A Taste of Honey

Chapter Fourteen

To avoid a frenzied ride to the clinic in the middle of the night McCoy had selected a quiet room in the back of the clinic and converted it into a studio apartment for his family. He had informed Blake that his Uncle-Papa was ill and would not be visiting them as he usually did. He was also informed that the sickness had changed his uncle-papa's appearance. At this point there was no danger of catching the disease so as scheduled Dr. McCoy/Blake would deliver the baby.

The family's arrival was scheduled for the morrow and T'Prie had been uncharacteristically quiet, and tired. Women who are mothers of more than one child can testify that each pregnancy is as different as each child.

During Blake's gestation T'Prie was a bundle of energy, now toward the end of this one, she was a bundle of nerves, unvoiced complaints and an ever-tired feeling. With any complaint, it was on the tip of Elsse tongue to remind her daughter that she was a mother six times, all successful, each different and for the most part without the presence of her husband. If it had not been for her mother T'Prie was certain she would have just stayed in bed. Elsse had made certain she could not carry out such an ill-timed idea. T'Prie was removed from her bed, if necessary with continued verbal persuasion, to walk every day.

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McCoy/Blake decided to add to the disguise mind-set by wearing a surgical mask when in the presence of the visitors. He picked the largest size so that very little of his scaly face would show. He imagined how others would have reacted to his presence if the disease was full blown. His final message from Spock congratulated the doctor on his inventiveness in the continuance of the subterfuge and ended with this comment:

'In my life's history bodily injury or change, while not common, were at times a necessary discomfort. My mind set during these times of discomfort was, 'The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few…or one.' I think your action also embodies this noble thought and I thank you.'

Live Long and Prosper

Spock

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Kov, Zon and their families would be arriving in around two hours. But the nurse who was stationed as look-out advised the family of a shuttle's approach.

Drs. S'chn T'gai McCoy and M'Binga, Elsse and little Blake were present at the landing pad as Terra's Vulcan Embassy shuttle hovered and gracefully touched the ground. Nyota, looking out the portal saw her grandson standing in front of his father dressed in his Vulcan robe. Tears sprung to her eyes and she reveled in the many cultures and traditions that were embodied in her family, she turned to Spock who had read her emotions and her husband nodded and took her hand into the ozh'estra, finger embrace. Her husband sent to her,

'My K'diwa, I thank you for my completely satisfying life.'

She bestowed her generous smile on him and for a second, placed her head on his chest.

Rising from their seats Spock reached up and secured their duffle bags and nodded to Benjamin to take the lead. T'Ama and Sven held Amanda and Olaf in their arms and followed. Sven grabbed the rolling luggage and they walked toward the exit.

In a display of atypical conduct, the children once outside the shuttle and on their feet, ran to greet one another, touching, caressing, and hugging. Then as realization hit them they fell back into their serious, fixed facial display and stated the accepted Vulcan greeting and hand display, much to their parent's relief.

It appeared that Sarek's arrival was momentary. All viewed the sky with shaded eyes as one of New Vulcan's shuttles appeared on the horizon, landed and Sarek exited with his fingers already raised in greeting. The entire family responded.

Sarek looked around and made the inquiry,

"Where is Dr. Blake?"

M'Binga supplied the answer and Sarek nodded. He then approached Spock and inquired,

"My son, through our bond I know all is well. I look forward to speaking privately with you during your stay here on Na'cluv2."

Spock's answer was simply,

"I welcome the time we will spend together. Live Long and Proper, My father."

His father's eyes dropped lower and he observed the three children now present, his great-grandchildren, nine of them with one more ready to join his family. His thoughts momentarily conjured up the thought of how much his beloved Amanda would have relished this reunion. His son's focus acknowledged their similar thoughts and both nodded to one another.

M'Binga took the time to introduce Elsse to Sarek, who responded appropriately to her welcome in perfect Vulcan.

The mummer of quiet speech was interrupted by a com unit's urgent alert. McCoy's voice was heard.

"My wife and I send greetings and advise that labour has started."

M'Binga broke out into a jog and the others quietly followed.

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Elsse was advised of her daughter's labour and thought for a moment, 'How will I be able to help her through this delivery?'

She was well aware of how distraction could aid in coping with the physical discomfort. T'Prie was her baby, her only daughter. Never in their relationship had she revealed personal information about herself to her daughter. Of course, her sons did not actually desire such information—they were very much like their father, into facts and figures, not fantasy and sentiment. This was typical of a male of most species. By the time of her only daughter's appearance, the confiding of her history did not seem important. Today she would rectify that.

She changed into comfortable clothing and started walking toward her daughter and thought to herself how memories are a rare gift that can be shared with loved ones, treasured and unlike antiques, these required no literal space in ones' house, on a shelf or in a corner, just an open heart and a good memory.

It also surprised her that her thoughts of her husband brought stirrings, not toward a replacement for him, but of basking in their life together. It was true that he was a dedicated engineer, and did embody "The Needs" edict in every area of his life. This of course explained his work ethics.

His returns home were always a time of resumption of a truly spectacular physical relationship. He was a consummate lover, sensitive, complying, satisfying, and physically Oh, so beautiful.

The thought occured to her, perhaps, she would write another book, a memoir as an aid to successful multi-cultural relationships. It was just a thought, but a powerful one. Her steps now propelled her toward the one that many had identified as her mirror image, her daughter,T'Prie.

A voice over the office com advised that another shuttle was making it's approach. The family members raced outside to serve as a welcoming committee for the arrival of the last members. Needless to say, it was not just the adults who were overjoyed, the children greeted one another and then they were all taken away from the clinic to stay with a Vulcan family until after the baby was born.