, and priests or relatives will seek them out to place them in Vulcan's sacred cave, the Hall of Katras."

"Wow, this will would definitely be a great research opportunity. I am interested in observing, if it's allowed?" asked Saana.

Amanda shook her head slowly, "I don't think so. It's deeply personal. A Vulcan practice that, if published outside of Vulcan, will show disrespect to their culture."

"Yes, I respect all cultures."

"Come on Saana, I will make tea for us while Spock and Nyota recover from this ordeal."

"Okay."

The two women walked into the kitchen and prepared tea.

Meanwhile in Sarek's office; Sarek and Sevel are listening to Vulcan High Command and two Healers from the Science Division.

"Sarek, we felt a disturbance in the universal bond, a ripple effect that all of Vulcan felt. Especially those who had lost family on the Intrepid. Can you explain?" asked Suter

Sarek could only stare and not respond.

"One of our healers had indicated that the katras of the Intrepid had returned. The only person return to Vulcan recently is Commander Spock. Is there a correlation?"

Healer Tekev looked at Sarek for an answer.

Sarek only gave a blank stare into the monitor.

For a Vulcan Suter gave a troubling look. "Your lack of response troubles us."

"I am processing your information." stated Sarek.

Suter asked again, "Our healers are interested in the manner in which the katras have arrived and how."

"You are correct that Commander Spock and his wife have arrived recently. They are here concerning family matters, and family matters, only according to T'Pau."

"We are aware of the upcoming wedding reception on Altair VI, but this is another matter that has arisen. We seek knowledge of it." stated Suter.

"It was clear that Healer Tekav, who was present at his arrival this morning, he indicated his greeting was harsh." stated Healer Voris.

"It was explained to Healer Tekav and Commissioner Sudoc that Spock's return was a family matter."

"Is it not Vulcan that is financing his reception, are we banished from his arrival?" asked Suter.

"The reception is four point five days away. That is what the commissioner has financed, not my familial intrapersonal interactions."

Such insolence is unnecessary Sarek, we merely seek to determine if there is a correlation of Spock's arrival to Vulcan with the recent arrival of the katras." Suter stated with firmness.

"I can not confirm or deny any correlation at this time, if you refer your questions tomorrow I will have more information."

Sarek commanded the com-link off. At that moment Amanda and Saana came in with a tray of tea. Amanda handed her husband and Sevel tea.

"How did it go?"Amanda asked.

Sarek sipped his tea. "They inquired if the correlation of the katras and Spock's arrival was systematically aligned."

"I gathered as much, what can we do?"

"Try to delay their interaction as much as possible."

Sarek turned to Sevel, "If anyone inquires as to the location or information about S'haile Spock, direct them to T'Pau and she will provide answers to their questions."

"I am here to serve S'haile Sarek, I will inform all staff of your request."

Sevel left Sarek's office and headed to the Science Academy.

At that moment, Amanda was so proud of Sarek, watching him defend their son. It warmed her heart and sent a tender thought through their bond. Which caused Sarek to give Amanda a hooded look. Then he noticed Saana standing there, looking at them.

"I will return to my duties." he bowed his head and left.

Saana stepped closer to Amanda, "What was that?"

Amanda gave a seductive look, "Oh that was one of those perks of being bonded. You can send a message without people hearing you."

"Oh, wow, like mind-reading?"

"More like sending coded messages which no one else can read."

"Spock and Nyota have the same thing?"

"Yep, but it seems her's are stronger because of Spock." Amanda takes another sip of her tea, with a big grin.

"I guess it's better than sitting down and explaining complicated things when you can send it through your thoughts. I think I like that!" Saana started thinking about how nifty it would be to share thoughts and started to weigh the pros and cons.

"Saana, it's commitment. Vulcans are a complex race, not like humans."

"I.. was just wondering." She said with a smirk.

"I think we should rest before we have dinner with T'Pau. It will be our first family dinner together."

Both women started to leave and continued talking.

"Yes, today was 'a first' for a lot of things."

Both women chuckled about how the day had started and continued.

Meanwhile in Spock's suite;

"Spock your bedroom is huge, I wish my room was this large. I could've had more books and photo-vids hanging around." Nyota took note of all the awards, trophies, and projects displayed around his room.

"This is our suite, not mine, we share consciousness and two forms of marriage."

Spock opened up one of the duffle bags to unpack their things, while Nyota opened another duffle bag to hang up her garments.

"Once we have our discussed children and when we should retire from the Fleet, we will be provided with our compound. Or, if you desire, we can live here and redecorate this suite."

"Whoa, I'm still dealing with events from this morning." Nyota slowly took off her robe and tunic. She thought about the day they would-be parents, and their children having all that room to grow.

They both undressed down to their Starfleet undergarments. Spock stretched his hand out to guide his wife to their bed. He needed mental rest, the katras were becoming restless. He just wanted to be close to her, to find his peace. They lay on the bed and snuggled against each other and fell into a light sleep.

At 1645 hours Kirk and McCoy stood in the transporter room waiting for clearance from Vulcan Central. Kirk pulled down his dress uniform tunic and adjusted his sleeve. While McCoy pulled on his collar like a chain, trying to breathe and then McCoy started whispering to himself.

"I won't be afraid, nope, I can explain the whole thing to her. She would understand my position."

Kirk turned to Bones, "Are you talking to yourself?"

"Yeah, I'm trying to keep calm. 'For whom the bell tolls'."

Jim shakes his head at his friend, " Bones, it won't be bad. It's just a dinner!"

"I'm telling you, Jim, it's a setup. It's payback for embarrassing her at T'Pring's wedding."

A beeping sound came through the console, Lt. Kyle pressed the intercom button,

"Captain, Vulcan Central is ready."

Kirk and McCoy stepped on the pad and materialized into Vulcan Central and were greeted by Commander Arauk and T'Lara. They both gave the ta'al sign and slight tilt of their heads.

"Welcome to Vulcan Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy, from all of Vulcan may your stay be pleasant." Commander Arauk bowed his head.

T'Lara stepped forward and gave the ta'al salute. "Yes, greetings. My name is T'Lara, an aide to Mistress T'Pau. I will guide you to her compound, follow me please."

The three of them left the center and rode in a hovercar to the compound. The first thing they noticed again was the thin air and heat. The men observed the buildings and scenery this time and noticed the beauty of Vulcan.

"Wow, we didn't get a view like this the last time we were here," McCoy commented.

"Yeah, this place is nice looking, too bad we couldn't stay last time!" Kirk gave McCoy a starry look and Bones gave him a snaring look.

They drove on the outskirts of the city to her compound and both men shared a shocked look of T'Pau's dwelling.

"Wow, T'Pau has nice real estate." whistled McCoy.

There were other hover cars parked in the back, and both men were escorted to a waiting area. Here they were greeted by other party guests, they all turned to open smiles.

"Captain Kirk, Dr. McCoy it is nice to see you two again."

Amanda walked over to greet them, she wore a long flowing greenish dress, and her was hair piled high like before.

McCoy and Kirk had a shocked look on their faces, "Mrs. Sarek, it's nice to see you again as well."

McCoy started to breathe again when he saw Spock and Uhura standing next to each other. "I You don't think she would kill me in front of all these people?"

"Bones, will you stop and relax!" Kirk exclaimed for the last time.

"Hello Doctor, Captain," said Nyota, who wore her favorite royal print blue palazza pants outfit that flowed when she walked. "I want you to meet my mother Saana Uhura."

An older version of Nyota stepped forward with a winning smile and extended her hand. She too had on a pantsuit that showed her figure.

"Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy it is an honor to finally meet you."

Kirk took her hand and kissed her knuckles, unaware that Shath's brows became hooded from the transaction.

"Professor Uhura, the honor is mine, for a moment I couldn't tell you two apart." Kirk smiled into the beautiful face of Saana and then looked up at Nyota's smiling face to compare.

Saana giggled and responded, "Oh my Captain, you are a charmer."

Then Nyota introduced Dr. McCoy, "This Dr. Leonard McCoy."

McCoy quickly went into his southern charm accent, "Madame, the honor is mine as well, for such beautiful young women."

He too took the other hand and kissed her knuckles and smiled up at her.

"Oh, no two charmers Nyota?" Saana held her breath and felt slightly embarrassed for being put on the spot.

Nyota said snarkily knowing the history of those two, "Yes mother, two dangerous ones."

Spock just raised his brows, agreeing with his wife.

Amanda, Nyota, Saana, Kirk, and McCoy laughed at the banter. While Sarek and Shath looked confused. Shath was having difficulty with the transaction of Terran humor. Spock was able to translate to Shath.

"Terrans have different forms of introductions, this one is common when males and females interact."

Shath gave a confused look, while Sarek had seen it before, but not to this extent.

"Interesting that it always involving touching," commented Shath

"Terrans are a tactile race," commented Spock

"It is apparent that Vulcans have the advantage because of our touch telepathy."

T'Lara entered the area and announced that end-meal was prepared. They followed her to another room where a long table was prepared with an assortment of Vulcan foods. Sarek escorted Amanda to a chair where she stood. Kirk escorted Saana to another chair next to Amanda, to Shath's dismay, and Spock took care of Nyota. Everyone remained standing, waiting for T'Pau, who came with a thump of her long staff being escorted by T'Lara. Sarek and Spock walked to the head of the table and stood behind her. Sarek pulled out her chair for her to sit, T'Pau waved for the others to sit. Servants came and gave each person a goblet of water while T'Pau inspected each guest. When her eyes landed on Kirk and McCoy she bowed her head. The four-course meal was served and eaten, no one spoke.

That was what T'Pau wanted, the events of the day were taxing to her. It wasn't proper to let such incidents interrupt a meal, she waited until the tea was served. She held Kirk's gaze.

"Kirk, I believe that thanks are required for bringing my grandson and his bride to Vulcan."

Kirk gulped on his tea wishing it was brandy or another hard liquor.

"Spock is my friend, it was not a problem doing this for his family."

T'Pau raised a brow and said in her low, strong voice. "Indeed. The last time we met Kirk, the circumstances were different. May I compliment you on your tactical skills in combat."

Kirk leaned back in his chair and wondered if T'Pau was teasing him.

"It was those tactical skills that saved my life madame."

"Indeed, I believe assistance was at hand as well." T'Pau glanced at McCoy whose cup was in mid-air.

"Madame?" McCoy felt his throat go dry, his eyes shocked for being addressed.

T'Pau continued without expression. "I must say, the technique that was applied was most unique and original. Other circumstances arose later, where your Healer McCoy was instrumental in saving my son and grandson during the Babel Conference. For that, the house of Surak lives on. Because of your action, we give homage to you, Healer McCoy, and grateful."

Kirk and McCoy looked at each other in disbelief, she was actually thanking them.

"Doctor, the Healers were... impressed that you were knowledgeable of Vulcan physiology. Not only Healer Shath, who is the family primary, but also the Healers at the medical facilities. The technique that you applied is now part of their standard practice." Sarek added.

"Yes. Healer McCoy, the Medical Division is curious on how you decided on such a procedure," added Shath.

"Healer McCoy, this event is in celebration of your achievement in healing Sarek and Spock with such a difficult procedure," commented T'Pau.

McCoy was speechless as was Kirk, a dinner honoring them, but mostly McCoy. That put a smile on Kirk's face.

"Dr. McCoy, congratulations for saving Ambassador Sarek and my son-in-law! Thank you," stated Saana as she clasped her hands together.

Shath continued, "The other healers and I would be honored if you could visit and give a lecture on that procedure. It would enlighten us."

Amanda added with a deep smile, "Doctor McCoy, Sarek is healthier now and I see a significant improvement. I personally thank you again for saving my husband." Amanda was deeply pleased because her sex life increased 75%. "No complaints."

T'Pau lifted her hand to let others know she was going to talk, and everyone became quiet.

"Dr. McCoy, it has been decided. You are welcome to Vulcan, at your leisure, and will take residence at my estate as my guest in the future."

Sarek and Amanda both looked at each other in astonishment knowing T'Pau rarely entertained guests of any sort more than she had to.

Sarek stated, in his rare emotional moments, "Indeed." and looked at Dr. McCoy

McCoy was speechless again. He had been ready to be executed for his debacle at Spock's wedding but instead being treated like an honored guest. "Thank you T'Pau, I am honored again, I don't... know... what to say. But thank you, again."

"'Thank you' is not necessary. Your actions have enhanced my son and grandson to continue with their life's journey with the least interruption. I conclude my evening, I have a task that must be addressed at High Vulcan Command. Please continue to enjoy each other's company."

T'Lara helped T'Pau with her chair while all the men stood, the Vulcan men gave the salute, "Peace and long life T'Pau."

They watched T'Pau leave, then Kirk turned to Bones again with a big smile; "You thought T'Pau didn't like you."

McCoy gave Jim that shut-up stare.

"Captain Kirk, my mother is not in the habit of liking, she is a woman of action," Sarek stated.

Kirk chuckled at his statement, then he turned to Saana and asked. "Professor Saana, how is your stay on Vulcan?"

"Things have improved since I arrived on Vulcan."

"Really, what has changed?" asked McCoy.

Saana looked at the two officers and then at Spock who just nodded his head.

"Well, the Earth media gave me a run for my credits. They were broadcasting their version of Spock and Nyota's wedding and it turned into a circus. I was able to send a rebuttal statement using some of their wedding vid-pic. Then I took refuge at the Vulcan Embassy for a few days before I came here."

Kirk felt the stress in her voice; "Professor Uhura that.."

"Please, call me Saana,"

"Saana you had quite an adventure. I hope your stay on Vulcan has made up for the circus."

"Oh I love Vulcan, I wish I could stay. But I would like to work back at my university, I've been there for years."

Shath shifted in his seat at her declaration, perhaps there is hope for a relationship. He took note of Saana's other comment and was not pleased by it. Somehow he must find a way to persuade her.

McCoy joined in, lifting his glass toward Saana, "There's no place like home!"

"Even though I felt bad for my mother, the thought of her being harassed bothered me. I am grateful that she is safe here with the Ambassador and Amanda." Nyota said with a strained voice.

"Indeed, it seems it brings pleasure to my wife, she enjoys your mother's company," commented Sarek.

Amanda smiled at him, knowing that he meant she had found a friend. "I discovered a new friend and another like-minded mother. We shared about our children's childhood bumps and accomplishments."

They continued talking until it was time for Kirk and McCoy to leave. When they departed, they noted that they would be back in a few days for the wedding reception with dignitaries. Nyota asked Kirk if Charlene and Eve could beam down for a few hours when they returned. Kirk didn't have a problem with it, and Sarek would make sure they would have clearance from Vulcan Central.

When Jim and Bones got back on the ship they reviewed their evening on the way to their quarters.

Jim turned to his friend, smiled, and said, "Well Bones, you weren't executed, tortured, or subjected to any mind melds."

"I swear to you, you've missed your calling as a comedian."

Jim broke out in laughter. "You have to admit, you almost passed out or peed in your pants when T'Pau started talking to you!"

"Will you PLEASE SHUT UP!" Then Bones breaks out laughing, shaking his head. "I can't believe it. I went from an endangered person to an honorary citizen in a matter of seconds. Can you believe that those Vulcan doctors want me to lecture them...TO THEM!"

"I think it's a trap, once you get in there they will keep you there for more mind experiments," Jim said with a straight face.

While Bones grew quiet and pondered the idea. "You think that? Jim, please tell me you're kidding. If not, I'm not going there!"

Jim burst out laughing again. "Only kidding Bones."

"You just wait until next time, when I choose not to save you on the missions."

Jim grabbed his heart. " It hurts that you would do that to your best friend."

"Stop teasing me. You know when it comes to the Vulcans I get serious, well except for Spock."

"Who you tease mercilessly."

"I'm learning now, lesson learned! Now can we go home?"

"Yeah let's get some sleep and head out first thing in the morning." Jim continued to laugh at Bones and his drama.

Ten hours later the Enterprise left Vulcan and headed to the star system of Sol. Kirk will assign shore leave to key personnel because the Enterprise will be docked at Vulcan for some time after the wedding reception. He will be running a skeleton crew, orders from the Federation, and Starfleet to add new equipment to the ship.

Somewhere on the lower deck, a lone woman is taking a deep swim and deep in thought. She said goodbye to Vulcan and to the man she once loved. Christine is in another place, a place of peace and understanding. She didn't have a choice, she can't alter the past or change the future. She can only accept it now. Dr. Robinson showed her new options in life, that other doors will reveal themselves and she could pick and choose any of them. "I will talk to Eve and Charlene and work from there. I have nothing to lose, but I have my well-being to gain." Christine's arms glided through the water with ease, each stroke was moving forward, each stroke was a chance for new beginnings.