Perfect Practice Makes Perfect
2295.922
Nearly a month had passed since returning from Skye, and as Emma sat on their balcony eating her dinner alone, she silently gave thanks that Sarek was returning home that evening. His message indicated the Madrossian negotiations were successful, and the delegation managed to depart a few days earlier than scheduled.
Her students were moving rapidly through the newer materials and more assertive pace she established. Her doorbell chimed, drawing her back into the present. She answered it to find Sulok, Savel, Sonek, and T'Naara, amused to see the grandfather, his son, and two grandchildren all in age and height order.
"Good evening," she smiled, the visit unexpected.
T'Naara approached her with several globe fruit in her hands.
"Osavensu, we have an abundant harvest this year."
Ah – a test of etiquette…You've got this, McGregor, she thought privately.
"Nemaiyo, T'Naara." Recalling a lesson earlier that week about receiving a gift of food, she continued. "Will you share this with me?"
As they followed into the kitchen and she prepared the fruit thinking herself most fortunate. It was a significant moment to be visited at home, in an unofficial capacity. In Vulcan culture, friendship was not given lightly, trust not easily earned.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" she asked.
They each deferred to Sulok, youngest to oldest. So Vulcan.
"O'savensu," Sulok began, "Your instructions clearly stated that we are each to compose our own works for our performance on the concert, however we request permission to perform an ensemble work together instead."
"Indeed? Elucidate, please," she asked, interested in their proposal. She was not in the least bit surprised they had a counter offer, and decided she would have felt mildly disappointed had they not.
Standing in the elevator bags in hand, Sarek was most grateful to be home and, soon, with his wife. He approached the door to his quarters hearing several voices inside. Entering the apartment quietly he placed his belongings inside the office just past the front door and listened as he hung his robes and changed out of his heavier boots.
"Sulok, you will become the voice of Surak? The timbre of your voice would be an excellent representation," she said.
"I have already begun preliminary composition, O'savensu."
"Good evening," Sarek said, entering the living room.
They watched as he approached her, pairing his fingers to hers.
/K'diwa. It is pleasing to see you again./
/Welcome home./
Emma then remembered another duty of etiquette she had also just learned about that week, and addressed Sulok directly. "May I bring you more tea?"
She knew they expected her to clarify whether the invitation to stay would be extended, or if she desired they depart. If she wished them to remain, she would prepare the tea without offering. Her question allowed them the honor of deciding to end the visit on their terms, thus granting them respect.
Recognizing her request for privacy, Sulok, discouraged the tea service. "Lady Emma. Your hospitality is generous, but we must depart."
Standing as he replied, Sulok prescribed for the rest what would happen, The Protector, representing his family outside his home, just as Sarek described.
"As you will, Osu," she replied, bowing respectfully.
It seemed backwards to her, but this ancient etiquette was from a time that required exacting prescription of expectations.
The Awakening had changed everything.
Despite his protests, T'Naara gently removed Jake from her lap. Evidently cats did not respect social expectations in any culture – they were xenocultural discriminators.
As she saw them out, Sarek cleaned up the dishes from their visit. /Aduna t'nash-veh. Will you join me, please?/