Chapter Ten: Union

Spock stood waiting outside of the shuttle bay, hands held behind his back. He waited quietly for the doors to open.

Soon enough they did and Sarek stepped in, looking as calm and serene as Spock had ever seen him. Spock nodded his head. "Father."

"Spock." Sarek looked around. "Your sister said she has been posted to the Enterprise. I thought she would have accompanied you."

Spock walked alongside his father down the corridors. "Michael is on duty right now. I am sure she will desire to speak with you upon completion. I am, however, grateful for this moment alone with you. I would like to speak to you about my marriage."

Sarek stopped walking. He turned to face Spock. "I am aware of your bond to Lieutenant Uhura, Spock. It would have been quite impossible for that news not to reach me. I was under the impression I was asked to come to your ship in order to witness the human ceremony."

Spock bowed his head. "I wanted to give you the opportunity to express your disapproval over my decision to end my bond with T'Pring."

Sarek's expression remained stoic as he looked over Spock. "You followed the traditions of our people. Yes, it is highly uncommon for a male to challenge, but it is not forbidden. Lieutenant Uhura won the right to your bond. It was an unorthodox win, but it was logical to spare T'Pring with our numbers so few. You have done nothing wrong."

Spock tightened his hands behind his back. "You were instrumental in the arrangement of my betrothal to T'Pring. You do not feel slighted that I rejected the pairing?"

"You and T'Pring had both found more suitable partners. After she had bonded to Stonn, her claim to you should have been nulled. As she had joined an association that had made previous attempts on your life, it would have been illogical for you to confirm such a bonding. Had I been on New Vulcan, I would have appealed to T'Pau about the decision to honour it." Sarek paused for a long time. He looked over Spock. "Your mother fought me on matching you. She said you should be allowed to find someone you loved. I did not find my own appropriate partner through such an arrangement. T'Rea and I were not suited to one another and your brother suffered for it. Despite my own experiences, I chose to pair you. Matching you to T'Pring was an attempt on my part to quell criticisms that I was becoming too enamoured of humans. It was a rash, illogical decision. In many ways, I am relieved you rejected the pairing."

Spock finally raised his head, feeling the weight lifted off of his shoulders. "Your thoughts on the matter are appreciated, Father."

"You have been involved with Lieutenant Uhura for many years now. Have you not introduced me because you thought I would disapprove?"

Spock gave a slight nod.

"A regrettable reflection of the state of our relationship... And disrespectful to your wife. I have seen Lieutenant Uhura's records and she seems an impressive woman. It is unfortunate your hesitance prevented your mother from meeting her. I look forward to meeting her now." Sarek began to walk again. "I know we are not to speak of such things, but may I recommend that you- as soon as Starfleet allows you- put in leave for two weeks for your seventh anniversary? It may save you some difficulties."

Spock nodded. "Both Nyota and I have already made the request. It is apparently not uncommon for Vulcans to make such requests so far in advance."

"A logical decision on their part." Sarek put his hands behind his back. "You have been bonded for thirty days now. How is your adjustment?"

Spock arched a brow. "Father, are you asking what in the human parlance would be: 'How's married life'?"

Sarek nodded. "That appears to be the case."

Spock considered the past month aboard the Enterprise. "Very well. Nyota and I spent several days after our bonding recovering from the experience. We were back on our proper rotation by the time we reached Altair VI. Very little of our day-to-day lives have been altered. We had previously lived as bondmates prior to this experience. I have been studying a species of succulent I believe contains an enzyme that can be reproduced and used as an analgesic. Nyota has been devoting time to launching a probe that we hope will reach the gamma quadrant in..."

"Spock," Sarek said firmly.

Spock went quiet. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. "I had no comprehension of what a bond was before now. I was connected to Nyota before, but to be truly bonded to her has altered who I am. But in a way that I feel like this is always who I was supposed to be. I am complete."

Sarek nodded. "Then your decision was not only logical, Spock... It was right ."

Nyota looked in her mirror, playing with her hair. She was just wearing it in her typical ponytail. Should she have done something fancier? Worn it down? She then closely inspected her dress. It was simple. Just a light, white sun dress she had gotten when they were at Yorktown, waiting for the Enterprise to be rebuilt. It was just a simple thing to wear when she was off duty. Nice enough that she wouldn't feel like a permanent part of the comm system, but not too nice that she would feel silly wearing it for no reason. The only jewelry she wore were her Vokaya amulet and the earrings Spock had given her. "I shouldn't wear a dress, should I? I could just wear my uniform?"

"I don't know," Michael said, shrugging. "You wore your uniform to your last wedding and look at how that turned out. You broke two ribs."

"Did I?" Nyota rubbed her chest, frowning. "No wonder that's been sore."

"Aye, Lassie." Scotty took a hold of her hands. "Ya look pretty as can be. Spock won't know howta handle ya."

Nyota smiled and squeezed his hands. "Thanks for doing this, Scotty. I really wish my parents could be here, but..."

"Ah, ya just gotta make him marry ya again on Earth," Scotty laughed. "Third times t'charm."

Michael smiled. She stood up and adjusted the blue tunic she wore. "He'd do it too."

Michael then put a hand on Nyota's shoulder. She turned and embraced her sister-in-law. "Take care of him," Michael whispered.

"Always."

"Right then!" Scotty held out his arm to Nyota. "Off we go. Time we getcha hitch."

Nyota took Scotty's arm and allowed him to lead her into the corridor, Michael taking the lead. Michael opened the door to the recreation room. She gave Nyota an encouraging smile. "Don't be so nervous. You don't have to fight anyone this time."

Scotty's brow furrow. "Lassie, ye ever gonna tell us what happened at yeh first weddin'?"

Nyota shook her head slowly. "Nope."

The rec room was filled with members of the crew. They were watching Michael walk down the aisle. She then stood at the front on the 'bride's side'. Demora Sulu then skipped down the aisle, tossing petals into the air. When she went off course, Hikaru went running after her but was not in time to stop her from sending flower petals all over Spock. Nyota giggled softly. She was so glad Hikaru had gotten a special dispensation for Ben and Demora to live on the ship.

And there he was, calmly brushing petals off of his shoulder. Her husband. He was standing next to McCoy, who was serving as best man. The Captain stood at the front. Spock was dressed in his uniform, a very logical choice for him to make. Still, he looked incredibly handsome. Nyota might be one of the only people to realize his measured expression was actually one of great joy.

Scotty led Nyota down the aisle. She was smiling at her fellow crew members. She met eyes with Sarek and saw his brief nod of approval.

Finally, she was at the front. She raised two fingers up. Spock's hand shook as he brought up his own fingers, pressing the pads to hers. She looked up into his dark eyes and she thought her heart might just burst.

She could feel the love and affection radiating off of Spock. He wanted to wipe any lingering memory of their previous ceremony away in favour of this one. He thought she was beautiful and perfect and most of all... His.

Nyota was so very tempted to just forget the ceremony and get on her tip-toes to kiss him in front of everyone. Spock read her thoughts and arched his eyebrow at her, silently chastising her.

Kirk cleared his throat. "Since the days of the first wooden vessels, all ship's masters have had one happy privilege. That of uniting two people in the bonds of matrimony. And so we are gathered here today with you, Nyota Uhura, and you, Spock, in the sight of your fellows, in accordance with our laws and our many beliefs so that you may pledge yourselves to one another. I have known both of you, for so many years, over so many battles... We've lost friends. We've lost allies." He looked to Spock. "We've lost the unimaginable. But through it all, you two held to each other. You found strength in your love and devotion to one another. Since our very first mission, you have leaned on each other for the support you can only find from one another. I know that will continue to grow with each day. Spock, do you take Nyota to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto her forevermore?"

Spock gazed down at Nyota- his eyes smouldering- and he nodded his head. "I do."

Kirk then turned to Nyota. "Nyota, do you take Spock to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him forevermore?"

Nyota nodded. "I do."

McCoy handed a ring to Spock, while Michael gave one to Nyota. It had shockingly been Spock's idea to have rings. Nyota had thought he would brusque at the idea of one, not being part of the official uniform and because of his sensitive fingers. But he'd said he wanted to fully embrace the human marriage rites and that he wanted everyone to know that they belonged to one another.

Kirk continued on: "Spock and Nyota will now exchange rings as a symbol of love and commitment to each other. Rings are a precious metal; they are also made precious by you wearing them. Your wedding rings are special; they enhance who you are. They mark the beginning of your long journey together. Your wedding ring is a circle—a symbol of love never ending. It is the seal of the vows you have just taken to love each other without end."

Nyota placed the ring at the tip of Spock's finger and slowly pushed it on. "As a sign of my love... That I have chosen you... Above all else... With this ring, I thee wed."

Spock hand was shaking slightly when he started to place hers on. "As a sign of my love... That I have chosen you... Above all else... With this ring, I thee wed."

Kirk grinned. "And now by the power vested in me by the United Federation of Planets Starfleet, it is my honor and delight to declare you married. Go forth and live each day to the fullest. You may seal this declaration with-"

Before he could finish, Spock's arms were wrapped around Nyota's waist and he lifted her up, her toes just barely touching the floor. He kissed her firmly, deeply and long. She buried one hand into his hair.

Kirk laughed and began to applaud. "Well, okay then! Just keep doing that!"

Demora threw another handful of petals at them, which neither Spock nor Nyota cared were fluttering all over them.

When Spock finally pulled away from Nyota finally, he couldn't seem to move himself too far away. He pressed his forehead to hers. He was absolutely beaming, his smile taking up his whole face. Nyota touched his cheeks, smiling back at him. "You're going to lose your reputation, Mister Spock."

"I disagree," Spock replied. He kissed her once again, still smiling in the kiss. "Being overwhelmingly happy right now is absolutely logical."

Being that they were on an active ship, people came and went from the celebration of Spock and Nyota's wedding. However, the Captain had arranged the duty roster so their closest friends would be able to revel long into the night.

Spock wasn't sure he much liked for such care being taken to keep them in the rec room at the party. He would have preferred to quietly slip back to their quarters and privately celebrate with Nyota. They had been abstaining from sex for a month, recovering from the Pon Farr experience. Spock himself felt quite recovered.

But she was smiling up at him happily, gently rubbing her fingers against his. Her absolutely contentment flowed over their bond.

Leonard stood up, holding up his glass. "Well... As Best Man, I oughta say a thing or two. Spock... You're a weird guy. My God man, I've never met a weirder guy. This cold, emotionless logic machine... Who also happens ta be one of the most lovin' 'n protective boyfriends- now husbands- that I've ever seen. That just don't make a lick a' logic . But then it does. Because you're also one of the most frustratingly smart guys I ever met. And you used that big brain of yours to realize... You ain't never gonna have it better than that beautiful lady next to you. And you were gonna do everything you could to hold onto her... Today, just when I think you can't surprise me anymore, when you're declared husband and wife, you give us an emotional scene that brings the house down. I am real happy for you two. Of course, Lieutenant, I'd like you to report to sickbay tomorrow for a full psychiatric eval. Because seriously... This guy?"

Nyota leaned in and hugged Spock's arm. She tilted her chin up towards him. Spock found he couldn't resist leaning in to kiss her once again. There was a loud 'awwwww' from the assembled group.

When they parted, Michael stood up. "I guess it's my turn. When I first came on the ship, Spock told me to save up all of my embarrassing stories about him until now. So what will it be, Spock? The dinner party on Andoria? Or that time at Grandma Grayson's house? Or when you did a semester on the Discovery and you grew that beard? And then you asked me if it would look better as a goatee?"

The assembled crew laughed. Michael shook her head. "It didn't look better... But no, I think the right story to tell is when I fell in love for the first time. And you, my little shadow, did not understand why I wanted to be around this human boy for hours and hours rather than you. So I tried to explain love. And you said to me that love was simply a biochemical trick on the brain in order to propagate the species. So cut to sixteen years later when I'm hearing all about Cadet Uhura. Cadet Uhura is so intelligent. Cadet Uhura can speak eighty percent of the languages spoken in the Federation..."

"Eight-three percent," Spock interrupted.

Michael shot him a look. "Eighty-three precent. I'm teaching Cadet Uhura the ka'athyra. Cadet Uhura is teaching me to dance. So after months and months of this Spock stops in the middle of our subspace chess game and says. 'I believe my biochemistry is playing a trick on my brain in regards to Cadet Uhura.' So I said..."

"Took you long enough, dummy," Spock murmured along with her, speaking into Nyota's hair. Nyota gave a small giggle.

Michael smiled fondly at Spock. "But you know it's not a trick now. You're all grown up, Little Brother. And I think being here, watching this next phase of your life is going to be... Fascinating."

Michael looked to Nyota. "Now, I know I wasn't your first choice of Maid of Honour. I'm really sorry Gaila's transfer is still being held up. But I thought I'd do what I could to make up for it. I doubt this is as good as you could do it, but I tried my best..."

Michael held up an oversized PADD and turned it on. An image of Gaila appeared. She waved. "Hi Ny-Ny! I can't believe you're getting married without me." She pouted. "I think Captain Kirk is holding up my transfer so he'll still be the best looking person on the ship. I'm so happy for you and Commander Spock. I will never forget having to distract Captain Pike so you two could have a quick smooch in the Commander's office. Now I would've done something a lot more fun in there. Now you better keep smooching each other behind Kirk's back and maybe every once and a while do something a little more fun. "

Spock's eyebrow rose. Nyota covered her face with her hands. Spock placed a hand on the small of her back.

Gaila then looked stern. "Commander, you better take care of my Ny-Ny. She deserves all the best. And you're welcome for the package I sent in the next transport!"

Spock tilted his head. He wondered what she had sent. Cadet Hexis-Kyse had always had illuminating tastes.

Finally, Sarek rose. Spock cast a worried look to Michael. Certainly, the speech from Gaila was not something the Vulcan Ambassador was probably used to hearing.

"My son..." Sarek said. He then nodded to Nyota. "My new daughter. My Amanda used to say that whatever Spock did, he would have a proud mother. I can say with certainty that would be true this day more than any other. I only wish she were here to share in your..." He paused. "In your joy. May you both live long and prosper."

Without another word, Sarek sat back down. With speeches over, someone began to play music. Spock held out a hand to Nyota.

"What are you doing?" Nyota asked.

"I believe it is customary for the bride and groom to dance." Spock took her hand and led her in front of the crowd. He pulled her to him.

"You don't have to do this," Nyota whispered, but she relaxed in his arms.

"It would be illogical for me to pretend I do not know how," Spock replied, rubbing her back. "My sister has already told the entire crew you taught me."

Nyota put her head on his chest. Spock didn't say that he knew she liked to dance and if she was going to do it, of course, he wanted to do it with her. He also didn't say that he liked having a socially acceptable reason to keep her close to him because he had become what she kept calling a 'cuddlebug'.

But he didn't need to say any of that. Nyota knew it all already. She knew everything about him. All of the good, all of the bad. She could turn around and leave him a broken man for all of the irritating things he'd done and would still do. But she didn't.

Because she chose him. And after a lifetime of feeling torn between two worlds, Spock knew where he belonged. It was where he had always belonged. On the Enterprise, with Nyota Uhura in his arms.

Author's Notes: Part of Kirk's speech comes from "Balance of Terror", while I took a line of McCoy dialogue during his best man's speech from "Amok Time".