Chapter 99

Another flash from the storm blinded Amanda for a moment as Sarek's silhouette moved to a switch that closed the small window slots used to illuminate the room. No longer subject to the erratic storm, he turned around to face her still sitting on the sofa with the portfolio in her lap.

As he stepped closer, dressed in his formal ambassadorial robes, the look he gave her made her feel like she was once again an aide in training…

"You will explain your absence," he said in a commanding tone, with his arms folded behind his back.

Amanda looked at the portfolio and decided that now wasn't the time to touch on the subject of T'Sang. She stood up and placed the portfolio on the desk screen that they shared before returning his discerning gaze.

"I was attending T'Pen's dance recital," she said stiffly.

"And you chose to go despite knowing that you were required elsewhere?" he said sternly.

Amanda leaned her hip on the desk and crossed her arms.

"Yes," she said simply. "I determined that T'Pen's need was greater than yours."

Sarek moved as if to speak but she continued.

"And yes, I know I made a mistake; that I agreed to attend the dinner and did not realize that the events clashed. I had to make a decision to disappoint someone and tonight I put a child's welfare before politics."

"You chose to jeopardize your career for the sake of a child that is not your own?" he said caustically.

Amanda glared in response.

"Just because she is not my flesh and blood doesn't make her need any less. By choosing to support T'Pen I was doing my duty to my clan."

"Your duty to your clan was to attend this dinner to complete your diplomatic duty," he countered.

Amanda's fists tightened.

"You can complete your diplomatic duty without my assistance. I was merely postponing mine," she argued. "There will be plenty of opportunities for you to show me off to your counterparts in the future Sarek," she said grimly.

Amanda tried to move to the bedroom but Sarek stood in her path. He looked down his nose at her in a way that used to terrify her but not anymore. She looked back coolly.

"Amanda, you cannot pick and choose your diplomatic responsibilities. There are times when you will have to sacrifice your personal interests for the people you serve. Promise me that you will not neglect your duties again."

His dark eyes bored into her own.

Amanda shook her head.

"I can't promise that Sarek," she said quietly.

Sarek stepped closer, their faces almost touching in his earnestness.

"Vulcan needs you Amanda," he said firmly.

Amanda flushed under his intensity as he continued:

"In your role you can help not one Vulcan child but millions of children. But you have to understand that your obligations as a diplomat must always come first."

Amanda looked up into his eyes sadly.

"Sarek, I will always put the needs of the people I care about before my career. And that is why you need me. Just think about it. If this happens again it might not be T'Pen that needs me but you."

Sarek straightened perceptibly with an almost troubled look on his face. But before he could take the argument further, Amanda took her headscarf from the sofa and made for the outside. Embracing the stormy air, she went for a walk in the compound to try and clear her head of the ache that had begun to form in her temple.

Amanda's head pounded as she walked deep into the compound passages, taking shelter in the warm orange glow of her surroundings. If there hadn't been a storm, she would have gone to the compound roof to look up at the stars but alas… you can't see anything if your eyes are full of sand.

Whistling noises from the chaotic wind outside echoed down the corridors and pierced the silence. No-one was around at this hour, taking sensible refuge in their homes. At least it gave Amanda time to think without scrutiny.

Amanda looked back briefly to see the tell-tale shadow of a sehlat following her footsteps. She grimaced. Of course, Sarek wanted to keep an eye on her. She didn't really mind the escort given the recent events that had happened on the space station. Though she had been told she was safe now from the pale V'Shar locked away in a temple somewhere, she couldn't quite shake the feeling that somehow distance or physical obstacles weren't that much of an issue for such a strong telepath…

She shook her head, trying to free herself from such negative thoughts.

"Come out where I can see you I-Chaya. There's no need to skulk in the shadows," she said.

The sehlat moved stealthily into view before sitting and licking one of his large paws with his incredible tongue. "I meant for you to find me" he seemed to be saying nonchalantly. Amanda smirked before continuing to walk on.

She was a little miffed that Sarek hadn't come after her, apologizing profusely. However, she knew that he probably believed himself to be in the right and she in the wrong. Just when she thought she'd got the political stick out of his backside... It was interesting that this had been their first true argument as a married and co-habiting couple; the choice between family or work.

Amanda sighed. She hated no-win scenarios.

Pacing down yet another passageway, Amanda heard a voice faintly through the wind. She stopped walking to focus on it for a moment. Amanda watched as she saw even I-Chaya's ears prick up to identify the source of the sound.

Intrigued, the sehlat moved forward and looked back at Amanda as if to say: "this way."

Amanda followed the sehlat's sleek gait turn after turn in the maze of passages and after each turn the voice gradually became louder.

Eventually they came so close that Amanda was sure they must only be a room away. I-Chaya suddenly stopped before an entrance. Amanda slowly peered round the side of the wall to cast her eyes on the back of a man adorned in a white robe.

Socran!

Amanda ducked her head back into the passageway, trying to stifle the sound of her breathing as she stood with her back against the wall, hidden from view. For one terrifying moment she thought he might have heard her but soon enough he began singing again. Enraptured with the lilting sound of his tenor voice Amanda forgot about running away for a moment and listened.

He sang softly, almost self-conscious of being overheard over the sound of the storm. She didn't recognize the song but he clearly knew it well as his breathing was timed perfectly and the expression that he could achieve with his voice was chilling. No wonder the other candidates had been jealous of his ability, Amanda thought.

His voice danced across notes of an exotic scale she had not heard before. He skillfully wavered over the notes in a way that made his music almost hypnotic.

Amanda didn't know how long she stood there listening to his incredible talent, only that after a time I-Chaya gave her a gentle nudge indicating that they should leave. Reluctantly, Amanda moved away from the wall but as she wandered back to her rooms hidden from the storm swirling outside, a plan formed in her mind.

The next morning, Amanda woke to be greeted by T'Pen who helped her dress. T'Sang was noticeably absent which puzzled Amanda for a moment until she remembered the events from the night before. The portfolio!

Just as T'Pen had finished arranging Amanda's headscarf, Amanda rushed into the living area to see that the portfolio was exactly where she had left it on Sarek's desk, undisturbed. She picked it up carefully and placed it in her satchel. She would have to deal with this later but now was not the time.

Slipping her desert shoes on in the hallway, Amanda peeked into the meditation area where she saw Sarek still meditating from the night before. He had been like this since she had returned last night. She didn't know what this behavior meant though a cynical part of her thought this could be some form of silent treatment.

"I have some errands I need to complete before the morning meal. I'll see you there," she said to the stoic back of her husband.

He didn't respond. Typical…

Without a backward glance, she left their rooms with T'Pen in tow and made her way outside of the compound.

After a long walk Amanda knocked on the door of Svelda's rooms. Her husband Varok answered.

"What is your purpose here?" he asked, without greeting.

Amanda lowered the hand she had been about to raise in a ta'al.

"Forgive my early intrusion. May I speak with Taro?" she asked.

Amanda was confused as Varok exited his quarters and closed the door behind him.

"Not at this time," he said with his voice lowered.

"Perhaps later today?"

Varok looked almost pitying as he considered her.

"You must understand that after my son spoke to you, he has removed himself from social activity spending considerable time on his studies."

Amanda was unable to suppress the natural instinct to raise her eyebrows in surprise.

"My wife disapproves and has therefore made it clear that you are not allowed to speak with him… for the time being," he explained.

Amanda felt lost for words.

"You must understand that I did not encourage this behavior in him…"

Varok raised a hand, stopping her speech.

"There is no need to explain yourself. The boy is merely trying to understand his place in the world. Whatever the cause of this behavior I am certain it will not be permanent."

Amanda nodded, surprised at Varok's gentle demeanor. She had always expected Svelda and Varok to be cut from the same cloth. And from his words, it sounded like he did not blame her as Svelda did.

"However, my wife's wishes must be maintained. You must wait."

Amanda's shoulders dropped. Without T'Sang to help her Taro was the next best choice as a person she could ask whilst being discreet about it. As she said goodbye to Varok she ran through the list of people in her mind who she could approach. She gritted her teeth as she realized, she was going to have to persuade S'Kelnek…