Disclaimer - See Chapter 1
I hope the Vulcan language isn't too distracting.
Thanks again for all the helpful feedback :-)
"Hiki mai ka mālie, a hiki mai no ka 'ino." Hawaiian Proverb
"Good weather comes, and bad weather comes too."
T'Rama and Sordd Interview
Sordd was sitting opposite T'Rama in her apartment, it was early. T'Rama was wearing formal robes, it was very rare that she didn't, consisting of an un-ornamented light pewter coloured tunic and a long hooded raku coloured robe. The robe was heavily ornamented with beads. Vulcan text ran down the right side, indicating her clan and status. She was also wearing a ring on the fourth finger of her left hand. The ring consisted of a very large Vulcan pearl, cultivated from Jumbo Vulcan Mollusks in the Thanar sea, mounted on two bold haul-kur (silver) bands. The ring elegantly complimented the outfit she was wearing. T'Rama had an air of authority and calm around her, she always did.
Sordd was wearing a dark grey jumpsuit highlighted with light brown pattering. The collar and shoulders were trimmed with russet piping which also encircled his mid torso. His left collar had Vulcan text, indicating his clan and status as a healer. His outer robe, also a russet colour, was folded neatly on the couch beside him.
Skon, Sordd's father, was currently meditating in another room.
As per Vulcan custom when mother and son met, there was a pot of Vulcan Green tea on the table between them, which they were both partaking off. They were in mid conversation...
Sordd was speaking, "... do I have your blessing on the union ko-mekh?" there was the usual calm in his voice and his face was neutral.
"It is logical. You are of age sa-fu to make these decisions. As it stands you have declared shon-ha-lock, your katra has spoken and that cannot be undone. After my interview with T'Sai Mimi it is obvious that she reciprocates the 'feeling.'" She fell silent for a moment, contemplating. "I counsel you to conduct yourself in the correct manner. Do not take advantage of this young woman, I do not want you to bring disgrace upon our clan." Her tone was kind but firm.
"I'm endeavouring to follow Vulcan custom, however, it is logical to embrace some human customs as well." his head inclined as he said this.
"In that which is essential you must not compromise, in that which is non essential you have autonomy. I expect there to be a betrothal ceremony on Vulcan, it is the Vulcan way." She looked at him, her eyes were piercing.
"T'Sai Mimi and I have not discussed this yet. It is human custom for there to be a Terran marriage ceremony, which I intend to conform with if that is what she desires. I will ensure our return to Vulcan for the appropriate Vulcan ceremonies. There are many things that have still to be discussed and agreed upon…"
"Indeed sa-fu." She raised an eyebrow, the first sign of any emotional response throughout the whole conversation. The room fell silent again, for someone who was not a Vulcan the length of the pause would have induced pain. "It is imperative that you train her on shielding her thoughts and emotions. My observations of T'Sai Mimi are that she has a fair degree of control. However, she may have the same flashes of emotion as her sister. Your sa-mekh informed me of the incident in the hotel lobby." Her eyebrow raised again. "T'Sai Mimi will need assistance in learning the disciplines. There are those on Vulcan who are not as tolerant as your sa-mekh or I. We will assist you with her training."
"It is most kind of you to make this effort. Thank you ko-mekh." Sordd replied.
"It is no effort, you are our sa-fu." T'Rama stood up, an indication that the interview was over.
Sordd stood up and raised a tal "Live long, and prosper ko-mekh."
T'Rama responded in kind "Live long and prosper, my sa-fu."
Sordd respectfully bowed his head then left the room.
Rachel and Mimi Chat
Rachel and Mimi were sitting having lunch. Mimi was having greek yoghurt with fresh fruit salad, Rachel was having toast with heather honey. They were both drinking strong coffee. Mimi, who was obviously agitated, passed her PADD to Rachel.
Mimi spoke, "I've had a number of them over the past few weeks, he seems to know exactly where I am and what I'm doing." She reached into her bag and took out two tablets, walked over to the fridge and poured herself a glass of water. Rachel continued to read the PADD, occasionally scrolling down.
"Mimi, you need to show this to Dr Sordd. He could maybe help?" Rachel looked up with a hopeful look in her eyes. She saw Mimi swallowing the tablets. "Maybe he could also help you with those headaches which seem to be getting worse instead of better."
Mimi sighed, "I know. It's just very embarrassing. I don't even know where to begin…He will think I'm crazy." She walked back to the table. "We are having dinner tonight. Maybe I can speak to him about it... I'm just nervous." she took a sip of coffee.
Rachel took her sisters hands in hers. "Mimi, I have a confession to make."
Mimi looked at her and frowned. "What have you done now?"
"I told Dr Sordd about Michael."
Mimi's eyes were wide. "You did what?"
Rachel clasped Mimi's hands tighter. "I had to. I was worried, I'm sorry. Please forgive me."
Mimi pulled her hands away. "I can't believe you did that!" she was flushing with anger,"When did you speak to him?"
"About four weeks ago, I'm sorry Mimi. I didn't intend to tell him, but it just tumbled out when I was talking to him. I was angry…" Rachel bit her lip.
Mimi's was really going to lose it, "Well I'm the one thats angry now… you are always meddling!" she stood up visibly distressed, tears were beginning to prick her eyes.
"I'm sorry..." Rachel spoke trying to stay calm. " It might make it easier to talk to him tonight though?"
"You ruin everything. I can't believe you told him." she quickly began to put some things into her bag then made for the door. "How dare you!" she shouted.
Rachel called after her, "Mimi I'm really sorry!"
"I need to go and clear my head..." The door slammed.
Sordd and Sarek
It was late afternoon Sordd and Sarek were sitting on Sarek's balcony looking over the ocean. The beach was crowded and they could see a number of surfers in the distance. Sordd and Sarek were drinking Vulcan spiced tea.
"Do you have ko-mekh's blessing ?" Sarek spoke.
"I spoke with her this morning and have her blessing. The clan lines are secure." Sordd replied.
"What about T'Shahel and Avarak, what are their thoughts on the matter?
"T'Shahel is generally silent on the matter, she is deep and thoughtful. She has told me she is not averse to the union. Over the last few weeks I have seen her and Mimi get closer. Avarak has made his thoughts quite clear, he stated this morning that he wanted me to bond with her." Sarek raised an eyebrow.
"What are your plans for the foreseeable future?" Sarek asked, genuinely interested.
"When we return to the Embassy we will continue to see each other. The difficulty is knowing at which point it is acceptable to ask for her hand in marriage. The information you sent although very enlightening is sparse on the matter. It seems that human males have some kind of instinct for knowing when the time is right."
Sarek spoke, "I believe it is a custom to ask a female's hand in marriage on an anniversary or some sort of special occasion, such as Valentines day, Christmas, or birthdays. Are there any anniversaries coming up?"
"It is her birthday in four weeks time. I was planning to take her out on a date and ask her hand in marriage then. I will have known her for 7 weeks and 5 days. I am uncertain if by human standards that that is sufficient time to have known her. It is unfortunate that there is not a mathematical formula to assist."
"Indeed." said Sarek.
Sordd put his fingers together in a contemplative manner. "T'Sai Mimi has asked me for dinner this evening. She knows the significance of the gesture, T'Sai Amanda informed her. I'm contemplating whether this evening would be an appropriate occasion."
"It would seem logical if she knows the significance. Have you purchased an engagement ring?" Sarek asked.
"Yes, I designed it, along with a matching necklace, I commissioned Kintuk of ShiKahr, our Skan ek'zeru to make it." he paused in further contemplation.
"Would you like more tea Sordd?" Sarek reached over to the teapot.
"Yes, Thank you." Sordd replied. His decision was made.
Peter and Avarak were both running as fast as they could towards the complex where the Vulcans were staying. Peter was first to reach the reception area. He burst through the door, not caring who got in his way. There was a very imposing Vulcan woman sitting at the front desk, she looked him up and down.
Peter's spoke, "Please, I need to speak to Dr Sordd." he blurted out in between deep breaths.
"Do you have an appointment?" She asked in a calm voice.
"No, no I don't. There's been an accident!" his eyes were wide with panic.
The Vulcan woman's face remained totally neutral. She had become used to the emotional outbursts of humans... she recognised something in the boys face. "He is in a meeting and cannot be disturbed."
Peter began to plead with her, "Please, it's an emergency."
The woman was unperturbed. "I have instructions not to disturb him under any circumstances. I will contact the local emergency services if you require assistance."
Avarak burst in next, he had also ran as fast as he could but couldn't quite keep up with Peter. He was panicked and as a result he reverted back to his native tongue, pretty much saying the same thing as Peter. "T'Lan, Nash-veh bolau stariben tor t'nash-veh sa-mekh" he took a deep breath, "T'Sai Mimi et'liwh kisheya."
The face of the Vulcan lady at the desk softened slightly. "Where did the accident take place, Avarak?"
"Be' shahov. Etek bolau gol'nev." He turned and looked out the foyer window pointing at the beach, and then looked back at her. He was still breathing heavily.
"Give me one moment.'' The receptionist stood up and moved away from the desk. She tapped an IDIC on her lapel, Peter and Avarak could hear speak some words in Vulcan.
T'Vol, who happened to be in the lobby speaking to Senek, overheard the conversation. She approached the desk. Speaking in a quiet but firm voice, "Peter, Avarak can I be of assistance?"
Peter turned and looked in her direction, a wave of relief coming over his face, "It's Aunt Mimi, she has been an accident, I need to get Dr Sordd."
"Etek bolau gol'nev, T'Vol." Avarak chipped in.
The receptionist returned to the desk. "Healer Sordd is on his way."
The words were hardly out of her mouth when both Sordd and Sarek could be seen coming along the corridor, their robes billowing behind them as they both walked with hurried strides. Sordd noted the state of both Peter and Avarak.
Peter grabbed hold of Sordd's robe and tugged at it, "Dr Sordd, please come quickly Aunt Mimi, she has been in an accident." Sordd could feel a wave of concern and emotion rise up, he reflexively ignored it. Peter then turned and ran out the door, he glanced back to make sure they were following, "Quick, please…"
Sordd followed after him, with Avarak, Sarek, T'Vol and Senek, following close behind. Although they were in an obvious rush their appearance remained calm and in control.
Sordd easily caught up with Peter, "Peter, what has happened?"
"Mimi was surfing," he was gasping, "I think someone collided with her in the water... Mum told me to come and get you as fast as I could…" He continued to run as fast as he could.
They raced from the apartment block toward the beach, which would normally take ten minutes to walk. It took Sordd, Peter, T'Vol and Senek five minutes to run. Sarek went more at Avarak's pace to ensure that he was safe, they were not far behind. On approach Sordd noted that the tide was going out, there was also a strong smell of dimethyl sulfide in the air. By the time they had got near a large crowd had gathered around in a circle, making it very difficult for them to get through. T'Vol and Senek moved in, making a passage for Sordd and Peter and keeping it clear until Sarek and Avarak arrived. After they walked through the crowd closed in behind them.
Sordd's eyes darted over the faces of the crowd as he made his way into the centre of the circle. He spotted Rachel, tears were streaming down her face, Adam was also there, he now understood the human term 'white as a sheet.' Looks of concern were on both of their faces. Some other members of the crowd had concerned looks on their faces, it was obvious that many were there just to be nosey. Finally his eyes settled on Mimi, her skin and hair were covered in sand. There was blood all down her left leg. The life guards had rolled her on her right side. Sordd could see water was foaming out of her mouth. They rolled her back over onto the sand, her face was blue, there was no response.
Notes
Haul-kur - silver
Thanar - name of Vulcan's eastern sea
Ko-mekh - mother
Sa-fu - son
Sa-mekh - father
Shon-ha-lock - love at first sight
Skan ek'zeru - family jeweller
T'Lan, Nash-veh bolau stariben tor t'nash-veh sa-mekh - I need to speak to my father.
T'Sai Mimi et'liwh kisheya - Lady Mimi has had a bad accident.
Be' shahov - Near the beach