Disclaimer - Please see chapter 1

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Chapter 35 - Meh-hilan

'the work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically'

"Sa'mekh, can we visit T'Sai Mimi now?" Avarak asked as they were walking back to Sordd's rooms after end meal.

"Yes, but first we need to get the cards you and T'Shahel made this afternoon." Sordd replied.

Avarak looked up, "What about Spock's card?" he asked.

"T'Amanda will visit T'Sai Mimi tomorrow with Spock, it would be appropriate for them to give her the card." Sordd replied.

*'*

They arrived at Sordd's apartment, the door swished open before them and they entered. Sordd walked over to the table where the cards were lying while Avarak stood quetly near the door with his hands behind his back. At a subconscious level Avarak was doing this so his father could not see him nervously fidgeting with his hands.

"Sa'mekh" Avarak asked quietly.

Sordd walked towards him with the cards, "Yes, Avarak."

Avarak looked intently at his father, "Sa'mekh. T'Shahel and I were talking ... Can T'Sai Mimi and you have a kan-bu?"

Sordd raised an eyebrow, "You need to be more specific in your questioning Avarak. Are you asking if it is possible for T'Sai Mimi and I to have a kan-bu or are you requesting that we have a kan-bu?"

Avarak frowned while he was thinking... "Is it possible sa'mekh?" He asked with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

Sordd knelt down so that he was eye level with his son. "It is possible, kan-bu Spock is evidence of that. However, bringing forth life is never a given. Because of the biological differences between Humans and Vulcans it is not possible for T'Sai Mimi and I to conceive naturally, there would need to be some medical intervention."

"What kind of biological differences?" He asked intrigued.

Sordd paused before answering. "For example our blood is copper based and Mimi's blood is iron based, they are incompatible. T'Sai Mimi and I could undergo gene engineering to conceive or there is the option of in-vitro fertilisation. We will look at all the options available and go with the one that is most logical." He said in a reassuring voice.

"It would be most agreeable for T'Sai Mimi and you to have a kan-bu…" Avarak continued to look intently at his father. "I would like a kan-bu sa-kai or ko-kai…"

Sordd looked at him and allowed a small smile to appear on his face.

They were interrupted by a chime at the door.

*'*

"Come in." Sordd said. The door swished open and T'Vol entered the room, the door swiftly closed behind her.

Sordd looked at her, "Good evening ne-zhel-lan, how can I be of assistance?" He stood up.

"Hakausu Sordd, can I speak to you in private?" She looked towards Avarak and gave him a smile that wasn't a smile.

"Affirmative." He replied. "Avarak, leave us. I will come to your room when we have finished, and then we can visit T'Sai Mimi."

"Yes Sa'mekh." Avarak replied. He turned toward T'Vol and bowed his head as a sign of respect. He then left the room.

"Take a seat T'Vol" Sordd led her towards two dark grey tub armchairs which were situated in the main living area.

"Thank you." She replied. "I have come to give you an update regarding T'Sai Mimi's apartment and Mr Michael Kennedy." T'Vol handed him a PADD. Sordd quickly scanned over the contents.

He looked up at T'Vol. "Regarding the security at T'Sai Mimi's apartment there appear to be a number of deficiencies."

"Affirmative." She replied, "These can be easily rectified with her permission."

"That is agreeable." Sordd nodded his head, "I will speak to her this evening... What are your findings regarding Mr Kennedy?"

"My investigation is ongoing." She replied, "I have obtained security footage that confirms he was present on the beach the night of T'Sai Mimi's accident." Both T'Vol and Sordd knew that he had been there the night of the accident, however, they needed the evidence.

"Is it possible to speak to the witnesses of the accident?" He asked her.

T'Vol raised an eyebrow. "You suspect him Sordd?" she replied

'Affirmative." He answered.

T'Vol had known Sordd for many years, she did not need to press him further on his suspicions as his logic would be sound. "I will trace them as soon as possible."

Sordd spoke, "I believe Mimi is friendly with the lifeguards and the woman that gave the report on the beach. I will ask her this evening for their contact details."

"That would make things expedient." She replied. "The other main point to note is that he is a software developer, which explains his ability to place a tracker on T'Sai Mimi's PADD and communicator. Senek has added further security levels to her PADD and communicator." She paused, "We are currently tracking Mr Kennedy's movements."

Sordd was inwardly pleased with this. "That proves to be quite satisfying. Thank you for your efficiency T'Vol."

She bowed her head. "I come to serve."

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Notes

ne-zhel-lan - sub-commander (I thought T'Vol should have some kind of rank, hence sub-commander (ne-zhel-lan made up word!))

Sa'mekh - father

Kan-bu - baby

Sa-kai - brother

Ko-kai - sister