Title: During the Journey to Babel
"That was one bumpy ride," Lord Christopher commented as he entered the Sickbay. Amanda was sitting between her husband and son and was glowing in the fact that she still had both Vulcans with her. She smiled at Lord Christopher as he kissed her hand. "How are the patients?"
"Healing well," Amanda said gleefully.
"Good," Lord Christopher said walking to Spock's bed. "I must admit that it was more difficult than I thought."
"What was more difficult?" Spock inquired. Lord Christopher did not answer Spock, he just smiled at him.
"Will you be continuing to the conference?" Sarek asked when he saw that Lord Christopher was not going to answer his son's question.
"No," Lord Christopher turned to Sarek. "I've collected enough data for the Keepers' and I will be leaving as soon as we reach Babel.
"I better go," Lord Christopher's mood suddenly changed; he looked around the room as though he sensed something. "Dr. McCoy is about to release you Spock. I like the Doctor but his Southern twang irks me a bit. So Sarek, Amanda, Spock – may the Creator smile upon you 'til we meet again."
Just as Lord Christopher left McCoy entered the room to release Spock back to his duties.
"Well Spock your blood production is back to normal and you've recovered nicely from the operation." McCoy said looking at Spock's chart and then signed it. "You're free to go."
Spock quickly got out of the med bed and retrieved his uniform. Just before he left, he promised Sarek and Amanda to see them before they left for the conference. Outside Sickbay Spock found Lord Christopher waiting by the turbo lift.
"You were right," Spock said as he walked into the turbo lift followed by Lord Christopher.
"About what in particular?"
"It was easier to go to the captain's chair then go to the aid of my father." Spock explained not looking at the other man.
"Computer, stop lift." Lord Christopher suddenly commanded. The turbo cam to a steady stop and Lord Christopher turned to Spock. "Spock, I knew you would eventually go to help your father. You are your mother's son as well."
"Specify."
"Spock, you and everyone else seems to forget that you are Vulcan and Human." Lord Christopher sighed. "No matter how hard you try you can't be completely Vulcan because you are not. You've spent most of your life trying to ignore your human heritage like it was some to be ashamed of when it's not. How many times do I have to drill this into your head before you will remember it?"
"It is difficult," Spock responded truthfully.
"I know," Lord Christopher was tempted to place a comforting hand on Spock's shoulder but resisted. He had to remind himself that the Vulcan was no longer a small child. "But remember that you have your family and friends to aid you in your difficulties. And I am sorry."
"You were completely justified in your remarks to me earlier."
"Yes I know," Lord Christopher remarked causing Spock to give him a quizzical look. "But that doesn't mean I should have done it." The turbolift stopped and the door slid open with a soft hiss. Lord Christopher motioned to Spock to walk with him.
"Do you remember the question that was asked of you by the Keepers?" Lord Christopher asked softly as a group of delegates passed by them.
"I have already given my answer to Lady Mina." Spock said.
"I know that," Lord Christopher nodded. "But the Parliament wanted me to double check while I was on this mission. Your answer."
"It remains the same." Spock said firmly.
"Good," Lord Christopher sighed. "If you had changed your answer it would have given me a headache. That is a joke, Spock." he added when saw the confused expression on Spock's face.
"When you speak in a humourous manner is it the same as when you speak in a serious one." Spock pointed out.
"Yes I know," Lord Christopher smiled. "It's called talking deadpan; it's especially great at negotiations to confuse people.
"But now I must go," Lord Christopher said suddenly, his tone becoming. "I have to return to Vitae Custos soon with my report. Until we meet again Spock, may the Creator smile upon you."
Lord Christopher offered his hand to the Vulcan and, in an uncharacteristic gesture, Spock shook it.
"Until we meet again, Lord Christopher."
"I'm glad I found you before you left." Amanda said smiling to Lord Christopher. He was walking her back to her quarters; McCoy was allowing Sarek to return to his quarters before they reached Babel and Amanda wanted to make sure everything was ready.
"Really,"
"Yes, I wanted to ask you a few questions."
"Fire away," Lord Christopher said.
"On Vulcan you said you had three reasons for wanting Sarek's aid in getting on the Enterprise, but you never gave the third reason." Amanda spoke as she entered the code to her quarters.
"I'm going to venture you want to know my third reason." Lord Christopher attempted to surppress a smile that was forming on his lips.
"Yes." Amanda invited Lord Christopher inside and a seat when he entered.
"Is it not obvious?" Lord Christopher asked as he sat down. Amanda did not respond with words but with a look. "Ah, Well, if you wish for me to spell it out for you..."
"That would be most kind," Amanda said joining in on the dry sarcasm Lord Christopher often spoke in.
"The third reason was for your family." Lord Christopher explained. "I could not bear the thought of Sarek and Spock being on such cold terms for the rest of their lives. They're too stubborn to realize that it effected more people then just themselves."
"Like me," Amanda said quietly as she sat down.
"Like you," Lord Christopher confirmed. "And when the Keepers gave me this assignment I saw an opportunity to help things along. I do hope I haven't interfered where I shouldn't have."
"Lord Christopher," Amanda looked at him and gave him a smile. "Sometimes people need their friends to interfere, especially when they, themselves, are too blind to see their problem.
"I am very glad you interfered." Amanda grabbed Lord Christopher's hand gave lightly squeezed it.
"You had another question?" Lord Christopher asked.
"Yes," Amanda was not a forward with this question as she had to last.
"And," Lord Christopher prompted.
"When will it happen?" She asked and Lord Christopher knew exactly what she meant.
"Soon,"
"How soon?" Amanda asked, this time more firmly. "Soon for us, or soon for you?"
"Soon." Lord Christopher said again. "That's all I can say." He stood and went to the door but he paused to turned around to look at Amanda. "After the Conference, may my sister and I come for a short visit?"
"You're always welcome to my home, Lord Christopher." Amanda smiled at him. He bowed his head towards her and left. She wanted to call him back or to follow him but she knew that it would be to no avail. He would be gone. Gone, until he appeared again for whatever reason.
Authoress' Note: I am so sorry that this took so long. I've been travelling the past few weeks and now am studying in Roma, Italia. Please review! I'm going to try to update my other stories on here and maybe start another one based on an episode. Enjoy!!