The Vulcan High Council, accompanied by members of the scientific and medical communities filtered into the viewing gallery. Dr. McCoy, familiar with the project, received special permission to be in attendance to see its conclusion.
The tenkan Vivian had taken to calling "small one" would be born today, in a surgical gallery in the health sciences department of the Vulcan Academy of the Sciences. This would be the first "birth" of a Vulcan infant gestated start to finish in an incubator. Humans, of course, had achieved this feat in the previous century. Prior to the cataclysm, Vulcans hadn't had the need. Such technology was typically limited in use; pre-term babies were placed in incubators and in the rare case of infertility, in vitro fertilization could occur. Vulcans did not often face such difficulties, but, in the face of extinction, were willing to change their approach to reproduction, going as far as to incorporate some human technology.
Along with her team, Dr. Vida was responsible for modifying the human incubator to suit Vulcan biology, effectively creating a mechanical Vulcan womb. The design of the sudef took Terran years to complete, and the first embryos implanted were unsuccessful in an early trimester. This fetus, Small One, had survived through gestation, and, if it could survive emergence, would be the first to be born without having ever existed within a mother.
The egg donor had been carefully selected- a healthy female still in the earlier portion of her reproductive years. She and her husband had successfully produced a health child of their own during their last Pon Farr cycle, just before Vulcan was destroyed. Feeling a duty to their people, they agreed to participate in Dr. Vida's research following their settlement on New Vulcan. Each donated genetic material, so that she could create an embryo, one which she spurred into division, resulting in 'twins'. It was a case-control study of sorts, that was delayed more than once while ethics committees debated the implications of both failure and success. Approximately ten months ago, one embryo had been implanted in the mother and the other had been placed in the external sudef. Both were successful.
Per Dr. Vida's instructions, the mother visited daily so that both fetuses could respond to her voice and develop accordingly. She took notes on the foods and medications she consumed, and the same nutrient content was transmitted to the external twin through the false placenta. It all went according to plan, including, the birth of the twin carried by the mother the day before. She knew that such conditions were idealistic, but following the first success, could be reconsidered.
Dr. Vida bowed and saluted in the doorway, "Greetings T'Nir."
The Vulcan woman reclined in a hovering hospital bed, nursing her newborn. "Dr. Vida, welcome."
The doctor addressed the husband before approaching the bedside to gently stroke the face of the infant. Newborns were slightly misshapen and fuzzy, much like humans. They were green-toned instead of pink, however, and tended to open their eyes much earlier. The dark hair and tiny pointed ears almost brought a smile to her face. She had experienced excitement for the day, but somehow, the sight of the newborn also provoked a disappointment. She wondered, if she had not been injured by Mudd, if she would be able to feel a fetus kicking by now. Irrelevant. Move on.
"Are you prepared?"
"Yes, as much as one can be. I anticipated delivery of a second child to be somehow easier than that of the first. In a way, it was. In another sense, the uncertainty is similar."
"The arrival of the third will be even less certain." Dr. Vida warned, admiring for a moment the image of the older child the mother brought with her.
"Dr. Vida, we experience gratitude towards you." The male shared, "It would honor us, if you would select the name of the second twin."
She raised an eyebrow but stifled her smile. "I will."
As nurses arrived to move the mother, she slipped away to the neonatal unit to collect the newborn's sister. Another physician began administering electrical impulses the night before, which mimicked contractions. Thus far, it had been well-tolerated.
"Hello small one," Vivian smiled at the suspended pocket of fluid. She was always friendly with human children, more distant with Vulcans as was expected. When alone, she offered small encouragements to the child. "Today, you will meet your family. You will be able to move freely, breath independently. I, for one, am eager to hold you-" A nurse entered to assist with the relocation of the device into the gallery.
"Prosperous and long life," Dr. Vida announced as she took the podium, her voice naturally echoing across the stone. She had changed from the dress she wore on arrival to surgical scrubs. Her long hair disappeared under a scrub cap.
"Live long and prosper," The attendants responded.
"Your attendance today is appreciated, as my team makes history." While her demeanor remained even, and Vulcan in nature, her human pride twinkled in her eyes. She needn't introduce herself, as she was becoming somewhat of a celebrity on the planet. One team tended the mother, who began experiencing anxiety as she watched and waited. Another group of nurses hovered around the device as Dr. Vida scrubbed in.
"So what're the odds she pulls this off?" McCoy mumbled under his breath, leaning toward Spock. He'd delivered his fair share of infants of various species, but this was unlike anything he'd previously seen. Human fetuses suspended in the fluid of non-biotic incubators had a foreign sense about them. When the time came, they were simply removed from their containers. Vivian made painstaking effort to design something more organic.
"I have limited knowledge in the field of obstetrics, so my approximation is not exact. I would estimate a success probability of ninety-six percent." Spock responded, attempting to limit his own influx of pride. He exchanged glances across the room with his father, who also seemed tentatively pleased.
The obstetrician tipped the device into a perfectly upright position. "We will now begin infusion of stress hormones including cortisol and vasopressin." She connected vials to pumps, producing a subsequent spike in vitals. In the following minutes, she began a drip to release the fluid from the sac, and manually massaged the false musculature. Announcing each step, she proceeded. The buzzing of the staff increased. In between her motions, she looked into the crowd. Her father-in-law watched intently. Her ex-boyfriend and colleague seemed equal parts fascinated and disgusted. She found her partner without searching, having known his location instinctively. Their connection also let her know that while he was empathetically excited for her, he worked to maintain a calm so that she too may experience it.
You are performing well.
The encouragement, while appreciated, is irrelevant given that you are not part of my field.
A fair judgement, however, I have seen you work before. I enjoy watching you work. How do you intend to celebrate your impending success?
I will have to provided closing remarks, assess all patients, and accept congratulations from leaders. I then would prefer retiring to an indulgent meal and a shared suite with you.
That can be arranged.
"The head now bears into the lower membrane and the fetus is somewhat alert. I will begin emergence by creating a small incision, taking advantage of the planet's own gravitational pull." She took a seat on a lower stool and grabbed a laser scalpel from a nearby surgical tray. With a nod to the assistant standing above, she made the first cut. Liquid spattered. Vitals fluctuated randomly, as they should. The head continued to press, widening the opening on its own. Vivian shifted so that her lap was almost directly under the growing hole. She flung a towel into her lap and kept a gloved hand under the opening. "The aid will now produce stronger contractions manually."
Each ministration restricted the fetus further, forcing it forward and down. The doctor's hand lowered, softly supporting the weight of the head as it surfaced with a popping sound. "Suction," She ordered, cleaning the mouth and nose out single-handedly, before wiping the face. There were murmurs from the crowd. Her fingers worked into the opening to rotate the shoulders. With a slurping sound, and the exit of the remainder of fluid, the rest of the body emerged. "Clamp." She made light work of severing the cord connecting it to the machine.
"Come on," She whispered, massaging and drying the tiny figure with the towel. Slowly she patted the back, producing a small cough, followed by a much louder cry. The infant began to squirm, its little chest twitching with breath.
"Impressive," Spock's signature smirk surfaced.
"Atta girl," McCoy cheered, almost out of turn. "I for one am relieved."
The crowd didn't sigh or gasp, but the energy shifted. Whispers increased.
The child was cleaned, measured, and weighed before the doctor presented her to the crowd- one hand on her neck and the other supporting her rear. "This is a female child with stable vitals and no discernable abnormalities- 3.3 kilograms in weight and 45.7 centimeters in length."
What is she called?
"For the duration of the project I referred to the child as 'small one' but she will receive a different title on her naming day." With a slight bow, Vivian turned to take the child to her mother. Out of view, Vivian kissed the small forehead. "Happy birthday."
"Sikar," The name slipped from her mind to his and out of his mouth quietly.
"Sikar?" McCoy grumbled.
"It means spring, doctor. I would assume you would appreciate her poetic choice." Spock noted as they exited the gallery.
Following the demonstration, Sarek was surrounded in the lobby by fellow diplomats and professors.
"You are fortunate to have such an individual join your family." One remarked.
"Although, I do ponder whether it would be more suitable to join her with a male of full Vulcan blood." Another willingly spoke of his distaste for Spock.
"I am fortunate that Dr. Vida chose Spock as her mate and equal." Sarek metaphorically put the other male in his place, "They are undoubtedly a formidable pairing."
Spock recognized his father's distinct voice and moved McCoy in that direction. The comment he heard pleased him.
"Ambassador, I recognize your desire to continue your legacy, however, matching your son is not the only option."
"To what other options are you referring?" Sarek inquired coolly.
"Sarek, I needn't remind you of the loss of your lady wife. Some time has passed, allowing for a grief process, so it would not be unreasonable to consider remarrying."
"Are you suggesting I dissolve Dr. Vida's arrangement to my son, to take her as my own wife?"
Spock froze, allowing a few moments for council members to wander off before approaching his father. "Dr. McCoy, please excuse me for a moment."
McCoy put himself in a corner with his communicator, "Hey Kirk, you'd better get down here."
The Captain's smile faded as he stood to depart for the transporter room, "On my way now. What happened?"
"Spock's about to start swingin' on his ol' man."
Kirk puffed with newfound stress as he sped-walked down the hall. "Under NO circumstances can I have one of my officers assault an ambassador." He groaned as he tapped his foot in the elevator, "Wait, Spock's MAD?"
"It seems the high council decided Vivian shouldn't marry Spock. They want her to have a partner of higher status."
"Who's higher status than Spock?"
"Sarek."
"Oh fuck...wait gross- isn't he old enough to be her dad? And aren't they already kinda family?"
"Granddaddy...and that ain't gonna fly with her. She's from Texas, not Alabama."
Vivian wrapped a scarf around her head as she exited the building hours later, worried about the nightly winds blowing sand into her hair.
"Dr. Vida,"
Her ground transport had arrived as expected to return her to the ambassador's estate. She had not expected he arrive with it.
"Ambassador," She gave the salute and tipped her head in respect.
"It would be resource-efficient to return together." He motioned toward the door, which hissed closed behind them.
"Agreed. I assume Spock already returned?"
"He had business to tend to aboard the Enterprise."
"Understood."
He offered her a seat across from him in the vehicle. "Your display today proved successful. It suggests a promising future for our kind."
"You honor me, sir."
"I appreciate the respect, but the formality is no longer necessary in private...You may call me Sarek. May I refer to you by your first name?"
"Given our circumstances, that would be appropriate."
"Agreed...Your work continues to exceed expectations. The council is pleased...so much so, in fact, they have...made recommendations. I told them I would consider their recommendation, however, I intended to discuss such a proposition with you prior to providing a response." Something in her stomach tightened, and, although she didn't display it, she began to feel uneasy. "It seems they believe you would be best suited for partnership with a male of...FULL Vulcan blood."
There came the sucker punch to her gut. "I thought they were satisfied with the prospect of your bloodline being continued through me."
"Therein lies the complication. They are so satisfied with the idea...they suggest you bond to me instead of my son." Despite being nearly a master of self-discipline, speaking it aloud made Sarek uncomfortable.
"They recommend I marry you?" Her heart leapt into her throat. She couldn't meet his eye. Swallowing hard, she toyed with the ring on her finger. "I...But Spock..." With a deep breath, she cleared her throat, "Is this what my people require of me?"
"Your sense of duty is admirable...Vivian...but no, this is not a 'requirement', merely a suggestion for consideration. I agreed to give them my consideration but assured no answer...When the efforts to repartner individuals following the colonization here began, I underwent a medical evaluation. I am still capable of producing healthy offspring..."
Internally, she panicked. He wants me for himself...
"However...at that time I chose to remain solitary. I did, and still do, grieve the loss of my wife...I had previously determined that if I were to someday seek another companion, I would prefer she be close in age to myself. I am no longer suited to staying awake all night with a newborn, nor chasing a little one about the gardens...Nonetheless, I am willing to do what my people ask of me." She relaxed, slightly, feeling compassion for the widower and empathy for his dedication to their cause. "Do not interpret my hesitancy as any distaste of you. You have an extraordinary mind and an alluring outward appearance. Any male would be fortunate to have you as his mate...If you will permit it...I would like to know your thoughts." His hand formed the two finger gesture while he awaited her approval.
He'll know...He'll know about Leo...He'll know about the miscarriage...He'll know about sex with Spock- Spock- he'll see how I feel about Spock. He's his father, after all, he has to care about him to some extent. And he cares for me...if Sarek took his place he would be crestfallen... Stone faced and tensed, she closed her eyes and leaned in. Her father-in-law's fingers were slightly warmer than hers, dry, and wrinkled.
As his mind reached into hers, he was thrown through a collection of images and feelings. There was a respectful hesitancy towards him, in part because she already considered him to be a father figure. The sense of duty was strong, but there was something stronger- her attachment to Spock was intense and deep. Her disagreement with the recommendation came from a place of refusing to abandon the only person capable of understanding her own internal conflict, because he too experienced it. He saw the formal addresses around the crew followed by hidden kisses behind closed doors. He felt the sense of belonging, so rare to someone of both worlds, because in each other they found their home. He even felt Spock, the tie, the bond was already formed, cemented, consummated.
Sarek only lingered long enough to gain a basic understanding of her, exiting quickly to afford her, and his son, some privacy. The intensity of the emotion betrayed her cool tone and smooth face. It startled him at first but settled into a pleasant sense of surprise. He cleared his throat, suppressing the emotion the encounter stirred up in him- predominantly nostalgia in the love he had for Amanda.
"Thank you for your trust...but I cannot take you as my own...when you so clearly belong to my son."
Vivian nearly fell forward in relief. Her heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you...Sarek."
"The two of you are so well-matched...I could not form a more suitable pairing if I attempted to...Additionally, I struggle...finding words to describe how much it pleases me...that...you have each other. I believe your lives together will be filled with comfort...happiness even...and a sense of belonging...Thank you...for loving him as you do."
She nodded, her own eyes burning.
The two rode in silence for several moments. As they approached the estate, he spoke up again.
"I will let them know what I have decided...I would much prefer you bear my grandchildren..."
Her eyebrow raised in amusement, sensing humor. This is the beginning of a friendship. It pleases me to know he approves.
"...Sooner rather than later..." His eyebrow raised with a slight twitch of his upper lip.
Some things are the same across species.
Spock caught the lights reflecting off the windows at the front of the house and his stomach sank. Buzzing with an unexpressed mixture of anxiety and anger, he greeted the vehicle on the front steps. Since the conversation they'd had in the lobby of the academy, he was overcome with, what wasn't necessarily an influx of emotion, but a rush of primal energy and hormones. While he'd never previously considered the possibility, his body now regarded his own father as a rival male threatening his female.
Sarek was the first to exit, not unaware of his son's tenser-than-usual expression. "Control, Spock...I will be inside."
Vivian exited the craft in time to witness the encounter and her mate's expression, "Spock?"
You've spoken with Sarek I presume.
Judging from your expression, I assume he spoke with you before he spoke with me. I am only slightly disappointed that you distrusted my response.
While I do not doubt your attachment to me, I also recognize your commitment to this colony and sense of duty to your elders-
I have no intention of choosing a different mate, by the request of the council or anyone else.
The tension fled his body as she stepped forward and pressed two of her fingers to his temple. They slipped down to his lips and lingered there for a minute. His split hand reached to the side of her face.
I belong to you, and you alone.
She kissed him to emphasis her point and sensed an acceptance, and a further longing coming from his direction. They finally entered the home together, and Spock sought answers.
"Do not hold it against your father that he took the council's word into consideration. I anticipate his allowance of your uncertainty was a test of discipline, arguably cruel but from his perspective necessary- to ensure your newfound partner hasn't eliminated all of your control. I'm confident that he was confident it would be a non-issue."
"So confident, in fact," Sarek cut in from the catwalk he stood on overhead. "You'll find that your belongings have been relocated to Spock's quarters."
Spock raised an eyebrow in his father's direction.
"I bid you good night." The older man nodded, then disappeared down an upper hall.
Perhaps...we should go find my things...