2258.1212
Ashalik stood in her closet, dressing for what would prove to be a most challenging proposal to the Governing Council. She secured her house signet and clan badge together on her cloak, and then set to braiding her hair.
"Asha, first meal is prepared," he mother called from the kitchen.
She walked into the kitchen to find her mother waiting for her with breakfast. As they ate, she thought about the persuasive feat of legend she would have to present to the governing council. She had a plan for relieving the burden suffered by the unbound males, but knew there would be an uphill battle to accomplish her task.
"A'maih?"
"Yes?"
"You already know the details… if you were to hear them for the first time, would you vote in favor?" she asked, hesitantly.
"Ko-fu, we stand to lose several thousand men, and countless women will potentially suffer T'Nida's fate. I would consider anything remotely reasonable if it meant lessening the suffering of our people," T'Sayerin answered. "We have no choice but to yield to the logic of your solution."
Sarek struck the ceremonial bell to bring the session to order. As it rang out, the Administrators, Administrators, and citizens in attendance became quiet. Ashalik listened as each Administrator reported on the status of the projects under their purview.
…Soluk was satisfied that the third revision of the social covenant was on schedule and expected at the next council meeting for final review by the First Admonistrator… T'Roa reported that in spite of the three suicides since Va'Pak, two births and one bonding had occurred, resulting in conception…. T'Alyah had successfully negotiated a trade agreement with the Federation for the dilithium crystals needed for warp engines…
"O'kohahausu Faer'o," Sarek addressed.
"Osu, Administrators, the events of last week are no mystery to us, and to that end, I shall speak candidly. A mature, unbound male experienced the onset of his first Blood Fever, and was unable to rationally and logically recognize the criminal nature of his behavior.
"He forced himself sexually upon an unbound mature female, and who now carries his child. While he recognizes the severity of his actions, and has willingly submitted himself to the custody of the V'Ket, this serves as a clarion warning.
"We can no longer wait in hope that our brothers will simply find a solution for themselves. The reality is that we have lost three to suicide, and one has committed graphic sexual assault: all in the name of biological imperative.
"Statistically, we shall see exponential increase in sexual violence and suicidal behavior over the next six years unless we actively begin preventative measures now," she paused. "It is my intent to form a collective designed to identify potential bond mates for our brothers."
Administrator T'Roa spoke with skeptical hesitation. "Ashalik, how would an endeavor of this magnitude successfully function?"
"It would be comprised of male and female healers, scientists, therapists, and the Elder's Council. As a male is approaching his Time, his healer will submit his information confidentially to the Collective.
"Meanwhile, any matured, unbound female who wishes to be considered need only submit her information. The members of the collective will work to identify the most appropriate match, from multiple perspectives: psychological, emotional, and genetic. These two individuals would then be given the opportunity to meet privately and decide whether not they wish to proceed."
Administrator Sekton adjusted uncomfortably in his seat, unable to hold his tongue any longer. Ashalik's brevity was more than he was prepared to accept.
"It is clear that you have given this much thought, and all of us can see it is well intended, but it cannot possibly succeed," he paused. "How can you expect this to work? We have bonding tradition even you know of. We cannot simply abandon that for the sake of convenience. I can see that as one who is only half Vulcan - "
"Sekton," Administrator Saadan breached, "I ask pardon for my interruption. However I do not believe this is in any way connected to the diversity of heritage that Administrator Faer'o brings to this chamber. It would be most unwise to negate any reasonable suggestion without full comprehension."
An interesting silence filled the council chamber as attention shifted back to Sekton.
Saadan continued. "Perhaps you should meditate upon this illogic. For this one who is 'only half' did in fact maintain the final duty of an honorable kir'an to highest expectation; I know as I stood in witness. If anyone understands the import of tradition, it is she."
Ashalik addressed Sarek directly.
"First Administrator, on the Day of Remembrance, you charged our society with an unprecedented responsibility – and I quote:
"Take every opportunity to scrutinize our laws, customs - every facet of our existence so as to cultivate the highest possible potential in this new world. Do so with caution, concern, and forethought for the consequences that will inevitably be suffered by the many generations that shall follow after us.
"S'haile, if I am to carry out that charge to the best of my ability, I must expose the glaring contradiction that is our cultural shaming of the entirety of the Pon Farr. We can ill afford any further delay in cultivating a solution that will spare our Brothers a certain death, or our Sisters graphic, sexual violation.
"There is no excuse in avoiding this imperative. If we delay due to tradition, or discomfort addressing fundamental biological function, we must accept responsibility for all that will take place, the good and the bad. I am unwilling to stand idly by and watch this omen take form. I will not carry that to my grave. None of us can allow that."
The sergeant-at-arms rapped his staff upon the floor as a two individuals stood, requesting permission to address the council. Sarek acknowledged them, recognizing them and the value their testimony would bring.
"Administrators, I am T'Nida. I claim Victim's Right, and wish to speak on this matter, as my circumstance would have been much different were the option of assisted pairing available."
Stoian stood by her side respectfully, in physical restraints with a guard on each arm. For one consumed by Pon Farr, Stoian was in extraordinary control of himself.
"Stoian acted in fear and illogic, with no other perceived option in sight. Were his actions excusable simply because of the Fever? No. I shall manage the consequences of his actions for the duration of my lifetime.
"I, like so many others, lost my mate and children in Va'Pak. Had such an opportunity been made available to me, I would have willingly applied to be paired with one of our brothers to spare them such suffering. Under those circumstances, I would have claimed him Adun t'nash-veh. "
Stoian stepped forward, hands outstretched petitioning the assembly.
"I would have preferred having the opportunity find her appropriately," he said gently, pausing to refine his composure. His struggle was clear."I submit myself completely to the authority of this Governing Assembly and the consequences set forth for my fate. My actions are my responsibility alone."
Sarek stood and addressed the young man directly.
"Stoian, son of Stonat, son of Stygar, your actions, and all mitigating circumstances have been reviewed by the Governing Assembly. Ekhartausu na'Tvi-El'Toraya Is-of Soluk, have you reached your decision regarding the fate of this man?"
Elder Soluk, Administrator of Law, rose slowly and nodded affirmatively. The eldest male in residence on New Vulcan steadied himself in preparation to issue decree over the young man standing before them. He regarded T'Nida with sage eyes, and then spoke.
"You will suffer no shame under my watchfulness. T'Nida, daughter of T'Lira, daughter of T'Vel: you are honored among our citizenry, and my first proclamation is thus," he bowed respectfully to her.
The assembled bowed respectfully, acknowledging his decree.
Slowly, he turned an ancient, piercing gaze to the unfortunate young man as absolute silence flooded the room.
"Stoian, I knew your grandfather. He was one of great respect and honor, known for his trustworthiness and humility. I thank Oekon Himself that Stygan is not here to see this day. Your crime has brought shame upon your family.
"Even in the midst of such minimal numbers, our population will not afford the error and malice you brought upon our Honored Daughter. Biological urge does not permit criminal aggression – female does not equal entitlement.
"We, the Governing Assembly of the Confederacy of Surak, in unanimous decision declare from this day forth you shall not bear right to marriage, inheritance to any heir, possession of land nor right to title. You will hold no governing office. The only choice you will have is to live out your days here among your people, or depart from us. Choose now, and choose wisely, for this is your only opportunity. If you leave, there will be no return."
Stoian blanched in shock. Carefully regaining control of himself, he thought on his options. If he left, he could restart his life, but where, and how? If he stayed, he would live out his days alone, no family, and when he was gone, his line was ended.
"Stoian," Soluk addressed him directly, "your decision?"
The young male looked upward to his elder and drew in a deep, calming breath.
"O'Ekhartausu, I choose to remain with my people. I will find ways to contribute to helping rebuild our way of life that may, and perhaps in time, allow me restore honor and respect to my family."
"And so it shall be. Go in meditation and peace, Stoian," Soluk answered.
They watched as the restraints were removed from his hands. He surveyed the attendees slowly, bowed respectfully and left in silence. Ashalik heard the grief in his mind. This was one day she wished she had not inherited that gift from her father.
Hearing no further testimony or objection, Sarek addressed the assembly.
"It is done. Administrators, in the interest of cultivating multiple options for survivability, I propose a conditional acceptance of this collective. Let us judge its efficacy one year from today. Does the council agree?"
Sarek counted the votes carefully: unanimous, save one.
"This council is in agreement, Administrator Ashalik - pursue this endeavor with all efficiency and speed."