Oh God. The pain...Soval. Darkness. Heavy crushing weight. Can't breathe. Those horrible screams. Can't stay awake. Bright light. Darkness. Maxwell opened his eyes. He was lying in bed in a dimly lit room. He tried to move and discovered he was encased in a body cast. He felt a presence on his temple. Fingertips. Moving his eyes to the right he saw a robed Vulcan pulling his hand away and standing erect. Beside him stood a young reldai.
With a look, the healer dismissed her. and looked back at Max.
"Osu. I must ask you to not move. You were grievously injured, and we are still a long way to having you ambulatory. You have questions that we will try to answer. But it will not be this day. Please rest."
With a nod. The healer turned and left the room leaving Max laying there thinking of how he'd ended up here. Remembering the running conversation while entering the security check point in the United Earth Embassy. They were well inside the hallway when Maxwell sensed a low rumble. Max had just enough time to shield Soval when they had been engulfed by the explosion. There was several seconds or minutes of excruciating pain. A heavy weight across him, Soval underneath him. Then before he lost consciousness, he saw a bright light engulf them. His thought being, someone really stepped in it to bomb the embassy.
Thinking on that, he couldn't help the anger that smoldered deep down inside. So damn close to having a closer accord with the Vulcans and now this. As he faded off to sleep he made no effort to control his grief as it overwhelmed him. He woke again many hours later. Days or weeks. He had no idea. He found the same healer standing over him withdrawing his hand to clasp it with the other one in front of him. Beside him stood Soval and a young Vulcan female whose poise told him she was in a position of authority.
"Welcome back Maxwell. In a few more days you should be able to move about. We had to put you in a healing trance to hasten your healing, you were very nearly dead when we beamed you out of there. Unfortunately, we were unable to save the other three who we were to contact concerning our "special project". They were buried too deep in the rubble."
"Soval. How long? Where am I?" He finally managed to speak.
"You are at our clan holdings, in fact in the very same room where Genevieve stayed in during her confinement. It was necessary to keep you hidden considering what had transpired."
Soval paused, then the young woman added. "Your embassy was bombed three months ago. Over 43 dead. We eventually found out the guilty ones and inadvertently did away with the high command. You are listed as dead, along with 31 other humans. As you will soon realize in the coming weeks."
Looking at Soval , she nodded and stepped back from the bed to stand beside the healer, Soval went on.
" We felt your efforts in liaison with us as well as your investigation into subversive elements was too valuable to be compromised. That and the fact that I could not bear to lose a friend warranted the secrecy."
"Thank you." Max whispered.
"The cause is more than sufficient Max. We both share a daughter who needs to be cherished even more. And that more than anything, I will not abide their anguish. When I return to earth. I will share my memories with all three if you wish Abigail to. I will not share that you are still alive."
"But how will you soften the blow if I'm dead?" Soval smirked at Max's question.
"You can trust me on this Max. I will formulate a way to assure them that all is not lost."
"Alright Soval. I have no choice in that matter. What would you have in mind for me then? After I've healed."
"So far Maxwell, all we ask is for you to be healed. We do have something in mind."
When Soval gestured with his right hand. Max noticed a young Reldai step forward to stand beside Soval.
"S'Rel will be assisting you with your healing and help bring you up to date with current events."
Max turned his attention to S'Rel, then with a sigh. Turned back to Soval.
"I know that you will cherish and protect our family Soval. But as of this moment you're to regard Young Max and Oliver as enemy combatants. As their father, I had never instilled the values they are going by, and they have demonstrated an unrepentant animosity towards their sister and niece. I have the suspicion that you will embark on that little project you had mentioned. I am curious if it involves humans."
"It does. And soon it shall be explained." Reaching out, he laid a hand on Max's shoulder.
Soval looked apologetic when Max winced. He was still stiff and sore. Turning his attention to the bedside table. He indicated the items laid out on it.
"We took the liberty of retrieving these items from your personal baggage that you may need. I apologize that I had to meld with you to find out. Since we were unable to contact the three we were to meet. This will be almost the only evidence we have on Terra Prime's activities. We were also able to retrieve what we needed from their personal effects that would be helpful in this investigation."
Pausing. Soval looked back at T'Pau a moment.
"Just for your involvement in any activities other than continuing that investigation. I will have to ask you to trust us. We will not stonewall you and keep you informed. But what we have asked remains in effect."
Max nodded. Then laid his head back, closing his eyes, he faded off to sleep. Soval seemed to sag for a moment. The sadness of the last months catching up to him. Without turning around he asked the healer.
"It may be foolish on me to ask Honored Elder but I must inquire. How much longer before he has the strength to function?"
T'Pau spoke up before the healer.
"Soval, we should let his body heal. For a human, he sustained injuries that should have killed him. His qualifications will be of service to us. However, it will not be beneficial to push him so soon after such a trauma."
Soval looked sharply back at T'Pau. Then resignedly replied.
"Then let it be as you say Minister." He replied. He regarded his friend for a moment longer before turning to leave Max's bedside.
T'Pau joined him has he made for the door. The healer remained for a moment longer then turned and left behind them.
It was another four months before he was ambulatory to move around let alone dress himself. And underwent a very painful recuperation. Soval returned to Earth to resume his duties at the consulate. But he always ensured to keep Max informed of what was happening both in his family and what ever the V'Shar had uncovered in StarFleet. His family had taken his death quite hard. But what indications Soval could reveal through Genevieve showed that both his sons demonstrated no grief or regret, but some relief. Like somehow Maxwell had been holding them back from the grand plan of conquest. Max had been gravely disappointed in his sons after he found out that they were more involved with Terra Prime than even he realized. He was particularly enraged when it had been revealed that Admiral Gardner and almost a dozen other flag officers. Men that he had confided in and trusted had switched their allegiance to that terrorist group. For the rest of his convalescence, he resolved to do something about this abomination that was tearing his world apart. And by proxy. Vulcan.
Despite his debilitation, he had managed to continue his investigations. Though it appeared pointless to him now. It had almost been two years since the bombing, and he was well ambulatory enough to have the run of the clan holding he was housed. It was on one of his wanderings to the botanical gardens when he saw them. He had been about to round a curve in the path to head towards the pools. This curve passed through a thick stand of reeds which camouflaged his impromptu vantage point. It was noticing a flash of color through the foliage that prompted him to stop and observe. There was a group of children playing in the pools, and as he observed them. From his vantage point there were differences in their features and mannerisms. As a houseguest and shirttail relation to Soval. Max knew and understood that he was more tightly integrated with the clan than even an allied guest would be. His exposure to Vulcan children while it had been limited had been telling. He realized that while these children had Vulcan features and mannerisms, they clearly acted in human ways. Hearing something to his left drew his attention to look back down the path. T'Sar stood there observing him. Beside her stood a young Vulcan boy. Almost the same age as the children he had been observing. The boy simply eyed him curiously while T'Sar looked pensive but stoic.
" We were unsure of when to acquaint you. However. The feline appears to be out of containment."
Max snorted at the clumsy attempt at an earth colloquialism. But he couldn't help but smile.
"And this is Soval's son? He asked.
"I am Sevrin." The boy answered.
" Yes you are and it is a pleasure to meet you. "
Max replied to the young man. Turning his attention back to T'Sar. Nodding towards where the other children were playing. He asked.
" Are they Genevieve 's?"
" Yes Admiral. A small portion of them. We had them rotated in groups between the holdings. Even though they have been integrated into the families they had to be afforded the chance to learn of their humanness."
looking past Max through the foliage. She continued.
" 15 of these children are Genevieve 's, included are 15 of the other five donors. You are looking at approximately 2/3 of those born. The remaining ones are still to be implanted. And be truthful that is yet to be determined. We had encountered some difficulty towards the end."
" The end? What kind of difficulty? "
T'Sar actually appeared reluctant to answer. Sevrin almost moved to place himself in front of his mother. Only to stop when Max raised a hand and T'Sar put a hand on his shoulder, admonishing him. Sevrin reluctantly fell back, but eyed him warily.
Max sighed tiredly, his gaze fixed between Sevrin and. Not sure what to say.
" I am open to suggestion on what to do next, it's obvious I was not to meet them until you felt I was ready. So I will go back the way I came. And when the Castellan is ready to have me integrate with them. Then and only then will I meet them. "
He said before T'Sar could speak. With a respectful bow to mother and son. He limped back up the path. As soon as he reentered the building the tears started. This is no way to meet your own grandchildren he thought bitterly as he made his way to his room. With difficulty he finally made it to his quarters before his leg finally gave out. He fell on his bed trying to massage the cramping and stabbing pain out of his muscles. He found it almost impossible when one's body's wracked with sobs. He ended up laying there crying it out. Realizing that after all this time since the bombing, he was not ready to go on, let alone spend time with his grandchildren. It had been very sobering for him to realize what a mess he had been in after waking up from the disaster that was the embassy bombing. While it had been a welcome distraction closing the loose ends of the investigation. It was very unsatisfying. He was mainly cognizant of knowing his family and himself right now were considered collateral damage and being dead in the eyes of his home world. He felt powerless to do anything about it. He finished the investigatory work that he could, turning it over to Soval and then had gone on to do whatever projects he could to fight the deep depression. And during one of the regular visits with Soval and T'Sar he received a pleasant surprise. Soval had requested his presence in one hour arriving at the clan holding where he was sequestered. When Maxwell arrived at the room he was greeted with a firm handshake and not the customary ta'al.
" Max. It is a great pleasure to see you once again. I am aware of your discomfort or distress from meeting your grandchildren but not being allowed to say anything or interact with them. I must offer my apologies and I respect your decision to stay sequestered from them. However there is a service that you can offer that will be for their benefit."
"What do you have in mind Soval?" He asked somewhat intrigued.
Before his friend could answer they were joined by T'Sar and Sevrin. Both regarded him mildly. Soval glanced over to them and then nodded in acknowledgment before turning back to Max.
" We may have a solution to part of our problem Max. It will deal specifically against Terra Prime and at the same time give humanity a chance add another location. We have come across a star system approximately nine light minutes from Sol. It is a very rich system with a Minshara class planet and while there have been indications of previous habitation by a star faring species. It is for all intents and purposes abandoned. The con clave has come by this information through various means. Much of it from various affiliated worlds. But we did find some indications of it being discovered by certain captains of the various cargo services that ply between our worlds. I know you have done all you can in regards to your private investigation of subversive elements within your military and government. I would propose that that investigation be declared closed. Our government has determined that the governing bodies of Terra are becoming more hostile to off world species. And Vulcan has attracted their attention more than any other. What was proposed was the start of a colony on that world that will maintain humanities place in the interstellar community while at the same time offering refuge to those of us who have families that span two species."
Max was surprised and even more intrigued. All this time T'Sar and Sevrin held their peace and divided their attention between the two elder men.
" I would be very interested. Even though it seems you're just trying to keep me active, which I do appreciate by the way."
Soval's expression softened at that, but he nodded at that.
"Being placed by the wayside is never good for any warrior Max. Believe me I do understand that. This was all I had to share with you on this development. Tomorrow. I will have you spend time with my son. Sevrin. He has expressed an interest in all things Terran, and you being the closest authority on that subject. I am sure it will be a learning experience for him, being that he has a half-sister that he has not had the privilege to meet yet. Who herself is quite formidable. "
That brought a grin to Max's face knowing that Soval was referring to Katherine. Genevieve's daughter. With a snort bordering on rude, he looked over at the young man in question and told him he was looking forward to it. But Soval wasn't finished.
"Also the both of you will be sitting in on a briefing. There you Max will receive a tablet with all information pertaining to this location in question. My son will be an unofficial intern for you on this project, for this involves looking after the family and what better way to teach a son by involving him in matters involving family?"
"I could not imagine a better way myself Soval. I'll be looking forward to it. It's going to be great to be involved in something again. I was feeling like a fifth wheel and useless."
Soval simply raise the brow at the colloquialism Max used but didn't comment. Max then sat back in his chair and gave Soval his undivided attention. Sevrin emulated him by doing the same. And Max did not miss the flash of amusement in T'Sars features as she kept an eye on her son and turned her attention likewise to Soval. Soval looked around at the three and went on.
" To answer your question about the status of your A'duna, daughter and granddaughter. They are safe and doing well despite the harassment of your sons. We have had to take especially more specific particular care of ensuring Katherine is not going to be subject to kidnapping by her uncles. I fail to understand the justification to have such senseless hate towards a child Maxwell. I know that you have never raised them to be bigots and I know that you have given your approval in dealing with them. But what would your recommendation be for a final judgment?"
"I would deprive them of their families. And while such betrayal deserves nothing short of death. It may be more appropriate to put them in a situation where they are helpless to do anything and will regret their actions till the end of their days. I would ensure that they are physically crippled so they will not be mission capable. And ensure that they never leave earth."
Max glanced over at Sevrin a moment and held up a hand with his index finger up indicating he was making a point before turning back to Soval and continuing.
" The whole object to this kind of punishment is to ensure that if they have anything close to the conscience they were born with. They will regret their actions for the rest of their lives and ensure that they never see their children again. They should even be sterilized to finalize the point."
" That's very harsh even from you Max. I understand that this is a very deep betrayal of the core values that you tried to instill in them. Am I correct?"
" Yes Soval. It is. But you had something else in mind as well and starting this conversation off in this manner. Am I also correct?"
Soval ducked his head in acknowledgement then went ahead.
"You are very correct Maxwell. And for me it will be a personal, deeply personal endeavor. As you are aware, Vulcan males take the security and safety of their mates and family very seriously. That also includes ensuring their happiness and fulfilling their desires. As had happened, Genevieve especially had been deeply hurt and deprived by the actions of Terra Prime. And I fervently desired to at least ensure so what was taken was not only returned but nurtured. I was not the one who enacted the sharing. But it was highly appropriate considering the actions of the bigots who tried to use your daughter and your future grand children. So believe me Max. While I did not institute it I highly appreciated the actions that Doctor Fagan aboard the Seneca had accomplished.
While The Sharing has been fulfilled, accomplishing the purpose in which it was connected. There has been a setback concerning the remaining zygotes. And I have been extremely frustrated concerning that. Genie's position as matron that had been enacted on the day of her graduation still stands and we have insured that she has remained able to uphold her station. But we have not informed her yet of this setback."
"What happened Soval? Is it serious?"
" Yes it is quite serious Max. Many of the minority clans who had stepped up to care for these children have made their quota as it were. Furthermore. It is come to our attention that there is extremist activity also on Vulcan. In a manner of speaking. The Sharing has fulfilled it's purpose. Both in ensuring there is another generation to carry on the blood of the clan and what was taken from Genie has a chance to survive. However there is a movement on Vulcan that like Terra Prime believes in the purity of the species. And amazingly. We have a large number of zygotes frozen that need bearers to ensure their birth. The Rite of Wu Threshtor has only been enacted seven times in modern, post reformation history and in those seven events all zygotes and young presented for the rite had been found a place. This is the first time in history that we have so many without the chance to be given a place in clan or family let alone be born. I would change that. Tomorrow. During the briefing you will be informed of this new world named Kitittan.
This world will fulfill several purposes. Another one of them being a different place for humanity to thrive without the bigotry. It is no accident that the inevitability of hybrid children would come to pass in interstellar interactions with neighboring worlds. And amazingly for us. The Vulcans, Andorians, Tellarites and Rigellians are of the same mind that the so-called leaders of Earth need a lesson in humility. And the world of Kitittan would be the perfect place to put those people who want no part of the madness that is about to be unleashed upon Earth by its own governments. Mind you that Vulcan itself will be experiencing something very similar in nature. But the brunt of the insanity will be on earth. It has also come to my attention and the attention of various V'Shar commanders that a handful of earth-based colonies want no part of what Terra Prime has to offer. Your part Max will be in administrating the base we are going to be building there as well as coordinating defense operations. As of now it is only a dream. A will of the wisp in your vernacular. One of the goals in mind is to establish a community with a civilian government that will be accountable to the population. And what more desirable a person would be required but a man who wants to have a place to be with his family?"
Soval finished-speaking and regarded his friend. Max looked straight at Soval but didn't say a word. The look on his face pretty much said it all. The Vulcan had no doubt that Max was very much on board with this idea. With a slight smile on his face. Max glanced at Sevrin a moment then turning his attention back to Soval. Said.
"I would like that very much Soval. At least I'll be doing something while providing a safe place for a family. I very much miss Abigail, Genevieve, Katherine and the other children. Hell I'd do it anyway just because it would be establishing a new place for the benefit of humanity."
"I am very glad to hear you say that Max. I believe you are ready. So we'll be looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at 0900."
Finished with his brief. Soval then sat back and watched his son literally interrogate Max on all things human. This visit carried on late into the night. And when Max finally went to bed that night, he found himself looking forward to the future. And happier to be finally being back in the center of the action.