A Taste of Honey
Chapter Twelve
McCoy/Blake sat looking at his com screen and ran his left hand through his grey hair. The message from Spock reverberated through his mind…Nyota will be here. After all these years to have a glance of her would be comforting to him. But as Spock intimated, how could he make himself unrecognizable to both she and Sarek…it would take quite a bit of planning. He stood up then sat back down and reached for his drawer…stayed his hand and went to find M'Binga.
He found his friend in one of the laboratories. He gestured for him to follow him. To avoid compromising his unstated promise to himself, he did not return to his office but led M'Binga into the clinic's library and double locked the door.
"I just got a com from Spock, there is trouble brewing. Sarek and Nyota will be here on Na'cluv2—at the same time. It all had to do with a family reunion and the birth of my grandchild. Did you know it is a girl?
M'Binga nodded.
"Elsse told me."
"By the way, how is that coming along?"
"There is no commitment, just enjoying one another's company. She is a dedicated mother. Quite involved with her grandchildren—all twelve of them. Mother's love is a powerful force to reckon with."
Again, running his hand through his hair, McCoy/Blake stated,
"Having been raised by my father,* I have no point of reference."
M'Binga snapped his fingers,
"Len, how about a face lift with the excuse that Sarek still looks just like the day you two first met, as an excuse."
"So what you are saying is, 'Erase the wear and tear so I will look more like the man that deserted his wife…"
M'Binga looked dejected,
"I hadn't quite gotten the big picture.
McCoy/Blake then stopped in his tracks,
"Geof, how about an induced, controlled bout with a temporarily disfiguring flu like Junapa or Meri. You know one that makes a person look like death warmed over."
M'Binga was hedging a bit as he said,
"I really hate to visualize you looking like that. How could we explain it away?"
McCoy/Blake replied,
"The only thing I can think of as a reason would be a laboratory experiment that went wrong. With either of those two, even my own son would have a hard time recognizing me. If he does I would be totally surprised. Isn't there a period of blindness during those diseases' rampage?"
"Yes, the average is two days."
"We have to time it perfectly; all will be in vain if I don't get my last look at Nyota."
"Len, stop being so fatalistic."
"My dear fellow physician, I am being realistic. We are men of science of cold hard facts On a personal level, I have not seen her once since our son has been here. During the normal progression of my life, I don't even envision my continued existence reaching that mathematical point again. So I must strike while the iron is hot, take advantage of a situation and make the best of it.
"In contrast to myself, what exists on this planet is but a fraction of her life. Perhaps at a graduation, or another momentous event, she will return. But her life is on Terra, at Spock's side. He has kept his word in relation to his promise to me, for this I am grateful. My son and his wife are here at my side, also my grandson, soon to be joined by my granddaughter all I could ever want is here, so my place is here. Geof, at this point, there are very few things I would change. The main one being to have more days…"
"Len, don't rain on the parade."
His response was,
"Rain, rain, I predict a bright sunny day."
With that there was a deep sigh. The good doctor ran his hand through his hair again, nodded and left the room.
Once, a solution had been found, then what they needed was a count-down to 'See Day'. McCoy/Blake, knew his facial appearance would be gross, but, he was determined that he would not appear before Nyota as a broken old man. He started a simplified exercise program, watched his diet and did not drink—a great sacrifice indeed.
But in his mind's eye, he wished to appear to the best advantage, despite his face's appearance. He longed to see her eyes light up when she talked, to touch her soft, small hand and most importantly, to thank Spock in person for everything he had done in his behalf.
In addition, he rearranged the commendations on his office wall to show only one holopic of himself, in profile giving his son the scholarship to The Leonard McCoy Memorial Scholarship those many years ago. It did not even show a full profile, mostly the back of his head. He was certain he would still remain unrecognizable.
McCoy had already requested that McCoy/Blake deliver his daughter. After all, the doctor had delivered his name sake. The established period of time for the duration of the disease, the aftermath and acceptable period of quarantine had to be measured into the equation along with the fickle nature of a child's entry into the world. With these facts in mind, the mildest form of the virus was created along with heavy doses of anti-virus. Thus, the physical symptoms would manifest themselves, but with short term effects. After the immediate eruptions on his skin, it was calculated that he would only be incapacitated for four days.
The ugly rash's presence in its non-contagious state would remain for at least three weeks and then there would be a gradual subsiding. White skin with multi-colored skin legions was a most unpleasant sight, but upon arrival of the guests, the crust that usually follows would still disguise most of his facial features. While he is in his non-contagious state he would be certain to let Blake see his altered countenance so as to not startle or frighten him.
Yes, for a certainly he would deliver his granddaughter, be the first to hold her and then pass her to his son. He was indeed a blessed soul.
Just before he was injected with the virus he had a complete physical. M'Binga nodded his head,
"You certainly are in better shape then you were the last time. You see what proper rest, diet and exercise can do for an individual?"
Slapping his friend on the back he said,
"You are missing part of the equation—almost non-existent consumption of bourbon."
M'Binga raised his hands in monk surprise,
"How did I ever forget that major contribution?"
His friend's response was,
"You're getting old."
"And you are the only one that I will allow to say that since you are twelve years older than I."
"Basically that means I must have that much more experience than you."
Eyeing his friend with a grin M'Binga said,
"Only in some areas of life my friend, only a few at that."
With a laugh McCoy/Blake said,
"Yes, the few that really counts. By the way, are you hungry, I best get in a few good meals before I submit to torture."
Before they left the clinic McCoy/Blake informed Spock of his brief immersion in the field of deception.
With that they headed, not to the clinic's cafeteria, but to the twenty-four hour diner nearby.
*In all the cannon reference regarding McCoy I have read, I do not recall a mention of his mother—thus I have included that statement.