A/N Thanks to my Beta, MCeleste for her contribution to the smooth flow of this chapter.

Chapter Fourteen

The Ambassador's Son

Keep Your Friends Close and...

As Nyota and Spock moved toward the table they were accosted by Lady T'Men. Nyota was immediately questioned by her.

"Is this your first visit to New Vulcan?"

That query remained in the area of permissible Vulcan questioning-not too invasive or personal.

Nyota responded, "Thank you for your inquiry. This is my first trip to New Vulcan. I am truly amazed at how quickly some of your most important buildings have been completed. I had a brief glimpse of New Sykar; it is truly beautiful."

"By nature we are purpose driven and embark on each project with the end result etched in our minds. We establish the protocols, standards and processes needed to bring them to fruision, and work together in unity to meet our goals. That is the Vulcan Way."

It almost seemed Lady T'Men was reading a script, but all was truthful and spoken without pretension.

Nyota nodded her agreement to the Lady and then they moved on. Spock was guiding her through the assembly as another guest approached.

"I understand that you were injured during the attack on our delegation," was the Vulcan's polite inquiry. "Have you completely recovered?"

"Yes, yes, I am quite well. Thank you."

A curt nod and then a retreat - followed by another inquiry.

"I am very curious about your captaincy. May I inquire, what is the size of your crew?"

"Certainly. My crew numbers 567, which includes non-enlisted personnel."

"This seems rather small."

Nyota's face lit up at this opportunity to speak on her favorite subject.

"Yes, this is relatively small by Federation standards, but it suits our primary focus. Our assignments are usually diplomatic in nature, and the Unity was staffed with that in mind. Our mixed species, multi lingual crew reflects well on the diversity to be found within the Federation. This has worked to our advantage on numerous occasions."

This exchange went on for a few minutes longer, until Nyota's conversational parter's curiosity was sated. Then he too gave a curt nod, and abruptly walked away. She and Spock were about to turn and approach another corner of the room when a shadow crossed their path. S't'kal approached and stood before them, actually blocking their way. He looked from one to the the other. His serene mask attempted to hide what could only be called a sneer.

"Well, I must say that Lady Amanda's robes could not have found a more worthy heiress."

Spock stiffened at the mention of his mother. Nyota felt his response. She framed her answer carefully

"Sir, even though the robes do fit, there's no way that I could attempt to fill the shadow of her greatness. Lady Amanda's legacy is one that I could only aspire to mirror in some small way."

Spock brought his arm around to her waist and purposely steered her in the direction of the food table. She felt his agitation, and saw his anger. It was in his eyes. Fortunately the day was coming to a close. As 'Last Light' presented itself in the sky the guest began to disperse.

Last Light - the time of evening all Vulcans stove to be in their homes with their families. A time set aside for reviewing the day's activities and for quiet meditation. A time for strengthening the family bond. Nyota wondered if Spock and Sarek practiced this in their own home. It seemed to be such a positive tradition, a way of affirming their attachment for one another. How wonderful it would be to experience it first hand! Perhaps the same invitation that brought her down to the planet's surface and into their home would allow her to share in this as well.

Later that evening, after the last guests had departed, Spock invited Nyota out to their patio. Patterned after the one that Sarek had built for Amanda, it was paved with smooth stones, fitted so that not even a paper could be inserted between them. Stone benches and Vulcan chairs were arranged systematically, of course, and Spock chose a couch so they could sit together. The night sky was beautiful. Hanging amidst the stars was New Vulcan's two moons. This was a sight that would never have been observed from their original home, for in that sky there was no moon.

"I am relieved that this evening is over," Spock observed.

Looking over at him in the torch lights she could see amusement in his eyes. Then, suddenly serious, he continued.

"If the Vulcans who visited here tonight honored you because of your contribution toward the ratified treaty, tonight your comportment just reinforced their favorable impression of you."

He reached over to bring her head down to his shoulder. She sighed.

"Tomorrow during morning hours, the High Council will meet and your presence will be required to testify regarding your sworn statement. I will be by your side."

"Your support means so much to me Spock."

`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`

As was the Vulcan custom, Nyota prepared breakfast for Sarek and Spock in the morning. She had already admitted her domestic skills were limited so she made tea and set out fruit, grain and crackers. Both males had already spent hours in meditation before their appearance at the table. Sarek was already dressed and just drank tea and excused himself to meet with fellow Council members prior to the formal meeting.

In her dress uniform and Spock in his formal robes they made their way from Spock's vehicle and climbed the steps to the new administrative building. It was not to be compared to the palatial setting of the original building on Vulcan, but it was truly an impressive piece of architecture. They entered through the very ornate doors which led them into the grand foyer whose floors were made up of inscribed tiles. Individual family names had been chiseled deeply into each piece and the room's size had been determined by the number of tiles that had been created. Suspended from the ceiling were family crests and Vulcan script on flowing banners. It was a tribute to all those fallen in the Battle of Vulcan. There was even a memory flame before an inscription that said,

To Honor The

Star Fleet Academy

Cadets

Who Perished In the Battle of Vulcan

Climbing five steps they reached the interior doors that led to the Council's place of assembly. Spock opened the doors and Nyota marveled at the absolute beauty of the grand hall. On the walls were lit tourches. From the entry level there was a series of steps that led down to the floor level. Against the front wall on that lower level was a raised platform with ornate chairs in a slight semi-circle. Behind the chairs were more banners with Vulcan script, that quoted Surekand narrated the history of the High Council. A long conference table was set by the edge of the platform. On the floor level there were chairs behind desks. Nyota was impressed with the beauty of the floor, it was highly buffed rose quartz, tasteful and exquisite, and definitely singular.