A/N: Thanks everyone
Chapter Fifteen
Malcolm saw us safely to the Vulcan Sick Bay once more. This time to see to Jonathan's cuts and bruises from going through the glass.
I was going to plead to wait until we had returned to Earth and to the Vulcan Compound to treat my injuries, but; they evidently had already spoken with Phlox and Dr. Sural. When I walked in with Jonathan I was ushered away to another biobed before I could object.
A very painful, thorough, cleaning of my shoulder wound ensued. Stitches were mended, smelling salts administered when they thought I was going to pass out. There were stares at my choice of Human words when I lost my temper, something that brought arched brows I might add. I was tired and really, all I wanted was to be left alone so that Jonathan and I could return to our quarters.
"A message has come in from the Vulcan Compound for you, Ambassador T'Pol." One of the Vulcan doctors handed me the pad.
On the screen was a very short message. A three-week medical leave has been ordered for the two of you, starting immediately.
"Starfleet doesn't want to see either of us for three weeks?" Jonathan found it as difficult to believe as I. "Before they change their minds lets get out of here, now." He helped me off the bed and we slowly made our way out of Sick Bay.
We were shuttled back to Enterprise and after a light meal we retired to our quarters. "Well, T'Pol, what would you like to do for the next three weeks?"
"Before you get to excited Jonathan, we have another message, this one is definitely from Phlox." The message went on to read, The three weeks medical leave is to be spent healing T'Pol's wounds, nothing but rest and relaxation. No climbing, no running, no hiking, rest…rest…rest, is that clear! Reading, slow walks, naps, beaches, sitting poolside, sex; things like that are allowed. Phlox.
"Phlox, I like your bedside manner. I know a place that meets all of the criteria, too. T'Pol, can you put your trust in my judgment and leave the planning to me?"
He had raised his shields, he wanted it to be a surprise, and I was happy to leave the decision making to him and quickly gave him a nod. "Why don't you rest a minute, I'll make the arrangements and then we'll take a shower, together." He flashed his beautiful boyish grin at me. For a moment I nearly lost control of my emotions. It had been weeks since I had seen his free spirit truly alive.
I went into the bathroom and ran the water, adjusting the temperature for the two of us. I turned and gasped at my reflection in the mirror. My swollen throat glared back at me, angry markings across the front of my neck brought everything back, overwhelming my emotional control. I slipped to the floor sobbing.
Jonathan came running into the bathroom, fell to the floor next to me, and picking me up, he cradled me in his arms "Oh God, Sweetheart, I didn't want you to be alone when you saw yourself." He rocked me back and forth, trying to comfort me. "It's all right now, T'Pol, it really is all over. He will never hurt you again."
I tried to relax, but all I could smell was Ral. Jonathan and I both were covered in his scent. Between sobs I finally managed to convey to Jonathan that we had to get his scent off of us.
Sitting on the bathroom toilet, I watched Jonathan undress me; it was like I was still in a fog. "Am I still in shock, Jonathan?" I looked up and watched him remove his clothing.
"I don't think it's exactly shock, Sweetheart, I think its just the reality of what happened is just now sinking in. Are you ready?" I nodded.
We stayed under the hot water spray for nearly an hour. I believe Jonathan initiated a more intimate form of massaging my tired, bruised body. It was extremely pleasant, and when I tried to reciprocate he refused my attempts. I had taught him well. I found myself groaning from the pleasure of his intense ministrations. Eventually it became a more consuming form of foreplay. Again, he refused to let me reciprocate. As long as he maintained contact with me it all seemed like a bad dream, the shock was gone but in its place was the full reality of what had happened during the past weeks. Thankfully, Jonathan would be at my side and the worst was over. I opened my eyes and gave him my full attention.
Later, we were both past exhausted, Jonathan gently dried me off and took me in his arms and carried me to the bed, he left the light on and crawled in next to me. Moments later we were both asleep.
Morning brought breakfast in bed, the news, the latest events and a partial itinerary for our impending vacation. I smiled. We were headed for San Francisco. I also suspected that I knew where we were going. He wanted to surprise me, so, I would be surprised.
By late the next day we were in San Francisco. Where I thought we would be. The Harbourside Villa had been where we spent our Honeymoon and our time there had indeed been memorable. It reminded me of Elona, where Jonathan and I had gone for therapy after my ordeal on Salanacon.
The sky wasn't as azure blue, but the Birds of Paradise and other tropical lush foliage definitely reminded me of the rainforests on the planet.
I also knew that Phlox wouldn't allow me to go far from his watchful eye in my condition. In actuality we weren't but a few miles from Starfleet.
During the next three weeks we would walk the beautiful beaches daily, sometimes two and three times a day, and definitely we would be there at sunset, never had I seen anything so beautiful as the sunsets and sunrises. Not even on Vulcan.
We swam every day, exercising the muscles in my legs. Trying to control his libido in public was a challenge; I was forced to swim to get away from his advances.
Jonathan would dive for lobster, oysters and other crustaceans and we would make a fire and cook the seafood at night. We spent time poolside reading or napping.
But, probably, one of the most rewarding things that transpired during our stay here; was the ability for us both to finally sleep through the night without waking up with a deep anxiety attack.
My many bruises lightened in color, along with the discoloration around my neck. My shoulder began to heal and grow stronger as Jonathan worked with me in the water. My legs now held me up without the help of my Kau.
Our intimate times together were the most rewarding. The depth of our bond returned and Jonathan was healing, too. His boyishness, his delight at finding the simplest of things showed in his face again. His playfulness had returned two fold. I had missed that in him.
Our three weeks are up tomorrow. We return to Starfleet and Malcolm has requested our attendance in what he hopes will be the final briefing on Ral and his colleagues. He also has something important to tell us.
We have something important to ask of him also.
Tonight is our final night in this beautiful paradise and Jonathan wants to make the most of it he says. I'm not quite sure what that means, but I believe that I am about to find out. He has been gone for more than two hours.
I heard banging in the kitchen and proceeded to the back of the cottage. "Why didn't you come in the front door as usual, Jonathan?" Before I could see what he actually had, he turned me around and ushered me back into the living room.
"It's a surprise for later. I don't want you to see it and hit me with an endless barrage of questions."
"I don't …" He didn't give me a chance to complete my sentence. He pulled me into an embrace and kissed me deeply. "You're trying to change the subject, Jonathan."
"Did I succeed?" He turned me around and massaged my shoulders. "I have the evening all planned out, Sweetheart, all you have to do is enjoy our last night here."
The thought of leaving saddened me. " Where do we go when we return, Jonathan? Our home is gone." I didn't want to leave.
"Malcolm promised me that he'd have something for us, at least temporarily, until we find what we want. We were going to need more room anyway. There's going to be three of us, remember."
Nodding, I leaned into him. "What are we going to do this evening?"
"Well first, we'll watch the sunset one last time, then, the luau is this evening. They have promised to provide all the fruit you can possibly eat, even plomeek soup if you want, T'Pol, there's going to be music and everyone from the villa is going to be there. Then I thought we would take a midnight swim and one last walk on the beach. For the grand finale we'll come back here for dessert." He had that mischievous grin on his face.
I knew there was more to what he had just told me, but I couldn't imagine what. "It sounds like perhaps I should rest and meditate."
Smiling very smugly, he agreed, "I believe that is an excellent idea. Lay down and I'll call you in about an hour."
I suspected that I was going to need to do exactly that. I turned and walked into the bedroom, slipped out of my robes and stretched out on the bed.
Exactly one hour later Jonathan tapped on the door, waking me. "I'm sorry Hon, but if we're going to catch the sunset you'd better get up and slip into something comfy for walking."
We stood at the water's edge; I leaned into Jonathan as we watched the sun slip behind the mountains. It still took my breath away, the various shades of oranges and reds mixed with the azure blue deepening into hues of purple. Then it was gone.
Slowly we walked back toward the Villas. Once inside our small cottage I discovered what Jonathan had laid out for us to wear for the evening. " You cannot be serious, surely you don't expect me to put that on do you, Jonathan?"
"I sure do, if I'm going to look ridiculous at least you're going to look good." Jonathan held his small piece of fabric up in front of him. "They told me it would fit. Looks a little skimpy to me."
"If you think that is skimpy, then what is this? I can't wear this Jonathan, it doesn't cover anything." I held up three pieces of fabric and looked at him.
"It doesn't look bad to me, in fact I can hardly wait to see you in it." He chuckled. "Come on please, just for me, we'll decide after we see it on."
I sighed, "Very well, but if I'm going to humiliate myself I expect you to do the same. You first."
My eyes went wide; Jonathan dropped his pants, pulled off his shirt and climbed out of his underwear before I completely finished telling him to go first.
"Lets see now, she said it goes on almost like a diaper." He made several attempts before he stood in front of me. He was almost naked. He also made my heart beat faster. "How do I look?"
I could only stare. He reminded me of the Hawaiian fire warriors, I could actually hear the beating of the drums. Suddenly I realized there really were drums beating in the background.
"Okay, T'Pol, it's your turn, I want to see your outfit on you."
Trying to decipher what each piece was made to cover was a challenge in itself. One piece was worn like a short skirt and the top covered the obvious. I realized the long piece would wrap around like a sarong. Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad after all. I would have the important parts covered.
"Come on T'Pol, the drums have started, the party's begun. I want to see you in it, you want me to help?"
"That won't be necessary, Jonathan, I believe I have deduced where each piece goes. I will join you in a few minutes. Find something for us to put on our feet."
"No, no, we're going barefoot like the rest of them. Authentic natives. Hurry up."
I pushed him out of the bedroom and after studying each piece again I began wrapping each one around me and once everything was tied in place I took the sarong and finished the outfit. Looking in the mirror, I was actually quite pleased. I had managed to cover all strategic places and hide the bruises around my neck. I covered enough of my cleavage to hide the stitches and the most recent bruises. The finishing touch was a white flower in my hair.
The luau was much as it had been on our honeymoon with enough food and drink to feed all of Enterprise. As the evening wore on the music became hypnotic. Jonathan pulled me to my feet and began to dance around me. Watching the other men around him he began to emulate their movements. He ran his hands along the outline of my body touching me, my hormones kicked into overdrive. Feeling my anxiety Jonathan suggested we walk along the beach.
Hand in hand we strolled to the far side of the Villa's beaches. Looking around I suddenly became aware of the fact that we were alone and he had taken us into a secluded area of the beach out of sight where we were now stopped. I looked down, Jonathan was undressing me. "What are you doing?" I took hold of his hands to stop him.
"I think a Midnight swim is just what you need." It was very dark but I could clearly see Jonathan's face.
"You're serious aren't you; you actually intend for us to swim in the nude."
"I intend for us to do a lot more than that, Sweetheart, it's a perfect way to end our second honeymoon. Soon we'll be busy with the baby and there won't be time for us, like there is tonight."
It wasn't difficult to give in to his advances. He was very persistent. I could still hear the drums in the distance causing my blood to run hot. I was panting. "Dr. Sural says my hormonal levels are high, I may be affecting your libido, Jonathan."
"I hope so. Listen to the music, it does marvelous things to you." He continued to undress me, caressing and kissing every inch of my body. I shivered, standing completely naked in front of him. He reached down and removed his loincloth.
Suddenly I was in his arms and he was carrying me towards the water. He walked in up to his waist and then he lowered me into the water until my feet were touching bottom. "Let's swim first." He pulled me down into the water and began to swim away from me wanting me to follow.
Maybe half an hour passed as we swam out to the breakers and then back. He caught me and pulled me to him. Jonathan's breath was hot on my neck, his desire burning through me. He kissed me passionately and I could feel myself losing my inhibitions. The water lapping at my nakedness aroused me even more and my Vulcan primal instincts began to take over, I locked my legs around him.
Considerably later and completely covered in sand, we walked back out into the water and washed the sand from each other then we dressed. My costume clung to my wet body but I didn't mind, this would be our last walk on the beach, I also sensed that we were not the only lovers on the beach tonight.
"What now Jonathan, we can't possibly return to the luau like this." I looked down at the way my clothing clung to me I was exposing far too much to be seen in public.
"I promised you dessert remember." His shields were up it was obvious there was something that he was hiding from me. Hand in hand we continued along the beach. Each time that I had calmed myself down Jonathan would stop and pull me in close to him and kiss me very passionately. He definitely was not helping me to calm my desires; as a matter of fact, he seemed to be trying to rekindle my arousal.
We slowed our gait looking up at the stars and the night sky, I could feel the sand squishing through my toes, the breeze blowing my hair back, the cloth against my skin growing cold and yet my skin reacted favorably, enticing my arousal even more.
We skirted the luau and made our way in the dark to the back of our cottage and entered before anyone had seen us. Once inside Jonathan guided me through the darkness to the shower. We were both caked with salt and sand. Once again he undressed me, not allowing me to touch him. He pulled me into the shower and we washed the sand and salt from each other. Again, Jonathan refused to let me touch him in any manner other than to remove the debris from his hair and help him to wash the sand from his back. I was becoming sexually frustrated. " Jonathan, why are we doing this in the dark?"
"I have a little surprise for you and I don't want you to see it yet." Taking the towel he began to rub it gently over me. Drying off every inch of me with a slow and deliberately provocative manner. I sighed.
He snickered at the obvious state of frustration that I was experiencing. Before I could reply making it clear that I was becoming quite agitated, he took me in his arms and carried me into the bedroom where he deposited me in the middle of the bed telling me not to move. Then he disappeared.
Clinking and clanking of various objects in the kitchen didn't help either. I could not even begin to fathom what he was doing. Next I heard the squeaking of tires from the kitchen cart, it seemed to be headed this way.
Then I heard the drums from the luau; had he opened the windows and the doors? Fire pots from the luau seemed to flicker and dance against the walls of the bedroom and the drums seemed to be closer. The affect was intoxicating.
Finally, he was standing in the entrance to the bedroom. "Jonathan what are you doing?" My breathing had increased even more, my voice had gone sultry from the effect of the drums and the atmosphere that seemed to hang in the air; the strong fragrance of the flowers outside our bedroom window began to permeate the room.
"I promised you dessert." I could see him in the shadows of the dancing fires; he was completely naked and he was also quite aroused. I sucked in my breath in anticipation.
"Close your eyes, Sweetheart, humor me, okay." Sighing, I complied.
I could hear strange noises but because my heart was pounding so loudly I had no idea what he was doing. Suddenly I gasped and almost cried out. My eyes shot open and I looked down at my naval. First I had felt something extremely cold now I gasped again because something very warm was running across my stomach. "What are you …" I was unable to speak; in the darkness I could see what he was doing.
I looked on in utter shock, speechless. I was looking at, at what? It had to be ice cream, but why?
"Dessert is about to be served, at least for me." Jonathan was grinning from ear to ear. He bent over and began to lick at my naval. The sensations went straight to my lower torso. I moaned. "It's called The Seduction Hot Fudge Sundae, my love, and this is just an example of the main course."
The sensations running through me were unmistakable as I struggled to keep my wits about me. When I opened my mouth to protest he hand fed me some of what was now running down on either side of my body onto the bed. Vanilla Ice Cream, Hot Fudge, Whipped Cream, Pecans and a Cherry.
"I stopped by to see Phlox, told him what I had in mind; Hon, you should have seen his grin, it was the largest one I think I've ever seen, he asked for my recipe." I glared at him while he continued to spoon-feed me. Then he turned his back to me and took something else off the cart. "I asked him if it was okay to do what I'm going to do next, he was delighted with the idea, he even gave me this to put on you first." Jonathan smeared something over my stitches.
"Doc said a little stimulation would be good for these." I gasped. He poured Hot Fudge on my breasts and then spread it out in a swirling motion and added what must have been whipped cream and cherries. "Just another sampler before the main meal. Hon, you haven't begun to feel the full affect yet. Your gonna love it." I came totally unglued as he licked all of it off my chest.
ooooo
I opened my matted closed eyes. I lay there trying to remember what had happened. I felt sated. In fact I felt that I might liquefy and run all over the floor.
The scent of chocolate mingling with the scent of mating was thick, 'Interesting and confusing.'
Last night's events began to slowly work their way through my fogged memory. Light streamed in through the window assuring me that I wasn't dreaming; Jonathan lay with his legs intertwined with mine and he was dead to the world, I was definitely lying in a pool of chocolate fudge. An extremely sticky Jonathan moved against me. The friction between us was also interesting and even sensuous.
"Jonathan, wake up." I waited. Nothing. "Jonathan." I gently shook him until he turned more toward me. Startled, I looked at what I had done to him. 'Oh dear, he's not going to be able to cover that up.'
Moving, he groaned and attempted to open his eyes. Finally focusing on me he said, "Hi." He closed his eyes again and started to turn back over, but instead he opened his eyes and gasped, the afterglow was definitely gone. "What the hell?"
"I believe that your surprise may have backfired, Jonathan. You may be hurt."
He tried to straighten himself out, but stopped and inhaled deeply. "Just a few bruises, the aftermath of pushing my Vulcan wife over the edge." He tried to laugh but had to hold his ribs.
"Jonathan we had better shower and get you to a Doctor. I believe I may have gotten carried away. Some of these look serious." I pointed to his face and neck.
"How about we shower first, Hon, we can shower together, wash it off each other, then we'll see if I still need to go to Starfleet Medical."
Helping each other out of the bed, proved to be interesting. We finally wrapped ourselves in the sheets to keep from dripping all over the floor. At last in the shower we threw the sheets in the corner and turned on the water. "The water is freezing, Jonathan." I was shivering.
"Jonathan, we need hot water to get this sticky stuff off of us." We let the water run for a few minutes as we simply held each other up and let the hot water wash it from us. Rubbing against him was beginning to cause me concern. I could feel my desire building again and he was injured.
"Perhaps cold water isn't such a bad idea, T'Pol." He sensed what was happening to me. I nodded and cooled the water down considerably.
Shivering, I tried focusing on other things but my thoughts kept coming back to the last few hours. "I still find it difficult to believe that Humans do that to one another, however, I must confess, it was certainly pleasurable." Thinking back to last night definitely wasn't helping.
Jonathan grinned, "You mean Vulcan's would never do something like that with their mates. They don't know what they're missing do they."
I had to agree. "What time are we due to leave, Jonathan?" A cold shower was not working and I could sense that my desire was transferring to Jonathan. He definitely would not be able to hide the events of the last twenty-four hours. 'Again he has underestimated me.' The sides of my mouth curled up.
ooooo
Malcolm and Hoshi stood at the entrance waiting to greet us and watched as Jonathan exited the transport very slowly. They both stared at him in disbelief. As I said, Jonathan could not hide my aggressive behavior. We convinced them to wait to ask any questions until we were somewhere more private.
Malcolm directed us around the corner and into the far corner of Starfleet Medical. He refused to go any further. Whispering, he asked, "What the hell happened to you, Sir? You look like you've been in a knock down drag out fight." I looked over at Hoshi and immediately dropped my eyes. I did not know how, but I was positive that she knew I was responsible, just from the way she was looking at me, and she could barely control her delight.
Jonathan looked straight at him, "Well Malcolm, remember that bright idea of yours, you know the one involving the Hot Fudge Sundae, well it worked a little to well." Malcolm turned and looked at me, the color had drained from his face.
Knowing that I was totally innocent of any wrong doing, and having no desire to take the blame for this, I simply replied, "I warned him that I was becoming frustrated, that he was taking to long. I am after all a Vulcan, he knows all to well what happens when my primal instincts are forced to the surface. It's not as if its never happened before."
Malcolm looked like he was going to pass out. Hoshi on the other hand was thoroughly enjoying our conversation. Her eyes had locked with mine. She actually nodded her approval.
Slowly Malcolm recovered, clearing his throat he began talking business as if we had never had this conversation. "Ah, Sir, about your living arrangements, I talked with Phlox and Dr. Sural, they want T'Pol to stay on the grounds until after the birth of the baby. They gave me a choice of the Compound or staying here at Starfleet Medical for the duration of her pregnancy. I opted for here, on the top floor, Sir. They have a large unit up there and they're willing to let her stay as long as she needs. It's reserved for dignitaries any way."
Things were back to normal by the time we got to Malcolm's office. He was at ease again and offered us two chairs, and promised that it wouldn't take long in case Jonathan wanted to stop in Sick Bay. He managed to smile. Then he turned back to me and said that Hoshi had asked to see me next.
Malcolm relaxed, "T'Pol, I have some papers for you to sign, but first I'd like to fill you in on what's been going on while you two were gone. Surveillance tapes prove that Whitock killed Major Andrea Buta. He was transferred to Prime Minister Urdal's care. Whitock and Ral have both been taken to the Amnerest Penal Colony.
"Now, about Harris. He did drop the ball, and because he chose to hide the fact, people died. He's been dismissed. I'm the new director of Section 31." He looked at Jonathan as if he wasn't sure that it was the right thing to do.
"Well Malcolm, congratulations." He got up and reached across the table to shake his hand. "You're the perfect choice, Malcolm. Now we have something to ask of you."
"Oh, what, Sir?" Malcolm seemed unsure and a little cautious.
"T'Pol and I would be honored if you would consent to be the baby's Godfather, Malcolm."
His mouth dropped open. "Honestly, Sir? Oh, I would be honored indeed. Nothing would make me happier."
"We're also going to ask Hoshi to be her Godmother."
"I accept, oh, I would dearly love too." Hoshi came around the corner. She seemed slightly embarrassed. I wasn't intentionally listening in on your conversation. I had just come back in to make sure I didn't miss the two of you. Nothing would make me happier, it also gives me a reason to see more of her.
"While I have both of you, I still need to talk to you about the Baby Shower. Phlox and Dr. Sural don't want you to leave the planet, T'Pol, so the Enterprise is out. We are going to hold the shower here in the conference room, the large one. We've had several ask to attend who weren't sent invitations, also nearly everyone on Enterprise is on leave and will be here."
I nodded. "Have you decided when and what time?"
"Yes, if you're available this afternoon, everyone can be here by 1600 hours, if that's alright with the two of you."
"Sounds great to me." Jonathan smiled. "Are the men invited? I was hoping to get to observe."
I frowned. "I will act appropriately, Jonathan, Hoshi has explained in great detail what to expect."
"That's all right, and yes, several men have asked to be included. We have some unexpected visitors who plan to attend too, but I think I'll save that as a surprise; one that can be controlled." Hoshi giggled as she took in Jonathan's neck and the bite marks. "You might want to see a Doctor, Admiral."
"Thanks a lot Hoshi," he said sarcastically, "We're headed there next. Well Malcolm, you said you had something for T'Pol to sign?"
"Yes, I do, Sir. T'Pol, I would like for you to trust me and sign this, you don't have any business reading it in your condition. It's a complete breakdown of events going back to Salanacon, it includes details of what happened there and very explicit information regarding your injuries. It also includes recent events. Everything that is in here you had first hand knowledge of, I promise there is nothing that we haven't already discussed."
Malcolm set the affidavit in front of me. Without reading a word of it, I leaned in and signed it and gave it back to him. "Thank you Malcolm. I appreciate everything that you have done, and everything you have suggested." I dropped my eyes. Malcolm had turned red again.
"Malcolm, if anyone comes looking for us we're headed for Sick Bay." Jonathan patted him on the back. "Yeah Malcolm, thanks for everything."
ooooo
"My goodness, Admiral, have we had an altercation?" Phlox looked at me and grinned. "Let's see to the Admiral first, then I want to have a serious look at you, T'Pol, make sure everything is as it should be. Why don't you go into the office and wait. This could take awhile."
"Very well, but I had planned to stay; Phlox, are you sure I couldn't be of more help here?"
"No, no I assure you I am quite capable. Dr. Sural will be joining me momentarily. He has been helping me here and then returning to the Vulcan Compound when we are finished with rounds. He expressed a desire to assist when you and the Admiral arrived."
"I see." 'No doubt he intends to interrogate me, who said Vulcans are not curious about Humans and their sexual prowess.'
I proceeded to the office and found a spot where I could quietly meditate. I had reached my quiet place when someone nudged me. Startled, I opened my eyes. Dr. Sural stood over me. "We are ready for you T'Pol. You looked very peaceful just now, I trust that your three week medical leave agreed with you."
"Yes it did, and thank you Doctor, I understand you were the one who suggested it to Starfleet." I followed him into the examination area.
Jonathan was sitting up on the edge of one of the bio-beds his bare chest showing. His scent was strong. I was aware of what I had done to him, but knowing that Phlox and Dr. Sural knew as well, unnerved me. I had definitely shown dominance over my mate, claiming him like animals claim their territory and their mates. My desire to dominate was still there. I took a deep breath trying to calm myself.
Dr. Sural seemed to pick up on the change that was taking place in me and looked at me in surprise. "Perhaps, it would be best if you put your shirt back on Admiral, unless I'm mistaken you're having an unusual affect on T'Pol." I turned a deeper shade of green.
Phlox immediately approached me with his scanner. "Oh, yes you definitely are Admiral. How interesting. My, my T'Pol, our hormones are certainly active today, aren't they." I licked my lips and looked away. "I believe we need to take a closer look at you, T'Pol. Here, take this gown and go change in the other room, please. It opens in the front."
"I don't want anyone touching me." I surprised myself with that comment. I also surprised everyone in there. "I'm sorry, I don't know what's come over me, Phlox."
Dr. Sural came around to the other side putting the table between us. "That's why we need to take a look at you, T'Pol. Now do as Phlox says, we'll give you a mild sedative when you come out, it won't put you to sleep but it should help you relax so that we can do our examination."
I nodded and took the gown from Phlox. I turned and looked once more at Jonathan. 'I am sorry that I hurt you Jonathan, I don't know what came over me.'
Thankfully the examination only showed that Jonathan had over stimulated me not realizing what the consequences of his actions might incur. Both Doctors agreed that being over active sexually wasn't going to harm me in any way. They made no such promises to Jonathan. They suggested he might try everything in moderation.
We spent the rest of the afternoon in our new quarters making arrangements to have our furnishings that survived the bombing moved to our new apartment. Neither of us could shop for foodstuffs so Malcolm and Hoshi promised to take care of everything for us. When they returned we were whisked away, it was time for the Baby Shower.
When we walked in I was amazed. I believe the entire crew of Enterprise was there. Phlox and Dr. Sural had also elected to attend. Ambassador V'Lar and her staff members, as well as staff members and colleagues from the Vulcan Embassy were also there. I spotted Admiral Marshall and several of his Attaches and Diplomats. Federation Council members were also in attendance; as I looked around I was astounded. I understood from Hoshi that a Baby's Shower was intimate, just a few friends and relatives of the parents to be. Evidently she had decided to invite half of Starfleet.
Hoshi must have sensed my uneasiness, "I'm sorry T'Pol, I was afraid that if I told you that several more than I thought wanted to attend, that you wouldn't even show up."
"I would never do that to you, Hoshi, but I must confess, what you described as small and intimate seems most unlikely now."
"I know, just when I thought I had everything figured out, I began getting phone calls. I only intended for it to involve the Enterprise crew, I may still be able to pull it off. How are you?"
I looked at her, not quite sure what she was referring too. "I'm sorry, Hoshi, exactly how do you mean your question?"
"Are you to tired to wait around a little longer than I anticipated? I don't know what the Doctors orders are?"
"I am fine, they suggested that Jonathan and I do everything in moderation. Other wise I have no restrictions at this time." Hoshi's face had reddened. At first I was confused. Then I realized she hadn't needed me to be quite that literal.
"I'm sorry Hoshi, logical replies, force of habit. I am fine, a little anxious, I'm sure I will be able to sit when and if I tire to much."
She nodded. "I am a little disappointed to tell you the truth, I had some really neat games planned. I'm afraid I'll have to keep it very dignified now. I was going to make the girls pair off against the men and make you all take turns putting a diaper on a baby doll blindfolded. The first one with the fastest time and the neatest job would win a prize." She sighed, "I had some really neat games lined up."
I didn't respond, I couldn't see that keeping things more dignified was a liability. Perhaps I should be pleased that there has been such a large turnout. Her games sound strange indeed.
Making our way over to the tables I was pleased to see that Hoshi had provided vegetable trays and fruit and cheese trays for the guests. In the center was a very large diaper with an even larger safety pin. Closer examination showed a white cake decorated to look like a baby's diaper. How strange indeed.
"I'm really sorry T'Pol, we're not even going to be able to follow proper baby shower etiquette. At least we put a guest book out so that everyone is registering. I guess that with food, drink and conversation everyone seems comfortable. Damn, I really wanted to play these games." I could see several things listed on her padd and was relieved to find that it wasn't going to be possible. There was something called Birthing Babies Game, how absurd could that be. I also saw something called Mommy's Tummy Girth Game.
"T'Pol why don't you and Jonathan go over near the guest book and we'll set up a receiving line. Maybe that will move them in and out rather quickly." I was beginning to hope that that would not be the case.
People did just what Hoshi expected they would, they moved through the receiving line congratulating us. They signed the guest register, left their gifts on the adjoining table and proceeded to the refreshments; they then said their farewells and left, just as Hoshi had hoped.
I looked around and to my amazement several people were still there. V'Lar was seated with Dr. Sural and Phlox. Everyone from the Enterprise Bridge and Engineering were still with us. A few MACO'S who had protected me during the last few weeks had also joined us. Corporal Slater had been invited. Hoshi seemed to be waiting for something. Another half an hour went by and about half the room emptied out.
I saw Hoshi move to the front of the room. "Everyone, may I have your attention. If you will all gather around I have a few surprises lined up and we'll get this baby shower underway."
Now we were down to V'Lar, Dr. Sural and Phlox, the Enterprise Bridge Crew and most of Engineering. "This is more like it for what I had in mind. A cozy intimate baby shower coming up." Hoshi turned to me and grinned. I had hoped it would still be dignified. Something told me that would not be the case, I was destined to play her games; I could see it now.
Hoshi began the games with one that was to test how well my guests knew me. She started with where I was from, how long I had been on Enterprise, and what my rank was. I watched as they all wrote something down. Then she asked them if I had a sense of humor and if so, to describe it. I watched Malcolm as he immediately began to write, he filled his sheet of paper.
When the responses were read back I was surprised. All of them of course knew I was Vulcan and that I had been with them from the very beginning. They all knew my rank. Most of them knew that I liked to read, hated movies, and that I had some kind of large pet as a child, it was obvious that Hoshi had gotten a lot of her information from Jonathan. When it came to the question of whether or not I had a sense of humor, I wanted to know what Malcolm had written down so I confronted him.
He said that I had a dry, witty and very sarcastic sense of humor, he had also added that I had a temper, and that I most definitely was not emotionless. What shocked me most though was the fact that they all knew why I didn't like being touched. They knew that I was a touch telepath. I was still pondering the answers when I saw Hoshi coming toward me carrying ribbon. 'Oh no. What now?'
At the last minute she veered off and pulled Jonathan to his feet. He groaned but came willingly with her. "Jonathan, I want you to measure T'Pol's stomach at the widest part. T'Pol are you wearing your usual body suit under that robe of yours?"
"Yes, why." I was quite suspicious.
"I want you to let Jonathan under those robes a minute to measure you."
Needless to say they had quite a time with that game, they had to guess by cutting a piece of string themselves, guessing how much girth I had added so far, then see who was the closest to Jonathan's.
Hoshi had also insisted that Jonathan and I compete against one another to see who could diaper the baby doll the fastest but it also had to stay on and be neat. Neither of us could get the diaper to stay up when we picked up the doll. Finally the games ended and finding that I had faired better than I anticipated, I realized that I was actually enjoying the evening.
"Okay guys, its time for the gifts. Gather round, lets put the Mom and Dad to-be behind the table."
I have never seen so many baby articles of clothing. Names that I was totally unfamiliar with, too, like sleep sacks, bunting bags, booties, hooded sweaters, hooded bath towels, baby rompers, disposable diapers, bibs, even mobiles. It went on and on.
The gifts kept getting larger, high chair, diaper bags, crib, bassinette, and a formula sterilizing unit.
Then the gifts for the parents began to materialize, for Jonathan one Daddy's Diaper Changing Apron, for me a Pregnancy Massage Lotion Kit for stretched skin.
Then once again I opened something that I couldn't identify. Hoshi came over and undid it for me, it turned out to be a baby sling carrier, fascinating too, half a dozen positions for carrying the child, it included a very intriguing way of holding the child while nursing. All of the weight was shifted from the arms and wrists to the shoulders and back. I was extremely impressed. It would be perfect for bonding. I could also keep her with me while working.
I heard a commotion and looked up, my mouth dropped open, they had brought in something that I recognized as coming from Vulcan. "How?" I turned to V'Lar. It was my mother's nursing rocker that she had sat in for hours rocking and holding me, and my cradle. "How did you get these?" The tears welled up and I began to choke.
Jonathan was immediately at my side; "V'Lar asked me if we would like to have them after she learned you were pregnant. When I said yes, she sent for them immediately. I asked her to surprise you. I hope you're pleased." All I could do was nod. I walked over to the chair and ran my hand along the spindles and the back. Emotions again spilled over. "They just arrived two days ago, several of the crew offered to help with the refurbishing." I know I shocked V'Lar when I thanked her and gave her a hug. I wanted to thank the other guests for their beautiful gifts and had begun to make the rounds talking to each one, when Phlox and Dr. Sural broke up the party and told Jonathan it was time to take me home.
ooooo
During the next two months I spent time with Ral's victims, working with them, helping those who could be helped. We found families and reunited them with those who showed progress and were the most likely to be rehabilitated into a fairly normal life. Vulcan took some of the more critically injured ones back to Vulcan to work with them at P'Jem. Some would need special care for the remainder of their lives, unable to care for themselves, more would not make it.
ooooo
Vulcans carry their offspring ten months and I fully expected to do the same, but at 36 weeks into my pregnancy Phlox and Dr. Sural put me to bed. I spent the next four weeks flat on my back. It was maddening, I was frightened and the anxiety, not to mention the kicking, kept me awake more hours than not.
At 0230 hours, exactly 40 weeks from conception, I delivered. Jonathan was by my side and cut the umbilical cord and laid a beautiful, healthy baby girl across my stomach. She was six pounds, three ounces; and nineteen inches long; she was perfect in every way. She had my ears and complexion and her father's eyes and nose. We named her T'Les.
We were forced to remain in the hospital longer than was needed; they said they were just being cautious, they were overly cautious actually.
ooooo
The infant sling carrier is the most marvelous invention I have ever encountered. It has helped me in many ways. I was concerned that the injuries to my chest, elbows and wrists would hinder my ability to hold her for long periods, but the sling has enabled me to swaddle her against me with absolutely no discomfort. We both enjoy our time together it is extremely soothing and meditative. Early morning is my favorite time to be alone, rocking her, the stillness all around us. I love this time with her.
I could see the monitor blinking, coming to life, 'Who is trying to contact us at this hour?'
I covered T'Les's face and let her continue nursing and moved in front of the screen.
"Malcolm, do you know what time it is?"
"I know, but I knew that you would be feeding my Goddaughter now. I thought that you might want to hear this from me before the press comes calling.
"At 0245 this morning, Ral was pronounced dead by prison officials at Amnerest. T'Pol, the bastard hung himself in his cell. The coward hung himself. He could do those horrible things to others but he couldn't take it himself. He only made it six months in there." Malcolm seemed to be watching me, "Are you all right, T'Pol? Where's Jonathan?"
I nodded, as what Malcolm had just said, finally registered. "I'm fine Malcolm, I was just stunned, I hadn't expected it this soon. I'll be fine now. If I need to, I can call Jonathan."
"You sure? I'd feel better if you would go ahead and call him now, T'Pol."
"I'm fine Malcolm, really I am, thanks for telling me, now go to bed." I reached over and disconnected us.
I sat back down and continued to rock T'Les, letting her eat until she was content.
I also had a strange sensation, one of contentment, like a burden had been lifted from my katra.
Phlox was right I had needed closure to that part of my life so that I could move on. I believe Ral just did that for me.
Now, Jonathan, T'Les and I, really can begin a new chapter.
The End