Amanda's head started to spin as she stared into Sarek's heartbroken eyes. Her vision blurred and she felt a cold sweat come over her. She didn't quite feel like herself. Mount Seleya… The words kept going through her mind over and over again like a chant the longer she stood there. The thought was so loud and overwhelming that she closed her eyes and put her hands to her ears. Another beam entered the room and T'Pau appeared. The old woman was rushing towards Amanda saying the closest thing to Vulcan expletives she had ever heard, but her words kept slurring together and she couldn't understand what she was saying.

"T'Pau," Sarek's gaze broke from Amanda's and T'Pau turned to see Sarek standing stoically. His emotionless mask was back in place.

Once T'Pau saw that Sarek was in the room she rushed over to Sarek, and their voices became muted and altered. She couldn't understand them, only that the ringing in her ears kept growing louder and louder. Amanda's temples pulsed and she felt tension grow in her forehead. It was then her vision split, flickering to a different world then to the hospital room. Saya appeared in and out of her vision as she felt her body getting whisked away. All of a sudden Amanda was seated in a chair and Saya was looking at her trying to say something. Amanda stared at Saya's lips but couldn't hear her speak. She focused on them but Saya's voice wasn't coming out instead T'Rama's voice came from her lips, Take me to Mount Seleya. Climb the steps.

The Vulcan Forge appeared in her vision over taking her eyesight. Red and orange hues filling her vision. She could see the daunting Mount Seleya and the long steps that led up to a temple high above steep cliffs. Amanda didn't understand it. She blinked and Saya's almost panicked expression filled her view.

Breaths came out of Amanda ragged and she almost found herself hyperventilating, "Where am I? Where is Sarek?"

"I implored him to converse with T'Pau, and the healers before speaking with you. You are in the waiting room, Lady Amanda. Are you in need of a healer?"

Her head felt fuzzy and she shook, "No, no that won't be necessary, Seleya."

"Lady, Amanda, I am Saya not Seleya. Are you referring to the mountain?"

"No, no, no." Amanda could feel a cold sweat on her and a chill went down her spine.

"I will go get a healer. It seems you are compromised by the stressful events of the day."

Amanda reached and grabbed Saya's arm, "No, get Sarek. I need him. Please."

Saya tilted her head and raised her eyebrow in question, "I will do what you ask, Lady Amanda. Governor Sarek might convince you otherwise. I will ensure T'Pau is sufficiently occupied in the interim."

Saya got up and left Amanda; her vision split and it blurred, this time she saw T'Rama's face fill her vision as everything else went dark around her.

"I thought you were dead!"

"I am."

"Then how am I talking to you?"

"My katra is in you. It is the essence of who I am. Terrans refer to it as a soul."

"How are you in my body?"

"I want you to deliver my katra to Mount Seleya."

"I know. You told me I just don't know what to do."

"Tell Sarek that my katra is currently being stored within you, and tell no one else."

"I will."

"Sarek will ensure that my katra is stored in a proper vessel and housed in the home of our ancestors."

"I trust you with this daughter."

T'Rama's face started to sink into the blackness of her vision and Amanda started to yell after her.

"Don't go! Stop! You need to talk to Sarek! Please, I need you. "

Amanda was jolted back to the waiting room with Sarek shaking her shoulders and she could feel a wave of concern coming off of him.

"Amanda, I am right here." Sarek's face remained placid but his eyes shone with emotion that Amanda hadn't seen before. T'Rama was dead. Her katra was inside of her and she needed to tell Sarek. Tears started to fill her eyes and an overwhelming amount of emotions whirled within her.

She couldn't speak, instead she awkwardly rested her head on Sarek's shoulder as tears fell from her face down onto the cold floor.

"I-I-I didn't mean for this to happen. It hurts so much but now I need to tell you, Sel-Sarek."

In an uncharacteristic move Sarek tilted Amanda's face up and moved a stray hair behind her ear, "Amanda, you seem…unwell. Let the healers scan you."

Amanda nodded but T'Rama's voice rang loud in her mind and she winced, "No, I need to speak to you in private. There is a mountain."

Sarek raised his eyebrow and looked at Saya who looked ready to get the nearest healer possible to undo what madness had overtaken Amanda Grayson. "Saya, find us a private room."

Saya went away without so much as saying a word. Amanda looked into his eyes searching, "I need you to believe me."

Sarek's eyes pooled with emotion, but his face remained as stoic as ever, "I will, once I hear what you need to tell me."

Saya quickly retrieved them and Amanda stood up shakily. Sarek grabbed her forearm, "Amanda, it might be best if we see a healer first."

"No, please. I need to tell you. It can't wait. I will see a healer after. I swear."

Sarek felt uneasy with the situation. He felt overwhelmed by the loss of his mother and now he worried about Amanda's wellbeing.

"I will give you 5.3 minutes and then I will send for healers."

Amanda nodded silently. Sarek guided her to the room Saya was leading them to. It was a small outpatient room, with a biobed and some hyposprays. Saya guided them to the door but left them with a Terran salute.

Amanda immediately flung her arms around Sarek and held him so tight while she shook and cried. Sarek froze, unsure what to do. He had never comforted anyone in a Terran way. He mirrored her actions and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. Her sobs quieted and she began to slow her breathing to its normal rate. To his surprise the embrace gave him a similar effect of momentary peace, and he found he could hold her for an infinite amount of time.

"Aduna, tell me, " Sarek said.

"Your mother entrusted me with something very important. Mount Seleya. I don't know how to explain it."

Sarek loosened the embrace and put his hands on her shoulders to look her in the eyes. They were bloodshot and still shown with tears, but he could see and sense that she was being earnest. He took his right hand and lightly brushed a stray tear from her cheek.

"Would you consent to a mind meld, Amanda?"

Amanda felt anxiety rise in her chest. What if he saw too much? What if he saw her disdain for the Empire? Her desire to run away? Dread filled her to the core, "What would you see?"

"I will not venture to places you don't wish me to. I will not violate your own privacy. It is not logical to break trust over curiosity."

"How do I show you what I need to show you?"

"Just focus on what you want to reveal to me, and I will not see more."

Amanda felt trepidation but silently nodded. Sarek selfishly felt relief and an instinctual desire to be one with her mind. He shook the feeling and focused on the matter at hand.

He placed his hand on the points on her face and spoke, "My mind to your mind. My thoughts to your thoughts."

The hospital room faded around both of them like sand on the wind. Walls of ancient stone rose from the dust as statues, and giant columns filled their view. Torches were lit along the walls and an altar sat empty in the center of the room. The smell of incense filled the air but a strange stillness permeated the space. Not a single soul was in the massive hall except for them.

"Sarek, where are we?"

"This is the Hall of Ancient Thought. It is impossible for you to know this place in such detail. The Terran Empire regulates who can enter this place. I have not been here since my own kahs-wan."

"On Mount Seleya," Amanda said in an almost trance.

Amanda's eyes glazed over and she started to walk towards something in the distant corner of the hall. Sarek was perplexed and followed her.

"Amanda, what is it that you wanted to speak of? I do not understand your purpose in bringing me here. "

Amanda stopped walking and Sarek approached her and touched her shoulder. She turned around and pointed to something behind him.

Sarek followed her finger and saw T'Rama appear only 6 feet from him.

Sarek's eyebrows rose, surprise completely visible on his face, "Mother."

"Son."

"Why are you here?," Sarek then turned to Amanda, "You are showing me a memory of my mother?"

Amanda shook her head, "I am not showing you. I am telling you she is here."

A realization dawned on him and he walked closer to his mother who remained placid. "You transferred your katra to Amanda," he was silent for a beat, "That was a highly illogical thing to do to my bondmate. Not to mention that it is a forbidden practice."

"I estimate your concern would be nil even if it was legal."

"That is false. A katra has not been stored in a Terran as far as I am aware."

"Yet I am intact, Sarek."

"What purpose do you have in preserving your katra?"

"I want you to be able to access my knowledge when the time is right. I have answers to questions you will need in the future."

"Why not disclose this information now? This is all cryptic and convoluted."

"It would be dangerous information for you to hold in your current position."

Sarek could only manage to raise an eyebrow.

"Sarek, you need to climb the steps of Mount Seleya. Talk to the high priestess. Then store my katra in a katric ark. Finally, hide the vessel in a place no one can access."

T'Rama started to turn and walk away. Sarek felt a small sense of panic. "Where are you going?"

"Not far, son," T'Rama's gaze shifted to Amanda, "My daughter, the only emotion I can express is gratitude. Your service honors me."

There was a pause in the room but T'Rama continued, "Sarek, you must take care of Amanda. With time you will realize how vital she is to you. Amanda, you know my wishes. Both of you must strengthen your bond. Dark forces lurk in the shadows. There are many enemies that crawl in hidden corners of the cosmos, some larger than the Empress herself. You will need each other."

"Mother, I will do what you ask."

Amanda nodded, "I understand, T'Rama."

"I can now rest. Until next time, my children."

T'Rama's form disappeared and the walls around them began to crumble and they were standing in the cold outpatient room breathing heavily. Sarek's hand was no longer on Amanda's face; his heart ached at the loss of mental contact with his wife.

Reality sunk in and a whirl of emotions passed through him. His chest felt relief at the preservation of his mother's katra but pain at the physical loss of her in this life.

The young couple stared at each other in silence absorbing the information they just recieved. Amanda could feel traces of Sarek's shock mingled with her own. Soon Sarek's grief and disbelief was replaced with deep contemplation.

Amanda looked at Sarek with concern. He was very still. Amanda reached out to touch the side of his cheek, and gently stroked her thumb over his warm skin. Sarek then focused truly on her rather than some unknown point in the room.

"Amanda," Sarek said. Amanda stared at him and he continued, "T'Rama trusts you."

"Yes."

"It is time I venture to do the same."

Amanda didn't realize it but a huge weight was lifted off of her chest at his admission, "What do you mean?"

"I have thought you to be a Terran that is incapable of standing by my side as Governor of Vulcan."

"I know"

"Yet you have saved my life and improved it. You have stood by my side and continue to do so. You are stronger mentally than some of the most skilled Vulcan warriors I have known. Perhaps we have more in common than I ever let myself believe."

Amanda felt her face getting warm and her heartbeat accelerating; she could only feel tenderness for the man in front of her.

"I want to apologize for my behavior and words the past weeks, Sarek. I think we can both say we have been at fault for how we have handled things in the past. Maybe it's time we stop resisting our fate? We are bondmates. Let there be peace between us."

Sarek gently traced her cheek and looked into her eyes deeply as they dilated. He noticed the length of her long eyelashes, the curve of her nose, down to her cupid's bow. His eyes settled on her pink lips. Full, trembling and slightly parted. He wondered if he should kiss her. He found he wanted to. His desire out weighed his logic in the end. Sarek slowly closed the gap between them and pressed his lips to hers hesitantly. He moved them slightly awkwardly at first. He had never engaged in such an activity, but Amanda responded to his touch and he decided to trust her and let her take the lead

One of Amanda's hands held him at his side and the other rested on his wide chest. She could feel his heartbeat beating wildly beneath her palm as she drew him closer. Sarek's hand cradled her neck as he experienced this new sensation of lips touching lips. Her lips were warm on his, plump, slightly chapped, yet taste of her was on the tip of his tongue. It ignited a fire in his chest that caused him to yearn for her in a way he never let himself do before. Amanda slid her right hand down to grab Sarek's open hand. The touch of their fingers made both of them gasp. Amanda took a breath but soon Sarek's lips demanded her attention. Sarek splayed his fingers between hers and pressed his palm tightly to hers. A soft moan came from the back of Amanda's throat that almost undid him. It felt right, her hand in his, their bodies this close. The connection between them mentally roared with life and so did his physical desire.

Amanda felt lost in all the sensations of the moment. Her heartbeat rapidly as Sarek ventured to explore her mouth with his tongue. The feeling of their hands together created waves of ecstasy throughout her body and made her shiver. She had never experienced anything like it. For a moment it felt like she didn't know where he started and where she ended. She began to feel dizzy and separated herself from Sarek to catch her breath. Amanda blushed hard, realizing something embarrassing.

Sarek spoke before she could voice her thought, "I find it appealing when your cheeks release internal heat and make it a pinker hue."

Amanda laughed at his compliment, "I have never had anyone tell me that after a kiss."

Sarek furrowed his brow slightly, "Is there protocol to what is said after sharing a kiss?"

"Uh, no, I was feeling embarrassed mostly because I know that your mom is 'with us,' and probably saw all that."

"I see nothing wrong with appropriate physical contact with my bondmate."

Oh no, she had a exhibitionist on her hands, "That's not the point, Sar-"

"Governor Sarek, Lady Amanda," a voice called them out of their world back to the situation at hand.

Sarek stepped away from Amanda and looked at Tevak who was waiting in the doorway. Amanda's face burned with embarrassment. She wondered when Tevak had gotten there and what he saw.

"Tevak, what news do you have?" Sarek said steadily as if he had not just kissed Amanda.

"They ran an autopsy. The healers want to speak to both of you."

Sarek started to walk out of the room to follow Tevak. Amanda trailed behind them a little out of breath and dizzy from the katra within her. She no longer felt the strange urge to spew random words but her mind was fuzzy and she felt physically off.

Sarek slowed and placed his hand behind her back to study her. They entered the room and the curious healers raised their brows at the unusual physical contact between the two. If a Vulcan could frown, Amanda would wager that T'Pau was. The older woman was displeased with Sarek's obvious fondness for his wife. Amanda's face paled as T'Pau gave her icy glares. One of the healers approached them, "Governor Sarek, perhaps we should scan Lady Amanda first before we talk of Lady T'Rama's autopsy results."

"That will be unnecessary," Sarek did not want any healers discovering that Amanda housed the katra of his mother. It was more logical to preserve the secret than engage more with the healers on this subject.

T'Pau looked ready to speak but Sarek silenced her from interjecting with his hand and had the healer continue, "Your logic could be flawed in regard to this."

"My logic is always certain when my wife is concerned."

Amanda looked at T'Pau who also looked stunned. Part of her felt satisfied with the old woman's reaction. She knew the woman never liked her and would most likely never approve of her. Sarek was protecting her and she felt a wave of gratitude for him.

"Very well, Governor Sarek. I only wish to serve the Terran Empire."

"Tell me about my mother's autopsy."

"We have run tests and cross checked the results with our lab. We found trace amounts of Tevalik Gir, a root that has been known for inducing heart attacks. It was found in the tea that T'Rama was drinking as well as Lady Amanda's. It would seem that Terrans are unaffected by the negative effects of the root. We suspect someone tried to poison them."

An anger so intense filled Amanda's chest that she was unsure if it was completely her. She had never felt this insanely livid. She looked at Sarek who remained phlegmatic but his eyes slightly narrowed. She knew he was furious. The air in the room grew tense as the healer let the information soak in.

"Have we contacted Starfleet?"

"No, we have not. We did not suspect foul play until we ran the tests. The protocol was to inform you and then follow your orders, Governor."

T'Pau decided to interject, "The clan should have jurisdiction over this matter before we involved Starfleet."

Sarek's eyes narrowed slightly, "As governor this becomes a threat larger than just our clan, T'Pau. I suggest you know your rank within these walls. We need Starfleet to do a larger investigation. The perpetrator meant to target both my bondmate and mother. They were only partially successful. I will ensure justice prevails, and a lesson be taught to those who attack my family or clan."

T'Pau resentfully withdrew into silence and nodded.

The healer saluted, "Yes, Governor Sarek. We only wish to serve the Terran Empire."

Sarek's anger still bubbled to the surface, "I will have Saya reach out to my assistant Soran to inform Fleet General Kirk about the matter. T'Pau you are to go back to the Fortress and remain there."

T'Pau gave a salute and started to walk out of the room but gave Amanda a begrudging look. Amanda then turned to Saya who's ears perked up at hearing her name. She walked over to Sarek, "I will do so with haste."

Saya left the room with her COMM open. Tevak watched her as she left and remained still.

Sarek turned to Tevak, "I need you to oversee Starfleet as they enter the fortress. You will guide them and cooperate with them.."

Tevak made the Terran salute and walked out the door with his COMM.

Sarek turned to the healer and nodded his head to a bio bed that had its cover on. "Is my mother's body there?"

"Yes."

"May I see her?"

The healer silently nodded and gracefully walked next to the biobed to turn off the controls. There was T'Rama's still body. Rigor mortis has set in. Her skin was dull and her chest remained unmoving. Sarek stood close looking at her body.

Logically he knew his mother lived on in Amanda, yet seeing her body lifeless gave him a haunting feeling. He was reminded of his father's lifeless body and the warmth of his green blood growing cold and sticky on his skin as the Emperor's eyes filled with pleasure at his humiliation and discomfort.

It grieved him to see her in such a state as this. Death was a natural part of life yet it felt strange to lose both parents so close to each other.

Amanda felt some bile climb her throat staring at the lifeless form. Guilt washed over her because of the events of the day that lead T'Rama to death's door. She could feel her presence but they would never be the same. Amanda stood next to Sarek and gently placed her hand on his back and spoke in perfect Vulcan.

"I grieve with thee."

Sarek was touched and turned to his bond mate. The words his mother told him in the mind meld echoed in his mind. He needed Amanda. Not just in a biological sense but for his own life, his own soul. Her eyes were full of compassion, nothing like how he used to envision Terrans. He could feel her grief. It was honest and pure.

"Aduna, you should return to our home. I will talk with the healers and Starfleet. Ask Saya to escort you home."

Amanda did not want to leave his side. Before she could speak Sarek continued, "I sense your desire to be by my side, but my mind would be more at ease knowing you were resting and at home."

Amanda nodded, "Promise me you will be home soon. You too must rest."

"I promise."

Amanda dropped her hand from his back before Sarek offered his hand in an oz'cheta. Amanda gave a sad smile and mirrored her own hand to his. Their bond grew bright and strong. It felt like a hug full of comfort and empathy. It almost brought a tear to her eyes. She nodded and exited the room leaving Sarek to his planning and thoughts.

—-

Amanda stared at the fortress as it came into her view from the hover car. This morning she had hopes of making more connections to get off this planet for good. Now her heart was making things more complicated. She blushed when she thought of Sarek's kiss. If that was his first kiss, he was a very fast learner indeed. Her fingertips gently touched her lips, a ghost of his whisker still tingled there.

How could so much change in a single day? Maybe it had been changing for awhile now but she couldn't place where or when it started. Sarek was handsome she had to admit and even though she loathed to admit it, she cared for him and had feelings for them. It was too dangerous to name what those feelings were at the moment but they were there. It scared her because it changed all her plans. Could she love someone enough to stay with them in an Empire she actively hated?

Amanda felt less sure of her future now than ever. Her mind screamed to get off of Vulcan while her heart told her to stay. Anxiety pooled in her with the two things at odds with each other. It was rare for her mind and heart to want different things.

"Lady Amanda, we are here," Saya's voice brought her back to the present.

"I understand. Send Zhi'rev up to help me get ready for bed," Amanda knew everything always looked better the next day. It was something her mother used to remind her of.

Sorrow filled her with the loss of T'Rama and her own mother. Perhaps tomorrow will be a better day. Amanda walked up the stairs to her own room. The house was quiet, still and in order. Everything was where she had left it that morning.

She walked to her washroom and turned on the mirror to look at herself. The eyes that looked back at her were red and swollen. There was a tremor to her hands and her hair was disheveled no longer in the perfect braids Zhi'rev had taken the time to do.

She heard her door slide open and called for Zhi'rev as she started to loosen the intricate braids. There was no response and Amanda turned again, "Zhi'rev? Saya?"

Amanda instinctively reached for the dagger by her leg hoping she was being overly cautious. She grabbed it and then turned around to see Zhi'rev.

"Oh it's you. Why didn't you say anything?"

Zhi'rev remained stoic, "I don't need to."

Instantly, Zhi'rev lunged at Amanda with a knife of her own. Amanda grabbed her by the wrist and dropped her own dagger in the process. Amanda's survival instincts kicked in as she struggled against the lilith Vulcan. Amanda had made it to hell and back and she was not about to let a teenager kill her off in her own home.

"Let go of the damn knife, Zhi'rev!"

"Never, traitor."

Zhi'rev used her other hand to grab Amanda by the throat. She grabbed it hard and Amanda felt her nails digging into her skin.

"Die you, Terran whore."

Amanda struggled against Zhi'rev with her hands for a moment but she used her legs to kick Zhi'rev. It was enough to cause the small Vulcan girl to drop her. Amanda grabbed her dagger and sprinted for the door.

However Zhi'rev was faster and tackled Amanda to the floor, and turned in time to block Zhi'rev's knife swing at her throat with her dagger. Zhi'rev fought for leverage to cut Amanda's throat but wasn't able to get Amanda to give up. In a feral move Zhi'rev decided to bite down on Amanda's hand that was holding her dagger. Amanda let out a scream of pain and let go of the dagger but still held back Zhi'rev's knife. Red blood was streaming down Amanda's hands making her hands slip. Zhi'rev smiled with Amanda's blood smeared on her face and lips.

"Zhi'rev! What are you doing!? Stop this madness!"

"I will not stop until you are dead."

Amanda felt her arm strength failing as the blood kept running down her arms. For the first time in weeks she realized she might die this time.

Author Notes: Well it has been a long time friends. Finally getting to the part of the story I have been dreaming to write for YEARS. Thanks to all my readers who have been with me since the beginning! Please leave a comment I would love to hear from you :)