Chapter Thirty-Six

Spock felt the heat of New Vulcan deep in his bones. He closed his eyes and indulged in the warmth that had eluded him during his time on the Enterprise. Though Charlotte and he had reached a middle ground it was still not as optimal as the heat afforded to him currently.

"Welcome to New Vulcan, my son and she who is his wife."

Sarek's voice pulled Spock from his momentary lapse of control and forced him to pull himself together. He raised his hand in the ta'al.

"Peace and long life, father. I trust you are well?" He took in the sight of his father. He stood in his brown robes with an air of authority that made Spock feel as if he was still the school boy with the split lip after he had lost his control but there was something else. Spock had been told many times that it was his eyes that gave him away. That they were human like his mother's. Seeing Sarek look at him and Charlotte disproved that assumption. Sarek's eyes were just as expressive and they were showing affection and something akin to pride but at Charlotte's soft exhalation from behind him they changed to concern.

"Yes, Spock. However, perhaps we should retreat inside. I fear your bondmate is struggling with the heat in her current condition." Sarek said with a glance at Charlotte. Spock reached out and placed a supportive grip on her elbow which she stubbornly shook off. He noticed that her face was a bright crimson and her breathing had increased by 27.63 per cent. She had darkened tendrils of blond hair stuck to her temples and a sheen of sweat on her lip.

"It is illogical to refuse assistance when you clearly need it." He admonished. Charlotte shot him a glare but allowed him to take her arm to guide her up the path to his father's residence.

It was a large home, dark red stone walls with simple windows. The path was a stone walkway with a rock garden and very little vegetation. Once inside, Spock noticed that although it was a typical vulcan dwelling, there were hints at human influences. There were couches for comfort and a vase with dragon lilies. A Vulcan lyre was off to one side as well as a holo of his mother smiling on an end table.

Spock carefully guided Charlotte to the couch and helped her remove the heavy robe and satchel to reveal her in a sleeveless white blouse and capris. She had opted for simple sandals because her feet has been swollen as of late and comfort was of importance.

At thirty-two weeks she was struggling with everyday tasks. Her once lithe body now moved slowly and no longer with the former grace of a dancer. Even though tasks took longer and her body was different, Spock still enjoyed watching her. The way her hips would sway under the weight of their children, when she would rub a hand across her ever expanding abdomen and mostly when she would gasp with delight when she felt a kick from the inside. It was a primitive sensation to derive pleasure and pride at seeing one's mate swell with your child but Spock allowed himself to feel it.

Sarek returned shortly with a glass of water and pressed it into Charlotte's hands. They both waited expectantly for her to drink and only when she drained the glass did they both sit. Sarek was watching Charlotte closely and she fidgeted under his scrutiny.

"Thank you." She said curtly and Spock could sense her anxiety. Sarek nodded but his eyes darted to her abdomen several times. So many that even though it was subtle Charlotte noticed.

"Did you...uh..?" She looked to her belly and then to Sarek who understood her question and reached out a hand tentatively and rested it on her stomach. Spock watched as his father's eyes fluttered shut and Sarek's hand was gentle as he moved it. He breathed a deep sigh and slowly withdrew.

"Thank you." Sarek's voice was rough and gravelly.

"Of course." Charlotte gave a small smile and reached over to her small bag and pulled out a PADD and data clip.

"We...uh...decided to..." She trailed off and bit her lip uncomfortably as Sarek accepted the offered items. Spock finished for her.

"We thought it best, in the interest of privacy, to have a ceremony aboard the Enterprise rather than New Vulcan."

Sarek raised a questioning brow. "Indeed?" Sarek flicked on the power and used a long finger to scroll through the images that Nyota had loaded onto the device. He was silent as he perused the wedding pictures and Spock wondered if Sarek was disappointed that he wasn't in attendance. He felt a small surge of guilt at that and knew that Charlotte was feeling the same thing.

"I'm sorry you couldn't be there but we thought it would be best if..."

"Your wedding was in a completely human ceremony. I understand." He supplied. Sarek's lips twitched in amusement.

"Spock, your mother and I had considered doing something quite similar. I believe humans call it eloping. Unfortunately, your mother's mother discovered our intentions and put a stop to our plans." His eyes sparkled in fond remembrance and both Spock and Charlotte leaned forward to hear more.

"So what happened?" She asked eagerly.

"We were married the human way in a garden ceremony at Lake Union in Seattle. Her mother felt it was best because this way it was open to the public." Sarek looked towards Spock.

"We returned to Vulcan shortly after where 6 months later you were born. It was a difficult pregnancy for Amanda. She was restricted to bed rest at four months. She was...singularly displeased by it however she did it because she loved you." Sarek's eyes betrayed his grief and love for the woman who had come to accept his culture and give him a son. The woman who was brave enough to stay even after the bond between them settled.

"Tushah nash-veh k'odu. I grieve with thee." Charlotte said quietly. Sarek nodded in thanks and stood.

"I will leave you to settle. Perhaps Charlotte would like to rest before the evening meal. Spock, a meeting has been requested by the science academy to discuss some of your more recent discoveries. They are eager to meet with you tomorrow if that is agreeable. They are most fascinated by your discovery of the Horta." Sarek's shoulders straightened in pride at his son's accomplishments and Spock was pleased. Sarek had taken his decision to join Starfleet instead of the VSA hard but even more so when he had stayed after Vulcan's destruction. The fact that Sarek was so openly proud hit a chord with him.

"I will contact them after I have assisted Charlotte in settling in." Spock stood and waited for Charlotte who huffed as she pulled herself up.

"Don't I get a say as to my nap time?"

"No." Both men replied.

Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The next morning, Spock awoke to the smell of krei'la biscuits baking. It was a pleasant aroma and reminded him of when his mother would bake them. He frowned when he saw that Charlotte's side of the bed was empty and quickly pulled his meditation robe around him and headed to the kitchen.

"I believe that I can assist you, ko-fu. It is not necessary to strain yourself in your condition. My ko-telsu needed rest during her pregnancy to guarantee a safe outcome." Sarek was hovering behind Charlotte as she shuffled around the kitchen and was cutting fruit and placing them into small serving dishes. She waved him away.

"I can assure you, Sarek, that I am perfectly capable of preparing breakfast. Isn't it tradition for guests in Vulcan households to prepare the morning meal?" She countered and moved the cutting board to the sink and quickly rinsed and placed them in the sanitizer.

"Yes. However-"

"I want to honor your traditions and while I'm here I want to see New Vulcan. I've been ship side for over six months so I want to explore." Charlotte interrupted and she dusted her hands with unnecessary vigor. Sarek took a deep breath and sat back down shaking his head.

"I understand that you are respecting our traditions and while I appreciate your motives I cannot help but have an instinctual concern." Charlotte carefully pulled the krei'la biscuits out of the old fashioned oven and sat them on the counter with a flourish. Spock noticed that two of them were slightly different and assumed that they had apricot rather than yon-savas and dried hirat by the orange flecks. It was an admirable compromise. The bitter and slightly sour flavor would not appeal to most human palates.

"I'm fine. I'm just planning on taking a tour around the science academy and medical facility. Healer Soren said it'd be allowed and T'Peni hasn't assigned me any restrictions. Besides-" She held up her wrist. "I have my medi-bracelet on. If there's a hint of trouble then the Enterprise's medical team will know." Sarek looked like he wanted to argue further but wisely left it at that. Spock knew that Charlotte would be careful. He understood Sarek's concerns though. Charlotte was carrying the only continuing line to his father's house. Sybok had perished in the destruction of Vulcan and he had no siblings. It was only logical to be concerned and protective.

Spock decided to make his presence known and to offer a solution to their argument that he believed would be acceptable to both of them.

"Perhaps if you are available, father, then you may accompany Charlotte on her tour of the facilities."

Charlotte looked like she wanted to punch him but the glare only lasted for a moment before she threw on a mask to face Sarek.

"An insider's perspective would be appreciated." She carefully formed the words. If Spock didn't have a link with her he wouldn't have known how irritated she was. Sarek looked between them and nodded in satisfaction.

"Then it is settled. I will accompany Ms. Jones to the Science Academy this afternoon."

Charlotte placed the plates in front of both men and then slowly lowered herself into her own seat. At a closer glance Spock noticed that she seemed paler than normal. Her blue eyes seemed unnaturally bright. He frowned minutely and continued to watch her during their meal.

"Are you well, Charlotte?" Spock hedged.

"I'm fine. Just a little tired. There wasn't any coffee. None programmed in the replicators or fresh." She almost growled the statement.

Sarek did not look the least bit disturbed by Charlotte's attitude. In fact, Spock was sure he looked suspiciously indifferent.

"I do apologize. It has been a while since I have had human guests and I did not believe you would require the beverage otherwise I would have programmed it into the replicator. Anyway, It is not recommended for pregnant women to consume too much caffeine. If you are fatigued there is time for you to rest before we leave." Sarek sipped his tea and leaned back in his chair calmly. Spock knew this tactic well. He had seen it many times in his youth and it was the reason why he was typically the first diplomat called. Sarek was doing what he did best. He was systematically eliminating Charlotte's choices to get her to do as he thought best. In this case, resting and looking at her he was inclined to agree with his father's plan of action.

Charlotte smiled tightly but nodded her agreement. "Thank you, Sarek."

They finished breakfast and after a small argument over clearing the plates they retired to the living room area. Sarek joined them with four decent sized packages wrapped in fabric. A small smile played on his features as he handed the packages to them.

Spock was curious as to what the items were.

"I took the liberty of acquiring gifts for my grandchildren. As there are two, I felt it wise to duplicate the items." He waited patiently for Charlotte and Spock to open the gifts. Inside the first two were pleenoks, a triangular three dimensional puzzle used to educate vulcan infants in the beginning stages of logic. Spock had had one.

"Thank you." Charlotte murmured, clearly confused but she knew he was trying.

The second set of gifts produced a greater reaction, even from Spock. Charlotte laughed nervously.

"Umm...thank you?" She said hesitantly.

Charlotte picked up the soft brown bear-like stuffed animal and turned it over with a puzzled frown. She looked closely at the white, savage-like teeth protruding from the mouth. Sarek spoke up.

"I suspected that your children may appreciate a more human custom. It is a stuffed sehlat."

Charlotte's eyebrows flew up. "It's a Vulcan teddy bear?"

"Affirmative, however, true sehlats are traditionally the size of a terran bear and have six inch long fangs. Spock had a pet sehlat in his youth. I-Chaya."

Charlotte smiled her first true smile since arriving. Sarek was trying to bridge the difficult gap between human and vulcan customs. The stuffed animals were something that his mother would have done.

"That's...cute but I think we'll stick to stuffed sehlats for a while." She put the toys back down with a fond look at the pair of sehlats.

"Thank you." Spock helped Charlotte stand. "I'd better get a little rest since Sarek and I have a busy afternoon." She reached out her fingers and touched Spock's before departing. Spock rejoined Sarek and slowly moved the boxes out of the way before fixing Sarek with a serious look.

"I am surprised that you were so calm yesterday when you learned of our wedding on the Enterprise."

"Kaiidth. What is, is."

"And what of the press issue?"

Sarek waved a hand as if to brush away the problem. "It has been handled."

"How?"

Sarek looked at him and understanding hit him as his father spoke. "You and Charlotte resolved the issue and provided the proof that the public requested."

Spock frowned. "You manipulated us."

"I did no such thing. I simply encouraged the natural progression between two beings who care for one another. The fact that it solved a public dilemma was, as your mother would say, a bonus."

Spock pondered the words for a moment but was broken out of his reverie by a scream.

"SPOCK!"

Both men shot up and ran to the guest room. Spock felt a wave of pain from Charlotte and quickened his pace. What he saw made his heart drop. Charlotte was on the floor of the bathroom, a crimson puddle was spreading out from underneath her and she was unconscious. He rushed over, falling to his knees at her side.

He reached out to her and breathed a sigh of relief as she groggily leaned into his touch. He vaguely heard his father speaking before he felt the transporter took hold of him.

AN: sorry for the super short chapter buuuut...it's up to the readers to decide again! (I do love doing this!) we have three choices:

1. They stop the bleeding and Charlotte continues the pregnancy on enforced bed rest much to her chagrin.

2. Babies delivered prematurely but everyone's relatively ok in the end.

3. Babies delivered but Charlotte doesn't survive. Spock is then forced into grieving for his wife but at the same time has to try and accept his children. The world isn't always perfect. I will make a touching death scene.

It's up to you! Sorry for the major delay but I am torn as to what should happen. I'm equally split so it'll go to the most votes via reviews.

Tishbing