Title: During the Journey to Babel
Lord Christopher had to resist the urge to get after Sarek and his son as he watched the transaction before him. He had to remind himself that he was disguised as a Vulcan and could not afford to blow his cover.
He was on assignment from the Keepers to observe Federation delegates and the Babel conference provide a great opportunity for that. Lord Christopher did not want to just observe, he wanted to interact with the people around him and to do that he sought aid from his old friend Sarek.
"You should come out of retirement for the Babel Conference." Lord Christopher said as he walked into Sarek's home. It took awhile for Amanda and Sarek to get over the surprise of suddenly seeing Lord Christopher unannounced before they could respond.
"Why should I do that?" Sarek asked.
"Several reasons. It's good to see you Amanda," Lord Christopher said suddenly turning his attention to the Vulcan's wife. "How's your garden?"
"Good," Amanda said. After the many years of knowing Lord Christopher Engel she was use to his sudden change of topics in conversations. It was like his mind had several things going on inside of it at once. "I think my husband wishes to know your reasons."
"But of course," Lord Christopher said turning back to Sarek. "First of all your too good at what you do to retire this early, secondly I need your help getting in, thirdly and lastly … I shall keep to myself for the time being and just trust me that it's a good one."
"Why do you need to get in and why should I help you in that?" Sarek asked his friend.
"Well I need to observe members of the Federation – the Keepers want a basic idea of what the members are like." Lord Christopher explained. "You should help me because I'm asking as a friend who needs assistance and I'm not ashamed to ask for help; plus you owe me a favor."
"For what?" Amanda asked curious.
"It involved teaching your husband the origins of the 'hokey-pokey' and the 'Ring around the Rosie' nursery rhyme." Lord Christopher explained. Amanda let of a little laugh of surprise.
"Both of which I find rather unsettling." Sarek said firmly. "How should we go about it?"
"Thank you, my friend," Lord Christopher could not help but smile at Sarek. It was agreed that Lord Christopher would pose as one of Sarek's aid to get abroad then after that he would use his own skills to be kept out of sight.
Lord Christopher knew that Spock and Sarek were not on good terms with each other, he had seen that when he and his sister visited them about four years ago, but not to even give his son the ta'al.
"As soon as your settle I'll arrange a tour of the ship." Captain Kirk offered Sarek and Amanda. "Mr. Spock will conduct you."
"I prefer another guide, Captain." Sarek said. Lord Christopher saw Amanda look down uncomfortable at her husband's words and quickly stole a sideways glance towards her son. Lord Christopher could sense the tension that existed between father and son; it was giving him a headache. The surprise and curiosity from the Captain and the Doctor added to Lord Christopher's headache; being an empath was annoying sometimes.
When it was finally revealed Sarek's and Amanda's connection to Spock, shock emulated from Kirk and McCoy that would have knocked Lord Christopher off his feet if he was not prepared for it.
After that fiasco Spock excused himself to return to his duties and the Vulcan party was taken to their quarters. This was the point in which Lord Christopher broke off from the Vulcans, he knew exactly where their quarters would be, and started roaming about meeting the delegates. Tensions were high among many of them prolonging his headache, he sometimes wonder how his sister as a telepath could handle the actual thoughts of people; for Lord Christopher it was too much. He passed by many races each with his or her own level of intense emotion of some sort. At one point he was not looking where he was going and accidently bumped into one of the Andorian delegates. The delegate was emotionally charged but before Lord Christopher could get a read on him, he was gone.
Lord Christopher shook his head to shake off the headache; he then collected his thoughts and put up mental blocks to keep out the emotions bombarding him. After awhile he ran into Spock who was more than surprised to see him.
"Na'shaya Pi'veh."* Lord Christopher greeted Spock with the nickname that he had given him when Spock was just a child.
"How did you get aboard?" Spock asked.
"Not even a 'hello'? Blame your father – he helped." Lord Christopher explained.
"I did not see you with them," Spock said eying Lord Christopher.
"Spock, you were so focused on your parents, like everyone else, that you couldn't have possibly noticed me." Lord Christopher explained gesturing with his hands in exasperation. "Don't worry – no one will catch me, there are so many delegates here that no one will notice another one."
"I'm not worried." Spock stated but Lord Christopher stared at him knowing better.
"Spock, you really need to remember that I'm an empath." Lord Christopher said patting Spock on the shoulder. "Everything will be fine between you and your father, trust me."
"It's illogical for me to believe that without facts to base it on," Spock said. "But based on past experience …I will. I have to ask though – why seek the aid of my parents when you could have come aboard on your own?"
"I have my reasons, Spock." Lord Christopher smiled pulling out his pocket watch. "Spock, you have to get ready for that formal reception and so do I."
Spock nodded reluctantly; he would rather sit and talk with Lord Christopher then meet and greet delegates that were on edge with each other.
"I'll see ya later Pi'veh," Lord Christopher said making his way. "Oh Spock," he stopped and turned back to the Vulcan. "Do you remember that phrase that my sister and I would tell each other all the time?"
"Which one?" Spock remember that they would tell each other many things that made little sense to him, but whatever they said had meaning for each other.
"Everything will turn out as it should." Lord Christopher smiled as he turned around and continued his way to his quarters.
Authoress' Note: * "Greetings Little one."
This is set during the episode 'Journey to Babel' and is connected to my 'Keepers' story. Please leave a review to tell me what you think -- positive or negative I really don't mind which!! Enjoy!