Chapter Twenty six
The Continuing SFS
Lights, Action, Camera
Africa Calling…
Since it was a direct sale, the entire process of buying the property went amazingly fast. Rudy and Phyllis were very pleased, the house was sold, 'As Is' and was paid for with the required credits. Christine's years in Star Fleet and the settlement from Lo'vaak's accident on Direidi ** had made it possible for them to move into a home free and clear. Although Rudy and Phyllis had not chosen a facility as yet they saw the necessity of down-sizing. They knew the massive furniture they were used to would never fit or be practical in their new dwelling, so, much to Christine's glee, all the large pieces, bedroom sets, kitchen and dinning room furnishing were left. The elderly couple put what remained of their things in storage. Before leaving to stay with friends, they were reminded that they were always welcome back to either their old residence or Spock and Nyota's.
Phyllis, who was an extremely witty person made this announcement before they pulled off,
"I guess if a house could laugh, breathe a sigh of relief or kick up its heels with joy, it would do it now. The 'grinches' are leaving. At last there will be some liveliness, It will even hear the sounds of babies. It could never have happened with us, for in our youth, neither one of liked to be around children. It is amazing how age changes one's viewpoint, now we wish we were children again."
Rudy's dry comment was,
"Don't you know old age is second childhood, diapers and all."
With that statement, they waved as they pulled out of the driveway.
Christine then walked into their house touching railings, walls, woodwork tenderly She then ran to Lo'vaak, put her head on his chest and said,
"Thank you, thank you. Now I belong to you and to a place. I have not have a family or a place to call my own since…" and then she was silent for a moment.
"Lo'vaak you have satisfied all my deep seated needs."
With that tears started. Lo'vaak touched her temple gently, and she felt the same sentiment reflected back to her. Lo'vaak held up one set of keys and handed it to his wife and then escorted her outside, locked the door, then opened it and lifted Christine into his arms and carried her over the threshold and said,
"Welcome home Mrs. Nuk."
`0`0`0`0`0`0`
It was later on in that same day that Su'aut and Ellie returned from the mountains. All of the family had gathered at Spock and Nyota's for dinner. The door chimed and then Spock ushered the newly weds into the den.
Sirin was the first to comment,
"My brother, did the smell of flowers, the sound of birds singing, and the feeling of utter contentment proceed you into the room?"
Su'auk commented,
"Proceed us into the room? They were our passengers for our entire trip."
The four men mentally nudged each other and simultaneously left for the library.
To put her at ease, Nyota said,
"Don't worry Ellie, Vulcans are very private people, they are not leaving to elicit a blow by blow description of your honeymoon.. There is something of much more pressing importance that the three want to discuss with your husband."
Ellie, being human and not so private did mention one thing,
"What you three told me is so, there is no love as fulfilling and total as a Vulcans. My husband was and continues to be the most gentle and patient of men."
Rachel thought to herself,
'Normally they all are, Pon Farr being the exception.'
In actuality, she was the only one that could address that experience.
The women headed toward the kitchen for tea and cakes. The men were in the library explaining the situation about 'The Survivors' to Su'aut. It was determined that they would visit the Embassy tomorrow. Then came the news about the apartment.
Su'aut expressed his genuine thanks. As a newly-wed he wanted to be able to continue to have guarded privacy and that would be the case with that new housing arrangement. Although sparsely furnished, they had been left with the bed, a dresser, and a kitchen set. Both couples would have to go furniture shopping soon.
For Lo'vaak, Christine and NyTwo, the bassinet and travel bed would have to serve as the nursery until that time.
It was Christine who informed Ellie of their new housing arrangement and she dissolved into tears, "Thank you, thank you was her response.
`0`0`0`0`0`0`
The next day, a Sunday, the four couples, T'Paal and the children traveled to the Embassy They would be sharing mid-day meal with Sarek.
Once the group was ushered into the dining room, Su'aut and Ellie were introduced to Sarek. He was informed of their background and he too could see how useful Su'aut could be to the new settlement. As it was, Spock, Sirin and Lo'vaak had jobs and families. These three had obligations that would prevent any extended stays in Nevada. On the other hand, with his many years here on Terra and the knowledge gained from his prior assignment. the day to day operations of the settlement could not have fallen into more capable hands.
After the meal, the males retired to Sarek's office to continue making plans. The women now joined T'Paal in the garden. NyTwo was seated on her lap, the twins and Jason at her feet. She was having them recite a Vulcan poem from memory. It always pleased her to test their boundaries and be reminded that there seemed to be none.
She thought,
'How wrong The Council has been in isolating our DNA. These fusions, these mixtures were creating superior beings. These were neither Terrans nor Vulcans. They were unto themselves, their genius and abilities will one day put their ancestors to shame. She was so satisfied that she had lived to see this.
Briefly she thought of her own life. How her attachment to a Terran male had been opposed, how she had been sent away and she never saw him again. Once what was viewed as an indiscretion became common knowledge, a suitable bondmate for her was never found. Perhaps these incidents in her life explained her dedication to these children. She would train them, she would mold their brilliance because she viewed them as the closest she would ever come to motherhood.
She was shaken from her revere by the approach of the women. There was a new face among the group. Nyota introduced her as the wife of Lo'vaak's relative. Ellie had been properly school as to the proper approach to a Vulcan of advanced age. She knelt before T'Paal, put her head upon her knee and said the proper words of respect in a halting tongue.
T'Paal touched her temple and thought,
'One day I shall instruct your children also.'
`0`0`0`0`0`0`
In the confines of Sarek's office, Su'aut was given the history of 'The Survivors' and advised of the pivotal role he could play in their transition to life in the Terran colony. He was invited to accompany the group when they made their first trip to the site. Among the first group to visit would be the construction workers, architects, engineers and the herbalist.
Su'aut's would be uniquely qualified to handle the day to day workings of the colony. While there he would be able to determine if the warehouses there would prove adequate for their use or whether they would need to construct new ones. He would also be most qualified to determine the housing of the males. The future would dictate the need for private housing for any bonded males, but the single ones could continue in the dormitory arrangement until such time they were bonded.
It was also important for The Herbalist to start cataloging the local vegetation to determine if any could be used as a food source. Once such was identified, then a concerted effort could be put forth to cultivate these in their fields.
Sarek unrolled the map and showed Su'uat the bountiful supply of water in the area. This would be very valuable in any agricultural business that could be developed.
Sarek then suggested that they visit the group on the lower level. He certainly did not wish Su'aut to make a commitment until he had all the facts before him, and that included meeting the ones that he would supervise.
There was such a difference now in the group's demeanor. When first introduced there was the bowed heads, body language indicating deference. Now, these saw that they were all part of a team, working toward a common good. So there was no scraping of chairs as they rushed to stand before their visitors. Instead there were general greetings as some continued at their personal com units and others came forward to ask a question or express an opinion.
Sarek navigated the room and observed the entries on the monitor screens. He was very impressed with the writings posted in Standard. This group was a far cry from their initial, hesitate entry into this world.
Spock introduced Su'aut to the group and explained that he would manage the settlement. He then listed his qualifications and asked this new member to speak.
Su'aut came forward and expressed his gratitude for being in the company of such valued, 'brothers'. He informed him that he had just bonded with a Terran female and promised that they would meet her later. He then left the floor open to questions.
The group inquired as to his family, where he was from, his observations so far and of course, his bonding.
Sarek then came forward to update the group. He explained that an initial trip to Nevada would include persons who were architects, engineers, construction workers and the one lone herbalist. He explained the trip would be a fact-finding mission. The compiled data would allow them to prioritize their activities prior to the entire group's transference.
Sarek also announced the birth of Lo'vaak's baby daughter and that news was met with many nods.
Lo'vaak sent to His Christine,
'Would all you come down and bring T'Paal and the children.'
Within a few minutes, the group made their entry, waving.
Ellie immediately went to Su'aut's side. He silenced the group and said,
"This is my bondmate, Ellie, we met in USA, but now consider wherever you all are, will be our home."
There was general murmuring but one male stepped forward to speak with Su'aut. It was . He questioned,
"Is your bondmate from the same part of Terra that Spock's wife comes from?"
"Yes, I lived in USA for over twelve years. It was there I met Ellie."
Sh'lock nodded and turned on his heels to find Spock.
"There is a matter of great urgency that I wish to discuss with you, in private."
Spock headed out the door and located an empty office room. He gestured for Sh'lock to be seated. The tall young man unfolded his lengthy limbs and was seated.
Spock had an idea which direction this conversation would take. He had observed first the young males look at Nyota and then at Ellie.
"Sh'lock, speak"
"Brother, at our initial meeting with all of the bondmates, I made a specific inquiry about yours. I informed you that my aduna was of the same coloring as your wife. I did not go into any details, except to say, she was all I could ever need.
Now I must reveal something else. Although seeped in Vulcan logic, and not wishing to be labeled as without it, there were secrets we held. The basis for our relationship was a deep, abiding passion. She moved me in such ways that just her glance affected my body. Her brown eyes spoke to me and her dark skin would set a fire burning in me. When we lay together skin next to skin, when she embraced me, and I noticed the contrast, when we were coupled, it was the color difference that would caused me to go against all logic. No Vulcan mate, no female of complexion like ours holds any claim on me. I have very carefully studied Terran courtship rituals. Would you allow me to leave the the group for two months to visit this area of dark skinned people. If I am not successful after this time I will return to the settlement."
Spock welcomed Sh'lock's commitment to seek his own way. It indicated strength of character.
He said,
"My wife's father owns a business in Nyrobi, perhaps he could make use of your talents. Spock went to the com unit, entered Benjamin's code and his father-in-laws face appeared on the screen.
"Spock this is a pleasant surprise. All is well?"
"Yes Benjamin."
"We are looking forward to your family's visit at the end of the year."
"Nyota and the children will be coming. Would we be able to bring a large number of guests?"
"The more the merrier."
Spock could only interpret that statement as meaning 'yes'. He would ask the entire family and a few survivors to make the trip.
"Benjamin, allow me to introduce Sh'lock to you. He has a very special interested in the USA and is desirous of finding a job and possibly settling there. I will allow the two of you to talk."
Spock arose from the chair and Sh'lock took his place. Just as the young male had done, so a feminine hand touched Benjamin's shoulder and a head with multitude of braids and a face the color of milk chocolate came into view. She spoke into Benjamin's ear.
"Spock you know No'veese, Nyota's cousin. Sh'lock meet No'veese, she is my office manager."
Enough said…
She turned to leave and after a few steps turned back and said,
"It was a pleasure to meet you Sh'lock."
He nodded.
Looking at Sh'lock Spock immediately recognized the signs of shon'ha-lock (love at first sight) and already knew the outcome of that visit. He would have the Embassy make arrangements for S'lock's immediate departure.
** See Chapter 2 of 'Four Times Missed', the prequel to this story.