Make New Friends, But Keep The Old

Sarek sat on the balcony, but not in his chair. It brought him an odd comfort to sit in hers, having just finished a meal he had not intended to consume. Two hours earlier he was reading when the com-unit chimed quietly. He answered it to find a message set on timed delivery from Emma to him.

Hi there

I'm sending this time delayed because I'm suspicious you'll not dine alone this evening. As I much prefer your receiving proper nutrition, I'm personally requesting that you go to the stasis unit and choose any of the meals I have prepared for you. There are enough for end-meal each night, plus two. I will worry if I think you are not eating, my love. I will speak with you soon.

Cleaning his dishes and preparing for bed, he found Jake had assumed a more congenial role, accompanying him everywhere he went. He then learned it was unacceptable to the cat for the bathroom door to close, excluding him from activities inside.

A black and white paw wiggled under the door frame, turned upside down, and moved the back and forth as best it could. Emma called that 'knocking to be let in', but she never gave in to the feline's demands. Sarek decided he would not yield either.

After his evening meditation, Sarek prepared a cup of tea and the com-unit chimed once again. He answered it, internally pleased to see the face of an old friend.

"Good evening, Daniel."

"Hello Sarek. How is Earth?"

"As you left it."

"That is good to know," he smiled. "I received your message asking to speak."

"I require your assistance."

"Anything, my friend."

"The Intrepid II will assume standard orbit around Nisus at approximately 1700 hours Tuesday evening. My wife is aboard. She is giving a presentation at the Linguistics Conference. If possible, she would have a medical consultation with you and O'hakausu Sorel."

"Certainly – one moment," he said, stepping away from the comm.

Sarek heard the sound of several people entering Daniel's office. In the background he saw Daniel's bond-mate T'Mir and her father Sorel. He could hear them speaking together for a moment, and then Sorel joined Daniel at the com-unit.

"Sarek, it is agreeable to see you again," Sorel said.

"Sorel. Peace and long life to you."

"We will meet T'Sai Emma at the transporter terminal upon her arrival. However, we ask that you allow us to host her. We will ensure her needs are accounted for."

"Your hospitality is most generous. I will communicate the alteration in her accommodations to her before her arrival."

Sorel nodded.

"There is one matter I would bring to your attention: she has not been feeling well over the past days. She visited with Healer T'Pola and the results of that visit were updated in her medical records. She will bring those to you."

Daniel chimed in. "What are her symptoms?"

"She has difficulty with her equilibrium, and her appetite has been rather diminished. She has described a subtle nausea as well."

"Have you sensed anything, Sarek?" Sorel asked directly.

"Yes. The changes are beginning. I am concerned for her physical and emotional wellbeing in this matter."

"She will have our very best efforts."

Nisus Space Terminus

2295.108

Emma and Terry stood quietly in the transport reception facility on Nisus, awaiting clearance from immigration. They exited the controlled area to find Terry's brother and sister-in-law waiting for her, and after a happy reunion and departure, Emma stood, PADD in hand, in front of the large information terminal, trying to determine exactly where she was and who she was supposed to meet.

She had no idea they were approaching, observing her.

"That has to be her," Daniel commented. "That is the reddest hair I have ever seen, and I'm Irish."

Sorel approached her. "T'Sai?" he asked politely.

She turned to one of the taller Vulcans she had ever seen, with eyes so dark even she could not read them. "Ha, Osu?"

"Sorel wimish, heh kazhuksu, O'hakausu Corrigan."

"I am Dr. Emma McGregor aduna Sarek - please, call me Emma."

"Emma, it's a pleasure. I go by Daniel. Have you eaten yet?" Daniel asked.

After a pleasant and satisfying meal, they journeyed to Sorel's home and found his bond-mate T'Kar waiting for them.

"I regret we will be unable to attend your presentation Thursday morning. I have two scheduled surgeries," Sorel said. "I am interested in your research. Summarize."

"I've been studying the linguistic development of languages within species utilizing auditory communication, regarding rhythmic meter of spoken language, and influence of ambient sound in the native environment upon its development."

"Fascinating," T'kar said. "How many species demonstrate these characteristics?"

"Forty-four of forty-seven. They all derive sound development from their environments, and have a uniquely defined rhythmic flow. The presentation will demonstrate four of them: Terran, Vulcan, Tellarite, and Andorian."

"Interesting," Daniel said. "How will you demonstrate these commonalities?"

"Through rhythmic cadences, with the demonstrated concept of developing cognition and perception of linguistic ideas through musical reference points. We all utilize rhythm in a relatively similar manner, so I have composed these cadences based upon universally accepted literary works from each planet.

"My accompanist journeyed here with me, and we will perform a series of concerts and a master class in folk music and improvisational compositional styles. Sorel, if you and T'Kar would like to attend we have a dress rehearsal tomorrow evening," she offered.

"We will attend," T'Kar answered for them.

Daniel and T'Mir stood quietly. "Thank you for dinner, Sorel. We're headed home for the evening. Emma, see you later," he said, with a wave.

Later in the evening, Emma sat in the living room reading quietly when T'Kar approached her. "You have a call, and may take it in the study."

"Thank you," she replied with a small nod.

She walked into the study and closed the door and smiled as she saw him. "Hi."

"I trust your journey was safe?"

"Yes, very much so - I am in good hands. How has end-meal been for you?"

"Most satisfying, I am curious though. When did you have the time to prepare them?"

"Sarek, if I tell that secret, I'll lose my mystique and intrigue." She smiled at him as she teased him.

He regarded her seriously, and her smile faded away.

"T'hy'la, those characteristics will remain with you always."

"You know Sarek, it's a tragedy we aren't sharing the same pillow tonight." She cleared her throat and willed thosethoughts out of her mind, continuing. "How is life with your new roommate?"

"He is rather demanding in the evenings, but essentially easy to get along with. I awoke this morning to find him asleep on my chest. He looks for you, as do I. I have become accustomed to your presence."