Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
I had been thinking about how to conclude the story of P'Bock for quite some time. I had not meant to make him and his family into such large parts of the story, Because I was at a loss how to end, I've decided to skip ahead a little bit from the eighteen day journey.
So, with the gentle prod of Silver Lady, I present a little epilogue to the story, because I don't want anyone thinking P'Bock and T'Slaur died lol
The Enterprise had come full stop five AU from Ranum III almost exactly one year from the last date they had left its system. The Away Team would not beam down, but would take the Galileo to the surface. Long range sensors were in a constant rotation, torpedoes were at the ready and the ship was on Yellow Alert. Jim thought it might have been a tad over-the-top, but he was not going to argue with Spock's logic. After all 'fool me once, shame on you, but fool me twice, shame on me'. With a nod to his faithful pilot and navigator, he turned the ship over to the ever ready couple.
The turbo lift opened to reveal Bones waiting to on them. He had made a habit of escorting Jim and Spock on their way to either the shuttle bay or transporter room before each mission. Jim mused that he was getting sentimental in his old age. "With all this security you would think you are the President of the whole damn Federation." He eyeballed the Vulcan before turning to wink at Jim.
Jim chuckled at his failed attempt to bait Spock as they strolled into Shuttle Bay One. Five Security members, including the Chief of Security, would be making the journey with Spock and Jim. "Some times, Bones, it's better to just better to nod and smile." He smirked at both men.
Shaking his head, Bones patted Spock's shoulders. "I still don't know who I feel sorrier for you or him." He watched the two men board the shuttle. Spock merely lifted an eyebrow at the physician.
Jim turned just before entering the craft, and locked eyes with Bones. It was a silent exchange they shared before every mission since the nearly fatal mission a year previous. While Jim was still the wild-child captain, he acknowledged his brotherhood with the other man every single time he left the safety of the Enterprise. If Ranum had taught Jim anything it was that tomorrow was not a promise. With one final nod, he ducked into the craft, with Spock behind him. The security members were seated in the back; he and Spock were going to maneuver the shuttle. "The faster we check in on P'Bock, the faster we can get back." He waggled his eyebrows at his mate.
Spock merely raised an eyebrow as he begun the lift-off check list. Everything was a green light, so Jim slowly lifted off from the shuttle bay's flooring and with a gentle push of the thrusters, made their exit. The shuttle ride was uneventful, just like everyone had hoped. Spock navigated, while Jim piloted. It was a simple exercise that highlighted how well the duo fit together seamlessly.
Ranum had entered the Federation ten months ago, once P'Bock had claimed power from his corrupt father and father-in-law. A new era of peace and prosperity had been welcomed among the natives. Technology once more thrived on the surface. Their engineers had already been proved invaluable to Star Fleet. The Enterprise had been specifically welcomed back for a liberation celebration. Jim had not been able to turn down the man who had saved his life.
After the shuttle landed and the Enterprise contacted for a test communication, Jim took the time to marvel at the beauty around him before stepping through the open door. He could see the strange color plants that he vividly remembered form their first journey. "Spock, this planet is even more beautiful than I remember." He turned to face his t'hy'la.
In a rare moment of illogical distraction, Spock could only see his mate in front of him, the world around him forgotten. "Yes, beautiful." His eyes devouring every inch of Jim's flesh visible.
Smiling at the hidden meaning behind Spock's words, Jim slipped his two fingers against his lover's. It was the briefest of touches but their tenderness for each other seeped into the other from the mild contact. This was where they had nearly died, but found each other. What had begun as a curse had blossomed into a blessing.
Snapping them from their moment, they could hear shouts of greeting coming from the hill. Simultaneously, they lapsed into the Captain and Commander roles, stepping apart from each other and exiting the shuttle craft. The security team was giving the confirmation of allies approaching.
Jim and Spock, still side by side, jogged towards the approaching crowd. P'Bock was easily distinguishable; he was still the youngest male of the crowd. T'Slaur was at his side, regal as any queen. Silently, Jim sent his thanks skyward for their safe deliverance from Romulan bondage and their understanding as to why the Enterprise had left orbit sending a fresh Reliant to help with the transition and Peace Treaty discussions.
The two groups had converged on the apex of the hill. "Jim Kirk! You are a sight for sore eyes!" P'Bock wrapped Jim in a bear-hug, lifting the smaller human off the ground.
Jim grunted from his strength. "It's good to see you, too P'Bock." Jim managed to answer once P'Bock had released his hold and he was once more able to draw a breath.
P'Bock turned to Spock, stopping himself before reaching out. "Spock, I see you have been able to stand by Jim since we last meet." Jim could see the twinkle in the native's eye, giving away the meaning of his words.
Spock inclined his head towards the Ranum Holder. "I am pleased to see you are in good health and Ranum is striving under your leadership." Hands clasped behind his back, Spock opted for Vulcan niceties verses Jim's unrestrained human joy.
Rolling his eyes at his mate's typical reaction, Jim embraced T'Slaur. "I am glad to see P'Bock has someone with sense to keep him in line and Ranum has such a courageous First Lady." Jim held her just long enough to be polite, but released her before Spock had time to become jealous.
T'Slaur smiled at both the humans. "We would never have found the courage to fight if it had not been for you and Spock. We were so worried about you until Captain Jackson announced you had both lived." Unshed tears sparkled in the females eyes.
Jim felt a wave of panic as the memories of the day assaulted him. Spock stepped closer, placing a hand at the small of his back for support. Comforted by his touch, Jim relaxed and took a deep breath. "I was worried for us all." His blue eyes still haunted by the day Spock nearly died.
A young child came from behind T'Slaur's back, her patience being exhausted. Snapping Jim from his thoughts, she smiled up at him. He kneeled down so he was eye level with her. "And who are you? What have you got there?" He could see the resemblance to both her parents in her tiny form.
She was holding a pink ball of fluff, stretching it out towards Jim. "I am Lar'ock and he is yours." The little girl grinned up at the human.
With a nod of reassurance from her father, Jim took the tiny creature standing to full height. "Who is this?" He held it close, petting the soft fur. Spock had even taken an interest and was stroking a small portion of the animal's back.
P'Bock swept his daughter up into his arms. "He is a kit of the last litter Easter Bunny sired before he died. Lar'ock, our daughter here, wants you to have him." P'Bock smiled gently down at Lar'ock excitedly awaiting confirmation.
Jim couldn't hold back the laughter. "I see. Thank you very much Lar'ock." He bowed to the daughter of Ranum's leaders. Holding the creature up to look it in the eye, he raised a critical eyebrow. "Son of Easter Bunny, you shall be Santa Claus." Spock raised both eyebrows and the security team members chuckled.
Lar'ock, confused by the laughter, gasped. "You will be nice to him, won't you Mr. Captain? And feed him and love him, right?" Her innocent eyes watching Jim's every move.
Jim smiled, cradling the kit against his chest as it purred in contentment. "Yes, Lar'ock, Spock and I will be very nice to him and take very good care of him, we promise." Spock nodded in agreement as well.
Spock knew they would have a mountain of paper work to complete on an exotic pet, but seeing Jim's smile would be a worthy reward. If the Vulcan were truly honest, he did find Santa Claus fascinating and would for many years to come.
A/N: Thanks for reading
This is *the end*
I hope this wraps up all the loose ends and is a worthy epilogue for this story. I have fretted with this for over two weeks, argh. I had to give Son of Easter Bunny a worthy name, lol.
Reviews are greatly appreciated, please drop a line and tell me what you think! I beg of thee!!!!