The Desert Saga Continues
Chapter Fifty-two
James was choreographing this incident into what he hoped could catapult 'The Herald's' circulation above and beyond its current status as the most widely read newspaper in the area. There were multitudes of requests on his office line for special holo-vid interview, sponsorships, endorsements, and other contacts that might prove valuable. One thing he did know was that Betty Flippin had inroads with the tight family bonds attached to Spock and his bondmate Nyota, thus, she would have first dibs on a possible interview. He wondered, how much of this 'spotlight' stuff S'nass would be able to tolerate.
He was attempting to orchestrate events that would surround S'nass' appearance before the crowd outside the hospital, perhaps in a wheelchair with Laura by his side, of course, holding his hand. Perhaps Spock would agree to accompany them. Reporters would mingle with the crowd and get first-hand impressions about those persons who had camped out an entire night just to get a look at S'nass.
James reasoned, 'Can you just imagine how his name attached to a commercial enterprise would affect its' sale potential. James' business savvy, perhaps long dormant was now coming to the forefront.
Meanwhile, K'nau asked all present in the room if there was any follow-up necessary that would personally involve S'nass. When it was agreed that he was well on the road to complete recovery, his 'father' said,
"Are we all in agreement that my 'son' requires time alone with his bondmate, after all, this incident interrupted what was supposed to be his Terran honeymoon."
There was the united response, "Ha' (Yes).
It appeared that the honeymooners were already oblivious to the intrusion into their private space as they sat with their foreheads touching. Her shoulders were trembling as she suppressed sobs. In his present state he was too weak to do more than send his calm, and join with her and relive their time together up until the time of the accident and show her what he envisioned for their future. He finally sent her this request,
"My Beloved, lie down with me, share this bed with me."
Nodding, she them slid into the bed next to him and put her head on his chest and for the first time in hours she began to become truly calm.
Through their bond he questioned her,
"My Laura, was your loneliness excessively severe while my mind was involved in my healing?"
She nodded and he continued.
"This incident has reinforced my desire for me to welcome a child of your body into our family and our community. I was able to realize that my loss in your life would be even more severe if we had no offspring that could serve as a source of comfort and focus for you. In the quiet of our home at the settlement I will make sure that you would not be left alone even if I were not present in your life. My absence is certainly not at all a part of what I envision for us, but after our experience today I realize the truthfulness of a Terran proverb, 'Time and unforeseen occurrences befall us all." *
Would you agree to join with me in a diligent effort to make that conviction a reality?"
Laura smiled up at him and nodded,
"My adunhusband, it is my desire also."
S'nass kissed the top of her head and then said,
"Now you must rest tonight for tomorrow we will finish what is necessary here in San Francisco and the next day we will return to our home."
There was a knock on the door and an attendant entered rolling a cart with covered dishes. S'nass touched Laura gently and said,
"Your body requires sustenance, please, we shall share a meal and then you may surrender yourself to sleep."
The Embassy had sent over food for them and after the meal , there was another knock on the door and the voice said,
"It is Spock and Sarek."
Needless to say the appearance of Sarek of Vulcan at the nursing station set the whole hospital into a tither. The hospital administrator came down to the nursing station and inquired as to which room the esteemed guest had entered. He stationed himself outside that room and decided to wait for the visitors to exit the room.
Inside, Sarek had greeted S'nass and had been advised that he was well 97.3% recovered. Sarek asked if S'nass would be more comfortable in the environsof the embassy especially since there was a resident healer present on the grounds. In addition, the two of them would have access to the Embassy gardens.
S'nass responded,
"Osu Sarek, the extended hospitality is certainly appreciated but I believe our stay here in the hospital will end tomorrow and My Laura and I must finish some activity we had planned prior to the accident. She must report to her place of employment and make certain adjustments at her residence. Byour remaining here we lessen the amount of times we have to pack and repack."
Sarek could understand S'nass' logic and conservation of time and energy.
Sarek nodded and then added,
"Be assured that the invitation is always open for you and your bondmate."
Spock added,
"My Nyota has been extremely concerned about your recovery. We will look forward to seeing you two the next time we visit Ah'rak kya and if we are advise of any visits to San Francisco in the future you have an open invitation to enjoy Last Meal at our residence."
As they exited S'nass' room, the hospital administrator stepped forward and bowed his head in deference and said,
"Ambassador Sarek, our hospital has been honored by your presence here."
Sarek answered,
"You patient, S'nass is a close family friend, almost like another son to me. The entire Vulcan community appreciates the services that has been extended to him."
The hospital administrator made an attempt to give the Vulcan salute and gave the acceptable greeting which was acknowledged with a nod and Sarek intoned,
"Peace and long life to you Mr…."
"Jon Anderson…"
"Mr. Anderson…"
Both the son and father nodded and exited the hospital through the side entrance.
For Laura the night's rest was not totally without a degree of discomfortl. When she thought about that fact, it came to her that she and S'nass had little experience sleeping in a bed together, after all their first bed was a sleeping bag. They would have to check out the mattress at her apartment.
Just as they finished their First Meal, James and Zane knocked and were invited into the room. Zane had brought Laura a change of clothing and James had bought a pair of slacks, shirt, undergarments and jacket for S'nass. He was not going to allow the upcoming photo-shoot to be marred by an unsightly wrinkled hospital gown.
He inquired,
"S'nass, is your recovery complete?"
"I will stay in this bed for twenty more minute increments and then I will put my feet on the floor and test my leg's ability to move without pain or restriction.
"You could always use a wheel chair," was James' suggestion.
'Wheel chair….a chair with wheels to aid in the mobility of a person temporarily or permanently unable to use his limbs for walking…'
Of course, S'nass would never send a false message by seating himself in such a means of locomotion. When he finally stood and flexed his muscles he found that indeed he was totally recovered.
The two of them entered the bathroom together. James facial expression indicated his surprise at the couple's lack of subtlety. But indeed it certainly was in harmony with what he had come to recognize is a Vulcan's total honesty and lack of deceptive activities. As a bonded or married couple they certainly had that as an option.
They both exited the bathroom looking attractive enough to appear on any magazine cover.
James voiced,
"Are you ready to meet 'your public?'
"…your public…assemblage.'
S'nass nodded and protectively put his arm around Laura's waist and nodded in the affirmative. He voiced,
"I am certain that my act of acknowledging their continued presence and a verbal 'thank you' will be acceptable."
James exited first,
"Good morning ladies, gentlemen and non-Terrans supporters. The object of your attention has awaken from his healing trance and is completely recovered. He wants to come out and thank you for your support. With those words S'nass and Laura made their appearance to the sound of applause and scattered comments,
"You two make a lovely couple."
"Way to go, man…"
"You have performed a miracle on yourself."
"How long will you two be in town?"
S'nass held up his hands and the crowd silenced.
"My bondmate or as you would say, wife and I are overwhelmed at your support and genuine concern. We will remain here for one more day in order to take care of matters that were interrupted by the accident. We are deeply indebted to the citizens of San Francisco, such as yourselves for their deep concern and support. Waving to the crowd, S'nass and Laura went back inside while James continued,
"The early edition of 'The Herald' will give your additional information about 'Our S'nass and his bondmate. Laura Whitfield. Her reports on the settlement will continue next week. Thank you for your vigil, it has been a memorable experience for us."
When James and Zane stepped inside he saw S'nass and Laura poised to leave. S'nass revealed their plan,
"We will meet you at the office. Our first stop will be Laura's apartment where we will make certain adjustment in the furniture arrangements and then proceed to meet with you and Zane. Thank you for your support. With a brisk nod S'nass positioned his hand at Laura's back and they disappeared through the door. He did not need to be discharged by the hospital because he had not received any of their services, only the use of one of their beds some chairs and a large room.
Realizing that S'nass could not possibly understand the workings of a metropolitan hospital, he went to the nursing station and said,
"Please send any bills to 'The Herald' to the attention of James Thompson."
James was assured that the time between their arrival at her apartment and their appearance at the office would be substantial so he and Zane did not hurry themselves to return there, instead they decided to walk toward the park, all the while talking about the events that had transpired.
