"Attention Enterprise." A voice rang out over the intercom, causing Dr. Vida to look up from her microscope. "We've received a message from Starfleet HQ. U.S.S. Aryabhatta suffered an attack from unidentified Klingon vessel. While the enemy vessel has been neutralized, the ship suffered significant damage and casualties are high. We will be diverting our course to provide assistance. Captain out."
Vivian stood from her station, removed her googles, and trashed her gloves. She intended to report to the med bay to determine where she could lend a hand, but her monitor buzzed in the corner first. "Bridge to Vida."
"This is Vida."
"Dr. Vida, please report to the bridge immediately."
Typically, when she entered the bridge, nobody looked up from their work. This time, when she entered the bridge, everyone turned to her- Captain included. "Dr. Vida, have I ever told you how happy I am to have you aboard?" Kirk beamed.
She raised an eyebrow instinctively and exchanged glances with the First Officer. "I take your flattery to mean you need something. I had already intended on lending my hand with the incoming injuries..."
"Yeah well, we got injuries handled. It's back to baby-catching for you." McCoy teased.
"Dr. Vida, Starship Colony Alpha three's Ambassador's wife is on that ship. From what I gather, her labor began shortly before the attack." Kirk explained.
She nodded, "Have we received any additional information?"
"Not about her, no. Some of their medical staff were also injured. They're short handed. Their equipment is damaged-" Kirk continued.
"There's gonna be a lot of trauma. Depending on the situation, we're gonna have to triage and start transporting the critically wounded first." McCoy cut in.
"Logical," Both she and Spock spoke at the same time.
"The point is, she's young and healthy. She's not the priority for transport, you understand."
Before she could start with the "new life" argument, Spock interjected. "That will be quite alright Dr. McCoy. Dr. Vida wrote several opinion pieces on the 'overmedicalization of birth', a persuasive piece on the return to 'grassroots midwifery', and a guide to the best labor and delivery practices by species. Haven't you read them?"
The crew, including Vivian herself, was surprised.
"Pardon me if my continuing education credits haven't centered on obstetrics, Commander. 'Not a lot of opportunities to deliver on a military ship." McCoy snarked back.
"You familiarized yourself with my work?"
"Yes."
"Excellent. If you're so familiar, then you can be my assistant."
"What?" Spock was perplexed. Kirk and McCoy struggled to maintain their composure.
"If there is a significant amount of trauma, then our medical crew will need to focus their efforts there. All I need is someone to get warm water and clean towels- you think you can manage?"
It took them a little over an hour to even each the vessel, during which time Dr. Vida changed into Starfleet scrubs, put her hair up, and packed a bag of supplies. An additional rescue ship, with replacement parts and crew members, was en route, but wouldn't make it for several more hours.
Initial contact messages centered on the physical stability of the U.S.S. Aryabhatta, status of life support systems, and transporter function. Dr. McCoy then got a moment to speak with their remaining physician. The injuries included severe burns, electrocution, shrapnel related wounds, fall related head injuries, and blunt force trauma from collapsed pieces of the ship's architecture. They estimated between five and ten deaths had already occurred. The decided course of action was to transport the Enterprise medical team over to begin triage, and, potentially initiate the transfer of critical patients.
A female lieutenant of theirs joined the Ambassador's wife in her room, bringing her a communicator to reach Aryabhatta's bridge, to reach Enterprise's bridge.
"Enterprise, this is Lieutenant Stone. I'm here with Mrs. Gwenevere Trentino, wife to Ambassador Trentino of Alpha three." The soldier's voice was shaky, and static came through with the transmission.
"This is Captain James T. Kirk of Enterprise. I've got a doctor here I think you'd like to talk to."
"Thank you for being there Stone. Hi, Mrs. Trentino." Dr. Vida's voice shifted in a way her crew hadn't heard before. She went from a serious, business tone to a still professional, but warm and friendly tone. "I'm Dr. Vida, but you can call me Vivian. What do you like to be called?"
"Gwen's fine," The woman panted back. Her voice was young, like maybe she and her doctor could be around the same age. "Hi. A-are you a Starfleet doctor?"
"I am now, but I did my residency in obstetrics and gynecology. I'd like to help you if that's alright." Her voice was higher than usual, and kept a positive intonation. Even though her patient couldn't see her yet, she maintained a smile.
"Absolute-" The woman cut herself off with a groan. The men on the bridge looked around at each other with concern.
"Just breathe...Good...How far apart are your contractions now?"
"I don't know...A couple minutes maybe?"
"May I access your health file on the server?"
"Yes."
"Thank you. Give me just a moment." She typed a few things into her tablet to find the patient file. "Patient is twenty nine years old, earth years, full term pregnancy, first pregnancy, no gestational complications, no notable health conditions," She smiled at the tablet, "Expecting a little girl." Loudly, she resumed, "Alright Gwen, I'll be down as soon as possible. Hang in there, ok?"
"Okay!"
Twenty minutes later, transporters were interoperable and the emergency medical team could beam down and Vivian was given the clear to report to the transporter room. Without her prompting, Spock joined her. His own curiosity provoked him. He wanted to watch Vivian in her element. As a scientist and previous anatomy student, he wanted to learn from the experience. As a living creature, he felt that almost uniformly shared draw towards new life. In a new development, he recognized that parenthood could be on the horizon. Given that the only birth process he'd participated in was his own, he appreciated the opportunity to familiarize himself with it in advance. Perhaps it would better prepare him to handle the potential, future birth of his own offspring.
They managed to beam directly into the residential area of the ship and follow instructions to find the room of the Ambassador's wife. Fortunately, the area hadn't suffered any damage during the attack. Once they found the hall, shouting lead them to the right door.
"Gwen?" Dr. Vida performed the signature, doctor 'knock gently then enter' maneuver. It was a suite, much nicer than would've been the standard for the crew. A large bed sat in the center of the room and there was a door to a private bathroom directly across from the entrance. The whole space seemed white and glittering. She knew that by the time they were done, the room would require a substantial amount of bleach.
"Vivian!" A severely pregnant woman was kneeling, leaning on the bed to stretch. She had long, blonde hair and it seemed that she'd been quite physically fit prior to the pregnancy. Given that Ambassador Trentino was middle aged and bald, she surmised that this was trophy wife situation.
"Nice to finally meet you. I'd like to introduce you to my assistant, Mr. Spock." She shook hands with Lieutenant Stone, thanked her for her help, and dismissed her to help elsewhere.
Spock found a table to unpack the contents of her kit on and a bathroom sink for handwashing. While he did this, he watched his mate sit on the bed near the woman and begin to rub her lower back. She displayed a softness and nurturing that he hadn't seen her use before. With one hand on each side of her patient's hips, she squeezed together, producing a sigh of relief from the mother-to-be. Once that contraction had subsided, she washed her hands and put on gloves.
Once the patient was seated on the bed, she built a sterile field and lubricated her fingers. "Alright, Gwen. I need to establish your current degree of dilation. Is that okay?" With the patient's okay, she proceeded. "You're at about eight centimeters."
"Nooo," The woman whined desperately, "I've been at this for hours."
Vivian disposed of her gloves and took Gwen's hand, "And you've been doing great. Only two more to go. You can do it."
"What about the spine thing? Some women get it and they don't feel anything." Her voice was tired.
"Gwen, we're not in a operating room. Getting into your spine without proper equipment or sterilization would be unwise." She brushed the patient's hair back from her forehead. "Mr. Spock, please prepare a cold compress."
While he'd observing quietly for a few moments, he eagerly rejoined the action, performing the task requested. Before he could pass it off to the doctor, they exchanged glances and he understood he needed to manage it. He hesitated at first, gently patting her forehead with it.
The woman cried out again, her body going tense. Spock almost jumped in surprise.
"Shhh, breathe."
"I want my husband! Or my mother!" Tears rolled down her red cheeks.
The doctor moved to secure a fetal monitor around her stomach. "You'll see him soon, but hey-hey, listen." A strong, breathy, pumping sound could be heard. "That's your baby's heart. A girl, right? What's her name?"
When her body released her, Gwen choked out, "Amelia- her name's Amelia."
"Beautiful name, for who I'm sure will be a beautiful girl."
"Yeah... she will... I just... I'm so tired."
"Enterprise to Vida," A communicator lit up on the nightstand.
"Could you get that?" She nodded to Spock who put down the cool rag to pick up the device.
He stepped outside the room, "Spock here, Captain."
"We've got McCoy and one of their physicians on board here treating the most critical patients. Our nursing staff and theirs are taking on the less emergent cases on the Aryabhatta. How's Mrs. Trentino?"
"She appears to be struggling, but I assume that is to be expected. Dr. Vida seems to have the situation under control."
"Sounds good. We've been in contact with the Ambassador, so I will pass that along. Thank you for being a good sport."
"I do what is necessary. I will continue to provide updates, Captain. Spock out."
Spock returned in time to see Dr. Vida start to lean too far backwards. She was standing at her patient's bedside, her hand in an unmistakable form on the other woman's head. "Vivian," He caught her arms in an attempt to hold her upright, but when the hand lost contact she fell limp. With her in tow, he took a couple steps back and slid down the wall into a sitting formation. No sooner than she was leaned against his chest, she came to.
"Why did you move me?"
"You were falling."
"It was intense."
"You mind melded with her?"
"I assumed some of her pain." He raised an eyebrow. "Usually, if I were delivering in a clinic, I would access to more options for pain relief such as a birthing tub, or ball, or nitrous oxide. While it would not be my first recommendation, I could even perform a spinal tap, but this location is not suited for such methods. Many pain relievers are blood thinners, which could be dangerous. Others are muscle relaxants which would slow labor and be counterproductive. Many would cross the placenta and be toxic to the child. I gave her a small dose of relief, but she was tired. I believe some rest would better prepare her for active labor which is imminent. For that reason, I took on some of it for her, to get her to sleep. Unfortunately, I can only maintain so much and for limited time without rendering myself useless."
"A logical conclusion...This means then that you're familiar with labor pains? At least to a certain degree?"
"Yes...I am unsure whether that should ease anxiety related to the unknown or increase anxiety related to known discomfort..." She noticed she could feel his breathing and heartbeat, and reveled being so close.
"Intriguing...I wonder what a male, who attempted the same, would experience?"
Vivian laughed, "Be my guest." They were quiet for a moment, unmoving.
He noticed that her hair smelled pleasant, that her skin was slightly cooler than his, and that her body was softer than his.
"If she will be sleeping for a moment, perhaps we could make productive conversation...Have you informed your family of the koon-ul?"
She froze, remembering that she was to be bonded to this man in about four months, "I have not yet, but will soon. My mother will be pleased...my father on the other hand has a preference towards human ritual. He will be hesitant towards the speed in which we came to an arrangement."
"Will he be attending koon-ut-kal-if-fee?"
"Kal-if-fee?"
"You retain the right to request a challenger."
"I do not wish to request a challenger...And no...he and my family are long estranged..."
Spock sensed a negative change in her demeanor, "Perhaps we could visit Earth at some point so that we could meet." There was a return to positivity.
"We should do that..."
"My family has a large estate...it would be a suitable location for koon-ut...It would also be beneficial for you to familiarize yourself with the area for when we...return."
"Agreed. This occurs in four months?"
"Approximately. If it is acceptable to you, I would like to spend a total of a week of leave on Vulcan. There are preparations to be made in person and I do not wish to return to Enterprise immediately following. In addition, I would prefer having the koon-ut-so'lik the day before the koon-ut."
She was surprised, but a little flattered that he had already put time and effort into preparations. "That would be acceptable." Additionally, she found herself both intrigued by and nervous for whatever it was he had planned for her. "Will you be bringing anyone from Enterprise?"
"It will depend on the ship's schedule. A smaller vessel will come retrieve us. If they have the availability, I would appreciate the Captain and Dr. McCoy being in attendance. If not, I understand. Do you wish to bring someone?"
"...Dr. McCoy and I are friends...I enjoy Nurse Chapel, but I do not believe she wishes to be in attendance."
"Why?"
"She loves you, you know. I see the way she looks at you. She will be devastated when she learns of our news."
"Interesting. I had considered that she had romantic feelings for me, which I did not return."
"Should we make a formal announcement to the crew? Or let it spread by word of mouth?"
"I have no intention of causing a stir amongst crew members...Those who need to know, do already. We can broach the subject with the Captain again when it comes time to ask for a longer leave."
"For what?"
"Maternity leave. I will leave that timing to your discretion, although I would recommend returning to Vulcan early in the third trimester. I am unsure of how long it is safe for a pregnant woman to be aboard a military vessel."
She could not discern whether he was expressing concern for her as an individual or concern for their hypothetical child as an investment. It felt strange to be discussing such personal matters with a man who didn't so much as know her favorite meal, or what she liked to do in her time off.
Eventually the patient came back to consciousness, groaning and squirming in the process. Vida rushed to her side again for another exam, another round of vitals, and a trip to the bathroom. Unfortunately, she still had progress to make. She offered an IV or electrolyte drink; the patient opted for the drink. They stood and swayed for a while, then she tried being on her hands and knees. There was another round of tears, complaints of being tired, and discussion who was being missed. Vivian remained calm, offering gentle encouragements and coaching about breathing techniques.
Spock stepped out to update the ship again, and when he returned her found the patient in a more traditional birthing pose.
"Alright Gwen, it looks like you're at ten centimeters." She smiled pat the patient's knee, "On the next contraction, I want you to tuck your chin to your chest and pull your legs back. We're not going to wiggle away from it, we're going to push down through it, okay?"
The woman gasped and nodded, "Okay."
"We're in the home stretch now, alright? Let's meet little miss Amelia, shall we?"
Gwen groaned and bore down along with the doctor's counting, instructions, and encouragement. The baby seemed to move down, but after a half hour, couldn't get down far enough. The mother was getting tired.
"You're doing great Gwen. We're going to step into the bathroom to rinse off some equipment okay?"
Spock raised an eyebrow but followed her. "Her progress has stalled, has it not?" He questioned in a hushed tone. "When will you intervene?"
Vivian sighed, "You're right. The baby is doing- well what is colloquially referred to as- turtling. Gwen's getting tired and I'm not sure how much longer she can keep up the effort. I have forceps...and I could perform an episiotomy...but only as a last resort..."
"So what is it you intend to do now?"
Her eyes lit up, "Are you familiar with the game tug-of-war?"
"How is that relevant?"
"You're going to play it with her, but give her the advantage if you will. Sometimes, the counter pressure can help."
"Your methods are unconventional but I am curious to see if they prove effective."
They returned to the patient.
"Hey Gwen, did you ever play tug-of-war as a childhood recreational activity?" Vivian took a sheet from the bed and tied a knot at either end.
"Uh...yeah?" She looked confused, but willing to try anything.
"Good! You're going to play with Mr. Spock, right now." She tossed her a knot and passed the other to Spock. "You're going to pull with your next contraction." She knelt in front of the bed.
Gwen yanked the knot so quickly, Spock almost lost his footing. She roared, sweating and red in the face. He was easily able to provide the counterweight, but was unsure of where to settle his eyes. Staring at her face seemed odd, but staring lower seemed even more odd, despite his fascination with biological mechanisms. They pulled once, twice, three times- Mr. Spock's opponent's screaming becoming louder and more desperate with each move.
A head began to emerge. "Good, good, good!" Vivian began to use her fingers to manipulate the opening. "Keep going!" The crown turned into a forehead, which she rotated into a face. "Mr. Spock- a towel!" He dropped the sheet, grabbed a surgical towel, and joined her on his knees. "Catch the baby." She warned him briefly before returning her voice to full volume, "Just one more good push. She's ALMOST here." She worked her fingers around the shoulders until finally, the rest of the body followed the head, sliding into the towel.
The mother gasped with relief, her legs shaking violently. "Is she okay?!" She sobbed.
Spock held the infant, laid across his hands, while Vivian suctioned her mouth, nose, and wiped her face.
"Hi Amelia," She cooed as she pat the baby's butt, "Happy birthday sweet girl."
The baby let out a wail, and began to turn a pink color. Spock stared, in awe of the tiny creature is his hands. After hours of a medical procedure, he was meeting a human being- an individual with thoughts and feelings. Something deep within him stirred, and a smile of wonderment spread across his face.
Dr. Vida took the baby, and motioned for Spock to bring the scale and measuring tape. "7 pounds six ounces, 20.1 inches long," She read aloud while taking a moment to wipe down the baby.
"I want to see her!" The mother's demands were soon met as her baby was placed on her chest. She sobbed and whispered greetings to her new child.
Vivian performed a uterine massage to aid in the delivery of the placenta, and waited for it to lighter in color before cutting the cord.
"Why didn't you cut the cord right away?" Gwen shook her head, "I've never seen that before."
"The baby shares blood with the placenta. Delayed cord cutting lets more blood return to the child, which has energy and immunological benefits."
"My other doctor didn't say anything about that...but hey...thank you, really." Her eyes were sincere, "I don't know what I would have done without you."
After removing her gloves, Vivian squeezed her shoulder, "Hey you DID it. I just- we just helped." She winked at Spock and withdrew her communicator. "Vida to Enterprise."
"This is the Captain. What's the update?"
"Baby Amelia is here, and she is beautiful. Baby and mom are doing great. I will continue monitoring them until the relief crew arrives."
"Good news. Congratulations to you all!"
Sure enough, Vivian and Spock stayed until the back-up ship arrived, at which point mother had learned both swaddling and nursing. Vivian was holding the baby so Gwen could nap, when help appeared.
Dr. McCoy was the first in the room, stopping to check in. His whole demeanor softened when he saw the bundle Vivian carried. "I don't think I've seen a newborn in YEARS." He leaned over her shoulder, peering at the tiny pink face, smushed eyes, and round nose. "Cute little bugger, isn't she?"
"Gwenevere!" A robed man rushed into the room and to his wife's side, waking her in the process.
"Babe! She's here!"
Vivian approached the couple and slid the baby into her father's arms, "Ambassador Trentino, meet your daughter. Congratulations, sir." She stepped away to allow the family their private moment.
McCoy looked Spock up and down, noting stains on his uniform, "What's all this mess?"
Spock raised an eyebrow and looked at his shirt, "I believe it is amniotic fluid, doctor."
"Why are YOU covered in amniotic fluid?"
"Because I caught the baby," His human side flared up. He met McCoy's jaw drop with a proud smirk. "Perhaps I should pursue medicine next."