"Intriguing presentation doctor," A tall, Vulcan man in dark robes approached the woman in red.
"Ambassador Sarek," Dr. Vida bowed slightly out of respect. "I am honored that you took time from your work to listen to me speak."
"I made it a priority. Your work is paramount on our planet. Listening to you speak filled me with a sense of optimism."
"Thank you, sir, I-"
"If you have a moment, I would appreciate an opportunity to speak with you in a more private setting."
She raised an eyebrow and nodded slowly. After excusing herself from the spectators, she retrieved the cocktail she'd hidden behind her screen, and motioned to an empty observation deck.
"Do you have a preference for human or Vulcan custom?" He asked as she joined him.
"I have no preference, sir."
He offered her his arm. "I have seen human males perform this action."
She took it, hesitantly, as they moved arm-in-arm to the pseudo-balcony.
"My son is like you: half-human."
"You reference Commander Spock, sir?" The door closed behind them.
Sarek moved to the window, staring out over the black vastness of space. "I do." When he released her arm, she leaned, back against the glass to face him, leaving some space between them. "Your name is Vivian, isn't it?" He noted that his sleeve now exhibited glitter and a sweet, floral scent.
"Yes sir." She looked down at her drink and rolled the cherry around at the bottom of the glass.
"You do not have to call me sir. Sarek will suffice." He didn't smile so much as he relaxed his posture slightly and softened his eyes. "May I make a personal inquiry without offending you?"
Her eyebrow went up again, "Certainly."
"I understand that you study population dynamics aboard Starships, correct?"
"Correct."
"But you are also a physician- a reproductive health specialist?"
"Correct."
"And yet, you have no children of your own…Why?"
Vivian took a long drink. "Well, Sarek, for one reason, I am not old enough to have experienced many Pon Farr cycles. In those I have, I have always been so far from Vulcan, I chose human mates. It goes without saying that I was not promised as a child. My father is human, and he found the idea of marrying off his eight-year-old to be barbaric."
"And no union has produced offspring?"
"My doing, I assure you." While he had not offended her, he had sparked her curiosity of his intrusion. "I do not hold any ill opinions of motherhood. On the contrary, I find myself fascinated by the subject and am very much interested in experiencing it firsthand someday. Additionally, I feel an obligation to choose a mate who is also Vulcan, as to carry on our legacy. And yet…because I would prefer to experience childrearing in the context of a stable partnership, I remain childless. I have not found a male, expressing common interest, who I consider to be worthy."
"Your reasoning is sound." While he listened to her words, he studied her mannerisms. She was attractive, by both human and Vulcan standards. Her diction, tone, and vocabulary was Vulcan, but, on occasion, a human spark appeared in her delivery. "If you were, then, to find a suitable male, you would consider forming a partnership?"
"Indeed."
Sarek nodded, pleased with her answer. "Might I suggest then, for your consideration, Commander Spock. Have you met?"
She stood up straighter, following his train of thought. "Yes, I had the opportunity to speak with him briefly a few moments ago."
"Excellent. If he is nearby, I will seek him out for myself…shortly…Vivian, my son is a decorated officer with a superior intellect and ample resources on Vulcan-"
"You wish for me to become his bond mate? Is he not married already?"
"No longer. T'Pring dissolved their union in favor of another by the name of Stonn."
"An illogical decision."
"By acknowledging the absence of logic in disregarding Commander Spock as a partner, you must then acknowledge the logic in welcoming him."
"Interesting," With genuine interest, she thought about his proposal, toying with the idea in her mind.
"Vivian, if I may speak freely, you're similarly gifted with intellect. This would make you a preferable companion. In addition, you exhibit many physical characteristics of fertility which suggest you would have no trouble in producing healthy offspring. This would make you a logical choice for a reproductive partner. I would be honored if you would consider the idea of assisting in the continuation of my family line."
She cleared her throat, "Have you discussed this with Commander Spock?"
"Unfortunately, I have not yet found the time-"
"Of course, he will have a say in this potential union. I require time to weigh my choices. I would also appreciate the opportunity to learn more about Commander Spock, not as a superior officer but as a man, before making any decisions."
"I anticipated such a response. For this reason, you have been reassigned to Starship Enterprise. If you find the appointment fulfilling, you may retain the position, regardless of your interest in my son. If you find yourself disinterested in both, I can have you reassigned once again at will."
Although her reassignment was an overreach on his part, she was not upset by it, "And if I do…become…interested in Commander Spock?"
"I believe that would be, how do they say on Earth?- serendipitous." He pat her arm.
After the evening's festivities had formally ceased, the crew of the Enterprise returned to their ship. On their way, Kirk, McCoy, and Spock had been stopped by an old friend. He'd invited them back to his quarters on the Spacedock for a nightcap. The humans expected another cocktail, but instead found themselves with cups of herbal tea, meant for relaxation in the evening hours.
"Captain Kirk, it has been a pleasure, as usual." Ambassador Sarek nodded, after about an hour of conversation.
"Always good to see you too Ambassador." Kirk took his cue and stood, motioning for McCoy to follow him.
"Father-" Spock also rose and moved in closer to the host for a traditional farewell.
"Wait a moment," He motioned for his son to stop. "Captain, doctor, would you excuse us? We have a family matter to discuss." Spock raised an eyebrow at him, and nodded back reassuringly.
"Of course, we'll head on back to Enterprise."
"Thank you for the hospitality, sir." McCoy had actually enjoyed the tea and was more than ready to get to bed. Once outside of the room, he remarked to Kirk how they ought to get some of that tea to keep on the ship for the crewmembers who had trouble sleeping.
"Family matters?"
"Private matters at minimum. You may take your seat once again." Sarek sat back down, "Spock, if I remember correctly, you will reach the end of your Pon Farr cycle in the next year."
He shifted slightly in his seat, "Yes, that is correct."
"Have you managed to secure another mate following the dissolution of your union to T'Pring?"
"No, father." He sighed, "As you are aware, I am kept busy by my work on the Enterprise."
"I understand you have many duties, but you must also understand you have a duty to yourself and to Vulcan. If you do not have a mate at that time-"
"There is a woman aboard-"
"Not another Vulcan-"
"No, a human, who has a romantic interest in me. While I would not wish to produce offspring with this woman, she would be a suitable…substitution…if necessary."
"And you would waste another cycle, producing no offspring? Spock, having no progeny at your age is unusual-"
"What alternative do you suggest? Do you suggest I abandon my position with Starfleet to return to Vulcan?" His human side flared, as he felt a growing sense of anger.
"Not at all."
Spock's anger turned to confusion.
Sarek continued, "Wouldn't it be ideal if there was a female Vulcan aboard the Enterprise? Someone worthy of being your bond mate?"
"When did you begin to deal in hypotheticals, Father?"
"I do not. There is a woman, half human, half Vulcan, who will be joining the crew of the Enterprise. It will be announced tomorrow. She's quite intelligent, diplomatic, beautiful- I recommend you make an effort to get to know the young lady."
"Are you referring to one Dr. Vivian Vida?"
"Precisely. Have you met?"
"Yes, briefly, earlier this evening."
"And do you have any objections to her thus far?"
Spock thought for a moment, "No, however that does not mean I am decided on your suggestion either. Actively pursuing a subordinate crew member could be seen as predatory, which could negatively impact my career. I am open to the idea of getting to know her, but it will be in the professional context first, of course."
"Of course."