I do not own Star Trek, any of the canon characters, nor do I make any profit from my writings. I need to say this to take care of my own hide!
Taking Care Of Our Own IV
"I'm experiencing deja vu" said Jim as he and Spock beamed down to New Vulcan in the early morning darkness. Scotty set them down in front of the Cultural Museum building, along with a sealed container of Artifacts. Once again, they were met by Elder Tovorek and two burly security guards.
Tovorek ushered them into the building and then into the lift. Once they reached the basement vaults, Tovorek officially took custody of the ancient treasures. Then he did something unexpected.
"On behalf of all the Vulcan people, I wish to thank Spock and James Kirk, from the House S'chn T'gai, sons of Sarek. Your service and your bravery honor both this world and your family."
"We are honored to perform this service, Elder Tovorek. If there is nothing more you require of us, my brother James and I shall return to our ship."
"All is in order, Spock. May you both rest well. Live long and prosper."
"Peace and long life, Elder."
A security guard escorted the pair out and waited with them until Scotty had beamed them back on board. Once they were safely in the transporter room, Jim let out a tired sigh.
"Spock, was it my imagination, or has Elder Tovorek had a bit of an attitude adjustment?"
"He did seem less disapproving. Perhaps his new Betazed bondmate has had an influence upon him."
"Tovorek has married a non-Vulcan? I never would have bet on that! Well, goodnight, "Brother". Sleep fast."
"Jim, how does one adjust the rate of rest to...."
"Never mind, Spock. Just go to bed."
Spock managed two hours of sleep before the call came from Jack.
"Good morning, Jack. If you and Lewis will give me about thirty minutes to get ready, I will arrange to have you beamed up to the ship. You may have a quick tour of the ship and then join Nyota and me for breakfast. By then, Krysta should be awake and ready to meet you."
"Spock, that would be awesome. Thank you and thank your captain."
"You will have the opportunity to thank him yourselves."
Nyota lay there, mostly awake. She grabbed Spock's arm and pulled him down for a kiss. Then she pushed him toward the bathroom.
"Go get your shower, you old softie."
Though he was nearly two centuries old and a respected Elder, Tauril had great difficulty controlling his excitement. As soon as it was fully light outside, two young males had come with a vehicle from the carpenter's shop. They delivered two small beds and two dressers to T'Pau's cottage. Tauril had paid them extra the evening before to move a second bed into T'Pau's room.
It was all so much better than Tauril had ever expected. He had wished only to spend his remaining years in T'Pau's company, sharing in the delights of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His entire family had been lost to the Genocide. Yet, now he was to be a father again! He allowed some of his joy to spill over to his bondmate. T'Pau sent him amusement in return.
Yes, my husband, we have reason for joy. However, let us not forget how much energy and effort are involved in the raising of children. We no longer have a house full of servants to rely upon.
We shall prevail, my wife. We shall prevail.
Jack was amazed by the Engine Room and the huge Cargo and Shuttle Bays. Lewis was impressed with the greenhouse and Botany Lab. Spock brought them to see his and Nyota's quarters, enduring a mock scolding from his wife because she had things laid out for last minute packing.
Nyota embraced her two friends and then joined them and Spock for a trip to the Rec Room. When they got there, they found little Krysta in the company of Cupcake and La Keisha, ready and waiting for the two new daddies she had just been told about.
With tears in his eyes, Cupcake placed the little girl in Lewis' arms.
"Take good care of this little Princess. She likes Italian opera and cheese ravioli."
"We will. Thank you so much."
La Keisha took Cupcake by the hand and led him out the door. There would be lots of goodbyes that day. She would be there by his side to help him through them all.
Jack took the "Princess" from Lewis and carried her to a table. Hamed Mofasu had tried to make everyone's day a little easier with his special Belgian waffles.
Like Cupcake, many of the crew had become attached to the children. It would be difficult to see them leave.
Bones grabbed his duffel and hurried to the Shuttle Bay. One load of refugees had already been taken to New Shannai'Kahr. These had been the older children and those who had family members meeting them. Bones was glad to know that T'Genna, her daughter T'Des, and baby Separ were being taken in by an elderly uncle, a man of some means left without family by the Genocide.
Bones took the second shuttle along with T'Vedna. They would escort the young orphans to the orphanage and then Bones planned to spend four days with T'Ameela, helping her with her "studies."
The experienced shuttle pilot carefully set the small vessel down in the backyard of the orphanage. When the engines were completely stopped and the hatch opened, the orphanage staff came out to bring the children inside.
T'Vedna could not believe it when she saw a familiar face. Tranil, the orphanage director was the man she had been traveling to meet with and marry when the Romulans had captured her. After the children had been settled, he invited her for tea and told her his story.
"When you did not arrive, I had no choice but to bond with another, T'Nerith. We had two sons together, both of whom now live in New Sura'Kahr and work for the University. T'Nerith died last year, not long after we relocated from Melenia V. She had been ill for some time. We would have stayed there, but a plague killed most of the indigenous population, and it became impossible for me to keep the school open. A position became available at the orphanage and I took it. When the children have all found homes, I expect to return to teaching."
T'Vedna then shared her sad story with Tranil.
"T'Vedna, I grieve with thee for all that has occurred. Perhaps we can be a comfort to each other as we assist these young ones."
"That would be agreeable, Tranil."
Spock was amazed that he had managed to fit all the gear on the large trolley he had borrowed from Supply. There was the large order they had picked up for T'Sela at Nebula Galactic, a box of clothing Nyota had borrowed from T'Sela and subsequently outgrown, and the refugee kits for the two children. Saavik and Senar had also received many toys and art supplies from different sources. When he added his and Nyota's luggage for a four day stay, Spock could hardly see over the top of his cart.
He wheeled it down to the transporter room, meeting Jim and Scotty on the way. Scotty let out a huge laugh when he saw Spock's burden.
"Laddie, 'tis a pity yer goin' to a residential area. Otherwise we could beam the lot down onto yer father's patio. However, we canna be too careful where there might be pets and wee ones to get in the way. Well, have a good shore leave, anyway."
Jim and Scotty dropped the last of their gear on the transporter pad, and then took their places alongside it. They planned to spend three of the four days of shore leave camping out in the wilderness near New Sura'Kahr. Bones thought they were crazy and had told them so.
"Great, Jim. You'll find fifty new things you're allergic to. Take an extra emergency med kit and call for help if you need it. Otherwise, don't bother me! I'm on leave, too!"
Spock went to fetch Nyota and the children. Carefully they explained the transport procedure to Saavik and Senar. Once again they confirmed that the children were being taken to their new family and that they would not be separated. When they were calm and quiet, the transporter operator beamed them down to the surface of New Vulcan.
Sarek met them at the beam down point with his new hovercar. He and Spock quickly loaded all the gear into the back and the secured the children into their seats. Spock contacted the Enterprise and had them beam up the cart. Then it was a very short ride to T'Pau's cottage, where the older couple stood outside waiting.
While Sarek unloaded the children's gear, Spock and Nyota made the introductions. It was all going quite well until Tauril took Senar's hand to lead him into the house. Saavik panicked and kicked the kindly old gentleman in the shin.
T'Pau sighed. It was possible that child rearing was even more difficult than she remembered.
After sharing some stern words with Saavik, Spock and Nyota were relieved to finally be inside Sarek and T'Sela's comfortable home. The afternoon sun was high in the sky, and Nyota was beginning to feel its effects.
Spock led her to a reclining arm chair and removed her shoes. Her feet had already started to swell.
Sarek also observed this and became concerned.
"Healer T'Mena is coming in a few hours to check on T'Sela and T'Shana. Perhaps she should also examine Nyota."
"That might be wise, Father. Dr. McCoy would also like Nyota to have some daily blood tests drawn, to insure that her liver and kidneys are still functioning correctly."
Nyota glared at both father and son.
"You two need to stop talking about me like I wasn't here. Instead of worrying about me, one of you could get me a glass of water."
Sarek hurried to the kitchen and brought both his children cool drinks. A few moments later, they were joined by T'Sela. She carried little T'Shana over to Nyota and placed the child in her arms.
"Oh, T'Sela, she is beautiful."
Nyota held the baby for several minutes, enjoying the sweet smell and soft texture of the child's black hair. Then she passed the infant to her husband.
Sarek had wondered how Spock would react to his new younger sibling. He need not have worried. Spock carefully supported the baby's head and sat down with her in a rocking chair. A tiny hand grasped his finger, sensing safety and affection. T'Shana sent him contentment and acceptance in return. A familial bond had begun to form.