Chapter 9 "The Walkers' Wedding"

Four months later

Sarek

Shortly after Amanda's rejection, Mr. Ben Walker requested a transfer to another foreign office. The Federation completed his request to the Tellurite Embassy within weeks since the prior ambassador retired. Ben returned to Earth within two weeks on a special assignment. Amanda did not have to concern herself with him as she continued to work for my assistant until an opening at the Academy was available.

Meanwhile, we had decided to keep our almost four-month courtship private. Meanwhile, we found some shared interests like reading, classical music, discussing philosophy, and education in general. Our telepathic abilities were fortified during this time, too. Ergo, we grew closer to each other.

Likewise, we spent time ingratiating each other in our respective cultures. I felt more enchanted with Amanda than I ever thought possible, and she felt the same about me, and we were extraordinarily ready to become physically intimate. Furthermore, we desired to participate in the Vulcan bonding ceremony that would make us married. Still, T'Pau warned us to wait patiently.

During our courtship, Ben became engaged and was to marry in San Francisco. My role as Ambassador required my attendance since he was a fellow diplomat. Amanda and I had planned to attend the Walker wedding separately, which immensely frustrated me. I had been on Earth for two-point-three weeks, but the wedding would be the first time I had seen my ashal-veh or dear. Nonetheless, Amanda had arrived five days ago, but we hadn't had an opportunity to see each other. Even so, we did speak a couple of times.

First, I met Amanda's eldest brother, Robert, who she both adored and confided in before the first week of my visit to Earth. He was a tall thin man with prematurely graying hair. She said it would be "easy traveling" from there if Robert accepted me. Although I wasn't sure of the phrase's precise meaning, I did enjoy meeting him. Robert was an astrophysics instructor at Star Fleet, and I relished my afternoon conversing with him. Logically, he was concerned about Amanda's future with me and her welfare. I related my role as the Ambassador to the Federation from the planet Vulcan and my responsibilities. Besides that, I described the role of the family in Vulcan society, and my own, in particular.

Guardedly, Robert probed if I knew his sister's high spirit, rebelliousness, and sometimes stubborn nature. A whisper of a smile increased across my lips as I acknowledged Amanda's vivaciousness, and I even told him that I immensely enjoyed it. Robert was a kindred spirit, and he gave me his blessing to marry his younger sister. It felt like an honor, and I received it appreciatively.

When I arrived at the Convention Hall, I noted the lavish decorations. The bride's family planned an extravagant wedding full of blooming flowers native to the area. Apprehension filled my body as I scanned the room for Amanda and greeted people.

"Where are you," I pondered, silently putting that thought out to her.

"Ambassador Sarek, welcome," Earth's senior advisor to Vulcan, Morgan Cambell, boomingly announced. He was the second in the chain of command in the Earth's Ambassador to Vulcan's office and Mr. Walker's former boss.

"Thank you, Ambassador Cambell. It is quite pleasant to be here," I evenly responded.

" Please, Sarek, let us call each other's first names on this most joyous occasion."

Lowering my head, I showed deference at his request.

"Sarek, did you meet my daughter, Sheila?"

I responded that I had not had the pleasure.

"After the ceremony, you will meet her. I think Ben and Sheila will have an extremely successful marriage," Mr. Cambell eagerly promised.

Concurring, I listened to the short man with a medium build and a good-natured ramble on as he guided me to my seat. I didn't know that Ben Walker was marrying his former boss's daughter.

" Fascinating," I thought.

Furthermore, I didn't know that the Walkers family held such prominence in the Federation that the guest list varied from diplomats, politicians, and other significant people in society. The Graysons were in attendance, and Amanda's maternal family, the Wyatts.

"I am here in the back, dear. I don't see you," she discontentedly emoted.

Casually twisting my head, I spotted Amanda, dressed in a champagne-colored off-the-shoulder dress to my right on the other side of the room. Her long brown hair held large curls with blonde highlights around her face, and the dress tapered inward to show off her slim waist. Amanda was a complete vision of beauty, and I felt my heart skip a beat. At the time, she was conversing with another brother of hers. I felt a smile appearing, but I stopped it immediately from showing as other diplomats stopped by to speak with me.

Finally, the ceremony began.

After the ceremony, during the reception.

Within an hour of socializing, I communicated with Amanda to meet me on a balcony in the corner, away from everyone when she could. Apprehensively, I awaited her arrival.

"Good Evening, Ambassador Sarek," a musical voice greeted me from behind as I viewed the blue sky and felt the warm sun on my face.

"Greetings, Miss. Grayson," I muttered as Amanda came into my view. I felt stunned by her prettiness. Although Amanda attempted to conceal her excitement, it was plain to see.

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Quite, Ms. Grayson," I answered, attempting not to look at her too long. I moved my hands behind my back, clasped.

"Dungau etek stariben svi' Vuhlkansu (Shall we speak in Vulcan? )," Amanda questioned.

"Ha, kal-tor's (Yes, let's)," I agreed.

"Nash-veh teporilau tor gla-tor du,ashayam. (I am excited to see you, beloved)." Amanda lowered her head but viewed me under her thick eyelashes with her lovely intense eyes, and I could see a smile on her luscious pink lips.

"Amanda, du nam-tor weht lovely do nash-veh kupi ek'wak glenonau. (Amanda, you are lovelier than I could ever imagine)," I declared.

I felt a tugging at my heart as she joyfully grinned at the compliment.

"Nemaiyo, Sarek. du glazhau danik debonair, t'nash-veh tal-kam, (Thank you, Sarek. You look debonair, my dear)," Amanda complimented.

" Ish-veh zhit torvau lo'uk mak svi' nash-veh. Nash-veh ma din-tor du, t'nash-veh tal-kam."

(Your words produce great joy in me. I have missed you, my dear), I stated, feeling the heat on my cheeks.

Nodding, I moved my gaze from her to the cloudless pale blue sky. It was a fabulous day in San Francisco and quite warm. Unclasping my hands from my back, I extended my index and middle fingers on my right hand toward Amanda in a concealed manner.

Simpering, she put her same two fingers on her hand to meet mine. The result was a connection that made both of us smile as we watched the waves of the Pacific Ocean float underneath the Golden Gate bridge. After a while, we withdrew our fingers from each other.

"The weather is quite pleasant," I acknowledged in English, enjoying the heat from the sun.

"Yes, I believe it is."

"Nash-veh ni anxious na' du tor ragel-tor t'nash-veh mekhlar (I want to take you to meet my parents right now)," Amanda impatiently whispered.

"Tranush, Amanda. nash tor ri wuh olozhikaik wak you' ish-veh would viltah wuh Walkers. (Patience, Amanda. This is not the logical time since it would insult the Walkers)," I responded, gently scolding her.

Sighing, Amanda muttered, "ozhika (logic)."

I felt a smirk form on my face at the last comment before I reluctantly whispered, " "etek dungi ragel-tor fa-gad na' aru, t'nash-veh tal-kam? (It has been seven point five minutes. I must withdraw)."

Rejoining the celebration, I went to congratulate the newlyweds.

Ben Walker and his new bride, Sheila, had a receiving line that was quite lengthy, but it allowed me time to analyze them. Sheila appeared to be a little older than Amanda, with strawberry hair and large breasts. However, they genuinely seemed to be charmed and in love. After Ben introduced me to his new wife, I declared,

"Mr. Walker, I am thrilled for this joyous occasion for you two. I wish for prosperity and happiness for your new marriage."

The couple graciously lowered their heads out of respect.

"Thank you, Ambassador Sarek. We appreciate your well wishes," Ben remarked, smiling happily.

I withdrew from the blissful newlyweds and walked towards a fellow table of Vulcans. Then Robert approached me and persuaded me to meet their parents. First, he introduced me to his wife, Fiona. Amanda's favorite brother's wife was a short redhead woman who was quite pregnant. Fiona smiled and mumbled something, appearing to be most uncomfortable.

"Excuse Fiona, please. She isn't feeling well as she is close to giving birth, Ambassador, " Robert explained and put his arm around his wife's shoulders to comfort her, and Fiona grinned upwards at the gesture.

"Please call me Sarek. Congratulations are in order," I stated, "are you expecting a male or female?"

"A boy, we have two girls already, Ambassador," Fiona replied louder with Robert's urging.

"That's logical," I politely answered and insisted.

"Thank you," Robert responded as the two laughed. Raising an eyebrow, I did not understand the joke but didn't inquire.

"Robert," an older man's voice called. Moving my head to the left, I saw that it was his father. Amanda's eyes were opened wide in apprehension as we crossed the room. I felt my pulse rate increase at three-point three as we walked toward them.

"Mom and Dad, this is Ambassador Sarek from Vulcan. Before becoming a diplomat, he was an astrophysicist, and he is also Amanda's supervisor," Robert politely introduced.

" It is a pleasure, Ambassador. I hope Amanda's work is satisfactory for you," her father coldly said.

" The pleasure is mine, . Miss Grayson does excellent work for my assistant's office," I confirmed, not showing too much attention to her.

"Amanda, aren't you going to greet your boss?" Her father demanded bossily.

She did not like when people talked down to her like that, and I deduced that her Father often did. Perhaps that was why she didn't enjoy Ben Walker's company? Mentally, I made a note to inquire later.

"Hello Ambassador, I hope you enjoy yourself during this celebratory time," Amanda said, a light blush covering her cheeks. She looked more phenomenal up close.

"You should be the one married to Ben," her Mother hissed, siping her drink. She was intoxicated, and Amanda lowered her head, chagrinned.

" Yes, this is quite an entertaining time. I am learning much about your culture's customs," I neutrally responded, attempting to hide my affection for her.

Miss Grayson didn't make eye contact but smiled a half-grin. There was an uneasy silence.

"Are you enjoying your time on Earth," Robert rapidly questioned.

Before I could respond, Mr. Grayson gruffly interrupted, "You should come back to Earth and teach here, Amanda. No offense, Ambassador, but I don't understand her fascination with your planet."

"None was taken, Mr. Grayson. Vulcan is quite diverse from Earth," I concurred, noticing that

Amanda was becoming irked. Her eyes narrowed into slits, and my t'hyl'a's lifted her chin stubbornly.

"I plan on continuing my career at the Vulcan Academy," Amanda stubbornly stated.

"Since you were so adamant in refusing Ben, you must have designs on someone else. I can't figure out whom," Mrs. Grayson slurred her petite frame swaying.

"I thought your sponsor agreed to assist us with you and Ben," she continued in slur words.

"Mother, please sit down," Amanda quietly advised, holding onto her arm to lead her to the nearest seat.

"Are you aware of any suitors for my youngest daughter?" her father candidly asked.

Vulcans cannot lie, and I hoped that Mr. Grayson wouldn't ask me this question. Fortunately, Robert interrupted before I spoke.

"Perhaps it would be best to discuss this after the newlyweds depart for their honeymoon, " he smartly interjected. I gave Robert an appreciative nod for his assistance.

There was an announcement that the bride would throw the bouquet at that moment. The women excitedly gathered around Sheila, and hesitantly, Amanda did too. Once the bride turned around, she threw the bouquet. The women jumped in the air energetically, extending their arms and trying to grab it except Amanda. Although several people touched it, it landed in my lover's hands. My beloved looked at me blissfully with her beautiful eyes after several women congratulated her.

"That means I will marry next," Amanda joyfully emoted as she strode back to her family.

A hint of a smile crept on my lips.

"Indeed."

The hundred-plus guests gathered their bubble bottles from the table to blow as the newlyweds scurried to their honeymoon via shuttle. Immediately, I inquired about the activity.

"Curious, Ms. Grayson. What is the purpose of blowing bubbles?"

"Just a tradition to send the newlyweds off, Ambassador," Amanda answered as we lined up on the sidewalk, and I opened my bottle and then blew through the plastic wand as she did.

The couple blithely strolled out of the convention center amid thousands of bubbles. The Graysons and I were closest to the transporter shuttle when the newlyweds passed, and Ben smugly said when Sheila wasn't paying attention as she waved to the crowd.

"Oh, it's nice to see that your parents finally meet Ambassador Sarek at my wedding, Amanda. Did you tell them about your courtship with him yet?"

Mr. Grayson, Amanda's sister and another brother, and their respective spouses appeared appalled at this information. Simultaneously, the shuttle transported the newlyweds away.

"Is this true, Amanda?" Her dad demanded, outraged. His long face conveyed anger and the lines on his forehead deepened.

My tal-kam, or dear, calmly sauntered towards me with an enormous grin on her face and confessed with one word, "Yes."