The afternoon at the beach is a good diversion for all. Andre even warms up to his grandchildren. He and T'Meika build a sand castle while Marlena helps T'Anya collect shells to decorate it. While helping the children, Andre learns that T'Meika loves the game of baseball. Like her mother, her favorite team is the Phillies, which places a smile on his face. But the moments of pleasure are brief, for his inner demons continue to war within him.
T'Meika's favorite part of the day is when she spends alone time with her father and little sister. They are walking with her dad and T'Anya towards the water's edge when Spock comes to a stop. To her surprise, he sits down and begins to remove his walking shoes, then his socks. He tells them that, according to his mother, you cannot experience the feel of the beach till you touch it with bare feet. With no encouragement from their father, the two girls quickly take off their own shoes and socks. They all start to walk along the water's edge, enjoying the smaller waves that wash over their feet.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
With his children, Jonsy, and Marlena asleep in their beds, Spock relaxes on a comfortable club chair. As he holds his cup of herbal tea, he cannot help but think of all the times he shared tea with his wife.
His fond memories are interrupted by his phone vibrating. He answers, "Hello, this is Captain Spock."
A voice replies, "Sir, we have important information about your wife. She has been located. She is alive, but suffered serious injuries. Your wife is at the Half Moon Bay General Hospital. However, she has amnesia. The hospital staff apologized, for they had originally told us that your wife was not there. But after they ran a second check, they discovered there was a woman that matched her description. We have learned that a stranger brought her to the hospital. However, we have not been able to locate the young man."
Spock feels his emotions swirl within him. His beloved is indeed alive! Nonetheless, when she sees him and the children, will she know who they are? He tells the officer, "Thank you, and please inform Captain Stanley that I appreciate her pursuing the matter."
"You are welcome, and I will relay your message to the Captain."
Spock leaves a message for Jonsy and Marlena to inform them of the good news and that he is going to the hospital. A few minutes later, he enters Half Moon Bay General hospital. He feels a twinge of guilt for not contacting his father-in-law and wishing that the police will not call him right away. Spock would prefer to visit his wife with total privacy.
After speaking with the floor nurse, Spock walks down the hallway towards T'Mara's room. He stops momentary, for he hears a male voice. Instantly, he recognizes the voice as Andre's. He continues to walk but at a slower pace, for he needs to rid himself of his deep feeling of disappointment. For T'Mara's sake, he wants the visit to be a positive experience.
When he arrives at her room, the door is shut. Spock can hear Andre telling her how much he loves her. He stands for a long moment before knocking. He is soon greeted by Andre's hard expression. "So, you made it. I guess you want time alone. Very well, but I am warning you she won't know who you are."
"Thank you," Spock coolly replies.
He watches Andre march by him, then goes right to the side of T'Mara's bed. He observes her condition. She has a deep greenish-black bruise under her right eye, a small band-aid over her left brow, and light gauze bandaging her left upper arm, which is lying on top of the covers. He was informed by the night nurse that three broken ribs and a broken left femur had been treated. Internally, T'Mara is healing from a damaged spleen and a lacerated liver. Spock regrets that she never learned how to induce the Vulcan healing trance. Perhaps in the near future he will instruct her on how to perform the trance.
She stares up at him, and with a weak voice she asks, "Do I know you, sir?"
He desires with all his heart to reach out and touch her hand, but fears that would not be wise. He looks upon her with caring eyes. "I am Spock, your husband."
He then proceeds to tell her how they met, and about their two daughters
oooooooooooooooooooo
The following morning, Spock enters the hospital with T'Meika holding one hand and T'Anya holding his other hand. They wait near the entrance for Andre.
It is T'Anya who notices her grandpa heading to the front door. She tugs her father's hand. "Daddy...daddy...here comes Grandpa."
After a brief greeting, they all make their way to T'Mara's room. T'Anya inquires with a cheerful voice, "We now see Mommy?"
Spock warmly gazes at his youngest. "Soon, T'Anya. I think it will be best to allow your grandfather to see your mother first."
"We can't go in all at once?" T'Anya hopefully asks.
'Your mother is recovering from serious injuries. I think it best not to inundate her with too many visitors," Spock replies, hoping she will understand.
Her big, dark eyes show a brief sign of disappointment, but it quickly disappears. "Okay, Daddy."
Andre slowly steps inside T'Mara's room. She looks at him, but there is no recognition in her eyes. He approaches the side of her bed. Will there be any words he could say that might trigger her memories?
T'Mara continues to stare at Andre with confusion. Finally, she speaks. "I was told I was having visitors. I remember you came by late last night. You said you are my father?"
He gently takes her hand in his. He swallows, then draws a breath. "Yes, I am your father, Andre Victorino."
She weakly smiles. "Father...I am...sorry. I just don't remember."
Andre pulls up a chair. He takes out his phone. He brings up images of her and him—pictures of her as a child, and the two of them together. He then shares some happy stories from her childhood. He ends by telling her about her husband and two children. Even though T'Mara still does not seem to recognize him as her father, she does begin to relax.
He stands, and his face tightens. "I guess I should allow you to speak with your husband."
Spock enters the room as Andre watches his grandchildren. Spock eases himself to the side of T'Mara's bed. She looks up at him with favorable eyes, and tells him, "I recall that you came by late last night. Your name is Spock."
He allows a faint smile to reach his face. "Yes, my name is Spock."
He sits down, and proceeds to give her a brief account of their marriage. Like Andre, he shows T'Mara images of her, him, and their daughters. He cautiously touches her hand. "See how T'Meika favors your facial features."
His brief touch seems to stir something within her. She smiles. "Yes, I think you are right. However, T'Anya seems to favor you."
Spock believes this is a good time to have T'Mara meet their daughters. He excuses himself and soon returns with T'Meika and T'Anya. Excited about seeing her mother, T'Anya scampers to the bed and attempts to climb up.
Spock gently grabs hold of her. "Sorry, T'Anya. Your mother is healing, so she can't have anyone on her bed." He seats her in the chair next to the bed.
She is about to speak when T'Meika says, "Mother,..."
T'Anya blurts out. "No, T'Meika! I am talking to Mommy first."
T'Meika lets go a heavy sigh. "Does it matter, T'Anya? Anyway...
Spock lightly places a hand on each daughter's shoulder. "Please cease this bickering. Your mother is recovering. Now, T'Meika you speak first. Then, T'Anya, you may proceed."
T'Anya huffs. "Not fair. It's because she is older.
Spock is about to reply when T'Mara begins to laugh. "Oh, I may not remember you all, but I don't think I could have been blessed with a better family."
oooooooooooooooooooooooo
The next few days Andre, Spock, and family visit T'Mara to expose her to more of her past. Even Jonsy and Marlena come by to help her regain her memory. The doctor informs them that was the best therapy for one with temporal retrograde amnesia. T'Mara's was healing physically, but as of yet, she could not recollect her past. Spock could not help but wonder if he should perform a Vulcan mind touch. It could be a risky endeavor. In any case, he would wait till she was home.
Andre secures a short-term furnished, one bedroom apartment. He does not wish to leave till he is assured that his daughter is safe and her memory intact. He is happy that the day finally comes to take T'Mara home. Her brain scans show no signs of permanent damage, and she has completely recovered from her injuries. Doctor Kendrick felt it would best for her to go home with Spock. He truly believes that being home, surrounded by family and familiar items, will help her regain her memory.
Andre is displeased that Dr. Kendrick advised T'Mara to go home with Spock, and not him. However, he will be only a few miles from her, so he will be able to keep tabs on his son-in-law, to be certain Spock is treating her right.
Spock is relieved that the doctor released T'Mara to his care. He assumes she agreed to go with him because she adores the girls and they need her. Spock wonders if he could gain her trust—enough trust in case he needs to perform a mind touch to refocus her memories. Of one thing he is certain: he wants them to become husband and wife once again.
oooooooooooooooooooo
Spock reintroduces T'Mara to their old Victorian-style home. T'Meika and T'Anya show their mother their room. T'Mara picks up a brown teddy bear that seems to have been well-loved. She studies it intently when T'Meika says, "Mother, that is I-Chaya. You gave it to me when I was a baby. Do you remember?"
T'Mara slowly hands I-Chaya back to her daughter. Her forehead furrows as she struggles to concentrate. She wants so much to recall her past, but like this moment, it was fleeting. With a touch of sadness, she replies, "I am not certain. I am sorry, T'Meika."
"Don't worry, Mom, I am sure it will come back to you," T'Meika says with hope that her words will hold true.
Little T'Anya, wanting to help, starts to bring her mother toys and clothes that T'Mara had given her. "Mommy, Mommy, remember these?"
T'Meika rolls her eyes. "No, T'Ayna. Don't bother Mom. She needs to take it a little at a time."
T'Ayna sniffles, then she drops everything on the floor. "I was only trying to help." A tear rolls down her light tan cheek.
T'Mara kneels down. She encourages T'Anya into a hug. "I know. You continue to be mother's little helper." She looks to T'Meika. She extends out her hand. "Come." They form a group embrace. "You two mean a lot to me. Don't get overly concerned, for the memory loss is only temporary." She releases them. "Now, go back to playing." She leaves them, then joins Spock in the living room. She sits beside him on the sectional.
He places his padd on the small, round table next to the sectional. His eyes focus on her lovely dusky-toned face. He begins to raise his hand to touch her cheek, but drops his hand to his side. He fears that she might find his touch awkward. Spock notices her nervous smile. "I am sorry. I just wanted..."
She slightly shakes her head, but her eyes never leave him. "It's okay. To tell you truth, I feel comfortable around you. Now, I wish to prepare your dinner. I remember how, but I have forgotten what you prefer to eat. So, why don't you help me?" T'Mara hopes that doing things together might trigger her lost memories.
T'Mara enjoys sharing dinner with her family. The girls take turns telling her what they did at Marlena's home. Just as T'Meika is about to speak, T'Mara drops her fork. Images of the fiery crash quickly flash in her mind. Her eyes become wide with fear, then she screams.
Spock grabs hold of her hand. "T'Mara...what is wrong?"
T'Anya cries, "Mommy, Mommy!"
T'Meika is also scared, but she manages not to cry. She touches her sister's hand. "Don't worry, Daddy will help her."
T'Mara finally looks at him. Fear still can be seen in her eyes. At last, she speaks. "The accident...Flashes of the collision came to my mind. The skimmer came right at me...I could not turn the wheel fast enough to avoid him. Dinner...I was returning from Marlena's restaurant. Oh, Spock hold me." She stands, as does he.
He pulls her close to him. He feels her whole body tremble. Spock gently brushes his fingers along her face. With a soothing voice he says, "T'Mara, it is alright. You are safe and home where you belong. I cherish you, my aisha."
What was once lost to T'Mara, returns to her in abundance. She basks in Spock's Vulcan strength. Anxiety vanishes from her face, and now a calm joy covers it. T'Mara's dark, bright eyes peer into his deep caring eyes. "Spock...oh my husband. It's all coming back to me. Praise be, He does answer prayers. Strange, isn't it? I forgot who I was and all that my past entailed, but for some reason my faith never left me. The night I came to at the hospital, I began to pray."
Spock drops his hands to his side. He thinks back to that moment when he attempted to pray to Oekon. He was going to ask the Creator to find his wife. Did the Almighty lead him to his wife or was it just his perseverance that led him to T'Mara? Spock is certain of one thing—his wife truly believed that it was God that saved her life. But right now it did not matter, for they are a family once more.
He graces her with a small smile. T'Mara, I could not be more pleased"
Soon their little ones came over to share in the happy moment.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooo
T'Mara was quite happy when Dr. McCoy gave her a clean bill of health. Since Spock had returned to his duties as an instructor, she decides to take T'Meika and T'Ayna to visit her dad, Andre.
They enter the cozy one bedroom apartment. The children sit on the carpeted floor as T'Mara sits on an easy chair across from her father. She witnessed some positive signs from her father when he visited her in the hospital. However, his prejudices seem to blind him when it comes to Spock. T'Mara informs him of the good news the doctor gave her. Also, she will be able to return to being a counselor at the academy.
She then says, "Father, I have noticed times when my memories are unfocused. Spock suggested performing a mind touch to align them." Feeling the conversation might become intense, she has T'Meika and T'Ayna take their toys and play in the bedroom.
Andre's hands clench the arms of the chair. His face becomes taut. "Don't let him, T'Mara. He can erase any of your memories. He will go in there and gain complete control of your mind. He will turn you against me and even have you be his forever servant"
T'Mara could not believe her father would actually feel that Spock was an unscrupulous man, especially after doing all he did to find her and then take care of her. Had he become paranoid? She hopes to convince him about how wrong he is.
"Father, you were with him at the accident scene and the hospital. Surely, you saw how much he cares for me? "
Her father sighs. "At first I was fooled by his act. He's just using you."
When she watches him down his drink, it comes to her. When he drinks, his mind becomes twisted. That being the case, trying to argue with him will be futile.
T'Mara then replies, "You know, think what you want, but I know he loves me and I love him." She rises from her chair. "I am not going to continue this conversation. I'm going to get my children and let you be. I will call you later this week. Perhaps then you will have a clearer mind."
Her two children say goodbye to their grandfather as they exit the home with their mother.
ooooooooooooooooooooooo
It is Saturday afternoon. T'Mara is sitting on the sectional with T'Meika on one side of her and T'Anya on the other side. They are viewing the Phillies versus the Dodgers on the wall screen. T'Mara enjoys moments like these with her girls.
Halfway through the fifth inning, Spock enters the family room. He sits next to T'Meika. T'Mara glances in his direction. "Are you going to watch the rest of the game with us?"
He senses her surprise, which he finds a bit amusing. "Ah, indeed I am. In fact, I find the game fascinating. Like chess, it is filled with strategies and gambits. I should indulge in watching the game more often."
"I would enjoy that," T'Mara says with a smile. "By the way, you might find this interesting. The Phillies have just acquired the first full-blooded Vulcan baseball player."
"I have learned of this development. He name is Shakan. His position is third base. His batting average is .234."
She rolls her eyes as she reaches out and pokes him in the arm. With a lighthearted tone, she asks, "Really? How long have you known this?"
He faintly smiles. "I obtained this information 8.73 days ago." He adds in a teasing manner, "T'Mara, as an avid fan you really should keep up with your team's news."
She lets go a sigh. "Ha ha, mister. Very funny. Seven days ago I got my memory back, and thanks to your mind touch it became more focused."
As the game continues, an idea enters T'Mara's mind. "Hey everyone, the Phillies are going to be playing the Giants next Saturday. Why don't we all go to the game?"
Spock takes a few seconds to think over her idea. With an approving gaze, he says, "That sounds agreeable."
T'Anya comes up with a suggestion. "Why don't we invite grandpa?"
T'Meika shakes her head. "No, sister. He hates Father, so he won't come."
Spock lightly touches her arm. "Hate is a harsh word. Your grandfather has harbored bad feelings towards Vulcans ever since your grandmother left him."
T'Meika thinks she understands. But her grandfather's behavior at times confuses her. "My sister and I are Vulcan, but he does not always seem to dislike us."
T'Mara understands her confusion. "My father's demeanor changes when he drinks alcohol."
'"Oh, like last week when we visited him. He ignored me and T'Anya. But when we were at Marlena's with father, he was kind to us."
T'Mara lightly squeezes both girls closer to her. "Yes, something I had to deal with all my life. But let's not dwell on that. I will see if I can get on his good side, and convince him to come. I think it would be good for him to come to the game."
ooooooooooooooooooooooooo
T'Meika is so ecstatic that the day of the game finally has arrived. The game is to begin at 1305 hours, however, it is only 0900 hours, and T'Meika wonders if time could move any slower. She is already dressed for the game, so she needs to find something to pass the time. Maybe she will see what her father is up to…
Later, T'Mara joins her husband in their home office, where he had retreated to escape his daughter's exuberant behavior. Placing a hand on his shoulder, she smilingly says, "I guess our daughter's excitability was a bit too much for you?"
"Indeed. I have never seen her as restless and emotional as she is today. If she was not asking me a multitude of questions, she was blurting out Phillies statistics." He stands and faces his wife. "I needed a reprieve."
His look of mild exasperation almost causes her to laugh. She places her hand on his upper chest. "Don't worry, I think once we leave and arrive at the game, she will settle down."
"I hope you are correct." Both exit the office.
Out in the living room, T'Meika is sitting in a chair, full of anticipation. "About time you two came out. I think we should go now, since we need to pick up Grandfather."
T'Anya springs out from her little chair. "Time to go! Yeah!"
They leave on time to pick up Andre. They then arrive at Giant's stadium. The CUE protesters, which stands for Clean Up Earth, are scattered around the outskirts of the stadium. Several San Francisco police have dispersed themselves around to keep the peace.
T'Mara and her family are headed to the gate. At that instant, five Vulcan fleet cadets just ahead of them are attempting to enter the gate, but a small group of CUE members start name-calling and throwing eggs at the cadets. The cadets ignore the protesters and continue into the stadium. The police break up the group of the protesters and cuff the ones who threw the eggs.
Andre witnesses everything. A part of him wanted to cheer on the demonstrators, however, something tugs at his heart. Was it really right to hate an alien race just because one whom he had loved preached cold logic, berated him for his drinking, and broke his heart by leaving him and his daughter?
Spock's family is able to enter without incident. They locate their seats, which happen to be near the Phillies dugout. T'Meika gets herself immersed with the goings of the pre-game festivities. To her father's relief, she soon becomes more herself after the Star Spangled Banner is sung.
Since the Phillies are the away team, they are to take the plate first. Shakan, the Vulcan third baseman is scheduled to bat fourth. T'Meika stands as she sees Shakan go on deck. T'Meika watches Shakan perform his practice swings. He has dark wavy hair that protrudes from his hat. He has striking deep brown eyes. The announcer introduces him. He comes to the plate. There is a mixture of cheers and boos.
T'Meika is not pleased with the reception the Vulcan player received. "Mother, why did the pitcher throw the ball at Shakan's head? It seems it was intentional. And the boos when he came up to bat seem over the top. Was all this was because he is a Vulcan?" she questions.
"T'Meika, I cannot say for certain. Only the pitcher and the ones doing the booing could answer that," T'Mara responds.
Before she could make her next statement, someone behind them overheard the question and abruptly responds. "Because he comes from a sub-human race, and shouldn't be playing for any human team," the rude man barks out.
T'Meika is about to turn around to respond to the man when Spock touches her on the arm. "T'Meika, you need not react to a statement fueled by illogical bigotry."
"You are saying 'don't waste your breath'?" T'Meika asks.
The bulky man glares down at Spock. "That's a punk ass response. What your father is saying that he is a coward like the whole Vulcan race. Vulcans are a bunch of smug bastards, low-life beings who should not associate with humans."
T'Anya, made anxious by the big man's loud voice and bad words, gets out of her seat and goes to her mother.
Andre turns around and scowls at the man. "You, my friend, need to shut up. You are upsetting my grandchildren."
The man rises from his seat. Then he heads right down to where the family is sitting. Spock also stands and then steps pass T'Meika. If anything is going to transpire, he wants to make sure no harm will come to her.
The man pokes Spock in the chest. "You know what really disgusts me? That you have the nerve to mate with a human woman and spawn half-breed children. Your daughters are worthless and your wife or whatever she is to you, should've had them aborted." His words drip with hatred. Some people mistake T'Mara as a full-blooded human, for her ears are round.
Spock's anger rises, and his hands ball into fists. It takes every bit of his inner Vulcan control not to strike the man.
Hearing T'Anya crying from fear, Andre goes to the other side of Spock. Despite what he thought of Vulcans or Spock, he does not want to see harm come to his granddaughters.
Seeing him, Spock says, "No, Andre. He is not worth the effort."
Two security people are coming up the steps. "We were informed by a couple of people that this man is harassing your family," The security person states as he points to the man.
T'Mara nods. "Yes, he is. Could you please remove him?" she says while keeping her anger at bay.
"That is our intention," The guard states.
As both guards escort the man out of the stands, the surrounding fans clap. Andre sits back down.
Spock continues standing for a moment. He breathes in and then slowly exhales. He then settles back into his seat and looks over at T'Meika. She turns to face him. "Father, I thought you were going to deck the man. He deserved to be hit, just so he would shut up."
"Yes, T'Meika, I came very near to giving him a good right cross. Do you understand why I did not?" he asks as he continues to apply the Vulcan disciplines.
"I think so. It is because two wrongs don't make a right. If you had hit him, you would lower yourself to his standards, and maybe you would be the one escorted out."
"Yes, T'Meika, you are correct. One should not lower oneself to the enemy's level." He glances over to T'Mara, who is now holding T'Anya on her lap. "Are you alright T'Mara?"
Her anxiousness finally leaves her. "Yes, I think I am alright. He is gone now. And you? Are you alright?" She then adds, "It takes a brave man not to fight
"Brave? Not really; just years of Vulcan training."
They all agree to focus on enjoying the game, and not let the hateful words of one man ruin the rest of their day.
The Giants are now ahead three to two. It is heading into the top of the ninth. The Phillies have men on third base and second base. They have two outs. Shakan is up to bat. He swings his bat as the ball comes towards the plate. His bat makes contact. The ball travels long and high, right into the center field stands. T'Meika becomes ecstatic as she witnesses Shakan's homerun. The Phillies take the lead six to three. Their closer assures that the Giants could not score any more runs. The Phillies win the game.
Spock and his family file out of the stadium discussing the outcome of the game. T'Meika is delighted with the outcome. They proceed towards the stadium lot where the skimmer is located. Spock notices the five Vulcan cadets to his far right. They are heading towards their air car. To the family's far left is a group of fifteen men and women. The group rapidly heads in their direction. Spock then notices that the police presence is not as strong as before the game.
He quickly scans the area around him. "T'Meika and T'Anya, please take one of your mother's hands," he requests.
He then moves in closer to T'Mara and their daughters. T'Mara also notices the group and understands why he wants them to move in tight. She starts to feel uneasy. The hate group starts to form a half circle. Then they kneel on the ground. They pull out disruptor rifles. Half of the mob of racists start to shoot at the cadets, and the others aim right at Spock's family. They commence firing.
Spock yells as he pulls Andre and his family to the ground. "Watch out!"
There is a ground car parked nearby, and as he hustles them under it, he feels a laser tear into his right arm and side. Sirens ring out as the police surround the CUE members. The officers quickly stun the CUE members with phasers, and gain control of the horrific scene.
Spock avoids wincing as he gets to his feet. The laceration on his arm runs from his upper bicep down to his elbow. The wound on his side is deep and gruesome. Drops of his blood begin dripping on the ground.
T'Mara joins him and touches his uninjured arm. She is trying to recover from the shock of the horrible event. "My Gosh…" she closes her eyes then reopens them. "You are seriously hurt."
T'Meika and T'Anya take hold of their mother and cry. Finally, T'Meika manages to utter, "Father... are you... going to be alright?"
"My injuries are quite painful, but there is no damage to my internal organs. I will be fine once I receive medical attention," he struggles to say.
A medical vehicle lands near them. Two medics jump out from the rear of the vehicle. They immediately head towards the family. Seeing the severity of Spock's wounds, they place him on a gurney and begin tending to his injuries. Once they are convinced that he is stable, they place him in the emergency skimmer. T'Mara tells Spock she will get to the Star Fleet Medical Center as soon as she could.
A police officer on a hoverbike lets her know that he would escort her to the Med Center with flashing lights. She is thankful for his escort. She would be able to arrive at the Med Center more quickly.
