eighteen

The negotiations for an orderly transition back into democracy from slavery soon began, a process which would take several years and require the efforts of many talented people, Sarek and his female associate being only two, but at least it was a step in the right direction. It was also learned that, being a communications expert, Setara had tried every radio frequency she knew (and even some she didn't) until she had found the one for Starfleet and sent them the distress signal.

Considering Sapphira VII's location, it took three hours to reach the Exeter and another three for Captain Rosenberg to reach the nearest Starfleet base and hear back from them, then inform Setara of their decision. In fact, the last signal had been received only an hour before Sarek and the Enterprise were contacted.

Also, it was first thought that Spock had given Setara the Starfleet frequency...and the reaction Kirk got when he put this to his Vulcan friend and colleague was a mixture of shock and horror. They had been sitting together at the table in the living area of the quarters Spock shared with his wife.

"Jim, how could you possibly think that? It would be a flagrant violation of the Prime Directive, as well as totally illogical. I would hope that you know me better than that by now. The Starfleet frequency is known only to those in Starfleet, by the authorities on Federation member planets or those allied with the Federation in the event of an emergency."

"All right, I'm sorry. Just covering all the avenues." Kirk looked up at his alien friend, a mixture of fear and question on his face.

Spock gave his Human friend a reassuring smile. "Do not worry, Jim. You are forgiven. It simply came as a...surprise."

"You should also have known that it's my duty to discover all I can about a given situation. I can recall when you kidnapped Captain Pike. That call you got came from the Talosians, didn't it?" Kirk's sharp glance forced the Vulcan to answer.

"Yes--but that has no bearing on the present situation. As I said, I did not give Setara the Starfleet frequency. She discovered it entirely on her own."

Kirk nodded understandingly. "I think that's been pretty well established. Now let's talk about Christine. I think I know why she's been feeling ill, particularly in the morning. Do you think she might be pregnant?"

"I cannot be certain until she returns from Sickbay and informs me of the results of her physical."

"Would you like me to be here, or would you prefer that it be just the two of you?"

"That would be desirable, at least at first. After that, I should be able to decide when to inform you of the results."

"When is she due back?"

"Within fifteen minutes."

"I'd better go, then--but let me pose one last question. If she is pregnant, will you be pleased?"

The Vulcan raised an astonished eyebrow. "It would be illogical for me not to be pleased that my wife is to have a child. Of course, this is assuming that she is, in fact, pregnant."

Kirk looked at the chrono. "Well, I've got some paperwork to finish. See you later. Let me know what she says."

The Captain smiled, then stood up and made his exit out the double doors to head for his own quarters. Spock allowed himself an affectionate smile at his friend's retreating back, then picked up his harp and began to compose a song for not only his wife, but their possible child, in order to pass the time until she returned.

Spock became so engrossed that he didn't hear her come in or call to him. Not until she removed the stylus from his suddenly nerveless fingers, set it aside, then lifted his chin and kissed him did Spock realize she was there.

"My wife, you have returned."

Neither his voice nor face showed the effect her kiss had on him, but the feelings she was getting through their bond told her that he had enjoyed it as much as she.

"Good news, beloved," she announced with a smile. "Dr. McCoy says I'm pregnant."

Spock was too stunned to react at first--and there was such a long silence that Christine wondered if he were ever going to speak again.

"Spock, please say something. You're scaring me."

But he didn't say anything. Instead, she was pulled close and hugged until she was breathless, too surprised to even think. All she was aware of was Spock's arms around her. After a long, happy moment, he released her, then they looked into each other's eyes.

"Does that make you feel better?"

There was another silence after this, but Christine felt her husband's happiness at her joyous news and saw it in his soft brown eyes.

"It certainly does." Tears of both happiness and relief filled her eyes.

"You have just made me the...happiest man--Vulcan--in the universe. We will not only be husband and wife, bonded mates, but parents. And I hope we have a girl, to look like you."

"And here I was hoping for a boy to look like you," Christine teased as the couple maneuvered themselves onto their bed, propping the pillows behind their backs before she cradled her head on her husband's shoulder, his clasped hands resting on the indented curve of her still-slender waist, and her left hand over his heart to feel its rapid, steady beat.

"Perhaps we will have twins," he suggested hopefully.

Christine looked up at him with mock horror. "Don't even think it. The idea of being pregnant with your child is overwhelming enough."

He looked back at her. "How far along are you?"

"About two weeks. That's how long I've felt sick--since shortly before we arrived on Sapphira VII again. I'm glad we managed to set things in motion toward democracy again. It'll take years, but from what you've told me, the outlook is most promising. And best of all, Sapphira is no longer in a position
to harm anyone."

"Indeed," her husband concurred with a half-smile and kiss. "Now we must contact Mother and tell her of your pregnancy, so that she may advise you on how to deal with it."

"After we tell our friends," his wife insisted. "They deserve to know first."

The Vulcan couldn't argue with that. "I have also been working on a song...for you and our child," he quietly confessed.

She smiled and caressed his cheek with one hand. "I'm sure it'll be beautiful. I can hardly wait to hear it." Christine sighed and put a hand on her belly; Spock moved to cover her hand with one of his own. "We're going to have a baby. It's almost too good to be true."

"You would also do well to 'drop a line'--as Humans put it--to your parents to inform them," he told her.

"Oh, believe me, I will. And they're going to be thrilled. They've about given up hope of my ever giving them grandchildren. A lot of their friends already have at least two."

"You had to find the right man before it would be possible for you to accommodate them. Surely they realize that."

"Of course they do--and I'm thankful for it, because it wouldn't have been easy for either them or me. I'm also betting that none of their friends' children are married to Vulcans. Not that I'd wish on anyone what I've had to endure. You weren't exactly easy to convince, you know."

Mischief danced in her blue eyes as his eyes widened. "Don't look so surprised. You know it's true. But don't worry; as hard as it was, the waiting--and my efforts--were well worth it...and I'd do it again. But not everyone has the emotional strength and tenacity to pull it off."

The Vulcan decided to leave well enough alone and simply say, "True, but other than myself, there are only approximately two dozen Vulcan/Human hybrids, offspring of the same number of interspecies couples. And I am the only hybrid of marriageable age. The oldest of the others is less than twenty Vulcan years of age."

"That would be old enough to be bonded," Christine pointed out.

"Agreed--and roughly half of them are. The rest will be allowed to choose for themselves. As you may imagine, this... distresses T'Pau considerably." The Vulcan sounded almost pleased.

"Well, isn't that too bad--but not even she can slow down the wheels of progress forever," his wife stated confidently. "Maybe by the time our child grows up, hybrids will be commonplace on Vulcan."

Spock was dubious about that possibility, considering the extent of T'Pau's influence. "I doubt that, my wife, considering the way my parents and I have been treated...and how stubborn the traditionalists such as T'Pau are."

"We can hope, anyway," Christine persisted.

"Yes," the Vulcan had to acknowledge.

The couple rested together for some hours, until 2300, which was when Spock gently suggested they retire. Christine didn't argue, for she was too tired. It had been a long shift and the pregnancy test had literally taken even more out of her. (Because of the child's mixed heritage, she not only needed a urine test but a blood test.)

A short time later, they were changed and in bed. Almost immediately, Spock put himself into a sleep-trance, since he had an early shift. Her shift would begin when he got off. Not a pleasant prospect, but they didn't make the rules. Christine would simply have to write her parents about her pregnancy at the first opportunity. As she drifted off to sleep in her husband's arms, she thought of the second stargram she would write and what her parents' reaction would be to the news that she was finally going to have a child.

Both Sarek and Spock had written Amanda, each giving their own versions of what had happened upon arrival at the planet. Christine had some input in the latter's stargram. After leaving Sapphira VII, they headed back to Vulcan to retrieve their wedding gifts, but it would be several days before they arrived. Meanwhile, both sent out stargrams to their parents, informing each set of Christine's pregnancy the following day. At best, she would be able to carry the child for the entire nine months
of a Human pregnancy--and this only after a delicate operation in which McCoy would remove the child, make adjustments so the fetus could grow in a Human uterus, then replace it in her body. Even then, it would be necessary to place the baby in an artificial womb for three months to complete its growth and development, because Vulcan pregnancies lasted a year.

Christine had also added something to her husband's stargram, requesting that Amanda tell her what to expect in a Human pregnancy where the father was a Vulcan--or half Vulcan, in this case. Since Spock's Vulcan side was dominant, Christine was fairly sure that her pregnancy wouldn't be too different from Amanda's.

She was glad to note, however, that Spock had suggested that the notes from his mother's physician, Dr. Daniel Corrigan, and his Vulcan partner, Sorel, be sent on to them...and upon receipt, all concerned would sit down with McCoy and go through them, so each would know what to do in the event it became necessary. She also decided to have Spock bond with their child later on in her pregnancy by putting his hand on the swelling of her belly where the baby's head was, holding it there with her own. Not until it was nearer her due date would they discuss their child's future and things like names.

There was plenty of time to decide what she wanted to do, then talk about it with Spock, see where they agreed and where they would need to compromise. Of course, there were some things where neither would (nor could) compromise, but Christine told herself to worry about that when the time came. What mattered the most at the moment was making sure that their child would be born healthy.

Several days later, Christine heard from her parents. As she had surmised, they were thrilled to learn that she would at last give them a grandchild. On this particular day, Christine got off-duty shortly before her husband did, about 2400. He had just come off Beta shift, as had she, but she arrived first since she was closer to their quarters.

She again showered and put on a long, lacy nightgown. She left her hair down after combing it and wore the rose-t'lerya perfume, putting on some instrumental music and lying back on the bed, re-reading the latest stargram from her parents. Fifteen minutes later, the door opened and her husband called to her.

"Christine?"

"In here, Spock," she called from the bedroom.

He joined her there, leaning down to brush her lips in a kiss of greeting, noting the paper in her hand and asking what it was.

"I heard from my parents," she told him. "They're thrilled that we're expecting a child. They also intend to send us something for the baby that I used when I was a baby."

Spock allowed himself a smile at the news.

"I'm sure it's on its way, love," she replied to his unspoken question. "I wouldn't be too concerned. We are closer to Earth than Vulcan at the moment, you know."

The Vulcan raised an eyebrow at his wife, then said, "I hope you are correct."

"So do I. Now put it out of your mind and come join me."

When her husband sat down beside her, Christine set aside the stargram and opened her arms. Spock hesitated only a moment before moving into them. She held his head close and stroked his silky, dark hair as he tentatively slid his arms around her. For a long time, the Vulcan was silent in his wife's arms, simply savoring her closeness and perfume, having no interest in anything except being held by her...and vice versa.

At least an hour passed in this way, and Christine was all ready to point out that they should undress and get under the covers when she discovered that Spock had already put himself into a sleep-trance, his head heavy on her breast and his arms gently but securely around her. She maneuvered them so that they were lying down, simply holding him as he slept.

Christine was also able to buy presents for Spock, Uhura, McCoy, and even Kirk while planetside at Sapphira VII. Uhura would receive a red-and-gold harem outfit, Spock a dark blue jumpsuit with soft black boots to wear when off-duty in the privacy of their quarters, and McCoy a native plant reputed to have healing qualities.

Kirk's gift was a custom-made (according to Christine's instructions and descriptions) scale model of the Enterprise. Christine had also bought her mother-in-law a bottle of native perfume. She had even asked Spock's advice as to what Kirk might like. He had suggested several things, but left it up to her to choose which one to purchase. He had also suggested some things the Doctor might like when she mentioned she also wanted to get something for McCoy, but again left it up to her to choose what to buy.

Spock had also seemed to know when she wanted to buy his gift, so he had excused himself and rejoined her after purchasing another gift for her and gifts for his two friends. It wasn't easy, for Spock wasn't one to buy gifts, but suggesting things to Christine had helped him in his own selection.

She and Spock had even been honored guests at the wedding of Sareenah and Pietro only two days before the Enterprise's scheduled departure after a four-week stay. They had also met several CRSD members at the wedding. They particularly liked Savanna, a friend of Sareenah's mother, who had served as Matron of Honor, and Willem, Sareenah's brother, who had served as Pietro's Best Man.

Spock had "loved" the jumpsuit his wife got for him, as Uhura did her outfit. She didn't need to tell Nyota to only wear it in the privacy of her quarters, possibly in place of a nightgown, or as a lounging outfit. The moment the Bantu laid eyes on it, she knew she would cause a riot among the male crew if she ever wore it in public. Neither suspected that the Captain would be too pleased about that, but knowing his eye for the ladies, she was sure he have loved it if he ever had the chance to see it.

The plant she got for McCoy was similar to the Terran variety of cactus which secreted aloe vera, a lotion with healing and cleansing properties...a most appropriate gift for a doctor...but all similarities ended there. The plant and its secretion were radically different in both name and appearance to its Earth counterpart.

She hoped Leonard knew how much she appreciated his friendship for both her and Spock, as well as the favors he had done for both--such as giving her away at the shipboard wedding, acting as surrogate father of the bride, since Christine's parents could not attend…then acting as Spock's Best Man while Kirk married them. The wedding gifts were beamed up from Vulcan upon arrival, but Amanda insisted on coming aboard with them, if only to verify the fact that her loved ones were all safe and well.

Spock told her later that Kirk had been deeply touched at the gift she had given him: a minutely detailed, 1:24 scale model of the Enterprise. The Vulcan had said that the Captain had been speechless for a time, then his eyes had misted over. He had also said to tell her that it was beautiful and that he would treasure it always.

Spock's own gift to Kirk was a custom-made music box with sculpted figures of the two of them in civilian clothing on its top and the melody of "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother". They listened in silence as it played after he had given it to Kirk, then looked at each other with undisguised affection.

"I love it, Spock. Thank you so much."

"I...considered it an appropriate gift to…commemorate our friendship and show you how much I--value it."

The Vulcan's voice was quiet and his head was bowed; Kirk saw a tinge of green in his friend's face and ears, smiling as he replied.

"Our friendship is a gift we give each other every day," the Captain told him.

In the next moment, the two friends embraced warmly. Not a word was spoken during the time they held each other; words could not improve on the perfection of the moment. Several minutes passed before they released each other…then Spock stood up.

"I must return to Christine now. I still have to give her her wedding gift from me."

"What did you get her?"

"A custom-made Vulcan gown and earrings to wear with it. Mother placed the order for me, and it arrived yesterday."

Kirk smiled. "Sounds nice. Now get to it before she comes looking for you. See you tomorrow, Spock." The Captain turned toward his bathroom to shower, then change into fresh underwear in preparation for bed.

"Sleep well, Jim."

The Vulcan gave his Human friend a half-smile before departing for the larger quarters he shared with his wife on D Deck, a suite of rooms he and Christine had moved into shortly after their marriage. She had already planned what the nursery would look like, making Spock promise that he wouldn't try to see what she was doing in there until she said it was all right. He was too honorable to spoil the surprise, but did allow himself occasional moments of curiosity.

Shortly before they resumed their duties the following day, Spock gave Christine a medium-sized, rectangular package and told her to give it to McCoy for him at the first opportunity. To put it mildly, she was surprised...but would gladly do so, knowing that the Vulcan could not have done it himself. At least not easily.

"Spock, you are giving Leonard a gift?"

"To show my…appreciation for his attending me at our shipboard wedding," was the reply.

"It was something any close friend would do," she pointed out.

"I have had...very few close friends," he reminded her.

She nodded understandingly. "What's in it?"

"A copy of the Hippocratic Oath handwritten in calligraphy on parchment under glass. He can either hang it on his office wall or the wall of his quarters."

"I think he already has one under transparent aluminum in his office," she remarked. "But I'm sure he could find a place for this in his quarters."

Spock nodded in acknowledgment. "I had best report to the Bridge now, my wife, and you to Sickbay. It would not do for either of us to be late."

The couple crossed fingers, then shared a brief but tender kiss before the First Officer turned around and left. Christine finished dressing and left five minutes later, carrying Spock's gift to McCoy. She could hardly wait to see Leonard's reaction when she gave it to him and told him who it was from. Perhaps it would be wise to tell McCoy to sit down first...

She did just that during a short break in their shift, cornering the Doctor in his office. "Leonard, could I see you a minute?"

McCoy smiled. "Sure, Chris. What's on your mind?"

"You'd better sit down first. This may come as something of a surprise."

McCoy couldn't imagine what his assistant was referring to, but seated himself in his desk chair. "If you say so."

Christine brought her right hand from behind her back. "I was asked to give you this." She handed him a brightly wrapped gift with no ribbons or bows.

His right eyebrow rose in a gesture reminiscent of Spock. "What's this? You already gave me a gift for giving you away at your shipboard wedding."

"This isn't from me. Open it."

McCoy gave her a strange look, but did as told. Upon unwrapping the gift, he examined it in silence, then said, "It's beautiful. Now who's it from?"

"Guess."

"I don't feel like guessing. Tell me." But Christine shook her head, forcing the Doctor to wrack his brain. Finally, he asked, "Spock?"

She nodded with a smile.

McCoy stared at her wide-eyed. "But he doesn't usually give gifts…not to me, anyway."

"He said this was for your being his best man at our first wedding. Do you like it?"

McCoy smiled and nodded. "As I said, it's beautiful. I'll treasure it--but I'll keep this in my quarters."

"Spock may not give gifts often, and not to just anyone…but when he does, you know he means it...that he really cares."

Christine's eyes pleaded with McCoy not to even consider teasing Spock, because that was part of the reason the Vulcan was so hesitant to show his feelings of friendship for him…or give him the gift in person. With his uncertain mental and emotional state in the wake of Kolinahr, V'ger and the Sapphiran mission, the last thing Spock wanted to risk was the Doctor's teasing, however well-intentioned. At the same time, the Vulcan still wished to give a token of his appreciation for what McCoy had done for him.

"Leonard, don't be so quick to pounce on any emotion Spock might show. I know you mean well, but the way to encourage him is by seeming pleased that he's showing emotion and by respecting his Vulcan dignity. By that, I mean that he is as proud of being Vulcan as we are of being Human. We must respect that, as he respects our dignity."

Then Christine suggested, "It might also be a step in the right direction if you thank him for it personally. Who knows, if you play your cards right, Spock just may give you a gift in person next time around."

Of course, there was no guarantee McCoy would listen to her, particularly if an opportunity to catch the Vulcan in an emotional act presented itself, but one could hope. She hoped the Doctor would do it at least once, if only to see what Spock would do... and be encouraged by a positive reaction on Spock's part to his changed behavior, even if the Vulcan was suspicious at first.

The female Doctor smiled at her superior and friend as she turned to leave. "I'd better get back to work now."

The Chief Surgeon looked at his desk chrono, picked up his datapad, then got up and followed his assistant out to continue their duties.

nineteen

And so it began. Kirk and Uhura were every bit as thrilled upon learning of Christine's pregnancy and they--along with McCoy and the parents-to-be--would be there to review the medical data in order to be of as much help to one another as possible. Christine's mother had even told her that she had had morning sickness to such an extent that she found it almost impossible to keep food down for a solid three months.

Amanda's own morning sickness had lasted for the first four-and-a-half months, and her unusual craving had been for something she ordinarily disliked, such as plomeek soup. As for Ann Chapel, her craving had been for gooseberry pie, starting in her fourth month and continuing until two weeks before Christine's birth. Concerning Christine's own cravings, she didn't just have one particular food that she craved--she had several.

One of her combinations was ice cream and pickles with macaroni and cheese, along with orange juice and caffeine-free Pepsi...and that was one of her more innocuous concoctions. Others literally turned Spock's stomach, but they didn't seem to hurt Christine or the baby, so it must be all right for her to eat like that.

Perhaps it was even normal for a pregnant woman. Not that much she did seemed at all normal these days. Of course, Spock had never had a pregnant wife before, so he couldn't have imagined what was and what wasn't normal in a pregnancy, especially one as unique as this. But thanks to the Doctors' notes, he was aware of what to expect, even the unpleasant things…and his mother and two friends helped him to deal with them.

Spock frankly hadn't believed it possible that a hybrid such as himself could have children. Perhaps it was something in his Vulcan/Human makeup which made it possible...or perhaps it was the genetic engineering which had made him the exception to the rule. But then, that came as no surprise to Spock. He was the exception to the rule in virtually every life situation.

Christine's morning sickness hadn't been too bad, because her mother had advised her not to get up quickly when she felt sick, but simply lie quietly...and keep some dry crackers at her bedside and eat them to ease her nausea. Even at that, she knew her luck couldn't hold out forever; there would come times when nothing she could do would stop the nausea.

When that happened, Spock had promised to be there to help her as often as he could. There were also supposed to be sharp cramps, but according to Amanda, they shouldn't begin until she was well along into the pregnancy--fourth month at the earliest. Amanda had also told Christine how to tell the difference between cramps and contractions.

Spock also wished that he could spare his wife the times she had to be sick. They could not be at all pleasant for her. He could not recall having to do it himself very often, but remembered vividly the vile taste in his mouth afterward, and sometimes even what McCoy called "dry heaves", when he felt like throwing up even though there was nothing left in his stomach…and Christine had to deal with this every day for several months, not for simply a matter of hours or days.

He was there to help as often as he could, but sometimes it happened too fast for him to assist her, or else he wasn't there when it happened. It wasn't a realistic expectation when one was on duty aboard ship. The only way to always be there for her would be if they were planetside, on leave, and that couldn't happen for several weeks, if not months. Still, when all was said and done, the Vulcan was proud and happy to be a husband...and now an expectant father. He was even more happy and proud that the mother of his child was also his wife. He could endure anything as long as she and his friends were beside him.

It was a month later that the package from her parents arrived. Spock arranged his schedule in order to ensure that he would be present when the package was opened. Christine was feeling fairly well, at least for the time being. Each of them well knew that that could change at any time, yet both were determined to enjoy it as long as possible.

Christine pulled out the gift, wrapped in paper covered with teddy bears, rattles and blocks. She unwrapped it to find a hand-embroidered christening outfit with a matching bonnet, along with yellow and white hand-crocheted bootees. She also found a note in her mother's handwriting when she unfolded the outfit.

The tag merely said, "For the Baby," but the note said:

Christine,

This is the outfit, bonnet and bootees you wore when you were christened 35 years ago. If Spock has no objections, please use this for your baby. Take care of it as I have.

Love, Mother

"What is it, my wife?" the Vulcan asked as she held up the outfit to show him.

"Mama's note said that it was my christening outfit, bonnet and bootees I wore as a baby. She wants us to use it for our baby--if you have no objections." She looked up at him, asking the question with both her eyes and mind.

"If it is what you wish, my wife, we shall use it," Spock replied quietly.

"Your opinion is what matters here, Spock. If you object, we won't use it."

The Vulcan seemed taken aback for a moment, then said, "It is not that I object, m'chejan. My concern is that it may not be appropriate in the event we have a male child."

"Of course it is. That's why it's embroidered instead of having lace, and why the bootees are yellow instead of pink or blue as baby girls' and boys' things usually are. Yellow is considered a neutral color, appropriate for either a boy or girl."

"What if we have twins? It is possible, you know."

"We'd have to get another christening outfit, but I don't think it'll be necessary."

Spock raised an eyebrow and frowned. "Why not?"

"Because Dr. McCoy told me that it was a single child I was carrying. I just found out, so don't worry that I've been keeping anything from you. I haven't had a chance to tell you until now, that's all."

She felt his relief and smiled reassuringly. "Do you object or not?"

Her husband gave her a half-smile and reached to cross fingers with her. "I do not. We will use the christening outfit."

"Thank you, my husband."

"You are quite welcome, my wife."

She felt the warmth of his consciousness embracing hers.

In the next moment, he felt distress from her and frowned with concern. "Are you feeling ill, Christine? If you are, I will assist you."

Christine smiled even as she fought back the nausea. "Yes; I'm afraid I'm going to be sick."

She clasped a hand over her mouth and hurried off to the bathroom. Spock followed her, and upon arrival, put an arm around her to steady her, then she leaned against him when she finished.

"Thank you, Spock."

He reached his free arm to flush the toilet, dismissing it. "It was my duty. You are my wife and carrying my child."

A moment later, Spock brought his wife to her feet, assisting her to their bed. "Do you wish something to drink?"

"Orange juice, thank you."

"One moment."

He moved to the food synthesizer and called up the drink for her, then came back and handed it to her a couple of minutes later. She drank it gratefully, draining the glass in a matter of seconds.

"Thanks; I feel a lot better. I think I'll lie down now."

He nodded modestly, eyes closing, then opening again with a half-smile. "I will stay with you."

"You don't have to. Besides, I was planning to go to sleep for the night."

"I do not have...anything more important to do. In addition, I would--prefer to be with you."

Christine sighed. "Suit yourself. It's fine by me."

She turned to her chest of drawers, opened the top right drawer and pulled out a summer nightgown. After going into the bathroom again, she changed into the nightgown and brushed her teeth. When she returned, he was in bed waiting for her. He usually wore an undershirt and briefs, though the temperature in their quarters was kept at Earth normal (which always felt cold to the Vulcan) to accommodate Christine.

Eighty degrees was the minimum he could tolerate without extra clothing and seventy the most she could handle in her condition, wearing a light summer nightgown. The only light was the flame-pot as he took her into his arms and nuzzled his face into her fragrant hair before turning her head to face him and kissing her good night.

Christine's last thought just before she and her husband fell asleep was how interesting it would be to see how Sarek and Spock reacted to yet another of their Human wives' customs and how easy it was to imagine what each would say about a Terran "baby shower". Until then, however, she simply intended to savor the warmth of her husband's body and the feel of his arms around her, not only representing security and strength, but infinite love.

Christine was sure she was going to go stir-crazy before her pregnancy was over. She could understand protectiveness, but this was ridiculous. Admittedly, her pregnancy would be tricky, but she wasn't porcelain and she wasn't going to break--yet there seemed no way to get that fact through McCoy and Spock's heads. If the Doctor weren't watching her, which was the majority of the time, Christine had to endure Spock 's ministrations, which were fast becoming tedious. They had been touching and flattering at first, but now... There were times she felt like yelling, "For Heaven's sake, Spock, stop hovering over me!"

She had bouts of morning sickness roughly every other day now, no matter what she did--and not always in the morning. It had proved annoying, not to mention inconvenient, when it came in the middle of examining a patient or working on medical files. (Christine had insisted on remaining on regular duty as long as possible.)

She had even been told by McCoy that she was likely to have it for at least half her pregnancy, according to Corrigan and Sorel's notes. Four-and-a-half months of being sick as a dog wasn't a pleasant prospect, but the knowledge that it would end at some point comforted her. Best of all, she and Spock would have a healthy, beautiful child when it was all over.

Herbal teas, water, fruit juices and milk were the safest drinks to have during a pregnancy...and fish, cheese, beans and eggs were excellent sources of protein. Dairy products were also rich in calcium and whole-grain or enriched bread, dried fruit and green vegetables would supply her with the iron she needed to avoid anemia. Fruit and vegetables also provided needed vitamins.

McCoy had told her she didn't need to eat a lot and should only gain about fifteen kilos, or roughly thirty pounds, during the pregnancy. Of course, she already knew all this, but humored him. Not that she could have eaten or drunk the wrong things if she'd wanted to. Her two faithful watchdogs, the ever-vigilant Leonard McCoy and her even more vigilant husband, would see to that.

It wasn't until her fifth month and she was actually looking pregnant that it was decided to hold the baby shower in the Officers' Lounge as soon as everyone had gotten off-duty--provided Christine felt up to it. Their friends had had plenty of time to get baby things for them and both Amanda and Ann Chapel had sent maternity clothes.

One was a high-waisted, pastel green ankle-length, scoop-necked and short, eyelet-sleeved and bodiced dress which had been Amanda's favorite while she was carrying Spock. The only thing Christine had needed to do was lengthen it. In other places, it was adjustable to allow for the baby's growth.

After Christine finished dressing and came out of the bathroom, she called softly to Spock, who was sitting on the edge of their bed, holding his harp in his lap and absently stroking the strings.

"Spock?"

He looked up at her, seeming to look right through her for a moment--then his soft eyes filled with warmth and he smiled...the private smile he reserved only for her.

"You are…beautiful, my wife." His hand came up, middle and index fingers extended, and the couple crossed fingers as she reached him.

"I appreciate the compliment, my love, but I feel like a cow," Christine declared.

Spock's face almost seemed to glow with the intensity of his feelings for her. "You are not. You are carrying my child."

She smiled, tears filling her eyes at his declaration as he knelt down before her, then reached for her and held her close, cheek pressed to the swell of her belly that was their child. Her own arms reached to hold him, then lovingly stroked his silky hair. Christine didn't think it possible to feel so happy, fortunate or blessed. To belong to this extraordinary man, to love and be loved by him--surely it was all she could ever ask, for now and all time.

All too soon the moment was past, and Spock released her and stood up. "Are you ready, m'chejan?"

He didn't sound like he was, despite his brave front, but she didn't voice her concern. He would have denied it and besides, he probably sensed it, anyway.

"Yes. Let's go."

With that, the couple left their quarters, holding hands, oblivious to the swish of the double doors as they closed behind them.

When they arrived at the Officers' Lounge, about an hour after arriving at Vulcan, the Captain, McCoy, Uhura and Spock's parents were already there. One corner of the room had been fixed up to resemble a nursery. The couple was greeted warmly by their friends; even Sarek acknowledged his son and daughter-in-law with a nod and half-smile.

The younger Vulcan led his wife to the nearest, softest chair and deposited her there, then stood behind her, hands on her shoulders. The older couple sat on a padded bench seat facing the others.

"How are you feeling, my dear?" Amanda asked Christine, getting up and moving over to stand before the younger couple. "Not too sick, I hope."

Christine looked up and smiled at her mother-in-law. "No. Cramps, mostly. Nothing I can't handle with the help of my two watchdogs." Her hand reached up to pat that of her husband, one of which was resting on her left shoulder, then her eyes moved to McCoy before coming back to rest on Amanda again.

"Have you eaten?" McCoy asked, his craggy face reflecting concern as he approached her. "I don't want you going too long without eating."

"I had a glass of milk and a roast beef sandwich a couple of hours ago, Leonard; Spock made sure of that. Now stop worrying about me, at least for a little while, and let's get on with the shower." She looked around at everyone; even the Vulcans seemed anxious to begin.

To her relief, the Doctor retreated back to his seat beside Kirk, who said, "You can get the baby gifts now, Uhura."

The dark woman disappeared for a time, then returned with an armload of gifts, distributing them to the givers. Her glance locked with Kirk's for a moment; he went to retrieve the last (and largest) gift, stopping in front of McCoy, the giver, who rested one hand on it.

Trays of drinks and finger foods were available on a nearby table, having been set up by Uhura an hour earlier. In fact, Kirk, McCoy and Amanda held glasses of fruit punch and were eating between swallows; Uhura nibbled and sipped intermittently as the shower progressed. Spock gently suggested to his wife through their bond that she at least have a drink, then went to get some orange juice for her. A moment later, the Captain rose to give his gift to the couple.

The Vulcan's eyes widened as he returned and handed Christine her orange juice, then misted over upon seeing the tiny white terrycloth sleeper, imported from Vulcan with miniature IDICs all over it.

"It's adorable," Christine declared from beside her husband after taking a swig of juice. "Thank you, Captain. "We'll certainly get plenty of use out of this."

Kirk's head bowed and he smiled modestly. "I hoped you'd like it. It's been a long time since I bought anything for a baby."

McCoy's gift was the largest--with good reason. It was a portable, fold-up playpen, which he had ordered from Earth. Spock insisted on opening it because he didn't want Christine overexerting herself trying to lift it. Not really surprising that the Doctor would think of it, since he was the only one present other than Sarek and Amanda who was a parent.

Of course, he had no way of knowing whether or not Spock had ever had one. Amanda was the only one he could ask who might know...though he was sure Christine had had one. It was the latter who spoke after the gift had been opened.

"I'm sure we'll be using this quite a bit, too, although that won't be for quite a while yet. Thank you, Leonard."

McCoy inclined his head, cheeks pink, and was speechless for once. Uhura's was opened by Christine--a white bonnet and sweater set with yellow trim, also ordered from Earth. Both her and the Doctor's gifts had been delivered to the Enterprise via freighter.

She looked up and aimed a grateful smile at her friend. "This will go great with what my parents sent. Thank you, Nyota."

Uhura returned the smile, then asked, "What did your folks send?"

I'll get to that soon. For now, I want to see what Spock's parents got for us."

A few moments later, the expectant mother was rhapsodizing over the hand-knitted baby blanket in pastel shades of blue and green with a turquoise border. "It's beautiful, Amanda, but must have taken forever to do."

The older woman nodded and smiled. "Two months, to be exact ...but it was worth every moment, knowing that it was for my first grandchild."

Her tone conveyed her hope that the baby would be only the first of several grandchildren for herself and Sarek. However, only time (and Christine's health) would tell.

Sarek was as cool as the proverbial cucumber as he rose to give his own gift to Christine. She reacted as enthusiastically as she had with Amanda's. Both of Spock's parents' gifts (technic- ally, at least) came from Vulcan, though Amanda had had the yarn and other blanket materials sent from Earth.

"Oh, Sarek, how sweet! Where did you get this?" She held up a stuffed sehlat.

The elder Vulcan bowed his head with another half-smile. "It was...Spock's favorite toy when he was a baby and very young child. I--believed it would be an...appropriate gift for your child. My grandchild. Amanda has kept it carefully preserved."

This time, everyone (including his wife) looked at the Vulcan Ambassador in stunned surprise, not having expected him to give anything, each well knowing his opinion of such things as "baby showers" and gift-giving.

Spock himself felt his cheeks tinge with color, also keeping his head bowed upon recognizing his former "plaything". He was both touched and embarrassed (but not surprised) that his mother would keep it in such good repair; it was just the sort of thing she would do. The last thing he had expected, however, was to see it again, much less receive it as a gift for his own child...particularly from his "unemotional" father.

Christine felt her husband's emotions and squeezed his hand reassuringly. "I'm sure our child will get just as much…use out of this as you did, Spock."

The Vulcan could only nod, unable to speak, as his color deepened. At last they came down to the package from Christopher and Ann Chapel, which like several of the other gifts, had been sent from Earth. There were oohs and ahhs over the intricate embroidery on the christening outfit and bonnet, not to mention the hand-crocheted bootees trimmed with white.

Uhura was unable to keep quiet. "You say that this was what you were christened in thirty-five years ago, Chris? Now I see what you meant when you opened my gift. I can hardly wait for your baby to be born. I'm sure he or she will be not only beautiful, but every bit as smart as you and Spock."

The couple both blushed and smiled modestly upon hearing this.

"Well, I think we've all had a pretty memorable evening," the Doctor observed with a grin upon finishing his drink. "But I think Christine ought to get to bed and get some sleep as soon as possible."

Christine felt pretty good at the moment, but knew that there was no budging either McCoy or Spock when they agreed on something, especially where her welfare and that of the unborn child she carried was concerned. The Humans got up and stretched; the older couple crossed fingers and turned for the door after bidding their son and daughter-in-law farewell. Spock offered to beam them down, but Sarek's free hand came up to stop him.

"Thank you, my son, but that is unnecessary. Come, my wife."

Amanda nodded and smiled in the others' direction, then disappeared through the Lounge doors with her husband.

"We had all best get to bed ourselves, people," Kirk announced, giving Uhura a meaningful look when the Bantu looked in the direction of the well-depleted food and refreshment trays. "Leave it for now, Uhura." His tone was gentle but firm, and the dark woman knew enough not to argue.

"We've got a long day tomorrow, what with the Fleet Commander's inspection when we arrive at Spacedock. Everyone's going to need to be on their toes and make sure to have everything in their departments shipshape for his arrival."

No one argued with that, the five of them going to their respective quarters to get some sleep, particularly the expectant parents, after taking the baby gifts and putting them on the table in their living area. The playpen was propped against the table. It was hard for Christine to get to sleep, being so keyed up; she only managed to relax after Spock rubbed her back and shoulders. Once she was asleep, Spock allowed himself to fall into a sleep-trance as he held her securely, hands resting on her enlarged belly.

twenty

About a month before the child was born, Christine made an appointment with the ship's Chaplain, Father O'Meara. No doubt Irish, and Catholic, but ships' Chaplains were supposed to be well-versed in all religious denominations...even non-Terran ones. The female Doctor wasn't sure if Father O'Meara would have any idea what to do once he learned that she was married to Spock, but she and her husband had discussed christening ceremonies, settling on the Terran Episcopalian ceremony, although the wording would be changed slightly to accommodate Spock.

Kirk usually only performed civil and military wedding ceremonies; O'Meara was on call for all religious weddings and christenings, as well as general spiritual guidance.

Christine had made the appointment for 1600 hours, having planned for Spock to accompany her, but had forgotten what shift rotation he would have. As a result, he was on duty at the time of the appointment, having started the fifth week of Gamma shift. Even at that, the Doctor was fairly confident she could arrange and explain things to everyone's satisfaction--or at least something everyone concerned could live with.

She pressed the buzzer to the Chaplain's office at the appointed time; his thick Irish brogue came back. "Come."

The doors slid open, and Christine stepped through...then moved from the foyer into the office area, where the silver-haired, blue-eyed priest sat behind a regulation desk. Religious paintings hung on the walls, along with a bronze crucifix. A chair was waiting for her in front of the desk. Father O'Meara rose and moved to help Christine upon seeing her advanced pregnancy, a paternal smile on his care-worn, kindly face.

"Here ye go, child. Best take a load off y'r feet."

Christine smiled gratefully as she settled into the chair.

"I understand that ye wish t' discuss christening f'r y'r child, Dr. Chapel," he remarked conversationally.

"Yes, Father. My husband and I have decided on the Episcopalian ceremony. However, I request that the wording be changed slightly."

The old Irishman's blue eyes widened behind his glasses. He had them because, like Kirk, he was allergic to Retinax-5, the drug which restored elasticity to the eyeball and usually negated the need for glasses.

"Why is that?"

"I am married to Commander Spock, Father. His father's people, the Vulcans, have radically different spiritual beliefs...but he is also half-Human, so he is willing to go along with the Terran christening ceremony--with the slight changes in wording I mentioned earlier."

The Chaplain reached toward a small set of well-preserved hardback religious books he had had since his seminary days on his desk, including the Bible, sitting near his computer terminal, and selected a small, dark blue hardback volume with a gold cross on the cover, leafing through it until he found the Episcopalian christening ceremony. He studied it for a time, then looked up at Christine again. After taking a deep breath, he described it to her and they discussed it, making the necessary changes to the designated lines as they went along.

He wasn't fond of the idea of changing the Baptism service to omit references to God and Christ, substituting neutral titles, but it was best to be as accommodating as possible. He wrote it down as they went along, then gave it to Christine to go over one more time; she examined it and pronounced it suitable.

"When is y'r child due, Dr. Chapel?" asked the priest.

"Another month," she told him. "But it is necessary for her--I'm having a girl, you see--to grow and develop in an artificial womb for three additional months, since Vulcan pregnancies last twelve months. You will be contacted when she comes out of the artificial womb."

"Is that all ye need t' discuss?"

"Yes, Father. Thank you." Christine smiled and nodded; O'Meara again moved to help her up and she departed.

Time seemed to fly by; sooner than anyone could have dreamed possible, it was only two weeks before Christine's due date. Spock had become more and more protective and solicitous of his wife as her pregnancy advanced, not allowing her to do anything which might harm her or their unborn child. McCoy had even said that it was best for them to refrain from lovemaking until at least six weeks after the birth. This was to ensure that Christine would not miscarry or deliver prematurely.

The nature of Vulcan pregnancies precluded a healthy child if delivery occurred before the full term of the pregnancy, so as difficult as it was to forego their physical joining, it mattered more that they had a healthy baby. The mind-link helped a lot on that score. The intensity of their mental joining was almost as great as their physical compatibility. They would be able to hold each other, kiss and touch, but anything more had to be assuaged by intense mental communion.

Spock sensed that Christine missed their interludes as much as he, but had no more intention of endangering their child than he did. McCoy had put her on maternity leave for the last six weeks of her pregnancy and she had spent the majority of that time putting the finishing touches on the nursery, having called Uhura to help her when she got too big to squat down and lift things. Uhura had seen Christine's handiwork and was enchanted by it, but was sworn to secrecy.

Christine had even sent to Vulcan for some IDIC and sehlat-cub wallpaper and crib sheets, as well as pictures and stuffed versions of baby animals from both Earth and Vulcan, though she had a feeling that the stuffed sehlat they had received, Spock's old toy, would be as well loved by their child as it had by Spock himself.

She had also ordered more baby clothes of all kinds, as well as diapers and other necessities for the care of a baby, mostly from Earth. They were also transported to the Enterprise via freighter. Both Amanda and her own mother had sent their share of baby things for their new grandchild, all of which Christine had shown to Uhura. Not even McCoy or Kirk had been privy to their doings, and probably wouldn't be until after the baby's arrival and Spock himself had found out.

Spock had been taught that sex was primarily the means of having children and that finding pleasure in it was illogical. However, his mother's teachings and life with Christine had taught him that it was perfectly permissible to enjoy physical love in marriage with a loving spouse...and for a couple to remain lovers (that is, maintain a loving relationship) even after becoming parents. Indeed, it set a good example for their child or children.

Physical love was an integral part of a happy marriage for many--whether between Humans, Vulcans or Humans and Vulcans. But now the only way for Spock to show love for his wife and child was to refrain from physical love until after Christine had given birth.

The next thing anyone knew, it was time for the baby. Labor pains had struck Christine in the middle of writing a stargram to her parents on the computer she shared with Spock to thank them for their latest package of baby clothes and accessories she her- self had used at the same age. She had received a mental communication from her husband the moment she had felt the pain and pressure in her lower abdomen.

Christine...are you in labor, my wife?

I believe so.

I am on my way.

She smiled at the warmth in his mind-voice. Please hurry, Spock. The baby's coming.

I am coming as fast as I can, he assured her. If you wish, I will summon Dr. McCoy.

Fine. I'll try to get to our bed and get ready.

Spock arrived ten minutes later. Christine surmised that he must have run to make it here from the Bridge where he had been on duty, even considering the rapidity of the turbolift. She was on the bed with both pillows propped up behind her, legs bent and slightly apart, bare feet resting on the bed. Her dress had been pulled halfway up her thighs and she had removed her panties only moments before her water broke. She was also breathing as she should, pushing only when she felt pressure.

Spock sat down next to his wife, taking her hand and raising it to his lips. "The Doctor will be here shortly. How do you feel?"

"In pain, but that's normal. I'm also three-quarters dilated right now--seven centimeters, according to my scanner."

McCoy arrived a short time later, in surgical scrubs and carrying an emergency surgical kit. "How is she, Spock?" The Chief Surgeon asked as he entered the bedroom.

Christine scanned herself again and told him before Spock had a chance to answer. This time, she had discovered she was fully dilated. McCoy then went into the bathroom to scrub up. Spock was also pleased that she had not cried out in pain, even though he could feel her pain through their bond.

"Then the baby could come at any time. Be ready to play nurse, Spock, and help Christine if she experiences too much pain."

The Vulcan nodded in acknowledgment as he moved to the other side of the bed in order to get out of the Doctor's way, but still be available when he was needed.

twenty-one

Christine had gone into labor at 0800 hours that morning; it was nearly 2230 before the child was born. Several times she had needed a meld from Spock to ease the pain of childbirth, but by the time the baby was born and had been washed, rubbed down and wrapped in a large towel, his wife was virtually pain-free. The Vulcan had also wiped her perspiring face and neck with a cold, wet washcloth to cool her off, thankful that it was over, for the lengthy mind-melds had tired him.

The Doctor had given her a local anesthetic in order to put in three stitches for the episiotomy before checking the newborn child and pronouncing her fit--at least fit for as long as it took her to be placed in the artificial womb, which had been set up in Sickbay for the next three months, the remainder of a Vulcan pregnancy.

"You have a daughter, Spock," McCoy affirmed while they were waiting for the call which would tell them the artificial womb was ready for its new occupant. "Come meet her."

Spock followed McCoy's voice into the bathroom where the Doctor was holding a small, pink bundle in his arms. After the Vulcan had joined him, McCoy smiled and stated, "She's a quarter-Vulcan, as I expected…and has blue eyes right now, though I sus- pect they'll turn brown in the next few weeks. Also, your eyebrows, ears and complexion, but Christine's nose and lips. What have you decided to name her?"

Spock's sensitive ears caught the sound of his sleeping wife's quiet breathing, satisfied that she was resting comfortably, so he turned to answer McCoy. "Christine and I decided on the name 'T'Jaimee' for a girl."

"Jim should love it," said McCoy. "It sounds like a feminized Vulcan version of his name."

"It is, Doctor. It was the most logical female Vulcan name I could think of which would accommodate his Terran male name."

"Besides that, it's a lovely name," the Doctor observed.

"Thank you, Doctor," Spock replied quietly. "Now, do you not think Christine should stay in Sickbay overnight? That would give you the opportunity to monitor her condition, as well as supervise T'Jaimee's placement in the artificial womb."

McCoy's eyebrows shot up. "Bucking for my job, Spock?" The Doctor's hand went up to stop the retort on the Vulcan's lips. "Just kidding, Spock. It probably would be a good idea to keep Christine overnight, because something could crop up when we least expect it. Okay, wrap her up and I'll take the baby."

"Incidentally, Doctor," the Vulcan said as McCoy was wrapping the baby up more securely and positioning her in his arms, "I wish to inform you that even though I have named the baby for Jim, you may spend as much time with her as you wish and consider yourself another of her 'uncles'. I know I do not often express it, but I also consider you my friend."

The Doctor was too stunned to react for a moment, although he had to admit he had felt hurt at having been excluded earlier--and couldn't help feeling touched. "Thank you, Spock. That's very thoughtful of you. I appreciate it."

Spock nodded in the Doctor's direction with a half-smile as he positioned his sleeping wife in his arms and turned toward the door. "I am aware of how much you miss your own daughter, so this is my attempt to ease your loneliness without her."

This kindness and cautious affection made McCoy's eyes mist over and he silently vowed to try Christine's suggestion about not reacting to Spock's moment of emotionalism, if only to see how Spock reacted...particularly since the Vulcan had expressed concern for his own feelings. Perhaps this would mark the begin- ning of a closer relationship between them. He didn't trust his voice, merely smiled in Spock's direction and headed out with the baby, the Vulcan following in his wake with Christine.

The new parents got several visitors the following day after the tiny girl had been placed in the artificial womb, Kirk and Uhura among them. They even saw the baby in the artificial womb, doing the proper oohing and ahhing over both her beauty and her name. McCoy allowed it for a time, but after several hours put his foot down, declaring that Christine, who was still in the convalescent ward, and the baby needed rest and quiet. Only Spock was allowed to stay with his wife and child, and even his time was limited. Kirk and Uhura reluctantly left, but promised to return later.

Christine was released later that day. Spock wanted to carry her, so she allowed him to do so, even though she wanted to be ambulatory as soon as possible, because she was still quite sore. She would also be on mild pain medication until her episiotomy healed. McCoy advised at least two days' medical rest leave before she went on even light duty again, so shortly after they arrived, Spock saw to it that she followed the Doctor's orders.

Before that, however, she had her husband carry her to the nursery. Upon arrival, the voice-activated light in the room went on as they reached the door, which "sensed" their approach and automatically opened. He was speechless for a time as they stood in the doorway, taking it all in, then looked at her with misty eyes.

"What do you think?" she asked.

"It is...charming." Spock was unable to say any more, and she sensed that his emotions were overwhelming him.

She simply replied, "I'm glad you like it, my husband," and left it at that. A moment later she fell silent and he asked her why.

"Why are you silent, Christine?"

She sighed. "Just thinking of how long it'll be before T'Jaimee will be in this room. Three months…it seems an eternity."

Spock surprised her by setting her on her feet, then squeezing her gently from behind and nuzzling her throat. "I know, my wife. I share your impatience...but we must be thankful that our child is healthy and alive."

"Oh, believe me, I am," she assured him. "But that doesn't make it any easier to wait."

"You must not dwell on a circumstance you cannot change, my wife. You will upset yourself needlessly. In addition, you have commented many times on how fast time seems to pass--particularly our off-duty time. I am sure it will pass every bit as rapidly this time."

She reached up to stroke his cheek. "Do you really think so?" "I do. Now, let us retire. The Doctor wishes you to sleep."

With that, the Vulcan scooped his startled wife off her feet again and into his arms; the nursery light went off as he carried her to bed.

Spock was right about time passing quickly, though Christine found it difficult to believe him at first. After about two weeks or so, however, she looked up from doing some medical files and realized that at least the last week had gone by with her hardly noticing the passage of time. She had made a habit of visiting T'Jaimee in the "womb room" whenever she was free, be it on or off-duty, sometimes even forgetting to eat and sleep.

Spock had done all he could to make the time pass as quickly as possible and believed he'd been doing quite well--until one day when he had gotten off-duty earlier than expected and came down to Sickbay to check on Christine and the baby, he had discovered his wife lying on the floor of the "womb room" sound asleep, in front of the artificial womb.

She had obviously fallen out of the chair she had placed there. He carefully lifted her into his arms, then seated himself in the chair, resting her head on his shoulder as he cradled her in his lap. She awakened roughly an hour later, asking him if she had been lying on the floor because her last recollection had been of sitting in the chair.

He replied, "I came looking for you when I came off-shift approximately one point-three hours ago; Dr. McCoy said you were probably in here with our daughter. I found you lying on the floor in front of the chair next to the artificial womb and surmised that you must have fallen asleep and out of the chair, considering it more logical to hold you while you slept as opposed to leaving you on the floor.

"M'chejan, you must listen to me. You are going to make yourself ill if you do not get proper sleep and food. You will be of little use to T'Jaimee if you do not take better care of yourself."

Christine frowned. "Since when did you earn a medical degree, Doctor Spock?" she retorted. You sound just like Leonard at his worst."

She knew all too well that she was run-down and had been driving herself too hard, but the last thing she wanted was to be lectured about it...especially from Spock, who had a talent for doing the same thing.

The Vulcan managed to look innocently aggrieved. "I am stating a fact. I do not need to be a physician to know that you have been driving yourself too hard. And incidentally, it is nearly 2300 hours. Let us retire so that you may regain some of your lost sleep, then we will eat upon awakening."

Christine sighed and gave in, too tired and weak to argue. "All right, Spock. You win."

Spock got to his feet and helped his wife onto hers. "Would you like me to carry you?"

Her answer was a deep yawn, which prompted him to sweep her into his arms again despite her sleepy protests. They went to bed immediately upon arrival at their quarters, and she was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. Spock lay awake holding her for about an hour, then put himself into a sleep-trance. He had been more tired than he realized, but dared not let his wife become aware of this, for he would never hear the end of it otherwise, considering the way he had lectured her.

Fortunately, there weren't many of these incidents in the ensuing weeks, mainly because both Spock and McCoy saw to it that there weren't. But the three months eventually passed, and far easier and faster than Christine could have imagined possible. Both of the new parents were there to see their child come out of the artificial womb, but the Doctor insisted on giving the baby a thorough physical before he would allow her to leave with her parents. Christine made sure that she was the one to carry her small daughter back to their quarters, and Spock--proud, happy husband and father that he was--was at his wife's side all the way.

She was unwilling to let the child out of her sight and Spock decided to humor her, at least this once. After all, she had waited an entire year to become a mother. She was entitled to a little irrationality. (Just a little, mind you.)

The next morning, as soon as Christine was awake and the baby had been dressed and fed, Father O'Meara was summoned for the christening. He arrived at Spock and Christine's quarters to find Christine sitting on the bed holding the infant girl, Spock sitting at his wife's side, with Kirk and Uhura present as godparents and McCoy as a family friend. Because of the personalities involved, he knew that the non-denominational service was the most "logical" for all those concerned.

"Is everyone ready?" the old priest asked as he approached Christine's bed, enchanted with the child in her arms--an exquisite little elfin creature with her father's ears and eyebrows, and her mother's nose and lips.

"Yes," Kirk said for all those present.

O'Meara carried a small basin of holy water. His eyes moved to meet those of Spock, and the Vulcan said, "We present this child to receive the Sacrament of Baptism."

The priest asked, "Will you, her parents and sponsors, be responsible for seeing that the child you present for baptism will be brought up with love and wisdom?"

"We will," replied the company in unison.

"Will you, by your witness, help this child grow into all that she is meant to be?" the priest inquired.

"We will," came the collective answer.

There were several other questions to be answered and the priest asked them in leisurely fashion, receiving the answers in the same manner...until finally, all that was left was the actual baptism. He dipped the fingers of his right hand into the basin of holy water and made the sign of the cross on the child's forehead after Christine had moved the edge of the bonnet back, making sure none went into her eyes.

As he did so, he stated, "I baptize thee in the name of the Maker of all things. And let it be known that from this day forward, that this child will be known as T'Jaimee, daughter of Spock of Vulcan and Christine of Terra." A short time later, the priest added, "Let us welcome the newly baptized. May peace always be with you."

"And also with you," the company replied.

Upon finishing, the elderly priest was thanked for his assistance; he gently dismissed it. "'Tis always a pleasure to welcome another new life int' this world."

He smiled in the baby's direction. "'Specially when 'tis as precious as this bonnie wee colleen." He touched the child's nose; she laughed, gurgled and reached for the priest's gnarled finger. "A strong little thing, she is," he commented approvingly as the child's tiny hand gripped his finger tightly enough to make him wince.

"Her Vulcan genes, no doubt," remarked Spock, a playful twinkle in his dark eyes.

Kirk and Uhura laughed; McCoy simply sighed and rolled his eyes Heavenward as if to say, "Give me strength."

"Just as 'T'Jaimee' is a beautiful name f'r a beautiful child," was the reply. "May she grow up healthy, happy and wise. I mus' leave now. 'Twas a privilege t' welcome her int' the world." He turned, nodded and smiled at everyone, then left.

The couple's friends made their farewells and departed after making sure their desire to babysit at the first opportunity was made known. McCoy had told Christine that it would be good for both her and the baby to sleep, and Spock had assured him that they would, whatever he had to do. Once they were alone, she lay down with their child in her arms. The Vulcan sat down on his side of the bed and watched them.

"The Doctor wants you to sleep, my wife."

"I will, I will. Right now, I just want to look at our baby. I've waited so long for this moment. She's so beautiful. I can hardly believe she's really here, really ours."

Her voice and gaze upon the child held such tenderness that Spock smiled in spite of himself. "Indeed," he murmured quietly.

For some time, the new parents simply communed with each other and marveled at their beautiful child, the little miracle they had created with their love. It was almost an hour later before Christine began yawning and her eyelids drooped. Spock reached to gently stroke his wife's hair after taking her head on his shoulder, his arms around her from behind even as she continued to hold little T'Jaimee in her arms. Christine smiled at his touch.

"Yes, I'll go to sleep now, Spock," she answered in reply to his unspoken request. "If you stay with me."

The First Officer was off-duty part of the next day, so he decided to grant her request, but teased her nonetheless. "Is that a medical order, my wife?"

"A request," she replied. "And if I remember correctly, you don't go on duty again until 1400 hours tomorrow. Time enough to get a good night's sleep."

The Vulcan sighed. "Very well." He situated himself on the bed facing his wife after maneuvering her so that their child was between them.

Christine looked up at her husband as she stroked their child's downy head. "You know something?"

Spock frowned at her question. "If you had asked me last year this time the last thing I ever expected when we first went to Sapphira VII, it would be for us to be married a year later and have a child. So much has changed since then."

The Science Officer nodded with a half-smile and reached to stroke his wife's cheek. "Did you know that I just heard that Pietro and Sareenah are going to have a baby of their own? She's about two months along. I hope they'll be as happy as we are."

"I am sure they are," Spock returned softly. "Let us sleep now."

He moved closer and drew his wife closer into his arms, once again resting her head on his shoulder as his cheek rested on her hair. The child, nestled between her parents, made soft baby noises…laughing, gurgling and cooing…for a while before falling asleep herself.

Things had indeed changed drastically over the last year. First, the Kolinahr affair, then the V'ger incident, and shortly thereafter, the Sapphiran mission. Of course, the Vulcan had been more than halfway in love with Christine before they had ever gone there; the closeness they had shared simply completed the job. A little faster than Spock would have preferred, but in the end, he had gotten everything he had ever wanted.

If only for that reason, all were glad the mission had happened. And now that they were together, the couple vowed to be as happy as it was possible for them to be. It wouldn't be very hard at all now, for they had the kind of "bondage" each had dreamed of for years--the kind that neither wanted to be released from. Not now, not ever.