A/N This story started out with six chapters and grew, and grew. I hope you enjoyed it, this at last is the final chapter, and I hope for most, a satisfying conclusion. As you were able to see, the latter part of this story had Spock and Nyota playing minor roles.
My next few entries will be (I hope) short stories that are presently complete, but I cannot make that a promise—at times as I do a final edit, the plot bunnies seem to have babies :0) Thank you for your support.
Botsey
A Taste of Honey
Chapter Seventeen
After the family had eaten Sarek approached his son,
"It is of utmost importance that I speak with you my son."
Spock immediately conveyed to Nyota his father's request and the two of them left the clinic for a long walk and equally long conversation.
Sarek started,
"My son, Vulcans do not feel pride, nor do we expect complements for good or even excellent work, it is illogical. Etched into our consciousness is the acceptance of our standard of excellence. Despite that fact, let me say I have followed your exceptional life with a feeling of great satisfaction especially so when you are recognized as Spock, son of Sarek, son of Skon, son of Solkar of the house of Sarek.
Spock walking besides his father with his hands behind his back answered,
"Totally illogical would be the human response of 'thank you'. Let me just say that it is fulfilling that your review of my life has brought you satisfaction and those words from you has brought me peace of mind."
"Your mother would have been able to be proud."
"Yes, Father, and believe me, knowing what the reality is now, I would have so welcomed that from her. But kaiidth, what is, is."
Sarek nodded.
"Through our bond I believe you know about what I wish to speak."
"Yes Father, you wish me to come to New Vulcan."
"You are correct my son. My days will have an end; you have been sealed and are my heir, the next Dan-faik dref nen-shu-pal odu, Maat Sch'n T'gai (foremost fountainhead-source of knowledge and inspiration for the the clan/family of Maat Sch'n T'gai). In addition, in the future you will likewise inherit the ancient robes of state and become Vulcan's ambassador. Your training must begin. Your bondmate will likewise become Lady Nyota. It is time…"
Spock nodded. It was not as if he and Nyota had not discussed this matter. She even had drawn up plans to establish, on New Vulcan, a school similar to the one she had founded and nurtured at the Academy. Indeed, with 'The Restoration' many muti-culture children are present on New Vulcan. It would be in a specialized school that their voices could be heard, accepted and refined so they could make advancement in Vulcan society.
"Father, when would be the opportune time for us to make this move?"
"Presently my calendar is filled for three years with many obligations. If I am assured of your presence on New Vulcan I will arrange my subsequent calendar to fit your training. My son be aware that for a while it will be necessary for your bondmate to accompany us on trips. All will be anxious to meet her. After that initial time, her trips will not be as extensive. Your Nyota is as exceptional as My Amanda was. She will rise to the occasion and be accepted on New Vulcan as First Lady."
Spock thought for a split second and replied,
"My wife and I will discuss this conversation tonight. Father, we will walk again tomorrow."
Sarek acknowledged with a nod and they turned to walk back to the clinic.
`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`
The reunion was a resounding success. The adults reconnected, the children had enjoyed the bliss of innocent play and adventure. They had gained new friends within the Vulcan community and promised to 'keep in touch'.
Spock and Sarek's subsequent walk revealed Nyota's agreement to relocate to New Vulcan. This conversation sat the stage for a count-down schedule for all involved. Sarek left to inspect the planet's infrastructure, facilities, and local councils' records.
After all the guests had departed M'Binga and McCoy/Blake were invited to last meal at McCoy and T'Prie's home. The two woman had worked together to prepare a truly extra special meal, during this entire time baby Grayson had been passed around the males of the family. McCoy/Blake basked in the beauty of his granddaughter. She had a head full of black hair, dark eyes and olive skin. He envisioned how she would look as a young woman and had this thought,
"I would have to ride shotgun for her for sure."
His appearance was almost back to normal, not that his granddaughter would have censured him for any irregularities. Holding her up to view her face he whispered,
"Grayson, you have validated my existence. No research, project, invention, or procedure surpasses you as my greatest accomplishment. I bask in your effect on me. He then planted a kiss on her forehead and held her in a gentle embrace.
Settling the child in the crook of his arm he became possessive and announced,
"I got dibs, I am the oldest."
He silently thought…'and I am her grandfather and have the least amount of time with her.'
After the kitchen was cleaned Elsse appeared in the room with a wrap in her hand. She nodded toward M'Binga, who rose from his seat and said,
"I am being summoned."
The two of them walked toward the door and the coolness of the night air.
She started the conversation.
"I will be leaving here in a week. Everything here is settled and my sons have requested my return."
Smiling she said,
"I am a mother, so I must obey."
M'Binga set his mouth in a neutral appearance.
She continued,
"I have fantasized about a life with you Geoffrey M'Binga and weighed all the components and find at this time, the mother in me outweighs the thought of being a wife. Presently my life is spread out to deal with the needs of my children. You know, the Vulcan "Needs" edict, I fear it has become engrained in me also; I guess that is my legacy from my husband."
M'Binga grabbed her forearm and turned her to face him. He did not have to lower his head to kiss her. She allowed it and it was bitter sweet, a welcome and a good-bye.
She smiled at him and said,
"That was a taste of honey."
His head was bowed,
"Is there not anything I could do to change your mind?"
"Not presently, but maybe later…"
"Elsse, I will not admit defeat. This will be an ongoing battle."
"Keep in touch My Doctor."
M'Binga nodded and then they turned back toward the house.
And in contact he did remain with weekly calls to Terra, each one ended with his expressions of endearment.
`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`
That evening at the clinic, M'Binga and McCoy/Blake were seated together with drinks in their hand.
McCoy/Blake raised his glass,
"Comments?"
M'Binga smiled,
"That was a very fortuitous 'save' in the delivery room. I observed Nyota's reaction."
"Spock advised me that through their bond he was aware of her initial reaction but that she has no lingering questions. Geoff, didn't she look beautiful?"
"When has she not been thus?"
"I would like to think that perhaps my 'demise' robbed her a bit of her sparkle, but never her beauty, never that."
His friend showed agreement with a nod.
Then McCoy/Blake questioned,
"Is there any resolution between you and Elsse?"
"She will be leaving this week to join her children on Terra."
So you too must join the club."
"Club?"
Yes, the Club."
"The MWHETTOH Club."
"MWHETTOH club?
Yes, my old friend, 'Males Who Have Experienced The Taste of Honey."
"Len, I would much prefer the banquet."
"As would I Geof, as would I."
`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`
Epilogue
Two years to that day Dr. McCoy/Blake was working late in the laboratory and Dr. McCoy was closing up the clinic when he heard what sounded like a metal tray dropping, then a moan and a thud. He rushed to the lab and found the doctor on the floor. He rushed for the portable oxygen tank but before he could place the mask over the doctor's nose and mouth the doctor's hand shot up to stop him. The instructions he received were simple,
"No, first I must speak to you. It was then that his mentor, his unknown father and friend uttered his farewell and died in his son's arms.
The entire settlement went into mourning. Contrary to Vulcan custom, the body was not consigned to the flames, but would be buried and a plaque would be raised in the doctor's honor.
As the 'family' filed into one of the school's auditorium for the memorial service, from behind the curtain M'Binga saw Elsse seated next to T'Prie. He was already near the breaking point. How he managed to speak at all was amazing. How he did so without an emotional breakdown took monumental strength. In the front row was what was left of the old Enterprise crew—all with gray hair, but proudly there to bid farewell. Years ago, when his identity was to change Dr. McCoy/Blake had contacted his old friend and told him the situation. Kirk had been sworn to secrecy. The crew's presence would be explained away by stating they had been introduced to McCoy/Blake by their friend McCoy, and wasn't that the truth.
When the service was over M'Binga went behind the curtain to try to get control of himself, his head was down and eyes closed when he felt a light touch and looked up.
"Lean on me Geoffrey," were Elsse's words.
He placed his head on her shoulder and wept. She soothed him with her voice and rubbed the back of his head and neck.
"Geof it'will become tolerable with time. I am here…to stay."
He hesitatingly placed his arms around her waist, drew her close and discovered the two of them were indeed a perfect fit. In his mind he toasted his friend with the thought,
'Len, I believe I have been invited to the banquet.'
THE END