TIMELINE

I do not own Star Trek or any of the characters from the original series. There are a few original characters from my imagination including Cassandra. You can read this as a stand alone episode, however Cassandra's backstory and how she and Spock became a couple is found in my previous fic called "A Jump In Time."

This episode came to me after I thought about how sometimes things go awry during an away mission, then the episode ends when the officers return to the ship. What happens then? How do they recover from the experience while still serving day to day aboard the Enterprise. This story explores that thought. If there is a chapter that has mature content or a subject matter that I think may be unsettling to some readers, it will be clearly marked. Words in italic means they are speaking Vulcan.

As always, I hope you enjoy the ride. Oh, and this chapter contains adult content.

Chapter 1

Cassandra sat on the bathroom floor watching Skye play in the tub with his two bath toys. She smiled to herself remembering the day Dr. McCoy stopped by, handing a little yellow rubber ducky to Skye when he was about five months old. Skye, who was teething like a fiend, shook his chubby little hands in excitement, took the toy and promptly put it in his mouth. Spock looked on blandly until he just had to ask "a rubber duck Doctor?"

"Yes Mr. Spock. It's a toy Earth child play with in their bath." Bones finished succinctly with a definitive nod to Cass before giving Skye a little pat on the back then making his way to the Captain's quarters.

Spock looked at his Aduna who simply answered "I'm pretty sure I had one too as a child. Should I call Amanda to inquire about your childhood bath time?" She finished in amusement. He said nothing, just shook his head and walked away, muttering "humans". So it was with some surprise a month later when Spock showed up in the bathroom with a beautifully crafted wooden boat to, as he stated, "further enhance Skye's bath time." Turned out to be Skye's favorite toy which he took with him everywhere, including bed.

The water was getting tepid so Cass finished bath time. Lifting her boy out of the tub she dried him then his wooden boat, got him into little footie jammies before sending him on to his father with a boop on the nose for good measure. Skye giggled and took off at a run causing Cass to shake her head in amazement as she cleaned up. He may be a two year old, but his physical development was more of a three and a half year old, not to mention how advanced he was mentally. His hair color was lighter than his father's but much darker than her own warm brown. The eyes were all Spock who assured her this rate of development was normal for Vulcan children.

She could hear Spock speaking Vulcan as they began their nightly story time. Tonight, he continued to explain the S'chn T'gai clan and Skye's place in it. Hanging her son's towel on a hook, she knocked on the adjacent door to let the Captain know the bathroom was open again. She heard him tell her to enter. Walking into Jim's personal living space, she saw him sitting at his desk looking rather exasperated. "Problem Captain?" She asked.

"Reports. Never ending reports."

"Do you want some tea sir?" Cass asked as she started towards the replicator. At his consent, she programmed it for green tea with mint, adding a splash of honey. Bringing the steaming cup to Kirk she patted his shoulder at his thanks then proceeded to walk back through the bathroom to her quarters, doors swishing closed behind her. Once there, she heard soft singing in Skye's bedroom. Quietly she made her way across their quarters to the new door leading to what was once Spock's office. Peeking in she saw a sight that always filled her with warmth. Skye's little body resting against his father's broad chest with his head laying on Spock's left shoulder, fast asleep. Spock finished his lullaby, rocking slowly in the rocker glider Cass had purchased for the baby's room. Their eyes caught for a moment before she left him to put their son down while she straightened up their quarters.

She had just set the refresher to run a cycle when he joined her. "Aduna, ek' nam-tor muhl?" (Beloved, all is well?) He asked, eyes softening subtly as he approached her. They had decided to speak Vulcan in their room so both she and Skye would learn the language. Standard was spoken everywhere else.

"Ha Adun, nash-veh muhl." (Yes beloved, I am well) He brushed a tendril of hair behind his wife's ear before heading over to his desk to start in his stack of reading. Several hours later Cass had finished a light meditation along with her own reading when she approached her husband. He looked up to see a certain look in her eyes that made his groin quicken in response. Raising an eyebrow, he watched her take his PADD out of his hands, placing it on the desk. Her hands returned to his, encouraging him to stand which he did willingly. Tilting her head to the side, she watched him as she put up the two finger ozh'esta suggestively.

Things started slowly, fingers brushing against each other in affection. His were the first to move up to start caressing her chin and jaw, eyes half lidded in the sensation of that which is his wife. She could feel him slipping into that profoundly passionate part of himself he revealed only to her. She hummed in contentment, continuing to travel deeper into the emotional and mental experience he had been teaching her as promised back on Starbase 24. The biggest challenge for her, especially in the early days, was to have patience during the build up to not just jump him. He appreciated her efforts though never complained when she lost her mind and did so anyways. So, it was with some surprise she was lasting as long as she was. He opened the bond between them even farther resulting in her kissing him deeply, then leaned up to whisper in his ear "take me…S'chn…...T'gai….Spock." All movement physical, emotional and mental came to a sudden stop. He pulled back to look Cass in the eye.

"Did I say it right?" She questioned. This was her first time saying his name out loud in his presence.

He nodded before answering "how…."

Feeling rather proud of herself she answered "Uhura and I have been secretly working on it for the past 8 months." He didn't move so she leaned in, running a kiss along his jaw before repeating "S'chin….T'gai….Spock. Claim that which is yours." She barely got the words out before she found herself lifted in strong arms and carried to their bed. Apparently, that was the end of foreplay. He had them both stripped in record time, plunging fully within her body with a deeply satisfying growl. Clutching him tightly in her arms she felt him slow down, gaining control of his Vulcan instincts to rut her mindless. She was having none of that tonight. Wrapping her legs around his hips she reached up to nip his ear before growling back "take me Spock." He sort of picked up his pace before she bit him again more forcefully "Spock!" coupled with jerking her hips up to meet his.

That was his tipping point. Raising up he placed his hands directly above her shoulders, pinning her in place then began to thrust harder than he had allowed himself in a long time. She was lost to the sensation, climaxing once before he was close to being done. Dropping down to his elbows, he placed his hands in her psi points as she shuddered at the double experience of feeling him in her body and mind. She let go of all coherent thought as she came apart for him again, causing him to lose himself in her as well, biting the junction between her neck and shoulder before he could stop himself from marking her as his. It took a while for them to come back to themselves.

He came to first, looking down at the dazed, satisfied expression on her face below him before taking in the deep bite mark. So far he had mostly refrained from making love to her as if she were a Vulcan woman, afraid he would hurt her. Shaking his head, he began to move off when she mumbled something, pulling him down next to her.

"Cass. Let me get a dermal regenerator. I have damaged you."

Her hand came up to his psi point, knowing they were still connected, she strengthened her thoughts. 'You didn't break the skin. I'm fine.' She snuggled under him, humming in contentment.

"Cassandra….."

Reluctantly, she focused on his concerned brown eyes above her. "Adun, I have known you were holding back for some time now due to the delicate condition I was in at the end of my pregnancy and after the birth. But I have been fine for well over a year and I want all of you, Vulcan and Human." He looked to argue when she pulled his attention back to the mental and emotional connection. "All of you beloved. Feel me through the bond. Am I hurt? Am I unsettled? Or did I achieve exactly what I was hoping for by learning your name in secret?"

Being psi connected, he knew she spoke the truth. Her sleepy smile returned as she cuddled in close to him again. "Lights, off." He responded before kissing her forehead in the dark then pulling her close, joining her in sleep. A couple hours later, Spock left their bed to go meditate.

The next day started as a typical morning to get a family of three out the door and down to breakfast before going their separate ways. After a quick meal with some of the alpha bridge crew, Spock caressed Skye's head conveying peace and wellbeing through the family bond before grabbing his PADD and leaving the table to follow the captain to his ready room. Before leaving the officer's mess, Kirk grabbed another cup of coffee while Spock glanced over to his wife, giving their bond a little nudge before heading out. He watched Cass smile without looking over to him, knowing his message was received. It reinforced their marital bond but was also good practice in the Vulcan mental discipline for her. A short time later, Cass walked at Skye's pace as they headed to the nursery. At the door, she spoke to the woman on duty before giving Skye an affectionate kiss and hug. She watched him run off to go play with a three year old little boy whose parents had transferred to the ship last year, and a four year old girl who belonged to an engineer and biologist. Seeing her son happily engaged, she left to spend her shift in sickbay.

That night after dinner, Jim stopped by their quarters speaking quietly to Spock when Skye ran in from his bedroom and jumped straight into the captain's arms. Catching his little nephew with practiced ease, the conversation stopped while Kirk proceeded to tickle and nuzzle the little guy much to his delighted squeals of laughter. Setting him down, Skye ran back to his room to get his PADD so Cass could read to him. Currently they were looking at animals indigenous to Vulcan. He wanted a selat just like his father had before him, but seeing the six-inch fangs gave Cass pause. Spock agreed maybe when Skye was older.

Later, after Skye had long since gone to bed, Cass sat curled up on the couch reading next to Spock as he reviewed reports on his PADD. She stopped for a moment to look around the home they had made for themselves. It surprised her at first how affectionate her stoic husband was with Skye, or how he didn't get mad if Skye ran and laughed like human children. Spock had explained that Vulcan children were raised with plenty of affection and tactile stimulation to assist in the development of their telepathic abilities. At three, Spock would make sure Skye began his formal education as well as training in the Vulcan mental arts, telepathy and breathing techniques to center one's Katra. That being said, he also stated logically "Skye is a quarter Vulcan Cassandra. Though he will need the discipline logic can provide, it would be wrong to ignore or belittle his human genetics. Plus…." here, he actually paused which was very unlike him. "I will not allow our son to grow up as I did." Through their bond she sensed his thoughts as he reflected on the isolation, bullying, and loneliness that was his formative years. The rejection of his human genetics was not going to be repeated. Had it not been for Amanda's love and support…. She pulled him towards her so they were forehead to forehead, bond wide open. There were no words, none were needed. Cass closed her eyes to share in, thus absorbing his painful memories. He relaxed into their marital connection knowing he was not alone anymore.

The next several days were so busy they hardly saw each other. Captain Kirk called Spock, Scotty, Dr. McCoy, Uhura and Tyn Th'Ishellahr the Andorian head of security into several meetings which were so highly classified that only those few with the highest clearance could attend. The rest of the ship proceeded with business as usual. Cass watched throughout the week as her husband became more stoic and introspective than usual. She asked about their upcoming mission one evening but he informed her he was not at liberty to discuss the matter. The subject was closed before it ever opened.

Two nights later Spock chose to carry Skye to his bedroom for his night time story and quiet time before bed. It was there that Cass overhead him explain to their son that he would be gone for a few days, that he needed to be a big boy and help his mother. Skye asked both childish and intelligent questions to which Spock gave his full attention but only partial answers. The conversation was enough to placate the boy. Finally, he emerged from the darkened room having tucked in their son, then made his way over to their closet to pull out a one shoulder satchel. He filled it with a change of clothes Cass didn't recognize, while a second set draped over the end of the couch next to it. Food rations were hidden in the clothes, his toiletry bag went next followed by papers of some sort being placed on top. Foreign currency was added to an inner pocket and finally a travel mug that automatically filtered water was placed on the side pocket. The draw string was pulled tight then the overhanging flap secured over the entire thing. Spock glanced up at Cassandra who was sitting at the other end of the couch, watching silently.

"The Captain and I leave tonight. I am not certain how long we will be gone. Maybe a week." He stood with hands clasped behind his back, posture tense, face impassive.

"This is a dangerous one isn't it."

"Yes. Dr. McCoy has been prepared for the risks involved." Cassandra stood but did not approach him. "I need to take a shower then meditate" Spock stated.

"Go" Cass replied gently. "I will be in bed waiting for you."

Several hours later she felt his side of the bed dip as he got in. From the look of things, he was not planning on sleeping that night. Instead, Cass curled into him as he wrapped his body around hers, her head on his chest, their legs intertwined. Neither spoke. Cass had been with Spock long enough to read him pretty well. He needed support, not words. So, while he had been in the shower, Cass had done her own meditation to quiet her mind. As a result, he found her presence soothing and was pleased with her efforts. Pulling her closer he rubbed his cheek in her hair, smelling the vanilla scented shampoo and the unique scent that is her. It filled him with warmth that this woman loved him as deeply as he did her. It was a gift he never expected to find in this lifetime.

At 2:00 in the morning, Cass opened her eyes, quietly watching her husband move with stealth and efficiency around the darkened room. He was dressed in nondescript black leggings and a deep brown tunic shirt belted at the waist. "Hey you" she mumbled from under the blankets of their marital bed. Leaning up on one elbow she added "lights 20%."

Spock walked over and sat next to his wife, putting on the soft leather looking shoes with straps that criss crossed up to his knees. Had this mission not been so dangerous, she would have been aroused at the site of her mate. Instead, she tampered the thought down along with a flicker of anxiety for both him and the Captain who were about to leave the ship. Spock finished tying the other shoe in place then turned to face his wife. "I did not mean to wake you." He leaned down for a quick kiss. Her hand came up to caress his face.

"Be safe. I'll be here when you get back." She said softly. He nodded once then was up and out, grabbing his satchel and coat on the way. Cass commanded the lights off, laying back down in the dark room which seemed quieter without his steady presence next to her. She missed him already.

Jim was leaving his quarters at the same time, meeting up with the Vulcan in the dimly lit corridor. They walked to the shuttle bay companionably. This was a dangerous mission and Starfleet was sending just the two of them to infiltrate the port where known Romulan operatives along with modern day pirates and the like were known to frequent. It was a rough town at the edge of civilized space where anything legal or illegal could be bought for a price. It was believed the Romulans were planning to attack the Federation by destroying key computer relay stations. Their mission was to ascertain the probability of such a cyber attack and if possible, the intended target.

Upon entering the large deserted shuttle bay, Scotty, Dr. McCoy, Uhura and Tyn were waiting for them. The delta shift crew had been sent to the mess hall for dinner. "Scotty, you have the con. Your first priority is, as always, the ship and her crew even if it means you have to leave us on that planetoid. Once we convey the necessary intel, you are to follow orders and update Starfleet." Scotty agreed reluctantly, avoiding eye contact with his Captain. He would obey orders but he didn't have to like it.

The Andorian looked at Uhura who nodded in silent agreement then spoke for the both of them. "I will be monitoring subspace frequencies for any communications to and from the Romulan ships currently docked there. Tyn Th'Ishellahr will be monitoring the illegal channels for any suspicious activity."

The Andorian spoke up. "Uhura and I have modified one of the long range scanners to serve our purpose. The modifications included changing certain signatures so that anyone trying to determine if their transmissions are being monitored will think it is subspace interference from the neighboring asteroid belt." At Kirk's inquiring look he finished "it is highly radioactive and will act as a natural buffer for our needs."

"Very good. I am impressed with the work you two have done in a short time." Turning to his rather nervous CMO he questioned "Bones?"

"I'm ready when you return to the ship, regardless of your condition. Be careful Jim, you too Spock. They are known for physical as well as psychological torture if they believe you are any sort of spy or law enforcement. There's no telling what they would do to a couple of Starfleet officers" he finished in a cantankerous voice laced with worry. He didn't like this at all.

"Uhura, we will transmit a signal once a day but will not make voice contact until we are ready to meet at the rendezvous coordinates. From here on out, I will be known as George and Spock is now Solkar. We want nothing to tie us to Starfleet or the Enterprise." Spock and Kirk had discussed the danger of using their own names on a port such as this and settled instead on family names.

"Understood sir" came Uhura's soft voice.

"It's time gentlemen" Scotty said he closed a maintenance panel on the small, unfamiliar ship in their shuttle bay. Kirk hoisted his satchel up over his shoulder, as Spock was already halfway up the ramp. Once everyone left the bay, Scotty began decompression procedures. The ship lifted off and was out into open space where after confirming communications with the bridge, went to warp and disappeared. The remaining four departed for the mess hall for coffee. They knew they would not sleep again that night. Five minutes later, the delta shuttle crew returned, none the wiser about what happened while they had their dinner break.