At the tenth hour, the council assembled in the ancient hall. Following the ritual sharing of water, the session's only preliminary, T'Pran summarily began.
"Here now continues the matter begun thirty-eight t'vedlar ago in the debate of Sered cha Sefor versus Sarek cha Skon." She looked down from the council's raised platform. "Sarek. Thee will explain thy logic in choosing a Human as thy bondmate."
In the gallery high above, a lone Human female quietly took her seat. There may have been other Humans in the audience from the Terran Embassy or the press, but Amanda could see none from her vantage point. She had begun to learn that, while news traveled fast among Vulcans, it often bypassed the small communities of aliens resident on their planet. It was unlikely any other Humans were even aware of the debate occurring today, or that it concerned one of their own.
A few Vulcan observers near her took note of her arrival, and while they probably surmised who she was, at least this time no one commented on it. A few heads had turned as a rather sweaty Human took her seat in the balcony, but this time Amanda remained blessedly unharassed. All eyes were focused on the debate before them. Sarek surely recognized her presence through their bond, but she knew he would not acknowledge it in the midst of the debate. She settled in to watch and listen.
"It was logical," he replied to T'Pran's question.
"Insufficient," the acting Head of Council replied, just a shade testily.
"What other judgments of mine has this council questioned, Shikh-ornavensu?" Sarek parried.
"None," T'Pran countered evenly. "However, thy determination to take an outworlder as bondmate differs vastly from any others thee has made."
"It is true, the selection of a bondmate is not a process in which I have engaged as frequently as other types of… negotiation," Sarek replied drily.
T'Pran ignored his comment. "Explain why thee finds the need to bring a komihn into our most private realms, in amongst those things that lie at the core of Vulcan. Those things that we do not share with outworlders. How can thee justify this logically?" she pressed.
"A bond is a private matter."
"Nevertheless, thee will explain thyself."
Unfazed, Sarek turned to the rest of the council. "My potential colleague argues that my bond is an improper one, and is therefore evidence of illogical judgment, which is in turn reason to remove me from the council." Boldly, he looked to Sered for confirmation. "Is this a correct characterization of your argument?"
Sered rose quickly. "That is correct, but it is more than that which makes it objectionable." Seizing the opportunity to summarize his points, he continued. "Such a bond, and the actions which led up to it, not only demonstrate illogical reasoning, but also break with some of our most ancient and revered traditions, and allow for an increasing degree of outworld influence in our decision-making. Surak himself would not condone such behavior. Your actions set an unallowably poor leadership example for the rest of Vulcan, and should be censured accordingly.
"Observe," he demanded, activating the council hall viewscreen. Immediately, the screen revealed Sarek and Amanda, obviously in a public place and touching in a manner most inappropriate to Vulcan sensibilities – dancing at the Universal Translator celebration before they were bonded.
The council stilled, scrutinizing the screen – and Sarek.
"Is this the kind of behavior we find acceptable in one of our representatives to other worlds?" Sered asked, gesturing toward the screen just as the video revealed Sarek pulling Amanda into a tighter embrace, to twirl them as one to a breathless stop.
T'Pran sat stone-faced. Sofir, Skon's long-time ally, slowly raised an eyebrow.
Up in the gallery, Amanda sucked in an indignant breath. Sered's words were incredibly insulting to Sarek, as well as inexplicably hostile toward her, and use of the vid segment was infuriating. Other than that brief introduction in Sarek's office, she had never interacted with the Vulcan, and apparently neither had Sarek; what logical reason could he possibly have for attacking them so?
"This activity is culturally accepted on Earth and one in which diplomatic personnel could potentially be expected to engage," Sarek began to explain.
"Humans also commit violent acts against one another," Sered stated triumphantly. "Would you therefore do the same, and attempt to justify such behavior?"
Amanda recalled T'Grel's words, that some might fear a backsliding of Vulcan society down into dangerous emotionalism as a result of her presence at Sarek's side. Her indignation spiked again. I am hardly some savage barbarian, and neither is Sarek. But then her outrage cooled, replaced by sadness. Such views were no different than those expressed by the extremists on Earth who opposed their marriage as if it presented some dire public threat. Perhaps she – and Sarek, both – had been naïve not to expect such enmity.
Apparently unconcerned by his opponent's brief but damning speech, Sarek calmly replied, "The comparison is fallacious. Further, such acts as you describe are illegal under Human law, and are frowned upon by custom. I would of course refrain from them, just as I would refrain from making illogical, unsubstantiated arguments in front of this august body," he finished pointedly.
"Sarek," T'Pran warned.
He turned back to his opponent. "So, then. Based on your contentions, can we then posit that this council should regard my private actions as improper if it could be demonstrated that I have advocated policies against Vulcan interests since my bonding; that I have acted outside of important traditions, have behaved illogically, or have impaired my ability to lead, all as a result of my bond?"
His rival's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "That is correct. But you are well known for your gift with words, Sarek. Do not obfuscate my arguments."
Sarek merely flicked a brow before he turned his attention away. "Of course not. To do so would be illogical."
His eyes swept the length of the council platform. "Surak did not intend for the principles of IDIC to only apply to the whl'q'n." He paused until he was certain he held the council's full attention. "How do we know this? My forefather brought the Reforms to Vulcan at a time when interstellar travel was possible. We were aware of the possibility of intelligent species beyond Vulcan even then. Surak did not intend to limit the application of his teachings to only those on this world, nor would doing so be logical. He said 'Reach out to others courteously, not 'reach out to other Vuhlkansular.' All of his sayings are phrased the same way, and I submit to you this was not accidental. Indeed, if such lessons were needed for our different clans to live in peace, how could they not be needed when we seek to live in peace with those from other worlds?
"And is not his instruction to 'rejoice in our differences' all the more meaningful when we interact with our interstellar neighbors, just as we seek to celebrate the differences among our own people?"
Sarek paused again. He could tell he had the full engagement of his listeners, if not yet their complete agreement.
Sered interrupted at that moment. "If this is true, then what about the Sundered? They were of our own people and yet we drove them away, with no regard for the kol-ut-shan, the IDIC we supposedly revere. Why did we not act thusly toward them?"
Sarek replied to the council. "The division between the Seheikk'he and the Vuhlkansu was indeed regrettable. Surak taught us to accept the peaceful reachings of others. However, while he advocated acceptance, he did not advocate capitulation in the face of hostility. Where we face the threat of violence, we are to attempt to make peace, and where peace-making fails, we are to defend ourselves - as well as defend the defenseless - using non-violent, non-injurious or minimally harmful means to preserve life.
"Much of the history has been lost, but we do know that a peaceful accommodation with the Sundered could not be reached. That the Sundered chose to leave T'Khasi was regrettable, but it was less so than the outbreak of yet another bitter civil war.
"Now," he continued, "to address my colleague's complaints. First, Sered asserts that my choice of bondmate has allowed, or is evidence of, an unacceptable level of non-Vulcan influence over our policies and on our world.
"I declare to you, Shikh-ornavensular, that I am no less Vulcan for having taken a Human bondmate. In the time that I have served in the diplomatic corps, I have never failed to represent Vulcan's interests successfully, and no one has questioned my logic in any matter confronting Vulcan where I have been involved. Is there anyone here who contests this?"
Silence greeted his inquiry.
"In addition," Sarek resumed, "I realize there are those who question the degree to which Vulcan should allow itself to become involved in the politics of the Federation, and whether doing so risks diluting that which is Vulcan.
"Yet we must accept the reality that Vulcan does not exist in a vacuum. Other worlds, as allies or as foes, will affect our affairs for good or for ill. Does logic not dictate that it is more beneficial to engage our neighboring worlds positively, as allies, rather than seek to isolate ourselves? Given the reality of the interstellar community in the quadrant of our galaxy that we consider ours, does logic also not dictate that seeking to understand the beings who co-exist with us is a superior approach to remaining ignorant? To do so simply acknowledges c'thia, that which is. It does not make us any less Vulcan.
"Further, as we have noted, Surak taught us, 'Nar-tor pulaya s'au k'ka'es - k'el'rular tun-bosh.' This dictates that we accept those from outside Vulcan who desire to learn of and respect our culture and traditions. They who seek to live within our culture dilute that which is Vulcan no more than we dilute ourselves.
"Surak's teaching of kol-ut-shan offers instruction in what it means to be Vulcan, as well as in understanding those who are not. When he said, 'Ma etek natyan teretuhr lau etek shetau weh-lo'uk do tum t'on,' this does not require us to diminish who we are. Rather, we are encouraged to reach beyond ourselves to discover greater truths in concert with others. At times, we resist doing so, because of the instinctive fear of the unknown. It is important to recognize this for what it is: simply fear. An emotion, which should and must be controlled.
"Surak provided another lesson regarding fear as well: 'Dakh pthak. Nam-tor ri ret na'fan-kitok fa tu dakh pthak.' I submit to you, Honored Council Members, that the underlying basis of the objections to my bondmate is simply an uncontrolled emotion. Cast that aside, and there is little left to debate.
"Regarding tradition, a bonding is traditionally a private thing. Our established respect for the Silences dictates that we do not reveal family matters openly beyond the clan. Yet I have been called here to discuss in detail a most personal matter, my marital bond. How is this respectful of the ways established by Surak? Indeed, I can think of no action taken by me or my aduna that affronts Vulcan tradition as much as this." Sarek raised a brow imperiously and stared up and down the row of council members, daring any to refute him.
Then he added, the slightest edge to his voice, "My aduna and I are bonded in the manner of our people. There are those who can attest to the validity of our bond, but I will not call them forward. To do so would be unnecessary, illogical, and unVulcan.
"My bond has not disrupted my logic, nor my ability to lead. You have agreed that my logic remains unquestioned in the diplomatic matters for which I have been responsible. I led the coalition responsible for the passage of the Centauri Accord, a Federation measure supported by this body, as well as numerous other initiatives of which you are aware and I need not repeat here.
"In fact, my opponent himself commits a basic logical fallacy of circular reasoning: he asserts that my choice of bondmate has caused me to behave illogically, and then cites as evidence of that illogic my choice of bondmate." Sarek raised an ironic brow. "I am afraid it is Sered's behavior that has been affected, rather than my own.
"Shikh-ornavensular, I will conclude with one final argument. Only fifteen t'vedlar ago, my bondmate lay at the Shi'has t'Shih'Kahr, her life endangered because we as a people have not implemented the proper healing protocols for the non-Vulcan beings who visit our world. Surak told us, 'Nam-tor vohris nem-tor ha'kiv' and 'Vah mau vah tor-yehat ri stau.' Does this not imply a duty to tend responsibly for those who require our care? And would that logically not extend to those who visit or live on our world? Do we, as modern followers of Surak, wish to declare that it does not?
"If my bondmate were Vulcan and she had perished, each of you would declare, 'I grieve with thee.' But she is Human. If she had died, would you not also share my grief?"
The scion of the clan of Surak stared penetratingly up and down the long platform. If the silence this time held a trace of awkwardness, none of the distinguished Vulcans present would acknowledge it. Yet Sarek knew he had made his point. He concluded, "If yes, what more justification of my bond is required? If no, then to those who say we revere life I ask, what meaning does this have if the only lives we revere are our own?"
Again that imperious, demanding gaze swept up and down the length of the council platform. After a long moment, Sarek stepped back, hands folded at his waist, and respectfully bowed his head in conclusion.
After a moment, T'Pran spoke. "Sered. Thee may rebut."
Before the other Vulcan rose to speak again, Amanda quietly slipped out of the gallery. Her next class would start in a few minutes. Besides, she had no intention of embarrassing her husband after his moving speech by allowing others to see her emotional, Human tears.
Sered stood, still collecting his thoughts. Sarek's speech had been extremely effective in blunting his arguments. Still, he was down, but not out.
Drawing himself up, he began. "Shikh-ornavensular, Sarek's words are always persuasive. However, we must look beyond words to the facts. As much as he would tell you that it is not your concern, the fact of his failure to consult any of his elders – including this council – regarding such an anomalous bonding remains. It is traditional to consult one's elders, and to select from the choices of one's elders, in such situations. Tradition has been violated, in the illogical interest of consorting with an emotional outworlder."
Sarek rose. As uncomfortable as this was, he needed to address the matter of his bonding in more detail. "As you are all aware, my childhood bonding, the one traditionally arranged by my elders, was dissolved when my bondmate chose to pursue the way of kolinahr, an honorable and difficult path chosen by only a few. My circumstance was therefore not traditional. However, I did, as tradition dictates, evaluate the telan candidates proposed by my clan. None of them were as logical a choice as she-who-is-my aduna. I made the logical choice. Where logic and tradition conflict, logic must prevail."
"Your logic is questionable. The fact remains, tradition was disregarded," Sered retorted, unwilling to concede the point.
"It was logical. And such things are private. Respect the Silences," Sarek demanded.
"The elders were not consulted," Sered insisted. He continued, turning back to the council, "Further, Sarek asserts that his ability to lead remains unaffected. However, he cannot answer this question. Only you can, Shikh-ornavensular. Do you wish to be led by one who ignores your counsel, who consorts intimately with an outworlder? We have seen his actions," he said, referring to the vid of the couple dancing. "I assert that submitting to such 'leadership' is not logical."
Sarek challenged his opponent again. "I assert that arguing with personal attacks is not logical. My capacity to lead and my experience leading in other roles have not been questioned. Sered continues to focus on the matter of my bonding, which is personal and not relevant to these deliberations."
"If Sarek's personal choice are not relevant, then why does he persist in prioritizing relationships with emotional species so different from our own? Vulcan interests are unique; it is more logical to seek out others in the galaxy like ourselves. Continuing the path of closer alignment with the Federation is not logical when we should instead be reconciling with the Seheikk'he. It is obvious he is unduly influenced by those who are not – or she who is not – Vulcan."
"Shikh-ornavensular, I must object," Sarek interjected, well aware he risked T'Pran's censure for interrupting Sered yet another time. "The decision to join – and indeed to co-found – the United Federation of Planets was one made by my grandfather, Osu Solkar, in concert with the matriarch and this body. My honored father Skon continued these policies, as have I. It can hardly be said that I have done so out of my own, personal interests."
"We have no need of the history lesson," Sered replied, sarcasm tingeing his tone. "The question now is whether those policies are still in the best interests of Vulcan. I assert it is time for a true, unbiased discussion of the issue."
"You will find no evidence of bias in any of my actions."
"I contest that. Shikh-ornavensular, Sarek attempts to brush off these concerns or declare them 'personal.' This matter is more grave. This is only the fourth time in modern history when a proposed council member has been questioned. The safeguards were put in place to protect us from poorly reasoned and unsuitable council choices. Sarek has demonstrated his unsuitability with his actions. We must act with caution, and reject his candidacy."
"We must act with logic," Sarek said. "As Sered says, we know the history. Those instances to which he refers involved legitimate issues of qualification and capability. Not a mere difference of opinion – or prejudice."
"I object!" Sered exclaimed.
"You are becoming emotional," Sarek coolly responded.
"Enough," T'Pran interposed. "Sered, conclude your statement."
In the end, Sered's attempts to refute Sarek's points were largely ineffective; Sarek easily parried his arguments at almost every turn. The Kethri representative was forced to rely on only a few of his original arguments.
"In sum, my colleagues, Sarek has already demonstrated his lack of respect for tradition – and this body – by failing to consult with the High Council before forming such an unprecedented and unwise bond with an outworlder. His actions alone say more than I can. Further, he remains illogically in favor of policies that benefit Humans and the Federation at the expense of searching for our lost brethren, no doubt unduly influenced by his consort."
Finally, he made an appeal to a tradition that predated Surak. "You may have your own arguments, Sarek, but what does your clan say? Your matriarch still has the final say of bonding choices within your clan. Surely T'Pau does not afford you license to behave illogically simply because you are her son. No doubt she holds you to a higher standard. How does she rule on this matter?"
Sarek faced his opponent impassively. "T'Pau recognizes my Federation marriage. The council has no doubt received formal notice of such already."
Sered recognized that his case was crumbling. If T'Pau had recognized Sarek's Terran wedding ceremony, there were only limited objections he or the council could make without calling the matriarch's logic into question as well. But the council could still refuse to install Sarek as a member. Unwilling to concede defeat, he persisted. "In recognizing your Terran ceremony, T'Pau accepts your bonding to the Human, but nothing more. There has been no koon'ut-kal'i'fee," Sered declared.
"In addition to the ceremony already recognized by the Federation and the matriarch, we will hold a traditional koon'ut-kal'i'fee at the proper time," Sarek rejoined. His opponent's last-ditch protestations were growing tiresome.
But the Kethri representative had one last opportunity, and he did not shy from using it.
Sered drew himself up and addressed the council as much as he addressed his rival. "That is all very well, Sarek, but you – and your Human – overlook a critical consideration. What about pon farr? We do not share this aspect of ourselves with outworlders for good reason. She will not withstand it, and you both will perish in the Fires. You, who claim to revere life, endanger an innocent. And how can you lead the council if you die in madness? You cannot."
The great hall was utterly silent, its occupants shocked by Sered's brazen allegation of the unspeakable. Some stared at the floor, and others even looked around, searching for non-Vulcans in the crowd. Fortunately, other than Amanda who had already departed, today there were none.
"Thee go too far, Sered," T'Pran reprimanded swiftly. "Thy words are most improper."
Unfazed, Sered calmly retorted, "Perhaps so, Shikh-ornavensu, but it is illogical to deny that which is in all of our minds."
"Enough, Sered! Thee will express thyself properly, or not at all," the acting council head warned, well aware of the disquiet his words had caused and determined to restore order to the proceeding.
"I ask forgiveness," he replied, clearly not at all repentant. "I speak merely out of my concern for two lives – "
"Be silent," T'Pran ordered. "Sarek, what does thee have to say for thyself?"
Finding the words to speak of this in a public forum was painfully difficult, but it had to be done. Even as Sarek rationally did not believe Sered's dire prophecy, it nonetheless touched on an unacknowledged fear – could he, in the madness, harm his precious, fragile wife?
No! I will not allow such a thing. And we are bonded. She is mine, and I will keep her safe.
Pushing the dark thoughts aside, Sarek addressed the council, his face an impassive mask. "My opponent seeks to disrupt this debate with emotional provocation," he declared, his voice severe. "The hypothetical events of which he improperly speaks will not come to pass. My aduna and I are properly bonded in the way of our people. This is sufficient and all that I should be required to acknowledge. I will not speak of this further." Sarek's eagle-eyed stare swept implacably to each council member, the force of his will indelibly clear.
If I am removed, then so be it, he thought, resolute. There are always alternatives.
"The council will confer," T'Pran announced. "The continuation of this session will be announced." With that, the council members stood as one and silently filed out of the great hall.
ooo
Sarek was just coming out of meditation when the announcement came that the council would reconvene. Following its adjournment he had returned to his offices, consulted with Soran and attended to some pressing Federation business before turning to meditate. Bolstering his discipline was necessary preparation for whatever decision the council would make and to contemplate the alternatives should it not rule in his favor.
The attendees silently filed in to the council chambers where T'Pran and the council awaited. Sarek and Sered took their places in front of the platform. Both appeared impassive at a glance, but to Sarek, the slight stiffness in his opponent's movements revealed a hidden unease. He noted that Sered's two aides had moved forward from their earlier seats near the back of the hall, and were now closely observing their superior.
Just before the chamber doors closed, a tug in the bond told him Amanda had arrived. He turned and saw her up above, offering him a nervous smile. He acknowledged her without expression before turning his attention back to the council platform.
T'Pran rose and stood at the front of the platform.
"This body has reached a decision," she declared. "Based upon the arguments presented before us by Sered and Sarek, we make the following ruling." She paused momentarily, and the hall was silent with anticipation.
"Sarek cha Skon shall assume his hereditary position as leader of the council following the traditional period as a member of the council." T'Pran looked down at Sarek. "Thy service to Vulcan has been exemplary. The matter of thy bondmate, and the method of thy choice, will be left to the clan of Surak. While thee presents many logical arguments in favor of thy bond, there remain questions about thy process and its results. These are best resolved within the clan. The council will not address this issue further – unless events demand that it logically must," she added in a tacit reference to possible, untoward outcomes of pon farr.
"In addition, Sered will also take his place on the council." She looked to Sered. "While the council has chosen not to rule in favor of thy proposal at this time, it is logical to maintain independent viewpoints such as thine on the council, as they may be valuable in the future."
To both men, T'Pran intoned, "Go in peace and serve with honor." Then she addressed the assembly. "This council is adjourned. It will reconvene on the first day of Khuti with its new members present. Live long and prosper."
Sarek smoothly turned to Sered, raising his hand in the ta'al. "Live long and prosper, Sered." Sered, appearing rather surprised at the outcome, glanced uncertainly at his aides before returning the gesture. He then rejoined them to quickly leave the hall.
Sarek watched them depart, considering. For all intents and purposes, he had prevailed. While he disapproved of the council's decision to leave Sered on the council, he was not surprised by it. He had not pressed for his opponent's removal, judging that doing so would be both impolitic and unhelpful to his primary argumentation.
It was clear to him that the council's action was its way of expressing displeasure with him for refusing to seek its permission before bonding with Amanda. Kai'idth. That was of little matter; Sered and his intolerant views would simply be a factor on the council he would have to manage. Likewise, the council's veiled statement that T'Pau should take up the matter was also not a new concern. It was already evident that resistance to his inter-species bond existed, even on his logic-driven world. But while the matriarch had not formally approved his bondmate, she had recognized his marriage. It would be most unlikely of her now to disapprove of his wife. Beyond this, any disapproval of those who did not understand was irrelevant. He would insulate Amanda from the negative opinions of others, and keep her safe. She is mine.
Still, he remained concerned. Perhaps it was the challenging nature of Sered's proposal, or the disturbingly intolerant tenor of the debate, or the council's willingness to allow it. The council's ruling, while it appeared to lay this particular conflict to rest, still left open the possibility of continued argument on the underlying issues of Vulcan involvement in the Federation and the degree to which other species were welcome on Vulcan. He would remain vigilant.
ooo
Relief sang through Amanda at the High Council's verdict. She was surprised that no one on the council rebuked Sered for his intolerant views, and the fact that he was to join the council with no such censure left her concerned. But most of all, her worries were assuaged – Sarek would not lose his position.
Knowing that he would be caught up with Soran and his other staff for a while, and wanting some time to reflect on her own, she left for home.
ooo
It was close to sunset by the time she arrived back at the fortress and changed her clothes. The vivid hues drew her outside, and she took up a lone sentry position on a rock at the edge of the garden facing the descending sun.
This was the perfect place to muse on the realities of her adopted home. The colors of the land and sky right now were truly beautiful, and like nothing she would encounter on her homeworld. The natural beauty here hid a harshness and a degree of danger greater than any she would encounter on Earth, mostly because she was alien and not adapted, but also because T'Khasi was a much more austere and unforgiving environment. But she wanted to be here, with Sarek.
The people of Vulcan were capable of great beauty as well, in art, literature, technology and philosophy, and yet, also capable of insularity, fear of the unknown, and yes, bigotry, all of which she occasionally triggered. They were truly a people of peace, even if that peace had been bought at the price of great savagery. At times she had an inkling that such savagery still lived, much closer to the surface of modern Vulcan society than any outsider would believe. But she would not give up her place at Sarek's side for anything.
Amanda recalled those aspects of him which had first drawn her to him: his burning intellect, his unerring drive, and his deep commitment to serving Vulcan and the Federation in the cause of peace; and those less-obvious but vital characteristics, his sense of humor, his compassion, and his curiosity. They were so different in a myriad of ways, but he was her soulmate. The concept of k'hat'n'dlawa rang true for her, even though she was not Vulcan. The proof of its existence lay in their unique bond.
And then there was the physical package that contained her beloved husband. Amanda would never tire of looking at him, of touching him, and would never cease to marvel at how much pleasure he was capable of eliciting in her. He was an immeasurably gentle and considerate lover, and yet at the same time there lurked in him that powerful and dominant side, perhaps borne of his heritage or of the strength of his personality, that never failed to evoke in her the most passionate and primitive of desires.
She laughed to herself as she realized why her thoughts had been drawn in this direction. Sarek was home. His mind was reaching for hers now, and she eagerly responded. She never knew how he perceived her projections; when she returned the calls of his mind, it was as though she was deaf and vocalizing to a hearing person but having no idea how she sounded. This didn't seem to bother Sarek; as usual, she felt the warm wash of his contentment as he sensed her and approached.
Finally freed of council and Federation business for the time being, Sarek had been contemplating his wife as he came home. Following the conclusion of his debate with Sered, a few of his colleagues had attempted, however obliquely, to ask him what it was about his Human bondmate that justified so much trouble. Their indirect questions were easy to deflect, and inquiries that were any more direct would have been most impolite. Still, he knew the answers they had hoped to draw from him.
His Human wife was uncannily perceptive, both due to her intelligence and to some other sense, perhaps what she called intuition, that enabled her to rapidly make connections between disparate things without necessarily proceeding through all the steps of logic that his own mind required. She was empathetic in a way that he believed he could never be. She was comfortable with her emotions and with those of others, experiencing them vibrantly without becoming incapacitated by them. That she lived life so intensely and openly fascinated him, in his highly controlled existence, and appealed to that hidden, passionate side of him that he kept so tightly leashed.
Most uniquely, Amanda understood him. He could not fathom exactly how, but they seemed to connect on a nearly unconscious level, something he had noticed almost immediately about her. She was his, his k'hat'n'dlawa. Her mind and her body were beautiful to him, and his physical being hungered for hers. He desired her, and she completed him, in such a way as he had never experienced, or thought possible, with another being. She is mine.
His senses unerringly drew him to the outcropping where she sat. She turned as he approached, welcoming him with her radiant smile. They had not seen one another since the debate's conclusion, and it had been too long since their minds had joined.
"Adun. I'm glad you're home."
"Aduna. It is agreeable to return," he said, offering her the oz'hesta. After a moment of relaxing into her touch, Sarek looked around in the dimming light. They remained inside the garden walls, but still he felt protective. "It is, however, growing late. I should like to escort you inside."
Amanda looked at him curiously. "Whatever for, Sarek?" she asked.
"To ensure your safety," he responded, equally puzzled. Amanda was aware of Vulcan's nocturnal dangers.
"Well first of all, my husband, we're in the garden, not out on the Forge," she objected. "And isn't ensuring my safety what Septek is supposed to be doing right now, anyway?" she asked, referring to the security guard now unobtrusively patrolling nearby.
Sarek's brows rose. "I did not know that you were aware of Septek's evening patrol."
Amanda gave him a withering glance. "Really, Sarek. I have noticed all the guards. I'm not that dense, you know," she added teasingly.
Sarek drew up, looking surprisingly injured for all his lack of expression. "It was not my intention to disturb you with their presence, my wife. It is my duty to keep you safe," he added, somewhat stiffly.
She regarded him tenderly for a moment. "I know, my husband." She wondered how long it would be before he could relax his need to be so vigilant around her. But she couldn't resist kidding him further. "After all," she added, "it would be silly to go to all that effort to defend your Human wife to the High Council and then have me end up a le-matya's meal in your own back yard."
"Amanda!" he said sharply. "Do not speak of such things."
She was unprepared for his shocked reaction. "I'm sorry!" she replied, surprised in kind. "I was only kidding."
"It is not at all amusing."
Amanda suddenly realized how much the High Council debate must have weighed on Sarek – and how much her stoic, supremely capable husband needed her. She turned serious as well.
"I ask forgiveness," she told him sincerely, gripping his hands with hers to emphasize her meaning. "And I must tell you how impressive your speech was today. You honor me greatly, my husband."
"No more than you do me, my wife," he replied, his voice soft in solemn, velvet tones.
The light around them suddenly faded, and she turned her head to see Alam'ak descend below the L-langons. The dark claret of the sky began slipping inevitably toward the inky violet of night, and she took the shelter provided by the growing darkness to lay her head against his chest. They were both fatigued, if not physically then certainly mentally, from the battles for acceptance they had fought for their bond on Earth and now here.
She sighed, and laid bare a wish she had harbored for some time. "I want a little while to be truly alone with you, Adun. No council members, no aides, no academicians, no one but us. Is it so illogical for me to want that?"
Sarek gazed down at her upturned, earnest face and found he had to agree with her sentiment. "It is not illogical," he murmured.
Amanda snuggled closer. "Perhaps it's time we took that desert trek you promised me."
This was not the venue Sarek would have selected. Not until she was more fully acclimated to Vulcan, a process which would take a few years, at least. Before he spoke, though, he reflected. His Human wife had adjusted rapidly to his alien and not entirely welcoming world – admirably so. It occurred to him that perhaps the greatest challenges for her were not so much environmental as social, ironically caused by his supposedly logical, peaceful people. From that perspective, a trek through the desert (brief, and very carefully managed, of course) was not such a foolhardy venture after all.
Sensing his hesitation, Amanda sought out his hand, twining her fingers with his. "Surely you could protect me," she whispered, before reaching up to kiss his throat. She felt the muscles around his Adam's apple quiver under her lips before he stilled them.
"I can think of no one more qualified to do so," he replied, his voice husky as he pulled her toward him. He brought his fingers to her face – but then was reminded of Septek. The presence of the guard was, indeed, less than ideal.
"It is time to return inside. My wife, attend."
Not long after, outside the notice of guards or servants, their minds came together, gently enfolding around one another, and they made love, safely insulated from critical eyes and judging thoughts. He lost himself in her calming presence, and she gave herself up to the strength of his mind and body. Together, they found contentment, and were one.
Notes:
'Dakh pthak. Nam-tor ri ret na'fan-kitok fa tu dakh pthak.' – 'Cast out fear. There is no room for anything else until you cast out fear.' (Teaching of Surak)
Khuti – 6th month in Vulcan calendar
kolinahr - rigorous training program at Gol to purge oneself of all emotion
'Ma etek natyan teretuhr lau etek shetau weh-lo'uk do tum t'on' – 'We have differences. May we, together, become greater than the sum of both of us.'(Teaching of Surak)
'Nam-tor vohris nem-tor ha'kiv' - 'Be slow to take life.' (Teaching of Surak)
'Nar-tor pulaya s'au k'ka'es - k'el'rular tun-bosh.' – 'Accept their reaching in the same way, with careful hands.' (Teaching of Surak)
telan - bonding
t'vedlar – days
'Vah mau vah tor-yehat ri stau.' - 'As far as possible, do not kill.' (Teaching of Surak)
Vuhlkansular – Vulcans
whl'q'n – Vulcan people