A/N: Sorry about the wait, real life took over for a while. Thank you as always to Bookdragon01 for beta-ing this chapter, and putting up with my troubles keeping Vulcan's sounding like Vulcans. lol
I only have a few more chapters finished, so I might have to go on a brief hiatus while I wade through getting the trial testamony worked out. I'm not saying it WILL happen just that it MIGHT. I promise to let you know if that ends up being the case. Thanks for putting up with me on this, I have at least 10 different character's testamony to write and only have a couple really started. take care
It took thirty minutes to get from the terminal to the house; Martin spent the trip passing his PADD around to the others.
It was a good sized house in an older style set behind a ten foot gated wall lined with trees. The property wasn't large but there was room for gardens to surround the house and a two story four car garage connected by a covered walkway.
Leaving their bags in the entry, everyone took a quick tour of the house and met in the living room to decide on who was bunking with whom. Pike met with no arguments over his claim of the one downstairs bedroom, it would be the easiest for him. Upstairs, Chekov and Sulu quickly became roommates again. The ladies claimed the largest bedroom, while Martin, Carrannelli, and Lewis drew straws as to their sleeping rotation since their room only had two beds. McCoy and Joanna claimed the bedroom overlooking the sunroom, leaving Jim and Spock together, and Rhymer with Scotty by default since he was still at the terminal.
As soon as they'd decided the sleeping arrangements everyone gathered up their bags and headed for their rooms to unpack and get settled. McCoy quietly pulled Jim aside to ask him about mind melds, repeating Spock's offer. There wasn't much Jim could say since his only experience with one was during a crisis and with a compromised Vulcan.
As everyone finished they met again in the living room, Winona and Christine detoured through the kitchen to get drinks before joining the rest.
"So Spock, can you give us a bit more detail about the house and how your father made the reservations?" Pike asked once they were all seated with something to drink.
"Of course Admiral; as I told the Captain and Lt Martin, my father made arrangements with the Vulcan Council to use the house. It and several others were purchased soon after the establishment of the Vulcan Embassy on Earth. They were located in most major cities and served a similar function to old Earth guest houses for those Vulcans who had business on Earth but did not wish to use human accommodations," Spock explained.
"You said they were in the major cities; aren't they anymore?" Winona asked.
"No, most have been sold over the last couple of years. There- has not been much use for them, and will not be for some time. The Council has logically decided to sell all but a few of them and use the proceeds to assist with rebuilding," Spock told her. "When Nyota and I explained what was going on and that we were searching for a safe location for the duration of our stay, my father proposed this residence. We had already scheduled a subspace call with The Council that night to place a petition before them so we presented our request to them as well, and they agreed that this was the best solution."
"Sorry if I'm buttin' in, but what were you petitionin' them for?" McCoy asked.
"We were petitioning for the establishment of the bond that is normally established during the forming of a marriage contract, usually at the age of seven. As well as for a formal bonding ceremony once we reach New Vulcan," Spock said with a glance at Uhura beside him.
"Are they gonna let you?" Joanna asked from where she was snuggled against her dad's side.
"Yes, kidogo moja. They actually found less to object to than Starfleet did." Uhura chuckled. "They seemed to think that since we had 'thoroughly considered the potential ramifications' for the last two years, there was nothing illogical about our petition," she added making the others chuckle.
"Since there is almost no chance of finding a Vulcan bond mate for me, in any case, they believed, logically, that our bonding was the best solution," Spock added somberly causing Uhura to lay her hand on his arm in comfort.
"I know there's gender imbalance right now, Spock; but you mean more than that, don't you?" Pike asked.
"Yes, with the council focusing on enlarging our population as safely as possible and it has been deemed- 'undesirable' that I participate because of my human heritage. The Elders do not wish to dilute the gene pool with so few Vulcans remaining. It had been hard enough for my father to find a family willing to overlook what was seen a disadvantage when I was a child; now with so few women left I would be at the bottom of any list of potential bond mates," Spock explained softly, though he tried to mask it, the pain was evident in the slight tightening of his expression.
"Since you're going to have a bonding ceremony when we get to New Vulcan, can we at least have a reception for you on board?" Jim asked changing the subject; he'd kind of hoped that they'd ask him to marry them as well, but he wasn't going to push.
"Thank you, Jim, that's nice, but can you wait to do it until we get back?" Uhura asked with a smirk and glance at Spock. "I'd like my family there."
"No problem, just let me know so I can get things arranged," Jim replied wondering what he was missing; the look on Uhura's face told him that much. Just then the gate buzzer sounded.
"That will most likely be Lt Cmdr Rhymer," Spock said. "I sent the address to his PADD before we left the terminal," he explained as Martin stood up and headed over to the intercom screen to make sure it was Rhymer and let him in.
"Sorry I took so long," Rhymer apologized as he returned from dropping his luggage in his and Scotty's room. "Archer is furious as well as Admiral Becket," he explained, referring to the head Judge Advocate. "I sent them a copy of the story and Becket got on the comm. to the publisher and the editor and was giving them hell even as I was filling Archer in on how we found out. Good eyes by the way Lieutenant," he said, nodding to Martin.
"Just doing my job Sir," Martin replied from his corner of the room.
"The paper is printing a correction and retraction of the story, as well as an apology for not checking their facts thoroughly. The reporter got what he thought were the facts from what was supposed to be a copy of the police report, and a statement from Schyster, Phister, and Smee, concerning what happened. I strongly suspect the report was planted by the lawyers; it reads too much like their statement," Rhymer reported as McCoy glowered at the news and wrapped his arm tighter around Joanna.
"Ok so where does that leave us?" McCoy growled.
"I have an advance copy of the retraction here, Doctor," Rhymer said handing over his PADD.
McCoy took the PADD scowling darkly and stared down at it as Jim came over and leaned over the back of the couch reading over his shoulder. As he finished the first paragraph Jim let out a low whistle. "That must be some law firm if they can manage to slip a fake report into the police computers," he commented sounding surprised.
"What does it say Jim?" his mom asked. "The least you can do is read what they wrote after that load of bullshit they published."
"Ok," Jim said as Bones handed it to him.
"'USS Enterprise CMO Custody Battle Retraction
'The Atlanta Constitution regrets that it made a serious error in its earlier story concerning the legal affairs of the USS Enterprise's CMO, Lt Cmdr Dr Leonard H. McCoy. In that story we reported that Dr McCoy is at the middle of a legal battle over the abuse of his daughter. However we have since learned that our sources were seriously corrupted which misled our usually able reporting staff. The error was brought to our attention by Adm. Becket of Starfleet JAG. The fact that the Atlanta Police computer was also compromised in planting of a false police report is being investigated by the best of the APD's cyber crimes unit.
The Constitution has been informed, by Adm. Michael Archer, that Dr. McCoy has reopened his divorce case on the grounds of fraud and is suing for full custody of his ten year old daughter, Joanna, with whom he has only been allowed minimal contact for the past five years. We have also learned that Joanna was injured, not in an altercation during his visit, as previously reported, but allegedly by his ex-wife's fiancé, Mr. Victor Donavan, who is being held in connection with this case; as well as another concerning the assault of three Starfleet officers the same day at Dr McCoy's former residence. There is no evidence available at this time as to what role the former Mrs. McCoy played in either of these events.
We have been informed by Adm. Becket of Starfleet JAG that the court dates are being withheld to make the whole ordeal easier on Dr McCoy and his daughter.
The only definite information we have at this time is that Starfleet has pushed back the Enterprise's diplomatic trip to New Vulcan with the full cooperation and support of Ambassador Sarek until the issue is resolved. 'It is our wish to support the crew of the Enterprise, both to repay them for the care and assistance they've given the Vulcan people, and specifically to express our gratitude to Dr. McCoy, for all he did to aid us in our darkest hour,' the Ambassador told us when contacted about the rescheduling.
We, at The Atlanta Constitution, wish to humbly apologize to both Dr McCoy, his daughter Joanna, and the crew of the Enterprise for the misinformation that we were given, through the corruption of our normal information gathering channels. We will be implementing new protocols to ensure that this will not happen again. We wish you all the best and speediest outcomes possible. ~ Gregory L. Finchly – Editor-in-chief.'"
"Wow, I will say that they certainly did a turnaround from the first one," Sulu remarked when Jim finished reading.
"Zhey seem to be cowering zheir bottoms after zhe Admirals vere done vith zhem," Chekov agreed chuckling.
"Aye Laddie, ye threaten a man's professional reputation an' he'll try an' do wha' he can ta please ye. 'Specially if yer in the righ' to b'gin wi'," Scotty remarked.
"Let's just hope they stay turned around and away from us. Or you guys might be bailin' me outta Captain Logan's jail," McCoy grumbled.
"You and me both, Bones," Jim remarked shooting his friend a grin.
"'You and me both' what?" McCoy asked slightly suspicious of the look on Jim's face.
"We both hope they don't say anything else and we might both need bailing out if they do," Jim replied with a shit eating grin, causing Uhura, Winona, and Christine to roll their eyes.
"Calm down you two, I swear, no one's sayin' anythin'," Christine commented as she and Uhura shared a laughing glance.
"Yes, now how about we go see what we can come up with for lunch?" Winona asked standing up and heading towards the hall door leading to the kitchen.
"We'll help Nana," Joanna said getting up, pulling her dad along with her to take Winona's hand.
"Thank you, Joanna, Leonard," Winona told her smiling at McCoy's expression. "Nyota, Spock I might need your help too, depending on what's in the kitchen. My Vulcan was never that good, and you will know better than I do what goes with what," she told the two as they stood to join her.
"Mom, why don't we do like we did at the house? That way we'll all get fed faster and no one will have all the work," Jim suggested with a smile that threatened to turn into laughter at the puzzled looks on the newcomers faces.
"Sounds like a plan, Jim," Winona agreed. "We basically did pot lucks over leave. Everyone made something or helped make something for the meal," she explained as the others got up as well.
"Ma'am, one of us has to stay on security watch, so I don't see how we can help in the kitchen," Lt. Lewis remarked.
"Lieutenant, there is a remote station in the kitchen," Spock informed them.
Don't worry 'bout it, we won't let you starve, Lieutenant-?" Winona said.
"Lewis, Bejal Lewis, Ma'am," he said, flushing slightly red, causing the faint spots along his hairline to become more visible.
"Where does Bejal come from? It sounds familiar," Winona asked as she led the way to the kitchen.
"It's Trill, Ma'am. My grandmother was on one of the first ships to make contact with them," Lewis replied looking a bit uncomfortable.
"I've met a few Trill when I was in Starfleet, they're an interesting people. Please, Lieutenant, its Winona. And that goes for the rest of you as well," Winona replied with a glance at the others that hadn't been at the farm, as Spock paused to show Martin, Carrannelli, and Lewis where the satellite security station was located in a corner of the kitchen.
"It was designed so that security could be maintained by a limited number of individuals," Spock told them activating the oversized display that could be seen from the rest of the kitchen.
"I met a Trill while I was in medical school at Ole Miss, named Emony Dax," McCoy mentioned idly as they started their search of the kitchen.
They spent the next ten minutes searching the kitchen and making an inventory of what groceries they had and might need to get soon. Since most of them weren't totally fluent in Vulcan anything they couldn't read or weren't sure of was placed to the side of the refrigeration unit, deep freeze or brought to the large island to be identified while everything else was noted on the old fashioned note pads they'd found in the security alcove drawer. Ambassador Sarek had thoughtfully made sure that there was a wide variety of choices, not just Vulcan foods available.
Christine was looking through the refrigeration unit and started grinning at her finds. "I'm makin' dinner," she called to the others. "I hope y'all like jambalaya. Don't worry I can make some of it vegetarian too," she added remembering that Spock at least was a vegetarian.
"We got all the stuff for corn bread, Miss Christine," Joanna called from the large pantry where she, Uhura, and Spock were going through the various non-perishables. "At least as far as I can remember the dry stuff, we do."
"What else goes with jambalaya besides corn bread?" Winona asked looking up from the cupboard she was going through.
"Salad, vegetables, at least that's what my Mama and Grandmamma always fixed," McCoy replied from the door of the walk in deep freeze.
"Same here, but as long as it's not really odd like refried beans, or curry; just about anythin'," Christine added. "How on Earth do you know so much 'bout jambalaya for a Georgia boy, Leo?"
"My Grandmama Duvall, my Mama's Mama, was raised in Baton Rouge before she married and moved to Savannah, that's how," McCoy replied, snarling slightly at the insinuation he didn't know what he was talking about.
"Well that means you're one of my taste testers tonight, Leo, since you know what it's supposed to taste like," Christine informed him with a smile. "I need at least one more, so I don't get it too spicy," she added looking around the group.
"What is jambalaya exactly?" Martin asked from the other side of the room where he was looking through the cleaning supplies. "I've heard about it but never what's in it."
"Rice, tomatoes, sausage, shrimp, green peppers, chili powder, cayenne some folks add corn," Christine replied.
"Bones didn't you try and make that once our second year?" Jim asked looking down from the chair he was standing on to check the top shelves.
"No, that was a boil, Jim," McCoy answered closing the freezer door and passing Winona his list. "So what do we have?"
"Looks like we're set for a while, we'll need milk, bread, and eggs before anything else, but that's about it," Winona reported looking over the various lists of what they had.
"I will volunteer to be your second taster, Nurse Chapel, as I have a dislike of overly spicy foods," Spock said with a nod to Christine.
"Thank you Commander. I appreciate it," Christine replied as she looked over Winona's shoulder at the lists.
"Well it looks like sandwiches are the easiest thing we have at the moment, so someone grab the bread and everyone get your favorite fillings," Winona announced. "And no swiping other people's food, without asking first," she said with a look at Jim and Leonard that had everyone that had been together over leave laughing or shooting amused looks at the two, who both looked a bit shamefaced.
Pike and the others were exchanging baffled glances when Winona explained, "These two may not be related but they act as much like brothers as Jim and Sam ever did."
"Who's Sam, Mrs.– I mean Winona?" Cupcake asked.
"Sam's my older brother, Martin," Jim answered grabbing the bread; he had to smile at the look of surprised horror on Cupcake's face at the thought of there being two of Jim.
"Don't worry, Sam's nothing like Jim for attracting trouble," Winona said
"Yeah Jim unfortunately takes after their father, though Sam looks more like George," Pike added with a chuckle as they made their sandwiches.
"If you say so, Sir," Martin replied dubiously causing Jim, Pike and Winona to grin.
After lunch everyone split up to explore the house and grounds, except for McCoy, Joanna and Spock, who headed for the small library.
McCoy and Joanna settled on the small couch by the old fashioned fireplace while Spock took the chair opposite them.
"Mr. Spock, Daddy said that you could show me a way to help keep me from panicking this week, somethin' 'bout lookin' inside my head. I'm not sure I understood what he meant though." Joanna said hesitantly, looking at him carefully.
"I can't really explain somethin' I don't understand myself, Jo. The only person I know of whose done one is Jim and he said that one doesn't count 'cause of the circumstances." McCoy grumpily explained; put out that he wasn't sure what he was getting himself and Joanna into.
"I suggested to your father that a mind meld might be useful in calming your fears. I would be linking my mind to yours telepathically, only enough to see your memories. I would be seeing and hearing what you had, and would be able to communicate after a fashion with you though I am uncertain how much you would be able to respond; the only other humans I have done this with are Nyota and my mother. With both it was a more open meld in that they could see into my mind as well. You won't be able to see into my mind this time. I do not wish to over whelm you as even adult humans can often find a Vulcan mind extremely disorienting," Spock explained with a quick glance at McCoy. "It is a precaution so there is no chance that your mind could be overloaded by mine. With this, Joanna, the object is to reduce your fear of what happened to you without removing it completely. That would be as undesirable as either doing nothing or causing an increase in your fears. Also, if there is time, after we are finished, and you wish, I will show you a meditation technique that my mother used when she was upset," Spock explained more gently than McCoy had ever heard him. "Or I can show you tomorrow if that would be better."
Joanna nodded, "Ok. Is there a chance that it would help my nightmares?"
"Yes, there is a direct connection between fears and nightmares, according to a study I recently found in the Starfleet Medical archives," Spock replied surprising McCoy. "I was looking for method that might help Joanna that you either had not thought of or might not consider, Doctor. The continuation of these nightmares, particularly the ones from the last three nights have a potential to cause harm if we cannot find the cause and remedy it."
McCoy nodded in understanding.
"When can we do it?" Joanna asked.
"If you and your father have no objections I can initiate the meld this evening," Spock replied with a glance between them. "I would be using the time in between in my own meditation to ensure that there were no unforeseen occurrences."
"Are ya sure, Jo? I'm not tryin' to talk you outta it, I just don't want you to overdo," McCoy asked looking at her concerned.
"Yeah, Daddy, I'm sure. I want to get rid of these nightmares, if I can. And if I can't face Mama and everyone, I won't get to stay with you," Joanna replied. She knew that it might not be the wisest thing but if she could do something about her nightmares without anyone finding out about why they had suddenly gotten worse it would be worth it. And if Mr. Spock found out well there wasn't anything she could do anyway, and maybe it would actually help. She was tired of being scared.
"Alight, Jo. Spock, what do you need to do this?" McCoy asked still concerned, but willing to try for Joanna's sake. That didn't stop him from shooting Spock a warning look, which Spock responded to with a nod of understanding.
"All I require is a seat where I can reach Joanna's head and no interruptions; I do not anticipate that the meld will take more than approximately 15.365 minutes unless I run into an unforeseen problem, which is highly unlikely." Spock replied. The next ten minutes were spent answering the Doctor's questions about mind melds in healing and in general before they separated; McCoy and Joanna to explore the gardens and Spock to meditate.
Jim watched as the three entered the library pleased that Bones had taken his advice and at least was going to discuss a mind meld with Spock.
"What's up Jim?" Winona asked as she joined him at the living room doorway.
"Just thinking, Mom," Jim replied shooting her a quick grin. "Spock offered to do a mind meld with JoJo to try and help her calm down. I told Bones to go for it. He was worried that it would make things worse for her because of hearing me talk about the one Ambassador Sp-Selek did with me on Delta Vega. I had to remind him that the guy was compromised at the time and in a hurry so he couldn't use it for comparison," Jim told her and gave her a brief description of what he'd experienced.
"Well I hope it helps her. She's gone through enough. They both have. And if this works for her during the trials it'll be a God send," Winona replied.
"Me too. So, Mom, did you remember the stuff I asked you to bring?" Jim asked her with a mischievous grin.
"Yes, the bag is in my suitcase. Come on so you can get it without an audience," she replied chuckling at his insistence that his hobby remain a secret as she led him to the room she was sharing with Uhura and Christine.
"Thanks, Mom. Now I need to figure out what to make Spock and Uhura and I want to make something for JoJo too; kinda a welcome home gift," Jim explained opening the bag and pulling out one of the sets of knitting needles. "These are some of Gramma Sarah's. Mom, I promise I'll take good care of them," he replied giving her a hug, pleased that she'd trust him with her Mom's needles. "Think we can sneak off to a store tomorrow and get some yarn?"
Winona had to laugh at the look of eager anticipation on her son's face; it reminded her of Christmas mornings when he was a kid. "I think we can manage, Jim. Do you have any ideas on what to make?" she asked as they walked to his and Spock's room.
"Well I was kinda thinking about a blanket of some sort for Spock and Uhura. I gave her a throw for her first birthday on the ship. She brings it to the rec room a lot of the time," Jim replied smiling at the memory of Uhura, blanket over her legs as she worked on a project of her own. "She crotchets, so it's interesting to watch her work. Though she's not secretive about what she makes, just who it's for," he said with a grin.
"I might ask her to teach me while all this is going on. It'll be good to have something to do in the evening. And since you won't admit you know how and join us, you can teach Joanna to wind yarn, if she doesn't want to learn to knit," Winona informed him and had to laugh at the slightly disgusted look on his face. "Isn't that what Cassie started both of us on when she taught us?" she asked pointedly still grinning.
"Yeah, Mom, I'll think about coming clean. I kinda like no one knowing the stuff comes from me though. And I'm kind worried bout the amount of shit I'll get once it gets out," Jim told her, looking embarrassed at the thought.
"Oh Jim, I can't believe you're still bothered that that idiot Carl Handerfeld called you a sissy because he saw you knitting when you were fourteen," Winona sighed in exasperation sitting on Spock's bed. "There's nothing wrong with it. I'm sure even Spock would agree that it's a good form of meditation."
"I guess, Mom. First we need to get the yarn and figure out what I'm making for them exactly. I want it to be something for both of them. I have what I want to put in that's Vulcan; the IDIC symbol, since it definitely fits them. I just haven't figured out what to do with it that would be African."
"Maybe the color scheme. We can look that up tonight I bet," Winona replied standing as Jim tucked the bag of needles in the bottom of his suitcase. Then they headed down to the office to have a long conversation about his ideas for what to make with his mom and research colors before dinner.
A/N: Jadzia Dax makes the remark in 'Trials and Tribble-ations' that she knew McCoy when her symbiot host, Emony, was on Earth to judge a gymnastics competition and he was in medical school.