A/N: Heads up: Let's face it, the mirror universe can be unpleasant, a lot of bad things happen, like getting eaten if you are a Kelpein. The first part of this chapter contains mild references to a sexual assault. If that is an unpleasant trigger, you can skip to the second part (after the 'ooooo') and still be up to date with the main plot.

2255 - A Week Earlier

The imperial guard shoved his sidearm into Sarek's back. "Into the alley, now!" the high-ranking security officer shouted. "You and your filthy whore." He turned to his squad, "Cover me boys, I have a hankering for a pretty ass." The junior officers snickered and nodded approving and knowingly. "If I'm not interrupted," Leland smirked as his fingers trailed down Amanda's back, "and she can still stand … I may let you have a crack at her too." His smile turned menacing and he added, "Or him …"

Sarek and Amanda, knowing defiance would only anger the Terrans and push them into inflicting more pain, meekly obeyed.

Once in the alley, Leland shoved Amanda against the wall, scraping her nose against the rough bricks drawing pinpricks of blood and bruising her cheek. His leg shoved hers apart and kept them splayed. He planted his hands around her waist. In a tone of voice still loud enough for his subordinates to overhear, Leland said without a trace of kindness or regard, "Hands against the wall. You, Vulcan, hold her still. Maybe you can learn a thing or two from a man."

Tears had pooled in Amanda's eyes; she turned her head towards her husband. Sarek nodded almost imperceptibly at her.

Leland pressed against Amanda and whispered in her ear so both she and her husband could hear him. "I met a seer," Leland continued in his whisper.

"Passing the hues and objects of the world," Sarek answered.

This satisfied Leland Sarek remained uncompromised. "You are in danger. Tonight an hour before evening curfew begins go to the central transport hub at the main port authority. Buy a ticket for the gold train. I've arranged for your papers. The crowd of end of the day passengers will camouflage you. Be at coordinates 142 mark 78 precisely at 8:58pm. Bring nothing with you. The passphrase is i carry your heart."

"Nothing?" Amanda asked. "You want me to leave my entire life behind? Everything?"

"It is necessary my cherished one," Sarek assured. "A small piece of luggage or even a shopping bag would trigger an automatic search. If we are randomly frisked possessions hidden on your body or in your garments will result in our immediate arrest and months in the agonizer booth." He looked into Leland's eyes, measuring and gaging this highly decorated commander in the Empress' elite personal guard.

"I would permit a mind meld, but we cannot risk you knowing the names and locations of other rebel cells," Leland responded to Sarek's hesitancy and unspoken question.

"Very well, my wife and I shall be there."

Leland let go of Amanda's waist and backed away. "I'm sorry my lady," he used her former title with respect rather than the usual sneer she'd become accustomed to since eloping with a Vulcan. "Exit in the other direction. Keep your eyes lowered and speak to no one."

He left the alley with a lopsided grin and called to his subordinates, "Sorry boys, I got carried away and she's not fit for you now. In compensation, tonight you can have your pick of the offerings at the best T'beyt in town. My treat."

The four exchanged pleased glances. A spot serving under Captain Leland was coveted, and not just for his bloodthirsty tendencies, his sharing of plunder, or his skills as an assassin. He took care of this own, was a favorite of the Empress and Field Marshall Lorca, and wielded significant power; this had earned their loyalty.

ooooo

Sarek and Amanda reached the location Leland specified ten seconds before the cut-off time. The coordinates were behind a food stall, shielded by concrete pillars. They immediately felt the tingling heralding the beginnings of dematerialization and then rematerialized on board a cramped imperial guard shuttle. Dread and fear gripped Sarek; Amanda paled.

Leland deftly pressed a small piece of paper into Sarek's palm. The action was quick and subtle; Sarek was unsure if he had been touched. It read: This is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart.

Sarek clasped his wife's hand and turned to her in case anyone was listening or watching, "i carry your heart, i carry it in my heart."

Leland passed them a second piece of paper. It read: Be reassured, all is well. I realize this is jarring, but it is excellent cover, no one will question why I am taking out one of our runabouts for a few hours. Truth is always preferable to subterfuge; it hides in plain sight and is rarely examined. This is the first in a series of cut-outs that will take you to Noohra and Fire Wolf. We may be forming a new alliance and your skills are needed.

He gestured to the two other seats then handed Amanda a picture. It was of her and her son, Spock. Spock was a child, maybe five or six, and both mother and son were smiling. She remembered when it was taken, Sarek had snapped it during a family picnic, a time when their lives were happier, when they lived in a small village where she and Sarek both taught at the local school. A time when they were safe. Despite everything that happened afterwards, she cherished this moment and this memento. On the back a message was carefully printed so handwriting analysis would not betray its author – From a Friend. Amanda mouthed "Thank you" to Leland.

As Leland completed the preflight checklist, Amanda's finger traced her son's face. She and Sarek had not seen nor spoken with Spock for twelve years, not since he betrayed them.

A/N: 'I met a seer …' is from the Walt Whitman poem Ediolon. 'I carry your heart and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart' is from the e.e. cummings poem "[i carry your heart with me(i carry it in]"