Divided Loyalties

Part 26

The discussion lasted longer than expected; they had barely finished both it and the midday meal before it was time for the evening newscast. All were sitting in the living room of Sarek and Amanda’s home in front of the holovision when an attractive Vulcan woman looking to be in her thirties (but knowing how slowly Vulcans aged, everyone was certain that she was considerably older) came on...the same woman they had spoken to at the Temple earlier. In one spot, the report said “Live”, but there was also a note that said “Recorded Earlier” in the upper left corner of the holovision screen.

“This is T’Kira of ShiKahr Holovision reporting from the Temple of Surak, where the christening of Ambassador Sarek’s first grandchild has just taken place. We were recently informed by the Ambassador that Commander Spock, First Officer of the U.S.S. *Enterprise*, the Federation flagship,
the Ambassador’s son, and his wife, the Lady Christine, née Chapel, who also serves on the ship as Assistant Chief Medical Officer, recently became the parents of a 5 lb. 12 oz. baby girl, whom they named T’Lehn Catherine, for a close family friend, Dr. Leonard McCoy, Chief Medical Officer of the U.S.S. *Enterprise*. Commander Spock and his wife have been visiting Vulcan for a short time, primarily for christening and introduction purposes. Ambassador Sarek has called a press conference
to answer any questions we may have at this point.”

As if on cue, Sarek stepped into view to join the woman reporter.

“Thank you for granting us this interview, Mr. Ambassador, and our congratulations on the birth of your first grandchild.”

“Thank you,” the Vulcan Ambassador returned graciously. The camera briefly rested on Spock giving his father a hard look, then returned to Sarek and T’Kira. “We will now take questions and allow photos,” he said. With that, the press conference began. The first question was addressed to Sarek, asking exactly when T’Lehn had been born. “Two point two-five weeks ago,” he replied.

The next was addressed to Spock. “Commander, how long have you and your wife been married?”

Spock said, “Fifteen point three-five months.”

“How long had you known her prior to your marriage?”

“Twenty point five-three years,” he answered.

Thhen hen turned their attention to Christine. “Lady Christine, could you tell us something of your background?”

Christine shot her husband a speculative glance; Spock returned a reassuring one. She turned back to the female journalist. “I was born in the state of Ohio, in North America on Earth. My parents were a diplomat and scientist respectively. My father, Christopher Chapel, recently retired, though my mother is still active in her scientific work. I joined Starfleet in the capacity of a Registered Nurse, although I have a Ph.D. in biochemistry, and was promoted to Commander shortly before my daughter wasn.” n.”

“Thank you, My Lady. Mr. Ambassador, do you know how your son and his wife plan to raise their daughter?”

“That is a question best directed to one of them,” Sarek returned smoothly.

“Very well,” said T’Kira. “Commander?” She turned back to Spock.

“My wife and I have agreed to teach our daughter both sides of her heritage and will allow her to make her own decisions as to which path she wishes to follow.”

“Does that include her future career and potential bondmate?”

“Yes,” Spock returned simply, even as the Vulcan was unable to help projecting annoyance to his wife at the increasingly probing questions.

Christine projected reassurance to her husband. *I’m sure they don’t consciously mean to pry, love. Bear with them.* VeryVery well,* he returned with a mental sigh. To his relief, however, T’Kira had turned to speak with Amanda.

“My Lady, do you intend to assist your son and daughter-in-law in the upbringing of your grand- daughter?”

Amanda smiled graciously. “I will offer advice if they ask for it, and babysit when I can, but will not impose my will on them. Neither will usbausband.” She gave Sarek a look which dared him to contradict her.

“Do you agree with your wife’s statement, Mr. Ambassador?” T’Kira asked, returning to face Sarek.

“I do,” Sarek confirmed, at least publicly, although he fully intended to discuss the incident with Amanda at the first opportunity.

Only at this point did T’Kira notice Kirk. “Greetings, Captain Kirk,” she said politely. “May we ask you
a few questions?”

“Certainly,” Kirk replied with a smile.

“How long do you intend to remain on Vulcan?”

“I have authorized three days,” Kirk informed her. “That is all the time we have to spare between missions at present.”

“I assume Commander Spock invited you to accompany him and his family for the christening and introduction ceremony,” T’Kira remarked.

“Yes,” Kirk confirmed. “We have been...close friends for many years.”

“Do you also intend to—assist in the child’s upbringing?”

“As much as my duties will allow,” the Captain answered, even though he expected at any moment to be asked the questions about himself and Spock which he had neither the desire nor ability to answer at this time, breathing a sigh of relief upon the conclusion of the press conference, exchanging a relieved glance with Spock and feeling the same from his Vulcan friend and bondmate through their bond-link.

*Thank God that’s over,* he thought to him once the cameras were gone.

*Indeed,* Spock concurred. *It would seem that Admiral Komack has been able to keep his promise...at least to a degree.*

*So it would seem. Let’s hope it continues,* Kirk returned.

Just then Christine noticed the interaction between them. “Is anything wrong?” she asked.

Her husband gave her a reassuring half-smile. “Indeed not, my wife. Jim was merely expressing his thankfulness that the press conference is over.”

“I know what you mean,” she returned. “But I understand that there’s also supposed to be a photo session we’ve got to get through.”

Spock sighed audibly. “I trust so...but we must ‘humor’ my parents, at least this time. After all, it is
not every day they become grandparents for the first time.”

Christine and Kirk both smiled and nodded in agreement before they were called to rejoin Sarek and Amanda by the latter, Christine still carrying the newly-christened, deeply sleeping child.

“They’re starting to take pictures, everyone—so get back over here right now!”

Spock and the others sighed, exchanged long-suffering glances and moved to get in on the picture-taking.

**********

Once the newscast was over, all present exchanged satisfied looks. “That seemed to go well,” Sarek remarked.

“Especially considering that I had already told you thatdid did not wish publicity,” Spock countered, giving his father a disapproving look. “But we have other, more important things which concern us at the moment. When do you think you will be able to begin your campaign in our behalf?” Spock asked, his glance taking in everyone else in the room, particularly his new family and bondmate.

“As soon as you depart Vulcan,” the older Vulcan assured his son. “I will also attempt to enlist T’Lar’s assistance.”

Spock was unable to help a rush of relief and satisfaction upon hearing this. Next to the long-retired T’Pau and Sarek himself, T’Lar, having replaced T'Pau on the Vulcan High Council, was the most powerful person on Vulcan, being head of the top religious order on the planet: not to mention the oldest female in their family, being the younger sister of T’Pau and thus Sarek’s aunt, making the Vulcan High Priestess Spock’s great-aunt by marriage.

It would be practically impossible to fight both of them with their combined power, even for the head of Starfleet himself--much less any minor member of Starfleet, any commander of a Starbase, planetary leader or Ambassador of any Federation member or allied world. Still, all concerned fully expected a long, tough fight before this nasty business could be put behind them and were prepared to endure for as long as it took to resolve it.


Part 27

The following day, upon returning from Vulcan, Kirk sought out McCoy in order to keep his promise to tell him what had happened at the christening…among other things. He made sure to choose a day when Spock would be with Christine and their child and thus unlikely to walk in on them in the middle
of their conversation. To make doubly sure, the Captain and Doctor agreed to meet in the latter’s quarters. Of course, Spock could easily locate them if he so wished, but given the circumstances, it was highly unlikely. Christine would surely keep Spock well occupied, in more ways than one—and when she wasn’t, the child would keep him thoroughly occupied.

The images these thoughts brought to him not only provoked both a stirring in his groin and a sharp pain in the vicinity of his heart, so Kirk forced them aside and made himself concentrate on the up- coming meeting with McCoy. With that, the Captain reached out and pressed the buzzer next to the door of the Chief Surgeon’s quarters. The Doctor greeted him with a smile and a drink of Saurian brandy “on the rocks”.

McCoy was somewhat out of uniform, since he had removed his duty jacket and boots, padding around his quarters in his socks. Kirk returned the smile as he stepped inside, then accepted the drink, follow- ing the Doctor to the couch in his living area, draped with red-white-and-blue pillows and a Georgia flag afghan draped over the back of it. Kirk even heard the soundtrack of “Gone With The Wind” playing
in the background—something he knew to be among McCoy’s favorites, music-wise—but the theme reminded him too much of what (or who) he lacked at the moment, and the last thing he wanted was
a reminder of it…or him.

“Can you turn off that music, Bones?”

“Oh, sure, Jim. Sorry. Computer, turn off the music,” McCoy said just before seating himself on the couch. A moment later, Kirk joined him. The Chief Surgeon saw his friend’s sad eyes and knew why
he felt as he did, but thought it best to say nothing unless Jim did.

Once they were settled, McCoy sighed and took a long swig of his own drink. “Okay, what happened
on Vulcan?”

Kirk echoed the sigh and began.

**********

The Doctor laughed heartily when Kirk described Spock’s reaction upon realizing that his father had called the press conference to announce the birth of his granddaughter. “I’d have loved to have seen the look on Spock’s face. I bet it was priceless!”

““From what I understand, Spock had already told him in no uncertain terms that he didn’t want publicity,” Kirk remarked.

“For once, I can’t blame Spock for being upset. Still, I think Sarek and Amanda can be forgiven this time. It’s not every day they become grandparents for the first time,” the Chief Surgeon pointed out.
Kirk nodded. “Oh, I think Spock eventually accepted the inevitable. The two reporters asked all of us
at least one question, then took pictures and ran newsfilm.”

“Where were the reporters from?” McCoy inquired.

“The FNN and ShiKahr Holovision,” the Captain replied.

“They didn’t ask any...embarrassing questions about you and Spock?”

Kirk breathed a sigh of relief. “No, thank God—but I think it had as much to do with the Vulcan respect for another’s privacy as Komack’s influence.”

“At least he’s keeping his promise. That’s what matters,” McCoy returned.

“Still, it remains to be seen how long he’ll be able to keep things quiet.”

“Hopefully I won’t have to carry out my threat to expose everyone else with a gay relationship. I don’t want to hurt anyone, Bones, you know that...but I will if I deem it necessary. Spock is more important than anything else in the universe to me—my career, the Enterprise, even my life. He’s been through enough in his life, so I’ll do whatever I have to do in order to protect him from further pain and anguish.”

“I know, Jim,” the Doctor replied quietly, detecting the love Kborebore for the Vulcan in his quiet, earnest voice. “So will Christine and I. You…and he—can count on that.”

“Which reminds me...have either of you had any luck in finding who in Sickbay started this ridiculous vendetta against myself and Spock?”

“No, but we’ve narrowed it down to the ten oldest crewmembers in Sickbay. No one else there is old enough to have done it.”

“Well, excluding you and Christine, who does that leave who might be capable of such a thing?”

“There are at least four people of both genders who could have done it,” McCoy returned.

“What about M’Benga?” Kirk cautiously ventured. “I admit he’s an unlikely suspect, but we can’t afford to rule anyone out.”

“I know, Jim, and I’m not…but as far as I know, he’s happily married. Even has a couple of teenage kids.”

“That doesn’t necessarily preclude his having had a gay relationship--or *wanting* to have had one
at some point. After all, the man interned on Vulcan. He might have a secret thing for Vulcans, and if Spock turned him down twenty years ago…then he found out about Spock and me--” The Captain’s voice broke off.

“I get the picture, Jim, but I still think you’re way off, accusing him.”

“I hope you’re right, Bones. I’d hate to lose one of my best doctors, and a Vulcan specialist to boot, due to a twenty-year unrequited love which he has allowed to fester into hatred and a lust for revenge.”

“Agreed, Jim, but let’s check out everybody else as well. As I said, there are still almost a dozen other people in Sickbay who are old enough to have done it.”


Part 28

“Check out motive and opportunity, too,” Kirk reminded him. “And make sure Christine does.”

“Oh, she does. Always has. She’s assured me of this,” McCoy answered reassuringly.

“Do you think she’s come up with anything?” Kirk wondered.

“I don’t know, Jim. I’ll have to ask her the next time I see her. Last I heard, she was interviewing all the older crew I mentioned.”

“I hope she doesn’t run into trouble,” Kirk remarked worriedly.

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on her as much as I can—and Spock has already forbidden her to take T’Lehn there so as not to put their child at risk.”

“I’ve come up with a few names myself, but I’ll wait until Christine’s done interviewing before we compare notes…so we can see if we reached the same conclusion or not,” Kirk replied. “Just the same, we’ve got to be as discreet as possible about this investigation. The last thing we want to do is tip off our ‘friend’.”

“Has Spock mentioned anything to you in this regard--anyone he can think of who might be motivated to do such a thing, Jim?”

Kirk shook his head. “Though I’m pretty sure he has. He just doesn’t want to say anything until he’s certain.”

“Logical, as usual,” the Doctor returned dryly. “And with all of us working on this, we’re bound to uncover the culprit before too much longer.”

“Unless they derail everything by resigning before we can expose them,” the Captain answered gloomily.

“Think positively, Jim,” McCoy encouraged.

“I’m trying to, Bones, believe me. I want to. I’m just so afraid of what might happen if this gets out of control. We might never have peace of mind again—or be able to put aside our concerns for the safety of our friends and family, even for a moment.”

“Do you intend to contact Peter, tell him about this?”

Kirk turned pale, but reluctantly nodded. “Eventually, but not unless I have to. What about you? Do
you intend to tell Joanna?”

“As you say, not unless I have to,” the Doctor returned. “Do you think Spock’s told his parents yet?”

“I don’t know, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Sarek’s already considered the possible repercussions and taken steps to protect himself and Amanda…as well as make provisions for us to take asylum in the Vulcan Embassy in the eventbecobecomes necessary.”

“I hope to God it doesn’t happen, but with an unbalanced mind like this person has, we’ve got to be ready for anything, expect the unexpected--even up to and including their possibly threatening our loved ones and friends.”

Kirk could tell that McCoy dreaded the idea of anything happening to Joanna, his adored only child, just as Kirk himself dreaded the idea of Peter becoming entangled in this Gordian knot of love, hatred, obsession and revenge. And neither had any doubts that Spock and Christine were just as concerned…certainly this was the last thing the senior Vulcan Ambassador and his wife, the retired Christopher Chapel or the elder scientist Ann should have to concern themselves with at their age!

“Of course, all this is a worst-case scenario,” the Captain remarked, putting on a brave front for McCoy’s ben—whi—which, of course, the Doctor immediately saw through. “Everything could work out
just fine; the perpetrator of this could actually be brought to justice and properly punished...” Kirk’s voice trailed off.

“Nice thought, Jim, but I doubt it.” The Doctor shook his head in negation. “It’ll probably end up somewhere between that and the worst-case scenario. One thing’s for sure, the idea of getting you—
not to mention a Vulcan—on the chopping block, as it were, is going to be a very tempting prospect... and not even your declaration that you’ll expose anyone who tries will faze some people.

“That kind has a very elastic sense of values—one set of standards for themselves, another for everybody else. Their so-called ‘consciences’ are often so clear as to be nonexistent. I swear, I’m convinced that a lot of them lie awake nights plotting ways to make life as miserable as possible
for everyone they know!”

“Wouldn’t surprise me at all, Bones. Not at all,” Kirk returned bitterly even as he thought, *Two can
play at that game!* “I was simply trying to be as optimistic as possible. We’ve got to try; we’ll go crazy if we allow ourselves to dwell on it very much—much less what the consequences might be for those closest to us.” The Captain sighed and stood up, turning for the door. “Well, I’d better get to bed soon.”

“Yeah. Me, too,” McCoy agreed. “I swear, 0600 seems to come earlier with every passing year!”

“Tell me about it,” the Captain returned with a wry chuckle. “Whoever thought I’d ever get to the point of feeling my age?”

“Jim, I’ll tell you something my Mama always told me—’Son, you’re only as old as you think you are’.”

Kirk chuckled again. “That sounds like my grandmother!”

“I’m sure she meant it figuratively, because it’s a cinch that even though I sometimes feel like I’m twenty again, my body is still seventy...and lets me know it in no uncertain terms!” McCoy declared.

“They might also mean that it’s best for you to maintain a young outlook on life, whatever your age, and never allow yourself to become jaded or cynical,” Kirk opined.

“In our business, it’s hard not to end up that way, you know? But I think we’ve done quite well for a couple of ‘old fuddy-duddies’,” McCoy laughed, blue eyes twinkling mischievously.

“It must help to have younger associates, too—or those with an outlook such as Vulcans have,” Kirk opined again.

The Doctor gave the Captain a pained look, but couldn’t deny the truth and wisdom of his friend’s statement. “Really gotta get to bed now, Jim. See ya tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow, Bones.” Kirk finished his drink, then stepped through the quarters door after handing the empty glass to McCoy; the door slid closed behind him and he was gone.

McCoy smiled at the closed door for a time before turning to dispose of the used glasses, then showered and changed into fresh underwear before retiring. Once he did that, he felt weariness
descend on him, feeling like a tangible weight on his shoulders. It was all he could do to make it
to his bed, where he fell into a deep, dreamless sleep the moment his head hit the pillow.


Part 29

All involved in the investigation struck paydirt of a sort, but since Christine actually worked in Sickbay, she had the best luck. She interviewed all the older medical personnel, but most either denied any
non-regulation feelings for Spock or Kirk...and the ones who didn’t claimed to have gotten over their infatuations years ago. Most importantly, all emphatically denied having any motivation to want to harm them or anyone close to them for the sake of revenge, but since no one was overly obvious in their denials, Christine couldn’t be sure just who was lying—though she was dead certain that somebody had to be.

She took her report, the list of names of persons under suspicion and the hard disks of the interviews to Spock and told him her findings. He agreed that someone had to be lying, but was obviously an excellent actor...not to mention very clever. However, his telepathic senses told him that at least two of them stood an even chance of being the one they were looking for—and at least one, if not two, of the women could be his accomplice. Perhaps even two of the other doctors in Sickbay and a nurse whom Spock surmised was in love with one of the doctors, possibly even the culprit himself.

Christine sensed her husband’s suspicions and came over to where he sat at the computer they shared in their quarters. “Found something?” she asked as she carried their sleeping child in her arms, the tiny head heavy on her shoulder and the small body soft, warm, sweet-smelling...and limp with relaxation.
“I believe so,” Spock admitted as she held the child securely so she could lean down and kiss him. He stroked the baby’s head as Christine began to straighten up again. “However, I am convinced that our ‘friend’ has enlisted help from your colleagues in Sickbay—specifically, Lt. Commander Carole Van Note, a nurse who works with you, and Dr. Laura Martinez, psychologist.”

Christine’s eyes widened and her brows rose in a very Vulcan manner. “How can you be so sure? I’ve known Carrie and Laurie for years and have never known them to do anything like that.”

“Their mannerisms and tone of voice, to name just two ways,” Spock replied.

“Doesn’t hurt to be a tele, ei, either,” Christine remarked dryly, still skeptical but trusting her husband’s instincts. “Do you think we could get either of them to tell us who their ringleader is?”

“Unlikely. It will probably be difficult enough to get them to admit their own involvement.”

“What do you intend to do now?” she inquired, moving to place the baby in her cradle and covering her with a thermal blanket before rejoining her husband.

“I will speak to Jim, tell him our findings,” he informed her.

“Has he come up with anything?”

“I have little doubt he has, but have not had the opportunity to speak with him. When I do, I will tell you what he said.”

“I’d appreciate it,” she smiled. “Because I would really like to see this resolved soon.”

“As would I,” Spock agreed. “Take care, my wife. Once our ‘friend’ realizes we are ‘on’ to him, he might attempt physical or emotional retaliation against any one of us.”

“I will—but it’s just as likely that he would strike at you, the Captain...or even Dr. McCoy.”

“If not all of us at once—and you know what that would mean.” Both pairs of eyes held love and fear, not only for themselves but all those they held most dear. “Let us fervently hope that it does not come to that,” said Spock. “We must contact our other family members and ensure that they take the proper precautions.”

“I’ve already sent a stargram to my parents,” Christine said. “What about you and the Captain?”

“The Captain has contacted his nephew, and Mother has informed me that my father has taken precautions to protect her and himself... as well as give us sanctuary should we require it. Not even our ‘friend’ would dare attack an entire planet—or take on the whole Federation.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about, Spock. It’s the fact that something could happen *between* here
and there...something to prevent our contacting Starfleet Command or the Federation Council.”

“And I have not yet heard from my father in regards to the outcome of his meeting with T’Lar,” the Vulcan told his wife as she prepared to leave to go on duty, leaving the child in her father’s care.

Christine had had to admit some time ago that Spock was becoming quite proficient in caring for
T’Lehn and never worried any more, especially since he had been instructed to contact her if he had
any problems.

“When does he intend to go to Earth to speak with Fleet Command and the Federation Council? Have you sent him a copy of our records?”

“After he meets with T’Lar—and yes, I sent him a copy of ship’s records: including the Captain’s Logs, my Logs, and so on.”

“If that doesn’t convince them, nothing will,” Christine opined. “So for our sake, I pray it does.”

“As do I,” Spock reiterated.

Christine held out two fingers to cross with those of her husband. “See you later, love. Have a good day.”

“And you,” he replied.

With that, she stepped through the door and was gone. Spock then called the Bridge and made an appointment with Kirk to discuss their findings once the Captain got off-duty, asking him to meet him in a briefing room, since there was less danger of their being overheard. Nowadays Spock routinely checked for electronic listening devices, having developed a habit of carrying a mini-tricorder with a special addition he had devised which would enable it to detect any attempts at eavesdropping.

That completed, the Vulcan checked the child, then returned to the computer to drop a note to his father asking how the meeting with T’Lar had gone. That took him about half an hour; he told him he had sent the ship’s records he had requested…then to make sure to contact him as early as possible
to let him know what he had found out, if anything: then they could act accordingly and hopefully bring this vendetta to an end, the perpetrator to justice and stop the threat to their families and friends in its tracks.

He also made a note to McCoy recommending that Dr. Martinez and Nurse Van Note be strongly disci- plined, detailing his reasons why--the main one being to make the real culprit come out of hiding so they could nail him. Unfortunately, it would not be that simple, even though Kirk’s mental research
had netted the identity of the one responsible…and his recollections would bring to mind Spock’s own memories of twenty-plus years ago, as well as the face of the man Jim had turned down to begin his long-term romance and bonding with Spock. Someone who resembled Spock closely enough so that
he might have been mistaken for Spock had the Vulcan been fully Human.

Dr. Ivan Ruzikoff, xenobiologist, who had even studied on Vulcan and knew ways to kill or incapacitate Vulcans with just the right dosages and strengths of certain drugs, drugs which would leave no trace either before or after they killed, so no one would be able to figure out why the person had died--or so he believed. And once this person learned who had recommended discipline for his two accomplices, his anger would be great…perhaps even great enough to make him expose himself and strike at Spock out in the open.

It was for this reason that Spock hadn’t told Kirk, McCoy or Christine of this; they would have been both angry and worried...but he considered it the most logical way to “smoke out” the revenge-crazed person with a vendetta against himself and Jim. If they found out, there would be trouble, but that kind of trouble would be much easier to deal with—and not have nearly as permanent effects with them as with the other.


Part 30

While all this was going on, the senior Vulcan Ambassador was sitting before the desk of the Vulcan High Priestess, his aunt by way of T’Pau’s marriage to his father’s brother. Both had perfectly straight posture and identically composed, expressionless faces. She had not broken her perfect composure one iota, not even at the height of his explanation regarding his son and the latter’s...unusual relation- ship with his Commanding Officer. Perhaps it was because in her long lifetime, T’Lar had heard every kind of story imaginable and one more was incapable of shocking her, even in the smallest way.

Even so, Sarek could not be sure that she would be willing to assist him in his efforts to help Spock and all those closest to him. It would be unVulcan to show any overt concern as to what her answer to his request might be, but he could not avoid a moment of curiosity. Just then, after what seemed an eternity, T’Lar lifted her head to face him.

“I cannot say that this comes as much of a surprise, Sarek, considering Spock’s emotional propensities
—but he seems equally dev to to doing the best job he possibly can in Starfleet as First and Science Officer. His record, as well as that of his Captain, James Kirk, is exemplary. There is no indication that their...private activities have had any effect on their command abilities. The records you have shown me prove this.”

“Then you will assist me? Help me to discover who is so obsessed with bringing the Captain and Spock down that they would stop at nothing to accomplish it?”

“I will do what I can,” she promised. “You may assure Spock of this. Simply inform me as to what you wish me to do.”

“Contact the Federation President. Speak with him. Tell him what I have told you…even transmit a copy of the Enterprise’s records for his perusal. Also tell him that I will speak with him about this upon my arrival. It will take 3.8 days to reach Earth.”

“Very well. Do you also wish me to inform your son?”

“If you wish—but I was planning to do so shortly after my departure,” Sarek informed her. “It would also be very much appreciated if you could tell me how your conversation with the President goes.”

“As you wish,” T’Lar acquiesced.

“Thank you for your agreement to assist me. Spock should be... most gratified.” Sarek got up and turned for the door.

“It is my duty,” T’Lar returned coolly. “After all, Spock has proved himself Vulcan time and again, despite his Human blood—a most worthy descendant of Surak.”

“Again, I thank thee, T’Lar. Live long and prosper.” Sarek saluted and left.

T’Lar returned it, then pressed a button on her computer console to contact her assistant. “Sorak, get me the Federation President. I have urgent business I must discuss with him.”

If the middle-aged Vulcan male wondered kin kind of “urgent business” T’Lar could possibly have
with the Federation President, he gave no indication of it. “Yes, ma’am. At once.”

*********

Sarek departed Vulcan two hours later, sending a subspace message to Spock on the *Enterprise* regarding his meeting with the Vulcan High Priestess, assuming he would need to leave it for Spock
to read later—but to his surprise (although he didn’t show it), the younger Vulcan took the call personally.

“This is most unexpected, my son. You are usually on duty at this time,” the Ambassador observed.

“I have a different shift rotation now, Father. My duty shift is not until 1600 hours,” Spock explained.
“You said you recently completed your meeting with T’Lar?”

“Indeed...and I have good news, which I have no doubt that you will be pleased to hear. She is going to help us.” Sarek explained just what form that help would take. “And when I arrive, I shall add my voice to hers. Have you any news from your end?”

“I have discovered that our ‘friend’ aboard ship has two accomplices. I have also recommended that
Dr. McCoy strongly discipline them, if only as part of an attempt to ‘smoke out’ the true culprit. I believe it most logical to have him strike at me in order that Jim, Christine and our daughter will not
be put at risk,” the younger Vulcan told his father.

“But the Doctor might be put at risk, Spock,” Sarek pointed out. “Because I am constrained to point
out that once they learn what you have done, they will be most displeased.”

“No doubt,” Spock returned dryly. “But it was a risk I had to take. Besides, I have every confidence that should there be any physical confrontation, I would be the victor. After all, did you not teach me Vulcan martial arts? Not too many Humans would know how to counteract those moves.”

“Still, it would be logical for you to have some extra ‘insurance,’ as it were, such as a phaser--especially if you are unable to effect a nerve-pinch or should the martial-arts moves prove ineffective,” Sarek advised, a touch of concern in his voice that Spock didn’t miss.

“Thank you, Father.” Spock allowed himself a smile. “I will endeavor to be cautious…and will inform Jim, Dr. McCoy and Christine as to the latest developments.”

“Very well, Spock. I have left my brother, your Uncle Setek, to look after your mother in my absence,
so you need not concern yourself with her safety. I also have my regular retinue of bodyguards accom- panying me, so I should be all right as well.”

“I am...gratified to hear that,” the younger Vulcan returned quietly. “Please keep me informed as to the status of your and T’Lar’s discussions with Starfleet Command and the Federation Council.”

“I will do so,” Sarek promised his son. “I must go soon, so that I may compose a speech to give to
the Council on your behalf. I am also considering a meeting with your Commanding Admiral Nogura.”

“I was about to suggest that possibility myself,” Spock admitted. “Let me know if you are successful
in obtaining an audience with him.”

“Do not concern yourself, Spock. I will give you the necessary information once I have it. Please be certain to take care of yourself, your family and friends, my. I . I would not want to have to inform either your superiors or your mother of any--unfortunate incidents.”

Again, Spock detected concern in his father’s voice and was even more pleased at this additional expression of emotion on Sarek’s part, but schooled himself not to show it this time because he still wasn’t comfortable about letting Sarek see too much overt emotionalism on his son’s part. “Neither would I care to have to do the same for you, Father,” Spock continued. “I wish you...success in your endeavors on our behalf. Peace and long life. Spock out.”

“Live long and prosper, my son. Sarek out.”

Shortly after his father’s image faded from Spock’s viewscreen, the First Officer pressed an intercom button connecting him directly to Jim on the Bridge and Christine and McCoy in Sickbay via the Chief Surgeon’s office, informing them of his father’s communication and directing them to meet him in the quarters he and Christine now shared on a pretty much regular basis after everyone was off-shift. Upon receiving affirmative answers from everyone concerned and logging off his computer, his sensitive ears caught the sound of his small daughter’s awakening.

He checked her and discovered that she needed a diaper change (only number one, thankfully). He frankly dreaded the time when it would be necessary for him to clean her up after she had done number two—or both one and two—but in the meantime, was glad of his good fortune. Upon doing
that, he sat down with her to give her a bottle of kahlin, the Vulcan equivalent of orange juice...the
best he could do as to feeding her until Christine returned.