Disclaimers: All the usual ones

Ko'mekh-il: Grandmother

Sa-fu'al: Grandson (I think this is right, but if it isn't please let me know)

T'Pau studied her grandson. Despite the fact that he was half human, he was still her preferred grandchild. It was illogical, she knew this, but as she was old she allowed herself this one indiscretion. "So, this has been confirmed. This Terran is carrying your child?"

"This Terran's name is Nyota, and yes, she is carrying my children. Twins, Ko'mekh-il." He responded.

"Vulcans do not produce twins." She stated. "Have you had the paternity of this pregnancy verified?"

Spock's eyes narrowed and he nodded. "Indeed, Nyota presented me with the results of the test. However, there was no need. As for twins, humans do produce them and I am half human." His voice was stoic but his eyes held fire.

"I am quite aware of this fact, Spock." She held her mouth in a stoic line at her grandson's audacity. "As half Vulcan, you should have been able to control your baser instincts, Spock."

"A useless point, as we did engage in intercourse and it did produce a pregnancy." He paused to reinforce his control.

"I see you have adopted the humans' penchant for sarcasm." Her voice held no emotion.

"I was merely stating a fact, Ko'mekh-il." He responded.

T'Pau looked at her grandson. He had his determined look, one that only she and Amanda could recognize. She should be searching for a new Vulcan mate for him, but instead she was being put in the position of allowing a second human/ Vulcan bonding. This was an illogical choice on her grandson's part. And what sort of woman was this Terran? Engaging in indiscriminant sexual activity with a half alien? She took a calming breath.

"Does she know what she is entering into by marrying a Vulcan?" T'Pau's eyes narrowed.

"She does. I related all the needed information required for her to make an informed decision. I told her of the 'time', I also informed her that once bonded it would undoubtedly be for life." He slightly pursed his lips.

"And she is amenable to this?" One brow rose.

"She is." His hands shifted behind his back.

T'Pau inwardly sighed. So this girl was in love. In less than a month's time, this Terran had fallen in love with her grandson. She was sure of this as she knew Amanda and she knew that no Terran could enter into a bonding with a Vulcan unless there was love. Children or not.

"I will arrange for the bonding ceremony. But entering into a bonding that is not approved of by you elder kinswoman, you forfeit your rights and holdings here on Vulcan. Is this amenable to you?"

"Perfectly." His head tilted to one side and he nodded his understanding. She was his elder kinswoman and she was not approving of his choice. Spock knew his grandmother had always been partial to him, he had even felt her pride when he had far excelled his full Vulcan classmates. Just as he had felt her displeasure when he had shunned the VSA, he also sensed her acceptance. But as the elder member of the high council, he also knew she could not officially permit this union and still maintain control of her position. That she would allow a bonding ceremony was quite enough.

"When can you return with…Nyota?" T'Pau sat up straighter.

"Three days time, T'Pau." Spock bowed.

"You do realize how difficult this will be, your Terran may not even carry your children to term. What then, Sa-fu'al?" She waited for his response.

"Then we shall mourn our loss and move on, Ko'mekh-il." He stood straight, his hands still behind his back.

"Once bonded it will be difficult to break this one. It will not be as with T'Pring." She warned.

"I will not desire to break my bond with Nyota." His voice was firm.

"And are you assured that the female feels the same as you?" Her brow rose infinitesimally.

"I am, T'Pau." He replied with confidence he did not entirely feel.

"Then we shall have the ceremony, Sa-fu'al. As head of the high council, I will not be able to attend, however I will arrange for the bonding after which, you will sign over your holdings to your father. Is this acceptable?" It was rhetorical question, but she waited for his response.

"More than acceptable, Grandmother." Spock replied.

T'Pau nodded as she rose and left the room. Spock turned to his mother and father and they left, as well.

"It proceeded better than I expected." Amanda spoke to her husband. She had expected harsh words and more of a struggle for the approval of a ceremony. But T'Pau did not surprise her with the loss of Spock's Vulcan holdings. Amanda had to inwardly smile as she realized T'Pau didn't strip him of his holdings on Earth.

"Mother favors Spock. And she did not favor T'Pring." Sarek softly responded to her wife.

"Oh, I see. I assumed she was above the gossip." She looked over at her son, who continued to walk towards his parents dwelling.

Sarek sighed. "She is aware of all things, k'diwa."

"Indeed." Spock responded softly, but still his parents heard him.

Nyota sighed as she exited the transport from Nairobi, although the trip was of a relatively short duration, she felt exhausted. She had honestly expected more support from both Gaila and Nia. The support she did receive was merely because they both knew they couldn't dissuade her. She shrugged as she retrieved her small tote bag. Yes, she admitted, she was sorely disappointed. But at the same time, what was she really expecting? She was marrying a man that neither her sister nor her best friend knew. And marrying him after a one night stand because she was pregnant. Nyota couldn't stop the laugh that escaped her. She quickly looked around to see if anyone had heard her and then laughed again as she realized she didn't care. With a shrug, she went to wait for a hover cab to take her back to Spock's home. Her home now. She smiled as she rectified her thoughts, her home.

The ride home took less than twenty minutes and Nyota had the driver stop at a small market a block from the house to pick up a few things. Spock should be home later and she wanted to cook dinner for him. She wandered the isles, picking up some tofu, some peanut butter, soy sauce, a myriad of fresh vegetables and a small chocolate cake. She had the makings of a very nice supper, indeed. And she was ready to surround herself with Spock's logic and his positivity.

"That looks like a great meal in the making." An older man smiled at her.

"Yes, my boyfriend is coming in tonight and I want him to have a nice dinner waiting." She gave a small smile back, but the man noticed it didn't reach her eyes. Nyota sighed and turned her back on him. She was not in the mood to be hit on.

"Oh, no, sorry. I'm not trying to pick you up. I just recognized you from the Star Fleet recruitment seminar last month. I'm Captain Pike." He held out his hand.

Nyota felt a blush begin to creep up her chest. "Yes, sorry, I just…well, let's start over. Hi, I'm Nyota Uhura." She held her hand out.

"Hello, Ms Uhura. How are you enjoying San Francisco?" He smiled.

She gave a small shrug. "It's a beautiful city but it can be a bit chilly." Pike gave a small chuckle. So, she felt the same way Spock did.

"Ah yes, but one does get used to it. And there's always wool." He had seen the young woman when she entered the market and debated going over to her. But his curiosity got the better of him. Now he had to decide how to proceed. If he didn't tell her he knew of her and Spock's predicament he knew she would find out at a later date and he didn't want it to come between his and Spock's friendship.

"I'm a friend of Spock's; actually I was his mentor at school." He revealed.

Nyota's brow shot up and she looked up at him with new eyes. "I need to pay for my items."

"Would you care to have a cup of tea?" He asked.

She slid her credit disc thought the check out machine and reached for her bags. "Alright. Why don't we go to Spock's house? I don't want my groceries to spoil." She knew who Captain Christopher Pike was and she also knew Spock had spoken to him about their situation before he left for Vulcan. Now she'd find out how her lover's confidant handled the news.

"Fine." Christopher made his purchase and followed her, taking her bags as well.

"Thank you." She murmured and led the way to Spock's house.

Nyota entered the living room carrying a tray that held a tea pot, two cups and a plate of cookies. "I don't know if you care for sweets, but I've been craving these things all day." She looked up at the Captain for his reaction as she placed the tray on the coffee table.

"I don't mind a cookie or two on occasion." He picked one up and looked over at the woman as she poured their tea. "So, you and Spock, huh?"

Smiling, she looked up at the older man. "Yes, Spock and me. I suppose I have you to thank for our…meeting up? Brown Russians, I have to remember those."

Christopher chuckled. "Yes, well, won't try that one again." He paused and decided to get right to the point. "I can see Spock's intention in marrying you. He's an honorable man, old-fashioned, Vulcan but in a very human way. But I don't understand why you agreed to this. As being Terran, there is no real stigma with having children without benefit of a husband or wife for that matter. And I can't imagine that after knowing him for such a short duration, you feel…love?"

Nyota's eyes shot open wide at the frankness with which the Captain questioned her. She squared her shoulders and sat up straighter. Okay, she thought, this is how it's going to be. Bring it on, best friend.

"Love? No, not yet. But there are strong feelings, strong emotions." She narrowed her eyes at him. "There is a strong physical attraction, face it, that's what started this. But there is something more, something…deeper. I haven't figured that one out yet, but the idea of spending the rest of my life with Spock is more than acceptable."

"I know he has feelings for you, Ms Uhura. And as worldly as he may seem, as stoic in his half Vulcan way, he is still vulnerable. You could destroy him. He was made to feel inadequate on Vulcan. Here on Earth, he's made a place for himself. He has family, friends. He's accepted for who he is. I'd hate to see…"

Nyota cut him off. "Look, I understand your concern. I'm glad Spock has such supportive friends. But this is between him and me. He's an adult, Captain, and so am I. I know he'll want your approval, but I believe he'll be fine without it." Her eyes were glittering and Christopher could see what Spock found so intriguing about this woman. She had fire and she had strength.

Taking a calming breath, Nyota continued. "I would never come between Spock and his family and friends, but we will bond, Captain. And I will do all in my power to make sure my babies come to term and that I make Spock a good mate. No, this was not the ideal. But Spock and I did intend to renew whatever there was between us when I came to Star Fleet. This just accelerated it a bit."

Pike chuckled. "Well, that's an understatement if ever I heard one. I'm not trying to come between you two, but he's a good friend. And at times he can be a bit naïve about certain things." He held up his hand when he saw her about to argue with him. "I'm not saying this about you. But if your best friend were entering a situation like this, wouldn't you try to make sure they were…protected?"

"Indeed. But if he is making a mistake, it's his mistake to make. Don't you think?" She asked her voice holding a bit of resignation. This was how it was going to be, she realized. Their friends continuing to voice concerns and reservations. Hell, she thought, they might be making the biggest mistake on two worlds. But they would try. She felt something for the Vulcan that she had never felt before and the way things had played out, it seemed as if they were meant to be together.

"I agree. Please, I'm sorry if I've offended you. My only thought was to meet you when I saw you at the market, not get into a debate. I know Spock has feelings for you and this can only be a good thing. Let's start over, okay?" His voice was gentle, trying to make amends for pushing at her.

"Okay. Call me Nyota. As you're Spock's friend, I'm sure we'll be seeing a bit of each other." She conceded.

"Nyota it is. And call me Chris." He relaxed. "So, Star Fleet? I'm glad you've decided to enroll. We need linguists as talented as you." He sat back and made an effort to get to know Spock's fiancé a little better.