A/N: Lucas continues to recuperate and his sense of humor has come back. Spock endures a family emergency and learns about Human emotions.
Chapter 12
The Best Gift She Ever Had
The Enterprise left Orion 23B and sped off to their next destination. It would take five days to reach the planet PSI 89. They were to pick up ten scientists and deliver them to the next Starbase.
Lucas left sick bay after four days, but was scheduled for physical therapy for five days a week. He was very weak and could not do much his first day. He walked slowly from therapy to his quarters to rest.
He was thinking of the past week when his buzzer rang. "Enter," he called.
He sat up from the couch as his father entered the room. He tried to stand but his father motion him not to. He cringed as his stomach muscles pulled at each other.
"Hurting a lot?"
Lucas just nodded. The Captain pulled up a chair next to him. "Lucas can I ask you something?"
He looked up at his father and said, "You want to know why I did such a stupid thing as crawl into the underbrush?"
"Yes. Why?"
"Joanna said you asked her the same thing. All I remember is, hearing that poor animal screeching. I never imagined that there would be a bear in there. My instincts failed me."
"No, more likely, your brain failed you," he answered, "SJ was just feet behind you. You could have gotten him injured or killed."
"I have nightmares about it, Dad. I promise, I will never be that foolish again."
"You know SJ spent the afternoon in sick bay that day? And he couldn't return to the landing party the next day."
"No, sir. I didn't. What happened?"
"You'll have to ask Joanna."
"She can't tell me, sir."
"Then you'll have to ask SJ, himself. Can I get you anything while I'm here."
"No, sir. I'm good."
"Keep working on the therapy."
"Yes, sir."
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Lucas called SJ on his communicator. "Hey, SJ, when are you through for the day?"
"I'm in the lab right now. I'll be finished in about half an hour."
"Stop by on your way."
"Okay, see you soon."
Lucas slept until SJ buzzed his door. "Enter."
SJ came in with a grin on his face. "You should see all the things they brought back from Orion 23B. Fascinating."
"I hear the Isidorians may have settled there."
"Possibly. We won't know until we finish all of our work. How are you feeling?"
"I've felt better. My father stopped by today and he told me you were in sick bay the day I got hurt. What happened?"
SJ sat in the chair across from him. "You know how squeamish I am around blood?"
"Yes."
"Your blood was all over my shirt. It was a mess. After your surgery we were talking to Dr. McKenzie, I thought of my shirt and…."
"And the floor met you half way down."
"Yes. Red blood is so nauseating to me."
"I'm sorry. I could have gotten you hurt having you follow me so close into the brush. The Captain was not too happy with me."
"Lucas, it's okay. It just happened."
"Yea, well, I was stupid and I'm sorry."
"You're always, stupid, Kirk," he smiled.
"Shut up. Hey, how is Anastasia?"
"She is fine."
"Come on SJ, give me the details."
"There are no details to tell."
"I thought Vulcan's can't lie?"
He smiled and said, "I am only one quarter, Vulcan."
"Then tell me one quarter of the truth."
SJ smiled and his eyes softened, "I believe I have found my soul mate."
Lucas whispered, "Wow, she beats that Vulcan heiress you were hanging around with a few years ago?"
"Lucas, you're an idiot." He stood up to leave while Lucas was laughing.
"Come on SJ, I'm just teasing. She's no comparison."
SJ sat down and admitted to his friend, "I think she is the one, Lucas. I really do."
"I'm glad for you SJ, you deserve someone special who could put you in your place, and….."
SJ threw a pillow at his head, "Lucas,…"
Laughing, Lucas said, "I know, I'm an idiot. Ouch, laughing still hurts." He grabbed his chest.
"Good. I have to go now, I'm having dinner with Anastasia. She's much better company than someone else I know."
"Oh be still my heart," Lucas chuckled.
He was still chuckling when Joanna came in from her shift. She stood in front of Lucas assessing his color and checking his pulse.
"How was therapy today?"
"You mean the torture chamber? It was, not too good."
"Tomorrow will be worse, your muscles will protest." She kissed him gently on the lips. "Just suck it up, big boy."
"My we're full of compassion today, bad day?"
"Yes, just a lot of things we've let go that had to be done. Do you know we have a better library of medical information than even some schools on Earth have? I could spend all day doing research."
He looked at her and said, "I'm so glad you married me."
She smiled and said, "Why?"
"I get free medical information at my finger tips."
She reached for the same pillow SJ used and bounced it off his head.
"Hey, SJ did the same thing a while ago."
She laughed and said, "What's new with him?"
"You can't tell anyone, but he said he thinks Anastasia is his soul mate. Isn't that great?"
"She is well suited for him, I have to agree. When he comes in to see her his whole demeanor changes. Usually he can't be dragged into sick bay."
"He told me about how he passed out and missed completing the mission on the planet. I feel bad about it."
"How did you find out?"
"The Captain was here today, he wasn't too pleased with me, either. He thought I knew about SJ. It was a stupid thing to do."
"Yes, the lesson always comes after the test, doesn't it?"
He stroked her face and his blue eyes twinkled with mischief, "You're so wise… for someone so … "
"Lucas, be careful, you'll be sleeping on this couch."
He stood and pronounced with a British accent, "I demand my wife to join me in our chambers."
"Sorry, my lord, I shant, for my Father forbids it."
"Truer words were never spoken," he drew her up and moaned with pain, "Kiss me, my fair maiden, but be gentle, for I have suffered from the sword for your honor."
"You suffered from your stupidity. Come dear, it's time to eat."
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Mr. Spock was on duty on the bridge when he received a private message. Lt. Uhura patched it to his ear piece. "Confirmed, sir. Thank you."
Spock remained at his seat. Lt. Uhura glanced at him occasionally. He seemed to be staring at his console. She finally got up and walked over to him.
She whispered, "Is everything alright, Mr. Spock?"
He looked up and said, "Yes, Lieutenant, thank you."
She returned to her seat, but noticed he remained quiet.
Sulu and Chekov were bantering about a volley ball game they had played the day before. It was still unclear who had won, there seemed to be a small amount of amnesia among the players as to what the score was.
Mr. Spock loudly said, "Gentlemen, keep it down, please."
"Sorry, sir," Sulu answered.
The Captain looked over at Spock. He had not noticed that they were unusually loud. He went back to his work of reading reports of the day. He signed off and handed them to the yeoman.
Mr. Spock walked up to the captain's chair and whispered, "Permission to leave the Bridge, sir?"
"Of course, Spock, is everything alright?"
"Sir, I'll return shortly."
Kirk nodded and Spock left. Sulu and Chekov returned to their earlier discussion. The Captain went over to Spock's position and pulled up the star charts for the area. They had traveled in this quadrant several years ago.
Lt. Uhura walked up to the Captain and whispered, "Sir this is none of my business, but Mr. Spock just got a private message from Vulcan. He seemed upset by it."
Kirk looked at her and responded, "Yes, I thought something was wrong. Thank you, Lieutenant and keep this to yourself."
"Of course, sir."
An hour later, Mr. Spock returned to his post. Kirk walked up to him and softly said, "Everything alright, Spock?"
"Captain, may I speak with you in private?"
"Yes, let's go get some coffee. Mr. Sulu you have the con."
"Aye, sir."
They were quiet in the elevator. They stopped in the Captain's office and he got each their drink.
"Have a seat, Spock," he looked questioningly at him.
"Captain, I have received a private message from my Father, my mother has suffered a heart attack."
"On, no, Spock, I'm sorry, how is she."
"The doctors say she is fine, but my Father and I would like Dr. McCoy to give us a second opinion. Their doctors may not be as familiar with the human anatomy. I figured out the course, Captain, it would take two days to get there from here and then another two point two days to reach PSI 89. I would like to ask permission for us to divert to Vulcan and then pick up the 10 crewmen. It may delay us one extra day."
"Of course, Spock. I'll have Chekov plot the course and you go speak with Dr. McCoy, and take the rest of the day off."
"That is not necessary, Captain."
"Still, I want you to be prepared when they come."
"Yes, sir."
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Kirk took his coffee with him to the Bridge.
"Mr. Chekov, plot a new course to Vulcan. Mr. Sulu take us there at top speed."
"Aye, Captain," they responded.
Lt. Uhura walked up to the Captain and asked, "Captain, is Mr. Spock alright?"
He sipped his coffee and said, "Yes, Lieutenant, just a family matter."
"Warp 8, Mr. Sulu."
"Warp 8, sir, engaging."
The powerful engines of the Enterprise roared to life. The Captain put in a new flight plan to Star Fleet. They returned with a quick response, acknowledging the change in the flight plan.
Lieutenant Uhura, get me an open channel to PSI 89?"
"Yes, Captain," she paused and said, "channel open, Captain,"
"Captain Kirk to command center on PSI 89, come in."
"This is Commander Mitchell, Captain."
"Commander, we've been diverted to the planet Vulcan for a medical emergency. Sorry for the delay, Commander."
"Thank you, Captain, just keep me informed, sir."
"I will, Commander. Kirk, out."
The crew on the Bridge looked at their Captain. "Don't worry people, Mr. Spock is having a family emergency, he is fine. Go back to work."
"Yes, sir," they said in unison.
"Lt. Uhura, send up another Science Officer to replace Mr. Spock, but not Ensign Spock."
"Yes, Captain." Lt. Uhura spoke into the intercom, "Dr. Dan Nyler, report to the Bridge."
When Dr. Dan arrived he looked at the Captain. "Can you fill in for Mr. Spock for the day?"
"Yes, Captain, I'll log into the computer."
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The Enterprise warped to Vulcan within the two days.
"Uhura, open a channel to Vulcan Command Center," the Captain said."
"Channel opened, Captain."
"Captain Kirk of the USS Enterprise requesting permission to orbit."
"This is Vulcan Command, permission granted, Captain and welcome."
"Thank you, sir."
"Kirk to Mr. Spock, report to the Bridge."
"Aye, sir."
When he arrived on the Bridge, the Captain said to Uhura, "Open a channel to Ambassador Sarek," he motioned for Spock to step forward.
The Ambassador appeared on the video screen. "Greetings, Captain."
"Hello, Ambassador, Spock wishes to speak to you."
"Sir, Dr. McCoy is ready for you to bring Mother aboard. Do you need special arrangements?'
"No, Spock. We'll be ready in five minutes."
"Mr. Scott will need your coordinates."
"I will contact you shortly."
"Yes, sir."
The Captain and Spock left the Bridge, "Mr. Sulu, you have the con."
"Yes, Captain."
On the elevator Kirk asked Spock, "Do you want SJ to meet your parents now?"
"No, Captain, I'd like them to get settled first."
"As you wish."
The coordinates were given to Mr. Scott and the bosun's whistle was blown as the Ambassador and his wife emerged from the transporter.
Dr. McCoy and Nurse Christine were there to meet them.
Kirk said, "Welcome Ambassador and Lady Amanda. I wish it were under different circumstances, though."
Spock's mother answered, "It's alright. The two men in my life would like me to be checked over. I feel fine."
Spock greeted his father with the ta'al. "Mother, you know Dr. McCoy and this is she who is my wife, Christine."
"Christine, it is nice to see you, again."
Sarek nodded politely to her.
"Welcome aboard, I hope your visit goes well," Christine said.
Amanda stepped forward and place her arm through Christine's, "We have a lot to catch up on."
"Yes, we do, but I think Dr. McCoy would like to see you first. I'll take you to sick bay and we'll go over what tests we'd like to run."
The two women walked ahead with Dr. McCoy and talked the whole way. Spock looked at his father and said, "Father, how has she been?"
"Very tired. I am concerned that our doctors may have missed something."
"Dr. McCoy is the best in the fleet, sir."
"That is why we are here."
The Captain said to Spock, "I'll leave you to go with your parents. Keep me informed and Ambassador if there is anything you need, just ask."
"Thank you, Captain."
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Dr. McCoy and Nurse Christine quickly looked over the records that were sent. Spock and his Father remained in the waiting room while the doctors ran tests.
Ambassador Sarek asked his son, "Where is young Spock?"
"He is on duty right now. I told him I would call him when Mother is
rested."
"I would like to see him now, if I may."
Spock went to the intercom and called his son to sick bay.
The Ambassador and Mr. Spock stood when SJ arrived.
SJ stood at attention and said, "Live long and prosper, Ambassador. Welcome, sir." he gave him the split finger salute.
"A long and prosperous life to you."
He nodded to his grandfather and said, "How is Grandmother?"
"Dr. McCoy is with her now."
As he sat, SJ glanced down the hall and into the office area looking for Anastasia.
"Father, is it okay if I go find Anastasia? I would like her to meet, Grandfather."
He nodded. When he left, Sarek asked, "Someone special in his life, Spock?"
"I believe so, sir."
Within minutes SJ returned with Anastasia, "Sir, I would like you to meet Dr. Anastasia Belham, our Interplanetary Specialist. Anastasia this is my Grandfather, Ambassador Sarek."
Anastasia was shaking in her shoes. She gave him the Vulcan salute.
Sarek said, "It is a honor to meet you."
Anastasia spoke up, "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. SJ has spoken of you often."
"SJ?" he questioned with a raised eyebrow.
Mr. Spock said, "Yes, Father, we refer to him as SJ for Spock Junior, it is less confusing."
"I, see."
Dr. McCoy came out in the hall and motioned for Spock and Sarek to follow him.
Anastasia whispered to SJ, "He's so formidable. He is everything I've heard about him.."
He looked at her and answered, "Yes, Grandfather can be very intimidating."
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Dr. McCoy spoke to Amanda and Sarek. "We have found the problem. You have an artery in the back of your heart that is not allowing blood to flow properly. It is difficult to reach and your doctors may not have recognized it as important to your anatomy. What I'd like to do is go in with a small tube and open the artery. From there a small white pill taken daily will keep you healthy for years to come. You will be tired afterwards and I suggest you rest for several days afterward."
Amanda looked at her husband. He said, "Wife, I wish for you to have the surgery."
"Yes, dear. Dr. McCoy can we do it today?" she asked.
"Yes, we'll get you set up and I will be ready in about an hour. The surgery will take a short time."
Sarek said, "Very well."
Christine said, "Ambassador, you and Spock can stay with Lady Amanda until it's time for surgery."
Spock and Sarek stayed in the room until Dr. McCoy asked them to leave. "Sir, it won't be more than half an hour."
Spock stood at his mother's side. She said to him, "It's alright, Spock. I will be fine."
"Yes, Mother, you have the best surgeon in Starfleet."
McCoy smiled at Spock and nodded him out of the room.
The family gathered in the waiting room to wait. Later, Dr. McCoy came out and went to the Ambassador.
"Ambassador, she is in recovery and doing well. You can go in for a few minutes but she's still sedated. I'd like her to remain here for one night if that is alright with you. The Captain asks that you stay and let her rest."
"Thank you, Doctor. We will stay for one night."
Dr. McCoy said to Spock, "I'll have Christine make the arrangements. Your mother is in good health otherwise. The Vulcan doctors just did not see the artery. I've prepared a video of the surgery with notes so they can include it in their library. Perhaps Dr. Belham can take the video and explain it to them. She is familiar with the process, too."
"I will attend the meeting with her," Spock suggested.
McCoy said, "Good, I'll have her gather her notes and meet you."
Spock stood and looked at his friend. There was so much more that he wanted to say. He softly said, "Thank you, Dr. McCoy."
"You're welcome, Spock." McCoy knew not to embarrass his Commander in front of his father by teasing him.
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Mr. Spock and Dr. Belham returned to Vulcan to meet with his mother's doctors. They watched the video and asked her questions later. They were cool, unemotional and logical in their questioning.
On the way back Anastasia asked Mr. Spock, "Sir, do you think, that is. I mean, how did?" she couldn't finish her statement and was suddenly embarrassed.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Spock, I'll just come out with it, how did I do, sir?"
"Dr. Belham, you handled yourself with professionalism and I must add with grace."
She let out a huge sigh and said, "Thank you, sir."
Spock felt a soft connection to this young lady. She was intelligent, beautiful and lively. He knew Spock Jr. felt a strong affection for her and wondered if the house of Sarek would increase.
They beamed aboard the Enterprise and Spock returned to duty.
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Christine got the Ambassador and Amanda settled down the hall in a private room. She attached monitors so they could watch her through out the night.
During the night Mr. Spock could not sleep. He walked quietly into his mother's room. His father was asleep in a bed next to her. Spock pulled up a chair and looked at his mother, peacefully asleep.
He thought of the many conversations he and Christine had had about nurturing the humans in his life and within himself. He had spent a lifetime stifling his human emotions, but his heart defied the feelings he had for Christine. Now, as he looked upon his mother, a life time of regret surfaced. He had not and could not ever tell his mother that he loved her. However, Christine had taught him the importance of understanding how emotions give strength to humans. Without them, they are a shell, with no purpose to live. Spock slowly reached for his mother's hand. He held it softly so he wouldn't wake her. But he was unaware of the affect of what the physical touch of his hand would have on his mother.
She opened her eyes and turned her head. She whispered, "Spock, is that you?"
He tried to pull his hand away, but she held tight. "No, son, please hold my hand. I find it very pleasant."
He stammered for a second and said, "I did not want to wake you, Mother."
"I've been sleeping all day and night. How are you, Spock? Does Christine make you happy?"
His eyes softened and he said, "Yes, Mother. I am what you call happy."
"That's good. I'm so glad you didn't end up with that cold woman your Father had promised you to."
He whispered and asked, "Mother, did you not desire the arrangement also?"
"No. And I never forgave your Father for his insistence. It was foolish. Only a mother knows her son's heart."
Spock shook his head and said, "Mother, you never cease to amaze me."
"Good, I like to keep you on your toes. Tell me about Christine."
"She is a great cook. She made some of Father's favorites and is sending them home with you. She is extremely intelligent and caring."
"Is she logical?" she teased.
"Not in the least, Mother."
Amanda covered her mouth to keep from laughing out loud. "Good, then I approve."
She closed her eyes and Spock knew she was getting tired. "Mother, I will go now."
She said, "You can stay."
"You need to sleep. I will come by later."
He sat for a few minutes until he felt she was asleep. He kissed her hand and whispered, "I love you, Mother." And he left.
Amanda smiled as a single tear fell from her eye. She knew she just received the best gift Spock could have given her.
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The next day SJ introduced his grandmother to Anastasia. She whispered to her grandson, "She's gorgeous." SJ hugged his grandmother and smiled only for her to see.
The Ambassador and Lady Amanda prepared to transfer by the shuttle craft. She looked longingly into Spock's eyes and said, "Come for a visit anytime. We miss you and young Spock. Christine would like to see where you lived as a child."
"Yes, Mother. We will try to arrange a visit. Father, we will meet soon."
"Yes. Please inform Dr. McCoy that he is invited to our home along with your family and Captain Kirk."
"I will, sir."
Spock and his family watched as they boarded the shuttle craft with enough food from Christine to last them for days.
If Spock would have admitted, there was a longing in his heart to be with his Mother, but the rift between he and his Father had not been
forged. Another time.