I don't own Star Trek, I never did, and I probably never will. Sob! Another shameless cut and paste, there be one more to get us to Sarek and T'Sela's trip to Italy and Greece. Hang in there!

Loud and Clear

The Uhura property was beautiful beyond anything T'Sela could ever remember seeing. The sunrise was like a watercolor of rose, orange, and lavender. As she and Sarek walked the property, they caught glimpses of Lake Victoria and heard the sounds of various animals in the distance. Many of the Uhura's family and friends were also out walking, enjoying the symphony and the artwork nature had provided for them.

It felt good to stretch her legs in so much open space after days of traveling on the Enterprise. Even in the early morning hours, the heat was making itself known. It was glorious after the chill of San Francisco and the starship. However, the most wondrous thing of all was strolling on Sarek's arm and feeling his joy through their bond. They were going to be parents!

When they reached their guest cottage, Sarek and T'Sela decided to sit on the porch, enjoying the sights and sounds around them, knowing that these would probably be the last peaceful moments of the day. Soon the scheduled activities would begin.

Sirin arrived with the entire family in tow, plus Stohl and T'Rysa. He carried all the children's gear, while Stohl assisted with the garment bags. Rachel wanted to get T'Lonna and Hannah fed and settled down before handing them off to the childcare workers M'Umbha had hired for the day. They were far too young to appreciate the significance of the family ritual about to take place.

The family members and close friends of the bride and groom were assembling on the patio outside the main house. Coffee, tea, and juice stations had been set up. Breakfast would come later.

Nyota had warned him of this family tradition, so Spock knew what was coming. He rose in the early morning hours and meditated. He dressed and walked around the Uhura property for a bit of exercise. Then he returned to the small cottage and put his pajamas back on. They would expect to find him in bed and he would not disappoint them. He would respect the traditions of this family that had accepted him as one of their own.

Scotty was the first to awaken, feeling hundreds of little stings all over his body. He began to curse, quickly awakening the other two.

"Wha....what's going on? What's all over me? Ouch!"

"Jim, we pitched the tents on a damned ant hill. Let me scan these things to make sure they aren't poisonous."

Jim wasn't really hearing Bones, as he was covered in hives along with the bites. His throat was starting to close up, too.

"Dammit, Jim. Why do you have to be allergic to the universe?"

Bones gave Jim a quick acting hypo to the neck. His throat opened back up, but now his hands were starting to swell.

"Oh, crap. Not this again!"

Nyota woke up, hurried to use the bathroom. She washed her face, brushed her teeth, and then rushed back to bed. They'd be coming soon!

Nyota's brother Erevu had been walking the property with his two young sons and happened to witness Jim, Bones, and Scotty in their moments of distress. Erevu sent his son David to the main house to get sonic insect repellers from Alhamisi, both pendant and box styles.

David hurried back to his father with the needed equipment. Erevu hung an insect repeller around the necks of Jim, Bones, and Scotty. Then he tossed two of the larger devices into each tent. They were very effective. The ants immediately fled, along with any and all small rodents in the area. Much of the wildlife nearby found the noise offensive, particularly those species with sensitive hearing.

Rachel had just finished feeding T'Lonna and the child was finally beginning to settle down. Suddenly she began to scream. Little Hannah covered her ears and did the same.

Outside, little Jason began to cry. All the other Vulcans were holding their heads in pain. Alhamisi realized the source of the problem. He quickly explained it to Sirin and then hurried to the campsite.

"Turn the repellers off. The Vulcans are in agony!"

The noise had stopped, but the pain remained. The sound had so disturbed their neural pathways that even the adult Vulcans could not make use of their pain control techniques.

T'Sela felt as though someone had penetrated her brain with a hot knife and then left it in place. This, coupled with the nausea and dizziness she had already been feeling, was almost too much to bear. She could also sense Sarek's pain and his concern for their child.

Sirin was thankful that he never traveled without a medkit. He gave Jason the first hypo, and then ran into the house to treat T'Lonna and Hannah. "Sonic insect repellers!" he explained to Rachel. "I need your medkit. I will not have enough pain medication for everyone, otherwise."

Rachel handed over her medkit and then continued to comfort her daughters. Sirin injected himself and then went back outside to tend to the rest of his family. They were most grateful to see him, especially T'Sela who had already felt unwell before the incident. When Sarek had gotten his hypo and could think again, he remembered that his son was alone in the cottage.

"Sirin, come with me."

Sarek led his nephew to the small cottage. Sirin quickly relieved Spock's pain, too.

"Thank you, cousin. It was not the visit I was expecting, but I am grateful none the less."

Alhamisi took charge of the situation at the campsite, calling the other campers into action.

"We have only a few minutes before the ants return. Everything must be picked up and moved."

So with the help of various friends and relatives, Jim, Bones, and Scotty got a new campsite. It was not as shady as the previous one, but there were no acacia ants. They got themselves cleaned up and ready for the first event of the day.

At the sound of the first knock at her bedroom door, Nyota sat up in bed and propped herself up against a silken pillow. She was ready for them.

"Come in."

"Good morning, my sweet daughter. We bring you a bride's breakfast."

M'Umbha entered her room carrying a sumptuous breakfast on a tray. There were fruits, nuts, and pastries of every imaginable kind. She set the tray on the table next to the bed. Nyota's sisters Dafina and Tamasha brought in more trays and set them on a large table that had been brought in the day before. Nyota would be having guests in her chamber this morning!

Spock had resettled himself in his bed after his morning adventure. The knock he had been anticipating finally came.

"Come."

"Good morning, my son. We have come to feast with you."

Alhamisi, Erevu, and Sirin were carrying heavy trays that they placed on the room's large table. Sarek placed a smaller one at Spock's bedside. This meal was identical to that being served in Nyota's room.

As T'Sela stood in Nyota's childhood bedroom, she could not help but think of the first time she had been a bride. Her own mother, sisters, and grandmother had brought her a simple meal in her bed chamber, but did not partake of any of it themselves. The meal was meant to fortify the bride, who would most likely not eat again for several days, as the groom was feeling the "fires" of Pon Farr.

When T'Sela had eaten her breakfast and bathed in scented water, her relatives had helped her dress and arrange her hair and veil. Her mother had briefly touched her forehead, a gesture of blessing and a possible last caress. Sometimes brides did not survive the Pon Farr.

The tradition was very different than what was done for Vulcan brides, but T'Sela could feel that the intentions behind it were similar. Nyota's family would give her not just gifts but their affection and best wishes for the future that she and Spock would share together.

Nyota's Grandmother Akeelah tapped her cane on the floor to get everyone's attention.

"This is an Uhura family tradition, adapted from the time when a man could divorce his wife, simply by saying so. The wife would then be required to leave the home with only what she was wearing. It became the custom for women to wear the family fortune on their bodies at all times, usually in the form of gold coins sewn to their clothing. The coins were often given to a bride as wedding gifts."

"Now, as you and Spock are bondmates as well as spouses, we do not expect any such trouble. Also, you certainly can not sew gold coins to your Starfleet uniform. However, our family has continued this tradition by giving a new bride jewelry. Nyota has repeatedly demonstrated a fondness for earrings, the wearing of which is in accordance with Starfleet regulations. So, we will shower her with earrings!"

"I give you the first pair, rose gold hoops that your grandfather gave to me. May you have a daughter to pass them to."

Adilah rose from her chair and kissed Nyota, handing her a pair of black pearl studs.

"I received these from my mother on my wedding day. Wear them in good health, my child."

"My daughter, these diamond dangles were given to me by your father on the day that your were born. I have been holding them for your wedding."

M'Umbha kissed her daughter and held back her hair while Nyota put on the earrings.

T'Pau rose and gave Nyota some stylized star earrings.

"These are not made of precious metal, but of wood found on New Vulcan. Sarek carved these stars or khio'ri because thy name means star."

Then it was T'Sela's turn. She hoped Nyota would be pleased with her selection. T'Sela had never purchased earrings before. Such things had neither been worn or sold on the planet of her birth. However, New Vulcan was different. Immigrants had come from colony worlds, bringing with them new ways. While she and T'Pau had been shopping for a gift for Nyota's shipboard party, T'Sela had found and purchased this jewelry.

"Nyota, these little flowers are waneti, carved from white jade that is found on New Vulcan. The flowers grew on our old home world and have begun to be cultivated on the new one. They grow in clusters on a stalk. In times of old, they symbolized prosperity, health, and family. Waneti represent all that I wish for you and Spock, wealth, health, and children."

Nyota was crying again, but T'Sela sensed that these were tears of joy. It was well then. The gift had been pleasing.

One by one, her female relatives gave her earrings and blessings. Most importantly, they gave her love and acceptance.

Alhamisi sat down next to his son-in-law and gave him a gold coin.

"Over two hundred years ago, the government of Kenya made the practice of giving a dowry illegal. Their reasoning was that it demeaned women and was akin to selling them into slavery to become wives. That was not the purpose behind a dowry for this family. We gave a dowry so that a young couple had something to put aside for hard times or to make a down payment on a home."

"This coin is a South African Krugerrand, which contains one troy ounce of gold. They have not been minted in over one hundred and fifty years. You will receive six of them in total, the same as I have given to the husbands of Nyota's sisters. Along with each, you will receive a blessing from a relative or friend."

"The customary Uhura family blessing for a son-in-law is as follows: May you be blessed with a strong son for each coin you are given."

Sarek centered himself. This was one of his last physical links to Amanda, but in truth it no longer belonged to him. He drew a deep breath and handed his son a key.

"Spock, you may recognize this as the key to the house I gave your mother in San Francisco, the place our family would go to escape from the media and other prying eyes. It was always Amanda's intention that this home should be passed to you. May you and Nyota find contentment there."

Sarek watched as his son turned the object over in his hands, his facial expression a careful mask, but his eyes revealing all. Spock greatly missed his mother, especially on this day. She should have been here to see her son marry his soul mate. This could not be, but the memory of Amanda's love for her husband and son would live on in the little home they had once all shared.

Nyota's brother sensed that the mood of the room needed to be lightened a bit. Erevu gave Spock another gold coin and a blessing.

"Welcome, my new brother. Be happy."

Sirin rose next, handing Spock the third Krugerrand.

"Cousin who is like a brother, may you and Nyota together find all that you seek."

Marcus Grayson brought his nephew a special family heirloom.

"Your Grandmother Grayson inherited two of these from her mother. This one should have been your mother's, but somehow she never managed to claim it. An ancestor fled religious persecution in Russia with a small cache of gold rubles. For a long time, it was illegal for United States citizens to own gold coins, so they were made into pendants like this one so that they could remain in the family. This is not just a valuable artifact, but a symbol of perseverance and overcoming adversity. It reminds me of you, Spock."

They all came, one by one, giving him their treasure and their blessing. It was an odd thing that Spock, who had never really felt accepted anywhere felt very much at home in his new family.

And then, one by one, they left, until only Alhamisi and Sarek remained. Spock rose from his bed and produced the PADD with the data his father-in-law had requested. It was an old custom, not often followed in these days when couples both had careers. However, the Uhuras were a family that believed in traditions, just as the S'chn T'gai clan did.

Spock took a deep breath.

"The summary of my current net worth and holdings, as you have requested. I have accumulated this over the past eleven years, since I left Vulcan for Starfleet Academy. As you can see, there are royalties from several patents I hold and from music downloads. I occasionally perform with a band that my cousin Sirin leads. He and I also own a small recording studio together. I have invested much of this into real estate in the San Francisco area, primarily rental property. The last line represents my personal savings, most of which comes from my Starfleet salary. I have had little need to spend much until now."

Both Alhamisi and Sarek were speechless. Though Spock was not quite thirty years old, he had amassed a small fortune. Nyota would lack for nothing.

Sarek, T'Sela, and T'Pau have dressed themselves in traditional Vulcan formal robes, as befitting the occasion. M'Umbha had informed them that the young couple were now bathing themselves in scented water in preparation for donning traditional Kenyan wedding attire.

The ceremony would be similar to the one that had been held aboard the Enterprise, though somewhat more religious in nature. Also, there would be more participation from family and friends.

T'Sela was looking forward to the ceremony. Thus far, she had enjoyed all of the festivities, so some of them had seemed an illogical use of time and resources.

The ceremony itself would be performed by the Rev. Dorcas M'Bemba, who had known Nyota since she was a small child, and was the pastor of the church M'Umbha and her children attended. Alhamisi was a Muslim, but had not interfered with his wife's desire to raise her children in the church.

The guests were nearly all in their places. Sirin and Jim had done their jobs well, with help from Erevu and some of Nyota's male cousins. Two hundred and fifty three people would be sheltered under canopies, protected from the midday sun. Colorful fabrics, ribbons and flowers were in abundance, like something out of a fairy tale.

Finally the last few were seated and Jim and Sirin took their places beside Spock, joined by Sarek. Rev. M'Bemba stood at the small, white podium. She wore a purple robe and matching head wrap, an embroidered stole around her neck. She nodded to the musicians, a harpist and a drummer. They began a traditional melody.

Nyota's sisters Dafina and Tamasha were the first to exit the Uhura house via the patio door and walk slowly down the aisle, taking their places to the left of the minister. They wore traditional white blouses and brightly printed wrapper skirts and head wraps.

Jason came next with his pillow holding the rings. He smiled proudly in his first tuxedo and held his younger sister's hand. Little Hannah was a precious confection in lilac silk and tulle. Her little pointed ears gave a pixie-like impression as she scattered rose petals down the aisle. She seated herself next to her mother and grandmother as Jason took his place near Spock.

The door to the house opened slightly and a signal was given. The tempo of the music changed and the minister gave a signal for all present to stand and face the aisle. The door opened again.

Nyota Uhura began her trip down the aisle, flanked by Alhamisi and M'Umbha. Spock could not take his eyes off of her. She was so beautiful and all his. His eyes were twinkling and he had the slightest of smiles. Nyota was grinning from ear to ear as she stood beside her groom. Nyota's parents stood near them and were joined by Sarek.

Rev. M'Bemba smiled and addressed the assembly.

"Dear friends and family: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation.

The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.

Into this holy union S'chn T'gai Spock and Nyota Uhura now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now; or else for ever hold your peace."

The Reverend waited for a moment, but no objections were voiced.

"I see that there are no objections, which is a very good thing, as these two have already had a shipboard wedding and a bonding ceremony."

This brought a chorus of laughter from the audience. When it died down, the minister began again.

"Nyota, will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live? "

"I will."

"Spock, will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live? "

"I will."

"This next question is for everyone in the audience:

"Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage? "

"We will." came the response

"Who presents this woman and this man to be married to each other?

Alhamisi, M'Umbha, and Sarek answered "We do." and then took their seats.

"Spock, face Nyota and take Nyota's right hand in yours and repeat after me:

I, Spock, take you, Nyota, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow. "

Spock repeated it flawlessly, of course, and then released Nyota's hand.

"Nyota take Spock's right hand in yours and repeat after me:

I, Nyota, take you, Spock, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow. "

Nyota had no trouble with her vows, either. She let go of Spock's hand.

"Do you have rings?"

"We do."

Jason handed the pillow holding the rings to the minister.

"Bless, O Lord, these rings to be signs of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other. Amen."

Rev. M'Bemba handed the pillow back to Jason, who then held it in front of Jim. Jim removed Nyota's ring and handed it to Spock.

"Spock, take Nyota's hand and repeat after me:

Nyota, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you."

Spock repeated the vow and placed the ring on Nyota's finger.

Jason then handed the pillow to Dafina, who picked up Spock's ring and handed it to Nyota. Jason sat down with his little sister.

"Nyota, take Spock's hand and repeat after me:

"Spock, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you."

Nyota said her vow and placed Spock's ring on his finger.

"Now that Spock and Nyota have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the Name of God.

Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder. "

Let us pray.

O gracious and everliving God, you have created us male and female in your image: Look mercifully upon this man and this woman who come to you seeking your blessing, and assist them with your grace, that with true fidelity and steadfast love they may honor and keep the promises and vows they make. Amen."

"Now, let's see some kissing."

Spock and Nyota began to kiss, quite chastely at first. This, however brought boos from the assembled crowd, and even some harassment.

"What? Two weddings and a bonding ceremony and you two haven't figured out how to kiss yet?"

Spock regarded his wife for a moment and then faced the "hostile" crowd.

"We do indeed know how. We simply thought it best not to "show off". However, since you insist....."

The second round of kissing was met with enthusiastic cheers from the Humans and raised eyebrows from the Vulcans.

T'Sela felt her headache starting to return. Thus far the day had been quite noisy. The evening promised to be equally so, as Alhamisi had said that there would be dancing.

TBC