Disclaimer: I don't own anything Star Trek it is all property of Gene Roddenberry, J.J. Abrams, Paramount, and whoever else owns rights to the franchise. I am not making any profits off of this so please don't sue me.

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Chapter 21:Who Knew They'd be Such Doting Grandfathers? Or that She of All People Would Be Pleased?

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Jim made a small noise of contentment as he smiled into the gentle kiss Spock was pressing to his lips. They drew apart several long moments later with a sigh; their faces remaining just inches apart as Jim spoke.

" Good morning sa telsu."(Good Morning my husband). He said softly as he smiled up at his bondmate.

" Good morning to you in return, my T'hy'la." Replied Spock, his deep voice almost a low rumble that had Jim barely suppressing a shiver at the sound.

Spock gently lowered himself onto his side next to his mate. He kept himself propped up on his elbow as his free hand sought out Jim's stomach area. Spock's hand came to gently rest over the slight, round curve of Jim's stomach. The Vulcan's dark eyes were soft as they gazed upon his and Jim's unborn child.

" Ha'tha' ti'lu t'nash veh Kan bu."(Good morning my baby). Said Spock as he gently rubbed Jim's stomach.

Jim's eyes flutter shut as he felt the warmth of his bondmate's hand through the thin material of the sleeping shirt he was wearing. Spock allowed the corners of his mouth to turn upwards into a tiny smile as he took in the serene contentment on his T'hy'la's face. Without opening his eyes, Jim reached out and gently covered Spock's hand with his own.

" Are you apprehensive about the arrival of my father and Admiral Pike today?" Asked Spock softly.

Jim opened his eyes and met Spock's rich and deep brown eyes as he spoke.

" Yeah, I'll admit that I am a bit nervous about the meeting. God only knows what'll happen once those two come aboard. I mean, you saw how they argued after we told them. Well, it was as much of an argument as it could've been what with your Dad being one of the combatants." He said while his fingers lightly rubbed against Spock's.

" And in addition to my father and Admiral Pike, Elder T'Pau will also be coming aboard with my father." Said Spock as he returned Jim's gesture with his own fingers.

" Yeah, don't remind me about that particular fact." Said Jim flatly.

As Jim's mind filled with images and memories of the severe Vulcan matriarch, the expectant father spoke.

" That woman still makes me nervous as Hell, and what if she... You know, doesn't accept our situation?" He asked quietly.

Jim may have worded it differently, but Spock could discern Jim's fear quite clearly. Jim was afraid that T'Pau and the others would thoroughly reject the baby he was carrying, their baby.

" If it comes to that, than it will be a grave misfortune on T'pau's part for choosing to reject something so priceless and extraordinary as our child, Jim." Said Spock with barely veiled conviction.

Jim immediately felt several powerful emotions rise up inside him at Spock's words. Finding it slightly difficult to speak, Jim looked up at Spock and smiled as he nodded in silent agreement. Jim reached up and gently cupped Spock's cheek. The Vulcan in turn leaned into his bondmate's touch. The pair enjoyed several moments of comfortable silence before Jim finally spoke.

" We should get ready for work." He said with some reluctance.

" Indeed, we should prepare ourselves for our duties, and the impending arrival at the rendezvous point in four point five hours." Agreed Spock.

With a small nod, Jim rose out of bed with Spock gracefully following after him. They both headed into their joint bathroom to go through their usual morning routines. They shared a completely tame sonic shower with only a few chaste kisses and caresses to each other. Once the shower was done, Jim set about shaving the morning stubble from his cheeks while Spock stood next to him with a comb in hand as he got his jet black hair styled in the signature Vulcan style it was known for. They were quick and efficient in getting themselves ready. The couple parted ways once they were done with their morning grooming. With a chaste kiss, Jim headed back into his bedroom to get dressed, while Spock headed through the door that led into his official quarters to do the same.

About ten minute later, Spock was stepping out of his quarters immaculately dressed in his duty uniform. Spock took a few steps over and came to stand beside the door right next to his own. After a few moments the door opened with a soft hiss to reveal an immaculately dressed Jim Kirk. The Captain stepped out and the door closed behind him. He and his First Officer were ready for another day of work on board the Flagship of the Federation. Jim smiled at Spock as the two of them walked side by side towards the nearby turbo-lift. Spock unflinchingly met Jim's gaze, which only made Jim's smile widen as they entered the turbo-lift. Through out the short ride to the main bridge, the pair shared a comfortable silence. Once they were on the main bridge, Spock gave Jim a small nod before headed off towards his duty station. Jim allowed himself a small smile before he grew serious and headed over to the command chair. Looking the consummate professional, Jim took his seat and greeted the two helmsman sitting in front of him.

" Good morning Mr. Sulu, Mr. Chekov." He said warmly.

" Good morning Captain." Replied Sulu with a smile to his commanding officer.

" Gud morning Keptin. How are you today?"Asked Ensign Chekov.

From the eager and curious look on the young man's face, Jim could easily tell that it was not only his status Chekov wished to ascertain. With a small smile, Jim spoke.

" I'm doing just fine Ensign, thank you for asking." Said Jim while his hand discreetly went to gently pat his well hidden baby bump.

Chekov immediately caught on to Jim's hidden message that the ship's most special passenger was doing quite well too. The young Ensign's face lit up as he beamed at his captain. Jim smiled back, secretly warmed that Chekov was so thrilled for him, but duty called. Jim gestured for the young helmsman to focus on the controls at his station. Chekov nodded and hastily turned around to focus on the helm, although there was still a softer version of his earlier smile still gracing his lips. Beside him, Sulu looked over his shoulder to send Jim a smile as well before he too went back to his task of co-piloting the ship.

Jim smiled to himself and sat back into his chair just as a yeomen came over with a PADD that needed to be signed off on. And so, Jim and the rest of the bridge crew settled into their duties of the running the Enterprise.

But as the hours passed, Jim started to feel more and more nervous as the ship drew closer to the rendezvous point where they would be meeting the ships that carried Admiral Pike, Ambassador Sarek, and Elder T'Pau.

After the estimated four hours had passed, Jim fidgeted discreetly in his seat as Sulu called out that the ship had reached the intended rendezvous point. On the main view screen, Jim could see for himself that two large ships were already there. One ship was a federation vessel, the USS Nokian. The other ship was one of the newest Vulcan science vessels that had been constructed, it was called the La'Matya.

" Great, it's D-day." Thought Jim as the Enterprise came to a halt before the two other ships.

" T'hy'la, why are you referring to Earth's second world war?" Came Spock's voice through the bond.

" It's just a figure of speech Spock, I'm just nervous about what's about to go down." Replied Jim through the bond.

" Jim, I have told you time and again that there is no need to be nervous. I am with you." Said Spock.

" I know you're with me, and I am grateful for that, but like I said, I'm getting nervous despite all the reassurances. I can't help it sa telsu." Said Jim.

Jim wasn't able to get Spock's reply because Sulu spoke.

" Captain, both the USS Nokian and the La'Matya are hailing us." Said the helmsman.

" Put them both on screen Lieutenant." Said Jim.

Sulu nodded and then did as he was ordered. A few seconds later, the serious faces of Ambassador Sarek and Admiral Pike came on the main view screen.

" Good afternoon Admiral, Ambassador." Said Jim as steadily as he could while he rose to his feet.

" Good afternoon Captain Kirk." Said Admiral Pike with a nod.

" Greetings Captain Kirk. Peace and long live." Said Ambassador Sarek formally as he raised his hand in the Vulcan salute.

" Live long and prosper." Replied Jim as he raised his own hand in turn.

" Greetings father, and to you as well Admiral Pike." Said Spock as he came to stand next to Jim, his eyes on the main view screen as he raised his hand.

" Greetings my son." Said Sarek in turn.

" Good afternoon Commander Spock." Said Pike with a nod before he spoke.

" Alright, now that the pleasantries are out of the way, are your transporters ready for us Captain?" He asked.

" Yes sir, according to Mr. Scott, all systems are function at one hundred percent. We're ready to have you sir." Answered Jim with a smile.

" Good, I will be seeing you shortly, Pike out." Said Pike before the link went silent and his image disappeared from the main view screen.

" Do we have permission to come aboard as well Captain Kirk?" Asked Sarek with all the flatness of his Vulcan nature.

" Of course Ambassador, we are eagerly awaiting your arrival." Said Jim.

" We shall meet you and Admiral Pike in the transporter room, father." Said Spock.

" Very well, T'Pau and I shall be beaming aboard momentarily." Said Sarek with a curt nod before his image disappeared from the main view screen as well.

" Alright Commander, let's go greet our very important guests." Said Jim to Spock, trying his best to sound casual while his heart was pounding furiously in his ears.

Spock nodded mutely and gestured for them to go to the turbo-lift. As Jim and Spock made their way to the lift, Jim caught the eyes of Uhura, Chekov, and Sulu. They were all eying him with encouragement, Chekov going so far as to give Jim two thumbs up. Jim smiled at all of them and nodded as the door to the lift closed after he and Spock stepped into the lift.

As they stood in the turbo-lift in complete silence, Spock looked to his bondmate out the corner of his eye. He could see that Jim was doing his best to keep his composure. Without saying a word, Spock reached out and gently took one of Jim's hands in his own, giving it a firm squeeze. Jim turned his head and gave Spock a grateful little smile as he returned Spock's grip. The warmth of their joined hands was the reassurance Jim needed, but all too soon, the door to the lift was opening and they had to let go.

Jim stepped out with a renewed sense that all would be alright, one way or another. Spock walked dutifully by his Captain and bondmate's side as they made their way to the transporter room. They walked through the door side by side and were greeted by the smiling face of Montgomery Scott. Jim was also amused to see Scotty's little buddy Keenser in attendance.

" Hey Keenser, how ya doing man?" Asked Jim as he smiled down at the short, green-lizard/teddy-bear combo.

" Great Cappy." Said Keenser in his voice that sounded like he had inhaled a whole balloon-full of helium.

" Good to know." Smiled Jim before he focused his attention on Scotty.

" Are you ready to beam our guests aboard Mr. Scott?" He asked with a smile.

" Certainly Sir, 'm jus waitin for the go ahead from the other ships." Smiled Scotty from where he sat before the transporter controls.

Jim and Spock nodded and made there way to stand before the transporter pad.

" Captain, both par'ies are ready to beam aboard." Called Scotty.

" Energize Mr. Scott." Said Jim.

" Aye sir." Acknowledged Scotty before he set about beaming Admiral Pike from the USS Nokian and Ambasador Sarek and Elder T'Pau from the La'Matya.

Moments later, the transporter pad was buzzing to life as four columns of bright, swirling particles of light appeared on the individual pads. Then solid figures were materializing through the swirling particles. When the bright light finally dissipate , there were four people standing where the columns of light had been.

One was a human man, the other three were Vulcans.

Admiral Christopher Pike stood in his white and gray uniform, leaning slightly on a silver walking cane. Beside him, Ambassador Sarek stood tall and regal, wearing dark Vulcan robes. Beside him was an even more severe and quit ancient looking female Vulcan, dressed in deep purple Vulcan robes, with her jet black hair done up in an intricate design of braids around her head, almost like a head-dress, Elder T'Pau, Matriarch of the Clan of Surak. And finally, rounding out the duo was a someone that Jim and Spock had not expected to see.

Spock Prime, dressed in dark, charcoal gray robes and with veiled warmth behind his weathered eyes, so very different, and yet so very much the same as those of his younger self.

Jim did his best to steady his nerves as he and Spock stepped forward to greet the new arrivals.

Spock and Jim both bowed before T'Pau and held up their hands in the Vulcan greeting, and spoke almost as one.

" Peace and long life pid-kom (Matriarch) T'Pau."

T'Pau's face was blank as it should have been as she held up her hand in the Vulcan greeting and spoke.

" Live long and prosper S'chn T'gai Spock, and you as well James Tiberius Kirk." She said flatly, acknowledging the respect that was being shown to her.

Jim and Spock both nodded before Spock stepped forward, ready to assist the elder Vulcan matriarch off of the Transporter pad. T'Pau silently accepted Spock's offer. lightly gripping Spock's forearm for a fleeting instance as she stepped off of the pad, with Sarek, Admiral Pike, Spock Prime, and her hand-maiden following after her.

" Let us all proceed to Sickbay, I am aware that you are all anxious to see the solid proof of Jim's situation for yourselves." Said Spock lowly, but loud enough for the others to hear.

With silent nods all around, the group wordlessly headed out of the transporter room. To those not privy to Jim and Spock's real situation, this seemed only like a meeting between the Captain and certain higher ups from Starfleet and the Vulcan High Council. But to those who did know what was really going on, this was a family matter that deserved the utmost privacy.

While Spock walked with T'Pau, Sarek, Pike, and Spock Prime immediately gravitated to Jim's side.

" How are you doing Jim?" Asked Pike while his eyes subtly gave Jim the once over.

" Indeed, I too would like to ascertain you status Captain Kirk." Added Sarek in his formal manner, while his eyes too were silently taking Jim in.

Spock Prime for his part, remained silent, though his eyes seemed transfixed on Jim as they walked. It was like he wanted to say something, but simply could not get the words out.

" I'm doing alright sir, Ambassador. According to Bones, I'm just about three and a half months now, and in my ultra sound scan, Bones told me that everything looked fine with... you-know-who." Answered Jim while his hand unconsciously went to his stomach.

When the party reached one of the turbo-lifts, they found themselves with a minor dilemma. All seven of them couldn't fit into the lift at once, and they didn't want to end up like a can of sardines, especially with Jim. They were about to have an arduous discussion as to who was going to go first, Pike, Sarek, and Spock Prime subtly hinting that they all wanted to ride with Jim. It was T'Pau who ended that particular situation before it could take flight.

" It is only logical that James be the first to reach the designated area, so that he may properly prepare for all of Dr. McCoy's examinations. For this reason, I shall accompany him along Ambassador Telvik." Said the Vulcan matriarch flatly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Pike opened his mouth to voice a protest, but duel warning looks from Spock and Sarek silenced him.

" Then it has been settled, Admiral Pike, Spock, and myself shall reach the medical quarters after the four... five of you." Said Sarek, pausing when his eyes fell of Jim and he paused before including his unborn grandchild in his sentence.

Jim ducked his head and fought back a smile and the urge to blush furiously. He looked back up to give everyone a nod before reaching out and pressing the button for the turbo-lift.

" I'll see you in Sickbay Spock." Said Jim when the door to the turbo-lift opened with a soft hiss.

" Indeed." Said Spock as he stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

Jim respectfully gestured for T'Pau to enter the lift first before stepping inside himself, and Ambassador Telvik A.K.A Spock Prime stepped inside after them.

Jim sent his bondmate a small, warm and reassuring smile before the door to the turbo-lift closed with a small hiss. With a tiny jerk, the lift was in motion, carrying its occupants to one of the upper decks of the ship, where the private room Bones had suggested they should use for this occasion was located on.

The ride was brisk and filled with a slightly tense silence. When the door to the lift opened, Jim gestured for T'Pau to exit first before he quickly followed in her wake. Behind him was Ambassador Telvik. The party of three plus one special passenger walked down one of the brightly lit corridors of the ship, Jim naturally leading the way to the secluded room Bones had said that he would set up the necessary equipment in. It would have been more convenient to have gone straight to Sickbay, but Jim, Spock, and Bones had all agreed that this would probably not have been a good idea, and drawn unwanted attention to the very delicate, and still very secret situation regarding Jim's physical state. This had been the alternate solution that they had all agreed on, for protection of privacy outweighed convenience ten-fold in this case. The less chance of prying eyes, the better. For all the rest of the crew knew, the reason for Admiral Pike, Sarek, T'Pau, and Ambassador Telvik's presence on the ship was strictly for some diplomatic reason that required the utmost confidentiality.

When the party reached the door to the intended room, Jim gestured for his guests to enter first. T'Pau walked in but Ambassador Telvik paused at the door and looked at Jim with his weathered, dark brown eyes. Jim stared back at Spock Prime unwavering. In that moment, something very charged passed between the two of them. Then Spock Prime's eyes softened, giving Jim a good glimpse of the warmth behind them. Jim's lips turned upward into a smile, albeit it was a smile that was tinted with the barest hint of sadness.

" After you Jim." Said Spock Prime.

" Thank you Ambassador." Said Jim, and then he took a step closer to Spock Prime and continued.

" I'm really glad you came." He added softly.

" It is my honor." Replied Spock Prime.

With a small nod, Jim stepped through the threshold into the room, Spock Prime stepping inside in his wake.

Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy looked up from the medical instrument he had been calibrating when the people he had been waiting for had finally arrived. The doctor immediately became alert and held up his hand in the traditional Vulcan greeting when his eyes fell of elder T'Pau.

" Peace and Long life ma'am." He said, hoping he wasn't going to offend the Vulcan matriarch.

Though Bones was often brash and maybe even borderline insulting with Spock at times, the good doctor knew better than to trifle with someone like Elder T'Pau. The woman just had this way of making grown men feel like little, little boys. Well, human men at least.

" Live long and prosper Dr. McCoy." Replied T'Pau flatly as she raised her own hand in the Vulcan greeting.

Bones gave a small nod to T'Pau before he headed straight for Jim and Spock Prime.

" Oh good, you're here." Said Bones as he came to stand before Jim and the elder Spock.

" It is pleasing to see you Dr. McCoy, I trust that you are well?" Asked Spock Prime.

Though it marginally stunned Bones to see the veiled warmth in Spock Prime's gaze as the elder Vulcan gazed at him, the doctor quickly shook off the feeling and replied.

" I'm about as well as can be expected now a days, what with having to look after my very male and very pregnant Captain and best friend here." He said with his signature flatness and a small snort.

Jim sent Bones a slightly dirty look while Spock Prime nodded and the corners of his lips turned upwards for the barest of seconds before his expression went back to one of neutrality.

" Well, now that we got the pleasantries out of the way, c'mon Jim, we gotta get you ready." Said Bones as he gestured for Jim to follow him over to the corner of the room where a privacy screen had been set up so Jim could change attire for the medical procedures.

" Lead the way man." Said Jim as he followed after his best friend and physician.

Bones stood by the privacy screen while Jim ducked behind it and proceeded to change out of his uniform tunic and undershirt. Once those two garments were out of the way, Jim reached for the thin blue medical tunic Bones had left for him. Jim paused in donning the medical tunic and stared down at his no longer flat, washboard stomach. To the casual observer it would look like Jim would have to cut back on whatever junk food he was indulging in, but Jim and a select few knew different. They knew that at the center of this small, demure looking protrusion around the lower half of Jim's stomach, was something profound and extraordinary.

Jim quickly shook himself out of his reverie when he remembered that he had people waiting for him. Jim quickly donned the medical tunic and stepped out from behind the privacy screen.

" Alright Jim." Said Bones as he gestured towards the waiting bio-bed. " You know the drill."

" Yeah, yeah." Sighed Jim in mock annoyance before he walked over to the bio-bed.

Just as Jim had carefully climbed onto the bio-bed the doors to the room opened with Sarek, Admiral Pike walking in first with Spock in step behind them. Jim's Spock immediately made a B-line the bio-bed and spoke.

" Are you well Jim?" He asked, his eyes taking in the sight of his pregnant bondmate.

" I'm perfectly alright Spock, I know you worry." Smiled Jim before he lowered himself fully onto the bio-bed and got comfortable.

Without saying a word, T'Pau, Sarek, and Admiral Pike all stepped closer to the bio-bed, gathering around the two expectant parent.

" Well McCoy, you gonna get this show on the road or what?" Asked Pike.

" Of course sir, just getting my instruments in order." Replied Bones.

" Admiral I can understand your impatience, but there is no need to make haste." Said Sarek, surprising everyone except T'Pau, who stood as stone-faced as ever.

" It looks like your father's already getting protective sa-telsu." Said Jim with a smile through the telepathic link he shared with Spock.

" Indeed." Was all Spock said in reply, sending Jim his own feelings of warmth in return.

Bones quietly cleared his throat to get everyone's attention and spoke.

" Alright, I'm guessing that the three of you want to see baby KirkSpock for yourselves first correct?" He asked.

" That is acceptable, please proceed Dr. McCoy." Replied T'Pau before Sarek or Pike could say anything different.

" Yes Ma'am." Said Bones, feeling slightly unnerved by T'Pau's intense gaze being directed right at him as he picked up his scanning equipment and came to stand looming over Jim.

" Alright Jim, lift up your shirt for me." He ordered.

Jim felt his face heat up just a little bit at this request, knowing that the eyes of his father-in-law, pseudo-father figure, and scary grandmother-in-law were all zeroed in on him. Fighting back the feeling, Jim did as he was instructed and lifted up the helm of his medical top to reveal the baby-bump he'd been doing a very good job in hiding the past few months.

" Well I'll be." Said Pike softly. He had seen pregnant women before in his life, but this was Jim Kirk's pregnant belly he was staring at. It was truly mind boggling.

" Intriguing." Said Sarek as his eyes widen just a little bit more than their usual size as he stared at his son-in-law's physical state.

Spock Prime looked on in silence from where he stood nearby, with dark, warm eyes directed at the sight of Jim's unborn child.

T'Pau remained silent, but tilted her head slightly to the side to convey her curiosity, and Jim couldn't help but smile because he now realized who Spock got his signature head-tilting habit from.

" Well what do ya know, Vulcan's can actually ogle." Thought Bones with a small half smile before he spoke.

" Alright everyone." He said to get the attention, when all eyes we on him, the good doctor continued. " I've got the scan ready, so kindly look to that screen right over there for a visual."

There were mute nods all around before everyone's gaze went to the aforementioned screen while Bones carefully took the scanning instrument in his hand and gently pressed it to the soft curve of Jim's rounded stomach area. A few seconds later the viewing screen that hung above Jim came to life with the black, white, and blue image of what, or rather who Elder T'Pau, Ambassador Sarek, Admiral Pike, and Spock Prime had come aboard to see with their very own eyes.

The room was so silent that it would have been very likely that the occupants inside the room would've been able to hear a pin drop to the floor out in the brightly lit ship's corridor.

It was Admiral Pike who finally broke the awed silence without looking away from the sonogram image.

" Baby's got your ears Mr. Spock." Pike said with a small smile turning up the corners of his lips.

These words seemed to break the awed silence as Jim laughed softly while Spock turned to Pike with the tips of his pointed ears turning a light green at the admiral's observation about the baby.

" I concur with you Admiral Pike, the child does possess Vulcan ears, and they are quite pleasing." T'Pau added, shocking the Hell out of everyone in the room.

Sarek stood silent beside his son, but beneath the veil of Vulcan blankness, there was a far away look in his eyes as he remembered a time that had passes long ago, and the wife he had shared a similar moment with. And finally, Spock Prime stood a little further back with the ghost of a warm smile on his face, wordlessly enjoying everything that he was witnessing today.

Bones himself let out a small huff before he moved the sonogram wand to another spot on Jim's swollen stomach to give everyone another angle on the baby.

And so for a very long time, all that anyone in the room did was gaze upon the unborn child who would soon be the newest addition to the USS Enterprise. Right now things were good, more than good in fact, but what would happen afterwards was still up for debate.

Especially once Jim and Spock called on the Suzakian to make an appearance and explain things to T'Pau, Pike, Sarek, and Spock Prime.