Adverse Reactions

Chapter Four

I don't own them I just play with them.

Sorry to take so long finishing this story, life happens! Here is a little filler while I work on the next chapter. More to come!

As Spock waited for his call to be processed he considered what he would tell his parents. He was Vulcan, after all, and should not feel embarrassed to have this conversation, and yet, he recognized his reluctance to discuss the details with them. His decision to marry Christine was not only logical but desirable to him. He wondered how long their relationship with Jim would continue. After they married it could be somewhat awkward however, they were all quite comfortable with each other now. No woman ever held Jim's interest for very long and he was soon on to the next flower. This time might be different. Christine was different. This time he had a child to consider. This time Jim couldn't just say goodbye. Spock considered how their relationships were going to change. He considered all the alternatives of the situation. In the end the scene would just have to play it self out. Christine would have the bulk of the responsibility of the children. She knew that better than they did. Wasn't that always the case in ancient times? The men went off to sea or to war leaving the women to fend for themselves and their children. But she wouldn't be alone. She would have them when they were in port. They would certainly communicate often. He was already familiar with negotiations in the Federation regarding this catastrophe. These families were going to be closely studied. Each of these babies would receive benefits to help with the disruption of their parents' careers and occupations. This would mean for Christine, quarters, childcare and other help since the fathers were deployed in critical positions. Also, Spock knew that Amanda would want to be on Earth as often as possible. She would treat Jim's son as her own grandchild. Of that he was certain.

The com alert pulled him out of his thoughts and he found himself looking into his mother's eyes.

"Spock, how nice to hear from you, son. It isn't even my birthday! Is everything all right?" asked Amanda.

"Mother, is Father there with you? I must speak with you both. It is very important."

"I am present, Son," announced Sarek. "Please tell us; to what do we owe this pleasant surprise?"

"Father, are you aware of the events taking place on the Enterprise this fortnight?" asked Spock.

"Are you referring to what is being called the Enterprise "baby boom?" asked Sarek.

"Baby boom?" said Amanda. "What is happening on that ship, Spock?"

"Yes, Mother. The Enterprise encountered an unusual plasma system. An unfortunate and unforeseen side effect of exposure to the plasma radiation is increased fertility. It rendered female birth control ineffective by stimulating female hormone production resulting in twenty-three of our crew becoming pregnant. The Federation has decided to take advantage of our predicament and study the effects of families on the operation of a starship. In a very short time there will be twenty-four new members on this ship. We will not encounter another Federation vessel in 18 months. The babies will be toddlers before we return to port."

"Do you mean the Enterprise is not being recalled? Didn't you say twenty-three pregnancies? Whatever are you going to do with twenty-three babies with no grandparents on board?"

"As it turns out Mother, there are twenty-four babies. There is a set of twins expected."

"Oh Spock, Captain Kirk must be beside himself," she laughed. "But why are you telling us this?"

Spock took a very deep breath. "Mother, I have contacted you to give you the uncomfortable news that you are going to be grandparents." Spock paused waiting for his parents of comprehend what he had just told them. His parents looked at one another. How did this happen? They seemed more surprised their son was having sex. But that it resulted in a grandchild- well, that was quite a bonus!

"Spock, as you would expect, we are stunned. May I ask, who is the mother of our grandchild?"

"Christine Chapel is the mother." His mother smiled. She had long hoped he would open his eyes and his heart to Christine. Amanda already knew of Christine's affection for him and had always thought she would be good for him; good to him. Now she would be a member of the family. Christine was going to give her the long awaited grandchild. Sarek showed no outward display of pleasure in this news but he was overjoyed that his house would soon have an heir.

Spock thought he detected a slight rise in his father's brow. He took a deep breathe. "There's more." Spock then relayed the most unbelievable story to them – How they'd gotten stranded on the planet; how they'd eaten the toxin; how badly they'd behaved afterward. He left out most of the sordid details and the part where they'd continued their relationship but he surmised they would not be oblivious to that fact.

"Mother, Christine is the one having twins. The difficulty is only one of them is mine. Captain Kirk is the father of the other child." He paused to allow the implications set in. "You see the difficulty. I am telling you this to prepare you for the awkwardness that will surely follow. The uniqueness of the situation has the potential to be an embarrassment to each of us."

"Yes," answered Sarek, "There will certainly be questions. You must tell us what you'd have us say Spock." He knew gossip like this would spread quickly through coms throughout the galaxy as soon as someone noticed a Vulcan baby with a human twin brother who looked like the famous Captain Kirk. Within two minutes of their first public outing the news would find its way back to Vulcan.

I have asked Christine to marry me. I explained our Vulcan customs and she and Jim have agreed this is the most logical solution. We will have a civil ceremony on the ship and have a Vulcan ceremony at the earliest opportunity. "

"Son, what does Captain Kirk think of this plan? Will he accept and honor your marriage or will he fight for her?"

"Jim and I have an understanding Father. I do not believe we have spoken the end of it yet. Christine refused a plural marriage we offered her. She pointed out the enemies of the Federation would consider him weak if his wife had another husband. It would not bode well for my own reputation. Regardless, there will be enough innuendo to go around."

"I agree with Christine's logic Spock. I've always thought of Dr. Chapel with the highest regard. She has always made our travel most comfortable by becoming familiar with our customs and cuisine. Are you prepared for the curiosity of others; for the innuendo, the questions, and the stares?"

"Father, these things have always been a part of my life. I am quite accustomed to the background talk. We will manage, as they say. I have lived all my life with this type of scrutiny. It will not be anything I have not already encountered."

"What are the plans upon your return Spock?" asked his father.

"Before this incident Christine had already made arrangements to return to the Academy to complete her medical training. She's been accepted to the program and has received advanced placement due to the work she'd done on the Enterprise. Dr. McCoy has given her increased responsibilities and opportunities to practice medical treatment. These have been counted in her records. She needs 1.78 standard years to be fully accredited after which she can be assigned to a post. The children will be nearly two years old when we return. It is very likely she can proceed with her plans. If this experiment is a success it is likely we will have an opportunity to serve on the same ship. The boys will be four years then."

"Spock, two babies are going to make life very difficult for her. I hope you two will not be dumping them on her and expect her to carry the whole burden." said Amanda.

"Mother, I was only informed of this 2.46 hours ago. We have only had one conversation as yet. We are all stunned by the news but be assured Jim and I will do the right thing."

"I know you will, dear. Spock, is it acceptable to you if I call Christine and offer my support? She is going to need some help as she completes her training and I am going to want to spend a lot of time with my two grandsons!"

"Thank you Mother, for accepting my son's brother. They will have a difficult time enough with the circumstances as they mature. The Enterprise baby boom story will never fade because of the unique situation and they will always bear the burden of their unusual conception, dual birth, and famous sires. This will be a trial for all of us as we navigate the inquisitive public and persistent paparazzi. They will require all the love and affection you both can muster." He noted his father's reaction to this last sentence. Spock was certain his son would know more acceptance from Sarek than he had. He realized for the first time what Sarek must have experienced having produced a half-human child in a Vulcan world. This time Sarek would be better prepared and somewhat tempered by his own experiences.

"We will make arrangements to be on Earth at the appropriate time. I will contact T'Pau to arrange the Vulcan bonding ceremony and for guidance regarding the boys. Is there anything else son?" asked Sarek.

"Thank you, Father, for allowing me dignity in this awkward situation. Mother. Live long and prosper Sarek."

As the screen faded, Spock contemplated a vision of Sarek playing with his grandsons. The boys would be raised to respect Vulcan dignity but he suspected grandfathers and their grandsons might have a more relaxed and playful relationship, even Vulcan ones.