Chapter12 Surprise!
ooOoo
As Robert, Patricia and Bobbie Treeport exited the ship and entered Vulcan Space Central, they heard an announcement over the loud speakers. "Paging the Treeport family, you have a call on com-line one. Paging the Treeport family, you have a call on com-line one."
The family headed for the nearest com. consul and wondered who could be paging them. Robert pressed the button for line one. "This is Robert Treeport."
A familiar voice said two words, "Turn around."
The Treeports turned around and could hardly believe their eyes. Patricia's face lit up and her lips broke out into a huge smile as she ran forward and exclaimed, "Richard!"
"Hello, sis, merry Christmas!" Richard caught his sister up and hugged her hard.
"Merry Christmas, Richard! How long has it been since we last saw each other? You look terrific! Where are Victoria and the kids?"
"In answer to your first question, it has been five years since we have seen each other. Thank you for the compliment. You look terrific, too. Last, but not least, Victoria and the kids are right over there," he finished as he turned and pointed to his right. He turned back and exchanged hugs with Robert and Bobbie. "Come and get reacquainted with the family and meet our youngest daughter, Kendall Cheree, who is six months old."
"Congratulations, Richard! Does Amanda know about the baby and that you all are coming for Christmas?"
"No, she doesn't but Sarek knows. We didn't know for sure, until four days ago, that we were going to be able to come. Sarek sent his long-range shuttle, the Surak, to bring us here on time and we decided to surprise everyone."
"I'm so thrilled and I know Amanda will be too."
They approached Richard's family and he began the introductions. "Elizabeth Ann is eighteen, Amanda Marie is sixteen, Charles Robert is ten and Victoria is holding our youngest, Kendall Cheree."
The hugging and greeting process started up again.
ooOoo
As the Graysons and the Treeports exited Space Central in their rental flitter, they began to sing Christmas carols. After singing Jingle Bells, Charlie spoke up and said, "We should sing one of Bobbie's Vulcan carols."
Patricia looked surprised and asked, "You know about the fractured carols?"
Elizabeth laughed and answered, "Oh yes, Bobbie taught them to Amanda and me when we were little kids and we taught them to the rest of the family. How about it, Bobbie, will you lead us in our favorite one?"
"Sure, Elizabeth, which carol is your favorite?"
"Oh Cactus Tree."
Bobbie grinned from ear to ear. "Really?"
"Most definitely!"
"It is the whole family's favorite because it is the funniest one of the bunch," added Amanda.
All the Graysons chuckled, then Victoria said, "The hard part will be to get through the second verse without cracking up."
"Okay," replied Bobbie. "We will start after the count of three ... One, two, three."
"Oh cactus tree! Oh cactus tree! How prickly are thy branches! Oh cactus tree! Oh cactus tree! How prickly are thy branches! Not only green in summertime, but all year 'round and all the time! Oh cactus tree! Oh cactus tree! How prickly are thy branches!"
"Oh cactus tree! Oh cactus tree! Decorating you isn't easy! Oh cactus tree! Oh cactus tree! Decorating you isn't easy! We must not get too close, too near, Or we'll get pricked in front or rear! Or cactus tree! Oh cactus tree! Decorating you isn't easy!"
The Vulcan desert air was suddenly resounding with hysterical human laughter.
TBC
