Chapter 2 - Doctor's Orders and Green Magic

Dr. Leonard McCoy could never be described as a patient man, but he had his own sense of curmudgeonly charm. However, even one with the patience of a saint would be sorely taxed by one starship captain, one Vulcan first officer, and one Vulcan Ambassador who had all simultaneously decided they were ready to be dismissed from Sickbay.

"Dammit, Jim, you're lucky that wound didn't rupture during that beating we took. If I release you today, you will be confined to quarters and mess for the next four days. I am the Chief Medical Officer and my order countermands yours in this particular situation. You will stay here for the duration of the day, undergo further treatments, and if you follow my directions to the letter, you can return to light duty tomorrow."

Spock, being the less weary of the three, rose from the bed. "Doctor, if I may, my state of health is sufficient..."

Doctor McCoy cut him off. "My God, man! If only that drug made you bleed Mojitos instead! I'd have a lot more fortitude in dealing with the three of you. You will stay parked right here until Chapel and I have completed all the tests. We have to examine every aspect of the drug's effect on you so this drug can be cleared for use on Vulcans as well as Rigellians."

"Doctor, really, bleeding alcoholic beverages would prevent you from performing your duties."

"I'd rather have a good Kentucky bourbon anyway, you stubborn..." McCoy decided not to finish one of his usual names for Spock in front of his father. Instead he barked, "Doctor's orders, you stay where you are, Commander!"

Sarek had begun to see that the doctor had a long history of needling Spock, but that it was not truly malicious. Knowing his condition was the most serious of the three, he did not dare to suggest even rising from his bed. "What are your orders for me, Doctor?"

"Well, Ambassador, I know you're itching to do your Vulcan voodoo thing to accelerate your healing process. But I have to insist you wait at least another 24 hours post-op. I have never performed that type of surgery on a Vulcan before and I recommend caution."

At this, both of Sarek's eyebrows rose. "Vulcan voodoo thing? I assure you, Vulcans do not engage in ancient practices of the Haitian diaspora."

Kirk started to laugh so hard his wound hurt.

"Shut up, Jim. Well, it seems the good Ambassador has a sense of humor after all. Maybe you could give Spock here a few pointers. Okay, Mr. Ambassador, the Vulcan healing trance. Is that better?"

"It is more accurate, Doctor. Will there be anyone on hand to rouse me from the trance?"

"Father," Spock interjected, "I can aide you in this. Mother will be able to summon me when the time comes."

"Well," the doctor smiled, "now that everyone has agreed to be good boys and Vulcans, I have other duties to attend to." Once again turning to the captain, "Jim, in spite of Spock being the most recalcitrant of patients, I know you're the worst of all. Scotty has everything in hand and I expect you not to move."

Jim groaned, "Okay, okay, Bones, I get it. Stay here." At the sight of Chapel, Kirk relaxed. "You're a sight for sore eyes, Nurse Chapel. At least I know bedside manner will be much more pleasant for awhile."

McCoy rolled his eyes and stalked to his office. "Damned stubborn quarterdeck breed..."

Puzzled by the doctor's words, Sarek turned to his son. "Quarterdeck breed?"

"Colorful metaphors aside, Dr. McCoy means that Captain Kirk's first, best destiny is to be a starship captain. The captain would not thrive in an office environment."

Sarek turned to his son and began to converse in Vulcan. "Even though I still believe your place is on Vulcan, I no longer take personal offense at your desire to choose your own path. It may have been your destiny to be here. I am here now because of your presence on this ship. Your mother insisted we travel on this ship. She has...missed you. I am looking forward to knowing the man you have become, Spock."

Before Spock could reply, Amanda entered the sickbay, looking well-rested at last. Spock observed his mother's radiant smile as she locked eyes with Sarek. Sarek wasn't smiling, of course. But his expression was not that of perfect emotional control. Touching fingers, Sarek said, "I have been waiting for you, my wife."

"I'm afraid I stayed in bed a bit late. Dr. McCoy convinced me that lack of sleep would be detrimental to us both and prescribed a sedative. Have you been following the doctor's instructions or has he hit the Great Wall of Vulcan?"

Sarek had always enjoyed this bantering with his wife. "No such wall exists on Vulcan, Amanda, as well you know. But to answer your question, I have been cooperative with the doctor's request. I even agreed to postpone the voodoo until tomorrow."

Amanda's eyebrows wrinkled in confusion. "Voodoo, Sarek?"

"Mother, that is Dr. McCoy's attempt at humor in describing the healing trance. However, I fail to see what is so amusing."

Sarek looked at his son, "All this time among Humans, and you've failed to grasp sarcasm? I had your mother to teach me about a lot of Human practices. Your mother is an exceedingly efficient teacher. Perhaps the doctor is right and you need some pointers besides the obvious ones."

Spock looked at his father as Sarek gestured to his own ears. No, it couldn't be possible. Only his mother looked unsurprised. No, he didn't know his parents at all.