Within a short time T'Mara, Andre, and the children arrive at the Med Center. At the emergency room waiting area, T'Mara identifies herself and asks about Spock's condition. She is told that a doctor is with him.
The family sits down and waits. Seated next to T'Mara, Andre is coming to terms with what just transpired. Spock, who he had long disrespected, could have died saving his life. The terrifying event has caused him to reconsider how he has been living. He realizes there is much he needs to atone for.
Andre had never shed a tear in front of his daughter, but this day tears fall onto his cheeks. He sucks in a breath, then says, "T'Mara...I want to tell you...that I am sorry for all the pain I have caused you. I apologize for treating your husband with contempt."
T'Mara hears his heartfelt tone and notices his tears. She leans over and embraces him with love. "Oh Father, I accept your apology. I want you know...despite all the hard times between us, I have always loved you."
She wonders if God has taken this near tragedy and turned it into a blessing. A heart as hard as her father's would need a life-changing event to break away the bitter parts. T'Mara releases him from the hug.
Andre knows he was not done yet, for there are words he will need to share with his son-in-law. He only hopes Spock will accept what he has to say.
At last T'Mara is called to the window, and she is allowed to enter the ER treatment area. A doctor informs her that Spock has entered a Vulcan healing trance and is doing well, but must stay overnight.
T'Mara goes into the ER cubicle and stands besides Spock's bed. Silently she prays, then softly says to him, "I want you to know how much I love you."
She stays for a short while, then returns to her family in the waiting room and tells them that Spock will be moved to a hospital room.
Hearing this, Andre goes to his daughter. "T'Mara why don't you stay the night with him? I can take the children back to your place and watch over them."
T'Mara wanted dearly to stay the night, but is leery about leaving their children with her father. "I'm not sure if..."
He quickly interrupts. "It will be fine. I'll take them out for pizza at Mario's, then straight to your place. You need to be with your husband."
Hearing about pizza, both girls smile. T'Meika pipes up. "Oh Mommy, we will be alright!"
T'Mara slowly nods, then looks at her father. "Alright, then." She hugs her girls. "You both be good for Grandfather. I will see you in the morning."
ooooooooooooooo
Early the following morning, T'Mara stirs from the hospital's day bed, for she senses that her husband needs to come out of his trance. She quickly summons a nurse. Acting according to Spock's previous instructions, the male nurse delivers a series of powerful slaps to rouse him. T'Mara's tension eases as she watches her husband regain consciousness. The nurse then examines the monitor for Spock's vitals. Once satisfied, he leaves the room.
By mid-morning, Andre, T"Meika, and little T'Anya enter Spock's hospital room. The girls move right next to their mother. Andre stays at the end of the bed. T'Mara releases her husband's hand, but Spock's eyes continue to focus on her. It seems strange, but ever since she had returned to him, their bond has intensified.
Spock finally looks upon his family and says, "It pleases me that you are all here."
T'Meika and T'Anya both smile broadly at their father. "Yes, Daddy," T'Anya says with pure joy.
T'Meika looks over her father; she is happy that for the most part, for he appears well. "Daddy, you are a brave man. You saved us."
"You are my family," Spock tells her. "I could do no less"
He commands the bed to move to a more upright position. His eyes glance Andre's way, and he wonders if Andre would thank him. Being Vulcan, Spock did not expect it, but a part of him would appreciate it.
Andre takes a step closer to the bed. He has so much to say to Spock, but the words would not come. He feels a darkness cover his heart. He can't even look at him.
With his head bowed, the only words that emerge from his lips are, "Thank you." With a glower, he then pivots and hurries out of the room.
"Father! Come back!" T'Mara yells out.
"It is alright, T'Mara," Spock reassures her. "I was fortunate to get any expression of gratitude."
T'Mara, taken aback by her father's sudden change of heart towards her husband, replies, "I don't get it, Spock. Before coming here, he said he was sorry for all the pain he caused me. I thought maybe he was ready to ask for forgiveness for the wrongs against you."
His two fingers stroke her hand. "My aisha, sometimes deeply rooted prejudices are hard to relinquish. Keep your faith, for there may be a day he will come around."
T'Mara touches his two fingers with hers. With a slight smile, she responds, "I will try to keep my faith. Better yet, I will continue to pray for him."
Feeling his mouth becoming dry, Spock asks his daughter, "T'Meika could you please get your father a glass of water?"
At that moment, Dr. Gage comes into the room. He goes to the bed monitor. Viewing Spock's vital statistics, he nods his head with approval. "Excellent. Well, Captain. I am going to discharge you now. You will probably experience pain from your side and upper arm. I realize that, being Vulcan, you can control the pain, but if you have the need I can prescribe a non-addictive pain medication. I am sending your injury report to Dr. McCoy. With your Vulcan natural healing, your arm and side will completely recover in a few days. A nurse will soon be here to finalize your discharge."
"Thank you, Doctor," Spock says, relieved, for he is quite ready to leave the med center.
When the doctor exits, a nurse comes into the room. "Hello, I am here to help you with your discharge," she says in almost seductive voice. She is a beautiful and well-endowed woman. She has thick long blond hair, big round blue eyes, and full lips.
Placing a Fleet-issued sweat suit by his side, she tells him, "Now, let me help you out of those pajamas."
Spock cocks his eyebrow towards his hairline. He clears his throat. "Uh…no, thank you." He is already sitting up with his legs hanging over the side of the bed. He becomes uneasy with her close proximity to him. "I won't need any assistance. I shall manage on my own," he tells the disappointed but determined nurse.
Right in front of T'Mara and the children, she lays her hand on his knee. "Are you certain? It would be my pleasure to help you. That is part of my duties." She graces him with a libidinous smile.
T'Mara makes herself known to the nurse by stepping beside her. The nurse's big, pretty eyes flash with irritation. T'Mara is very tempted to shove her, but though she maintains control, her voice is tight with suppressed anger. "I will assist my husband with the sweats after you leave. Just give me the discharge instructions."
The nurse lets go a sound of annoyance "Fine...here are the orders." Once the orders are downloaded on T'Mara's phone, she marches out of the room.
Within minutes, an orderly enters with a hover chair. "Are you ready, Captain?"
"I am ready, but there is no need for the chair. I can walk out of here on my own power."
The orderly stands his ground. "That may so, Sir, but it is Dr. Gage's orders, and he is an admiral, so he outranks you...Captain."
Spock looks at his wife, who is winking. "Give in, my husband. Orders from an Admiral. "
He settles into the chair. T'Anya goes up to him. She bounces on her toes. "Can I sit on your lap?"
The orderly nods with a small smile. "It should be okay."
Spock helps her up onto his lap. As the chair begins to move, T'Anya squeals, "Yeah...this is fun. Isn't it, Daddy?"
Spock gives her a little squeeze. "Not how your father would describe it. I say it is…interesting."
He was feeling uncomfortable as they move down the hall, but having his wife and family by his side, the feeling soon leaves him.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooo
When they arrive home, T'Mara receives a message from her father. He had taken an airbus back to his place of residence. She is relieved that he was alright. She calls him, but he keeps the conversation short and with no explanation on why he left the med center. She feels her heart sink, for she had hoped that her father was turning a positive corner.
She goes to the kitchen to prepare tea. She then enters the living area with tea and some cut fruit, and finds their daughters snuggling Spock, one on each side of him. T'Mara shrugs off her disappointment at not having a quiet moment with her husband; after all, the girls had been deeply worried about him. She sits next to T'Meika after placing the cups and the plate of fruit down.
"Thank you, my aisha." Spock almost drops the teacup as he attempts to pick it up with his right hand. He notices T'Mara's face as she watches him. "Dr. Gage informed me that I might have difficulties handling or lifting things with my hand. Don't trouble yourself over this. As the doctor told us, I will soon be back to normal." Observing sadness clouding her face, he presumes she is still worried. "You will see; within a couple of days I will have full function of my arm."
Her thoughts were not just on him but her father. She gives him a half smile. "Oh my sweet, though I have been concerned over your wellbeing, I have been brooding over my father. I am hoping he has not crawled back in that dark place he was in before that incident after the game." She takes a sip of her herbal tea.
He muses over what T'Mara just said to him. He hates to admit it, but that was something he had in common with Andre. Spock knew what it was like be buried under deep despair. The only difference was that he had not attempted to relieve his pain with alcohol. He had been in a grim mindset when he was ordered to go to his wife for counseling several years ago.
That gives him an idea. "T'Mara, he might not have totally returned to that negative thinking process. However, he might need to have someone outside his family guide him to a more positive frame of mind."
Funny, she thinks, that it had never occurred to her. Or was it that she just pushed the thought away, for she believed he would never go for it? But just maybe her father might now be open to the idea of going to a counselor.
T'Mara's eyes flicker with hope. She leans over and kisses Spock on the cheek. "Thank you, my wise husband."
A corner of his mouth quirks upwards as his eyes smile. "You are quite welcome, my aisha."
T'Meika hops off the sofa, and soon returns with an old-fashioned book. She hands it to her father. Hopefully she inquires, "Can you read this to us, Father?"
The book she gives him is Pooh's Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin. He wonders why, for she had already read the book many times, herself. "T'Meika, you know this story all too well, and you are a proficient reader. Surely..."
Seeing the beginnings of disappointment on her face, he realizes that she only desires to be close to him, and perhaps she is also thinking of her younger sister. "Ah… yes, I will read it to you."
The children snuggle closer and enjoy the sound of their father's gravelly baritone voice
oooooooooooooooooo
Later that same evening, T'Mara finally gets some alone time with her husband. They are just finishing an engaging game of three dimensional chess. T'Mara reaches across the table to take hold of Spock's hand. She smiles broadly. "Well, well, my first win. I never thought I would see the day."
He lightly squeezes her hand. His eyes gleam as he says, "You should not underestimate your skills. However, you did employ the art of distraction."
"Who? Me? Surely not," she replies with false innocence.
He raises his brow. "You did not think that unfastening the top buttons of your shirt and stroking my free hand would not be distracting?"
"Mr. Unflappable get disturbed?" T'Mara gives him a lopsided grin.
Spock slightly tilts his head. With a low voice, he replies, "My asiha, at times your closeness can be very unsettling."
"My sweet, I am heading to bed. Are you going to join me?" She gets up, facing him.
"Yes, most certainly." He takes her hand, and together they retreat to the master bedroom.
ooooooooooooooooooooo
About seven days after the CUE attack, Andre awakes with a hangover headache. He has been spending the last few days trying to drink his guilt away.
He gets himself up from the bed and heads for the shower. Once dressed, he downs a couple of cups of coffee and a hangover relief pill, and soon physically begins to feel better. He sinks back in his easy chair. Spock saved his life, and he barely could say thank you. All because he has spent years being a bitter man. His overindulgence in alcohol causes him to behave irresponsibly and lash out with anger or hate. Now, he has finally had enough. He picks up his padd from the end table and starts to search for a recovery group.
ooooooooooooooooooooooo
It is an early Sunday morning. T'Mara proceeds to the shower. She puts on her jeans and a blue shirt. She enters the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
T'Meika slips into the kitchen. "Good morning, mother."
"Good morning, T'Meika. Is T'Anya still in bed?"
"No, she is with Father in the family room. He is reading a story to her."
"Would you like to help me get breakfast ready?" T'Mara inquires as she gathers the ingredients she will need.
"Yes."
She assists her mother. They are finishing up when Spock comes into the dining room carrying T'Anya in his arms. T'Mara and T'Meika place everything on the table. They join them at the table. T'Mara is right next to Spock.
"How you doing?" she asks him. "You appeared well rested."
He glances her way. In all the years he has known T'Mara, he has never corrected her improper phrasing of 'How are you doing?'. For the most part, she has always asked 'How you doing?'. He knows it is not logical, but it is one of her traits that he has grown fond of. He also finds her occasional use of the word 'Yo' humorous. She told him it was her Philly dialect. She has always threatened to buy him an ancient book on speaking as a Philadelphian.
Now he replies, "I am feeling fine. My bicep no longer pains me and my external abdominal oblique no longer causes me discomfort as I move. Of course, all this will be confirmed when I meet with Dr. McCoy tomorrow morning."
"Oh, my husband, I am glad you are healed," she says.
His eyes smile at her. "T'Mara, are you planning to attend church this morning?"
"Yes, all three of us," she tells him. She sees the smile in his eyes.
"T'Mara, I wish to attend church with you." He awaits her reaction.
Her eyes widen. "Are you certain?" He had caught her off guard.
Her expression almost causes him to chuckle. Spock quickly recovers from his lapse. "I thought I should expand my knowledge of the Christian Church."
Truly, ever since T'Mara was found alive, he has wondered if the Mighty Creator had a hand in all that has transpired in the past 17.45 days. Perhaps his life's path had unfolded as it should because of Okeon. Ever since he returned back to the living, Spock had questioned if a superior being was involved, even though it was Vulcan mysticism that returned his Katra to his body.
"Oh yes, Spock. I am so happy to have you come with us. I am sure the girls will be so glad their father is joining them at church." Her voice is filled with the joy she is now feeling. Her joy is tempered when she thinks that her husband's logical mind might find the service irrational. If only she knew how to prove it is logical to believe in the Lord. Likewise, that salvation is based on faith, not feelings.
oooooooooo
When they enter the church, several members come up to them. Due to the Federation news, most everyone knew what happened at the ballpark. Many parishioners greet them and say that they have prayed for Spock. Many of the members show Spock respect by keeping physical contact to a minimum.
Once inside the sanctuary, Spock and his family settle in a pew near the front. T'Meika and T'Ayna sit between their parents. The service begins with the hymn, El Shaddai. Out of respect, Spock stands with the others when they sing. A few more hymns are sung, then scriptures are read by a layperson.
Stephen gets behind the pulpit. His sermon is "Don't Let Emotions Dictate Your Faith". T'Mara could not help think how apropos. But she realizes that one sermon could not erase years of Spock being raised by an atheist father. She occasionally glances in Spock's direction and notices he is using his padd to look up every Bible passage that Stephen has presented in his sermon. For example, 2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by Faith, not by sight".
Stephen's sermon ends with a reminder not to pass judgment on those who do not express their love for God in emotional terms or actions.
They return to their home after sharing lunch with Stephen and his family. The girls head to their room to dress in their play clothes. Spock and T'Mara change into their casual wear. Once dressed, Spock heads to his office as T'Mara goes into the living area to read an antique book. But her reading gets interrupted by a phone call. It is her father. T'Mara answers the phone, expecting him to be liquored up. She is pleasantly surprised that he sounds sober. Then Andre shares with her that he joined a recovery group. He has not touched a drop in the last two days.
Andre then tells her, "T'Mara, I heard a brief report on the Federation news that there will be a baseball game between the cadets and the officers. Are you going to play? I remember you had a pretty good swing and you were a decent catcher."
T'Mara had heard at the academy about the game. She was interested but was not sure she had time to attend the practices. "Father, I'd like to, but…
He cuts in. "If you are worry about the kids, I will be glad to have them come over here or I can go to your place. Think about it, T'Mara."
ooooooooooooooooooooo
Several weeks later, T'Mara fulfills her dad's wishes and goes out to the officer's team tryout. As promised, Andre watches their darling children at their home. The sun is at its peak on a Saturday midafternoon, and the temperature is not overly warm. T'Mara arrives early for she is curious to meet this person her father had mentioned to her. She meets the coach of the team. He is aware of who she is and of her relatives. He had followed her dad's career. The coach asks if she is not married to Captain Spock. She tells him yes.
Coach James Rollins, who was the Captain of the USS Excalibur, is now an instructor at the academy. He is a brown-skinned, handsome man. He is five feet ten inches tall. His has an athletic body. He tells her that he played for a couple of years with the Giants before he enrolled with Star Fleet. Then he remarks to T'Mara that he hopes she is not trying out for the same position as her husband.
She just stares at him, dumbfounded. "Coach Rollins, uh… you must be mistaken. You just said my husband was trying out for the team?" she stammers.
"Yes, I am quite sure. There is no mistaking your husband. But he did catch me off-guard when he approached me about playing," Coach Rollins says. He glances at a gentleman who is heading their way.
It is her husband. Spock is dressed in a black sweat suit, made out of shining polyester. The pants legs have slim white stripes running down the outer sides.
"That's definitely my husband," she remarks as she walks towards him.
Spock's eyes gleam. With her face showing total disbelief, he lifts a brow. "T'Mara, you look as if I have grown an extremity on my forehead," he says, straight-faced.
T'Mara laughs, then replies, "No, not quite. I'm just astonished by a husband who kept his desire to play baseball secret. Do the children know about you trying out?"
"Yes, I guess it became a mutual secret. When they announced the game, I discussed it with Andre. We agreed to surprise you."
"Okay, wow. But as far as I know, you don't know how to play the game." She steps closer to him.
"Once I learn of the game, I received instruction from the assistant coach of the team. My lessons were during my breaks and lunch hours. I did this mainly for Andre, our daughters, and of course you, my wife."
T'Mara is still amazed that T'Meika and T'Anya did not say anything to her about the game. "How did you manage to get our daughters to keep your secret?"
He pauses before answering her. He clears his throat. "Ah… Well, I promised them they could sit in the dugout."
T'Mara flashes him a smile. "I assume that you got that approved? And today, you said you were going on an errand."
"Well, I did. I had to acquire a new glove and batting glove. Then I arrived here."
They begin walking to the Star Fleet ballpark. More of the officers start to arrive. The coach calls them all in. He first wants to test their hitting abilities. Spock and T'Mara sit on the bench in the dugout.
"So which position are you trying out for?" T'Mara asks her husband.
"First base, and you?"
"Catcher. I hope we both succeed in this venture."
"Agreed."
It is now T'Mara's turn to bat. She performs admirably. She hits two singles and two deep fly balls that soar to the centerfield wall. She even amazes herself.
"T'Mara, your performance was excellent," Spock says with admiration.
Watching him stand, she says "Well then, hit one out of the park, tiger."
"Tiger? I do not resemble Panthera tigris" He glances back at her as he walks to the plate.
She smiles. "Oh...uh ...nevermind, just hit a homerun."
T'Mara watches intently. At first she becomes concerned, because he strikes out twice. But the third time is a charm. He hits one out of the park. Then he connects again, and the ball passes the centerfield wall, into the stands. He finishes with a single and one deep ball to the wall. He walks back to the dugout. He sits down next to T'Mara.
She pats his shoulder. "That was absolutely amazing. My husband, we might have to come up with a nickname for you. All good homerun hitters have nicknames."
"Spock's face betrays his feeling of astonishment. "Thank you. I think I just amazed myself."
A couple of players come up to Spock to congratulate him. Now everyone's fielding is to be tested. Balls are hit to them. Their reaction time is tested. Then the coach analyzes their throwing skills. The coach instructs Spock how not to throw too hard. Being Vulcan, his tendency is to throw the ball so hard it hurts whoever would catch the ball. Coach Rollins feels that Spock would have no problem throwing to someone out at third. Being satisfied, Rollins ends the tryouts. The coach tells them that a notification will be sent to their message board if they made the team.
T'Mara and Spock proceed home. T'Mara drives back in her new ground car and Spock in the skimmer. He arrives at the house first. T'Mara enters the house a few moments after Spock. Andre greets her with a hug. "T'Mara, I have prepared your family dinner. It's in the warmer. Go and enjoy. I need to leave for a meeting."
T'Mara observes that her father still seems a bit uneasy around her husband. She hopes soon that will no longer be the case. She thanks her father and then says goodbye.
T'Meika and T'Anya run to their parents, after Spock and T'Mara shower and dress in fresh clothes.
"Mother, father, how did you both do?" T'Meika manages to ask before her sister squeak out a word.
"T'Meika, I believe we both performed well. You should have seen your father. He hit two homeruns. One was out of the park." T'Mara beams with pride for her husband.
T'Anya bounces up and down as she claps. "Did you hear T'Meika? Daddy hits homeruns."
"Just as Grandfather told us. He said he felt Father 'had it in him'," T'Meika adds.
They all head to the table. After T'Mara says a brief grace, they all begin to consume the meal Andre prepared.
Right after Spock finishes his bite of grilled carrots, his padd on the coffee table buzzes to acknowledge an incoming message.
"Please play the message." Spock requests of the padd.
The message is from Coach Rollins. The news is positive. Both made the team. Not only did they make the team, but they are starters. The first practice is on Sunday afternoon.
T'Meika gets out of her chair and hugs her father, then her mother. "I am so proud of you both. Grandfather needs to hear the good news. May I contact him?"
Spock nods yes. She quickly leaves to go to the office.
T'Mara and Spock finish the satisfying meal. They clear their dishes off the table and head to the sectional. "This should make Dad happy," T'Mara says as she places her hand on his knee.
He leans back. "Yes, I do believe it will uplift his spirits."
T'Mara hugs him, then gives him a warm kiss.
With a raised eyebrow, he asks, "What did I do to receive such a reward?"
"My dear, for going out of your comfort zone, just for my father."
T'Meika, with T'Anya right behind her, comes back into the room with a broad smile. "Grandfather is delighted with the news." She sits next to her father as T'Anya sits on the floor to play with her stuffed panda bear.
"Good, T'Meika." Spock replies.
"Have your told McCoy or Kirk about playing baseball?" T'Mara inquires.
"I have not. They always attend the game. I hope to give the good doctor another reason to describe me with some colorful metaphors."
"Then you plan on surprising them?"
"I believe that is what I just said," he remarks.
oooooooooooooooooooo
Spock's hitting was improving each day. He learned to adapt to throwing the ball without hurting the fellow teammate's hand. Even with a glove, his throws, at times, were so hard that the person's hand stung. Coach Rollins was impressed by Spock's hidden talent.
Rumors had hit the fan and spread like wildfire throughout Star Fleet. Hearsay was of Spock playing on the officer's team. The gossip finally catches up to Jim Kirk and the others that served on the Enterprise.
Kirk and McCoy are having lunch at the main officers' lounge at HQ. Jim gives his friend a half smile. "Bones, you must have heard the latest buzz about Spock. Supposedly, he has joined the officer's team for this year's game. So you want to place a wager? I am betting he plays. Are you in?" Jim asks his friend.
"Yeah, I'm in for fifty. Spock play baseball? Not in a million years. That pointed ear Vulcan wouldn't know what to do with a bat and a ball if you put them in his hands," McCoy replies in his usual brusque manner.
"Okay, Bones. I hope you are right, but you didn't think he could dance, either. We'll find out at the game," Jim says to his friend.
McCoy sees Spock coming their way. "Speak of the devil. Here he comes now."
Spock comes over and joins his friends. "Hello Jim, Doctor." He sits down, placing his tray on the table.
"Hello, Spock," they say together.
Kirk takes a quick glance at McCoy, then looks at Spock. "You have been keeping yourself busy. What have you been up to lately?"
Spock had heard the rumors that were circulating about him. He wonders if Jim is angling for answers. "Nothing unusual. Instructing cadets and, of course, there is my family," Spock informs his friends.
Jim still feels Spock is holding back. "Just routine, huh? That being the case, why don't you join us for the game this Saturday?"
Spock now knows Jim is trying to learn if the gossip is true. He answers by saying, "Ah, thank you, but my agenda for Saturday is to spend the day with my family and T'Mara's father."
Jim slightly frowns. "Oh, okay. T'Mara's father, is he...uh…being cordial with you?"
Spock finishes a bite of his salad. He settles back in his chair. He thinks about how Andre can be somewhat friendly towards him, yet there are still moments when he is aloof. "Let me say it like this: he no longer describes me with hateful adjectives."
To his relief, Jim and McCoy refocus on their lunch, and speak of other matters. Spock did not wish to disclose any more about his trying relationship with his father-in-law.
After finishing his final bite of salad, Spock stands and picks up his tray. "Excuse me, gentlemen, I need to get back to my office. Good day."
"Good day, Spock," Jim and Bones both say. They watch their friend leave.
oooooooooooooooooooooooo
That evening Spock and T'Mara arrive home together. They had just finished baseball practice. After showering and changing into casual clothes, they move to the dining room and seat themselves at the table, where their daughters are already waiting to eat. Andre had babysat again, prepared a dinner for them, and gone home.
"I am disturbed by the rumors I have been hearing," T'Mara says to Spock.
"Which rumors? I have heard several rumors; perhaps if you specify as to which one."
She frowned. "I have been hearing that CUE members will be at the game to protest. Also, there will be opposing protesters there. Because of the violent occurrence at Giants' stadium, there has been a backlash against CUE. I am pleased that people are standing up against them, even though I wish more people had stood against them before you got hurt. I hope Star Fleet security can keep the peace." She sighs, then takes a bite of her wrap.
"I, too, have heard about the CUE protests and counter-protests. I believe they have learned that their violent behavior has only hurt their cause. It is a positive sign that the humans are beginning to stand against them. It is regrettable that people were injured before the humans stood up. But as a part of human history, it usually takes a vehement act before people begin to respond. Star Fleet security is a well-organized group. I believe they are better trained than the police in handling this type of incident. If Star Fleet thought there was any chance that people would get hurt, they would cancel the game." He downs his water.
"You are probably right. If there was any indication of danger, they would cancel. You know what, I am not going to worry about CUE. The game is in two days. Let's focus on that, and the fact that my father will be there to enjoy the game." Her forehead creases. "No one will take that from us."
"That's the spirit, Mom! You are right. No one can steal your joy," T'Meika adds.
T'Mara's mouth curves into a smile. "So, Spock, have you been able to keep your secret from your friends? Have they figured out that you are playing in the game?"
"I believe I have, but I am not one hundred percent certain. I have overheard that Jim and McCoy have placed a wager. Fifty credits apiece on whether I am playing. I did not learn which way Jim or McCoy placed their bets. But as they say, time will tell." He cocks his brow.
oooooooooooooooooooooooo
The day of the game finally arrives. Fortunately, the weather cooperates. The game is to start at 1400 hours. They need to be on the field at 1300 hours. Since they plan to pick up Andre, they plan to leave around 1230 hours.
T'Mara and Spock are getting dressed in their baseball uniforms. The uniforms are sky blue with lettering in a deep gold. The pants have a broad, metallic, deep blue stripe down the side of each pant leg. The pants are straight leg and come over the top of their cleats. T'Mara and Spock wear deep blue t-shirts under the uniform shirt. The team name is on the front of the shirt. The name of the team is the Quasars. T'Mara is given the number 8 and Spock the number 12.
T'Mara appraises her husband. He is fully dressed, except his cap. Her eyes hold a bright gleam that matches her bright smile. She reaches up and smooths out the front of his shirt. She admires how the uniform fits snugly on his lean, muscular body.
"M'm M'm, if I don't say so myself, you carry off that uniform quite well. Very well, indeed." She is tempted to smack his backside, but she refrains for now.
He raises an eyebrow. He takes delight in his wife, especially how her uniform emphasizes her trim figure and nice posterior. "If we both stand here admiring each other, we won't make it to the game on time. We should get ourselves ready so we can leave on time."
He waits for her to turn around. He then lands a hand across her backside. She shoots him a double-take. Then she grins.
At the field, the officers' team wait in the dugout. They all listen to coach Rollin's pre-game speech. As promised, Andre and their children were allowed to sit in the dugout. The cadets gather in their dugout. They are also receiving their pre-game speech. The cadets' uniform includes black pants with a white stripe down each pant leg. The jersey is white with black pinstripes. The jersey has black lettering.
Fans are arriving in droves. Security is keeping the protesters at bay. Just a couple of minor skirmishes break out, but Star Fleet security puts an end to them with quick resolve.
Jim, Bones, and Uhura arrive at their seats. They are at the lower level facing the officers' dugout, along the third baseline. McCoy, squinting his eyes, looks to his friend. "Jim, there is a shadow over in the officer's dugout. I can't make out who is sitting there."
"Well, Bones, we will just have to wait till they announce the lineup."
Uhura says, "I know T'Mara is playing, but whenever I asked about Spock, she was evasive. It makes me think Spock might just be playing."
"Spock and baseball. I don't think so. T'Mara might want to throw you off by being evasive," McCoy says, looking to Uhura.
The announcer is on the field. With flair, he announces the cadets' lineup first, since they are the away team this year. They emerge onto the field one by one as their names are called out. Then the colorful announcer lists the lineup for the officers. He announces the outfielders first, then the infielders. He proceeds with the basemen. Finally he announces the pitcher, and last but not least the catcher, who is T'Mara.
McCoy sputters when he heard Spock's name announced as the first baseman. "The green blooded hobgoblin! He did it to me again! I give up."
Jim smirks, then chuckles. "You know, Bones, I think you are right about that."
After "The Star Spangled Banner" is played, the Umpire yells out, "Play ball!"
As the game unfolds, Spock's friends watch in amazement. They wonder how he learned to play the game so well in such a short time.
Andre and his grandkids are enjoying the game. The Quasars are now behind the Nebulas [cadets]. The score is 4 to 2.
"You are correct, grandfather, that my father has a natural swing," T'Meika observes.
Andre grins at her. "Yes, T'Meika, now we just need your father to take his swing and hit one out of the park."
She smiles back. "Let us hope, Grandfather. Let us hope."
They are coming into the bottom of the ninth. The Quasars are now down four to three. They have one man on second and two outs. Spock is now at bat. The count is two balls and two strikes. The pitcher pitches the ball. Spock steps into the swing and connects with the ball. Andre hears the bat hit the ball. He knows by the sound that the ball had a chance to leave the park. Spock's fellow teammates stand. T'Mara moves next to her daughters. She glances over to Andre, then quickly back to the flight of the ball. There it soars, past the stands, into the lot behind the stadium. All who want the officers to win roar with excitement.
Spock just finishes rounding the bases. As he taps home plate, he is not prepared for what is about to happen next. They keep the centuries-old tradition of the shaving cream 'pie'. They smack Spock in the face with the cream. T'Mara throws him a towel so he could wipe his face off. He accepts the tradition and their spirited behavior with his best Vulcan dignity.
With the game over, Andre, family, and friends ramble on over to The Galaxy Hopper, which is the unofficial Star Fleet lounge. T'Mara and Andre locate a table that would accommodate their group. McCoy starts fussing over his lost bet. But at the same time, he is happy with the outcome of the game.
He stares directly at Spock. "Well, well, well… you blasted Vulcan. You cost me another bet. Baseball, indeed!" McCoy spurts at him.
"Dr. McCoy, you need to learn to bet on a sure thing. For one to place a bet on how a person will respond or perform is illogical. You are dealing with a multitude of variables such as emotional response, thought patterns, their…"
McCoy interjects, "Just shut up. I get it! Wait a minute—are you admitting that you may have an emotional reason for playing?" McCoy shakes his head in disbelief.
"Dr. McCoy, it's not proper manners to tell someone to shut up when they are trying to explain something to you," T'Meika interrupts him.
McCoy says to her, "Yes,yes... you are right." He then sighs and waits for Spock to continue.
"Leonard, to deny that there might have been an emotional factor for joining the team would be illogical. Let me leave it at that," he states with all honestly.
McCoy just nods.
T'Meika pats her father's hand. "Dr. McCoy, you should be congratulating my father for hitting the walk-off home run to win the game for the officers."
Jim smiles at his friend. "T'Meika, if Bones won't say it, I will. Spock, congrats for hitting that ball where it needed to go—right out of the park. I must say that when they introduced you, I was taken aback. Though I had bet that you would play."
The corners of Spock's mouth quirk upward. "Thank you, Jim. I had the assistant coach teach me the fundamentals of the game. Actually, it was Andre who encouraged me to participate in the game." He leans back in his chair.
The good doctor stops bantering Spock and finally congratulates him for his performance.
After the party, Spock and family take Andre home, then proceed home themselves. T'Meika and T'Anya have finally wound down from the energy of the day's events. They go straight to their room.
Spock and T'Mara head to their bedroom to shower and change. T'Mara turns to face her husband. She places both her hands on his upper chest. "H'm… MVP of the game, and now he is all mine." Her hands move from his chest to the back of his neck. She pulls him to her. She gives him a long, heartfelt kiss.
He gazes into her gleaming big brown eyes. "My love, then would you be interested in sharing a shower with the MVP of the game?" he says seductively.
"I would be so honored to take a shower with the MVP. Does he need help to get out of his uniform? "she asks as she unbuttons his jersey.
He does the same for her. They both stand face to face, shirtless. He tenderly outlines her light brown-skinned body with his first two fingers. They let the rest of their clothes to drop onto the floor. They proceed to the shower.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Andre returns from his recovery meeting. This evening's meeting focused on step nine. To make amends to ones we have harmed. He was able to conquer the first two steps, and being a newly recovering alcoholic, it was suggested not to jump ahead. However, there were nights he could not sleep due to guilt. Remorse from those years of mistreating his son-in-law. If he could make amends to his daughter, why could he not go to Spock and ask for forgiveness? So he contacts his sponsor to gain his wisdom on the matter.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Andre invites his family over for dinner at his apartment. He had a Vulcan meal prepared at a local store that specializes in alien cuisine. It was expensive, but he feels his family is worth it, no matter the cost. Once everyone is settled at their places at the dining room table, he asks his daughter to say grace.
Each gathers a hand; even Spock, who feels a bit uneasy, holds Andre's hand. With heads bowed, T'Mara prays, "Father, we as a family have gathered to share a meal in Your honor. Thank You for this food. May it be a blessing for our bodies, Lord. Amen."
Everyone appears to be enjoying the Vulcan fare, except T'Anya. She takes a couple of bites, then drops her fork onto her plate. Her brows draw together, and she begins to pout. "Don't like. I want to eat something different."
T'Mara figures it is because the taste is different for her. Other than Vulcan cookies, cake, and flatbread, their children had not experienced much true Vulcan fare. T'Mara touches T'Anya's hand. "I know the taste is strange to you, but if you try to eat more of it, you might see it is not so bad. You might even like it."
She folds her arms against her chest. "No!"
T'Mara is about to continue when Andre speaks up. "Wait." He faces T'Anya. With a tender voice, he says to her, "Come over here and sit on my lap."
She smiles and scampers over to her grandpa. As he lifts her to his lap, he says, "T'Mara, put her food on my plate."
He picks up his fork and takes a bite. "Boy, this is good. Here T'Anya, try it again."
To her parents' surprise, she does so. Slowly she takes more of her food. They all continue to finish their dinner.
After dinner, Andre encourages the two girls to go to the bedroom to play. He has words he only wants Spock and T'Mara to hear. In the living room, he places cups of tea for his daughter and son-in-law, and a cup of coffee for himself. He sits across from them in an easy chair.
He nervously peers at Spock. What he needed to express will not be easy for him. Andre gathers his thoughts and says a silent prayer. At last, the words pour out from him. Finally, he voices an apology. Now he waits to see if Spock will forgive him.
Spock absorbs Andre's message of remorse. Judging by the emotion behind Andre's words, he was not apologizing merely to appease his daughter. Andre truly was sorry. Spock's face softens. "Andre, I accept your words. I indeed forgive you."
Andre wants so much to hug him, but he does not wish to make him feel uncomfortable. He leans forward and with a grateful voice, he says, "Thank you, Spock. And…uh…son, could you do me a favor?"
"What is that, Andre?"
Andre stands and approaches Spock. "Please call me father. I have come to see you as a son. A son I never had. You are dear to me. So please call me father." Andre extends his hand.
Spock takes hold of his hand and gives his father-in-law a small, warm smile. "I will... Father"
