A/N: I've decided that Sundays will be my post day. I hope everyone is enjoying this little ditty. I know this is going to be a nice LOOOOOONG chappy, let you all in on some interesting things. Much love! and LLAP
Three days prior: Theda
Theda laid back, her hair in the bucket her guardian,Sele, had readied for her. Theda sighed, closed her eyes and while she tried to push away thoughts of everything that needed to be done in the sanctuary while she was having her hair cleaned, "Sele, do we really have to do this now?I have so much to do" The moment she said it she knew there was too much whine in her voice.
"Yes." the Romulan woman said in a firm voice that told Theda there was no give. "You are having company for the next month. You need to look like the lady your parents raised you to be."
"I'm not being a petulant child, Sele."
"No, not a petulant child, a distracted, responsible, woman, who overworks on a very underappreciated, very hard animal sanctuary and rescue." Her voice was still unrelenting and firm, even if her language was nice. "You aren't getting any younger. You need to find a mate and two vulcan men will be visiting with the humans."
"One is the doctor, who always comes and has always came since I was about ten. One would think, I mean LOGIC would dictate that if he were interested that he would have set up some kind arrangement with my parents." She said squirming in her chair.
"You are human, your adopted parents were Romulan, they thought it best you find your own mate. Arranged marriages are not done by us, that is a vulcan society thing."
"Which is why even though the Romulans are back on their homeworld with Vulcans, there will not be a melding of the species." Theda replied, starting to get up, but being met with a hand in the center of her chest.
Sele pressed her down, "It is happening, slowly. All good things happen slowly and tragic things happen all at once."
"Fair enough, but given that I am not Romulan or Vulcan, I'm like…." she paused trying to think of an analogy, " A meat roast in a monastery."
Sele quirked her eyebrow, "Interesting turn of phrase, but inaccurate. When the Federation was vibrant many vulcans and humans mated. Spock, was…"
"Spock and Surak, Spock and Surak," Theda said with a sigh, and flinched when Sele flipped her in the forehead.
"Spock was half human. Now that the Federation is rebounding I would think rejoining humanity will be seen as a welcomed event again." Sele said, and started to comb through and clean her hair.
"What if I want a human man?" Theda asked, pondering her choices.
"There will be a human man with the visitors, get to know him, see if you like how he is." She said absently.
"Isn't he married?"
"Yes, but he will give you a general idea of how human men are. A small sample, so to speak."
"Then what about Romulan men?"
"We don't live in a densely populated Romulan area. I am just attempting to be practical."
"Your husband Vratas has kinspeople, doesn't he?"
Sele rolled her eyes, "You are nervous. That's what the problem is. Your mother and father never made you leave the comfort of your work, so you don't know how to handle emotional considerations, and ideas of passion. Did you not go through your time of female change? Did you not desire the company of men...of anyone?"
"Who did I have to look at? Father? Your husband? The tribal men?" She shrugged, "I have had thoughts, especially some of the Vulcan men who come to drop off or pick up animals, some in the market. They," she paused trying to find the right way to say it, "I don't know what I have to offer them, and I think they look at me and think I have nothing to offer as well."
"You are intelligent, beautiful, and very loyal. Any Vulcan would be fortunate to have you." Sele said, "Now if you don't marry, I am going to hire help in just to take care of your hair. It is unfortunate it will need to dry for several days before you put it back in braids. I will be gone, but we should return before the festival. I will braid it then, if you haven not."
Theda decided she didn't want to talk anymore about the festival. It was a Romulan celebration slowly being adopted by the Vulcans. Music, concerts, food from all over the planet, dancing, and marriage brokers. The Vulcans had, according to her adopted family, been reluctant to allow such 'frivolous' festivals, but once they saw that it did not need to be an emotionally raucous affair they began warming to it over the decades. Especially when they saw they could use it to broker marriages for those whose families could not arrange one, for whatever reason. Not to mention also using it to display new innovations, inventions, and science that benefits the daily lives of all Ni'Var.
There would be a migration of Romulans mostly, but a growing number of vulcans too, who would enter Shir' Kahr, and cause the population to swell. The festival would be an entire week and this year she was supposed to attend with Sele and her husband. She frowned and closed her eyes, trying to focus on nothing.
"Your adopted Romulan parents overprotected you." Sele said softly as he groomed Theda's hair. "An unusual trait for my people."
"I think they always thought because I was human I was too soft for Romulan or Vulcan methods of parenting. I did fine in the educational department, but otherwise, I was…" She licked her lips, "Well, you know and I know, Sele, they were likely disappointed."
Sele didn't reply, even though she knew the Romulan scientists who brought her to life were not disappointed at all. She was a fine example of cloning, and mild genetic adjustments. They did expect her to be a bit more assertive though. For that, they blamed themselves. "Think no more of any of this, Theda. You are a fine human being. You have saved the lives of many animals, and preserved several from becoming extinct. Those are admirable things."
"You are too kind." Theda said softly. She was proud of what she had done with the little land that was left to her. It was the worst piece of land on the planet, but through hard work she had made something of it, something she could be content with. That, she realized, was part of the issue. She would rather spend her days with the beasts of the world. They were guileless. They did not deceive. They did not care about your Vulcan Science Academy credentials, nor whether or not your hair looked symmetrical in ceremonial braids. They also did not care that she was human. They gave her respect, and sometimes she believed unconditional love, just because.
"I swear I am grateful that I am not a female." A smooth masculine tenor voice said from the door.
Theda knew without looking it was Sele's husband Vratas. He was a Romulan from the regions of the former Romulus where brow ridges were most common. He was also descended from a line of Praetors and Senators. Everything he was reminded people of that. His voice had an aristocratic sound, and his bearing was very noble.
Theda smiled when he leaned over her, "I see our little tom-girl is getting her hair groomed." he said, looking down at her, his sea blue eyes flashing with mirth. He leaned over and kissed her forehead, "Hello my dear. I am glad to see you getting ready for company, and one might presume, the festival." He said, giving her a wide charming smile, "And my poor beautiful wife." he purred, "I wish the two of you would allow me to take Theda into Shir'Kahr to get her hair done properly." He kissed Sele's cheek.
"Her hair is human. Vulcan or Romulan hairdressers would ruin it and anger me, my beloved husband." She said, returning his kiss.
"We wouldn't want that!" he said, pretending to shiver in fear, "Everything is ready for the festival," Vratas said not even attempting to hide how pleased he was, "And everything is ready for our trip, my wife. Theda, I am going to miss you dreadfully, but Raal and it's hot springs beckon me!" he blushed a bit green, "I mean us, my wife."
"Yes, Dear." Sele replied.
"I am told you will have an extra vulcan while we are gone. Some gentleman who is an engineer. You'd better have a list of things for him to fix while he is here, Theda. Put him to good use," he said, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth, "Or skip the list of repair items and just put him to good use."
Theda gasped, "You are bad!"
Sele flipped water at him, which made him throw his head back and laugh "Enough of that! We just had a discussion about her expanding her life with a mate. She doesn't need your assistance."
"I beg to differ." Vratas said when he could stop laughing, "I am rising in the political ranks of Shir'Kahr, my assistance could be valuable. Imagine the gratitude a vulcan politician would have if I found him the perfect mate!"
"Who are you thinking about importing?" Theda said abruptly, "Because I don't think any vulcan is going to think I'm the perfect mate."
Vratas didn't bite on that bait, instead he smiled, "Given enough Kali-fal, even I could look like a perfect mate! How do you think I landed Sele?" He chuckled to himself as he pushed off from the sink ledge where he had been leaning. He booped Theda's nose with his finger, "Think about it." he said, winking at her, "I'm going to pick up the flitter we will be taking to Raal. I will return before last meal." He gave his wife a quick kiss on the cheek before walking out the door.
"If you'd like I can just give you him," Sele said, separating lengths of hair.
"That's a hard no." Theda said with mock indignation and disgust that caused her and Sele to both laugh.
Three Days earlier: Dr. Surek
Surek opened his eyes exactly one minute before his alarm was scheduled to go off. When he looked at his time keeping piece, to confirm that, he nodded at himself. It gratified him that he was getting more and more accurate with his internal clock and disciplining himself. A small accomplishment, yes, but an accomplishment of discipline nonetheless. Having cleaned himself the night before he was free to eat his first meal and have a cup of tea before he began his day.
There was much to do in the next seventy two hours. He had been tasked with guiding some human helpers into the Forge's animal sanctuary, and then also to see to the needs of the animals there as well. It would take at least a week, by his estimation, and from there he has also been assigned to the festival. His research hospital had made several advances in the treatment of some Romulan ailments, of which he was lead researcher, and the head of the hospital had requested that he give the lectures.
Since he would be in the Forge for at least a week, and possibly longer, before the festival he wanted to make sure everything was perfectly ready before he left.
We went to his closet and retrieved his purple and gold robes. He was agreeable with traveling in robes, they were practical, and since he would not be seeing patience for the next several days he allowed himself the indulgence of robes over a formal suit. He would change into his grey suit for travel into the Forge. Making mental note he would need to pack more durable clothing for work with the animals, he dressed and made his way to the kitchen for some tea.
As he was sitting on his small deck, overlooking Shir'Kahr, sipping his tea his message buzzer sounded. Clicking on it, he saw his direct supervisor on the screen. He raised a ta'al to him, "Greetings, S'Vac." Surek said, wondering why his leader would be contacting him so early.
S'Vac raised the ta'al in return, "Greetings, Dr. Surek. I trust I find you well."
"Of course, Osu."
"Agreeable. I am calling to inform you that you are to leave today for Gol. There is an engineer who will be going with you to the animal sanctuary this week. We have been in discussion with him to work with our research center to aid in building some new diagnostic equipment. We wish you to facilitate that." S'Vac said firmly.
The only thing that betrayed Surek's displeasure with this unexpected change of his plans was a slight change in his breathing pattern for a second, before he brought himself back into control. "I see." Surek replied, "I had wanted to perfect my presentation for the festival prior to leaving. I also have patient cases to work on tomorrow."
S'Vac shook his head slightly, "We will care for the patients, as for your presentation, you have two weeks before the festival. Animal care will not take up all of your time. I suggest you utilize your remaining time to finish your presentation. I will send you the coordinates and the name of the man you will be picking up. Time is essential. You need to leave and be in Gol as soon as possible. Your complete instructions will follow."
Surek's eyebrows moved upward, "As you wish, Osu." He raised the ta'al again indicating he was going to take care of things immediately. S'Vac returned the gesture before the screen went black.
It was highly irregular. It displeased him, but given his station at the hospital he had to do as he was instructed. He looked at his time device and frowned. If he would have to leave in his flitter in the next ten minutes to get to Gol in a reasonable time. His PADD beeped and as his supervisor had promised was his instructions. He would open them later, once he had packed his flitter and he was on his way to Gol.
888
Surek scooped up his bags and then paused before he left the door to his apartment. He made a mental note of everything he had packed, and quickly determined he had not forgotten anything. The door opened on his command, and he stepped out verbally locking it as he walked to the end of the hall where the lift was. He shouldered his packs and pushed the button. Within a minute the lift opened, and the passenger inside gave him a moment's pause.
He stood a bit straighter and absently smoothed his bangs down just before he stepped in. Next to him was a lady who he knew lived in the housing two floors above his. She had just moved in from S'Lara region. She was dressed in rich burgundy robes, and her hair was covered with a golden headscarf, but her face and the gentle roundness of her ears were still very obvious. He swallowed, "Greetings." Surek said, turning slightly toward the blonde human next to him, "I am Dr. Surek, I live in this building." The moment he said it, he inwardly chastised himself for stating something that was very obvious.
"Greetings," She said softly, "I'm Kendra. I just moved in a week ago. It is...agreeable to meet you." she added the last part and smiled at him.
He shifted his pack, "Are you here permanently or has your employment assigned you here temporarily?"
"Temporarily. I work for the Romulan engineering conglomerate. I am here for the festival, and to set up a working office here in the city." She turned to face him, "Will you be going to the festival?"
Surek stood a bit taller, "I will," he replied in a tone that, for a vulcan, might be described as hopeful.
"Good." she said, her blue eyes sparkling at him, "Would you consider it forward of me, if I asked if we could meet for tea?"
His eyes widened slightly and his eyebrow rose, "It is forward." he said, and just before she looked too dejected he added, "But not unwelcome."
Her shoulders relaxed, "Oh, good. If that's the case, I wouldn't mind getting tea with you even as soon as later today." Kendra said, relieved that her "attraction at first sight" was potentially reciprocated.
Surek's lips thinned. Had his employer not forced him to leave today, he could have. "It is disagreeable, but I cannot. I am on my way to Raal to pick up a colleague. We will be spending the next week or two at the animal sanctuary on the outskirts of the Forge."
With that she took a step closer, something he had said seemed to excite her.
"Really?" she said, "I planned on going out there later this week. I have heard there is a human woman who runs it, I wanted to meet her. There have been so few humans on Ni'Var it can be a little, well, lonely. I had hoped to introduce myself."
Surek blinked, "I can aid in introductions. I have known her for a long time. She is an agreeable person. I believe you will both find the experience positive."
"That would be wonderful, especially if you do the introduction." she said, her head cocked slightly to the side, appraising him with approving eyes.
He blinked, "If I am in error, please do not take offense at my question, but….are you looking for a mate?"
She blushed pink, "I am. I confess it. I am. I saw you while I was moving in, and then while you were in your doctor's robes. As a vulcan might say, you are most agreeable to look at. Big thoughtful brown eyes, just a hint of salt in that dark hair, and very, very elegant ears." She tried to maintain eye contact, or at least looking at him, but had to look away because her unusual boldness was embarrassing her, but her mother told her that straightforward was the only way Vulcan men responded to anything. "And given that I read your peer reviewed paper on the use of phages in the treatment of Romulan degenerative brain plaques, I knew you were smart."
Surek stared at the side of her face, almost unable to comprehend this encounter. He opened his mouth and the doors to the lift opened on the ground floor. "I...must take leave of you now. He reached into a hidden pocket of his robe and handed her a small padd, "My contact information is contained in this. When you are ready to go to the animal sanctuary, use my direct contact and I will come to pick you up and take you."
Kendra gave a half grin, and let just the barest tip of her finger graze his hand when she took the padd. He stiffened slightly at the warmth of her touch, "I will. I will see you soon." she said softly and raised the ta'al to him. "Live long and prosper, Dr. Surek."
He nodded his head once and raised the ta'al to her as the doors shut between them. He turned on his heel toward where he parked his flitter. It was not an unwelcome event to have a potential mate, especially one so agreeable.
888
After two hours of flying, Surek decided that a better use of his time would be to put the flitter on auto, and sit in the back working on his presentation. It was logical, he thought, not to waste the time. He set up the autopilot, and tapped the dash to play the news streaming service from Shir'Kahr.
As he moved to the back of the flitter he caught the end of a report saying there had been a terrorist attack in a building and that the Logic Extremists were claiming responsibility. For a moment he considered attempting to contact his new potential mate to find out more, but then he frowned, realizing that he did not have her contact information yet, at least not until she reached out to him. He couldn't understand how he could be so negligent. He would do his best to remember when next they spoke.
Three Days earlier: Sokal
Sokal picked up his tea, cupping it in his hands he looked down at the padd at his side. A building in Shir' Kahr had exploded about two hours ago killing ten Romulans and one human. Taking a sip of his tea he scrolled through the information. The end of the article stated that it was the tandem groups of the Logic Extremists and the Vulcan Isolationist movement working together who perpetrated the act of violence.
He touched the padd to scroll to the next story when his door chimed. "Enter." Sokal said pushing his padd aside, he was expecting a visitor.
"Greetings, Sokal." the older vulcan dressed in black said, raising a ta'al. "I come to serve."
"Greetings, leader." Sokal returned, also raising the ta'al. "Your service honors us all."
The older man motioned toward the free chair across from him at his kitchen table. Sokal nodded and he sat. "Do you know how many Vulcans, in the last decade, have dedicated themselves to Kohlinar, Sokal?"
Sokal put his tea on the table, and considered the question, "I do not, that is a subject of which I am ill equipped to answer.
"One." the older vulcan said, looking at Sokal, "And he failed. It is theorized that the art of Kohlinar may go extinct in the next 100 years as those that have achieved it age, and are not replaced with new teachers. What do you think about that?"
Sokal folded his hands before him, his angular features were unreadable and dispassionate as his blue eyes, "I think that would be a great loss to the culture and heritage of our people."
The old man nodded in agreement, "Since the time of Surak there have been Kohlinar masters. I can show you the grave of one of the first. It would be a grievable loss to our world, and our culture. Do you know why we are slowly losing our identity?"
"Humans and Romulans." Sokal stated, but with a slight hint of a question behind the words.
"Humans and Romulans, and all other invasive species." He allowed the corners of his mouth to angle downward slightly, "Humans and Romulans will breed with anything, and then they come here and breed with us. It dilutes us. It thins the purity of our population until one day, there will be no more vulcans, not real vulcans. We will become an amalgamation of the wreckage of the universe."
Both of Sokals' eyebrows raised, "I have read the numbers you provided, it does appear they support your assessment."
"This is the work we need you for, Sokal." he said leaning forward just a few degrees, "You are agreeable to aiding us in the work of protecting our future?"
Sokal paused, it seemed the logical thing to do. The people he worked with had made compelling points over the last year, especially after the human woman who his parents attempted to arrange a marriage with, rejected their offer-and him. They had been vehement about how fortunate he was that his parents had not been allowed to dirty the bloodline of their noble house. His family was old, nearly as old as Surak's direct line, but unlike S'chn T'Gai clan they had not yet mixed with off world races. His father had attempted with that human woman when the bondmate he had from birth rejected their bond in favor of studying logic on P'Jemm. The human woman rejected him too, but did so in a very public way. He nodded, "Yes. I will aid in this effort."
The elder vulcan nodded, "We had hoped you would say that, because your next mission will be your first step into our group."
"My supervisor has advised me that I am traveling to the edge of the Forge to aid some animal conservation facility."
"And you are. You will be joined by a Vulcan doctor, and two humans from the Federation. As long as they have no plans on staying on Vulcan they are to be witnesses to our next demonstration. They may live so they can carry the message back to the Federation that Vulcan, not Ni'Var, is not interested in them or their people."
"I do not wish to kill anyone." Sokal said, his blue eyes piercing the elder Vulcan.
"You will not be killing anyone, you need only watch the person die. There are electrical sand storms coming to that area, five days into the storms, when they are predicted to be at their worst, there will be a malfunction of the shield emitter, which is at the top of a very high cliff, when she gets near the emitter dish there is a sensor planted that is keyed to her genetics. It will release a burst of energy that will kill her. You need only witness it, and explain to the Federation people that it is the work of the Logic group sending the message that they are no longer wanted on Vulcan."
"How will I claim I have this knowledge?"
The elder vulcan handed him a small canister that looked like it had been in an explosion, "This. you will find this at the scene. Inside, it contains our claim and our demand."
Sokal ran his thin fingers over the cold metal cylinder. A big part of him did not want to harm anyone and he could not say that his omission of information or failure to stop the explosion was not the same as planting the explosive device himself. Then, the elder vulcan said what he needed to hear.
"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one."
"Yes." Sokal said in resignation of his path and he placed the cylinder in his case.
The elder vulcan then stood and left his house without saying another word.