-1IDIC - New Frontiers

By FireStar

Beta Terry

Any mistakes after are Lisa's alone.

Disclaimers: Gene Roddenberry and the Corporations own Star Trek and all TOS characters. Any others are inventions of the Author.

Summary: This is a sequel to IDIC New Beginnings. Amanda and Sarek are now married by Earth standards and have begun their journey to Vulcan. An unexpected outbreak on an Andorian colony requires the Surak to lend humanitarian aid. The Surak is attacked but escapes. In an effort to avoid war the colony's Governor Felix gives a reception honoring the Vulcan's assistance. Amanda uses this to help foster better relations. Sarek, unwilling to disappoint his new bride and seeing an opportunity, allows her to invite them home to Vulcan.

IDIC New Frontiers

Part 5 (Home Life) PG-13

Daniel leaned against the wall in the hallway. He was deeply embarrassed. He had never considered that Skon and T'Lara might be intimate because they were so old. He felt very guilty about interrupting them and was worried that they might send him away. He slipped outside and went to the garden. He scooped up his basketball and began to bounce it to calm himself down.

Skon composed his features and went looking for Daniel. His new son had surprised them both. They had been up late unpacking and he had told Daniel he could sleep in. He had failed to consider that Daniel might wish to begin his self defense lessons early. Skon looked into the living room and saw no sign of his youngest son. He heard a thumping sound and followed it out to the back patio near the garden. There he saw Daniel bouncing his ball. Clearly the youth was trying to compose himself. Skon took a deep breath and went to his son's side, "Good morning, Daniel."

Daniel stopped and faced Skon. He swallowed hard and said, "Good morning, Father. I ah - I am sorry I interrupted . . . ""It is of no concern, my son. T' Lara and I have been bonded for many years. We regret causing you discomfort. We should have refrained from such open displays of affection."

Daniel blushed. "No. Its ok, I just never - I mean I -," Daniel turned red. "I mean you are married."

"Indeed, Daniel, we are married and such displays are a natural part of that state. We did not mean to shock you, my son." Skon was not comfortable with such emotional words. Yet for Daniel he would try. He watched as his human son fidgeted and looked embarrassed. He was fighting the urge to run away and that Skon would not allow.

"Yes sir, I'm glad you are happy together," he said looking down.

Skon looked away. "Displays of affection are allowed in the marriage bond. It is the one place passion is vital. I rejoice to have found so worthy a partner as T' Lara. I speak of this so you will understand relationships between bond mates. We should however, have been more discreet. It should be a private thing. After this day we will never speak of it again. "

"I hope to have such a relationship one day. I have been honored to see you and T' Lara's example. I do not remember my biological parents. I think they cared for one another. But I do not know for certain. I have seen the affection Amanda has for Sarek. That is new love. I am glad it can last."

Skon's brow rose. He would not call it love. Daniel was human however, so he would see the bond as love. Skon considered how to answer. "A bond, Daniel, is deeper than human love. It makes you one, mentally as well as spiritually."

"Yes sir, I think I understand."

"Good, my son, now come and eat first meal. Your mother worries you are too thin."

Daniel grinned then composed his features. They were not angry and he was not being sent away. He was starving and the food had smelled great. He followed Skon back into the house.

"Good morning, Mother."

He set the ball on the floor and touched his crossed palms to hers in the traditional familial greeting.

"Good morning, Daniel." T' Lara then motioned for him to take a seat. "We have fruit and breads. There is tea or kava juice to drink." T' Lara was relieved that he seemed more composed.

"I'll have kava juice please. May I try that bread? It smells good." He reached out and snagged a fruit piece and noted the stern look from Skon.

"Daniel, you must learn proper manners. Allow me to prepare your plate."

"Yes sir," he said, realizing he no longer needed to fend for himself. He would have to learn proper Vulcan etiquette. That thought made him very happy.

Amanda called for Cerberus to come to her and took him inside. He was going to have to stay in their room while she went down for breakfast. While she had made and drank instant coffee, she wanted food, also. Sarek was getting ready to depart and she kissed his cheek. "Have a good day. I will explain that you had to go early to your parents."

"Tell mother I will be home for last meal." He touched her face lightly and left down the back stairs. They were in the guest wing for the moment as their rooms had not yet been adjusted for Amanda's comfort. He was having new controls added and a water tub and shower. He had concluded that the guest rooms, for the moment, would be the most comfortable for his wife. He left knowing he had only twenty minutes to get to his meeting. Amanda set her cup down and headed to the kitchen. She hoped Sarek would have a good day.

Jeremiah listened as the Orion Chief exploded with rage. He was grateful it was not directed at him. He had done all he had been ordered to do. Sabotaging the U.S.S. Hawthorne had been simple enough. It was not his fault that the pirates had grossly underestimated the Vulcan Captain's combat skills. No he was actually pleased at this result because it meant the Syndicate leader's anger was directed away from him. He listened as the surviving captain tried to explain his failure. "Sir, perhaps this is a good thing?"

"What!"

"Well sir, if they believe that the threat has been neutralized they may relax their guard."

The Orion leader stopped pacing. "This is possible, probable in fact. Jeremiah, begin a plan to exploit this weakness."

"Yes, sir, perhaps I could use the Captain. He has experience now combating the Vulcan Captain of the Surak. It is likely we will face him again."

The Orion frowned "Very well. Captain, be glad Jeremiah feels you are still useful. Fail me again and I will feed you to my pets." The Captain swallowed hard.

"Thank you, sir, I will not fail."

T' Mir reviewed the medical data. She wanted to be certain that no harm had come to Amanda or Daniel. She considered the information she had. Then making a decision, she put a call into T'Pau They would need a human doctor. She did not have the required knowledge to deal with the vastly different human physiology. She hoped the Matriarch would allow them to secure one.

Part 6 (Push Over?) PG -13

"I have a lesson in one hour," said Daniel. "T' Mara wants me to practice martial arts. She seems to think it might be a good idea for me to be more thoroughly trained. I want her to teach me the nerve pinch." Daniel sipped his juice. "But she thinks a human cannot learn that."

Skon considered this. "Perhaps not, there are other methods."

"I know but that is most effective. Then again, so is a solid left hook."

"What is a left hook?" T' Lara asked, forgetting it was poor manners to speak during a meal.

"It is a blow delivered by the left hand, hard and fast."

"Demonstrate." Skon said standing up. He was willing to be indulgent to a point.

"I will without connecting. I do not wish to injure anyone. Sir, stand there." He swung quickly and Skon was surprised at his speed.

"Indeed, I can see how this would be an effective blow."

"Yes sir, usually it is a blow that follows others." He swung showing three rights then a left.

Skon looked at Daniel. "Try that again but endeavor to strike me."

"Sir? I am not certain this is wise."

"Daniel, try this." He suddenly struck out at his son. Daniel instinctively ducked and blocked.

"I think we should find a dojo."

Skon said nothing and struck out again. Daniel jumped back. So he was getting a lesson. He smiled and struck back and was easily blocked.

"Your eyes give you away. Let us go into the training room in the basement."

T' Lara was relieved. It had been years since she had to worry about damage to the house. "What about your meeting," T' Lara said.

"There is time. I am curious to see this left hook."

"Indeed." T' Lara said, wondering why Daniel seemed so pleased at this.

"Let's go, Father," Daniel said running out clearly excited.

Sarek came into the kitchen and was nearly run over by Daniel.

"Oops! Sorry Sarek, I have to go downstairs to the training room," Daniel said running out.

Sarek looked at Daniel and back at his parents who were looking bemused. "What is he running for?"

"It seems Daniel wishes to demonstrate a left cross to me."

"Do we have time?"

"We have 27.56 minutes."

Amanda came in and began to grin. It seemed that she and Daniel were already influencing the household. Daniel was naive when it came to Vulcan physical prowess and strength. She was sure Skon would let him down easily. Even so, she couldn't resist teasing Skon a little bit.

"Watch out Father. Daniel has a mean left hook. He might just get lucky and surprise you."

"I am fully capable of defending myself," Skon said, with a twinkle in his eyes.

Amanda grinned and winked at Sarek, "This I must see." She followed the family out sipping her coffee.

They entered the training room and Amanda was pleased to note that T' Mara was already there. She turned and quickly bowed to them. She looked over at Daniel who was almost hopping up and down with excitement.

Skon went over to the mat and slipped off his outer robes. He motioned for Daniel to join him.

"Show me this technique."

"Ah – Amanda?"

"He asked for it, Daniel," She said laughing. "I am certain he can defend himself."

Skon winked at Amanda. Amanda bites back a giggle.

"Ok." Daniel swung at Skon who quickly blocked the right-handed punch and the quick upper cut with Daniel's left hand. Daniel blushed.

"That is indeed a strong move. Again, come at me again."

Daniel hesitated but retaking a boxer's stance he swung at Skon. He was blocked and found himself flying through the air.

Amanda winced as he landed with a thud. He rolled over and was laughing clearly enjoying the game. He stood up and grinned. "Ok, no more Mr. Nice guy." He ran and tackled Skon only to be tossed once more. He had been expecting this and while he was down reached out to sweep his father's legs out from under him. Skon had anticipated such a move and easily jumped up and over his son.

Daniel was very impressed. "Wow! I knew Vulcans were strong and fast but I didn't realize just how strong and fast!" Daniel was breathing hard now as Vulcan's thinner atmosphere began to affect him.

Amanda went to T' Lara's side. "Father handled that well."

"Indeed he did and Daniel demonstrated a proper attitude of respect and gracious acceptance of defeat."

"He sure did" Amanda chuckled then said, "Boys will be boys. I think he will learn much."

"Indeed," T' Mara said. "I had believed Ambassador Skon trusted me to train Daniel."

"Oh he trusts you, T' Mara," Amanda said. "This is more about them having fun."

"Fun?" T' Mara asked "I do not understand?"

"Yes fun, an excuse to get down and dirty to test their skills."

"I see. He wished to evaluate his son's skills in person?"

"No, Amanda is right. Skon wished to prove his skills to Daniel," T' Lara said. She clearly did not approve of his actions.

Amanda merely laughed. "Too bad we cannot sell tickets." Both Vulcan women looked at her like she was crazy and she just grinned.

Skon helped Daniel to his feet and said, "We must take our leave of you now. We have five minutes to get to our meetings." T' Lara handed Skon his robe.

"That was great! Can we work out again tomorrow?" Daniel asked. He was starting to catch his breath.

"Of course, T' Mara you need to show Daniel how to block more effectively."

"Yes sir," she said. "I will work on this. I think he has a good foundation." "Indeed," Sarek said. "He has a good place to start. He shall become better with training."

Part 7 (Emotions or Not?) PG

Amanda sat down and watched as T' Mara demonstrated several blocking techniques. T' Lara was sitting next to her.

"Skon is very skilled," remarked Amanda. She took a deep breath. The air really was warmer and thinner.

"Yes, he was once in the Vulcan Defensive forces with the High Command. He was very highly placed."

"He was?" Amanda said surprised.

"Yes he was a commander. Sarek, too, served for a brief period. He, like all our males, had martial arts training. He is almost as skilled as his father. Skon believed it was wiser, given Sarek's temperament, which he should become a diplomat. We have many young males and females that are skilled in the warriors' arts. Diplomacy is far more difficult and few have the control needed to deal with emotional beings."

Amanda had a feeling she had just been teased but she simply nodded. "Indeed I have noticed how calm and controlled Sarek is."

Amanda wanted to grin. She could easily see her husband as a Pre-Reform warrior. It was, since the kidnapping, far harder to see him as the calm diplomat. Yet deep down she knew that the calm diplomat was the real Sarek. He was good and he would help bring peace through diplomacy. He was Vulcan's shining light. Of course she felt safe with him now. She knew he would always protect her no matter what. He was her gentle warrior. "I think it is wonderful that they are so skilled. Martial arts on Earth are for the mind and spirit as well as for defense. Most of the greatest masters were priests."

"They were? So they used the skills for peace?"

"Yes, the Sholin, a Chinese warriors' religion, defended the peasants and never sought war."

"Fascinating. I believe I would like to learn more about these individuals. Logically, we all should still seek peace."

"Yes we all should but it is vital to be able to defend oneself. I think we learned that lesson. I hope T' Mara will show me a few moves."

"That would be wise," T' Lara agreed. "Sarek would approve. All the wives of Vulcan diplomats are taught the basics."

"Good, I do not wish to be a liability again. I don't ever want to be used against him again."

T' Lara nodded approving. "I will speak to T' Mara about this for you."

"Thank you, Mother."

"As a Vulcan, I disapprove of violence but we still must be prepared to face it. The galaxy is changing and we must be ready."

"I think it is logical to assume Sarek and I will always be a target. I wish humanity was not so violent and emotional. They accept us for the moment but that could change anytime. I am not going to be helpless. I may never have T' Mara's skills but I refuse to be a helpless ninny."

T' Lara nodded agreeing. "Skon is very skilled. I believe this display was to allow Daniel to see that even those that seek peace must be ready to offer defense." She paused. "Daniel has had several revelations this day."

Amanda waited for her to elaborate not wishing to breach her privacy.

"Daniel came into the kitchen this morning and observed Skon --" she looked away. "We forgot the impact of having a child in our home."

Amanda looked down and quietly said, "He will survive the sight. It is never easy to realize ones parents are drawn to each other." She sought an unemotional word to express her thoughts, and then continued. "Daniel knows the bond is important in a marriage. Perhaps it is good that he saw that it can remain strong after so many years." It is good to know bonds deepen. She thought.

"Indeed. Skon explained this. I believe we embarrassed Daniel."

Amanda looked at T' Lara. "Daniel will survive and I think be more attentive about his movements."

"We can only hope so," she said dryly. She considered the facts and took a deep breath. It might be difficult for Daniel to accept that Skon and she deeply cherished one another. Even given their discovery by Daniel, she did not regret the occurrence. Skon was her bond mate and he had once more shown her he valued this relationship. It made her feel warm inside. She would not regret this emotion. Skon was a worthy mate and she never regretted bonding to him. Emotions might be suppressed and controlled in public but not in their bond. She accepted Surak's teachings that in the marriage bond emotions were acceptable.

Amanda was glad that Skon had a loving wife and she a loving husband. She would never say such a thing to them because they would feel insulted or the Vulcan equivalent. Yet it was clear to her that they were close and one. It made her feel her own marriage could grow as strong. It was also good for Daniel as she had a feeling the youth was head over heals in love already. She just hoped for all their sakes that their displays of affection would be kept more under control. She grinned thinking it amusing to actually want her Vulcan family to control themselves. After all, Vulcan's had no emotion' was the cultural line. If she and her new brother were to have any chance of following Vulcan guidelines, then the senior members of the family had to set a stellar example.

T' Lara's brow rose as she watched Amanda. She said nothing however as she picked up the unguarded thought. Amanda was correct. They really needed to be good examples of emotional control. She made a mental note to remind Skon of this.

Part 8 (Remembering why emotional control needed to be there.) R

T' Lara considered Amanda's reaction. It was logical to assume that Amanda would believe she and Skon were in complete control of their emotions. She knew however that this was not the truth. She and Skon had been raised during Vulcan turbulent reformation. While she worked hard at emotional control she was still learning. Most of those raised in that period were still struggling to some degree. Her generation had been volatile and perhaps closer then any other to pre-reform Vulcan. Only T' Pol's return of the Kasharia had saved their people. While she had been a young woman at the time she still remembered the time as confusing. The scholars had worked hard to find the true meaning of Surak's works. It had been a time when her people were at best only partially logical. Emotion such as fear, hate and jealously had existed and it had lead to problems.

The high Command of that time had almost plunged Vulcan into a war with Andoria that could have set the quadrant aflame. She remembered Skon concern that they would be killing. That had been highly illogical to him. Those Logical beings could create the situation and call for war. It was Archer and T'Pol that had saved her people from war and it was one of the reasons Skon found humans fascinating.

In those days she and Skon had been bonded and because their families had been close she had concern for him. He had been stationed with the home forces and he had been recovering from an injury when that incident had occurred. It was then that T' Lara acknowledged she had feelings for her bond mate. They had not yet been married but Skon's injury on a routine patrol had terrified her.

Skon had suffered a broken left hand and at the time they thought he would lose the use of his fingers. He had come to her to release her from the bond. She remembered the look of despair on his face as he had forced himself to offer her freedom.

T'Lara had just been so glad he was alive. She remembered the day clearly because she ran to his side and taken his wounded hand in hers. A most emotional display that her mother had firmly rebuked her for.

Skon however had felt every emotion despite the wounds and it had in fact given them hope he could be healed. She told him he would be free when Endrie failed to rise. Skon too had not always been the model of control. He had almost wept at her fierce words.

They had been excused and talked for hours. He tried in vain to convince her it was illogical to tie herself to a man who could not communicate with his hands. That he would never be able to touch her as a husband should in her mind. It was the one time in her life she had truly lost her temper. Because Skon had pushed her away. He been determined to protect her.

T'Lara recalled the awe as she felt his feelings that he strived to hide from her. She knew now however that part of the lack of her control was her Ponn Farr. Ironically her fear and his rejection triggered it. They found out quickly that Skon had no need of his hand. They had a bond that did not require touch. She looked back grateful that those wild days were past. Control around her mate was always a challenge and he male that he was knew it. She promised herself she would meditate on this and devise a better way to utilize her emotions. She had to be a better example. The days of being a wildling were gone and this time she and Skon did not even have Ponn Farr as an excuse. Her brow rose and wondered why the young thought they had the sole province of wildness.

Part 9 (Work out) R

Amanda shook her head and headed upstairs to finish unpacking. Males regardless of the species had to show who was top dog. She looked down at the one male in the group who seemed to have some common sense. Her puppy just sat there and waited to get petted.

Daniel was impressed Skon and Sarek were amazing. He was certain he would manage to at least get one shot in but he had been thoroughly beaten. He took deep breathes and wondered how long it would be before he could breath properly here? He looked over and watched as T' Mara began to do stretching exercises. He watched as with an economy of motion she loosened up. He swallowed hard and wondered why Vulcan had to have such form fitting work out clothing? He was grateful for his own baggy sweatpants thought he knew he would have to find lighter weight items. He straightened and began to imitate

T' Mara's motions. He was surprised at how quickly his muscles began to relax.

T' Mara glanced over and was surprised to witness Daniel following along. She began to change the exercises to help him strengthen his chest and abdomen muscles. The heavier gravity would make breathing harder if he could grow stronger it would be easier on him. She recalled Amanda's warning about human male's egos so she resolved not to tell him he needed to do this. His willingness to follow along quietly and not ask questions meant she could instruct and not mislead him to the reasons for the exercises.

Daniel felt the muscles in his chest and stomach stretch and work. He winced and then grinned. It seemed he was going to get a six pack if he did this everyday. He felt his muscles work and he could tell this was to make him leaner and stronger. It made sense to him. The average Vulcan was lean and tall like a runner. They did not seem to pack on muscle mass. Daniel looked around and noted that most of the exercise equipment seemed to be for aerobics or martial arts. He wondered if Skon would mind him getting a weight set. He decided he would need to add muscle mass. Unlike those of Vulcan he would need the mass just to stay competitive. He had no intention of becoming amass of muscle but he did want to be strong enough to defend his family. He knew deep down that the incidents were just beginning.

Part 10 (Meetings) PG

Skon and Sarek watched his father as he read through a report. He had forgotten how skilled Skon was in matters of self defense. Sarek considered this and decided he to needed a review. Given recent events it would be wise to be prepared for any eventuality.

"Father."

"Yes Sarek?" Skon said

"I believe it would be advisable to begin a training program." Sarek said

"Indeed. I was going to speak to T' Mara about perhaps arranging a schedule for myself."

"Would it be possible for me to join you sir."

Skon looked at Sarek sharply. Sarek had always been extremely against the use of violence. While it was true he had been in the military for time he was a true peacemaker. Skon had been saddened by recent events because he knew it would perhaps cause Sarek to question his inner control. However that had not happened and Skon had been most pleased. Now he saw Sarek asking to join his martial arts workouts.

"I would be honored." He said He wondered if perhaps he had been wrong in assuming that Vulcan's younger generation had more control and less emotion.

"I believe I have grown complacent. I did not consider that Marrying Amanda would place her at risk."

"Sarek, we are always targets my son. You protected her and she is here safe and sound. It would be wise to take steps to ensure we are ready for any future incidents. I had forgotten how refreshing a mooring workout could be. Indeed I feel energized. Perhaps this will prove beneficial to us all. "

"I agree father. I feel most energized." Sarek said he looked out the window and resolved to "Get back in shape". As the Terrans would say.

TBC…Review if you would like more.