DISCLAIMER: The Star Trek characters are the property of Paramount Studios, Inc. The story contents are the creation and property of Lois Welling and is copyright (c) 2002 by Lois Welling. This story is Rated R.

The Displaced

Lois Welling

Without realizing it, James Kirk tightened his grip on the door handle until his knuckles whitened. He had spent the last nine days speeding through space and the last thirty minutes arguing with hospital personnel for permission to enter this room. Now he could not bring himself to make the last move and open the door. Five years. Spock had been missing and he had been searching for almost five years. Now he was there, just beyond that door; sick and injured, but alive and whole.

Sucking in a deep breath Jim opened the door. Joy suffused with anxiety as his eyes swept over the sleeping Vulcan. The marks of his long exile were all too plainly written on Spock's gaunt frame. A hundred questions rushed into the Commodore's mind, but he could temper his curiosity with patience. He'd waited a long time for this, he could spare his friend these added moments of needed rest. He knew from the charge nurse that Spock was in a light self-imposed trance to free his mind of all other concerns and to allow his body to concentrate on healing itself.

Kirk dropped soundlessly into a nearby chair while taking in the changes time had wrought in his former first officer. The newly shaven face and neatly barbered hair revealed a paleness that was in sharp contrast with the weather-darkened skin around the eyes. It made him appear very vulnerable. But it was the vicious web of scars forking through the crisp, black chest hair that drew Kirk's eyes again and again.

No, Kirk thought. He's not the man I saw off five years ago, but he is our Spock.

It had been neither a pleasant nor an unpleasant leave taking, just rather inevitable. Nature had once more drawn the Vulcan to home and a mate. He had contacted his parents. Plans were being made; a suitable wife was being sought. He would go alone this time. Neither Kirk nor McCoy would stand at his side. There were things Jim wanted to say, but he had sensed that it was not the time.

Three days later, almost to the hour, the first indication of trouble reached the Enterprise. Spock was overdue. Another two days and a more detailed message was received from Ambassador Sarek. The freighter carrying Spock was missing; disappeared without a trace. The ship's last recorded messages had all been routine status reports. In the following months Kirk had come to know every word in those reports.

But before he had made a career out of searching for his friend, and in the process becoming a troubleshooter within the adjutant general's office of Starfleet, Jim Kirk had given free rein to the human characteristic of unsubstantiated hope. No one knew better than he what strange things could happen in deep space. An ion storm could force a vessel off course, or a malfunction could knock out communications. He didn't dwell on how the delay would affect Spock's intensifying pon farr; he just knew it would all work out somehow.

Days turned to weeks and still no sign of the missing freighter. Jim began calling in every favor he was owed, in order to gain added information. The crew, who shared his concern, did the same. Uhura contacted friends on widely scattered communications centers and also at Starfleet headquarters, and Scotty did the same with engineering officers in half the merchant ships carrying Federation colors. But nothing came of their efforts.

The uncertainty, the not knowing, drove Jim. He lost weight and was unable to sleep a full night through. Though he was reluctant to do so, he agreed with McCoy that he needed to take leave. He was surprised that the doctor had gone so far as to contact Spock's parents, suggesting that they might all be better off pooling their knowledge. McCoy had been pleased when Sarek and Amanda included him in the invitation to come to Vulcan.

Spock had invited Jim and McCoy to his home several times, but something had always interfered. That they should see it for the first time under these circumstances was very difficult for the two men. Seeing his room, the garden he read in, his childhood pet, gave Jim and McCoy a painful, new feeling of closeness to their missing friend. It seemed that Spock was everywhere in that home

Their conversations were dominated by talk of Spock and it pleased Jim greatly to hear both parents express their concern for their son. Jim remembered his first meeting with Ambassador Sarek and his wife Amanda, and he recalled the anger he felt at their treatment of his first officer and friend. But after Sarek's surgery when the three were recovering in Sickbay relations warmed by several degrees and conversation was less strained. And when the time for goodbyes came, Jim had noticed the smile on Amanda's face and the cordial farewell between father and son.

One evening the four were in the gathering room sharing a glass of wine before their evening meal. "Amanda," McCoy said, "you have an excellent collection of Makino sculpture here." McCoy walked around the room with Amanda next to him as he studied each piece. "I am curious about this one, though." He picked it up for closer inspection. "I don't recognize the artist and in comparison with the others, it's amateurish, almost crude."

She took the piece from him and stroked it. "It has sentimental value, Doctor. When Spock was about eight years old he learned of the Earth custom of giving birthday gifts. He asked his father when my birthday was and made this for me." She carefully replaced the ceramic and walked quietly from the room.

A few days later Jim was with Sarek in the Vulcan's study. They had been there for several hours cross-referencing what Jim had in his data files with what Sarek had documented and were eliminating duplicate information. During the silent periods Jim watched Sarek. So much like Spock, he thought. Nothing visible in his manner, yet Jim knew how worried he was. After some time Jim found that Sarek would occasionally glance at a deep nick in the desktop. Later Amanda came in with refreshments and as she set them down she glanced at the nick and then at Sarek as their eyes met.

Jim was watching them both. Something was going on here. He felt comfortable enough with them to ask, "Spock do that?"

Sarek leaned back in his chair. "Yes, when he was quite young and I might add, very uncoordinated. And as the fates would have it, I entered the room immediately after. I would not have believed it possible for eyes to open that wide."

Jim grinned. "Poor Spock. I remember that feeling. I bet he was in for it. He was luckier than I was though, since Vulcans don't believe in corporal punishment. What happened?"

Sarek and Amanda exchanged glances again. Then Sarek said, "Actually no discipline was involved." He cleared his throat. "I showed Spock this." He pointed to a dull scratch about three inches long running down the side of the desk. "I explained that it happened when I -- when the desk belonged to my father, and we forgot the incident."

The two men came away from that visit feeling relieved and with one shakable belief. Spock was not dead. His mother could sense that he was alive, but Sarek declared, "I would know if my son were dead."

In the next three years Jim would make two more visits to Vulcan. He always felt peaceful and well rested when he left Sarek and Amanda's home.

Nearly a year had passed without news of Spock, and Starfleet prepared to give the Enterprise a permanent new first officer. A plan had been forming in Kirk's mind for some time. Supplied with the data he had collected over the past ten months, and with his well-rehearsed argument, he went to see Admiral Mendez. If the Enterprise was going to have a new first officer, maybe the whole crew needed shaking up. It was time, past time, they all moved on and up. Mendez felt his plan good enough to recommend it higher up and it was accepted. So life changed not only for James T. Kirk, captain of the USS Enterprise, but for many others on board.

The soft, gliding sound of the door brought Kirk back to the present. Leonard McCoy, flight bag still in hand, hurried in. He set down the bag and his eyes widened as he took in the figure on the bed. "He's really alive," McCoy whispered. " I got your message, but somehow I was afraid to believe it."

The doctor moved closer to the bed to examine Spock and study the readings on the diagnostic panel. "Why the trance?"

Kirk told the doctor what little he knew. "Those nurses won't tell me anything except that his condition is satisfactory. You should have seen the senior investigating officer act I had to pull just to get that out of them, and to be allowed in here."

"Mmm, we'll see about that." Ten minutes later he was back. "I used all my southern charm to get a look at his charts. He had a fairly massive systemic infection from a deep laceration of the right thigh. Evidently he wasn't able to clean the wound properly because he was on the run. They've done the corrective surgery and have a good grip on the infection. A few days of decent food and rest and he should be in reasonably good condition."

Kirk crossed the room to stand beside McCoy. "What do you think of those scars on his chest?"

"Looks like some kind of burns, but I don't know what would cause that circular pattern." McCoy shook his head. The scarring doesn't seem to go very deep and that's good. But, look here." McCoy pointed out a fine line running the length of Spock's right arm, from elbow to shoulder. "He's had surgery on this arm, nerve damage I would guess. Whoever did it knew their work. Done wrong, he could have lost partial use of the arm." The physician began to study a track of small raised welts on the inside of the other arm.

"What are they?" Kirk asked.

McCoy's eyebrows came together in a frown as he shook his head. "Never mind, our boy is coming around."

Kirk watched McCoy take on his professional manner as the indicators over the bed changed; "pulse climbing, respiration deeper, temperature rising." But Jim was not fooled by his tone; he knew McCoy was just as excited as he was.

A shadow play of emotion was reflected in the Vulcan's unguarded face as he struggled to cross the gulf to consciousness. He began to murmur in Vulcan and as one hand came up, Jim grasped it in both of his. "Spock, it's me, Jim. You're safe now. It's all over." He silently wished he knew what it was.

Spock's eyes opened and slowly focused. "Jim?"

Kirk felt the reflexive pressure on his hand. "Yes." He tried to put as much reassurance as possible into his voice.

Spock's eyes flickered then refocused on the other waiting figure. "Dr. McCoy?"

McCoy spoke through the tightness in his throat. "Yes, Spock, it's me."

"Then I am really home. I have made it."

There were several awkward seconds as the three friends looked at each other. Jim couldn't contain himself any longer. Voice cracking, he said, "Spock, where in God's name have you been?"

"Towan," was all Spock said.

Jim pulled hand away in frustration. He turned away, punching one fist in his open hand. "Did I tell you, Bones? Did I tell you?"

Surprise was evident in the Vulcan's reaction and in the tone of his voice. "Jim, Doctor?"

The physician answered. "Spock, we've been searching all this time. We never gave up hope, never."

"Nor did I, Doctor."

McCoy swallowed before continuing. "Jim started an investigation shortly after you disappeared. With your father's help he began collecting data. Almost a year later he had quite a file. Starfleet put him on special assignment and then he really went to work. With all that poking around he began to turn up several interesting things, but none of them were you. Along with an ever-growing file of unsolved disappearances, he found some petty graft at Fleet headquarters, kickbacks in some contract letting, a smuggling ring in the Orion system and even a Klingon double agent. Needless to say, he made several enemies. The Towan system was on his list of 'Things just don't smell, right, Bones.' He couldn't get permission to go there. But you know Jim; he went anyway and got caught. Someone was laying for him. Only your parents' influence and Mendez's reminder of his important work the year before saved him from a forced retirement."

Jim turned to face them. "Spock, why? Why did they keep you there?"

"Slavery."

"God... What was it like, were there others? I mean, just how bad was it?" Jim kept running his hands through his hair. "God, that's stupid... What happened?"

Spock chose his words very carefully. "I was not isolated. There was a group who formed an alliance for the sake of survival and escape. Jim, even in this, there were some positive aspects. I..."

The charge nurse's sudden entrance into the room ended their reunion. Staunchly sure of her duties in the matter she shooed Kirk and McCoy out of the room, no doubt enjoying her authority over a captain of the medical corps and a commodore. As the door closed, she told them that the admiral was expecting them.

The two men wasted no time getting to Mendez's office. Immediately on arrival, Kirk demanded, "José, what's the idea? You know I wanted in on this. Why wasn't I given all the information on Spock's case?"

"Sit down, Jim, Leonard." The former Enterprise officers slipped into the offered chairs while Mendez got up and began to pace.

"Six days ago Spock arrived on research outpost 81 on a Vegan merchant ship. He had been injured in an escape approximately six months earlier and had a massive infection in his leg. He was almost delirious, but did manage to report that raiders captured the freighter he was traveling on. When the communiqué came through I slapped a security screen on anything connected with the matter. But you talked to him, so you know it goes beyond the slavery thing. You know that the slaves were used to mine Solad."

McCoy interrupted. "One of the angels of mercy shagged us out of there before we got that far; from what I saw, he shows none of the usual signs of silicosis."

"Spock wasn't actually used in the mines. They were smart enough to realize his value and used him in production control."

Jim had been noticeably quiet through Mendez's report. When the admiral finished he said, "I told you that religious taboo story wouldn't hold up, too many inconsistencies."

Mendez smiled. "Yes, Jim, you were right. The council sees that now. In fact, they are in emergency session and have been for two days. It's your data on the Towan system, along with Spock's report that they are studying." He gave them time to absorb this news. They knew the implications. The Federation wanted an alliance with this system. Its location near the neutral zone was of strategic importance. He continued. "We know now that the Towans have been playing a double game with us for the past ten years. While they talk at the conference tables, their pirates raid our ships and planets. According to Spock there are slaves of almost every humanoid species that can survive on that planet. If you have been following the reports you know that every time our negotiators get close to an agreement, the Towans come up with another condition and negotiations have to begin all over again." Though no one said it, all three men were thinking the same thing. If they hadn't interfered with Jim, he would have exposed this situation over a year ago. They were still talking when the intercom interrupted them.

"The Enterprise has just established orbit, sir."

"Thank you." He looked at Kirk and McCoy. "Gentlemen, does a little trip to Towan interest you?" The smile that came over their faces gave him his answer.

Morning found the group aboard the Enterprise, which was now captained by Sulu. Spock was recovering rapidly in Sickbay under McCoy's directions. Mr. Scott was made available from research and development and brought in. The Security Council was still in session and Jim and Mendez spent the day in communication with them via subspace radio. Two minutes before leaving orbit, Lt. Commander Uhura beamed aboard. Mendez had done a thorough job of acquiring key personnel. Before he left the Enterprise, Mendez handed Jim a packet. "New orders for you, Spock, and McCoy. Captain Sulu and the others already have theirs."

It was early evening before Kirk was free. He was almost overcome with emotion when he walked into Sickbay. Seeing Spock on the bed with his "I am trying to be patient with you, Doctor" look on his face; and hearing Bones, finger waving, delivering his "rest means recovery" lecture, was just too much. Jim was about to sit down to what he hoped would be at least a couple of hours of catching up with Spock, when Scotty, Uhura, and Sulu came in. After several minutes of reminiscing, Spock said, "I wish to thank all of you for interrupting your work to come to my aid."

Uhura, a big smile on her face, said, "Mr. Spock, we wouldn't have missed it for the world." The rest of the group noisily agreed with her.

When they quieted, he continued. "I did not affect my escape from the mines of Towan II alone. If it were not for the help of several other individuals I would not even have survived. In approximately 22.5 hours several members of the Federation Council with a fleet of starships will converge on Towan I and II and put a stop to their practice of raiding other planets and ships. At this time it will become apparent to certain individuals in power that I did not die in an accident, but escaped. If those who helped me are not removed from the planet in time, they will be killed. Timing will be a vital factor, since the Enterprise only had a two hour lead on the fleet and council." They all started asking questions at once.

When things settled down, Spock said, "That is only the first part of our mission." He turned to Kirk. "I believe the Commodore can brief us on this.

Jim nodded. "Yes, the council has informed me that our next stop will be the neutral zone where we will hopefully rendezvous with a Romulan starship." He paused and let that last statement penetrate a bit before he continued. "One of the individuals we will rescue from Towan II is a Romulan. Since there may still be others on the planet, the council sees this as a chance for showing our good faith. A series of communications buoys has already been placed in position at our border of the neutral zone informing them of our coming and why. As you know, this will be the first attempt at cooperation between the Romulans and the Federation. All must go well."

When Kirk had finished he turned to Sulu and repressing an urge to take over, said, "It's your ship, captain, where do we start?"

Captain Sulu, who knew how James Kirk always resented any attempt at usurping his authority, could appreciate that remark. "Since timing is so important, I suggest we dispense with the usual military protocol and get on with it."

The next two hours were spent in planning what would transpire when they reached Towan. Then Dr. McCoy would be put off no longer. Everyone was removed from Sickbay and Spock was ordered to sleep.

McCoy and Kirk sat in the office of the chief medical officer, which had once belonged to the doctor, discussing the situation. "Jim, he's just not strong enough for this. I…" Spock walked in. McCoy came up out of his chair and started to order Spock back to bed, but Spock just waved him off.

"I only require a few minutes, Doctor."

"You'll get five and not one more!" McCoy tried to give his chair to Spock, who insisted on standing. They were all silent for what seemed like a very long time. Both Kirk and McCoy could see that Spock was gathering his thoughts. When he did speak it was almost as if he was thinking aloud.

"Where to begin after all this time, and it is not finished yet. Are the individuals we hope to rescue even still alive?" He paused. "I know you both have many questions, and I want you to have the answers." After another pause he went on. "This situation is most complicated. I cannot be certain of what we will find on the planet. A detailed plan of action is impossible." He looked directly at both men, needing their understanding. "I must ask you to follow my directions and, please, do not question until later."

Kirk rose from his chair. "Spock, I agree with you, we have an important mission that will take all our concentration. You're alive and safe." He looked to the doctor for support and received it. "We can settle for that now."

Spock nodded, then turned and went back to Sickbay for some sleep.

When they were alone, McCoy said, "Jim, you read him better than anyone else. What is it? What's with him?"

"There's something alright, Bones. He wants to tell us, but can't not yet anyway. Give him time. He'll work it out."

"A woman."

"What?"

"I'll bet it's a woman. One of those who helped him on Towan was a female and you know how he is about that subject."

"I don't know, Bones, maybe."

The next morning Spock, Kirk, McCoy, Sulu, Uhura, and Scotty took their old familiar places in the briefing room closest to the bridge. If they were to stay ahead of the fleet and make the scheduled rendezvous with the Romulan ship, they had less than two hours in which to affect the rescue of the eight people on Towan II. They studied the map Spock had drawn and agreed that the small moon would be large enough to conceal the Enterprise from surface sensors while Spock, Kirk and McCoy were on the planet and still keep them in communicator range. Scotty and Spock worked out the last details of the experimental interphasing device that would camouflage their beam down. In a way, they were all grateful that no one had ever escaped from this planet before. The Towans were over-confident and their security lax, and that would make the job easier. Still, there was no room for carelessness. Although he did not say so, Spock was very glad that Sulu was in command, Uhura on communications and Mr. Scott at the transporter controls. The feeling he had in knowing that Kirk and McCoy would be with him on the planet was almost too much to contain, but contain it he did.

They materialized in a grove of trees with the Towan sun just past zenith. Spock was silent as he listened. Hearing no alarm, he said, "We have arrived undetected." Mr. Scott had done his job well, as Spock knew he would. Spock signaled the way with a slight wave of his hand and they began to walk.

McCoy began to grumble as they struggled to make their way through the dense undergrowth. He whispered, "Why can't we walk out there?" He was pointing to a clear stretch not twenty meters from them.

Jim pointed, "Force field, Bones."

As McCoy looked closer he could see it shimmering in the twilight. They continued walking for perhaps twenty minutes.

When they stopped, Jim whispered, "How soon before we come to a sentry post?"

"There are none, Jim, also there is no need to whisper. They do not patrol the force field. Monitors do that from the main complex. If we stay in the trees we should not be detected."

Jim was surprised. "No guards out here?"

"No, there is a squad at the landing field, a whole company at the mines and several individuals in the complex. Jim, I have had five years to plan this. We should not even see a guard."

"Spock, this is almost too easy."

"Jim, let us hope I continues to be so."

They made their way past a row of huts. From their vantage point they could see figures moving about and McCoy could identify several species.

In the distance Kirk could make out a huge dome-shaped building and that seemed to be where Spock was heading. As they grew closer, Jim could also see smaller domes attached to the main one. After they had passed the first two Spock paused. He turned to face these two he had called friend, seemed about to speak, then, shaking his head, turned and motioned for them to follow. Hurriedly, they crossed an open space to a hedge growth close to the third small dome. As they stood in its shadow they could hear children playing. Kirk hoped their presence wouldn't complicate matters.

McCoy studied the five children; three boys about four years of age and two girls around two, he guessed. Spock just waited. Kirk was getting edgy. In a few minutes the opportunity came. One of the boys came near the hedge chasing a crude toy.

Spock called in a hushed voice. "Jamie."

The boy stopped and looked toward the hedge as his eyes opened wide. Spock repeated the name.

The boy took a step forward peering into the hedge. "Father, is that you?"

"Yes. Jamie, come here, slowly."

Kirk and McCoy shared a dumbfounded look.

As the child came closer, McCoy's first thoughts were that this was a full Vulcan child. But, after a second look he noticed the blend of Human and Vulcan characteristics.

The boy did as he was told and soon stood looking at Spock as if he couldn't believe his eyes. "Everyone said you were dead. Everyone except mother."

Spock knelt down on one knee to be on eye level with the child. Indicating the two men behind him, Spock said, "Jamie, this is Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy."

After a slight pause and with a knowing smile, the boy flashed the Vulcan salute and said, "Live long and prosper."

Not knowing what else to do, the two men acknowledged the greeting.

Speaking softly, Spock asked, "Are your mother and the others in the cell?"

The boy only nodded 'yes'.

"Son, this is important. Go quietly to your brothers and tell them to slowly make their way here. Then guide your sisters here." As the boy left them, Spock straightened and turned to Jim and the doctor. He became very stiff and formal. "Approximately eight solar years ago, the Towans began an efficiency program regarding the use of their slaves. One aspect of that decision was to initiate a breeding program." Kirk and McCoy waited anxiously for his next words. There were none.

When Spock turned away, Jim and McCoy traded open-mouthed glances. Both knew that this was what Spock hadn't been able to discuss with them.

By now another boy had made his way to Spock. McCoy was confused. This child was different. He was almost assuredly full Vulcan. He eyed the men suspiciously, then said to Spock, "Are you real?"

"Yes, Thone, I am real. I have come to take all of you away from here."

Only then would the boy come closer. "This is my son, Thone, his mother is the Romulan we must return to her homeland."

Before Jim and McCoy could even begin to digest the implications of this, a third boy came running to them. "Dad, I knew it was you! Jamie wouldn't say so, but I knew." He looked at the two men next to Spock. "I bet I know you. Dr. McCoy and Captain Kirk, father's friends. My name is Leonard and I was named after Dr. McCoy and Jamie, he's my twin, he's named after the captain and Mother is…"

With some effort Spock quieted the boy. "Len, there is no time for idle talk now. This is serious."

The boy's eyes fell. "Sorry."

Spock sighed and looked at Kirk and McCoy. "So much like his mother." But there was softness in his voice.

The group watched in silence as Jamie, slowly, trying hard to be what he thought was inconspicuous, made his way to them, leading two small girls. One was taller by two inches and looked much like Jamie and Len. "Daddy." She went straight to Spock without hesitation and he picked her up. As he held her he glanced over her shoulder at the other child who was reluctantly coming toward them. He turned and handed the child in his arms to a surprised Jim.

"This is Amanda."

"Manda Hura," the girl said proudly.

Spock immediately turned his attention to the other child who seemed quite frightened and about to cry. He and Jamie spoke softly to her. She was very petite, with delicate features and olive skin. The pointed ears, white hair and antenna made as exotic a combination as McCoy had ever seen. With their coaxing she went to Spock, but by now she was crying. In the short space available, with her in his arms, Spock walked back and forth. As he continued talking softly to her, she gradually quieted.

The child Jim was holding told him, "Thay-an's fraid of everything, but I'm not."

Kirk and McCoy smiled in bewilderment at each other.

By now Spock had the smallest child quieted. He gathered them together and told them that they were to be transported to the Enterprise. At this point Len looked as if he might blurt out something. The look on his father's face was enough to stop him. Spock continued. "Mr. Scott will be waiting for you when you beam aboard. Follow all his instructions, and we will join you as soon as possible." Spock opened his communicator.

Now Len would be contained no longer. "Will the baby mother is having be born there?"

The three men looked at each other as a siren began to sound. "Our communication has been detected." Kirk and McCoy remembered what Spock had told them. The Towan computers were too unsophisticated to pinpoint exact locations. They would have to make a physical search and would check the landing field and mine area before coming to the complex. "We have approximately 7.2 minutes." They reacted almost immediately, each knowing what the other would do. Kirk and McCoy started toward the dome, leaving Spock to finish with the children.

"Five to beam up, Mr. Scott."

"Aye, sir," Scotty said anxiously. "But, there's something wrong with their readings, Mr. Spock. The mass is too low."

"Not for children, Mr. Scott."

Startled, Mr. Scott said, "Aye, sir, not for children."

"Energize, Mr. Scott." Before the haze had completed faded Spock had almost caught up with Kirk and McCoy.

Kirk studied the small dome. It had an entrance from the outside and what looked like air vents. It was almost dark now. They made their way to the air vents to see what awaited them inside. Through the opening they could see two women, one human and very pregnant, lying on a thin mat, the other kneeling beside her who must be the Romulan. It was the Romulan who spoke first. "Sue, we can wait no longer. You are being most stubborn."

When the other woman answered, her words were strained and almost inaudible, but the conviction behind them was impossible to miss. "Tha, it is not labor. It's too early. Besides, I don't intend having this baby until Spock gets back."

"Susan, why do you persist in believing that fable? Spock has been gone almost seven months now; if indeed he even escaped at all. It was one thing to hope when it harmed no one, but now you endanger your life and that of the child." The Romulan woman watched with alarm as a bloodstain appeared on the mat and rapidly grew. "Susan, you are hemorrhaging. I am going…"

Resigned, Sue sighed. "All right. Tha, what was that?"

Thela was almost across the room when she heard the dome door opening. She turned and started back to Sue. "You children were instructed…" Her eyes grew large as she watched Spock, followed by Kirk and McCoy come striding into the room. Her expression changed from annoyance to disbelief.

Kirk immediately began checking the security of the room. He quickly realized that danger could come from either entrance and began a systematic check of each, pausing at the air vent to listen.

Sue struggled to raise her head from the pallet. "Spock! Oh thank God." He went straight to her with McCoy at his heels, medi-scanner out and humming. Spock took her hand and she clutched it to her as tears filled her eyes. They talked in hushed tones as the doctor passed the scanner back and forth over her body.

"The children are…" She managed to ask.

"Safe on board the Enterprise." He finished the sentence.

"Take it easy now, ma'am. I'm a doctor."

She looked from him to Spock and back. "Dr. McCoy?"

"You know me?"

"Oh, yes, Doctor," she smiled and wiped away the tears, "I know you very well." She then drew in her breath and clutched Spock's hand.

Without turning, Spock said, "Thela, how long since the last contraction?"

The Romulan woman moved closer. "Two minutes."

The doctor put down the scanner and began to palpate the woman's abdomen. "Last trimester? About thirty weeks?" The woman could only nod yes. "How long have you been in labor?"

"Since midday."

"And how long is that?"

Spock answered because she was panting with a contraction. "Eight point five hours."

McCoy looked at Spock. "Anything in her previous history I should know about?"

"Susan has told me that her first two deliveries were considered normal. I know from experience that the twins and Amanda were born without difficulty."

McCoy's head snapped around. "What do you mean, 'experience'?"

"Doctor, one does not require a medical degree to deliver a child."

Kirk stopped next to them just in time to hear this last exchange. The look of disbelief on his and the doctor's face prompted Sue to say, "If you knew the freaked-out…" before she could finish another contraction hit.

"That was only one minute since the last one," Spock noted.

"Just give me a few more seconds," McCoy said. "There is some hemorrhaging, but I think I can control it. Better get her to Sickbay right away though." The doctor opened his communicator and began making arrangements.

"Ready?" He looked at Spock who stood up and was making a careful visual search of the room.

"Where is Soy-an?"

It was Thela who answered, anger contorting her face. "Dead! She hung herself six weeks after you left us."

The woman on the mat raised her head. "Oh Thela, shut up! You know it was impossible." She turned to Spock, who seemed to be looking to her for an explanation. "Spock, we tried, we really did. But without your mind link we couldn't hold her. She kept retreating further and further into herself until we just couldn't reach her." Seeing the look in his eyes, she seemed to know what he was thinking. "No guilt! You know you couldn't win in this situation. It was just a matter of time for her, and the children needed that time."

Kirk tensed. "Someone's coming."

McCoy was still insisting his patient get to Sickbay, while Spock reached for his communicator and removed the back. Kirk, phaser drawn, was getting impatient. "Spock, let's go."

"One more thing." He now had in his hand a small metallic object about four centimeters in length and one wide, and divided into two prongs at one end. He made an adjustment on this "key" and a low hum was heard. He reached for the neckline of Sue's coveralls and pulled it back revealing a slim silver collar.

So that's their security, thought Kirk.

McCoy remembered the mark on Spock's neck.

The key worked perfectly, the collar fell from the woman's neck. He repeated the process with the other woman, then nodded to Kirk.

"Energize, Scottie!"

The cell door slammed open as they faded from view.

Coming right off the transporter pad, Kirk hit the communication button. "Ready to warp out of here, Mr. -- ah, excuse me, Captain Sulu." Kirk could hear Sulu laugh as he acknowledged and then ended the communication.

McCoy and the medical team with their patient in tow were out of the transporter room and on their way to Sickbay in seconds.

Mr. Scott was eyeing Thela curiously. She had not moved off the pad as the others had. She was obviously ill at ease, standing there with her head down and her hand attempting to conceal the scars on her right cheek. Spock noticed. "Come, Thela, I will take you to the children. They will need you." The woman appeared relieved as she moved off the pad. Before he left, Spock asked Scotty how the beam up with the children had gone.

"No problems, Mr. Spock, unless you count one bonnie, little lassie in tears. One of the boys was able to comfort her though. Uhura should have them settled in their stateroom by now."

"I appreciate your being here, Mr. Scott. We shall talk more later."

It took Scotty several seconds to shut his mouth after Mr. Spock and the Romulan woman left.

* * *

McCoy looked up as Spock came through the Sickbay door. "About time. If you want in on this, hurry."

Spock went directly to Sue. "Do you remember the routine to ease the pain?"

"Yes, and I have tried it, but without you it doesn't work."

They settled into the routine that Spock had taught Sue before the twins were born. Between contractions she tried to question Spock about his escape, if the children were all right, and several other matters. He put her off. "Susan, later there will be time for all this." She gave in and concentrated on the contractions.

All was going well. The hemorrhaging was under control, the contractions 30 seconds apart, and dilation was nine.

"It's crowning!" It had been a long time since McCoy had delivered a baby and he was enjoying it. He could see the head and in the next moment had it delivered. "Come on, Sue, just one more push and I'll have him."

With that one push there was a sudden gush of blood that washed the baby out with it. "Uterus ruptured! Get me some help here!" The panel over the bed went wild. Sue lapsed into unconsciousness.

As he suctioned the child, McCoy was shouting orders to prepare for surgery. "We've got two minutes to control this! Spock, get out of here!" McCoy shook his head as he handed the child to another doctor and returned to the mother.

Spock, stunned by this turn of events, backed out of the way, but did not leave. His eyes kept daring from the doctor working over the newly born child to McCoy and the nurses preparing the mother. The cry when it came was faint; then the doctor took the child out of the room and surgery began.

Two hellish hours later, McCoy, still splattered with blood, motioned for Spock and Kirk, who had come in long ago, to follow him. In the chief surgeon's office, McCoy went straight to the place where he had always kept a bottle. "Good man that Osborn, keeps it in the same place." He filled a glass and passed another and the bottle to Kirk. After a long swig, in which Kirk joined him, he began. "The crisis is past, she'll live. The main thing was to stop the bleeding in time. It was scary there for a few minutes. If that had happened on the surface..." His voice trailed off as he looked at Spock. "Sit down, man, you're shaking."

Spock did sit, clutching the chair first to regain his lost balance. Jim had hold of his arm to help as McCoy poured a small amount of whiskey into a glass. "Drink, slowly, and don't argue." Spock stared up at the doctor, his eyes not focusing, his hand still shaking, but he did drink.

After several small sips of the amber liquid he was able to steady himself. "If I had lost her now, when we are free and safe…"

"You won't lose her," McCoy stressed. "She's going to be fine, but about …"

"The child?" Spock finished. "You are concerned." It wasn't a question.

McCoy studied Spock. "I just don't know. He's premature, of course. The cry was weak and his color wasn't good. Maybe it's better now. I've got Osborn running all the tests."

Seeing that Spock was once again in control, McCoy stood and stripped off his bloody tunic as he moved to wash up. He rejoined them a few minutes later wearing a fresh tunic and trousers. "Spock, are you all right?"

"Yes, doctor, I am fine, but I would appreciate it if you would check the child yourself." When McCoy nodded Spock continued. "Jim, would you please ask Captain Sulu, Lt. Uhura and Mr. Scott to join us? I should like to express my gratitude and to offer some explanation of the past five years."

"Spock," Jim shook his head, "that can wait. You need to rest and you have other, more important things on your mind."

"Jim's right," McCoy chimed in, "you need rest and no one expects thanks…"

"Please." It was a plea they had not heard from the Vulcan before. "I want… need to do this."

Jim reached for the intercom and then the three sat in silence as they waited. In less then five minutes Uhura came through the door with Scotty on her heels. As they were accepting the drink McCoy offered, Sulu arrived. As they all found a seat, or at least a place to perch or lean, the room grew uncomfortably quiet.

Spock finally rose, looking to each of them in turn. "I want all of you to know grateful I am for what you did for me…and my family today. I also know how hard you all have worked on my behalf for these past years. During those first weeks of my captivity I thought much of what you were going through, your concern for my welfare. I would imagine you following every clue, contacting people who might have information. I knew your frustration matched mine when our efforts met with no success. Over the years as I planned my escape, I would think about how I would have to come back to Towan to free the others, and I knew I would not be able to do that alone. I pictured you all with me," he gave an uncharacteristic wave of his arm to include the group, "never believing it would actually happen that way. It did sustain me through difficult times. Then to have you all here today…" Spock found he could not go on. He sat down and let the silence speak for him.

Still seated, he began to speak again. "I should like to tell you a little about my life on Towan. I think you all know what the Towans were up to on their satellite planet, representing it as a religious sanctuary, but using slave labor to mine Solad. I was fortunate, they were just setting up the computer system and I was put to work in that capacity. I was not sent to the mines as so many were." He paused again, choosing his words, "The Towans had also begun a breeding program… with the idea of eventually being able to discontinue to need to capture slaves…"

"Growing their own," Sulu said disgustedly, not realizing he had spoken aloud. "Sorry," he apologized.

Spock took a deep breath before speaking again. "Again, I was very fortunate. There were three females working with the doctor in the medical complex." Spock stopped as the memories flashed unwanted into his mind. He tried several time to continue, but could not. "I want you all," he finally managed to say, "to understand that my experience was not unbearable. There were others who suffered terrible torture…"

"Mr. Spock," Uhura said, "Do you think any of us could look at those children and not know that you and their mothers turned very negative circumstances into a very positive one?"

"Aye, sir, you built a family out of that…situation, but then we would have expected nothing less." Scotty raised his glass and the others copied his move.

"That's enough," McCoy interrupted. "Spock, I want you resting until Sue regains consciousness. It's my guess she is going to have lots of questions for you and from what I saw of her, she won't be put off." The others were up and moving out of the room even as he spoke. "Doctor's lounge is right through there," McCoy pointed, "now go."

Slowly getting to his feet, Spock did as the doctor ordered. "Jim and I are going to sit right here and guard the door." McCoy smiled as Spock pulled the lounge door closed behind him.

* * *

It was well into the night when a nurse appeared at the door and informed them that the patient was regaining consciousness. Jim opened the lounge door and called softy. Immediately Spock was up and they were on their way. Jim continued on with Spock while McCoy excused himself to check the child. "Be with you in a few minutes," he said.

As Spock was standing next to Sue's bed, Kirk pushed him a stool, then said he was leaving and would see him later.

"I would prefer you stay. I should like you to meet Susan. She is the only other human I have met who is possibly more obstinate then you when she sets her mind to something, and if she were not so we would not be standing here now."

Taken aback Kirk looked at Spock. "I will take that as a compliment, Commander." Still somewhat ill at ease, he placed himself at the foot of the bed.

The woman began to moan and roll her head as the effects of the anesthesia wore off. Her voice was weak and her words slurred. Spock took one of her hands in his and she relaxed. "Spock?"

"Here."

She fumbled with her free hand and began rubbing her neck. "Oh, God, I didn't dream it. We are free."

"Yes, Susan, we are free."

She was quiet for several seconds and they thought she might be asleep. Then her eyelids fluttered. "Spock, it's like a fog. I've a thousand questions, but can't think."

"Susan, much has happened. You will require time to adjust. You are on board the Enterprise."

"Enterprise? You got the Enterprise to bring you back? And Dr. McCoy, that was him with you wasn't it. And the other man, Jim, was that Jim Kirk?"

"Yes, and…"

"Holy cow! The whole salami! You did it all, didn't you, but…oh, now I remember, the baby?"

"We have another son."

"But what happened...something..."

"Susan, your uterus ruptured."

"No, impossible. I'd be dead."

"Sue, things are different here, remember."

"Oh, yeah...is everything okay?"

"Yes, Dr. McCoy did the surgery and he says that all is in order."

"Not me, the baby." Her eyes were staying open now and she was able to focus them.

"He is premature and has been placed in life support."

"That's not so bad, is it?" When he didn't answer she said, "Spock, I feel, kind of giddy. I don't hurt. Why? I should..."

"Susan, surgery is not the trauma that you knew. You will be fully awake soon, and there will be little pain. Knowing your tendency to overdo…"

Sue smiled. "I'm sorry. But it's so good to have you hear, even if you will lecture." She was looking at Spock. "I have so many questions…and your beard," she stroked his face, "you shaved your beard." He removed her hand from his face as she continued. "Tha and the kids, are they all right?"

As Spock was assuring her that they were fine, Sue began looking at her surroundings. She noticed a man standing uncomfortably at the foot of the bed. "You have to be Jim Kirk." She extended her free hand to him. "I'm Sue and I want to thank you for bring him back to us."

"Very pleased to meet you, Sue, and you must know it was my pleasure to help steal you all from right under their pointed Towan's noses." Jim said as he moved around the bed. They shook hands gently.

"Yeah, I guess it was, but wouldn't you have loved to see the look on their faces when they found that cell empty?

"As a military man, I should just be happy with a successful mission." Kirk said, glancing at Spock. "But, you're right, it would have been very satisfactory to thumb our noses at them as we left them staring at empty space." Jim paused before continuing. "I've been hearing a lot about you in the last few hours. I'm very pleased to meet you, and congratulations on your new son."

"Thank you, and have you met the others?"

"Yes, and they are quite a group."

"Aren't they just?"

Kirk raised the glass containing what was left of Osborn's bottle. "A toast to you and you new son, in fact, at toast to all of them."

Sue stopped him and turned to Spock. "What name have you chosen, Spock?"

Kirk, who was just a little drunk by now, put in, "I thought it was a Vulcan tradition that the mother name the child."

"Susan very correctly pointed out, before the twins were born, that she is not Vulcan and, therefore, not bound by our customs."

"I just said I didn't like tradition for its own sake."

Spock, obviously used to this woman's manner, seemed unruffled. "The child will be named Charles Scott."

Kirk raised the glass again. "A toast to Charles Scott. Our faithful engineer will be very pleased." He downed the contents of the glass, and then he leaned over the bed. "Spock, I have to say this," he raised the now empty glass, "that's quite a family you have there. I have a lot of questions. Boy, do I have a lot of questions! But, the first one that comes to mind is, what are you going to do with them?" The broad smile on his face broke into a chuckle. "Somehow I can't see all of you in a cozy cottage on Vulcan."

Sue couldn't help but smile, especially as she watched Spock's reaction to his remark. "You were right, Spock. I am going to like this guy." She looked at Kirk, who was still shaking his head. "It sure doesn't sound like Fun City, does it? I don't think Vulcan and I will be very compatible. But enough of that for now, Spock, tell me about the escape."

"Susan, you need rest now. There will be time for talk later. Time is no longer our enemy."

"That's true, isn't it?" Her hand was stroking her neck again. "We have all the time in the world. But just stay a few minutes, then I'll sleep, I promise."

"Very well, but only for a few minutes. First, I would like to know how you faired after I left. Were there any repercussions?"

"Oh God, Spock, the computer lab went crazy. Everything they touched turned to sh…crap in their hands. They had to send people from the home world, but they couldn't figure it out either. I don't know what you did, but it was wonderful. They still haven't got it straightened out."

"So there were no sanctions against anyone in cell 9?"

"No, I think they were so busy scrambling to get into the system and straighten out their data that they didn't have time for anything else. Shipping schedules were off, they couldn't get reports; you really did a number on them. But, I want to know how'd the escape go?"

"According to plan until I met up with one of their mountain cats," Spock said shaking his head. "My leg was injured in the attack, and slowed me down considerably. When I finally arrived at the port, I could not manage to board a ship without being seen. It was the most frustrating time I have ever endured…" Spock continued explaining, more to Jim than to Sue, that the initial break had been most critical. The Towans must be convinced that there was an accident and that he had perished with the others. After that, it took almost six months of hiding out and waiting for the opportunities.

They were getting quite animated when McCoy came in. "What in the hell is going on in here?" He looked accusingly from Spock to Kirk. "This woman just had surgery." The doctor was inspecting Kirk. "James T. Kirk, you're drunk!" He turned to Spock, who had anticipated him.

"Certainly not, Doctor."

The feigned remorse on Kirk's face and the indignation on Spock's started Sue giggling, but grabbed her middle in pain. "Oh, that hurts."

"Out of here, both of you. This woman needs her rest."

The look on Jim's face turned serious. He seemed about to say something, then changed his mind. He squeezed Sue's hand and walked away.

Spock leaned over and exchanged a few words with Sue, then turned to follow Kirk. "Jim, I shall walk with you as far as your quarters."

Sue called after him, "Spock, about Thela -- don't leave her alone tonight."

Spock turned. "Yes, Susan, I know. I shall be with her and the children. Now do as the doctor orders." Together the two men left Sickbay.

Sue was quiet while Dr. McCoy checked her and the monitors, and then administered a sedative. When she felt he had enough time to complete all his tasks, Sue asked, "How is my son and when I can see him?"

McCoy studied her as he talked. "If you get a good night's sleep you can see him in the morning. Now, what about you? How do you feel?"

After a wide yawn, that she didn't even try to suppress, Sue said, "Fine, Doctor. Glad to be free of that place and, from what I understand, lucky to be alive. Thank you. In my time, one's chances of surviving a ruptured uterus were very small." She felt her eyelids getting heavy and the wonderful drug induced euphoria spreading through her body.

"Your time? What's that suppose to mean? Never mind, that hypo I gave you must be working." He knew she would be asleep soon. "I was afraid the idea of not being able to bear any more children might be upsetting to you."

Her words were becoming slurred again. "Doctor, I have four living children, five really, counting Thay-an. Isn't that more than enough for any woman?"

"Well, yes, but it's not that. This can be a psychological problem for many women."

"Well, not for me. In fact, for a while there on Towan, I thought I might be forced to reproduce the entire crew of the Enterprise."

McCoy chuckled at this. "Get some rest, you need it. We will talk more tomorrow." He stayed with her the few more minutes necessary for the drug to take full effect. While waiting, he couldn't help but wonder about what a strange set of parents she and Spock made, and how does this Thela fit in? And there was the Andorian child. He shook his head as he left the room.

McCoy's one last duty before retiring was to check the nursery again. He and the night nurse talked. "Color still not good, too listless." The vital signs were not strong, but were not seriously out of line. He considered going to the lab, then decided against it. It was too soon for any results. He sighed as he watched the child in his makeshift life support. The Enterprise carried only full size life supports and this one had to be adapted to fit a newborn. "I see Scotty finally got it to his liking."

"Oh, yes, sir, we had quite a to-do in here a while back. The father came by while Mr. Scott was still working and they made some adjustments together. When they seemed satisfied and about to leave, I asked if there was a name I could put on the baby's record. I've always hated calling them 'baby'. Well, when Mr. Spock told me the name, Mr. Scott got very excited. He took his first close look at the child, then almost dragged Mr. Spock out of here insisting they toast with this 100-year-old scotch he had been saving."

McCoy checked the name on the record. Charles Scott it read. He went off to bed chuckling to himself and trying to remember that hangover remedy he had used after shore leaves.

* * *

Sue woke in a cold sweat and immediately grabbed for her neck then her belly then she relaxed to calm her breathing. It was real. They were free and she had her baby. All was right with the world. She felt the dressing covering her middle. She had had surgery, her uterus had ruptured, but she had survived. All was definitely right with the world.

Her breathing calmed, she opened her eyes and gritted her teeth in preparation for the pain of movement as she tried to pull herself into a more elevated position. She felt sharp twinges as she maneuvered her body, but not the terrible pain she been expecting. Then she remembered Spock's words about surgery not being the trauma it was in her time.

She glanced at the diagnostic panel above her head and watched the indicators slowly rise. As she expected McCoy and a nurse came striding through the door. "I see you're awake," McCoy said, "How are you feeling?"

"A lot better then I have a right too, thank you very much. And I want to see my son."

"In good time," McCoy said, running his hand-held medi-scanner over her. "How about some breakfast, toast and tea perhaps?"

"After I see my son. I was even hoping I could nurse him…"

"Nurse him, Susan, you can't be serious," McCoy stared at her incredulously. "As much as it pains me to say this, your Human mother's milk is not what he needs. We've synthesized a formula to accommodate his Vulcan and Human needs." McCoy's tone changed, "Sue, you didn't nurse the others, did you? The technology didn't go that far, did it? I mean the whole breeding program is incredible…"

"No, of course, I didn't nurse the others. They had a formula, was tailored for each child and they made us go back to work after two weeks." Susan glared at him. "That's why I wanted to…" She waved her arms. "With all the advances I thought you could -- I don't know -- do something so I could nurse him."

"Sue, we're physicians, not magicians."

"That's a very old joke." But as she watched his face her voice grew tense. "Something's wrong, I knew it. You better tell me."

McCoy motioned to the nurse and as she left he pulled up a stool and sat down. "We've got some problems, Sue. I won't lie to you. He's not breathing very well on his own and heart function isn't good. I've examined the other children and they are in absolute perfect condition. From what Spock has told me most of the children there were born healthy. Why should Charles not be? Can you tell me what was different about this pregnancy?"

Sue lay back in the bed and squeezed off the tears. "Everything was different this time, I was sick the whole time, there was bleeding, my blood pressure was up. I just knew there was going to be trouble."

"Pre-eclampsia?" McCoy asked and Sue nodded.

"How do you account for the difference?"

"It's simple, Doctor McCoy, I wasn't on the fertility drugs when he was conceived." Sue watched the doctor's face as he considered this information. Before he could ask questions she did not want to answer, she said. "The doc hadn't started our injections yet, but when I realized I was pregnant I asked him if he should be doing anything like giving me the drug or something. He said no, but he kept close track of how I was doing. He never said anything, but I think he knew that there was going to be trouble. Charles will be okay, won't he, Doctor? I mean with all the stuff you can do now days…"

"I hope so, Susan, we are running every test."

"I want to see him, and to hold him."

"He can only be out of the isolette for about 15 minutes at a time. We can make that his feeding time so you can hold him. Does that suit you?"

Sue nodded, knowing she could not talk without crying. The isolette was wheeled next to her bed and McCoy placed Charles in Sue's arms. The nurse provided the bottle and Sue had to work at getting him to suck. "Doesn't seem much interested, does he?" she said, knowing that wasn't a good sign. They left her to it and Sue was glad to be alone with her son. She looked him over, head to toe, his dark hair was longer then the others had been and the ears, pointed like all the rest. He was so small, barely three pounds. Sue noted the diagnostic band around his middle, knowing if there were any changes in his condition, McCoy would come running. That thought put an ache in her middle and tightened her throat as Sue hugged him to her oh so carefully.

She had gotten him to take three ounces of formula when Spock came into the room. Sue looked up at him and the tears fell harder. "Spock, he's so small, and there's problems…"

Spock took the stool that McCoy had left by the bed. He sat next to her and placed his hand on their son. "I know. The doctor has just briefed me. Susan, you must know that they are doing everything possible…"

"I know, but I'm scared…"

* * *

It was early afternoon as Sue sat anxiously waiting for a visit from the children, she was unthinkingly stroking the robe Uhura had brought her, it was so soft. She hadn't worn anything this nice for a very long time. Sue was sitting in a chair when the children entered. They all ran to her, each demanding her immediate attention. She didn't know where to put her attention. Finally, Spock and Thela had things calmed down and the five children were standing in a line in front of Sue and her heart swelled at the sight, the boys with their neat haircuts and new clothes and real shoes instead of sandals. The girls for the first time in their lives were wearing dresses instead of the throwaway paper coveralls. It was just too much, but when she saw that the ear tags had been removed, she knew they were really free. She held out her arms and they went into them, all except Thone, who held back. She took a closer look at the ears; a small red mark was all that remained of something that had haunted her for the past four years.

They were all talking at once, trying to get Sue to look at their new possessions and to listen to their new and exciting experiences. They had never been with so many people. On Towan, friendships between breeding units had not been allowed and Spock and the women had instructed the children to stay far away from the guards; and of course, they had never had so much 'fussing over' in their lives. They did miss her, though, and asked when she would be with them. Dr. McCoy interrupted and told them that their mother would be with them that very night. Sue smiled at him. At least she had won that battle. After several more minutes, an ensign appeared to take charge of the children. They were scheduled for one more lesson period before lunch. Spock had set up the schedule they were to follow. It was as well balanced with lessons, rest and exercise periods as only Spock could make it. This fact, that Sue would not be responsible for their care throughout the day, was what influenced the doctor to let her leave Sickbay early. He had also let her know that since Spock and family were his only major medical responsibilities while on board the Enterprise, they would be seeing a lot of each other.

The children off to their lessons, Spock took Sue back to Sickbay for Charles' next feeding and Sue was quite pleased that she managed to get another three ounces into him. Every fourth daytime hour Sue was in Sickbay with her son, but McCoy would not allow her to get up for the night feedings. "Ten o'clock is your last one, Sue. You need your rest."

Under protest Sue went back to bed after feeding Charles. She admitted later, but only to herself, that the long nap had felt good.

* * *

The "family" had been given one of the dining rooms close to their quarters for their private use. Trying to eat with the crewmembers had not worked out. This evening's meal promised to be very special. Spock had invited Jim, McCoy and the rest of the former Enterprise crew. After the meal, they broke into small conversation groups and the talk flowed easily. Sue watched Spock as he joined in with his former crewmembers and realized yet again how much he missed this life. When his head came up at some news, Sue moved closer to listen to Jim talk about a new mission to the galaxy center that he had been asked to head. She did not miss the fact that Spock was hanging on Jim's every word.

At one point McCoy approached Sue to say that he had just been notified that Charles was awake and screaming for food. He accompanied her to Sickbay telling Spock to stay with the children. Forty minutes later it was a very happy mother who rejoined the group. "He seems so much better," she told everyone who would listen.

Coming back into the room, Sue had noticed Kirk and Thela deep in conversation. Sue smiled to herself as she watched them. Jim was using all his charm, which he had in abundance, to put Thela at ease. He sensed how out of place she felt on this ship. Sue also wondered if the Starfleet Commodore might be pumping Thela for information. But, Sue knew that there was another reason for her uneasiness: Thela was both dreading and anticipating tomorrow's meeting with the Romulan ship. Sue was concerned, too. After all this time, what kind of reception would she receive?

When it grew late and the children tired, the party ended. Jim walked Thela and Thone to their quarters, while Sue, Spock and McCoy herded the other children down the hall to their rooms.

McCoy supervised the boys while Sue and Spock helped the girls get ready for bed. The concept of pajamas, separate sleeping clothes, was still strange to them. When the doctor had the boys tucked in, Sue told Spock to go with him, she would finish with the girls and join them.

She could hear McCoy chuckling as he said, "They sure are something, Spock. You can be very proud of all of them, but those boys, twins yet." Sue looked up to see the doctor pat Spock on the shoulder as they went through the doorway into the sitting room. "I wouldn't have thought you…"

Sue heard the door swish open and close. "Jim, I was just commenting to Spock on our namesakes. Spock turned out to be a one-Vulcan population explosion. I wouldn't have thought he had it in him."

"I made a special effort just for you, Doctor. I knew that if I returned with a child named after Jim and not one bearing your name, you would be impossible to live with."

Sue couldn't see McCoy's face; she didn't have to, but she could hear Jim's very distinct laugh.

Sue felt a surge of contentment swell up in her. It was going to be all right, she thought, seeing how far he had come to be able to joke about it now. As their voices drifted in from the other room, Sue marveled at how easy and relaxed things were between the three of them, even after all these times. They began talking about old times and one didn't even finish a sentence before another picked up on the meaning and continued with it. As she continued to listen, she decided against joining them. She thought about sneaking off to Sickbay for a peek at Charles, knowing she would miss the midnight feeding, but not knowing her way around the ship very well, she decided against it and went to bed.

* * *

The atmosphere in the briefing room was tense as Kirk, with Thela and McCoy next to him and Spock and Susan several feet behind them were watching the view screen. Through a direct tie-in from the bridge they were looking at five Romulan warbirds. Spock was also keeping a close eye on Susan. Before being allowed to join them for the meeting he had admonished her. "Susan, you are being allowed to be here under the condition that you remain quiet. Jim will handle this without interference. Do you understand?"

Sue smiled up at him. "Of course, I do." She watched as Thela scanned the ships, stopped and went rigid seeming to concentrate on that one ship. They all looked alike to Sue.

When Uhura made contact with the lead ship, the picture changed. Now they were facing an alert, suspicious Romulan captain. "We suspected a trap."

Sue watched Kirk. Though he was tense, he was in control of the situation and knew exactly what he was doing. It was apparent that in these situations he came into his own. Spock took a back seat at this instant, saying it was the logical thing to do. It was so important for him to have Jim with him at this time. Jim was his friend, but it was the military officer that Spock and Starfleet needed now.

Kirk's voice was deliberately casual. "We can appreciate that, Captain. In your place I would have done the same. But this is no trap. As you can see we have come alone, as our message said we would, and we have one of your people here." He gestured to Thela.

The Romulans appeared to be taken aback at the sight of a female wearing their uniform. Noting their surprise, Kirk explained. "Your officer requested she be allowed to meet you wearing her own kind of uniform. Our supply department was able to provide her with this copy."

The Romulan captain studied her intently as Thela greeted him and gave what Sue decided must be the Romulan equivalent of name, rank and serial number. There was a pause as this information was fed into their computers. While the computers were humming, the captain asked Thela to explain the circumstances of her capture. She did this in precise military fashion, short and to the point. The captain was then handed a report.

"This information does correspond to one of our missing junior officers," he turned to Thela, "but we will do a thorough examination when you come aboard. Are you prepared to do that at this time?"

Thela said that she was, but Sue couldn't let it go at that. Ignoring the fact that she he promised to stay quiet, she stepped forward and blurted out, "To what?" Thela spoke sharply, obviously upset, and the Romulan captain demanded, "Who is that human and how does this concern her?"

Kirk motioned the women to silence. "This woman and your officer were cellmates during their captivity. With two others they spent the last five years together. She is concerned about what will become of her friend."

"Since when do Humans and Romulans call one another friend?

"Since they were forced to survive slavery together," was Kirk's reply.

The captain seemed to consider this, then said, "Can she not speak up?"

Kirk signaled to Sue and she nervously stepped forward. "Tha, Thela and I have spent the last five years just trying to stay alive, and we did it. And not only that; we escaped and are now free. I hate to think she did all that to spend the rest of her life doing penance."

Kirk interjected. "I believe what this woman would like to know is, will Thela be accepted back into your society as a full and equal member with all former rights and privileges?"

The Romulan captain cleared his throat before speaking; obviously he did not like being questioned in this manner. "There is closeness among our people, and we have strong feelings for our own. If this female is truly who she claims to be, and if while a captive her actions were that befitting an officer of the Empire, I foresee no problems."

Kirk, Sue and Thela talked among themselves. Now Kirk cleared his throat before speaking. "There is another matter. The slaves kept on this planet were required to breed. There is a child."

This caused quite a stir on the bridge of the Romulan ship. After a time the captain said, "I prefer the remainder of this discussion take place face to face."

Kirk smiled. "Fine. Your place or mine?"

"I think mine." The tension eased somewhat as the captain returned the smile. After some discussion he agreed to allow Kirk, the two women and the doctor to come aboard.

As the four left for the transporter room, Kirk and Spock glanced at one another. No words were needed. Kirk knew what Spock expected from this meeting, he only hoped he could deliver.

Scotty was not at all happy about this beam over, and made no pretense of his feelings. When Kirk refused weapons and monitors, he really got upset. "Aye, sir, but I'll keep you on my instruments at all times and if we do na' hear from ya every five minutes, I'll beam you right back."

When they materialized in a small room on the Romulan ship the captain and several security guards were there, as Kirk had expected.

The guards eyed them narrowly and did a quick scan to make sure there were no concealed weapons. Then a medical officer took Thela to another room. Sue did not like it, but Kirk gave her a warning look and for once she stayed quiet.

With Thela gone Kirk spoke up, "Captain, first let me comment on the conduct of your officer while a prisoner. She is one of the individuals responsible for the discovery and release of all the people being forced into slavery on that planet. She and the human female devised a plan for escape. They then selected a captured Starfleet officer, saved his life and he was able to escape and return and rescue all the rest. If she had elected to just give up and die…"

"That Human female," the commander interrupted, "she could not have accomplished the escape without help?'

"No, when captured, she was brought through a time distortion and was not familiar with the technology of this time."

"I would speak with her," he said.

"Sue," Kirk motioned and taking a deep breath, Sue went to stand before them.

"Tell me about my officer," he demanded.

"I don't know your officer. I only know a woman who survived in the most hellish conditions, conceived a plan of escape and helped put that plan into action." When he made no comment, she continued. "We shared a cell for almost five years and were alone with five children for the last six months. We coped with the suicide of the other female of our group, and the fact that our children could be taken from us at any time."

"Why did the other female kill herself?"

"Because she didn't have the will or the mental ability to survive that Thela has."

"It appears you also have that will. This escape plan, Thela was the originator?"

"Yes, and she's the one who spotted Sp…the Starfleet officer and got him out of the way before the guards found and killed him."

"She spoke to you of Romulus?"

"Often, she only stayed alive for one purpose, to return to her homeland."

Kirk was back in it again. "As a result of this captivity Thela has an almost four-year-old son. I understand she also has a husband with whom she wishes to resume her relationship." He emphasized his next words. "The child also has a father who cares a great deal for him. The father respects the mother's wish to have the child with her, if this is possible. However, in no way will he relinquish any rights to keep in contact with his son."

At that point Thela and the medical officer returned. The officer gave his report to the captain. Kirk felt sure they were satisfied as to Thela's identity. The captain motioned for Thela to approach. "As a Romulan citizen you have the right to return to full citizenship. As to the child's legal status, having a Romulan mother makes him a citizen and guarantees him full rights. But I cannot speak for your personal life. Your mate, who thought you dead, as we all did, is with us. This is a decision you must make with him."

The captain signaled a guard. He left and returned with a tall, tense, young man. Thela looked directly at him, spoke his name softly, then looked down. Ignoring all others, he motioned for her to follow and together they left the room.

While Thela and her mate were gone, Kirk and the captain discussed possible arrangements so that father and son might keep in contact. Kirk also turned over a report given him by the Federation Security Council. This gave the Romulans assurance there would be no more raiding and that any other Romulans found would be returned. The captain wanted to know what punishment the erring planet would receive. Kirk told him that the council was still working on that, but they could be assured that severe action would be taken. Kirk remembered the Council General's last words to him: "Under no circumstances must the Romulans cross the neutral zone."

When Thela and her mate returned they went directly to Dr. McCoy. As Thela introduced them, the doctor noticed now tense the young man was. He hoped he could put him at ease, but the Romulan spoke first.

"Thela has shown me the repairs done on her person. I congratulate you on the fine work, and thank you," he stammered. "She has mentioned another problem, that she may not be able to bear any more children. Have you a medical opinion on this?"

"Well, sir, let me tell you that this little lady was very reluctant to let me near her. So, when I finally got her under, for the skin grafts and breast reconstruction surgery, I did a complete examination. There was some damage, but it was minor and has been repaired. I foresee no problems in future pregnancies."

For the first time since meeting her, the doctor saw Thela smile. She looked from the doctor to her husband. "Thank you."

"One more minor operation later today and a final laser treatment on those burns, then by tomorrow morning I will happily discharge my patient to your doctors with instructions for completing what I have started."

Finished with their discussion, the three joined the rest of the group and completed the transfer arrangements to the satisfaction of all. Before Thela took leave of her husband, she introduced him to Sue and they talked for a few minutes.

Back on the Enterprise, much to Scotty's relief, Sue dragged Thela off so they could talk by themselves. Kirk and McCoy went to report to the captain and to tell Spock of the plans.

Sue could hardly control herself. "God, Thela, I can't stand it. What happened?"

Sue had never seen Thela this excited. "Oh Sue, I think it will be all right. Even though he thought me dead, he did not take another mate. He said he was not yet ready; I was too much in his thoughts. Of course, we can make no promises to each other now. Too much time has passed and we have both changed. All we can do is try, and he is more than willing to do that. He was most pleased that my scars are gone and the breast repaired. He tried to say it did not matter, but I know better. I cannot thank the doctor enough. My people do not have the knowledge of 'cosmetic' surgery; I believe the doctor called it. They could have repaired the damage, but Dr. McCoy restored me to my former state. One cannot tell the accident ever happened. I wonder if things were reversed, if our medical people would have been as generous to their enemy."

"Tha, stop referring to yourself as that. No one else on this ship does."

Thela knew better. She remembered the looks she had received from some crewmembers.

As they walked down the hall, the women promised each other they would not forget each other or their friendship.

"Tha, sometimes I have to pinch myself because I can't believe that we're really here. I wake in the middle of the night in a cold sweat and am sure we're still on Towan."

Thela agreed.

* * *

Sulu was on the bridge long before his shift, with a Romulan ships that close, he found sleeping impossible. To everyone extreme relief the other four Romulan ships had left after the exchange of information with Kirk. The one remaining would take Thela and Thone when McCoy had completed his medical work. But all the same, Captain Sulu was cautious.

When the small craft appeared on the sensors, he anticipated their concern and reacted. The Romulan command ship was contacted and then the small craft. It was identified and its mission made known. When the Romulan captain was satisfied, permission was given for two people to beam aboard the Enterprise. This accomplished, the small craft left the vicinity.

A few minutes later the Vulcan Ambassador and his wife were following an ensign down a corridor. He led them to a small informal garden area near the transporter room. "If you will wait here, I will get that information." The Ambassador nodded and the ensign left.

Amanda went to the back of the room and sat down behind a large planter containing heavy foliage. She was in a state of anxiety and did not wish to be observed. Sarek followed, sat down next to her and took her hand. They did not speak; they didn't have to.

After a few minutes two women came in and began talking. "Let's wait for Thone in here. I think you're right. He needs this time alone with his father." Sarek and Amanda could see the woman through the greenery, but it was obvious that the women considered themselves unobserved as they continued their conversation. "Oh, God, Tha, you're really going away. You're going home, can you believe it?"

"Susan, you will not cry. Please. I must go, you know that."

"Tha, it's not too late to change your mind. You could stay with…"

"No. You know I cannot. Susan, please do not make this any more difficult…"

"Okay, I'm sorry, but I'll miss you, after all we've been through…

"I know. I did not think I would ever see this day. I thought we would all die on Towan."

"Promise me, Tha, if things don't work out, you and Thone will come back. You always have a home with us."

"Sue, you have said that many times. I understand and appreciate it, but I do not feel…"

At this point a small boy walked in and began talking. Sarek and Amanda would have liked to leave. They felt very uncomfortable eavesdropping on the conversation of others, but realized there was no way they could do so without making their presence known, which would probably make matters more awkward for all.

"And my father told me never to forget the other aspects of my heritage and always be proud of them. He said he would keep in contact with me and that if we ever needed him, he would come. And, Mother, he said that he would miss me." The boy seemed quite pleased and then he held up something to show the women. At this point a yeoman came for them.

"Sue, don't come with us. I…"

"Okay, Tha, I understand." She hugged the other woman, then the child, saying, "I love you both. Take care, and don't forget; if things don't work out as you hope, get a message to any Federation embassy. Spock's father is a very big-high-something-or-other in the Vulcan government, we'll get the message. Good luck!" The woman and boy turned and followed the yeoman while the lone female walked slowly in the opposite direction.

Sarek and Amanda just stared at each other. The two were jolted by the casual mention of their son's name. They were still puzzling over the incident when an ensign came for them.

* * *

The scene in the rather crowded quarters occupied by Spock, Sue and the children was in a state of early morning confusion. Spock was changing his uniform tunic while Sue was laughingly scolding Chukka and explaining that one does not "spit up" on a Starfleet officer. Jamie was trying to roll up the children's sleeping pallets; Len was crawling around on the floor looking for his other boot. Mandy was poised in front of the mirror fussing with a ribbon on her dress, and Thay-an was whining for someone to help with her hair.

Sue asked Spock if he would like to try again with feeding the baby while she had a go at Thay-an's hair. At this the child only whined louder.

"No, Mother," Mandy said while pirouetting, "Daddy do it. You pull too much."

"Oh, Mandy, give me a break! Spock, look at her, two days with that Barbie doll of a yeoman, and she won't get away from the mirror."

Spock gathered Thay-an and the brush, placed her on a chair and began gently brushing the tangled hair. "She does seem rather preoccupied with her appearance."

Sue sat cross-legged on the bed and settled Chukka into a pillow, then began feeding him again. "Well, something has to be done. I won't have it." She pointed with her free hand. "Len, I can see your boot from here."

"I shall speak to the yeoman."

"You know which one she is? She's the one with the big…"

"Yes, Susan, I know which one."

"…hair," Sue finished, raising both eyebrows at him.

The door buzzer sounded and Sue instructed Jamie to answer it. She was muttering to herself, "That'll be McCoy come for Chukka and he hasn't finished his bottle yet."

She glanced up to see Jamie followed by a petite Earth woman and a tall austere Vulcan and shuttered. "Oh, my God, that can't be who I think it is." She tried sinking lower into the bed, wanting it would swallow her up. "It is who I think it is."

They almost fell over Len, who was sitting on the floor pulling on his boot. Sue saw their reaction as they stopped, eyes taking in every nuance of the scene in front of them. Sue could just imagine what they were thinking. Oh, Spock, she thought, this is not the way we planned it and felt her heart begin to race as her chest tightened.

Sue continued to watch as the woman's eyes quickly searched the room, then stopped as she caught sight of Spock brushing Thay-an's hair, while father and child were deep in conversation. Spock looked up and their eyes met. He stopped. "Mother? Sir?" Then moving slowly, never taking his eyes off them, he reached down for the child's hand, placed the brush in it, and closed the hand around it. Then he began moving towards his parents. For the first time in the five years she had known Spock Sue knew he was at a complete loss for words.

Amanda seemed about to fall, as if her knees would no longer support her. Spock reached for her, as did Sarek. Together they guided her to a chair.

"Mother, are you all right?"

Amanda could barely speak. "Spock," she said, never taking her eyes off her son, "I should be asking you that question."

The children were staring at the newcomers and all the chatter of a few seconds ago was gone. Then Thay-an began to cry. Spock went to her and picked her up. With one word from him she laid her head on his shoulder and was quiet.

"Mother, Father, this must…" He looked at Susan and stopped at seeing the look of absolute panic on her face. He had only seen that look once before, so long ago. There was a real physical reason for it that time and he had been the cause of it and couldn't help her. This time it was an emotional fear, but just as real to Susan. He could not predict his parents' reaction to this situation, nor could he alter it. Susan he could help. He crossed the room to her, Thay-an still in his arms. He extended two fingers of his free hand to Susan. Seeing the reassurance in his eyes, she took a deep breath and tried to steady herself before she reached out to match his gesture. Instantly, as their fingers touched, she relaxed. He looked at his parents and said, "This is Susan." He had made the gesture. His parents would know its significance. Now it was up to them.

Sarek's voice was strong and steady as he said, "We welcome you, Susan, and wish you both joy in this bonding."

Sue felt a slight squeeze of her fingers as Spock let out a breath he didn't even realize he was holding. He gave the ritual response. Then turning to the children he instructed them to introduce themselves to their grandparents. Jamie went first and remembered to use Vulcan. Len followed and did well also. Mandy got through the Vulcan introduction, and then lapsed into English. "Amanda Hura." She went over and stood in front of Amanda. "See my pretty dress."

Amanda reached out and touched the dress and made some comment that the others could not hear. Mandy smiled and moved to stand next to her grandmother's chair.

Spock placed Thay-an on the floor and was encouraging her to step forward and give her name. She finally took a few steps, said her name very fast, turned and ran back to Spock where she wrapped herself around his legs. While he was trying to peel her from him, Mandy was saying, "That's Chukka. He can't stay. Dr. Coy keeps him in life-sport."

Sue knew she had to get out of there before she made a scene. Stomach heaving and chest hurting, she scrambled off the bed and began talking too fast. "Tell you what, I'll take the kids for their breakfast so you can visit for a while, then you can join us -- or something, okay?" She didn't wait for an answer. "Come on, gang, let's go." She started toward Spock with the baby. "Dr. McCoy will be in for him any time now."

Amanda interrupted. "Susan, may I?"

"Oh, sure, of course, what's the matter with me?" Sue shifted the baby onto Amanda's lap and sneaked a glance at the woman who was Spock's mother. She was smiling through the tears in her eyes.

Talking all the time and saying nothing, Sue hustled the children out of the room. "Annie, stop crying; I'll finish your hair. No, Len, you can't stay. Because ice cream is not a breakfast food, that's why. Because I said so…" The door shut behind her and Sue sagged against it.

The only noise in the room was the baby sucking on his bottle as three people watched. Amanda, her voice still cracking, said, "He's so small and so pale. Spock, how old is he and what did Susan call him?"

"He is 56.5 hours and his name is Charles Scott, but his mother insists on rearranging it to that unlikely nickname I believe it is called."

Amanda looked up. "After your grandfather?"

"Yes, Mother."

The door buzzer sounded and Dr. McCoy was in the doorway. "I let myself in…" He stopped as he caught sight of Sarek and Amanda. "Well, this is a surprise." He paused, and then moved toward the baby. "What do you think of our little one here?"

It was Sarek who spoke. "One of the other children, Amanda I believe, said something about life support for Charles."

McCoy's face darkened. "Respiratory problems."

"Serious?" His tone showed concern.

"Just not sure yet, the test results are contradictory. We are running them all again. He's just not thriving and he gave us quite a scare during the night." He tried to force a smile. "Well, we'll talk more about that later." He took the child from Amanda and turned to leave. "Come on, little fella, back to your artificial womb."

Spock was very aware of his father's eyes traveling from Charles to himself as the doctor took the child and left.

"Son, are you ill? The medical reports we received assured us you were recovering and there were no serious problems, but you do not look at all well."

"I am well, Father, but there is so much to tell you." And I feel so unequal to the task, he thought, "but where to begin?"

"With Susan, perhaps, it is obvious she was with you on Towan, but…"

"What information were you given before your arrival here?" Spock quickly asked, knowing what he had to say would be painful for him to tell and them to hear.

"That you were alive and had been captured and held on Towan, used as slave labor to mine an illegal substance."

Spock sucked in a deep breath as he considered his words. Taking note of his increased heart rate he attempted to slow it. Get to it, he told himself, have it said. "What they did not tell you is that the Towans were breeding their slaves."

A cry escaped Amanda's lips and Sarek jerked back as if physically struck in the chest. "Forced breeding, how dare they!" Pain showing in his eyes, Sarek said, "The Andorian child… The Romulan woman with the boy…"

Once begun, Spock was determined to have it all out. "Each cell contained one male and three to five females, our cell was made up of myself, Susan, Thela, who is Romulan, and an Andorian named Soy-an."

Amanda, tears running unchecked down her face, "And you managed to survive all that and create a bonding and raise those beautiful children…"

Thank you, Mother, Spock thought, you can always be counted on to see the positive in any situation.

"And then to escape and free them all." Sarek added.

Seeing his father unsteady on his feet, Spock pulled a chair next to Amanda's. "Sit, Father," he said and went to get water. Handing a glass to each of them, he said, "Our group was not used in the mines. Our conditions were good in comparison with those who were forced to work there. And we did build a family, thanks to Susan."

"I cannot begin to even comprehend this," Sarek said.

"But can you accept it, Father? That is what I need to know. It was my plan to bring Susan and the children to Vulcan." Spock hesitated. "I had hoped that we might stay …until I can make other arrangements…"

Sarek stiffened. "You feel unwelcome in your own home?"

"My situation is most unique. I was not sure you would understand."

Sarek's head came up with a jerk. "Not understand. Where is the logic in that?"

"Of course, you will stay at home," Amanda interrupted."

Spock said nothing as his parents exchanged glances and he could only speculate as to what was in their minds.

Sarek watched his wife and bondmate and knew she was remembering their many conversations of the past five years. He returned his attention to Spock. "You and Susan spoke of this, and she is agreeable? She has no desire to return to Earth?"

"Father, that is not possible for Susan. She is one of the many time-displaced on Towan. We have pledged to make a family for the children on Vulcan, if possible."

Sarek persisted in his questioning. "This uncertainty I sense in you both, does it explain why Susan was so uncomfortable in our presence?"

"Yes, she is certain you will find her unacceptable."

"And what of the Andorian child, where is her mother?"

"She did not survive."

"So the Romulan female is gone with her son, your son. And you and Susan will raise these children." It was a statement of fact and when Sarek spoke his tone was decisive. "Spock, you and your family will come to Vulcan and be most welcome." Sarek stood and moved toward his son. "I would like to believe that even I can learn from my mistakes. I should have spoken to you during our journey to Babel, but neglected that opportunity. Then you were gone from me. Now I am fortunate enough to have you back so I can say that I desire that put aside whatever animosity there is between us. I regret my actions and ask that you forgive then."

It was more then Spock could have asked for. He went to them to heal the breach once and for all.

Jamie came bursting into the room, panic on his face, his eyes searching for Spock. "Mother fell down and she won't wake up."

Spock was out the door leaving the others to follow. When they got to her, Len and Mandy were kneeling beside her. Thay-an was tugging at her hand and crying. Spock scooped her up and headed for Sickbay with the rest in his wake.

"Doctor?"

"Spock, she's just been doing too much after all she's been through. It was against my better judgment to let her up so soon, but you know how she is. I guess I felt guilty, about Chukka, so I gave in. She needs a lot of rest. I'm going to put her on the alpha wave machine. She'll have relaxed dream-full sleep till I take her off. I'll also be giving her vitamins."

"Was the machine necessary?"

"Yes! I don't want her to the point where she can argue with me. Besides I prefer it to drugs."

Spock turned to the group clustered around him. Sarek had the boys in tow and Amanda had taken charge of the girls, but the second Thay-an saw Spock turn she reached out to him. When she began to cry, he took her and looked to his parents. "I believe I shall require your help."

"Just tell us what to do," was Amanda's response.

The three adults gathered the four children, convinced them that their mother was going to be fine and then herded them back to the dining room and once there the three adults supervised breakfast.

"Dr. McCoy has approved the pear juice and oatmeal and it seems to agree with them," Spock said as he seated the children around a table. "Thay-an, sit here next to your sister and do not cry. I am right here." He went to the processor to help Sarek with the food.

Amanda got the trays and cutlery and Len went to stand by her. "I can help," he said. "Mother showed me how."

"I would appreciate that," she said and together they gathered the necessary items to set the table.

"I like dishes," he said. "We didn't have them before. We had biscuits and they were wrapped in plastic that made noise when you opened them."

Jamie, not wanting to be left out, joined his brother. "I didn't like them, they tasted bad," he said, "but Father said we had to eat them."

"Yes," Len added, "to be strong and healthy. But I like oatmeal and juice better."

"Me too," Jamie added. "And muffins with honey and ice cream."

"Oh, yes, ice cream," Len said. "That's the best."

"I want ice cream," Amanda called from the table.

"I cream too," Thay-an added.

"Not for breakfast," Spock said. "Perhaps later you may have some."

The children kept a close eye on Spock and the other two adults as they settled into their meal. Spock set a cup of coffee in front of his mother who had seated herself between the girls and across the table from the boys. "I think you should drink this," he said, "you seem a little unsteady." Spock watched as his mother sipped her coffee, glancing at him and then at the children and could imagine what she was thinking as her eyes caressed each one in turn.

"Spock, they are so beautiful, all of them. We have been so worried all this time. All we hoped for was that we would see you again, and when the news came that you were alive we were so grateful … and then to find this." She waved her hand in an expansive gesture. "I can't imagine how you managed under those conditions."

"We were most fortunate in not being in the mines, Spock said. "Our circumstances were so much better than most on Towan." He watched as his father placed a glass of juice in front of each child and then took a chair next to Jamie as the children watched him closely.

"Do you live on Vulcan?" Jamie finally asked.

"Yes, Vulcan is my home and it will soon be yours."

"Will it be like Towan? Do you really have an air car? Can we ride in it? Will we go to school? What is school like? Is it like the dayroom?"

Spock continued to watch this exchange and realized that it was taking a real effort for Sarek to control his emotions as he listened to his grandson's questions. Spock had thought of this scene many times on Towan wondering if he would ever actually have the opportunity to free his family and present them to his parents. He had no concern as to his mother's acceptance of the children, but when he tried to anticipate Sarek's reaction, his thoughts would vacillate. He was finally forced to admit to himself that he did not understand his father and could not predict his actions in this matter. But as he watched the exchange playing out in front of him, his hope for acceptance of his family seems within reach.

Sarek's attention was intent on the boys, Jamie doing the talking, but Len very focused on the conversation. "I hope you will be content on Vulcan," he said. "And, yes, all of you will ride in the air car." This brought smiles to both faces and they exchanged excited glances. "Tell me about the dayroom on Towan?"

"Didn't like it," Len said, "did we, Jamie? All we did was sit. Father gave us lessons to do, but no one else had to do lessons."

"Sometimes they laughed at us and hit us because of the lessons."

"Tell your grandparents about our free days in the woods," Spock said to find a more pleasant subject.

"That was fun," Jamie said. "There were small animals, rodents and birds and we collected rocks and plants and we learned about them."

"Sometimes we would go out in the dark and look at the stars and learn about them too," Len added.

* * *

Sue was taken off the machine the following evening. McCoy cautioned Spock, "Don't upset her. Take it easy. She will most likely be experiencing some disorientation."

"Spock?" Sue's words were slurred.

"Here."

Sue stretched and turned but didn't open her eyes. "Ummmmmm... Was that Annie I heard crying?"

"Yes, she is asleep now."

"All's quiet in cell 9 then."

"Yes, Susan, all's quiet in cell 9."

"Would you rub my back?" Sue rolled on her side and Spock began rubbing. "Did you and Tha get things settled?"

"Yes."

"Good, I don't like it when you two -- Spock?" she exclaimed, becoming more alert.

"Susan, do you know where you are?"

"Yes! No!" She reached for her neck and began rubbing it. "Ohhh, yes, now I remember. I was in the dining room having breakfast with the kids and--"

"You collapsed. You have been asleep for 36.3 hours."

"That's a day and a half! What's been going on? How are the kids and Chukka?"

"Sue, you were asleep 36 hours, not days."

"Why so long?" And how'd you manage with the kids, and the baby, I want to see him."

McCoy stepped forward. "Because you needed it, that's why. Spock and his parents managed your brood just fine. When you're fully awake I'll have your son brought to you for a few minutes. And finally, you wouldn't be awake now if we didn't need you. Does that answer all your questions?"

"Need me?"

"Susan, we have been in contact with the Council on Towan II. The doc is nowhere to be found. In all likelihood Fraunt eliminated him and the medical facility has been ransacked. Federation personnel cannot locate his notes. Since they are too valuable to be lost, they are requesting your help."

"They want me to go back there?" she asked, a sly smile sliding across her face. Spock did not like her tone.

"When?"

"Tomorrow, if possible."

"Can I have one of those phasers?"

"No, Susan, you cannot. You would not even know what to do with one."

"Hell, I wouldn't. I'd kill 'em all and let God sort 'em out."

"So you refuse to go."

"No, I'll go and you know it. Can I see my son now -- and the other kids?"

"Susan, they are already asleep. You shall see them at breakfast."

She gave McCoy a pleading look. "After I see Chukka, can I go back to my own room for the night?"

"No! You will no leave that bed!"

She opened her mouth.

"And no arguments!"

She shut it and then said, "You were right, Spock, he is a bully." She lay there looking smug while Spock looked innocent and McCoy glared.

* * *

Sue woke feeling rested and wanting out the sickbay. Once showered and dressed in the plain black pantsuit she went to have a look at Chukka and found he had already been fed and was sleeping. Her little diversion to Sickbay had put her out of sync with his schedule. Not about to disturb him, she went to see about having breakfast with the other children and found them in the dining room, the boys with their grandfather while Amanda had the girls. Her first instinct was to turn and run, but she knew she had to face these people sometime and it might as well be now. As she went for coffee, the boys spotted her and came running over. "Mother, we are to have computers, our own computers. Grandfather will teach us." This from Jamie. "We are to have our first lesson this morning," Len added.

Having heard this exchange, Mandy came to join them. Hands on hips she stated, "Mandy puter too."

"Well," Susan said, "computers are your grandfather's department. You will have to ask him and you better say please and pronounce the word correctly, it's computer."

Mandy stared at her mother. "Kaputer," she said then turned to look at Sarek who was watching her intently. Staring up at the large Vulcan male, Mandy assessed the situation and then went to Amanda and taking her hand pulled the woman with her.

"Reinforcements," Susan said when Amanda looked to her for an explanation.

Standing before her grandfather, holding tightly to her grandmother's hand, Mandy stated. "Mandy have kaputer too please."

"How old are you, Amanda?" Sarek asked.

After examining her fingers for a few seconds Mandy held up two fingers and looked to her mother who confirmed the number. The child turned back to her grandfather. "This many," she said.

"When you are this many," Sarek said, holding up three fingers, "you shall have a computer. Will that be satisfactory?" Mandy nodded her head and ran to tell her mother the news.

Spock entered the room and went straight to Susan. "I went to sickbay to find you gone. I had planned to accompanied you…"

"Think I need a keeper?" she asked.

"No, Susan…"

"Spock, I'm fine. Go back to what you were doing. I'm sure," she said in response to his look. "Go."

Glancing around and satisfying himself that things were in order, he left. Sue knew he was with Jim and McCoy getting filled in on all he had missed.

Sue ordered herself coffee and toast and when seated at the table Amanda came to sit next to her. "Susan, we have not had a chance to talk and to thank you for all you have given us. When things settle down a bit, Sarek and I would like to have an opportunity to talk with you and get to know you."

"Sure, no problem, look forward to it." Sue said, lying through her teeth. As they continued to eat breakfast Susan noticed Thay-an wander off by herself and went to her. Not yet able to lift the child, Sue took her by the hand and led her back to sit next to Amanda. Once there she had the child crawl up onto her lap and she rocked back and forth as Sarek came to stand next to his wife.

With tear-filled eyes Thay-an looked up at Sue. "My mommy died last morning," she said and laid her head on Sue's chest.

Sue glanced at Amanda and Sarek, trying to judge their reaction as she hugged Annie to her. This was a ritual she went through every few days since her mother's death. Sue wanted Spock's parents to understand it and become part of it in case it happened when she wasn't around. "Yes, she did, but she knew that you had people to love you and care for you, didn't she? Annie, who is your mommy now?"

"Mommy Sue." The child whispered.

"That's right, Mommy Sue. And who else loves you?"

"Daddy, and Jamie and Len and Mandy…" She looked up at Sue. "Tela and Tone gone…" She started to cry again.

"Yes, Thela and Thone are gone, but you have a new baby brother and two new people to love and care for you. You have a grandmother and grandfather, don't you?"

The child cast a sideways peak at the two grandparents and nodded her head, but would not look directly at them. "We all miss your mommy, don't we?" Sue said as she continued to rock the child while Amanda and Sarek could do nothing but watch.

After several minutes Sue caught Jamie's eye and with a nod from Sue, he came to join them.

"Thay-an, come play with us," he coaxed and as she usually did, Thay-an wiped her eyes, slid off Sue's lap and went to be with her brothers and sister.

"That seems to be the best way to handle her when she starts thinking about her mother," Sue said to the two grandparents. "It only happens about once in seven or eight days now, but I'm sure the events of the last few days have stirred her memories again."

* * *

Later that morning found Spock, Sue and his parents in the sitting room, the children off to their lessons. Kirk and McCoy came through the door almost together. Kirk handed Sarek a message and said, "We'll be establishing orbit around Towan II in 20 minutes. Things on the surface seem to be running smoothly enough, considering. The takeover went well and processing has begun." He smiled. "The Towan government is being most cooperative." He let out a small laugh. "The Inter-Federation Relief Committee already has a group here. The communication center is a mad house. Somehow they found out Uhura is here and requested her. They want her to organize operations. She beamed down earlier. There were several pockets of resistance, but they cleared the last one out late last night." He shook his head. "It's going to be a long drawn-out affair, straightening this out." He looked at Sarek. "You diplomats are welcome to the job. It will be years before things are settled. So many implications, the citizenship problems alone are a legal nightmare."

"So what's the plan?" Sue wanted to know.

"You are going to the medical lab to aid the people there," Kirk said watching her reaction. "They're packing up everything and are having trouble getting access to some cabinets and computer files and just knowing what to take. I understand you can help them?" When Sue nodded, he continued. "Spock is going to the computer lab where he will do the same thing. Ambassador Sarek has a meeting with the people in charge of clearing up this mess. Is that what you wanted to hear, Sue?"

Sue turned to Amanda, "So you will be staying here, to be available for the kids if they need anything, and Chukka, you'll take his next feeding?"

"Yes, Susan, I will be here for all of them, and it will be my pleasure."

"Susan," Spock interjected, "perhaps you should not go. I do not believe you are ready to face…"

"No, it's okay. If your mother is going to be here, I'll go." She shifted her gaze to Sarek. "Any chance you'll see any of the Towans who were taken prisoners?"

"I am not sure," Sarek said eyeing her intently. "There was talk of interviews with some of the individuals involved in security…"

"Well, it you should encounter someone named Fraunt, he was the head guard, you give him regards from cell 9." Her voice grew more forceful. "And make sure he knows it was your son who bested him and brought the Federation down on his head. Then watch his face for every nuance so you can tell me…"

"Susan," Spock said, "My father will do no such thing. Besides if Fraunt still lives he knows who is responsible. When he found cell 9 empty, he would have ascertained what happened."

"I want to make sure he knows…" she almost yelled.

"Vulcans do not…"

"I'm Human, I want to gloat! I want to see the look on the face of that mother…"

"Cease!" His tone stopped her and shocked everyone else in the room.

After a very awkward silence, McCoy said, "Maybe Spock's right. Sue, I don't think you're need this kind of stress right now…"

Shaking slightly, Sue gulped in a deep breath and steadied herself. "Sorry," she said, "I'm okay. I guess I just needed to vent a little." The hostility was gone from her tone.

Still not satisfied Spock said, "Susan, give me your word you will not leave the medical complex."

She stood very still fighting to hold back the unacceptable words about to spew forth. When controlled somewhat she said, "Spock, I wouldn't even know where to go. In five years I was never out of the medical complex, remember."

"That never stopped you before." His look told her he wanted more assurance to her behavior.

She wasn't in the mood to fight with Spock and this was certainly not the place. "You have my word," she finally said. "I will only go to the medical lab and our cell. Are you satisfied?"

"Yes," he said knowing she had never broken her word to him.

Kirk, still eyeing her cautiously handed everyone a small badge. "Clearance. You'll need it on the surface."

As he gave Sue hers, he said, "Sue, the Council won't be ready for you till this afternoon. Maybe you should rest this morning and we'll send for you."

"No. I'll go to the lab and show them where the doc's papers are; besides, I want to go with all of you. That transporter thing gives me the willies."

"I know the feeling," McCoy said, obviously trying to lighten the mood.

They materialized into mass confusion and were surrounded by several people all wanting something different from them. After several minutes of confusion, things got sorted out and Sue and McCoy were left alone. They went to the clinic, where they found Federation people packing the doc's things. Sue began pointing out where to look for items on their list. Using her pass code, she opened the doc's file and drug cabinets to allow them to be packed. Next she went to the computer and entered her password. When the files opened a technician thanked her and began downloading the information.

Since they seemed to be finished with her for the time being, she went to stand next to McCoy as he poked through the cabinets and coolers studying the equipment and drugs stored there. "Sue, I have got to study this whole set up. It's incredible what he was doing and, my God, the success he was having. What are these?"

"The fertility drugs, all coded by species. I guess I should stop referring to them like that. There was so much more involved. He mixed concoctions to stop rejection, cut down on sickness. That's what I did, recorded all his notes on what went into each combination... These," she point to a group of three containers at the back of the cooler, "are for cell 9." She picked up the containers. "Mine, Thela's and Soy's."

"Sue, get me a sample of those, would you? I want to…"

"Sure," Sue went to do as he asked knowing he was interested in how the lack of this drug might have effected Chukka.

As McCoy continued his search, Sue said, "Dr. McCoy, since they don't need me right now, I'm going to get some things from our cell…"

"Not alone, you're not. I promised Spock I'd be with you." Taking the vile from her, he placed it in his tunic pocket and fell into step beside her as they walked through the clinic to the hall door. As they went down the hall, she stopped at the closet and grabbed a small storage container.

"Does everybody here think I need a keeper?" she asked as they walked.

"Do you think you need one? Isn't that a better question?"

"Oh, no, we're not going to play that game." Sue said and changed the subject. "This whole place looks so different. I can't believe it's only been six days since we left, feels like years." She felt the goose flesh on her arms; it was so eerie and quiet. She listened to their shoes clicking against the hard floor and remembered how different the flapping sandals had sounded. She stopped at the cell door and entered slowly, McCoy directly behind her. Everything was just as they had left it, the soiled mat, the neck collars lying on the floor.

"Sue, are you all right?"

"Yes, Doctor, Just knowing that there's no collar around my neck and that I can walk out that door makes me feel quiet well."

She began collecting the items she wanted, like the children's homemade games and toys. Mostly she wanted the sketches. She showed them to McCoy. Thela was quite an artist and had drawn them at Sue's insistence. There was one of each of them except Sue. Thela had never gotten around to that one. But there was a group one of Spock with all the children, and a separate one with the boys and the girls. The one Sue cherished most was of Spock alone, drawn from memory after his escape. It was a gift to Sue from Tha after an argument. But the one of him and Thone was by far the best. They looked so much alike. Sue knew that Amanda would appreciate seeing it.

McCoy smiled at Sue -- trying to lighten her mood. "I can't imagine this whole thing."

Sue laughed softly. "I know what you mean. Can you believe nine people lived in here?"

"Tell me, Sue, what did you think of Spock the first time you saw him? Come on, admit it, you were impressed with our first officer, weren't you?"

Sue looked up at him from her position on the floor. "Dr. McCoy, it was the middle of the night, I was tired and in a foul mood. He had almost three weeks' growth of beard, was filthy dirty, and smelled very bad. No, I guess I wasn't too impressed."

They both laughed and then Sue sobered. "It was a good thing it was night and Jacco was on duty. Fraunt would never have missed that uniform, even under all that filth."

He was asking for an explanation of that last remark when the intercom sounded. "Dr. Leonard McCoy, please report to information central."

"Now what do you want me for? Sue, I don't like leaving you here alone."

"I'll be all right, Doctor."

"Sure?"

She nodded.

"I'll try not to be long." He turned and left the cell.

The call repeated and Sue stared at the intercom. How many times in the last five years had it called her? She sat in one of the foam chairs and thought about McCoy's question. She had been flip with him and tried to sound casual about her first meeting with Spock, but there had been nothing casual about it.

* * *

The buzzer kept sounding as Sue groped through the dark cell swearing under her breath. She had just fallen asleep. Now what? Thela was awake and making her way toward Sue. She turned on the light while Sue answered the call.

"Got a new batch for you, just come in." It was Jacco, the night guard.

Sue sighed heavily as she realized there would be no sleep this night. "Release the lock and we'll be right there." Hell, she thought to herself, as she switched off the intercom. Between Soy-an, that freaked out doctor, and now new prisoners, I'll never get any sleep.

The two women checked the sleeping Soy-an and quietly left the cell. They didn't talk as they walked down the hall to the medical complex where all new prisoners were brought for processing. "Complex." Sue laughed at the word. Even by twentieth century Earth standards, it couldn't be called a complex. Ten-bed, small town hospital was more like it. Oh, they did have some drugs and techniques that were quite revolutionary, but that was all. It was all so very curious; advanced technologies in medicine and space travel, and then in other facets of their society they were almost primitive. How such a hodge-podge could ever have come about, Sue could not figure out. It didn't follow any of the rules as she understood them.

Sue gave the new prisoners a quick glance as she readied things and then took her place. This group, like most of the others, was very lethargic. After being in the hold of those ships from three to eight weeks with almost no food, inadequate sanitation and having been fitted with a neck collar, it was a rare prisoner indeed that arrived with any fight left.

'Jack-off,' as Sue called him behind his back, and the other night guards stayed back out of the way. They wanted little to do with what was going on. "You would think," she whispered to Thela, "that after all this time, they would get used to the smell."

The two women began the processing procedure and were working in a well-practiced routine. Sue stayed at the head of the line and performed the physical exams. Usually she just assisted the doc, but since he wasn't here, she took over. She had done it before and knew the procedure, so there was no problem. Thela moved down the line from prisoner to prisoner. She glanced ahead, then stopped abruptly. She stared for several seconds. Nonchalantly she made her way back to Sue and whispered, "There is a male about tenth in line in a Starfleet uniform."

"Are you sure? Tha, be sure, we can't guess about this."

"I'll check again." Thela strolled down the line and back. "I am sure. Sue, that's not all; he is a Vulcan. There may be officer's braid on his sleeve, but with all the dirt I cannot be sure."

"Tha, this is it." Sue was about to burst with excitement and fright. "A Starfleet uniform, a male and the doc's out of his head. What more could we ask for? The Gods are with us. Tha, it's now or never." Sue was thinking about the many evenings spent making and remaking plans. What if the doc was there, what if he wasn't; what if it was day, or night? Possibilities were discussed and changes made for each new situation as they thought of them. Now the time had come. Could they pull it off?

Thela was tense but controlled. Her training allowed her to act more matter of fact about her business. She went from prisoner to prisoner obtaining information and recording the identification numbers from the neck collars. When she came to the Vulcan no one noticed, except maybe the Vulcan himself, as she took the time to perform one extra task on him. Within a few minutes he collapsed. Both women went to his aid.

"Tha, there is something else wrong with him besides the drug we gave him. Looks like some kind of shock." As Sue examined him she tried to determine what was wrong, in addition to malnutrition, exposure, and all the other niceties one picked up on those filthy ships.

"Sue, can you give him something? Can you keep him alive?"

"God, Tha, I don't know. My knowledge of non-human physiology would fit on a head of a pin. His vital signs are almost non-existent."

By now Jacco and some of the guards were showing an interest. Having learned some of their weaknesses in the six months spent as prisoners on the planet, the women had considered these facts in their planning. Sue knew what to do. "Keep away from this man! He could be contagious. I'll isolate him."

Her words had the desired effect. The guards backed away in disgust. As the two women struggled to lift the unconscious Vulcan onto a medi-cart, Sue wished she have saved her contagious comment until he was on the cart. For as skinny as he was, he sure was heavy; even Tha's Romulan strength was straining. Finally Jacco prodded a couple of the other prisoners to help and they got the job done. Then, stopping only long enough to grab a syringe and choose a vial containing a powerful drug, the women were out of the clinic and on their way down the hall.

They were just out of earshot of the guards when Sue could contain herself no longer. "Oh, Tha, when we made these plans, I thought we were just passing the time. You know, maybe giving us a little hope. I never dreamed we would actually get the chance to do anything about it." She felt tears sting her eyes as she thought, maybe, just maybe, a plan conceived by two helpless women and a half-crazy child has a chance. She did not let herself consider the other side of the coin, what would happen to them if this didn't work.

They pushed the cart into their decontamination chamber. All prisoners passed through a portable version of this chamber on they way into the medical complex, but the decease-conscious doc that ran this complex had insisted on the installation of this unit and ordered individuals into it if he had a concern. Now Sue and Thela were using it for their own purpose. Thela set the controls for just the minimum scan and Sue was nervous as they waited, hopping from one foot to the other. That task completed they hurried to get the cart down the hall and inside their cell taking care not to wake Soy-an. This was not the time to explain things to her. "First, we must get rid of this uniform and try to clean up some of the dirt," Thela whispered. She examined the sleeve of his shirt. "Sue, he is an officer."

Sue shrugged. "That's good?"

Thela nodded. In silence they stripped the Vulcan. Sue remembered the fate of the other two prisoners who had been unfortunate enough to be wearing that uniform. They had been killed, just like that. Sue hadn't understood. They were young men in good health, prime specimens for the mines. Why had the guards just eliminated them, why the waste? Sue also knew enough not to ask at the time, but later Tha had told her that those two men were from Starfleet.

The way Sue understood it, the Federation of Planets was a kind of United Nations and this Starfleet was its peacekeeping force. The Towans must really be afraid of Starfleet to kill such men rather than risk putting them to work. Now they had one of the Starfleet people, if she could just keep him alive. She broke the silence. "Tha, we don't have much time. Jacco will be looking for us. I'll go back and you finish here. Then give him this hypo, God, I hope it doesn't kill him." Tha gave her a look. She didn't like to give injections. Sue ignored it. "Get rid of the uniform and come back and help me. Oh, better check Soy. If you can, give her one of the blue pills, it will keep her sedated. See you in a few minutes." Thela responded with a nod of her head.

The rest of the processing went smoothly. Although the women found no time to talk, Thela managed a few hand and eye signals, which Sue took to mean that all was well.

The sun was just coming up over Towan II when they finished. Neither woman wanted to be there when Fraunt, the chief guard, and his men came in to check out and assign the new prisoners. They knew, especially Thela, the process all too well and Sue knew how much it bothered her.

Any chronically ill, who might require prolonged drugs or care had already been tagged, God, how Sue hated that job. At least their deaths would be fast and painless, and there was rarely more than one or two per group, sometime if Sue was lucky there weren't any. Those who needed any special care didn't get in on those ships; most died on the way.

With Sue's encouragement, Jacco and the other night guards were gone before Fraunt and his men came. This made it much easier to cover for the doc. When Fraunt asked where he was, Sue simply lied. "He's been up all night processing this bunch. He went to bed. Said you could handle it from here."

Fraunt just laughed and went about his business. Thela and Sue used the time to duck out for a quick check on the doc. Sue monitored his vital signs. "Still out like a light. It'll probably be another twelve hours before he is up and around." Sue looked around the room in disgust. The evidence of the "party" was still visible. She didn't consider herself a prude, but him with these boys was enough to make her sick. They weren't sure where he got the stuff he got high on. Sue had stolen some once and Tha analyzed it, b