Chapter Ten

I Do, I Do, We Did

The Enterprise went onto Argen 3, and did the yearly physicals of the crews that were studying on the planet. A group of doctors and nurses beamed down to examine the 45 scientists that lived there. They were also suppose to pick up a young physician that was dropped off several months previous.

Captain Kirk remained on the Enterprise but sent Mr. Spock, Ensign Spock and Lt. Uhura to represent the ship and to deliver their much needed supplies.

"Spock, keep in touch," Kirk said.

"Yes, Captain, we won't be long. The Lieutenant has communication devices to set up. Ensign Spock and I will assist her, and return as soon as we can."

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Drs. McCoy's and M'Benga along with Christine, Miriam and another nurse went on ahead. The young physician had started a few of the physicals ahead for them.

She reported to Dr. McCoy, "Dr. McCoy, I am Dr. Anastasia Belham, I was is school with Joanna."

"She's down the hall, let me get her," McCoy said.

He returned with his daughter and Joanna said, "Anastasia, I didn't know you were the physician we were picking up?" they hugged briefly.

Anastasia had unusual bright green eyes that sparkled when she laughed, "I signed up with Starfleet right away and asked to be transferred to the Enterprise if there was an opening."

"We needed a specialist in your area, we lost our alien specialist."

"Yes, I heard that from Lucas when he was on Earth."

Dr. McCoy cleared his throat and said, "Ladies, can we have the reunion later, we've got a lot of work to do."

The both responded, "Yes, doctor."

Anastasia said, "I started blood work on all 45 patients, yesterday, sir, here are their results."

"Good, doctor, did you see any problems?"

"We have two who's blood sugars that are elevated and a couple with blood pressure problems."

McCoy said, "Let's set up the schedule, and get started."

The four doctors and nurses discussed the procedure and by afternoon half of the scientists had finished their physicals. By early evening all were completed and any problems were attended to.

Jenna said to Anastasia, "I'm glad you were here to help, we would have had to come back tomorrow."

"Glad I could help. I got to see how all of you worked so well together. It's a good crew."

Joanna replied, "They are the best. I'll fill you in when we return and you get settled on the Enterprise."

"Joanna, what is the Captain like? I heard he runs a tight ship."

She laughed and said, "So tight, she squeaks at times."

Dr. Leonard McCoy walked in on the conversation and said, "The Captain is very strict, but approachable. Jo, did you tell her he'll be your father in-law soon?"

Anastasia exclaimed, "Did Lucas finally asked? Congratulations."

She laughed and said, "Yes, and Dad let him, too," and she hugged her father.

"When's the big day?"

Joanna looked at her Dad and said, "We've got physicals for 430 crew members to do, but Dad worked out a few days to squeeze in a wedding."

"Don't let her fool ya, Dr. Belham, she picked the dates herself, I had no say in the matter. Well ladies, let's get our equipment and beam aboard, I'm tired."

Mr. Scott beamed aboard the doctors and nurses. The next group followed behind them.

Lt. Uhura said to Mr. Spock, "I can't believe it took so long to hook up everything. You would think that there would be universal hook ups to make things go smoother."

Spock said, "Yes, Lieutenant, you would think."

Dr. Joanna McCoy said, "Commander Spock and Lieutenant Uhura, I'd like to introduce Dr. Anastasia Belham. She's just transferred as our new Interplanetary Specialist."

Mr. Spock politely nodded and Uhura said, "Welcome aboard Dr. Belham."

"Thank you, Commander."

The Commander and Lieutenant were talking of their day as they left the transporter room.

Joanna held up Anastasia, "You haven't met Lucas's friend, SJ. He's our best man. He's boarding now."

Joanna called to SJ, "SJ this is my friend, Dr. Anastasia Belham, she's our new Interplanetary Specialist," she laughed, "you should find her 'fascinating'."

"Anastasia, this is Ensign Spock Jr., we call him SJ for short."

SJ held out his hand to shake hers and stared at her green eyes. He stammered and said, "It's a pleasure, Doctor. I hope you find space travel as gratifying as we do.

She looked at his deep brown eyes, and replied, "It's my pleasure, SJ and I'm sure we'll talk later."

"Good evening, ladies."

Joanna laughed at her friend and said, "Wow, that's a first."

"What?"

"SJ rarely says more than two words with people he just met. He's three quarters human, and a quarter Vulcan, but he's a lot like his father."

Anastasia just made the connection, "You mean, Commander Spock is SJ's father?"

"Yes, he is."

"Is his mother aboard, too?"

"No, she passed away when he was younger. He grew up with his grandparents on Vulcan."

After returning supplies to sick bay, she showed Anastasia around sick bay for a quick tour.

Dr. McCoy said to the two, "Joanna you two have tomorrow off, so you can give her the grand tour of the lady. I have to see the, Captain. Good job, ladies."

Joanna said, "I'll take you to your quarters. Medical teams all live on deck 5, where sick bay is located. Senior officers live on this floor also, in case of emergencies we can get to them quickly."

Anastasia carried a large duffle bag with her belongings. She showed her the code to her room and let her in.

Anastasia stepped in and loved her room immediately. "This is perfect, not too big, but big enough for my things."

"I'll show you how to use the food service replicator. Generally we are required to eat in the mess room, but if you're unable to make it then we use our own food service." They went through the instructions. "I'll leave you to settle. Your communicator is here. I'll see you after breakfast and we'll go on the tour.

"Do you think we'll see SJ?"

"I'm sure that can be arranged, " she smiled.

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Lucas stopped by for a late visit. Joanna was telling him about her day when she mentioned Anastasia.

"I know. That's all SJ talked about when he got back. Not many things get him this excited."

Joanna laughed, "And you think women are hard to understand…."

He snatched her from the couch, spun her around and kissed her passionately. "How many days until we marry?" he asked against her lips.

"Three more weeks."

"Too long, can we bump it up two weeks?"

"Why, Lucas, I thought we settled on that date?"

He pulled her tight against him and she could feel the meaning of which he spoke.

"Lucas, are you serious?"

"I couldn't be more serious," he smiled.

Joanna wiggled away from him and was thinking, "I'll ask Dad tomorrow and then I'll try to reach Mom."

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By mid-week, Lucas received a call to report to his father's quarters. It sounded serious, so he ran from his post.

He buzzed the door and his father called, "Enter."

"Yes, sir," Lucas said.

"Come in, son, I'd like a father, son chat."

Lucas followed him into his private quarters and began to think about his recent activities. He was sure he hadn't broken any regulations.

The Captain got each a cup of coffee and sat at the window. He smiled at his son and said, "Sit, you're not in trouble."

"Oh, good, I wasn't sure."

"I see, should I inquire any further?"

"Oh, no, I've been too busy to find any trouble. What's up, sir?"

"You're wedding has been moved up."

"Yes, sir, I didn't get a chance to tell you, we just found out, today."

"Dr. McCoy was afraid that, perhaps,"…he paused, "that maybe, Joanna…."

"Was pregnant?" Lucas asked indignantly. "Dad, really! We never….sir, never, uh, that is she wanted to wait, sir."

Kirk nodded his head and said, "Ah, I see, it's just that her father was a little concerned when you wanted to get married this soon and then you bumped it up two weeks."

Lucas stared at the table, "He could have come to me man to man, sir, instead of going through you."

"Don't get your shorts in a rumple. I was surprised you moved it up, too, we were just wondering what was the rush."

"I just didn't see any purpose in waiting," Lucas stood and went to the window. "Dad, have you ever been so in love, it consumes your whole being? She's all I think of all day long, I'm concentrating on my job, sir, it's just each breath I take, I want it to be next to her," he looked at his father.

Kirk smiled and looked far off, "Yes, son, I felt the same way about your mother, and someone else, too."

"Dad, what went wrong between you and Mom? I want to avoid the same trouble?"

"Well," he paused and thought, "it was the time and the distance apart from each other. She had to become more independent trying to take care of you and making decisions on her own. Every time I came back, it took longer to adjust. I wanted her all to myself when I returned, but she had a life, and didn't want to give it up. We finally grew too far apart. I was heartbroken for you, son. I hated leaving you."

Lucas nodded and sat at the table again, "It was the worst time in my life, Dad. I don't want you to feel guilty. I understand your love of exploring space, it's like a drug. I just don't want to leave Joanna behind. I can't."

"Then don't, no matter what Starfleet throws at you, you take her with you."

Lucas nodded and looked at his father and asked, "Who's the someone else, you spoke of?"

His father looked down at his cup.

"Is it, Miriam, Dad?"

"It can be lonely at the top," the Captain thought to himself. "I'd rather keep that to myself," he said aloud.

"Dad, it won't go any further."

The Captain reached across the table and gently cuffed his son in the head. "Another time. Now, do you have your dress whites cleaned and pressed?"

"Yes, sir, I'm ready. I'll be moving some of my things into Joanna's cabin today and tomorrow."

"Alright, I guess I don't have anymore 'fatherly' advice to give you. Any questions, son?"

"No, I guess not," he paused.

"You're sure?"

"No, I'm okay, thanks."

"Lucas?"

"Yes?"

"I'll talk with Bones for you and set him straight."

"No, sir, I think I should."

"Alright, go ahead."

"See you, Saturday, Dad."

"Yes, you will."

Before Lucas returned to duty he went to sick bay. He had to wait for Dr. McCoy to finish with a patient. Joanna was not around so he waited outside his office. He heard Dr. McCoy's voice and stood up straight.

"Hello, Lucas, can I help you?"

"Yes sir, can I speak with you in private, sir?"

"Yes, come into my office," he held the door open for him to pass.

"Have a seat."

Lucas sat up straight and waited for Dr. McCoy to speak.

"Yes, Lucas, what can I help you with?"

He didn't want to sound angry with his future father in-law, so he tried a more adult approach, "I just spoke with my father about your concerns, and I want you to know that I can assure you that Joanna is not in a 'motherly' way, sir. We, as hard as it has been, have agreed to wait until we were married to….have, that is, we… wanted to wait and, uh, have relations after we were married, sir. It was my decision to move up the date two weeks, because I was finding it harder to...remain…pure, sir."

He took a deep breath to continue, but Dr. McCoy held up his hand and said, "I am at loss for words, other than, I am proud of the both of you."

"Well, sir, it is more from Joanna's strength than mine."

"I can, imagine. Is there anything else, Lucas?"

"No, sir, I believe that is it." He stood and shook the doctors hand and said, "We'll see you on Saturday, then."

"Yes, I'll see you then. Have a good day."

"Thank you," Lucas breathed a large sigh of relief when he was out of ear shot. He finished up his shift and delivered an armful of things to Joanna's quarters.

Joanna laughed when she saw him, "Don't you have a duffle bag? You're carrying your underwear for all to see, Lucas. Here, maintenance delivered a new dresser for you, and it's set into the wall already."

She helped him fold his clothes, military style and said, "This is the last time I do this for you."

"Don't worry, I don't expect you to do things that I've been doing for myself for years." They closed the drawers and touched each others hands. He stroked her face and whispered, "Can you believe it, that in three days, you'll be Dr. Joanna Kirk?"

"I'm so glad I let you talk me into moving it up."

Lucas dropped his hands and said, "I had a conversation with my father and your father today."

"You did, about what?"

"It's funny now, but at the time I was angry. Let's go sit in the other room." He flopped down on the couch and she stretched out next to him. "I don't want you to be mad, but your father was afraid that because we wanted to get married so soon and then moved the wedding up two weeks earlier, that maybe you were pregnant."

Joanna sat up quickly and said, "That's why all of the odd questions. He kept asking if I felt okay, did I have anything I wanted to tell him, and he kept staring at me. Lucas!"

"I know, I know, my father came to me first. We talked and I assured him that it wasn't possible and then I met with your father this afternoon. I think he was surprised that we had wanted to wait until after we were married to have, relations. I, of course gave you all of the credit, my love."

"Lucas, it makes me mad, that's our business, not theirs. I'm so embarrassed."

"Joanna, I kind of got pulled into it. I would have never told either one of them, but your father was worried. So, let's not bring it up to either of them and enjoy our wedding day."

Joanna growled, "Lucas, I can't believe that here, I'm a doctor and my father wants to know about my sex life. I need to say something to him."

Lucas held her tight and said, "Oh, no, you're not saying a word to him. I took care of it. Just try to see it from his point of view as a father worrying about his daughter. It doesn't matter. Just sleep on it and promise me you won't say anything to him."

"I'll sleep on it."

"And promise me you won't say anything to him. Only three more days and we don't want any family disturbances. Okay?"

There was a long silence and she finally conceded. "Alright, I'll try not to say anything."

"I have to go, I have to be on duty early tomorrow. I'll bring by a few more things tomorrow night."

"And that's the last time I want to see you before our wedding."

"What for?"

"I just want you to be, I don't know…"

Lucas interrupted and said, "Longing, pining, desperate, thirsting, and yearning for you?"

Joanna laughed out loud, "That should do it."

"Oh, girl, you're driving me mad."

"Good night, Lucas."

He kissed her as he left and once again ran out of her cabin because he did not trust himself.

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The wedding with about 100 friends and family gathered in the recreation room. Lucas and Joanna's friends had decorated the room. There were tables for the food and sitting while a band of their musical crew mates set up in a corner. The interstellar communicator was showing Joanna's mother every second of the wedding.

At the appointed time Lucas, SJ and the Captain stood at the front near a small podium. White and lilac flowers decorated the area. All were in dress uniforms and Lucas was in his dress whites. His blue eyes twinkled as he waited for his bride.

SJ leaned over and asked, "This is where you can bail out, if you want."

Lucas whispered, "Not for a million star ships to command."

The music started and Lucas turned to see Joanna in a simple white dress, with small glittering rhinestones and carrying a white and lilac bouquet on the arm of her father. His knees almost buckled at her beauty and tears moistened his eyes.

As they neared, Lucas could see tears coming down Dr. McCoy's face. He glanced at his father who also had tears in his eyes.

The Captain cleared his throat and asked, "Who gives away this woman?"

"I, do, Captain." McCoy placed her hand on Lucas's left arm and kissed his daughter.

She whispered, "Thank you, Dad. I love you."

He answered, "I love you, too."

Joanna turned to Lucas and they smiled at each other.

The Captain said, "As I've said before, this is the one job as Captain that I thoroughly enjoy, and since I am marrying my son,…" his voice cracked, "to his beautiful bride, it is more special for me."

Lucas and Joanna faced the Captain and he said, "Let us begin. You two have known each other for years. Remember all those conversations you've had over meals, on quiet walks, in sick bay," chuckles were heard through out the room, "and the dreams and wishes you had for each other and for your future? Then at one moment you decided to marry. From that point on you were two people working out what you want, what you believe, and what you hoped for each other. The vows you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, "You know all those dreams we've talked about and the promises we made to each other, well, I meant it," he paused and then said, "Look at one another and remember this moment in time."

Lucas and Joanna looked at each other as if they were the only ones in the room. There was a hush over the room as the Captain said their vows.

"Lucas James Kirk, do you take Joanna Marie McCoy to be your wife? Do you promise to be faithful to her in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love her and to honor her all the days of your life?"

"I, do." Lucas said.

The Captain turned to Joanna and repeated, "Joanna Marie McCoy do you take Lucas James Kirk to be your husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love him and to honor him all the days of your life?"

Joanna answered, "I, do."

The Captain turned to SJ and Christine and asked for their rings. "Lucas as you place the ring on Joanna's hand repeat these words, "Joanna, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity."

Lucas repeated the words and Joanna smiled.

The Captain said, "Now, Joanna as you place the ring on Lucas's hand repeat these words, "Lucas, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity."

Joanna repeated the words.

"By the powers vested in me by Starfleet Command, I pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride."

Lucas held her face in his hands and gently kissed her once and then again, a little longer. The crowd hollered in excitement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present, Mr. & Mrs. Lucas and Joanna Kirk."

Lucas shook SJ's hand and he thought he saw SJ wipe a tear from his eye. "SJ, thanks for being here."

"It's an honor, Lucas."

Captain Kirk said, "Congratulations, you two, and may I kiss my daughter in-law?" Lucas nodded to his father. The Captain gathered her in his arms and kissed her forehead, "Welcome to the family, Joanna."

"Thank you so much for the beautiful words."

"Here's your father," he said.

"Oh, Dad, thanks, so much, let's go see, Mom."

Dr. McCoy squeezed his daughter and gave her a kiss, "Lucas, come along."

"Yes, sir."

Joanna's Mom was crying and said, "You're so beautiful, Joanna, I wish I were there, and Lucas you look very handsome."

"I wish you were here too, Mom."

Lucas said, "Thank you, ma'am."

Her mother said, "Leonard, make sure she stays safe on that ship."

Dr. McCoy cringed on the inside, "I will, but now she has Lucas to help, too. Don't worry."

Her mother said, "Have a great time, dear and contact me in a few days."

"I will, Mom, bye."

The reception began with a wonderful meal of various specialties of different cultures. Champagne flowed along with strong coffee. The band began playing soft music and announced it was time for the bride and groom's dance.

Lucas and Joanna touched head to head as they started, but then Lucas began to swirl her around the dance floor as if they were floating. Towards the end other couples were invited to join them.

Joanna had asked for an old tradition of the father daughter dance. Dr. McCoy took his daughter in his arms and spun her around. Joanna laughed, and near the end of the song laid her head on his chest. "Dad, this is the best day of my life. Didn't the Captain do a great job?'

McCoy squeezed her a little tighter and kissed her forehead. "Yea, I just about lost it."

Joanna giggled and said, "Me, too."

The dance ended and the night continued. Lucas and Joanna were dancing together when the Captain tapped his son's shoulder and asked, "May, I cut in, son?"

"Of course, Dad."

The Captain led Joanna slowly around the dance floor. "Captain, I want to thank you again for the wonderful ceremony."

He looked down at her, smiled and said, "We have to do something about being so formal in private. Do you feel comfortable calling me Jim?"

She leaned back and looked up at him and said, "I don't mind having two dads. If you don't mind me referring to you as Dads?"

Kirk smiled from ear to ear. "I think I'm going to like having a daughter." He kissed her forehead and led her back to Lucas.

Lucas and Joanna went around to visit with each person. When they had a free moment Lucas said, "Joanna, look over there, SJ and Anastasia have been sitting there for two hours talking non-stop."

"I know, I don't want to interrupt them. They look so serious."

Just then Mr. Spock looking handsome in his dress uniform walked up to the couple with Christine and said, "Lucas and Joanna, we want to offer our congratulations."

"Thank you, sir," they answered in unison.

"You're very beautiful, Joanna, and I hope Lucas knows how lucky he is to have someone as special as you."

Lucas answered, "I do, Christine, thank you."

Joanna said, "Christine, I was so honored that you accepted my invitation to stand up for me at the wedding. It meant a lot to us."

Christine answered, "I was happy to do it. I hope you will be as happy as Spock and I have been."

"Me, too, Christine," Joanna replied.

"Live long and prosper, Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Kirk." Spock said giving them the Vulcan greeting.

"Thank you, sir," they answered. They watched as Spock and Christine walked away touching hands discreetly.

Lucas and Joanna went to sit with SJ and Anastasia, but they were not at the table. They were interrupted by many people offering congratulations. The night wore down as crew mates slowly returned to their quarters. A few die-hard partyers hung on and Lucas tugged on Joanna's hand.

"It's time for us to go, let's go say good night to our fathers."

Dr. McCoy was telling a funny story with the Captain and Mr. Scott when they walked up, "Dad, we're leaving, now. Thank you for a lovely wedding."

He hugged his daughter one last time and shook Lucas's hand, "Take care of her, son."

"I will, sir, I promise," he turned to his father and said, "Thank you, Dad for everything, for helping me be the man I am becoming."

Captain Kirk shook his son's hand, "I'm very proud of you, son. Don't ever forget that. And Joanna, good luck."

They all laughed and the newly married couple left for their quarters.

Every few steps Lucas stopped to kiss his bride. When they got close to their door, Lucas asked, "What do you think happened to SJ & Anastasia?"

Joanna laughed and said, "They probably found a more private space to finish their conversation."

At their door Lucas lifted Joanna in his arms and carried her over their threshold. They turned on the do not disturb sign and he set her down in their bedroom, and began a lifetime together.