Vahklas
By Blacknblue (aka Bluenblack)
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek. I wrote this for fun. Anyone is free to download and/or redistribute this story as long as you keep it complete and intact, and as long as you don't make any money from it.
Note: Vulcan terms used in this story were taken from the online Vulcan Language Dictionary, the Vulcan Language Institute, or I made them up myself.
A/N: This story makes several references to events that took place during earlier stories in my series. In particular, the conversation between Kerlek and Jul refers to material that was introduced in my story "Purgatory". This story also incorporates aspects of the Vulcan social and economic structure, as described in my prior stories. If you have not read my earlier work you might have issues following along. Enter at your own risk.
Anyone is welcome to use anything I invent in these fan fics as long as they don't make any money off it. I also appreciate it when they take the time to give me a brief nod. Otherwise help yourself.
Chapter 9:
Kerlek pronounced T'Pol to be in optimum physical condition, which got Trip grinning happily. Then the trap snapped shut.
"Husband," his devious wife gave him a look that dripped innocence. "Since opportunities like today are rare, I took the liberty of arranging for krei Jul to meet us here after my examination. She desires our assistance in her ongoing effort to evaluate and monitor T'Lissa's psychological development."
"Sure, hon," Trip said. Naive fool that he was. "Makes sense to me. This is the only chance we'll have for something like that until next week." He followed his wife, daughter, and Kerlek down a short hallway to a meeting room where Jul was waiting.
Five grueling hours later, Trip managed to weave his way out of the meeting room under his own power – but just barely. What his wife's cousin Jul had described as, "a minimal number of superficial tests to determine the parameters of Human telepathic ability," turned out to be a barrage of questions, tissue sampling, telepathic experiments, and more diagnostic instruments than Trip could remember. By the end of it, he was thinking wistfully about Andorian interrogation techniques. And there was no way out, either. The situation involved T'Lissa's health. Even if he had not been willing to help, which he certainly was, he lacked the authority under Vulcan custom to refuse.
Trip finally escaped by the simple expedient of declaring that it was past time for him to go to work. Invoking his own sphere of responsibility, business matters, gave him the only escape hatch he had and he slid through it like he was greased. Trip gave T'Lissa a hug, not caring about watching Vulcan sensibilities. He then offered T'Pol a finger touch and headed for the door as quickly as his shaky knees could handle. By the time he reached the aircar he only dropped the keys twice before fumbling the door open.
Trip didn't even try to pilot the car manually. He input the coordinates for the factory, notified central traffic control that he was going on full autopilot mode, and leaned the seat back with a moan.
"Most informative and intriguing," Kerlek said, reviewing the scan logs.
"My head hurtses," T'Lissa said, rubbing her face with both hands. "Hows come you made my head hurt, krei Jul?" She gave her elder a look that was not brim full of familial affection.
"That was not my intention, child," Jul told her. She finished filling the hypo and said, "Hold out your arm." The medicine hissed and Jul added, "If your father had not left so quickly, I would have offered him a choice of analgesics as well."
"My husband dislikes medication unless absolutely required," T'Pol said. Her voice was a touch uneven too. "I believe he left so quickly in order to prevent a complete loss of emotional control. The fatigue and stress inflicted upon him by this testing regimen was extreme." She placed her fingers together in the Pl'Trin position and focused briefly, banishing the pain and casting out her own irritation.
"It seems that subsequent sessions must be adjusted in length and intensity." Jul accepted the PADD Kerlek offered and scanned it with obvious interest.
"I wanna go home." T'Lissa looked up at her mother.
"As do I, T'Lissa," T'Pol told her. She looked at the healers.
"It will take a significant amount of time to analyze these results," Jul said. "I will provide you with a report when Kerlek and I have quantified the data."
"Satisfactory," T'Pol said, standing up quickly. "Come, T'Lissa. It is time to return home."
"OK," the little one said, taking her hand. "Can I has mushrooms on my letsus today? They taste good, and when lunch tastes good it makes me feel better."
"You may," her mother told her as the headed for the door. "You have behaved with exemplary discipline today. Such extraordinary effort deserves positive reinforcement."
The pair exited the office, leaving Jul and Kerlek to contemplate their results. After an extended period of silent review, Jul said, "I am struck by something."
"Specify," Kerlek said, absently, still scrolling through the EEG readouts.
"In every other case of inter-species telepathy that I have studied," Jul said, "varying degrees of interpretation difficulty arise. This is hardly surprising, since each race has a unique nervous system."
"Betazoids, for example," she went on, "Their empathic sensitivity exceeds our own in some respects, and some of their more gifted telepaths are equal to the Masters of Gol in range and strength - when communicating between themselves. But transferring thoughts between ourselves and a native of Betazed requires significant effort, even for the highly trained. Direct communication between a Vulcan and an Andorian telepath, according to T'Pol, is nearly impossible without artificial assistance. The variance in thought patterns caused by different brain configurations makes this inevitable."
Kerlek's expression changed. "I... have not made a study of this subject." He quickly looked back down at his readout, making a minute adjustment in the display.
Jul said, "Understandable. It is not a subject that a general practitioner would logically have a reason to pursue. Yet, I assure you that it is correct. The process of inter-species telepathic communication is invariably more challenging than communicating with members of one's own race. Only the fact that certain things are true of all DNA based life forms makes it possible at all. Therefore I am surprised, indeed, profoundly surprised, at the ease with which Charles has been able to form bonds with his family. Superficial research reveals that the Human central nervous system differs from ours in several significant ways."
Kerlek hesitated. "The Human brain is a most adaptable organ." He refused to look up from his readout. Jul gave him a curious glance.
"Is there an anomaly in the data?"
Kerlek hesitated again. "Not, strictly. No." He lowered the PADD reluctantly. "I must tell you something. It will almost certainly clarify the issue that puzzles you. But it is to be held under strictest confidentiality for the present."
"Certainly." Jul put down her PADD and folded her hands. "Proceed."
Kerlek's raised his hand halfway to his brow, then he caught himself and replaced it on his lap. He firmly clasped both hands and smoothed his expression. "During our monitoring of T'Lissa's development, Dr. Phlox and I have been conducting supplemental research in comparative genetics. As she is the first known, or rather, the first surviving Vulcan-Human hybrid it seemed logical to us to take advantage of this opportunity."
"Entirely logical," Jul's tone held unmistakeable approval.
Kerlek sat up even more stiffly. "As you might expect, the first thing we did was to perform a complete mapping of T'Lissa's genetic profile. Our plan was to compare her genome with both the Vulcan and Human genomes. Of course, both species genomes were mapped long ago, with each structure identified. We hypothesized that conducting a point-by-point comparison would provide insight into the logic behind T'Lissa's genetic code."
"Again," Jul said, "I find your logic intact."
Kerlek closed his eyes. "What we found was not, however, logical. We noted multiple anomalies in her genetic pattern and, when we obtained tissue samples from her parents, the anomalies became even more confusing. Ultimately we made a discovery that both Phlox and myself decided to withhold from publication for the present."
Jul raised both eyebrows. "What could be so controversial as to provoke suppression of research results?"
Kerlek opened his eyes and regarded her grimly. "We found, and it has been confirmed by multiple cross-checks, that more than 17% of the Human genome is both structurally and functionally identical to the Vulcan genome."
Jul froze in place for several moments. "You and Dr. Phlox both have respected reputations. There is also the fact that Denobulans are generally acknowledged as being among the best geneticists in the quadrant. I have no choice but to accept your assertion. Yet I still find myself unable to come to terms with it."
"I suffered the same difficulty in the beginning," Kerlek's face moved. "Doctor Phlox did manage to present a hypothesis that offers a logical explanation for what we foud. It is internally consistent, and it is supported by archaeological data on Earth. I suspect that we will never reach certainty on the matter."
"May I hear the hypothesis?" Jul leaned forward, tense, with her eyes glittering.
"According to my calculations," Kerlek put his fingertips together. "The specific base pair sequences present patterns that conform more closely to standard Vulcan biology than to Terran biology. I began my calculations based on the tentative premise that Vulcan DNA was somehow infused into the Human genome. Allowing for standard rates of genetic drift, I reached the conclusion that the infusion of Vulcan genes, if such had in fact occurred, must have take place at a point between 60,000 to 80,000 Earth years ago. I reported my results to Phlox, and he embarked on a search of the Human historical database."
"He found something?" Jul stood up, then suddenly realized what she had done. She stood, chagrined to the point of near embarrassment. Kerlek politely refrained from noticing.
"Yes," Kerlek told her. "According to Phlox, every Human alive today is descended from a tiny population who survived a catastrophic tectonic event. This event took place approximately 70,000 years ago. The event resulted in a temporary alteration in the planetary climate which both lowered the atmospheric oxygen content, and reduced the available water supply in the equatorial regions where the ancient Humans dwelt."
"Producing conditions not dissimilar to Vulcan," Jul mused. She looked up. "there is no possibility of parallel evolution causing the phenomenon?"
Kerlek made a negative gesture. "We ran multiple models under a wide range of conditions. The probability is low enough to be statistically insignificant"
"Wondrous." Jul stared into space. "You must publish these results. It would be negligent not to share this knowledge."
"We debated the option at length," Kerlek said. "We attempted to weigh the benefit of advancing science, against the potential harm that might be inflicted. Recall that only in the near past was the Human faction called Terra Prime finally subdued. Prior to that point they had made multiple attempts to assassinate T'Lissa and her family. We also considered the unfortunate fact that many Vulcan may not yet be ready to cope with the ramifications of this knowledge. While we were certain that the majority of both races would be reasonable about accepting the information, it only takes a tiny minority to cause significant damage."
Jul folded her hands deliberately and concentrated on the first level disciplines. "I grieve to acknowledge the possibility of harm. Yet there has never been a major discovery in history that did not carry with it the potential for disruption."
Kerlek looked troubled. "I have often had the same thought. But as healers we are sworn above all to do no harm. I am unwilling to bear the responsibility for this decision alone, and Phlox is currently en route to the Delphic Expanse. Following his ship's return, which may not be for several weeks, they are scheduled to embark on another deep space voyage of exploration."
Jul pressed her lips together. "I suggest a consultation with the principles involved. Call Charles and T'Pol in for a meeting and present the information to them. Let them make the final decision as to whether it should be released."
Kerlek slowly nodded. "It is a logical suggestion. One aspect that has troubled me is the fact that this information is known only to Vulcans and a Denobulan. I will find it agreeable to include a Human as well."
"It might be logically argued," Jul pressed her advantage, "that the final decision should rest with Humans in any case. After all, it is their own genome that we are discussing."
"Indisputable," Kerlek said. "I will prepare a message at my earliest opportunity."
"I would also welcome the opportunity to be present," Jul said.
"Certainly." Kerlek inclined his head.
Tolaris kept his eyes firmly closed, and his breathing steady. It was imperative that any passing observer perceive him as being deep in meditation. Meanwhile, he listened carefully to the conversation taking place at the other end of the corridor. The monastary's smooth stone construction provided excellent acoustics.
"I find the circumstances disquieting."
The voice belonged to a young Security officer who had been dispatched to investigate the old priest's death. Tolaris silently thanked the ancient gods that they had sent a foolish youngster, rather than a grizzled veteran. As long as his story remained consistent, he should be safe. A low ranking beginner would not be willing to take responsibility for initiating a major investigation without solid proof of a crime.
"The dead sehlat showed no indication of starvation, disease, or mating frenzy. There was no logical reason for it to attack him."
One of the two priests on duty replied to him.
"It is unfortunate that animals do not always behave in compliance with the dictates of logic. Perhaps he startled the beast and it became frightened."
The third, and oldest, priest at the monastery spoke.
"Do you have an alternative theory?"
The Security officer spoke slowly, plainly uncertain of himself.
"The only other person present was the former V'Tosh Katur, Tolaris. They are known to behave erratically."
The oldest priest sounded chiding.
"This is true. Have you heard reports that the V'Tosh Katur have ever attacked anyone? I have not. Illogical though their behavior may have been, their reputation has not been destructive."
The younger priest spoke.
"Tolaris was injured by the beast himself, when he attempted to provide aid. The marks on his chest are completely compatible with the claws of the dead beast. His report that Stegne fell when the beast leaped upon him seems logical to me. Stegne was of notable age. Even a relatively slight impact would have been sufficient to cause the cervical fracture that killed him."
The Security officer sounded convinced.
"As you say. I will return to the city with the honored Stegne's body. Know that all of Shi'Kahr will grieve with thee."
Footsteps faded into the distance and Tolaris bit the inside of his cheek to hold back a smile. Shortly after sunrise, an aircar landed outside and the younger priest came to inform him that a member of his clan had arrived to provide transportation for him.
Tolaris emerged from the mediation chamber to find Jorin waiting, to his surprise. He inclined his head. "Krei Jorin. You honor me."
His elder looked him over with eyes like laser probes, assessing every detail and weakness. Tolaris mentally grabbed his temper and hung on tight. Killing a kinsman was not only uncouth, it would be unwise in the extreme.
Jorin said, "The message came that you had been injured while attempting to aid a priest. I decided that the clan, at minimum, owed you proper treatment of your wounds and appropriate transportation."
Tolaris didn't believe a word of it. Jorin had another reason. Probability favored the idea that he was suspicious. His only viable option was to present an attitude of dutiful humility.
"I merely took the only logical course open to me, krei," Tolaris said. "Your willingness to offer support reflect favorably on yourself, and on the clan. But my injuries have been tended by the priests, and I have meditated sufficiently to bring them under control. However, the offer of transportation would be most agreeable."
"Then, let us depart." Jorin gestured and the pair headed for the aircar.
Anna pressed the button and waited while chimes echoed on the other side of the gate. She closed her eyes and tried to remember the disciplines that Kov had been teaching her. Nothing. Her mind was a total blank. Not surprising, given the circumstances.
The gate opened and a young member of Kov's clan looked out curiously. "You have business here?" He examined her with carefully hidden disdain.
Anna beat down any outward sign of irritation and offered the ta'al. "I am Anna, betrothed to Kov, son of Kuvak. I have an appointment to speak to the Eldest Mother."
His eyebrows lifted almost imperceptibly and the gate swung wide. "I will escort you."
Anna bit her tongue, hard. Customarily, a visiting member of the clan would simply be directed to the receiving room while the Eldest was notified of her visitor. His offer to escort her was not likely to be courtesy. She figured he didn't want to let a wild Human loose to rampage amongst the Eldest's property unsupervised. She was not surprised when he took position just inside the receiving room doorway and waited with her until Eldest Mother Laritkla arrived.
"Partik." The old woman's look raked him. "Your enthusiasm as gatekeeper is remarkable. Did it extend to offering water to your krei's betrothed?"
He stiffened. "I… no."
"Then do so," she said. "Let us demonstrate to Anna that this clan is aware of the principles of fundamental courtesy."
The young man's ear tips turned emerald, and he hopped to it. Anna accepted the cup of lukewarm water with all the gracious courtesy that she could muster. After the ritual greeting concluded, Laritkla said, "Perhaps it might be more appropriate for you to resume your position at the gate, Son of my House. Anna is a trained warrior. I am confident that she is capable of protecting me from any wandering k'bet that might penetrate this home's defenses."
Partik bowed and headed back to his post, tight jawed. Anna focused on a far corner of the room and struggled to center herself while Laritkla put down her cup and leaned back.
"Despite your misgivings, Anna," Laritkla said, "you are as welcome in this house as any other member of my clan. It would be agreeable if you are someday able to cast out your anger at my behavior during our first meeting. But regardless, I am here to serve. Tell me what you need."
Anna deflated and looked down at her clenched hands. "Kov doesn't know I came here. Not yet." She looked up. "I'm going to tell him of course."
"Of course." Laritkla tilted her head. "Does your difficulty involve Kov?"
"Both of us." Anna spoke very quietly. "We want children." He clenched hands tightened and worked each other. Laritkla waited patiently. Finally Anna went on, "We consulted with Healer Kerlek. I presume Kuvak has given you the background information about T'Lissa?"
"Yes," Laritkla said. "He considered it necessary that I be informed. I have told no one else." She paused. "Is there a medical barrier to children for you and Kov?"
Anna nodded. She forced her hands apart and gripped her knees, then looked up to meet the old woman's eyes. "Genetically, no. Kerlek said that he is confident that an expert could produce a healthy binary clone from our donor material."
"This is agreeable news. Yet it seems that a problem remains?" She leaned forward. "Cast out fear, Anna. The resources of the clan are available for all who require them."
Anna, to her horror, found herself choking on a sob. She jumped up and ran to the hallway, fighting to regain control. A few moments of deep breathing were enough to settle her nerves a bit. She returned with her chin up. "I regret my lapse, Eldest," she said, seating herself.
"In the family, all is silence," Laritkla quoted. "I cannot assist you if you do not inform me, child. What is the problem?"
Anna closed her eyes. This time, she didn't even bother trying to prevent the silent tears. "I can't carry Kov's baby." Her voice was desolate. "My body would reject a fetus with copper based blood." In the darkness behind her eyelids, she could almost swear she heard a sigh. Surely not.
"Kov is aware of this." It wasn't a question.
"Yes." She opened her eyes. "Kerlek said we could try arranging things so that the Human genome was dominant. But I'm not going to do that. The baby wouldn't be as healthy."
Laritkla looked thoughtful. "Are you quite certain of this? There seems to be no logical reason why one genetic pattern would be more desirable than the other."
"I'm sure." Anna rubbed her face. "I can't tell you where I got the information. But I'm sure. The baby will be healthier and stronger with Vulcan dominant genes."
"You came to discuss this with me, without your adun's knowledge." Laritkla put her hands together. "Logically, there are a limited number of reasons for you to do this. Probability indicates that you are requesting my assistance in arranging a host mother."
Anna swallowed hard and tried to speak. She failed. Laritkla tilted her head again. "If you require solitude, it can be provided."
"I'll. Be. All right." Anna put her hands together and started deep breathing. "I deeply regret my lack of discipline, Eldest. I ask that your disapproval fall upon myself alone. Kov has expended significant effort at teaching me proper behavior. My failure does not reflect in any way upon him."
"Speak no more of the matter." Laritkla flicked her wrist. "I consider the cause sufficient under the circumstances."
Anna sat silently for a moment, then nodded. "I am grateful for your consideration. To answer your earlier question, yes. I wish to consult with you regarding the possibility of a host mother."
"Do you realize, child, what you are asking?" Laritkla sat back and regarded her over folded hands. "For a Vulcan, the maternal bond begins to form in the womb. The child would be nurtured within another woman's body, and the initial bonding would inevitably form with her. Not with you."
"I know." It came out as a whisper.
"You would be willing to endure this?" Laritkla kept her eyes on Anna's face. "The bond that forms in the womb never fades. Even if the child never sees the host mother again, a connection will remain. Thus, through the child, the host mother will have a connection with your adun."
Anna's left hand gripped her right fist so hard that her fingernails drew blood. She never noticed. "That's why I want the host mother to be as close a family member as possible. There is always a connection between family, isn't there? At least potentially."
Laritkla raised a brow. "True. The blood binds, no matter how distant the connection. It is also true that a family member would never present a threat to your joining."
Anna's head jerked once. Then again. "Kerlek said that the closer a match the host mother was to Kov, genetically, the better it would be for the baby. He also said that I could begin to form at least a tentative bond, if the host mother cooperates, before the baby is born. And once the baby is born..." She sat up straight and stiffened her spine. "Once the baby is born, I will be his mother."
Laritkla looked at her very carefully. Finally she nodded. "Agreed. It is well that you thought to come to me now, before the marriage. It will give me extra time to explore possibilities. You must understand that finding an appropriate volunteer will not be a simple matter."
Anna took a deep breath. "I know that many people in Kov's clan did not approve of him choosing me. But we are bonded now. By the words of the Kirshara, we are already married and the ceremony is only a formality. I am a member of the clan, according to Surak. If they deny me, they deny one of their own."
"And do you consider yourself one of our own, Anna Hess?" Laritkla watched with hooded eyes. Anna met her look.
"Kov is my family. You all share Kov's blood. You will share my baby's blood. Therefore, you are my family. Anyone who doesn't like it will just have to get over it"
Laritkla's lips twitched almost imperceptibly. "Cast out fear. All will be well."
TBC