Spock slowly rises from bed at exactly 0400 hours. After his and T'Mara's first two and half months of marriage, Spock has perfected his manner of emerging from the bed so as not to disturb his loving wife. He also manages not to wake T'Meika, their baby daughter, who sleeps in a hover crib in their master bedroom.
It has always been his habit to wake up two hours before leaving to perform his duties, whether on board the Enterprise or at the academy. But on this fine Sunday morning, he and T'Mara will be celebrating their first year of marriage by boarding a starliner to the planet Vulcan. For his wife, it was an unexpected gift. With the sparse information his wife could provide him, along with her Cousin Anthony's facts on her mother, Spock was able to locate T'Sain's place of residence. He learned that she lives in the city of Surakahr, but not an exact address. So Spock placed a message on the city's public access board, stating he was seeking to find T'Mara's mother. To his surprise, T'Sain had seen the message and replied back. They agreed for all to meet at her home with a precise date and time.
As much as Spock desired that their visit to Vulcan be an uneventful one, he has his doubts. First, they plan to spend time with his parents. His father will most likely give his abrasive opinion of their marriage, and perhaps T'Meika's un-Vulcan behavior. Although she is three-quarters Vulcan, her personality seems to be developing much like T'Mara's, which fascinated Spock. Then their visit with T'Sain will be filled with unknowns. One will be her reaction to meeting her daughter after she had surrendered T'Mara to Andre when she was just an infant. Second, her mother had remarried, to a man name Demetris. The name in itself was quite unusual for a Vulcan, for it has Romulan roots.
After his meditation, Spock prepares himself a cup of herbal tea. The tea was T'Mara's homegrown blend. She had combined native earth herbs with sweet Vulcan herbs to concoct the special tea. It took her several attempts to find a taste that would be pleasing to human palates.
With teacup in hand, Spock settles on the plush club chair. He sips on the tea and savors its mild sweetness. He remembers back 6.587 months ago when he suggested to his wife to patent her recipe. She agreed but did not wish to market it. Spock, with T'Mara's permission, contacted his mother to have her send a supply of the herbs for the tea. His mother sent his wife an ample amount for T'Mara to create enough tea, not just for them, but for their tea drinking friends. Sulu was the first to sample the tea and was willing to pay for more of it.
Spock returns to musing about his wife and their young marriage. Regardless of her demonstrative ways, he sees her as a strong woman. What amazes him most is that T'Mara's strength seems to stem from her deep faith in the one she calls Jesus. He finds elements of her belief in this "savior" illogical, and there are other factors of her faith that he truly cannot comprehend. However, of one thing he is certain—that T'Mara lives out her faith. But like all imperfect beings, there would be moments when her trust in God wavered.
Imperfection—now there was a word many Vulcans seem to avoid.
His thoughts are interrupted by a waking baby. With T'Meika crying, most likely T'Mara would be out of bed. Spock heads into the kitchen to set up the high chair and prepare their breakfast. Within fourteen minutes, T'Mara enters with their baby cradled in her arms. His wife sweetly smiles at him as she says, "Good morning, my loving husband." She settles T'Meika in the hover chair, which is placed between them.
Spock puts dishes of hot oatmeal on the table. He then places a bowl of cut strawberries in the center of the small cherry wood table, and then sets a smaller plate on the tray of the high chair. With everyone now seated, T'Mara says a brief blessing. She then raises a small spoonful of the oatmeal and strawberries towards T'Meika's mouth. The stubborn baby keeps her mouth shut.
T'Meika shakes her head, then the spirited infant points at her father. "No...Daddy...feed." Even though T'Meika is eight months of age, she beginning to develop a small vocabulary.
T'Mara, who does not feel up to fussing with their daughter, hands Spock the tiny spoon. She lets go a small sigh. "Boy, she is certainly becoming Daddy's little girl."
She thinks back to when T'Meika learned how to crawl. In most cases, she would move right up to him. Then she would point to his lap. Spock most of the time obliged and picked their daughter up and placed her on his lap. T'Mara was never jealous, for she had her special moments with T'Meika, like feeding her, rocking T'Meika to sleep, and even singing to her. In any case, as T'Mara eats, she watches Spock feed the little one. She faintly smiles as she says, "Now don't you forget to eat."
Meeting his wife's gleaming brown eyes, he replies, "I am fine, and besides it only takes 3.5 seconds in the warmer to reheat my breakfast to my satisfaction." He takes a napkin and slowly dabs T'Meika's chin. He looks back to his wife. "I will take care of clearing off the table. You get yourself and T'Meika ready for our trip."
oooooooooooooooooooooooooo
By the third day of their journey on board the starliner, little T'Meika's nerves become frazzled. Even Spock reading to her did not help ease the baby's disquiet mood. T'Mara does not miss the disapproving stares from the Vulcan passengers. Vulcan babies were known to only cry when they needed nourishment or their diaper changed.
T'Meika begins to squirm in Spock's arms. With irritability, she cries out, "Home...I want home. No more ride."
Spock ignores the disparaging whispers from the two callous Vulcans who happen to be sitting a couple of seats in front of his family. T'Mara, on the other hand, has difficulty disregarding the remarks about their parenting skills and genetic makeup. She is about to stand when she feels her caring husband's hand lightly tug her shirt sleeve. He leans closer to her. "My wife, it would be illogical to respond to ones who lack the rudimentary knowledge of the teachings of Surak."
T'Mara resists laughing at her spouse's witty remark. She removes T'Meika from his arms. She cuddles the now sleepy baby. At last,T'Meika closes her eyes.
oooooooooooooooooooo
An hour later,the starliner comes to a smooth landing at Shikahr's spaceport. As Spock gathers their luggage at the baggage carousel, a group of human holo-tographers and reporters converge where he and T'Mara are standing. T'Meika is still sleeping in the baby carrier, which is secured around T'Mara's front side. The clicking from the cameras jolts T'Meika awake. She begins to whimper, then buries her face against T'Mara's chest. Spock places their suitcases on the floor. He quickly steps in front of his wife in an attempt to shield their daughter from the cameras. The reporters start their intrusive questioning, from why they were visiting Vulcan to if Sarek approved of Spock's marriage. One brash journalist has the nerve to ask Spock if he was the father of the baby. Unfortunately, T'Mara's rape had been leaked to the net-wide news service.
With his usual calm demeanor, Spock replies, "I abstain from responding to such a personal questions." He then turns away from them and picks up the luggage. His expression is now taut as he faces T'Mara. "Come, my wife, we need to obtain our rental air car." He sharply turns back to the dawdling reporters. "Do not even attempt to follow us. I will have you detained by the authorities for breach of privacy."
All the journalists and holo-tographers pack up their equipment and walk away, for they knew they could not chance tailing Spock and his family, for he was the Ambassador's son.
As the family proceeds to the rental counter, T'Mara asks, "Spock, how will you be certain they won't pursue us? They can be very devious."
"Do not fret, my wife, for your husband, being an expert air car pilot, will have no problem outmaneuvering any average pilot. T'Mara, I can fly the vehicle through the narrowest of areas where no reporter would dare to follow."
She imagines them flying sideways, between buildings. T'Mara almost shivers at the thought. "Well, I hope we don't have to test your skills."
ooooooooooooooooooooooo
Spock and his family arrive at Sarek's estate without incident. When they step to the front door, the door starts to open. The graceful Amanda is now a couple of feet from her son. She desires so much to hug him and T'Mara, but with her husband nearby she greets them with a warm smile. "Spock, T'Mara, please come in." Her eyes sparkle when she sees precious T'Meika. "Oh, she is a darling."
They all enter the family room. At the moment, they all remain standing out of respect for Sarek. Spock moves closer to his father. He takes a few seconds to keep his apprehension at bay. Then he says, "Father, you appear well."
His father's face remains impassive. "My health has not changed since you saw me at your wedding."
T'Mara notices T'Meika becoming fidgety, so she removes her from the carrier and places her down on the carpeted floor. Feeling uncomfortable in her surroundings, the little baby waddles right up to her father. She then wraps her tiny arms around his calf. Her eyes sparkle with delight. "Daddy."
Sarek observes his son's interaction with T'Meika. He merely raises his brow as he sees Spock pick up the baby, and with smiling eyes brush back her bangs with his fingers. Spock's father regards his son as he states, "Since the child is only one-quarter human, therefore I would assume she will be raised as a Vulcan."
Spock takes a quick glance over at his wife, who is now by his side. He then gives his full attention to Sarek. He clears his throat. "We intend to rear your granddaughter as her personality dictates. When T'Meika reaches the proper age to choose her life's path and happens to decide on the Vulcan way, then I will instruct her in the Vulcan disciplines," he assuredly says.
Sarek's piercing eyes bore in T'Mara's direction. He still believes that T'Mara used her womanly charms to lure Spock into marriage, and that she would do anything to get his son to be the father of her illegitimate child. He also thinks that T'Meika's late father must lack in intelligence for not properly making provisions for his 'Time'.
Amanda's husband subdues his negative emotions as he returns his focus on Spock. "First of all, my son, I will never accept T'Mara's offspring as my granddaughter, for she was not sired by you. Second, you will be in error for not raising T'Meika as a full Vulcan, for one who has our physical characteristics should behave as such."
As Spock feels his tension rise, he gently hands over their daughter to T'Mara's waiting arms. Barely containing his anger, he responds, "Father, hear me out. I cherish T'Mara and I accept T'Meika as my daughter, regardless of how she was conceived. I find it quite regrettable that you will not acknowledge her as my child."
Amanda now steps up to face her husband. She has grown to love T'Mara and now adores her granddaughter. Her husband's words echo in her mind. Unlike her son, she allows her emotion to show on her face as she says to Sarek, "You can stand there justifying yourself with your logic, but you can't stop me from loving my grandchild."
Sarek, not wishing to have a heated discussion with his wife in front of Spock and T'Mara, quickly replies to his wife, "Amanda, we will continue this conversation at a more convenient time. I am going to my study to prepare for tomorrow's High Council meeting." He strides away from them all.
Amanda heavily sighs, then looks back at Spock and T'Mara. She gestures to the sofa as she says, "Please relax. I'm going to get us some tea and cookies."
T'Mara removes the baby carrier before seating herself on the sofa. Spock supports T'Meika in his arms as he sits next to his wife. His mother soon returns with a tray of tea and cookies. She places the tray on the round table in front of them. She settles herself in the club chair that is across from Spock. She gently smiles as she sees her son holding the darling infant. It was a sight Amanda believed she would not witness for years to come, for he always put his career first. She was so glad he met the compassionate, lovely T'Mara, for she clearly cherished him with all her heart. Spock, in return, allowed himself to love her. It was evident every time he looks at his wife.
Amanda places her teacup back down on the table. She begins sharing the highlights of the past year. In turn, Spock allows T'Mara to divulge the milestones of their young marriage and family life. As the conversation dwindles down, Amanda offers, "Spock, T'Mara...if you need me to watch over T'Meika during your visit here, just call."
He is about to object when his mother adds, "Son, do not be concerned, for during the day your father will be attending council meetings. And if you need her to stay for the evening, I will certainly be the one in charge of her. Sarek will not interfere."
T'Meika maneuvers herself off her father's lap and crawls over to her grandmother. Amanda takes her into her arms. Her grandchild's little hands touch her face.
T'Mara is enjoying this family moment. With happiness in her voice, she says, "T'Meika, say 'hello' to your grandma."
As their child takes delight in his mother, Spock reconsiders Amanda's words about watching T'Meika. He almost smiles as he observes their interactions with each other. He then leans forward. "Mother, can you excuse T'Mara and me, for we need to discuss your offer." Although he now felt comfortable about having Amanda watch over their daughter, he wanted to be certain his wife would agree with the idea.
His mother merely nods, for her attention is still on T'Meika. "Of course, my son."
Spock leads T'Mara to the garden. They sit on the stone bench. His wife is struck by its beauty. There are paths, flowering bushes, and desert trees from several worlds. All the paths are outlined by natural stone formations. She gazes at Spock as she says with a feeling of awe, "This garden is so exquisite. Who created it?"
Spock thinks back to when he was a child and how he would sneak out to the garden at night, especially when he heard his parents arguing over him. It became his refuge—a place to come and sort out his thoughts.
He returns his attention to his wife and answers, "My mother." He then gives her a brief history of the garden. He also tells T'Mara that when he was a child he had helped Amanda with the paths. He assisted in laying down the colorful stones. Touching T'Mara's shoulder, he asks, "My wife, how do you feel in having my mother look after T'Meika on the day we visit your mother?"
T'Mara thinks over the idea. Since they did not know what kind of reception they might receive,she will agree to have their daughter stay here. She gives her husband an approving smile. "Yes, she will be in good hands with your mother. Come, let us tell her now."
oooooooooooooooooooo
Spock awakes as Nevasa rises over the city's horizon. Each of the hotel's rooms contain a meditation alcove. He puts on his black robe and then kneels on the stone slab. Spock closes his eyes to prepare his mind for his meditation.
In the bedroom, T'Mara is tending to the needs of their baby. Even though she had lived in Shikahr for two years, there was still much she did not know of the city. Spock plans to show her places she had never seen, from the Artisan quarters to the old quarter. She knows he will be able to give her a detailed description and history of each place they plan to explore.
With T'Meika now ready for their tour, T'Mara dresses in lightweight clothing designed for the Vulcan heat. Spock removes his robe as he enters the room. He neatly folds it and places it in the proper drawer. Since Spock is already dressed, he goes up to his wife and daughter. T'Mara puts T'Meika into the hover stroller. Spock bends down on one knee to assist his wife with their little daughter.
He begins to raise the sun shield when T'Meika places her hands over her head and blurts, "No!"
He tries again, but the tiny hands cover her head. With a childlike anger, she again yells, "No!"
Spock calmly says to her, "T'Meika, you need the hood to protect your delicate skin from the fierce Vulcan heat."
She simply shakes her head. "Don't want."
He resists taking an impatient breath. "Once you are outside, you will find it agreeable." Again, he attempts to raise the cover, but T'Meika's small hand grabs hold of it. Out of frustration, Spock stands, then starts to say, "Her stubbornness must have come from..." He suddenly realizes that what he was going to say might hurt T'Mara. He gazes at her. "Forgive me, my wife."
She pats his hand. She would not have taken offense if he mentioned Soltan. Looking at her husband with understanding eyes, she says, "Hey, it's alright," She lets go a small chuckle. "I might have said the same." She then gets an idea. "Let me try something." She kneels right by the stroller. T'Mara lowers her head near her daughter's head. "T'Meika, look at Mommy." T'Mara raises the covering over her own head. "See, not so bad."
T'Meika smiles as she sees her mother under the hood. She does not object when the hood stays up.
With his family now situated in the air car, Spock pilots the vehicle to the tourist section of Shikahr. Their first destination is a cafe for the family's morning meal.
After their meal, they proceed to the Artisan section of the city. In this region of Shikahr there are many galleries. Spock chooses one of the prominent galleries for his family to explore. He soon learns that his wife appreciates fine art, as does he. They discover a realistic painting of sunset at Shikahr. Spock and his wife agree to purchase a print.
Their next stop is at the ancient area of the marvelous city. Here is where Spock is in his element. He gives T'Mara and T'Meika a detailed history lesson, although his daughter seems disinterested. Likewise, Spock explains his family's involvement of the dynamics of the old city.
They end their day at the Grand Bazaar of Shikahr. Here T'Mara has an opportunity to purchase trinkets for her cousins. She finds an adorable baby-safe teddy bear for T'Meika. Spock does not object to her buying the bear, even though he felt the toy served no purpose in developing their daughter's mind. His father never would permit his mother to give Spock 'toys' unless they had an educational value. Sarek believed indulging in imagination was a human failing. But Sarek's wife, being a strong-willed woman, would on occasion sneak a small human toy into Spock's room. He would always graciously accept the toys but then store them in a drawer.
As Spock watches T'Mara hand T'Meika the small stuffed bear, he could not help but frown. She notices his crinkled brows. "My husband, it is obvious you don't approve of the toy. Why?"
He guides them to a less crowded area of the bazaar before speaking. Spock replies with a placid voice. "My wife...it is just that I prefer our daughter to have items that will engage her mind."
T'Mara is a bit surprised by her husband's negative opinion about the plush bear. She quickly arrives at a valid response to this debate. "Spock… don't you see that a child can learn nurturing skills from a plush toy? It also can demonstrate positive emotions, for it is always in a good mood. And lastly, it can comfort a young one during a scary situation." As she finishes, she begins to feel that maybe her points were not as effectual as she had hoped.
Spock evaluates her words. Parts of her argument seems quite illogical. The one thing he does not wish to do is hurt her feelings. So cautiously he replies, "Perhaps I can accept the idea of comfort. But how can an inanimate object possibly be in a 'good mood'? As to nurturing, that would involve imagination."
T'Mara manages to contain her strong feelings on the topic, for her husband's sake. Finally she replies with a calm voice, "Spock, creative thinking is not a bad thing. All great writers have vivid imaginations. Even you enjoy a well-written novel. Likewise, without creativity knowledge would just be a set of facts and figures. Even Einstein used his imagination." She then remembers words that he had expressed the other day, and adds, "Spock, did you not inform your father we would raise T'Meika based on her personality?"
He admits to himself that she was correct. The problem stems from years of Vulcan training. No, he could not do what his father had done to him— leave T'Meika empty. Spock looks deep into T'Mara's discerning eyes. "Yes, knowledge without creativity is barren." He lowers himself to one knee by the hover stroller. Spock silently observes T'Meika engaging with her newly acquired bear.
His wife goes by his side. Seeing his face showing hints of contentment, she wishes to hug him. But she refrains so as not to embarrass him. She finds it particularly touching when Spock takes hold of the plush toy and says to T'Meika, "My daughter, what name shall we give your little friend?"
She starts to point with childlike glee. "Daddy."
He hands back the toy. "I believe a good name would be I-Chaya, after my pet sehlet. Someday I will share with you my fond memories of I-Chaya." Spock's finger lightly brushes her cheek.
His change of attitude warms T'Mara's heart. Her lips lightly touch his ear as she whispers, "I love you." Spock does not need to respond, for she senses through their deep bond his feelings for her.
They stand up together. As soon as they walk out from the Grand Bazaar, T'Mara does a double-take when she notices a Vulcan male donning a trimmed goatee. She thinks back to when she was counseling Spock, and he grew a beard. T'Mara never forgot how appealing he looked with it.
Spock does not miss her reaction to the man, so he asks, "My wife, what is it that has your undivided attention? Was it that man who just walked past us?"
She feels her cheeks flush, not because of the attractive Vulcan male but from imagining Spock wearing a goatee. T'Mara quietly replies, "Well, I never knew Vulcan males grew beards."
"Ah, it is unusual, but not totally unheard of. A few healers and masters have grown beards. I had told you of the time when I-Chaya was attacked by a Le-Matya. The elderly healer I had to summon actually had a white beard." He begins to ponder her sudden interest in facial hair. At the moment, Spock decides not to question her. "We better quicken our pace so when we return to the hotel T'Meika can take a nap before our evening meal."
oooooooooooooooooo
Spock and T'Mara agree to dine inside the room. T'Meika is now sitting on her mother's lap, with her father next to them. T'Mara begins softly singing when suddenly knocking can be heard from the room's front door. They exchange glances.
"Odd, it should not be my parents, and no one else has knowledge we are here," Spock says as he stands.
T'Mara remains seated as she asks, "Why is the hotel not equipped with door monitors?"
"Only the modern and more expensive hotels contain monitors." Spock presses the intercom button. "May I inquire who needs to speak with me or my wife?"
The female voice stoically states, "It is I, T'Pring. May I enter your room, Spock?"
He takes a long slow breath as his mind reels from the unexpected arrival of his ex-betrothed. Both his brows raise as Spock glances back at T'Mara. Although she remains silent, he feels her reluctance to allow that woman inside their room. He again presses the button and with an amazingly calm voice, inquires, "May I ask what is the purpose of your visit?"
T'Pring expected some difficulty from Spock. She smoothly responds, "Spock, I just learned of your visit here. I need to discuss something of importance with you. It will only take approximately fifteen minutes of your time."
Spock releases the latch and opens the door. He only hopes he will not regret permitting her inside.
T'Pring enters the room. She had seen holograms of Spock's wife. She admits to herself that T'Mara is more ascetically pleasing in person. T'Pring then observes their baby girl. She had seen a news release which mentioned that Spock may not be the father of the baby. Seeing the baby's features, she ascertains that the report is most likely accurate. T'Pring finally looks directly at her ex-betrothed. "Greetings Spock; you appear well."
He wishes to keep the encounter with her as brief as possible. However, Spock will show her the courtesy every being deserves. "I am well", he replies, and then gestures to his wife. "This is my bondmate T'Mara and our daughter T'Meika."
T'Pring merely nods at Spock, barely acknowledging T'Mara. Her beautiful face remains unreadable. "I am going to state my reason for meeting with you, Spock. I still possess an item that you had given me before you left for Star Fleet Academy. It is at my parents' dwelling. I would appreciate if you meet me at my parent's home tomorrow at 0700 hours."
Spock clearly remembers the valued piece. Curiosity can be heard in his voice as he asks her, "Why did you not bring it here?"
She replies with apparent frankness, "Ah, due to circumstances which I cannot discuss here, my relationship with my parents has deteriorated. So I no longer possess the pass code to open the doors to their house. They have been off-world, but are returning late tonight. With that being said, if you meet me there you can retrieve your keepsake. Trust me, Spock."
"Alright T'Pring, I have heard your words. Could you please step into the hallway while I discuss this with my wife in private?"
She slightly bows her head. "Understandable."
He opens the door and allows his ex-betrothed to step into the corridor. Spock and T'Mara quickly settle T'Meika in her crib for the night. Then they seat themselves on the small sofa. The moment T'Pring entered the room, T'Mara felt uneasy, for she does not trust her. She felt strong vibes from the woman, which warned her that T'Pring still had feelings for her husband. T'Mara could now speak her mind. "Spock, I don't believe all that she has told you. She is a conniving woman. Just as she was then, on the day you were supposed to marry her. But her feelings for you really never left her, and she has come back for you. Once alone, she will attempt to seduce you. Take my word for it."
Spock found his wife's statements far-fetched. T'Pring still has affection for him? A woman who had rejected him all those years ago? The only thing he can somewhat agree with is that his ex-fiance could be calculating. At the same time, he can understand his wife's misgivings. If the roles were reversed, he would find it awkward to meet a former male companion of T'Mara's.
He studies her concerned face. "My wife, I acknowledge your feelings of mistrust, but truly I cannot believe that she would resort to deception. Surely T'Pring is speaking the truth, for she still holds a gift I regrettably gave her. As I look back, she really never highly valued the token of my affection for her."
Before he could continue, his wife interrupts him. With a tinge of anger, she asks, "Why did you ask for my thoughts about going, when it appears you have already made up your mind?"
He quickly realizes what she said is true. He had decided to meet T'Pring. However, at the same time, he had wished to hear his wife's feelings. He clears his throat, but his deep dark eyes never leave her face. "You are correct, for I wish to meet her. No matter what you might be thinking, I do value your opinion." Spock releases a sigh that he has been holding back. "T'Mara, I should have explained about the item in question. She has in her possession a necklace that once belonged to my mother, and previously my grandmother. If this was not the case, I would have her leave and never speak of it again."
His wife's displeasure slowly leaves her after learning of the necklace. T'Mara also feels that Spock would never admit to having a sentimental feeling for the necklace. She touches his arm as she says, "Alright, go and tell her you will meet her at her parent's home. But let it be known, I still feel she has ulterior motives. Yes, I have nothing but my human female intuition, but please be careful."
Her husband's eyes slightly widen as he becomes totally dumbfounded by his wife's final words. Spock, without thinking, says to her, "I find it almost inconceivable that she will behave in a seductive manner." He takes in a breath, then continues. "Perhaps, you state this because..." He swiftly detects his grievous error in judgment, for he was going to suggest that she was jealous. Not wishing to begin a heated argument, he strokes her cheek. "No, my wife, there would be no cause for you to be envious. Your beauty is extraordinary, for your allure is from within. You will always have my heart."
T'Mara nearly chuckles as she thinks, nice save, mister. Jealousy was never an issue, or was it? She raises her fingers to his lips. "Spock, I never doubt your love for me. Uh…she is waiting, so you better open that door."
He steps out into the hallway so they can be face to face. "Alright, T'Pring, I will see you at your parent's place of residence at 0700 hours."
Feeling a bit perturbed about waiting out in the hallway for 15.78 minutes, she responds coolly, "How kind of you." T'Pring's brows furrow and her eyes become icy. "It should not have taken so much of my time to agree you will come. Rudeness is unbecoming of you, Spock. Is it because your wife determines your every move? A Vulcan male would expect his wife to submit to his every wish. Ah, but you are surely not a typical Vulcan."
He will not allow her insults to provoke him into responding with emotion. His view of marriage was not as rigid as that of most Vulcans, for he felt that women deserved more respect. Inwardly, Spock buries his distaste of T'Pring before he gives his retort. "I have recently learned that your marriage ended in divorce. Therefore, you are not to speak to me on how to 'handle' my wife."
T'Pring glares at him. "Do not judge me. I will see you tomorrow." She abruptly turns, then strides down the corridor.
Spock steps back inside the room. The tension in his shoulders slowly subsides. The stressful encounter with his former betrothed makes him grateful to the woman that is now standing in front of him. He places his hands on T'Mara's upper arms and then pulls her close to his body. "Let us forget that unfortunate meeting by enjoying some time together."
Feeling the stirring of his passions, she smiles with want, and they head to the bedroom.
After Spock and T'Mara expressed their love for each other, their bodies are still entwined. In a Vulcan manner, her two fingers stroke under his chin. "M'mmmm….I think a nice trimmed goatee would look really appealing on your handsome face."
Spock's brow starts to rise as he says, "My aisha, are you saying a beard would improve my appearance?" Are you not satisfied with my facial features?" he asks with a hint of disappointment.
She begins to finger his chest hair. With a reassuring tone she says, "Oh my love, I will always find you very attractive. I just want you to consider it." She then graces him with a passionate kiss.
With a raspy voice, he tells her. "I will consider it."
oooooooooooooooooooooooo
At exactly 0700 hours, Spock waits at the beginning of the walkway of T'Pring's parents' estate. Even at that early hour, the heat from Nevasa starts to become formidable. Then it is 0705 hours, and he starts to wonder if she will even appear, for Vulcans were known for their promptness. Then he hears the humming of an air car. As Spock peers upward, he soon sees a gray air vehicle landing behind a Secara Adun cacti. Soon T'Pring is walking towards him.
When she reaches him, she says, "Greetings Spock." Her voice is unusually warm.
"Greetings, T'Pring." His tone is not as welcoming. "Your parents do not appear to be home. A moment ago I rang the bell, for I thought you might be waiting inside."
Taken aback, she swallows hard, but quickly recovers. Now her face becomes totally expressionless. "I did not expect you to make your presence known. But you are correct, for they are not home. They have been delayed, and will not arrive until 1200 hours. Do not be concerned, for they were made aware that you were coming to pick up the necklace. Therefore they messaged me the pass code." T'Pring proceeds to walk down the path. When she realizes that Spock is not following her, she turns around. "Please come, Spock."
He slowly approaches her. They walk into the home together. She leads him to her old bedroom. However, Spock stops at the entranceway. T'Pring pulls out the pendant from a small container. She holds the rose gold necklace near his face. The pendant is a heart-shaped and in the center is a Tourmaline stone bearing the same shape. "What you have been waiting for all these years," she says, handing it over to him.
He carefully places it in a small pouch. Then Spock slips the pouch into his shirt pocket. With sincerity, he says, "Thank you."
T'Pring steps inches from him. She is so close that Spock starts to feel uncomfortable, but does not yet move away from her.
When T'Pring first saw him at the hotel room, she only fabricated a dislike for him, in order to fool T'Mara. Now, alone with Spock, she allows her pent up passion to emerge. She slips her arms behind his neck and attempts to kiss him seductively.
Spock's eyes become ablaze as he swiftly pushes her away from him. This time he permits his anger to show. "Get away from me, woman! You will never belong to me!"
She had always believed she should get what she wants, so T'Pring does not move from him. With an enticing voice, she says, "Spock, do you not remember that night before you left for the Academy? How we had relations in this very room? Let us enjoy one another again." She reaches out for him, but he quickly steps away.
"I have not forgotten. An error on my part, for the only thing I felt from you was lust, not love. My wife was correct. You are a conniving woman. Now I take my leave from you." It demands every bit of his control not to slap her across the face. He turns on his heels.
T'Pring surprisingly makes no effort to stop him. Feeling the sting of rejection, she yells out, "Go on, Spock! Go back to your intellectually inferior wife and that other male's offspring!"
He walks with purpose, and soon exits the house. He will not give in to the tumultuous emotions now churning within him. His main concern is if his wife felt that 'kiss'. He enters the rental vehicle and pilots it back to the hotel.
oooooooooooooooooooo
When he enters the room, Spock sees his wife sitting on the love seat with their daughter on her lap. He does not need to look at her to know she is perturbed. Spock's bond had alerted him when he walked down the hallway. As he seats himself next to his wife, she blurts, "You should have listened to me." She then goes back to her reading as if he was not even present.
He tries to reach out to touch her, but she pulls away. He sinks back. "T'Mara...please." But she does not even look at him.
After a few long moments, the silence begins to gnaw at him. Spock attempts once again to get her attention. He lightly brushes her hand with his two fingers, and when she does not turn her head away, he says with emotion, "My aisha, I apologize for not heeding your warning. Perhaps your husband needs to learn to trust his wife's instincts. I know you sensed T'Pring's sexual advance, but you must also realize that I rejected her. I hold no positive feelings for the woman. In fact, at that moment, a part of me has started to despise her."
T'Mara is aware that she could never stay irritated with him for very long. Now with her bond, she let him feel her love for him. She is just about to speak when T'Meika starts to squirm in her arms, causing T'Mara to drop her antique book. Spock retrieves the book and places it on the small round table.
Their darling baby makes her way to her father's lap. She points at the book and begs, "Daddy read!"
"Soon, T'Meika, but I need to finish talking to your mother."
Disapprovingly she shakes her head. "Read, Daddy."
Spock almost sighs, for he wants their daughter to understand that he needs to speak with T'Mara, but she was only a baby. He looks up to see T'Mara returning with I-Chaya, the little stuffed bear. She settles herself back next to Spock. "Look T'Meika, I-Chaya needs you. Hold him and talk to him."
The baby takes hold of the plush bear. She then takes it with her to the floor. T'Meika snuggles and chatters to her bear. This gives T'Mara's husband a chance to finish speaking to her. With a small smile, Spock says, "Thank you, T'Mara."
"Spock, let's just put all this behind us." She sweetly smiles at him. "It was not of your doing, and besides, could I ever stay mad at you?"
Her husband graces her with uncommon full smile. "T'Mara, you are a gem." He then pulls a small pouch from his shirt pocket. "Speaking of gems...here." Spock hands her the small sack.
"Ah, the necklace," she says as she pulls it out. "Oh, it's beautiful." As the jewelry hangs from her hand, she studies it, and then returns her focus on Spock. "Your mother will be pleased to get this back."
He never had any intention of returning it to his mother. There is only one woman he wishes to wear it, and she is sitting by his side. "I want you to have it. My mother gave it to me to hold until I found that one special woman. I, unfortunately, gave it to the wrong lady. You are that extraordinary lady in my life."
T'Mara continues holding the chain in one hand. His gesture of love means a lot to her. However, to wear a necklace that T'Pring once wore gives her an uneasy feeling. Not wishing to hurt his feelings, she cautiously replies, "My husband, thank you...but..."
He promptly senses her feeling of discomfort. "It held no meaning for her. Also, I am certain that mother would be honored to see you don the pendant. And just think, there may come a day when you will pass it on."
Without a word, T'Mara puts it around her neck. She then leans over and places a brief, tender kiss on his lips. Spock does not need to say a word, for his expressive eyes told her what she already knew.
