T'Mara was just over eight months pregnant when Spock left on another training cruise. Being that far along, she agreed with Spock that it would be too risky for her to join him. Since it was supposed to be a training cruise, she knew he will be back before her last month of pregnancy, since Vulcan gestation is ten months.
A month and a half later, she felt every bit of his essence leave her. The following morning a Star Fleet chaplain came by to inform her of the dire news. She was told how her husband died as a hero. He sacrificed his life to save the ship and shipmates. The chaplain handed her an official Star Fleet flag folded in a shape of a triangle. She thanked the chaplain. After he left, she collapsed to the floor and cried her heart out. A few hours later, she received a call from Admiral Kirk. With deep emotion in his voice, he told her, "I know you have already been informed, but I just want to say..." He also told her that he was with Spock when he died to save the ship.
T'Mara, still dealing with her own grief, dreaded what she had to do, which was to inform her daughter, T'Meika, that her father had passed. At that time, their little girl was at the tender age of three. T'Meika was so affected by her father's unexpected death that T'Mara allowed her to sleep with her. She did not mind for she felt uneasy sleeping in their bed alone.
T'Mara's grief soon turned into anger. She was angry at Spock. She knew it was illogical to feel anger towards him for saving his shipmates, but she could not bear the thought of him not being there. He would not be there to share in the joy of the birth of their child. She knew if he did not do what he did, he still would be dead, for the Enterprise would have been destroyed. T'Mara realized one thing, that she needs to turn her sorrow over to Jesus. Fortunately, her cousin Jasmine was able to stay with her during her time of need.
She gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. She named the child T'Anya. She and Spock had agreed on the name right before he left on his mission. Giving birth to T'Anya was bittersweet for T'Mara. It caused her to miss Spock even more, but seeing her darling baby's face brought joyful tears to her eyes. She was pleasantly surprised when her mother made the effort to be there when T'Anya was born. T'Sain even stayed to help when she returned home from the med center. T'Mara surely missed her mother when she finally left, but having two little ones to take care of assuaged her loneliness.
T'Mara was still worried over her older daughter, for there were times she was so despondent, but T'Meika's heartache seemed to ease when her baby sister came home. Spending time with T'Anya helped distract her from those moments of sorrow over her father's death.
oooooooooooooooo
Six-and-a-half months later, T'Meika was a little over three years old. T'Anya now was nearing seven months of age. T'Mara received a message about Spock returning to life. T'Mara literally shouted out for joy when Admiral Kirk personally shared the wonderful news. She apologized for startling him, but he totally understood. Spock was returning after their successful mission of bringing back the whales. He was coming home, and as much as that thought made her bubble with happiness, it also caused her some anxiousness. What if he did not remember her or his family? So she prayed that he would remember her. She prayed that he would still love her
Now the day has come for Spock's arrival at Earth. T'Mara sits among many Fleet and other interested parties in the courtroom at the Headquarters of the Federation Council. Suddenly, all become silent when the Federation President enters the room. Her heart flutters when she sees Spock stand with his crewmates. She barely manages to keep calm as the proceedings began.
Anxiety washes over her as the Klingons demand justice. Spock agrees to accept any punishment that the rest will receive. His career is on the line, for Kirk had pleaded guilty on behalf of them all. To T'Mara's relief, the only disciplinary action falls upon Admiral Kirk. He is reduced in rank to Captain. She, along with the others in the audience, stand up and clap. Then, for a brief moment, Spock's dark eyes flash signs of recognition as they find her face. T'Mara cannot not help but smile with love. His eyes seem to smile back, till he feels his father's presence. Spock turns to face his father. T'Mara makes her way out to the corridor. As she walks towards her cousin Jasmine, who had just returned from Philly, she hopes that her husband will go to them so they can be a family once more.
T'Meika hears a set of footsteps approaching in their direction. Because it has been months since she seen her father, her heart seems to race as the footsteps grow closer. She then feels her mother lightly squeeze her hand. T'Meika then realizes that her mother is also feeling overwhelmed.
T'Mara looks down at her and says, "Oh Daughter, here he comes."
Two men stop near them. Jim Kirk greets them, but excuses himself. He wishes to allow Spock time with his family. T'Mara's heart skips a beat as she gazes at her husband.
Now Spock stands in front of them. As he looks at them, a flood of memories hit him like a waterfall. So much had occurred to him in the last 7.23 months, and now he is being reacquainted with his family. Those emotions he once had for his family try to rise to the surface, but he stifles them for the moment. He takes a few steps closer to them. Facing his wife, he clears his throat.
"T'Mara," he says softly.
Standing inches from him, T'Mara utters his name with pure happiness. "Spock."
"My wife." He offers his hand to her.
T'Mara gently takes it. Although at his death their bond was broken, she can still feel that he is unsettled. But as his touch lingers, she soon senses his fondness for her. However, she will wait until they have a private moment to verbally express how she feels.
T'Meika could no longer contain her enthusiasm, so she goes up to him and wraps her arms around him. "Daddy, oh Daddy, how I have missed you." Her voice cracks with deep emotion.
He takes in a slow breath, then says, "T'Meika, your father is very pleased to see you."
Feeling that she had embarrassed her father by her physical display of emotion, she whispers, "Daddy...I did not intend to..."
Spock knows what she is about to say. He slightly shakes his head. "T'Meika, do not be concerned. We have been apart for six months, twenty days, and 12.4 hours, so I would expect no less."
Meanwhile, Jasmine carefully hands over T'Anya to T'Mara, who peers down at the pretty baby's face. "Go on and say hello to your father."
Spock's eyes slightly widen. His eyes gaze upon her face. For a long moment, he studies the baby. T'Anya's eyes look much like his wife's, along with dark curly locks of hair. However, the girl has features much like his. His forehead creases, as memories flood back to him. Slowly his right brow rises as he realizes this little one is truly his daughter.
"T'Anya," he mutters.
T'Mara carefully places T'Anya in Spock's arms. "Your father," she says with pure joy.
He allows a small smile come to his face. "Hello, my daughter."
She wiggles, but soon settles in his arms. T'Anya raises her tiny arm. Spock lifts her so she can touch his face. T'Mara notices contentment in his eyes. Spock gazes upon his wife.
"Our daughter is beautiful," he says, tenderly placing their daughter in his wife's arms.
He steps up to Jasmine. He greets her, then expresses his appreciation for her being there for his wife. Jasmine says her farewells to the family.
ooooooooooooooooo
For the next three years, they lived as husband and wife, mother and father—a life they shared with their daughters, T'Meika and T'Anya. The bond between Spock and T'Mara grew strong and deep. However, the day came when Spock had to part from them for a mission aboard the Enterprise. Reluctantly, T'Mara agreed to stay behind and continue her counseling at the academy. She felt that in the long run their girls would not suffer as much as if both their parents left on the mission. The day came for Spock to leave which T'Mara dreaded, for the memories of his death came back to her. Prayer was her refuge during those days when they were parted.
ooooooooooooooooo
It is the following Saturday after Spock's return from the Great Barrier. It had been a trying journey for her husband, in which he was reacquainted with his estranged half-brother, Sybok, who took three hostages from Nimbus III. Sybok, with his Vulcan mind techniques, had taken over the Enterprise. The ship made it through the Great Barrier. On a planet past the barrier, Sybok had hoped to find God. But instead of God, it was a wicked alien. Sybok sacrificed his life to save them. Then Spock had to deal with the Klingons. Fortunately, he was able to get General Koord to convince the renegade Klingons not to destroy the Enterprise. Spock was able to save his friend, James Kirk.
T'Mara wishes to have a special dinner, so she heads out to her friend's restaurant. The establishment is located on the Pacific Coastal Highway, which is just outside San Francisco.
Back home, T'Anya sits next to her father as he reads to her from an old-fashioned book. The book is Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. T'Meika enters the living area and sits on the other side of her father. She lightly touches his arm.
"Father, shouldn't Mother be home with dinner?" she asks as she peers at the wall chronometer.
Spock rarely needed to use the chronometer because his time sense, for the most part, was accurate. He, too, began to wonder what was causing his wife to be detained.
For the moment, he assumes all is well. "Your mother's friend, Marlena, is known for long conversations. I am sure she will be here shortly."
Another 30.56 minutes go by, so Spock pulls out his phone to contact his wife. There was no answer, so he contacts Marlena. She informed him that T'Mara had left the restaurant approximately an hour and half earlier. She was surprised to hear that T'Mara had yet not arrived home. Spock told her not to worry…however, it is he that has grown concerned.
Just as he stands, he suddenly shudders and his hand quickly goes to his forehead. "T'Mara," he whispers.
His children, noticing his odd behavior, go by his side. "Father, are you alright?" T'Meika asks.
T'Ayna takes hold of his hand. "Daddy?"
He peers down at his caring daughters, and finds it difficult to form words. At last he says, "I...I am uncertain." He feels through his bond that something terrible has happened toT'Mara. But he does not sense that she has died. If she had, their bond would have been broken.
T'Meika holds back her fears. She tugs on his sleeve. But before she could get a word out, her little sister cries out, "It's Mommy, isn't it? Where is she?"
He attempts to get his thoughts in order, but fails. Strange images enter his mind. He takes a breath. "I cannot say. However, something is not..." He peers at his two frightened daughters. He picks up T'Anya and places a hand on T'Meika's small shoulder. "Do not be afraid. If something has happened, I am certain the authorities are out there helping her." He takes them to their room. "Now I want to pack you valises in case I need to take you to Marlena's"
Once he has their valises packed and gets them ready for bed, he goes to his meditation alcove. He kneels down and prepares for a deep meditation. He hopes to focus strictly on his bond to see if any distinct images can give him clues to the whereabouts of his wife.
An hour and twenty minutes later, the door monitor announces there is a law officer waiting out front. Spock allows the policeman inside.
The tall, young officer bows his head as he says, "Sir, I regret to inform you that your wife was involved in a ground car accident. We presume she has...perished…although her body has not been located. Most likely, she plunged into the ocean."
Spock interrupts him. "Wait...how did you arrive at this conclusion? Were there witnesses?"
"Yes sir, there was a young lady who witnessed the horrible collision. She is the one who contacted us. The way she described it, there was just no way..."
Spock shakes his head. "No! You must be incorrect. We are Vulcans and mentally bonded. I did not feel her perish. There must be a search."
The officer is taken aback by the captain's fervent demand. Perhaps what he learned about Vulcans being uncaring was not accurate. With a sympathetic tone, he replies, "Captain, I understand, for if that was my wife, I would also want the same. There will be a search." He does not add "for a body". He has doubts that she could possibly be alive.
Spock gives the officer his contact information. "Sir, no matter the time, please keep me informed."
"Certainly, Captain. I am sorry. Have a restful evening." The young man moves towards the door.
"Thank you." Spock is certain of one thing; he was not going to have a restful evening. He watches the policeman leave his home.
Unknown to him, T'Meika had the bedroom door cracked open so she could listen. She may be only six years old, but knows that having a policeman come to one's home meant bad news. Once the officer left, she goes right up to her father. "Daddy...is mother dead?"
Hearing her sister's words, T'Anya rushes up to them both. At the tender age of two-and-a-half, she is not sure what it means to be dead. But the word scares her. She begins to whimper.
Spock picks up T'Anya and holds her close. "Come, let us sit down on the sectional."
T'Meika snuggles up to him. He briefly closes his eyes as he gathers his thoughts. He looks at his oldest daughter. "Your mother is not dead. But she could be seriously injured and or lost. Police officers and search parties will be out looking for your mother, and I plan to assist. Now we must get ready to go to Marlena's.
T'Anya starts to cry. "No...no Daddy. Want to be with you….oh, please."
Her pain tugs at him, but he is able to keep his Vulcan reserve. "Marlena adores both of you, and it will not be the first time you have stayed with them. You cannot be here alone while I search for your mother."
T'Meika could only think of words her mother shared with her when she was scared. Turn your fears over to the Lord. She suddenly blurts out, "Daddy can we pray for Mother?" She soon realizes it is a foolish request, for she has never seen her father pray.
Feeling awkward, Spock replies, "Uh..well…maybe you can pray for your mother."
T'Meika does just that. She says a short, childlike prayer for her mother's safety and quick return.
Before they could leave, Spock needed to contact T'Mara;s father. The call, as Spock expects, is emotionally charged. Mainly, anger from Andre. T'Mara's father becomes so blind with rage that he actually accuses Spock of tampering with the car. On that note, Spock ends the conversation. He puts the confrontation behind him so he can mentally prepare himself to search for his wife.
As they are about to exit the home, Spock looks at his daughters. He then glances at the picture of his wife hanging on the far wall. Inwardly, he trembles at the thought of T'Mara being absent from their lives. The one woman with whom he shared every part of his life.
T'Meika lifts her head to look in his direction. She must have heard him suck in a breath, for she says with concern, "Father?"
He regains his control, but admits to her. "I was thinking of your mother."
She reaches for his hand. With tear-filled eyes, she says, "Daddy, me too. I pray that God is watching over her."
ooooooooooooooooo
Spock and his children beam onto the driveway in front of Jonsy and Marlena's beachfront home. He walks his girls to the door. Just as they step on the stoop, the door opens.
A lovely, fair-skinned woman with long, dark locks of hair greets them. "Hello, please come on in."
"Hello, Marlena. I want to thank you for watching over T'Meika and T'Anya."
Marlena normally is an overly-affectionate person, but out of respect for her friend's husband, she refrains from hugging him. "Spock… they can stay here as long as you need them to."
After settling the sweet girls in their beds, she goes up to Spock. She lets go a sorrowful sigh. "Oh Spock, they told you that she hadn't survived?"
"I can only say that with all my strength, I intend to prove the authorities wrong."
She shakes her head sadly. "We have an extra skimmer. If you want to, you can borrow it."
ooooooooooooooooooooooo
pock lands the borrowed skimmer on the shoulder of the highway close to the accident scene. Being late at night, several lighting panels illuminate the area where the collision took place. He exits the vehicle and walks towards a lady officer. Noticing her captain's bars on her uniform jacket, he figures that she might be in charge of the search for his wife. He gains her attention, then introduces himself.
"Captain Spock," she says, "I regret to inform you that after scanning the ocean, there have been no signs of your wife. As you already know, we were able to salvage her ground car." She points in the direction of where the vehicle was placed.
Spock sees the mangled car that is sitting on a hovercraft transport. Seeing the condition of the vehicle, how could she have survived? Could it be that he is wrong about the bond not being broken? Was it pure human hope that is fooling him into believing she is alive? He shakes off the overwhelming feeling of dread.
With Vulcan calm, he asks, "Captain, have you checked the local medical centers or hospitals for anyone matching my wife's description?"
"Since the inspectors have discovered that the seat belt release mechanism was triggered, we are now contacting every hospital within a thirty mile radius. We will soon have an answer for you," she states assuredly.
Spock focuses on the ocean's moonlit horizon. His human half begins to regain the hope that was diminished by his Vulcan logic. Even so, he asks of the captain, "May I inspect the accident scene?"
"Certainly, Captain Spock." As they walk to the area, she updates him on how the collision occurred. "Apparently, a skimmer was flying too low and slammed into T'Mara's ground car, causing it to head off the cliff. The driver of the skimmer is in the hospital, under arrest for felony DUI. If you look beyond the transport, you will see the wrecked skimmer."
Soon, Spock stands at the area where T'Mara's ground car broke the ancient barrier and tumbled down to the ocean. While he intently studies the scene, he hears a skimmer land nearby. He pays no attention to it, for he assumes it another investigator. He cautiously starts to walk down the rugged terrain when suddenly he hears a man yell, "Stop right there, Vulcan!"
Recognizing the voice, Spock comes to a complete halt. Two strong hands grab onto his arm. Andre Victorino yanks him forward. With pure disdain and anger, T'Mara's father barks out, "You cold-blooded Vulcan! You killed my daughter! I should just push you off this cliff!" He is attempting to strong-arm Spock when an officer points a phaser at him.
"Let go of Captain Spock, right now!" the officer commands.
Andre drops his hands but remains inches from his son-in-law. He resumes glowering at Spock.
The officer glances at Spock. "Sir, to wish to press assault charges on this man?"
Spock ignores his irrational father-in-law. He then responds, "No, Officer. He is my wife's father. He dislikes me because I am Vulcan."
The police captain who had witnessed the violent interaction goes up to Mr. Victorino. She taps his shoulder. "Sir, I understand that you are upset over your daughter's tragic demise. But surely you can't really believe Captain Spock killed your daughter? Her ground car was hit by an intoxicated skimmer pilot."
With a scowling face, Andre shakes his head as he replies, "No...you don't know him as I do." He then glares at Spock. "He never loved my daughter. I am certain he could no longer stand her for being too human. He believed she was intellectually inferior to him. What better way to get rid of her than tampering with her car's brakes so she couldn't stop. Or maybe he tampered with her steering so she could not avoid the skimmer."
She takes a short breath. "Sir, I understand your suspicions, for it is not unusual for a husband to kill his wife. But my gut feeling is telling me that Captain Spock is not the type. In any case, the car will be examined by the accident investigation team, and we will soon know if there is any evidence of tampering. But Mr. Victorino, by all indications, your daughter was a victim of an unfortunate accident caused by a thoughtless person. Now, can I return to my duties and not expect any more violent outbursts from you?"
Andre huffs, then rolls his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I will behave."
She slowly walks away, but occasionally looks back at Victorino. Andre steps up to Spock. His eyes become like daggers. "So Spock, go on and confess that you really wanted to rid yourself of my daughter."
Spock decides that giving Andre a logical response would only fuel his anger. He allows a bit of his deep feeling for her show on his face. "Mr. Victorino…right now my heart aches for my wife. I cherish every aspect of my wife. Her humanness and wisdom, her outward and inward beauty, and her spirituality, as well. I came here to perform my own investigation." He looks intently at his father-in-law. "She is not dead, and I will find her."
Andre's eyes widen as he lets go a sarcastic laugh. "You lost your mind? Look at her car. She...must…be dead." Anger again resurfaces inside him, which causes him to ball his fists. "I'm not leaving. I will be watching you." He sharply turns and then marches back toward his skimmer.
Spock gives a slight sigh of relief. He really thought Andre was going to strike him. He returns to the cliff's edge. He maneuvers along the jagged rocks. He kneels down, engages the light on his tricorder, and scans the area for readings. He also takes images of the terrain, for he notices green blood stains on the rocks. This discovery only causes more questions than answers.
ooooooooooooooooooooo
Spock heads back to Marlena's house, and is relieved that his daughters are asleep in the guest bedroom. Marlena is at her restaurant, but her husband, Jonsy, is home and tells Spock that they are two darling little girls.
Spock gains permission to use their computer, and studies the blood stains on the rocks. What he finds intriguing is that the stains have an upward pattern. Could it mean that somehow she jumped out of her vehicle, landed on the ledge, and was able to climb up to the roadway? Emotions of the day begin to wear on him to the point where he is not sure he can trust his thought process. So he turns off the computer and returns to the living room.
Marlena returns from her evening at the restaurant. Carrying a food container, she says to Spock, "You had a long day, and you probably didn't eat." Feeling he might object, she adds, "Yes. I know Vulcans can do without food for long periods of time, but please eat.
He stands. "Thank you, but I really should take my children home."
She affectionately smiles at him. "Spock, we are also your friends, and we open our home to you. Why not stay here while you search for T'Mara? Think, you are closer to the scene of the collision, which means you would not need to spend time commuting back and forth. And the change of scenery might be beneficial for your children."
Spock admits to himself her offer is kind and logical. Since Star Fleet approved his extended family leave time, he had no reason to decline. "Very well, I accept your kindness. And thank you, but I need to retrieve our clothing and get my skimmer."
"Excellent," she cheerfully says, then adds, "but eat first."
ooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Late in the night, Spock rises from the guest bed. Memories of his wife saturate his mind. He gets dressed and puts on his jacket. He quietly exits the house. He makes his way to the beach. He walks along the water's edge. He comes to a stop, far enough so the waves would not reach him. He gazes up at the night sky. Each star seems to be in its proper place. They appear to illuminate the sky, along with the full moon.
He continues to study the sky as he whispers, "Oekon...Mighty Creator, I am one who relies on logic, so prayer is not my forte. My wife, T'Mara...I believe is still alive..." He could no longer continue, for his Vulcan side condemns him for relying on human faith. He decides to head back into the house. He undresses and gets back in bed. Amazingly, he falls fast asleep.
ooooooooooooooooo
Spock enters the living room and is soon greeted by his two little girls. "Daddy! Daddy!" T'Anya cheerfully yell out.
T'Meika peers up at her father. Her smiles slips as she asks, "Where is mother?"
He gets them to join him on a plush sofa. Little T'Anya hops on his lap. T'Meika sits by his side. Since he has been saddened by T'Mara's absence, he admits to himself that he appreciates their closeness. His expression becomes somber. "She is still missing. But many are looking for her."
Still looking at her father, T'Meika inquires, "Daddy, are you coming with us to the beach? Marlena's fixing us a picnic lunch."
With the investigators finished at the accident scene, Spock wishes to spend his morning re-exploring the area. However, he realizes he has not spent much time with his children and was aware that they are missing their mother dearly.
Spock lightly brushes T'Meika's cheek with his finger. "I will attempt to return here in time for the picnic."
"Oh Father, please try. We enjoy Marlena but...but she is not Mother." She suppresses a sniffle. "Father...I am sorry…it's just hard."
T'Anya's adds, "You will find Mommy?"
Spock restrains from sighing. "T'Meika, I completely understand." He peers down at his youngest. "T'Anya, it is my intention to find your mother. Speaking of which, I need to go back to the accident scene." He gently places T'Anya on the love seat. He faces them both. "Now I expect you both to be on your best behavior for Marlena and Jonsy."
"Yes Father," they respond together.
ooooooooooooooooooooooo
Spock is pleased that there is not a soul at the ominous cliff. He straps on his fleet levitation boots. He positions himself at the edge of the cliff. He engages the boots. He slowly lowers himself along the side of the escarpment. He presses a button so he can hover in place.
Spock examines a large rock. A little farther down the side, he notices a bloody hand print. He takes out his phone to take images of the print. He sends them to Captain Stanley's phone with the message, "Please, do not assume that my wife is dead."
When he returns to the top, there stands his father-in-law. Andre's hands are folded across his chest as he says, "So you think you are wiser than the accident investigators? "
Spock steps up to him. "Even the most experienced can miss hidden evidence."
He pulls out his phone to show Andre the picture of the bloody hand print. "T'Mara is alive, but perhaps severely injured. Where she is, is the main question."
Just then Spock receives an incoming call from Captain Stanley. She informs Spock that they have contacted almost every hospital and med center. They were still waiting for a reply from one more hospital. As soon as they get their reply, someone at the department will notify him.
Andre overheard Spock's conversation with the police captain. A small part of him wonders if he had misjudged T'Mara's husband. Maybe his son-in-law truly cares for her. With a wave of his hand, he catches Spock's attention. "Well...then there is hope." He relaxes his stance. "I..need to ...uh apologize. I received word that the car showed no signs of tampering."
Spock's brow slowly climbs towards his bangs. He had not expected words of apology from Andre. As his brow returns to its normal position, he says, "I sincerely accept your apology. I am heading back to Marlena's now." He hesitates, then adds, "Would you care to join us? She is preparing a picnic on the beach. Your grandchildren will be there."
Andre's cold heart still causes him to have reservations about his son-in-law, but down deep he adores his grandchildren. "Alright, I'll follow you in my skimmer."