A/N: Most of us are 'indeed' mourning the loss of Leonard Nimoy. Many the world over, only knew him as Spock but he was a many faceted individual who contributed much to the world as an actor, poet, song writer, author, photographer...he will be missed in the flesh but kept alive in our writings. RIP
Claustrophobia
Chapter Twenty-one
Seated at the dining room table with the ones who would one day be her family, Nyota was silent. She looked towards the head of the table and observed T'Pau carefully cutting up her food, as were all others at the table. She would see how the orderliness of the Vulcan mind was displayed before her by this simple action. Why cut up as one ate if that very same action could be taken prior to ingesting any food thus leading to a non-disturbed dining experience. Based on that thought, Nyota also cut her food into measured pieces and then chewed each mouth fill with great thought. This was one thing that was not part of The Vulcan Way practiced with constancy by her family.
Since mealtime was always silent, Nyota would have to wait to hear what plans had been made for an eventual meeting with her parents. After the meal she was certain that T'Pau, Sarek and Spock would spend time together. Exactly what would ensue was unknown to her. She was certain that she would be spending some time with Amanda. Why she had the feeling that she would be enlightened to a greater degree as to life as a Vulcan aduna during this time her future mother-in-law would spend with her.
With T'Pau's taking her leave from the table, the males followed her. Amanda came and took her hand, and led her back to the family room.
"Come, I have much to tell you. From my observation, it appears my son's entire world revolves around you. His vision is on his singular quest, the obtaining of you as his aduna. I believe he would take on anyone or anything in his way. As studious as my son is I have never seen him so focused and fierce in his determination. Believe me my child, as you will see, to win a Vulcan's heart to that extent is a mind altering experience."
Going into the kitchen Amanda prepared a pot of tea. Nyota followed and carried the tray with cups and took a deep breath to catch the aroma of the brewing tea. After setting the tray on the low table in front of the couch Amanda added the tea pot to the display.
Pouring Amanda said,
"May I address you by your given name?"
"Certainly, ma'am"
"Please do not make me feel ancient by addressing me as ma'am. If you are comfortable with it, please call me Amanda."
"Yes, ma'am…I mean Amanda."
Nyota's words were met with a bright smile.
"I will fill you in on what is being discussed. Instead of your parents traveling to San Francisco, or our traveling to Nairobi, we will meet in Paris."
Nyota clasped her hands to her bosom and sighed,
"Paris…really."
Amanda continued,
Sarek and I have a private residence there and there is a Vulcan Counsel there also. If all goes as planned not much of our time will be spent at that Vulcan site. All travel arrangements are being made through our embassy in San Francisco.
"A driver will take you back to your dormitory so that you may pack. Our stay in Paris will be at least five days so make certain you have enough items to carry you through that period of time. Do you wish to leave now or wait…?"
"I would wish to tell Spock farewell."
Amanda smiled and said,
"I thought that would be your answer. I am beginning to see that indeed the devotion is not one sided."
Nyota nodded in agreement.
Smiling Amanda said,
"When I first became aware of this situation I remember my son's state of embarrassment when I mentioned what I wanted of him…grandchildren. You two must not disappoint me in that regard."
Amanda noticed the appealing blush spreading across the cadet's beautiful face. Her modesty was a welcome relief from what she had observed among the female cadets that attended the school while Spock was still a student. Perhaps it was her background or might even have been her training that contributed to her possessing that pleasing quality.
Amanda then took Nyota's hands and asked,
"You are still quite young, are you certain that you are totally committed to my son?"
"Lady Amanda, my experience in life is limited because of my age, but every serious decision I have made in my life I have stuck by it. As an example, when I was six years old I requested permission and assistance from my parents to study other languages. At first my parents did not take my request seriously so I took it upon myself to visit our local library and listen to recordings of the first language I chose, Vulcan. Within six months I was conversational in that language. I then learned six Terran languages in quick succession. Before the next year was complete, I had mastered all of those languages. With my own personal success my parents could see my determined spirit and then provided whatever I needed to increase my cache of Terran and off-world languages.
I have thought about how my life with Spock would be different. You probably did the same thing when Osu Sarek made his wishes known to you. What I have determined is that while my life will be different, without Spock, there would be no world that would complete me. He has called me his K'diwa, half his heart, half his soul. What he might not understand as yet is he has become the same to me. I cannot imagine a happy, satisfying life without him in it. I am sure that there are things about Vulcan life that might surprise, or even shock me. But I figure by his having you as his mother, then his coming to Terran and living among us either on or off-planet has revealed much about Terrans that likewise was foreign to him, but look how he has adjusted. I would certainly hope I can do likewise and I believe it will be so because I will be motivated by my love for him.
Amanda wiped the tears that had formed in Nyota's eyes and said.
"I must only tell you of one thing that as an honorable man Spock will have to tell you about, it is called Pon Farr. I have assisted my Sarek through five such occurrences. It is the one point in a Vulcan males' life where he is powerless…where his life quite literally depends on his aduna.
As Amanda's narrative progress, Nyota's face was a canvass for varying emotions, from shock to determination. Her decision was solidified by the revelations coming from Amanda. For this, Amanda was grateful.
`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0`0
In T'Pau's rooms Spock was pacing the floor. Any roadblock to his designs must be removed and he listened very carefully to T'Pau's suggestions and an idea for a 'fool proof' solution to his problem.
T'Pau's question,
"Does Terran recognize bondings, marriages, couplings and joinings of other species and countries?" Do they honor the traditions, ceremonies and observations of others?
Spock answered,
"Yes mother, T'Pau."
So a certificate from showing that a marriage or bonding was registered within their jurisdiction should be accepted as valid and acceptable proof of such a joining."
Spock's reply,
"That is logical and reasonable."
"In addition, we must tie in your bonding with your investiture. A Terran marriage must also be performed."
If Spock's face could have registered surprise or shock it would have done so. T'Pau's resolution was brilliant, especially if it was framed in a way that showed that part of his approval as candidate would include him being a bonded male.
Of course, a Vulcan would understand that that would prevent an ambassador from being distracted while on important missions with thoughts of needing a bondmate to address an oncoming bout with Pon Far or just the satisfying of a normal need. T'Pau's conclusion was indeed logical.
Once Spock and Sarek left T'Pau's presence they headed toward the women. Sarek immediately went to Amanda and place his forehead to her's. Spock slowed down his pace and finally came to stand before her. He certainly felt it would be ill-advised to touch her so instead he requested,
"Nyota if you would be agreeable, please accompany me to The Embassy's garden."
She smiled and nodded and he assisted her to rise from her seat on the couch and they proceeded to the family's private entrance to that place of tranquility.