Chapter 16 " Deception"
Sarek
Before the bizarre voodoo ritual began, my sa-mekh (Father) injected me with a sedative. He assumed that I would be out for twelve hours, but it had only been ten point four so far. When I awoke, I was in a bed in my brother's house, and it was the day of my nephew's coming of age party. I relived all of my interactions with Amanda in an extraordinary dream sequence while asleep during that time, and my love and attraction to my beloved only sharpened. Ultimately, I knew that deception to my Father was necessary to marry Amanda, and I would do whatever necessary action. I swiftly sent her a message telepathically before my Father realized I was awake,
"Be prepared to be reunited soon and married promptly, ashal-veh (darling)."
Amanda's heartfelt response about my health and her love for me both inundated and brought me much happiness and courage. Despite being drowsy, I felt a smile that I only reserved for her, my t'hy'la (soulmate) stretching across my lips. I realized I needed strength to disobey my Father's wishes and act deceitfully. Specifically, I would have to behave like Amanda was not significant at my nephew's celebration today in front of him and my family. Even T'Pau. For my beloved, I would have to do it. My Father's role in my undergoing the ritual made me physically sick to my stomach, and I felt unresolved anger towards him.
On the floor, I sat down cross-legged, preparing to meditate. Lying was against the teachings of Surak, but I had no other choice. I did not enjoy disobeying my Father's wishes. Still, I knew that my life would not be complete without Amanda Grayson. Undoubtedly, Skonn would disagree with the marriage, and I realized he might disown me. None of that mattered, though, just my union with Amanda.
As predicted, T'Pau spoke to me privately about Amanda at the gathering, including her concerns about my Father's foul play. Skonn confronted us, and I coolly downplayed my deep affection. My heart rate increased fivefold during the whole scene, and I felt anxious that either would be able to see through my actions. That is why I exited abruptly after interrupting my Aunt about Amanda.
However, T'Pau may have noticed that my left eye twitched to indicate that I was being dishonest. As a youth, I lied to her and my Mother to test my boundaries on one occasion. That eye twitch told them the truth, and I would spend a day with a Vulcan master about my actions and how to control them.
Halfway into my nephews' coming of age celebration, T'Pau telepathically sent a message to me, "What action should I take?" That told me that my aunt indeed noted my twitch, and I went into a restroom to send a reply:
"Ezyet, (aunt) please arrange for a kalifarr (marriage) ceremony with a reldai (priestess) immediately."
After my nephew's celebration, I went to T'Pau's house to discuss the details. Pleased, my aunt welcomed me into her home.
"The kalifarr ceremony can be performed the day after tomorrow at dawn," she revealed, with a slight twinkle in her eyes.
"Thank you. It is most generous for you to assist us," I acknowledged, bowing my head.
"I don't believe anything should stop true love, Sarek. It is not logical," she simply explained, and again, I thanked her.
"Did I involuntarily twitch my left eye," I wondered, arching an eyebrow.
"Yes, and as a Vulcan, you are a horrible liar, Sarek. Your performance was done well enough to fool me until the end when I noticed it, and your Father was too angry with me to view it," my aunt explained.
"Indeed," I replied, satisfied with the turn of events.
Scanning the room, I inquired about Amanda's location.
"She is at her apartment, sa-bath (nephew). Have patience. You must avoid Amanda," T'Pau recommended.
Frowning, I gave my aunt an irritated look as I had hoped to see her today.
"One more day is of little consequence when you will spend the rest of your life with her, my nephew. Your wedding ceremony will be brief, and I will be the only family member and witness in attendance. Skonn can still dispute this by removing you from the clan," T'Pau stated.
"I see. Do you think my father will challenge it," I questioned?
"No one knows what the future holds, Sarek," T'Pau warily stated, "I can only hope for his forgiveness since I physically assaulted him."
Raising an eyebrow was enough impetus for my aunt to describe the circumstances, and it pained her as she did.
"My father will forgive you, Aunt. I have no doubt of it, worry not and seek Surak for your guidance," I advised, noting the forlorn look in her eyes before she quickly covered it. T'Pau and my Father were close at once, but they had a falling out of sorts many years before Amanda entered the picture.
"Logical advice, my sa-bath. You will need to forgive your sa-mekh in your heart and soul, Sarek. Are you prepared to be disowned from our clan," T'Pau posed the question, diverting the subject back to my upcoming secret marriage.
"Yes," I earnestly admitted.
"Be courageous, Sarek. It may take your father some time to welcome Amanda into the family," my aunt declared.
"Now go and continue with your day as if nothing had happened. It must not appear that we are conspiring," T'Pau urged.
Although I agreed, Amanda and my pending nuptials seemed to be longer than just a thirty-six-hour period. I could hardly wait or stay focused.