Mbaruku escaped from the garden undetected. Upon entering the house, he looked for Faizah. Hearing the clinking of dishware in the kitchen, he made his way there. Several bowls of chopped fruit sat to the side of her, a cutting board and knife immediately in front.

"Oh, there you are, Mbaru. Sleep well?" Faizah held up a piece of fruit. "Are you hungry?"

Mbaruku, like everyone else, had napped through the lunch hour, and his salivary glands answered Faizah's question before his brain did. Gratefully, he took the proffered melon slice. Faizah selected an orange and began peeling it.

"Thank you. I did not know that I was so hungry," he said after his first bite. "I would not have lasted until supper otherwise."

Faizah finished peeling, then separated the fruit into sections. "Nyota and Spock are in the garden. Did you see them?"

"Uh, no…," he lied. "I was sleeping in the hammock. I just woke up."

Faizah deposited the sections into the bowl, then reached for a pan of flat bread, which she began to slice into smaller pieces. "Hmm, they might be along the north wall, out in the sun. Nyota says that he likes the sun and the heat. It will probably do him some good."

That would not be the only "good" that Spock was getting out in the garden, Mbaruku thought, uncomfortably noting the kisses he witnessed. Stop…! The father-warrior invaded his thoughts unexpectedly. Time to put the father-warrior back in his place and change the subject….

"Faizah, you were correct before. I agree that I must know Spock better, but I am finding it difficult to begin that process."

"He may be having the same difficulty with you."

"Understandable. So I have been asking myself, how does one begin to know another? How do humans begin that kind of interaction? How do humans, Vulcans, anyone?" He was thinking aloud and, as he had many times, used Faizah as a sounding board.

Faizah set down her knife and gave him her attention. "Continue."

Good, she was ready to listen to Mbaruku's premise. "Most societies have rituals for creating conducive meetings, do they not?" he asked. "Some are formal and intricate, such as the protocols and introductions one undergoes when meeting high-level leaders or strangers. Others are less formal, such as when we wave to our friends upon seeing them. Behind these rituals is the idea that each party communicates expectations, its status in relation to the other, and, thus, each party understands how to deal with the other."

"True," Faizah agreed. "You believe that we need a ritual?"

"A ritual, ideally something from Vulcan culture, that would put him more at ease or make him more receptive so that he and I can 'start over,' as it were."

Faizah tilted her head. "You told Nyota that we will welcome him as family. Find a ritual that does that."

Mbaruku raised his eyebrows in surprise. "I don't want to be overly solicitous. We might scare him off."

"I don't think so. At this moment, Spock does not know his status with us. He doesn't even know where he, as a Vulcan, belongs right now. Without their world, they are all lost. The most valuable thing we can do is to tell him where his place is here. The more directly we communicate that, the less he has to guess, postulate, 'consider the myriad variables in confusing human relationships,'" Faizah said, reciting that last phrase with a Vulcan's lack of inflection.

Faizah had good points, as usual.

She continued. "He is not the only one who needs that message. Yes, we have told Nyota that we welcome him, but she needs to see it for herself. Then she will relax, too. If she no longer has to protect Spock from you, she will help you know him."

Another good point, even with the jab at his protectiveness. "I had not thought of that."

His wife looked at him, trying to see deeper. "Can you do this? This morning you were not pleased, and you had too many questions. What has changed for you…?"

"I promised Nyota," he said. "She loves him, and he is part of our lives now. That will not change."

"And after their story, you now see something more in him," she stated, somehow sensing his inner thoughts as she always had.

Knowing the history Nyota and Spock's relationship was part of it, true. What Mbaruku had witnessed in the garden, Spock's hidden personality and the connection he had to Nyota, had intrigued Mbaruku more and in many ways had revealed Spock in a new light. "It is as you say: He is not what I expected.'"

Faizah's eyes drilled into him, as if she could read his every thought, but she let it go. "So, how do Vulcans say 'Welcome to the family'?"

"There were several rituals of welcome in the Vulcan cultural database," Mbaruku said. "I think I know one that will be appropriate."

-o0o-

His research successful, armed with information, Mbaruku returned to the kitchen. He found and filled their fanciest pitcher with water, found their best crystal goblets, explained the chosen ritual to Faizah, and the two of them rehearsed.

He had not seen Spock since the younger couple had told their story and Nyota had sought his verdict on the matter. He had given her his blessing. His next meeting with the younger man was an opportune time to implement this common Vulcan custom and impart his blessing to Spock as well.

Fortunately the ritual they would attempt—one of the older and common Vulcan traditions—was simple, not overtly solicitous, which eased many of Mbaruku's concerns. Now all they had to do was wait for Nyota and Spock to return to the house.

Although he had chosen this course, now with this formal acknowledgment upon him, a wave of doubt passed through Mbaruku. "Faizah, before we do this, can we be sure about Nyota and Spock?"

Instead of becoming angry or agitated, Faizah sighed. "We cannot be absolutely sure about anything, Mbaru. But I have often said, 'Uncommon situations offer uncommon opportunities.'"

It was a phrase Faizah often used to motivate her employees years ago.

"It is true in business, and it is true in life," she assured. "Of course there will be misunderstandings, and we will stumble. But if our minds and our hearts are all in the right place, we may discover that we are the ones who reap the greater rewards. We will have a happy daughter and another good man in our family."

"Even so, making obvious choices often requires courage," he observed. "And I do not feel especially brave right now."

"Awww, Mbaru, you are braver than you realize."

Mbaruku smiled. "You are a good and dutiful wife, Faizah."

Faizah laughed. "At least you realize that!"

Mbaruku looked skyward as if begging Heaven for some kind of consolation.

"Speaking of 'good and dutiful,'" Faizah started, "Nyota seemed eager to fix the communications station. I think that she will need things to do. Spock, too. They are not used to sitting around. Having something to do would help get their minds off of the things that are bothering them. Spock seemed to enjoy the gardening."

Mbaruku smiled. "Well, then, I have a whole list of things they could do."

Faizah did not look happy at her husband's attempt to pawn off her to-do list. "Mbaru, do not think for one moment that—!"

"Ah-ah-ah!" Mbaruku held one hand up in protest. "If you can put Spock to work in the garden, then he can help me as well! If I can get his focus on the work, it may make conversation easier. Besides, Vulcans are strong," he joked. "I could use his help."

"Perhaps," Faizah conceded. "I'll see what Nyota wants to do. Or maybe we can take a walk. It will be good to spend that time with her. She probably needs to talk out a few things, poor girl."

Faizah noticed movement outside. "They're coming!"

Mbaruku beckoned her toward the formal dining room. "Let's go."

They heard the door open and close.

"Mama?" Nyota called.

"In here," Faizah answered, now in place next to her husband.

Mbaruku heard two sets of footsteps approach before Nyota and Spock emerged through the door. They stopped suddenly at the sight of Mbaruku, standing up straight with a silver pitcher in his hands. Faizah held a glass goblet and a plate of fruit.

"Come in," Faizah invited.

Nyota's eyes widened as she and Spock took a couple more steps forward. Mbaruku could see the moment when she understood what her parents were about to do. Spock's own eyes took in the scene before him. Judging by the intensity with which Spock's eyes darted between people and objects, his mind was actively assessing, trying to reconcile what he saw with what he knew about human customs.

Mbaruku stepped forward. "Spock, your journey has been long. Please accept this water to refresh you, this food to sustain you, and the comforts of this home to restore you. This haven and our service are yours."

Mbaruku took some satisfaction from Spock's careful lack of expression because Spock clearly was working to keep any reaction hidden. But then, how would he have anticipated this interpretation—any interpretation—of the Vulcan ritual for welcoming family members into a home? With it, Mbaruku and Faizah were offering their acceptance and protection. As long as Spock was under this roof, they promised Spock that he would be treated as family.

Spock tilted his head slightly to one side, his mind still on overdrive, then glanced at Nyota. Nyota nodded, smiling encouragement and assurance.

Spock returned his eyes to Mbaruku, still some question in them. He glanced between Mbaruku and Faizah, trying again to read them.

Faizah's face was beaming with a wide smile. She did not try to adopt the Vulcan neutral face that Mbaruku was attempting. Mbaruku continued to stand tall, waiting for an answer.

Finally, Spock straightened. "I will endeavor to be worthy of thy gifts and protection," Spock offered the ritual response with a respectful nod. "I will defend thy home and preserve the honor of this family."

-o0o-

Although they had begun with a Vulcan ritual, they relaxed Vulcan custom and chatted during the small meal. Truthfully, Nyota and Faizah did most of the talking with Mbaruku throwing in a few comments here and there. Mbaruku noted, with some amusement and satisfaction, that Spock remained quiet, still reflecting on the small ceremony. It was understandable, however. He had just been accepted into Nyota's Terran family with a Vulcan ceremony when, mostly likely, he had not expected to be accepted at all.

Nyota had patted his forearm gently afterward while Faizah and Mbaruku had gone to the kitchen to bring the meal to the table. Mbaruku overheard her say, "See? I told you, Ashayam…"

Since then, Nyota had been joyful, exuberant even. Finally Spock looked slightly more at peace. At breakfast he had taken modest helpings. This time his plate was fuller—mangoes seemed to be a favorite.

"Nyota, were you serious about looking at the comm system?" Faizah asked.

"Yes, I can get right to it after we eat," she replied.

"Good. It seems to have a delay in connecting, and we can't figure out why. It's not the service provider; we've checked," Faizah said. "Mbaru…"

As agreed, she was leading Mbaruku into his role for this conversation.

"…That stone on the pathway, the one that heaved…," she said, waving her fork over her shoulder in the direction of the garden outside. "Someone is going to trip over it if you don't re-set it. You were supposed to do that before Nyota and Spock arrived. If either one of them gets hurt…"

Mbaruku nodded, playing his part. "Yes, it should be done right away, but it is so heavy. Surely I will break my back if I try to move it myself."

"Do you require assistance?" Spock asked.

Hmm, Spock's quick offer was unexpected. Mbaruku thought that he would have to draw out the conversation longer or even drop a few more hints, but Spock, apparently, was a helpful soul. His eyes had widened, maybe indicating interest. He has a good work ethic, Mbaruku noted.

Playing his role in the keep-them-busy plan, Mbaruku nodded enthusiastically. "Yes. I could use any help I can get, most definitely from a strong Starfleet officer like yourself, Spock," he laughed, noting a flicker of surprise cross the younger's features at the use of his name sans title. "While Nyota is working with the comm system, we can go outside and take care of the stone before my wife becomes angrier with me. Do you need work clothes? It's dirty work…"

"It is expected in labors of this kind," Spock stated.

Mbaruku joked to himself, wondering if Spock even knew how to get dirty. Even after helping Faizah in the garden, he had emerged immaculately groomed, not a noticeable trace of dirt on his clothing or under his nails. "Ah, then, there are a few stone benches that Faizah wanted me to move, too. While we are out there…"

"Baba!" Nyota gave her father a mischievous glare, teasing. "Don't wear him out!"

Mbaruku drew himself up into his most fatherly pose. "Nyota, my eldest daughter…," he started.

Nyota and Faizah both looked heavenward as if to say, "Here it comes."

"…If Spock is going to remain among us, he will have to get used to being part of the family, and being part of this family includes fulfilling your mother's lists!"

"Mbaru!" Faizah glared, but it was not very effective when she was trying to repress her own laughter.

Nyota bent over, resting her forehead on the table, her own shoulders shaking as she laughed. "I don't believe this."

Spock tilted his head, eyeing the three humans in turn.

"Spock, don't listen to him," Faizah urged. "Don't do anything you don't want to. He's trying to get you to do his work."

"It is of no concern," said Spock in that patient cadence that only Vulcans could master. "My father learned that it was wise to accede to Mother's directives, quickly and efficiently. It may be wise to do so here as well."

"Aha! Aha!" Mbaruku clapped his hands together in glee. "It is the same everywhere!"

"Indeed," Spock affirmed, glancing at Nyota with a glint in his eye.

Nyota and Faizah's mouths dropped open in disbelief.

Mbaruku recognized the need for a quick exit before his dear wife and darling daughter recovered. "Come, Spock, we have things to do. Let's get them done." He got up abruptly, and Spock followed without hesitation. Did Spock realize that the risk of retribution from the Uhura women had just increased sevenfold?

"Well, would you listen to that…," Mbaruku heard Faizah say just before he and Spock made it outside and out of range.

Uh, make that tenfold.

Mbaruku was not sure, but he swore that a brief glimmer of smugness crossed Spock's features. So much for the the quiet, logical Vulcan scientist and officer. Spock's humor had a wicked streak to it. Had he picked that up from Nyota, or was that simply a part of the young man's personality?

No doubt that getting to know Spock The Individual was going to be an interesting experience.

Author's Note August 21, 2011: Hi! Thanks for waiting. It's been a rough month. I don't know about all of you, but I'm sure ready for lighter fare, as are the characters in this story. If any of this makes you laugh (or at least grin a bit), let me know. ;-) I like to know that I'm on the right track.

As always, thanks to T'Soy who fit in a beta session in the midst of a very busy time. You are awesome!