Symmetry

2296.816

First-meal was communal, taking place in a well-managed rush as preparations for departure were in a constant state of completion. Emma, Anna, and Jenny watched in delighted silence as it happened, observing peak efficiency and cooperation all around them. As they sat together, T'Lyra approached.

"It is time for the Transition of Responsibility. You will accompany me," T'Lyra requested, continuing to instruct them on what was about to happen. "Kevet Dutar T'Laia and her ambassadorial staff are preparing to transport into the embassy. Emma, you will stand to the left of Kevet Dutar Sarek, Anna and Jenny, you will stand to the left of O'na'shikhausu Sulok."

"T'Lyra, are we required to do or say anything?" Anna asked.

"No, with exception of offering the customary greetings, as this is a diplomatic formality only," she replied. They arrived outside the ceremonial chamber and paused, as Ana gave Jenny a final check. Sulok had briefed her on what would be expected, and Anna wished only the best first impression for her young niece.

Sarek approached Emma silently, dressed in formal attire she had not seen. He wore a black tunic with silver embroidery around a the cuffs and a Mandarin styled collar, which seated seamlessly against the silvery-gray tugno't-ischaya , the rarely earned formal diplomatic robes.

/Aduna. Are you prepared?/

/As much as I can be,/ she thought as she adjusted Skelan in her robe.

Sulok made one final inspection for the most miniscule detail that could have been overlooked, and returned to his place, activating his communicator. "Embassy to T'Plana Hath."

"T'Plana Hath, awaiting invitation," the communications officer responded immediately.

"All staff cleared for transport to embassy grounds, on your acknowledgement," Sulok answered, quietly closing the device.

Three seconds later, the all too familiar hum began and elements of the incoming ambassadorial staff arrived, security teams first. As they conducted scans, acknowledgment was given again and the service staff arrived, then finally followed by the new ambassador and her staff.

Standing in silence, T'Raia observed the outgoing compliment carefully. She was very tall, at what Emma estimated to be six feet and three inches, and like Sarek, she also wore the tugno't-isachya, over a tunic of soft brown. Emma knew she was younger than Sarek, and this was her first assignment off world.

T'Raia approached them, hand raised in the traditional gesture. "Mene sakkhet ur-seveh, O'kevet dutar Sarek."

"Dif-tor heh smusma, Ambassador T'Raia. I trust your journey was free of unnecessary incident?" Sarek replied.

"Correct," T'Raia paused, indicating the Vulcan male to her right. "He who is my husband, O'shila-talsu Selkek."

"S'haile," Sarek greeted the older male, nearly his own age. "I present Dr. Emma MacGregor, O'khar-tausu na iyula-di'kizh tumaya, heh nen-ter-titayek t'Teraya, she who is my wife."

T'Raia and Selkek both bowed graciously as Emma greeted them. "K'odu, the honor is mine. Welcome to Earth."

As Sarek, T'Raia and their staff continued discussion for the ambassadorial transition, the remaining members of each party continued getting to know one another.

"Dr. MacGregor, I attended the memorial concert for Shiyorian Ka'alte. Your compositional style is commendable. Andorian Musical vocabulary is complex," Selkek said.

"Most kind, Osu. Ka'alte spoke as the musical voice for the Federation for so long, I feared I could not accurately thank him. It was an undertaking I am most honored to have been chosen for.

"Your representation was honest and forthright," he answered.

"On another topic if I may," she hesitated momentarily, "I found your research regarding sociological and cultural reforms taking place in the outer regions of the Irion Syndicate to be enlightening. Do you perceive these trends to be lasting, and will there be any positive changes to the militaristic behavior of the warlords?"

"While initial data suggests the potentiality, there is insufficient data to speak conclusively. Obtaining accurate and relevant primary source data is difficult. As to the warlords, they're behavior is akin to their logic: unbalanced and unpredictable. I am authoring a newer study regarding their policies toward equality between males and females. If you wish, I shall ensure you receive a copy of the findings when it is complete?"

"I'd really appreciate that," Emma paused, realizing she had neglected an important duty. "O'shila-talsu," Emma began, "this is my mother, Anna MacLeod aduna Soluk, and my cousin, Jenny MacLeod."

Selkek bowed graciously to them both. "T'Sai Anna, Orensu Jenny," he paused, a moment of recognition on his face. "You are the Terran who will study Astrophysics in the next term at the Academy?"

"Ha, O'shila-talsu. My courses begin in two weeks," she replied.

Her beginning understanding of the Vulcan language was strong, as was her accent. "I served on the Admissions Council for off world applicants. Your application was intriguing. Perhaps you shall find suitable challenge in the academy program?"