I woke in the Enterprise sickbay, as soon as I opened my eyes Spock was by my side. He took my hand and helped me sit up.
"Spock?" I whispered. "How did I…" I started but Spock put one finger to my mouth.
"No questions for now." He stated.
I raised my eyebrow at him.
"You have been through quite an ordeal. You are to rest." He dropped his hand as Jean-Luc and Dr. Crusher came into the room.
"Grace, how are you feeling?" Jean-Luc asked clasping my hand.
"I'm not sure." I whispered. I noticed something was different, it was quiet inside my head. I glanced at Spock. He nodded but stayed silent. "Dr. Crusher, do I have to stay here?" I asked.
"Now that you are awake, you are free to leave." She turned to Spock, "she will need to continue to rest for a few days. Limit her visitors, nothing taxing. I will send the medication to the replicator in your quarters."
"Understood." He replied. Spock turned back to me and extended his arm, "this way."
I took his arm and allowed him to lead me, as soon as we exited Sickbay two guards followed as we walked.
"Guards?" I questioned quietly, looking at Spock.
"Hand picked by Mr. Worf. You are completely safe." Soon we arrived at the VIP quarters on the Enterprise. "We will no longer need to be in separate quarters."
When we entered, Spock led me to the couch under the windows. I could see we were in the Starbase dock. I sat on the couch and Spock went to the replicator and brought back a glass with carrot-orange juice in it. I smiled and took the glass from him, taking a small sip. I tried to read what he may be feeling but all was quiet.
"Are we no longer bonded?" I whispered.
Spock sat next to me, placing his hand on my leg. "We are still bonded. I have dampened your ability using our bond and medication prescribed by Dr. Crusher. You were injured during your ordeal, we are allowing you time to heal."
"I pushed too hard?" I asked, "with the Romulans?"
"Yes," he gave me a small smile, "it was what you did that allowed us to find you. Something you did caused them to drop their cloak long enough for us to locate you and beam you out. I intend that you will never be in that situation again."
"He was going to rape me." I whispered. "They wanted to send me back to you carrying a Romulan."
"And again, Sela would have been too late." He stated plainly, and gave me that raised eyebrow, the one that I now looked forward to seeing.
"Too late?" I asked, not sure what he was talking about at first, then as I opened my mouth to ask him another question it dawned on me. "Because I am carrying a Vulcan?"
"Technically, two Vulcan males."
My jaw dropped, "two?"
"Yes, two." He stood up, "Your brother Tessius and his wife will be here later this afternoon, the federation ambassador's staff called him when you disappeared. Now, no more talking, you must rest."
I knew when Tessy arrived, I could hear him arguing with the guards in the corridor. "That's my brother." I announced to Spock. The door slid open and Tessy walked in. Tessy made a beeline for me where I was sitting on the couch, I stood and walked into my brothers' arms.
"I prayed for you once I heard sis'." He kissed the top of my head. "I just needed to see you, touch you."
"I know." I backed away and spun slowly, "but see, I am good."
"No, you're not." He countered, "I can't feel you, your mind is quiet to me. What happened? Why were you kidnapped in the first place?"
"To hurt someone close to me." I declared as I sat the couch next to my husband. I glanced at Spock who nodded his head. "I am Ambassador Spock's wife."
"Wait a minute, what the hell are you talking about?" Tessy bellowed. "I saw you, what not even three weeks ago and now you are married to him? Why didn't you tell me?" He sat on one of the chairs near me.
"The silence was for my safety," I asserted quietly, taking his hands. "We told only a select few, it is not something you just broadcast over subspace, especially if there are security concerns."
"Obviously, someone found out and kidnapped you anyway."
"Yes, I unknowingly foiled their plans in a few ways, and once they found out I was Spock's wife, well they were not happy."
Tessy turned to face Spock. "Is this why she was called to the Enterprise? She was unmarried and convenient."
"Tessisus James Slattery, you take that back." I demanded.
Spock sat forward, grasping my hand. I felt his warmth as he responded to my blustering older brother. "Your sister was called to the Enterprise because I required someone with the telepathic strength to assist me in my time of need, I was in a deep trance. Grainne helped me pull myself out of the trance. Unbeknownst to me the Romulan's dosed me with drugs that later brought on Pon Farr. The Pon Farr began a few days after I was awakened by Grainne. I made my choice then; Grainne was the logical choice. She is young and vibrant, and her human emotions help counter my cold logic. She reminds me of my mother Amanda in that way."
Angrily, Tessy sneered, "with all due respect Ambassador, now that you know all this about what the Romulans did, do you intend to honor this bond or will you put her aside?"
"Tessy," I challenged, "what has gotten into you?"
"I intend to honor this bond, until death do us part. Isn't that what humans say in their vows?" Spock affirmed.
"Tessy, enough." I exploded, my head was beginning to hurt again. "I can't do this right now."
Spock stood, "I believe you will need to continue this visit some other time. Your sister was instructed to rest, and you have upset her," he motioned toward the door. "Please come tomorrow morning."
"Grace?" Tessy pleaded.
"Just go, I am tired, my head hurts." I whispered, putting my head in my hands.
I heard Tessy storm out of the room and my heart broke. Spock returned to the couch where I was still seated with a glass of water and a pill. He sat beside me quietly observing.
"I'm sorry Spock. I don't know what got into him." I murmured as I leaned against him, soaking in his warmth.
"He cares deeply for you, as many of us do." Spock stated. "He is used to feeling your emotions, he may not have known he was doing it until he could not. There is a bond in telepathic/empathic family members." Spock picked up one of my hands, "come you need to rest." He led me to the bedroom and sat with me until I fell asleep.
I awoke the next morning feeling refreshed. I was alone in the bed, and with my ability still dampened I did not know if I was alone in our quarters or not. I got up and walked to the outer room, Spock was seated on the couch reading something on a tablet.
"Good morning." He stated. "You slept well?"
"Yes, whatever Dr. Crusher gave me worked." I stretched.
"I am pleased." Spock stood and came to where I was standing. "Your brother has been here twice wanting to see you. If you are up to visitors, I suggest you contact him first."
"After a shower and breakfast, I will." I smiled at him, "only the VIP and senior officers' quarters on starships have real water showers. Being the wife of a living legend has it's perks."
Spock said nothing, but the raised eyebrow said everything.
Tessy and Mal arrived as I was returning my plate to the replicator. My brother was much calmer, perhaps having Mal by his side was tempering him. Did I tell you she is the best sister-in-law a girl could have? Mal was the first one to hug me.
"Grace how are you feeling?" she asked as we walked to the couch arm in arm.
"Better." I replied as we sat down still arm in arm.
Tessy followed us and sat quietly on my other side. He leaned his head on my shoulder.
I patted his hand, "I love you brother, you know right?"
"I know, and I am so sorry." He kissed my cheek, "when I thought we might lose you, and then I got here and…"
"My ability is not gone, just dampened while I heal." I looked at Spock where he sat at the table, giving us some space. "Spock explained it to me, siblings who are telepathic and or empathic share a type of bond. You did not notice until it was absent." Spock nodded acknowledgement before returning to reading and hovering from a distance.
"Are you happy little sister?" Tessy asked.
"I am."
"Then I am too." He patted my hand and rose. Tessy walked over to where Spock was seated and extended his hand, "welcome to the family Ambassador Spock. I apologize for my behavior last night."
Spock shook his hand. "Thank you."
Tessy walked back over and plopped down next to me. "So, are you allowed to leave these quarters yet?"
I looked over at Spock, he shook his head no. I turned to my brother, "apparently not yet."
"Well can I bring Nutmeg and Meagher to see you?" Mal asked.
"They are here? I would love to see them, but I think we should check with Dr. Crusher first." I stood and walked to the communication panel.
After conferring with Dr. Crusher, it was decided that a visit by two dogs I loved would be fine. Now to see what my Vulcan husband would think. Mal went back to their quarters and returned in a few minutes with both dogs. Nutmeg was glad to see me but gave Spock the French Bulldog side eye. However, I have to say she gives everyone she does not know, especially men, that look. Meagher on the other hand bounded into the room happy to have met more people to add to his circle of friends. Hundreds of years ago on Earth pit bulls were thought to be dangerous dogs, but I can tell you from experience that the only danger with Meagher was an overabundance of love and drool. I was surprised when I looked over and Spock was petting the drool monster, and Meagher was sitting calmly with his big old bully smile on his face. It was comforting to hear the thump of his tail as he made a new friend.
After about an hour I yawned, Spock stood motioning to the door. "Would you be so kind as to allow Grainne some rest?"
"Of course, come on Mal, let's go to the holodeck and give the puppies a good run." Tessy said, very agreeable this time.
Once Tessy and Mal were gone Spock came and sat next to me on the couch.
"Thank you," I leaned my head on his shoulder. "I am exhausted already."
"From the research I have conducted, that will continue through most of your pregnancy." Spock stated.
"Pregnancy, I can't seem to get that through my head." I whispered, putting my hands on my stomach.
"You are pregnant, Dr. Crusher assured me," he put one of his hands over mine.
"When will we return home?" I asked, "I find I am so tired of being here."
"Soon. We must attend the tribunal of Suneena and Pardek first. They are seeking asylum in the Federation and have requested that I attend. However, as your husband, your health and welfare come first." He replied, removing his hand.
"Well since the fatigue seems to be part of my pregnancy, what about my ability? How long will that be dampened. I hate the feeling of not being connected to anyone, especially you." I asked.
"Tonight, once all your guests have gone, I will begin to lessen the dampening. We must do this slowly." He countered.
"Can't you just fix me like you did fifteen years ago?"
"I believe as part of your pregnancy, your body knew you were pregnant before it was discovered by Dr. Crusher, and I believe it was your body that was protecting our children, striking out at the Romulans like you did." He answered.
"I have the same fear." I leaned against him, "I do not want anyone to know of my pregnancy until we are home safe on Vulcan."
"Agreed."
Later that day Tessius and Mal returned, then Tlok and Ambassador Riax. Will Riker and Deanna Troi also stopped by for a short time, as they were leaving Dr. Crusher arrived, medical kit in hand.
"Are you resting as instructed?" She asked once everyone was gone.
"I have no other choice." I smiled, "I have a Vulcan husband." I looked at Spock who was standing nearby, otherwise known as Vulcan hovering.
"I have limited her visitors to two at a time, less than one hour for each visit, with rest intervals between." He started, "I have been…"
"Spock," I replied, "she understands."
"Thank you, Ambassador Spock," Beverly said, "now let me check your precious cargo and your other injuries and then I will leave you be. Jean-Luc is in the corridor, impatiently waiting." She quickly scanned me with the medical tri-corder, paying special attention to my abdomen and head. "Well, your pregnancy is well established and doing good. The mild swelling in your brain has also resolved. But please be careful, for a few more days."
"Yes doctor. Do I have to stay in my quarters still? I want to get out and exercise, maybe walk in the arboretum with Tessy and Mal and their dogs."
"You can go out as of tomorrow, as long as your telepathic abilities are still dampened while you are in a large group, and if Ambassador Spock is with you."
"Thanks Dr. Crusher."
My final visitor was Jean-Luc, when he entered, he came over and sat next to me where I was on the couch. Spock sat in a nearby chair.
"How are you feeling today Grace?" he asked taking my hand.
"Better." I smiled, "Dr. Crusher told me I can go to the Arboretum tomorrow, as long as I have a certain Vulcan escort."
"And two guards." Spock added.
"She said nothing about guards." I retorted.
"That is my stipulation." Spock stated firmly.
"And mine." Jean-Luc said. "We are not giving anyone a chance again. Why do you think you are on the Enterprise and not the starbase?"
"Understood."
"So, the day after tomorrow we will begin the tribunal." Jean-Luc began. "You are not required to attend, however Ambassador Spock has been requested. You may attend if you wish, or you can stay here in your quarters. Tessy and Mal will be free to stay with you."
"I will stay here, I have had enough Romulans for a lifetime."
It took three days for the Federation to decide the fate of Suneena and Senator Pardek. As Suneena was just another of Sela's pawns, but also complicit in some of their deceit, she was granted asylum, with only a few stipulations. She was not allowed to be on Vulcan or Earth or near Ambassador Spock and I if we were off planet. To that end it was decided she would be sent to one of the Deep Space stations where she would be treated well and allowed to work as an assistant but monitored for the foreseeable future.
Senator Pardek could remain in Federation space as a political prisoner and would be sent somewhere far from Vulcan and Earth and would live out his days on house arrest and the Romulans abruptly disappeared from Federation space.
The day after the tribunal the Enterprise left Starbase 12 to deliver us home to Vulcan before heading on their next mission, I was so ready to be back planet side. Tessy and Mal were still on shore leave so they traveled with us. Once we arrived at Vulcan, Spock, myself, Tessy, Mal and the two dogs were beamed down to our home. It was hard to believe in the space of less than a month I went from an assistant to the Federation Ambassador to the wife of a living legend. From a single, carefree girl to a soon to be mother.
"Welcome to our home," I said as we stepped in through the front door. "You are welcome to stay while you are here." I turned and smiled at Spock, "though I do not know where the guest room is."
"I will show them," he stated, taking my small bag from me. "Please wait here."
Spock, Tessy and Mal were gone for about five minutes while I waited on the couch in the living room surrounded by puppy love. When they returned Spock sat in a nearby chair as Tessy and Mal joined me on the couch.
"I have some news to share with you," Spock began, "however, this must remain confidential for now."
Tessy turned to Spock, a confused look on his face. "More surprises?"
"Your sister is pregnant." Spock stated plainly.
"That explains it!" Tessy stood up, grabbing my hand and pulling me up into a warm hug, "the echo."
"The echo?" I asked.
"You have an echo, I thought it had something to do with the dampening of your ability, and the gradual release over the past few days. But it has to be the pregnancy."
Mal stood and pushed Tessy away, wanting to get her hugs in too. "Oh Grace, that is wonderful news, just wonderful news." She wiped a tear from her face. "Please let me know when it is time, I will come." Tessy affectionately assured her he would do his best to be there too.
Despite his joy he seemed concerned too as if something was on his mind. I asked him what was going on. "I got a message today, the Morgaine hasn't reported in and is three days late, probably nothing" he paused, "I'm so glad Sis' that you are happy and sorry I'm galivanting all over the galaxy." He managed a crooked, devious smile and I chuckled to myself.