Epilogue One of Three (The wedding)
One year later.
Spock tried to open his eyes but there was a sudden surge of pain when the light hit his retina and he had to close them again. His mouth was dry and he had no recollection of the night before but by the feel of the material below him he wasn't in his bed. He also had the distinct achy feeling that suggested he had thrown up for the third time in his life. He concentrated through the slight fogginess in his mind and close off his pain receptors then opened his eyes again.
They were in a strange room, six beds lined up on the far wall , a sofa that he was lying on and a large screen on one side. It looked almost like an Earth room but they were still light years from Earth. Besides the room was filthy their were empty bottles and snack packets everywhere. One thing he was sure of was that this was not the Enterprise. Sulu, McCoy, Checkov, Scotty, Kretcher and Jim were all lying collapsed on the beds. Though not in the right directions and not all of them on separate beds. It also seemed as if McCoy had lost his shoes and one sock. Scotty all his clothes except a pair of shorts that were blue with bright yellow stars. Jim had managed to loose his shirt and had some kind of pen marks over his skin. He was lying facing Spock with his eyes open and gave Spock a shaky smile.
"Hey you're awake."
"Captain, I believe that we have been drugged and kidnapped again."
It would be the third time since their mission began exactly one year and five weeks previously.
"It's your stag party you green blooded fool." McCoy growled from somewhere beneath the covers of one of the beds.
"Stag party? I have no recollection of a stag party."
"I think he shall be happy for that fact , yes?" Checkov said stirring from where he lay half way across the still unconscious Sulu.
"You had a lot of Vulcan port."
"That would explain my current condition."
"The memories will come back eventually." McCoy informed him.
"Thank you Doctor, I have only one question. Where are my pants?"
Spock was not leaning against Doctor McCoy. To do so would lack dignity. No, he much preferred to believe that Doctor McCoy was leaning against him, the other man had clearly been intoxicated the night before. Spock was starting to regain some of his memories and he does remember the Doctor doing the limbo under the upheld legs of two limber scantily dressed Relli dancers. The doctor placed his hand on the door pad to his and Nyota's apartment. The door slid smoothly open to reveal Nyota sat on the small couch reading an old paper back book. Despite it having been her Hen party the night before she looked well rested and in good health although her hair was damp from obviously just getting out of the shower. She smiled at him and the doctor her hand unconsciously going up to her mouth to hold back a giggle. Spock loved to hear her giggle, It was one of the most wonderful sounds in the universe but it did not sound so good when he knew that she was giggling because he had done something unwise. She stood up and walked over to them hooking her arm around Spock so that he could lean some of his body weight on her instead of the doctor.
"Did you have a good night?" She asked him.
"I do not know."
He again saw hr wide smile.
"Well al I can say is I'm really glad you cut the link off last night, I don't think I would survive you're hangover as well as mine.
He looked down at her, his eyes slightly blurry for some reason.
"You have a hangover?" He asked confused as she did not seem to be showing any obvious signs.
"Yeah doctor B'genda gave me a shot for it and told me to drink a lot of water it seems to be working. I don;t know if it would work on a chocolate hangover though."
Spock groaned.
"Hau, I've never seen a Vulcan groan." McCoy said sounding bemused. "How was your hen night?"
"Good we stuck to the pub on the other side of the island. Had an Orion pool party."
"Did you do any Orion Dancing?"
"Len, I'm an almost bonded woman you know."
McCoy laughed, it was like a knife to Spock's brain.
"He's got three days to sober up before we hit new Vulcan." McCoy said smirking.
"He'll be fine. Come on lets get you too bed." Nyota said pulling him slightly away from the door.
"Hey, shouldn't you two be waiting till its official?" McCoy asked with a laugh. "For going traditions, honestly weirdest Vulcan I ever had the pleasure of meeting."
Spock concentrated on keeping his feet moving forwards as he was led into the bedroom. He heard the door sliding shut behind them and could have sighed with relief that McCoy had left.
"So, you and McCoy seem to be getting on better than usual.
"Chocolate makes a lot of people seem less of an irritation."
"Please tell me you didn't kiss him?" Nyota said with a small chuckle.
Spock found himself groaning again.
Spock felt the heat of a double sun on his face. When he breathed in the dry air it carried the scent of the twisted tumble bushes, charred smelling like burnt oak. Here on the edge of the settlement he could pick up the slight scent of cooking spices and wisps of some new kind of incense sickly sweet unlike those he used to favor. They were almost the scents of his youth, his counterpart had picked this planet well. He felt her presence close by and then he hand on his shoulder.
"I only visited Vulcan once but it seems rather similar." Nyota said.
Spock opened his eyes and turned to her.
"Yes Nyota. There are many similarities. My people shall grow to accept this place as a new home."
"Will you?"
"The Enterprise is my home."
She smiled, it had been a rare occurrence in the last few days. Not because she lacked contentment but out of respect. The Enterprise had been dropping off vaccinations against a certain type of animal bite that had been the cause of death of a few young Vulcan's. It caused fevers that were particularly dangerous to infants. The federation had taken the opportunity of the Enterprises visit to run several meetings and checks on the new population. Spock and Nyota's full bonding ceremony though at the forefront of both their minds it was a foot note for the rest of the crew on their visit.
"How do you feel?" Spock asked having long since grown to understand the importance of these words for a Human woman.
"A little nervous."
"It is still what you want?"
Instead of answering she lifted his hand and ran her fingers down his. He closed his eyes again to full emerge himself in that wonderful comforting and tingling feeling.
"Of course it is Spock." She sighed. "It's just all the traditions, I'm afraid of deign something wrong."
He turned in her arms without opening his eyes, he did not need sight to find that small spot on her neck that she liked to have kissed.
"I do not fear that. I believe it will go well."
They stayed in each others arms for a few more moments before Nyota pulled away.
"Come on, it's time."
Spock and Nyota walked side by side through the settlement. Eleven months after the first settlers arrived the village was growing. There were some small stone buildings half completed, a few deeply dug wells that were the reason for the area being chosen but mostly the village still consisted of the half metal plated half tent like buildings that had been packed into large containers and shipped to the planet for it's easy construction. Though it had been agreed that the children should remain on earth until better medical facilities and some form of school had been constructed there were still the cried of babies coming from a few of the tent like structures. Those young healthy Vulcan's who had come here to start rebuilding the culture had found that they were somewhat differently affected by the new planet and their had been a sudden rise in bonding ceremonies and births on the new planet that was rather surprising to those outsiders who wondered why Vulcan's suddenly seemed to be acting illogical.
It was Nyota who first saw the familiar figure leaning on a walking stick by a well. She reached to touch Spock's hand and alerted him to the figure. Spock held back the sudden rush of joy he felt at the sight. Knowing he needed a moment to compose himself Nyota increased her steps till she was stood in front of the grey haired Human.
"Chris, you look fantastic."
Chris turned to look at her.
"Mrs Spock! You're a sight for sore eyes." Chris responded as Nyota bent to kiss his cheek.
She looked down at his walking stick. Chris followed her gaze.
"Ah yeah. All thanks to those newfangled regrowth injections. Painful as hell but I'm getting there."
Spock had managed to control his happiness and approached his older friend.
"Christopher."
"Spock." Chris took a few steps forwards and wrapped Spock in a bear hug. "Good too see you looking so well old friend."
"I assure you the feeling is mutual. How was your journey?"
"Good, we're both glad to get off planet again. Retirement is boring, I might just decide to settle here. It would be interesting to see a new world built right in front of my eyes."
"I was under the impression you would be traveling back towards the Laurentian system with the Enterprise and then onwards to Earth with Nyota's parents."
"That hasn't changed. I'm still not fit enough to spend any long amount of time in a desert. But after another year or so it's a possibility."
Spock nodded.
"I am sure you would be of much use here."
"I would never have thought of a frontier town as a good retirement home."
"You're never too old for an new adventure." Chris said with a wink. "Now, it's almost time isn't it? Shouldn't we be heading to find the ambassador?"
Spock nodded his agreement.
"My father resides close to the medical facilities."
"Let's go then."
The three of them continued through the small settlement towards the medical facilities, easily the most well developed part of town. There was a small group already waiting for them outside of Sarek's small tented apartment. Sarek was of course easily distinguishable from a distance in his orange ceremonial robes similar to Spock's. Among them also was Susanna a young woman from the communication party who was very close to Nyota building a friendship with her almost as close as that she had shared with Galia. Though unlike Galia she was rather quiet and studious and enjoyed nights of cards and talking over dinner. Then there was Jim Kirk and Leonard McCoy there to accompany Spock as per tradition.
"Chris, Jim, McCoy, thank you for coming to stand with me . I appreciate your companionship." Spock said once he was close enough for them to hear him.
"Ah, don't get all sentimental on us now." McCoy said.
Spock came to stop next to his father, despite him having been in orbit around Vulcan for three days they had only talked briefly over the com systems to finalize details.
"It is good to see you son, You are healthy?"
"Yes father, how is the climate treating you?"
"Kindly, it is much like Vulcan, perhaps a few degrees colder on average, yet the nights are not so severe."
"Yes, I also have observed this." Spock said.
"Our clan is too diminished to consider making our own ceremonial site at the moment. None have decided to do so, all clans are using the same site."
Spock nodded.
"And we have a new elder appointed to carry out the bonding and other such ceremonies. A male."
Spock felt his eyebrows quirk upwards.
"Female has always been traditional." He stated to acknowledge the strangeness of this fact.
"Yes, but it is time to allow a few small changes. He is much respected, he picked out this planet. Though where he came from before the end of Vulcan nobody knows, he was unheard of. His name is Sevek." Sarek hesitated as if trying to find the correct wording to express his thoughts. " He is a little different, it is as if he has spent a lot of time with a more emotional race but there is something familiar about him."
Spock nodded slowly trying not to reveal his surprise. He knew that the man who had picked out this planet was the version of himself from the future. The fact that he was half Human and had spent his life around Humans was the obvious reason for his seeming emotionality and the fact that he was an older version of Spock explained that familiarity that Sarek felt around him. Spock could not show his surprise that his father had come into seemingly frequent contact with this man though, what truly happened on the day Vulcan was destroyed was only known by three people. And two of them were himself.
"I am sure he will be suitable."
The idea of his elder self bonding Nyota and him was strange but not unpleasant. After all, if anybody was going to glimpse a part of his mind it felt comforting that it was somebody who already had some understanding of it and would not have distaste for the Human aspects of his nature.
"Nyota, my daughter in law, do you require anything before setting off?" Sarek asked Nyota respectfully. Nyota was wearing plain blue robes that would help keep her cool on the desert planet. White was traditional but the off blue color was what was brought to this planet, they were unadorned but Nyota had pointed out that she would not ask for anything that could not be provided on this planet. It was a Vulcan ceremony and they would do as all Vulcan's must do these days and only stick to the most important parts of the ceremony. After all at the base of it a bonding was a permanent tying of minds the rest was just the ever changing fashions of civilization.
"No." Nyota said turned to Spock with a smile. "I have everything I need."
Sarek nodded.
"The place is over an hour by walking and as most of our party are not suited to the terrain I have procured a vehicle." As he spoke there came a small rumbling noise and a dust cloud on the horizon. As it got closer Spock worked out that it was a large hovercraft designed for maybe a dozen people to sit comfortably.
"This should have us there within twenty minutes the exact time depending upon the driver."
"Oh Can I have a go?" Jim asked excitedly.
"You do not know the way." Sarek said calmly, Spock doubted anybody else could hear the slight bemusement in his voice.
Spock helped Nyota up into the hovercraft glad that it was enclosed so that they would not have to put up with the irritation of the sand in their eyes. It was not a comfortable vehicle to ride in due to it being rather bumpy as they traveled over the sand drifts. Their driver was a star fleet cadet on placement and given his driving style Sarek commented that they were likely to get to the site in just over twelve minutes. They were a content party, Susana tried to engage Spock in a conversation about the traditions of Vulcan weddings but had to shout over the rumble the engines made. Chris, McCoy and Jim kept trying to make jokes and on several occasions tried out some sexual puns to see if Sarek would notice. Nyota blushed and batted at McCoy on several occasions but Spock still did not feel the need to tell his friends that his father had been married to a Human for thirty years and was fully aware of what they were speaking about. His friends jovial nature was their way of celebrating his upcoming bonding, they were happy as they knew that he was happy.
Spock knew when they were at the right place before the vehicle started to slow. The shining red granite outcrop stretched like a two hundred foot thorn in front of them. It felt exactly like the sort of place that the ancient Vulcans would wish to claim for their own clans. As they got closer Spock saw a glint of silver that soon turned into a clear pool of water. He was wring, the ancient Vulcan's would have slaughtered each other for this place, water was almost sacred on Vulcan before they learnt to detect and drill for water.
"It's beautiful." Nyota whispered to him.
"It is." Spock agreed.
"Wow, isn't that a sight." McCoy said.
They parked up a few moments later, as Spock was helping Nyota and Samantha get down without tripping on their robes he noticed Jim smiling from out the corner of his eye. He turned to follow his gaze and saw the older version of himself approaching them. Despite the fact that he had known of the other existence for over a year it still sent a chill down his spine.
"Oh this is just too weird." Jim said coming close enough to whisper to Spock. Nyota looked around having heard.
"What is? Oh, he looks familiar, have I meet him before?"
"You have no idea." Jim said.
"Spock, what's he talking about?"
"It is nothing to be concerned about, just a mutual acquaintance of Jim and I." He let go of Nyota's hands and walked over to his older self. He was a little surprised to see the older him smile.
"Greetings Spock, beautiful day is it not?"
"It is Sevek." Spock said trying to recall the name his father had given him.
"I hope you did not mind that I volunteered to officiate. I find myself somewhat disconnected."
"I understand. I would be glad to stay in contact with you but I would not wish to be comparing my life with yours."
"The paths have already seperated."
"I am on the Enterprise as you were. May I thank you for that advice it has seen me well."
"Yes, but I never married."
Spock felt his eyebrows heading upwards. It was slightly strange to know that the other him did not marry Nyota, yet comforting, he was his own person.
"This must be strange for you."
"No, I have no regrets for how I lived my life. The crew became my family and they were all I felt I needed."
Spock nodded.
"May I greet your wife."
"Yes, have you meet before?"
"Yes, she was a friend. I greatly appreciated her company. We did have a few moments when It appeared to me that more would be possible but we never pursued it. We were both too dedicated to our work."
Spock nodded. They walked together over to Nyota.
"Nyota, this is Sevek. He is officiating the bonding."
"Pleased to meet you Sevek. Thank you for coming out here, How did you get here?"
"I walked, I enjoy a stroll."
Her eyes widened slightly as Sevek offered her his hand yet she took it in hers.
"Stroll, that is such a Human word. Have you spent much time on earth?"
"Oh, a little. But I spent a lot of time traveling in a crew of mainly Humans."
"Oh, you were on a ship?"
"Yes, a very grand one at that. Now, enough about me, it is your wedding day and I have not yet complimented you on how beautiful you look."
"Oh thank you." Nyota blushed slightly.
"May I make a suggestion?"
"Uh.. yes."
"Do not cut your hair, short would not suite you nearly as much."
"Sure." Nyota said with a wide smile.
Spock, is he slightly...
A little eccentric perhaps but I believe he means well.
Spock had noticed that his father had led the rest of the group over to a carved stone in the middle where an instrument hung down.
"If you wish to make me fight to the death for the privilege of bonding with you you hit that instrument."
"I'll consider it."
"There used to be a high number of deaths during the kun-ut kali-fi ceremony."
"Spock." Nyota said squeezing his hand. "I know the history of the ceremony and I'm sorry to say you're being a bit of a buzz kill at the moment."
"I apologize for killing your Buzz."
Nyota gave a short laugh that she tried to hide.
They came to stand with each other in front of the elder Spock looking toward the beautiful silver pool that reflected the red of the granite that loomed above it.
"As you have a developed bond and not one created as children I have made some necessary changes." The elder Spock turned to the Human party who were stood off to the side. "I am about to start the ceremony in Vulcan so If you wish to understand please turn your translators on soon."
"Spock."
Spock nodded and went to the standing stone and picked up the stick that was resting against it. He hit the instrument twice signaling the start of the ceremony.
Spock went back to stand with Nyota.
Sevek looked around at those gathered and spoke with a deep voice.
"What you are about to see comes down from the time of the Beginning. This is the Vulcan heart, this is the Vulcan soul - this is our way. Kali Farr!"
Nyota smiled slightly and looked around. Jim and McCoy were shrugging at each other not knowing that the time for challenge had been called.
" Well that's good." Sevek said winking at Nyota who again giggled slightly.
"As it is not your time Spock there will be no observation of mating."
"Thank you."
"Wait what?"
"Jim, please refrain from any outbursts during the ceremony." Sevek said fondly to the rather fondly.
"Now, young ones, do you consent to the full bonding?"
"Yes." Spock answered.
"Yes." Nyota followed.
"Well, come kneel before me."
Spock and Nyota kneeled before Sevek and closed their eyes. Spock felt Nyota;'s hand reaching out to touch his and squeezed it.
"Do not be nervous Miss Uhura." Sevek said gently as Spock felt his hand come to rest against his forehead.
There was a gentle probing in his mind, Spock knew that he had to open himself up or this to work. He took a deep breath and opened his mind as much as he was able to. Then it was like a flood. Nyota flooded him, her feelings, her memories the general sense of her. He felt her slight pain and her sense of being overwhelmed. He managed to find himself enough to find her hand and squeeze and suddenly she felt calmer. The flood stopped as soon as it started and Spock found himself in the strangest position of knowing that his mind was no longer his own. He knew more about Nyota than he had known before.
His hands were trembling slightly but Nyota was there in his mind supporting him.
He opened his eyes and saw his older self smiling down at him. He turned his head to the left and saw his father and his friends nodding at him then to the right and he saw warm chocolate eyes and a wide smile and he found himself smiling too.
"It is done." Sevek said warmly. "Congratulations Spock son of Sarek."
"Hello Spock." Nyota said warmly. When Spock turned to look at her curious as to her sudden need to say this he saw that instead of looking at him she was looking at the elder version of himself.
Nyota had spent the night with her parents. Spock knew that she would be surrounded by them as they helped her to get dressed and gave them words of advice as was traditional. That being the case Spock had been on his own for the first night in almost eighteen months. He had found himself restless, he missed the warmth of Nyota's body next to him and though they had the comfort of always carrying each other in their minds (a bond too deep to ever be broken) he still wished to have her close to him in his bed every night. After today there was no foreseeable reason for them not to be. There was the trilling of a bell at his door.
"Computer, open door." He said as he straightened his jacket.
"Smart." Jim said walking in looking at him. Spock was wearing a traditional tux and he had to admit that he did not find his reflection unpleasing.
"Aren't you meant to be in dress uniform though?"
"Nyota and I agreed to go against that tradition. I believe she wished to wear a dress."
Jim nodded. "I won;t hold it against you then. You really have to let women have whatever they want when it comes to weddings."
"It did not take me long to learn that fact." Spock said he turned and saw Jim in his gold dress uniform, though for some reason he had added a thin white piece of plastic around his neck.
"Are you aware that it is still illegal to imitate a member of the clergy?"
"Really? I never would have figured, what with all those sluts and Vicars parties."
"Which were you?"
Jim chuckled.
"Remember you're only allowed to be disrespectful to your Captain because it's your wedding day and you only get two of those apparently."
"If you say so Jim. Are you nervous Jim?"
"Nervous? Me?" He said as if about to laugh. "I'm freaking terrified. Unlike you I've never done a wedding before, and I'm meant to give you your lines, what If I forget them? What if I decide half way through the ceremony that actually I can;t let you marry that gorgeous woman and I'm going to have to legally marry her myself."
Spock set him a narrow eyed look.
"Wow, scary Spock, okay." Jim raised his hands and took a step backwards. "I will not muck up or run away with your bride despite the fact that you have not provided me with any brides maids."
"There are bridesmaids."
"They;re all members of staff, you were meant to provide me with bridesmaids that I could hit relentlessly on and have my naughty way with. It's unfair, we're partners, you're the coldly logical darkly broody logical one and I'm the light charming one who takes all the risks. Out of the two of us I'm the one who should be getting the regular blow jobs."
"I do not remember signing any such agreement when I agreed to be you're second in Command."
"It was an unwritten expectation."
"It seems on the Enterprise nothing ever meets expectations."
"No. So.. you ready to go get married."
"In my mind I have been married to Nyota for almost two years."
Jim nodded. "Okay then." Jim clapped him on the shoulder. "Let's do this."
Spock nodded in agreement and followed Jim out of the quarters and to the turbo lift that would take them to the Enterprises small chapel. They were silent on the trip down and as they entered into the little chapel with its wide viewing window that showed the unusual green and blue nebula that they had parked . The wedding guests were already all present and as Spock walked in they all turned to smile at him and moved to find there seats. All of the people he worked most closely with were there. McCoy and Christopher were standing at the front in their dress uniforms ready to stand with him again. In the crowd of those seated were Nyota's Mother and Brother, they gave Spock a smile as he walked to the front which he returned with a nod. Also were his science team and he bridge team and friends that Nyota had made from different departments. They had filled the chapel with people but they had decorated the cargo bay for their after party so the whole ship could attend, they had even made schedule changes so that everybody could come for at least and hour to wish the new couple well. It had all been planned surprisingly well by Jim who believed that as this was what he called 'the enterprises first true romance' everybody should get a chance to share in it.
Spock took his place beside Chris and McCoy.
"Thank you for being here again."
"Wasn't doing anything else today." Chris smiled.
Jim finished shaking hands with Nyota's mother and brother and then went to stand solemnly behind the small lectern facing the isle. Spock thought he actually looked quite respectable until he clapped his hands and shouted 'let's do this thing.'
The music started up at his words. A very traditional Wedding march and then the wooden double doors to the chapel opened and he could see nothing but Nyota. She was beautiful, he knew it but he saw her everyday and it was unfortunate but he seemed to get used to her beauty but then moments like this came along and she took his breath away. The dress was champagne color like he had seen her wearing all those years ago at the student mixer. But it was different, it was floor length with a small train of champagne colored lace. The skirt was long and plain where the top was a corset with thousands of sparkling gems sewn in. She wore gloves of the came color that went up to her elbows and in her had were fresh white lilies that Sulu had grown specially for had her hair hanging down in loose curls.
She nodded to her father at the end of the aisle and approached Spock. She gave him a dazzling smile. She reached out and touched his hand slightly. He felt the reassurance and excitement that she was trying to show him.
Relax Nyota,
It's the good kind of excitement Spock.
They turned to Jim to listen to his small speech on how the importance of marriage still holds in this age and then to follow him as he led them in their traditional vows, promises to love and to cherish each other come whatever may.
It was a happy day and one which Spock felt he would remember fondly for many years to come. The cargo bay had been mainly cleared and those crates that could not be moved were hidden behind screens that glowed in light purple or blue depending upon the music that was being played over the computer. Sulu had been growing lilies all year and had made beautiful multi colored arrangements that were placed on the tables that were to one side of the slightly raised dance floor. Somebody had got hold of a disco ball and volunteers had been helping out in the kitchen to provide wonderful spread of Vulcan and African dishes.
They had sat and ate and listened to Jim give a speech about how he had never ever wanted to have to officiate a wedding but he was glad that his first was two people who obviously loved each other despite their different cultures. They were a good example of how different cultures came together well and he was glad that they had decided to make it official. Then he called on them to perform their first dance as a married couple.
Spock and Nyota had danced a confident waltz in front of everybody,they were friends and family and there was no reason to hide anything from them. There was a cheer as Nyota cheekily grabbed his ears and pulled him down for a kiss. Spock felt his ears grow hot with the unusual public display of affection. As they exited the dance floor Chris led Sarah and Jim led Susanna onto the floor.
I'm meant to dance with my father but I believe Peter has just grabbed mother for a dance so perhaps it may be time for you and my father to bury the hatchet.
There is not Hatchet.
Spock, I know something is still not right with the tow of you. It's going to be another four years before we're back on earth please, please talk to him.
Of course, it would be illogical to ignore him on this day.
Nyota let go of his arm and headed through the crowd to talk to a table of women from the communication department.
"Mr. Uhura." Spock said feeling a slight apprehension as he approached. The last time they had talked face to face had ended in blows.
"Spock." replied looking out on to the dance floor.
"Your wife looks beautiful today, I can see a lot of her in Nyota." Spock said trying to find some amiable way to open the conversation.
"Yes, Nyota is starting to look more like her."
"I am glad that you are here."
Mr Uhura turned to him and gave a small smile.
"Yes, I'm glad to be here to Spock. A daughter getting married is a bittersweet affair."
"Yes I imagine so."
"Nyota has assured me on numerous occasions that you look after her well."
Spock nodded.
"I hold my wife in the highest regard and care a lot for her well being."
"You don't have the best record."
"That was regrettable."
"Willy have children?"
"When we are a little older perhaps. There are measures we can put in place to keep Nyota and the fetus healthy."
Mr. Uhura's jaw was set.
"Well, it is the past now. You and my daughter have decided to start a life together and I have to respect that. I would like it if you and I could start afresh Spock."
"I do not hold any grudges Mr. Uhura."
" That is an admiral quality." Mr. Uhura turned to him and clapped him on the shoulder. "Just take care of her and you and I will keep on good terms. I don't want my family to be any more fragmented that it already is."
"Do you think Nyonda will ever come to terms with I and Nyota's marriage?"
shook his head sadly.
"I don't know what goes on in that girls head anymore. I hope so, but I don't see it happening anytime soon."
Spock looked over at Nyota who caught his eye as she laughed with Sulu.
"She is sad that her sister is not here."
Mr. Uhura nodded.
"So.." He said changing the subject. "Vulcan food hua? Which of it can I eat without it poisoning me?"
"None of it should poison you, Nyota actually finds it quite palatable."
Spock did not get the opportunity to tell which foods were less spiced because the current piece of music had ended and he found himself being pulled into a rather hard hug by Nyota's mother. She pulled back and looked at him with tears running down her face.
"Spock, welcome to the family."
"Thank you Mrs. Uhura."
"Please Spock, it's mama."
"Mama." Nyota laughed walking over. "You're going to have to let him go at some point I do want to get another dance out of him whilst I still can."
Mama laughed and let go of Spock.
"Oh, look at those ears grow green aren't they beautiful, they will look so cute on our grandchildren."
"Mama." Nyota moaned
Sorry about this.
Do not apologize, they are our family.
He felt Nyota's joy at referring to her parents as their family.
"Peter, I trust your wife and children are well." Spock said turning to Nyota's older brother.
"Yes, Akina made a nice card for you and Yes Ny,I have brought lots of pictures of the new baby." Peter said laughing as Nyota kept trying to interrupt there speech.
Spock smiled slightly in contentment, he liked these people who were his new family.
It was a few hours after after the speeches had finished and Spock had danced with Nyota's mother as she her father and brother that Nyota came to find him once more as he was being congratulated by a rather drunk Chekhov who seemed to at the same time as congratulating him seemed to be confessing that he too was in love. Spock put his hand out to his wife and felt her slide her fingers up his slowly and deliberately.
"Hello Pav."
"I think he's wondwerful."
"Whose wonderful Pav? My husband?" Nyota laughed.
"Hikaru, he's.. he's wonderful."
"Have you had a lot to drink Pav?"
"Not wery much."
"Okay, perhaps it's best if you just sit in the corner for a while."
"You do not think I should tell him he is wonderful?"
"I think you should consider it when you're a little more sober."
"That is a gud idea."
Nyota led Spock away from the young besotted crew member.
"So... I think we should go to our room." She said the slight sweetness of her breath showing that she had also enjoyed a few glasses of wine.
"We cannot ignore our guests Nyota."
"They will understand, besides everybody is watching Scotty do the highland fling in his kilt and he is not wearing any underwear."
"I think it is time that we quietly leave then." Spock agreed smiling down at his new wife.
Epilogue two coming soon.