Hi! Well, here's another chapter! I'm now starting to work on resolution, the birth and some happiness! I want to know if you guys want to read the birth or if I should just skip it? Also, I need baby names! I cannot continue without a name for the little one. Plus, how far should I skip ahead? Do you guys want to read about her time on the colony? How far ahead do you want it before Spock runs into them again? Ideas are very welcome! Reviews make my day! C'mon! I want to hear from you! Also, the song sung is from "Dumbo". Not the sweetest but it sounds cute and shows unconditional love.
Tishbing
Chapter Fourteen
Jamie's first impression of Beta Sigma colony had been peace and beauty but it also was very much like Iowa. The main difference being that there were hills and mountains in the background. The main workforce was farming and livestock.
Stepping off the ship with her two friends, she could feel the peace and beauty of the new world but she could also see that it was slow-paced and quiet. Apparently, with a glare to Christine, it was exactly what the doctor ordered.
They touched down in an open field and, in the distance, Jamie could see a two-story white house, a large red barn on the side along with a paddock and stables. It was a definite step away from her former home on the Enterprise.
A bright red pick-up truck ambled down the road to them, very reminiscent of old twentieth century.
"Ah, our ride is here."
Selek smiled slightly and picked up the two large suitcases, Chris grabbing the two duffle bags and maneuvering away from Jamie to prevent her helping. The entire trip she had been treated as if she was made of spun glass, like she was delicate and precious. It had been a rather new experience for her but it was wearing after a while.
Jamie brushed her now dark brown hair out of her now vivid green eyes as the wind whipped it around her face. Selek and Chapel had worked last night to adjust Jamie's appearance slightly to prevent her being recognized. Nothing major, just contacts and her hair pigment changed but, looking in a mirror, she couldn't see who she was anymore. She wondered how much of the change was physical and how much of it was mental.
She still felt overwhelming sadness at the loss of her way of life and friends but it was minor compared to the ache of where the bond had been muffled. It was like an empty space in her mind that should have be filled.
Jamie rubbed her belly, feeling tiny movements like a butterfly's delicate wings brushing against her and it helped to push away the negative feelings. This was why she was doing this. This tiny person was the most important in her life and it was worth it.
"Feeling the baby kick?" Chris smiled and Jamie returned it.
"Yeah. I think she's happy to be out of the ship." Jamie shifted her balance, feeling stronger than she had in a while, most likely due to the vigilant care that Selek and Christine had bestowed upon her during the week long trip it too to get here.
Selek had taken to teaching her meditation techniques to sooth the frayed bond and heal it from her end but also to shield herself from harm. It took a lot out of her and she felt strong and secure but still empty. She wondered if it would ever fade. She had asked Selek about the breaking of the bond and he had carefully avoided answering, choosing to evade the question.
Christine Chapel was every bit the woman who had left the Enterprise three years ago. She was still just as strong and determined but more confident than Jamie remembered. Jamie's neck attested to the fact that she seemed to be channelling McCoy's spirit.
The truck pulled up, kicking up a cloud of dust and a tall man stepped out, blond, well muscled and tanned with dark brown eyes. He was wearing a flannel shirt, dark jeans and work boots that were caked with mud. He smiled brightly at the group, his eyes crinkling in the corners and Jamie relaxed slightly.
"Well, y'all must be the new owners of the McLintock farm and land. I'm Josiah Bartlett and I'm mighty pleased to be meeting y'all." He thrust out his hand and she took it while he shook hers and Christine's, respectfully nodding at Selek.
"I am Selek and this is Dr. Chapel and Sara Smith. They will be taking possession of the property while I am away travelling."
Josiah's eyes widened and his smile grew. "Old Doc Hutchins had said he was getting a new doctor in the clinic! Didn't realize it'd be so soon or such a pretty doctor." He winked at Chris and Jamie couldn't help laughing at the blush that appeared on her cheeks.
"Well, it'll be a bit cramped in the truck if you all want to ride in the cab but it's not a long drive up to the house. We better head on up. My Aunt Delilah's itchin' to meet you. We don't get too many new folks round here." He clapped his hands together and reached for the bags, placing them in the truck bed and Chapel and Selek clambered into the small back of the cab despite her protests while Kirk sat shotgun next to Josiah.
The scenery passed by in a whirlwind of colors. There were Amber fields of grain, tall stalks of corn just starting, orchards with apples and oranges and cherries in the distance, and pastures with sheep and cows grazing lazily. She didn't see many other people other than a few tending the fields and a young girl on horseback herding the cows.
"How many people live here?"
Josiah waved to the girl who waved back before he answered. "Not too many. There's about two thousand here in Williamsville but there's a few other settlements on Beta Sigma." He turned on the dirt road and came up to the house, a round older lady coming out dusting flour off her hands. Her hair was gray and cut short to frame her face which was covered in laugh lines.
Josiah stepped out of the truck and quickly moved to open the passenger door before Jamie could and helped the group exit.
"Why, hello there!" Delilah ran up to the group, hugging the women and ushered them all inside and Jamie's stomach grumbled at the smell of baking. The house was beautiful. Dark wood floors, bright paint and charming antique furniture was throughout the home. There was an armchair by the fireplace in the sitting room that had Jamie's name on it.
Jamie and Chris allowed themselves to be situated in the kitchen which was warm and had the wonderful smell of coffee and sweet apples.
"Welcome to Beta Sigma! I have to say, I was glad when I saw the paperwork that was sent through for the acres of farmland and the property. I was worried that some corporate firm was gonna buy it and charge ridiculous amounts for the farmers renting the land but your Mr. Selek cut a fine deal." Jamie had yet to hear the particulars but agreed politely.
"And it looks like ya'll arrived in time to settle before the little one makes an appearance." She nodded towards Jamie's rounded stomach, a kind expression lighting her face.
Jamie rubbed her stomach. "Yeah. Just figured a change of pace might be good for me."
The older woman nodded and poured coffee for the group, placing it on the table along with a large Apple upside down cake and plates. "I hope you don't mind me stealing your kitchen. I wanted to be here to greet you before heading out. I figure you might like something warm to stick to your ribs to help you relax after your trip."
"Thank you, ma'am."
Delilah pointed a finger, wagging it at Chapel. "None of that ma'am stuff round here. It's Delilah. My nephew Josiah would call me that and it always made me feel like an old lady."
"It's because I respect you, Aunt Delilah, not because you're old." Josiah came in, Selek following close behind.
"Well, I think we'll leave you to explore. I know Sadie and Sam will be excited to meet you. I'll be taking them out for a run before I go and Josiah will help you get acquainted with them when you feel up to it."
"Sam and Saidie?"
"Them's the horses, miss." Josiah answered.
"Thank you for your warm greeting Mrs. Bartlett, Josiah." Selek saw their group out and returned, carrying the smaller of the large duffle bags.
Jamie practically inhaled the cake on the table, not realizing how much she had missed non-replicated food. The taste never seemed quite right on the Enterprise.
Selek's lips quirked with a small smile before he started pulling out documentation and spreading it over the table. There were multiple deeds, leases and identification paperwork for both Jamie and Chapel.
"I was fortunate to have acquired this property from a Mr. McLintock. He was eager to sell so he could retire early on Risa for a change in scenery. I believe that it was, what is known as, a midlife crisis. I purchased the five-hundred acres including the house and stables. Four hundred and ninety is rented by the local people for their own crops and livestock while ten is for your use and the horses."
Jamie felt overwhelmed. This was too much.
"The rent should cover all of your expenses and some residents are using their produce in place of rent. This gives you the option of growing your own food or using the land as you see fit. I predict you will be extremely busy over the next year and may not have the time to put the land to use yet."
It was such a dramatic shift going from the high-tech, fast paced life of a starship captain to being a farmer. Jamie sipped the coffee, enjoying it's warmth.
"When do you have to leave?" She hoped she didn't sound needy.
Chapel stood, taking a slice of cake and coffee with her. "I'm going to call the local clinic and let them know I've arrived."
Selek waited until she had gone. "I am afraid I will not be able to remain for long. I will stay until the day after tomorrow but I will return soon."
"Ok."
Selek reached out and held Jamie's hands. "I will not abandon you."
"I know. Thank you."
A terrible thought hit her. Once Selek left, she was vulnerable. Could Spock find her and the baby?
"No. I am confident that it is extremely unlikely that the commander will come here."
Jamie looked at their joined hands and smiled fondly. "Cheater."
"It is not cheating if you are projecting. Your thoughts are quite loud even with your shielding in place."
Shrugging, Jamie pulled away. "What about my mom? Will I ever see her again?"
"I can arrange discreet visits but they should be few and far between to prevent your location being made public."
"Agreed." Taking her coffee, Jamie made her way to the porch, Selek following.
The sun was beginning to set as evening drew in, the sky was painted a beautiful mix of pink, orange and red. Jamie could see two horses running in the paddock chasing each other and the fields spread out before her. "You couldn't have picked a more beautiful spot."
Selek sighed. "My Jim had wanted a place much like this in his later years but he never quite had the time to settle. There was always one more adventure among the stars."
Looking up, Jamie saw a small bright star, the first of the night. "Yeah. I never thought this would be where I ended up."
"Think of it as another adventure. Parenthood can be quite the challenge."
Jamie felt light, as if the weight plaguing her had been lifted from her shoulders. A new start was what she had needed and what she had been gifted with by virtue of her friends. Selek, Uhura, Chapel, Scotty and McCoy gave her a new future and it was going to be a big adjustment but Jamie felt confident in her abilities. Selek had arranged it so she didn't have to work but Jamie knew that it would cause her to dwell on things lost.
An idea settled and Jamie knew it would keep her busy and happy. "Selek?"
"Hmm?"
"I was wondering about being able to continue Thomas Leighton's research proposal."
Selek's eyes shined in excitement and approval. "I think that can be arranged. I have the appropriate equipment and I can have messages passed between the two of you. The development of quadrotriticale would be a fascinating project to see unfold."
"Yeah. I think I'll do that." Jamie watched the horses being led back into the stables. She turned to Selek, a smirk playing on her features. "You do know I have no clue how to ride a horse, right?"
A small chuckle escaped her companion. "I believe you can do anything you put your mind to."
Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
It had been two months since his captain left her ship. Starfleet had deigned to assign a replacement captain rather than allowing Spock to assume the role. Their reasoning being his lack of empathy during Captain Kirk's final months of duty on the Enterprise. He decided to not argue with the judgement.
For the most part, life on the ship was the same as when Kirk was there. The marked difference being the Captain, Owen Fitzpatrick, was quite a different leader. He was much older than the usual breed of captain and much more strict. The crew had had a major shock in adjusting to the new style but they were a credit to their Starfleet training.
The official word on board was that Captain Kirk was taking much needed leave and her pregnancy was no longer a secret, the facts surrounding it were limited to senior staff. Spock had been forced to endure the looks of anger from the bridge crew and had become the equivalent of a social pariah. They were still polite and respectful but maintained a distance that Spock had not felt since his youth on Vulcan.
Spock's ability to center himself and meditate had become more challenging as of late. Since Jamie's last communication he had been attempting to locate his link to her. Though he found the beginning of a thread it ended in him coming to a barrier so strong he was unable to break through. It was as if there was nothing on the other side of that wall.
It was...frustrating.
"Sooo...Commander Spock. I have to say the results from my minor interference have become rather interesting."
Spinning on his heel, the commander saw Trelane, clad in a Kolinahr Master's robe as he lounged on his bed, a large smile on his face. The sight infuriated Spock and he lunged at the man only to grip air and his duvet.
"Na-uh, Commander."
Spock turned, his hands fisted in impotent rage at the being that smiled smugly, still in the robes. He flicked an imaginary piece of lint off the shoulder and mock pouted at the vulcan, wagging a finger as if scolding a small pet.
"Tsk tsk. Is that how you should greet someone who gave you such a gift?"
"What are you talking about?" Spock barely controlled the urge to growl but he did step forward menacingly.
Trelane rolled his eyes. "I have given you everything you could have ever dreamed of."
"You have created chaos and now I have nothing."
"Through your own faults." Trelane countered.
He waited for Spock to reply but the vulcan said nothing, lips pressed together tight and hands fisted. Sighing, the being leaned forward.
"Would you like to see her?" It was more interesting to gain a reaction than have nothing. Spock froze upon hearing the question.
Did he want to see her? Yes. Should he see her? He was not sure.
"I can see that you do. How about I do you this one act of kindness." Trelane sounded but his eyes were focused on the vulcan with unnerving intensity.
Spock blinked, the room they were in was in the midst of being painted a pale lavender, dark hardwood floors covered in plastic. He spun to see Trelane, now clad in old fashioned farmer's clothing. Red plaid shirt, blue jeans and rubber boots.
"What is the meaning of this?" Spock snarled. His patience was wearing thin. Trelane was a simple target for his frustration but a voice stopped him cold.
It was a low murmur, singing. Trelane pointed and Spock turned his focus and what he saw was breathtaking.
Jamie was stood, swaying gently and was carefully painting stencils of flowers on the walls. He drank in her features as if she was water to a man in the desert, an oasis. She was clad in a large set of overalls, her belly now very prominent, one hand resting over the bump protectively as she worked.
Pink splashes of paint were splashed on her clothing and one small smear was across her forehead, unnoticed. Her hair was a dark shade of brown tied in a messy ponytail, wisps of loose hair framed her heart shaped face. Spock watched as her nose wrinkled in thought while she dabbed at the wall.
"Baby mine, don't you cry.
Baby mine, dry your eyes.
Rest your head close to my heart.
Never to part.
Baby of mine."
The tune sounded familiar. Spock listened closer. He could smell sweet apples and only a hint of the paint.
"Little one when you play.
Pay no heed to what they say.
Let your eyes sparkle and shine.
Never a tear.
Baby of mine."
It was as if his heart had been swallowed up by a black hole, perhaps punched and beaten before it was sucked away. She was singing the same song his mother would sing to him when he was a child. An old lullaby from a children's film.
"If they knew all about you
They'd end up loving you
All those same people who scold you
What they'd give just for the right to hold you."
Jamie's tongue darted out as she focused on the stem of the flower, her eyes no longer the vivid blue he remembered but a verdant green. It stung to see how different she looked, clearly hiding her identity.
"From your head down to your toes
You're not much, goodness knows
But you're so precious to me
Sweet as can be
Baby of mine"
Jamie finished her stencil and stood back smiling, her hands reaching behind her to rub at her back causing her to arch and display her pregnancy more obviously. Spock moved forward, arm outstretched to touch her but before he could make contact they were back in his quarters on board the Enterprise, arm still reaching for something he would never have again.
"Why have you shown me this? To torture me? To show me that I have lost?" Spock's hand fell to his side, his shoulders sagging with defeat.
There was no answer. Trelane had left him. Seeing Jamie was akin to rubbing salt in a wound. She had seemed so at peace and comfortable. His t'hy'la. Trelane had succeeded at showing him one thing. How foolish he had been.
