Chapter Thirty-four
The Desert Saga
Sarek returned to his office, deep in thought. He was attempting to justify his actions against his outcast son. He never had
allowed emotion to cloud his thinking...or his actions. Even when he made The Council aware of his choice of bondmate, he
had reasoned logically with them, advosomg them of the diplomatic advantage of his choice. He did not however, admit to
the real motive behind his selection of Amanda-that he was deeply in love with her and was determined to not let her go.
This was his only departure from the ways of Surek. To this day he was considered a paragon of logic, control, and purpose.
He thought beck to the final days of his father-to the complete destruction of such a great mind and he actually shuttered.
He determined that this matter required investigation. If Lo'vaak's father was truly a gifted healer, his none-acquaintance
with his family would allow him to conduct the necessary tests in confidence. He would request a private audience with
Si'len as soon as possible.
`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`
It is a truth acknowledged and proven, that a large number of pregnant Terran females required extra attention during the
gestation period. This was true of Christine. It had nothing to do with her professional life which was noted for its
competency, efficiency, and thoroughness. Instead it had to do with hormones which as she neared the end of her
pregnancy were raging and only needed a little nudge to go out of control.
When Lo'vaak had been made aware of affairs on his father's ship, this had seeped through to Christine necessitating his
removal from the Embassy to be at her side. His presence soothed her and his 'blow by blow' description of the steps being
taken to ensure his family's safty seemed to calm her and as she lay in his arms on their bed she stated,
"Did you know that the title "mother-in-law can have negative connotations, especially for a son's wife?
"Christine, I am certain that you will certainly find more in common with my mother than anyone in my family. She will be
grateful for any response that displays emotion, having not seen or heard of such from any other members of
her family. I am certain you two will become instant thy'las," (soul mates)."
He continued,
"I am hoping that Ta'Na and Te'Nek agree to stay planet side until after their baby is born. I can imagine my mother taking
over. She will at last have proof positive of the continuance of my father's line. This is also an important Betazoid concept."
Lo'vaak can remember with what concerned hands his father had instructed him. The placement of a Vulcan healers hands
in treating someone in need of their services could mean the difference between success or failure. There was never a
reprimand, only correction of the placement and the words, "Again".
The silent message from Spock was simply, "All are safe". Lo'vaak went to his com unit to secure the particulars from his
brothers at the Embassy and was advised of how the successful end was the result of cooperation between The Federation,
Star Fleet and his brother-in-law, who with his family was on route from the docking station Terran transport station to The Embassy.
Spock intimated that the delay was probably due to the females last minute decisions as to what to bring from the ship to
Terra. Lo'vaak had to agree. Lo'vaak informed Spock that he and Christine would be present at The Embassy within the
next forty-five minutes. He did not wish his parents to be introduced by strangers. Lo'vaak would not allow Christine the
luxury of changing her garments in order to secure a more favorable first impression. He combed her hair, assisted her out
to the driveway and they sped at controlled, not reckless speed, towards The Embassy. The Embassy had sent a bus to
convey Lo'vaak's family to The Embassy once they had exited the Terran transport station. The driver had been instructed
to contact Sarek when they were fifteen minutes away from The Embassy. That would allow all the members to be at the
front door to welcome their visitors, allow them then to take lite refreshments in the dining room and then they could be
escorted to their rooms.
At one point Lo'vaak had thought he would bring his parents and Ta'Na and Te'Nek to his house but then thought after all
those years in space together, the others of the crew would feel virtually lost without their shipmates. For that reason it
was logical for them to remain together at the Embassy. That building could remain their point of contact until they would
visit The Settlement.
The driver's notice was given and the group which now included Sarek, Christine, Lo'vaak, Spock, Nyota, Sirin, Rachel,
T'Paal and children enmasse. Everyone except Christine were dressed in Vulcan robes with their name and clan script
visible on the lapels. Christine's swollen abdomen did not allow her to be so dressed but she did wear an extra large tunic
that did absolutely no service if the object had been to obscure her very pregnant condition.
A security guard escorted the group in and Sarek nodded to the guard in dismissal and then to Lo'vaak who came forward
and bowed his head and said,
"Giver of life to me, my Father, my eyes are satisfied in seeing you before me."
His father's response, typically Vulcan, was simply a nod. Taking Christine's hand Lo'vaak said,
"I present she who is my wife, Christine."
By this time, Lo'vaak's mother had come forth and caressed Christine's stomach and then the tears came. Gesturing toward
the female now next to Christine, Lo'vaak's father, Si'len said to the others present,
"She who is my wife, Troi."
Christine's mother-in-law addressed her in Vulcan.
"I felt his presence, it is a male. For these two births I have waited."
Si'len then introduced Lo'vaak's sister and her bondmate.
"Ta'Na, my female child and he who is her bondmate, Te'Nek.
The other crew members were introduced and finally the Vulcans who had been collected from settlements lined up and
introduced themselves, identified their family, clan and house. After the introduction, Nyota, who had on occasion
served as hostess at The Embassy asked the group to follow her while they made their way to the dining room.
Lo'vaak's sister stole shy glances at Nyota and her sister-in-law and gave the Vulcan equivalent of a smile. Christine was
certain that the similar condition shared by the three of them would lend itself to their becoming friends.
Before the group was escorted up to their rooms Lo'vaak's mother approached Christine and said,
"Be motherless no more, I, Troi now am now your mother and the ko'mekh-il to your son."
Christine's tears flowed and Troi gently kissed her and said,
"I know how it is to be without extended family because until my joining with Si'len such was it for me. Be at
a loss no longer."
Ta'Na came over to Christine and whispered,
"Having a sister will be most satisfactory."
Now after so many years Christine indeed felt truly complete. Now she again had another female to replace Gaila. She was
certain that Rachel, Nyota and herself would find the companionship of Ta'Na most revealing and rewarding..