Notes: Symbol "/" followed by italics denotes psychic communication
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If he were anything but a Vulcan with near perfect memory, one could say that Sarek couldn't remember the last time he and Amanda's house had not lodged temporary residents or guests. Early in their marriage, Amanda had once mused, "We should install a revolving door." Sarek had theorized five ways in which to modify a traditional revolving door to adapt it to the harsh Vulcan climate and dangerous fauna before he realized Amanda's statement had been in jest.
He recalled that memory as he entered his dining room for last meal. Admiral Kirk, Doctor McCoy and Spock were not present, but Doctor Corrigan and Healer Sorel were seated at the table, conversing with Amanda. Spock's student Saavik was at the table as well, sitting silently, posture rigid.
Sarek sat across from Saavik rather than at the head of the table. The guests were present at Amanda's invite, and he judged the dinner to be informal based on Amanda's body language and the arrangement of the place settings, so he relinquished the head position to her.
As a member of and current head of the Vulcan diplomatic corp, it was expected that Sarek would host a number of guests, visitors, and diplomats at his homes in great numbers compared to even the most prestigious Vulcan families. Amanda had initially expressed trepidation at the responsibility, but she gained mastery over the skills required in an impressively short time and earned the nickname of "First Lady of Vulcan." The estate had residence of guests approximately 70% of nights that Sarek was home, and he assumed it was at a higher rate when he was off world without Amanda. More than 80% of their first meals or last meals were shared with visitors or lodgers.
Their guests hailed from every socio-economic level from various planets and colonies. Because the couple had a standing agreement that each could invite meal guests without forewarning or permission (unless the other indicated a desire for a meal to be exclusive to the family), there had been numerous instances of meals with an unconventional mix of guests. Sarek recalled a spirited lunch at their diplomat lodgings on Earth when Sarek had invited a Starfleet admiral on short notice and Amanda had invited a young Catullan man that she introduced as "a musician I met today at Fisherman's Wharf." The migrant busker (a self proclaimed pacifist) and the high ranking military official with a wealthy pedigree had vastly different points of view on all of the conversation topics; the only thing on which they agreed was that fish stew served for lunch was supremely palatable. Sarek deemed the conversation at that remarkably short meal to be a fascinating debate.
"Honored guests, Lady Amanda," Sarek said in greeting. "I inquire as to the location of our son and his colleagues."
"Good evening, Sarek. Spock and his friends went for dinner with the rest of the crew at the hotel. Have you met Saavik?"
Saavik looked up from her empty plate quickly and offered the Vulcan salute to Sarek.
"Live long and prosper," he returned. "I regret that we have never had an introduction. We have met twice, briefly, once during the ceremony." He noticed her expression; while he would not say that she lacked composure, she did telegraph her thoughts and emotions on her features. "Perhaps you do not remember meeting me when you were a child. Our interaction was quite brief." Again, her face was animated enough that he determined that she understood the unsaid: he was part of the retrieval mission that rescued her from her birth planet.
"And it's been so long since we've had Daniel and Sorel here for a meal," Amanda explained. While Sarek agreed that much time had elapsed since the doctor and healer had been to visit, he failed to see the logic in inviting them now. There had been a prodigious number of healers in their house of late, especially those specializing in psiology, psychology, and neurology, and it was unlikely that would change in the near future. He would have expected her to take advantage of one of the very few quiet periods to rest. Where was the logic in, instead, hosting two healers specializing in genetics who did not have the necessary clearance to receive details on Spock's resurrection on Genesis?
As a staff member placed a salad before each diner, Daniel said to Saavik, "It is good to meet you. Spock has praised your progress over the years. It seems like just yesterday you graduated from the academy, and now you're a lieutenant?"
Sarek could detect surprise in Saavik's expression. She had much work remaining in mastering the outward stoicism expected from Vulcans. "Captain Spock has mentioned me to you and Healer Sorel? Including my graduation from the Academy? Why?"
"It is customary to update your close acquaintances on the most important aspects of your life including your children or mentees," Sorel explained.
Sarek caught a hint of amusement from Amanda through their bond. "I told you, Saavik," she said. "He talks about you all the time."
"He's very proud of you," Daniel insisted. Sarek and Sorel both aimed expressions of disapproval at Doctor Corrigan at the faux pas of publicly interpreting a Vulcan's thoughts through a lens of emotion, but Sarek had to agree. Spock was undoubtedly proud of Saavik. Since Daniel had known Spock from the moment he was born he was adept at understanding the Vulcan's unexpressed sentiment. Daniel and Sorel had not been Spock's designated pediatricians, but they had often been consulted in his care. Even into adulthood, Spock's unique physiology presented puzzles and unexpected traits. His pon farr had been so delayed that Sarek had started to hope that his son would have the good fortune to avoid the humiliating affliction altogether.
Understanding hit Sarek like a flash, and Amanda briefly met his eyes. Sorel and Daniel's presence was indeed quite relevant in Spock's recovery as they were specialists not just in genetics, but also Vulcan reproduction and fertility. Had Spock experienced pon farr during the period of rapid aging? How had it affected him? How would it affect his cycle in the future? Sarek had not considered this aspect of Spock's ordeal until now as all Vulcans were remarkably skilled at refusing to speak or even think about that most shameful flaw in Vulcan physiology. Even Daniel Corrigan, one of the top two specialists on Vulcan fertility, was unaware of its existence until he had been courting Sorel's daughter for years.
But no matter how much society wished it were not so, pon farr was a normal part of a Vulcan male's life and required study and consideration. Sarek understood that this was not simply a social visit with the doctor and healer. While he was interested in further acquaintance with Saavik, he desired to speak more freely with the other guests.
Fortunately the conversation was engaging, even if Sarek wished to speak on other topics. Saavik chose to listen more than she participated in the discussion, and Sarek could detect her unease. They did not linger over the meal as they might have if current circumstances were less uncharted.
Saavik was the first to say her farewells. "Lady Amanda, Ambassador Sarek. I am gratified by your invitation and hospitality. I hope that our acquaintance will deepen during my stay on Vulcan."
"Of course, Saavik." Amanda smiled. "You're welcome here anytime day or night that Sarek or I are planetside."
Saavik nodded and turned to the medical duo. "I am also gratified to be introduced to you. Spock speaks highly of your abilities. If I may request: if you are available for short conversation, will you join me in the front garden?"
Sorel nodded, and Sarek's flicker of curiosity surprised him. It was not usual for him to wonder at the nature of a private conversation that did not involve him, but he was affected by Amanda's heightened interest in the forthcoming conversation.
"Healer Sorel, live long and prosper. I will call upon you at your office at your earliest availability," Sarek said. Vulcans did not do "long goodbyes."
"I will have my administrator coordinate with your schedule tomorrow. Daniel, please join Saavik and I for a brief conversation in the front garden."
Daniel and Amanda hugged, and Amanda escorted the group to the front door. Sarek turned his back to consider Amanda's rose garden through the large rear windows to avoid the most illogical temptation to watch them through the front. When Amanda joined him, she wrapped her arms around his waist for a brief hug. He indulged in his affection for his wife by returning her embrace.
"Spock messaged. He will be arriving within the hour."
Sarek was acutely aware that they were alone in the house as he had dismissed the staff after last meal was served. He ran his hands down Amanda's arms and interlaced his fingers with hers.
/I don't think we have time, Amanda said through their bond, sensing a strong wave of desire from her husband.
/You underestimate how long it has been since we were last joined. I do not need much time. Between their grief over the news of Spock's death, Sarek visiting Kirk on Earth, and the fal-tor-pan ceremony, it had been a long time indeed. /I want you. Let me show you what I intend.
"That's cheating," Amanda scolded playfully. Spots of color bloomed on her cheeks as Sarek projected graphic images to her, and she pulled his hand to lead him to their bedroom in the farthest wing of the house.
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In the front garden, Saavik took a deep breath and straightened her tunic. Sorel and Daniel were watching her attentively. "I shall be brief. Lady Amanda invited you tonight to introduce us. I am in need of your services."
Sorel responded, "I am aware your medical records are unsealed for utilization in Vulcan medical facilities." He detected that Saavik clenched her jaw, likely in frustration. "I was the primary physician for all of your… brethren who chose to integrate into Vulcan society. Spock consulted my expertise in your youth until you entered the academy."
Does everyone on this planet know my secrets, she thought. Perhaps Vulcans had a different attitude about privacy than she believed.
"Sorry, I'm lost," Daniel stated. "I sense that I'm missing something here."
Sorel chose then to remain silent when Saavik wished he'd explain the situation to his partner. She would never be comfortable telling this story. "I am merely half Vulcan."
"Merely?" Daniel parrotted.
Saavik ignored it. "If you consent to treat me, your confidence goes beyond the standard doctor-patient laws and regulations. The circumstances surrounding my birth are highly classified."
Daniel held up a hand to stop her from continuing. He tapped a few times on his PADD, and Sorel, watching over his shoulder, nodded in appreciation.
"I want you to be comfortable in asking whatever you need from us. Please review and sign this." Daniel offered her the PADD, and Saavik saw one of the standard forms that guaranteed a healer's adherence to Vulcan privacy laws. She swiped to the second page of the form; as most Vulcan forms were, it was prepopulated from a central database. It listed all people that the healers were allowed to speak with regarding treatment. On Saavik's form, it listed only Spock, and it was dated before Saavik had reached the age of independence. Daniel had correctly deduced that Saavik hadn't reviewed the form since she had become an adult.
She removed Spock's name, and signed and dated the form with her biometrics.
"Daniel has absolute respect for our regulations," Sorel insisted. "You can trust him, as you can trust all healers on Vulcan. Would you permit me to outline the pertinent details to him?" Saavik nodded. She was finding this to be the most positive interaction she had ever had with healers or doctors.
Once Daniel had an idea about Saavik's heritage, he took a moment to process it. "I must warn you that we don't have any experience and scant research on Romulan DNA. If you are interested in exploring genetic recombination for pregnancy, we may need time."
"It is unfortunate that we do not have time. I am pregnant."
Sorel and Daniel exchanged glances. She knew that they had been partners for many years and wondered if they shared a psi connection. "The genetic donor is Vulcan?"
Saavik closed her eyes. Spock was no longer the only Human-Vulcan hybrid, and she did not expect these men to make the same leap in logic that Amanda had. Especially as she was unsure if they were familiar with the classified Genesis project and the circumstances of Spock's resurrection. If not, they would be required to lobby the Federation for the details on the grounds of medical necessity. No one could argue that this team was the best to treat her condition, and she would refuse treatment by anyone else and leak the details if the Federation tried to deny them.
"Half Vulcan." She opened her eyes, but they were silent, waiting for more details. "Spock. The donor is Spock."
Sorel quietly absorbed the information, but Daniel said without any shame, "Is this consensual?" Saavik's expression conveyed distress. "I know you've reached the age of independence, but he's been your guardian since you were a child. Do you understand the term 'grooming'?"
Saavik contained a gasp, but couldn't conceal her rage in her words. "He would never- Spock is the most- how dare you?!" I should cut your tongue out of your throat.
Sorel interrupted for damage control. "Daniel is correct in asking. You are very young, and Spock is presumably the adult you trust most. Though we accuse Spock of nothing so abhorrent, it is not completely without possibility. You are our patient, and we are required, by law, to ensure your protection, safety, and health."
Saavik paced, utilizing breathing exercises to gain control of her emotions. After a few moments, she was able to speak in complete sentences, though her rage was barely contained. "Yes, that is logical. Please believe that is not what happened. Spock was never inappropriate with me. I would consent to a mind meld to prove it."
"That may not be required, but do you realize that targets of grooming often do not realize they are victims?"
Kill, slice, hate you. Saavik fought her rage with logic. Her rational side understood how the situation must appear to them. Her words came out in a flat, controlled tone. "First, Captain Spock is bonded and has been for my entire life. He does not and has not ever desired… that from me. Second, the situation was dire. Pon farr was induced unexpectedly, and I was the only Vulcan available. It was not a situation in which either of us desired to be, and I made the decision to save his life." Her last statement was in a whisper. "He does not even remember."
Sorel bowed his head, understanding the solemnity of her words. Daniel just wanted to hug her, but he had learned to control that urge decades ago. She was small for a Vulcan, and seemed so young that he was reminded of his own daughter. He knew the memory of the ordeal and her situation must be incredibly difficult to bear especially without the support of the other involved party. In modern times, a Vulcan male so rarely found himself in a situation where pon farr must be endured without his mate. In every case Daniel was aware of, the male's mate was recently deceased and there had been no time to find a suitable replacement.
"I believe we understand," he said.
"You lack all of the necessary information to understand," Saavik countered. She could detect pity in his voice, and her temper threatened to flair out of control. "But there are further complications of which you need to be aware. You will have to petition the Federation for classified information on the Genesis Project."
"The hour grows late, and this is not a conversation for such an unsecured location," Sorel said. He tapped on his PADD to call his aircar to the driveway. "Will you return with us to our medical facility? I have very limited information about Genesis, but that information evinces the need for haste. We can begin the research and start to build a treatment plan tonight."
"I agree." She watched an aircar approach, preparing to embark. But she realized it was not Sorel's car when Admiral Kirk, Doctor McCoy, and Spock stepped out. Seeing Spock elicited a physical reaction: her hands started shaking, her mouth filled with adrenaline, and her feet felt rooted to the dust of Sarek and Amanda's driveway.
"Shit," she heard Daniel curse so quietly she barely caught it.
"Admiral, Leonard, Spock," Sorel greeted. "Live long and prosper."
The three Starfleet officers returned the salute (though McCoy still could not compel the muscles in his arms and hands to produce the correct configuration). Saavik and Daniel also returned the hand sign.
"Gentlemen, Saavik. Care to join us for a drink?" Kirk said. Saavik found it curious and slightly distasteful that he would invite them in when he was himself a guest in this house.
Daniel jumped in. "Thank you, but we've already said our goodbyes. We've just been chatting out here, probably too long in fact. T'Mir will be expecting us home, soon."
"Give her our best," McCoy said. Saavik detected that his accent was slightly heavier than usual, and the odor of grain alcohol was impossible to ignore. "Haven't seen her in forever. I need to pay her a visit while I'm here."
"Of course, Len. Any time."
"Hey there, sweetheart, how are you holdin' up?" McCoy asked her, his eyes sparkling. Saavik didn't have the concentration to be rankled by the designation that McCoy had directed at her. She had locked her eyes on Spock and couldn't look away, though he was watching the conversation between McCoy and Daniel. He had yet to acknowledge in any way that he regarded her as more than a stranger with which he had a passing acquaintance.
"Saavik?" Kirk said. This drew Spock's attention to her. She could detect nothing in his expression. He was the picture of Vulcan stoicism.
"We must part ways," Sorel insisted as his car approached. "I am gratified to encounter the three of you. T'Mir would welcome your calling upon her. Good evening."
As Daniel and Sorel helped bundle Saavik into the aircar, McCoy, Spock, and Kirk made their way out of the evening that was quickly growing dark. "What's with her?" Kirk mused.