The Desert Saga Continues

Chapter Fifty-one

Dressed in his usual buckskins, K'nau caused a degree of interest as he made his way to the nursing station and asked,

"In what room would I find Mrs. S'nass?"

K'nau knew that if his son's full name had been put on record there would have been no room on the admission information form to accommodate it.

The nurse that was passing the station said,

"I will take you to them."

"Thank you."

He announced his presence,

"It is I, K'nau."

"Enter."

"Daughter, my son is seeking you. Please come with me."

K'nau explained,

"S'nass is still in his healing trance but he must be made aware of your presence so he will touch you, through me."

Through trembling lips she advised K'nau,

"Before he lost consciousness he said, 'Wait with me.'"

She was almost running toward his room when K'nau cautioned her,

"You must just give him a touch for he must remain in the trance to fully heal himself. It is his protective nature that is making this request. He must be assured of your safety in order for him to will himself to survive."

Laura nodded in understanding.

K'nau then stated,

"You recall what he said?"

"Wait WITH me."

"He was expecting your immediate presence. We must assure him that you have indeed stayed with him.

K'nau and Laura entered the room and Spock, Sirin and Lo'vaak all nodded to convey their assurances to her. As a matter of fact, as things were progressing Sirin and Lo'vaak felt that they could probably leave K'nau to initiate S'nass' awakening.

Before the two healers left they would discuss that matter with him. K'nau addressed Laura,

"Daughter, I will be the bridge between you and your adun. Give him your message so that he will be aware that you are right beside him. You may touch his hand if he beckons you with it."

He placed his hand on S'nass PSI points and then Laura's and through this bond she told him,

"I am here by your side, my K'diwa, work hard to bring yourself back to me. My beloved, thank you for keeping your promise that you would not leave me. I am here awaiting your return."

S'nass' hand started to move restlessly on the top of the bed coverings and Laura grasped it and there was a response. He squeezed her hand in recognition and understanding. Someone supplied her with a chair and she seated herself and laid her head down next to his prone body and still holding his hand, wept in relief.

Both healers had performed separate diagnosis to determine when K'nau should proceed to that final step and they both concurred as to the exact time to carry out that responsibility. Sirin and Lo'vaak familiarized K'nau with what actions were needed and exactly at what point they were to be taken. The two healers would return to their duties but they first reported to the nursing station, left their com numbers and requested that someone on duty advise them when S'nass regained consciousness.

Still seated and still holding her husband's hand, with her face resting on the side of her adun's bed Laura closed her eyes and finally fell into a fitful asleep with his hand next to her lips.

James was in the hallway where he had better reception for his com unit. He had been practicing the Vulcan ta'al (salute) and as the healers Sirin and Lo'vaak exited the room he voiced the acceptable words and finger positioning and thanked them for their assistance. He thought better of a request to take a holo-pic with them. He then went outside the hospital and contacted 'The Herald's' web master and the reporter assigned to the local news desk, and advised them of S'nass' present condition. He explained that he was healing himself through what could be best described as a Vulcan self-induced coma that would allow the majority of his energies to be focused upon healing his injuries.

James com unit had taken some pictures of the hospital entrance and the nursing station and these were also forwarded to the assigned reporters. He had not taken any pictures that would invade the privacy of the ones he now considered his friends and certainly not any of the injured S'nass or Laura. All of his efforts were certainly not misdirected for James knew what he was doing, he was creating a 'star'.

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When the announcement about what had happened to S'nass was made at Second Meal everyone was in shock and the Vulcan bondmates had to deal with their teary-eyed adunas. Of cause that was not the most desired emotion to witness, but the comforting that would take place that evening would certainly be worth that present intense experience. It was decided that all would return to the dinning room for Last Meal so that if any other information was available it could be heard by all. The aduns realized whatever 'comforting' could be administered would have to wait a bit longer.

Su'auk had spent the majority of his time keeping the Vulcan community informed about everything in regard to S'nass' condition and also the activity of law enforcement in regard to this case. It appeared that the driver of the vehicle that had struck S'nass had been distracted by the use of his com unit and failed to see the traffic light's red signal. When he finally looked up it took his eyes from the street in front of him and thus from the lady with her baby. He was charged with 'wreckless vehicular operation', and 'serious bodily injury of a pedestrian.' The action would require a court case. Of course, James would be sure to have one of his reporters cover that story.

Seven hours, fourteen minutes and seven seconds after S'nass body was impacted by the land vehicle, K'nau stood poised by his bed with his open palm ready to strike his son. Spock had explained to Laura exactly what was necessary to have S'nass return to her. She hunched her shoulders and hid her face as she saw K'nau's hand fly and then she heard the resounding whack. Her husband gripped her hand even more firmly and said to K'nau,

"Thank you father of me, I am conscious."

He then took Laura's hand and brought it to his lips. She laid her head on hischest and sobbed. He stroked her head and ran the back of his hand down her face and said,

"I cherish thee."

He looked around the room and saw Spock and nodded. Then he focused in on James and Su'auk. Through their bond Ellie knew that the patient had gained consciousness and she and Zane came rushing in the door. They had informed the nursing station about S'nass' condition. A nurse contacted Sirin and Lo'vaak who within a short period of time also joined everyone in the room. The two healers checked the readings on the machines and agreed that everything was on the normal side for the recovering Vulcan.

The late day edition of 'The Herald' had proclaimed S'nass injury on the front page and the subsequent events on page one. When the nurses and an emergency room physician entered the room, the nurse went over to the window and cleared the window of the gases that were sealed between the double panned glass to obscured visibility. Outside there crowds of people many with signs expressing these sentiments:

Get Well S'nass

Speedy Recovery S'nass

Hurry and Wake Up

One sign even alluded to the fact that since he was on his honeymoon, a hospital bed was not the type of bed he should be reclining in…alone.

The doctor conferred with Sirin and Lo'vaak, asked how much recovery had taken place. From their diagnosis they reported that S'nass spleen was repaired, and that they had initially manipulated the leg and arm into acceptable positions and Lo'vaak had already started their regenerative activities. The doctor inquired as to whether a cast was necessary. As Vulcans who found the waste of time and resources repugnant, the two Vulcan healers advised the doctor that that would be a waste of time because by this time tomorrow the bones will have completely fused without even a trace of the initial injury. Needless to say, the doctor was beyond being slightly impressed.

James inquired,

"Spock, would it be outside of the Vulcan norm if you went outside and advised S'nass' 'fan club' of his present condition?"

Through his bond with Sarek, Spock inquired as to the feasibility of such an action.

He was sent,

"It will be a positive move to reinforce Vulcan/Terran continued cooperation."

In his Star Fleet uniform Spock exited the door and was about to make the announcement to the assembled crowd when his presence was met with applause and scattered shouts of 'Terra's Hero'. This entire display was contrary to the Vulcan's sense of modesty, but he determined that his role now was one of a dispenser of 'news'. Holding up his hands to indicate the need for silence he announced,

"Our brother, S'nass has just awakened from his healing trance and is continuing to make remarkable strides towards complete recovery. The Vulcan community wishes to express their appreciation for your continued concern and support as indicated by your presence here.

We thank you."

The crowd's response was applause, shouts of 'whoop, whoop' and cheers.

Interestingly, after Spock's announcement they did not disperse, apparently all would wait to finally see 'their Vulcan hero' in person. That reveal would not take place until the following day. Apparently the crowds' stay would include an all-night vigil.

Before Spock returned to S'nass' room he sent Nyota the news of S'nass now conscious state and as usual for a Terran aduna, he heard her sobs and sent his comfort.