Disclaimer : Paramount, Viacom, Desilu and probably other corporations that I don't even know about hold the copyrights that own the context and the characters of the Original Star Trek series. No copyright infringements are intended and I am making absolutely no money with this.
A Note from the Author : If you've read my profile, I have one other thing to add. I don't believe in killing off characters, even if they come back to life in a sequel. The fact that 'the powers that be' chose to do this with both Kirk and Spock really turned me off. I started to write my own fan fiction with the knowledge that in my 'own', post-V'ger galaxy, these events would never occur. This venture has amused me greatly, and now, hopefully, others as well. I've read so much TOS fan fiction that I have adopted certain words and phrases from others, but cannot recall who the originators are. If you know, please contact me so I may give them the credit they deserve. These stories are my very first attempt at fiction writing, but I do own the story, and no one may use it, in whole or part without my permission.
scf6 Spock and Christine, Finally! - Differences
Chapter 1
Family, One More Time
"I still would like to go home so my sisters can meet Samek before we leave again. Do you think we could do a day trip?"
"Definitely. We have to be back on Enterprise in six days. The commissioning ceremony is the day before. Would it be more practical for us to return to the ship before the ceremony?"
"Probably. Yeah... that would be better. Less stressful a transition."
"See if your family can assemble tomorrow or the day after, preferably tomorrow. When we return, we'll have a lot of closing up and shutting down to do, not to mention packing all of Samek's 'cargo'. Where are all these stuffed toys coming from? They seem to reproduce like tribbles."
"Very funny. Not. I'll call my folks now. I know George can't make it. He's stuck at work with all the last minute preparations. Theresa will be bringing their daughter this time. She felt there was going to be too much confusion for her at our first visit. Looking back now, it was a wise decision. Cathy is almost four, and the very definition of a precocious child."
"The 'very' definition? It will be interesting to meet her."
"Yeah... 'interesting' is a good word. She's another one I would call a 'hoot'! We'll see if you agree with me." Christine placed her call to the family. Tomorrow was just fine for everyones' schedules, and the weather promised to be spectacular.
Last time they were in Willow Grove it was summer and Christine was one month pregnant. Now they were coming back with a one month old baby. Samek laughed while he tried to grab the 'sparkles' in the transporter. A perfect, warm spring day, but Spock had a jacket on, no doubt his thermal underwear too. Yet he never complained. They had to pack as much for this visit with Samek's bag, then when they stayed overnight. Such as it is when traveling with a baby.
Arriving at the public transporter station, the little town seemed deserted. With such a gorgeous spring day, no doubt everyone was already out and about. Christine noticed a beat-up, old hovercraft parked in the shade on a side street. There were four young men inside it, and their appearance was a tad 'shady' too.
"Spock? They're staring at us." Christine used their bond.
"I see them. We cannot prevent people from staring, even if it is poor etiquette. However, I also sense extreme hatred in their minds. Walk on the right side of me and hide Samek under your cape. Ignore them. Let's go."
Half a block past the intersection where the hovercraft was, Christine breathed a sigh of relief. Then the vehicle shot out of the side street, churning up dust everywhere, and sped off in the opposite direction. Now it was Spock's turn to breath a sigh of relief. "Young... and foolish. We must be diligent my Wife. We are not in one of the larger cities, where outworlders are a more common sight."
"Spock, it never dawned on me that people like them live in my own home town."
"Let us think nothing more of it. That would only spoil our visit. It is your family we have come to see, not the 'narrow-minded'." Christine agreed, and uncovered their baby so he could enjoy the scenery again. Walking down the driveway to her parents home, the couple couldn't help pausing again for another 'private' moment together. Christine laughed as they were continually interrupted by the happy, little spoiler of romance.
But as soon as they reached the front porch, Samek ran out of steam and fell asleep... sound asleep. He missed out on all the introductions. It didn't matter to John and Emily, or Bob and Sharon either. Then a little voice from down near the floor, "Aunt Chrissy, can I see the baby?" Christine kneeled down and introduced Cathy to her new cousin. "Is he a real baby?", she asked with a slight hint of apprehension. With all those tall adults standing around, she hadn't seen Spock yet, either.
"What do you mean, Cathy?", Christine wasn't sure exactly what the child was thinking, but she had a good idea.
"He's... different, Aunt Chrissy." It was obvious she was staring at his ears and coloring. It had her thinking.
"Yes, he's different. His name is Samek. Can you say 'Samek'?" She wanted to handle this correctly.
"Saa...mik."
"That's good, Cathy. When Samek is older, the two of you will be able to play together. Would you like that?"
"Yes." Cathy studied the infant some more. She reached out ever so gently and brushed back an eyebrow. "I like him, he's cute." With that conclusion, she ran off to find something else to interest her for another minute or two.
Christine pulled herself back up. Spock helped. "Well, that's Cathy. She'll get around to noticing you at some point today."
"She exceeds what is to be expected of her age, and is a bright and honest child, very endearing." Theresa couldn't help but overhear the compliment.
"Thank you, Spock. I think she's a lot like her father. Definite mind of her own and always investigating... exploring. Another scientist in the family probably.
Emily joined in. "Chrissy, I always get the time differences backwards. Did you just have breakfast, or are you hungry for lunch yet?"
"We had first meal a few hours ago, Mom. It's coming on noon here and nine a.m. in California. Do the rest of you want to eat? We'll join you. Is that okay, Spock?"
"Yes, my Love. I'm sure your mother has something prepared."
"Great! I've got a nice buffet set up in the kitchen. Let's all go in and help yourselves." The group filed into the kitchen, while controlled chaos reigned for a relatively short time. Spock had just a cup of tea, and carried a small plate with a 'cheese danish' for Christine.
Having visited their new grandson at Starlight House the previous week, John and Emily let the rest of their family enjoy interacting with Samek, now that he was fresh from his nap. John took the opportunity to chat with Spock.
Duke and Dan
"You don't know what you've gotten me into, Son! Those oxen have opened up a whole new world for me. I got together with a group of volunteers who spend their free time at a small, local state park. This one is different in that it is designated as a 'living history' farming community. Everything is authentic from the mid 1800's. Later this summer, Duke and Dan will be staying there for six weeks to give tours to visitors. I'm training a few other 'drovers' because the team needs to work every day. They thrive on habit. Sunday is just an hour's spin around the grounds, but it still counts."
"John, I share in your 'joy'. I noticed the new barn out back."
"Bob did most of the work on that, didn't you, Son?" John was a content man with his family around him. George, Bob and Spock were his 'sons' and he couldn't be closer to them.
"It was even more fun when we got that cart put together, right John?" Bob replied. "We did everything except the wheels. Needed a professional for those."
"I look forward to seeing your accomplishments." Spock was relaxed again after the incident in town. The family finished their meal and were still seated at the kitchen table.
"Okay everyone, how about we let Duke and Dan take us on a little tour of this lovely spring day?" The others had done this before, but were still enthusiastic over John's new hobby. Perhaps 'obsession' was becoming a better word. Christine was all for it. Spock was concerned for the safety of those involved. He did not know to what level of expertise John had reached. His concerns were soon satisfied as they watched John and Bob hitch the oxen to the cart and lead them out of the barn.
Male calves born on dairy farms are of little value. They are usually sold for a small price and raised one year, then slaughtered for cheap meat in the freezer. Duke and Dan were Holsteins. Large black and white patches covered their lanky frames. Graceful polished horns were tipped with metal 'safety' caps. The coming two year old oxen were far from full grown, but Christine was amazed at their size.. She was eye-level to their shoulders. Their attitude was one of total docility and contentment. They trusted John implicitly.
The ox-cart was an example of true craftsmanship. Solid wood throughout save the metal springs between the axle and cart body. Padded bench seating surrounded the front and two long sides of the cart, with a latching gate and drop down steps at the back. John copied the basic design from antique drawings, then added his own finishing touches. With the family on board, Bob latched the rear gate and pulled up the 'steps'.
Christine was settled in with Samek on her lap and Spock next to them. She put the 'baby's bag' under the bench. Then Cathy jumped onto the bench seat, kneeling to look out. She turned around and finally noticed Spock, up close and personal. "Hey, you look like the baby does!"
"Hello, Cathy. I am Samek's father. Your Aunt Chrissy and I are married. I am also your new uncle." He smiled as he said, "I'm your Uncle Spock."
"Why do you look different, Uncle Spock?" For her age, Cathy had no problems expressing herself.
"Because I am from another planet. Do you know what that means?"
"Planets? Daddy tells me about people from other planets. He says I can't see planets by myself because they are far away, but they look like the moon. Big and round with stars all around." She kept 'investigating', staring at his unique features.
"That is exactly correct, Cathy." Smiling, she felt that he talked to her like a real person and not a little girl like all the adults did. Her new uncle might look different, but it didn't matter. She liked him already. "Do you know any names of planets?"
Now that got her thinking hard. After a pause, "Neptune, Antares, Vulcan... and Angora!" Despite the fact that Antares was a sun, and Angora was a breed of goat, Cathy was proud that she could answer such a hard question.
"Excellent." Spock praised her. I am from the planet Vulcan. Have you ever met a Vulcan before?"
"No. Are you a 'Vul...can'?" Spock held still while she got another good look at those ears.
"Yes, I am."
"Oh... Okay." Her curiosity satisfied, she turned around and sat on the bench properly, right next to her Uncle Spock. Christine was enjoying this moment and promised herself to remember it always. This is how it should be, the honest curiosity of a child satisfied with knowledge and understanding. Spock felt her happiness, and smiled back at her in agreement. The unpleasant experience in town was washed away, by a little girl.
John walked alongside Duke, his 'near' ox. He guided the gentle beasts with his voice and a touching rod. Leaving the barn area, they headed down the dirt roads that bordered the fields surrounding their home. They saw a mixture of crops in various stages of growth, along with a few freshly plowed fields for later harvests. Other fields were left fallow for the year. Between the fields were 'hedgerows' of tall poplar trees and thick lower shrubs. Planted generations ago to be a combination of windbreak and wildlife habitat. The slow, steady plodding of the oxen gave the cart a rhythm that was very relaxing. Truly a beautiful afternoon. One very minor problem.
"Christine, I'm cold just sitting here. Do you mind if I walk alongside?"
"Go ahead, we're fine. It always bothers me when you have to be cold." Spock gracefully leaped over the closed back gate and came along to the side where his wife and son were. Cathy moved over to claim the place he vacated and chatted with her aunt. Samek was watching everything. Great entertainment for a baby. Christine laughed when he scrunched up his face, having finally identified the smell of the oxen. Spock was grateful for the crosswind.
Prejudice in Willow Grove
Christine sat on the bench slightly sideways so she could talk with Spock and also look at the scenery on their side. Up the road aways, four young men were moving some irrigation pipe in a hayfield. As the cart approached, she realized that they were the same ones they had seen in town earlier. Spock had already identified them, and shared the knowledge through their bond. Still wary, they observed as the four picked up some pipe and moved farther away from the road, to another field behind a hedgerow. At the end of the hedgerow, one of them returned without his section pipe and just stood there, watching. Spock sensed the 'hatred' again. The field worker was about seventeen meters away from the road at this point.
The family group continued on their tour, unaware of the potential situation. Cathy was kneeling on the bench again, looking down at the gravel road they were presently traveling over. "Look, Uncle Spock! See it?" as she pointed to something sparkling in the sunlight. A piece of quartz, perhaps. He bent down to pick it up for her. The very moment his head started to bend down, he felt an object fly past him, so close it brushed the hair on his head. Then...
CRACK!
The sound was sickening once he realized it was the sound of a bone breaking. Spock straightened up immediately to see Christine moaning in great pain, trying to still hold Samek who was crying piteously because he sensed what his mother felt. John had stopped the cart when he heard and saw the commotion, and kept the oxen completely still. Spock then reached over the railing and took Samek from her. He quickly 'put him asleep' and handed him over to Sharon. Looking to Emily and knowing she also had the 'gift', "Take care of her.", he asked.
Calculating the trajectory of the object that hit his wife, he turned to see the field worker run off. Spock took the four foot fence along the road in stride as he raced across the field after her assailant. Knowing that he was being pursued, the worker ran as fast as he could to join his friends one field over. Spock overtook him within less than a minute and brought him down with a nerve pinch. The three others ran off, but Spock had the one he wanted. Grabbing the back of his shirt, he dragged him to the cart at a fast walk.
Bob was already on the road as the women helped Christine. He went to assist in getting the unconscious field worker over the fence, but before he got there, Spock simply threw him over to land in a muddy ditch. Then holding a fencepost with one hand, he jumped over, but not in the mud. "Please keep guard on this one, Bob.", as Spock returned to Christine and Samek.
Theresa did best by keeping Cathy out of the way at the front of the cart. She also kept her father informed as to what was going on, since he could not leave the oxen unattended. Sharon was still holding the sleeping baby and Christine was on the floor of the cart, still holding her right arm. Emily held her left hand and spoke softly to her. Her mother's 'gift' was helping some with the pain. Back in the cart, Spock knelt at her side and established a meld to ascertain her injuries and help her control the pain. It was then he noticed the large, round, 'river rock' in the corner of the cart floor. Obviously it had been aimed at him. Bad enough that it continued on to strike his wife, but two inches to the right, it would have killed his son. It took every measure of his Vulcan control to keep from doing grave bodily harm to the still unconscious field worker.
Bob called out, "Spock! She gonna be okay? This one is coming to."
Spock established a conscious trance state in her to lower the lever of pain. He silently communicated comfort to Christine, letting her know that Samek was alright and sleeping. She nodded, and he went back to Bob. He looked down at this fine example of humanity who was now cowering, expecting retribution. Spock's desire for revenge was back under control, so he instead shook his head in dismay at the pathetic form on the ground. Moving to the back of the cart so the oxen could not see what was to occur, Spock pulled his communicator out. "Starfleet Command. This is Commander Spock." They responded, and he continued. "There has been an assault on a Starfleet officer. Send a security detail and medical aid to these coordinates."
One minute later, five figures materialized near to where Spock remained standing. The oxen never even flinched. John had trained them well, but what a way to find out for sure. Now standing, the young field worker was taken into custody. Assault on a member of Starfleet was a very serious offense.
Two medical technicians stabilized Christine's upper arm and gave her a local analgesic hypo. The humerus was broken, but also shattered. Emily assisted them in getting her out of the cart. Then they helped Sharon and Samek to get back on the ground, too. As the medical personnel continued to work on Christine and get her ready to transport, Spock gave a brief statement.
"Nine point three minutes ago, that individual threw the rock I have identified to you. Based on it's trajectory and his location three seconds before the incident, he is the only person possible to have thrown it. I assume you will also find his DNA on the weapon now in your possession. I believe it was intended for me, but having inadvertently moved at the exact moment, it continued on and struck Dr. Chapel. I observed the assailant run away, and apprehended him three hundred twelve meters north of this location. I have not spoken with him."
Lieutenant Taft in charge of the security detail was able to at least get the name of the uncooperative prisoner, 'read him his rights', and explained under what charge he was being arrested. Spock explained to his family that Christine would be treated at Starfleet Headquarters, and that they had to leave right away. Then he walked up to say goodbye to John.
"I am sorry that people like him exist. Spock, this xenophobic attitude will not stand unchallenged while I'm still alive."
"John, the problem is truly universal. I will contact you as soon as they are finished with Christine. We accept your gift of self. Up until this moment, it was a most enjoyable visit. Take care."
Sharon handed Samek over to Spock, and he picked up their 'baby bag' too. Samek was still unconscious. For the moment it was better this way. Christine was able to stand, supported by the two medics. The group assembled into an acceptable formation for transporting. The lieutenant signaled Starfleet, and they dematerialized from the quiet country road on a beautiful spring day.
John, Emily and the rest of the family had difficulty coming to terms with what just occurred. Race hatred, in their own home town. But not Terran races, that was a thing of the past... outworlders. Now they realized that Spock was probably the first outworlder to ever come to their small town. A small town with a deplorable secret. Bigotry.
Bob, Sharon and Emily joined Theresa and Cathy back in the cart. John turned his oxen around to head back home. There was going to be a long, family discussion around the kitchen table later.
They materialized at the Emergency Room entrance. Lieutenant Taft and his two security guards left with their prisoner and the evidence collected at the scene. Spock followed the medics, with Christine now on a gurney, into the hospital. In a treatment room, while she was being examined in preparation for surgery, Spock found a chair in the corner and woke his son. Focusing his parental bond on Samek, the baby was unaware of his mother's condition. With Samek content for the moment, Spock returned his attention to Christine through their bond.
"Christine?"
"Is Samek alright?"
"Perfectly alright, here with me. Are you in any pain or discomfort?"
"No... and I'm trying very hard not to think of what might have occurred instead of my broken arm."
"That is best. Do not bring up unpleasant emotions over events that did not occur. As it is, I am having difficulty controlling my anger with your assailant, but I did not give in to my instincts. I did not harm him, when I very much wanted to."
"Spock, I'm so proud of you. I'll be in surgery for about an hour. The doctor is going to let me nurse Samek before they start filling me up with drugs. Oh, It's okay to bring him over now."
Will It Never End?
Father and son were in the waiting room. Then, a familiar voice. "Spock?"
"Jim. I should have realized they would notify you." His Captain sat down next to him.
"Regulations, and I'm glad they did. What happened, Spock? Is Christine going to be okay?" Leaning close to the baby, he whispered, "Hi, Sammy."
"Definitely. Her injury will heal. A broken arm caused by a thrown rock, intended for me because I am an outworlder. Was I naive, Jim? I thought we were safe with her family."
"Spock. It's not just here on Earth. We've seen it elsewhere. Different planets, different beings. No matter how 'good' we try to become as a species, there will always be that small percentage of 'bad'. The state of mind of a bigot is their obstinate and unreasoning attachment to their own beliefs and opinions. They have such a narrow-minded intolerance of any beliefs opposed to them. Bigotry and prejudice. Two words you just want to spit out of your mouth, they taste so bad."
Spock leaned back a little on the waiting room chair. "It is good to have you here, Jim. Thank you."
A nurse came into the room and approached them. "Commander, your wife is out of surgery. Everything went well. You may see her now."
Indicating Jim's presence. "This is 'our' commanding officer, and friend... Captain Kirk. May he also come?"
"Certainly Sir. Follow me."
In a private room, Christine was in bed, conscious. Her right arm was wrapped in generous amounts of bandages and padding and rested on several pillows next to her. Spock approached her from the left side and gently kissed her. Knowing what she wanted most, he nestled Samek next to her so she could support him with her left arm. She smiled. "I insisted they do the surgery with just a nerve block. Now their using shots of local analgesics for the pain. I refused to have any chemicals in my system so I can continue to feed Samek."
"It was more difficult for you to bear, but a wise choice for our son. His brief experience on the cart was very distressing to him, but I have already helped him to forget it now."
"Jim... It's good to see you. How did you know? Spock?" Christine was slightly confused by the fast turn of events.
"Hi Christine. You look real good. Regulations require that the commanding officer be notified when a member of his crew is involved in a crime, or injured. Spock filled me in on the details. Beth wanted to come. She says 'Hi.' How are you feeling?"
"I'm getting my bearings now. It all happened so fast. Jim, will Spock, Samek and I ever be able to find a safe place? Will we always have to wonder what the next stranger is thinking?
"Not on the Enterprise, you won't have to wonder. There is no room on my ship for people like that. I was just telling Spock that bigotry and prejudice is not just a Terran problem, but a universal one. Here on Earth, three hundred years ago, those who spoke out against racial prejudice were often killed for their view. But the dream they had prevailed. Now it rears it's ugly head again because there is someone new to hate, outworlders."
"Jim, that started here at first contact."
"I know... but It's never happened like this to people I know and care for. We'll be leaving in a few days. Come up to the ship early if you want to. I'm going over to Security now to see what charges they're going to throw at that... bigot. I'll keep you informed. Take care, Chrissy... bye, Sammy!" Samek smiled at Kirk. "Spock?"
"I know, Jim. Thank you."
The hospital kept Christine overnight, Spock and Samek stayed by her side. The next morning, the family transported directly to Starlight House. It was convenient that they could code the forcefields to disengage remotely. Nyota came over to help tend Christine and Samek while Spock 'closed up' the property. They were again ready to go to their other home, their other family, the Enterprise.
TBC
