To Honor and Protect

by starfleetdream

Passion drove them to bond so quickly. There is much they don't yet even know. Now what? This is the sequel to "Gratified By Your Company." 3/31/15: In posting Part 2 of this story, I'd like to dedicate it to the memory of Leonard Nimoy, and to DC Fontana. Without his portrayal of Spock, and her story development, we never would have had Sarek & Amanda.

35. Understanding & Anticipation

Chapter 35 – Understanding and Anticipation

Sarek had unfinished business to resolve following this most recent incident. This time when he arrived at T'Pau's offices, he knew exactly what the agenda of the meeting would be.

"Sarek." His mother greeted him with the ta'al.

"Pid-kom." He returned the gesture.

"What matter brings thee?"

"Pid-kom, I have recently observed a disturbing pattern of behavior among some members of our population, actions which deviate from the teachings of Surak."

"Indeed?"

"Yes." Hands clasped at his waist, Sarek began to argue his case. "Surak teaches us to reach out to others courteously, and to accept others' reaching with equal care. The Savan-Don-Tak t'Surakespouse the philosophy of Kol-ut-Shan, of IDIC. The Teachings also instruct us not to kill, to be slow to take life. And yet, one who is different among us has reached out, but has been rebuffed by senior officials. Further, she, as well as others of her kind who have come to T'Khasi, has been disregarded by some of those charged the most directly with the preservation of life. If the belief in Vulcan superiority - or even simple indifference toward other sentient beings - results in the loss of life, how is this consistent with the savan-don-tak we have sworn to live by?"

"Loss of life?" T'Pau queried with concern.

"Indeed, Pid-kom." Sarek informed her of what had happened at the Shi'has t'Shi'Kahr. He continued, "Before you conclude that this incident was simply an unfortunate consequence of my unusual bonding, consider this: I postulate that lack of concern can be just as harmful as active xenophobia. If Vulcans do not make the effort to accommodate other sentient beings on our world and within our communities, and allow them to be harmed by our indifference, are we truly any better than the xeno-terrorists on Terra and other worlds?"

T'Pau remained silent as she pondered his words, her fingers steepled before her.

Even knowing he risked censure, Sarek dared to speak again. "What happened to Amanda Grayson could befall any other Human – or Tellarite, Denobulan, Rigellian, or Andorian. I seek your leadership in setting a more logical example than the recent bigotry we have experienced."

The matriarch's black eyes met Sarek's hazel ones, scrutinizing him in minute detail for a long moment. "And thy bondmate?" she finally asked.

"She is recovering," he responded. He paused, gathering himself, before he added quietly, "She might well have died. The probability was –"

"I do not need to hear it," T'Pau interjected, knowing how disturbing the near-loss of a bondmate could be. "Are thee well?"

"I am in control," Sarek answered, albeit a bit stiffly. He waited for her determination.

The age-old hall was silent for what seemed like an improbably lengthy interval. Then, the matriarch's stoic eyes met his again. "This issue does indeed transcend your personal situation. I will instruct the Council to take up the matter of logical considerations for outworlders. Further," she continued, "as Ko-te'kru t'T'Khasi, I recognize thy Federation marriage to T'Sai Amanda Grayson of Earth. It seems that it is logical to do so. There will still be a Vulcan ceremony at the proper time, but in the meantime we shall acknowledge the validity of the Federation one."

ooo

Later that night, preparing for her evening meditation, T'Pau reflected on the state of her son's control. The concern he raised was a valid one in their culture and with their history; Vulcans' ability to savage one another was a reason Surak admonished his followers to celebrate diversity rather than homogeneity. Sarek's appeal was logical.

Nonetheless, the matriarch was disquieted. Stresses to the body and mind had been known to trigger an impending pon farr, and the near-loss of a bondmate could certainly be considered a sufficient stress. Although Sarek's discipline still appeared firmly in place, this was precisely the type of situation that troubled her about his taking a Human wife. Unnecessary and unexpected stresses such as these, when a Time loomed on the horizon, could have unexpected, and undesirable, results.

She pulled her eyes from the stars down to the lights of Shi'Kahr. Kai'idth. The matriarch steeled herself. She had done what she could. There is no more to do about it now. His Time would come, and the results would follow. If in the coming days she needed to fill Sarek's presumed place on the Council and re-structure Vulcan's future diplomatic leadership, she would do so. There is no room for personal concerns.

Now she desired that meditation. But as she turned to go, she felt her bondmate's presence.

"Aduna." Skon's deep voice murmured behind her.

T'Pau returned his greeting. "Adun. Have you completed your work for this night?"

"I have," he affirmed, "Yet, I find my evening has not yet concluded satisfactorily."

"Indeed?" she asked, raising a brow, even though she knew exactly what he meant. "How is this so, my husband?"

Skon's baritone dropped down deeper still. "My wife, attend." He extended his paired fingers.

Planetary ruler in one moment and dutiful wife in the next, she gave him her fingers in return. It was not unpleasant.

ooo

Sometime later, when the sliver of T'Kuht had risen much further in the sky, Skon twined his wife's hair around his hands. Doing so created the most pleasant sensations. Sensing a darker tenor to her thoughts, however, he turned to gaze at her. "You are perturbed by Sarek's status."

"His status defies logic. He risks the possibility of an heir and death himself. And he has brought conflict onto himself and his position."

"None of this is certain," Skon countered. "His bondmate may serve him adequately."

"I estimate that probability at thirty-seven point four eight percent. Such odds justify precautions. I am evaluating substitutes."

"You would separate him from his bondmate?" Skon asked, surprise and concern tingeing his tone.

"You are emotional," T'Pau replied, dismissing him. "If his Human bondmate is unable to serve him, it is only logical."

Skon had nothing to say to this. Recovering, he addressed a different topic. "It is my assessment that Sarek will be able to manage the council situation to a satisfactory conclusion. You will not need to involve yourself."

"I am gratified to hear your analysis, Adun," T'Pau replied, as both wife and planetary leader. "However, the matter is for me to decide."

ooo

Amanda was eager to return to work after days of bed rest. Sarek had watched her like a hawk, and while she appreciated his caring intent, she was also relieved to no longer have her every hiccup scrutinized as evidence of possible ill health.

She was also eager to return so that she could meet with her colleague, T'Grel. While recuperating she had read several references on the Sundered that T'Grel had recommended, and based on what she learned, Amanda believed she could assist T'Grel in decoding some the more obscure aspects of the dialect spoken by the sect. She also thought she could create an investigative exercise for her students using texts of the Sundered – potentially a very informative and eye-opening project.

"Peace and long life," T'Grel greeted her. She of course did not inquire about Amanda's absence, beyond politely inquiring if she was in good health, Vulcan privacy mores being what they were. Still, Amanda's comfort level with T'Grel had grown in the months she'd known her, giving her confidence to hazard a question once their discussion of the project subsided.

"T'Grel," Amanda began, "May I ask you a personal question?"

"You may ask; however, I may decline to respond," the Vulcan woman replied, frank as always.

Fighting down a sudden sense of self-consciousness, Amanda forged ahead. "You… seem to accept me for who I am," she started, earning a raised eyebrow from T'Grel.

"It would be illogical to accept you as someone you are not," T'Grel said.

"I mean," Amanda persisted, stifling a smile, "you do not seem to object to my presence here as a Human. Unlike some others."

"Ah," T'Grel replied knowingly, and Amanda knew they were both recalling Sofek – who, coincidentally, hadn't been seen in their work area since he had last faced off with Amanda over her books.

T'Grel sat for a moment, thoughtful, before responding. "As a Human, you are different, Amanda, but it is not solely your humanity which challenges the logic of some." She paused before continuing. "Surak, and the clan of Surak, brought peace to Vulcan. They did so by renouncing emotion, and by establishing order through reason and logic. To some, for the heir to this clan to bond with an emotional Human threatens that order, and portends a slide back down into savagery." Her eyes met Amanda's. "Many believe that, if we were to fall back into the old ways, we would not escape them."

Amanda sat back, her eyes wide. "Oh, my."

"I intend no offense," T'Grel added.

"Oh, none is taken, T'Grel!" Amanda responded quickly. "I am grateful for your candor. Thank you."

T'Grel was puzzled again. "It is logical to speak the truth. There is no need to thank logic."

Amanda's mind was furiously at work. "What I'm hearing you say, T'Grel, is that some Vulcans are…" she searched for an appropriate word, "concerned… that the influence of an emotional Human will damage the clan of Surak's ability to lead Vulcan in a logical manner." Her head spun. No wonder she had encountered such hostility!

"That is a reasonable summary," T'Grel replied.

"But… you don't share these concerns?"

"Such beliefs are illogical. In my work I have observed forces that have undermined civilizations. As volatile as Human emotions may be" – and now T'Grel raised a brow – "I do not believe that yours will undermine five thousand years of civilization."

Declaring that matter closed, she changed the subject. "You may find this interesting," she said, holding up a small data chip. "It is an audio recording recovered from the same set of artifacts as the most recent Seheikk'he documents." She inserted the chip into a PADD, and a voice from millennia ago filled the room, its guttural intonations and familiar fricatives capturing the attention of the two researchers.

Amanda's brows flew up. "This is contemporary to the documents? The symbology is the same?"

T'Grel tipped her chin down, affirming.

"How interesting, indeed, T'Grel! The verbal components of the language seem to have their roots in Pre-Golic Vuhlcansu, but the symbology is very, very different. It's almost as though the written words were created in some kind of code form." Amanda tapped a finger to her lips, thinking. "I know you said the Seheikk'he lived isolated from most of the rest of Vulcan. Do you think they deliberately chose to isolate themselves, and perhaps chose to isolate aspects of their culture, including their written language, as well? That could explain why their written language deviates so much more from Vuhlkansu than their spoken one."

Now it was T'Grel's turn to look thoughtful. "An interesting hypothesis. It does require additional information to validate it, however."

"Of course," Amanda agreed. "But think of it – normally, cultures living in adjacent spaces tend to grow together, develop bridges of commonality amongst one another. Do you think this could be an instance of two cultures growing apart instead, fueled by the deliberate actions of one or both?"

"Your leaps of logic are… impressive," T'Grel replied, clearly unwilling to speculate.

Amanda laughed. "I know. I can have quite an imagination! I would enjoy researching this further to learn if my hunch is in the right direction, though."

T'Grel was now looking quite confused, but before she could respond Amanda glanced at her chrono and exclaimed, "Oh, I lost track of the time! I've got to run. I'll see you later!"

The Vulcan simply watched with curiosity as her Human colleague hurried from the office.

ooo

"You have five votes on the council at this time." Soran's declaration hung in the air for a long moment in Sarek's offices before he continued. "Sered spent many v'hrallar in discussion with each councilor while you were occupied on the Klingon mission. Although I did the same on your behalf, you must now speak with several of them personally before the upcoming debate."

Careful not to express dismay, Sarek calmly inquired, "Whose votes do I have?" Inwardly, he was concerned to be at such a deficit of support within the council as the next debate, and a likely vote, loomed.

Fortunately, his aide had gathered a wealth of information that was now at their disposal. "Sofir, T'Ulin, T'Partha, Spahn, T'Deata, and T'Nedara support your position," Soran crisply informed his superior.

Sarek nodded. "And those opposed?"

"T'Dar, Streon, T'Laan, S'Rivas, Selar and T'Alaren."

"Selar's opposition is unexpected."

"Selar's bondmate is from Streon's clan, and they are negotiating with a cousin of Streon's over a bondmate for their son."

"Indeed. How were you able to obtain this knowledge?"

"I play kal-toh with Selar's chief of staff."

"I see," Sarek replied, beginning to realize that summoning his friend back to Vulcan was more shrewd than he had first thought. "And the others?"

"Of the seven who remain undecided, there are three whom logic dictates should be persuaded by your argument. A philosophical appeal based on the kol-ut-shan of your bonding with T'Sai Amanda should reach T'Rehu. Solin, I believe, is already predisposed to your position but waits to be approached; I suggest you and your father speak with him. T'Karik, according to her top aide, plans to make her decision based on the conclusion of the debate. Based upon the debating skills you have demonstrated in other venues, you should be able to prevail in this one."

Soran paused briefly to consult his PADD. "Of the remaining council members, T'Enne, Silen and Sunok all expressed concern that you consulted neither the council nor your elders prior to your bonding. All three appear most focused on this issue."

Sarek drew in a small breath, thinking. This matter was arising once again. He had to admit, he understood the council members' concern. Tradition and respect for one's elders were cornerstones of Vulcan culture. In his acknowledged rush to secure his bondmate, he had disregarded those tenets, to his disadvantage now. Kai'idth. Amanda was the correct choice for him, and if he had to suffer the consequences of an impolitic method of choosing, so be it. It was a disadvantage, but he would not allow it to become decisive. She is mine, and I do not regret my choice.

He was confident of his debating abilities, but was less sure of what to expect from his opponent. Sered's tactics in the last council session had been unorthodox and less than admirable, but they had been effective. Sarek resolved not to allow similarly loathsome behavior to affect him in their next encounter.

"In sum, S'haile, the council is closely divided," Soran concluded. "You will have to persuade the undecided with your logic."

Sarek nodded in concurrence. Mentally reviewing the council roster, he asked his aide, "What of T'Pran?"

Soran steepled his fingers. "T'Pran is an interesting case. She believes your bonding was ill-advised. However, she also believes Sered's actions have been dishonorable. Further, I am told that T'Sai Amanda rather soundly bested T'Pran's bondmate in a debate at the Shi'Oren t'Ek'Tallar T'Khasi, although I do not yet know how this affects her position on the matter at hand."

One of Sarek's brows climbed at this disclosure. "Indeed?"

"Yes. Apparently T'Sai Amanda's arguments were such that Sofek was unable to overcome her logic."

"Who told you this?"

"T'Pran."

The ambassador's other brow rose to join the first as one corner of his mouth twitched upward. "Interesting," he murmured, impressed again by his friend and aide. Inwardly, he was quite pleased to hear that his aduna had taken Sofek to task.

"There is another matter, S'haile," Soran said, drawing Sarek back to the present. "You asked me to investigate Sered's background more extensively, and I have done so. His family indeed comes from an old, agricultural line; theirs was one of the first to settle on Kethri. Prior to his appointment, Sered had prepared to continue his family's endeavor and was concerned primarily with exporting produce to Vulcan. He had taken part in no political activity within his clan or on Kethri, nor has anyone in his family expressed more than minimal interest in civic affairs."

"Perhaps an agricultural matter or another issue drove him to seek appointment?" Sarek hypothesized.

Soran tipped his chin negatively. "I was able to ascertain no such motivation from him or his associates. His two chief aides are newcomers to Kethri who arrived shortly before T'Madh retired from the High Council. I am continuing to research their backgrounds.

"Upon her retirement, T'Madh was supposed to have been succeeded by another, T'Lores, but she was killed in an unusual shuttle accident, after which Sered was appointed."

"Yes?" Sarek was already aware of the unfortunate accident that had claimed T'Lores.

"The transportation analysts on Kethri have been unable to recreate the circumstances that caused the accident," Soran continued. "It was originally thought to have been a highly improbable mechanical failure, but the engineers have not been able to verify this after repeated testing. The cause therefore remains unknown."

Sarek straightened in his seat. "I do not understand. Do you make an accusation, Soran?"

"I do not," Soran replied quickly. "I have no logical reason to do so. I do not know if these facts are related, or even relevant, S'haile. However," he finished, concerned eyes meeting Sarek's, "I do know there is a great deal that we still do not know about Prospective Council Member Sered or his associates. I am continuing my investigations."

"Understood. Your research is commendable, Soran."

"I am honored."

At that moment, T'Sey commed Sarek to inform him that Amanda had arrived.

Her arrival was not scheduled, Sarek noted with some bemusement. She liked to "drop in," as she phrased it, to surprise him. He had on multiple occasions informed her that surprises were illogical. Nevertheless, it was not unpleasant when she came to his office.

"Adun! Soran!" Amanda exclaimed brightly, sailing into Sarek's work area and acknowledging his more sober greeting. She touched his outstretched fingers. "I only have a minute, but I've been thinking about this whole Council situation, and I have an idea."

"Indeed?" her husband asked.

Soran, for his part, wondered why T'Sai Amanda would come to Sarek's office only for "a minute," and why she did not simply comm her bondmate instead. It was not logical.

"Why don't we hold a reception at the fortress, so your colleagues can get to know me, and the few other Humans who live here on Vulcan, a bit better?" Amanda continued.

The ambassador's brows knit momentarily. "You are proposing a… party, my wife?" he asked.

"Vulcans do not 'party,'" Soran objected.

"Oh, yes they do," Amanda retorted, hands on hips, "after a fashion, anyway. You can call it a water gathering, if that sounds better."

The two Vulcans considered. "We shall discuss it. The concept may have some merit," Sarek allowed.

"Of course it does," Amanda said. "I've got to run – my class starts soon. Let me know how I can help," she added, quickly touching his fingers before breezing out as quickly as she had come.

Sarek watched her depart, his impassive expression carefully concealing the burst of affection he felt for his bondmate. He did not always understand her thought processes, but she was extremely perceptive, and empathetic in a way he believed he could never be.

Recalling their discussions of Vulcan literature early in their professional relationship, he remembered his surprise and appreciation of her ability to make rapid connections among seemingly disparate and sometimes unspoken concepts. She understood things that other non-Vulcan scholars who had analyzed Vulcan culture far longer did not. Further, she had helped him to understand things Human that had eluded him in two decades of conscientious study as a diplomat.

Most importantly, it had very quickly become apparent that she understood him, even in ways that he did not fully grasp himself. How she did so, he did not know, but it intrigued him and drew him to seek to perceive her in similar ways.

As he continued his discussion with Soran, he allowed part of his mind to reflect back…

Late October, 2228

She smiled as she handed him the data chip. "I think you'll find the themes in the Aeneid similar to those of Halovaya t'Falor, although I think the theme of duty to family is better expressed in Halovaya."

The Vulcan ambassador nodded gravely. "Most interesting. Shall we discuss the two over lunch tomorrow?" he asked. Although Vulcan custom dictated silence over meals, he found adopting the practice of holding discussions during mealtime to be useful occasionally with Human colleagues. This was proving to be especially true with Dr. Grayson, he had discovered.

Amanda's eyes twinkled. "The Aeneid is 10,000 lines of Latin poetry, Ambassador. Perhaps we should defer our lunch for a few days."

Sarek felt an inexplicably forceful reluctance to postpone his next meeting with the Human linguist. "That will not be necessary," he declared. He would master the task overnight.

"All right, tomorrow, then," Amanda agreed, giving him an if-you-say-so look. "There is a translation into Standard and summary on that chip as well," she added.

"Those will not be necessary, either, Doctor," Sarek replied, and then added the Human acknowledgement as an afterthought, "but… thank you."

Now Amanda laughed. "Somehow I thought you would say that."

Her comment surprised him, and he could not resist inquiring further. "I do not understand. In what way did you anticipate my response?"

He tilted his head with his question, and Amanda bit her lip to hide her smile. She found this particular mannerism of the normally reserved diplomat quite endearing.

Her eyes twinkled again, and he was filled with curiosity as to their meaning. "Oh, just intuition, that's all. You're going to translate the entire work from the original Latin into Vulcan, aren't you?"

Her answer was simultaneously unnerving and gratifying, as illogical as those concurrent reactions were. He wanted to ask a dozen questions more, from how this "intuition" informed her, to how she seemed to apprehend his thought processes in such detail. However, such inquiries were far too personal to be appropriate. In addition to translating tonight, he would meditate.

"Indeed," was his only response, for at the moment he could think of nothing else.

"Then I will look forward to lunch tomorrow," Amanda replied, her face brightening into a warm smile.

Sarek confronted a startling rush of anticipation. Careful to observe proper decorum, however, he simply nodded gravely once again and watched her depart.

At the time, he had attributed his anticipation to intellectual attraction, plus curiosity about the seemingly illogical and yet often surprisingly accurate and prescient thought process she described as "intuition." Knowing now that his eagerness resulted from far more than intellectual attraction, and even acknowledging the vulnerability that realization caused him, he still experienced the same anticipation today at the thought of seeing her next. He suspected he would never tire of it. She is mine.

ooo

Not far from where the two friends strategized, Councilmember T'Dar discussed the situation as she saw it with her colleague Sofir.

"It is a matter of tradition," she declared firmly.

"But do our traditions explicitly require that all involved be Vulcan? Or must they simply be respectful of Vulcan ways?" Sofir queried, earning a scowl from T'Dar. "Would not Surak welcome diversity in this circumstance?"

T'Dar jerked her chin up in disagreement. "Your definition of tradition is questionable," she replied, before raising a different objection. "He is keeping her at D'H'Riset."

"They are bonded."

"But there has been no kal'i'farr," T'Dar replied, as scandalized as a Vulcan could outwardly appear.

Sofir offered a Vulcan shrug, unconcerned. "Perhaps it is different with Humans."

ooo

The day for the Council's reconvening dawned, promising to be just as hot and bright as its recent predecessors by the indigenous va'khen already riding the rising thermals over the foothills. In the warming morning light, Sarek of Vulcan completed his morning meditations and gazed out over the dusty plain between D'H'Riset and Shi'Kahr. Before A'lamak reached its zenith, he would address the Vulcan High Council on the matter of his bond with a Human. Logic dictated that he would prevail.

His decades in the diplomatic service had exposed him to the many disparate races of the Federation and beyond, and in encountering the cultures, capabilities and needs of so many beings, he had learned to appreciate the many different aptitudes and strengths – as well as liabilities and weaknesses – of those species different from his own.

Such experience had not diminished his belief in the acceptability of the Vulcan way of life, in all its facets. He certainly had not thought that he would bond with anyone other than a Vulcan female. That is, until he met Amanda Grayson. Quite unwittingly, she had turned many of his previously unquestioned assumptions on their heads.

She was undeniably Human, and yet her Human characteristics that typically would prove trying to Vulcan sensibilities did not bother him. Their personalities, thought processes and mannerisms were vastly dissimilar, as were the majority of their life experiences. But it was incontrovertible that the light in her alien eyes was that of his k'hat'n'dlawa, and once having discovered this, it was only logical that he make her his bondmate.

Given this logic, it had been correct to pursue her as he had, to secure her as his, before someone else, perhaps some Human male, did so. This rush to bond did leave a variety of practical considerations and adaptations to be considered, some of which they had begun addressing as a couple and some of which they would face in the future. Still, the existence of these did not negate the original logic that they bond.

He knew the assertion that a Human possessed a katra would invite spirited debate amongst Vulcan scholars, at a minimum over the essential elements of the Vulcan katra versus other types of life forces, energies or souls. To him, however, such a debate was irrelevant. Whatever labels they bore, their essential beings were but two halves of one whole, and in this bond together, he and Amanda shared something eternal. For him, this was simply fact, and he would neither discuss nor debate it.

It was also fact to him that the philosophies preached by Surak during the Awakening, including the value of IDIC, remained central to the peaceful society Vulcan had become. That Surak's tenets could be so narrowly interpreted as to exclude their application to non-Vulcans disturbed him greatly. To draw such a distinction was not logical; life was life. Narrowing the concept of IDIC down to only that diversity that was somehow considered acceptable was not only philosophically repugnant to his mind, it was also dangerous. It would only be a matter of time before such judgments would be used to divide Vulcans amongst themselves, opening the door for the savagery to return.

Even given his confidence and his belief that he would prevail, Sarek was well aware of the challenge that faced him. This was one of three times since the Awakening that the High Council had been called upon to re-evaluate an appointee. And such scrutiny had never been directed toward one from the clan of Surak, let alone for such a personal and fundamental reason. The emotions the situation summoned were base ones indeed; however, he would not allow such illogic to cloud his thinking. I am in control, and my logic will predominate.

A'lamak was only slightly higher in the sky when Sarek departed for Shi'Kahr. Although he resisted applying analogies from Vulcan's warrior past, it was all too apparent that today was a day to do battle, to defend his aduna and the philosophies upon which his life was based, with words as his weapons.

ooo

Not long after, Amanda was preparing for her morning class to begin when she looked up to see a small group of her students standing at the door to the classroom. Reflexively starting to smile in welcome, she caught herself in time to rein it in somewhat and offer a traditional greeting instead. I'm learning, she thought.

"Sochya eh dif," one of the students, T'Pin, responded before stepping into the room. "Savensu," she began, "we have questions."

"How can I help?" Amanda replied.

A second student, Selhk, spoke up. "There is a group of Tellarite students visiting during this teven-krus to exchange knowledge in physics. Earlier this day, we were conversing with one of them who unexpectedly became emotional."

"Oh?" Amanda asked, wondering what this had to do with her.

T'Pin and Selhk looked at one another, apparently at a loss for what to say next, when Saan, the third student, interjected, "We were speaking with the Tellarite Guveh when she unexpectedly departed in an agitated manner. We wish to inquire why the she reacted the way she did."

"Well," Amanda began, thoughtful as she reached for a PADD, "I speak Tehlarsu, but I'm not a student of Tellarite sociology…" She stopped. "Wait. Why did you come to me with this question?"

"We thought you would be able to assist us, Savensu," T'Pin replied respectfully.

Suddenly perceptive to the nature of their inquiry, Amanda asked, "Is this a linguistic question… or an emotional question?"

Now her students looked uncomfortable, and she contained a sigh. "Orensular, I am honored to be consulted," she said. "However, all emotional beings are not the same, and do not react in the same ways."

The trio looked at her blankly, obviously awaiting more. Amanda smiled a bit more widely. This is a teaching moment, she thought as she formulated a series of questions for her pupils. "All right, Orensular, come in and sit down. Let's examine this logically."

A short while later, Amanda laughed out loud. Selhk had been recounting the conversation with the Tellarite when the source of the misunderstanding suddenly became obvious. Seeing her students' poorly concealed surprise at her outburst, she quickly contained herself to explain. "My laughter is a Human response to humor. In this case, I am finding humor in the unexpected juxtaposition of two different cultural concepts."

"Please elaborate," T'Pin asked.

"Let's compare what we reviewed in the sociological database with your conversation with Guveh. Recall what she said when you greeted her."

"She stated that the references in Savensu T'Pella's tachyon physics lecture were cited inadequately."

"And that the Vulcan fare served at the refreshment interval was most disagreeable to the Tellarite pallet," Saan added dutifully.

"Then she asked if you took offense, correct?" Amanda prompted.

"Yes," Selhk replied.

"And your response was - ?"

"'There is no offense when none is taken,'" the young Vulcan recited, wondering why his instructor wished him to repeat the basic Vulcan courtesy.

Amanda turned to Saan. "What did we learn about Tellarite greetings from the database?"

Looking thoughtful, Saan replied, "They are often typified by remarks the other party may consider insulting."

"Correct!"

"But we did not take offense," T'Pin objected.

"Precisely," Amanda agreed, nodding. "Yet what type of response is expected in Telharsu?"

Again referring to the database, Saan answered, "Acknowledgement of the insult, characterized by commentary intended to offend the first party in a similar manner."

"Such statements would unnecessarily imply emotion," Selhk argued, but T'Pin's eyes widened in comprehension.

Amanda's eyes sparkled. "Do you see the problem, T'Pin?"

"I believe so," she answered gravely. "We did not respond to Guveh in a manner that a Tellarite would typically consider acceptable."

"Very good," Amanda replied. "Selhk's response was appropriate from a Vulcan perspective. And therein lies a cultural misunderstanding. What you and Guveh each thought was obvious and appropriate, was not."

Brows furrowed in front of her. Amanda prompted again. "How would you reply to Guveh in the future?"

Saan looked at his companions uncertainly. "Perhaps… by making negative remarks about Tellarite nutritional preferences?"

"As strange as it may seem, yes." Amanda nodded before turning to Selhk, anticipating his objection. "Do you think, Selhk, that it is possible to make remarks that a Tellarite would consider appropriate without unnecessarily expressing emotion in the process?"

"Perhaps so," the student replied, considering this novel concept.

Amanda spread her hands. "There. Does this answer your questions, Orensular?"

Three heads bowed briefly in front of her. "We are gratified by your assistance, Savensu," Saan intoned.

The three departed, but T'Pin turned back to address her teacher. "Savensu Grayson."

"You have another question, T'Pin?"

"No. I merely wish to inform you. Your logic operates differently from mine. However, I have seen that your way also has its uses, and that you practicing your way here does not inhibit me from following mine. It is… educational." She continued. "My mother, T'Enne, sits on the High Council. I have informed her of my thoughts."

Amanda nodded mutely as the significance of her student's words sank in. "I am honored," she murmured.

T'Pin inclined her head. "Savensu," she said, and departed.

Reminded of the council, Amanda suddenly realized, I'm going to have to hurry to the council chambers to hear Sarek speak! In his typical stoic fashion, he had not mentioned the debate this morning, but she had no intention of missing it.

Notes:

Halovaya t'Falor – Falor's Journey (ancient, Vulcan folksong, 348 verses long; from Voyager episode "Innocence")

kal-toh – chess

Ko-te'kru t'T'Khasi - Sovereign of Vulcan

Orensular - Students

Savan-Don-Tak t'Surak - Teachings of Surak

Shi'Oren t'Ek'Tallar T'Khasi - Vulcan Science Academy

T'Khasi – Vulcan (planet)

Telharsu – Tellarite

teven-krus - month

v'hrallar – hours

va'khen – raptors