I don't own anything, not making a profit!

Sarek Is Watching

Sarek met Spock and Nyota at their beam down point and walked with them to his home. He shouldered half their baggage. Both have visited New Vulcan before, but that was before the family home had been completed.

This was a much simpler dwelling than the one Spock grew up in. Sarek's ancestral home had been centuries old, inhabited by his family for generations. Through the diversity of his holdings and investments, Sarek had retained most of his wealth, even though much was lost in the Genocide. New Vulcan's current lack of labor simply would not allow for the building of a mansion.

The three entered the house and greeted T'Sela, Sarek's bond-mate, who was expecting a daughter. She has been waiting with food and cool beverages. Spock and Nyota had arrived at midday, when the heat was at its worst. They both seemed weary, but it could not be from such a short walk. Both had dark circles under their eyes. Apparently this leave was greatly needed.

Spock confirmed this over the meal. The Enterprise had just completed a First Contact mission that had gone very badly. Lives had been lost, and the crew had worked many long hours for days on end. Nyota, especially had very little rest. Sarek could tell Spock was concerned for her.

"Husband, I suggest we let our children rest. We will have ample time for conversation later."

"You are correct, my wife. Come, Spock and Nyota. I will show you to your room." Sarek and Spock picked up the bags. Nyota seemed a little unsteady on her feet, and she had a hand on her stomach. Spock took her arm.

"He is more gentle with her than I ever was with his mother. Where did he learn this?" Sarek asked himself.

When Sarek returned to the table, T'Sela whispered "I believe she is with child. We must not overtax her."

His children have had a good rest, unpacked and made themselves comfortable in loose, cool clothing. He notes that his son is not wearing shoes and has inherited his father's large feet. "I will take him to the boot maker. Finding such large footwear is always difficult."

Sarek watches Nyota, this beautiful one his son has chosen. She is warm and expressive, yet calm and reserved. She honors Spock and his heritage without denying her own. This is a fine line to walk, but she does so with grace.

Spock and Nyota are assisting T'Sela with dinner. The young woman has many questions, she is so eager to learn. T'Sela seems more at ease with Nyota than with her stepson. Perhaps that is just the way of women. Spock and T'Sela are still adjusting to this new family, patched together of necessity. They still do not quite know what to expect from each other. So far, there have been no difficulties. Sarek is grateful for this.

As they dine, the "secret" is revealed. Nyota is with child, a son. Spock's expression is neutral, as always, but Sarek sees joy and pride shining in his eyes. His son will be a good father, a better father than Sarek had been. Spock is already a better husband.

How has he produced such a son? What did he do to deserve him? Sarek brought Spock up as strictly as possible, squelching some of the boy's natural talents and abilities in favor of discipline and logic.

A few days later, they are sitting in the family room. That morning his children sang for the whole community. Their voices were recorded for all of New Vulcan to enjoy. Nyota makes a joke about Spock being more popular than Elvis. Sarek tells his daughter of the little boy who used to dance and sing to Amanda's Rock music. She tells him about a song parody competition Spock won on the Enterprise and about the electric guitar she found in the closet.

Nyota's sense of humor is infectious. Sarek can not help but be charmed by her. She is the perfect mate for his son. He can not imagine a better mother for his grandson. Her gifts and talents are many, she will teach her child much. She will love him unconditionally, as she loves Spock.

They all sit in the family room. Spock plays his harp while he and Nyota sing an ancient Vulcan song. T'Sela sits next to Sarek, who has just put the last stitches in the socks he has been knitting.

"Here my son, these will go well in your new boots. I imagine socks can be as challenging to find as boots. I am sorry to have given you such large feet."

Nyota snickers. The rest of the family looks at her.

"I apologize. I was just remembering an "old wives' tale" I heard about guys with big feet."

T'Sela considers this for a moment. "I once read something about that in an old Terran fashion magazine. I am an old wife, and I have found it to be so."

Nyota nods vigorously, and laughs again.

Spock and Sarek are clueless.