A/N: There is an end and a new beginning.

Chapter Sixteen

Omega and Alpha

After SJ disposed of his and Lucas's gear he went to sick bay to see Anastasia. An order had gone out not to bother the Captain and to avoid the officer's hallway. SJ took a longer way around to get to sick bay.

The atmosphere was heavy with sadness and a certain amount of listlessness. When the Captain was down, so was his crew.

SJ found Anastasia in the small lab working on a set of slides and reports. She was so engulfed in her work she did not hear him arrive.

He whispered, "Ana?" She jumped and ran around the work desk into his arms.

"SJ, SJ, I'm so glad you're back," she quietly cried in his arms. "It's been a nightmare," she coughed in his chest.

"Come on, let's go into the office." He led her to the small office they'd been kicked out of by Dr. McCoy before he left. He locked the door and held her as she cried. Being only one quarter Vulcan, there were certain situations that still made him uncomfortable. Women's tears made him feel the worst. From watching his Human friends, he learned to say nothing and hold on tight.

"SJ, I've tried to be strong and not cry, it's just so sad. The Captain, he just got married and now he's alone. We worked so hard to try and help her. She was so tiny…"

"Ana, my father told us everyone did as much as they could. Of course you're going to feel sad. It is Human. I would not love you if you were unfeeling."

"But, SJ, Vulcan's are known for being cold and un…."

"Yes, I know, but we have been taught to suppress our feelings. They are still there, but buried very deep. Just recently my father told me to let my Human side show through more. I think, Christine is having an effect on him," he smiled, "are you better?"

She shook her head and she stood.

"This may not be the best time, but while I was gone these two weeks, I knew that I could not be separated from you much longer. It will be difficult, mostly for you, but…."

"Yes?"

"Anastasia Belham, would you consider marrying me?"

Ana let out a soft yell and jumped up and down, "Oh, yes, SJ, I'll not only consider it, but I accept." She kissed him deeply and he held onto her as if to never let her go.

Someone was trying to get into the office and SJ unlocked the door.

"Not again?" Dr. McCoy said, "What is it with this room, I may as well hang a red light over it. Get out. Now."

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After Mrs. Miriam Kirk's release into space, the crew tried to get back into a routine. They finally picked up the two scientists from Aliston 12. The Captain remained in his quarters except at night, when many a crewman would pass him quietly in the hall.

After a few days, SJ asked Lucas to be his best man and SJ informed his father and Christine that there would be another wedding.

Christine grinned and hugged Ana, "I'm so happy for you two."

"Thanks, Christine," she answered. Ana looked at her father in-law and thought she noticed a smile on his lips

Spock looked at his son and nodded. He shook his hand and put one hand on his shoulder, "Son, may you and Ana give the house of Sarek many children."

"Thank you, Father."

"Ana," Spock said, "May you find peace, happiness and love, as I have with Christine."

"Thank you, sir."

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One quiet afternoon, SJ and Anastasia went to the Captains quarters.

"Sir, we won't keep you. I wanted you to know that Anastasia and I will be married and we'd like you to do the honors."

Kirk smiled and said, "That's great news, I wondered how long before you would pop the question. I would be honored."

SJ quietly said, "Captain, I wish I could take your pain away."

Kirk smiled and reached out and patted his arm, "I know, SJ, I appreciate everyone's concern."

"Thank you, Captain, we'll get back with you later," Anastasia said.

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Dr. McCoy met Mr. Spock each morning in the Captain's office.

"Bones, please clear me for a short shift. The crew has to see that life goes on. I can't stay in my quarters anymore."

He glanced back and forth at his two best friends. Spock did a slight nod in agreement.

"Alright, Jim, I'll let you return to work. Spock it will be up to you to keep an eye on him."

"Doctor, and what would you have me do if the Captain…."

"Okay, you two, I'm right here. I promise, if I feel like I need a break, I will take one. Is that good enough?"

"Yes, Jim, I'm sorry, we just want to make it as easy for you as we can."

Kirk looked at Bones and Spock and said, 'I do appreciate all that you have done for me, but you know, I have to do the rest of the grieving process myself."

"We are here for you, Jim, but I agree, it's time for the crew to see their Captain," Spock said.

"Good, then, I'll report at 0800 for my shift."

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Smiles went all around the Bridge when their Captain returned to his chair. Lucas and SJ were at the helm and navigator. Finally something made SJ smile. He'd been as grumpy as a starving tribble.

The Captain said to SJ, "Change our course to 19.2, mark 17.0, navigator."

"Aye, sir, 19.2, mark 17.0."

"Ahead, Warp one, Mr. Kirk."

"Aye, sir, warp one. Engaging."

The Enterprise sped through space. The Captain read and signed his share of reports for the day. Near mid-day Lucas noticed SJ fidgeting in his seat. His brow was wet with perspiration.

SJ finally spun around to the Captain and said, "Captain, permission to leave my post, I'm not feeling well."

"Yes, Ensign, go ahead." The Captain motioned for another crewman to take his place and SJ ran to the turbo lift.

They heard a yell after the door was shut. The Captain turned and looked at Mr. Spock. The Captain quietly motioned for him to follow his son.

SJ ran from the lift to his quarters. His skin felt like thousands of bugs were crawling all over him. His heart beat as if it would tear from his chest. He had never felt so ill in his life. He drank two glasses of water and sat to do some meditation. His concentration lasted only seconds. He stood as his door was buzzed. He refused to answer.

"Spock, it is your father. Open please."

He gathered his fists and yelled, "No!" He slammed his fist to his table and broke the top in two.

His cabin door opened as Mr. Spock used the universal code only the top officers knew.

SJ turned to his father and cried out, "Father, something's wrong."

Mr. Spock caught his son as he fell to the floor. He felt his face that was flushed and moist. He picked him up and ran to the lift. He directed it to sick bay and brought him through the doors.

"Spock, what's wrong?" Christine asked.

Dr. McCoy came from his office and met him in the room. "Place him on the biobed. What happened, Spock?"

"I'm not sure, Doctor, he left his post in a hurry and I followed him to his quarters. He passed out as I entered."

The doctor and Christine ran their scanners over him. "He's having an adrenaline rush like I haven't seen in awhile. Spock, do you suppose…?"

"Yes, Doctor, I had suspected, it is his time of Pon Farr."

"His heart is racing off the charts," Dr. McCoy reached for the hypo from Christine. "That should help him to relax."

SJ awoke and inhaled deeply. "Oh please help me," he yelled. He thrashed in the bed swinging his arms at imaginary things. "Away, get away", he yelled again at the men.

Spock and Dr. McCoy grabbed his arms and strapped him down. He lurched at the tightness and pushed with his legs and snapped the straps off at their base.

"Nurse, get me a depressant. Hurry." Christine injected SJ and he finally relaxed enough for Dr. McCoy to scan his body again. "Spock, I hate to strap him down, but he's stronger than you when he's like this."

"Doctor, you must do what you have to do. His strength will increase as his agitation becomes worse."

McCoy stepped away and called the Bridge, "McCoy to the Bridge."

"Yes, Bones?"

"Could you come to sick bay for a moment?"

"On my way."

The Captain appeared quickly as he suspected the urgent call had to do with his ensign leaving the post quickly.

"Jim, we have to get to Vulcan. SJ is in his pon farr."

"Bones, but he's mostly human?"

"Let's talk with Spock."

Spock and Christine barely touched fingers as they stood next to each other.

McCoy asked, "Spock, did you suspect he'd be going through this?"

"Doctor, you yourself knew that it would be likely that he would. His genetics show less than half Vulcan, but more than a quarter. I had hoped this would pass him, but obviously it is his time."

He turned to his most trusted friend and before he could ask, the Captain said, "We'll change course to Vulcan and make way as fast as we can."

"Thank you, Captain, but what reason will you give Starfleet."

"Bones, didn't you want to pick up some more of that plant that Mrs. Sarek gave you?"

"Most certainly, sir. A few more medicines that the healers have collected for me, too.

"Very well, we're on our way." Kirk glanced at the restless ensign and knew it would be a difficult journey for him.

Kirk went to the comm and called to the Bridge, "Mr. Chekov, plot a new course to Vulcan. Tell Ensign Kirk to make it Warp 8."

"Aye sir, course change to Vulcan at warp 8."

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The crew on the Bridge wondered what was going on, but no one questioned the Captain when he entered. Lucas knew it had to do with SJ, but was uncertain. Perhaps the Ambassador wished to give his condolences to the Captain in person. Ambassador Sarek had more influence with Starfleet than most people were aware of.

He was tapped on his shoulder at end of shift by his replacement.

Lucas stood next to his father, "Lucas, I'll meet you in my quarters," he whispered.

Moments later he said, "Mr. Sulu, you have the conn. I'll send Mr. Scott to relieve you later."

"Yes, sir."

Lucas stood outside the Captain's quarters and waited for him. He knew SJ was in trouble when Mr. Spock had not returned.

Kirk came around the corner and said, "Come in, son." He quickly poured each a cup of coffee.

"Dad, what's going on?"

"SJ is going through the pon farr. Are you familiar with it?"

"Somewhat, sir. It's a male mating ritual that they occasionally have to go through."

"It's more than that, sit," the Captain gave his son a lesson in reproduction of the Vulcan species.

"Dad, what will happen, now."

"We have to get him to Vulcan. This can not be spoken of, I only tell you because of your friendship with SJ."

Lucas stood up and said, "I have to go see him."

"I don't think they'll let you in. He's in a bad way."

"May I be excused?"

"Yes, go ahead."

Lucas ran to sick bay down the hall. He was stopped by Christine at the door to SJ's room.

"You can't go in, Lucas."

"But ma'am, I have to see him."

"Not now, he's too ill."

"I don't get it, why can't I just see him?"

Mr. Spock heard the commotion in the hall, "Christine, let him in for a minute."

"Yes, sir."

Spock threw a look at her Lucas could not read. His mind went to his friend. The friend he'd been through so much with. He lay on the bed, tied by his wrist and thighs and ankles. Sweating and moaning. Dr. McCoy studied the monitors looking for an answer.

"He's more restful, now, Spock. I can't give him much more, I don't know what it will do to him."

Lucas was horrified. Anastasia sat in the corner, pale and withdrawn. He had a million questions, but feared to vocalize not one.

McCoy came around the table and whispered to Lucas, "I know it's hard to see him this way, but he'll injure himself if we don't. He can hear you, but he can't respond. Go ahead and let him know you're here.

Lucas nodded and stepped near his head. "SJ, it's Lucas. I'm here, buddy." SJ's heart monitor rose slightly. "I'll be right here, if you need me. Rest. We'll talk later."

McCoy said, "Spock, you need to sit down and take some nourishment."

"I assure you, doctor that I am not in need of food. Did the Captain say how long it would be before we got to Vulcan."

"Around 16 hours, yet. I won't even try to tell you to rest, I'll leave that to your wife."

Spock spoke softer to McCoy, "I appreciate you're concern, but I will remain."

"Okay, Spock. I'll be back later."

Lucas looked across the bed to Anastasia, pleading with her with his eyes. She sat up and looked at Mr. Spock, "Commander, I need to leave for a short time. I can relieve you later."

"Go ahead, Doctor."

Lucas and Spock sat in silence. Christine came in to bathe SJ's face and body. His hair was dripping in sweat and Spock wiped it continually.

SJ rolled from side to side. He opened his eyes and blinked several times. He turned to Lucas, but did not seem to know him. "It's okay, SJ. I'm here."

SJ yelled, "No! Father, help me." He pulled at the straps that bound his limbs, "Let me out of here," he yelled.

Spock spoke softly and said, "Spock, it is your time. Do you hear me?"

"Father, help me."

McCoy came running in and checked his vitals. "It's too early for another hypo."

SJ yelled as if in pain and thrashed around in the bed. Lucas held tight to his hand and he wanted to run from the room rather than witness the pain that his friend was in, but he remained.

SJ yelled, "Father, where are you?"

"Spock, I am here, son. Reach for me."

McCoy asked, "The mind-meld, Spock?"

"I must try. It could have adverse affects on him, but nothing else is available. I must prepare." Spock sat back in his chair. Anastasia entered quietly with Christine and Joanna.

Slowly, Spock stood and placed his hands on his son's face. "Son, I am here. Do not fear, you are not alone. It is the time of pon farr. You are safe. Relax my son, feel my energy, feel the safety of my arms. You will not fall, I am here."

Christine and Anastasia both wanted to cry. They had never witnessed a personal meld with his son.

SJ slowly relaxed. The monitor returned to normal and he slept. Spock fell into his chair and Christine administered to him. He said softly, "He will be fine for now. I have placed a field around his pain. He will rest."

McCoy asked quietly, "What about you, Spock? How will this affect you?"

"Doctor, as you know, I am a strong telepathic, but I too have experienced his pain. I can manage it."

"Can I get you anything?"

"No, but I am in need of rest."

Dr. McCoy half-walked, and half-carried Spock to the next bed. He was asleep at once. Christine went to his side and never left.

The Captain entered sick bay and saw his first officer lying down, "Bones, what's wrong with Spock?"

"Don't worry, Jim. He did a mind-meld with SJ. It was the only way we could comfort him. They are both resting."

Kirk asked Bones to join him in the hall. "Bones, SJ was never assigned a wife as a child. Spock refused to allow it. What will happen on Vulcan?"

"Your guess is as good as mine. I hope we don't have to go through anything like what happened to you the last time." He looked at the Captain and asked, "How are you tonight? You've had a long day."

"Yes, but it is a diversion from my thoughts."

"I suggest you get some rest. Doctor's orders."

"I will. Keep me informed."

"I will, Jim."

Anastasia sat across from Lucas on the other side of SJ. "Lucas, I went and did some research on Pon Farr. He will be okay. We will get to Vulcan in time."

"Anastasia, I don't know what I'd do without him," he remembered that SJ could still hear him. "You have to pull through, SJ, or I'll…I'll," he stopped and stared at his friends face.

Anastasia chuckled, "SJ, if you don't make it, I'll never speak to you again."

SJ's muffled voice whispered, "If you two would quit talking, I could sleep."

Lucas jumped back in his chair, "Oh my gosh," he laughed, "You scared the sh-," he stopped.

Anastasia wiped SJ's brow, "How are you babe?"

"I am much better, thanks to my Father. Where is he?"

"He's sleeping next to us," she answered.

Lucas looked at SJ and said, "I'll leave you two alone."

"No, not yet. I have to ask you something."

"Yes?"

"During the ceremony I have the right to ask for my closet friends to attend. I want you there."

"Yes, SJ. I will be there. What am I to do?'

"Don't worry, Father will guide you if I am not able to. And Anastasia, will you marry me on Vulcan?"

"Yes, SJ. Don't worry, I love you."

"And I, you. I must rest now…, I want the Captain, my Father and Christine there also. Joanna and Dr. McCoy if they would too, please," he closed his eyes and was asleep.

Lucas turned away as he felt a presence next to him. Mr. Spock stood silently and said, "Lucas, Anastasia, I will take care of the arrangements. Anastasia, do you have any questions, I know you are familiar with the ceremony?"

"No, Mr. Spock, I think I know what is expected of me."

"It is important that you all rest well. The heat and gravity are very different on Vulcan. I can assure you, it will be difficult to become acclimated."

Lucas replied, "Yes, sir."

Lucas left and found Joanna in their cabin. He fell into Joanna's arms with relief and exhaustion. "Joanna, where have you been all day?"

"My father wanted me to be rested in case the rest of the medical team needed help. SJ was too strong for even his father and my father to handle. They were afraid, I'd get hurt. I have been in and out all day, but you were too worried to notice."

"Jo, come rest with me." They wrapped each other in their arms and set the alarm for 0500. A few short hours of sleep, but enough to rally the soul.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

At the appointed time Mr. Spock helped his son into a clean uniform. It was too hot for the Starfleet dress uniforms.

"Father, I don't know if I can make it. I feel so weak. I feel I have lost control." Spock sat him down and he motioned to Dr. McCoy.

"I think he needs a stimulant, Doctor. The heat will not be good for him."

"I'll take your word for it, Spock. It's all a mystery to me."

SJ smiled and said, "For me too, Doctor."

When McCoy left, SJ looked at his Father and said, "Father, I am scared. I am embarrassed. This is so private, Father, they do not understand. I feel like I'm floating above my body."

"I understand, my son. We are among our closet friends. Our minds are one, listen to me and I will instruct you along the way. Lean on me. I will get you through this."

"Yes, Father," he looked up at him again and said, "I need you. I trust you."

Spock helped his son stand and they walked slowly to the Transporter Room. The group were beamed down to the marriage place of Spock's family. Ambassador Sarek and his wife met the group.

The gong was sounded and a group of male and female Vulcan's arrived in formal fashion. On a porter they carried Ta Pau', the highest ruler of Vulcan. The crew had been tutored on the ceremony and what to expect.

Through the mind meld with his father, SJ approached Ta Pau'. He offered the Vulcan hand gesture in greeting. "I am honored with your presence, Most High Ruler."

"It is once again an honor as your family meets for this most private time. There are out-worlders here, as you have requested. Since this is not a true meeting of pre-nuptials, we will proceed with your vows."

The gong sounded again. Ta Pau' called forth the wedding party. Joanna stood up for Anastasia and Lucas stood firmly with his friend. Mr. Spock continued his mind-meld with his son. In his weakened state he would not have been able to stand alone. The Ambassador and his wife, along with Spock, Dr. McCoy, Christine and the Captain stood in the half circle as witnesses.

"Spock, son of Spock S'chnT'gai is it your wish to take Miss Anastasia Belham as your wife, to teach her, to encourage her in the ways of the Vulcan's."

"Yes, Most High Ruler. She is the voice to my soul, the blood in my heart, and the one who brings me joy."

"Miss Anastasia Belham, is it your wish to take Spock, son of Spock S'chnT'gai as your husband, to teach him, to encourage him in the ways of the Human's?"

"Yes, Most High Ruler. He is the voice to my soul, the blood in my heart, and the one who brings me joy."

SJ began to wobble in the heat. In his mind he heard his father say, "A few more minutes, son. Take a deep breath."

Lucas quietly took SJ's elbow to steady him.

Ta Pau' said, "Spock, you may gift your wife with the IDIC of your family."

SJ slowly turned to his beloved and put the hand carved crest of the family on a braided rope around her neck. He looked down into her soft green eyes and held onto her arms for support.

"I will love you and honor you all the days of my life."

Anastasia was surprised he slipped in the Human version of the wedding vows.

"And, I, will love you and honor you all the days of my life."

The gong sounded and Ta Pau' announced, "And it is, until the end of time."

SJ nodded to Anastasia and then passed out.

Dr. McCoy and Christine were quickly at his side to inject a hypo.

SJ's grandmother spoke, "Can we get him out of the sun, Sarek. He will feel better than lying in this heat."

"Yes, wife. His friends will take care of him. Bring him to our home. We have a wedding feast to share."

Spock stepped forward, but the Captain saw what he was going to do and said, "Ambassador, we would all be honored."

The Ambassador turned to the Captain, and quietly said, "Our condolences, Captain, at your loss. It truly saddened us when we heard."

"Thank you, sir, I appreciate your kind words."

The group were led to an inner room that was cooler than the oppressive heat of Vulcan. Dr. McCoy gave him another injection. SJ returned to the group with Anastasia at his side. He gave them a weak grin and thanked them for attending the wedding with them.

Before they sat down McCoy slipped his Captain a small shot of brandy and took a generous shot for himself. There was a mix of Human and Vulcan food served to the guests. SJ's grandmother, Amanda kept up a lively conversation about young Spock's earlier days. Her husband at one time leaned over and admonished her for embarrassing their grandson.

"Grandfather, that is nothing compared to what I have been going through the last twenty four hours. Please allow Grandmother to tell her stories. I have sworn my friends to secrecy with blackmail."

Lucas laughed and looked across to his father, "Captain, it is all made up in his mind."

Kirk replied, "Yes, yes, I'm sure, but we'll talk later."

Chuckles from the human's were heard around the table. Mr. Spock had been quiet most of the day. His relationship between he and his father had never been easy. Occasionally Christine would grasp his hand under the table for support.

Spock kept a close eye on his son, who seemed to have turned a paler shade of green. He sent another message to him, "Is it time to leave, my son? You look weary."

Through his mind SJ answered, "Yes, Father, quickly. You understand."

Mr. Spock stood and said, "Mother, Father, it is time to return to the Enterprise." He sent a knowing glance to his Captain. "Thank you for the reception."

SJ wobbled to his feet. He slowly walked to his grandparents and gave his grandfather the Vulcan split finger greeting. "Live long and prosper, Grandfather," and he hugged his grandmother.

Amanda said, "Anastasia, welcome to the family, and thank you for the lovely geranium plants you sent. I will treat them like gold."

They hugged each other, stepped aside and Mr. Scott was given the order to beam them aboard.

SJ and Anastasia slowly walked to his cabin. Lucas said to his father as they left the Transport Room, "Dad, he looks so weak."

The Captain pulled his son up short and out of ear shot of the others, "Lucas, he'll be alright as soon as, they…."

The idea finally sunk in. "Say no more, Dad. I get it."

Mr. Spock and Christine looked in on Ana during their special time. Small meals and medical supplies were left in their quarters. No male was allowed to be near a Vulcan male during the pon farr. The husband would sense another male as a challenge. The desire to protect his mate is too strong to allow another male close by.

Dr. McCoy paced in sick bay for two days and finally called Mr. Spock into his office.

"Spock, are you sure that Ana will be okay and that SJ will not harm her?"

"Yes, I am sure. He will not hurt her."

Bouncing on his toes, he asked, "How can you be sure? Am I just suppose to trust you and hope for the best?"

"Doctor, if you do no accept the answer to your question, I suggest you refer to your medical books?"

"You pointed-eared hobgoblin, you know there is nothing in any medical book about pon farr."

"Indeed," he replied, "now may I return to the bridge where I am needed more there than here?"

"Of course, get out of here, but if anything happens to Ana..." McCoy yelled as the door slid shut. The words that escaped McCoy's mouth could not be repeated.