Divided Loyalties

Part 21

The stimulants and adrenalin-like substance manufactured by Spock's body lasted long enough for him to get back to his quarters, remove his clothes and fall back into bed beside his wife, who also never moved, never roused her her deep sleep. His last waking thought was a note to himself to tell Christine what Komack had said and how to find out who the culprit was, who had informed their superiors of their private activities. He had sensed that Jim suspected Christine of having done it, which he supposed was only natural...but he had melded with her at length during their lovemaking and detected no such memories, nor any attempt at deception.
In addition, Christine wasn't the only one who had worked in Sickbay for twenty years. There was McCoy, M'Benga and numerous others. The orderlies and junior nurses were too young to have done it themselves, since the oldest of them was twenty-nine...but perhaps one had an older relative or friend also serving in the Medical Department. He would have to start investigating the background of those in Sickbay as well as all new crewmembers.
That would take time, even for him, so the most logical course of action was to call for assistance. He was sure Christine would be only too happy to be his eyes and ears in Sickbay in order to help him whenever she was on duty...and since she worked there, she might be privy to something he wasn't. But that could wait until they'd both gotten some sleep and discussed it thoroughly.
It was then that she rolled over and into his arms, still deeply asleep. He automatically put his arms around her as her head rested on his left shoulder. He rested his cheek on top of her head, and the couple and their child all slept deeply until it was time for the latter's next feeding.

*********

Christine made sure that her husband was not disturbed, either by her movements or the baby's cries upon waking, since his sleep had been so rudely interrupted last night. She had awakened to find him still deeply asleep, face half-buried in the pillow, arms tightly around it and the bedcovers bunched up around his waist. She also noted that he was naked, at least to the waist, since his greenish-gold skin glowed in the dim light from the fire-pot.
She stroked his tousled hair and gave him a gentle kiss, then turned to check on the baby, discovering that she was wet. After changing the baby, she fed her and got her ready to take with her to Sickbay, where a makeshift nursery had been set up for the child next to her station. She was nearly ready to leave by the time Spock awakened. He turned over and sat up, noticing that she had their daughter ready to take with her.
"You...are taking T'Lehn with y he he asked drowsily.
"I have something set up for her near my station," Christine explained. "I'd planned for Nyota to look after her, but she had to take an extra shift today and there's no one else I can get to look after her."
"No woman, you mean," he said, his voice almost hurt. "I do not go on duty until 1400. Could you not leave her with me? You should be off-shift by then."
"But you don't have any experience with children, Spock-especially not babies," Christine returned kindly. "So I can't leave our child with you...at least not alone. I'm sorry, love. I don't mean to hurt you." She picked up the child and turned for the door.
"If I am not given a chance, I will never get any experience, either," he pointed out.
When Christine reached the door, she turned back to him. "I've got to be on duty in a few minutes. Tell you what-will you let me teach you how to care for T'Lehn? As her father, you should know how."
Spock had hung his head almost dejectedly, then raised it to look directly, even pleadingly, into his wife's eyes. "You will...teach me?"
"Of course-but privately, so you won't be embarrassed if you make a mistake. Don't worry about my seeing it; I'll understand. Lessons will start as you get back, okay?"
He was silent for a moment, then nodded with a half-smile. "Very well, we shall do so. Go now, my wife...or else you will be late for duty."
"See you later, love," she smiled-and this time he gave her a real smile in return.

**********

It took a long time for Christine to teach Spock enough about caring for children (or more specifically, babies) and satisfying herself that he retained the information before she felt safe in leaving T'Lehn with him. He also made her promise not to tell McCoy of his mishaps, though he tried to tell himself they were learning experiences. If the Doctor found out, he'd never hear the end of it. It was enough that he, Jim and Uhura knew that Christine was teaching him.
But even that was preferable to dwelling on the spy in their midst...a spy who knew the secret he and Jim shared, a spy bent on bringing them both down in any and every way he could. He wished he could know who it was; he would confront their antagonist himself. The others would emphatically disagree if they knew this, however--say that anyone who was doing what this person was doing wouldn't have any compunctions about harming them physically, either...or ne cne close to them.
Spock knew that would include not only Christine, but their precious baby girl--and possibly even his parents. He couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to any of them, particularly not if he was the cause. He ended up admonishing his wife not to take T'Lehn to Sickbay and putting her safety, possibly even her life, in jeopardy by alng tng the unknown spy access to her. He didn't like Christine going either, but at least she could defend herself if attacked. Little T'Lehn would be defenseless.
Christine assured him that she would defend the child with her life if need be. "I'd never let anyone harm our baby, Spock, you know that!"
"Not if you could prevent it, no," he conceded. "But anyone capable of going to such lengths to discredit Jim and myself would not stop at physical harm to anyone close to us, since it would mean holding your lives hostage in order to keep you safe from harm. We shall have to remain vigilant except when with our friends...and only those whom we know to be our friends. All others will be suspect until proven otherwise."
"I hate this whole thing," she declared. "It's breeding distrust and suspicion. Anyone you talk to could be the spy!" Christine shook her head hopelessly. "Still, I've been doing as you say, but being as discreet as possible," she told him.
"Have you learned anything yet?" he wondered.
"No, but I intend to keep on. We've got to find out who's causing such trouble, got to expose them...or else we'll never have any peace!"
"We shall, my wife, I promise you," Spock returned, his tone determined and resolute. "I will not allow any of you to come to harm because of my illogic, whatever I have to do to prevent it-up to and including resigning my commission."
Christine's eyes widened in incredulous horror. "Spock, you can't! Starfleet is all you know, the only place you feel at home. Virtually everyone you're close to serves with you. You mustn't let them drive you out...and the Captain would never forgive himself if you resigned in order to protect him and the rest of us."
"I am a scientist, Christine, and a good one. Good scientists are in demand virtually everywhere in the Federation."
"Good? You're brilliant! That's why Starfleet needs you. The Captain and I need you." She took a breath, then continued. "But most of all, our child needs you. T'Lehn needs her father. I've also never known you to run away from adversity-rather, you almost seem to seek it out, or at least encourage it to seek you out. Yet if you chose to leave, you know I'd go anywhere you go...as would T'Lehn."
"I assumed that, but what can we expect Jim to do? Dr. McCoy could practice medicine anywhere, as could you, but Jim's first, best destiny is starship command. I cannot take that away from him."
"I would think that he'd consider even that well lost if it meant we could all be together. Remember what he sacrificed for you before-his son, very nearly his career, everything he's ever striven for, professionally speaking...even the Enterprise herself-to bring you and your katra to Vulcan from Genesis for the fal-tor-pan."
"I know," Spock returned quietly. "I can never repay him for that."
"I think he considers your renewed existence repayment enough. Having you beside him again is worth any sacrifice to him."
"And you as well?" Spock amended.
"You know it," Christine confirmed with a smile. "We'll beat this thing, Spock, I'm certain of it!"
"You sound determined," he observed.
"I am. We mustn't let this slime devil keep us from living our lives because of his twisted agenda. Together, we can beat anything. We have before, and we will again. Trust me."
"I trust you, my wife, as I do Jim and our other friends. It is simply the thought of that unknown, elusive adversary being out there..."
She put a finger on his lips; he ed ied it. "No more of that kind of talk, my love. We're going to win this. We shall prevail!"
"I hope so, m'chejan. I do hope so...if only for T'Lehn's sake."
Christine cuddled the baby closer and kissed her, then handed her to her father, who did the same...then after her shower, Spock gave his wife a back rub-and after putting the baby down, they once again proceeded to make tenderly passionate love, soon forgetting everything but each other's nearness.


Part 22

Two days later, when they got together again and were planning lunch in their quarters while the baby t, Ct, Christine reminded Spock that it was time to make the arrangements to take T'Lehn to Vulcan for both her official christening into Spock's clan and her introduction to not only her grandparents but Vulcan society as a whole. After all, it wasn't every day that the legendary Sarek of Vulcan and his equally legendary son became a grandfather and father respectively-especially by another Human!
This was news...so Spock was sure that his father would inform all the Vulcan news networks that his son, Human daughter-in-law and grandchild were coming to Vulcan for her christening and introduction. He might even have holovision cameras on hand to cover the momentous event. Certainly it would be a welcome (if momentary) diversion from all the suspicion, rumors and innuendo surrounding the accusations of a gay relationship between the Captain and First Officer of the Enterprise by a long-time and obviously disgruntled member of the medical contingent aboard ship.
That it was true and had been for over two decades was beside the point. Most of the Enterprise crew had enough consideration and decency to keep their knowledge or suspicions to themselves and didn't allow it to affect their attitude toward their superiors, either on duty or off. What neither could understand was why this person hated them so much, nor could they fathom why they would keep quiet for twenty years, then decide to go public now.
Was it poss tha that this person was a closet homosexuad had had been rejected by one or both oem aem at some point? It was well known that both Kirk and Spock were attractive to certain other men as well as women, but had someone approached one of them with the intention of beginning a romantic relationship...then after they were rejected (kindly but firmly), allowed their hurt to turn into hatred and a lust for vengeance upon learning just why they had been rejected?
Stranger things had happened, but it was certainly possible. If the hypothetical incident had occurred twenty years ago, Spock and Kirk would have just begun their intimate relationship, and consequently, wouldn't have been interested in anyone else at the time. It would also be difficult at best to search their memories as well as the computer and try to figure out just who could have had sufficient motive to do what they were doing now. Still, Spock considered it logical to suggest the possibility to Jim and see if he could come up with any names, as would Spock himself.
In the meantime, however, it was time to contact his parents and have them make the necessary arrangements for their child's introduction to society.

**********

Spock sat down at his computer and said, "Computer on."
"Working," came the computer's pleasant feminine voice.
"Word processing mode, Starfleet font and stationery with an IDIC symbol and the legend 'From the Desk of Comer Ser Spock, First Officer, U.S.S. Enterprise'-but put my first and lineal name beneath it in Vulcan script to designate it as a personal business message." He then gave his parents' holocom address.
"Done," the computer said after thirty seconds of hums, whirrs and clicks. "Ready to record message."
"Very good," Spock returned. "Here is what I wish to say:

Father and Mother...

My daughter, T'Lehn, is now two weeks of age and therefore old enough for her official christening. I wish you to make the necessary arrangements so that the christening may take place as soon as possible upon our arrival. The Enterprise is presently 18.6 solar hours from Vulcan.
We would appreciate the coordinates of the Christening Chamber in the Main Temple of Surak in ShiKahr in order that we may beam directly there upon receiving confirmation of our request for an audience with T'Lar, High Priestess, as well as the stardate and time of the appointment. Please be there when we arrive. As T'Lehn's paternal grandparents, your presence is required to complete the christening.

Ish shanai la nah-isha...
(With all respect and affection)
Your son,
Spock

P.S. Please also inquire as to whether Jim might be permitted to observe the proceedings. I would like him to be present if at all possible.

Spock took a breath, then continued, "Computer, also put my birth name in Vulcan script, then transmit message to Ambassador Sarek and the Lady Amanda on Vulcan."
"Working," said the computer. r anr another thirty seconds of hums, clicks and whirrs, it said, "Transmission completed. Have you anything else you wish to send?"
"Negative. Computer off," the Vulcan replied. A moment later, the machine was silent.
Not too long afterward, Christine arrived, having just gotten off-shift. "Sent the message to your parents?" she guessed upon seeing Spock at the computer, smiling at his nod. "Good; at least that much is done. Now all we can do is wait." She started to undress, enjoying the way her husband's eyes roamed over every part of her; he had to fight disappointment when she put her robe on to head for the bathroom and a shower. At the door, she turned and asked, "How's T'Lehn?"
"She remained asleep the entire time you were gone," Spock reported.
"Then she should be waking up soon," Christine said. "I'll feed her then. I've been feeling top-heavy for the last couple of hours."
"Top-heavy?" he echoed.
"My breasts are full of milk," she explained. "One last thing-punch me up a Denver omelet, some hash browns, orange juice and milk, please."
He gave her a funny look. "Eggs for lunch?"
"Eggs aren't only for breakfast, Spock. They can be for any meal a person chooses. It's a matter of personal preference."
He made a facial movement that was the Vulcan equivalent of a shrug and went to punch up their meals.

**********

The baby slept until Christine was nearly finished with her meal. All she had left was a few bites of her potatoes and omelet, and roughly the same amount of OJ and milk. She opened her robe, since she hadn't dressed from her shower yet, put the baby on her left breast, holding her child with her left arm, and let her nurse while she finished her meal. One breast's worth of milk was usually enough to satisfy the child's appetite, but not this time. Her long sleep had increased her appetite accordingly.
Christine usually had to pump her breasts between feedings, but not this time: and given a choice, she preferred nursing to pumping. At least the former helped her bond with her child as well as satisfy her hunger, whereas the latter only satisfied her hunger. Once they finished the meal, Spock took the remains and put them in the food and utensil recycler to be re-integrated later. Shortly afterward, he also showered, then dressed in his duty uniform, ready for his shift. Christine frowned upon seeing him. "I wish you didn't have to go."
"I know, but it is necessary," Spock returned apologetically, coming over to both cross fingers with his wife and kiss her...then kiss the baby's forehead.
Christine sensed his love for them both and smiled up at him as he straightened, then looked down at her again. "I will see you after my shift, my wife. Oh, one last thing..."
"What?" she asked as she fixed her robe again.
"Would you mind if-?" His voice broke off. "No. You have already endured so much. I cannot ask it of you."
"What is it?" Her voice held a demanding tone. "Do you want to invite the Captain along to the christening or something?"
Spock's eyes widened, then he nodded and allowed himself a smile in her direction. "It would be very much appreciated, though I would understand if you refused. And do not worry; you will still be the one to participate with me...as well you should."
"In that case, how can I refuse?" Christine returned with an answering smile. "That is, as long as it's permitted by your culture."
"Thank you, Christine. I will tell him. I must go now."
"Have a good day, love," she called after him as she stood up from her chair with the baby in her arms.
"I shall try," he returned, then stepped out the door and was gone.
Christine changed the baby again after burping her (she'd done "number two" this time), then laid her down again and put on a pretty, pastel rose and lace-print shortie silk nightgown, got into bed and fell asleep, not to awaken until her husband returned and they were to prepare for chr christening ceremony [assuming they heard back from Spock's parents in the affirmative, that is].


Part 23

By then, the ship was fairly close to Vulcan, so once Spock returned, a message from his parents (or more accurately, his mother) was waiting on the computer. Christine was still half-asleep when the beeping started, indicating a new message had arrived. It was loud enough to awaken anyone who left it going long enough, but that didn't happen this time. Still, she was ready to go answer it herself when it was suddenly cut off as if with a knife. Then she smiled as she heard Spock come in and enter the living area, purposely keeping his voice down so as not to disturb her.
"Computer on," he said quietly. "Relay message so that only I can hear it, please."
After that, all she heard was his quiet replies to his mother (she knew this because of his original greeting). She also surmised that his request had been granted, since he sounded pleased.
"I am...glad to hear that, Mother. Thank you for the coordinates and your efforts on our behalf-and T'Lar for her willingness to conduct the christening at such short notice. Also for her decision to permit Jim's presence at the proceedings. I will inform Christine at the earliest opportunity, and will see you and my father there upon our beaming down with T'Lehn.
"We should arrive within the next 9.4 hours, and look forward to seeing you after the christening as well, since we need to discuss a very important personal matter with you-something which we hope you will be able to assist us in resolving...hopefully by diplomatic means, in which my father excels. Otherwise, I fear that the battle to which I refer will not be won with words, but arms and military force. If that occurs, it will be costly, both in monetary terms and in loss of life..." His voice trailed off, tinged with sadness, regret and anger.
"It would be most unfortunate if that scenario comes to pass-and worst of all, needless." Spock sighed softly. "Let us fervently hope that does not happen. I must sign off now, Mother. We will see you soon. With all respect and affection..." A short time later, she heard him say, "Computer off," then he leaned back in his chair and sighed.
Not long after that, she sat up and stretched, yawning deeply before reaching for hebe abe and noting that the baby was still asleep. Even so, her breasts were heavy with milk, and if T'Lehn didn't wake up soon, she'd probably have to pump them. In the meantime, she went to use the bathroom, wash her face and brush her teeth.
Her morning breath was atrocious, so she made it her business to have fresh breath whenever Spock was with her, so that when he kissed her, it wouldn't remind him of rotten eggs on a summer day (at least that was what her breath reminded her of). She then went out to greet her husband, who had realized she was awake by this time and gotten up from the computer to meet her, holding out his arms so she could walk into them.
They smiled, then shared a kiss and she greeted him. "Hello, my love. Did you hear from your parents?"
He raised one upswept eyebrow. "What makes you say that? How long have you been awake?"
"Just a few minutes. Why?"
"If I had a suspicious nature, I would suspect that you have been listening to my communication of some moments ago."
"Suspicious nature?" she countered. "Try 'nosey'."
The Vulcan looked a mixture of affronted and annoyed. "I was simply endeavoring to learn the truth."
"Umm-hmm," she smiled skeptically.
"It is true," he insisted.
"If you say so," she returned. "Now, answer my question."
"Very well," he sighed. "I just finished speaking with my mother. We will beam down shortly after arriving at Vulcan. I have transmitted the coordinates of the Christening Chamber to the Transporter Chief, and the Vulcan High Priestess has granted Jim permission to observe the proceedings. My parents will also be present, then we shall go to their home and speak privately regarding our latest...difficulty and see if my father would be willing to act in our behalf with Starfleet Command, if not the Federation Council."
"Does he know about your relationship with the Captain? Or more specifically, the nature of it?"
"Unfortunately, no. There was never a sufficiently logical reason to inform him until now. It will be something of a risk, but one that must be taken. He must know the complete truth of what is going on and how long it has been going on before he can determine how best to help us."
"Are you sure he can? Even Sarek has his limits," she returned gloomily.
"We must not think that way, my wife. As you said not too long ago-we must prevail. We shall prevail!"
"In that case, we've got nothing to worry about, do we?" Christine remarked bravely, though inwardly both were more apprehensive, if not downright afraid, of what might happen if the whole story came out...not only of what they had been doing, but the full extent to which hatred, bigotry and the double standard code of morality was practiced, through the highest echelons of not only Starfleet but the entire Federation-more afraid than they had ever been, or ever would be, in their entire lives.
"Not if my father is willing and able to help us," Spock stated confidently.
"But what if he isn't?" she retorted. Neither really wanted or needed an answer to that. Both could imagine the consequences of that all too easily...and not simply for themselves, but all those like them, should the unthinkable happen: and what it would do to them, both professionally and personally.
They clung to each other for strength and support for a long time, then he released her. "We must not allow ourselves to dwell on that worst-case scenario, or else we will be unable to function," Spock gently admonished his wife. "We must live as normally as possible." Just then, they heard little T'Lehn awaken. "Our daughter is calling for attention, my wife. Please see to whi while I go inform Jim of what Mother has said."
The two crossed fingers and shared another brief but tender kiss before Spock departed again to meet with Kirk...on business this time. (This week of the baby's birth Spock had promised to Christine as a reward for giving him a healthy and beautiful child.) Christine sighed and swung around, heading for the baby's bassinet and proceeding to perform all the necessary rituals to get her ready for both the coming day and the upcoming christening.

**********

It was early the next morning, at 0600 hours, that the Enterprise established standard orbit around Vulcan. The couple, along with their baby daughter and close friend, took their places on the transporter platform. Their luggage had been strategically placed on the remaining pads. Kirk had authorized three days' leave for them all, as much as could be spared at this point.
They had wanted to include McCoy, but were unable to do so for two reasons: one, he was scheduled to be on duty at the time of the christening, and two, only one observer from outside the family could be permitted at the proceedings. However, Kirk had promised the Doctor he would tell him all about it upon his return.
Once everywas was situated upon the platform, little T'Lehn cradled in her father's arms per tradition, the Captain nodded to Scott, manning the transporter console as he usually did whenever any of the senior officers-particularly the Captain-left the ship.
"Energize, Mr. Scott."
"Aye, sir. Energizing."
A moment later, the small party dissolved into beams of golden light.


Part 24

When they re-materialized, T'Lar was waiting for them, tall and regal, her back ramrod-straight despite her advanced age. When Spock, his wife and Kirk approached, she raised her hand to them in the traditional salute. "Greetings, Spock of Vulcan and Earth, child of Sarek and Amanda. Thee have come to christen thy first-born child, have you not?"
"That is correct," he confirmed.
"Sarek, son of Skonn, son of Sokar, approach me," T'Lar called out to Spock's parents, standing unobtrusively on the sidelines.
The Vulcan Ambassador stood next to his son when he reached her. "Yes, My Lady?"
"Thy son Spock has brought his first-born child for christening. Can thee verify her legitimacy?"
"I can," Sarek confirmed. "My son and his wife, the Lady Christine of Terra, were married both via the Federation ceremony on the Enterprise 15.3 solar months ago, and in the official Vulcan ceremony 14.2 months ago. Their child was born 2.25 solar weeks ago."
"Very well," T'Lar replied, a note of approval in her voice. "Spock, hold the child up so that the sunlight strikes her."
The younger Vulcan complied, allowing the rays of Epsilon Eridani to fall on the child, giving her a ruddy glow, as the Priestess placed a hand on the infant's forehead.
"May the Vulcan sun shine upon this child now and all the days of her life...and may she honor both her parents and all her ancestors by her works. And from this day forward, she shall be known as T'Lehn, daughter of Spock, son of Sarek, descendant of Surak, and the Lady Christine of Terra, his wife, daughter of the Honorable Christopher Chapel, noted Terran diplomat."
T'Lar brought out a small vial of greenish liquid, dipped her fingers into it and made two signs on the baby's forehead: one a "V" sign for Vulcan, and an "S" to signify that the child so marked was a descendant of Surak, as was her father and grandfather before her. The liquid dried quickly and invisibly in the hot sun.
"This liquid represents the blood of our revered Surak, some of which was caught as he was killed by enemy raiders in the last Great Vulcan War before the Reforms-and has been carefully preserved ever since. It represents all the sacrifices made by the brave and selfless men and women who were his followers, giving their lives so that all of Vulcan might live in peace.
"As does Spock of Vulcan's first-born daughter, every child born to a son or daughter of Vulcan shall bear the mark of Surak's blood on their forehead. This officially concludes this christening ceremony, and it shall be so recorded on this day, the 26th day of Tasmeen, Vulcan Year 5938, Federation Year 2293."
Spock bowed his head reverently. "I thank thee, T'Lar, as all present thank thee. We shall take ourve ove of you now. Peace and long life."
All showed the traditional salute to the Priestess, then after she had returned it, saying, "May you all live long and prosper," they bowed respectfully and departed.
Up to this point, Spock, Christine and Kirk assumed they would go directly to Sarek and Amanda's home, but there was a surprise awaiting them in the Temple lobby...members of the Vulcan press corps and holovision cameras. Hidden cameras had recorded the christening for Spock and Christine's personal records (a copy of which would be transmitted to them aboard ship after their departure from Vulcan), not for posterity. That was left to Sarek, who had arranged this press conference, as well as a photo session and short interview.
Spock gave his father a hard look, but Sarek ignored him and turned to face the assemblage. "I have called you here today to mark the official christening of my first grandchild-my granddaughter, T'Lehn, child of my son Spock and his wife, the Lady Christine. If you wish to take pictures or ask questions, you may do so...but only for a brief period."
In true Vulcan fashion, it was orderly and quiet, and only one question was answered per person. Two people approached the small group, a Human male and Vulcan woman. The man was from the Federation News Network and the woman from the Vulcan holovision station, the two persons authorized to ask the necessary questions.
One asked when T'Lehn had been born, the other asked who she'd been named for, things like that. Spock soon resigned himself to the inevitable, so if it wasn't he who answered questions, it was Christine or Sarek...and once, even Amanda. Kirk also spoke briefly, thankful that the questions addressed to him had not had anything to do with their current personal difficulties.
Pictures were taken, and holofilm was shot. At one point, Spock with the child, another of the new family, yet another of the grandparents with their grandchild, still another of Christine and the child, and lastly, another of all of them, including Kirk. The conference seemed interminable, but at last it was over and they were able to leave.
Still, all of them knew the footage would be on all Vulcan holovision and Federation channels on the various member planets by that afternoon, due to both Sarek's position as the senior Vulcan Ambassador and Spock's fame as a noted scientist and illustrious First Officer of the starship Enterprise.
On Vulcan, the main claims to fame of Kirk, Amanda and Christine were due to their involvements, marital or otherwise, with Sarek and Spock. Only after this were they allowed to leave for Sarek and Amanda's home and their personal discussion. Spock and Kirk (not to mention Christine) were understandably apprehensive as to how the older Vulcan would react to their confession of their intimate relationship-not to mention their request on their behalf...but as it turned out, everyone was due to be pleasantly surprised.


Part 25

On the way home, both of Spock's parents had noticed their son's unusually secretive manner and wondered about it...as had Kirk and Christine-but only the latter two knew precisely why he was acting as he was. Still, no one commented on it until they reached the house and were behind the door, as tradition dictated. Kirk and Christine stood quietly on the sidelines with the baby, knowing this was between Spock and his parents; they would only intervene if Spock seemed to need help.
Finally Sarek broke the silence. "Spock, my son, may I ask why you have been so quiet?"
Amanda stepped up beside her husband. "Yes; could you please explain your actions? Is there something on your mind that you need to discuss with us, but find it difficult to explain?"
For a long time, Spock said nothing, simply stood with his head bowed and hands behind his back. Trust his mother to cut to the heart of the matter...
After a while, the older couple looked to Christine and Kirk for explanations, but both merely smiled and shook their heads, jerking the latter toward Spock, indicating that they should direct their questions toward him. Finally Spock raised his head and unclasped his hands, turning to head for a sofa a short distance away; Kirk and Christine followed him and sat down on either side of him for moral support, since both could sense that he was going to need it before the evening was over.
The older couple sat on the sofa across from the other three, hopeful that they would finally get an explanation as to Spock's unusual (even for him) behavior. "Yes, Mother," he began quietly. "There is something I need to discuss with both of you-but I find it...most difficult to begin, since s ofs of a-deeply personal nature."
"Does it have anything to do with your relationships with the Captain and Christine?" The adults made sure to keep their voices down, since little T'Lehn was asleep and they didn't want to disturb her if they could help it.
"Yes," Spock admitted. "Or more specifically, my relationship with Captain Kirk."
Sarek raised an eyebrow at Spock's tone. "What about your relationship with the Captain?"
"It has been...more than friendship," Spock forced out.
"Indeed?" Sarek's tone seemed to invite his son to continue. "And just when did it change?"
"Twenty years ago," the younger Vulcan confessed. "It was then that we became-romantically involved." That was surely the hardest thing Spock had ever had to say, especially to his father, who had never known this until now...for Spock had never known how to tell him.
Amanda, Kirk and Christine hadn't believed it right to be the ones to tell Sarek. Spock believed it to be his responsibility, so they held their peace...but after all the years of animosity between them, they had recently come to an armed truce. What this revelation might do to that fragile truce, Spock didn't know-he only knew that Sarek had to know all the facts of their present situation before he could make a decision as to whether or not to help them.
In addition, he could get through this with Sarek still speaking to him, there was a good possibility that he would be willing to provide what assistance he could, or as the Humans might say: "Once you get past this, it's all downhill."
"Are you saying that you and Captain Kirk...became-lovers?" Sarek's voice was such that only Spock could hear him. "Why did you not tell me this before?"
"I did not wish to...destroy our-new relationship," the younger Vulcan confessed.
Sarek's face was expressionless, though Amanda could feel his astonishment and stunned surprise at their son's announcement. Amanda... he thought to her. You knew of this, my wife?
Yes, she replied.
And you chose not to tell me? Why?
Spock believed it was his responsibility to tell you, she answered. In addition, we had no wish to upset you unnecessarily.
Sarek sighed, knowing Spock would not have confessed such a thing to him after all these years of secrecy without a good, solid reason ...if not a logical one.
"I see," the older Vulcan returned neutrally. "Do you have a reason for telling me this at this time?"
"I do," Spock informed him.
"What has happened?" Sarek inquired.
"Someone aboard the Enterprise has learned of our-private activities and informed Starfleet Command...and is, in essence, threatening to spread the news throughout the Galaxy unless we one, publicly admit it, and two, resign our commissions."
"Do you know who it is?"
"No, Father. Admiral Komack would only say that it was someone in the Medical Department, who wished to remain anonymous-and that they have known from the beginning."
"Have you any idea how they found out?" Sarek inquired.
"No; Jim and I have always been...most discreet on that score," k rek returned quietly, squeezing Kirk's hand; Kirk returned it. Spoemaiemained cautious, knowing how good his father was at concealing, if not shielding, his emotions. How did he truly feel about his son's long-term gay relationship with his Captain? Did he understand, or was he simply biding his time and waiting to "drop the bomb" later? The younger Vulcan hoped it was the former, but couldn't be sure-and until he was...
"So what do you expect me to do?" asked Sarek.
"We were-hoping that you would be able to...intercede for us with Starfleet Command and the Federation Council," Spock carefully explained. "Explain to them that our...extracurricular activities have nothing to do with our-ability to perform our duties. If necessary, take a transcript of our records for the last twenty years to demonstrate this fact to them. If worst comes to worst, however, Jim has vowed to make public all he knows about the gay relationships of the other officials with whom he is acquainted, both in Starfleet and the ranks of the planetary leaders."
Sarek could understand why Kirk would feel this was necessary and had to admit the truth of what his son said: at least to himself. Outwardly, however, he made no reaction. "It is possible," he conceded. "However, I will need more information if I am to argue your case effectively."
Both Kirk and Christine could feel Spock go weak with relief, exchanging a triumphant smile before returning to theversversation at hand.
"What kind of information?" asked Spock.
"How does Dr. Chapel...Christine...feel about this relationship?"
Spock saw no way he could explain, as much as he wanted to, and Christine sensed this, deciding to intervene on her husband's behalf. "Let me handle this, Spock."
He gave her hand a grateful squeeze, but made no reaction otherwise. Sarek remained silent as Christine explained her feelings in the matter, starting with her original shock upon discovering the gay relationship between Spock and Kirk and ending with the "arrangement" between her and Spock which had prompted their marriage.
"Thank you, Dr. Chapelcommcommend you for your courage and fortitude in standing by your husband in this matter, whatever your personal feelings."
Christine sensed her father-in-law's mixture of pride and amazement. "I love Spock, Sarek," she told him. "Nothing can, or ever will, change that-and Spock knows that I'll do whatever is necessary to protect him or our child." She looked down at the sleeping baby in her carrier, then back up at her husband, deep love for them both evident in her face. "Whatever that may be...or however I have to do it."
"I see," the older Vulcan returned. "Spock is-most fortunate to have a wife such as you." A moment later, he said, "You said your bond with Spock was incomplete. Does this mean that the Captain is the one who experiences pon farr when it comes?"
Christine nodded. "Though Spock has intimated to me that he will deepen our bond to include that should the Captain pre-decease me."
"Very good," Sarek opined. "Have you decided how you are going to explain this to T'Lehn when she is old enough to notice?"
"Yes, but we will deal with that when the time comes," Christine said simply, not intending to elaborate.
Sarek realized this and acted accordingly.
"Do you think ll bll be able to find out who's behind this? Komack wouldn't tell us anything," Kirk put in hopefully, his first contribution to the conversation since their arrival.
"I can make the attempt, but can offer no guarantees," the Vulcan Ambassador warned.
"We'll appreciate whatever help you can give us," the Captain replied gratefully.
"Spock i son son. You are his friend and bondmate. Dr. Chapel...Christine...is his wife and mother of his child. It is my duty as his father to protect you all, if only for his sake," the older Vulcan replied.
A moment later, everyone fell silent. The conversation had gone much better than anticipated, but it still remained to be seen as to how everything would turn out. Sar Sarek on their side, however, they stood a much better chance of receiving a positive outcome.
Amanda sighed and stood up. "Is anyone hungry? As far as I know, no one's had any breakfast." When she received affirmative nods and smiles, she smiled back and said, "Coming up. Christine, could you help me?"
"Of course," the younger woman agreed, leaving with her mother-in-law after gesturing to the baby upon catching Spock's eye.
"I will watch her, my wife," he assured her. "Do not worry."
With that, the three men settled down to await the midday meal and talk among themselves, possibly even watch the afternoon news on the holovision. Perhaps they would show something from the Temple interview and photo session-or if not then, perhaps on the evening newscast instead. In either case, there was still considerable time between now and then, so it was logical to pass that time by discussing Sarek's plans to meet with Starfleet and Federation officials in an attempt to end the vendetta against Kirk and Spock and all those they were close to on the Enterprise. In the meantime, they had best get started...