"You see I'd like to share my life with you, show you things I've seen. Places that I'm going to, places where I've been. To have you there beside me and never be alone, and all the time that you're with me, we will be at home. Follow me where I go, what I do and who I know, make it part of you to be a part of me. Follow me up and down, all the way and all around, take my hand and I will follow you." John Denver, 'Follow Me'
David wrapped the sash around Spock's waist, tying it in the front so that a good foot long length draped along his left hip. He gave it one last tug to straighten it then backed off a few steps. "This is the first time I've seen you truly look the part."
"Part of what?" Spock asked as he turned to peruse himself in the mirror. He pulled at his tunic until he was satisfied at his appearance.
"Royalty."
Spock wore a snow white undershirt under a tunic of brilliant gold shot through with silver glyphs and edging, a black sash tied around his waist. Down the right side of the tunic the Vulcan glyphs were stitched, his name, family clan and position within the clan. They disappeared under the sash. He had drawn on pitch black trousers and black shoes. Above his left breast was the IDIC pin. Next to it he had pinned his Five Star Cluster Award, its diamonds polished and gleaming.
Spock faced his friend and best man. The Commander was in his dress uniform, white jacket and gray shirt, black trousers, all with gold piping. His rank insignia was pinned to the collar. There were four medals attached to the tunic. A delicate Vulcan eyebrow rose in question. "Well, I've known about your family ties for several years now, but you've never vaunted it. It's about time you took some advantage of your position and make this the best day of your life." He nodded to the reflection. "You look both elegant and commanding, as a person of your rank should."
Spock checked his image again. David was right. His dress was elegant, royal, and yet his stance was authoritative and decisive. He approved of his appearance and knew Janeen would as well. This was their wedding after all. He wanted to look his best for his bride.
There was a knock at the entrance door to the hotel room. Spock and David had been chased out last night, superstition and all of that illogical nonsense about not seeing the bride in her dress right before the ceremony. They had moved to a hotel room already booked by her parents for the occasion to spend the night in quiet companionship. No bachelor parties for this groom - he would not have condoned it.
In the morning, they had eaten a leisurely breakfast before getting dressed for the wedding, David making sure that Spock was perfectly groomed. Spock and the rest of the guests would arrive at the wedding site before Janeen and her entourage.
"I'll get the door," David offered. "Stop fiddling with your shirt, you look sharp."
He let Dr. Zarkan into the room. The doctor was already in his dress uniform and held a tricorder in his hand. "Commander," the physician greeted.
"Doctor. Hang on, I'll get Spock." He disappeared into one of the two bedrooms, returning a moment later with the Vulcan on his heels. Zarkan's expression changed to one of surprise at and admiration for the ambassador, never having seen him so elegantly dressed. He offered the other a bow of respect. "Ambassador."
"Doctor Zarkan. Asal rom. Welcome to Vulcan."
Zarkan pointed to one of his ears. "Hearing?" he asked.
"It has returned, Doctor."
Zarkan's face broke into a smile. "When?"
"Three days ago."
"Have a seat, let me look." Spock settled on one of the chairs as the physician took a feinberger from his tricorder, turning it on. He ran a scan then checked it through the tricorder, nodding in satisfaction. "Fantastic! The swelling is completely gone, no infection at all present. Nerves appear totally normal. When you come back from your honeymoon, I'll want to see you in my office." He shut off the instrument and gave Spock a delighted smile. "Congratulations."
"Thank you. I am greatly relieved in that my hearing has been restored."
"I would imagine so."
"We have about a half hour before we have to leave," David reminded Spock.
"I am aware, thank you, David." He turned to the doctor. "Will you walk with us when we leave?"
"I'd be honored, sir."
David went to the food processor and called up two glasses of water and a dish of granola. He handed one of the glasses to the doctor, the dish to Spock. "Then you'll need this. It's quite a walk and it is hot out."
"Janeen walking it too?"
"It is traditional." Spock picked a portion from the granola, knowing it would be a while before he had a chance to eat again, then offered the dish to the others.
"I assume then that everyone who needs it is up on their tri-ox injections?"
"You may be assured that I have reminded everyone."
Zarkan sat down, his water in hand. He'd had no idea. As much as he'd worked with Vulcans, he'd little experience with Vulcan ceremonies. Zarkan didn't know the half of it, but he soon found out as he entered the sands of koon-ut.
This was the epitome of ceremonies. This was not Spock, of Starfleet, nor a near newly fledged diplomat, but Spock of Vulcan, of one of the oldest families on Vulcan, of one of the ruling families of Vulcan; a Federation ambassador of highest regard. As such, the complement of guests reflected the position he had earned and held. No minor officers were here today as had been the last time. Today, he was surrounded by Federation President A Halil, Federation Council Members and Ministers, High Priests of Gol, high ranking dignitaries of the Vulcan High Council, and by no less than five Starfleet Sovereign class starship Captains, their ships in synchronized orbit about Vulcan. Security guards, both Vulcan and human, surrounded the arena.
One man he remembered from nearly nineteen years ago approached and he bowed his head as the officer neared. "Captain," he greeted softly.
"Ambassador," Picard returned with a nod of his own head. His dress uniform was pressed to perfection, his service medals gleaming in the Vulcan sunshine. "My heartiest congratulations on this day."
"If I recall, you were also in attendance at my last time here."
"I was, Sir, a young officer, and quite star struck to be included in such a prestigious event." Picard dared to glance around at the guests. "It would appear we have both come up in the world."
"Indeed," Spock agreed. "I did not properly thank you for the service you tendered when you came to me on Romulus. You gave back to me a part of my father I had thought lost."
"He loved you, Ambassador, as any father would love his son. I think he would be extremely proud of what you have become and what you do today."
"Perhaps, though Sarek might have required a great deal of convincing before giving his final approval."
"However, there is precedence for your choice, is there not, Ambassador? How could Sarek have logically disagreed with your decision to marry an Earth woman without nullifying his own life?"
Spock nodded. "It would have made for an…interesting…discussion, Captain." Movement beyond the officer caught his eye and he straightened just a little more at the figure that was making its way towards him, the crowd parting in respect as much as in awe. Picard stepped to the side as Leonard McCoy, a little more stooped of shoulder but with eyes as bright as ever, came to a halt in front of the Vulcan.
With a mischievous glint, he reached into a pocket and withdrew a hypospray. Spock actually found it within himself to smile at the gesture before giving a shake of his head.
"That will not be necessary, Doctor."
"Never hurts to be prepared, now does it, Spock?" the doctor asked, his accent more Southern than it had been years ago.
"There will be no challenge today. There will be no combat or blood spilt on these sands. This is not a betrothal, but a wedding."
McCoy pocketed the hypo. "All the better, someone to tether you to the ground for awhile."
"For awhile. She has resigned her teaching position in order to accompany me on missions."
"I hope you plan on a honeymoon this time," he grumbled. The last time they had been here, after the ceremony, Spock and Saavik had returned to their individual pursuits to wait for the time when pon farr would bring them together. It had taken fifteen years for that to happen. The length of that time had convinced Spock, after the fire had burned itself out, that the union had not been in the best of interests for either one of them. Through the rel-san-vek, they had dissolved it and parted amicably.
"Yes, but those plans are secret for the time being."
"Secret? Whatever for?"
"Look around you, Doctor. My reputation precedes me wherever I go. If my wife and I are to have the time needed to adjust to married life and the marriage bond, then we must keep our plans, as you say, close to the vest, for the time being."
Spock's gaze drifted off for a second, his once again sharp Vulcan hearing detecting that which none of the humans could hear. He asked his pardon with a brief nod to his companions. In but three steps, he mounted the platform in the center of the area, lightly plucking the mallet that hanged from its post. With a deft swing, he struck the heavy gong next to the post, then struck it again. The instrument had finally been replaced several years ago, the metal polished to a high gloss shine, the edges etched in Vulcan hieroglyphs.
Spock stood by the chime, waiting, as all of the guests turned towards one entrance to the sands. Tensions were high, the excitement palpable.
Within minutes, the tingling of hundreds of bells broke the silence that had fallen over the crowd, growing louder as the wedding party approached. First through the doorway were the bell ringers, four of them, each holding an ornate systra instrument with dozens of bells strung in rows up and down across the interior of the frame. Two guards, heavy set males wearing thick surcoats and breastplates followed, carrying the traditional weapon of Vulcan, the lirpa. There would be no need for them today, as Spock had indicated, but tradition was tradition and it was followed, for the most part, to the letter on Vulcan.
Once more, Spock raised the mallet and struck the gong, only for his action to be answered by the ringing bells as through the doorway came his bride.
She was radiant, there was no other word to describe her. She wore a gown of brilliant white, nontraditional to his world, but centuries held in hers. Her hair flowed, golden honey down her back in waves that curled softly at the ends. She kept her eyes downcast, but for the brief second she glanced up to find her groom. Her eyes glittered like those of any Vulcan in the throes of plak tow, but it was with the excitement of a dream being fulfilled that caused their radiance.
Spock replaced the mallet in its holder and walked to the front of the arena, where T'Sar already waited. He joined his bride to stand before a set of thickly padded cushions on the ground. In magnificent robes of muted brown colors, T'Sar was a high priestess of Gol and would preside over the Vulcan part of the ceremony. Commander David McFey took a position next to his friend as Amanda McFey, with all of the dignity an eight year old could muster, waited next to Janeen Simmons, Spock's bride. Bride and groom stood, side by side, waiting. Many of the guests shuffled closer to hear the proceedings.
"My God," McCoy whispered, "she's absolutely stunning."
"I've never seen anyone more beautiful," Picard agreed.
"I should have known he'd find the most gorgeous creature in the galaxy to take to wife," the doctor grumbled affectionately.
"Did you have any doubts, Doctor?" the captain asked.
"I wonder where he found her," McCoy sighed.
Together, Spock and Janeen knelt on the cushions before T'Sar, his hand reaching out to take hers. He would have never done that before, McCoy realized with surprise. This would be different from everything he had known about the Vulcan from the past. T'Sar raised her hands to her sides, palms up.
"As it was in the beginning, as it is today, as it shall be for all time," she intoned. "This is the Vulcan heart, this is the Vulcan way. Spock, thou hast come here to take this female as thy life mate and wife, forever joined in the ek'wak farr. Dost thou pledge to her thy honor and protection, holding her an equal in thy sight, until death shall part thee forever?"
"Ugau nash-veh," he answered. I pledge.
"Janeen, thou hast come here to take this male as thy life mate and husband, forever joined in the ek'wak farr. Dost thou pledge to him thy honor and protection, holding him an equal in thy sight, until death shall part thee forever?"
"Ugau nash-veh."
T'Sar looked out over the assemblage. "This male and this female have come here to join with each other as life mate and spouse in the ek'wak farr. They have pledged to honor and protect each other and hold each as equals in their sight. Wilt this assemblage pledge to aid them as they begin their life journey until death shall part them?"
Together the guests answered, "Ugau etek." We pledge.
With one hand to each of them at their temples, T'Sar bowed her head to set the marriage bond that would keep them connected forever, aware of each other no matter the distance. The Vulcans in the group also bowed their heads to lend their aid in the bonding as the humans watched, quiet and attentive during the mystical working. Most of them did not understand the process, but they all respected it for what it was.
Janeen swayed slightly under the assault of the powerful mind that linked her mind with that her husband's, and his hand rose up to grab her arm to steady her. "Thy bond is already strong," T'Sar murmured through her concentration, never breaking the link until the bond was set. She smiled a slight smile as she lowered her hands to her side, her approval obvious. She had not known that Spock and Janeen had already had this unusual connection. This was a true union and she better understood his choice of woman much more now.
"Can you continue?" Spock asked, his voice for her ears only.
"I'm fine," she answered just as softly. Nonetheless, he kept a hand on her arm for support. Vulcan was hot, especially this time of year, no doubt she was feeling the effects of the heat despite the fans that were scattered around the arena in consideration for their nonVulcan guests.
A young priest of Gol approached T'Sar, a goblet in his hands that was covered with a white cloth. Passing to goblet to her, he pulled the cloth from it as she took it, holding the goblet for the barest of moments, her eyes closed in silent blessing. She offered the goblet to Spock, who passed it to Janeen. The wine within was rare, old and valued, sweet to the taste and heady when overly imbibed. She took but a sip from the cup before handing it back to Spock. With his eyes on her, he turned the goblet before touching it to his lips, taking a long pull from the spot still moist from where she had touched with her lips. A soft exclamation went up from the audience, the gesture unusual in a Vulcan ceremony, but a gesture he gave to her nonetheless despite tradition. After his drink, he returned the cup to T'Sar.
T'Sar stepped to the side as Federation President Joachim A Halil came onto the platform. He bowed before the couple, his smile genuine, his pleasure to be a part of this ceremony evident.
"For as long as man has explored the heavens, meeting new peoples and new worlds, the office of the President of the Federation has had the pleasure of being granted the right to preside over wedding ceremonies, to unite different peoples and different cultures. It is with the greatest honor that I stand here to perform this rite today.
"Spock, you come here today to wed Janeen, to have her as your wife and lover. Do you promise to honor her and comfort her, to be with her in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, to hold her dreams and aspirations as though your own, so long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"Janeen, you come here today to wed Spock, to have him as your husband and lover. Do you promise to honor him and comfort him, to be with him in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, to hold his dreams and aspirations as though your own, so long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"It is an Earth tradition to exchange rings as a visible token of these promises. Who has the rings?"
"I do,' David indicated, taking them from a pocket in his dress uniform tunic. He passed them to A Halil. The President took the smaller ring and gave it to Spock. "Repeat after me, please."
"I, Spock, give this ring, in token and pledge of my promises made here today, to honor you as my wife, my helpmate and lover, as long as I live."
Then it was Janeen's turn. "I, Janeen, give this ring, in token and pledge of my promises made here today, to honor you as my husband, my helpmate and lover, as long as I live." She slid the ring onto his finger, giving his hand a caress and him a smile. Spock rose to his feet and with his hand still on her arm, help Janeen to stand as well.
T'Sar came to stand next to A Halil. "Let it be known throughout the galaxy that on the twelfth day of re'T'Khutai, Spock and Janeen are made husband and wife according to the laws of Vulcan."
"And of the Federation," A Halil continued. "Let us rejoice in their union and help them as they take this journey together." There was a wicked gleam in a Halil's eye, a dare. "You may kiss your bride if you so wish," he said softly to Spock.
Spock faced her, lifting his right hand, two fingers paired, the other two folded. She matched him in the acceptable Vulcan kiss, but then he surprised her by taking her other hand into his free one. Her eyes widened as he leaned his head down, tilting it slightly. She rose onto her toes to meet him halfway as they kissed according to her heritage. This was a marriage between two cultures and he wanted to make that point clear from the very beginning. She settled back on her heels. "I love you,' he whispered.
"I love you," she responded. Together, they faced their guests, who had begun a soft applause in approval and congratulations.
Above, the starships, whose crews had witnessed the ceremony via vidcast, set off a synchronized fireworks display in honor of the couple's nuptials, a dazzling set of round after round of explosives that lit up the already bright Vulcan day. It could be seen over near one-third of the planet.
The reception was held in a large underground theater where the air conditioning was more comfortable for many of the guests. As Janeen danced with her father, a captain in Starfleet, Spock stood to the side to watch, already having danced with his new mother-in-law. McCoy placed a hand on his shoulder, one of the few people present unafraid to touch this particular Vulcan.
"Congratulations, again, my friend," he said.
"Thank you, Doctor."
"So, tell me, do you remember Gem?"
"The empath? Of course."
"I think you've found someone to far outshine even that young lady. What I'd like to know is, where?"
"In San Fransisco, in the Old Market. She was a teacher on her way back to her school, I was trying to solve a problem. I often find the environment of the Old Market relaxing when I am in a…quandary about something. She was knocked into me from behind and we fell, she on top of me."
"And that was enough to get you to propose?"
Spock looked down at his old friend, remembering all of the times they had argued over his mixed heritage and about his society's culture. Spock took a deep breath. "Do you remember telling me that I was afraid to feel, that I had no heart?"
"I do, and if you recall, I've since amended that statement."
"When I looked into her eyes, Doctor, I found my soul." There was surprise in McCoy's eyes at the statement. "I could not ignore that, nor pass it over. We are one, in every way."
McCoy sighed a long, tiring sigh. "I wish Jim were here to see this. He would be so pleased for you."
Spock glanced to the floor. McCoy was right. Jim's absence was felt strongly, especially today. Spock would have liked to have had his friend there as well. But Kirk was a risk taker, and had finally taken one too many. "I miss him as well." Both men spent a moment in quiet reflection.
"So, this is the last one for you?"
"We were wed by the ek'wak farr, the forever mating. There will be no divorce. Even were we to separate, which I thoroughly doubt, we will always remain husband and wife."
"Rather drastic don't you think?"
"I am that certain of our feelings for each other. As you might want to hear, Doctor, I love her." He smiled down to the physician. "Does that ease your concern for me?"
"It tells me that after all of these years and all of my prodding, you've finally made peace with who you are."
"I have found peace through her and look forward to what the future might bring to us together."
"I hope I'm still around when the first baby comes along. You do plan on children?"
"Indeed. It is only the number upon which we disagree," he wryly answered, his eyes rolling in the only way a Vulcan could - just barely. McCoy began to laugh, a deep hearty laugh, imaging the taciturn Vulcan the father to a dozen little ones. That would certainly upend his methodical, structured, logical life. "Do I dare to inquire what you find amusing?" Spock asked.
"I wouldn't tell you even if you did," McCoy answered still chuckling. David came up to Spock, bowing to the other officer standing with him.
"David, I did not get a chance to introduce you. This is Dr. Leonard McCoy. Doctor, Cmdr. McFey, my Chief of Staff and friend."
The two men shook hands. "I've heard a lot about you, Admiral," David said. "All good, I assure you. It's a pleasure to finally meet."
"Spock must think very highly of you, Sir, if he asked you to stand with him."
"I can only hope, Admiral." He faced Spock. "Your shuttle is ready to leave when you are. The Arkansas signals it is ready as well."
"Thank you, David. Let them know we will be ready in twenty minutes."
"I put your traveling clothes in the dressing room down the hall. Just leave the wedding clothes, I'll take care of them later. Your luggage is already on board." With Spock's nod, the other turned and left.
McCoy faced his old friend. "So, this is good bye, Spock."
"I would prefer your Earth term 'adieu,'" he corrected. "Once we return from our honeymoon, we will be residing on Earth. Should you find yourself planetside, I would enjoy it if you would visit."
"I promise to look you up, if I'm ever in the neighborhood." He held his hand up in the Vulcan ta'al he had always found so hard to do. "Live long and prosper, my friend."
An elegant eyebrow rose, but Spock returned the salute. "Live long and prosper, Bones." The Vulcan went to claim his bride from her father.