Disclaimers : See part 1

Part 19

Sarek felt his body free fall. The height was more than he would have liked. Yet, his inner reflexes did not fail him nor did his time sense. He turned mid fall and cut cleanly into the water. His body plunged deep into the ocean as he had expected. The water was shockingly cold. He allowed himself to dive deep. Then after 6 seconds, he turned and powerful arms and legs propelled him to the surface. He was deeply grateful that Amanda had insisted he learn how to swim and that she had dragged him to the ocean often. He broke water and took a deep breath. He saw the ship pull away. He was tossed by rough seas. He choked out the water and looked for the land. He was going to have to swim in. He began his swim hoping he was able to make it. He closed off the bond not wanting to frighten Amanda.

In her cabin Amanda collapsed. She was going into shock. The abrupt halting of her bond to Sarek scared her. She screamed out his name. "Sarek!"

Marie gathered her close and held her as she wept. She did not understand her daughter's fascination with the Vulcan but it was clear she was deeply attached. She held her as she cried. She would let Amanda mourn her loss and offer what comfort she could. Maria had no doubt that Sarek was dead. The fall alone would have killed him. She like most people on Earth knew Vulcans could not swim. They avoided open water at all costs.

Sarek swam determined to reach the shore. He felt his wound bleeding. He was grateful that his blood and rough seas would not attract sharks. He was surprised when he felt something brush against his leg. He froze and began to tread water. Then he felt it again. He was shocked when two large dolphins broke the surface. They seemed to be looking him over. Despite the storm these mammals had to come up for air. They appeared to be curious. One brushed his hand. Sarek was shocked to feel a mind probe. He had not been shielding too much other than to protect Amanda. He suddenly had an idea. He knew he would never make it to shore alone. He let the dolphin touch his hand again.

Please help me. My mate is in danger and I must get to shore to find help.

There was a series of clicks and whistles. Then the large male came close once more on Sarek's left side. The smaller female came to his right. Both came up under Sarek's outstretched arms.

We take shore logical to help

Sarek was stunned but allowed these magnificent creatures to carry him in. Even with their help it took over an hour to get to shore. Sarek was grateful beyond world.

Thank you, he said as he stroked them gently

There was an other almost amused click. logic no thank Then the creatures were gone leaving one soaked and exhausted Vulcan on the beach.

Sarek struggled for breath even as he fought back the Fires. So far he had managed with Amanda's help, yet blocking her reduced his control. With great reluctance considered opening the bond.

Amanda refused to believe Sarek was dead. No, he was alive or she be dead too. This she knew with absolute certainty. She could never survive without him. She rested as her mother offered her condolences and what comfort she could. Despite the situation Amanda was glad. At least her mother finally understood she belonged to Sarek. Taking a deep calming breath Amanda turned inward. This would have appeared to be shock to her mother and anyone watching them. It was not.

Amanda reached back inside herself. She called upon all her long ago training and sent out a mental prayer a call for help. Sarek may have survived the fall but he could never swim so far to shore. Please someone help Sarek. He cannot swim so far.

She knew that she could connect with earth's creatures. She had always had that gift, yet doing so sight unseen was an act of faith. She called and called. She felt her own spirit animals leave her to seek the aid Sarek would need. She shook with relief when the image of dolphins arose. She could not have asked for better help. The odds of such mythical creatures answering the call were slim. She hoped for a miracle and it had shown itself. She knew that there were only a handful of those wonderful creatures left. That they would answer her call made her sag with relief. She just hoped Sarek would take their help. She sent waves of peace to him hoping to help him fight the Fires. The cold water would help but not much. He could not act aggressively toward them. She just wished he stop trying to protect her; the shock had almost been more then she could bear.
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John Grayson was taken directly to the ambassador's office. He was shocked to see 20 large bags on a table. He was directed to take a seat which he did almost slumping with worry.

He looked up at Skon feeling like a child reporting to the principle with news of failing to win the big game. "I have failed Ambassador. Earth will not allow me access to the funds we need."

Skon noticed he looked ready to break down. His estimation of John Grayson went up. He knew that John had visited every major financial institution in the area including one owned by a close friend. He also knew admitting failure was not something he did easily.

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The news feeds blared the news across Earth. Many were in shock. While John Grayson may be feared his wife and daughter were loved. Both had done countless hours of charity work. It had been leaked that John Grayson was with at the Vulcan compound. Then began the calls to Earth government demanding that they help. The news of the block on the funds almost caused a riot. While many did not like the idea of that much hard currency going to terrorist, they all acknowledged the money was John's. Then something extraordinary happened. Amanda's students banged on the gates of the compound.

"Please let us in," Daniel called he was holding a large bag.

With caution the guards waved him away.

"Please, look," Daniel said turning the bag over and latinum fell out. "Please, come take this money. It is not a lot but it can help. We need Ms. Grayson and Mr. Sarek back. Please take the money. They have been good to us. It is only logical that you accept our help."

Another group of people arrived and upturned a bag and the gold shone as lighting struck the ground.

Skon turned on the video feed. T' Lara looked shocked as she heard the young boy's words. "It is only logical that you accept our help."

She exchanged a look with Skon. John too was amazed; he had never expected this. He watched as Harris and Sara opened a bag and dumped their money onto the growing pile.

T' Lara would have expected this from Vulcans. In fact many had wired funds to aid them. But this outpouring from humans was unheard of. Skon motioned for the guards to bring Daniel and the money in. Daniel whooped for joy as he was brought to the office. The guards carefully took note of how much each person gave.

President Adair was in shock. He had not expected such a backlash. Clearly Amanda and Sarek had become the public's sweethearts. He could not believe that their security had been breeched and that the public now knew that Earth had been willing to sacrifice them to protect its economy. He knew if he did not reverse his decision his political career was over. Granted Amanda and Maria Grayson did lots of good works but he had never considered that it mattered to most people. It was just expected. What he failed to realize was the public was equally fascinated with the idea of a Vulcan human match. Sarek had already won many over with his good looks and charm. His pairing with the one woman most considered a princess was a fairytale in the making. The press was having a field day and he the president of Earth was being cast as the wicked stepfather. He immediately sent the fund to John Grayson. He would not be made the villain of the piece.
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Daniel was in awe as he met Skon and T' Lara. He raised his hand in the ta'al. "Live long and prosper, sir, ma'am," he said

A shocked Skon managed, "Peace and long life."

"This is not much sir only about 100,000. It was all we could raise in a short time. But ," he stammered, "Logically it will help a little."

John Grayson looked at the boy. He then said barely keeping his voice from breaking, "It helps more then you know. Thank you. Thank you for caring."

Daniel looked ready to cry. "We love them, sir. She is my family, sir. I cannot lose her. She is all I have." He looked down; as an orphan his only real stability was the school. He lived with his guardian who barely remembered he was around. "She is our teacher and she loves him. We have to save them both. He promised to teach us more about logic. It makes no sense that they not give you the money."

"It does. But it is wrong, "T' Lara said "Your president fears for your economy. He is acting logically. The good of the many must out weigh the good to the few."

"Bullshit!" Daniel said then he flushed looking down and ashamed at his outburst.

John smiled as he put his hand on the boy's shoulder. "I agree and I would say they do as well. "

"Do not be ashamed of your reaction Daniel. The cause is more than sufficient," Skon said. He looked at the young man with deep respect. Daniel straightened, his pride restored.

Part 20

Skon's face was stony as he regained control. He had been caught off guard by the out pouring of emotions and the gifts from people that they did not know. Until now he had considered humans to be selfish and overly emotional. T' Lara looked at the boy who appeared ready to cry and was impressed as she saw him fight to regain control of his emotions. Sarek and Skon had said it was possible for humans to learn to be more controlled. She had never believed it. While she felt Amanda was Sarek's match she had concerns. Overall, humanity was an enigma that had the potential to be extraordinary. She had seen the cold calculation of humans all too often. Today a new aspect of humanity emerged. It was showing a capacity to be generous and to offer support. The news feeds showed people on the street talking about the demand that Vulcan leave the Federation and Earth in particular.

"Joanna Marks here asking our citizens what they think about the hostage crisis." She held her mike to a man in work cloths.

"Look, Joanna I don't like those pointy eared freaks. They just seem of so superior all the time. This however is dead wrong. They got a right to be in the Federation. They have been our allies, personal feelings aside. Whoever did this is an idiot. They could get mad and it could start a war. We don't need that. And to take the women. John Grayson may be a bastard, but his ladies are angels. Give me 5 minutes with those animals." He looked ready to beat someone. "I guess that is why I am here. I not a rich man but, Maria Grayson raised money for the victims on Ceti Alpha. I got a brother there. Her help meant they got medicine and food. We could not have provided that. So, what I have is for her and her daughter. If it helps the Vulcan too then that is fine by me too. It is only a 100 credits, but it is all we have to give." He dropped the money into the box.

Joanna went to a woman dressed in a fine suit. She shivered against the rain. "Maria is my friend. I hope this helps." She dropped money into the box.

Jenna dropped money in next. "Joanna, Amanda clearly loves her Vulcan. I don't see why myself."

"Right, I believe that one," her sister said laughing

Jenna glared. "Love is special and so is Mandy. So we brought what we could."

John watched the Vulcans and could see their masks fall into place. He knew they became more controlled with each act they witnessed. He began to smile despite the situation. The Vulcan people were now seeing one of humanities finest qualities. The ability to unite in a crisis. The aides had been tallying the funds. They brought a note to Skon.

He looked at John and said calmly. "We have the funds, more than we require as I had the full amount sent from Vulcan." He looked at Daniel. "We will not forget this, Daniel. Vulcan will remember you and your efforts."

The boy blushed.

"T' Kara, please inform the public we have reached our goal," Skon said

Such generosity from humans? How can this be? T' Lara was in awe and wonder. Never had she believed that Amanda and her mother could instill such devotion. Service was expected, on Vulcan it was a way of life. Yet there was no duty to service here on Earth. To find her daughter had done so willingly and had been trained to do so by a human mother was a shock. It did, however, give her hope that this match would be far better and more stable then they believed.

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Jeremiah was not happy. He had just heard the news. There was a massive manhunt out for him and his crew. He knew that they needed to make it to shore and find a place to hide. He considered the options and decided on the wharf warehouse district. He owned a block of buildings there and their deeds were under a holding company. He sent word to have the place prepared and they headed in.

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Sarek stumbled up the beach. He had no idea where he was. There were no houses close. He was cold and knew he needed help soon. He began to walk knowing he would have o pass something soon. As he walked he spotted a transport. He moved to it and noticed a man sleeping. He had clearly pulled off to avoid driving in the storm. A logical thing to do. Sarek climbed up onto the cab and knocked on the window. The window came down.

"What ya want man?" the dark skinned man asked.

"Please… I need a ride… to the Vulcan compound."

"You, who be you?"

Sarek struggled to understand but answered, "I am Sarek of Vulcan." He could barely speak he was shivering so much.

"You be that lady's man. Okay, Sarek man, climb in. I can take you."

Sarek understood and climbed in. He sat back and closed his eyes. The warmth of the vehicle was welcome.

"Here man, take this blanket. You look froze."

Sarek took it and wrapped it around him. It was warm and soft. He looked at his rescuer. "Thank you."

"No need to thank me, man. We get her back for you. She be a good lady." They raced toward the compound as fast as the transport would go.

Twenty minutes later, Sarek climbed down and was quickly taken inside. A hot cup of tea was pressed into his hand by T' Lara.

"We need to find Amanda and the others," Sarek said as he sipped the hot brew.

"What happened?" John asked.

"They pushed me off a boat."

T' Lara stiffened, her expression stony. He could have been killed

He survived my wife. Skon looked at his son then asked, "What kind of boat? Where were you heading?"

"A freighter and it was heading out to sea. They are well organized with a large group of men." He was shaking as he warmed, the Fires began to burn once more." I need Amanda." He was visibly shaking. "Weapon. I can take you to her."

"How?" John asked "You just said you don't know where she is? That her ship was headed for open sea?"

Sarek looked at him. "I can feel our bond. They are now on land. Close. About 50 miles from here?"

"How can you tell?"

"We are bonded. I can tell. She is alive and scared. She is with her mother. "

"What about Soran?" Skon asked.

Sarek shivered and replied. "He is not with them. She seems to think he is in another room.

As they spoke the president arrived. He had the remaining funds with him, appropriated in an emergency senate session. He had never seen such giving. He could tell millions had been raised and sent to the Vulcan compound. He turned and spoke the crowd assuring them that his government would save the hostages. The crowd jeered, clearly not believing him.

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Joanna turned to the camera." It seems Sarek has escaped and was rushed into the compound."

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Jeremiah cursed and shut off the feed. Everywhere people were looking for them. He could not believe the response. He knew that time was running out. Damn it. He slammed his hand down. The plan had been perfect.

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John looked at Sarek and demanded, "How can you tell what she is thinking?"

Sarek's temper flared and he said, "She is mine. We share a mental bond."

John staggered as if struck. He looked at Sarek. "She is in your mind? How could you!" he shouted. "My daughter is locked to you. You could have killed her?"

"Remain calm, John," Skon said in soft measured tones. "The bond will allow us to find Amanda and the others."

John Grayson had no wish to be placated. He dove after Skon.

Skon merely applied the nerve pinch and John went down hard. Skon summoned a healer and John was taken to rest.

"Was that wise, my husband?" T' Lara asked.

"He needs rest. Sarek, are you certain you can located Amanda? The Fires appear to be burning brightly, my son. Perhaps it would be wise to allow the healer to sedate you," Skon suggested.

"Never. I will lead our team in retrieving Amanda and her mother." His hand stuck the desk and it shifted.

T' Lara started and looked at Sarek her mask locked tight but her concern sent to Skon. I fear for him

Perhaps it would be wiser to take him. If the fever burns this brightly then he will need Amanda soon. We can not risk it burning out of control.

Guard him please, she sent.

Skon looked at her. He is precious to me as well, my wife.

Sarek turned and left the room already stripping off the wet clothing. He stepped into a sonic shower. Moments later, warmer and clean, he dressed and came out.

T' Lara's brow rose as she noted the warrior's clothing. He looked savage and she feared for him. His control was shredded and anyone who got in his way was going to be hurt or worse. She knew that Sarek had to get to his mate or he would die and this would make him dangerous. The other Vulcans stepped back and away clearly not willing to risk anything that could be taken as a challenge. Skon motioned for them to follow. He nodded at the security chief; his wisdom would be rewarded for all the guards were female. T' Mara had anticipated the possible fever in Sarek and had assembled her unit accordingly. Skon was grateful as that was one less worry he had. They sped to find Amanda even as John was roused to go take the money to the drop off point.

TBC..