Chapter 25 – A Violent Peace
When they first bonded, it had taken Amanda awhile to get used to the strange new mental connection. During the first several hours after they bonded they had remained in almost constant physical contact – as if afraid to let one another go – and as a result their minds had remained actively touching. That alone had been such a startlingly alien, intense, and wonderful experience that Amanda had focused on little else. It was only when they finally were forced to separate for a time during the following day that she had begun to perceive what the bond itself was truly like.
That sense of his presence that the bond created was only slightly more amplified when he was actually with her, at her side or in the room next door. So absorbed was she in him and in their newly discovered intimacy that it wasn't until she was physically alone, and yet still felt his aura, that she realized that this was the bond. That first day she began to sense changes in it, like moving waves or currents, realizing that these were the broad edges of his emotions, undeniably there even though strictly controlled.
Dimly, she had been able to sense his determination to prevail in some verbal conflict, followed by a brief sense of embarrassment, and then later, his building anger at the offensive questioning of the Terran press before calm returned to him when they were re-united. Since then, they had both learned to shield from one another, so as not to be entirely distracting, and she had grown used to the more subtle ebbs and flows of his presence that the bond afforded.
This day, however, she strained to feel any change in the bond, for he was not present. Very far from it. Immediately after she started at the VSA, the Federation Council had requested that Sarek represent it in meetings with the leadership of a planet in the Delta Ophiuchi system that had expressed an interest in joining the Federation. Though the planet's inhabitants, the Nu'un, were only newly space-faring, their location in between Federation and Klingon space made them a potentially strategic ally. There was sufficient time before the first convening of the Vulcan High Council that Sarek would be required to attend, and so he had accepted the mission as duty required. They had never been separated by so much distance or for so long.
"Don't shield me away," she had entreated him before he departed. "I want to know if I can still sense you when you're so far from me."
"You will know that I am with you, K'diwa," he had responded reassuringly. His words had been true, even as his presence in her mind remained barely discernable as he labored, parsecs away, deep in discussions with the Nu'un head of state on the Nu'un home planet of Qan.
His Federation briefing beforehand and conversations on-planet confirmed intriguing similarities between the Nu'un and the Vulcan people, save for their physical appearances. A quasi-humanoid race, the Nu'un possessed six limbs: two arms, two legs, and two prehensile appendages that could be used as hands or feet. A contemplative and artistic species with surprisingly even wealth distribution across their culture, the Nu'un were only now reaching out beyond their planet after a devastating civil war several generations prior had decimated large parts of their planet and population. Lingering remnants of chemical weapons still circulated in the atmosphere, sickening and crippling many, and help with recovery was high on the list of reasons for the Nu'uns' interest in the Federation.
Accordingly, Sarek's delegation had brought samples of medications designed to arrest or mitigate the effects of Nu'un's environmental toxins as a gesture of goodwill. Only relatively simple modifications by Nu'un scientists were needed to adapt the treatments for the local population.
Over a leisurely evening meal the planet's First Citizen, Adit Neem Un'la, and Sarek discussed the latest medical test results and the steps that would follow after the delegation's departure, now looming. While Sarek and the diplomatic staff had negotiated, teams of Federation scientists had performed planetary scans and observed its society in detail - save for within the toxic Restricted Territories, remnants of the war - and recorded its people's needs.
"We are made extremely hopeful by the promise of these new treatments," First Citizen Neem informed Sarek. "They will help many Nu'un return to productive lives, and for that we are grateful," he said, raising a vessel of a wine-like beverage in thanks.
Sarek inclined his head graciously. "All the Federation asks is that the medication be distributed equitably," he stated.
"Of course," the First Citizen acknowledged, and Sarek raised his drink in the same gesture.
"How many doses of the atmospheric anti-toxin will you require?" the ambassador asked.
"My people will provide exact numbers to your staff before you depart, Ambassador, but it will be around four billion."
Sarek paused briefly. "Indeed? That number is quite low, based on the population readings our delegation has gathered. Are you assuming that not all will require the recommended three doses?"
The First Citizen's voice became quiet, and Sarek heard tension in it that had not been there before. "We will use the treatment as recommended. The number of doses we require is based on the number of Nu'un eligible to receive them; you must assume that our figures are accurate. We do know our own population, Ambassador."
Sarek was not about to be warned off by the suggestion that his host was offended. "I intend no offense, Premier. I merely wish to understand the apparent discrepancy. Our data indicates a population of Nu'un on Qan of two billion. Your figures suggest one of only one point three billion."
The First Citizen's mouth drew into a thin line. "I thought the Federation does not insinuate itself into the internal affairs of its members or allies. The (unintelligible) are not eligible for the medications."
The Universal Translator had blipped over the word the First Citizen used. "Who are ineligible?" Sarek asked.
"The Defilers," Adit Neem Un'la said with disgust. "Those who caused our devastation," he explained as though it was obvious.
Sarek's brow furrowed. "Our information must be in error. I understood that the war which damaged your planet occurred approximately 500 of your years ago. Are there survivors from that conflict still living?"
"Certainly not," Adit Neem Un'la replied impatiently. "We have carried on for six generations since the war, in spite of what the Defilers did."
Understanding was beginning to dawn on Sarek, and he did not like where his conclusions were leading him. "There are 700 million Defilers living today, is that correct?"
"Yes. It is a substantial burden that we bear."
"But none of these Defilers were living at the time of the conflict."
"Of course not!"
"They are the descendants of the original combatants."
"Ambassador, I had been told that you were quite an intelligent being. Yes, the Defilers we allow to live on Qan today are obviously descended from those who started the war, and who caused the destruction from which we still suffer!" The First Citizen was now clearly annoyed by Sarek's questioning.
"Yet those alive today did not themselves take the actions which you allege," Sarek continued, pressing his point. "It is illogical to assign culpability to these individuals."
"They bear the stain! They are responsible," the Nu'un insisted.
Deeply concerned now, Sarek posed a different query. "Adit Neem Un'la, how would I know a Defiler among you? Do they espouse violence?"
"You have not – you will not – see them among us. They only live in the Restricted Territories, and their movements are carefully controlled. We have learned from the past to take no chances. We cannot afford to have chaos and war return, Ambassador. It is our generosity that allows them to live."
Sarek realized that the Nu'uns' control over the Defilers must be both very strict as well as seamlessly integrated into society here; otherwise, the survey teams would have discovered the Defilers' existence. The Federation needed to understand the situation better in order to act. "I must meet with a representative of the Defilers," he declared firmly.
"That is not possible," the First Citizen said, his voice cold. "It is a capital crime to entertain any Defiler, and the same holds for any Defiler who ventures outside the Territories."
"Premier Adit Neem Un'la," Sarek said, his voice grave, "I regret that the Federation must re-consider what it has learned here. Our principles require that any aid, including medical aid, be distributed equitably based upon need amongst the entire sentient population. Certainly if the Defilers live in the Restricted Territories, they would most assuredly have need of the anti-toxin. They must be provided it if we are to offer it to you."
"They do not need it; they are responsible. That is why they are ineligible. But my people need your help!"
"All who need help deserve it," the Vulcan said quietly. Seeing a possible opening, he continued, "Premier, many of the worlds of the Federation have experienced similar conflicts in the past, including my own. It is possible to overcome such schisms. We would be willing to offer assistance in mediating a solution to yours, if you so choose."
The Nu'un frowned for a moment, as if considering, but then shook his head, dismissing the concept. "These are not your concerns!" he denied heatedly.
Sarek stood. Phrasing his words carefully but authoritatively, he addressed his counterpart. "Premier, let us declare a recess from our negotiations until the morning. A period of rest and reflection will no doubt prove beneficial."
Adit Neem Un'la leapt to his feet, prehensile limbs slapping loudly to the floor. "It is wrong for you to leave us!" he exclaimed.
Inwardly Sarek tensed, aware of the potential threat even as he worked to quiet the agitated leader. "Let us continue this discussion under calmer circumstances, Premier. It would surely send the wrong impression to my government should you allow ill-considered emotion to color your next actions." Sarek's voice was firm and clear with warning.
He was all too aware of the danger that the First Citizen's desperation could bring. The rest of his diplomatic team, three aides and two unarmed security guards, awaited him in another chamber; he had to get them safely out of there before the situation escalated. He also needed to pacify the distraught First Citizen, lest the negotiations fail and the Nu'un blame the Defilers, retaliating against them.
The Nu'un's face tightened in anger, but he remained still. "You do not understand," he hissed.
Remaining neutral, Sarek inclined his head. "We welcome the opportunity to learn more, so that we may understand one another. May we meet again in peace after the rest period," he finished, steepling his fingers together and bowing slightly. At his counterpart's reluctant acknowledgement, he calmly turned and proceeded toward the exit, every sense tuned for what might erupt at his departure.
ooo
Light-years away, Amanda's attention was pulled from her research by a sudden, tense feeling in her gut. Wariness invaded her thoughts, followed abruptly by alarm. What is wrong? she wondered. Then she realized that these tendrils of emotion were not hers. Sarek! Her heart hammered. She forgot to shield.
ooo
Sarek reached the outer doorway and began to walk across the wide botanical atrium at the building's front. Reaching discreetly for his comm, he notified his team, "Beam out at once. I will join you aboard." He was about to signal the Surak when he heard the whisper of an unfamiliar Nu'un voice behind him.
"Envoy from the Federation," it rasped.
Sarek slowly turned, and what he saw told him he was most likely facing one of the Defilers. The Nu'un's clothing hung from its thin, malnourished body, revealing one misshapen prehensile limb and mottled, damaged skin, most likely from exposure to chemical weapon remnants. Its face and body were deformed from birth or by disease, and Sarek could not tell its gender. He stood, silent but wary, as the being hesitantly approached.
"Ambassador," the being repeated. "Do not abandon us. This planet needs your help—"
Suddenly the door Sarek had just exited opened again to reveal the First Citizen, who stared in shock at the vagabond intruder in his atrium. "Defiler!" he shouted.
Instantly a squad of uniformed and armed Nu'uns appeared in multiple doorways. Without a moment's hesitation, two of the closest guards leveled their weapons at the Defiler - and fired.
With a ragged scream, the being disintegrated before Sarek's eyes.
Horrified, Sarek froze. His still reaction might have saved his life, for as one, all of the guards' weapons shifted immediately to train on him. He shielded his mind, but not fast enough. As he stood, eyes locked with the hostile guards and calculating the odds of his survival in the next moments, he was jolted by a wave of Human panic that wrenched his gut. Amanda! She should not be experiencing any of this, and I cannot be distracted. Silently asking for his wife's forgiveness, he closed himself off from their bond.
The First Citizen was speaking again. "Stand down, I said. The Federation Ambassador does not understand our laws, nor how they protect us. The Defiler did know, however, and paid the price accordingly." Adit Neem Un'la turned to Sarek. "Go now, Ambassador, and we will speak later," he said.
Sarek's features were a frozen mask. There was nothing more to be said at the moment. "So I shall," was his only answer before the Surak beamed him out.
A few moments passed before Sarek regained his control after the cold-blooded murder he had just witnessed. Regardless of any broader circumstances that could possibly be imagined, such slaughter could not be justified. And if he had interpreted the Premier's words correctly, they might well be dealing with a culture in which one segment of the population was systematically and ruthlessly oppressed as a consequence of past events. Such practices would be quite challenging to reconcile with Federation membership requirements. He quickly convened the rest of the diplomatic team to strategize the morning's approach to the Nu'un. With the new facts before them, it was going to be difficult to bring both sides together on mutually acceptable terms.
It would be several hours before he could meditate in private – or communicate with home.
ooo
Amanda stared unseeingly at the wall in her office, her fists poised at her mouth opened in a silent scream. She had felt Sarek's sudden wariness, and then a spike of concern, before it was all abruptly silenced. What has happened?! Is he dead? Injured? And there was nothing she could do. She simply stood there, frozen, unwilling to allow herself to feel anything other than her mute horror lest she confirm her worst fear.
She remained unmoving until she felt the salty sting of tears rolling down her cheeks. Think! She took a deep breath. I can call the Embassy, Sarek's office. I'll even call Starfleet if need be.
She turned inward, searching once more for Sarek's presence in her mind. There was something, something faint… Her heart leapt for a moment in relief before the thought occurred to her that she could simply be imagining what she sensed, an echo from the past, so badly did she want confirmation that he was still there.
Her face grim, she commed Sarek's office.
Minutes later, she felt more frustrated than relieved, having been placidly told by Sarek's staff that they were awaiting a scheduled check-in from the Surak and had received no information of anything untoward occurring. She vowed to contact them again in a short while, and then leaned her head on her hands, utterly drained.
A voice startled her. "Are you unwell, T'Sai?" To Amanda's surprise, it was her colleague T'Grel, looking in from the doorway.
"Wha-? No, I mean, perhaps yes…" Amanda rubbed her temples, watching the T'Grel's brow crease in confusion. "I'm sorry; I just don't know how to describe what's wrong… One minute he was there, and the next— " Her voice caught and she struggled to retain her composure.
"Who is this of which you speak?"
"Sarek. I can't sense him any more."
T'Grel's eyes widened ever so slightly. "You are bonded?" she asked, unable to completely keep the incredulity out of her voice.
Amanda was about to make an irritated retort before she stopped herself, realizing that Vulcans outside of Sarek's immediate circle might not be aware that a Vulcan-Human marriage bond was even possible, let alone that such a bond existed. Assuming he's still alive, she reminded herself, and bit her lip to keep the tears at bay. "Yes," she barely managed to whisper to T'Grel.
The Vulcan woman then stepped into the room, assessing Amanda carefully. "A broken or damaged bond is a serious matter."
The Human only nodded.
"You did not experience your bondmate's death," T'Grel stated.
Amanda's head jerked up, her eyes hopeful. "Why do you say that?"
"If you had, you would require immediate medical attention." T'Grel tilted her head, considering. "At least, it would be so for a Vulcan. I do not know how a Human would be affected. I ask forgiveness," she amended, "for offering a premature assessment."
Amanda sagged back into her chair. "That's all right," she acknowledged tiredly. "I don't think anyone knows how this works for us."
T'Grel straightened. "I will summon a healer."
When Amanda began to protest the Vulcan woman held up a hand. "To object is illogical, T'Sai. Your health may have been compromised."
It was barely a minute later and the healer, a woman named T'Jinn, arrived from somewhere inside the vast complex. Matter-of-fact, she immediately sat down across from Amanda and began questioning her. T'Grel retreated to allow them privacy.
"What gives thee reason to suspect that thy bond has been damaged, or that thy bondmate has suffered harm, T'Sai?" T'Jinn began, speaking softly in one of the more formal dialects that identified her as from the northern Tat'sahr region.
Amanda repeated what she had related to T'Grel. "One moment he was there, in my mind, like he always is, and then the next – " She faltered, recalling. "The next, I felt his… concern… about something, and then he was just gone. I can't sense him now – or at least, I don't think I can."
"Has thy bondmate never shielded his thoughts from thee?" T'Jinn asked, clearly surprised.
"Oh, yes, he has," Amanda responded, "And I've learned how to, somewhat, as well. It's just never been… like this."
"Where is thy bondmate now, T'Sai?" T'Jinn asked.
"Somewhere in the region of Delta Ophiuchus."
The healer's brows rose to their maximum height. "That is a great distance. Thee were able to sense him there?"
"Yes," Amanda said, unable to hide her dejection, "before it… stopped."
T'Jinn looked thoughtful for a moment before she spoke. "In order to ascertain if there has been damage to thy bond, T'Sai, I must touch thy thoughts. Are thee familiar with this?"
Amanda nodded. As much as she didn't relish the stranger's mental contact, she hoped the healer would be able to tell her something of what had happened to Sarek.
The healer's touch was deceptively light, and she moved in and out of Amanda's thoughts more quickly than Amanda would have imagined. When T'Jinn withdrew, Amanda felt calmer, and she knew that had been the healer's doing.
T'Jinn's words brought her back to the present. "A quieter mind is helpful in sensing subtle changes in a bond," she said, acknowledging Amanda's realization. "I have never observed a marriage bond in a Human before, but I sense no damage to thine. I detect thy bondmate's presence as well," she added, and Amanda's heart leapt.
The healer warned, "Although I believe thy bondmate lives, T'Sai, thee must be aware, he may be injured or ill, or continuing to shield his thoughts. I regret I can tell thee no more regarding his status."
Amanda nodded, disappointed not to know more, but nonetheless relieved by the healer's assessment.
T'Jinn made another query. "For how long have thee been bonded, T'Sai?"
Amanda calculated. "Less than two Standard years. About sixteen Earth months, or almost two Vulcan years," she replied.
"Ah," T'Jinn replied with sudden understanding. "Thy bond is like a child's." Before Amanda could react indignantly, though, the healer continued, "As the seasons pass, thee will find thy bond more facile to read." She added, "If thee wishes, I can show thee now how to discern the bond with more clarity."
"Yes, please!" Amanda said quickly. Even if it meant the healer touching her mind again, it would be worth it to lift the blindness she felt now. Funny, she thought. Had I married a Human man, I would have no idea of what I was missing. She indicated her readiness to the healer.
T'Jinn raised her fingers to Amanda's face, and in an instant, Amanda heard her speak in her mind.
/Follow my thoughts…/
Amanda complied, guided by the healer, and soon her perception of the bond with Sarek strengthened. She still could not sense his thoughts or emotions, but her awareness of his presence grew stronger as her apprehension of his consciousness slowly solidified. When the healer's mind gently withdrew, the heightened recognition remained. He is there! Amanda blinked, coming back to herself, and then smiled, touching her temples. "Yes…" she breathed in relief before looking up at T'Jinn. "Thank you."
T'Jinn politely declined to acknowledge what to her was an illogical comment and instead advised her patient. "Thy bondmate's status is still uncertain. Thy bond may yet still be disrupted. I advise rest and meditation until more is known. For your safety, I will arrange for thee to be transported to thy home."
The Human woman nodded in acknowledgement, and when the healer continued to stare at her, pensive, Amanda had to ask, "What is it, Hakausu?"
T'Jinn hesitated a moment before answering, wondering if her thought would be construed as inappropriate commentary on another's personal situation. The curiosity expressed on the young Human's face and radiating from her mind caused the healer to forge ahead. "Even young though it is, that which thee and thy bondmate share is unusually strong. It is… a gift."
Not offended but moved, Amanda bowed her head. "I am honored. I appreciate your assistance, Hakausu."
"It is only logical," T'Jinn stated simply before bowing her own head to depart. "Peace and long life, T'Sai."
"Live long and prosper, Hakausu."
Amanda then sought out her suite mate. "It was logical to summon the healer, T'Grel. Thank you."
T'Grel's brows quirked upward at this combination of Vulcan and Human courtesy. And then she surprised Amanda once more. "It is logical to assist one in need, Katravahsu. You may address me as T'Grel."
"Call me Amanda, T'Grel," Amanda replied, touched by the unexpected familiarity.
T'Grel then gave her a stern look. "You will tell me, Amanda, if you feel unwell again. Needless suffering is illogical."
Amanda nodded, and couldn't help smiling. She felt less alone. Now, she only had to wait…
ooo
The rim of the Nu'un sun was just peeking over the planet's horizon from the Surak's vantage point, in geosynchronous orbit over the capital city, when Sarek finally dismissed his team from its deliberations.
Having considered the situation from multiple angles, there was no question as to the position he must take with the Nu'un First Citizen. They could not recommend Qan for Federation membership without, at a minimum, learning a great deal more about the Defilers and their situation, and most likely working with the Nu'un government to resolve the Defilers' differential status. Based on his last interactions with the Premier the night before, Sarek knew the odds of obtaining such an outcome immediately were poor – less than eighteen point six four percent, he calculated. Gathering his thoughts, he signaled a request to speak with Premier Adit Neem Un'la.
The conversation went much as he expected. Amidst the First Citizen's objections to interference into his world's sovereign affairs, however, Sarek did detect a very slight softening that gave him reason to believe a future attempt at forging an agreement might be successful. "It is my hope that we will be able to meet in the future under more mutually agreeable circumstances," he concluded to the First Citizen. While better than nothing, he did not consider this a positive outcome. The benefit of any accord reached in the future would have to be balanced against the cost in lives harmed by the present inaction. Such was often the reality of diplomacy.
Further, there would be little strategic use of Qan by the Federation until some sort of agreement was forged. While it might come to the point that the UFP would be willing to cede its principles to obtain access to a planetary harbor if the military situation with the Klingons deteriorated sufficiently, they were not at that point yet, and Sarek did not deem it necessary nor appropriate to proceed now as if they were. He was aware that this decision would only help to solidify the opinion held by some of him as an enemy of Starfleet, but logic did not justify a different course of action. Kai'idth.
As the Surak warped away toward Federation space, Sarek opened a subspace channel to Vulcan. His aide, T'Sey, quickly took his report and recommendations with plans to distribute them appropriately. Following the debriefing and a quick update on other diplomatic matters, T'Sey shared one more item with him.
"S'haile, T'Sai Amanda has contacted our office multiple times over the past day's cycle. She was… most insistent that you be contacted."
Pushing aside the discomfort he immediately felt upon hearing of his bondmate's distress, Sarek considered her statement. T'Sey was a clan member and distant cousin who had demonstrated promise in the diplomatic corps, yet he could surmise that even one with her growing level of familiarity with non-Vulcan cultures would be off-put by an insistent, perhaps greatly concerned, Amanda demanding to know the status of her husband.
"Understood," he acknowledged. "I gather that her manner of making the request was rather more emotional than that to which you are accustomed."
"Affirmative, S'haile," T'Sey replied cautiously.
Sarek continued, "Do recall that T'Sai Amanda's ways are different, as she is Human. As you progress in this field, you will need to appreciate, or at least accept, such diversity in order to become a successful diplomat."
T'Sey cast her eyes downward respectfully, indicating she understood the lesson he intended to impart. "Of course, Osu."
"Your work is commendable, T'Sey," Sarek said.
He concluded the transmission, and directed the Surak's exec to open another channel from his cabin. Finally, various duties discharged for now, he could communicate directly with his wife. Even as part of him was warmed by his bondmate's protective attitude in inquiring after him, a larger part deeply regretted distressing her so. She is not Vulcan. I must protect her from any emotional harm the bond could cause. He keyed in the comm codes for their home and opened his mind…
ooo
Amanda felt his presence return before the comm unit chimed. Like a fresh morning breeze, his consciousness came rushing back into her mind as if a window had just been opened. An overjoyed smile burst across her face. At the sound of the comm, she leapt toward it.
"Sarek!" Amanda gasped when she saw him.
"My wife."
Irrational as it was, she couldn't help reaching out toward the viewscreen as if to touch his face. He raised an eyebrow at her action, and she exclaimed, "Oh, thank goodness, it really is you!" Her eyes teared up.
"My wife?"
Her words rushed out. "I was worried for a moment this might be a recorded message. Then I still wouldn't know if you were all right. You are all right, aren't you? What happened? I was so frightened. I couldn't sense you!" Concerned, she bombarded him with questions, her face streaked with tears.
"Aduna."
"No one would tell me anything at your office - "
"Aduna." Sarek interjected firmly, finally getting her attention. "I am quite well. There was… a regrettable situation, and a negative turn in the negotiations. Unfortunately, it was necessary for me to temporarily shield against our bond." Then he asked, "You could not sense me?"
"At first, when you shielded, no. It was as if the bond was too faint," Amanda said. "But then a healer helped me, and while I still couldn't sense anything about you, I could feel you were there."
Sarek straightened at this news. Although he crushed the reflexive jealousy over the fact that another, even a healer, had shared his bondmate's thoughts, he was still troubled. Our bond is such that my wife must seek the assistance of a healer, he thought, castigating himself. I have failed again to keep her safe, even to instruct her in the use of the bond, as a proper bondmate should. He immediately shielded these thoughts, leaving Amanda with no idea of his concern.
"I ask forgiveness for distressing you."
"Sarek, what happened? Were you in danger?"
"As you can see, Aduna, I am unharmed."
She took in a breath. "That's not what I asked!"
"In the future, I shall shield more skillfully, to avoid causing you pain."
"Sarek, I can handle pain," Amanda countered. "But I should know when you're in danger!" Still emotionally on-edge and irritated by his avoidance of her question, she couldn't keep the frustration from her voice.
Now Sarek's voice began to reveal his own strain. "My wife, there is nothing you could have done in this situation or in any other like it, so there is no logic in allowing you to feel discomfort. I will not harm you – and certainly not needlessly."
"And what do you think would happen to me if you die?" she asked.
Resolute, he stared past her into the distance. "You would be cared for."
"Maybe you shouldn't be putting yourself into such dangerous situations!" Amanda cried, exasperated by his attitude and fearful on his behalf. Further vexed by his silence, she started again, "Sarek cha Skon cha Solkar - "
He cut her off, his voice quiet but stern. "Yes, Aduna. That is who I am."
Embarrassed, Amanda lowered her eyes. Of course. Those of the clan of Surak are peacemakers. And peacemaking is often dangerous. Not that I have to like the fact, but I did know who he was when I married him. She met his eyes again. "I ask forgiveness, Adun."
His expression softened. "As do I, my wife. For a multitude of shortcomings."
Amanda couldn't help a tender smile. "Hurry home, my husband. And please, travel safely."
Sarek gave her his own, tiny smile. "Indeed, I shall do both."
Once the channel closed, Sarek prepared for a much-needed meditation. There was not much he could do about the hazards inherent in his assigned occupation, save insulate his wife as much as possible from them. He would also contemplate how to strengthen their bond. At least, he thought with some relief, he could pursue his duties with the knowledge that she was safe on Vulcan, where peace and reason prevailed.
Notes:
Hakausu – Healer
Kai'idth – "What is, is."
Katravahsu - associate, colleague, partner
Osu - Sir
Tat'sahr – northern province of Na'nam continent