You Don't Have to Go Home But...
Amanda has had it for the day. She trudged back to her rooms exhausted. Sarek was already there meditating in his usual spot. Normally she would not interrupt him tonight she needed a bit of his calm comfort.
She sat down next to him, crossed her legs, and began to practice the breathing techniques that he taught her when they first met. 40 years later and she was still not good at quieting her mind but at least they were together.
"What troubles you, my wife?" Sarek asked.
"Sarek I am tired. I am so tired of Spock and Nyota and this marriage and T'Pau and Starfleet. I am done."
"Amanda, I thought you were overjoyed to have Spock back home and to spend time with his new wife?"
"I was, I am, I would be under normal circumstances. I don't know anymore, Sarek I am exhausted. I love Spock and I like Nyota, but I can't force them together and believe me I've tried. This whole ordeal has been one giant headache and I can honestly say that I will be glad when it's over. I used to want a house full of children, remember? And now I just want them all to get out."
"Then you will soon have your wish, once the reception that T'Pau arranged has ended the council will grant them pardon. Nyota and Spock will be allowed to return to the Enterprise."
"Wonderful, because I already promised Nyota that she could leave the reception at the stroke of midnight."
"Why did you promise that when you did not know if you could deliver it."
"Sarek, believe me by hook or by crook she was leaving and we could do nothing to stop her."
"Indeed?"
"Yes. You know how determined we Earth women can be. I take it that Spock is aware of the impending reception if T'Pau has informed you?"
"Yes T'Pau informed me and I informed Spock. I was also informed of something else quite intriguing."
"Sarek, let's not play games just tell me what you know."
"I believe you know already, Spock and Nyota share his Katra."
"Oh yes, and I can't believe it. What are we going to do about that?" Amanda asked feeling even more exhausted.
"We, my wife, are going to do nothing. Spock and Nyota will have to learn to live with one another."
"But what does it mean Sarek? How can he live with a part of himself missing? I thought your Katra was akin to your soul?"
"Correct. He cannot."
"Then how? How is this possible? He seems just fine."
"Spock and Nyota have been joined by an ancient bond that cannot be broken. It is frowned upon to even attempt such a bond today. It is forbidden."
"Then how did he do it? Why? Did you question him?"
"I did. But he denies any knowledge of how he achieved it. However, he admits to practicing the ancient arts of mind reading even without formal training."
"Why would he do such a thing? He knows the risks, he knows how you feel about it. He knows about Sybok."
"He is your son."
"Don't blame me for this. He is stubborn, that is more your family's trait than mine."
Sarek stared at her.
"I mean it Sarek, he gets that from you and you know it. Besides, my family has no psy ability, this is all on you."
"There is no one to blame except Spock. He knows how dangerous a thing mind manipulation can be. He knows the consequences of delving too far."
"So this is not unheard of?"
"No, but it is rare and those who have attempted it in the past were not fortunate. Some were driven to madness." Sarek though of Sybok as well. Sybok also practiced that which he did not understand and now he was gone.
Amand could feel a shift in Sareks mood and noted the grim expression on his face. "Oh my goodness Sarek, will he be OK?"
Sarek sighed, "It is only a part of his Katra and he shares the bond with his wife. As long as she lives and is bonded to him I believe he shall remain sane at least."
"So many things can go wrong. Nyota could leave him. She could be killed in the line of duty. Oh Sarek," Amanda rested her head on his shoulder. "I asked T'Pau will anything ever be easy for Spock and she said 'never'. What do you believe?"
"I believe T'Pau is correct."
"Oh, Sarek," Amanda kissed him on the cheek and stood up. "I'm going to bed. I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow. It's a good thing I am a teacher because I have to teach Nyota how to be a proper Vulcan bride."
"That should prove entertaining as you have yet to master the skill yourself."
"For that remark, you can spend the night right there," Amand said as she went into her bathroom to prepare for bed.
Sarek thought he would also be very satisfied when Spock and Nyota and their friends departed. Only then would he be granted a moments peace and finally be able to enjoy his wife all to himself.