Federation Standard Year 2204:

On Earth, in a Seattle hospital, an infant entered the world. Her lungs brought forth a cry so loud the cosmos shook. Fate had brought her to be a part of this world.

Where tragedy had threatened her very existence, destiny had preserved it. Her lungs filled with air because another life had replaced hers in the forever known as death.

Bright blue eyes blinked against the bright light of the delivery room. A young mother held her close to keep her tiny body warm. "Amanda..."

~--~

As a Vulcan I am taught not to grieve. Yet how can one not grieve a life lost in vain. Solkar, my grandfather, died in an attack on the Vulcan embassy on Earth. Father will not take up the path, his own father forged before him.

Father is comfortable with his chosen occupation of translating the works of Surak and other historical figures.

I find myself being drawn down another path, a path that Solkar presented to me in my youth. Today I speak with T'Pau about a nomination for the position of Ambassador to Earth. I am concerned she will find my request illogical, and that I seek out emotions. Such is not the case. I discovered long ago, my future lies in the stars. They have called to me all this time, even more so today.

Today, I learned Solkar's life was voided in the protection of a human--a female who was near her time to give birth.

~--~

Sarek waited outside T'Pau's office. If he was at all nervous he didn't let it show. He knew it wouldn't be too hard to persuade her. His instructors had told him he was a remarkable orator. He had yet to meet a challenge he could not win in his debates at the Science Academy.

The door to T'Pau's office opened and the Head of State emerged. "Sarek, enter, we will receive thee now."

Sarek moved into the office and stood with his hands clasped behind his back. In a ridged chair sat Councilbeing T'Lor. She had been handpicked by T'Pau to fill the seat T'Pau had turned down on the Federation Council. "Councilbeing T'Lor, T'Pau I am honored by the audience with you both. It..."

"Kroyka!" The word as spoke, by T'Pau caused him to shift uneasy. It wasn't logical, but the woman's voice--void of emotion--had the ability to command even the stars to alter their course. "Sarek, child of Skon, child of Solkar, Vulcan has lost a diplomat, who we will have to replace. Since you were born you have been groomed to take Solkar's position. That time has come "

Sarek had come with the idea he would have to use persuasion to gain the position he sought."I am honored by the position; I shall serve Vulcan to my upmost ability."

"You will join me on a return trip to Earth, where the interm Ambassador will further your education." It was the light voice of T'Lor who spoke this time.

"Go, gather you belongings. You will leave for Earth in 2.82 hours on the USS Farpoint." T'Pau told him.

Sarek nodded, holding up the customary greeting he told them, "Live long and prosper."

After they returned the gesture he took his leave and returned to his apartment. How long would have to be away from home? All his other stays on Earth had been for short stays. The longest he had stayed was 2.7 weeks. Now his time was most uncertain.

His arrival would also put him there in their winter. Sarek had never seen actual snow. He knew it to be quite cold though.

A thought occurred to him, but it would have to wait until he was aboard the Farpoint. It was a weeklong trip from Vulcan to Earth. The time would be well spent time spent reviewing Federation Standard. His skills needed polished greatly.